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Group K: Portugal 1-1 Congo DR

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Group K: Portugal 1-1 Congo DR

Houston: Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup got off to a disappointing start as Congo DR secured their first ever point at the Finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match on Wednesday.

Yoane Wissa's header cancelled out Joao Neves's early goal and the African side - appearing in their first FIFA World Cup since 1974 when it was known as Zaire - more than held their own.

Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Zapopan: Korea Republic will face Mexico in Group A on Thursday knowing victory will seal their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

The East Asian side showed immense grit to come from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening match but will have to tread with caution against co-hosts Mexico, who impressed in their 2-0 win against South Africa.

Preview - Group B: Canada v Qatar

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group B: Canada v Qatar

Vancouver: Qatar will look to build on their opening day resilience when they face Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B tie at BC Place on Thursday.

Julen Lopetegui’s side showed character in their 1-1 draw with Switzerland, staying in the contest under pressure before forcing a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser through Miro Muheim’s own goal.

That result not only secured Qatar their first-ever FIFA World Cup point but kept them firmly in the race in a group where all four teams are locked on one point, with Canada also having drawn 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener.

Messi grounded despite matching goals record

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Messi grounded despite matching goals record

Kansas City: Lionel Messi savoured a "beautiful moment" after becoming the FIFA World Cup's joint all-time leading goalscorer on Tuesday but said "ultimately, it is just a statistic, nothing more".

The 38-year-old Argentina captain etched another memorable chapter in his glittering career with a brilliant hat-trick in the South Americans' 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City.

Deschamps hails 'extraordinary' Mbappe

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Deschamps hails 'extraordinary' Mbappe

East Rutherford: France head coach Didier Deschamps toasted "extraordinary" Kylian Mbappe after the France captain scored twice in the team's opening game at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday to become his country's all-time top marksman.

"There are still people out there who will criticise him but he is an extraordinary player. Not everything came off for him, but he can win games in one moment," Deschamps said of the Real Madrid superstar.

Group J: Austria 3-1 Jordan

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group J: Austria 3-1 Jordan

Santa Clara: Jordan's hopes of kicking off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on the front foot were dashed by a strong Austria at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Tuesday.

Ali Olwan's brilliant strike drew the tournament debutants level after Romano Schmid had put Austria ahead in the first half. Yazan Al Arab's own goal and Marko Arnautovic's stoppage time penalty, however, sealed Austria the points from the Group J tie.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-j-austria-v-jordan

Group J: Argentina 3-0 Algeria

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group J: Argentina 3-0 Algeria

Kansas City: Lionel Messi scored a dazzling hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday to equal Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals at FIFA World Cups as the defending champions swept Algeria aside 3-0.

Messi netted a spectacular opener from distance in Kansas City, then poked home from close range before completing his first ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick.

Kane tells England 'be free in the mind'

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Kane tells England 'be free in the mind'

Arlington: Captain Harry Kane told his England teammates to "go for it" and be "free in the mind" when they launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 title charge on Wednesday against Croatia in Texas.

England are among the favourites for the tournament in North America after a string of near-misses at recent European Championships and FIFA World Cups.

But history weighs heavy on Thomas Tuchel's talented side as they chase their first major trophy for 60 years.

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Miami: Georgios Donis paid tribute to goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais and his defenders after Saudi Arabia battled to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H opener on Monday.

The South American side dominated possession with 10 of their 27 shots on target to Saudi Arabia's three but inspired goalkeeping from Al Owais and resolute defending limited the two-time world champions to just one goal at the Miami Stadium.

Ronaldo as excited for sixth outing as his first, says Martinez

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Ronaldo as excited for sixth outing as his first, says Martinez

Houston: Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth FIFA World Cup as if it was his first, said Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez as he hailed the 41-year-old as "an example and a reference for football."

Armed with a richly talented generation, Portugal are among the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Atlanta: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said he is still convinced La Roja will go far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite failing to break down debutants Cabo Verde in a 0-0 draw to open their tournament.

The European champions badly missed the spark of Lamine Yamal, who was deemed only fit enough for a second-half cameo on his return from injury, as they struggled to even create chances against a side ranked 67th in the world.