Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last-16 and break 40-year curse

MEXICO CITY, Mexico 

Mexico turned on the style at their iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, brushing Ecuador aside 2-0 to break their FIFA World Cup knockout curse dating back 40 years.

Former Mexico player Andres Guardado is thrown in the air in celebration by the players after the match, as Mexico qualify for the round of 16 stage of the World Cup

The round-of-32 match was delayed for an hour due to stormy weather, and when it started, the co-hosts flew out of the blocks, mounting wave after wave of attacks.

In a supercharged atmosphere, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a thunderous strike, and then turned provider for Raul Jimenez.

Ecuador desperately needed to wrest back the momentum after the break but struggled to shift through the gears, with the home side largely in control.

Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout game since 1986, when it last hosted the tournament.

Tuesday’s win means Mexico are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the Azteca and will fancy their chances against England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.

Mexico were one of only three teams in the group phase to win all three of their matches, alongside title favourites France and reigning champions Argentina, and did not concede a single goal.

Ecuador finished third in their group, scoring just two goals.

Gilberto Mora, 17, was named in the starting line-up for Mexico, becoming the second-youngest player to start a knockout match at the World Cup finals behind Brazil legend Pele in 1958.

The home team started on the front foot, refusing to allow a shell-shocked Ecuador to settle.

Jimenez wasted a glorious headed chance in the seventh minute, and Mora flashed just wide.

At the other end, John Yeboah muscled his way into the penalty area in a rare foray forward for the visitors, clipping the outside of the near post.

Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute when Saudi-based Quinones received the ball from Roberto Alvarado and tore down the left before driving into the box and unleashing an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, raising the roof.

The first hydration break failed to change the script, and Mexico doubled their lead after half an hour when Quinones fed Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jimenez, who fired a rocket into the top corner.

Raul Rangel produced a fine save to keep out another Yeboah effort, as Ecuador got a foothold in the match, but chances kept flowing at the other end.

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece made several changes after the break in an effort to find a way back into the match. But Mexico, largely content to sit back, still looked the more threatening team, with Cesar Montes twice going close.

Ecuador substitute Kevin Rodriguez poked just wide with just over a quarter of an hour remaining, but their chances ran out. Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time after covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player to cap a miserable night for Ecuador.

Mexico will hope the Azteca, which hosted the World Cup final in 1970 and 1986, works its magic again in the last 16 on Sunday.

From the quarterfinals onwards, all the matches at the World Cup will be taking place in the United States.

Mbappe double sends France into World Cup last 16

NEW JERSEY, United States 

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France eased into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday.

Michael Olise produced another outstanding display, setting up two goals as Didier Deschamps' side booked a meeting with Paraguay after a dominant performance at MetLife Stadium.

France controlled proceedings from the opening whistle and twice struck the woodwork before finally making the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time.

Mbappe was first denied by the post after meeting Jules Kounde's low cross, before Olise came within inches of a spectacular goal when his overhead kick crashed against the upright.

The pressure eventually told when Ousmane Dembele and Olise worked a short corner, allowing Mbappe to fire home his fifth goal of the tournament just before the interval.

France doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second half through Bradley Barcola.

Olise threaded a superb pass through the Sweden defence and Barcola made no mistake, rifling his finish beyond Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

The Crystal Palace forward was at the heart of everything France created and deservedly claimed a second assist when he slipped another perfectly weighted pass into Mbappe's path.

The France captain curled a composed finish into the far corner to wrap up the victory and take his World Cup tally to 18 goals, moving him within one of Lionel Messi's all-time tournament record.

Sweden, who had impressed to reach the knockout rounds, struggled to impose themselves against one of the tournament favourites, with Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga all largely kept quiet by the French defence.

France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16, while Sweden's World Cup campaign comes to an end after being outclassed by Les Bleus.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 1/7/2026

 

Haaland scores late as Norway send Ivory Coast out of World Cup

TEXAS, United States 

Erling Haaland came to the rescue with a late 2-1 winner as Norway won a World Cup knock-out match for the first time, in the round of 32 against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Haaland did not hit the ball cleanly in the 86th minute off a great cut back from Patrick Berg but it was enough to cross the line for the Manchester City star's fifth goal of the tournament, one behind leader Lionel Messi of Argentina.

The win sent Norway into a last 16 tie with record winners Brazil on Sunday, where Haaland will square off against Vinícius Júnior.

Antonio Nusa put Norway 1-0 up in the 39th with a stunning curling shot into the top corner.

Ivory Coast's equalizer in the 74th from substitute Amad Diallo was as classy after a one-two with Nicolas Pepé, after Diallo had minutes earlier cleared on his goal-line.

But Norway had the last laugh to win a knock-out match on their third attempt, having lost last 16 matches in 1938 and 1998.

Ivory Coast had reached the knock-outs for the first time and came very close to another equalizer when a sensational free-kick from Diallo was saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland deep into stoppage time.

