The Daily · Monday, 6 July 2026
Merino, Haaland and the End of Ronaldo's World Cup Dream
A remarkable day of World Cup football produced moments that will be remembered long after the tournament is over. Mikel Merino, who came close to missing the competition entirely through injury, scored a late winner to send Spain past Portugal 1-0 in Arlington, Texas — ending Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign in the process. It was a fitting, if painful, conclusion to one of football's great individual narratives. Ronaldo departed with characteristic dignity, saying he had a clear conscience, while his manager Roberto Martinez left under considerably less flattering circumstances.
The other story of the day belonged to Erling Haaland and Norway, who eliminated Brazil 2-1 in what Haaland called the greatest game in his country's history. Brazil's exit at the last 16 is their earliest in 36 years, and a sixth consecutive World Cup without a title is now assured — a staggering decline for a nation that defined the sport for decades. Supporters were leaving the stadium while the match was still alive.
England, meanwhile, ground out a 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca, surviving a red card to Jarell Quansah to advance — though the FA are already weighing whether to appeal the dismissal. Away from the World Cup, Sandro Tonali completed a £92.5m move to Tottenham, the biggest signing in the club's history.
The record
Brazil Eliminated at Last 16, Extending Six-World-Cup Trophy Drought
Brazil have been knocked out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage, their earliest exit since 1990. It extends a run of six consecutive World Cups without a title — their longest such drought. Brazil were trailing 1-0 when supporters began leaving the stadium. Brazil's last-16 exit is their earliest World Cup elimination in 36 years, deepening questions about whether the five-time champions can remain a genuine contender rather than a fading footballing brand.
FA Weighing Appeal Against Quansah Red Card From England vs Mexico
The Football Association is considering an appeal against the red card shown to England defender Jarell Quansah in the match against Mexico. No decision on whether to appeal has yet been confirmed. Quansah's availability for England's next World Cup match could hinge on whether the FA pursues and wins an appeal against the dismissal.
Tonali Joins Tottenham from Newcastle in £92.5m Club-Record Deal
Sandro Tonali has completed a move to Tottenham from Newcastle for an initial £92.5m, making him the club's record signing. The Italian midfielder credited manager Roberto De Zerbi's two-hour pitch as the decisive factor. The fee could rise to £100m, with wages reaching £275,000 a week, across a six-year contract. At £92.5m rising to £100m, this is one of the largest transfers in Tottenham's history and signals serious intent under De Zerbi.