Last Updated on June 29, 2026
The World Cup knockout rounds dominate the football agenda, with Bayern’s Alphonso Davies back for Canada, Morocco preparing to face the Netherlands and Manchester United confirming a serious knee blow for Manuel Ugarte.
Davies Returns as Canada Reach the Last 16
Alphonso Davies is back on the pitch for Canada. The 25-year-old Bayern Munich full-back featured in his country’s round-of-32 win over South Africa, his first appearance since recovering from injury. While Davies has shaken off the fitness concern, his coaching staff acknowledge he still needs time to return to his best level.
Canada did not produce a spectacle against South Africa, but the result mattered more than the performance: they secured their place in the round of 16. The match was played in what was described as a strange atmosphere, yet the squad drew confidence from having Davies available again, a player viewed as a morale-booster within the group.
The expectation now is that Davies will take on a larger role in the next round, where his pace and attacking thrust down the left flank could prove decisive. For Canada, reaching the knockout stage represents a historic achievement, and the gradual reintegration of their most recognisable player is central to their hopes of going further. Whether Davies can reach full sharpness in time remains the key question facing the coaching staff as the tournament intensifies.
Morocco Coach Ouahbi Dreams of Beating the Netherlands
Morocco face the Netherlands in the round of 16, and coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists his side feel no fear of Oranje. "We have enough self-confidence. The energy within the team is good," he said. The 49-year-old, a former gym teacher who grew up in the Brussels district of Schaarbeek, only took charge in March after winning the Under-20 World Cup with Morocco in 2025.
Ouahbi succeeded Walid Regragui, who guided Morocco to a historic World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022 and to the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year. His Barcelona-inspired approach, featuring a false nine, delivered a 1-1 draw with Brazil to open this World Cup, followed by a 1-0 win over Scotland and a 4-2 victory against Haiti.
Much could hinge on goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, nicknamed Bono, a renowned penalty specialist with 84 caps since his 2013 debut. He saved efforts from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets to eliminate Spain in 2022, and stopped two penalties to win Sevilla the Europa League final against Roma in 2023. "At penalties it’s a question of luck," Bounou said, though he insists he prepares thoroughly for opponents’ habits.
Ouahbi is already dreaming of the aftermath. "This match begins in the Netherlands at three in the morning. I hope that around five o’clock the Dutch streets fill with Moroccan fans celebrating the win," he said, while warning it will be a contest between two evenly matched sides.
Ugarte Suffers Serious Knee Injury
Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered knee ligament damage during Uruguay’s World Cup defeat by Spain. The setback has been described as among the most serious injuries a footballer can face, raising concern over a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the Old Trafford club.
The timing is damaging for both Uruguay, whose campaign was ended by Spain, and for United, who will be without a key midfield enforcer. No specific recovery timeline was confirmed in the club’s statement.
Rodrygo Backs Ancelotti’s Plan for Brazil
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has hailed Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Brazil’s World Cup last-16 tie with Japan on Monday, describing the coach as a father figure who "always has a plan". Rodrygo recalled the 2022 Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu, when Ancelotti sent him on in the 68th minute against Manchester City.
He equalised in the 90th minute and scored again moments later to force extra time, with Real Madrid going on to beat Liverpool in the final. Rodrygo cited the moment to underline how decisive Ancelotti can be in shaping both matches and careers, even if his methods are hard to predict from outside the dressing room.
Quick World Cup Notes
Norway prepare for their round-of-32 tie against Ivory Coast in Dallas, with a fresh injury doubt over Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson, who missed training in Greensboro two days before the match. "He’s unlikely to play against Ivory Coast," said NRK pundit Kristoffer Lokberg, with Holmgren Pedersen and Aursnes the candidates to replace him at right-back.
Holmgren Pedersen came on for Ryerson against Senegal and scored, while Aursnes started against France in the same position, leaving the coaching staff with a selection decision to make.
Ofte stillede spørgsmål
Is Alphonso Davies fit for Canada at the World Cup?
Davies returned to action for Canada in their round-of-32 win over South Africa, his first appearance after injury. He has overcome the issue but still needs time to reach his best, with a larger role expected in the next round.
Who do Morocco play in the World Cup last 16?
Morocco face the Netherlands. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his side feel no fear, having opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Brazil, then beaten Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2.
How serious is Manuel Ugarte’s injury?
Manchester United confirmed Ugarte suffered knee ligament damage during Uruguay’s World Cup defeat by Spain, described as among the most serious injuries a footballer can face.
Why is Yassine Bounou important for Morocco?
Bounou is a renowned penalty specialist with 84 caps. He saved efforts to knock out Spain in 2022 and won Sevilla the 2023 Europa League final on penalties against Roma.
Who could replace Julian Ryerson for Norway against Ivory Coast?
Ryerson missed training and is unlikely to play. Holmgren Pedersen, who scored against Senegal, and Aursnes, who started at right-back against France, are the candidates to replace him.