I feel that is the most fun day of fixtures since the 2026 World Cup started. We have match heavyweights, darkish horses, celebrity gamers and one in all the most unimaginable stadiums in the world to speak about in today’s providing.
Brazil, England, Norway and Mexico will all hope to observe France and Morocco into the quarterfinals and keep away from the heartbreak felt by Canada and Paraguay yesterday.
But first, let’s focus on a rivalry that’s been effervescent away for a few seasons now. One that sees arguably the greatest defender in the world come up towards the greatest attacker.
The Main Thing: It’s virtually time for Erling Haaland and Gabriel to face off
When it was clear Brazil would face Norway in the Round of 16, these in the know immediately considered two gamers and one ongoing rivalry.
In the blue nook we’ve Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães and in the crimson nook we’ve Norwegian celebrity Erling Haaland. With these two on the identical pitch, we will anticipate fireworks.
Both are acquainted foes, clashing on a number of events when enjoying for his or her membership groups in the Premier League.
For Arsenal, Gabriel is the immovable object at the again. He’s a wily and aggressive participant who appears to search out motivation in bodily battles with the striker he’s marking. Then you might have Manchester City’s Haaland, a colossus of a person with a character simply as massive. He’s the natural-born goalscorer that followers are prepared to pay hundreds to observe.
The pair has engaged in some titanic battles in the league, with the rivalry usually tipping over into the realm of hostility. There is little question the two gamers have big respect for each other, however I can’t think about they’re on one another’s Christmas card checklist.
The tensions began to correctly present again in 2024, when Haaland threw the ball into the again of Gabriel’s head whereas celebrating a late Manchester City equalizer. The two had been battling all recreation and the Norwegian obtained the final snigger on that event.
Five months later, the roles had been reversed. This time, Arsenal popped City 5-1 and Gabriel very a lot loved laughing and celebrating in Haaland’s face. It began a feud that’s rumbled on ever since.
Just a couple of months in the past in April, Gabriel was fortunate to not be despatched off after showing to throw his head in direction of Haaland. Much to his credit score, the massive Norwegian didn’t fall to the floor, so his rival was saved a possible crimson card.
It’s only a fantastically prickly relationship in basic. They’ve squared up to one another numerous occasions, pushed one another round and genuinely been nice leisure each time they’ve come head to head. They’ve additionally taken little jibes at one another off the pitch – all in what seems to be good humor.
What makes the rivalry even higher is that each are at the very prime of their recreation. Gabriel has turn into one in all the most dependable defenders in world soccer, whereas Haaland is solely extraordinary.
Today marks a brand new and a world chapter in the love-hate relationship. Whoever will get the higher of the different would possibly decide which nation heads into the quarterfinals and which group’s World Cup dream is over.
Given Haaland has already scored 5 objectives in what’s his first World Cup, Gabriel may have his fingers full. Time to chill with a field of popcorn.
When? 4 p.m. ET
Where? New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
By NCS’s Emile Nuh
Brazil’s quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup crown continues towards Norway.
Carlo Ancelotti’s facet opened with an underwhelming 1-1 draw towards Morocco however responded with two 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland to prime Group C on aim distinction.
The Round of 32 was far much less routine, however Brazil’s 2-1 comeback victory over Japan – sealed by Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic Ninety fifth-minute winner – confirmed the Seleção is up for a combat.
This recreation additionally pits two of the match’s standout gamers towards one another, as Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has shone for Brazil with 4 objectives and one help and Manchester City’s Haaland is firmly in the Golden Boot race with 5 objectives.
Haaland was rested for Norway’s remaining group recreation towards France, as wins over Senegal and Iraq had already secured qualification. But he returned to score the late winner in a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.
If the Røde, Hvite, Blå are to tug off an upset, their prolific No. 9 will virtually actually be the difference-maker.
The winner will face both co-host Mexico or England in the quarterfinal on July 11 in Miami.
The phrases of Canada supervisor Jesse Marsch after his facet was overwhelmed 3-0 by Morocco in the Round of 16 yesterday.
Marsch was very passionate and clearly very happy with his group after the defeat, and rightly so. Canada, a bit unfortunate to lose so closely, has made historical past this summer time after making the knockout rounds for the first time and may have undoubtedly unfold pleasure and impressed a brand new technology in the nation.
Still, it’s a tough promote to say you’d fairly be a Canada fan this morning. After all, Morocco’s World Cup dream remains to be alive and kicking.
Our NCS Sports colleague Don Riddell spoke with United States midfielder Diego Luna, who missed out on 2026 World Cup choice, about Folarin Balogun’s controversial crimson card in the USA’s Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun teammate talks disappointment of crimson card
Mexico vs. England
When? 8 p.m. ET
Where? Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City, Mexico
By NCS’s Emile Nuh
Mexico has been one in all the standout groups of the match and enters this recreation brimming with confidence.
El Tri comfortably topped Group A after notching three wins with out conceding a single aim, earlier than beating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32, which means the Mexican protection is but to be breached at this match.
Javier Aguirre’s facet can also be enjoying its fifth straight match on residence soil – and fourth at the Estadio Azteca – and victory right here would see Mexico into simply its third World Cup quarterfinal, matching its best-ever end from 1970 and 1986 when it additionally served as match host.
England has been removed from its greatest however nonetheless gained Group L, earlier than edging previous DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 because of an important late brace from captain Harry Kane.
