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France face familiar foe Morocco in blockbuster World Cup quarters

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France will look to keep its bid for a third World Cup title alive when it faces Morocco in a highly anticipated quarterfinal Thursday in Boston, renewing one of the tournament’s most compelling recent rivalries with a place in the semifinals at stake.

The winner will advance to face either Spain or Belgium in the final four, while the loser sees its World Cup dream come to an end.

The matchup is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, when France defeated Morocco 2-0 before eventually finishing runner-up to Argentina. Four years later, the Atlas Lions have another chance to make history, while Les Bleus are chasing a third consecutive World Cup semifinal appearance under Didier Deschamps.

France has looked every bit like a title favorite throughout the tournament. Les Bleus have won all five of their matches, finishing atop Group I before eliminating Sweden and Paraguay in the knockout rounds. They have scored 13 goals while conceding only a handful of clear chances, combining attacking flair with defensive discipline.

Their toughest challenge so far came against Paraguay, whose aggressive approach frustrated the French attack for long stretches. The breakthrough finally arrived when Desire Doue won a penalty with a clever run into the box, allowing captain Kylian Mbappe to convert the decisive spot kick and send France into the quarterfinals.

Mbappe has once again emerged as France’s talisman. His goal against Paraguay lifted him to seven in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland in a tightly contested Golden Boot race. The Real Madrid forward has also reached 19 career World Cup goals, strengthening his pursuit of the tournament’s all-time scoring record.

France’s attacking depth has been one of its greatest strengths. Mbappe has been supported by Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola in a fluid front line that has overwhelmed opposing defenses. Doue has provided another creative spark off the bench and in midfield, adding energy and technical quality whenever called upon.

Deschamps, who has already cemented his place among football’s most successful coaches, is managing his final tournament before stepping down. Thursday’s match will mark his 25th World Cup game as France coach, matching Helmut Schön’s long-standing managerial record. A victory would also give him his 20th World Cup win, another remarkable milestone in an already decorated career.

France is expected to stick with the lineup that has carried it through the tournament. Midfielder Manu Kone is likely to continue filling in for Aurelien Tchouameni, who remains doubtful with a thigh injury after missing several training sessions. Marcus Thuram is also unavailable.

Morocco, however, has shown once again that its remarkable run in Qatar was no fluke.

The Atlas Lions arrive unbeaten in their five World Cup matches after finishing second in Group C before edging the Netherlands in a penalty shootout and comfortably defeating co-host Canada in the round of 16.

Against Canada, Morocco came alive after halftime. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi scored twice to seize control before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time goal to complete a convincing victory.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side has now gone 10 consecutive matches without defeat since its controversial loss in January’s Africa Cup of Nations final, continuing to establish itself as one of the world’s elite teams and one of Africa’s strongest footballing nations.

Despite its recent rise, history favors France. Morocco has never beaten Les Bleus, losing four and drawing two of their previous six meetings. Their only competitive encounter remains the 2022 World Cup semifinal defeat.

Morocco will once again rely on its blend of technical ability, tactical discipline and defensive organization to challenge one of the tournament favorites.

There are injury concerns for the Atlas Lions. Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari remains doubtful after suffering a hamstring injury in the previous round, potentially opening the door for Rahimi to start in attack. Defender Chadi Riad is also being monitored after leaving the Canada match early.

Creative midfielder Brahim Diaz continues to be Morocco’s biggest attacking threat. After assisting twice against Canada, he became the first African player to register four career World Cup assists. Diaz has also contributed 10 goals and assists combined for his country this year, highlighting his growing influence.

Thursday’s quarterfinal also launches a blockbuster final-eight lineup featuring several of world football’s heavyweights.

Spain and Belgium meet Friday in Los Angeles, with the winner facing France or Morocco in the semifinals. Spain advanced after eliminating Portugal, while Belgium has recovered from an inconsistent group stage to build momentum with victories over Senegal and the United States.

On the opposite side of the bracket, defending champion Argentina continues its title defense after two dramatic knockout victories. Lionel Messi inspired an extraordinary comeback from two goals down against Egypt to keep Argentina alive, setting up a quarterfinal against Switzerland.

