QtrendsNorway stun Brazil 2-1 to knock out the five-time World Cup champions and reach their first-ever men's quarterfinal, headlined by a Haaland double. FIFA suspends USA striker Balogun's one-game ban after Trump intervention, clearing him to face Belgium. The Round of 16 continues with England vs Mexico and Portugal vs Spain. Domestically, Trump mixes patriotism with partisanship at curtailed July 4 celebrations amid extreme heat. Russia and Ukraine continue trading strikes as local ceasefire talks stall.
Norway pulled off a dramatic upset against Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, winning 2-1 with two late goals. Erling Haaland scored a brace to lead his nation past the five-time champions. The result marks Norway's first-ever appearance in the men's World Cup quarterfinals. Brazil's early exit is one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 tournament.
The 2026 World Cup Round of 16 continues with England facing Mexico and Portugal taking on Spain in a blockbuster Iberian derby. Mexico's hosting of the tournament has drawn renewed attention to the country's ongoing kidnapping crisis, with critics questioning the safety environment. The outcomes will determine the quarterfinal lineup as the tournament enters its most intense phase.
FIFA has suspended USA striker Folarin Balogun's one-game World Cup ban, clearing him to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA to review the suspension. Trump publicly thanked FIFA for the ruling. Balogun is the United States' top scorer in the tournament and his availability is a major boost for the American side.
President Donald Trump marked America's 250th anniversary with July 4 events that blended patriotism with partisan messaging. Attendance was curtailed by an extreme heat wave, with Trump promising a 'really long' speech despite heat warnings. The scaled-back celebrations contrasted with the milestone anniversary and drew criticism from opponents who accused Trump of politicizing the national holiday.
Russia and Ukraine continued exchanging strikes on Sunday, with Russia claiming Ukraine rejected a local ceasefire proposal around Kostiantynivka. Peace efforts remain stalled as both sides carry out mutual attacks. NPR reported that the intensifying conflict also threatened U.S. July 4 events. China Daily noted that the ceasefire talks have hit an impasse with no breakthrough in sight.