By Abigail David

The race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified, with Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland all tied on seven goals as the tournament heads into the quarter-finals.

Mbappé moved to the top of the scoring chart after converting a penalty in France’s 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay. Messi had reached the same tally a day earlier with a goal in Argentina’s extra-time win over Cape Verde, while Haaland joined the leading duo after scoring twice in Norway’s 2-1 victory over Brazil.

The three forwards have emerged as the tournament’s leading scorers, setting up a closely contested battle for the Golden Boot with the knockout stages still to come.

If two or more players finish level on goals, FIFA’s tiebreaking criteria will consider assists first, followed by the fewest minutes played. Based on the current standings, Mbappé holds the advantage.

England captain Harry Kane remains within striking distance after scoring six goals, matching the tally that earned him the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup.

Several players are also in contention with four goals, including England midfielder Jude Bellingham, France winger Ousmane Dembélé and Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal.

Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Glove award remains wide open. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan has strengthened his credentials after conceding just two goals in five matches.

Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, who won the award at the 2022 World Cup, is also among the leading contenders, while Spain’s Unai Simón has impressed with a series of composed performances as his side advanced to the quarter-finals.

By Abigail David

The United States, Mexico and Canada have all been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the hopes of the tournament’s three co-host nations before the quarter-final stage.

The United States became the last of the co-hosts to exit after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday in Seattle.

Canada were the first to bow out, losing 3-0 to Morocco on Saturday. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice before Soufiane Rahimi added a late goal to seal Morocco’s place in the quarter-finals. Canada’s campaign was also affected by injury concerns involving winger Alphonso Davies.

Mexico followed on Sunday with a 3-2 defeat to England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession before Harry Kane converted a penalty to send England through. The defeat ended Mexico’s hopes of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1986. Reports indicate that head coach Javier Aguirre is expected to be succeeded by his assistant, Rafael Márquez.

Belgium completed the sweep of the co-hosts with a convincing victory over the United States at Lumen Field. The match was preceded by controversy surrounding the reinstatement of a red card issued to US forward Folarin Balogun and comments made by US President Donald Trump.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to be jointly hosted by three countries and the first to feature an expanded 48-team format.

With the exits of the United States, Mexico and Canada, the remaining quarter-finalists are Morocco, France, Norway, Spain, Belgium, England, Argentina and the winner from the remaining Round of 16 fixtures.

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.