It has been 46 years since England last beat Norway in a competitive event, and 45 since one of the most iconic pieces of commentary in football history.

That came from Norwegian radio commentator Bjorge Lillelien, after Norway beat England 2-1 in a 1981 World Cup qualifier.

"Your boys took a hell of a beating!" he famously proclaimed, but why did Lillelien list the likes of Lord Nelson, Henry Cooper and Winston Churchill in his victory speech?

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'Your boys took a hell of a beating!'- Which names did Norwegian radio list after beating England, and why?

The commentary began at the final whistle: "We are the best in the world! We are the best in the world! We have beaten England 2-1 in football!

"England, the birthplace of giants!" he continued. Then, Lillelien named the following people, but why?

He listed Lord Nelson, Lord Beaverbrook, Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, Clement Attlee, Henry Cooper and Lady Diana, before addressing then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

"Margaret Thatcher, can you hear me?" he screamed jubilantly. "Your boys took a hell of a beating!"

Lillelien explained in his speech why he chose this particular group of people to call out by name after Norway's victory, saying: "We have beaten them all."

Despite the odd inclusion of Henry Cooper in a list of mainly political figures, the commentator was a boxing fan, and the others were among the most influential figures in British politics.

The Norwegian, surely, was referring to these names as the "giants" that England had birthed, as mentioned earlier in his speech.

Lady Di is, of course, Lady Di, Winston Churchill is the man who took Britain through the war, Cooper was the best UK domestic heavyweight of his era, and Nelson was ex-Navy.

Trafalgar Square is dedicated to the latter; Beaverbrook was a famous publisher and backstage politician, and both Attlee and Eden were former Prime Ministers.

And Thatcher was... Thatcher. Still, Lillelien's commentary is iconic, and Norway fans will be hoping for a similar gem to emerge from their nation's quarter-final clash with England tomorrow evening.

A place in the World Cup semi-finals is up for grabs at Los Angeles Stadium.

This quarter-final clash pits two of Europe's best sides up against each other both vying for a spot in the last four where they will meet France or Morocco.

Spain are yet to concede a goal at this World Cup and so Belgium will need their creative players and strikers at their best if they are to be the first team to breach the Spanish backline.

Referee confirmed for Spain vs Belgium showdown

Belgium needed a late, late comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after being 2-0 down and then eased past co-hosts USA 4-1 in the Round of 16.

But who will be refereeing the spectacle in Hollywood Park?

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Michael Oliver has been assigned to oversee this encounter as one of only two English referees selected for the World Cup alongside Anthony Taylor.

The Premier League official actually missed his opening match at this year's tournament in the Group E meeting between Ivory Coast and Ecuador due to injury.

However Oliver was soon back fighting fit to take charge of a further two group games involving France and Norway as well as the Netherlands against Sweden. And he took charge of Canada vs Morocco in the Round of 16.

His World Cup foray came in the 2022 edition of the tournament in Qatar with two group fixtures and Brazil's quarter-final exit to Croatia after a penalty shootout.

The 41-year-old has experience in 812 competitive fixtures including in the Champions League and domestically taking charge of two FA Cup finals.

He also holds the record as the youngest Premier League match-appointed referee after making his debut in August 2010 at the age of just 25 years and 182 days.

Oliver will be assisted by compatriots Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring while Brazillian duo Ramon Abatti and Rafael Alves serve fourth official and reserve assistant referee.

The winner of this game will play their quarter-final tie at Los Angeles Stadium on 14 July.

Marc Guehi has formed one half of England’s first-choice centre-back pairing at the World Cup.

The Manchester City defender has played every minute of the Three Lions’ past four matches alongside Ezri Konsa, after John Stones was preferred for the Group L opener against Croatia.

Guehi is now hoping to face City team-mate Erling Haaland when England take on Norway in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Miami on Saturday (10pm BST).

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Marc Guehi injury update ahead of England vs Norway

England’s defence has caused Thomas Tuchel plenty of headaches during the tournament, with the Three Lions manager yet to name the same back four in two successive matches.

Right-back has been the main concern, with Reece James missing the past three games through injury and Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence alternating in his place, but Guehi could now present the German with a new problem.

The former Crystal Palace captain is a doubt for the clash with Norway after suffering a hamstring strain in the last-16 victory over Mexico, according to BBC Sport.

The issue is not viewed as serious and Guehi is said to be optimistic about his chances of playing on Saturday, but if he is unable to take part in today’s training session it will leave Tuchel with a decision to make.

England’s medical team will assess the defender today, knowing that he will need to be at his best to cope with Norwegian goal machine Haaland.

If Guehi is unavailable, it is likely that Stones - another team-mate of Haaland’s at City - would partner Konsa at centre-back.

The news will be incredibly frustrating for Tuchel, who has already lost Quansah to suspension following his red card against Mexico, although first-choice right-back James could return against Norway.

Guehi is one of four England players who would be suspended for the semi-final if he is booked against Norway and the Three Lions progress. Midfielders Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, as well as left-back Nico O’Reilly, are also in danger.

If Guehi is not 100 per cent fit, the centre-back's increased risk of picking up a ban could also play into Tuchel's thinking.

The Chelsea academy graduate, who turns 26 on Sunday, has made 34 appearances for England and was one of their top performers during their run to the Euro 2024 final.

Declan Rice has been carrying an injury for England’s entire World Cup campaign.

The Arsenal midfielder has been troubled by a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, while he missed the Three Lions’ group-stage win over Panama with a calf knock.

Rice returned for the knockout wins over DR Congo and Mexico, but a separate problem has put his involvement in Saturday’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway in doubt.

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Declan Rice injury update ahead of England vs Norway

England vice-captain Rice managed 89 minutes against Congo and played the entirety of the epic last-16 win over Mexico, as Thomas Tuchel’s side held on for a 3-2 victory despite being a man down for almost 50 minutes following Jarell Quansah’s red card.

It set up a last-eight clash with Norway, captained by Rice’s Arsenal team-mate and fellow midfielder Martin Odegaard, but the 27-year-old faces a race to be fit.

According to BBC Sport, Rice missed training on Wednesday and Thursday with a sickness bug that has exacerbated his neural issue.

The report adds that England have taken steps to ensure the illness does not spread, with several members of Tuchel’s squad already sidelined or doubtful for the quarter-final.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson will miss the rest of the tournament after breaking his arm when he fell over an advertising hoarding during the post-match celebrations against Mexico, while Quansah is suspended following his dismissal at the Azteca.

If Rice cannot face Norway, it would likely leave Elliot Anderson and Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to feature at the World Cup, as England’s two midfielders in Tuchel’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.

Jude Bellingham can also play in a deeper role; however, the Real Madrid star has been excellent as a No.10, scoring four times and providing one assist.

Rice is one of four England players who would be suspended for the semi-final if he is booked against Norway. Bellingham, centre-back Marc Guehi and left-back Nico O’Reilly are also at risk, with the quartet having each picked up one yellow card in the knockout stage.

The former West Ham United star is one of England's most influential players and was appointed vice-captain by Tuchel before the tournament. He has made 77 appearances for his country, scoring seven goals.

Norway have also been affected by a sickness bug during the tournament, with Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen missing their opening game against Iraq as a result of the illness.

Liverpool and Arsenal are both ready to make a key concession in their pursuit of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports.

The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of World Cup 2026, starting five games as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to France.

Arsenal and Liverpool are among several top European clubs eyeing Lille midfielder Bouaddi, with Manchester City also in the mix, but they may have to compromise if they want to complete a deal that could cost close to £100million.

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Liverpool and Arsenal ‘reluctantly’ agree to Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi demand

Bouaddi made his Morocco debut only last month after switching allegiance to the North African country in May, having represented many of France’s age-group teams up to Under-21 level.

Interest in the teenager has grown during an excellent World Cup but Lille want to keep him for one more season, with any deal this summer potentially involving a loan back to the French club for 2026/27.

Liverpool and Arsenal are huge admirers of Bouaddi and Football Insider reports that both clubs are ‘reluctantly’ prepared to accept that demand.

While the Reds, the Gunners and City are all keen to sign the youngster ahead of the new domestic campaign, they are willing to compromise if it means they can secure his services.

The report adds that Lille will demand close to £100m for a player who has made just seven senior international appearances, so agreeing to the season-long loan would reduce the short-term benefit of such a huge outlay.

However, it would also be a long-term investment for Liverpool and Arsenal - both of whom have already set their sights on the next generation of stars this summer.

The Premier League rivals have both reportedly shown interest in 17-year-old Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora, while Arsenal were also in the running for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who turns 17 today, although City appear to have hijacked the deal.

Bouaddi is further along in his development than both players, although he would cost considerably more.

The teenager first appeared for Lille three days after he turned 16 and made his Champions League debut on his 17th birthday.

He has long been monitored by some of Europe’s top clubs and the willingness of Liverpool and Arsenal to loan him back to Lille shows the regard in which he is held across the continent.

England will be the opponents as Norway play in a World Cup quarter-final for the first time ever on Saturday – and one former player is tipping the Scandinavians as possible candidates to win the trophy.

Norway returned to the tournament after 28 years away this summer, but beat Senegal and Ivory Coast on their way to the last 16, before shocking Brazil in New Jersey.

Erling Haaland scored both goals in that game, before leading his team-mates in what has now become a traditional Viking rowing celebration on the pitch, with fans doing the same in the stands.

Former Liverpool star is backing Norway

Former Liverpool and Norway star John Arne Riise will be at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for Saturday’s quarter-final, and is eager to join in the Viking row.

“I haven’t done it yet because I've been watching the games in a quiet area,” he explained. “But I’m going to the game this Saturday and I have to do it in the stands. I’m probably going to be sitting with other legends there, and when they do the rowing, I’m joining in! I mean, I have to, because I’ve never been to a World Cup either as a fan or a player.

“I’m so excited because it’s going to be an unbelievable match on the pitch, but also in the stands. The Norwegian fans and English fans are going to have a great time together.

“Seeing how this World Cup has been for Norwegian fans has been unbelievable, and I want to participate, support them, and give my best to help the team. Hopefully, we can give England one hell of a beating.”

That last line was a reference to the famous commentary of Bjorge Lillelien, when Norway beat England in a World Cup qualifier in 1981. That result was a huge upset back then, but Norway haven’t lost to the Three Lions in a competitive fixture since that day.

Riise believes that his country could even contend to win the whole tournament now.

“Yes, I do think that Norway can win the World Cup if they win this game against England,” he said, speaking in association with BestBettingSites.co.uk.

“Why not? Before the World Cup started, I never thought we could win it, I thought a quarter-final spot would be our absolute maximum. But the way they've played, the way they’ve carried themselves, and the way they’ve attacked every single game to get to where they are now is unbelievable.

