Masum Ahmed
Masum Ahmed covers the 2026 FIFA World Cup for NinetyMins — live scores, match previews and reports, player ratings and tactical analysis, all written from real match data. He follows every game across the 48-team tournament and breaks down what each result means.
Latest by Masum Ahmed
All articles →Spain Edge Past Portugal in Tense Last-16 Battle
A solitary goal sends Spain through to the quarter-finals as Portugal's unbeaten run comes to a heartbreaking end in a cagey, tactical affair.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsSwitzerland vs Colombia: World Cup Last 16 Showdown
Group winners collide in a fascinating Last 16 tie as Switzerland's disciplined machine meets Colombia's flair. Who will advance to the quarter-finals?
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Portugal 0–1 Spain — 2026 World Cup
Portugal 0–1 Spain live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 16 match.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsArgentina vs Egypt: World Cup Last 16 Showdown Preview
World champions Argentina face a resurgent Egypt in the Last 16. Can Messi's men maintain their perfect record against Salah's Pharaohs?
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsEngland edge Mexico in thrilling World Cup last-16 clash
England survived a late Mexico onslaught to win 3-2 in a World Cup last-16 thriller, setting up a quarter-final against a top group winner.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsBrazil deny 'anti-Haaland plan' for World Cup tie
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed suggestions he will employ a special plan to stop Norway striker Erling Haaland in their World Cup match, according to ESPN.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsAguirre dismisses altitude and crowd advantage for Mexico
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre is playing down the potential benefits of altitude and home support at the Azteca ahead of Sunday's World Cup round-of-16 match against England, according to ESPN.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsOunahi double helps Morocco reach World Cup quarter-finals
Morocco became the first nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada, according to ESPN.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Mexico 2–3 England — 2026 World Cup
Mexico 2–3 England live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 16 match.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsTuchel tells England players to keep calm before Mexico clash
Thomas Tuchel has warned his England squad not to let the chaotic buildup affect their focus ahead of the World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico, according to ESPN.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsMbappé penalty sends France past Paraguay into World Cup quarters
Kylian Mbappé's first-half penalty was enough for France to beat Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia, according to ESPN.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsMbappe warns France ready to 'play ugly' after Paraguay win
Kylian Mbappe said France are prepared to 'play ugly' and 'get their hands dirty' after a heated 1-0 win over Paraguay, according to ESPN.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsTuchel says England ready to 'write own chapters' in Mexico
Thomas Tuchel says England are adapting to the altitude in Mexico City and are ready to 'write our own chapters' in a unique match at the Azteca.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsFrance overcome Paraguay to reach World Cup quarter-finals, says Guardian
Max Rushden and guests discuss France's hard-fought win over Paraguay and look ahead to England's potential test against Mexico in the World Cup Daily podcast.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsNorway's 28-Year World Cup Wait Ends with Brazil Clash
Norway face Brazil in the World Cup last 16, aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time after a 28-year absence from the tournament.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsMorocco beat Canada 3-0 as Ounahi stars, says ESPN
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in a World Cup match, with Azzedine Ounahi impressing. ESPN reports that despite Canada boss Jesse Marsch thinking his side was better, the scoreline told a different story.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsUSA vs Belgium: World Cup Last 16 Clash in Seattle
Group winners USA and Belgium meet in a blockbuster World Cup last-16 tie in Seattle. Can the Americans' pace overwhelm Belgium's experience? Our preview.
Jul 6, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsNorway Stun Brazil to Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals
In a seismic shock, Norway eliminated Brazil from the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory in the last 16, ending the Seleção's campaign in stunning fashion.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Brazil 1–2 Norway — 2026 World Cup
Brazil 1–2 Norway live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 16 match.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsPortugal vs Spain: World Cup Last 16 Derby Preview
Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain meet in a blockbuster World Cup last-16 tie. Both sides boast deep talent and contrasting form, setting up a tactical chess match with a quarter-final berth at stake.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsBalogun on ban: 'Emotional rollercoaster' after red card
USMNT forward Folarin Balogun described his sending off against Bosnia-Herzegovina as an 'emotional rollercoaster' but says he will support the team against Belgium.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsMessi says Argentina have 'many' things to correct after narrow win
Lionel Messi admitted Argentina need to improve after a tense 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the round of 32, according to ESPN.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsHas Brazil lost its World Cup aura? ESPN asks
Brazil, once synonymous with World Cup magic, may have lost its aura, according to ESPN. The report questions whether the team's style and dominance have faded.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsMexico vs England World Cup kick-off time unchanged, says ESPN
Mexico's World Cup round-of-16 match against England will kick off at 6 p.m. local time as originally scheduled, according to ESPN sources.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsRodman's stoppage-time double gives Spirit victory over Dash
Trinity Rodman scored twice, including a stoppage-time winner, to lift Washington Spirit to a 2-1 win over Houston Dash, according to ESPN.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsColombia Beat Ghana 1-0 to Reach World Cup Last 16
Colombia secured a 1-0 victory over Ghana in a sweltering Arrowhead Stadium, advancing to the round of 16 where they will face Switzerland, according to ESPN.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsArgentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, Messi scores
Argentina needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde 3-2 in the World Cup round of 32, with Lionel Messi among the scorers, according to ESPN.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsPochettino latest World Cup star to throw MLB first pitch
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino threw the first pitch at an MLB game, joining a trend of football stars taking part in baseball ceremonies this summer.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsSocceroos face Egypt with last-16 spot in their own hands
Australia have a chance to make history against Egypt, with a place in the World Cup last 16 within their control for the first time in a knockout match.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsMexico vs England: World Cup Last 16 Showdown Preview
Group winners Mexico and England collide in a blockbuster World Cup last-16 tie. Can El Tri's perfect record overcome the Three Lions' depth and tournament pedigree?
