India has rejected remarks on Jammu and Kashmir made by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, reiterating that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India.

New Delhi also said the international community should focus on developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), including what India described as human rights concerns and the use of the territory for cross-border terrorism.

MEA Rejects Norway’s Remarks

The response came after Eide discussed regional issues, including Jammu and Kashmir and Afghanistan, during talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Thursday.

Dar reportedly briefed the Norwegian minister on what Pakistan describes as the “long-standing unresolved” Kashmir dispute. He also raised India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.

Responding to questions about Eide's remarks during his regular media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed issue in the manner suggested by Pakistan.

‘Integral Part of India’

Jaiswal said New Delhi's position on the territory remained unchanged.

“Let me say that the whole of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India,” he said.

He added that the issue that should concern the international community was the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

According to Jaiswal, this includes alleged atrocities in PoJK and the use of the territory for cross-border terrorism.

India Stands by IWT Position

The MEA spokesperson was also asked about recent comments by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticising India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

Jaiswal said there had been no change in India's position on the treaty.

India placed the IWT in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed 26 civilians. New Delhi has maintained that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures” its support for cross-border terrorism.

The treaty, signed in 1960, governs the use of the Indus river system by India and Pakistan and has remained an important component of bilateral relations for decades.

Protests Intensify in PoJK

India's latest remarks also come amid reports of growing public unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The region has witnessed protests, clashes, communications disruptions and allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel.

The demonstrations initially focused on issues such as electricity tariffs and the rising cost of essential commodities, but the demands have reportedly expanded to include political reforms, greater transparency and stronger democratic representation.

Security Crackdown Allegations

Videos circulating on social media, including material linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have purportedly shown clashes involving Pakistani security personnel.

Other footage circulating online has reportedly shown women protesters fleeing during a security operation in the Kotli district, accompanied by claims that live ammunition was used. Such material and claims could not be independently verified from the information available.

Large gatherings have also reportedly taken place in several parts of PoJK, with protesters expressing solidarity with the JAAC and raising concerns about alleged violence by Pakistani security forces.

Kashmir Remains a Key Diplomatic Issue

India's response underscores New Delhi's longstanding position that Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh, is an integral part of the country.

At the same time, Pakistan continues to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums and describes it as an unresolved dispute.

With India-Pakistan relations already strained over terrorism, the Indus Waters Treaty and developments in PoJK, New Delhi's rejection of the Norwegian foreign minister's remarks is likely to add another diplomatic dimension to the ongoing regional debate.

Played in Miami, the match tested both teams physically and mentally as England had to come from behind before sealing victory in extra time. The result keeps Thomas Tuchel's side on course for a second World Cup title, while Norway's impressive campaign came to an end despite another determined performance.

Norway struck first in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, who capitalised on England's defensive lapse to give his side the lead. The goal rewarded Norway's positive approach, with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard helping create several dangerous moments during the opening half.

England, however, responded just before the interval. Jude Bellingham produced a composed finish in stoppage time to restore parity, ensuring the teams entered the break level after an entertaining first 45 minutes.

The second half saw both sides create opportunities without finding a breakthrough. England enjoyed more possession but struggled to convert it into clear-cut chances, while Norway continued to threaten on the counter-attack. A potential second Norwegian goal was ruled out after a VAR review, keeping the contest level and forcing extra time.

Just minutes into the additional period, Bellingham delivered once again. The Real Madrid midfielder reacted quickest after a goalkeeping error inside the penalty area and scored from close range to complete his brace, giving England a 2-1 advantage they successfully defended until the final whistle.

The victory highlighted Bellingham's remarkable tournament form. His two goals took his tally to six in the competition, placing him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot while further strengthening his reputation as England's standout performer during the World Cup.

Despite the result, Norway earned widespread praise for their display. Making their deepest World Cup run in decades, the Scandinavian side pushed one of the tournament favourites throughout the match. Haaland was largely kept under control by England's defence and was unable to add to his goal tally before being substituted during extra time.

England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged after the match that his team was not at its best and admitted improvements would be necessary before the semi-finals. While pleased with the fighting spirit shown by his players, he indicated that England would need a more complete performance against stronger opposition.

The Three Lions have now reached the World Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in the last five major international tournaments, underlining their consistency on football's biggest stage. Their next challenge will come against either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

For Norway, the defeat ends a memorable campaign that saw the team exceed expectations and showcase the quality of a new generation led by Haaland, Ødegaard and Schjelderup. Although they fell short of the semi-finals, their performances throughout the tournament have provided optimism for the future.

England, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for global glory, with Bellingham continuing to inspire their bid for World Cup success.

Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreak as Norway produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets, defeating the five-time champions 2-1 in the Round of 16. The defeat not only sent Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history but also marked the end of Neymar's international career.

The 34-year-old Brazilian forward, who had announced before the tournament that it would likely be his final World Cup, confirmed his retirement from international football after the match. An emotional Neymar broke down in tears at the final whistle before being consoled by teammates following Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Erling Haaland proved to be the difference-maker for Norway, scoring both goals to secure a famous victory at MetLife Stadium. The Manchester City striker's brace also strengthened his bid for the tournament's Golden Boot, taking his tally to seven goals.

Brazil struggled to find rhythm throughout the contest and only managed a late consolation after Neymar converted a penalty in stoppage time. However, the goal was not enough to prevent the South American giants from crashing out of the competition.

Speaking after the match, a visibly emotional Neymar confirmed that his journey with the national team had come to an end.

"I tried, I tried. Now, it's over. I started here; I finished here," he told Brazilian broadcaster Globo.

The moment carried symbolic significance, as Neymar had made his senior Brazil debut at the same venue—then known as the New Meadowlands Stadium—against the United States in August 2010, scoring on his debut. He now retires as Brazil's all-time leading men's international scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Pelé's official tally.

Neymar also became only the second Brazilian male footballer after Pelé to score in four different FIFA World Cup tournaments. He finishes his international career with 130 appearances, second only to Cafu's 142 matches for Brazil.

Injuries, however, once again limited Neymar's impact on the biggest stage. A recurring right calf injury restricted him to just two appearances during the tournament. He featured briefly against Scotland in the group stage before coming off the bench against Norway in the Round of 16.

Despite entering the match late, Neymar remained involved until the end. The closing moments witnessed a heated exchange between the Brazilian forward and Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland before Neymar calmly converted his penalty. After scoring, he responded with a sarcastic smile toward the Norwegian goalkeeper, but the brief confrontation could not change Brazil's fate.

For Neymar, the World Cup remained the one major title that eluded his glittering career. In 2014, his campaign ended prematurely because of injury before Brazil's historic semifinal defeat to Germany. Belgium knocked Brazil out in the 2018 quarterfinals, while Croatia eliminated the Seleção on penalties in 2022 despite Neymar scoring in extra time. Norway's victory has now brought his international journey to a close without the coveted World Cup trophy.

Meanwhile, Norway celebrated a landmark achievement as Haaland's clinical performance carried the Scandinavian nation into uncharted territory. They will now face England in the quarterfinals.

England booked their place after defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession during the first half before Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit for Mexico.

England's challenge became more difficult early in the second half when defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card for a dangerous studs-up tackle, forcing his side to play with ten men.

Harry Kane restored England's two-goal advantage from the penalty spot before later conceding a penalty that Raúl Jiménez converted for Mexico. Despite relentless late pressure from the hosts, England held firm to secure victory and set up a quarterfinal clash against an inspired Norwegian side.

With Neymar's farewell and Norway's historic breakthrough, the Round of 16 delivered one of the most memorable days of the FIFA World Cup 2026, signalling the end of an era for Brazilian football while opening a new chapter for one of Europe's emerging footballing nations.

The result marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, with Norway advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history. They will now face England, who secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico to book their place in the last eight.

At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Norway produced a disciplined and clinical performance led by star striker Erling Haaland, who scored both goals to eliminate one of football’s traditional powerhouses. Brazil, despite enjoying significant possession and creating several opportunities, failed to convert key chances and paid the price against a resilient Norwegian side.

The match remained goalless at halftime, though Brazil had an excellent opportunity to take the lead in the 15th minute. Following a VAR review, the South American giants were awarded a penalty. However, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes saw his effort brilliantly saved by experienced Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who went on to make several crucial stops throughout the contest.

Nyland denied attempts from Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Junior as Norway held firm under sustained Brazilian pressure. The missed penalty proved costly as Norway grew into the game after the break.

The breakthrough arrived in the 72nd minute when Andreas Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross from the left flank and Haaland powered home a header to give Norway a 1-0 advantage. Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser but left themselves exposed at the back.