But this will likely be the Three Lions’ hardest check but.
As effectively as the 2,200-meter (7,350 ft, almost 1.4-mile) altitude, the Azteca additionally holds painful reminiscences for England, which was knocked out right here by Argentina in the 1986 quarterfinal because of each the deviousness (the “Hand of God”) and distinctive brilliance (the “Goal of the Century”) of Diego Maradona in the span of five minutes.
Thomas Tuchel’s facet should overcome the weight of historical past if it’s to e book a quarterfinal spot towards Brazil or Norway in Miami on July 11. There had additionally been what seems to be a last-minute try to maneuver the recreation up earlier in the day. But after a little bit of a brief cleaning soap opera between FIFA and the two federations, the 8 p.m. ET kickoff has been confirmed.
As effectively as the warmth, the humidity and the altitude, England will even need to battle Mexico’s ridiculous document at the Azteca Stadium.
To maintain its title goals alive, the Three Lions should do one thing nobody has ever carried out earlier than: beat Mexico at the Azteca in the World Cup. El Tri has performed 10 occasions at the venue to date throughout three editions and stays unbeaten – eight wins and two attracts.
Mexico’s all-time document at the Azteca is much more spectacular, however you need to think about the high quality of its opponent in a number of these matches. A bit of digging makes it barely much less unimaginable that it’s misplaced solely twice in official matches at the stadium, per the Associated Press.
Above the rest, that is one in all the world’s best soccer arenas. It’s steeped in a lot historical past and has performed host to a few of the most iconic moments in the historical past of the sport. Yes, it’s been revamped over the years, however from all accounts, it’s nonetheless stored maintain of its authentic spirit and ambiance.
The residence benefit would possibly make Mexico the favourite towards England. That simply wouldn’t be the case in virtually some other stadium in the world.
The pubs – and faculties – are staying open in England
NCS Sports’ Glen Levy fills us in on an incredible night time for English pubs and a tricky morning for English college youngsters.
Back in England, the nation which supposedly gave soccer to the world, everyone seems to be clearly protecting calm and carrying on throughout this World Cup run. And whereas the pubs are staying open late for Sunday night time’s England vs. Mexico match, life goes on as regular for a nation of youngsters who would have hoped to watched their heroes.
The first drawback for the football-mad nation is the Round of 16 match isn’t going down on Sunday night time as a result of pesky time zones. Instead, attempt 1:00am native time Monday on for dimension, which may be the worst potential time of the week for a recreation to happen. And that’s presenting loads of issues, most notably for individuals to get pleasure from watching the recreation at their native pub.
Nobody understands attempting to placate the public fairly like politicians, and thus outgoing United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is permitting pubs to remain open till 5:00 a.m. on Monday.
“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Starmer stated on Thursday, which was a refined reference to the “Three Lions” tune that has soundtracked England followers’ continued ache over the years.
But whereas pub-going followers might be nursing a later than traditional Monday hangover, spare a thought for the nation’s youngsters, a lot of whom will likely be determined to observe their heroes from residence after which ideally spend the remainder of Monday dreaming about Harry Kane and co lifting the trophy.
But as issues stand, England’s children aren’t getting a much-needed help. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson holds the view that watching the recreation doesn’t essentially imply children ought to miss college.
Understandably, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has implored mother and father to “write an excuse for school and let them watch football,” noting “there’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.”
(Starmer disagreed, together with his spokesperson saying youngsters “should be in school on Monday,” however did concede that “obviously parents can make their own decisions.”)
By the appears to be like of it, the rating going into the match is Pubs 1-0 Schools. Can Tuchel’s plea end result in beers and cheers throughout?
Now, I perceive that Paraguay couldn’t simply go toe-to-toe with France in yesterday’s Round of 16 conflict – a tie it will definitely lost 1-0. And, after all, it has each proper to get bodily and aggressive with the French gamers in order to throw them off their recreation. After all, the Albirroja had been big underdogs.
But what occurred in yesterday’s match was undoubtedly crossing the line.
On multiple event, the Paraguayan gamers launched into tackles that would have damage the recipient. Midfielder Matías Galarza was the foremost wrongdoer. Twice, the 24-year-old lashed out at a French participant off the ball; he regarded intent on inflicting chaos.
Incredibly, Galarza didn’t decide up a yellow card. If you watched the recreation, you’d agree that ought to be not possible. He may have had about 5. What’s much more outstanding was not a single Paraguay participant was proven a yellow card throughout common time, and but France picked up three.
No marvel many on social media had been questioning what on earth the referee was watching. In reality, he completely misplaced management of the recreation.
“I had never played a match like this, with so many hits,” France midfielder Manu Koné stated after the win. “I mean, cheap shots, shoves in the back. So, yes, it was complicated.”
It’s ironic that the solely aim got here by means of a penalty for what was a really unintended foul, initially not given by the on-field referee, might I add. But even earlier than Kylian Mbappé was allowed to take the spot-kick, Paraguay’s gamers had been attempting to get underneath his pores and skin. Defender Gustavo Velázquez was even busy attempting to scuff up the penalty spot. Naturally, no yellow card was given for that…
Paraguay has carried out brilliantly to get this far and totally deserved to achieve the Round of 16, however it was a tragic and undignified strategy to bow out of what was an excellent summer time for the group.