The Daily · Sunday, 5 July 2026
Haaland Dumps Brazil Out as Balogun Ban Lifted Ahead of Belgium Clash
The day's most arresting result came from Norway, where Erling Haaland scored twice to send Brazil crashing out of the World Cup. It is among the tournament's biggest upsets — Brazil had arrived in North America as one of the favourites, and their elimination by a Norwegian side built around their talismanic striker will reverberate through the remaining rounds. Haaland, already one of the tournament's defining figures, cemented that status with a performance that will be long remembered.
Off the pitch, FIFA's disciplinary committee handed USA a significant boost by suspending Folarin Balogun's one-game ban, clearing the striker — three goals in three starts — to face Belgium in the last 16. Belgium's football association reacted with astonishment at the ruling, and the decision will likely remain a talking point long after the match is played. Elsewhere, Canada's co-hosting dream ended with a last-16 defeat to Morocco in Houston, prompting honest reflection about the true state of the game on home soil, while Carlos Queiroz departed as Ghana coach following their tournament exit.
Ronaldo confirmed that this World Cup will be his last, ahead of Monday's last-16 tie against Spain in Dallas — a fixture that now carries an additional weight of finality. England's corresponding match against Mexico in Mexico City was pushed back an hour by severe weather, disrupting plans for broadcasters and fans across time zones. In the transfer market, Newcastle completed the £43m signing of Bazoumana Touré from Hoffenheim, and Denzel Dumfries officially joined Real Madrid from Inter.
The record
Haaland Brace Sends Norway Through as Brazil Crash Out
Erling Haaland scored twice to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup, sending Norway into the quarterfinals. It is a significant upset, with Brazil — one of the tournament favourites — now out of the competition. Brazil's elimination by Norway is one of the tournament's biggest upsets, and Haaland's brace marks him as a central figure in the World Cup.
Canada Eliminated from World Cup After Last-16 Loss to Morocco
Canada's World Cup ended at the last-16 stage with a defeat to Morocco in Houston. The co-hosts had finished second in their group to reach the knockout round, but could not progress further. Their exit prompted a mix of pride and difficult questions about the future of Canadian soccer. Canada co-hosted the tournament yet failed to advance past the round of 16, leaving the country to reflect on how far the game has genuinely grown on home soil.
Carlos Queiroz Steps Down as Ghana Coach After World Cup Exit
Carlos Queiroz has left his role as Ghana head coach following the team's exit from the World Cup. Queiroz had been in charge for three months. Ghana's World Cup campaign is now over. Ghana must now find their third head coach in a short period as they regroup after a World Cup exit.
Newcastle Sign Hoffenheim Winger Bazoumana Touré for £43m
Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Côte d'Ivoire winger Bazoumana Touré from Hoffenheim for £43m. The 20-year-old is Eddie Howe's second summer arrival, following goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, and is expected to fill the wide role left by Anthony Gordon, who departed for Barcelona.
Dumfries Joins Real Madrid from Inter in Official Move
Denzel Dumfries has completed a move from Inter to Real Madrid, with both clubs confirming the transfer. The Dutch international leaves Inter after his time at the San Siro and links up with the Spanish giants.