England, meanwhile, will meet Norway after surviving a thrilling contest against Mexico. Jude Bellingham believes the dramatic victory has strengthened England’s belief that it can win its first major international trophy since 1966, while Norway will again look to prolific striker Erling Haaland to continue its impressive World Cup campaign.

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Cairo coffeehouse roars, falls silent as Egypt lose to Argentina

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The small coffeehouse in Cairo became a miniature stadium on Tuesday as hundreds of fans, mostly men and boys, some as young as 7, packed the venue and gathered around wall-mounted televisions awaiting kickoff.

The same scene unfolded across football-obsessed Egypt as the Pharaohs took on defending World Cup champion Argentina in a Round of 16 match in Atlanta.

Although Egypt’s remarkable run ended with a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Argentina, the day marked a historic milestone for millions of Egyptians who watched their national team reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

“It’s a brutal way to go out,” teacher Ahmed Saadany said after the match. “The journey shouldn’t have ended like that.”

Led by star forward Mohamed Salah, Egypt booked its place in the Round of 16 after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32 on Friday.

The Pharaohs had already made history by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time, finishing second in Group G behind Belgium.

Preparations for the match began well before the 7 p.m. local kickoff. Rows of plastic and wooden chairs faced wall-mounted television screens as fans flocked to hundreds of thousands of coffeehouses and fan zones across Egypt.

Fans celebrate Egypt's goal against Argentina during a watch party for the World Cup knockout stage, Cairo, Egypt, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo)

Fans celebrate Egypt’s goal against Argentina during a watch party for the World Cup knockout stage, Cairo, Egypt, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo)

In public squares and along major thoroughfares, vendors sold Egyptian flags, whistles and other fan paraphernalia ahead of the match.

Throughout the day, Egyptian flags fluttered from vehicles and balconies as debates on television and in public spaces, including coffeehouses and markets, centered on the national team’s performance and its matchup against Argentina.

“Overall, the performance was excellent,” said Hassan Shehata as he took his seat in a packed Cairo coffeehouse ahead of Tuesday’s match. “We’re developing. We play and compete.”

It was Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance, with the most populous Arab nation and seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champion proving difficult to beat.

The 2026 tournament marked Egypt’s best-ever World Cup performance. The Pharaohs snapped their winless World Cup record with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand before advancing to the knockout stage for the first time.

“It was a dream,” said Rami Saeed, a 23-year-old university student. “Coach Hossam Hassan and his team exceeded our expectations.”

At a packed coffeehouse in Giza, many fans wrapped themselves in Egyptian flags or waved them while chanting “Masr, Masr, Masr!” the Arabic name for Egypt. Others beat drums.

The coffeehouse erupted when Egypt scored and when goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy saved Lionel Messi’s penalty kick. It fell silent as Argentina scored its goals.

Fans were disappointed by Tuesday’s loss but took pride in the team’s historic performance.

Egyptian fans react toward the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Argentina, Cairo, Egypt, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo)

Egyptian fans react toward the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Argentina, Cairo, Egypt, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo)

“It’s injustice,” said Haitham Raafat, a 13-year-old boy who burst into tears after the final whistle. “The referee wasn’t fair.”

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi praised the team’s “unprecedented accomplishment in the history of Egyptian football.”

“Thank you to the heroes of the national football team,” he wrote in a social media post. “We are proud of you and your achievement.”

Shaban Youssef, a 45-year-old mechanical engineer, said he was also proud of the team.

“They held our heads high, especially Hossam Hassan’s support for the Palestinian people,” he said.

Hassan, Egypt’s head coach, used the World Cup stage to express support for the Palestinian people during an impassioned monologue at a pregame news conference.

Asked about draping a Palestinian flag around his shoulders after Egypt’s victory over Australia in the previous round, Hassan responded with a speech that lasted more than four minutes and drew applause from reporters.

“If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human, whether they are Arab, European or American,” he said.

Hassan’s comments were widely praised by Egyptians, many of whom took to social media to express support for both the coach and the Palestinians.

