France captain Kylian Mbappé said his main goal is to lift the World Cup trophy on July 19 in New York, rather than chasing personal records. France secured their place in the last 16 with a 3–0 victory over Sweden, where Mbappé scored twice. His total of 18 World Cup goals is now just one short of Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 19. Despite matching Messi’s six goals in the current tournament, Mbappé emphasized that team success matters more than individual achievements.

Speaking at a press conference, the Real Madrid forward said the team’s focus is on progressing as far as possible and returning to the same venue for the final. He downplayed the importance of goal records, noting that his attention is on upcoming opponents and reaching the final. France will face Paraguay next, a team that eliminated Germany in a tiebreaker. Mbappé acknowledged that improvements are still needed but expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to change the course of any match.

If France defeat Paraguay, they will meet either host Canada or Morocco in the semifinals. Mbappé reiterated that the World Cup trophy means far more to him than the Golden Boot award.

A major controversy erupted during the World Cup Round of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay when a late extra-time goal by Jonathan Tah was disallowed following a VAR review. In the 102nd minute, Tah headed in a corner from Nathaniel Brown, but Moroccan referee Jalal Zayed overturned the goal after consulting the monitor. The decision, based on an alleged foul by German defender Waldemar Anton on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil, became a decisive moment in Germany’s elimination.

The ruling drew sharp criticism from several football figures. Former England captain Alan Shearer called it a “very soft foul,” while Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel described it as “painful.” German coach Jürgen Klopp argued that if such contact is a foul, many set-piece goals would be invalid. Refereeing analysts Patrick Ittrich and Thorsten Kinhöfer also questioned the VAR intervention, saying it was not a “clear and obvious error.”

Supporters of the referee’s decision cited IFAB rules, stating that obstructing a goalkeeper’s movement can constitute a foul. However, critics pointed to inconsistency, noting similar contacts were ignored earlier. Paraguay eventually won 4–3 in the penalty shootout to reach the quarterfinals.

France advanced to the World Cup round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden in New Jersey. Kylian Mbappé led the charge with two goals, while Barcola added another. The French side dominated possession and chances throughout, with Mbappé’s first-half strike breaking the deadlock just before halftime. He celebrated by embracing coach Didier Deschamps, who recently lost his mother.

In the second half, France maintained their attacking rhythm. Barcola doubled the lead in the 53rd minute from an Olise assist, and Mbappé sealed the win in the 74th minute with his second goal, again assisted by Olise. Sweden’s goalkeeper Zetterström made several saves to prevent a heavier defeat, as France registered 25 shots, 12 on target, while Sweden managed eight without serious threat.

With six goals in the tournament, Mbappé now matches Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and has 18 career World Cup goals, one behind Messi’s record 19. France will face Paraguay, who eliminated Germany on penalties, in the next round.

A major controversy erupted at the 2026 World Cup after Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay was disallowed following a VAR review. In the round of 32 match at Boston Stadium, Jonathan Tah’s header in the 102nd minute was ruled out after the referee, consulting the video assistant referee, determined that defender Waldemar Anton had lightly impeded Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The match ended 1-1 and went to penalties, where Paraguay triumphed 4-3, eliminating Germany from the tournament.

French football legend Thierry Henry condemned the decision as “crazy” and “very poor,” arguing that the contact was minimal and the goal should have stood. He said Germany had been “robbed” of a legitimate goal. Analysts Roy Keane and Alan Shearer also criticized the call, suggesting the goalkeeper had misjudged the cross and exaggerated the contact to influence the review.

The incident reignited debate over the effectiveness of VAR technology and its role in correcting “clear and obvious errors,” with renewed scrutiny on how such decisions impact major tournament outcomes.

Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann has conceded that the national team is no longer among the world’s top football powers after their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Despite a 7–1 victory over Curaçao, Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout in the round of 32 at Boston’s Foxboro Stadium, marking their third consecutive early exit from a major tournament. Nagelsmann described the defeat as deeply disappointing and acknowledged that the team’s current level does not match its historic reputation.

In the post-match press conference, Nagelsmann criticized a VAR decision that disallowed Jonathan Tah’s extra-time header, calling it “a complete joke.” He also dismissed speculation about his resignation, saying he would continue if the German Football Association (DFB) wanted him to stay. The coach emphasized that he would not walk away from the challenge despite public criticism.

