2026 World Cup Roundup: Egypt Cry Foul, England Recharge, Portugal Part Ways — Quarter-Finals Set
Posted: July 8, 2026 | World Cup 2026, Football News
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is delivering drama at every turn. With the Round of 16 now complete, the quarter-final line-up is locked, and several of the tournament’s biggest stories are unfolding off the pitch as much as on it. Here’s your complete roundup of the latest action.
🇪🇬 Egypt Demand Officials Removed After Argentina Heartbreak
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally lodged a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the officiating of their dramatic 3-2 last-16 defeat to Argentina in Atlanta.
Egypt led 1-0 in the second half when VAR controversially ruled out a Mostafa Zico goal after Marwan Attia was penalized for stepping on Lisandro Martínez’s foot at the start of the move. Moments later, Mohamed Salah appeared to be fouled in the box, but no penalty was given — and Argentina broke down the other end to snatch a stoppage-time winner.
“The referee was really unfair. The injustice was clear,” Zico said after the match. “It is clear that this tournament has been fixed.”
EFA president Hany Abou Rida called for French referee François Letexier and his entire crew to be removed from the tournament, alleging “double standards” and “blatant errors.” Egypt manager Hossam Hassan added: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.”
Argentina captain Lionel Messi — potentially playing in his final World Cup — set up the 79th-minute equalizer and scored the 83rd-minute leveller before his team completed the comeback. Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City.
FIFA has yet to respond to the complaint.
🏴 England Get Family Day After Mexico Thriller
England manager Thomas Tuchel gave his squad a well-earned day off after their exhilarating 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 — a performance many have called England’s best World Cup display since 1966.
Players were allowed to leave their Prairie Village base near Kansas City to spend time with families, many having dinner with partners before returning to camp. It was the second rest day since the match, which was played at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Sources say England’s final training session before the Mexico match was mostly a walkthrough, with Tuchel carefully managing his squad’s energy for the latter stages. The Three Lions now face Norway in Miami on Saturday in what promises to be a fascinating quarter-final clash.
🇳🇴 Haaland Double Sends Norway Past Brazil
In one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, Erling Haaland scored both goals as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The victory sparked wild celebrations in Haaland’s hometown of Bryne, with fans flooding the streets after their hero delivered on the biggest stage.
Norway, who had not appeared at a World Cup in 28 years, will face England in Miami on Saturday.
🇵🇹 Portugal Confirm Martinez Departure After Spain Defeat
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed Roberto Martínez’s departure after Portugal’s 1-0 last-16 loss to Spain, with a Mikel Merino late winner proving the difference.
Martínez, 52, had already stated he would leave after the tournament. He led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025, but exits at the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and the 2026 World Cup last-16 fell short of expectations. His persistent starting of the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo drew heavy criticism.
“I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup, and because I haven’t won, it wouldn’t make sense to continue,” Martínez said.
The FPF confirmed it has begun searching for a successor.
🇺🇸 USA Exit as Belgium, Switzerland, Spain Advance
Co-hosts USA were eliminated by Belgium, while Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to set up a quarter-final against Argentina. Spain edged past Portugal, and Norway’s win over Brazil was the standout result of the round.
🏆 Quarter-Final Schedule
| Match | Venue | Date & Time (Eastern) |
|-|-|-|
| Argentina vs Switzerland | Kansas City | July 11, 2:00 AM ET (Sat) |
| England vs Norway | Miami | July 11 |
| Belgium vs TBD | TBD | July 11-12 |
| Spain vs TBD | TBD | July 11-12 |
*All times subject to confirmation.*
❓ FAQ
Q: What happens to Egypt’s complaint against FIFA?
A: Historically, such complaints rarely result in action. FIFA typically dismisses them with a short statement. The 2022 World Cup saw France’s similar protest thrown out immediately.
Q: Who is the Golden Boot leader?
A: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are level on six goals each, with France’s Mbappé scoring twice against Sweden before being equalled by Messi’s brace against Egypt.
Q: Which quarter-final is the most anticipated?
A: England vs Norway features two of the tournament’s most in-form attacks — Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham vs Erling Haaland. Argentina vs Switzerland also carries huge weight as Messi’s potential farewell.
*Stay tuned to PCMasterDeals for more World Cup 2026 coverage, including tech innovations transforming the tournament on and off the pitch.*