World Cup 2026 analysis: A thrilling Round of 16 wraps up as nations cement their place in the last eight
As the number of teams remaining in the World Cup knockout stages is halved once again, eight nations, some familiar and some new faces such as Norway, have secured their spots in the quarter-finals.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman looks at the key moments, summarising the quality, controversy and late drama throughout the recent match-ups.
World Cup 2026 opinion: Can Portugal’s golden generation of midfielders fire them to glory?
After the overreliance on Cristiano Ronaldo and an absence of success on the world stage in recent times, Portugal’s team looks stronger and more balanced than ever, thanks to a plethora of breathtaking midfield options.
Having high quality players in the centre of the pitch is nothing new to a powerhouse like Portugal - Deco and Rui Costa ruled the midfield throughout the 2000s.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, however, the players at the disposal of Roberto Martinez are frighteningly good.
Dembélé, PSG, Bonmatí and Yamal score big wins at the 16th BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards
Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí were the major winners at the 16th BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards held on Sunday evening in Dubai.
During a glittering ceremony at the ultra-luxury Atlantis The Royal hotel, Paris Saint-Germain forward Dembélé was crowned Best Men’s Player for the first time and FC Barcelona midfielder Bonmatí made history by being named Best Women’s Player for a third consecutive year.
Female athletes absent from 2025 Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes list
Forbes recently revealed their list of the World’s Highest-Paid Athletes for 2025 and, despite a great year for women’s sports globally, no female athletes made the cut.
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the story.