Spain had failed to create clear-cut openings in a poor second half before Ferran Torres played in the Arsenal midfielder, who slotted low past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.

The 1-0 result was a repeat of their meeting at the same stage in 2010 and sets up a quarter-final tie with either co-hosts United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, 10 July (20:00 BST).

Portugal’s defeat also ends 41-year-old Ronaldo’s World Cup career after the superstar confirmed this tournament would be his last.

Spain squandered a gilt-edged chance after just three minutes as Dani Olmo’s pass helped Mikel Oyarzabal get behind the defence, but the Real Sociedad striker dragged his effort wide.

Costa then produced a double save to deny Spanish duo Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena in quick succession as La Roja probed for an opener, but it was Portugal who went closest next.

Spain were saved by the woodwork in the 41st minute as Nuno Mendes’ venomous left-foot strike took a deflection off Pedro Porro and rattled the crossbar. However, the game remained goalless at the break.

Roberto Martinez’s side continued to grow into the game after the break, though Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure up front in a second half that produced little in the way of action in the final third.

Bruno Fernandes hit the side-netting in the 76th minute, while at the other end Olmo’s shot from inside the box was blocked by a brave Ruben Dias before the two Spain substitutes combined to produce the match-winning moment.

Celeste Amarilla, of Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, posted her comments on X after her country’s defeat by France in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Mbappe responded: “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.

“You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.

“Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.

“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.”

The French football federation (FFF) has announced plans to file ⁠criminal charges, describing Amarilla’s remarks as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable”.

In a statement, the FFF said: “These remarks ​are criminal and reprehensible. ​They must be prosecuted here ​as elsewhere. The FFF is reporting the matter to the ​public prosecutor’s office ‌with a ​view to legal ​proceedings.

“These remarks bring shame upon those who make them and those who disseminate them. The players of the French national team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted.”

Mbappe scored a winning penalty in the second half of Saturday’s tie, setting up a quarter-final against Morocco in Boston on Thursday.

With seven goals, Mbappe is the joint top-scorer in this year’s tournament, level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Norway’s Erling Haaland.

Amarilla’s comments follow those of former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, who said in the build-up to the match that his national side were facing “a squad from Africa”.

Those remarks also drew a response from FFF president Philippe Diallo, who called Chilavert a “disgrace”.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the racist remarks made by Jose Luis Chilavert against the French national team, which undermine the values of respect, fraternity, and diversity in our football,” Diallo said.

“If he was once a great goalkeeper, this man has now fallen into disgrace.”

Tuchel’s right-back crisis intensified after Jarell Quansah’s red card in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Mexico, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen defender is suspended for England’s next knockout tie in Miami.

James is yet to return to full training having suffered a hamstring injury in the second group match against Ghana, and he has missed the games against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico.

But there is emerging hope the 26-year-old can ease England’s problems at right-back by returning to full training this week.

After Quansah’s red card in the 54th minute in Mexico City, Ezri Konsa – who has started all of England’s games at centre-back – finished as a right wing-back.

Over five matches, James, Djed Spence, Konsa, John Stones, Quansah and midfielder Declan Rice have all appeared as right-sided defenders at various points, while, in the build-up to the tournament, Tino Livramento suffered a calf injury.

Konsa and Spence remain options for Tuchel, but the expected availability of James will come as a welcome piece of news given the Chelsea captain is recognised as England’s first-choice right-back.

The four-time African champions saw their World Cup journey come to an end after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32, ending their hopes of progressing to the last 16.

Williams started the encounter but was replaced by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in the 62nd minute.

The match marked his second appearance of the tournament, having also featured in Ghana’s goalless group-stage draw against England.

Taking to social media after the defeat, the Athletic Bilbao forward thanked supporters and reflected positively on the team’s campaign.

“Proud of this team and of all the work we’ve done. We all wanted more, but seeing the whole country come together again to give strength to the Ghana Black Stars has been truly special. From the heart, thank you, Ghana… We’ll come back,” he wrote.

Although disappointed by the early exit, Ghana can take encouragement from reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

The Black Stars progressed from Group L before falling to Colombia in the first knockout round.

The team’s focus will now turn to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September, as they aim to build on their World Cup campaign and secure a place at the continental showpiece.

The 25-year-old striker was involved in an incident that led to him being sent off in the United States’ Round of 32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Balogun had been due to serve a one-match ban; however, on Sunday, FIFA announced that the suspension had been deferred for one year, making the 25-year-old eligible for the United States’ Round of 16 tie against Belgium.

Speaking on the incident, Trump argued that the challenge leading to Balogun’s dismissal did not warrant a foul, describing it as an accidental collision between two players sprinting at full speed.

“I spoke to Gianni… I saw the play. I’m a person who loves sports and was a good athlete. I understand sports really well. Really well. That wasn’t a foul. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other,” he said.

The US President also questioned the fairness of imposing a suspension that would affect a future match, maintaining that such punishment was excessive.

“It’s one thing to penalise somebody for the game, but how do you penalise them for a game that hasn’t been played yet? It’s very unfair; you can’t do that,” he added.

Trump confirmed that he requested FIFA to review the disciplinary decision and praised Infantino for responding to his concerns. he further highlighted his role in bringing major international sporting events to the United States, claiming credit for securing both the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games.

“Yes, I asked for a review by FIFA. I spoke to a man who is highly respected, whose level of respect has gone up tenfold, and he was good before this started, but he really pushed it in this country. I’m the one who got them to do it [bring the World Cup to America]. It was not [Joe] Biden. I got the Olympics, and I got the World Cup. We gave a little piece to Canada, a little piece to Mexico, but I got that myself,” Trump stated.

The US President noted that his involvement was limited to requesting a review of the decision, stressing that he neither instructed FIFA nor attempted to influence the outcome.

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. Again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different,” he explained.

He added that excluding Balogun from the knockout stages would have diminished the spectacle of the tournament. 

Drawing comparisons with some of football’s biggest stars, Trump argued that major tournaments should feature the world’s elite players whenever possible.

“If they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe among the best players on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain, and I related just that feeling. I didn’t tell them what to do. I can’t tell them what to do.”

“How would you feel if you took Lionel Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo, or Harry Kane out? You can’t do that. We gotta have our best players, and Belgium’s got a great team, by the way. We gotta have our best, and they gotta have their best. And if we win or we lose, it’s fair,” he added.

The President also reiterated that he had personally contacted Infantino to seek a review of the incident, commending the FIFA chief for his leadership while again claiming credit for bringing the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games to the United States.

The controversy surrounding Balogun’s suspension has sparked widespread debate across the football world, with supporters divided over FIFA’s decision to defer the ban.

While critics have questioned the circumstances behind the ruling, Trump insists the review produced the correct outcome and ensured that one of the United States’ key players remained available for the country’s World Cup campaign.

The Black Stars were knocked out in the Round of 32 after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, with Jhon Arias scoring the only goal of the match in the first half.

Ayew featured in all four of Ghana’s games at the tournament but has faced growing criticism over his performances during the campaign.

Speaking on Channel TV, Glover questioned the forward’s impact and suggested that his role in the national team has significantly diminished.

He argued that the 34-year-old should no longer be a regular starter.

“Jordan Ayew has outlived his stay, and he can only play 20 to 25 minutes. He holds onto the ball too much, and he is so slow, but I know that is his style, and by doing that, you invite hard tackles on you,” he said.

“He is always on the floor, expecting the referees to protect him, but as a striker, you don’t hold onto the ball too much. With aerial balls and ground balls, you should be quick, but you only hold onto the ball when you don’t have anyone around you.”

He further suggested that the veteran forward should have been used sparingly in the tournament to allow younger players more opportunities.

“So for me, Jordan Ayew was a disaster, and he should have played a maximum of 20 minutes and allowed the young players to feature,” Glover added.

Ghana’s early exit has also led to changes in the technical setup, with head coach Carlos Queiroz stepping down after taking charge on a short-term contract in April.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain winger came on with 25 minutes remaining but, despite a last-gasp penalty, could not save his side’s hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals and setting up a potential clash with England.

Neymar is now likely to finish his career with no World Cups or Ballons d’Or, and just one UEFA Champions League, despite being seen by many as the heir-apparent to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for much of his career.

The Santos, who was tearful on the pitch at the end of the tie, told Brazilian outlet TV Globo:”I tried. I tried.

“It started here at Met Life stadium and I finished here. It is now over.”

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti added: “It is a very disappointing result and all of us are really saddened. But this was a great group and I have to thank my players, they worked really hard.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose, but we have to accept it. That is football for you, that is sports. Sometimes you have to manage the sadness and bitter taste of a defeat.”

Neymar’s penalty against Norway was a record-extending 80th goal for Brazil, but his first in nearly three years.

Persistent injuries have plagued the twilight of his international career, including an ACL injury in 2023, having broken onto the international scene as a teenager.

How promise turned to disappointment for Neymar

Having made his international debut aged 18, Neymar immediately looked like he would lead Brazil to more World Cup glory.

He looked destined to do so in 2014 on home turf, scoring four times in the group stage, before netting the winning penalty in a shoot-out against Chile to reach the quarter-finals.

However, a back injury against Colombia ended his tournament and he had to watch from the sidelines, alongside nearly 60,000 fans, as his side were beaten 7-1 by winners Germany.

In a stellar 2014/15 season that included a Champions League with Barcelona, Neymar took over the captaincy of the national team, and tasted gold on home soil when Brazil won the 2016 Olympics.

Neymar made it to the 2018 World Cup, albeit still carrying a minor injury, but a 2-1 loss to Belgium in the quarter-finals put paid to any hope of success.

Brazil fell to a European nation at the quarter-final stage again in 2022 when Croatia won on penalties, despite Neymar giving his side the lead in extra time.

This tournament was seen as his final chance for success, even if he was a peripheral figure in the side, but the signs were there that it was not meant to be.

Brazil left it late to qualify and, despite an unbeaten record in the group stage, including effectively eliminating Scotland, were handed a scare against Japan in the last 32, coming from behind and needing a stoppage-time winner.

However, Norway did not show any mercy as Erling Haaland put them to the sword, scoring twice as Brazil’s tournament ended prematurely once more.

Apart from Olympic gold, Neymar’s only international trophy is the 2013 Confederations Cup, highlighting the disappointment that has surrounded this generation of Brazilian footballers.

Ancelotti defiant about his future

Ancelotti doubled down on his intent to stay as Brazil manager, despite his side’s surprise early exit.

The Italian is contracted until after the 2030 World Cup, having taken over the reins last year.

However, defeat to Norway has confirmed that Brazil’s wait for another World Cup extends to at least 28 years, their longest drought since their first title in 1958.

”I don’t think this is the end,” Ancelotti said. ”I think this is the start of a new cycle.

”Brazil could have competed right to the end of this World Cup, even considering what happened in today’s game.

”What I can say, what we can do and what we are going to do, is keep working hard for the national team, keep trying to improve and find new ideas.

“I am very much used to this and we will handle this. We will use it as fuel going forward.”

Jude Bellingham was England’s hero, scoring two goals 99 seconds apart to fire his side into a first-half lead against the run of play, but after Julian Quinones hit back and then Quansah saw red early in the second half, it looked like The Three Lions’ World Cup demons could return.

Yet Harry Kane and Raul Jimenez traded penalties, and England produced a steadfast rearguard action to see out 11 minutes of stoppage time and claim one of their finest World Cup results.

The game got off to a sluggish start with Thomas Tuchel’s side looking to control the game and buy breaks wherever possible, with the hosts losing the foul count 6-1 in the opening half-hour.

However, the contest exploded into life when Jordan Pickford launched a deadly England counter-attack that ended with Bukayo Saka cutting to the byline and expertly sending the ball to the back post where Bellingham was waiting.

And The Three Lions’ faithful could scarcely believe it less than two minutes later when Elliot Anderson won the ball back straight from kick-off, and Kane slid a well-disguised pass across goal for Bellingham to turn home once again, their sixth joint goal participation for England.

