Author: Rowan Clarke

Despite the storm surrounding Folarin Balogun’s overturned red-card suspension, Gianni Infantino’s grip on the Fifa presidency remains as firm as ever. Balogun has been the standout player of the tournament for the United States, scoring three goals as co-hosts during the 2026 World Cup. He was sent off during the group stage against Bosnia-Herzegovina but has been cleared to play in the last-16 tie against Belgium after his suspension was cancelled. World Cup rules do not permit appeals against red card bans, making the reversal an unprecedented move that has left football’s governing structures looking deeply compromised. US President Donald…

England’s Football Association is considering whether to challenge Jarell Quansah’s red card from Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was dismissed in the 54th minute following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, which was deemed serious foul play by the referee. With the challenge classified as serious foul play, Quansah now faces the prospect of a two-game ban at a critical stage of the tournament. The FA’s deliberations come in the wake of a remarkable precedent set by Fifa involving United States striker Folarin Balogun’s overturned red card. Balogun was sent off for a…

Balogun’s one-match World Cup suspension has been lifted after Donald Trump confirmed he personally contacted Fifa to request a review of the decision. The United States striker, aged 25, had been facing an automatic ban after receiving a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the group stage. Fifa made the shock decision to suspend the ban for a 12-month probationary period, citing article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows for partial suspension of disciplinary measures. The ruling clears Balogun, who has scored three goals at this summer’s tournament, to play against Belgium in…

Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered a defiant message to his critics ahead of Portugal’s World Cup last-16 clash with Spain on Monday at Dallas Stadium. The 41-year-old addressed the media before the high-stakes tie, acknowledging openly that he is no longer the player he once was. “I am not the player I used to be,” Ronaldo said, but he remained characteristically unapologetic when pressed further about the criticism surrounding his performances. When asked about his future and recent attacks on his form, Ronaldo fired back with a memorable response directed squarely at those who have questioned him. “You have been trying…

Uefa has launched a fierce attack on Fifa over its decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban at the 2026 World Cup. The United States striker was sent off during the group stage clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina and should have been suspended for Tuesday’s last-16 tie against Belgium. Fifa instead opted not to enforce the ban, meaning the co-hosts’ leading goalscorer remains available for the knockout fixture, which kicks off at 01:00 BST. Uefa described the intervention as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” warning that the very integrity of the game is now under threat. The governing body stated that an…

England delivered one of their greatest ever victories as they beat Mexico 3-2 at the iconic Azteca Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The win, which sends England through to face Norway in Miami on Saturday, is being hailed as arguably their finest result since lifting the World Cup at Wembley in 1966. Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame extraordinary obstacles throughout the evening, including altitude above 7,000 feet, a one-hour weather delay, and a red card for Jarell Quansah early in the second half. Jude Bellingham was the standout performer, scoring twice and producing a complete all-round display that had…

England head coach Thomas Tuchel launched a fierce attack on World Cup officiating following his side’s dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The Three Lions came through a thrilling and turbulent encounter that saw them reduced to 10 men and concede a disputed penalty in a game full of controversy. Tuchel was direct in his assessment of the officials after the final whistle, leaving no room for ambiguity in his criticism of those tasked with controlling the match. “It’s just not good enough,” Tuchel told BBC Sport. “The referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are…

Norway have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history after Erling Haaland scored twice in a memorable 2-1 victory over Brazil. The 25-year-old striker broke the deadlock 79 minutes into the last-16 tie before adding a second just 11 minutes later to seal a famous win. Haaland’s second goal, a low drive from outside the box, moved him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings with seven goals. Despite having only four touches inside the box across the entire match, the Manchester City forward produced two moments…

Fans and media inside the Azteca Stadium have been told to remain in their seats as severe weather descends on Mexico City ahead of the last-16 World Cup clash. The match between Mexico and England is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 local time on Sunday, which is 01:00 BST on Monday morning. Heavy rain has battered the city throughout the day, with reports of lightning visible above the famous stadium in the hours before kick-off. Big screens inside the Azteca alerted supporters that an electrical storm was approaching and instructed them to stay in their seats, though many sought…

The BBC has announced a special viewing package for England’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico, catering to fans unable to watch through the night. The match kicks off at 01:00 BST on Monday, with live coverage broadcast exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for the early hours audience. Presenter Kelly Cates will be joined in the studio by Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards as England look to progress to the quarter-finals. For those unwilling to sacrifice sleep, BBC Two will air a full no-spoiler re-run of the game from 07:10 BST on Monday morning. A full…