SuperNewsAffiliate

World Cup favourites France were forced to work hard to secure their place in the quarter-finals Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty enough to edge past a determined Paraguay in Philadelphia. Author | James Y Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium Paraguay restricted the two-time champions to very few clear openings until substitute Desire Doue was brought down inside the penalty area by Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev pointed to the spot after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Mbappe confidently converted the penalty, sending Orlando Gill the wrong way to book France's place in the last eight. His seventh goal of the tournament also saw him draw level with Argentina great Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. The last-16 tie began in searing heat, with temperatures climbing to 38C, yet France quickly established control of possession. Even so, Paraguay's disciplined defensive display proved difficult to breach and France's frustration bec...

Cunha double sends Brazil top of their group as Haiti become first team eliminated from World Cup Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil eased past Haiti, who became the first side to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Author | James Y Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium Carlo Ancelotti's team responded to criticism following their opening draw with Morocco with an impressive display in Philadelphia. Although the opposition offered little resistance, Brazil moved to the top of Group C with a convincing victory. Cunha, who replaced Brentford striker Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, opened the scoring after 23 minutes in fortunate fashion when Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix cleared the ball against him and it spun into the net. The striker had been quickest to react after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide parried Vinicius Jr's effort, forcing Delcroix into the challenge that ultimately led to the opener. Watch | Both sets of fans party together after the m...

Ivory Coast edged past Ecuador in Philadelphia Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored a superb 90th-minute winner to give Ivory Coast a great start to the tournament. Author | James Y Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium It was a brilliant finish from the substitute, who guided the ball into the corner with his left foot after a powerful run from Wilfried Singo. The goal also brought an end to Ecuador's 19-match unbeaten run, which had stretched for almost two years. Making a huge impact from the bench Amad's omission from the starting line-up was a surprise as Ivory Coast returned to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. However, he made a decisive impact from the bench, scoring the goal that gives his side a significant chance of progressing from Group E, which also features Germany and Curacao , and reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Ecuador struck the woodwork three times but were unable to make the breakthrough, with John Yeboah and A...