“Whatever the result,” prominent novelist Ezzat el-Kamhawi wrote in a Facebook post ahead of Tuesday’s match. “Our team plays tonight, and the championship is already in their pocket, thanks to Hossam Hassan’s goal against Zionism.”

During Egypt’s World Cup matches, hundreds of war-weary Palestinians gathered around television screens in makeshift shelters across the war-torn Gaza Strip to cheer on the Pharaohs. They chanted, clapped and waved Egyptian flags as patriotic Egyptian songs played in the background.

“It’s a duty to support Egypt,” Soliman Salem, a young Palestinian man, said in a phone interview from his shelter in Gaza after Tuesday’s match. “We’re very sad, but proud of the Egyptians.”

Abdel-Rahman Baroud, another Gaza resident, said they had hoped Egypt would advance to the next round, but “luck wasn’t on their side in the second half.”

“We all return home disappointed,” he said.

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Sinner overcomes heat, Struff to advance at Wimbledon

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Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcame a spirited challenge from Jan-Lennard Struff and soaring temperatures Tuesday to book his place in a third Wimbledon semifinal, moving one win closer to another Grand Slam final.

The world No. 1 was tested by the 36-year-old German, particularly in the opening two sets, but held his nerve to secure a commanding 7-5, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 quarterfinal victory.

Sinner will face either seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic or Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday as he bids to reach the seventh Grand Slam final of his career and his first of the year.

The Italian also passed another important test by coping well with temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) at the All England Club, a notable improvement after previous struggles in the heat, including his dramatic second-round collapse at this year’s French Open, where he squandered a two-set lead and a 5-1 advantage before losing to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

“Thanks for reminding me,” the four-time Grand Slam champion joked when asked about the heat.

“We worked a lot, especially after Paris, trying to understand what went wrong there.

“In any case, it was a huge test today, but I felt really comfortable physically.

“If it happens again, and I hope not, we know we need to change a couple of things.”

Sinner was beaten by Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals this year after winning their previous five meetings.

They have met three times before at Wimbledon. Djokovic won the 2022 quarterfinal and the 2023 semifinal before Sinner gained revenge in last year’s semifinal.

“If it’s Novak, I feel like every match is different. Even when I had this small streak with him, I felt like every match has its own story,” Sinner said of potentially facing the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

“In any case, I’m happy to be back in the semis. I’m happy to fight for every ball, then we’ll see.

“He has won this tournament so many times, and he knows exactly how to approach it. I’m looking forward to it.”

If Djokovic loses, Sinner can take confidence from winning his last five matches against Auger-Aliassime, dropping only one set in the process.

Struff started strongly, perhaps buoyed by pushing Sinner in a tight defeat on grass at Halle last month, but fell a set behind after being broken in the 11th game.

Struff carved out a set point in the second set, but Sinner saved it as the match went to a tiebreak.

The top seed quickly moved 5-2 ahead in the tiebreak and clenched his fist in delight when Struff sent a backhand long to give him a two-set lead.

Struff became the oldest first-time men’s Grand Slam quarterfinalist of the Open era by reaching the last eight.

But his resistance ended as Sinner won the final three games to wrap up the match.

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French prosecutors probe Paraguayan senator over Mbappe abuse

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French prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged aggravated public insult and incitement to hatred or violence after a Paraguayan senator posted racist remarks targeting Kylian Mbappe following Paraguay’s World Cup defeat to France.

The Paris prosecutor’s office told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the investigation was launched after the French Football Federation (FFF) filed a complaint with the national unit responsible for combating online hate speech.

Celeste Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, made the comments on X after Mbappe converted the decisive penalty in France’s victory over Paraguay on Saturday. She targeted the France captain with racist insults about his origins, upbringing, education and appearance.

France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals, where it will face Morocco on Thursday.

Mbappe called Amarilla a “despicable woman” who was “unworthy” of serving in Paraguay’s Congress.

