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Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament

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Cristiano Ronaldo

HOUSTON:  Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Sunday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final major international tournament of his career.

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 match against Spain, the 41-year-old said he intends to enjoy every moment of the tournament and hopes his team’s World Cup journey is not over yet.

“When the time comes to retire from international football, I will leave satisfied because I know I have given everything I could for my country and for the game,” Ronaldo said.

He added that he continues to play out of passion and no longer feels the need to prove himself.

Ronaldo has scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup, including two against Uzbekistan in the group stage to become the first player to score in six different World Cup editions. He also scored his first career World Cup knockout-stage goal with a penalty against Croatia.

The Portugal star described the 2026 tournament as the most emotional World Cup of his career.

Ronaldo also said criticism has helped shape him throughout his career, adding that every challenge has made him a better player and person.

Neymar retires from football after Brazil’s world cup exit

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Neymar retires

EAST RUTHERFORD:  Brazil forward Neymar announced his retirement from international football after Brazil was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16.

Norway advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time after defeating five-time champion Brazil at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Erling Haaland scored both of Norway’s goals, finding the net in the 79th and 90th minutes. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil’s lone goal, but the late strike was not enough to keep his team in the tournament.

Following the final whistle, an emotional Neymar broke down in tears before confirming that he was ending his international career.

According to foreign media reports, the 34-year-old told Brazilian reporters after the match, “I gave everything I had. It all started here in this stadium, and it ends here. Now it’s over.”

Neymar made his Brazil debut on Aug. 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the same stadium in East Rutherford.

He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s international scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Brazilian great Pelé by three goals.

UEFA criticizes FIFA decision to suspend Balogun ban after Trump appeal

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UEFA criticizes

ZURICH: UEFA has sharply criticized FIFA over its reported decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA to review the case.

UEFA said the automatic one-match suspension following a red card is a fundamental provision of the Laws of the Game and is not subject to discretionary approval.

The organization described the reported decision as “extraordinary,” “incomprehensible” and “unjustified,” warning that such an action could undermine confidence in the integrity of football’s disciplinary system.

The European governing body said altering an automatic suspension during a tournament would cross “a red line” and could create a precedent for future disciplinary cases.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also criticized the reported move in a post on X, saying football should never become a tool of political influence.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote, adding that disciplinary decisions should be based on rules, evidence and independent judicial bodies.

According to media reports, Balogun received a red card during the United States’ Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match suspension that would have ruled him out of the Americans’ Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Reports said FIFA later suspended enforcement of the ban for one year, making Balogun eligible for the knockout match.

Trump confirmed at the White House that he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and requested a review of the disciplinary decision because he believed the incident did not warrant a red card. Trump said he did not ask FIFA to lift the suspension but requested that the case be reconsidered.

The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was surprised by the reported decision and is considering its legal options. Belgium’s foreign minister also said that if the suspension was lifted solely because of a phone call, it would represent a violation of football’s governing principles.

FIFA had not publicly responded to UEFA’s criticism at the time of publication.

Round of 16 begins at FIFA World Cup 2026

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Round of 16

NEW YORK: The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its Round of 16 on Saturday, with the tournament’s remaining 16 teams beginning the race for a place in the quarterfinals after an expanded knockout stage narrowed the field.

Following the group stage and the newly introduced Round of 32, co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico advanced alongside Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, England, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Egypt, Argentina and Colombia.

The Round of 16 opens Saturday with Canada facing Morocco in Houston, while Paraguay takes on France in Philadelphia.

On Sunday, Brazil will meet Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium before Mexico hosts England at Mexico City Stadium.

Monday’s schedule features an all-European clash between Portugal and Spain in Dallas, followed by the United States against Belgium in Seattle.

The final two Round of 16 matches will be played Tuesday, with Argentina facing Egypt in Atlanta and Switzerland taking on Colombia in Vancouver.

The winners of the eight matches will advance to the quarterfinals as the tournament moves closer to the July 19 final.

Social media buzz links Sabrina Carpenter and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié

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Social media

NEW YORK: Rumors of a possible relationship between pop star Sabrina Carpenter and Ecuadorian footballer Piero Hincapié have spread rapidly on social media, fueled by online speculation following a recent World Cup qualifying match in New Jersey.

The speculation intensified after Carpenter was seen attending a match at MetLife Stadium last week and appeared to show support for Ecuador’s national team.

