World Cup round of 16 upsets and Trump‑linked red‑card appeal

The round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup has concluded with several surprising results. The Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco after a penalty shoot‑out, with goalkeeper Bono hailed as the tournament’s standout keeper. Brazil exited after a 2‑0 loss to Norway, where Erling Haaland scored both goals and Vinícius Júnior could not change the outcome.

Argentina advanced by defeating Cape Verde in extra time, a match remembered for Sidny Cabral’s long‑range strike, described by FIFA as “the most beautiful goal of the phase.” Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, also attracted global attention.

In a political flashpoint, U.S. President Donald Trump asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card given to American forward Balogun for a serious foul on a Bosnian player. The FIFA disciplinary committee upheld the suspension, stating its independence.

Belgium then thrashed the United States 4‑1, ending the match with a choreography mocking Trump. France has continued to dominate its matches, cementing its status as a tournament favourite.