Heavy security deployed in South Africa ahead of anti-migrant protests

By Khanyisile Ngcobo, JOHANNESBURG South Africa 

Police officers have been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged those planning to take part to do so without "intimidation, threats or ultimatums".

The planned protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigner to leave the country.

Many have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.

One undocumented Malawian told this reporter he was "happy to be going back" but "heartbroken" to be leaving behind four young children.

Johannesburg, where one of the protests is planned, is unusually quiet.

All the shops in the vicinity of where marchers are due to gather are closed, while police visibility is high on the city's major streets.

Police said that five people were arrested in Johannesburg's biggest township, Soweto, for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop.

Five people were also arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal province.

Many businesses in central Durban, the main city in the province, are shut.

Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms.

"Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully," he reminded citizens in his weekly newsletter.

"They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.

"The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence," he wrote.

There are more than three million documented foreign nationals in South Africa, according to official figures.

Ahead of the deadline, thousands of migrants have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety.

In Durban, which has seen some of the biggest protests, white tents housing mostly Malawians are being dismantled as authorities race to clear the transit camp.

Women in colourful sarongs sat on top of their belongings, waiting in line to board a bus home to Malawi.

One man, Nelson Mbewe, said he had gone to South Africa in search of employment to support his family in Malawi.

"But we've faced challenges - they're saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents," he told the reporter.

"They say we are Makwerekwere" - a xenophobic slur used to refer to African migrants from other countries - Mbewe said.

"It's their country, so what can we do? That's why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home."

Hassan Phiri, a Malawian who is still waiting to be processed, had a message for the protesters.

"All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa.

"Africa can't be Africa without South Africa... without Malawi, without anywhere," he said, adding: "So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa."

Anti-migrant marches have been authorised for Tuesday in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities.

The authorities have warned organisers to ensure there is no violence but say they are prepared for any potential disruption.

The police say traditional weapons are not allowed. This could lead to tension between protesters and the police because many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus, and take their shields, whips and sticks when they go on marches.

According to the government, more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since a wave of protests began earlier this year.

Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have been organising repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks - with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave.

South African authorities claim more than 500 Nigerians repatriated did not have correct papers, which Nigeria has disputed.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, and has in many cases lead to violence.

According to the African Centre for Migration and Society's (ACMS) xenophobic violence tracker Xenowatch, two people have been killed this year.

In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans.

Morocco beat Netherlands in dramatic World Cup shootout to reach last 16

GUADALUPE, Mexico 

Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup after a thrilling battle in Monterrey finished 1-1 following extra time.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fourth penalty from Crysencio Summerville, before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot-kick that sealed a 3-2 shootout win on Monday.

The victory sends Morocco into a last-16 clash with Canada in Houston on Saturday.

An enthralling match had gone to extra time after Issa Diop had glanced in a dramatic equaliser for Morocco in the first minute of stoppage time as the Netherlands had closed in on victory.

The Dutch had taken the lead midway through the second half with a goal from Cody Gakpo, playing just days after his partner had confirmed the death of the couple’s unborn son.

Liverpool forward Gakpo sank to the turf and appeared overcome with emotion as his teammates surrounded him in a prolonged group embrace.

But Morocco forced extra time when an unmarked Diop headed home from substitute Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in injury time.

Morocco had created the better chances in the fractious encounter, which saw players from both sides flying into tackles to test the patience of Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio.

The Atlas Lions almost took the lead on 20 minutes when Neil El Aynaoui glanced an Achraf Hakimi corner goal-wards only to be denied by a superb reflex save from Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Verbruggen was pressed into action moments later, this time doing well to tip a vicious strike from Hakimi over the bar.

The fierce nature of the contest was on full display midway through the half, when Saibari was lucky to escape sanction after elbowing Jan Paul van Hecke in the face.

The Dutch continued to enjoy plenty of possession but were unable to convert it into goalscoring chances.

Their best effort came on 44 minutes, when Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven uncorked a ferocious shot from the edge of the area that was tipped over by Bounou.

Van Hecke continued to find himself in the thick of the action, and after bloodying his head in a collision in the penalty area, made his presence felt with a crunching tackle that upended El Aynaoui just before half-time.

As the half ended, Saibari just failed to connect with a cross that flashed across the Dutch goal before going behind.

The drama continued into an end-to-end second half, but appeared to have tilted in the Netherlands’ favour when coach Ronald Koeman brought on forward Wout Weghorst in a flurry of substitutions after the hydration break.

Weghorst made an immediate impact, flicking on a long ball to send Summerville bearing in on goal. Summerville crossed to Gakpo, who hurled himself at the ball to score.

Netherlands’ Jan Paul van Hecke looks dejected after the penalty shootout as the Dutch are eliminated from the World Cup

The Netherlands, superbly marshalled by Gakpo’s Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk, appeared to be heading for victory, but Diop’s late header sent it to extra time.

