Group A: Korea Republic 2-1 Czechia

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Group A: Korea Republic 2-1 Czechia

Guadalajara: Korea Republic roared back from a goal down to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A opener on Thursday.

Strikes from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed a perfect start for the East Asian side who had found themselves trailing to Ladislav Krejci's goal despite dominating the tie at the Estadio Guadalajara.

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Group A: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Group A: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Mexico City: Mexico ignited their FIFA World Cup 2026 party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts' bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start.

South Africa meanwhile never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

Injured Endo pulls out, announces international retirement

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Injured Endo pulls out, announces international retirement

Dallas: Japan captain Wataru Endo announced his withdrawal from Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and his international retirement on Thursday.

The midfielder had been in a race against time to get fit following an injury-plagued season with Liverpool.

USA's Pulisic ready for Paraguay

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

USA's Pulisic ready for Paraguay

Los Angeles: United States star Christian Pulisic said the FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts are "ready to battle" on football's biggest stage as they prepare for a potentially bruising opener against Paraguay on Friday.

AC Milan forward Pulisic has been the US side's talisman since his teenage years, shouldering massive expectations in a nation not traditionally known for its football prowess.

With hopes running higher still as the US hosts the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1994, alongside Mexico and Canada, 27-year-old Pulisic remains unarguably the biggest name but said the squad around him is now "able to compete with anyone."

Alisson unfazed by doubts over Brazil

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Alisson unfazed by doubts over Brazil

Morristown: Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker insisted on Thursday that doubts about the record five-time champions could work in the team's favour at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they prepare to get their campaign in North America up and running.

"It is a good thing that there are some doubts about the team, because that has been the case on other occasions in the past," pointed out the Liverpool shot-stopper, with a nod to Brazil teams at previous tournaments who were not considered favourites but went on to lift the trophy.

Japan stay top, IR Iran move up

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Japan stay top, IR Iran move up

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will kick off the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Asia's top side following the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Thursday.

Islamic Republic of Iran, meanwhile, moved into the top 20 as Asia's nine representatives get set to kick-off their challenge on the global stage.