Can anyone stop France?

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Can anyone stop France?

New York: The first 48-team FIFA World Cup will soon be whittled down to the last 16, and already it looks like a question of whether anybody can stop a flying France side.

Les Bleus have lived up to their favourites tag so far on their run to the last 16.

Four games played, four wins, 13 goals scored - that is their record so far, after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Sweden in the last 32 on Tuesday in New Jersey, and ahead of Saturday's last-16 clash with Paraguay in Philadelphia.

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Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Arlington: Australia head coach Tony Popovic is confident his young players can deliver a first-ever win in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup when the Socceroos face off against Egypt in the last 32 in Dallas on Friday.

The Australians have advanced through the group phase for only the third time and are looking to go one step further than in 2006, when they lost to Italy, and in Qatar in 2022 when they were defeated by Argentina.

Preview - R32: Colombia v Ghana

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Colombia v Ghana

Kansas City: Colombia will start as favourites when they meet Ghana in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday.

The South American side topped Group K ahead of Portugal while Ghana advanced after finishing third in Group L behind England and Croatia.

Preview - R32: Argentina v Cabo Verde

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Argentina v Cabo Verde

Miami Gardens: Cabo Verde have defied expectations but the African side will face the toughest possible challenge they could have imagined when they meet Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday.

Defending champions Argentina have continued from where they left off four years ago, cruising into the knockout stage with three wins to top Group I while debutants Cabo Verde booked their spot with three draws, one of which was against Spain.

Harry Kane: England's saviour

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Harry Kane: England's saviour

Kansas City: Harry Kane is England's talisman, record goalscorer and often their saviour. Is he also their only hope at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The captain came up with the goods yet again against Congo DR in Atlanta on Wednesday, scoring twice in 11 minutes as Thomas Tuchel's men recovered from a shocking start to win 2-1.

The Bayern Munich star headed a superb equaliser from Anthony Gordon's cross in the 75th minute and thumped home the winner with four minutes remaining.

Belgium coach salutes Tielemans after rescue act

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Belgium coach salutes Tielemans after rescue act

Seattle: Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia hailed captain Youri Tielemans after the midfielder's last-gasp penalty completed an astonishing 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 32 on Wednesday.

Senegal looked set for a place in the next round as they led by two goals with five minutes remaining, but Belgium produced a dramatic fightback through strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans to force extra time in Seattle.

Tielemans then held his nerve to convert a penalty in the 125th minute and send Belgium into the last 16.

The Aston Villa player faced a lengthy delay before taking the kick as Senegal players surrounded the spot, but he calmly dispatched his effort to cap an improbable turnaround.