BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Argentina’s quest to retain the FIFA World Cup enters another crucial phase on Saturday when the defending champions meet a confident Switzerland side in a quarter-final showdown that carries echoes of past battles against European opposition.

History suggests the South Americans are no strangers to this stage of the competition. Remarkably, all eight of Argentina’s previous World Cup quarter-finals have come against European teams.

Their record stands evenly balanced, with four victories and four defeats, although recent history favours the Albiceleste.

Argentina successfully negotiated European challenges in both 2014 and 2022, overcoming Belgium and the Netherlands respectively on their way to the latter stages of the tournament. They will be hoping that trend continues as they seek another semi-final appearance.

Lionel Messi’s side reached the last eight after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt, while Switzerland needed a nerve-racking penalty shootout to edge Colombia following a goalless draw.

The Swiss arrive in buoyant mood and with statistics that demand respect. They have lost only one of their last 19 international matches, compiling 11 victories and seven draws during an impressive run that has transformed them into one of Europe’s most resilient teams.

Their progress to the quarter-finals is itself historic. Switzerland have reached the last eight of the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954, ending a wait of more than seven decades.

Argentina, however, remain one of the favourites for the title. With Messi continuing to inspire and a squad packed with experience and attacking quality, the reigning champions are determined to keep their dream of back-to-back World Cup triumphs alive.

The contest presents a classic contrast between Argentina’s flair and tournament know-how and Switzerland’s discipline, organisation and growing confidence.

A place in the semi-finals awaits the winner, but only one side will continue its journey towards World Cup glory. Argentina will be counting on history to repeat itself, while Switzerland hope to write a new chapter of their own.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Spain are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals for only the second time in their history after substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the late hero in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday.

The European champions looked destined for extra time after Belgium had cancelled out Spain’s first-half lead, but Merino struck just two minutes after coming off the bench to send La Roja into a mouth-watering semi-final clash with France in Dallas on Tuesday.

Spain, who have been among the tournament’s most impressive sides, seized the initiative in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz.

The midfielder reacted quickest after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a magnificent save to deny Dani Olmo, steering the rebound home to give Luis de la Fuente’s men a deserved advantage.

Belgium, however, refused to be overawed and responded before the interval. Charles De Ketelaere restored parity in the 41st minute, rising above the Spanish defence to head Timothy Castagne’s inviting cross beyond goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammate Timothy Castagne after heading home Belgium’s equaliser during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Spain at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on July 10, 2026. The strike was the first goal conceded by Spain in the tournament, although the Europeans champions went on to win 2-1 and reach the semi-finals. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Gary Vasquez

The goal carried extra significance as it ended Spain’s remarkable defensive record at the tournament, making Belgium the first side to breach La Roja’s backline in the competition.

The second half developed into a tense tactical battle, with chances at a premium and both sides aware that a place in the last four was at stake.

Belgium suffered a major setback midway through the half when Courtois, who had kept his side in the contest with a series of fine interventions, was forced off through injury. The veteran goalkeeper was replaced by Senne Lammens.

That change proved pivotal in the closing stages.

With extra time looming, Spain introduced Merino in the 86th minute in a final bid to find a breakthrough. The substitution paid immediate dividends.

Just two minutes later, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a low effort that Lammens failed to hold cleanly, and Merino reacted fastest to bundle the loose ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

Belgium pushed desperately for another equaliser in the closing moments, but Spain held firm to secure a hard-fought victory and continue their quest for a second World Cup title.

The win sets up a blockbuster semi-final showdown against France, a repeat of several recent high-profile European encounters, with a place in the World Cup final now within touching distance for the reigning European champions.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 races towards its grand finale across the North American hosts — the United States, Canada and Mexico — the live FIFA World Ranking is reflecting a subtle but significant shift in the balance of power in African football.

The biggest beneficiary of the tournament has been Egypt, whose remarkable World Cup campaign has propelled the Pharaohs above Nigeria in the continental hierarchy.

Before the tournament kicked off in June, Nigeria were Africa’s third-highest-ranked nation and 26th in the world, trailing only Morocco and Senegal on the continent. But as of July 10, Egypt’s impressive journey to the Round of 16 has seen the Pharaohs climb to 24th in the world and third in Africa, pushing Nigeria down to fourth place on the continent, despite the Super Eagles retaining their 26th global ranking.

Morocco remain Africa’s undisputed standard-bearers. The Atlas Lions, who became the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022, entered the 2026 tournament as Africa’s highest-ranked side and eighth in the world.

Another impressive World Cup campaign has further enhanced their standing. Having reached the quarter-finals for a second consecutive edition, the Moroccans have climbed two places to sixth in the world, underlining their growing reputation as one of football’s most consistent and respected national teams.

Senegal continue to fly Africa’s flag among the game’s elite, holding firm as the continent’s second-highest-ranked nation and 14th in the world.

The most notable movement, however, has come from Egypt. Prior to the tournament, the Pharaohs were ranked 29th globally and fifth in Africa, behind Nigeria and Algeria. Their historic run to the Round of 16 — the best World Cup performance in Egyptian football history — has earned them valuable ranking points and a significant rise in the global standings.

Egypt captured the imagination of football fans across Africa with a spirited campaign that featured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Australia before a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina. The Pharaohs had led the holders 2-0 with just minutes remaining before suffering a cruel comeback that denied them a place in the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, their performances won admiration throughout the continent and beyond, while also delivering a substantial reward in the FIFA rankings.

For Nigeria, the revised standings serve as a sobering reminder of what might have been.

The Super Eagles entered the World Cup year as one of Africa’s strongest-ranked teams despite failing to qualify for the tournament. Their 26th-place global ranking before the competition made them one of the highest-ranked nations absent from football’s biggest event, highlighting the paradox of a football powerhouse blessed with talent but missing from the global stage.

While Nigeria watched from afar, Egypt seized the opportunity to strengthen their credentials, joining Morocco and Senegal among Africa’s standout performers at the tournament. Algeria remain close behind, ensuring that the battle for supremacy among the continent’s traditional heavyweights remains fiercely contested.

The achievements of Morocco and Egypt point to a broader evolution in African football. The continent is no longer content with merely making up the numbers at the World Cup. African teams are increasingly demonstrating the quality, tactical discipline and self-belief required to challenge football’s established powers from Europe and South America.

Morocco’s sustained excellence and Egypt’s breakthrough campaign are proof that success on the world stage is now translating into tangible gains in the FIFA rankings.

For Nigeria, the lesson is unmistakable. Rankings alone cannot define a nation’s football strength. While the Super Eagles continue to boast one of Africa’s richest talent pools and proudest football traditions, future success will ultimately be measured by qualification for major tournaments and meaningful achievements once there.

As Africa celebrates Morocco’s consistency and Egypt’s remarkable rise, Nigerian football faces the challenge of reclaiming its place not only in the FIFA rankings but also on the World Cup stage where many believe the Super Eagles belong.

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