Czechs eye lift-off against South Africa

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Czechs eye lift-off against South Africa

Atlanta: Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci said Thursday's showdown with South Africa will determine the FIFA World Cup 2026 fate of both teams after they lost in the opening round.

South Africa ended with nine men in a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, while the Czechs were beaten 2-1 by Korea Republic despite Krejci opening the scoring. Just one win could be enough to squeeze into the Round of 32 with eight of the best third-placed sides from the 12 groups progressing to the knockout stages.

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Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Zapopan: Korea Republic will face Mexico in Group A on Thursday knowing victory will seal their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

The East Asian side showed immense grit to come from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening match but will have to tread with caution against co-hosts Mexico, who impressed in their 2-0 win against South Africa.

Preview - Group B: Canada v Qatar

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group B: Canada v Qatar

Vancouver: Qatar will look to build on their opening day resilience when they face Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B tie at BC Place on Thursday.

Julen Lopetegui’s side showed character in their 1-1 draw with Switzerland, staying in the contest under pressure before forcing a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser through Miro Muheim’s own goal.

That result not only secured Qatar their first-ever FIFA World Cup point but kept them firmly in the race in a group where all four teams are locked on one point, with Canada also having drawn 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener.

Group K: Portugal 1-1 Congo DR

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Group K: Portugal 1-1 Congo DR

Houston: Cristiano Ronaldo's record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup got off to a disappointing start as Congo DR secured their first ever point at the Finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match on Wednesday.

Yoane Wissa's header cancelled out Joao Neves's early goal and the African side - appearing in their first FIFA World Cup since 1974 when it was known as Zaire - more than held their own.

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Miami: Georgios Donis paid tribute to goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais and his defenders after Saudi Arabia battled to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H opener on Monday.

The South American side dominated possession with 10 of their 27 shots on target to Saudi Arabia's three but inspired goalkeeping from Al Owais and resolute defending limited the two-time world champions to just one goal at the Miami Stadium.

Messi grounded despite matching goals record

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Messi grounded despite matching goals record

Kansas City: Lionel Messi savoured a "beautiful moment" after becoming the FIFA World Cup's joint all-time leading goalscorer on Tuesday but said "ultimately, it is just a statistic, nothing more".

The 38-year-old Argentina captain etched another memorable chapter in his glittering career with a brilliant hat-trick in the South Americans' 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City.