Nagelsmann hinted at the need for major structural changes to restore Germany’s former strength, suggesting that significant reforms and new solutions are required for the team’s future direction.

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. took a playful jab at German economist Joachim Klement after Brazil’s unexpected victory contradicted Klement’s mathematical prediction that the team would be eliminated by Japan in the ongoing World Cup. Klement, known for accurately forecasting the last three champions using a four-pillar economic model, saw his predictions falter when both Brazil and his favored Netherlands defied expectations on the same day. Following these results, Neymar posted teasing messages on social media platform X, telling Klement to try again in the next World Cup and commenting “wrong again” after the Netherlands’ loss.

Klement’s model is based on four factors: a country’s GDP, population size, average temperature, and fan presence in stadiums. He argues that these variables influence football success by reflecting infrastructure, talent pool, climate suitability, and psychological support. However, Brazil’s 2–1 win over Japan, sealed by Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal, demonstrated the unpredictability of football beyond mathematical equations.

The incident highlighted the limits of statistical forecasting in sports, showing that real matches can overturn even the most data-driven predictions.

Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bangladeshi fans for their enthusiastic support during the ongoing World Cup. Despite Bangladesh not participating in the tournament, the country’s football fans have drawn global attention through their celebrations after every Argentina and Brazil match. Their viral displays of passion have reached the dressing rooms of both Latin American football giants.

Following Brazil’s dramatic 2–1 comeback victory over Japan in the round of 32, Alisson told broadcaster T Sports that he had seen videos of Bangladeshi supporters and thanked them for their love, saying Brazilians love Bangladesh in return. Midfielder Casemiro also conveyed his appreciation to Bangladeshi fans in the mixed zone after the match. Their messages have sparked renewed excitement among Brazil supporters in Bangladesh.

The mutual admiration between Bangladeshi fans and Latin American football stars has turned this World Cup into a deeply emotional experience for football enthusiasts in Bangladesh, even without their national team on the field.

Norway advanced to the World Cup round of sixteen for the first time after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1, thanks to a decisive 86th-minute goal from Erling Haaland. The match, held on July 1, 2026, saw Norway take the lead in the first half through a long-range strike from Antonio Nusa. Ivory Coast equalized in the second half with a solo effort from Amad Diallo, but Haaland’s composed finish late in the game sealed a historic victory for the European side.

The win marked Norway’s first-ever knockout stage success in World Cup history. Haaland, who has scored in all three of Norway’s matches in the tournament, now has five goals in the current campaign and 60 in 53 international appearances. His consistent scoring form has been a key factor in Norway’s progress.

With this result, Norway secured a place in the last sixteen and will face five-time world champions Brazil on July 5. Haaland’s continued form could pose a serious challenge for the South American giants in the upcoming match.

South Korea’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned after the team failed to advance beyond the group stage. Just 24 hours after their elimination was confirmed, Hong announced his decision at a press conference, taking full responsibility for the team’s early exit. South Korea had started the tournament strongly with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but then suffered consecutive defeats to Mexico and South Africa, which sealed their fate.

In his post-match remarks, Hong expressed deep regret for not meeting the expectations of fans and apologized to supporters, saying that as coach he bore all responsibility for the results. He added that although stepping down was difficult, his love for Korean football would remain, and he would continue to support the team as a fan.

The sudden resignation has dealt a major blow to South Korean football, leaving uncertainty over who will take charge of the team as it seeks to rebuild after the disappointing campaign.

The second season of 'Natun Kurir Sports' will open its online registration on July 1, 2026, aiming to identify grassroots sports talent and encourage youth participation in physical activities. The announcement was made by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque at a press conference held at the Bangladesh Olympic Building. The registration process will continue until August 31, 2026, for children aged 12 to 14, born between September 1, 2012, and August 31, 2014. Efforts are underway to promote participation through schools, clubs, and district sports offices.

This season expands the competition’s reach to every union and city corporation ward, allowing teams to compete directly at the upazila level. In addition to football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, swimming, chess, badminton, and martial arts, table tennis and volleyball have been added, bringing the total to ten events.

Meanwhile, the national-level competition for the first season will begin on July 18, 2026, at Mirpur National Stadium and conclude on July 27 at the Army Stadium in Dhaka, with the Prime Minister scheduled to attend the closing ceremony.

Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 of the World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston on Monday. Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, the five-time world champions fought back with goals from Casemiro and substitute Gabriel Martinelli, whose stoppage-time finish sealed the win. Japan had taken an early lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano’s low shot from outside the box.

Brazil dominated possession and created several chances throughout the match. After the break, coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced young forward Endrick, who energized the attack. Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute with a header from a Gabriel cross, and Brazil continued to press for a winner. In added time, Martinelli converted a precise through pass from Bruno Guimarães to secure Brazil’s progression.

With this result, Brazil confirmed their place in the last 16, where they will face the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast. Japan, despite a spirited performance, exited the tournament after conceding late.

The Netherlands and Morocco are preparing for one of the most anticipated matches in the World Cup round of 32, scheduled for tomorrow at 7 a.m. Bangladesh time. The Dutch advanced as Group F leaders with seven points, while Morocco also collected seven points to finish runners-up in Group C. Both teams remain unbeaten, each securing two wins and one draw in the group stage, setting the stage for a high-intensity knockout encounter.

The Netherlands, three-time World Cup runners-up, began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan before defeating Sweden and Tunisia with fast-paced attacking football. Coach Ronald Koeman’s side aims to maintain their rhythm despite the absence of injured defender Jurriën Timber. Forward Cody Gakpo continues to play despite personal tragedy, with teammates expected to rally behind him.

Morocco, impressive in the previous World Cup, have again shown strong form, drawing with Brazil and defeating Haiti and Scotland. Striker Ismail Saibari made history as the first African to score in all three group matches, posing a major threat to the Dutch defense. The match promises both revenge and redemption as Morocco seeks to overturn their 1994 World Cup loss to the Netherlands.

Lionel Messi continues to rewrite football history in his sixth World Cup appearance. By the end of the 2026 tournament’s group stage, the Argentine captain had scored six goals, surpassing or equaling the total goals of 30 participating nations. His tally includes a hat-trick against Algeria, two goals versus Austria, and a free-kick strike after coming on as a substitute against Jordan.

Messi’s performance has set a new record for scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches, breaking the previous joint record held by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho. Out of Argentina’s eight goals in the group stage, six came from Messi. Statistical data show that only 17 teams, excluding Argentina, have scored more than him so far, while Panama remains goalless.

With Messi leading the Golden Boot race, Argentina now looks ahead to the knockout stage. Maintaining his current form could strengthen both his personal record and Argentina’s hopes of defending their World Cup title.

Brazil will face Japan today in the World Cup knockout stage at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with major attention on whether Neymar will start. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and media reports suggest the forward, returning from a calf injury, is unlikely to be in the starting lineup. Instead, Ancelotti plans to retain almost the same eleven that defeated Scotland 3–0 in the group stage.

Neymar missed Brazil’s opening matches against Morocco and Haiti due to injury but played the final 15 minutes against Scotland as a substitute. Ancelotti said Neymar’s condition has improved and he could play longer against Japan, though he gave no assurance of a starting role. Local and European analysts believe the coach will avoid risks, keeping Neymar on the bench until he is fully match-fit.

Brazil are expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with young forward Rayan likely replacing the still-injured Raphinha. Ancelotti emphasized that Japan cannot be underestimated, recalling a 3–2 loss to them in a friendly last year, and said his team is ready for extra time or penalties if needed.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will not start in the upcoming World Cup round of 32 match against Japan in Houston at 11 p.m. Bangladesh time. Although Neymar has recovered from injury and shown improvement over the past week, Ancelotti said the forward is not yet ready to play a full match. The coach emphasized that Neymar could play more than 15 minutes, but his exact playing time will depend on the match situation.

Neymar had been sidelined for 981 days due to a right calf injury and missed Brazil’s first two World Cup matches. He returned as a substitute in the group stage match against Scotland, where he showed glimpses of his old form. Ancelotti stated that he plans to use Neymar’s experience and creativity as a late-game advantage rather than taking early risks.

Ancelotti also warned that Japan is one of the world’s best teams and said Brazil is approaching the match with a final-like mindset. He reminded his players to be mentally strong and ready for any scenario, including extra time or penalties.