'It's over': Neymar says Brazil career is finished
Neymar declared his international career with Brazil over following their 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 on Sunday. The 34-year-old forward was emotional during an interview with TV Globo, shedding tears after scoring Brazil’s only goal via a stoppage-time penalty in East Rutherford.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said.
Neymar made his international debut for Brazil in a friendly against the United States on April 10, 2010, at MetLife Stadium, the same venue as Sunday’s match, scoring in that debut. If he retires from international football, Neymar will finish as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s 77. Pelé was the only Brazilian to appear in four World Cups before Neymar matched him on Sunday.
In terms of appearances, Cafu leads with 142 caps for Brazil, while Neymar’s 130 caps place him second on the all-time list. ()
England’s resilience shines in Mexico victory
England defender Ezri Konsa credited the squad’s “brotherhood” for their remarkable 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last-16 match at Estadio Azteca. Despite challenges including altitude, a hostile home crowd, a delayed kickoff, and the sending off of Jarell Quansah in the second half, England secured a memorable win.
Konsa played a key role in England’s defensive efforts, initially in central defense and later at right-back after Quansah’s red card. He emphasized the importance of adaptability and collective effort.
“One hundred per cent, it was a brotherhood, you saw that today, the effort we had to put in,” Konsa said. “Certain players were changing positions, like myself, and putting in a shift. If you want to go far in the tournament, it’s what you have to do.
“The boss had to make some changes, I thought Dan Burn and John Stones were excellent when they came on. Having those kinds of players to come on and help us was a great feeling. The only thing we were thinking was to show our togetherness, to show how good we can be together defensively.
“I am sure at home it was an amazing game to watch but on the pitch it was a long one, especially when there are 11 minutes added on, but we had to show our strength, show our grit. Really proud of the boys and on to the next one.”
Nottingham Forest confirm Oliver Glasner appointment
Nottingham Forest have appointed Oliver Glasner as their new head coach on a three-year contract. Glasner is the club’s fifth head coach in under a year and joins after a successful tenure at Crystal Palace, where he led the team to their first major trophy, the FA Cup in 2025, followed by a Conference League title in May. Glasner had announced four months prior that he would not renew his contract with Palace.
Controversy over Folarin Balogun’s red card reversal
The decision to overturn the one-match suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogun has sparked widespread debate. Pablo Iglesias Maurer criticized the political influence behind the decision, particularly highlighting former US President Donald Trump’s involvement.
“Asking any of us to believe that Fifa is not influenced by Trump is an absurdity. It is tantamount to asking us to believe that Trump was awarded its ‘peace prize’ on merit alone. Infantino’s relationship with Trump has long been a cozy one, a mutually beneficial symbiosis where Trump gets the type of sycophantic praise and attention he thrives on and Infantino gets the keys to the biggest commercial market in the world for Fifa’s cash cow.”
Sources revealed that Trump made three calls to Fifa starting Wednesday to ensure the suspension was lifted, allowing Balogun to play in the upcoming last-16 match against Belgium. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed astonishment and is exploring all options, including an appeal.
Belgium granted right to appeal Balogun decision
According to The Athletic, Belgium has been granted the right to appeal Fifa’s decision to suspend Balogun’s red card ban. The RBFA formally requested the appeal and was given permission. Both the RBFA and US Soccer were asked to submit their arguments by 1pm BST, 12 hours before the match at Seattle Stadium. A Fifa appeals committee member has been assigned to hear the case, though a ruling before the match is not guaranteed. ()
South Korean FA president resigns amid World Cup fallout
Following South Korea’s group-stage exit and critical remarks from President Lee Jae Myung, Korean Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu resigned after 13 years in the role.
“There were moments when I lived up to expectations and moments when I left you deeply disappointed,” Chung said. “All the success is thanks to our players and fans, and all the mistakes are my responsibility. I am convinced that Korean football will overcome adversity and reach great heights once again, as it always has.”
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente praises current midfield
In response to a question from Anne Butterfield about whether Spain’s current midfield matches the 2010 World Cup final lineup, coach Luis de la Fuente expressed high regard for his current players.
“Well … they’re two great midfields. In my opinion, and I say this with the greatest of respect to everyone, we have the best midfield in the world. We have two players per position who are the best players. I can list them: Rodrigo, Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri, Olmo, Merino, Fabian, Baena, Gavi, Fermín who isn’t here [because of injury], etc … etc. I have probably left someone out and he will get angry; don’t get angry. I remember you all. That was an extraordinary midfield [in 2010] as well, it’s true. Football changes, but I would put us at almost the same level.”
