Key events

1h ago Belgium calls to overturn decision
1h ago Opening remarks

What is happening? Additional England material? Why not. In case these slipped by:

“I apologize to Tim Ream,” writes Charlie. “The Balogun ruling surely influenced the subdued display from a squad that had shown such vitality before now. It must have weighed on them to watch global opinion shift against the side because of moves by Trump and Fifa, leaving players to wonder internally if this reflects their values. They cannot voice it, yet the showing revealed all.”

Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, Kansas City - Colombia's World Cup path has steadily moved northward over three weeks. Thousands of their fans now arrive in Vancouver hoping to watch Nestor Lorenzo's team reach a first quarter-final in 12 years against Switzerland on Tuesday. Following Mexico and the United States, yellow fever is set to reach Canada.

This wave of supporter travel, which has brought lively color and energy to host cities, has not occurred since the prior quarter-final in 2014 when Colombian fans journeyed in large groups to Brazil due to closeness and the team's long absence from the tournament. James Rodriguez, the star of that event, spoke to supporters before heading to North America as captain this year after issues during Colombia's stay in the US for the 2024 Copa America.

They should realize we always commit fully and that this upbeat spirit, shared properly online too, spreads easily, Rodriguez noted. You sense it and I simply urge them to carry those good feelings forward while behaving well.

France captain Kylian Mbappe has replied to a Paraguayan senator by calling her a despicable woman after she made a racist remark about him. Mbappe's penalty decided a tense contest as France edged Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia on Saturday to move into the quarter-finals.

Celeste Amarilla posted a lengthy attack on X labeling Mbappe a colonized Cameroonian trying to claim French identity and a brute who never learned to write. She added that Paraguay players should have struck him after the game.

Mbappe issued a firm response defending himself and the Paraguay squad. Madame Celeste Amarilla you are a despicable woman and unfit for your role, he stated. You do not speak for Paraguay, a nation that has shown passion and honor throughout this competition.

Time to discuss the popular topic: England!

What a contest that proved against Mexico. I drifted off near 1am BST and awoke to England ahead 2-1 just before Quansah received a red card and chaos followed. England's defensive work in the closing 20 minutes stood out as exceptional thanks to Dan Burn even though Mexico's forward play showed limited creativity. A superb showing from the players and Thomas Tuchel who I worried had acted too soon with the back-five approach of clearing the ball anywhere.

Here is an article where Guardian readers share their memories of that memorable evening.

When I was 18 I clearly recall Gazza's tears in the 1990 World Cup but this felt even more intense.

Right I have now seen the highlights of USA 1-4 Belgium.

Oh no. What a mess. Poor defending from the co-hosts. Complete disarray!

Reader comments on BalogunGate along with other topics including soccer.

“I regret departing in this manner but I have given my all and always performed to my best,” Ronaldo said. “I leave with peace of mind. This is football and the life of a player. At times you win and at times you lose. You must move ahead. It was my final World Cup yes but regarding everything else there will be time to reflect and spend with family. I will avoid choices made in the moment.”

It stood out that none of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal teammates appeared keen to console or engage with him after their loss to Spain.

That says much about his effect in the dressing room. It makes sense to tolerate large egos when players remain elite but less so when they have clearly declined.

We suspected Qatar 2022 might mark his last World Cup but this surely confirms it.

If you wish to share a view on any of this you can email me here.

In podcast updates Max Rushden led World Cup Daily featuring Barry Glendenning Archie Rhind-Tutt Nick Ames and Sid Lowe.

They examine losses for the USA and Portugal reflect on England's strong win over Mexico and share some lively discussion along the way.

Belgium: Overturn this

Overturn this stands out as a strong line from Belgium's social media team it must be said.

Though it does not match the level of where is your ham now from Barcelona versus Metz in the 1984-85 Cup Winners Cup.

Alexander Abnos reported from Seattle as the USA exited against Belgium. Here is his match report.

Some reaction from within the co-hosts setup: Tim Ream the USA captain maintained that the Folarin Balogun red-card situation had no impact.

Opening remarks

Hello sports fans.

USA the co-hosts have been eliminated following a 4-1 last-16 loss to Belgium in Seattle. They maintain the Donald Trump-related Folarin Balogun red-card issue played no role in the outcome.

Portugal are also out with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup ending in disappointment after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Dallas.

Argentina versus Egypt and Switzerland versus Colombia will complete the last 16 later leaving eight teams on the path to the final on 19 July barring any major political moves of course.

What does all this signify? Let us discuss soccer association football and the World Cup.