World Cup 2026: penultimate round of 32 round defines new qualifiers

The Mexican National Team was left out of the 2026 World Cup after losing 3-2 to England in the round of 16. The defeat left a feeling of sadness among fans, but also opened space for gestures of international solidarity.

Solidarity from Japan

Japan’s ambassador to Mexico, Kozo Honsei, posted a video on his X account to express his support. In the message, lasting just over a minute, the diplomat recognized the effort of the Mexican team.

“While I was playing I received many messages, not only from Mexico but from Japan, saying that the Mexican National Team played well and with determination until the end,” said Honsei.

He added that both teams were eliminated, but stressed that “both towns can advance even more for the future.”

The ambassador also thanked the Mexicans for receiving the visitors with “a lot of kindness and stability.” He noted that many foreigners, including Japanese, ended up becoming fans of the local team because of the treatment they received.

He concluded with a forceful recognition: Mexicans “have been the best hosts of this World Cup and in history.”

The diplomat’s gesture was well received on social networks, where users highlighted the empathy and respect shown towards the Mexican fans at a time of sporting disappointment.

Serena Williams aims for the US Open

Serena Williams, 44, could return to the US Open in August, four years after her last appearance. This was indicated by her coach Rennae Stubbs during Wimbledon, where Williams lost in the first round of singles to Maya Joint.

Stubbs said: “His intention is to continue playing, including the US Open.”

Williams suffered a right knee injury during that match, forcing her to withdraw from doubles with her sister Venus. On Instagram he shared images of syringes with fluid extracted from his knee. Even so, Stubbs assured that his level was high before the injury.

“She whispered: ‘I would have won if I had a good knee.’ In the run-up, she beat players who are still in the tournament,” she said.

The US Open main draw begins on August 30. Williams could receive invitations to preparatory tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati. James Blake, former tennis player and commentator, highlighted the impact of the possible return.

“It’s going to be huge. She deserves it because she’s the best of all time in women’s tennis,” Blake told The Associated Press.

Caroline Wozniacki, a friend of Williams, noted that her movement on grass was already good and she expects improvement on hard courts.

Williams has already shown his power with serves over 120 mph. The US Open, a tournament he has won six times in singles, could be favorable for him.

Quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup: the eight qualifiers

After an intense round of 16, the 2026 World Cup already has its eight best teams. Argentina and Switzerland were the last to get their ticket, thus closing the initial knockout phase.

Morocco led the way by beating Canada 3-0, showing collective strength. France suffered more than necessary against Paraguay, but a Kylian Mbappé penalty gave them a narrow pass.

The biggest surprise occurred on Sunday: Norway eliminated Brazil with a double from Erling Haaland (2-1), prolonging the five-time world champion’s World Cup drought. The Norwegians will now face England, who defeated Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium. El Tri thus became the second host eliminated.

Portugal was also left out after losing 1-0 to Spain, with a goal in the final minutes. For its part, Belgium beat the United States 4-1, leaving the tournament without any organizing country in the next round.

The quarterfinal duels were defined: France vs. Morocco, Spain vs. Belgium, Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland. The phase will be played at venues to be confirmed.