Spotlight on Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal
Sid Lowe highlighted the contributions of Spain’s forward Mikel Oyarzabal during their recent match against Austria. A memorable moment was captured when Oyarzabal’s mother, Dorleta, was seen celebrating his second goal of the game, which was also his fourth of the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces final World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, confirmed that this World Cup will be his last. He stated that he will retire from international football once Portugal’s campaign concludes.
“This will be my last World Cup; God willing tomorrow is not my last game. I’m not missing anything; God has been generous to me. I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”
World Cup quarter-final fixtures
- France vs Morocco (Boston, Thursday 9pm BST, 4pm EDT)
- Portugal or Spain vs USA or Belgium (Los Angeles, Friday 8pm BST, 3pm EDT)
- Norway vs England (Miami, Saturday 10pm BST, 5pm EDT)
- Argentina or Egypt vs Switzerland or Colombia (Kansas City, Sunday 10pm BST, 5pm EDT)
Remaining last-16 fixtures
- Portugal vs Spain (Dallas, today 8pm BST, 3pm EDT)
- USA vs Belgium (Seattle, Tuesday 1am BST, Monday 8pm EDT)
- Argentina vs Egypt (Atlanta, Tuesday 5pm BST, noon EDT)
- Switzerland vs Colombia (Vancouver, Tuesday 9pm BST, 4pm EDT)
Teams eliminated in last 32
South Africa, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Côte d’Ivoire, Sweden, Ecuador, DR Congo, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Croatia, Algeria, Australia, Cape Verde, Ghana.
Teams eliminated in last 16
Canada, Paraguay, Brazil, Mexico.
Golden Boot race update
Erling Haaland’s two goals against Brazil have brought him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at seven goals each. Harry Kane, who scored a penalty against Mexico, is one goal behind with six.
Concerns over refereeing and disciplinary decisions
Criticism has been directed at refereeing standards and disciplinary rulings, including the controversial reversal of red cards for Cristiano Ronaldo and Folarin Balogun. The use of Article 27 of Fifa’s disciplinary code has drawn particular scrutiny.
Explanation of Balogun’s eligibility to play
Matt Hughes provided insight into how Balogun became eligible to play against Belgium despite his initial suspension. The decision involved high-level intervention and has sparked questions about the influence behind it.
England’s post-match reflections
Thomas Tuchel praised his team’s heroic performance against Mexico, highlighting their resilience amid adversity.
“I’m so happy with the players, and also for me, to live this experience in the last two days. Such a special memory, and against all the adversity it makes it very special for us. If a team has heart and belief then it’s this team. They did it on pure will. No words. Iconic match, iconic stadium, we overcame so much adversity today.”
England’s next opponents, Norway, defeated Brazil 2-1 in a match hailed as historic by Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken and striker Erling Haaland.
England’s experience at the Azteca
Manchester witnessed a lively celebration following England’s victory, reminiscent of major concert events. The atmosphere at the Azteca was intense, with England overcoming a difficult environment and a red card to secure their win.
Jordan Henderson suffered a serious wrist injury during post-match celebrations and was taken to hospital, putting his tournament participation in doubt.
Jude Bellingham was instrumental in the match, scoring twice and contributing defensively during critical moments.
Match reports and analysis
David Hytner described England’s victory as their finest knockout phase win since 1966. Barney Ronay characterized the Mexico match as an extraordinary and agonizing football experience.
Paul MacInnes and Nick Ames provided detailed reports and player ratings, highlighting key performances and tactical decisions by Thomas Tuchel.
Brazil vs Norway match highlights
Brazil’s young talent Endrick was unable to change the outcome despite a promising chance. Neymar’s late penalty goal was insufficient to prevent defeat. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s efforts resulted in earlier wins but could not avert Brazil’s exit.
Erling Haaland’s second goal was widely praised as one of the greatest moments in Norwegian football history.
Fan reactions and cultural impact
In Oslo, approximately 100,000 people celebrated Norway’s progression to the quarter-finals, representing about one in seven residents of the city.
Looking ahead
Attention turns to the upcoming Spain vs Portugal match, which may mark Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance. The controversy surrounding Balogun’s eligibility continues to dominate discussions.
Thomas Tuchel’s strategic adjustments after Quansah’s red card were pivotal in England’s victory. The team’s collective effort and resilience were widely praised.
Fans and commentators alike anticipate the next stages of the tournament with excitement and reflection on the dramatic events so far.
