Your Mundial Morning is a daily morning report that monitors for the dear visitors of Yalla Koura the most prominent headlines about the 2026 World Cup competitions, which appeared in the major global newspapers in various continents of the world.
AS
Two minutes from Merino are enough
The Spanish newspaper AS highlighted player Mikel Merino after his decisive goal against Belgium in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Qualification was not easy, as expected in quarter-final matches, but "La Roja" succeeded in securing its seat among the final four for the second time in its history, after the 2010 edition that saw it crowned champion.
The winning goal came from Mikel Merino in the 88th minute, just two minutes after coming on as a substitute, as the midfielder continues his brilliance and seals the ticket to the semi-finals.
Mundo Deportivo
"Saint Merino"
The newspaper said that Mikel Merino led the Spanish national team to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, after scoring the decisive winning goal against Belgium, continuing to play the role of savior with "La Roja".
The newspaper praised Merino's performance, describing him as "Saint Merino", after he appeared at the right time and scored the winning goal just two minutes before the end of the match, granting Spain a precious 2-1 victory.
Daily Mail
Return of England's trio
The newspaper mentioned that the England national team received a strong boost ahead of its match against Norway in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
The newspaper explained that Rice has recovered from the viral illness that temporarily sidelined him, while defender Marc Guehi has overcome the minor hamstring injury he sustained during the match against Mexico.
It added that Reece James also participated in training after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Sun
Courtois injury
It confirmed that Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left his country's match against Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup affected by a thigh injury.
The newspaper explained that Courtois felt pain in the front thigh muscle during the second half, before requesting a substitution.
The Sun added that Courtois confirmed after the match that he was able to continue playing, but he was struggling when executing long balls.
BBC
End of a generation
A mistake by Sene Laminez caused a shocking end to the dream of Belgium's golden generation, after a fairy-tale story that was not destined for success.
Belgium's 2-1 loss to Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup is likely to mark the final farewell for the quartet of Belgium's golden generation: Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Axel Witsel.
Marca
Spain has a "guardian angel"
Mikel Merino saved his Spanish national team from the "ambush" prepared for it by Belgium, in an exciting quarter-final match of the 2026 World Cup.
What seemed like a perfect start for the Spanish team turned into a trap, and coach Luis de la Fuente sought imagination and speed with the duo Pedri and Ferran Torres, after Belgium had stopped Spain's attacking attempts, before Merino intervened with a decisive goal near the final whistle.
With this, Spain will play in the semi-finals for the second time in its history, after the first time in the 2010 World Cup which it won.
L'Équipe
Mbappé's readiness
External press reports revealed the readiness of Kylian Mbappé, star of the France national team, for the match against Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
French newspaper L'Équipe mentioned that doubts about the status of Kylian Mbappé, as well as his teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, regarding the upcoming match against Spain have dissipated.
The report explained that it is expected that Didier Deschamps, the technical director of the France national team, will be able to rely on Aurélien Tchouaméni and Kylian Mbappé in the World Cup semi-final match next Tuesday.
The newspaper concluded: "Kylian Mbappé, who left the match against Morocco after suffering an ankle injury, will be available for the match against Spain in Dallas, as his substitution was primarily a precautionary measure."
