England's Kane calls for calm

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

England's Kane calls for calm

Kansas City: Harry Kane said England need to "calm down" after the emotionally draining win over Mexico that took them through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.

Thomas Tuchel's 10-man team won 3-2 on Sunday after a memorable backs-to-the-wall performance against the co-hosts.

England, back at their training base in Kansas City, are enjoying some downtime ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against Erling Haaland's Norway in Miami.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183447

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183449

Belgium's Onana ruled out with ACL injury

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Belgium's Onana ruled out with ACL injury

Los Angeles: Belgium's Amadou Onana will miss the remainder of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during his country's last-16 win over co-hosts the United States, the Belgian Football Federation announced on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Aston Villa midfielder was forced off early in Belgium's 4-1 victory over the US in Seattle on Monday.

Messi: We didn't want to go home

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Messi: We didn't want to go home

Atlanta: Lionel Messi said his tears after Argentina's dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals were "a release" in what could have been his final international appearance.

The 39-year-old broke down in a rare show of emotion at the end of an incredible last 16 tie in Atlanta that took the defending champions to the brink of a shock elimination.

R16: Switzerland 0 (4)-(3) 0 Colombia

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

R16: Switzerland 0 (4)-(3) 0 Colombia

Vancouver: Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tie on Tuesday to set up a quarter-final with defending champions Argentina.

The two teams cancelled each other out in the final game of the last 16 -- the last match to be played at the 2026 tournament outside the United States.

Both teams missed spot-kicks before Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel brilliantly saved Cucho Hernandez's effort and Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty.

R16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

R16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt

Atlanta: Argentina staged a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to avoid a stunning exit at the hands of Egypt and prolong Lionel Messi's FIFA World Cup career with a 3-2 win to reach the quarter-finals on Monday.

The holders looked down and out when goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, either side of Messi having a penalty saved, put the Pharaohs in sight of a historic victory in Atlanta.

However, Cristian Romero's header sparked the comeback as Argentina struck three times in the final 11 minutes plus stoppage time. Messi smashed home the equaliser to score for a ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup game and retake the lead for the Golden Boot with eight this tournament.

Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround with a superb header two minutes into stoppage time.

De la Fuente thrilled with Spain's depth

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

De la Fuente thrilled with Spain's depth

Arlington: Luis de la Fuente hailed Spain's depth after his side edged Portugal 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tie on Monday.

Substitutes Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino came on to great effect, with the latter slotting home the former's pass in the first minute of added time to settle the tight affair at the Dallas Stadium.