Isithombe THE two goals Erling Haaland scored against Brazil in the round of 16 set him up against England where he will come up againt familiar faces as he plies his trade in the English Premier League.
The final eight nations remaining in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are locked in. A thrilling Round of 16 delivered high-stakes drama, propelling a select few closer to football's ultimate prize while shattering the dreams of others.
Independent Media soccer writer Mihlali Baleka reviews the action, breaking down what went right – and horribly wrong - in the second knockout stage round.
Player of the Round | Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi is putting on a masterclass in what is arguably his finest – and final – World Cup. The maestro dictated traffic in Argentina's 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt on Tuesday night, netting a goal and providing an assist to bring his tournament tally to eight goals.