“Yes, I believe we can win it. I still think France are the massive favorites for the whole tournament and I can't see anybody beating them at the moment, but we can absolutely win. We are in the last eight, so everything is possible.”

Reece James has been forced to watch most of England’s World Cup campaign from the sidelines.

The Chelsea right-back played the full 90 minutes of the Three Lions’ opening two group fixtures, against Croatia and Ghana, but suffered a hamstring injury in the latter game.

James has missed England’s past three matches as a result, leading to fears he could be absent for Saturday’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway (10pm BST).

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Reece James injury update for England vs Norway

Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel faces a dilemma at right-back, with Jarell Quansah suspended following his red card in the last-16 win over Mexico and Djed Spence struggling in that position against DR Congo in the last 32 with the manager visibly angry at his player.

It would be a massive boost for Tuchel to have James available to face Erling Haaland and Co., and there appears to be optimism within the England camp.

According to BBC Sport, the 26-year-old returned to full training on Thursday for the first time since he sustained the injury against Ghana.

James did not complete the whole session, but he is expected to be included in England’s squad for the quarter-final in Miami, as long as he does not suffer any setbacks in the next 36 hours.

Tuchel will be desperate to have his first-choice right-back available, especially considering that Antonio Nusa, one of Norway’s most dangerous players, is likely to start on the left wing.

The Three Lions boss does have options in that position if James is unable to complete the full match, including Spence, Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah.

But with news emerging on Thursday that Quansah’s suspension has been extended to two games, England cannot afford more absences in a position that has caused Tuchel a headache at this tournament.

James’ career has been blighted by a string of injuries, restricting him to just 26 England caps since his debut in October 2020.

But he will hope to play some part on Saturday as the Three Lions aim to reach the World Cup semi-finals for just the fourth time.

If they beat Norway, England would set up a last-four clash in Atlanta next Wednesday against the winner of Argentina’s game against Switzerland, which kicks-off at 2am BST on Sunday.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham's combined goal haul makes England one of the most player-reliant nations in World Cup history.

In the Three Lions' tight 3-2 victory against Mexico at the Azteca, after being reduced to ten men, the pair scored all three goals between them.

Bellingham bagged two in two minutes to send England 2-0 up, with Kane assisting the Real Madrid star's second, but where does their percentage of goals scored rank in World Cup history?

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Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham make England one of the most player-reliant nations in World Cup history

That win over Mexico was a similar story to games and rounds passed at the 2026 World Cup, with the two scoring a whopping 10 of the Three Lion's 11 tournament goals.

That began with a Kane brace to send England 2-1 up in their opening showdown vs Croatia, before Bellingham struck to make it 3-2.

Later, Marcus Rashford scored the Three Lions' sole goal of the tournament from a player outside of that pair.

That game ended 4-2, and since, Kane hit two in a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo, and the pair bagged one each in a 2-0 victory versus Panama.

The duo have now scored 90.9% of England's World Cup goals across North America en-route to the quarter-finals, but where does that rank England's reliance on them all-time, against other nations?

In 2022, England shared 13 goals between eight different players, and in 2018, their 12 strikes came through six different individuals.

In 2014, two from two, in 2010, three from three, and in 2006, five from four — a dramatic departure from this edition's goalscoring spread.

At the World Cup, using a minimum of five goals scored, only two sides have ever relied on less scorers than this England team.

In 1986, the Three Lions themselves scored seven goals between two scorers, Gary Lineker and Peter Beardsley, with the former getting six.

In 1994, Russia also scored seven goals between two scorers, and in 1954, Switzerland scored 11 between three, the same as the Three Lions this tournament.

This data was uncovered by BOYLE Sports using Opta analysis, which noted that a similarly astounding story lies in Lionel Messi's 61% individual goal spread for Argentina this tournament.

France have also impressed through individuals across North America, with Deschamps' men scoring 14 between just four players, the most prolific of which being the tournament's greatest ever player, Kylian Mbappe.

Roy Keane has explained how teams can secure victory over France at the 2026 World Cup, following the nation's 2-0 quarter-final win against Morocco.

France looked near certain to go ahead early on after Kylian Mbappe was hacked down in the penalty box, before the Real Madrid star missed his spot kick.

Mbappe made amends for his mistake with an astonishing curler from the edge of the box to put his side up 1-0, before assisting Ousmane Dembele for France's second of the match.

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Roy Keane explains how teams can win against France at the 2026 World Cup, after Didier Deschamps' men decimate Morocco

Those goal involvements brought Mbappe's haul up to 11 this tournament, also tied on eight goals with Lionel Messi.

France have now kept clean sheets in all three of their knockout games, with their next being against the winner of Spain vs Belgium.

Former Republic of Ireland international and Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes he knows the only scenario in which Deschamps' men can be beaten.

Speaking from the ITV studio in Brooklyn, as one of the broadcaster's best pundits this tournament, he acknowledged France's defensive record before revealing how other nations can beat the side.

Keane said: Morocco were playing on fumes and France were so much better in every aspect of the game, but it doesn't mean that they cannot be beaten.

"France are in a great place. You have your attacking players scoring goals and your individual players going past people.

He concluded: "Any chance of beating France you have got to score the first goal... [otherwise] they will pick you off for fun.

Ex-France international Patrick Vieira also weighed in on the strength of Deschamps' squad, describing the line-up as "maybe one of the best ever generations."

He said: "When you look at the squad and the attacking players... that is maybe one of the best ever generations on that side, because you have so many players. It is so, so unbelievable."

The 2026 World Cup knock-outs are nearing the final phase: the tournament's final will be played on July 19.

On today is France vs Morocco, with either side vying for a spot in the semi-final, or, for Didier Deschamps' men, yet another final appearance.

England will face Norway, Argentina will play Switzerland, and Spain will compete with Belgium, but how do booking suspensions work heading into the final few games across North America?

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Do players miss the semi-final if you get booked in the quarter-final at the 2026 World Cup?

England prevailed in one of the finest wins in their World Cup history against Mexico at the Azteca earlier this week.

Norway secured their spot in the quarter-finals the day previous, with a classic underdog victory against Brazil, but many in the Three Lions squad enter the showdown in danger of a suspension.

In the knock-out rounds of the 2026 World Cup, suspensions via accumulated bookings are reset after the quarter-finals.

To make the contents of this article clearer, FourFourTwo have written a full breakdown of how suspensions via accumulated bookings work at the tournament.

The new rule means that players cannot miss the final through accumulated booking suspension in the semi-finals.

However, if a player receives their second card in two matches in the quarters, they will miss their next match.

Bookings were wiped after the group stage, meaning that a players' cards seen prior to the knock-out rounds did not carry over into the later phases.

To be clear: if a player in the quarters has seen yellow in the Round of 32 or 16, and is booked again in the event, then they will miss the semi-final.

Players can only be suspended for the final by being shown red in their last four fixture, not through accumulated bookings.

France, Morocco, England, Norway, Argentina, Switzerland, Spain and Belgium are all competing with this in mind ahead of the semi-finals, when bookings will be wiped once more.

The 2026 World Cup has been an astounding victory for African football, however, the manner in which they've exited will sting.

Despite a remarkable number of sides from the continent progressing to the knock-out stages, showing that Africa can contend on the largest of stages, the defeats have been difficult to stomach.

From Egypt's conspiracy theory-creating loss versus Argentina, to DR Congo falling at the final hurdle to Harry Kane's sword, here are the minutes in which each African side conceded to go home in the knock-out phases of the 2026 World Cup.

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The minute in which every eliminated African team conceded and went home at the 2026 World Cup

Shockingly, no African side conceded the goal that sent them home before the 86th minute across North America.

Each team ran their higher quality opposition to the absolute wire, and suffered the most heart-wrenching of defeats in the process.

Beginning with DR Congo, who led the game 1-0 against England for over 70 minutes, they conceded in the 86th to be sent home.

A similar situation unfolded for Ivory Coast, who were tied tied until Erling Haaland scored the match-winning strike in the 86th.

South Africa were tied with co-hosts Canada until a 91st minute strike from the edge of the box sank their dreams.

Senegal had it even worse, they were up 2-0 beyond the 80th, before late goals from Belgium tied proceedings and a 125th-minute spot kick from Youri Tielemans broke Senagalese hearts.

And worst of all is Argentina's exploits against Cape Verde and Egypt, the latter of which led to the most explosive of conspiracy theories becoming a major talking point at the tournament.

The Argentinians were taken to extra time by Cape Verde, who came back from a goal down twice, before a 111th-minute goal won the game.

Against Egypt, the 2022 World Cup winners trailed for almost 80 minutes, scoring two in four minutes to level the tie at 2-2.

A 92nd-minute strike plunged the dagger into Egyptian hearts, after two separate penalty incidents were waved off at the other end, and after VAR disallowed a glorious Pharaohs goal earlier in the half.

The minute in which all six eliminated African teams in the knock-outs conceded to go home: 86', 86', 91', 92', 111', 125'.

France vs Morocco is nearly a repeat of the 2022 semi-final, merely a round prior in North America.

But history is on the line for both sides: Morocco could make it to a second successive semi-final, and France look to march on in their quest to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.

Morocco have endured the hardest test of the pair so far, prevailing in a narrow victory on penalties against the Netherlands, but can they pull off an upset against the team tipped to win it all?

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Who are the pundits, commentators and presenters for France vs Morocco, Quarter-Final, 2026 World Cup?

Kylian Mbappe has been the player to watch for France, the greatest in World Cup history, looking to continue building an illustrious resume at this tournament.

Morocco also have a game-breaker of their own in Ismael Saibari, and an assortment of clinical, technical players, but fall short in comparison to France's ludicrously stacked squad.

The match will be played at 9pm BST, broadcast by ITV, with the quarter-final being held at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Presenting the event is Mark Pougatch at the ITV studio in Brooklyn, which FourFourTwo recently had the opportunity to tour.

Joining him as pundits are three former professionals, all of whom rank high on FFT's World Cup punditry tier-list.

The first is Ian Wright, of Match of the Day, The Rest is Football and general broadcasting fame, once one of the game's finest strikers.

Second is Roy Keane, ex-Republic of Ireland international and Manchester United man, known for his quick but dry wit, and uncompromising words.

Third is Patrick Vieira, ex-Arsenal midfielder who was a key player in the London club's Premier League 'invincible' title victory.

The Frenchman's presence marks a slight deviation from the Wright-Keane-Gary Neville line-up that ITV has produced so often, but his insights are among the best of any pundit for either British broadcaster.

Serving as the match's main voice is Jon Champion, with Ally McCoist joining as co-commentator for the event.

Norway have endured another strange setback, having to change hotels before their quarter-final clash versus England.

Beyond that, there's also been an incident of illness that is reported to have affected various members of the Norwegian squad.

