World Cup heats up with quarter-finals, refereeing debates, and a star-studded final show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has advanced to its quarter-final stage, with matches commencing on July 9th. Eight nations, including defending champions France, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, Switzerland, and Morocco, are vying for a spot in the semi-finals across host cities in the United States. Co-hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico were eliminated earlier in the tournament.

Throughout the competition, debates surrounding refereeing decisions and the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have been prominent. Numerous controversial calls have sparked discussions, particularly concerning disallowed goals for marginal offsides and contested penalty decisions where VAR often upheld the on-field referee's initial judgment, leading to frustration among teams and fans alike.

As the tournament progresses, excitement is also building for the historic final on July 19th, which will feature the first-ever World Cup Final halftime show. A star-studded lineup of global artists, including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy, among others, is confirmed to perform, promising a major entertainment spectacle alongside the climax of the football action.