Group E: Germany 7-1 Curacao

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group E: Germany 7-1 Curacao

Houston: Germany won their first opening match at a FIFA World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2014 as they eased to a 7-1 win against debutants Curacao in their opening Group E match in Houston on Sunday.

The Germans will face stiffer tests against Ecuador and Ivory Coast but the win against the tiny Caribbean nation puts them in a good position to progress to the knockout stages for the first time since 2014.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178103

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178105

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178107

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178220

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178222

Preview - Group G: IR Iran v New Zealand

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group G: IR Iran v New Zealand

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran will be expecting maximum points when they take on New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener on Monday.

The Central Asian side have never advanced past the group stage in their previous six FIFA World Cup appearances, but arrive determined to break new ground.

Preview - Group H: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group H: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia will be determined to not slip up when they begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H campaign against Uruguay on Monday.

The three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners are seeking to advance to the knockout stage for the first time since making their debut on the global stage in the 1994 edition.

Group B: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group B: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Santa Clara: Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi stunned Switzerland with a late equaliser as the sides played out a 1-1 draw in their opening Group B match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

A Breel Embolo penalty had broken the deadlock for Switzerland early in the first half in the San Francisco Bay Area, before the wasteful favourites were made to pay as Qatar earned their first ever point at a FIFA World Cup.

Group D: Australia 2-0 Turkiye

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group D: Australia 2-0 Turkiye

Vancouver: Australia scored a stunning 2-0 upset over Turkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday as head coach Tony Popovic's bold selection gamble paid off.

Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored the goals and rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach produced a string of crucial saves to help secure a famous Australian victory at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium.

Raya relaxed despite Spain goalkeeper debate

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Raya relaxed despite Spain goalkeeper debate

Chattanooga: David Raya believes Spain "are in good hands" no matter who starts the FIFA World Cup 2026 in goal as he battles with Unai Simon and Joan Garcia to be Luis de la Fuente's number one.

Raya enjoyed an outstanding season at Arsenal, helping the Gunners to a first Premier League title in 22 years and reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Garcia also shone as Barcelona won La Liga, but they are reportedly set to miss out as Simon is expected to start.