Norway prevailed 2-1 against Brazil in the preceding round, a classic underdog victory, but why have they had to change hotels before a clash against England in which they could make history?

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Why have Norway had to change hotels before their quarter-final match versus England at the 2026 World Cup?

The Norwegians were scheduled to stay at the Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale during the build-up to their showdown against England.

Instead, the national side, which has already made history on the World Cup stage and is looking to make more, opted to change hotels.

The Miami Herald reported this first, before Norway's TV2 offered an explanation for what transpired.

The Norwegians reportedly contacted FIFA and moved locations with the organisation's help, due to noise affecting their stay.

The Dalmar Hotel was nearby to construction noise, which affected the Norway squad, with such a historic game on the horizon.

Hilariously, Norway's TV2 also explained that the hotel was not close enough to the beach, creating another motive for the move.

Norway's World Cup logistics manager told the channel: “There were some things we would have liked to see differently, and we made a change.

"We’re going to be here for a week, and we’re already in Week 6 in the USA and are going to play the biggest game in history of our time.

"So far, we’ve managed to avoid cabin fever, and we didn’t want any risk of it happening now," he concluded.

According to the team's logistics manager, FIFA covered the cost of the move, however, the Norwegian FA also chipped in.

That was to cover the difference in price, as their new hotel, at an undisclosed location, cost more than their previous accomodation.

Norway remain underdogs for the clash, but the presence of a Golden Boot-chasing Erling Haaland remains an extraordinary threat.

France vs Morocco at the 2026 World Cup is nearly a repeat of the 2022 edition's semi-final, which ended 2-0 to the former.

Didier Deschamps' men are gunning for a third successive final at the tournament, having won in 2018 and fell to Argentina at the final hurdle in 2022.

Morocco have already made African history at the World Cup, but a second successive semi-final would be an astounding feat.

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Who is the referee for France vs Morocco?

Morocco prevailed 3-0 in the Round of 16 against Canada, prompting Jesse Marsch to make a string of bizarre comments, while France edged a 1-0 win against Paraguay in their preceding match.

In charge of the event, as both teams look to make the tournament's semi-finals, is Argentinian referee Facundo Tello.

Joining him for the clash are fellow countrymen Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade, serving as assistant referees.

Two more Argentinians in Dario Herrera and Cristian Navarro will operate as the fourth official and reserve assistant referee, respectively.

Tello has refereed five World Cup games across his esteemed career, including two across North America.

The Argentinian official refereed Canada's 1-1 opening game draw vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as South Africa's 1-0 win against South Korea in Group A.

In 2022, he refereed Morocco's 1-0 quarter-final victory against Portugal, serving five bookings, one of which was red.

On this stage, Tello isn't so quick to wield his cards, averaging a low 3.2 bookings per match.

In Liga Profesional de Futbol, where he has officiated the majority of his games, that average rises to 5.7 bookings per fixture.

The Argentinian official has never awarded a spot kick in five matches on the World Cup stage.

Jarell Quansah has been suspended for England's next two matches after receiving a red card in his side's World Cup round-of-16 win over Mexico.

A FIFA statement on Thursday confirmed that Quansah will miss the upcoming quarter-final against Norway and then a potential semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland should England make it through in Miami.

Days after Donald Trump intervened to give US striker Folarin Balogun a lifeline, no such mercy has been granted for England defender Quansah, who was dismissed following a reckless challenge during the Three Lions' 3-2 win at the Azteca.

Red cards automatically lead to a one-match suspension at the World Cup, but FIFA can extend bans as they sees fit.

The England defender was sent off for serious foul play after a high and late tackle on Jesus Gallardo shortly after half time in England’s 3-2 win at the Azteca on Sunday.

The news will be a blow to Thomas Tuchel and England, especially after the US president controversially intervened in USMNT striker Balogun’s Round of 16 suspension with a phone call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, managing to get the one-match ban suspended for 12 months utilising a clause never before used at the World Cup.

It drew much criticism globally – including from UEFA and the Belgian FA, with the Red Devils winning the following match in any case – but it also opened the floodgates to further such appeals.

Based on various reports, the Football Association (FA) were considering an appeal to Quansah’s red card.

France vs Morocco at the 2026 World Cup is nearly a repeat of the 2022 edition's semi-final, which ended 2-0 to the former.

Didier Deschamps' men are gunning for a third successive final at the tournament, having won in 2018 and fell to Argentina at the final hurdle in 2022.

Morocco have already made African history at the World Cup, but a second successive semi-final would be an astounding feat.

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Who is the referee for France vs Morocco, Quarter-Final, 2026 World Cup?

Morocco prevailed 3-0 in the Round of 16 against Canada, prompting Jesse Marsch to make a string of bizarre comments, while France edged a 1-0 win against Paraguay in their preceding match.

In charge of the event, as both teams look to make the tournament's semi-finals, is Argentinian referee Facundo Tello.

Joining him for the clash are fellow countrymen Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade, serving as assistant referees.

Two more Argentinians in Dario Herrera and Cristian Navarro will operate as the fourth official and reserve assistant referee, respectively.

Tello has refereed five World Cup games across his esteemed career, including two across North America.

The Argentinian official refereed Canada's 1-1 opening game draw vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as South Africa's 1-0 win against South Korea in Group A.

In 2022, he refereed Morocco's 1-0 quarter-final victory against Portugal, serving five bookings, one of which was red.

On this stage, Tello isn't so quick to wield his cards, averaging a low 3.2 bookings per match.

In Liga Profesional de Futbol, where he has officiated the majority of his games, that average rises to 5.7 bookings per fixture.

The Argentinian official has never awarded a spot kick in five matches on the World Cup stage.

Newcastle United and SC Freiburg have agreed a fee around £50m for midfielder Johan Manzambi.

The Toon look set to secure one of the World Cup's emerging talents, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

Manzambi has impressed with his performances for Switzerland over the summer, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

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Newcastle have been tracking Manzambi for a while and Sky Germany are now reporting that a deal has been agreed.

A long term contract has been prepared for the 20-year-old, who also drew interest from Aston Villa and others this summer.

Manzambi was one of Newcastle's main targets for this summer before the World Cup even started, although his performances will only have reinforced their desire to sign him.

In 38 appearances in the Bundesliga for Freiburg, he has scored seven goals and laid on five assists, showing his potential at such a young age.

The news will come as welcome relief to Newcastle fans who have had a rough summer so far, particularly when it comes to midfielders.

Sandro Tonali has already departed, joining Spurs for £100m, while club captain Bruno Guimaraes has informed chiefs of his desire to leave and join Arsenal.

While Newcastle are hoping they can persuade Bruno to stick around, saying he is not for sale this summer, Manzambi's arrival would be a huge boost.

The Swiss international would follow the arrival of Dutchman Sean Steur, whose arrival from Ajax was officially announced earlier today.

Other midfield options have been tracked by the Magpies this summer, including Monaco's Lamine Camara.

Meanwhile, further departures are expected, with the club open to offers for the likes of Joe Willock.

Marco Rose has managed three different clubs in the Champions League, so it said a lot about Bournemouth’s progress that they were able to hire him as their new manager this summer.

The German is a contender to be regarded as the highest profile appointment in the club’s history, having previously led Red Bull Salzburg to the Europa League semis, then taken charge of Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in the continent’s leading club competition.

Bournemouth, though, finished sixth in the Premier League last term, so when Andoni Iraola announced in April that he’d be leaving at the end of the season, later joining Liverpool, Rose agreed to take the job.

Bournemouth's new boss makes good impression

Unusually, Rose was able to have a handover meeting with Iraola when the campaign finished, with the departing boss willing to pass on information to help the club continue to thrive without him.

The incoming gaffer listened intently, and made a good first impression on many people during his visit in May.

That included Bournemouth legend Steve Fletcher, who first joined the club in 1992, playing for the Cherries for 19 years and scoring the goal that saved them from relegation to non-league in 2009. He’s since held various off-field roles and is now club ambassador.

“Marco came in right at the end of the season – he met Andoni and they gave each other a big hug, which I thought was lovely, because it doesn’t happen a lot at clubs,” Fletcher told FFT.

“After the last game of the season, he came in for a couple of days, met people and got familiar with his surroundings.

“He met the sporting director Tiago Pinto and some of the important people at the club, but he doesn’t just speak to the hierarchy, he went around the grounds, the accounts department, the media team, the kitchen staff, and spent time with them. It wasn’t just a hello and a nod. He’s a great bloke.

“He wanted to find out about the history, and he knew a lot about Bournemouth as well. Tiago came to me and said, ‘He wants to meet you. ’ I was like, 'Well, why would he want to meet me? Surely, there are bigger and better people than me.‘ I think it was maybe the 34 years, the history I’ve got with this football club.

“When I met him, I felt like I’d known him all my life. He’s got an aura, that personality where you just warm to him, and he listens; he doesn’t just do it for lip service.

“He wants to find out about the club, and he’d done his homework, he knew about the history. He knew about where we were, how we nearly went out of existence a few times and built our way up to the Premier League, the fairytale story.

“So anyone who does that shows a big interest and does his homework deserves the recognition straight away.”

A day at the beach

Fletcher was speaking as 'MrQ' celebrated becoming Bournemouth’s new official sleeve partner – to mark the occasion, hundreds of towels were laid down on the city’s beach first thing in the morning to create a giant mosaic, as a nod to the start of an era under a German manager.

“They were there from 4am and put more than 230 towels down in a prime spot, right next to the famous Bournemouth Pier – if you want to get the attention of all of the tourists here in their tens of thousands when it’s so hot, why not make an impact?” he said.

“It was a sight to behold – I don’t think many people have seen so many towels on the beach gathered all together in one hit.

“I hadn’t been down on the beach so early in the morning for a while – since pre-season training back in the 90s, maybe, running up and down the sand dunes!”

MrQ is the new Official Sleeve Partner of AFC Bournemouth. As the casino the UK Loves to Hate, MrQ unveiled ‘Reserved for MrQ’ – a giant towel mosaic on Bournemouth Beach celebrating the new partnership and inspired by the famous tradition of reserving the best beach spot with a towel, to mark the arrival of Marco Rose. For more information, visit www.mrq.com

New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has told people exactly what he thought about Argentina's World Cup victory over Egypt.

It looked like a huge upset could be on the cards, with the defending champions 2-0 down with little more than 10 minutes of the game remaining, after Lionel Messi had missed a penalty earlier in the match.

However, a staggering late comeback saw them win 3-2 over the North African side to progress to the quarter finals.

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Egyptians left unhappy in Argentina defeat by refereeing decisions

The Egyptians were left furious after some refereeing decisions went against them in the game that could have completely changed the way the match played out.

A disallowed goal earlier in the match, and a potential foul on Mo Salah in the build-up to Argentina's winner were the greatest injustices, in their eyes, leading to some Egypt players to say that the game was "fixed".

