Infantino under fire as Kane eyes immortal clash with Messi

At the bustling Azteca Stadium, the roar of fans masks a deeper drama: FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces an IOC probe while England captain Harry Kane prepares for a career‑defining duel with Lionel Messi. The World Cup semi‑finals have become a crucible of controversy and ambition. FairSquare, a non‑profit advocacy group, has asked the International Olympic Committee to investigate whether Infantino, also an IOC member, intervened in the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban. Infantino denies any involvement, yet the scrutiny adds another layer to an already turbulent summer of World Cup moments. Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2‑0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the round of 32 after a brutal tackle on Tarik Muharemovic. Although the disciplinary committee initially imposed at least a one‑game suspension, FIFA later suspended the sanction. Donald Trump later admitted he called Infantino to request a review, a move that FairSquare says could breach neutrality. The reversal made Balogun available for the USMNT’s round‑of‑16 clash against Belgium, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side suffered a heavy defeat, underscoring the limited impact of the decision. Harry Kane has been England’s standout performer in North America, netting six goals in six matches, including a match‑winning brace against DR Congo in the round of 32. His clutch display in the first knockout round helped preserve Thomas Tuchel’s job at Bayern Munich.

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In the round of 16, Kane set up Jude Bellingham for England’s second goal and converted a decisive penalty to secure a pulsating victory over co‑hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium, further cementing his Ballon d’Or credentials. France’s semi‑final exit marked a dramatic fall for Didier Deschamps’ side, the first manager to oversee 26 World Cup matches. The Bleus, favorites to become the third team to reach three consecutive finals, were outclassed by Spain’s La Furia Roja in Dallas, losing 2‑0 through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. Spain’s triumph sent them to their first World Cup final since 2010, while France recorded a disappointing 0.31 xG, their first scoreless outing since a Euro 2024 quarter‑final win over Portugal.

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Beyond the headline clash, the tournament has also highlighted Ballon d’Or narratives: Lamine Yamal of Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise all see their chances wane as the final approaches. Meanwhile, questions linger about the MetLife Stadium pitch, ITV’s role in England’s camp, and Football Today’s coverage, with Xabi Alonso confirming interest in Enzo Fernández at Chelsea ahead of a potential England versus Argentina semi‑final preview for World Cup 2026.