Deep into stoppage time, Haaland struck again. The Manchester City forward calmly beat his marker before slotting the ball through defender Danilo’s legs and into the net, effectively sealing Norway’s historic victory. The goals took Haaland’s tally in the tournament to seven, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 100th minute, but the goal only reduced the deficit. Moments later, the final whistle confirmed Brazil’s earliest World Cup elimination since 1990.

The match also marked the end of an era for Brazilian football. Shortly after the defeat, Neymar announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career with the national team.

“I gave everything I had. My journey started here and now it ends here. My chapter with Brazil is over,” the 34-year-old said after the match.

The symbolism was significant. Neymar made his Brazil debut at the same venue in 2010 against the United States and chose the same stadium to bid farewell to international football. He confirmed that he will continue playing club football and remains under contract with Brazilian side Santos FC.

Despite injury struggles in recent years, Neymar leaves behind an extraordinary international legacy. He represented Brazil in 130 matches, making him the country’s second-most capped player behind Cafu. His goal against Norway took his international tally to 80 goals, surpassing Pele’s record of 77.

The strike also saw Neymar equal another iconic milestone, becoming only the second Brazilian after Pele to score in four different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Brazil’s elimination extended another unwanted trend. It was the sixth consecutive World Cup in which the Selecao were knocked out by a European nation, following defeats to France (2006), the Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), Croatia (2022) and now Norway (2026).

Elsewhere, England advanced to a third successive World Cup quarter-final after overcoming Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling contest. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession before Harry Kane added a penalty in the second half. England held on despite playing with ten men for more than 35 minutes following Jarell Quansah’s red card.

The quarter-final clash between Norway and England now promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament, with Norway chasing another historic milestone and England seeking a return to the World Cup semi-finals.

The 2018 champions top Group I as Norway coach benches star striker; Spain edge past Uruguay in heated encounter.

Ousmane Dembele produced a stunning 32-minute hat-trick as France thrashed Norway 4-1 at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on Friday to top Group I and advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner struck in the seventh, 20th and 32nd minutes, stealing the spotlight in what was billed as a showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The Norwegian superstar, however, never made it onto the pitch.

Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back for Norway in the 21st minute, but France were unstoppable. Desire Doue added a fourth in added time to complete the rout.

Why Haaland Was Benched

Norway coach Stale Solbakken explained his decision to bench 10 first-team players, including Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, following their 3-2 win over Senegal.

"This is simple. We did a summary after Senegal, and five or six players were very affected after 80 minutes of play. The entire defense and some midfielders were very affected," Solbakken said.

"We also know that from the Senegal game that Norway had the shortest window to play another match today. So, it was a no-brainer on my part and also from the physio and health and medical and from some players themselves," he added.

Spain Edge Past Uruguay, Cape Verde Make History

Spain secured qualification for the round of 32 after a 1-0 win over Uruguay at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. Alex Baena's first-half goal — capitalising on a blunder by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera — proved decisive.

The result knocked out the South American heavyweights. Cape Verde, meanwhile, secured a historic qualification after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in the other Group H match. With three points from three draws, Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina in the knockout stage.

Williams Involved in Heated Exchange

Spain winger Nico Williams was involved in a heated argument with Uruguay players Nicolas de la Cruz and Agustin Canobbio after a rough tackle in the dying stages of the match. The 23-year-old was seen engaging in a tense exchange with de la Cruz before Canobbio intervened and pushed him away. The referee had to step in to separate the players.

After the match, Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa lashed out at journalists, appearing to yell at a reporter.

Senegal Thrash 10-Man Iraq 5-0

Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a dominant 5-0 win over Iraq in the other Group I clash. Habib Diarra gave Senegal the lead in the fourth minute before Iraq were reduced to 10 men in the 13th after Rebin Sulaka was shown a red card.

Ismaila Sarr struck in the 56th minute before a Pape Gueye brace (59' and 71') and Iliman Ndiaye's goal completed the rout. Senegal eventually qualified for the round of 32.

Belgium Crush New Zealand 5-1

Belgium qualified with an emphatic 5-1 win over New Zealand in Group G at BC Place in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard struck a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net.

Drama in Iran-Egypt Draw

Iran vs Egypt finished in a 1-1 draw, with drama in added time. Shoja Khalilzadeh scored what would have been a winner for Iran, securing qualification, but the goal was ruled out. Iran now must wait to know their fate.