That ignited a fearsome Mexican response, though, and four minutes later the hosts were back in the game, as England failed to deal with a dangerous free-kick delivery that fell into the path of Quinones, who smashed his fourth goal of the tournament past a helpless Pickford.

The onslaught continued right up until the half-time whistle as Pickford was forced into a superb diving save, and Cesar Montes looked set for a tap-in from the ensuing corner until Bellingham miraculously appeared to clear the danger.

A more resolute England pushed back in the second half, and Nico O’Reilly hit the post, but their task got much tougher when Quansah’s foot bounced up into Jesus Gallardo’s shin in a last-ditch challenge, and the referee had no other choice than to send the right-back off via a VAR check.

The pendulum swung again when Kane fed Anthony Gordon, who was felled in the box for a penalty and the captain made no mistake from the spot to restore the two-goal lead, yet that lasted just eight minutes before Jimenez scored his own penalty.

Kane innocuously caught Brian Gutierrez battling for a bouncing ball, leaving The Three Lions with 20 minutes plus stoppage time to defend their slender advantage in the toughest of environments.

And incredibly, England did. Mexico peppered the penalty area with crosses, but in his best game of the tournament, Pickford marshalled his territory superbly alongside nine determined outfield players.

England’s reward for becoming only the third side to beat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca is a clash with Norway on Saturday evening in Miami for a place in the World Cup semi-finals, though they may be without Jordan Henderson who injured his wrist in the celebrations, according to Thomas Tuchel, who said the injury “looks really bad”.

The Minister delivered his message to the players after Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium, commending the team’s overall performance despite falling short of their objective.

“We have what it takes to partake in every World Cup and get out of the group stages and even go further,” Adams said.

“So, we didn’t make it. Our wish was that we would have carried the day. But we played so well and I believe we don’t regret we went in. Everybody is congratulating us on having a good team. It means you exhibited something good on the pitch.”

Adams encouraged the players to reflect on the campaign and treat the mistakes made during the tournament as valuable lessons that will strengthen the team going forward.

“What we need is the very few mistakes that we made to become a learning platform for all of us. You become a better player of yourself in the various roles that you play in the team. It should not dampen you,” he added.

The Minister also echoed head coach Carlos Queiroz’s emphasis on teamwork, reminding the squad that their responsibilities to the national team are far from over, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on the horizon.

“As the coach said, he has a team and not individual skilful players. So, we came as a team, we played as a team, and we are returning as a team. And to continue our individual careers, also. So, it is not the end of international competitions. We are going to be calling on you, and you would have to be responding to these calls for the various qualifiers that are ahead of us.”

Adams further advised the players not to be discouraged by criticism following the team’s elimination, particularly on social media, but instead use it as fuel to improve.

“The country is grateful for what we have done. Let’s learn lessons from whatever situation arose and brought us to this point. I know that as we leave here, those of you who love to go on social media will see all manner of postings, analysis, and criticism.

“Please and please, you are professional ballers. Let no such comment dampen anyone. If for anything, it should motivate you to do more. Those who are watching will do their own analysis. Don’t let it dampen any one of you. It should motivate you to be a better person.”

He concluded by thanking the players for their commitment and service to the nation throughout the World Cup campaign.

“You came as a team, you have played as a team, you have done what we can do, and we have reached this point. We are grateful for the service you rendered the country, and the country is grateful.”

The defeat also signals the end of Carlos Queiroz’s brief spell as Black Stars head coach, with the Portuguese trainer stepping down after the tournament.

Queiroz had been appointed on a short-term contract ahead of the World Cup following the dismissal of Otto Addo earlier this year.

The Samba Boys could have taken an early lead when VAR intervened to award a penalty for a rash tackle on Matheus Cunha by Kristoffer Ajer but Bruno Guimaraes saw his poor spot-kick saved by Orjan Nyland.

The goalkeeper also made an excellent stop from Vinicius Jr, while his opposite number Alisson denied Haaland and Martin Odegaard as deadlock remained intact heading into the break.

Substitute Endrick wasted a huge opening less than a minute after coming on just before the hour mark, while Rayan also had a low drive saved.

And Carlo Ancelotti’s men were made to pay as Andreas Schjelderup teed up Haaland with an inviting cross that the striker converted with a towering header that found the bottom corner.

Brazil nearly equalised when a deflection off Ajer required another outstanding stop by Nyland but their race was run when Haaland grabbed his second with a glorious finish from 18 yards.

It means the Samba Boys, who pulled one back when Neymar converted from the spot in the tenth minute of added time after Leo Ostigard was penalised for an elbow on Casemiro, are knocked out at the last-16 stage for the first time since 1990.

No ifs, no buts, no appeals.

The decision to effectively overturn the red card shown to United States’ star forward Florian Balogun leaves many unanswered questions.

Balogun, sent off in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, will now be available to play in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday. He’s the US’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals.

There have been 189 red cards in the history of the World Cup, and only two players have not served a suspension.

The other came in 1962, when Brazil’s Garrincha was sent off against Chile in the semi-final, but played in the victory over Czechoslovakia in the final.

Back then, however, there was no automatic ban. It was decided by the committee with evidence given by the officials.

The Fifa disciplinary committee’s decision in 1962 was shrouded in allegations of political interference. It may well be the case again.

Given the well-established close relationship between the White House and Fifa, questions will be asked because of what is a highly unusual decision in favour of the co-hosts.

Multiple reports say that US President Donald Trump called Fifa president Gianni Infantino earlier this week to ask for the red card to be reviewed. The BBC has not yet confirmed these reports.

Does it set a footballing precedent, too?

Why has Balogun been given a reprieve, but the other 11 players sent off at this World Cup have all served a suspension?

Will it lead to more appeals in football in a bid to cut suspensions even when red cards were justified under the rules?

When it says “misses next match” on the television coverage following the World Cup’s next red card, should we not be so sure it happens?

Here, we break down the decision, what we know and the possible repercussions.

Fifa offered no reason or explanation

There is one overriding question many people are now asking. How?

Fifa’s disciplinary code states that Balogun should receive a ban of “at least two matches for serious foul play”.

Indeed, the World Cup rules do not allow teams to appeal against a red card.

Fifa’s statement offered no reason or explanation for suspending Balogun’s ban. It just cited “article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code”.

Article 27 allows Fifa “to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure”.

It is a wide-ranging rule that allows Fifa to effectively make whatever decision it wants without having to meet any other criteria.

Article 27 has never before been used at a World Cup.

BBC Sport has asked why this happened.

But we were not provided with any reasoning. We were simply directed to Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspended ban before this tournament.

Under Fifa’s disciplinary code, Ronaldo should have received a three-match ban for elbowing Dara O’Shea during Portugal’s 2-0 qualifying defeat by the Republic of Ireland in November.

He served one match in the final qualifier against Armenia – but the remaining two games of the ban were suspended.

Ronaldo’s red card, though, was received in qualifying. It was not a red card at a World Cup.

There have been many cases of players being shown some leniency before a tournament, not just Ronaldo.

See France’s Laurent Koscielny in 2014, or Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo and Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi before this World Cup.

At least with Ronaldo, we were given some justification, with Fifa saying it had taking into account that “he had no red cards in his other 225 international appearances”.

With Balogun, we did not even get that.

It has left a vacuum of information which can only lead to speculation.

Why was this a special case? What factors were taken into account? Who made the decision?

BBC Sport has been told there are no suggestions that the referee asked for the suspension to be removed, or that video assistant referee protocol was not respected.

In England, the Football Association would publish the full written reasons.

The United States have the right to ask Fifa to publish them, Belgium do not.

BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards, a former England defender, said it was a farce.

“To have it suspended for a year makes a mockery of the whole tournament,” he said.

“It is to keep the big stars in the competition. How can that happen? Fifa needs to do better.

“It has left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths.”

Belgium are, of course, furious. They issued a statement on Sunday saying they were “astonished” that Balogun had been cleared to play.

The Belgian FA referenced several regulations, workshop presentations and pre-tournament co-ordination meetings.

They are adamant that the decision contradicts the tournament regulations which state that a player “will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match”.

In effect, they say Fifa used its disciplinary code to override the competition regulations.

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia, speaking at a news conference, went further. He said: “I didn’t know that [at] the Fifa World Cup 5 July is now 1 April, and that is April Fool’s.

“We are not defending the national team or the federation, we’re defending football.”

What must the other players sent off at this tournament be thinking?

Take Qatar’s Assim Madibo, involved in an unfortunate incident which led to a broken leg for Canada’s midfielder Ismael Kone.

There is a clear case here that Madibo did not even make a challenge, that the injury happened by chance and not because of the nature of the tackle.

Yet Fifa handed Madibo a five-game ban – and extra three on top of the standard punishment for serious foul play.

Does the Balogun decision create precedent?

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Balogun was sent off following a video assistant referee review

Was Balogun’s red card harsh? Absolutely.

The striker was challenging Tarik Muharemovic and accidentally brought his foot down on the ankle of the Bosnian.

Harsh does not mean it was an incorrect decision, or that it was so egregious that Fifa simply had to step in.

Should Fifa now rescind any suspension after a red card from an accidental act?

Coaches will be making the argument – precedent has been set, now let’s have consistency.

Intent was taken out of the laws many years ago, and only the result of a challenge is meant to be considered.

Take Xavi Simons’ red card against Liverpool last December. The Tottenham forward did not mean to stand on the back of Virgil van Dijk’s leg, but he did, and it was judged to endanger the safety of the opponent.

Tottenham’s then-head coach Thomas Frank bemoaned the automatic three-match ban, but the club decided against appealing, believing they had no chance of success.

The Balogun decision adds to some concerns within the domestic leagues about decisions at this World Cup.

It is felt that the lack of yellow cards, some of the implementation of VAR, as well as the interpretation of new laws, is impossible to replicate at the league level.

And fans will expect it to be the same.

By repealing Balogun’s ban, it can only make life more difficult for them.

Why can’t the Football Association show clemency just like Fifa did?

Surely excessive bans like that suffered by Simons should be looked at?

Was Trump involved in the decision?

One of the cornerstones of Fifa’s World Cup disciplinary process is that you cannot appeal.

Why has Fifa created a special case for the host nation’s star player?

The red card and suspension caused uproar in the United States.

There have been claims in the US that the striker was given a double punishment by having to miss one match and almost a third of another – the last 27 minutes versus Bosnia and the tie with Belgium. This was grossly unfair, it was said by media commentators in the US.

There was pressure from the media and from the US administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US “got screwed with that red card” and that “there needs to be an appeal process” on Friday.

However, there was no expectation that Fifa would suddenly produce a special dispensation which would allow the former Arsenal striker to play.

Effectively, Balogun received a sin-bin against Bosnia and is free to play again.

Reuters, AFP and the New York Times has reported Trump’s supposed call to Infantino on Wednesday – the day after the Bosnia game – and that he asked the Fifa president to review Balogun’s suspension.

BBC Sport has not confirmed these reports.

On Sunday evening, Trump thanked Fifa for “reversing a great injustice” in a post on Truth Social.

If true, it has parallels with the Garrincha situation, with presidential intervention involved to make sure the Brazil winger was not suspended.

Fifa’s ethics committee had already been asked to investigate Infantino, claiming he broke the governing body’s rules on political neutrality in relation to awarding Trump’s Fifa Peace Prize.

The world governing body’s statutes forbid political interference in football.

If it turns out the US administration did have a role to play, there will be further questions to answer.

But before that, all eyes will be on Balogun and the US against Belgium on Monday.

The 25-year-old striker was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic as the co-hosts won their last-32 tie 2-0.

Fifa said the automatic one-match ban will be suspended for a year.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it is “astonished” by Fifa’s decision and is “investigating all potential options” in response.

“In line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” world governing body Fifa said in a statement.

“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

US President Donald Trump thanked Fifa for “reversing a great injustice” in a post on Truth Social.

Trump, a friend of Fifa president Gianni Infantino, wrote: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

USA forward Christian Pulisic said the squad learned the one-game ban had been suspended on the bus to training on Sunday and said Balogun was “super happy”.

Pulisic added: “Just a big smile on his face and all of ours. The foul wasn’t what it was, it was harsh.”

