This live World Cup 2026 update covers major developments from the knockout stage as Portugal and Spain progress amid high drama and controversy. Portugal secured their place in the last 16 after a tightly contested match against Croatia, which was decided by VAR technology embedded in the match ball. A late Croatian equaliser was ruled out after officials determined, using advanced tracking and audio-visual signals similar to Snicko technology, that a slight touch in the build-up placed the attacking player offside. The decision overturned what had initially appeared to be a valid goal, ultimately sending Portugal through. The match also featured additional disallowed goals, highlighting the increasing influence of semi-automated officiating systems in elite football. Meanwhile, Spain continued their strong tournament form with a confident performance against Austria, reinforcing expectations that they remain serious contenders. Across other developments, Napoli appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach, while Real Madrid issued a formal denial regarding any interest in signing Enzo Fernández. The live blog also noted updates on several international football stories, including Mo Salah’s fitness ahead of Egypt’s clash with Australia, and speculation around coaching changes involving Julian Nagelsmann and Germany. The tournament atmosphere continues to build globally, with Argentina preparing for a high-profile match against Cape Verde, where Lionel Messi’s presence remains a central storyline. Overall, the World Cup continues to deliver dramatic moments on and off the pitch, combining technology-driven refereeing decisions, managerial changes, and high-profile player narratives as the knockout rounds progress.