France Football has settled the long-running debate over how closely winning the World Cup is tied to claiming the Ballon d’Or, football’s most coveted individual prize.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said he wanted to stay in his job despite the defeat on penalties to Paraguay that sent the four-time World Cup winners crashing out in the last 32 on Monday.

Morocco’s penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands has won the team newfound respect on the world stage, according to coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who said his players drew their motivation from the millions of fans following the match back home.

The first confirmed Round of 16 fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see co-hosts Canada take on Morocco after both teams secured dramatic victories to book their places in the knockout stage.

Morocco’s dramatic penalty shoot-out win over the Netherlands sparked scenes of joy Tuesday in The Hague, home to a large Moroccan community, but also violent arrests amid clashes with police.

Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday after a thrilling battle in Monterrey finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Paraguay stunned Germany in a penalty shootout on Monday to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.

The last-32 game between Germany and Paraguay became the first knockout match of the 2026 World Cup to go to extra time.

It was the latest winning goal in normal time of the knockout stages of the World Cup on record (since 1966).

The 37-year-old striker arrives from Barcelona after helping the Spanish giants capture the La Liga crown last month having starred from 2014-2022 with Bayern Munich.

Brazil reached the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday after Gabriel Martinelli scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-1 defeat of Japan in Houston.

According to the BBC, the 19-year-old RB Leipzig star prefers a switch to the French champions, who are expected to step up talks with the Bundesliga club in the coming weeks.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Deschamps made it clear France would not sacrifice their attacking identity despite concerns over their defensive vulnerability.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has pointed to two specific 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures that ultimately doomed Nigeria’s campaign and sealed their failure to qualify for the tournament.

Australia captain Sam Kerr has completed a return to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), signing a four-year deal with reigning champions Gotham FC after leaving Chelsea at the end of her contract.