Striker Mostafa Zico said after the game: "There’s been an unfairness, right from the start of the match. It is clear that this tournament has been fixed."

While Mamdani didn't necessarily go that far, he did seem to side with the Egyptians' thoughts on the referee's decisions that went against them.

In an off-hand comment during a speech about transport, the mayor said New Yorkers could spend more time "agreeing with your friends that Egypt were robbed yesterday" now that there are extra bus lanes in the city.

He then reiterated his suggestion later on at the same speech saying: "With my extra six minutes [gained from faster public transport] I would probably just watch the replays of Egypt getting robbed again and again."

FIFA has been quick to refute the suggestions made by the Egyptian team that anything had been "fixed".

FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina has backed referee Francois Letexier and the standard of refereeing throughout the whole tournament, saying that Egypt's allegations are "unfounded".

In an interview at the end of the Round of 16 matches, he said: "Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football.

"But unfounded allegations have no place in our sport. Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right."

The 2026 World Cup has entered the quarter-final stage and you aren't going to want to miss a second of the action between now and the final on July 19.

France have a repeat of the 2022 semi-final against Morocco on Thursday night while Spain face off against Belgium on Friday.

England of course are still remaining and face Norway on Saturday in Miami with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham looking to lift the team to the semi-final.

Sunday morning will also provide plenty of entertainment with Lionel Messi's Argentina playing Switzerland in Kansas City.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Watch World Cup 2026 free on BBC and ITV

At FourFourTwo, we see no better way to catch the World Cup than in the UK, where BBC and ITV have provided superb coverage and will continue to do so until the final.

Completely free, they have an amazing selection of presenters and pundits across both channels, including Mark Chapman, Mark Pougatch, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, to name a few. They also don't have any ad breaks during the hydration breaks.

If you want to watch any of the remaining World Cup games live, remember you need an account with a UK postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB) and a valid TV licence.

Those travelling abroad this World Cup can use Norton VPN to unlock their BBC or ITV stream from anywhere on the globe — find out more below.

SEE ALSO All the BBC's presenters, commentators, pundits and reporters at the 2026 World Cup

Watch World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere

Abroad this World Cup? You can still watch all the action for free. The solution to your geo-restriction nightmares is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a piece of software that can set your devices to appear to be in any country in the world.

We recommend Norton VPN:

Alternative free World Cup viewing options

It isn't just the UK with free streams of the World Cup. RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey are just a few showing every game for free.

In the US, there are no free streams of the World Cup, and in Canada, Germany and Spain, only a select number of games are being shown for free.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Newcastle United have identified some midfield targets with Bruno Guimaraes' future increasingly uncertain.

News broke on Wednesday that the Brazilian had told club chiefs that he wants to pursue a move away from St James' Park.

Arsenal are poised to launch a bid for the Toon skipper, having informed both Newcastle and the player of their interest, but a deal is likely to be expensive.

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Toon prepare for life without their talisman in midfield

The Magpies have reiterated their stance that Guimaraes is not for sale, but the same was said about Alexander Isak last summer before the Sweden international eventually forced a move to Liverpool.

However, with Sandro Tonali already departing Newcastle for Spurs earlier this summer, it's difficult to believe that both would be allowed to depart in the same window.

Nevertheless, Newcastle appear to be preparing for the worst by eyeing up two potential replacements for their captain.

According to The Athletic Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has been tracked long term, along with Auxerre’s Kevin Danois. Both are 22-years-old.

The Magpies have identified several targets in case anyone departs, with The Athletic's report also claiming the club will look to replace anyone who leaves.

Meanwhile, youngster Sean Steur's arrival from Ajax is set to be announced in the coming days and move for Johan Manzambi, who has impressed at the World Cup, is also expected once Switzerland's campaign comes to an end.

Regardless of who they bring in, it will be interesting to see Newcastle's starting XI come the opening day of next season.

With the arrivals of 20-year-olds Bazoumana Toure and Ewen Jaouen already this window, it's likely it'll look very different to how it did at the end of last season, and much younger.

Anthony Gordon has also left the club this summer in a big-money move to Barcelona, and former club captain Kieran Tripper has signed for Wolves.

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca may have been dealt an early blow in his hopes to recruit some of his former Chelsea stars.

The Italian is looking to build a team that will reclaim the Premier League, with the trophy heading to Liverpool and Arsenal in the last two seasons.

While Maresca has desires to bring in talented stars that he knows from his previous job, it may prove more difficult than he would have originally hoped.

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City plotting move for Chelsea right back

The top of Maresca's shopping list is a move for defender Malo Gusto, but Chelsea don't seem to be in any mood to help out their former boss.

According to reports in The Athletic, the Blues have slapped a £75m price tag on the Frenchman.

Man City view that price tag as prohibitively expensive, making a move for the full back unlikely for the time being.

Even the arrival of Italian right back Marco Palestra from Atalanta hasn't altered their stance.

Chelsea view their new acquisition as competition for places, rather than as a replacement for any outgoings.

This could force Man City to look elsewhere for a replacement, with Newcastle's Tino Livramento another long term target, but his injury record might dissuade them from pursuing that idea further.

Currently the first-choice right back option at the Etihad is Matheus Nunes, but Maresca would like more depth in that position.

Other options being assessed are Feyenoord's Givairo Read, a 20-year-old Dutchman, who is valued around £25m but would need time to adapt to the Premier League.

Another 20-year-old, Martim Fernandes from Porto, is being considered.

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has provided an update from his hospital bed after picking up a freak injury after the Round of 16 clash against Mexico.

Despite not playing in the match, Henderson broke his left arm on the pitch after he slipped and fell awkwardly while hopping over an advertising board.

While the rest of his teammates flew on to Miami in high spirits following the hard-fought win over Mexico, Henderson remained in Mexico City in hospital.

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Henderson out of surgery in American hospital

The midfielder has since been relocated to Kansas City orthopaedic institute, where he has undergone surgery.

That operation was a success, with Henderson now recovering and ready to cheer on his teammates for the rest of the tournament.

In a post on his Instagram account, he posed with a big thumbs up beside the three surgeons who carried out the procedure, Dr. Kenneth P. Unruh, Dr. Mark J Winston and Dr. Kirk McCullough.

He wrote: "Surgery done! Let's get ready for the big one Saturday.

"Thank you to all the staff that looked after me at Kansas city orthopaedic institute. Especially the 3 surgeons who carried out the operation."

Henderson will now have a watching brief for the remainder of the competition, having been ruled out for the quarter-finals and beyond, should England get past Norway.

While he will be undoubtedly gutted not to be able to finish the tournament, his appearance in England's 2-0 Group L victory against Panama meant he became the only England men's player to represent the Three Lions at seven different major tournaments.

He made his first tournament appearance for his nation at Euro 2012 but didn't score his first England goal until Euro 2020, when he contributed to the 4-0 quarter-final victory over Ukraine.

Henderson will join up with the squad again once he's out of hospital, with his father Brian telling the Daily Mail: "He won't be leaving his team-mates. He'll be there until it's finished.”

Brian also revealed that the injury was worse than the broken wrist, which was first reported, stating: "It's his left forearm - he's just completely smashed it."

Arsenal have made Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers their top target for the summer transfer window.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their side ahead of next season, with midfield an area in need of upgrades.

However, it's not an easy market for them to navigate with sky-high prices and competition meaning flexibility is required.

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Aston Villa could be forced to sell their top asset this summer

The Athletic has claimed that Rogers is Arsenal's priority and that Villa could be persuaded to sell arguably their best player by financial regulations.

After exceeding their UEFA loss limit, Villa had to enter into a settlement agreement, which could lead to some strict punishments if terms are not met.

While Villa's preference is that Rogers stays and plays for them next season, selling him could remove any worries over future problems caused by finances.

One such punishment could be a ban from European competitions, so Villa see it as vital that they stick to the rules.

With Rogers valued at higher than the £116m Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson this summer, a sale would bring in a substantial, potentially transformative, fee.

Arsenal are also monitoring the situation of Paris Saint Germain's Bradley Barcola, but he would also set them back north of £100m.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes is another player the Gunners are keen on signing, but have been told that the player is not available this summer following the sale of Sandro Tonali to Spurs.

Arsenal's need for a midfielder stems from an over-reliance on the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi last season.

Injuries to squad players like Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard and Mikel Arteta's reluctance to use the likes of Christian Norgaard mean reinforcements are needed if they are to compete for extra silverware while also defending their league title.

They have also recently struck a deal for goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a free agent.

Manchester United remain undeterred in their pursuit of Bournemouth's Alex Scott, despite being told he isn't for sale.

The 22-year-old has attracted interest from across the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester City both also expressing an interest.

However, the Cherries are determined to hold onto their midfielder, stating he is not for sale, and hoping he will sign a new deal.

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Man United encouraged by Scott not signing a new contract

Currently, Scott is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with reports claiming he has even gone as far as to reject Bournemouth's offer, and Manchester United are pushing ahead with their attempts to sign him, according to The Sun.

Whether or not he leaves this summer remains to be seen, but with two years left on his current contract, it may be better for the Cherries to cash in on their asset now, rather than let him leave for cheaper, or possibly even as a free transfer, later down the line.

The Red Devils are still searching for a marquee midfield signing, after Elliot Anderson opted to join rivals Man City and Mateus Fernandes chose to sign for Spurs.

They have seemingly already tied up a deal for Atalanta's Brazil international, although complications around his medical seem to be delaying that signing, accord to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

Yet, with the added demands of European football to contend with next season, Carrick wants a deeper squad than he currently has at his disposal.

Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte ruptured his ACL during his nation's World Cup campaign, increasing the need for squad depth.

Some reports suggest that an offer around the £80m mark would be enough to convince Bournemouth to sell after he turned down the new deal.

While that hasn't put Manchester Untied off, they are also assessing their options to see if there's better value elsewhere.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni are also being considered.

Scott is thought to be their number one choice, but interest from other clubs and uncertainty around his future means that it is not an easy deal to complete.

Aston Villa are set to receive a financial boost from FIFA following the World Cup.

The Villans have had a number of representatives across the pond, with Ollie Watkins still fighting for glory with England, and others like John McGinn bowing out earlier, at the group stage.

But one of the Midlands club's stars has had a much more difficult personal experience at the tournament.

Aston Villa to receive Amadou Onana compensation

Villa midfielder Amadou Onana was forced off the pitch in the first half of Belgium's win against the United States, where he partners fellow Villa man Youri Tielemans in midfield.

He was later seen on crutches with a brace around his knee, for what transpired to be an ACL injury.

Any follower of football will know that means Onana will miss most, if not all, of next season, and Unai Emery will therefore need to come up with a contingency.

