Mexico’s goodbye at the 2026 World Cup: tears and silence in the stadium

Keys to the duel

The United States and Belgium will meet in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The match promises intensity from the start. The American team seeks to confirm its progress on the international stage, supported by a young generation that plays in the main leagues in Europe.

Belgium will try to assert the quality of its squad, which combines experience and talent in all its lines. Europeans have players accustomed to the highest demands and know that direct elimination matches are defined by details.

Recent history includes an exciting duel at Brazil 2014. On that occasion, Belgium won 2-1 in extra time, in a match full of opportunities and outstanding individual performances.

A balanced match with two different styles is expected. The United States will bet on physical intensity and quick transitions. Belgium will try to impose its experience and technical quality to control the pace.

Schedule and transmission

• Date: July 6
• Time: 18:00 hrs
• Transmission: Vix with World Pass

Reactions to the discriminatory comment

French star Kylian Mbappé rejected Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla this Monday for her discriminatory comments published on social networks after Paraguay’s defeat against France in the round of 16 of the World Cup.

Mbappé described Amarilla, of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, as a “despicable woman” and “unworthy” of her position in Congress.

“Due to his recklessness and his exposed racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that his players achieved during this World Cup,” Mbappé wrote in X.

Amarilla posted several messages on that social network after Mbappé scored the decisive penalty in France’s 1-0 win on Saturday. He mocked the origins, upbringing, education and appearance of the French captain. France advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Morocco on Thursday.

The Paraguayan government issued a statement on Monday condemning Amarilla’s statements as being “contrary to the values ​​and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.” He added that these comments do not represent either the government or the Paraguayan people.

The French Football Federation described the statements as “absolutely abhorrent” and “unacceptable”, and announced that it will refer the case to the prosecutor’s office.

Marina Ferrari, Minister of Sports of France, expressed her indignation and support for the national team.

“By attacking Kylian Mbappé, the senator is attacking everything that our captain embodies and everything that our country represents: freedom, equality and fraternity,” declared Ferrari in X.

Guy Stéphan, assistant to coach Didier Deschamps, also repudiated the comments: “It’s outrageous, abject, scandalous.”

The Associated Press requested statements from Amarilla with no response so far.

Before the match, former Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert called France “a team from Africa.” Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, noted that Chilavert “was once a great goalkeeper” but has now “fallen from grace.”

A feat that transcends the scoreboard

Cape Verde wrote one of the most emotional pages of the 2026 World Cup. The African team arrived without a major poster at its first World Cup, placed in a group with Spain and Uruguay. Far from being intimidated, he showed personality and competitive football that captivated global fans.

Historical classification and height duel

With memorable performances, such as that of goalkeeper Vozinha – who became a viral sensation for his saves – Cape Verde rescued key draws and advanced to the knockout phase. There he ran into Argentina, the current champion.

In the round of 32, the Africans stood up. They competed as equals and were close to giving another surprise. The dream ended in extra time: Argentina won 3-2, but the match remained etched in the collective memory.

Heroes welcome

The elimination did not overshadow what was achieved. Hours after the game, the team returned home and was greeted like heroes. Thousands of people took to the streets from the airport, with caravans, flags and an atmosphere of national celebration. Images on social media showed a nation proud of its team.

Cape Verde not only competed; He put his name on the map of world football. His story is a reminder that sport can unite and excite beyond the results.