The RBFA pointed out all previous red cards issued at this World Cup have automatically resulted in a suspension and that Fifa’s decision is in “direct contradiction” of the competition regulations, which were “explicitly reaffirmed” by the governing body to all participating nations in May.

It added: “In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this Fifa World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those who had demanded the decision be reviewed.

Asked about the USA’s World Cup performance during a news conference, Rubio said: “It was great. They got screwed with that red card.

“There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that.”

More broadly in the US, there has been much disquiet from fans about the red card for one of their star players. Many media outlets have questioned the decision and the way football applies its rules – in terms of having to leave the field of play after a red card, and then being banned for a future match.

Balogun has been a key figure for the US at the World Cup, scoring twice for Mauricio Pochettino’s side as they began their campaign with a 4-1 win against Paraguay.

The former Arsenal forward also opened the scoring against Bosnia before getting sent off in the 64th minute after a tussle with Muharemovic for a looping ball.

As Balogun attempted to shield the ball Muharemovic managed to get in front of him, and as the forward’s boot returned to the ground it landed on the back of the Bosnian’s ankle, causing it to twist.

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus brandished the red card after he was sent to the pitchside monitor to watch a super slow-motion replay of the incident by the video assistant referee (VAR).

According to Fifa regulations, a red card “automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match” but the governing body “may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures”.

During the group stages of the tournament, Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo had his one-match suspension increased to five matches for his foul on Canada’s Ismael Kone, who was left with a broken leg.

But there is recent precedent for Fifa suspending a World Cup ban.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was cleared to play in his country’s opening match of the tournament despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the World Cup qualifiers.

The 41-year-old was sent off for an elbow to Dara O’Shea’s back during Portugal’s 2-0 qualifying defeat in November and initially received a three-match ban.

But after sitting out a game against Armenia, Fifa suspended the remainder of the ban for a year on 25 November, allowing Ronaldo to feature in Portugal’s opening two World Cup matches.

The Blue Sharks flew into the capital city, Praia, on Sunday, having been knocked out of the tournament after a thrilling match against reigning champions Argentina.

Jubilant fans transformed the airport’s grounds into a carnival of sorts, banging drums, dancing, chanting and waving the national flag.

Goalkeeper Vozinha, who drew global attention with his performances, told the BBC: “It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people.

Michel Mvondo/BBC

The airport grounds turned into a sea of blue on Sunday

“We wanted something bigger but we didn’t go to the next stage. Now we just enjoy the moment and celebrate with our people,” said Vozinha, real name Josimar José Évora Dias, while wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned with his country’s name.

One supporter told the BBC she attended the homecoming in order to show her gratitude to the Blue Sharks, who represented the World Cup’s second-smallest nation and had never played in the tournament before, yet held their own against giants like Spain and Uruguay.

Michel Mvondo/BBC

Pico Lopes, 33, played a starring role in Cape Verde’s World Cup matches

Fans at the airport screamed Vozinha’s name, as well as those of other stars, such as centre-back Pico Lopes.

Amid the celebrations, the players took turns to sign fans’ football tops.

Reuters

Fans danced and chanted as the Blue Sharks flew into Praia

The homecoming coincides with Cape Verde’s independence day, on which the island is celebrating 51 years since the end of Portuguese colonial rule.

Cape Verde came into the World Cup ranked 67th in the world, but three group-stage draws – including holding European champions Spain 0-0 in their opening game – set up the monumental task of trying to cause one of the biggest upsets the World Cup has ever seen.

Michel Mvondo/BBC

Captain Ryan Mendes signed shirts for fans

Against Argentina, they went behind to a Messi goal, but came back to level at 1-1 and take the game to extra time. Then they went behind again – before a stunning strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral levelled once more. It was not to be though, with a cruel deflection off Diney Borges from Cristian Romero’s header seeing Argentina through.

Despite defeat, Cape Verde manager Pedro Leitão Brito, also known as Bubista, was proud of a team which came within 10 minutes of forcing Argentina into a penalty shootout.

Ghana’s campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, with Jhon Arias scoring the only goal in the 14th minute to send the South Americans into the last 16, where they will face Switzerland.

Speaking to SBS Sport after the match, Boateng said the team’s inability to build unity under new head coach Carlos Queiroz had hindered their chances of making a deeper run in the tournament.

The former AC Milan and Schalke midfielder noted that Queiroz had only been appointed shortly before the World Cup, making it difficult to establish the cohesion needed for success.

“It’s missing the team spirit, and I said that before the tournament. If Ghana builds that team spirit, which is difficult, because the coach came in just a month before. But you need to build that team spirit.” 

Boateng contrasted the current squad with Ghana’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where the Black Stars came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

“We had team spirit in 2010. In 2014, we didn’t have team spirit. That’s why we went home. It’s all about the spirit.” 

The 38-year-old also pointed to the performances of emerging football nations, arguing that unity has become a defining factor at major international tournaments.

“If you see Cabo Verde, Curacao, all these small nations, they survive, and they threaten the big nations. Why? Because they have team spirit. Morocco, team spirit. That’s what it’s about, especially in a tournament in a short time.” 

Ghana reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010 after progressing from Group L, but their campaign came to an end at the first knockout hurdle following the defeat by Colombia.

Speaking after the Round of 32 defeat, the Portuguese manager acknowledged his players’ effort but said they fell short against stronger opposition on the day.

“It’s a disappointing result. It’s disappointing because the boys worked hard,” Queiroz said.

“They tried their best. But the reality is that, on the day, especially in terms of passing and controlling the game, the Colombia team was better,” he added.

Ghana’s tournament ended at the first knockout stage following the narrow loss, which was decided in the 14th minute when Jhon Arias struck from close range after a cross from substitute Luis Suárez.

The result ends the Black Stars’ first appearance in the knockout rounds since their 2010 run in South Africa.

Ghana had advanced from the group stage after finishing third in Group L, but were unable to progress further.

The Coventry City striker produced one of Ghana’s standout moments of the tournament, providing an assist in a 1-0 win over Panama in their opening group match.

However, his influence was limited thereafter, featuring for only 20 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia and not playing at all in the Round of 32 loss to Colombia.

Speaking after Ghana’s elimination, Queiroz defended his selection decisions, insisting the forward was used “when it was necessary” as he pointed to tactical demands in the knockout stage.

“He [Thomas-Asante] played when it was necessary to play,” he said.

Queiroz also reflected on the defeat to Colombia, acknowledging his side were second best on the day.

“I am disappointed with the result because the boys work hard, they tried their best, but the reality is that on the day, especially in the passing and controlling of the game, the Colombia team was better,” he added.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign ended after Jhon Arias’ first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Colombia.

The Black Stars had progressed from the group stage after finishing third in Group L before bowing out at the first knockout hurdle.

Ghana bowed out of the tournament after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their Round of 32 clash on Saturday morning, with Jhon Arias scoring the decisive first-half goal to send the South Americans through to the last 16 against Switzerland.

Speaking after the match, Ghana’s all-time top scorer criticised the team’s lack of urgency and attacking threat in a game he felt demanded far more intensity.

“Today’s performance was below average, no sense of urgency,” Gyan said on SuperSport.

“We (Ghana) did not have men in the box.”

He added that Colombia maintained a stronger competitive edge throughout the contest despite taking the lead.

“Colombia were ahead but kept fighting to score more.”

Summing up the match, the former Sunderland and Al Ain striker acknowledged the superiority of the opposition on the day.

“To summarise everything, Colombia deserved the win.”

The defeat ends Ghana’s World Cup campaign at the first knockout stage, despite a promising group-stage run that saw them finish third in Group L to reach the Round of 32 for the first time since 2010.

Senaya was forced off in the opening stages of the first half and replaced by Alidu Seidu, a change that immediately unsettled Ghana’s defensive setup.

Colombia capitalised shortly after the reshuffle, with Jhon Arias finishing off a move to score what proved to be the only goal of the match and send the South Americans into the last 16, where they will face Switzerland.

Speaking after the game, Queiroz said the Black Stars lost their organisation and structure following the enforced substitution.

“The moment Senaya came off, the team did not have the same discipline and organisation. It took Alidu Seidu a few minutes to adjust, and they took advantage of that moment to score,” the 73-year-old said.

The defeat ends Ghana’s World Cup campaign at the knockout stage, marking their first appearance in the round of 32 since their run to the quarter-finals in 2010 in South Africa.

Ghana had advanced from the group stage after finishing third in Group L before exiting at the first hurdle in the knockout rounds.

Paraguay limited the two-time winners to very few chances until substitute Desire Doue was fouled inside the box by Brighton’s Diego Gomez, and referee Ilgiz Tantashev pointed to the spot after a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention.

Mbappe took the penalty and sent Orlando Gill the wrong way to ensure France’s progress, as he drew level with Argentina great Lionel Messi on seven goals in the tournament’s Golden Boot race.

The last-16 tie kicked off in extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 38C, but it appeared to be no deterrent for France, who dominated possession from the start.

However, the Paraguay defence proved difficult to break down, and that frustration was evident in the 36th minute when Mbappe lashed out after a foul on him by Andres Cubas.

Gustavo Alfaro’s side, who upset Germany on penalties in the last 32, defended resolutely during a cagey first half that ended goalless and with neither side registering a shot on target.

France showed greater urgency after the break and finally forced Gill into a save through Manu Kone’s effort from distance in the 54th minute – their first on target.

But it was not until Doué replaced Bradley Barcola on the left wing that Les Bleus found the moment they had been searching for.

The 21-year-old Paris St-Germain forward drove into the box four minutes after coming on and danced past a Paraguay defender before Gomez stuck out a leg to bring him down, allowing Mbappe to seal France’s place among the final eight.

Forget Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane – it is the tournament debutants who have become the centre of attention.

There were the heroics of goalkeeper Vozinha as they earned their first World Cup point against Spain.

There were the thrills as they scored their first World Cup goals against Uruguay.

And there was Sidny Lopes Cabral’s wonder goal as they almost caused the competition’s biggest shock against Argentina.

Cape Verde’s World Cup journey had it all.

When the whistle blew to bring extra time to an end in Miami on Friday night, the Blue Sharks players slumped to the turf after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat by reigning champions Argentina in the last 32 – but they can leave the United States knowing they have won many hearts.

“Cape Verde have lost, but they’ve won,” said former Scotland international James McFadden on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“They have shown courage, togetherness, unity and unwavering belief in what they are and what they can do.

“The story of this tournament is Cape Verde. That is what you want to see in a football side.”

They came into the tournament ranked 67th in the world, but three group-stage draws – holding European champions Spain 0-0 in their opening game – set up the monumental task of trying to cause one of the biggest upsets the World Cup has ever seen.

Against Argentina, they went behind to a Messi goal, but came back to level at 1-1 and take the game to extra time. Then they went behind again – before a stunning strike from Cabral levelled once more. It was not to be though, with a cruel deflection off Diney Borges from Cristian Romero’s header seeing Argentina through.

Former England right-back Gary Neville told ITV it was “one of the greatest performances” he had ever seen from an underdog.

“They are crying because they are going home,” he added. “They don’t want to go home. They want to be here for the rest of their lives.

“They want to be here forever. This is a moment that’s probably not going to come back for some of these players. It’s magical but also upsetting.”

‘Nobody asks where Cape Verde is on the map any more’

Despite defeat, Cape Verde manager Bubista was bursting with pride after his side came within 10 minutes of forcing Argentina into a penalty shootout.

“We showed that we may be a small country but we can play against the best teams in the world,” he said. “That’s a reason for pride.

“We made history for our country. They can be proud for representing our country.

“To be able to play the way we did against the world champions, and to draw level twice, is something incredible.”

Shamrock Rovers centre-back Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, who played in all four of Cape Verde’s matches at the World Cup, told BBC Sport: “One of the best things to come from this World Cup is nobody asks where Cape Verde is on the map any more – this is history in itself for us. We’ve put ourselves on the map.

“We’re a small nation but with big hearts and we showed what is possible – and if you believe, you can achieve.”

