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France survive Paraguay's 'disgraceful' and 'embarrassing' dark arts

France survive Paraguay's 'disgraceful' and 'embarrassing' dark arts

July 05, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

France won 1-0 against Paraguay in a tough and heated World Cup match to reach the quarter-finals. The game was marked by aggressive behavior from Paraguay’s players, with many fouls not punished by the referee, and Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty that secured the win for France.

Key Facts

  • France beat Paraguay 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals against Morocco.
  • The match was played in very hot conditions, about 38.3°C, making it physically demanding.
  • Paraguay played aggressively, with several fouls and unsportsmanlike actions that were largely not punished by the referee.
  • France’s Kylian Mbappe scored the winning penalty, his seventh goal of the tournament, tying with Lionel Messi for the top scorer.
  • Paraguay had earlier caused an upset by eliminating Germany in the last 32.
  • The referee’s performance was criticized for being too lenient.
  • After the game, there were scuffles and tensions between the teams.
  • Mbappe now has 19 World Cup goals in 19 games, scoring more knockout stage goals since 2018 than top football nations like Brazil and England.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World
MLB All-Star Voting Draws Backlash Amid Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision

MLB All-Star Voting Draws Backlash Amid Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision

July 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The MLB announced the starters for the 2026 All-Star Game based on fan votes, including four players from the Toronto Blue Jays. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., selected as the starting first baseman for the fifth time in six years, faced criticism from fans about his current season performance and later declined to participate due to back discomfort.

Key Facts

  • Four Blue Jays players made the American League All-Star roster: Ernie Clement, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Louis Varland, and Dylan Cease.
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a six-time All-Star and starting first baseman five times in six years.
  • Fans criticized Guerrero Jr.’s selection, arguing his statistics this season do not justify his spot.
  • Guerrero Jr. currently has a .265 batting average, 82 hits, 4 home runs, and 35 RBIs in 84 games.
  • He declined to play in the All-Star Game to rest from back discomfort.
  • Nick Kurtz (Oakland Athletics) and Ben Rice (New York Yankees) received reserve All-Star spots.
  • Kurtz will replace Guerrero Jr. as a starter in the game.
  • The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will be held on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
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Newsweek
Kylian Mbappe Goes Scorched Earth on Paraguay After 'Dirty' World Cup Match

Kylian Mbappe Goes Scorched Earth on Paraguay After 'Dirty' World Cup Match

July 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

France won their Round-of-16 match against Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup with a 1-0 score after Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty goal. The match was very physical, with Paraguay playing tough but receiving no yellow cards, while France got three. Mbappe and teammate Rayan Cherki said France was ready for the physical game and showed they could match it.

Key Facts

  • The match took place on July 4, 2026, in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Men's World Cup.
  • Paraguay played a very physical style but did not get any yellow cards.
  • France received three yellow cards during the match.
  • Gustavo Gomez of Paraguay fouled Désiré Doué, leading to a penalty for France after a video review (VAR).
  • Kylian Mbappe scored the penalty in the 70th minute, his seventh goal of the tournament.
  • Mbappe stated that France had no problem playing physically if needed.
  • Rayan Cherki said France was prepared for Paraguay’s tough style and wanted to show they can also play physically.
  • France will next face Morocco in the quarterfinals on July 9, a match expected to be intense.
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Newsweek
France-Paraguay : French fans in Philly react to 1-0 score

France-Paraguay : French fans in Philly react to 1-0 score

July 05, 2026 • France24

Summary

France won a soccer match against Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup Round of 16. The only goal came from a penalty kick by Kylian Mbappé. Fans in Philadelphia shared their reactions to the game.

