Brazil must adapt to loss of injured Raphinha, says Paqueta

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Brazil must adapt to loss of injured Raphinha, says Paqueta

Basking Ridge: Brazil must find a way to overcome the loss of injured star Raphinha as quickly as possible, midfielder Lucas Paqueta said on Sunday, as Carlo Ancelotti's side prepare for their final group game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Scotland.

Barcelona forward Raphinha came off before half-time in Friday's 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia with a right thigh injury, and the Brazil team later said he would undergo "intensive treatment" with the aim of being back in time for a possible game in the last 16 in early July.

The 29-year-old will therefore definitely miss Wednesday's last Group C match against Scotland in Miami, which could open the door to a return for superstar Neymar.

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Japan's Ueda ready to fire against Sweden

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Japan's Ueda ready to fire against Sweden

Monterrey: Ayase Ueda warned Sweden his confidence was sky-high after the red-hot striker scored a classy FIFA World Cup brace to put Japan on the cusp of the knockout rounds.

Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0 on Saturday to join the Netherlands at the top of Group F and all but seal their place in the last 32 with a game to spare.

That game is against Sweden, who sit third after being beaten 5-1 by the Dutch in Houston.

Group G: Belgium 0-0 IR Iran

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Group G: Belgium 0-0 IR Iran

Inglewood: Belgium were held to a goalless draw by Islamic Republic of Iran in an absorbing encounter on Sunday that saw the European side reduced to 10 men and facing the possibility of group-stage elimination for a second straight FIFA World Cup.

A star-studded though ageing lineup including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku was - if anything -fortunate to leave Los Angeles with a point, controlling possession yet ceding the game's best chances to a resolute Iran team.

Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 suffered a setback after they fell to a 4-0 defeat against former champions Spain on Sunday.

The loss means Saudi Arabia must beat Cabo Verde in their final Group H match to stand a chance of progressing to the Round of 32.

Lamine Yamal kickstarted Spain's campaign as he returned to the starting line-up to open the scoring after just 10 minutes, before a Mikel Oyarzabal brace and a Hassan Al Tambakti own goal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side took a big step towards the last 32 following a shock goalless stalemate in their opening group match against Cabo Verde.

Nagelsmann: Advancing to knockout stage not enough for Germany

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Nagelsmann: Advancing to knockout stage not enough for Germany

Toronto: Head coach Julian Nagelsmann was thrilled by Germany's comeback victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday, but stopped short of celebrating his side advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014.

Germany failed to get out of the group stage both at Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar.

Saturday's dramatic win, secured in added time with a second goal from substitute Deniz Undav, guarantees the Germans will advance and snaps a streak of bitter FIFA World Cup disappointment for the four-time winners.

Gakpo savours 'freedom' to fire Dutch in title bid

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Gakpo savours 'freedom' to fire Dutch in title bid

Houston: Cody Gakpo faced flak from Liverpool fans as their Premier League title defence imploded but at the FIFA World Cup 2026 he is proving to be the man for the big occasion with his country.

The forward set up Brian Brobbey for the opening goal and grabbed two himself in the second half as the Netherlands dismantled Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday.

After being held 2-2 by Japan, it gave Ronald Koeman's side liftoff at the tournament in North America and put them on the brink of the last 32.

In a Group F encounter packed with top Premier League attacking talent, including Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres for Sweden, Gakpo topped the billing.