The expansion to a 48-team World Cup was a hot topic before the tournament kicked off, but Neville said he will “never be a sceptic again”.

Former England striker Ian Wright, also speaking on ITV, called on Fifa to help produce more Cape Verde moments.

“That’s what you’re ideally hoping will happen around the world and this is why Fifa have to do so much to make sure the funds they get do reach everybody,” Wright said.

“What this does show people is that when you give people the opportunity they can get on to the biggest stage no matter how small they are and they can have it with the world champions, with one of the greatest players in the world.

“It was a Herculean effort from them, absolutely.”

‘Where has Vozinha been?’

The image of Vozinha in tears and then holding the Cape Verde flag high above his head with pride after keeping out Spain in the opening group game circulated round the world – quickly making him a cult hero.

But the reason for his popularity is not only down to that picture or his emotions. His performance levels have elevated him to superstar status.

The 40-year-old is without a club after his contract with Portuguese second division side Chaves expired.

But Neville does not think the keeper will be without a club for long.

Neville said on ITV: “Vozinha is going to get a good club off the back of this.

“What a World Cup. Everything that he does is calm and composed. Where has he been? We should have met him before.”

Wright added that Vozinha has “hero energy” after his performance for Cape Verde against Argentina.

With eight saves in Miami, Vozinha finished with 18 saves at this year’s World Cup, third most behind only Curacao’s Eloy Room (20) and Paraguay’s Orlando Gill (19) at this point.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Vozinha made seven saves against Spain and eight in the loss to Argentina

The north African side were not pretty in beating the 2026 co-hosts 3-0 in their round of 16 meeting in Houston.

Morocco won despite having just five efforts on goal – the fewest by a team who won a World Cup knockout match on record – and the first half was the first in World Cup history with more yellow cards than shots.

But Morocco came through, and as the cliché goes, the mark of a great team is that they know how to win ugly.

And now we must regard Morocco as a great team, and a real contender to win this World Cup.

They are not only unbeaten in this World Cup, but in their last 34 matches across all competitions.

While that record does carry an asterisk as it includes the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal – a win rewarded retroactively to Morocco and being challenged in court – it is impressive nevertheless.

Not since a 1-0 loss to Kenya in August 2025 in the African Nations Championship – a tournament solely for players in Africa’s domestic leagues – have the Moroccan national team lost a match.

And after the first 15 minutes in Texas, they never looked like losing this game.

Canada had two early chances, with Moroccan keeper Bono saving from Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi, while the Atlas Lions did not have a touch in the opposition box for the first quarter of an hour for the second successive fixture.

But once Morocco settled, they firmly took control of the game. As Canada manager Jesse Marsch said afterwards: “They were bending a little bit but they didn’t break.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Morocco’s four World Cup knockout wins is as many as Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana and Egypt combined

Are Morocco serious World Cup contenders?

In a meeting of two sides currently blessed by golden generations of talent, it was the Moroccans who shone.

For Canada, injured Alphonso Davies was helpless on the bench as Morocco neutralised Stephen Eustaquio’s dangerous passing and squeezed star striker Jonathan David out of the game.

Meanwhile, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, arguably the world’s best right back, was a constant menace both on the ball and in the Canadian players’ faces, while creative fulcrum Brahim Diaz claimed two assists. He now has four in World Cups – the most of any African player.

“The first half was very intense,” Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi told his post-match media conference.

“There were a few adjustments to be made at half-time. We were never safe from pressure.

“What matters is we didn’t change our identity, we didn’t change our game philosophy. There were lots of ideas being thrown around and we took the best one.

“We are playing the World Cup which means there will be difficult moments. What matters is when we are not at our best, we have to be resilient. We have to remember who we are playing for and what we are playing for.”

It was more than enough to take Morocco to a second successive men’s World Cup quarter-final, progressing through five matches as they did in Qatar.

Morocco have now won four World Cup knockout matches – two in 2022, two in 2026 – which is as many as all other African nations combined.

One more win, and they will have officially matched their showing at the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African nation ever to reach the semi-finals.

So Morocco are contenders, although there remains a feeling they have not been tested to their full capabilities yet.

They impressed in drawing with Brazil in their opening game, before contrasting wins over Scotland and Haiti – the first a hard-fought slog following a goal inside two minutes, the latter a frenetic 4-2 against free-wheeling, already eliminated foes.

In the round of 32, they were the better team against Netherlands but needed a stoppage-time header to avoid elimination. Then against Canada they were eventually comfortable, but it was not a high-quality win to assuage doubters ahead of a possible meeting with France in the last eight.

‘There are tougher tests to come’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Morocco will play their 2026 quarter-final in Boston at 21.00 BST on Thursday, 9 July

“Morocco were just not at their very best, and there are tougher tests to come,” said BBC 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton. “They surprised me with their lethargy at the start. I don’t know whether there was a bit of arrogance in dismissing the Canada team. Something was amiss with their performance.

“Morocco were never going to perform as badly in the second half. The longer the game went on, the stronger they became.

“They are devastating on the counterattack. But if France get through and Morocco perform like they did in the first half against a team like France, they will be crushed.”

Yet there is no question that this Moroccan side have a better chance to become Africa’s first ever world champions than any other side in history.

Morocco’s success is not overnight. The one thing underpinning the North Africans’ success has been long-term investment backed by the country’s King Mohammed VI.

An academy and $65m (£48.7m) training complex, both bearing his name, opened in 2009 and 2019 respectively and have helped the Atlas Lions establish themselves as Africa’s top-ranked side.

“Everything that is happening right now in Moroccan football is thanks to Mohammed VI,” Ouahbi said. “He has invested a lot in the last few years, especially this academy.”

After reaching three out of four World Cups between 1986 and 1998, Morocco went 20 years without qualifying. This investment turned around their fortunes and allowed them to recruit players from the diaspora abroad – like Hakimi and Diaz, both born in Spain.

It has given Morocco a competitiveness and belief which has become the blueprint for other African and Arabic nations, and it gives them a different aura to four years ago.

“It’s not a surprise, we are no longer a surprise as of today,” Ouahbi said. “When people talk about Morocco they talk about a real contender, a major footballing nation and it’s a great source of pride.

“It’s only the beginning and I hope we can continue to have similar World Cup runs for many years. We want to keep going, we don’t want to stop.”

While the run in Qatar was twinged with disbelief, their journey in North America has been infused with purpose.

A football fairytale, this is not.

That margin of victory did not look feasible at half-time, in what was an insipid display by Mohamed Ouahbi’s side before the break.

Their frustrations were also compounded by losing Ismael Saibari midway through the half, as Jesse Marsch’s Canada side performed admirably.

The co-hosts had several openings, with chances falling to Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi early in the game.

But goalscoring opportunities were at a premium in a largely cagey first half, with more yellow cards (six) than shots (five). According to Opta, it was the first time that happened in the first half of a World Cup match since 1966.

Fortunately, the second half was more entertaining, and Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a brilliant first-time strike from Achraf Hakimi’s cut-back.

Marsch’s team pushed forward with further chances falling to David and the tireless Tajon Buchanan, but Ounahi scored again to kick the stuffing out of the co-hosts.

It came at the end of a devastating counter-attack, as Brahim Diaz played in the Girona midfielder to rifle home a superb right-footed strike past Maxime Crepeau.

Soufiane Rahimi wrapped up the scoring deep in stoppage time, with Diaz providing the assist once again, as The Atlas Lions became just the second African nation to reach two World Cup quarter-finals.

The South American side edged the contest on Saturday morning, bringing an end to what was also a likely final World Cup appearance for the 34-year-old, who has now featured in three editions of the tournament.

Reflecting on the setback, Ayew pointed to the limited preparation time under head coach Carlos Queiroz, who was appointed in April.

“We have a new manager; he just came two months ago, trying to install his style, and people are adjusting. You don’t adjust within one month or two months; football doesn’t work like that,” the 34-year-old told Sporty TV.

He added that while Ghana showed defensive improvement, they struggled in the final third.

“You could see that defensively, we were better, but we fell short a bit offensively, so we have to find the right balance. The manager needs time; he’s a very good manager,” Ayew added.

Ghana had progressed from the group stage after finishing third in Group L before their campaign came to an end at the first knockout hurdle.

Ghana bowed out of the tournament after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32 on Saturday, ending their campaign at the first knockout stage.

Despite the disappointment, Ayew insisted the team remains in transition and urged supporters not to rush judgement on the Portuguese coach, who only recently took charge.

“It’s not good because we didn’t qualify,” he admitted.

“Don’t forget we have a new manager. He just came two months ago and is trying to install his style, and now people are adjusting. We don’t just adjust within one month or two months. Football doesn’t work like that. You have to accept it.”

“Don’t forget we have a new manager. He just came two months ago and is trying to install his style,” Ayew noted. “Football doesn’t work like that. You have to accept it.”

Ayew pointed to signs of improvement in Ghana’s defensive structure, even as he admitted the team lacked cutting edge in attack.

“We came here; we did, you could see that defensively we were better,” he said.

“You know, defensively we were better, but then we fell short a bit offensively. So we have to find the right balance now, you know, and it’s all about work.”

The 34-year-old expressed confidence that Queiroz has the experience to build a stronger side if given time to work with the squad.

“The manager needs time; he’s a very good manager. You need to give him time for him to do his job, and hopefully, hopefully things will be better.”

Ghana’s campaign ends after they progressed from the group stage for the first time since 2010, having finished third in Group L before their knockout defeat to Colombia.

The Black Stars’ campaign came to an end after a 1-0 loss to the South Americans in their Round of 32 encounter at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday.

A first-half goal from Jhon Arias proved decisive, sending Colombia into the last 16, where they will face Switzerland, while Ghana’s tournament ended at the first knockout stage.

Speaking after the match, Opoku said the contest was decided by fine margins, insisting Colombia made the difference by capitalising on their opportunity.

“I’ll just say the little details of the game. They (Colombia) took their chance, he said.

“We had a couple of chances. We didn’t take ours, and they won the game. So, that’s really it.”

The defender added that Ghana travelled into the fixture determined to secure victory and extend their stay in the tournament, but acknowledged they were unable to achieve that objective.

“The game plan was to win against Colombia. We didn’t, so congratulations to Colombia.”

Ghana reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable run at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, but a disciplined Colombian side ended their hopes of progressing further.

The Black Stars made a bright start and nearly took the lead within the opening minutes when Thomas Partey unleashed a powerful effort from distance, but his shot drifted narrowly wide of the target.

The contest was soon disrupted by injuries for both sides. Colombia were forced into an early substitution after striker Jhon Córdoba picked up a groin injury, prompting the introduction of Luis Suárez.

Ghana suffered a setback of their own moments later as Marvin Senaya, who initially attempted to play through a hamstring problem, was unable to continue.

Alidu Seidu replaced the right-back before the 15-minute mark.

Colombia capitalised almost immediately. Suárez, who had only just entered the game, delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area where the unmarked Arias calmly guided the ball past Lawrence Ati Zigi at the back post in the 14th minute.

The goal gave the South Americans control of the match, with Néstor Lorenzo’s side dominating possession and limiting Ghana’s attacking opportunities for much of the opening half.

Luis Díaz came close to extending Colombia’s lead when he fired wide from a promising position, while Ati Zigi kept Ghana in the contest with an outstanding save just before the break, tipping away Johan Mojica’s powerful header from Daniel Muñoz’s cross.

Carlos Queiroz’s side showed greater urgency after the restart in search of an equaliser. Antoine Semenyo produced Ghana’s best attacking move of the second half, racing into space before drilling a dangerous low cross across the face of goal, but none of his teammates were able to convert.

Colombia continued to threaten on the counterattack. Díaz had the ball in the net early in the second half, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

The winger was presented with another clear opportunity moments later, but Ati Zigi once again produced an excellent save to keep Ghana within touching distance.

Queiroz responded by making a series of attacking substitutions, introducing Elisha Owusu and Abdul Fatawu for Kwasi Sibo and Inaki Williams before later sending on Ernest Nuamah and Prince Adu in an attempt to rescue the game.