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla arrives at a press conference, Asuncion, Paraguay, July 7, 2026. (EPA Photo)

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla arrives at a press conference, Asuncion, Paraguay, July 7, 2026. (EPA Photo)

The Paris prosecutor’s office said the remarks were allegedly made because of the victim’s actual or perceived origin, ethnicity, nationality, race or religion. The offenses are punishable by up to one year in prison and a 45,000-euro fine ($51,000).

The Paris prosecutor’s office can investigate statements made abroad because the victim is a French national.

Amarilla later issued an open letter in French and Spanish on social media, saying her problem was with the player, not France. She wrote that she regretted insulting Mbappe with “the same insults” she had received as a mixed-race person and said she had deleted her post.

But she also demanded an apology from Mbappe, accusing him of gender-based violence in his comments about her and threatening legal action if he did not retract them.

The Paraguayan government released a statement Monday afternoon condemning Amarilla’s remarks as “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.” It added that the senator’s comments do not represent either the Paraguayan government or the Paraguayan people.

The FFF denounced Amarilla’s comments as “utterly abhorrent” and “unacceptable,” while French President Emmanuel Macron and Sports Minister Marina Ferrari voiced support for Mbappe.

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Holders Argentina roar back to stun Egypt 3-2 in World Cup last 16

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Defending champions Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, overturning a two-goal deficit in the final 11 minutes to beat a fearless Egypt 3-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and book their place in the quarterfinals.

For more than 75 minutes, Lionel Scaloni’s side looked destined for a stunning exit as Egypt, inspired by Mohamed Salah and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, stood on the verge of the greatest victory in the nation’s soccer history.

Instead, Argentina showed the resilience that carried them to the world title four years ago, scoring three unanswered goals to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Cristian Romero sparked the comeback, Lionel Messi restored parity, and Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time winner that sent the holders into the last eight, where they will face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia.

Egypt silence the champions

Argentina entered the knockout clash as favorites after topping their group, but Egypt, appearing in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, refused to be intimidated.

The African side struck first in the 15th minute when defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to power home Marwan Attia’s delivery, stunning the heavily pro-Argentina crowd in Atlanta.

The goal rattled the holders, but they were handed an ideal opportunity to respond just four minutes later after winning a penalty.

Messi stepped up looking to level the contest, only for Shobeir to dive brilliantly and deny the Argentine captain.

The Egypt goalkeeper continued his remarkable display moments later as Messi also struck the post, leaving the defending champions frustrated.

Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Argentina went into halftime trailing 1-0.

Egypt continued to defend with discipline while remaining dangerous on the counterattack.

Their reward came in the 67th minute when Mostafa Ziko finished off a swift attacking move after being picked out by Haissem Hassan, doubling Egypt’s advantage and putting one foot in the quarterfinals.

At 2-0, Argentina appeared out of answers.

But champions rarely surrender quietly.

The comeback began in the 79th minute when Messi floated a dangerous ball into the area and Romero met it with a powerful header to cut the deficit.

Suddenly, belief returned to Argentina, and panic crept into the Egyptian defense.

Just four minutes later, Messi delivered once again.

After Gonzalo Montiel found the veteran forward inside the box, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly beat Shobeir to make it 2-2, redeeming himself after his earlier penalty miss.

King of goals

The goal marked Messi’s eighth of the tournament, moving him to the top of a tightly contested Golden Boot race after beginning the day level with France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland on seven goals.

It also extended an extraordinary streak, with Messi now scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches for Argentina dating back to their triumphant 2022 campaign.

Fernandez completes unforgettable comeback

With extra time looming, Argentina continued pressing for a winner.

Their persistence paid off in the second minute of stoppage time.

Substitute Lautaro Martínez delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Enzo Fernandez rose above the defense to head home the decisive goal, completing an astonishing three-goal comeback in roughly 13 minutes.

The dramatic finish sparked wild celebrations among Argentina’s players and supporters as Egypt’s dream run came to a heartbreaking end.

Messi drives another Argentine escape

Although his missed penalty threatened to become the defining moment of the night, Messi ultimately dictated the comeback.

The 39-year-old captain finished with a goal and an assist while repeatedly creating danger throughout the match. His eighth goal of the tournament strengthened his bid to capture the first Golden Boot of his career after finishing runner-up in 2022.

