2026 World Cup: England advances, South American teams upset Europe, and several coaches resign

England reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup after Harry Kane headed a 2‑1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo, overturning an early deficit. The match featured a VAR controversy and a late goal by Jude Bellingham that set up Kane’s decisive header.

South American sides challenged the traditional European dominance. Brazil beat Scotland 3‑0, Argentina defeated Austria 2‑0, Ecuador upset Germany 2‑1, and Paraguay eliminated the four‑time champions Germany on penalties after a 1‑1 draw. Only Spain managed a European victory, beating Uruguay 1‑0. Analysts cited technical quality and disciplined tactics as reasons for the surprise results.

The tournament also sparked a wave of coaching changes. The Netherlands dismissed Ronald Koeman after a loss to Morocco, Ecuador’s Sebastián Bechara stepped down following defeat by Mexico, South Korea’s Hong Myeong‑Bo resigned after group‑stage elimination, Scotland’s Steve Clarke ended his seven‑year tenure, Czech Republic’s Miroslav Koubek was sacked, and Tunisia’s Sabri Lamouchi became the first coach to quit during a World Cup.

Off the pitch, a Mexican supporter in a white‑green bikini went viral on social media, drawing widespread comments and speculation about the authenticity of the image.