Despite the changes, Ghana struggled to break down Colombia’s organised defence. At the other end, Davinson Sánchez headed comfortably at Ati Zigi from a corner, while substitute Juan Quintero came close to sealing the victory with a long-range effort that flashed narrowly wide.

The Black Stars pushed forward in the closing stages but rarely tested Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas as the South Americans held firm to secure their place in the last 16.

Arias’ early finish ultimately proved decisive, ending Ghana’s World Cup campaign while sending Colombia through to a last-16 meeting with Switzerland.

Lionel Messi had marked a night of personal milestones with a magnificent opener to break the African minnows’ resistance, collecting Lisandro Martinez’s excellent long pass and lifting a wonderful finish over Vozinha just shy of the half hour.

It saw the 39-year-old become the first player in history to net in eight World Cup matches in a row on a day when he also broke the record for most ever appearances at the tournament (30).

Messi’s statistics overshadowed a lacklustre showing from the South Americans, which led to The Blue Sharks stunning the football world when Deroy Duarte equalised with a smart, low finish on 59 minutes.

La Albiceleste pushed for a late winner in normal time but Vozinha, whose heroics against Spain caught the imagination of the watching world, was at it again with a series of show-stopping saves to deny Messi and co.

Lionel Scaloni’s men regained the lead two minutes into extra-time through Lisandro Martinez, but the minnows levelled again when Sidny Cabral curled home one of the great World Cup goals from the left side of the area on 103 minutes.

Argentina came to the fore once more with Cristian Romero’s header from Messi’s corner deflecting into the goal off Diney Borges after 111 minutes.

Cabo Verde continued to press right until the final seconds but could not muster another equaliser and bowed out in a blaze of glory.

La Albiceleste will now meet Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7 at Atlanta Stadium (17:00 BST kick off).

Lawrence Ati-Zigi returns in goal after recovering from the injury he sustained during Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama.

The St. Gallen goalkeeper missed the subsequent games against England and Croatia, with Benjamin Asare deputising between the posts.

In defence, Jerome Opoku replaces Jonas Adjetey and will partner with Derrick Luckassen at the heart of the backline.

Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya retain their places at left and right back, respectively.

Caleb Yirenkyi also returns to the starting XI, taking the place of Elisha Owusu in midfield. The youngster will line up alongside Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo in a three-man midfield.

Further forward, Inaki Williams is restored to the attack in place of Kamaldeen Sulemana.

The experienced forward will join captain Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo in Ghana’s front three as the Black Stars seek a place in the last 16.

The highly anticipated encounter kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. GMT on Saturday), with the winners progressing to the Round of 16, where Switzerland aw

The four-time African champions will face the unbeaten South Americans on Saturday, July 4, at the Kansas City Stadium after progressing from Group L in third place.

Colombia, meanwhile, topped Group K without suffering a defeat.

Addressing the media ahead of the crucial knockout fixture, Ayew acknowledged the scale of the challenge but expressed confidence that Ghana have developed throughout the tournament and are determined to secure a place in the last 16.

“It’ll be a big game, and we’re ready. We’ve been growing in the tournament,” Ayew said, “and we want to put on a show, make sure we win. That’s the most important thing for us.”

The experienced forward added that the squad remains focused on maintaining its positive momentum while continuing to improve with every match.

“It’s a World Cup, and you always want to win and keep the winning streak and the positivity going. We’re giving it our best shot, and learning from our mistakes and experience,” the former Leicester City forward added. 

Ghana have reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable run at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where they came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to qualify for the semi-finals.

With history offering added motivation, the Black Stars will be hoping to produce another memorable performance when they take on Colombia, with kick-off scheduled for 01:30 GMT.

Queiroz, who took charge of the national team in April after Otto Addo was dismissed in March, has overseen an impressive turnaround, guiding the four-time African champions to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable run in 2010.

Speaking to reporters before the encounter, Semenyo said the playing body ignored outside criticism and remained confident in their own abilities throughout the tournament.

“A lot of pundits wrote us off,” Semenyo told journalists, “but it’s just opinion at the end of the day. We know what we can do as a team.”

The Manchester City forward reserved special praise for the experienced Portuguese coach, insisting Queiroz’s arrival has brought a clear identity and renewed belief to the squad.

“The manager came in and brought his philosophy. It worked perfectly,” Semenyo explained.

“We’re a lot more defensively solid and create chances. Before, I’d like to think we scored goals but conceded a lot as well. Now everyone’s focused, we’re hard to break down, which is great,” he added.

Ghana will be looking to build on their encouraging performances in the group stage when they face an unbeaten Colombia side for a place in the last 16.

Kick-off at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is scheduled for 01:30 GMT.

The Black Stars are competing at their fifth World Cup and have reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, marking a significant step forward in their campaign.

They now face Colombia in a Round of 32 clash at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday morning, with confidence growing within the squad after a promising group-stage performance.

Thomas-Asante, 26, said Ghana believe they can go all the way and are determined to make a statement on the global stage.

“I want to win the tournament. We have this opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly,” the Coventry City striker told ESPN.

“I believe in my team. I believe that together, we can go as far as we want. I know a lot of people wrote us off early.

“A lot of people might laugh now, but all you can do is push for it, and we’ll see what happens.

“The overall feeling is that we want to go and win the game and make a statement for our fans back home. We want to make a new dawn of really going for it in tournaments and being the powerhouses that we know we are,” he added. 

Thomas-Asante has already played a key role in Ghana’s campaign, providing a decisive late assist for Caleb Yirenkyi in their 1-0 win over Panama.

Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 01:30 GMT.

It’s a remarkable full-circle moment for one of Ghana’s most enduring internationals.

He watched them as a teenager, celebrated them as a younger brother, then spent the next 16 years wondering whether the Black Stars would ever return to those heights.

When Ghana defeated the United States in the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup, before suffering that unforgettable quarterfinal defeat by Uruguay, Jordan was still two months away from making his international debut.

Two of his older brothers — André and Rahim Ayew — were present in the squad, with ‘Dede’ already emerging as one of Africa’s brightest talents, while the family name was already synonymous with Ghanaian football through their legendary father Abedi Pele.

Jordan was simply a teenager, preparing for club football with Olympique de Marseille, even though there were already whispers about his talent.

He still remembers the extra-time victory over the USA — and Asamoah Gyan’s thumping winner — as vividly as though it was yesterday.

“Sixteen years ago, I remember exactly where I was,” he told ESPN. “I was at the airport going for pre-season with Marseille. Obviously, that was when Ghana won the game against USA, so yeah, it was amazing.”

Andre Ayew takes on the USA’s Landon Donovan at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images

Those memories have stayed with him throughout an extensive international career — no player has ever made more appearances for the Black Stars — with the striker becoming a living bridge between two eras.

He’s simultaneously become the final link to the golden generation that reached the quarterfinals in South Africa and the experienced leader of a new group attempting to write their own legacy at the tournament under Carlos Queiroz.

There have been plenty of disappointments along the way. Ghana failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2014 or 2022 editions, missing the 2018 World Cup altogether, while defeat in Africa Cup of Nations finals has been replaced by failure to qualify for the tournament altogether.

The aura created by the team led by the likes of Asamoah Gyan, Dede, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah was gradually replaced by frustration from supporters accustomed to seeing Ghana compete among Africa’s elite.

Now back in the knockouts, Jordan is determined to bring back the joyful memories that that side wrote once upon a time.

“Those are the moments we want to bring back to our country,” he added. “We know that it’s been a while now. People in our country have not been too pleased.

“We are trying, we are getting there slowly. We make sure tomorrow will be the first step to bring joy to the country.”

Ayew has outlasted several generations of teammates, earning over 120 international caps, while adapting his role from exciting young forward to experienced mentor.

He’s witnessed managerial changes, tactical tweaks, unsavoury scandals and fluctuating fortunes, yet remains a constant presence within the national-team set-up.

Despite becoming the elder statesman of the squad, he still draws inspiration from the brother in whose footsteps he first followed when he arrived on the international scene.

“[Andre] is my brother, he’s my blood, my big brother,” Jordan told ESPN. “Of course, I take his advice and he encourages me, the team, and he’s supportive. There’s nothing else to say about it. It’s a normal thing.”

If Jordan represents continuity, then the likes of Antoine Semenyo have breathed new life into the Ghana setup, with the Manchester City man determined to help the Black Stars end their spell in the wilderness and restore the good times back to the national side.

“A lot of pundits wrote us off,” Semenyo told journalists, “but it’s just opinion at the end of the day. We know what we can do as a team.”

Antoine Semenyo is one of Ghana’s key potential weapons in their World Cup clash with Colombia. Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

He credits the coaching team – and the belated April arrival of Queiroz – with transforming Ghana into a more resilient unit who can not only reach the World Cup knockouts, but who can realistically aim to dispatch Colombia to progress.

“The manager came in and brought his philosophy. It worked perfectly,” Semenyo explained.

“We’re a lot more defensively solid and create chances. Before, I’d like to think we scored goals but conceded a lot as well. Now everyone’s focused, we’re hard to break down, which is great.”

The newfound defensive discipline has underpinned Ghana’s progress through the group stage – they were one of only four teams not to concede in their first two matches – and offers hope against a Colombia side currently ranked 11th in the world.

Ayew is less focused on narratives and more on execution as Ghana look to bounce back from their final Group L game – a 2-1 defeat by Croatia – to advance to the Last 16.

“It’ll be a big game and we’re ready. We’ve been growing in the tournament,” he concluded, “and we want to put on a show, make sure we win. That’s the most important thing for us.

“It’s a World Cup and you always want to win and keep the winning streak and the positivity going. We’re giving it our best shot, and learning from our mistakes and experience.”

The experience of Jordan and Queiroz may be among Ghana’s greatest assets as they look to upset a team over 40 places ahead of them in the FIFA World Rankings to progress.

For youngster teammates, the 34-year-old is a player who’s seen all there is to see in international football. For Ghanaian supporters, he’s the last active connection to the team who wrote those magical nights in South Africa, where a continent dared to believe that the Black Stars would reach the final four.

The two nations meet at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday night in a knockout tie that promises high intensity, with Colombia entering the contest unbeaten after topping Group K.

Queiroz, the experienced Portuguese tactician, said Ghana will focus on their own strengths while looking to expose vulnerabilities in the South American side.

“What we have to do is to play our game and measure our strengths against the weak areas that Colombia might have,” the 73-year-old said.

“There are no perfect teams, so we will look to explore their weaknesses too. We have to be strong in our play and in our mentality. It is going to be a great game regardless of the result,” the former Iran and Egypt boss added.

Ghana go into the match with only one confirmed absentee, defender Kojo Peprah Oppong, who is ruled out of the encounter.

Kick-off is scheduled for 01:30 GMT.

The game marks a significant moment for Ghana, who are featuring in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run in 2010.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Queiroz said only one player will miss the decisive encounter due to injury.

“With regard to injury, 25 players are ready to play against Colombia. The only player who did not recover on time for the game is Kojo Oppong Peprah,” the Ghana coach said.

The only absentee is OGC Nice defender Kojo Peprah Oppong, who has been ruled out after failing to recover from a knock picked up in training.

The 22-year-old featured during Ghana’s group-stage matches against England and Croatia, where he impressed with his pace, composure, and defensive awareness.

While his absence is a setback, Ghana still enter the knockout tie with a full-strength squad otherwise, giving Queiroz significant depth and flexibility in both his starting XI and bench options for what is expected to be a high-intensity contest.

The Black Stars are competing in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010, when they came within touching distance of becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals.

Ghana face Colombia at 01:30 GMT on Saturday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Ghana face the South American side at the Kansas City Stadium on July 4, with kick-off scheduled for 01:30 GMT, as both teams battle for a place in the Round of 16.

Queiroz, who assumed the Ghana job in April 2026, pointed to his extensive World Cup pedigree as a key advantage in high-pressure matches.

“I’m fully ready. I have been in this situation [knockout football] a couple of times,” Queiroz told the media on Thursday.

“The real World Cup starts now. These are the games that count and matter,” he added.

The Portuguese coach has previously led teams at four World Cups with three different nations—Portugal (2010), Iran (2014 and 2018), and Egypt (2022)—building a reputation as a specialist in tournament football.

