Football Articles | Mail Online

• Brazil vs Norway - World Cup last 16 LIVE: Drama as Bruno Guimaraes has penalty SAVED after VAR call5 July 2026, 8:50 pm
  Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Brazil take on Norway in a World Cup last-16 clash at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
  
• Revealed: The rarely-used rule that allowed USA star Folarin Balogun to skip World Cup ban and play against Belgium5 July 2026, 8:39 pm
  FIFA's decision to overturn the red card suspension for USMNT star Folarin Balogun has left many fans wondering how the American striker will be able to play against Belgium. 
  
• Furious Belgium 'investigating all options' over FIFA's 'astonishing' decision to allow USA star Folarin Balogun to play in World Cup last-16 clash5 July 2026, 8:38 pm
  The decision was confirmed on Sunday, in a major boost to the USMNT who will now have Balogun available for Monday's round of 16 game against Belgium in Seattle.
  
• FIFA caves to Donald Trump after president made extraordinary phone call asking for red-carded USA World Cup star's suspension to be lifted in decision that has sent shockwaves through the sport5 July 2026, 8:37 pm
  Trump called FIFA president Infantino on Wednesday and asked him to review the suspension of the United States' top goal scorer in the competition, according to the New York Times.
  
• Shameless Donald Trump and his fawning puppet Gianni Infantino have dragged this World Cup into a cesspit by overturning Folarin Balogun's ban - now we know for sure there's one rule for the US and one for everyone else, writes IAN HERBERT5 July 2026, 8:33 pm
  IAN HERBERT: Just when it seemed that Gianni Infantino's most demeaning act of self-flagellation before the altar of Donald Trump was to hand the man a Peace Prize.
  
• 'Complete DISASTER': Furious French newspapers rip apart World Cup referee and hand him BRUTAL 1/10 rating for failing to deal with Paraguay's 'disgraceful' dark arts - as outraged fans call for him to be banned5 July 2026, 8:27 pm
  French newspaper L'Equipe gave World Cup referee Ilgiz Tantashev just their third 1/10 rating for an official in a decade after failing to clamp down on Paraguay's 'dark arts' in their World Cup last-16 tie.
  
• England fans descend on Mexico City ahead of the Three Lions' crunch match with the World Cup co-hosts5 July 2026, 8:21 pm
  The tie will kick off at 1am UK time on Monday morning - despite talks that it would be moved forward due to bad weather.
  
• Got plenty of time on your hands, Sir Keir? Internet gives booted PM Starmer a kicking as he posts excruciating World Cup video filmed (while he can) in Downing Street5 July 2026, 8:19 pm
  The Prime Minister, who has just days left in No.10 following his resignation last month, shared the clip on his X account alongside three England flags.
  
• How Mexico's punishing altitude has humbled England before - and the travel gamble Thomas Tuchel may live to regret, writes JEFF POWELL5 July 2026, 7:58 pm
  JEFF POWELL: Take a deep breath, England. A very deep breath. Then as many more deep breaths as humanly possible in a short span of time.
  
• Bitter Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill launches X-rated attack on Kylian Mbappe and accuses the France star of IGNORING his handshake after fiery last-16 clash5 July 2026, 7:57 pm
  The Real Madrid star scored a decisive penalty late on in Philadelphia on Saturday, yet the game was marred by Paraguay's antics, with the South American side accused of being 'dirty'.
  
• Newcastle complete £43m move for World Cup star Bazoumana Toure, West Ham target ambitious move for James McAtee - and Tottenham's Radu Dragusin heads to Italy on loan: WINDOW WATCH5 July 2026, 7:52 pm
  The transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today's latest developments...
  
• Thomas Tuchel mixes with Mexico fans as England chiefs are left stunned by police presence and referees enjoy World Cup VIP treatment: INSIDE SPORT5 July 2026, 7:34 pm
  MIKE KEEGAN IN MEXICO CITY: Much was written about the hostile reception England would face but the reality was off a nation that welcomed the Three Lions with open arms.
  
• England legends of 1986 reveal the brutal reality of playing at the Azteca and what Thomas Tuchel's stars will face in Mexico - and why long-range strikes may be key to victory in World Cup last-16 clash5 July 2026, 6:09 pm
  IAN LADYMAN IN MEXICO CITY: It has taken Peter Shilton years to come to terms with it. Peter Reid gets asked about it most days. Terry Butcher's route through the pain is driven by humour.
  
• USA star Chris Richards reveals the truth about his lucky rubber chicken, why America can win the World Cup… and the REAL reason he grew his hair5 July 2026, 5:54 pm
  Chris Richards is talking about a pillowcase and a rubber chicken. They come from very different places - the suburbs of Alabama and a soccer field in eastern Germany.
  
• Djed Spence's sister in nightmare journey to Mexico City to watch Tottenham star in crunch World Cup clash as she is left stranded in USA5 July 2026, 5:29 pm
  NICK PISA IN MEXICO CITY: Bria Spence, who has been following her brother for the tournament with her daughter, was stuck after her United Airlines plane was stranded on the tarmac.