Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Seattle: Head coach Tony Popovic admitted Australia were below par in their 2-0 defeat to the United States in their FIFA World Cup 2026 tie on Friday.

While the win confirmed the US' spot in the knockout stage, defeat left Australia with work to do against Paraguay in their concluding Group D tie on Thursday.

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Preview - Group G: Belgium v IR Iran

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group G: Belgium v IR Iran

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei will look to eradicate the defensive mistakes that cost his side in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand when they take on Belgium in their second Group G clash in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Central Asian side were twice forced to come from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with New Zealand and Ghalenoei is determined to ensure there is no repeat of the issues in Los Angeles last Monday.

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia will be aiming to build on their encouraging start when they face Spain in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H tie at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday.

Georgios Donis’ side opened their campaign with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Uruguay, a result that showed their discipline, resilience and ability to stay in the contest against high-quality opposition.

Spain, meanwhile, were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession but lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a disciplined defensive block, something Saudi Arabia will be looking to exploit.

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Zapopan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo urged his Korea Republic players to forget about a missed opportunity but instead focus on advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

A 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Thursday meant the co-hosts confirmed not only the Group A top spot but also became the first side to confirm their Round of 32 spot while Korea Republic will have to beat South Africa to be absolutely sure of advancing.

Lopetegui focused on getting Qatar ready for Bosnia

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui focused on getting Qatar ready for Bosnia

Vancouver: Head coach Julen Lopetegui said his focus is on the recovery of his Qatar players following their 6-0 defeat to Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B tie on Thursday.

Having seen his side create history by claiming their first ever FIFA World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland just days earlier, it all unravelled in Vancouver.

Not only were Qatar reduced to nine men, Canada's Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg following a tackle from Assim Madibo, which led to the latter being sent off.

Ancelotti hails complete Brazil game

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Ancelotti hails complete Brazil game

Philadelphia: Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil produced a "complete performance" in Friday's 3-0 World Cup win over Haiti and will continue to improve ahead of the knockout phase.

The five-time World Cup winners bounced back from an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Morocco, as Matheus Cunha scored twice in Philadelphia and Vinicius Junior struck for the second game running at the tournament.

Brazil's win lifted them to the top of Group C on four points, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference, and left them all but assured of a place in the last 32 with one game remaining.