Thankfully, however, it shouldn't leave the club too out of pocket in terms of wages for a player they can't use, as FIFA will pay his salary up to a maximum of £4.68m through their Club Benefits Programme.

Transfer guru David Ornstein has reported that the developing situation is set to take Villa into the market though.

They spent the second half of last season dealing with another ACL injury for Boubacar Kamara, and while heading for a return in pre-season, he will need to be eased back.

According to Ornstein, it wasn't previously a position they were looking to bolster.

Onana played 38 times for Villa last term, including 12 in the Europa League.

Having finished fourth in the Premier League last term, they now have an even more demanding Champions League campaign to think about.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, with Onana being such a crucial cog in Villa's midfield, a significant portion of their summer budget may need to be spent here.

The BBC have made a surprising decision with regards to their coverage of the World Cup as the competition builds to a dramatic conclusion.

UK audiences have been tuning in to the licence-fee-funded broadcaster and rival ITV to watch the 104 matches of this summer’s competition, with the rights split across the two.

This naturally opens up the pair to comparison as they are essentially charged with providing the same product – and there has been one clear difference throughout: location.

BBC’s World Cup coverage to remain UK-based until the semis

Fans tuning in to one of many ITV-broadcasted matches from the start of the pre-match build-up have been greeted immediately by the channel’s breathtaking backdrop of the New York skyline, visible from the temporary studio built on a rooftop in Brooklyn.

It’s a stark contrast to the BBC, who are holding their own in terms of pundits – Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart among their regulars – but not in aesthetics and authentic feel, settling for a digital background image of New York, with the programme delivered from their studio in Salford.

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Many had believed the BBC may eventually fly out for the knockouts, but that changeover has been and gone, with the quarter-finals now beckoning.

Now, it’s been revealed that the national broadcaster will not head Stateside until the semis.

That means they’ll spend less than a week of the tournament in the United States, with the first semi-final between France or Morocco and Spain or Belgium to be on Tuesday 14 July with an 8pm BST start.

However, with the BBC still not out there, delaying until the last four does make some sense, as they only have the rights to one of the three quarter-final clashes, when Spain meet Belgium. ITV are lined up to show the other three, including Norway vs England.

BBC have the first pick for the semi-finals, so will choose England if the Three Lions make it, with the current plans ensuring they’ll be on the ground for that game.

The decision to provide most of their coverage from Salford is said to have been one made on a cost-saving basis, with the BBC funded by taxpayers through the licence fee.

Star presenter Mark Chapman will travel earlier to host England’s meeting with Norway for radio station 5 Live, and Gabby Logan will present the final in New York – the first woman to do so.

The BBC set a record audience for a live UK broadcast between 2am-4am for the tense clash with Mexico in the last round, so the budget-conscious decision has merits but, in FourFourTwo’s opinion, it has lacked the prestige of ITV’s offering, predominantly due to location.

Egypt superstar Mostafa Ziko has questioned FIFA's integrity after his nation endured a controversial 3-2 loss against Argentina.

The Pharaohs surged into a 2-0 lead, however, prior to their second goal, they had another ruled out by VAR intervention.

The move was stellar: a Haissem Hassan solo run, to a Mohamed Salah trivela, to a Mostafa Ziko finish, but the effort was ruled out after VAR deemed there to have been a foul in the build-up.

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Mostafa Ziko slams FIFA, makes 'rigged' allegation against Lionel Messi's Argentina

Lisandro Martinez was the aggrieved party, with the referee ruling him to have been fouled prior to Ziko's strike.

Later, that same trio of Egypt stars combined again, with Ziko also adding the finishing touch, taking a 2-0 lead.

The game's controversial refereeing was not limited to merely one event, with a range of talking points emerging post-match.

First was Egypt's disallowed goal, then two separate penalty claims in the build-up to Argentina's third and winning strike, and talks of a possible red card were brought up from the game's early stages.

Another incident was a foul awarded on Leandro Paredes, inflicted by Salah, which denied the Egyptian a clean sight on goal.

Ziko discussed the match's events with BBC shortly after the whistle, and claimed: "The referee was really not fair. Not fair. The injustice was clear.

"We did a good job in the early stages of the match. There's been an unfairness right from the start... a 2-0 lead isn't enough to beat Argentina."

Through tears, Ziko stated: "This tournament has been fixed. But God is sufficient for us.

"[God is] the best disposer of affairs. He's wasting the efforts of an entire nation. The cup is being given to Argentina," he concluded.

Argentina, who were taken to the wire by Egypt and Cape Verde, will face the winner of Colombia vs Switzerland in the tournament's quarter-finals.

Kylian Mbappe has issued a classy response to a vile, racist rant from a Paraguayan politician.

The Frenchman, who is the among greatest World Cup players to ever perform on the stage, scored his side's only goal in a 1-0 victory against Paraguay.

That strike came in the form of a penalty, sending France to the quarter-finals where they will face Morocco, but Mbappe has been forced to respond to a racist tirade from a Paraguayan politician in the aftermath of his country's victory.

Kylian Mbappe calls Paraguyan politician "despicable" for racist rant, after France defeat Paraguay 1-0

Mbappe scored his 19th career World Cup goal against Paraguay, and should have had his 20th if not for an astonishing double save from the opposition goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Paraguayan politician Madame Celeste Amarilla posted a racist tirade against Mbappe on social media, describing the France legend as a "colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French."

The politician also described him as a "brute who had not learned to write", prompting a response from the France legend.

Mbappe responded: "You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay.

"Through your... brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished.

"[You are] an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.

"I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world," he concluded.

Amarilla's remarks were described by the French Football Federation (FFF) as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable", and announced their intentions to file criminal charges against the politician.

"These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere," said the FFF.

The FFF is reporting the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings", they continued.

Amarilla is a senator from Paraguay's Liberal Radical party, and replied to the threat of prosecution earlier today in a press conference.

The politician stated that she could also file charges against the FFF, warning the federation "don't underestimate me."

Switzerland made the last eight three times in their first four appearances at the World Cup, but have only reached the Round of 16 ever since.

Colombia, meanwhile, were quarter-finalists in 2014, although that is their best-ever finish at the World Cup.

It's unlikely to be a glamour tie, this one, but it will be contested by two competent, well-coached sides and separating them will be tough. So, who is covering the game for ITV?

ITV commentators, pundits and presenters for Switzerland vs Colombia

The full line-up of presenters, commentators and presenters for Switzerland vs Colombia, being played this evening at 9pm BST, has been revealed.

Leading the programme is presenter Laura Woods, an experienced and popular broadcaster known for her coverage of Premier League and Champions League football.

Joining Woods in the ITV studio with the stunning Manhattan backdrop will be Duncan Ferguson, Karen Carney and Jobi McAnuff.

The ITV punditry team have clearly done their research this tournament and for this game it'll be no different.

Expect plenty of analysis on Newcastle United-linked Johan Manzambi, and debate as to whether ex-Liverpool man Luis Diaz holds the key to this match.

While Ferguson and McAnuff don't have any playing experience at a men's World Cup, Carney made 15 appearances at the tournament for England during her playing career, representing the Lionesses at four separate World Cups.

Kick-off between Switzerland and Colombia is at 9pm BST.

On commentary duties tonight, it's Seb Hutchinson alongside ex-Premier League winger and beef carpaccio fan Andros Townsend.

The winner of Switzerland vs Colombia will take on the victor of Argentina and Egypt. That last eight fixture is scheduled to be played at 2am BST on Sunday, July 12.

Liverpool are leading a group of Premier League clubs chasing Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora, according to reports.

The 17-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakout World Cup 2026, starting three games as the co-hosts reached the last 16 before exiting to England.

Mora’s performances have increased the hype around the teenager, who plays for Liga MX side Tijuana, and Liverpool are among several European heavyweights showing an interest.

Liverpool ‘very keen’ on Gilberto Mora as Manchester United stance changes

Mora was the youngest player at this summer’s World Cup, while he became the sixth-youngest player in the tournament’s history when he appeared as a second-half substitute against South Africa in the opening game, aged 17 years and 240 days.

He went on to start Mexico’s final Group A match against Czechia, the last-32 win over Ecuador and the defeat by England.

Having faced several Premier League stars at the Azteca last weekend, Mora is attracting the attention of multiple top English clubs - with TEAMtalk reporting that Liverpool are ‘very keen’ on the rising star.

The report states that the Reds have already made contact with the youngster’s camp to ‘establish the conditions of a deal’ and to see if he would be open to joining Andoni Iraola's men.

TEAMtalk adds that it remains only an exploratory approach from Liverpool, who are looking to get ahead of several rivals at home and abroad who have also been monitoring Mora.

Arsenal have reportedly shown recent interest, while Manchester City and Chelsea are also in the running. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are ‘long-term admirers’ and that Mora would view a move to Los Blancos as a ‘dream come true’, while La Liga rivals Barcelona have also sent scouts to watch him.

However, the report adds that Manchester United are unlikely to pursue Mora despite tracking him for the past six months, with the Red Devils keen to avoid a bidding war.

The midfielder has three years left on his contract with Tijuana and is already valued at €40million-plus (£34million), which could rise as clubs compete for his signature following his displays at the World Cup.

However, FIFA regulations state that Mora cannot join a foreign team until he turns 18 on October 14 this year, so any transfer cannot be finalised until that date.

The Liga MX season begins later this month, which means Mora will have plenty of opportunities to impress for Tijuana and further increase his value before any move to Europe materialises.

Argentina versus Egypt is a clash of two ageing superstars: in the blue corner, Lionel Messi, and in the red corner, Mo Salah.

Messi turned 39 last month but has been in sparkling form during World Cup 2026, scoring seven times in four matches as he leads Argentina's bid to retain the trophy.

Egypt captain Salah, 34, has also provided some important contributions to help the Pharaohs progress from the group stage for the first time and then claim their maiden knockout win, against Australia in the last 32. It promises to be a fascinating contest in Atlanta - here's who's on duty for ITV.

ITV pundits, commentators and presenters for Argentina vs Egypt

The full line-up of pundits, commentators and presenters for Argentina vs Egypt, which kicks-off at 5pm BST, has been revealed.

Mark Pougatch presents coverage of the last-16 clash from ITV's swanky studio in Brooklyn, New York, and he is joined by a familiar trio of pundits.

Former England striker and much-loved media personality Ian Wright is on the panel, as he brings the expertise gained from a career that brought 185 goals for Arsenal and 33 caps for the Three Lions.

The ex-Gunners star never played at a major tournament due to injury, but he is sat next to a man who represented England at three European Championships and two World Cups.

Gary Neville won 85 caps for the Three Lions and has become one of the leading pundits in the game through his work across ITV and Sky Sports.

Completing the trio is Neville's former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane.