His arrival has brought renewed tactical discipline to the Black Stars, particularly in defence, where Ghana conceded just two goals in the group phase.

Since their memorable quarter-final run in 2010, Ghana have struggled to progress beyond the group stage at subsequent tournaments, making this knockout tie a significant opportunity to revive their World Cup fortunes.

A win over Colombia would send Ghana into the Round of 16 for the first time in 16 years and keep alive hopes of another deep tournament run.

The Black Stars face the South American side in their Round of 16 clash at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, knowing they are among the continent’s last remaining representatives in the competition.

Ghana’s responsibility has grown following the exits of Senegal, South Africa, DR Congo and Ivory Coast, leaving Morocco as the only other African nation still in contention.

African teams have once again fallen short in the knockout stages, with several surrendering winning positions after adopting overly defensive tactics in the closing stages of matches.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter on Thursday, Queiroz said Ghana must seize the opportunity to change the narrative and ensure another African nation progresses in the tournament.

​“It’s another challenge for us, but we have to improve these stats. We have to make it better. So it’s on our shoulders to be sure that we add another African team to the next round,” the 73-year-old added. 

The Black Stars are featuring in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

Kick-off is scheduled for 01:30 GMT on Saturday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Kansas City Stadium, the Ghana head coach described the clash as a high-stakes showdown where everything is on the line.

“It is an important game for both teams,” he said. “It will be great to see two fantastic teams with different styles committed to winning the game and entertaining the fans.”

Queiroz, who previously managed Colombia between 2019 and 2020, acknowledged the South Americans’ strengths but insisted Ghana’s focus must remain firmly on the present rather than reputation or history.

“I know Colombia very well, but it is our obligation to study today’s Colombia, not yesterday’s Colombia,” he noted.

“We know their qualities, but we also have players with a lot of quality and determination.”

The experienced Portuguese coach underlined the fine margins expected in knockout football, stressing that concentration would be decisive from start to finish.

“There are no perfect teams. Colombia are not perfect, and we are not perfect. But tomorrow there is no room for mistakes. We have to do everything right for 90 minutes, or 120 minutes if necessary.”

Despite the pressure surrounding the fixture, Queiroz framed the occasion as a privilege rather than a burden, urging his players to embrace the stage.

“The pressure of a game like this is not a problem, it is a privilege. It is a privilege to be here playing against great players on the biggest stage in football,” he said.

He added that Ghana must balance enjoyment with discipline as they chase a place in the Round of 16.

“We have to enjoy the game and do everything that is in our hearts and souls so the Black Stars shine tomorrow and achieve the result our fans expect.”

Ghana, who last reached the World Cup knockout stage in 2010 before their historic quarter-final run in South Africa, will be aiming to write another memorable chapter when they meet Colombia.

Kick-off is scheduled for 01:30 GMT on Saturday at Kansas City Stadium.

This year, 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video assistant referees (VARs) have been selected. The 170-strong contingent is the largest in World Cup history, with the expanded format now featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches.

The officials come from 50 FIFA member nations across all continental confederations, with eight representing the United States. Among them are also six women, following FIFA’s historic move to include female referees at the last edition in Qatar.

It’s a role that has been unexpectedly thrust into the limelight. A Somali referee slated for the showpiece was denied entry to the US due to “vetting concerns.” A record three red cards were brandished in the opening game. In China, fans are rallying behind one referee as the country’s sole representative after the national team failed to qualify.

“It was my first World Cup game – and South Korea’s first World Cup game ever (at home), too. We had 50,000 spectators all in red jerseys. The noise was incredible,” Leif Lindberg, one of the two assistant referees at the 2002 final between Brazil and Germany, tells CNN Sports of his World Cup debut on June 4, 2002.

“Every one of us was dreaming about officiating the World Cup.”

But turning that aspiration into reality demands more than intense training and an unblemished on-field record. For many, juggling match duties alongside a full-time job comes at a heavy personal cost.

“Most referees have been through at least one divorce,” says Lindberg, who is retired and on his second marriage. “Many sacrifice family life in one way or another.”

How referees are picked

The selection process for this World Cup began immediately after Qatar 2022, according to FIFA.

Candidates were required to attend seminars, undergo fitness tests and have prior FIFA tournament experience. Their performances in domestic and international competitions were also monitored over the past three years, before a committee finalized the lineup.

“In every important match ahead of the World Cup, we have one or two observers,” former assistant referee Renato Faverani explains to CNN Sports, adding referees at the elite level are assigned to the same officiating teams across international games and assessed as a group.

Referees train quite hard to be match fit, especially to keep up with athletes who are, many times, much younger than they are. 

Sam Navarro/Imagn Images/Reuters

“Afterwards, you receive an evaluation, which is then compared with other referee teams,” says the Italian, who worked four matches at the 2014 World Cup, including the final between Germany and Argentina.

Even being considered is no small feat, since only those active in top-level fixtures are in contention. Before earning his appointment, for example, Faverani had built an extensive resume across the UEFA Champions League (even officiating the 2013 final), the European Championship and Serie A, among others.

Once chosen for a World Cup – as the tournament progresses – referees are appointed three to four days before each game, based on their form. FIFA also bars officials from taking charge of matches involving their own country to avoid conflicts of interest, leaving no predetermined list of candidates for the knockout stage.

“It was a very special moment to follow our national team and hope they would lose,” Sweden’s Lindberg recalls. “If they reached the semifinals, I would have had to go home.”

“Sweden went out in the round of 16 in very unlucky circumstances, but it was very lucky for me.”

The call-up to the final

So, how do referees find out they have been named for the grand finale?

Being tapped for soccer’s ultimate match is an overwhelming surge of emotion.

Returning from a practice session near his hotel, Faverani found all the referees assembled and seated inside a huge hall. Then FIFA President Sepp Blatter stood at the front, unfurled a sheet of paper, and began reading from it.

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi talking to assistant referee Renato Faverani during the 2014 World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina. 

Frank Augstein/AP

“The referees for the World Cup final are: Mr…” Blatter uttered. Seconds of suspense passed before Faverani’s name was announced. Prominent figures and colleagues — including England’s Howard Webb, referee of the 2010 final in South Africa — walked over to congratulate him.

“For two or three hours, it was the best moment,” Faverani says.

“Then, the pressure and responsibility arrived. You just hope the match comes quickly because the pressure is very high.”

As the joy sank in, the real work got underway.

On and off the pitch

What fans often don’t realize is how the process begins days before kickoff – mastering the Laws of the Game is simply not enough. Aside from daily physical training, including long runs and gym workouts, referees attend lectures and study in detail the teams they are due to officiate.

“It is vital to understand a team’s defensive tactics and players’ characteristics,” Faverani says. The Italian reviewed hours of footage from previous matches involving the squads he was due to ref and consulted colleagues who had already officiated them, seeking advice and aiming to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Some of the primary responsibilities of an assistant referee are to judge offside decisions and signal fouls and misconduct. Knowing which players are prone to confrontations and sharp exchanges helped Faverani maintain composure, even with a “little smile,” when tempers flared.

A World Cup playoff featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2013 was a challenging match to referee, says assistant referee Faverani. 

Martin Rose/Getty Images

A decisive 2013 World Cup playoff match between Portugal and Sweden — featuring two iconic forwards, Cristiano Ronaldo and the now-retired Zlatan Ibrahimović — offered one such test. Both players are renowned for their unyielding characters and distinctive playing styles.

Faverani was assistant referee that night. Gaining familiarity with attacking patterns and defensive lines, he says, helped him anticipate play before it unfolded.

And despite their proximity to the biggest stars, referees remain detached from reputation and stay focused on the match. “When the whistle blows, it’s just 11 against 11, no more,” he adds.

For all the controversy over Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, it was only introduced in 2018. Before that, all offenses were judged in real time, by the naked eye — a standard that largely still holds today, albeit with the possibility of review. Sometimes, those calls could prove pivotal.

One “very difficult” decision from the 2014 final still lingers with him. The goalless first half was ticking towards its close under the sunlit glare of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium. Both sides were still locked in a tense search for a breakthrough, and Germany got a corner.

The delivery was swung into Argentina’s crowded penalty box, where Benedikt Höwedes rose above the pack and powered a header towards goal. It struck the post and rebounded into play, falling to Thomas Müller. But the German forward had been in an offside position amid the chaos by – according to Faverani – less than 10 centimetres (around four inches).

This play involving Germany defender Benedikt Höwedes and an offside call against Thomas Müller (not pictured) in the 2014 World Cup final was a “very difficult” decision referee Faverani tells CNN Sports. 

Patrick Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images

“I was concentrating, so I raised the flag,” he says excitedly. The “Robo Assistant Referee,” as one German newspaper quipped afterwards, turned out to be right.

The cost of three decades

Progressing from amateur leagues to the World Cup took Faverani and Lindberg about 30 years. Their journeys carried big tolls, measured in missed time with their families waiting at home.

And the statistics are stark in terms of just how arduous it is to make it. Of the 3,725 officials on FIFA’s international list, just 4.5% have made it to North America this summer, and a mere handful will be entrusted with refereeing a final. Behind them stand hundreds of thousands that never reach the global stage.

The role’s unstable nature – gigs only arise when matches are scheduled and last just a few hours – means most referees must hold regular employment.

“At the time, you had a full-time job, your games, and your training. You more or less had to make a choice, and many people chose their refereeing career over their family, paying the price later on,” Lindberg says, referring to his divorce.

He tells CNN it was solely his unique work situation that allowed him to train five days a week: “I was running my own company, so I could leave at three in the afternoon and come back home at a normal time. That was a huge benefit for me.”

Referee Tori Penso during training for officials. 

Sam Navarro/Imagn Images/Reuters

The countless hours he devoted to staying match-fit underscores another challenge: an aging body. Players are often 10 to 20 years younger than the referees, who must push themselves further just to keep pace with them.

“Of course, the players have to train a lot of different things, which we don’t need. But we do much more physical training than them because of age,” he adds.

It was a trade-off for Faverani, too. Refereeing at the top never replaced his office job as a credit manager; in fact, it piled more work on top of it. During the season, he flew back and forth between countries for mid-week Champions League fixtures and Serie A matches at the weekend, all the while catching up on company business via phone and email.

“It is a passion for me. But I now realize how much time I took away from my family, my wife, my daughters, my mother,” he tells CNN, visibly emotional.

Boos and abuse

Technology has reshaped the sport, putting officials’ split-second decisions under sharper scrutiny. Online abuse from frustrated fans – some of who are betting – is becoming routine.

The abuse is having an impact. Daniele Curcio, president of Referee Abroad, a non-profit promoting refereeing globally, says a breakdown in trust for referees is driving low retention among aspiring officials.

“It is something every federation in the world now has to deal with,” he tells CNN Sports. “There needs to be a cultural change.”

VAR has increased scrutiny of officials at every level of the professional game, both at the club and international level. 

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“Referees can be wrong, just like a player can miss a penalty. But you need to believe in them, in their moral characters.”

Despite the misconceptions and unseen hard work, it remains a rewarding role for those who endure, as Lindberg and Faverani agree.

“It’s a great job. It’s something that develops you, not just as an athelete, but as a person,” Daniele says. “It teaches you a set of lifelong soft skills that otherwise you wouldn’t know about.”

The 38-year-old took over from Hansi Flick in September 2023, but could only reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil.

Klopp has been heavily linked to the role, and the German federation confirmed that the leadership team will “seek talks” with the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss following the dismissal of Nagelsmann.

A statement from the German federation read: “The shareholders’ representatives and the supervisory board of DFB GmbH & Co. KG today unanimously decided, on the proposal of DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, to immediately terminate the contractual relationship with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“Julian Nagelsmann had already requested to be relieved of his duties the previous day in a confidential meeting with the association’s leadership following the disappointing outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“This request has now been granted by the shareholders’ representatives and the supervisory board.”  

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf added: “The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. He is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value.”

On Nagelsmann’s successor, the statement added: “Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp. He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the position.”

