In a seismic upset that fundamentally alters the landscape of international football, Norway staged an extraordinary defensive masterclass to dump five-time world champions Brazil out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a breathtaking 2-1 Round of 16 victory. Playing under the blinding lights of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Monday, July 6, 2026, the heavily favored Seleção paid a devastating price for squandering early tactical dominance. Brazil was thrown a golden liferaft in the first half following a VAR-dictated penalty review, but Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland anticipated perfectly, executing a spectacular diving save to deny Bruno Guimarães from the spot. Anchored by that defensive resilience, Ståle Solbakken’s disciplined squad methodically executed swift transition play in the second half. Supersub Andreas Schjelderup turned into the architect of Brazilian heartbreak, first carving open the defense in the 79th minute with a floating cross that Erling Haaland powerfully headed past Alisson Becker, before assisting the clinical Manchester City striker again in the 90th minute for a decisive tap-in. While a late VAR penalty allowed a devastated Neymar to score in the 100th minute, the final whistle immediately prompted emotional scenes as the icon broke down in tears, formally announcing his immediate retirement from international football and drawing a poignant curtain on his 16-year journey as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer.

A dramatic 94th-minute header from super-sub Gonçalo Ramos propelled Portugal into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, sealing a breathtaking 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia at the Toronto Stadium. The high-stakes European blockbuster ended in absolute frenzy and VAR controversy, signaling a heartbreaking curtain call for Croatian legend Luka Modrić on the world stage.

England narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in their FIFA World Cup history, relying on two late goals from captain Harry Kane to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.

A historic night unfolded at the New York/New Jersey Stadium as tournament favorites France kickstarted their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a clinical 3-1 victory over Senegal. The Group I opening fixture belonged to French captain Kylian Mbappé, whose second-half brilliance secured the points and rewrote French football history. 

Brazil secured champions endured a difficult first half as Japan produced a disciplined defensive performance and stunned Brazil by taking the lead in the 29th minute. Kaishu Sano capitalised on Japan’s quick attacking move to put the Asian side ahead, leaving Brazil struggling to find their rhythm before the break.

Electing to bat first in the must-win Group A clash, India started with intent. Openers Smriti Mandhana (38) and Shafali Verma (34) laid a solid foundation with a 66-run partnership. While the middle overs saw a slight dip in momentum and a frustrating run-out for Mandhana, Kaur took the onus of acceleration entirely upon herself. The skipper played a blistering, captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 27 deliveries. Her late onslaught—highlighted by three consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux in the final over—propelled India to a formidable 170/4.