馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
England to battle Mexico in World Cup last 16, Brazil faces Norway
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
England is set to play Mexico in a World Cup last-16 match at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, while Brazil will face Norway. England's team, coached by Thomas Tuchel, returns to the Azteca 40 years after their 'Hand of God' game. Tuchel noted the challenge of the 2,240-meter altitude, stating physical adaptation in four days is impossible. Mexico, having won all four home games without conceding a goal, secured their first knockout win in 40 years with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador. Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre questioned the altitude's impact, emphasizing the match as an "11 v 11" contest and acknowledging England's powerful players. The winner of the England-Mexico match will play either Norway or Brazil in the quarter-finals in Miami. Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti discussed plans to counter Norway's striker Erling Haaland, who has scored five goals in three tournament appearances. Norway's coach Stale Solbakken urged his team to focus on the game rather than the occasion against the five-time world champions.
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Must ReadAtiku Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections, congratulated Morocco on their qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He described the achievement as a proud moment for Africa. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last eight of the 2026 tournament after a 3-0 victory over Canada. In a post on his verified X handle, Atiku hailed the Atlas Lions for their impressive performance, stating that the victory had once again raised Africa鈥檚 profile on the global football stage. He added that Morocco had lifted the hopes of an entire continent and reminded the world that African football belongs on the biggest stage. This feat adds to Morocco's growing reputation, following their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as the first African and Arab nation to do so. The achievement has garnered commendations from fans, sports administrators, and political leaders across Africa.
Must ReadAtiku Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections, congratulated Morocco on their qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He described the achievement as a proud moment for Africa. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last eight of the 2026 tournament after a 3-0 victory over Canada. Abubakar, in a post on his verified X handle, praised the Atlas Lions for their impressive performance, stating that the victory had raised Africa鈥檚 profile on the global football stage. He added that Morocco had lifted the hopes of an entire continent and reminded the world of African football's place on the biggest stage. This feat follows Morocco's historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach that stage. The victory has garnered commendations from football fans, sports administrators, and political leaders across Africa, recognizing it as a significant milestone for African football. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Brazil maintains its position as the nation with the most match victories in FIFA World Cup history, according to updated rankings after matches on Saturday, July 4. Brazil has participated in 23 World Cups, playing 118 matches, securing 79 wins, 20 draws, and 19 losses, resulting in a 67 percent win rate. Germany follows with 70 victories from 116 matches across 21 appearances, while Argentina has 51 wins from 92 matches in 19 participations. Several top-ranked teams, including Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Belgium, Switzerland, and Croatia, are still competing for the 2026 title. The Round of 16 began with Morocco defeating Canada 2-0 and France beating Paraguay 1-0. Upcoming matches include Brazil against Norway and England battling Mexico on Sunday, with Portugal facing Spain on Monday.