The US goes crashing out of its own World Cup after days of controversy and rancour, while Kylian Mbappé refuses to stand for dreadful racist abuse.
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Here are today’s World Cup quick hits.
1. The American dream crashes and burns
Farewell to our American friends. It was fun, kind of.
The last of the three host nations to depart the World Cup, there’s no doubt the US brought a certain amount of light and colour to the tournament. The 4-0 win over Paraguay was a watershed for American football and looked like setting Mauricio Pochettino’s men on the path to something great.
Folarin Balogun’s reprieve did little to help the Americans in the end. (Getty Images: Robert Gauthier)
But they never truly reached those heights again. A scrappy win over Australia was one thing, a defeat to Türkiye largely ignored, and a cruisy triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina very much expected.
Belgium was going to be the first major test, and it’s one the Americans failed dismally.
How much did the build-up affect the US? The incredible intervention from President Donald Trump to enable Folarin Balogun to play quickly turned the hosts into villains, and the Belgians seemed to take particular delight in sending them on their way.
Romelu Lukaku certainly enjoyed icing Belgium’s win. (AP: Lindsey Wasson)
In the end, when we think of the United States at the 2026 World Cup we will think of Trump, Balogun, Gianni Infantino and Romelu Lukaku dancing on their grave.
2. Mbappé responds to racist abuse from Paraguayan senator
France star Kylian Mbappé has condemned a Paraguayan senator over racist remarks she made following Paraguay’s loss to France.
Mbappé called Celeste Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, a “despicable woman” who was “unworthy” of serving in Paraguay’s Congress.
Kylian Mbappé has hit back at some horrific racist abuse. (Getty Images: Mattia Ozbot)
“Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup,” Mbappé wrote on social media.
Ms Amarilla posted a series of racist comments after Mbappé converted the winning penalty in France’s victory over Paraguay, mocking the French captain’s origins, upbringing, education and appearance. The comments themselves were too abhorrent for us to repeat.
The Paraguayan government released a statement condemning Ms Amarilla’s remarks as “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes”. It added that the senator’s comments do not represent either the Paraguayan government or the Paraguayan people.
The French Football Federation denounced Ms Amarilla’s comments as “utterly abhorrent” and “unacceptable,” adding that it would refer the matter to prosecutors.
3. Henderson set for surgery after celebration injury
Bet you’re desperate for an update on Jordan Henderson. You know, the England squad member who injured himself singing Wonderwall after the game and had to get stretchered off?
Not great news on that front. He is set for surgery on the wrist he injured falling over the advertising hoarding and won’t be able to play any further part at the World Cup.
Jordan Henderson will require surgery on his broken arm. (Getty Images: Martín Fonseca)
The experienced Brentford midfielder landed awkwardly when he slipped while climbing over a barrier at the Azteca Stadium, and video footage showed his forearm buckling.
After leaving the field on a stretcher and receiving oxygen, Henderson was taken to hospital in Mexico City and did not travel back to England’s training base in Kansas City with the rest of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Perhaps the Three Lions will take inspiration and “do it for Hendo” in the quarterfinals against Norway?
4. Ronaldo farewells the World Cup without conquering it
Cristiano Ronaldo will retire having never won the World Cup.
That was confirmed when Spain completed its 1-0 win in what was a relatively dull game, but one which Ronaldo confirmed was his last at the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career is officially over. (Getty Images: Chris Brunskill)
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he said.
“I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship plus the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, said he was proud of his contribution to the national team.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said.
“The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
See? He’s not even bothered.
5. The England boys get one over the gaffer
“Boss, he’s done a shoulder!”
Five words which abruptly paused Thomas Tuchel’s celebrations and turned his face to thunder.
Declan Rice was alerting Tuchel to John Stones, who had stood up in the England rooms and was grimacing while holding his right shoulder.
Now, celebration-related injuries may not have caused Tuchel much cause for concern had Henderson not crocked himself an hour earlier, but now the gaffer was on high alert.
Turns out, the joke was on him.
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