Daily Archives: July 8, 2026

World Cup 2026 team power rankings: England on the rise as last eight are set

“>We assess the teams who played in the tournament’s last 16 before the next round of games begins. 1) France (no change from previous rankings*) A very different side of France came to the fore, proving they are not mere showboaters, there is plenty of steel, grit and determination among the ranks. It was a brutal encounter as they became targets for Paraguay, who added menace to the low block. No one in blue retreated to the shadows, instead taking the overaggression head on, using it as fuel. … 2) Spain (no change) Goals win matches but defences win championships. It is five games without conceding and La Roja had little trouble keeping Portugal quiet, thanks to fine organisation at the back and the diligence of those carrying out instruction. …”
Guardian

Argentina fans accused of violence, racism by Egypt, Cape Verde supporters

“Sections of Egyptian and Cape Verdean fans have accused their Argentinian counterparts of violent behaviour during the past two matches played by the reigning champions at the World Cup. The accusations, coupled with at least one high-profile allegation of racism, have brought new scrutiny to Argentina’s title defence, after two closely fought knockout matches in which lower-ranked opponents nearly embarrassed Lionel Messi’s side. On Tuesday, Egypt led Argentina 2-0 in Atlanta before Messi’s side staged a stunning late comeback to advance to the quarterfinals. Their fans reacted to the team’s poor start and eventual turnaround by attacking their Egyptian counterparts in ugly scenes filmed by a spectator at Atlanta Stadium. Supporters of the Albiceleste were filmed throwing beer on Egypt’s fans after the world champions equalised against the Pharaohs in the closing stages of the round-of-16 encounter. …”
Aljazeera (Video)

Switzerland hold nerve in penalty shootout to sink Colombia and reach World Cup quarter-finals

Ruben Vargas scores Switzerland’s winning penalty
“The World Cup quarter-final line-up is complete. Switzerland became the eighth, and final, nation to progress from the round of 16 as they booked a meeting with holders Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. They defeated Colombia 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout, after a goalless draw; Gregor Kobel proving the hero with an exceptional save from Cucho Hernandez. A scrappy, even game was dominated by two exceptional defences, and there were precious few chances worthy of the name as both teams wrestled with the weight of the occasion. Our writers debate the big talking points in Vancouver. …”
NYT/ATH
YouTube: Switzerland vs Colombia Highlights 🌎🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16, FULL PENALTIES ⚽️ Switzerland vs Colombia 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Round of 16