Key Facts

  • The match took place on a Saturday during the World Cup Round of 16.
  • France controlled much of the game but struggled to score.
  • Kylian Mbappé scored the winning goal from a penalty kick.
  • The final score was France 1, Paraguay 0.
  • The article includes fan reactions from Philadelphia, USA.
  • The game was described as tense and frustrating for France.
  • This victory allowed France to advance further in the World Cup tournament.
  • The article references other recent World Cup events involving France and other teams.
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France24
Kylian Mbappe Is Going Viral for What He Did Immediately After Win

Kylian Mbappe Is Going Viral for What He Did Immediately After Win

July 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty against Paraguay, bringing his total World Cup goals to 19. After the game, despite Paraguay's goalkeeper trying to make peace, Mbappe ignored him, and the scene gained large attention on social media.

Key Facts

  • Paraguay played a very physical and tough game to try to stop France’s strong attack.
  • Mbappe scored from a penalty after a foul during the match.
  • The game was played in very hot weather, near 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, was named player of the tournament for Paraguay.
  • Mbappe laughed and taunted Paraguayan players in the final minutes of the match.
  • After the game, the Paraguayan goalkeeper attempted to make peace but Mbappe ignored him.
  • The incident involving Mbappe quickly became popular on social media with many supporting him.
  • France will rest before playing Morocco in Boston in their next match, a repeat of a previous World Cup semifinal.
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Newsweek
Alexi Lalas Calls Out Jesse Marsch's Message After Canada World Cup Loss

Alexi Lalas Calls Out Jesse Marsch's Message After Canada World Cup Loss

July 05, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Canada lost 3-0 to Morocco in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 and was eliminated from the tournament. After the game, Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch said he was proud of his team and expressed that he would "rather be us" than Morocco, a statement that former U.S. player Alexi Lalas disagreed with.

Key Facts

  • Canada played Morocco in the World Cup Round of 16 and lost 3-0.
  • Morocco scored all three goals after halftime, with two by Azzedine Ounahi and one by Soufiane Rahimi.
  • Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch said he was proud of his team and said he'd "rather be us" than Morocco after the loss.
  • Alexi Lalas, a former U.S. player, spoke against Marsch’s statement, saying he believes winning matters more.
  • Canada had 45% possession and took 10 shots during the match, with 3 on goal.
  • The game featured many fouls, with Canada committing 24 fouls and a total of eight yellow cards given by referees.
  • The U.S. Men’s National Team will play Belgium next but without key player Folarin Balogun, who was suspended.
  • Canada had won their previous round 1-0 against South Africa with a late goal.
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Newsweek
France overcome resolute Paraguay to reach quarter-final

France overcome resolute Paraguay to reach quarter-final

July 05, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

France won their soccer match against Paraguay with a 1-0 score to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The only goal was a penalty scored by Kylian Mbappe in the second half.

Key Facts

  • France played against Paraguay in the World Cup.
  • The match took place in Philadelphia.
  • France won 1-0.
  • Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal from a penalty kick.
  • Paraguay played well but could not score.
  • This win advanced France to the quarter-final round.
  • The article was published recently and relates to football (soccer).
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BBC Top Stories
Belgium players say they will need ‘balls’ to nullify home crowd against US

Belgium players say they will need ‘balls’ to nullify home crowd against US

July 04, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Belgium’s soccer team is preparing to play the United States in the World Cup round of 16 in Seattle, where a large, supportive crowd for the US is expected. Belgium players say they are not intimidated by the atmosphere and are focused on playing their own game, despite the US missing a key striker due to suspension.

Key Facts

  • The match is in Seattle, with around 80,000 spectators expected, many supporting the US.
  • Belgium’s left-back Maxim De Cuyper said they must show courage ("balls") and focus on their own game.
  • The US has strong home support, including about 67,000 fans at a previous match against Australia in Seattle.
  • Belgium lost to the US 5-2 in a friendly game in March but believe the World Cup match will be different.
  • Some Belgium players note many Americans in the squad were not in that March friendly.
  • US striker Folarin Balogun is suspended and will miss the match due to a red card.
  • Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel said they will need to adapt to the US’s formation and believe they have the tools to challenge the US.
  • Belgium players try to block out the crowd noise by focusing during the game.
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Guardian US
'Disgusting' Paraguay went 'way too far' against France

'Disgusting' Paraguay went 'way too far' against France

July 04, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Football experts criticized Paraguay's style of play in their World Cup last-16 match against France, saying it was too aggressive. France won the match 1-0.

