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.

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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. 

Japan's progress paying off, says Troussier

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Japan's progress paying off, says Troussier

Tokyo: Japan believe they can shock Brazil in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 meeting, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a fitting reward for their progress as a football nation.

Frenchman Troussier led Japan when they co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Korea Republic in 2002 and took them to the last 16 in only their second tournament appearance.

Japan have not missed a FIFA World Cup since, and they have openly talked about winning this year's competition in North America, where they face Brazil in Houston on Monday.

Not even a showdown with the five-time champions can shake Japan's current confidence, and Troussier believes it is fully justified.

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.

Bubista's Cabo Verde ready for Argentina

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Bubista's Cabo Verde ready for Argentina

Houston: Cabo Verde's head coach said their FIFA World Cup 2026 exploits had "shown our country to the world" after setting up a last-32 meeting with Lionel Messi's reigning champions Argentina.

The third-smallest team by population in the history of the competition drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in Houston on Friday to finish runners-up in Group H.

That sent them into an encounter against the mighty Argentina on Friday in Miami.

Knockout Stage cast finalised

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Knockout Stage cast finalised

Los Angeles: Australia and Japan will carry Asia's hopes in the knockout stage as the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage concluded on Saturday.

There was heartbreak for Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic as both missed out after finishing third in their respective groups.