Sports

World Cup: Mbappe breaks Ronaldo’s Knockout record with brace in France’s 3-0 win over Sweden

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Kylian Mbappe broke Brazilian legend Ronaldo’s World Cup record for knockout-stage goals after scoring twice in France’s 3-0 demolition of Sweden. Mbappe’s first goal in the 45th minute was his ninth in World Cup knockout matches, surpassing the record previously shared by Ronaldo and Leonidas.

He added a second in the 74th minute after a perfectly weighted pass from Michael Olise, taking his tournament tally to six goals and moving him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Mbappe now has 18 World Cup goals, leaving him one behind Messi’s all-time total of 19.

Bradley Barcola also scored for France. The victory marked Didier Deschamps’ return to the dugout after missing the final group match to attend his mother’s funeral.

Key Points:

Mbappe’s record-breaking knockout goals cement his World Cup legacy
He is now one goal behind Messi’s all-time World Cup tally
France’s attacking firepower makes them strong contenders for the trophy
Emotional tribute to Deschamps underscores team unity
France face Paraguay in the Round of 16 on July 4

France will face Paraguay in the Round of 16 on July 4. Mbappe’s record-breaking form will be key to their title ambitions.

Sources: GOAL

Sports

Ronald Koeman Becomes Fourth Coach to Resign After World Cup Exit

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2026

99digits.ng

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has resigned following the nation’s Round of 32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the fourth manager to step down after the tournament.

The Netherlands lost on penalties to Morocco, failing to progress to the Round of 16. Koeman said in a statement: “We all shared the dream of making history at this World Cup, but we fell short.

No one is more disappointed by that than I am. As head coach, the responsibility ultimately rests with me.” He joins Miroslav Koubek (Czechia), Steve Clarke (Scotland), and Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) in quitting their jobs following early exits.

Key Points:

Tournament exits trigger accountability at the highest coaching level
Four coaches have now resigned—signalling a pattern of managerial turnover
Penalty shootout losses prove decisive for several eliminated nations
The pressure on coaches intensifies with high fan and federation expectations
Coaching vacancies may spark a market for top managerial talent

The Netherlands will begin their search for a new head coach. Koeman joins a growing list of managers exiting after disappointing World Cup campaigns.

Sources: Ronald Koeman (via statement), Goal

Sports

World Cup: Mexico Become Seventh Country to qualify for Round of 16

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2026

99digits.ng

Co-hosts Mexico became the seventh country to qualify for the World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Ecuador 2-0 on Wednesday. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez in the first half secured the victory.

Mexico join Brazil, Norway, Paraguay, France, Morocco, and fellow co-hosts Canada in the last 16. Mexico will now face the winner of the England vs DR Congo clash.

Key Points:

Mexico’s qualification keeps co-host hopes alive as they advance to the knockout stage.
A red card for Piero Hincapie in the 95th minute compounded Ecuador’s defeat.
Seven teams have now secured their place in the Round of 16.
Canada’s earlier qualification proved co-hosts can perform on home soil.
The Round of 16 matchups are taking shape with Mexico awaiting their opponent.

Mexico will prepare for their Round of 16 match. The remaining knockout stage spots will be decided in upcoming matches.

Sources :Goal, BBC Sports