ISLAMABAD – The historic Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup career came to a heartbreaking end following Portugal’s dramatic 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino scored a stunning injury-time winner. The late goal sent the reigning European champions straight into the quarter-finals.

The 41-year-old forward had previously confirmed that the 2026 tournament would be his final global showcase. He was visibly emotional on the pitch after the final whistle blew.

Ronaldo finishes his tournament journey with appearances in six separate editions. This achievement stands as an absolute record in football history. Furthermore, he remains the only player ever to score in six different World Cup tournaments. His highest finish occurred back in 2006 when Portugal placed fourth.

The Numbers Behind the Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup Career

Despite the tough exit, Ronaldo leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in global sports. Over his historic career, the legendary forward scored a record-breaking 976 goals for both club and country.

When questioned about his future with the national team, Ronaldo remained uncertain. He told reporters he intends to speak with his family first before making any final decisions.

Tactician Backlash and Post-Match Drama

Portugal’s strategy throughout the tournament faced intense media scrutiny. Many sports analysts openly questioned if relying heavily on a veteran striker limited the team’s attacking fluidness.

Former England striker Chris Sutton pointed blame directly at the management team. He heavily criticized the tactical setup used during the match.

“Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing,” Sutton stated. “What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much? Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez.”

Following the intense match, head coach Roberto Martinez announced his official departure from the national team. However, he quickly defended his captain’s effort and dedication. Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo’s work ethic serves as a prime example for the next generation of athletes.

LAHORE – Former Pakistan cricketer Imad Wasim and his former wife, digital content creator Sania Ashfaq, have exchanged allegations in public statements following fresh claims made by Ashfaq regarding their marriage and ongoing custody dispute.

In a post shared on Instagram, Ashfaq alleged that she was subjected to abusive and controlling behaviour during their marriage, which she said caused her severe mental stress. She also claimed that Wasim had shown little interest in meeting or speaking with their children and was unwilling to bear their expenses, while she continued to pursue custody.

Ashfaq further alleged that Wasim deceived her during pregnancy and that his behaviour made her life “extremely difficult”. She also claimed that he was arrested in the United Kingdom in July 2025 over allegations related to domestic violence and alleged that pressure was exerted on her by his family to withdraw her statement, prompting the involvement of social services.

According to Ashfaq, social workers recently asked Wasim whether he wished to speak with his children, but he did not respond. She alleged that while he was not interested in meeting or speaking to them, he continued to complicate custody proceedings. She said she would continue to protect her children and hoped the truth would eventually come to light.

Responding in an Instagram story, Wasim described his statement as his “final” response to the matter. He said he had divorced Ashfaq for personal reasons and that the chapter of his life was closed.

Wasim also urged his former wife not to involve his current wife, Naila Raja, in the dispute, saying she had no connection to the matter and entered his life after the divorce.

He further called on Ashfaq to accept the situation and stop what he described as repeated public drama, adding that he would not comment on the matter again.

The allegations and counter-allegations made by both parties have not been independently verified.

LAHORE – The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, has introduced a redesigned knockout format along with revised group-stage ranking criteria aimed at refining qualification pathways and reducing reliance on goal difference.

Knockout phase format:

Under the new structure, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, joined by the eight best third-placed teams.

This expansion has introduced a Round of 32, marking the first time the World Cup knockout phase begins with this stage.

The progression is as follows:

• Group stage: June 11 to June 27
• Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
• Round of 16: July 4 to July 7
• Quarterfinals: July 9 to July 11
• Semifinals: July 14 to July 15
• Third-place match: July 18
• Final: July 19

Updated tiebreaking system

FIFA has altered its ranking methodology for teams finishing level on points, placing head-to-head results above goal difference for the first time in World Cup history.

The criteria are applied in order:

Head-to-head comparisons:

• Points among tied teams
• Goal difference among tied teams
• Goals scored among tied teams

Overall group metrics:

• Goal difference in all matches
• Goals scored in all matches
• Fair play points (disciplinary record)

Final resolution:

FIFA world rankings, if required

The same framework is used to determine the eight best third-placed teams across all groups.

Teams that have qualified so far

Three sides have already booked their place in the Round of 32:

• Mexico (Group A): The co-hosts topped the group after a narrow 1-0 win over South Korea, following an opening victory against South Africa.
• United States (Group D): The Americans progressed after a 2-0 win over Australia, having earlier defeated Paraguay 4-1.
• Germany (Group E): Germany advanced with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast after opening their campaign with a dominant 7-1 result against Curacao.

Early eliminations

Three teams have already been knocked out of the tournament after failing to accumulate sufficient points to remain in contention:

• Haiti (Group C): Eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Brazil.
• Turkiye (Group D): Exited following losses to Australia and Paraguay.
• Tunisia (Group F): Knocked out after heavy defeats to Sweden and Japan.