Football News

Mexico end World Cup knockout drought with last-32 win over Ecuador in Azteca cauldron

Roared on by a partisan crowd in Mexico City, the tournament co-hosts saw off Ecuador 2-0 thanks to goals by Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez

‘There are holes in England’: DR Congo ready to produce World Cup shock

Former DRC defender Gabriel Zakuani is better placed than most to have a view on Wednesday’s game, and feels it won’t be as straightforward as some think

DR Congo manager’s tactics may provide tougher challenge for England than Opta stats suggest

Despite the chances of victory in normal time being 73.9%, Sébastien Desabre has changed his approach for stronger teams such as England

Penalty shootouts: how Australia can avoid the cruellest World Cup fate

The Socceroos have never gone to spot kicks in a men’s World Cup but can turn to strategies as they prepare for the last-32 clash with Egypt

Kylian Mbappé at the double as France swat aside Sweden in World Cup masterclass

Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Bradley Barcola added another as a hugely impressive France side confidently beat Sweden 3-0 in New Jersey

How USMNT prepare for World Cup penalty drama: confidence, composure and consultants

The US have used outside companies, including one measuring players’ brainwaves, to help them determine who will shoot in a shootout

Belgium’s leaders backed to disprove ‘has-beens’ tag in Senegal challenge

Rudi Garcia railed against criticism of his side, who face Senegal in the last 32 with a spring in their step after the 5-1 hammering of New Zealand

‘Don’t start to doubt’: Tuchel warns England to be patient against defensive DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel has warned that England will reach the glamorous part of the World Cup only if they remember not to panic when they face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 32