The no-nonsense Irishman represented his country at World Cup 1994 in the USA, while he left their camp at the 2002 tournament before it began following a row with manager Mick McCarthy.

Describing proceedings from the gantry will be experienced commentator Jon Champion.

He will once again team up with co-commentator Ally McCoist, who played at World Cup 1990 for Scotland.

The winner will face Switzerland or Colombia, which kicks off at 9pm BST this evening, in the quarter-finals. The last-eight match is scheduled to start at 2am BST on Sunday.

Harry Kane did not receive a yellow card against Mexico, despite TV pictures suggesting otherwise, England fans will be relieved to hear.

The England captain conceded a penalty for a high challenge on Mexico midfielder Brian Gutierrez in the second half of the World Cup 2026 last-16 clash, with referee Alireza Faghani awarding the spot-kick after he was sent to the VAR monitor.

Raul Jimenez converted the penalty to reduce the Three Lions’ lead to 3-2 but Thomas Tuchel’s side - who were a man down after Jarell Quansah’s earlier red card - held on to set up a quarter-final against Norway on Saturday.

The story behind Harry Kane’s phantom yellow card against Mexico

Players from both teams surrounded Faghani after he awarded the penalty, with Kane and centre-back Marc Guehi closest to the referee.

The Australian official then produced a yellow card and a graphic flashed up on the screen informing viewers that Kane had been booked.

It led to fears that the England skipper is at risk of a one-match ban heading into the clash with Norway, as any player who receives their second booking of the knockout stage in a quarter-final would miss the semi-final if their team gets there.

However, FIFA’s official website states that the 68th-minute caution was actually handed to Guehi, confirming that the graphic attributing it to Kane was an error.

TV coverage of World Cup matches is provided by FIFA’s Host Broadcast Services, which means viewers across the planet see the same set of camera angles, graphics and replays.

As Kane was not cautioned in either the last 32 or last 16, the only way he would miss a potential semi-final is if he were sent off against Norway or suffered an injury.

Guehi is one of four key England players who would be suspended for the last four if they pick up a booking on Saturday, owing to the yellow cards they received earlier in the knockout stage.

The other three are Jude Bellingham, who was cautioned against DR Congo in the last 32, Declan Rice and Nico O’Reilly, both of whom were booked against Mexico.

Yellow cards are wiped out after the quarter-finals, so the only way a player can miss the final through suspension is if they are sent off in the semi-final.

Quansah’s straight red card against Mexico earned him a one-match ban, which he will serve against Norway, but the right-back would be available for the semi-final if England progress.

Liam Gallagher has said he would be ‘ready’ to perform ‘Wonderwall’ at the World Cup final if England reach the New Jersey showpiece.

The 1995 Oasis hit has become the soundtrack of England’s World Cup 2026 campaign, with fans and players singing the iconic anthem together after each victory in North America.

The latest rendition followed the Three Lions’ epic 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16 and even Oasis frontman Gallagher has caught World Cup fever.

Liam Gallagher makes ‘Wonderwall’ promise as England chase World Cup glory

Manchester City fan Gallagher was among the millions of people who stayed up for the victory over Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning.

Following the final whistle, England players and staff congregated in front of their fans at the Azteca to belt out ‘Wonderwall’ - which even caused captain Harry Kane to briefly lose his voice, leading to a hilarious post-match interview.

Gallagher posted on X in response: “It’s hard work that singing Harry Kane cmon ENGLAND cmon WONDERWALL.”

An England supporter commented: “Guessing it’s [sic] we do hit the final you know it’s mandatory you fly out there and sing wonderwall live on the pitch”, to which Gallagher replied “We’ll see I’m ready.”

The World Cup final is on Sunday, July 19 in New Jersey, with a closing ceremony set to take place on the pitch before kick-off.

Previous closing ceremonies have featured live performances from famous musicians, so it would not be unusual for someone of Gallagher's standing to make an appearance, and he performed in the stadium as part of Oasis' 2025 reunion tour last summer.

However, England must first navigate a quarter-final against Norway on Saturday in Miami and, should they progress, a semi-final next Wednesday in Atlanta where they defeated DR Congo.

The Three Lions have reached only one World Cup final, when they lifted the trophy in 1966.

But after an excellent performance in difficult conditions against Mexico, England fans are starting to believe that Thomas Tuchel’s men can end 60 years of hurt.

It is the second consecutive summer that Oasis have captured the national mood, having played a huge reunion tour across the country last year.

The most chaotic moment of Portugal’s Round of 16 match against Spain came in the 91st minute. Spain's Ferran Torres set up Mikel Merino for an added-time winner to send La Roja through to the quarterfinals, breaking millions of Portuguese hearts and ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of a World Cup title.

The second-most chaotic moment didn’t take place on the pitch but in the mixed zone where hundreds of journalists crowded into the basement of AT&T Stadium to get a prime viewing spot for the post-match player interviews.

Manchester City’s Rodri was first to speak, followed by his club teammate Rúben Dias as the first Portugal player to appear in front of the media. As journalists prepared for an opportunity to ask Portuguese players about their heartbreaking collapse in Texas, a bizarre exchange took place.

WATCH: Ruben Dias walks out of his mixed zone press conference

Rather than handing the microphone to the nearest journalist, Portugal’s press officer, Francisco Trigo de Abreu, demanded that a Portuguese journalist ask the first question. “Aren’t there any Portuguese here?” he questioned the room.

When a Brazilian journalist attempted to ask a question, Abreu questioned where he was from before taking note of his Brazilian accent. He then turned to Renata Pereira, a Brazilian who has spent the past 22 years working as a FIFA Media Officer. Pereira suggested they do a quick round of questions in Portuguese.

Abreu refused – it had to be a Portuguese journalist. Perhaps he was looking out for personal connections. In Miami, after Portugal’s draw with Colombia, he ensured that Portuguese journalists were allowed to ask Roberto Martínez the bulk of questions in the post-match press conference.

Back then, Portugal still harbored ambitions of reaching a maiden World Cup Final, and the stadium was overwhelmed by Brazilian and Colombian journalists, with Portuguese natives being crowded out amidst the noise.

Abreu eventually got his way, repeating: “Where are the Portuguese journalists?” Just as Dias was getting ready to exit, a Portuguese journalist was finally spotted, and Abreu personally handed him the microphone.

In the midst of this delay, however, Mikel Merino had arrived at an adjacent stage and stepped up to the microphone before speaking in front of the journalists in the mixed zone nearby. A logistical issue that has plagued the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dias wouldn’t allow it. He had had enough of Merino ruining the last two months, from helping Arsenal win the Premier League title at the expense of City to knocking Portugal out of the World Cup. He wasn’t prepared to strain to discern what exactly the Portuguese journalist was saying and simply walked off the stage.

Had Abreu simply handed the microphone to the nearest journalist instead of going to extraordinary lengths to find a compatriot, Dias wouldn’t have had an issue understanding the question.

Three Spain players spoke with press before a single Portuguese player had done so. Nélson Semedo finally arrived after an hour of waiting, but he was only able to answer three questions before being whisked away by Abreu, with Cristiano Ronaldo then heading to the microphone to discuss the defeat and confirm that this was, in fact his final World Cup.

For a team that was regarded as one of the favorites going into this tournament, Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign will be regarded as a massive failure, one where their countless world-class players were never quite on the same page with one another. And for the hordes of journalists who had massed in AT&T Stadium’s substratum, it will be remembered for Abreu’s odd behaviour.

Four England players will be walking a suspension tightrope during Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

Under new rules introduced by FIFA for the World Cup 2026, yellow cards are reset after the last eight - which means players who pick up their second booking of the competition in the semi-finals wouldn’t miss the final if their team gets there.

Nonetheless, those who receive a yellow card in either the last 32 or last 16 would get a one-match ban and miss the semi-final if they were cautioned again in the quarter-final - and several key England players are at risk of that fate, if the Three Lions beat Norway.

The four England players at risk of missing World Cup semi-final

England’s knockout wins at this World Cup have been far from straightforward, starting with the last-32 clash with DR Congo, in which Harry Kane’s late double secured a 2-1 victory and saved Thomas Tuchel’s side from a humiliating exit.

The Three Lions then put in a heroic performance against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca, winning 3-2 thanks to two quickfire Jude Bellingham goals, Kane’s penalty and a brave rearguard action after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half.

Quansah misses the quarter-final against Norway as a result - although the FA are considering an appeal - but four key England players would be banned for the semi-final if they are booked on Saturday and their team wins.

That list includes Azteca hero Bellingham, who was cautioned for a reckless tackle in the first half against Congo.

Also at risk is midfielder and vice-captain Declan Rice, following his yellow card for a high challenge after just 50 seconds against Mexico.

Two members of England’s first-choice defence are also on a booking: centre-back Marc Guehi, who was cautioned for protesting the decision to award Mexico a second-half penalty (not Harry Kane, as a BBC graphic incorrectly indicated during the game), and left-back Nico O’Reilly, following an off-the-ball clash with defender Jorge Sanchez moments later.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson was also yellow-carded for interfering with play as an unused substitute as Tuchel’s side defended their lead, but will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a freak arm injury in the post-match celebrations.

With all four players starting both of England’s knockout matches so far, Tuchel faces a delicate balancing act on Saturday.

Bellingham has been particularly impressive during the tournament, scoring four times and assisting Harry Kane’s goal against Panama, and would be a huge miss.

However, any fears over suspensions would be academic if England lose to Norway, which will surely mean Tuchel prioritises the quarter-final above resting any of his stars for a potential last-four clash in Atlanta next Wednesday.

Each World Cup team has learned how much they will earn from this summer.

The prize fund for World Cup 2026 is now official with figures for the eight qualifying categories revealing the financial rewards on offer for those still in the tournament.

Depending on which nation you support, there's good news and bad news on how much they stand to gain for participation in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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World Cup prize money figures revealed

First, the bad news. More teams does not automatically equate to more money for those that failed to make it out of the group stage, who will still earn $9 million.

That figure is unchanged from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and only $1 million more than teams earned for their involvement at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

However all 48 nations automatically received $2.5 million in preparation money ahead of the tournament for qualifying which is $1.5 million more than in 2022.

The newly-created, and much missed, round of 32 will see a greater wealth shared with an $11 million windfall for the likes of Germany, Netherlands and Cape Verde.

Brazil and Canada can take some comfort from their last-16 exits which will net both sides a tidy sum of $11 million - $2 million up on the same stage four years earlier.

It's a similar story for first-time quarter finalists Norway, who are set for another $2 million mark-up with minimum earnings of $19 million for reaching the last eight.

The semi-final stage sees things become a little less even-handed with the third place play-off deciding which nation earns $29 million and $27 million respectively.

Whoever loses the final itself will be able to console themselves with picking up $33 million, which is the biggest mark-up from all existing rounds at $3 million more.

