Mbappe's scoring surge looms over England's Tuchel test

Kylian Mbappe entered the 2026 World Cup knockout stage with 18 goals, just one shy of Lionel Messi’s record, as France prepared to face Paraguay, while England, under Thomas Tuchel, readied for a decisive clash with DR Congo that could expose the manager’s tactical limits. Norway made its first World Cup appearance since 1998. In the first knockout round, Norway edged Ivory Coast to set up a last‑16 tie with Brazil. Erling Braut Haaland scored his fifth tournament goal in Arlington, Texas, after Antonio Nusa’s first‑half strike and Amad Diallo’s 74th‑minute reply. Kylian Mbappe, a Real Madrid forward, entered the knockout stage with 18 World Cup goals, one behind Lionel Messi’s 19. After four group‑stage goals, Mbappe added a brace in the 3‑0 win over Sweden, with Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain) doubling the lead before Mbappe’s second strike. Didier Deschamps’ side became the first to score at least three goals in five consecutive matches in a World Cup, and they now face Paraguay.

Paraguay revels in World Cup night as penalty drama unfolds

England topped Group L ahead of Croatia but drew 0‑0 with Ghana, a result Tuchel will not forget. The Three Lions now travel to face DR Congo, a team that earned a 1‑1 draw with Portugal in the group stage. Thomas Tuchel’s credentials will be tested as England seek a fifth consecutive quarter‑final at major tournaments. Harry Kane, a Bayern Munich striker, became England’s all‑time World Cup scorer with his 11th goal, a header in a 2‑0 win over Panama. Kane sits three goals behind Messi in the tournament’s top‑scorer race. He has found the net before half‑time in two of England’s last three knockout games against African opponents.

Penalty drama reshapes World Cup path for Paraguay and Germany

Belgium recorded a 5‑1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver, becoming the first European side since England in 1990 to top a group after losing their opening two games. Senegal’s 5‑0 rout of Iraq secured their place as the eighth‑best third‑placed team. Both Belgium and Senegal arrive in Seattle with momentum, and Belgium have lost only one of their six previous matches against African opposition.