Social media users quickly linked her to Hincapié, a defender for Ecuador, prompting widespread discussion and unverified claims about a possible romance.

Neither Carpenter nor Hincapié has confirmed any romantic involvement. Both have previously indicated they are single, and no official statements have been issued addressing the rumors.

Hincapié also drew attention recently for an unrelated on-field incident during a World Cup qualifier against Mexico, where he briefly covered his mouth while speaking to an opposing player.

The incident led to VAR intervention and a red card decision, further increasing his visibility in recent days.

Carpenter has previously been the subject of dating speculation involving several public figures, though none of those relationships have been officially confirmed.

The latest wave of rumors remains unverified, with both celebrities staying silent as online debate continues.

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce tie the knot in star-studded New York ceremony

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Taylor Swift

NEW YORK:  After months of online speculation and viral countdowns, singer Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce have reportedly married in a lavish ceremony in New York City, drawing widespread attention from fans and media outlets.

The couple exchanged vows on July 3 at Madison Square Garden, according to reports, in a high-profile event attended by more than a thousand guests and numerous celebrities.

The Empire State Building was illuminated specially for the occasion, while digital billboards outside the venue displayed the message “JUST MARRIED T & T.”

The guest list reportedly included high-profile figures such as Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez, among others.

Media reports said the extravagant ceremony cost an estimated $20 million and was staged with production elements resembling a music video-style announcement.

Separately, British media reports claimed the couple had also pledged $26 million in charitable donations to various organizations ahead of the wedding.

Swift had previously said in a public appearance last year that she envisioned a large and elaborate wedding, a prediction that appears to have materialized in the star-studded event now circulating widely on social media.

Pakistan likely to name 16-player test squad for West Indies, England tours

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan is expected to announce a 16-player Test squad for its upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the selection process.

The reports said selectors had initially considered naming a 17-member squad but are now leaning toward a 16-player roster.

Under the revised plan, one batter could be omitted from the squad.

According to the reports, Saud Shakeel is unlikely to be included for the West Indies leg of the tour. However, selectors are reportedly considering adding him to the squad for the three-Test series in England.

Consultations over the final composition of the squad are continuing, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to announce the Test squad in the coming days.

The PCB has not officially confirmed the squad or the reported selection plans.

PCB issues NOCs to 14 cricketers for overseas T20 leagues

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PCB issues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to 14 Pakistani cricketers, allowing them to participate in overseas franchise leagues.

According to PCB sources, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique and Farhan Yousaf are among those cleared to play abroad.

The board also issued NOCs to Shamyl Hussain, Mehran Mumtaz, Usman Khan, Ali Shabbir, Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Basit and Khalil Ahmed.

The PCB said 13 players have been granted NOCs to compete in the Global Super League in 2026.

Separately, Moaz Sadaqat received an NOC to participate in the Caribbean Premier League.

Ronaldo scores as Portugal advances, ‘Bismillah’ gesture draws attention

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Ronaldo scores

TORONTO: Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot as Portugal national football team defeated Croatia national football team 2-1 to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Playing in Toronto, Portugal secured the victory with goals from Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, while Croatia’s lone goal came from Ivan Perišić.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show Ronaldo saying “Bismillah” twice before taking his successful penalty kick. The gesture drew widespread attention online, although Ronaldo has not publicly commented on the clip.

Elsewhere, Switzerland national football team defeated Algeria national football team 2-0 to reach the Round of 16.

In another knockout match, Spain national football team beat Austria national football team 3-0, recording its first World Cup knockout-stage victory since winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

Egypt players recite Quran and offer prayer before World Cup match

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Egypt players

WASHINGTON: Members of the Egypt national football team recited verses from the Quran and offered a collective prayer before their FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand national football team, a moment that quickly gained attention on social media.

A widely shared video showed Egyptian players reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas before gathering in prayer as they prepared to take the field.

The footage, recorded ahead of the World Cup match, drew praise from many social media users, who described the gesture as a reflection of faith, unity and reliance on God before competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features teams from several Muslim-majority countries, while many players representing other nations also practice Islam.

The video sparked positive reactions online, with supporters saying the players’ actions conveyed an inspiring message of humility and spiritual devotion on one of football’s biggest stages.

The moment comes days after Lamine Yamal attracted attention on social media for performing a prostration of gratitude after scoring during a World Cup match involving Spain.