As you'd expect, the biggest windfall is saved for the victors with the new world champions in line to receive a cool $50 million, $8 million more than in 2022.

The World Cup winners will also earn more than the $40 million which Chelsea received for being the first winners of FIFA's revamped Club World Cup last year.

Newcastle United are continuing with their strategy of investing in young players with potential, with the unexpected signing of an 18-year-old wonderkid from Ajax.

The club has switched tactics when it comes to bolstering their squad this summer, with youth favoured over established, experienced stars.

The sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have paved the way for a complete squad refresh, with Eddie Howe keen to bring in youngsters with high ceilings.

Newcastle set to seal signing of third player under the age of 21 this summer

The Toon have been busy already this summer, picking up French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen and Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure, both of whom are 20-years-old.

They have also been heavily linked with a big money move for impressive Switzerland starlet Johan Manzambi, another player who is just 20.

It now looks as if they are set to complete the signing of 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax.

According to reports from the Netherlands, a £23m fee has been agreed for the teenager, who made his senior debut in the 2024-25 season, aged just 17 years and 36 days.

The midfielder went on to make 26 senior appearances with the club altogether, scoring his first goal in a 1-1 draw against Feyenoord.

The same reports claim that the player had initially been expected to sign a new contract at Ajax, but that he is now due to travel to Tyneside to complete a move.

A five-year deal has been agreed in principle between Newcastle and Steur.

The move for Steur comes with Newcastle looking to add new midfielders to their team this summer, following the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.

Joe Willock is also expected to leave during the current transfer window, while Arsenal have also had an offer rejected for club captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle have repeatedly said that the Brazilian is not for sale and are hoping to keep their talisman around for next season.

Over the past two decades, Spain have inflicted plenty of trauma and heartbreak on the Portuguese national team. La Roja beat Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup en route to their maiden title.

Two years later, Spain edged past their Iberian neighbours on penalties to secure their spot in the European Championship Final, where the team secured a third-consecutive major trophy after Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

Portugal might have expected that pattern to change after beating Spain on penalties in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final — the last time Spain suffered a defeat.

But at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas, Spain put an end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dreams, perhaps once and for all.

“I leave with a clear conscience,” Ronaldo said after the match.

“I’ve done everything I could. Portugal had never won a cup before me and they’ve won three now. We won Euro 2016, which I think is as big as the World Cup.

"We gave everything…we played a good game, but Spain are among the best. They will get to the final or come close.”

Whilst Spain had demolished Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32, Portugal had only narrowly snuck past Croatia via a late goal from Gonçalo Ramos. Despite the super-sub heroics, Ramos didn’t see a single minute in Texas. It was far from Roberto Martinez’s only head-scratching decision.

Spain and Portugal traded blows in the first half, with Mikel Oyarzabal coming close to opening the scoring only to spurn his chance. And Diogo Costa once again demonstrated why he was Portugal’s best performer of the tournament with a shot-stopping clinic.

After a rollercoaster first half, both teams begun to take fewer risks in the second half. But just when it seemed the two sides were on level pegging, catastrophe struck for Portugal. Nuno Mendes, perhaps the sole left back in the world who consistently shuts down Lamine Yamal, went off with an injury in the 56th minute - Nelson Semedo replaced him.

Spain smelled blood and wrestled back control of the match, pinning Portugal into their own half. Spain grew into the game via their substitutions and eventually, in the 91st minute, Ferran Torres teed up fellow substitute Mikel Merino for the game-winning goal to secure Spain’s spot in the quarter-final.

And just as Brazil's World Cup exit marked the end of the Neymar era at international level, Portugal's defeat marked the end of Ronaldo's.

"It was my last World Cup, yes,” he added. “But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment."

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez will step down, with Ronaldo’s former coach Jorge Jesus likely to replace him. The Spaniard was able to bring home a minor trophy in the form of the UEFA Nations League, but ultimately, his spell will be regarded as a failure. One that was determined by the finer details, like the Euro 2024 penalty shootout defeat to France, and the last-gasp loss to Spain at this tournament.

Ronaldo, having reached the semi-final in his first World Cup, has since been eliminated in the Round of 16 in 2010 and group stage in 2014, followed by three straight Round of 16 eliminations. He will end his World Cup career with just one knockout goal – a penalty versus Croatia in the previous round.

Spain return to Los Angeles to face either the USA or Belgium, but as for Portugal, they will leave empty-handed, with far more question marks, regrets and what-ifs than anything else.

And Ronaldo will head back home with the sensation that, unlike the Euros, Champions League, LaLiga, and Premier League, the World Cup was the one competition he never quite managed to master.

The USA versus Belgium evokes memories of the latter's extra-time victory in 2014 when goalkeeper Tim Howard made a World Cup record 16 saves.

That was when Belgium's golden generation was at the peak of its powers and the US were plucky underdogs but this time around, there is little to separate the two.

Ahead of the game, there has been a political storm surrounding Donald Trump's interference with FIFA to ensure that USA star striker Folarin Balogun is eligible to play following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last round. With Balogun confirmed to be starting, it's the sort of game a commentator dreams to call - here's who's on duty for the BBC.

BBC commentators, pundits and presenters for USA vs Belgium

The full line-up of presenters, commentators and presenters for USA vs Belgium, being played this evening at 1am BST, has been revealed.

Due to the 1am BST kick-off time, the BBC have elected to go straight to the commentary team for this match, as opposed to having a studio presence to present and analyse the fixture.

Serving as the match’s main commentary voice is Robyn Cowen.

Alongside her is Matthew Upson, taking on the role of co-commentator.

Upson scored England's only goal in their 4-1 defeat by Germany at the 2010 World Cup. The former Arsenal, West Ham and Birmingham City defender scored one other international goal, also against Germany back in 2008.

Cowen was lead commentator on BBC One's coverage of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, a tournament in which the Lionesses were victorious.

The winner of USA vs Belgium will have the privilege of facing Spain in the quarter-finals.

That last eight fixture is scheduled to be played at 8pm BST on Friday, July 10.

USA vs Belgium is one of the more interesting Round of 16 showdowns, precisely because not many predicted the Americans to make it this far, and also anticipated the Belgian capitulation that has become so common at the World Cup in recent years.

The USMNT have been a far stronger side this tournament, winning three of their games with ease, while Belgium were forced to pull off an all-time comeback to get beyond a dominant Senegal in their Round of 32 fixture.

This is a battle of over and underachievers at the 2026 World Cup, but who will serve as referee for the event?

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Referee appointment for USA vs Belgium

USA vs Belgium will be played at 1am BST in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with the match being held at the Seattle Stadium.

Serving as referee for the event is Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh, who has officiated three games prior to this face-off at the 2026 World Cup.

Mohammad previously officiated England vs DR Congo, in which the Jordanian did not fall for a clear-cut Harry Kane dive while the Three Lions were trailing 1-0.

He also refereed Belgium’s 5-1 demolition job against New Zealand in the Red Devils’ final Group G game, which left them atop the table standings.

To open his account in North America, Mohammad oversaw Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, one of the most historic upsets in World Cup history.

In this tournament, the 39-year-old has averaged just two bookings per game, and is yet to show red or award a spot kick.

The referee is slightly less quick to wield his cards than peers at the tournament, averaging just 3.6 bookings per game in the AFC Champions League Elite.

That competition makes up the bulk of his refereeing experience, showing red nine times and awarding 13 penalties in 58 games.

In World Cup qualifiers and the Arab Cup, his booking average stays the same, at around three per match.

USA vs Belgium is a battle of two teams with disciplinary priors, as both sides have had a man sent off in North America, most recently the USMNT’s Folarin Balogun, who will not feature in the Round of 16 event.

The World Cup's last-16 stage is throwing up another mouth-watering clash.

Portugal and Spain go head to head on Monday to reach the quarter final where they will be pitted against the winner from USA and Belgium's knockout encounter.

The European Championship holders are the only nation to have reached this stage of the tournament without shipping a single goal after Mexico's loss to England.

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BBC complete line-up of commentators, pundits and presenters for Portugal v Spain

They are also the first European nation to keep clean sheets in their opening four games since Switzerland in 2006 and stand on the cusp of another record.

One more shoutout against the Selecao will confirm La Roja as the first team in history to record six consecutive World Cup clean sheets, with one also in the bag from 2022.

However they will face arguably their sternest test so far this summer as Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to bookend his sixth and final World Cup appearance in spectacular fashion.

The 41-year-old produced a star-studded performance to help Roberto Martinez's side squeeze past Croatia in their fiercely contested round-of-32 showdown.

The game starts at 8pm UK time with BBC One showing all the action live.

Coverage starts from 7.30pm with Gabby Logan presenting from the Beeb's Salford studio with punditry provided by Wayne Rooney, Cesar Azpilicueta, Ellen White and Spanish football expert, journalist and broadcaster Guillem Balague.

Former Chelsea full-back Azpilicueta is well-placed to offer insight on Spain's tactics as a staple of their senior ranks with 44 caps between 2013 and 2023.

The 36-year-old, who also represented Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, won two Premier League titles and a Champions League amid eight major honours.

Steve Bower will take the lead on commentary with cat enthusiast Danny Murphy on co-commentary duties.

Matheus Cunha has spoken in emotional detail about Brazil's World Cup exit.

Brazil suffered another early World Cup knockout departure as they bowed out to Norway in Sunday's round-of-16 tie that marked something of an end of an era.

Neymar scored a consolation goal for Carlo Ancelotti's side deep in added time as the world's most expensive footballer confirmed his international retirement.

Matheus Cunha lifts the lid on Brazil's World Cup hurt

It marked a difficult end for the Selecao at this summer's tournament as they entered a 12th year without successfully reclaiming their five-time world champions' crown.

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha was one of the rare lights for his country with three goals in as many games before the surprise defeat at MetLife Stadium.

He netted twice against Haiti in their second group encounter before following it up with another to cap off a resounding 3-0 victory over Scotland in the finale.

But the 27-year-old could not hide his pain in the wake of their tournament exit.

"Without a doubt, today must be the most difficult day of my life, professionally speaking," he told Globo.

"We had chances we didn't convert, while they had chances and converted them. "It's difficult to try to understand everything but, unfortunately, that's part of football.

"There is a lot of sadness in the dressing room. A lot of crying. A lot of pain. The worst thing is that we frustrated a lot of people and that is what hurts most."

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England's World Cup win over Mexico proved to be a bittersweet experience for their players, manager and staff.

Thomas Tuchel inspired England to a 3-2 win over Mexico in their World Cup round-of-16 encounter at the Estadio Azteca as history was made on multiple fronts.

Not only did the Three Lions dent their hosts' formidable record at the stadium with only their third defeat in the past 50 games, but also exorcised the ghosts of 1986.