Key Facts

  • The match was a World Cup knockout game between Paraguay and France.
  • France won with a score of 1-0.
  • Experts Thomas Hitzlsperger, Joe Hart, and Micah Richards commented on the game.
  • They described Paraguay's tactics and behaviour as excessive.
  • The criticism focused on Paraguay’s physical and rough play.
  • The article is about the FIFA World Cup 2026 event.
  • The content was reported by BBC Sport.
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BBC Top Stories
Lakers' Cameron Carr Gushes Over Summer League Debut

Lakers' Cameron Carr Gushes Over Summer League Debut

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Cameron Carr played his first game with the Los Angeles Lakers during the California Classic Summer League on July 3. He scored 19 points and expressed excitement about joining the team, despite their loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Key Facts

  • Cameron Carr is a new player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • He played his debut game in the California Classic Summer League.
  • The game took place on July 3.
  • Carr scored 19 points, had 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.
  • The Lakers lost to the Golden State Warriors in this game.
  • Carr has dealt with injuries in college but showed good skills when healthy.
  • He said he felt nervous and excited during his first game.
  • Carr sees the opportunity to play for the Lakers as a blessing and a chance to learn.
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Newsweek
Cavaliers Plotting Bronny James Move as LeBron Weighs His Options

Cavaliers Plotting Bronny James Move as LeBron Weighs His Options

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

LeBron James told the Los Angeles Lakers he plans to play his 24th NBA season but not with the team. The Cleveland Cavaliers want to bring him back and are willing to trade for his son, Bronny James, to keep the family connection.

Key Facts

  • LeBron James plans to continue playing but not with the Lakers.
  • He is now an unrestricted free agent, meaning he can sign with any team.
  • The Cleveland Cavaliers want LeBron to return for another season.
  • The Cavaliers may trade for Bronny James, LeBron’s son, who was recently drafted.
  • Bronny James spent his first two NBA seasons with the Lakers and their G League team.
  • Last season, Bronny averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists in about 9 minutes per game.
  • The Cavaliers have a strong team but lack a proven wing player with winning experience.
  • The Eastern Conference, where the Cavaliers play, has become more competitive recently.
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Newsweek
Ticket prices plunge for USA-Belgium World Cup last-16 match

Ticket prices plunge for USA-Belgium World Cup last-16 match

July 04, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Ticket prices for the USA vs. Belgium World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle dropped by over 30 percent before rising slightly again. The cheapest ticket price went from nearly $4,000 on June 1 to around $1,635 on July 4, making it the second most expensive round of 16 match.

Key Facts

  • The USA-Belgium game is on Monday in Seattle as part of the 2026 World Cup round of 16.
  • Ticket prices peaked near $4,000 on June 1.
  • Prices fell to as low as $1,423 on July 4, a 32% drop over three days.
  • Prices rose again slightly to $1,635 by early evening on July 4.
  • The USA secured their round of 16 spot by winning 2-0 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • The Belgium team’s base camp is about 10 miles from Seattle Stadium.
  • The USA-Belgium ticket is now the second highest-priced match among the eight round of 16 games.
  • Canada was the first team eliminated from the round of 16, losing to Morocco 3-0.
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Al Jazeera
Mbappe draws level with Messi as France beat Paraguay to set up Morocco tie

Mbappe draws level with Messi as France beat Paraguay to set up Morocco tie

July 04, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

France won 1-0 against Paraguay in a World Cup last-16 match, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a penalty. This victory sets up a quarter-final game between France and Morocco.