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsVAR denies Croatia as Ronaldo's World Cup run continues
Croatia were denied a late equaliser against Portugal by a VAR decision, prolonging Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup campaign while ending Luka Modric's.
Jul 5, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsFrance Edge Past Paraguay to Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals
A solitary goal enough as Les Bleus continue perfect World Cup run, while Paraguay exit with heads held high after battling display.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Paraguay 0–1 France — 2026 World Cup
Paraguay 0–1 France live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 16 match.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsBrazil vs Norway: World Cup Last 16 Clash Preview
Group winners Brazil face a dangerous Norway side in the World Cup last 16. Can the Seleção's flair overcome the Scandinavian threat?
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsMorocco Sweep Past Canada to Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals
Morocco produced a clinical display to beat Canada 3-0 in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals with a dominant performance that left the Canadians shell-shocked.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Canada 0–3 Morocco — 2026 World Cup
Canada 0–3 Morocco live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 16 match.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsColombia's Group-Topping Statement: 2-0 Win Over Ghana
Colombia sealed top spot in Group H with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ghana, showcasing defensive solidity and clinical edge in a match that decided the group's hierarchy.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Colombia 2–0 Ghana — 2026 World Cup
Colombia 2–0 Ghana live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 32 match.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsEngland into last 16: Path to the final examined
BBC Sport looks at England's route to the final after they secured a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsManzambi shines as Switzerland beat Algeria to reach last 16
Johan Manzambi starred as Switzerland eased past Algeria to book a spot in the World Cup knockout stages, according to The Guardian.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsArgentina survive Cape Verde scare in extra-time thriller
Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martínez sparked a dramatic comeback as Argentina edged Cape Verde Islands 3-2 after extra time in a World Cup last-32 classic.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsScottish Premiership 2026 Summer Transfer Window Round-Up
BBC Sport provides a comprehensive guide to all the summer 2026 transfer ins and outs across the Scottish Premiership.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsYamal: World Cup starts now after Spain win
Lamine Yamal declared 'the World Cup starts now' after being named MVP in Spain's 3-0 win over Austria, according to ESPN.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsRonaldo pays 'special' tribute to Jota after Portugal win
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal honoured former teammate Diogo Jota after their 2-1 World Cup win over Croatia, according to ESPN.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsFIFA President Infantino Logs 39,000 World Cup Miles on Private Jet
ESPN reports FIFA president Gianni Infantino has flown 39,000 miles across World Cup host nations on his private jet during the tournament.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsRangers have bid rejected for Partizan captain Dragojević, says BBC Sport
Rangers have reportedly had a bid rejected for Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojević, while Celtic are said to have offered for Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsPortugal Beat Croatia Without Ronaldo, Face Spain Next
Portugal advanced to the World Cup last 16 with a dramatic win over Croatia, but a tougher test awaits against Spain, according to ESPN.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsKane surpasses Pelé's World Cup goals tally, says ESPN
Harry Kane scored twice against Congo DR to pass Pelé's World Cup goals total, leading England to a 2-1 win and a spot in the round of 16, according to ESPN.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsUSMNT beats Bosnia for first World Cup knockout win since 2002
The United States men's national team defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the World Cup round of 32, securing their first knockout stage victory since 2002, according to ESPN.
Jul 4, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Argentina 3–2 Cape Verde Islands — 2026 World Cup
Argentina 3–2 Cape Verde Islands live (Half-time) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 32 match.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsParaguay vs France: World Cup Last 16 Clash Preview
France, with a perfect group stage record, face a resilient Paraguay side that edged through by the skin of their teeth. Can the underdogs pull off a shock?
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsEgypt edge Australia in nine-goal World Cup thriller
A stunning 5-3 victory for Egypt over Australia in the FIFA World Cup last 32 produced nine goals, relentless drama, and a display of attacking brilliance that left fans breathless.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Australia 2–2 Egypt — 2026 World Cup
Australia 2–2 Egypt live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 32 match.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsCanada vs Morocco: World Cup Last 16 Showdown
Canada and Morocco clash in a historic World Cup last-16 tie, with the Atlas Lions aiming to continue their giant-killing run against a resurgent Canadian side powered by Alphonso Davies.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsSwitzerland outclass Algeria to top World Cup group
Clinical finishing and defensive solidity powered Switzerland to a 2-0 win over Algeria, securing top spot in their 2026 World Cup group.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Live CoverageLIVE: Switzerland 2–0 Algeria — 2026 World Cup
Switzerland 2–0 Algeria live (Live) — goals, timeline and updates from this 2026 World Cup LAST 32 match.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Match PreviewsColombia vs Ghana: World Cup Last 32 Clash Preview
Colombia, group winners with seven points, face a Ghana side that scraped through in third. Can the Black Stars upset the form book?
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Match ReportsPortugal 2-2 Croatia: Ronaldo penalty rescues draw but Croatia progress
A dramatic late equaliser from Gonçalo Ramos saved Portugal from defeat, but Croatia's resilience and Ivan Perišić's opener saw them advance in the World Cup.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsBelgium rally from two down to beat Senegal in extra time
Youri Tielemans scored a stoppage-time penalty in extra time as Belgium came from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 in the World Cup round of 32, according to ESPN.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →Transfer & NewsFolarin Balogun sent off in USMNT World Cup clash with Bosnia
USMNT forward Folarin Balogun was shown a red card early in the second half of their World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, according to ESPN.
Jul 3, 2026 · Read →