Read 3 minutesUpdated: 3 July 2026 10:21 AM IST Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed claims by his sister Katia Aveiro that he will retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup and will not make a decision until after Portugal’s tournament. Speaking ahead of Portugal’s tough Round of 32 clash against Croatia, Katia appeared on Portuguese media outlet Sport TV and said: “Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s over soon.” Ronaldo said the decision to retire could last for days, converting a crucial 68th-minute penalty that helped Portugal draw with Croatia in Toronto before Goncalo Ramos’ stoppage-time winner put them

Read more

Read 4 minutes3 Jul 2026 08:55 AM IST When England travel to Mexico for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash, the name of their hotel will be a closely guarded secret. why Because the England team management have taken note of the plight of Ecuador, who traveled to Mexico for their Round of 32 match last week. Ecuador’s players spent a sleepless night in the city before their game, thanks to Mexico’s supporters, who used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles outside the team hotel (Hotel Westin) to harass the traveling team. After Ecuador’s expulsion, the federation also filed an

Read more

Read 3 minutesUpdated: 3 July 2026 07:41 AM IST An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears after wearing Diogo Jota’s number 21 jersey as a tribute to his former teammate, after a thrilling 2-1 win over Croatia to send Portugal into the round of 16 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash. After playing a key role in Portugal’s second UEFA Nations League win and helping the team secure their place at the World Cup, Jota lost his life in a road accident in Spain last year at the age of 28. Portugal lost to Croatia in Toronto on Friday,

Read more

Read for 2 minutesUpdated: July 3, 2026 06:20 AM IST Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first knockout goal of the World Cup as Portugal drew 32 in the World Cup against Croatia on Thursday evening in Toronto. Follow Live: Portugal vs Croatia Updates Having scored 11 goals in six editions, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. The 41-year-old has previously gone eight matches in five World Cups without registering a goal or assist. Ronaldo converted the chance with his usual composure after bringing down defender Renato Vega in the box at a corner. After a first half

Read more

Read for 5 minutesUpdated: 2 July 2026 08:06 PM IST Michael Ollis is an introvert. The introversion is often evident, as in his interview on CBS Sports Golazo — a show where the panelists are louder than the football they’re covering. Among the panelists was Thierry Henry, under whose coaching Ollis won a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. The broadcasters’ only trick was to unlock an unexpected, extroverted version of the hostage. It failed – he had nothing. The only thing on offer was a different smile and self-indulgence. Only one place you can see a different version of

Read more

Modric earned his 200th international cap for Croatia a week ago in a crucial win for his side over Panama at the Toronto Stadium. At 40, he is still a pillar of Croatia’s midfield, leading the team to second and third place finishes at the last two World Cups and will be crucial against Portugal. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic expects the match to be decided at his position. Players on both sides know that the two stars, who were once teammates during six seasons at Real Madrid, have little chance of a move forward. Ronaldo’s fading powers make Portugal a

Read more

Nothing could separate Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018. They had just won their third consecutive Champions League at Real Madrid. Modric then led Croatia to the finals of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Ronaldo finished the season with 44 club goals. Football’s highest individual honor – the Ballon d’Or – was contested by two men. Modric won, with Ronaldo later admitting he deserved it more. Even after eight years there is nothing left to bring them together. They will head into the Round of 32 between Croatia and Portugal. Together, they are the oldest outfielders left in the tournament,

Read more

Read 3 minutesUpdated: 2 July 2026 07:19 AM IST DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre’s historic journey to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages with his team was dashed after a 1-2 defeat by England on Wednesday, when he was momentarily shocked by the sudden announcement of his father’s death at the post-match press conference. Leading Congo to their first World Cup qualification since 1974, Desabre oversaw their progress from a tough Group J that included Portugal and Colombia. The story blossomed further when Brian Sipenga’s seventh-minute strike stunned England, who had to claw their way back to victory late in

Read more

Spain vs Austria World Cup 2026 Match Live Updates: 2010 World Cup winners Spain will face Austria in the Round of 32 on Thursday night at the Los Angeles Stadium. Spain topped their group with 7 points while Austria finished second in their group with 4 points. On paper, it looks like no match for the Spanish juggernaut, who were considered heavy favorites to qualify for the round of 16 after dispatching the Austrians so easily. But this World Cup has had its fair share of surprises and Spain will be wary of their group stage result which was the

Read more

Twenty-three years ago, on the final day of a relegation battle in Chiapas, a journeyman midfielder named Gilberto Mora Olayo did something that had nothing to do with talent and everything to do with desire. The Jaguares needed a win over the Tecos to survive MexicoTop flight of A free kick was awarded, and the regular taker, whom they called Tiba, had already put one over the crossbar. Mora walked on anyway, argued with him and hit it into the top corner. Jaguares stayed up 1-0, as anyone in Chiapas football remembers. Five years later, in the same city, during

Read more