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England's options to replace Jordan Henderson revealed

However, their joy was somewhat punctured shortly after the final whistle when popular squad member Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury while vaulting over an advertising board.

The Brentford midfielder, who had also received a booking despite being an unused substitute in the tie, was given oxygen and had to be carried off on a stretcher.

Henderson was transported to hospital for assessment on a suspected wrist injury while his teammates returned to their Kansas City base ahead of facing Norway.

It has been confirmed by The Athletic that the 36-year-old will now require surgery on his hand, which is guaranteed to end his involvement in this summer's tournament.

Although Henderson has only played a small part in England's campaign with a solitary appearance off the bench, he is a key man behind the scenes and is seen as a unifying figure, but he is unable to be replaced despite the injury.

FIFA rules prevent teams from covering absences in their squad unless submitted before their opening group match, which would have been the Croatia game on 17 June.

Tuchel already had to make one enforced change ahead of the tournament's start as Tino Livramento was replaced with Trevoh Chalobah after suffering a calf injury.

Tuchel could have more absences for the crucial quarter final encounter with Norway as Jarell Quansah, was sent off against Mexico, and Reece James was sidelined early in the World Cup campaign and is managing an injury.

The only exception to the rule by world football's governing body is goalkeepers, who can be replaced at any time in the tournament should a medical issue arise.

It means England will have to go into their quarter-final showdown in Miami, and potentially beyond, with one less available option in their current 25-man squad.

Rivalries will be renewed when Portugal and Spain do battle in the World Cup.

The World Cup's round of 16 continues to deliver thrilling contests as Portugal and Spain prepare to face off for a place in the quarter finals on Monday evening.

Arlington's Dallas Stadium will host a rematch of the memorable 2018 encounter between the Iberian neighbours, who played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Sochi.

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Referee confirmed for Portugal v Spain showdown

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for the Selecao in the six-goal thriller which kicked off their Group B campaign as both nations finished in the top two spots.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is still going strong however it was all but confirmed ahead of this latest fixture that he is taking part in his sixth and final World Cup as a player.

But who will be presiding over the spectacle in Texas?

Anthony Taylor has been confirmed as the referee for the Texas showdown after spending over 16 years operating predominantly in the Premier League.

The 47-year-old previously took charge of two group matches at this World Cup in Senegal's 5-0 win over Iraq and Colombia's 3-1 victory against Uzbekistan.

Taylor, who hails from Greater Manchester, boasts experience officiating 838 competitive matches and has been a FIFA's approved list of referees since 2013.

His disciplinary record is averaging at close to four yellow cards per game while he awarded a penalty once every five games in the English top flight last season.

Two of Taylor's compatriots and fellow Premier League officials will be working alongside him in Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn as the game's assistant referees.

German duo Felix Zwayer and Robert Kempter are set to serve as fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively for the contest in the Lone Star State.

Taylor has previously refereed five matches involving Spain and four with Portugal.

Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Michael Olise.

Michael Olise has been on Real Madrid's radar throughout this summer as they aim to launch Jose Mourinho's second spell in charge with a marquee signing.

The Spanish giants are in the midst of a summer recruitment spree with four high-profile additions already winging their way to the Bernabeu in a matter of weeks.

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Real Madrid's world-record Michael Olise package revealed

Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries have all signed up with Los Blancos since president Florentino Perez's re-election.

However Bayern Munich winger Olise was a cornerstone of Perez's manifesto to stay in power for a 23rd combined year across two spells in the Spanish capital.

Although the Madrid figurehead did not publicly name the France international, the club has been forced to publicly dispute suggestions of talk with the player's camp.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer echoed that by insisting the only contact he received from Madrid was to deny allegations of any behind-the-scenes contact.

Hainer also cautioned Perez that he can 'save himself the effort' if he did have an offer in mind for Olise amid claims of a €150 million offer to tempt the Bavarians.

But fresh reports suggest that last season's La Liga runner-up are now planning to put together an eye-watering financial package for the ex-Crystal Palace star.

According to Fichajes, Madrid will table a proposal of €190 million with a further €30 million which would take the deal close to the existing world-record transfer fee.

Neymar continues to hold the title as football's costliest ever player following his €222 million switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in summer 2017.

Olise is in the throes of his best-ever season with Bayern in which he racked up 25 goals and 28 assists in 57 appearances to win his second Bundesliga title.

The 24-year-old remains in with a strong chance of winning the World Cup after France reached the quarter-final stage, where they will take on Morocco.

UEFA have waded into the row over Folarin Balogun's suspended one-match ban in stunning fashion.

Folarin Balogun was set to miss out on the United States' World Cup last-16 showdown with Belgium on Monday after a sending off during the previous round of 32.

The Monaco forward received a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic, which incurred an automatic suspension.

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UEFA condemn FIFA's Folarin Balogun decision

However FIFA triggered 'Article 27' of its Disciplinary Code, which allows Balogun's looming ban to be held back for a probationary 12-month period.

The decision was reportedly taken after private discussions between US President Donald Trump and the head of world football's governing body, Gianni Infantino.

It means Balogun, who has scored three goals in as many World Cup starts, will be available for Mauricio Pochettino's side in their encounter with the Red Devils.

FIFA's retrospective action is being widely condemned with Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia blasting the decision as an 'April Fools' ahead of the clash in Seattle.

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville said the move 'absolutely stinks' after the governing body 'just decided to basically let a player play'.

Sepp Blatter, Infantino's controversial predecessor as FIFA President, has also questioned Trump's potential involvement in Balogun's ban receiving a temporary hold.

"Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies," he wrote on X. "If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President - and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match - the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis [Where are you going], FIFA? Football must never become a playground for political power."

Now UEFA have issued a forthright condemnation of their global counterparts and insisted the decision to suspend Balogun's ban on Sunday 'crossed a red line'.

"Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition," read an official statement. "Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

"It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

"When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.

"Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.

"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision."

England's route to the World Cup final is beginning to take shape.

Thomas Tuchel could be the man who ends 60 years of hurt for England after reaching the World Cup's last eight after a memorable 3-2 win over Mexico.

The Three Lions made history by inflicting only a third defeat on their hosts at the Estadio Azteca, where they previously lost to Argentina in the 1986 quarter finals.

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England's World Cup final path mapped out

Tuchel's side defied the odds against a partisan home crowd as well as seeing out most of the second half with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's straight red card.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender was dismissed for violent conduct after a challenge on Jesus Gallardo in the 54th minute as the hosts pushed to overturn a 2-0 deficit.

England are unbeaten in all five of their World Cup encounters, drawing just once in their Group L campaign against Ghana before progressing to the knockout stage.

Norway lie in wait for their ninth World Cup quarter final appearance which will take place at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on 11 July with kick-off at 10pm UK time.

Should they overcome Erling Haaland and co, a second semi-final in eight years beckons which could see them lining up against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

The Vikings are set for their maiden quarter-final involvement after eliminating five-time world champions Brazil with a 2-1 win in Sunday's MetLife Stadium encounter.

The reigning holders face Egypt in Tuesday's last-16 tie, where the winner will be pitted against whoever progresses from Switzerland and Colombia's clash.

England's potential opponents in the 19 July showpiece at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium will offer no easy path to glory with six formidable nations still in contention on the other side of the draw.

The USA and Belgium are set to do battle in their last-16 tie early on Tuesday to earn a place in the quarter final against the winner of Portugal's clash with Spain.

Current tournament favourites France and Morocco are already through to a head-to-head meeting in the last eight, with the latter previously knocking out the Netherlands.

If England do go all the way for the first time since 1966, they will have to do it the hard way.

Jordan Henderson's World Cup is over following a freak injury after England's World Cup win over Mexico.

England set up a World Cup quarter-final meeting against Norway in the early hours of Monday thanks to a memorable 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16.

Thomas Tuchel's side made history at the Estadio Azteca by inflicting only a third defeat on the tournament co-hosts during a balmy encounter in Mexico City.

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Jordan Henderson injury latest confirmed

Henderson was among the headline makers for the Three Lions despite not playing any actual on-field involvement in the historic knockout encounter against El Tri.

The Brentford midfielder received a booking as an unused substitute for getting into an altercation while warming up on the touchline during the game's latter stages.

But Henderson's night took a dramatic turn shortly after the final as he fell over an advertising board while joining in the celebrations with his England teammates.

He was given oxygen and carried off on a stretcher with a suspected wrist injury in an incident that sparked memories of Steve Morrow's collarbone injury sustained when celebrating Arsenal's League Cup final win on the pitch in 1993.

It has now been confirmed by The Athletic that he will need a surgical procedure on the injury and won't play again at the tournament.

Match-winners Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane gave contrasting information on whether the former Liverpool captain had suffered a serious injury to BBC Sport.

Bellingham described Henderson's prognosis as 'a bit of bother' while captain Kane said: "Hendo just fell over there. I think he's ok. Something to do with his arm".

However Tuchel admitted post-match that the 36-year-old had been taken to hospital to undergo assessment on his wrist following the freak accident. He has stayed in Mexico City with a member of England’s medical staff rather than return to Kansas City with the rest of the squad.

“Jordan injured his wrist, it just doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is not with us," said the England manager. I don’t know the procedure, the doctor told me he is in the hospital.”

Henderson has featured just once for England at this World Cup with a late substitute appearance in their final group stage victory over Panama.

The England media team are yet to release an official update on Henderson, but it appears likely he will be unable to contribute any more to England's 2026 World Cup campaign in a playing capacity.

Jordan Henderson was taken off the pitch at Estadio Azteca on a stretcher and receiving oxygen after an incident after the game.

The Brentford midfielder was an unused substitute for England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, but naturally joined his teammates for the post-match celebrations.

Henderson fell over the advertising hoardings after standing in front the England fans while they belted out Wonderwall.

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Jordan Henderson 'did something to his arm' in post-match celebrations

It was a thrilling and hard-fought victory for England, who twice took a two-goal lead over Mexico only to be pegged back both times.

Jarell Quansah's straight red card just before the hour certainly didn't help matters, but Thomas Tuchel's side were able to hold on through a tense finale and set up a quarter-final tie with Norway.

England captain Harry Kane told the BBC after the game: "Jordan just fell over there, I think he's OK, just something to do with his arm."

Jude Bellingham added: "He's in a bit of bother, but our medical team have got everything under control.

"It's probably not best to give too much detail because I don't really know too much what's going on, but everyone's there to support him and even that was a beautiful thing to see."

Further details on Henderson's condition are not available at time of writing.

Henderson has appeared just once at this World Cup, coming off the bench for the final six minutes of England's group stage win over Panama with qualification already assured.

England will now face Norway on Saturday night after Erling Haaland scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil.

England's goals came from a quickfire double from Bellingham in the first half, with Kane adding their third from the spot just minutes after Quansah's dismissal.