By Abigail David

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France national football team defeated Sweden national football team 3-0 to secure a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Norway and Mexico also booked their spots with knockout victories.

Mbappé opened the scoring just before halftime before Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead early in the second half. The French captain completed his brace in the 74th minute, taking his tournament tally to six goals, level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. His 18th career World Cup goal also moved him closer to Messi’s all-time tournament record. France will face Paraguay national football team in the Round of 16.

Earlier, Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway national football team edged Ivory Coast national football team 2-1 to record the country’s first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory. Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament set up a last-16 clash with Brazil national football team.

Co-hosts Mexico national football team also progressed after defeating Ecuador national football team 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured Mexico’s first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1986 despite a one-hour weather delay before kickoff.

In another development, Ronald Koeman announced his resignation as coach of the Netherlands national football team following the team’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco national football team in the Round of 32.

By Abigail David

Paraguay national football team secured a dramatic place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after defeating Germany national football team 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Foxborough on Monday.

The result marks Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout and another early exit from the tournament.

Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a surprise first-half lead with a header before Kai Havertz equalised in the 54th minute, scoring his third goal of the competition.

Germany thought they had won the match in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.

The match went to penalties, where Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero by saving spot-kicks from Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Although Paraguay missed two opportunities to seal victory, Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty after Tah sent Germany’s final effort over the crossbar.

Speaking after the match, Gill described the victory as a special moment for Paraguay, crediting the team’s preparation for the shootout and dedicating the win to the nation.

Germany, winners of the 2014 World Cup, were making their first appearance in the tournament’s knockout stage since lifting the trophy. Despite dominating possession for long periods, they struggled to break down a disciplined Paraguay defence.

Paraguay will now face France national football team in the last 16, provided Les Bleus overcome Sweden national football team in their respective knockout fixture.

By Abigail David

Premier League champions Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after activating the purchase option included in his loan agreement.

The Ecuador international joined Arsenal during the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window and quickly became an important figure in the squad.

Hincapie established himself as the club’s first-choice left-back despite competition from academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori. He played a key role in Arsenal’s successful Premier League title-winning campaign, featuring prominently throughout the season.

The 24-year-old started several crucial matches during the run-in, including fixtures against Manchester City and Burnley, and was also selected ahead of Calafiori for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal confirmed that the permanent transfer will officially take effect on July 1.

In a statement, the club said it was delighted to activate the option to make Hincapie’s move permanent following his impressive performances during his loan spell from Leverkusen.

The defender had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but has chosen to continue his career at the Emirates Stadium.

Reports indicate Arsenal paid approximately £35 million to secure the defender on a long-term contract believed to run until 2031.

Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions last season as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for a league title and also reached the Champions League final.

The Ecuadorian becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window following the club’s significant investment in new players during the previous campaign.

Meanwhile, Hincapie is currently on international duty with the Ecuador national football team. He has featured in Ecuador’s opening World Cup matches and is expected to be involved again when his side faces the Germany national football team in their final group-stage fixture.