Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Santa Clara: Head coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do "something special" after reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for only the third time in their history.

The Socceroos played out a 0-0 draw on Thursday with Paraguay in Santa Clara in a stalemate that suited both teams.

Australia, who stunned Turkey in their opening match before losing to co-hosts the United States, qualified for the last 32 as runners-up in Group D.

Next they play at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys on July 3 against the side that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Belgium and New Zealand.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180967

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180969

Preview - Group J: Jordan v Argentina

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group J: Jordan v Argentina

Arlington: Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami is confident his players have overcome their disappointment of the 2-1 defeat to Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will go into their final Group J clash with defending champions Argentina in Dallas on Saturday in a positive frame of mind.

The loss to the North African side, which came after Nizar Al Rashdan had given the Jordanians a first-half lead, means Sellami's side have no chance of progressing to the knockout rounds in the country's debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Preview - Group K: Congo DR v Uzbekistan

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Congo DR v Uzbekistan

Atlanta: Uzbekistan will be playing to stay in contention when they face Congo DR in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K tie on Friday.

Fabio Cannavaro’s side know victory isn't likely to be enough to seal qualification to the next stage but it will allow Uzbekistan to make a statement in their global stage debut.

Group I: Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Group I: Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Toronto: Iraq's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end following a 5-0 defeat against Senegal in Group I on Friday.

The loss meant Iraq concluded their return to the global stage for the first time in 40 years with three defeats while victory kept Senegal in the race to advance as one of the best eight third-placed sides.

Hong takes blame as Korea Republic's hopes fade

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Hong takes blame as Korea Republic's hopes fade

Monterrey: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo took the blame for his team's 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Wednesday that left their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes hanging by a thread.

Hong left superstar Son Heung-min out of his starting line-up for his side's final group match in Monterrey.

After a bright start for the East Asian side, South Africa were the better team, showing greater invention and a sharper cutting edge. Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike proved the difference between the two teams.

Lopetegui looks at positives as Qatar bid farewell

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui looks at positives as Qatar bid farewell

Seattle: Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey may have ended on Wednesday but head coach Julen Lopetegui said it was a campaign that the West Asian side can learn and build on.

A 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina meant Qatar fell short of staying in contention for a place in the Round of 32 but will depart having earned their first ever point on the global stage.