Shock defeat to Paraguay made Nagelsmann’s position untenable

Nagelsmann looked set to lose his job ever since Germany were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32 of the World Cup.

The result follows disappointing World Cup form from the four-time winners, who did not make it out of their group in the previous two editions, having won the tournament in 2014.

Nagelsmann had little credit in the bank either, having been at the helm for a home Euros tournament in 2024. But Germany lost to eventual winners Spain after extra time in the quarter-finals, a disappointing exit for the hosts.

Despite topping Group E at the World Cup, his side was far from convincing. A 7-1 thrashing of minnows Curacao was followed by a last-minute win over Cote d’Ivoire.

A shock 2-1 loss to Ecuador in their final game was perhaps a sign of things to come, as Germany fell behind to Paraguay in the round of 32 and, despite Kai Havertz’s equaliser, lost a penalty shoot-out for the first time to exit the tournament.

On his departure, Nagelsmann said: “I’ve done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation.

“The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.

“A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. It truly pains me that we disappointed you and couldn’t give you any more memorable nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more!”

At just 38, the former Leipzig and Bayern Munich boss still has plenty left in him and will no doubt attract interest from Europe’s elite.

However, the sacking represents another blemish on his record, after he was dismissed by Bayern mid-season in 2023, with the Bavarian club behind Borussia Dortmund in the table.

Klopp set to return to the dugout

Nagelsmann’s replacement is likely to be 59-year-old Klopp, who has been out of management since he left Liverpool in 2024.

Klopp won Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years in 2020, alongside the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Super Cup, Community Shield and two Carabao Cups in his nine-year tenure.

As Borussia Dortmund boss, he led them to two Bundesliga titles and still holds the record for the youngest-ever title-winning squad in the German league in 2011.

Since his exit, he has worked as Red Bull’s head of global football, but his four-year contract has an exit clause should he want to become Germany manager.

If he was to become the national team manager, Klopp would have two years to prepare for his first major tournament – Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Ireland.

The two nations meet on Saturday at the Kansas City Stadium, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Ghana advanced to the knockout phase after a demanding group campaign that ended with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia.

While scrutiny has surrounded the team’s approach under coach Carlos Queiroz, Ayew believes the transition into knockout football brings a different mentality and demands full focus.

Speaking at a press conference, the experienced forward stressed the importance of treating the group stage as a separate chapter.

​“The Croatia game was a one-off game, so let’s take it like that. But the Colombia game is a knockout game, so it’s gonna be totally different. We will have to be ready for that challenge.”

Colombia head into the fixture in strong form after an impressive group stage performance, with their energetic pressing and attacking intensity expected to test Ghana’s structure.

Several African teams, including South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and Senegal, have already exited the tournament at this stage, leaving Ghana and Morocco among the continent’s remaining representatives.

Despite the challenge, Ayew maintained belief in the technical direction of the team and the preparation provided by the coaching staff.

​”Colombia is a top side, and it’s going to be a difficult game, but I’m confident about the tactics the manager has told us, and I think we will be ready for that challenge, so there is no problem about that.”

Ghana, who famously reached the quarter-finals in 2010, will be hoping to repeat history when they face Colombia, with kick-off set for 01:30 GMT.

The 35-year-old confirmed the decision after the match, bringing the curtain down on a 12-year international career in which he earned 120 caps and scored 40 goals for the Desert Foxes.

“The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach,” Mahrez said. “We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that.”

Asked whether the loss in Vancouver would be his final World Cup appearance, Mahrez replied: “It’s my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game.”

Mahrez finishes his Algeria career as the country’s second-most capped player, behind only team-mate Aissa Mandi’s 123 appearances, and second on the all-time scoring list with 40 goals, trailing only Islam Slimani’s 49.

He captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019, memorably scoring a stoppage-time free-kick in the semi-final against Nigeria before his side beat Senegal in the final to lift their first continental title since 1990.

The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger also enjoyed his finest World Cup campaign this summer.

He registered three goal involvements in four matches, scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan, with no Algerian player ever recording more in a single edition of the tournament.

He also became the second-oldest African player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind only Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye earlier in the tournament.

Born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his debut before the 2014 World Cup.

He went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in the nation’s history, reaching the last 16 at his first World Cup in Brazil and becoming one of only a handful of Algerian footballers to surpass 100 international appearances.

There were emotional scenes towards the start of the match, as it marked one year since Portuguese winger Diogo Jota’s passing in a car crash.

Despite a fairly open start, Croatia began to frustrate Portugal, who couldn’t make the most of decent service out wide.

Rafael Leao, starting ahead of Joao Felix, put several good balls in from out wide, but Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates could not capitalise.

Croatia grew into the half, probing Portugal’s defence, but failed to properly test Diogo Costa in goal.

They continued this momentum into the second half and snatched a shock lead, as Ivan Perisic latched on to Josip Stanisic’s deflected cross before firing between Costa’s legs.

The 2018 finalists thought they had made it two when Igor Matanovic netted minutes later, only for the flag to go up.

The scare invigorated Portugal, who nearly equalised through Leao when he hit the bar, before Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside by inches.

It looked like Leao had missed a golden chance following a corner, but referee Espen Eskas was sent over to look at the monitor for a foul on Renato Veiga.

He gave a penalty, which Ronaldo duly converted for his first-ever World Cup knockout goal.

However, the decision spurred Croatia on, who hit the post through Mateo Kovacic before Costa made a string of brilliant saves to keep the scores level.

Petar Sucic netted for Croatia again but, for the third time in the match, the flag went up and VAR confirmed the decision.

In the third of 10 stoppage time minutes, Portugal pounced. Rafael Leao put in another brilliant cross and this time Ramos, leading the line after Ronaldo’s substitution, rose highest to head home.

However, Croatia still had time to find an equaliser and, with well over the 10 added minutes having passed, thought they had one when Josko Gvardiol smashed home from close range.

But VAR intervened once more and the decision was overturned, as Matanovic had got a feather-touch on the cross before it fell to Mario Pasalic in an offside position.

As bottles rained down from the furious Croatian fans, the match finally restarted as Portugal saw out the remaining seconds.

Portugal go on to face Spain in the last 16, as Ronaldo’s final World Cup continues for one more match at least.

Croatia exit having reached the semi-final in each of the last two tournaments, as Luka Modric graces the World Cup stage for the final time in his illustrious career.

The Swiss took an early lead in Vancouver after some brilliant wing play from Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi, who beat his man before delivering a lovely cutback for Rennes’ forward Embolo to turn home in the 10th minute.

Nottingham Forest winger Ndoye then doubled their lead just 46 seconds after the half-time break with a fine finish inside the area.

It was the first time Switzerland scored more than one goal in a World Cup knockout game since a 7-5 defeat by Austria in the 1954 quarter-finals.

Algeria – who were in search of their first win in the knockout stages – had a decent spell before the break – but with their best opportunity, Fares Chaibi hit a timid shot which Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel easily saved, and they rarely threatened again.

Not since they beat Germany in the 1938 World Cup last-16 – before the introduction of group stages – had Switzerland won a knockout game but they easily progressed here.

Murat Yakin’s side had a glorious opportunity for a third late on when Fabian Rieder had a clear chance at the back post with the goal at his mercy but he mishit the ball and it went towards a grateful Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who had appeared beaten.

Switzerland have now reached the last 16 of the World Cup for the fourth successive tournament, and they will face the winner of Colombia and Ghana on 7 July at 21:00 BST at BC Place Vancouver.

The tournament is now well into the knockout stages, the path to the final is known and the excitement is building over which two countries will compete for the biggest prize in world football at the New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.

But for a small group of players, there is an additional incentive to do well.

As of 2 July, 14 of the players still active at the World Cup are technically unemployed. Once the tournament is over, they don’t have a club to go to.

There are some quite famous names among them, although it is unlikely Casemiro, James Rodriguez and Mo Salah are going to be too concerned about how they will cope financially.

But they do still have a chance to impress potential suitors – and clearly, there is a possibility they might get injured.

BBC Sport assesses the short-term futures of some of the most notable out of contract players still dreaming of World Cup glory.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Mo Salah has scored one goal in three appearances for Egypt at the World Cup

John Stones, 32, England (Last club: Manchester City)

Has now left City after a decade at the club in which he won 15 major trophies. Picked for England by Thomas Tuchel despite recent injury issues, Stones has most recently been linked with former club Everton and Italian giants AC Milan.

Casemiro, 34, Brazil (Last club: Manchester United)

Released by United due to his huge wages despite an outstanding final campaign at Old Trafford. Casemiro’s form during the World Cup has been patchy but he did score a priceless equaliser in Brazil’s last-32 comeback win against Japan. Casemiro is expected to join Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami when the World Cup is over.

David Alaba, 33, Austria (Last club: Real Madrid)

Left Real Madrid this summer after five years at the club. The former Bayern Munich star has had a storied club career that has yielded 12 league titles and four Champions Leagues. He has also been named Austrian footballer of the year on 10 occasions. Despite speculation of interest from a number of clubs as his Real contract came to an end, so far, Alaba has not signed for anyone.

Fabinho, 32, Brazil (Last club: Al Ittihad)

The former Liverpool midfielder has come to the end of his stint in the Saudi Pro League. Speaking to Marca in January, Fabinho said he was not in a hurry to sort out his future and would like to return to Europe at some stage. At the World Cup, he has been used largely off the bench by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and is clearly an important part of his squad.

Mohamed Salah, 33, Egypt (Last club: Liverpool)

Salah’s last few months at Anfield were not easy as his relationship with boss Arne Slot seemed to disintegrate. Both have now left Liverpool. It is widely expected Salah will move to the Saudi Pro League once the World Cup is over, but for now his focus is solely on leading Egypt in the knockout stages.

James Rodriguez, 34, Colombia (Last club: Minnesota United)

MLS side Minnesota United do have an option to extend Rodriguez’s contract by a further six months to the end of the year. It hasn’t happened yet and whether it is realistic given the Colombia playmaker only made six appearances in the first half of the season and started just twice is open to question. Rodriguez could soon be looking for his fifth club in less than three years.

Luka Modric, 40, Croatia (Last club: AC Milan)

AC Milan do have an option to extend Modric’s contract by another year but it is not yet clear if that will happen, or whether the veteran midfielder will continue his career elsewhere, or quit altogether. Modric struggled badly in Croatia’s World Cup group stage defeat by England but recovered in victories over Panama and Ghana to help set up a mouth-watering knockout clash with Portugal.

Vozinha, 40, Cape Verde (Last club: Chaves)

The Cape Verde goalkeeper went viral for his heroic performance in his side’s opening 0-0 draw with Spain and has since helped them through to the knockout stages for the first time, where they will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Friday. The 40-year-old revealed in an interview with a Brazilian journalist that his contract with second-division Portuguese club Chaves has ended, but that he wants to keep playing.

Full list of players still at the World Cup who are out of contract

– David Alaba, 33, Austria (Last club: Real Madrid)

– Nabil Bentaleb, 31, Algeria (Last club: Lille)

– Casemiro, 34, Brazil (Last club: Manchester United)

– Fabinho, 32, Brazil (Last club: Al Ittihad)

– Gideon Mensah, 27, Ghana (Last club: Auxerre)

– Thomas Meunier, 34, Belgium (Last club: Lille)

– Luka Modric, 40, Croatia (Last club: AC Milan)

– Abdul Mumin, 27, Ghana (Last club: Rayo Vallecano)

– Orjan Nyland, 35, Norway (Last club: Sevilla)

– Thomas Partey, 32, Ghana (Last club: Villarreal)

– James Rodriguez, 34, Colombia (Last club: Minnesota United)

– Mohamed Salah, 33, Egypt (Last club: Liverpool)

– Xaver Schlager, 28, Austria (Last club: RB Leipzig)

– John Stones, 32, England (Last club: Manchester City)

– Vozinha, 40, Cape Verde (Last club: Chaves)

And VAR is the devil laughing on their shoulder.

The parallels between the Teranga Lions’ last-gasp World Cup exit and January’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final, in which they were also infuriated by a controversial late penalty awarded following the intervention of the video assistant referee, are mind-blowingly similar.

