Cote d'Ivoire see no limits after creating history

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Cote d'Ivoire see no limits after creating history

Philadelphia: Cote d'Ivoire forward Nicolas Pepe believes the Elephants can keep on going at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after beating Curacao 2-0 on Thursday to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Cote d'Ivoire finished in second place in Group E with six points, only behind table-toppers Germany on head-to-head - they beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opening game before losing 2-1 to the Germans.

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Japan's Moriyasu looking forward to Brazil challenge

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Japan's Moriyasu looking forward to Brazil challenge

Arlington: Japan will head into their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against Brazil with confidence, head coach Hajime Moriyasu said on Thursday.

The Japanese tactician said he was relishing the chance of locking horns with the five-time world champions, with the sides to meet in the Round of 32 on Monday.

The last meeting between the sides - an international friendly last October - ended 3-2 in favour of Japan which halted a run of 13 consecutive matches without victory for the East Asian side against the South American giants.

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.

Potter realistic about Sweden's chances

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Potter realistic about Sweden's chances

Arlington: Graham Potter said his Sweden team will be underdogs no matter who they face after sneaking into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage on Thursday.

Sweden grabbed a place in the last 32 following a 1-1 draw with Japan in Group F to advance as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1, then lost to the Netherlands by the same scoreline, before giving Japan a fright at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Better to qualify this way, says Ecuador hero Plata

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Better to qualify this way, says Ecuador hero Plata

East Rutherford: Ecuador's FIFA World Cup 2026 hero Gonzalo Plata said qualifying for the last 32 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday made the achievement even sweeter.

Plata bagged the winning goal in the 77th minute in New Jersey as Ecuador snatched a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed sides.

However, they did it the hard way after taking just one point from their opening two Group E games, including a frustrating 0-0 draw against rank outsiders Curacao.

Naive Germany frustrate Nagelsmann

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Naive Germany frustrate Nagelsmann

East Rutherford: Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said his side, who had already qualified for the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, had committed "tactical suicide" after Ecuador came from behind to beat the Germans 2-1 on Thursday.

Leroy Sane gave Group E winners Germany a perfect start by netting after two minutes but Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later.

With Ecuador chasing a place in the knockout round, they were the hungrier side and Gonzalo Plata scored a priceless winner on 77 minutes in New Jersey that put them in third place, which was enough for a place in the next phase.