
World Cup Knockout Stage Brings Surprises and Legends
The round of 32 features high‑stakes clashes, emerging upsets, and notable signings that promise a dramatic finish.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kylian Mbappe across Soccer, Football.

The round of 32 features high‑stakes clashes, emerging upsets, and notable signings that promise a dramatic finish.

A flurry of negotiations, personal terms and strategic moves define the latest wave of football transfers.

An overview of extra time rules, historic golden goal experiments, penalty shootouts, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup broadcast details.

A neurosurgeon examines why feigned injuries dominate soccer, comparing it to the grit of rugby and hockey, and calls for a more authentic game.

An exploration of extra time in World Cup knockout matches, its rules, historic moments, and the players who have defined its drama.

Even as the tournament progresses, Lionel Messi's record-breaking goal tally and influence on Argentina's campaign underscore his timeless impact on soccer.

An exploration of extra time rules, historic moments, and the dramatic impact of extended play in the sport's most prestigious tournament.

Predictions highlight France’s dominance, Messi’s legacy, and potential shocks like an early U.S. exit, while fan cultures from Argentina, Scotland and Ecuador add vibrant energy.

Argentina, already qualified for the next round, will host Jordan in a prime‑time match that will be streamed across multiple platforms, with a limited‑time discount on Fox One subscriptions.

Argentina will face Jordan in the last match of Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi expected to play as the teams battle for a spot in the knockout stage.

The first 48‑team World Cup is delivering unprecedented scale, surprising results and new tactical experiments as the knockout phase looms.

Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed head coach of the United States men’s national team, blends a storied playing background with a belief‑driven leadership style that is already reshaping the sport’s landscape in the United States.

Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine tactician leading the U.S. national team, has infused a divided nation with belief, drawing on a storied career, a mentor’s legacy, and personal rituals that underscore his quest for glory.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. men’s national team has shifted from complacency to competitive fire, winning Group D and eyeing a deep World Cup run.

Ousmane Dembélé's first‑half hat‑trick, Pape Gueye's double‑assist, and Spain's flawless group run highlight a day of surprising results and record‑breaking performances.

U.S. Soccer has offered Mauricio Pochettino a four‑year contract extension before the World Cup, highlighting his impact on team culture, player motivation and the club’s strategic goals.

From designer clutches to signature boots, eight standout athletes reveal how personal style transcends uniform constraints during the tournament.

In Boston’s French‑speaking cafés, supporters of the French national team are watching the upcoming match against Norway with a measured optimism, drawing on a proud tournament history and a diverse squad that reflects modern France.

A look at the upcoming knockout round schedule, stadium locations and the star players set to feature.

With the Norway‑France showdown set for 3 p.m. in Foxborough, both teams eye the knockout stage, while fans from Oslo to Paris gather at the Boston FIFA Fan Fest, and discussions about natural grass versus synthetic turf resurface.

The decisive matches of Groups G, H and I will determine which teams advance to the round of 32, with top scorers Haaland and Mbappé set to clash in a marquee showdown.

The tournament has produced 177 goals in 60 matches, surpassing historical benchmarks and prompting a deep dive into the statistical anomalies that accompany the new 48‑team structure.

The Athletic’s daily World Cup predictions combine seasoned analysis, youthful flair, and even a canine voice to preview key matchups and emerging storylines.
From a championship‑winning teenager to a global icon, Kylian Mbappé's off‑field investments reveal a career in full bloom, with high‑profile homes in Paris and Madrid reflecting his rising stature.