Messi also moved further up the all-time World Cup scoring charts, adding another milestone to an already historic international career.

The result ended Egypt’s finest World Cup campaign, but Hossam Hassan’s side departed with enormous credit.

After reaching the knockout stage for the first time and eliminating Australia in a penalty shootout, the Pharaohs came within minutes of producing one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

Shobeir’s heroics in goal, Ibrahim’s opener, Ziko’s clinical finish and Salah’s leadership highlighted a performance that demonstrated Egypt’s growing ability to compete with the world’s elite.

Argentina controlled possession, generated significantly more scoring opportunities and eventually overwhelmed Egypt’s tiring defense, but the match exposed vulnerabilities that Scaloni’s side will need to address as the tournament intensifies.

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Wimbledon glory in sight for Osaka, Djokovic as quarterfinals begin

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Wimbledon reaches the quarterfinal stage Tuesday, featuring 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic against third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and Naomi Osaka, fresh off her win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, facing Karolina Muchova.

Djokovic’s scrappy win over Roman Safiullin in the round of 16 got him the record for the most Wimbledon wins with 106 victories at the All England Club. But ⁠the 39-year-old still has major hurdles to cross before ⁠he can achieve his dream of a record 25th Grand Slam.

The 39-year-old has been dragged into four-set battles in the last two matches and his 3 1/2 hour contest with qualifier Safiullin left Djokovic knowing he had won ugly.

“I ​enjoy the battle. I enjoy the suffering in a sense, to some extent, even though ​I ⁠don’t want it, I don’t invite it,” Djokovic said after his win over Safiullin.

“If it happens, you just have to grind and look for a way to win.”

Djokovic faced third seed Auger-Aliassime twice in 2022, with each player winning once.

“I hope that I can show that I’ve improved as a player,” the 25-year-old Canadian said about his clash with Djokovic.

“It’s a big honor for me … as a kid I didn’t appreciate it as much, but now that I’m a player, the load of work he’s done over the years, I mean, I’m not even near any of that. Just to think about it, it’s crazy. You get dizzy just to think about it.”

Osaka back in business

There were glimpses of the old Osaka in her dominant win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16. The Japanese 14th seed, who is making headlines with her ⁠fashion at ⁠Wimbledon, is now being regarded as one of the top picks for the title.

The 28-year-old, who last won a Grand Slam in 2021, dominated the serve and her blistering forehands defused the attack of Sabalenka, who had beaten Osaka in three earlier meetings this year.

“I thought about it as a practice match. I was just telling myself, like, there’s a really big crowd for this practice match, but we’re going to get through it,” said Osaka after reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the first time.

Osaka is up against a player who has now reached the quarter-finals three times, but never gone beyond that at the All England Club.

Muchova and Osaka have each won three of their six past matches, with the Czech 10th ⁠seed winning their only grass-court meeting at the Bad Homburg Open last month.

“I think we did a great decision that I played two tournaments before Wimbledon so I get few more matches to feel better on the grass,” Muchova said after knocking out former Wimbledon champion and compatriot Barbora Krejcikova in ​the round of 16.

Sinner up for stuff right

Defending champion and world number one Jannik Sinner faces a familiar foe in German first-time ​Grand Slam quarterfinalist Jan-Lennard Struff, whom the Italian has beaten in all three of their past meetings.

“Whatever happened in the past, it’s gone already. Now we see if we found a solution. If not, we keep working for the ⁠next one,” the ‌four-time major winner ‌said of his progress so far.

“Quarter-final of a Grand Slam, the feelings are different. There ⁠is definitely more tension. In the same time, I’m very happy where I ‌am at the moment. Then we see how it goes.”

Struff, 36, became the oldest man in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam last eight for ​the first time, when Hubert Hurkacz retired ⁠due to a hip injury during their round of 16 clash, while Struff was leading the ⁠fifth set 4-2.

“I’m very happy because it’s a huge achievement for me. I’m 36, my first quarters, it’s amazing … trying to ⁠recover for the next one,” Struff ​said.