Key Facts

  • The match was played in Philadelphia with 68,324 fans watching in hot weather.
  • Mbappe scored the only goal from a penalty in the 70th minute after Desire Doue was fouled.
  • Paraguay played very defensively and did not have a shot on target until the 90th minute.
  • Mbappe now shares the top scorer spot in this World Cup with Lionel Messi, scoring 7 goals each.
  • Mbappe has scored 19 goals in World Cups, just one behind Messi’s 20 overall.
  • France will prepare to play Morocco, who defeated Canada 3-0 in the other last-16 match.
  • The game took place on July 4, the U.S. Independence Day, with pre-match festivities including music and a flyover.
  • Paraguay had previously eliminated Germany on penalties and aimed to upset France but were unsuccessful.
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Al Jazeera
Kylian Mbappé scores again and France reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 1-0 win over Paraguay

Kylian Mbappé scores again and France reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 1-0 win over Paraguay

July 04, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Kylian Mbappé scored a penalty goal to help France win 1-0 against Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. With this win, France advanced to the quarterfinals to play Morocco.

Key Facts

  • The match took place on July 4, 2026, in Philadelphia.
  • Mbappé scored his 19th career World Cup goal from a penalty in the 70th minute.
  • France's win sends them to the quarterfinals for the fourth time in a row.
  • France will face Morocco in the quarterfinal round on Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
  • The game was played in extreme heat, around 100°F (38°C), with hydration breaks for players.
  • Mbappé is one goal behind Lionel Messi's World Cup career total of 20 goals.
  • Both Mbappé and Messi have scored 7 goals each in this tournament, leading the Golden Boot race.
  • Paraguay played a very physical and defensive game to try to stop France.
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AP News
France, Paraguay Get Into Shoving Match During Heated World Cup Clash

France, Paraguay Get Into Shoving Match During Heated World Cup Clash

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

France played Paraguay in the Round-of-16 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning 1-0 with a late goal by Kylian Mbappe. The game was very physical, with players pushing and shoving, but no red cards were given. Mbappe’s goal helped France move on to the quarterfinals against Morocco.

Key Facts

  • The match took place on July 4, 2026, in Philadelphia.
  • Paraguay used a defensive 5-4-1 formation and played very physically.
  • A confrontation occurred after a challenge by Andrés Cubas on Kylian Mbappe, leading to a shoving match.
  • France’s players Bradley Barcola, Manu Kone, and Michael Olise received yellow cards; Paraguay received none.
  • France was awarded a penalty kick after a VAR review due to a foul on Mbappe.
  • Mbappe scored the only goal in the 70th minute from the penalty kick.
  • This goal was Mbappe’s seventh in the tournament, tying him with Lionel Messi for most goals scored.
  • France will face Morocco on July 9 in the quarterfinals, a repeat of their 2022 World Cup semifinal.
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Newsweek
World Cup 2026: Mbappé sends Les Bleus into quarterfinals after hard-fought win over Paraguay

World Cup 2026: Mbappé sends Les Bleus into quarterfinals after hard-fought win over Paraguay

July 04, 2026 • France24

Summary

France won 1-0 against Paraguay in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a penalty in the 70th minute. This win moved France into the quarterfinals, where they will face Morocco.

Key Facts

  • The match took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 2026.
  • France controlled most of the game but took time to score due to Paraguay’s strong defense.
  • Mbappé scored the only goal from a penalty kick after Desire Doue was fouled.
  • Paraguay played a defensive style and did not have a shot on target until the 90th minute.
  • Mbappé matched Lionel Messi as the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals.
  • Mbappé has scored 19 World Cup goals in 19 games, one less than Messi’s record of 20.
  • France will prepare to play Morocco in the quarterfinals in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
  • The game was played in very hot weather, reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit).
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France24
Mbappe coolly fires France into lead from penalty spot

Mbappe coolly fires France into lead from penalty spot

July 04, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Kylian Mbappe scored a goal from a penalty kick to give France the lead against Paraguay in a 2026 World Cup match. He successfully fooled the Paraguay goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, to score his seventh goal of the tournament.

