Saudi Arabia and Qatar: early elimination in the 2026 World Cup

Persian Gulf without success in the World Cup: Saudi Arabia and Qatar say goodbye soon.

Publicado 29 junio, 2026 el 29 de junio a las 10:27 | 2 mins reading |903 vistas | por Miguel Torres

Million dollar investment, poor results

Saudi Arabia and Qatar invested fortunes in football and infrastructure, but in the 2026 World Cup they leave in the group stage. Money doesn’t buy success on the field.

Saudi Arabia finished last in its group, which included Cape Verde – the third smallest nation to compete – which advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time. The Saudis have not survived the group stage since 1994.

“It was not what we wanted because, playing a game like that against a team that is more or less at our level, our performance was not good,” acknowledged coach Georgios Donis.

Qatar, host in 2022, also leaves after three games. They achieved their first historic point in a World Cup with an agonizing draw against Switzerland, but another early elimination.

“I think that shows that at least we were able to compete in these types of games,” commented Julen Lopetegui, Qatar coach.

Iran and Iraq were also left out. In contrast, nine of 10 African teams advanced to the round of 32. Gulf nations are struggling to make their mark, eight years before Saudi Arabia hosts in 2034.

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Switzerland defeats Colombia on penalties and advances to the quarterfinals

Switzerland eliminated Colombia from the eleven steps and will now face Argentina.

Publicado 28 minutes ago el 7 de julio a las 18:53 | 2 mins reading

The Swiss team made it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup by beating Colombia in the penalty shootout. The match, disputed and strategic, ended goalless in regular time and overtime.

Party development

Both teams showed an intense game, with clear scoring opportunities. However, the defenses and goalkeepers prevented any scoring. Switzerland maintained possession, while Colombia opted for the counterattack. The scoreboard did not move and everything was defined from the eleven steps.

In the penalty round, Switzerland was more effective. The Swiss goalkeeper stopped two shots, while the collectors converted their opportunities. Colombia missed one and another was saved, which sealed the elimination of the South American team.

Next rival: Argentina

With this result, Switzerland will face Argentina in the next phase. The match promises to be a high-level duel, with two teams seeking the title. The Swiss arrive with confidence after overcoming a close tie, while Argentina is coming off a solid group stage.

The World Cup continues, and Switzerland is emerging as an uncomfortable rival. Physical and mental preparation will be key to facing a team with the history and talent of the Albiceleste.

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Javier Aguirre: retirement is approaching after leaving the National Team

The Basque rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia and is considering retiring after a 30-year career.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 7 de julio a las 16:58 | 1 min reading

End of cycle in the Tricolor

Javier Aguirre closed his third stage at the head of the Mexican National Team with a positive balance, despite the elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico lost 3-2 to England, but the team regained the enthusiasm of the fans under his command.

After confirming his departure, the “Vasco” spoke frankly about his future. In an interview with N+, he revealed that he rejected an offer to direct in Saudi Arabia and that retirement could be near.

“I rejected a very juicy offer from Saudi Arabia. I’m not sure, I know I want to go with Silva (his wife) and my granddaughters there, and then we’ll see. I’m calm, I’m not in a hurry. I think it’s enough, I’ve been a coach for 30 years now.”

Aguirre began his career as a coach in 1996 with Atlante and has accumulated three World Cups. Now, Rafael Márquez will assume the national bench as his successor.

The strategist made it clear that his priority is the family: “Whatever Silvia says, she is the one who decides.” His legacy in the Tricolor is marked by having transformed uncertainty into hope, although without reaching the quarterfinals.

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Messi breaks his record for goals in a World Cup

The Argentine star surpassed his own mark of seven goals and now has 21 in World Cup history.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 7 de julio a las 16:36 | 1 min reading

Lionel Messi continues to expand his legend. This Tuesday, with his goal against Egypt, the Argentine captain reached eight goals in the 2026 World Cup and surpassed the seven he had registered in Qatar 2022. It is his best production in a single edition and raises his historical tally to 21 goals.

Direct elimination record

In addition, Messi became the only player to score in six consecutive knockout phase matches in World Cups. Since he made his debut at the age of 18 on June 16, 2006 in Germany, he has played in his sixth World Cup and has already surpassed Frenchman Kylian Mbappé by two goals, who has 19 in the all-time ranking.

2026 World Cup Scorers

8 goals: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
7 goals: Erling Haaland (Norway) and Kylian Mbappé (France)
6 goals: Harry Kane (England)
4 goals: Jude Bellingham (England), Ousmane Dembelé (France), Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), Vinicius Junior (Brazil) and Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)

Historically, Messi leads with 21, followed by Mbappé (19), Miroslav Klose (16) and Ronaldo Nazário (15). The Argentine continues to write golden pages in world football.