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Argentina battle Egypt, Swiss test Colombia in World Cup Round of 16

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The World Cup knockout stage shifts into high gear this Tuesday when reigning champions Argentina look to stave off a physical Egypt side while an unbeaten Colombia defense put their reputation on the line against Switzerland.

Argentina and Egypt head into Tuesday’s last-16 clash with precious little time to recover after both endured punishing physical tests to open their knockout campaigns.

The defending champions, Argentina, needed extra time on Friday to edge past tournament debutants Cape Verde in a 3-2 thriller. Meanwhile, Egypt labored through a draining 120 minutes against Australia, ultimately advancing 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 deadlock.

The rapid turnaround has sparked serious recovery concerns, particularly for an Argentinian side whose previously flawless tournament run suddenly exposed glaring vulnerabilities.

Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to dictate terms against Cape Verde, igniting an intense domestic debate over whether the performance was a minor speed bump or a blueprint for future opponents.

Former international striker Sergio Aguero voiced those anxieties on ESPN Argentina: “What worries me now is that there are only four days to rest, travel, many players were suffering from cramps, and now you play Egypt, who are also a very physically strong team. I think they have a little more quality at the front than Cape Verde.”

Even legendary captain Lionel Messi admitted to feeling the physical toll, lamenting that Argentina were unable to execute their signature high press against Cape Verde.

Egypt, meanwhile, are likely to draw immense encouragement from how easily the South Americans were rattled.

The North Africans have leaned heavily on rigid defensive organization while unleashing Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush on lightning-fast counterattacks.

However, Egypt’s ambitions rest on the health of Salah, who carried a hamstring concern into the Australia match and appeared visibly reluctant to operate at top speed.

Despite the pressure, Argentina are publicly maintaining a composed, respectful front. “It will be a very difficult match,” midfielder Leandro Paredes insisted.

“We are at the elite level of football and all national teams are very good and physical,” he said.

Switzerland's Breel Embolo (C) gets slapped by his teammates during a Switzerland training session at the National Soccer Development Center in Vancouver, Canada, July 5, 2026. (EPA Photo)

Switzerland’s Breel Embolo (C) gets slapped by his teammates during a Switzerland training session at the National Soccer Development Center in Vancouver, Canada, July 5, 2026. (EPA Photo)

Swiss face stingy Colombia

While the battle in Atlanta centers on physical recovery, the showdown at Vancouver’s BC Place is a pure clash of styles. Colombia have conceded just a single goal all tournament, but their suffocating backline faces its ultimate litmus test against Swiss prodigy Johan Manzambi.

Manzambi began the competition as a bench option against Qatar. However, after an explosive two-goal cameo in a 4-1 thrashing of Bosnia, he has forced his way into the heart of Murat Yakın’s frontline, racking up three goals and two assists. Manzambi most recently manufactured an assist for Breel Embolo during a comfortable 2-0 last-32 victory over Algeria.

“From the first day, he was a special player, a valuable player … he’s improving from game to game, and he’s very dangerous for every attack,” Swiss manager Yakın said of his young star.

“Besides the fact that he brings out the quality of the other players on the pitch, he’s also very humble, he works cleverly and is team-oriented. It’s a great pleasure to see him play like that. And of course, if he helps the team to win, then it’s even nicer,” he said.

The Swiss possess a devastating attacking quartet. Manzambi, Embolo, Dan Ndoye, and Ruben Vargas have combined to score eight of Switzerland’s nine goals in North America.

They enter Tuesday exceptionally fresh, but Colombia present a far more intimidating collective unit than Algeria did.

The South Americans remain unbeaten, flawlessly blending emotional intensity, raw pace, and attacking flair with a disciplined, fiercely physical defense that chokes out spaces in midfield.

Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari acknowledged that his side must brace for a relentless tactical war: “I think Colombia is for sure a different style of play to how they play football – they will play emotional football, but also very intensive and straightforward. We have to be prepared for that, because I think this will be a very strong collective opponent.”

To break through, Switzerland will rely heavily on Manzambi to spearhead their transitional play, hoping his penetrating direct runs can finally unlock the tournament’s most stubborn defense.

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