Sports
Belgium beat US 4-1 to Reach World Cup Quarter-finals
The U.S. defeat means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.
• Folarin Balogun played against Belgium but with limited impact.
Belgium produced a commanding display to defeat the United States 4-1 and book a FIFA World Cup quarter-final meeting with Spain.
The last-16 encounter in Seattle was overshadowed by controversy surrounding USA striker Folarin Balogun’s eligibility after FIFA suspended his one-match ban before kick-off.
Balogan was permitted to play, despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented intervention but he barely had an impact on the pitch.
Belgium ignored the off-field distractions and dominated the opening exchanges with aggressive pressing and swift attacking football.
Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in, taking full advantage of a nervous start by the U.S. to quickly deflate the partisan crowd.
Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick levelled the game in the 31st minute, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead almost immediately with a back-post header.
The U.S. improved after the break until a calamitous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed substitute Hans Vanaken to score in the 57th minute.Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth in added time to send U.S. fans streaming for the exits and Belgium into the quarter-finals. The goal was Lukaku’s 93rd for Belgium and his seventh in FIFA World Cup finals.
The U.S. defeat means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.
“In the moments that we were doing well (in the tournament), we felt amazing,” U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said.
“And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn’t grasp it – and it’s gonna sting.”
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side never recovered after conceding immediately following their equaliser.
“From the beginning, we didn’t connect with the game. Even when we scored the goal, we conceded in the next action,” Pochettino said.
Sports
UEFA Considers World Cup Boycott Over FIFA’s $20bn Investment Proposal
UEFA strongly opposed the proposal, insisting football “isn’t FIFA’s to sell” and criticising the lack of transparency surrounding the plan.
UEFA is preparing an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations to discuss FIFA’s proposed $20 billion private investment plan, with a potential World Cup boycott among the options being considered.
The proposal, unveiled by FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, would create the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary responsible for the commercial and event operations of FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
FIFA said the venture would seek minority investment while retaining full control of football governance, with funds intended to expand development programmes for its 211 member associations.
UEFA strongly opposed the proposal, insisting football “isn’t FIFA’s to sell” and criticising the lack of transparency surrounding the plan.
Sources told ESPN there is significant resistance within the European governing body.
Sports
Idi Amin’s grandson disqualified from Commonwealth boxing bout
He was jeered out of the ring after a tempestuous bout against England’s Damar Thomas in the super-heavyweight division.
•Aziz Abdul, Idi Amin’s boxer grandson
The grandson of former Ugandan president Idi Amin saw his bid for Commonwealth boxing gold end in disgrace as Aziz Abdul was disqualified for a headbutt in his quarter-final on Wednesday.
Amin famously declared himself the “King of Scotland” in 1976, having developed a fascination with the country with his remark inspiring an Oscar-winning film, “The Last King Of Scotland”.
Aziz arrived in Glasgow declaring his dream of becoming “the new king of Scotland.
But he was jeered out of the ring after a tempestuous bout against England’s Damar Thomas in the super-heavyweight division.
Despite landing three sweeping left hooks in the opening round, a short, stabbing left by Thomas earned a plainly displeased Aziz a standing count.
Aziz swung wildly throughout the second and was deducted his second point for persistently punching Thomas in the face as they exited a clinch.
AFP
Sports
Real Madrid generate €1.2bn revenue despite failing to win a trophy
The club’s strong financial showing was boosted by an increase in income from their renovated Santiago Bernabeu stadium, up by 11 percent to 363 million euros ($413m), along with new sponsorships.
•Real Madrid President Florentino Perez . (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Spanish giants Real Madrid said Tuesday they generated a record 1.221 billion euros ($1.39 billion) in revenue in the 2025/2026 season, despite failing to win a trophy.
“Operating revenue, excluding income from player transfers, reached €1.221 billion, 3.1 percent more than in the previous financial year,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
“Real Madrid has therefore exceeded the €1.2 billion mark for the first time, a figure that no other sports organisation in the world has achieved to date, consolidating the club’s position as the revenue leader in the sports industry.”
Madrid said they made 26 million euros ($30m) profit after tax, up by 8 percent on the earnings from 2024/25.
The club’s strong financial showing was boosted by an increase in income from their renovated Santiago Bernabeu stadium, up by 11 percent to 363 million euros ($413m), along with new sponsorships.
SUG Confirms 5 Students Abducted at Gateway ICT Poly
NPA initiate trucks movement code to ease traffic at Lagos ports
Okonjo-Iweala lauds Cardoso for stabilising Nigeria’s monetary environment
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business2 days agoFG Availing ₦3.6bn to 200,000 Tailors Nationwide
-
International2 days agoJust In: People trapped in Japanese mall hit by earthquake, with others missing after factory chimney collapse
-
Entertainment3 days agoFace of Unijos student, Mbaya, killed over alleged phone theft
-
Politics3 days ago2027: ADC and Four Other Parties Remain Duly Registered – Appeal Court (Video)
-
Sports3 days agoMancini is back as Italy’s national team coach
-
News2 days agoLASEMA rescues 12, 3 dead bodies at Ajuwon building collapse
-
News3 days agoBillionaire Dangote to donate one-third of wealth to philanthropy,says daughter
-
Sports3 days agoManchester City renews Gvardiol contract until 2031