Key Facts

  • Kylian Mbappe plays for the France national football team.
  • Mbappe scored from a penalty spot during the World Cup 2026 game.
  • The goal gave France the lead over Paraguay.
  • The Paraguay goalkeeper was Orlando Gill.
  • This goal was Mbappe’s seventh in the 2026 World Cup.
  • The match is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament.
  • Mbappe used skill to send the goalkeeper the wrong way before scoring.
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BBC Top Stories
Kylian Mbappé of France scores 19th career World Cup goal, 1 behind Golden Boot rival Messi

Kylian Mbappé of France scores 19th career World Cup goal, 1 behind Golden Boot rival Messi

July 04, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Kylian Mbappé scored his 19th World Cup goal in a match against Paraguay, bringing him one goal behind Lionel Messi's record of 20. Mbappé's goal came from a penalty kick in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, and he is currently tied with Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, awarded to the top scorer of the tournament.

Key Facts

  • Mbappé scored his 19th career World Cup goal on a penalty kick during the Round of 16 match against Paraguay.
  • This goal put Mbappé just one goal behind Lionel Messi’s record of 20 World Cup goals.
  • Mbappé’s penalty was awarded after a video review found Paraguay’s Diego Gomez had tripped him.
  • Both Mbappé and Messi have scored seven goals in the 2026 World Cup so far, tied for the Golden Boot lead.
  • Mbappé won the Golden Boot at the previous World Cup in 2022, where Messi and Argentina beat France in the final.
  • Messi, age 39, has scored in a record eight consecutive World Cup games.
  • Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane are next in the Golden Boot race with five goals each.
  • If players tie in goals, FIFA will use the number of assists and then fewest minutes played to decide the winner; Mbappé currently leads Messi 2-0 in assists.
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AP News
Alex Eala is the Breakout Star of Wimbledon — Here's Why

Alex Eala is the Breakout Star of Wimbledon — Here's Why

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Alex Eala, a 21-year-old tennis player from the Philippines, defeated Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon to become the first Filipino to reach the fourth round in any Grand Slam tournament. Eala expressed strong emotions after the win and is considered a rising star in tennis.

Key Facts

  • Alex Eala beat Iga Swiatek 7-6(9), 6-2 in the third round of Wimbledon.
  • Eala is the first tennis player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round at a Grand Slam event.
  • She is 21 years old and ranked No. 32 in the world entering Wimbledon.
  • Eala started her professional career in 2020 and her WTA Tour debut was in 2021.
  • Her previous Grand Slam appearances were at the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, where she lost in the first rounds.
  • Eala will play against Italian Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round on July 6.
  • She showed strong emotions during her interview, reflecting on her journey from training in the Philippines.
  • Eala’s success is seen as a significant milestone for Philippine tennis.
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Newsweek
Celtics Just Traded Jaylen Brown — Is Devin Booker Next?

Celtics Just Traded Jaylen Brown — Is Devin Booker Next?

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Boston Celtics traded star player Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and several future draft picks. At the same time, there are trade rumors about Phoenix Suns’ star Devin Booker possibly joining Boston as both teams adjust their rosters.

Key Facts

  • The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George plus four future draft picks (two first-round and two second-round picks).
  • Jaylen Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season and was a five-time All-Star.
  • Paul George is 36 years old and scored an average of under 20 points per game over the last two seasons.
  • The 76ers are now seen as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference next season.
  • Devin Booker, a top scorer for the Phoenix Suns, is rumored to be a potential trade target for the Celtics.
  • Booker averaged 26.1 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds last season and will be 30 years old next season.
  • Booker’s contract is worth over $240 million for the next four years.
  • The NBA offseason has seen many major player moves, including stars changing teams like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard.
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Newsweek