Disappointed but Japan's Moriyasu continues to believe

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Disappointed but Japan's Moriyasu continues to believe

Houston: Head coach Hajime Moriyasu said Japan have proved they have what it takes to one day win the FIFA World Cup following a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday.

Japan lost in the last 32 after giving up a 1-0 half-time lead, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring an injury-time winner in Houston.

Some of the Japan players were in tears at the end as the East Asian side's wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout stage win continued.

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R32: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

R32: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Houston: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion on Monday as Brazil struck late to seal a 2-1 win in their Round of 32 tie.

Kaishu Sano gave Japan the lead in the 29th minute with Casemiro heading home the equaliser in the 56th.

Brazil kept pushing and were rewarded with the winning goal through Gabriel Martinelli deep into added time as Japan's dream came to an end. The five-time champions will face either Cote d'Ivoire or Norway in in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

R32: Netherlands 1 (2)-(3) 1 Morocco

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

R32: Netherlands 1 (2)-(3) 1 Morocco

Guadalupe: Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday after a thrilling battle in Monterrey finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands' fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot-kick that sealed a 3-2 shootout win.
 
The victory sends Morocco into a last 16 clash with Canada in Houston on Saturday.

R32: Germany 1 (3)-(4) 1 Paraguay

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

R32: Germany 1 (3)-(4) 1 Paraguay

Foxborough: Germany crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the hands of Paraguay in the last 32 after losing 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Foxborough on Monday.

It marks the first time that Germany have ever lost a penalty shootout at a FIFA World Cup.

Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into a shock lead before half-time, but Kai Havertz levelled for Germany on 54 minutes with his third goal of the tournament.

Jonathan Tah saw a goal disallowed after a VAR review in extra time, before Paraguay held on to shock Germany in a wild, nerve-jangling shootout as the momentum swung back and forth.

Madueke ready to be England's game-changer

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Madueke ready to be England's game-changer

Kansas City: Noni Madueke believes he can be England's spark as Thomas Tuchel's men prepare to face Congo DR in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage, with patience likely to be required against a stubborn defence.

England play the African nation in Atlanta in the last 32 on Wednesday, with criticism still ringing in their ears following their laboured efforts in the group stage, which included a dull 0-0 draw with Ghana.

Congo DR, playing at their first World Cup since 1974, held Portugal to a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament and are expected to set up defensively against Tuchel's team.

Spain confident despite injury setbacks, says Llorente

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Spain confident despite injury setbacks, says Llorente

Chattanooga: Spain remain confident of winning the FIFA World Cup, defender Marcos Llorente said, despite a series of injuries that have ravaged La Roja's options in wide areas.

Nico Williams described his latest injury setback as "one of the worst days of my life" after the Athletic Bilbao winger picked up another muscle problem in Friday's 1-0 win over Uruguay. He retains a chance of playing again in the tournament, however.