The rescinding of USA forward Folarin Balogun's suspension on US president Donald Trump's request shows how much corruption and greed has eaten into the sport's showpiece event.

Safa Kabir may have seen her beloved Brazil bow out of the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the experience of watching the Selecao in action remains one she will cherish for years to come.

He is no longer the winger who breezed past defenders at will for Manchester United. Nor is he the unstoppable force Real Madrid relied upon to change a game in an instant.

The twenty-fifth day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 had everything -- heavyweights crashing out and a knockout classic that went down to the wire.

The sweltering Dallas heat will provide the backdrop, but the real temperature will rise when Portugal face an in-form Spain in one of the most eagerly awaited World Cup last-16 clashes tonight.

France star Kylian Mbappe reclaimed top spot after netting his seventh goal of the tournament in the Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. The French forward edges ahead thanks to his two assists, giving him the advantage over Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who also sits on seven goals.

FIFA will allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium on Monday after suspending his ban for a red card in the previous round, citing Article 27 of the world ruling body's Disciplinary Code.

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted this World Cup will be his last and stressed he leaves with no regrets ahead of Portugal's last-16 clash with neighbours Spain in Dallas on Monday.

Kane also questioned one of the game's key decisions after being penalised for the challenge that led to Mexico's second goal from the spot.

Bellingham struck twice in 98 seconds in the first half to condemn Mexico to just a third defeat in 90 matches at the Azteca.

The 34-year-old was moved to tears after the match.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted his side deserved better despite their shock World Cup exit to Norway, saying the painful defeat should become "fuel" for a new era rather than define the beginning of his reign.

Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland said his country's stunning World Cup win against Brazil had been launched by his penalty save during the 2-1 victory.

Argentina possess the quality and experience to advance, but if they once again need a 39-year-old Messi alone to rescue them, they may not be so fortunate this time.

The match at the Estadio Azteca will now kick-off at 7:00 am (Bangladesh time) after thunder storms and heavy rain lashed Mexico City.

Kept under wraps for most of the round of 16 fixture, Haaland's sixth and seventh goals of the tournament sent Brazil to their earliest exit since being eliminated in the round of 16 in 1990. He's now tied with Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe for the tournament lead.

Manchester City striker Haaland headed Norway into the lead on 79 minutes and then crashed in a second in the 90th minute at the MetLife Stadium to bury Brazil's hopes of a sixth World Cup crown.

Trump called Infantino on Wednesday, the same day that the red card was given, the source said on condition of anonymity. Football's governing body suspended Bologun's one-game ban on Sunday, meaning he can now play in USA's last-16 match against Belgium.

The extraordinary FIFA ruling means that Balogun is now free to play for the World Cup co-hosts on Monday when they face Belgium in Seattle with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Belgium's football association said Sunday it was "astonished" at FIFA's decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 game.