This time, thankfully, no one walked off the field as they lost 3-2 to Belgium after Youri Tielemans converted from the spot in the 125th minute.

But coach Pape Thiaw must surely feel a growing kinship with Sisyphus, the character from Greek mythology’s underworld doomed forever to pitch all his efforts into rolling a giant rock up a hill, only to see it crash down again just as he thinks he has reached the pinnacle.

“We had the game in hand,” Thiaw lamented afterwards, before noting it felt “cruel” to ultimately see success slip through their fingers.

For most of this match, Thiaw’s team played a heavenly game, cruising into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Premier League stars Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr.

Crystal Palace forward Sarr has played like an angel for large parts of Senegal’s campaign, his second-half effort here a thing of beauty as he deftly controlled a long ball forward on his chest before smashing past Thibaut Courtois.

That goal of the tournament contender meant the 28-year-old equalled Roger Milla’s African record of four strikes at a World Cup, which the Cameroon legend registered at Italia 90.

But unlike Milla or Senegal cult hero El Hadji Diouf, who played a similar role for his country at the 2002 finals and was watching in the stands this time around, Sarr will not get the chance to strut his stuff in the last 16 or quarter-finals.

Afcon memories come flooding back

Despite a season which saw him score 21 times in all competitions to help Palace lift the Uefa Conference League trophy, Sarr, more than most, will feel he has done something, somewhere, to offend the international sporting gods.

With the Afcon final against hosts Morocco locked at 0-0 at the start of second-half injury time, it was his headed ‘goal’ from a corner which was ruled out by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who had blown his whistle moments earlier for a foul.

It was a very soft decision and Senegal were aggrieved.

Minutes later, with virtually no time left on the clock, Morocco were handed the chance to doom Senegal, with Ndala going to the pitchside monitor following another corner, this time adjudging that Brahim Diaz had been unfairly hauled over by full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The chaos which followed at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has blown a giant hole in the image of African football.

While I frantically tried to type out my match report in the media tribune, head down, a BBC colleague repeatedly tapped me on the shoulder to point out things like rioting fans, injured stewards being carried across the pitch and Senegal players leaving it.

After a long delay, in which Sadio Mane was among those who coaxed the team back out of the dressing room, I was left with my jaw on the floor as Diaz missed his penalty in the 24th minute of added time, dinking it Panenka-style into the grateful arms of Edouard Mendy.

Senegal went on to win the game 1-0 in extra time, only to see a Confederation of African Football appeal board strip them of the title two months later. The case is currently with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with Senegal having vowed a “crusade” to overturn the decision.

Image source: Reuters

Image caption: Pape Thiaw has been Senegal boss since December 2024

This time, there was no Mendy to act as white knight to the rescue, with the former Chelsea stopper injured and forced to sit out the game.

Looking agitated on the touchline, he watched helplessly as understudy Mory Diaw was beaten by Tielemans’ brutally efficient spot kick, despatched into the top corner like a dagger through Senegalese hearts.

While Diaw was helpless to stop the winner, he was at fault for Belgium’s equaliser, also scored by Tielemans in the 89th minute, having rushed off his line to punch away a cross he got nowhere near.

A penny for Mendy’s thoughts? Senegal had been two goals to the good until Romelu Lukaku pulled the first back for struggling Belgium in the 86th minute. The comeback was the latest any side has overturned a two-goal deficit and gone on to win a game in World Cup history.

“Once we conceded for 2-1, we dropped even deeper and they got their second goal,” Thiaw admitted.

“We tried to get back on our feet, but unfortunately it didn’t work.”

‘There was no penalty’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Lamine Camara’s foul on Youri Tielemans gave him the chance to score his 15th goal for Belgium

Just like in Rabat, the award of Belgium’s decisive penalty was once again contentious, with Honduran referee Said Martinez agreeing with the VAR that Lamine Camara’s sliding challenge caught the back of Tielemans’ heel and prevented the midfielder playing the ball.

Senegal’s players protested vociferously, but Fifa has tightened its regulations to prevent a repeat of the Afcon final walk-off.

“Our interpretation was that there was no penalty,” Thiaw said. “You have to accept, even if it’s difficult.”

Not everyone has responded so calmly to the disastrous defeat.

Midfielder Pape Gueye, the man who scored Senegal’s Afcon final ‘winning’ goal, has announced he is “taking a break” from international football until Thiaw and his coaching staff are relieved of their duties.

The Villarreal midfielder, recently voted the best African player in Spain’s La Liga, was taken off in the 66th minute against Belgium.

“The midfield was doing well, so why did he change it?” said one heartbroken fan in Dakar.

“I simply don’t understand Thiaw’s tactical choices,” said another, who also criticised the decision to withdraw Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye.

“It’s not easy to lose this kind of match,” Thiaw said. “Unfortunately, it slipped away from us, but it’s football.”

From Afcon hero to World Cup fall guy in the space of a few short months – Thiaw knows better than most how football can be a devilishly cruel mistress.

Ghana take on the South Americans on Saturday at Kansas City Stadium, with a place in the last 16 at stake in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most closely contested knockout ties.

The Black Stars are now among Africa’s remaining representatives after several of the continent’s teams exited the competition in the first knockout round.

South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal have all been eliminated, leaving Ghana with the opportunity to extend Africa’s challenge at the global showpiece.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Ayew said knockout football is vastly different from the group stage, insisting that previous performances and reputations count for little once the match kicks off.

The 34-year-old believes every knockout encounter begins on equal terms, regardless of how teams reached this stage of the competition.

“In football, every game you start is 50/50, and tomorrow is gonna be another tight game,” Ayew said.

The experienced forward also pledged that the Black Stars would leave everything on the pitch as they chase a place in the Round of 16.

“We are going to do our best, we are going to put on a show, and we will see what will happen. But what I can guarantee is that we will definitely make Africa and Ghana proud.”

Ghana, four-time African champions, will be aiming to produce another memorable World Cup performance against a Colombian side that impressed during the group stage.

Kick-off at Kansas City Stadium is scheduled for 01:30 GMT on Saturday, with the winners progressing to the Round of 16.

Ralf Rangnick’s team had high hopes of causing an upset, but were dismantled by the European champions with Barcelona winger Yamal inspiring their victory with some wonderful movement in a glorious team performance.

A double from Mikel Oyarzabal (36′ and 89′) bookended Spain’s most dominant outing at the finals so far with Pedro Porro nodding his first goal for the national side on 66 minutes.

Only a late goal-line clearance by David Alaba denied Yamal the goal that a sell-out crowd inside the Los Angeles Stadium the goal they craved from an instinctive quickfire snap shot.

After Marc Cucurella had a goal disallowed on 29 minutes for an earlier foul on Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, Spain deservedly moved ahead when Oyarzabal slipped the ball home from Cucurella’s pass.

The Austrian goal lived a charmed life for large swathes of the contest.

Indeed, they failed to manage a single shot on target, the first time this has happened in a World Cup knockout match since Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2014 final.

But Spain were in their element throughout the match as Alex Baena accepted a pass from Cucurella to set up Porro for a lovely headed second before new Real Madrid signing Cucurella picked out Oyarzabal to net his 17th goal in 16 starts for La Roja.

Their reward is a meeting with Portugal or Croatia in the last 16 on Monday night in Dallas.

The encounter will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations, adding further significance to a high-stakes knockout contest as both sides seek to extend their World Cup campaigns.

The Black Stars are making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and have progressed to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

Carlos Queiroz’s men collected four points in Group L after opening their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama, holding England to a goalless draw before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group match.

Although Ghana finished behind England and Croatia, their disciplined displays, particularly against the English, demonstrated their defensive resilience and ability to compete with some of the tournament’s strongest teams.

The West Africans also have fond memories of the World Cup knockout rounds, having reached the Round of 16 in Germany in 2006 before becoming only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Colombia, meanwhile, arrive in Kansas City full of confidence after topping Group K with seven points. Néstor Lorenzo’s side opened with a convincing 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before edging DR Congo 1-0.

A goalless draw against Portugal in their final group match secured first place, finishing two points clear of the European side.

The South Americans have emerged as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams, conceding just once during the group stage while displaying balance in both attack and defence.

Colombia will also be aiming to continue an encouraging World Cup record after reaching the quarter-finals in Brazil in 2014 and the Round of 16 in Russia four years later.

Having missed out on qualification for the 2022 finals, they have returned with renewed ambition and could face either Switzerland or Algeria in the next round if they overcome Ghana.

Team news

Ghana will monitor the fitness of Antoine Semenyo, who has been managing an ankle problem, although the forward is expected to be fit enough to start.

Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi remains a doubt, meaning Benjamin Asare could retain his place between the posts.

Veteran striker Jordan Ayew, Ghana’s leading scorer in the current squad, is expected to spearhead the attack as the Black Stars chase a place in the last 16.

Colombia have no major injury concerns ahead of the fixture and are expected to field a full-strength side.

Captain James Rodríguez is set to orchestrate the attack alongside Luis Díaz and Luis Suárez, with the latter having recovered from the minor fitness issue that restricted him to a substitute appearance in the draw against Portugal.

Probable line-ups

Colombia: Vargas; Muñoz, Lucumí, Sánchez, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma; Arias, Rodríguez, Suárez, Díaz.

Ghana: Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Sulemana, Partey, Owusu, Sibo; Semenyo, Ayew.

Prediction

Colombia enter the contest as slight favourites after an unbeaten group-stage campaign, but Ghana have shown they are capable of frustrating elite opposition with their organised defensive displays.

The Black Stars are expected to make life difficult for the South Americans, although Colombia’s attacking quality and greater consistency could ultimately prove decisive.

Prediction: Ghana 1-2 Colombia.

The 43-year-old is regarded as one of the world’s leading match officials and brings extensive experience to one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.

Turpin’s distinguished career includes officiating the 2021 UEFA Europa League final and the 2022 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool, while he has also been a regular presence in major UEFA and FIFA competitions.

The Frenchman has already played a prominent role at this year’s World Cup. He took charge of England’s 4-2 group-stage victory over Croatia and also served as the fourth official during the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

He will be assisted by compatriots Nicolas Danos and Cyril Gringore, while Jérôme Brisard will head the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team alongside Willy Delajod and Benoît Millot, completing an all-French officiating crew.

Turpin’s appointment reflects FIFA’s confidence in one of its most experienced referees to oversee a high-profile knockout contest.

His performances at the tournament have already attracted attention, particularly during England’s win over Croatia, where he awarded a penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor following a VAR review.

Although the decision sparked debate, Turpin remains widely respected for his composure and consistency in major international matches.

A veteran of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, he has officiated numerous UEFA Champions League and Europa League fixtures and is considered among the elite officials in world football.

Saturday’s meeting carries significant stakes for both sides. Ghana are seeking to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2010, while Colombia arrive after topping Group K without suffering defeat.

With a place in the last 16 at stake, the Black Stars will be hoping for a well-managed contest as they attempt to extend their impressive World Cup campaign against the South American side.

The 27-year-old’s decision follows Senegal, who are managed by Pape Thiaw, letting a 2-0 lead slip as they were dramatically beaten by Belgium in their last-32 tie at the World Cup.

Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had deservedly put Senegal in front before late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans sent the tie into extra time.

Belgium were awarded a controversial penalty in the 125th minute and Tielemans scored from the spot to knock Senegal out.

Gueye, who plays for La Liga side Villarreal in Spain, started the game but was replaced by Lamine Camara after 66 minutes.

“I will come back to say a few words about the elimination… but I am announcing today that as long as this coaching staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team,” Gueye, who has won 45 caps for Senegal and scored twice in their group-stage win over Iraq, said on social media.

Thiaw has been in charge of Senegal since December 2024 and was at the heart of the controversy which resulted in his side being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Thiaw ushered his team off the field when Morocco who were awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the Afcon final in January.

The players eventually returned after a delay of about 17 minutes before Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Gueye scored an extra-time winner.

However, Morocco were declared the winners of the tournament in March when the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s walk-off.

Senegal have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and hope to regain the title.