World Cup

England was down a player and clinging to a one-goal lead in the World Cup’s round of 16 when the match hit its 90-minute limit, and a referee lifted a sign inside Mexico City’s deafening Estadio Azteca.

Merino’s deciding goal in the 2-1 win over Belgium sends Spain to the World Cup semifinals next week against France in Dallas.

Thousands of fans turned out to greet Egypt’s national soccer team on its return home Friday after its World Cup adventure ended with a 3-2 loss to Argentina in the knockout stage of the tournament.

Kylian Mbappé had a goal and an assist after missing a first-half penalty kick, Ousmane Dembélé scored the other goal and France beat Morocco 2-0 Thursday in the World Cup quarterfinals.

There may not be any Chinese players at this year’s World Cup, but China has found its own soccer hero: Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating in Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, dismissing allegations of bias and saying match officials operated with complete independence.

Justin Bieber will bring his swag to the World Cup’s star-studded, Super Bowl-style halftime show, joining fellow headliners Madonna, Shakira and BTS, FIFA announced Wednesday.

Switzerland will next face defending champion Argentina on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 earlier in the day.

Lionel Messi did it yet again at this year’s World Cup. The Argentina great scored another goal — his eighth of the tournament — and led his team to an improbable 3-2 victory over Egypt.

The United States’ World Cup campaign was brought to a screeching halt in Seattle last night by a Belgian team that played as if it had extra motivation after the Folarin Balogun affair.