Endo worry for Japan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Endo worry for Japan

Nashville: Japan captain Wataru Endo is in a race to be fit for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, leaving head coach Hajime Moriyasu "praying" he makes it.

The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at Japan's pre-tournament camp in Mexico.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177437

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177440

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

New York: Uzbekistan suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in a closed-door FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up at Icahn Stadium on Monday, with Cody Gakpo converting a decisive penalty with virtually the final kick of the game.

Uzbekistan looked set to earn a hard-fought draw after Igor Sergeev struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Gakpo’s first-half penalty, only for the Liverpool forward to double his tally from the spot to snatch the win late in added time.

Jordan fall to Colombia

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026

Jordan fall to Colombia

San Diego: Jordan concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with a 2-0 defeat against Colombia at the Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday.

Jhon Arias starred with a brace to leave Jamal Sellami’s side with back-to-back defeats following their 4-1 loss to Switzerland last week.

Focus: Group J

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group J

Paris: Holders Argentina arrive at the FIFA World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title.

Only two teams – Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962 – have won back-to-back FIFA World Cup crowns, underscoring the difficulty of the task facing Lionel Messi and his teammates.

Yet while history suggests the odds are stacked against the 2022 champions, there are grounds for believing that Argentina are more than capable of completing a rare double.

Focus: Group K

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group K

London: Cristiano Ronaldo heads to a record sixth FIFA World Cup blessed with a prodigiously talented group of teammates as Portugal target glory for the first time on the global stage.

Roberto Martinez's side are strong favourites to progress from Group K where they face DR Congo and tournament debutants Uzbekistan before the tricky test of Colombia.

Focus: Group L

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group L

London: Thomas Tuchel is not shy about stating England's ambition to win the FIFA World Cup, with his team strongly fancied to progress from Group L, which includes old foes Croatia.

The 1966 winners, among the favourites to go all the way at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will also face Panama and Ghana in the first round.

Former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss Tuchel was appointed in October 2024 to get England over the line after a string of near misses at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate.