Need to know
There was all sorts of drama overnight at the World Cup, both on the field and away from the pitch, as England discovered who they will face if they get through to the round of 16
Everything you need to know that happened during Tuesday night and Wednesday morning at the World Cup…
- England double injury blow: Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that both Jarrell Quansah and Reece James will miss England’s crucial World Cup knockout match against DR Congo. The manager revealed that Quansah twisted his ankle during the 2-0 victory over Panama, while James remains side-lined with a hamstring issue.
- Bukayo Saka boost: However, Tuchel did confirm Saka is expected to be fit to start, if Tuchel decides to deploy the Arsenal ace in his starting line-up.
- Ecuador vs Mexico delayed: The World Cup knockout clash between Mexico and Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca was delayed by an hour due to severe weather conditions in Mexico City. The pre-match warm-ups had to be swiftly suspended when intense thunder and lightning strikes were detected within the vicinity of the stadium.
- Hydration break confusion: Ahead of the delayed kick-off, there was considerable confusion surrounding the implementation of mandatory cooling intervals during the match. Officials initially declared that there would be no hydration breaks permitted, only to make a sudden U-turn and reinstate them just twenty minutes later.
- FIFA explain Germany VAR call: FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has strongly defended the controversial VAR decision to disallow Germany’s late winning goal against Paraguay, which was labelled as a “scandal” by Julian Nagelsmann. Jonathan Tah’s goal was ultimately chalked off because German defender Waldemar Anton was judged to have deliberately obstructed Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Orlando Gill. Collina explained that whilst holding a position is legal, moving intentionally to impede an opponent without attempting to play the ball will be strictly punished.
- Mexico reach round of 16: Mexico successfully booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 by securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Ecuador in front of a home crowd. First-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez proved to be the difference as the hosts made their home advantage count.
- Infantino tribute to Iran: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised Iran’s national football team for their remarkably resilient performance during the 2026 World Cup. Despite suffering an early group-stage exit, Team Melli earned high praise from the governing body’s chief for remaining completely unbeaten during their group-stage run.
- Piero Hincapie sent off: Ecuador’s frustrations boiled over deep into stoppage time when Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié was shown a straight red card after a heated confrontation with Mexico’s Santiago Giménez. The player was dismissed under strict tournament regulations because he covered his mouth whilst directing comments toward his opponent.
- England to face Mexico: Should England manage to defeat DR Congo in their upcoming fixture, they are officially scheduled to face Mexico in the high-stakes round of 16. This blockbuster encounter would take place at the iconic, atmosphere-packed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
- World Cup LIVE: Mexico set up potential England clash as Arsenal star gets unbelievable red card
