Argentina wary of 'very tough' Cabo Verde

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Argentina wary of 'very tough' Cabo Verde

Arlington: Argentina won't underestimate "very tough" Cabo Verde when the Lionel Messi-inspired holders face the FIFA World Cup 2026 surprise packages in the last 32.

The reigning champions will be massive favourites to win and win big when they play the tournament debutants on Friday in Miami.

Argentina captain Messi came on as a substitute and scored a free-kick as they beat already eliminated Jordan 3-1 in their Group J tie on Saturday in Texas. Lionel Scaloni's side finished the first stage with maximum points and looking formidable, albeit in one of the weaker groups also featuring Algeria and Austria.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3181486

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3181492

Preview - R32: Brazil v Japan

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Preview - R32: Brazil v Japan

Houston: Japan will be determined to extend their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they face five-time champions Brazil in their Round of 32 tie at Houston Stadium on Monday.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side advanced from Group F with an unbeaten record, finishing second after a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia and a 1-1 stalemate with Sweden to set up a thrilling knockout-stage meeting with the South Americans.

The Samurai Blue - seeking to advance beyond the Round of 16 for the first time - will head into the tie with confidence, having defeated Brazil when the sides met in a friendly last October. It was Japan’s first win in 14 meetings with the giants. 

R32: South Africa 0-1 Canada

Mon, 29 Jun, 2026

R32: South Africa 0-1 Canada

Inglewood: Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time winner fired Canada to a 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday in the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage, as the co-hosts advanced to the last 16 for the first time in their history.

With both sides making their first-ever appearance in the knockout phase, the game appeared to be heading for extra time, before Eustaquio broke South African hearts with a clinical hit from just outside the area.

Canada - playing in Los Angeles despite being co-hosts, after failing to win their group - will now face the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston in the last 16 on Saturday, as South Africa's World Cup adventure came to an end.

Hong, Korea Republic part ways

Mon, 29 Jun, 2026

Hong, Korea Republic part ways

Guadalajara: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday, a day after his side's group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 57-year-old former captain, in his second stint as coach, oversaw an early FIFA World Cup departure for the second time to go with the failure in 2014.

Arnold: Strong domestic league crucial for Iraq's growth

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Arnold: Strong domestic league crucial for Iraq's growth

Toronto: Iraq's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended on a low-key note but head coach Graham Arnold believes the future is bright if immediate steps are taken by the West Asian nation.

A 5-0 defeat to Senegal on Friday brought the curtains down on Iraq's return to the global stage after 40 years, having lost 3-0 to France and 4-1 to Norway in their earlier Group I matches.

Qualification to the global stage was secured after an arduous journey but Arnold said Iraq can look forward to consistently rubbing shoulders with the world's best if they work on improving their domestic league.

Lack of creativity cost Saudi Arabia, admits Donis

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Lack of creativity cost Saudi Arabia, admits Donis

Houston: Georgios Donis admitted Saudi Arabia had only themselves to blame after being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday.

A win against Cabo Verde would have sealed knockout stage progression for the first time since their debut appearance in the 1994 edition but the three-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions could only manage a goalless draw.

That meant tournament debutants Cabo Verde advanced as the Group H runners-up while Saudi Arabia were left to rue a missed opportunity as they finished on two points.