Morocco looked to have made the breakthrough when Soufiane Rahimi went through on goal in the 96th minute, only to be denied by a jaw-dropping save from Verbruggen.

The Netherlands held on for penalties, but despite Morocco missing their first when El Aynaoui hit the bar, the North Africans recovered to win.

Paraguay stun Germany in dramatic penalty shootout to advance to round of 16

 BOSTON, United States 

Paraguay progressed from a FIFA World Cup (WC) knock-out game for just the second time in their history as they dumped Germany out on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Boston.

Given Germany’s storied football history, it was hard to believe this was their first WC knock-out game since their final victory in 2014, but even a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final Group E game could not prevent them from securing top spot.

In Paraguay, they faced a hard-working outfit that had recovered well since their opening game loss to co-hosts USA, and the South Americans made things incredibly difficult for their more illustrious opponents before the break.

In fact, despite dominating possession for the entirety of the first half, Julian Nagelsmann’s side managed just one shot on target, which was a tame Joshua Kimmich effort from a tight angle. 

In contrast, Paraguay rarely threatened, yet on one of the very few occasions on which they found themselves in the final third, they broke the deadlock. Some neat play involving Miguel Almiron - back in the side after returning from his suspension - and Matias Galarza ended with the latter crossing for Julio Enciso, who headed into the bottom corner to give La Albirroja a stunning lead at HT against the run of play.

If Germany supporters were expecting a rip-roaring start to the second half from their side, they were to be disappointed. Die Nationalelf lacked intensity and precision in their passing, while Manuel Neuer needed to be alert to keep out Enciso after Kimmich’s poor back-pass.

However, out of nowhere, Germany equalised, with HT substitute Leon Goretzka’s searching cross flicked on and into the corner by Kai Havertz for his third goal of the tournament.

Goalmouth action was lacking for the majority of the second period’s remainder, although Havertz should have completed the comeback when his header was instead saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Ultimately, though, a further 30 minutes of extra-time were required to find a winner.

In an attempt to give his side an additional edge, Nagelsmann introduced 6’6” Nick Woltemade just before the end of normal time, with Germany subsequently crossing more balls into the box in search of his head.

In the end, a header appeared to have put the four-time champions in front when Jonathan Tah nodded Nathaniel Brown’s deep cross into the back of the net. However, referee Jalal Jayed controversially overturned the goal following a VAR review due to a foul from Waldemar Anton on Gill.

As the end of the 120 minutes approached, Paraguay seemed to be doing all they could to break the flow of the game, and the encounter became littered with fouls and minor scuffles.

In the final few minutes, Anton saw a header held by Gill, before Nadiem Amiri curled a free-kick into the side netting, but penalties had long since seemed inevitable and duly came to pass.

Both sides first missed two penalties apiece, but Tah’s blazed spot-kick allowed Jose Canale to bury as his nation completed the upset. Up next for Paraguay is an encounter with either France or Sweden, while Germany are left to think of what ifs after yet another disastrous exit on the world stage.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 30/6/2026

Martinelli scores late as Brazil beat Japan 2-1, into World Cup last 16

HOUSTON, United States 

Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner late in injury time to give five-time champions Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the World Cup round of 32 in Houston.

Martinelli, who had come on as a second-half substitute, scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time as the match on Monday appeared to be heading to extra time.

Brazil will next face either the Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the round of 16.

Casemiro had earlier equalised with a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhaes after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net.

Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass in midfield before his right-footed shot from above the half-circle put Japan ahead after 29 minutes.

Vinicius Junior, who has scored four goals so far in the tournament, had a chance to put Brazil on top in the 58th minute, but his shot from the left was deflected by goalkeeper Suzuki and went past the far post.

Brazil had two chances to even the score early in the second half before breaking through late on. First, Suzuki blocked a header from Bruno Guimaraes in the 52nd minute. Soon after, Casemiro’s header bounced off a defender’s head and Suzuki’s face.

Japan have never won a World Cup knockout match.

The win was Brazil’s 12th in 15 games against Japan. The teams have also played to two draws, while Japan got their first win in the series in a friendly in Tokyo in October.

This was a match-up between two countries with deep ties, Brazil being home to about 2.7 million Japanese descendants, which is the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.

Those ties extend to football, where Brazil superstar Zico moved to Japan in 1991 to play for Kashima Antlers and help build Japan’s professional football network. He coached the Japan national team from 2002–06, leading the team to the World Cup in 2006.

That team lost to Brazil 4-1 in the only previous meeting between the teams at the World Cup.

Brazil won Group C after a draw with Morocco and victories over Haiti and Scotland.

Monday’s victory came on the anniversary of their first World Cup championship in Sweden in 1958, when a 17-year-old Pele scored two goals in the final against the host country.

Japan reached the round of 32 as runner-up in Group F after draws with the Netherlands and Sweden and a win over Tunisia. The loss snaps a 10-game unbeaten streak dating back to a 2-0 defeat to the United States in September.