Group F: Netherlands 5-1 Sweden

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Group F: Netherlands 5-1 Sweden

Houston: Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 warning on Saturday in Houston.

The big win in front of nearly 69,000 put the delighted Dutch on the cusp of the knockout rounds and gave them liftoff after being held by Japan.
 
Ronald Koeman's side top Group F with four points from two games, ahead of Sweden on three, Japan (one) and Tunisia (none).

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179417

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179419

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179604

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179606

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179610

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179608

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179612

Ancelotti hails complete Brazil game

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Ancelotti hails complete Brazil game

Philadelphia: Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil produced a "complete performance" in Friday's 3-0 World Cup win over Haiti and will continue to improve ahead of the knockout phase.

The five-time World Cup winners bounced back from an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Morocco, as Matheus Cunha scored twice in Philadelphia and Vinicius Junior struck for the second game running at the tournament.

Brazil's win lifted them to the top of Group C on four points, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference, and left them all but assured of a place in the last 32 with one game remaining.

'Huge disappointment' as Haiti are knocked out

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

'Huge disappointment' as Haiti are knocked out

Philadelphia: Haiti head coach Sebastien Migne said there was "huge disappointment" as the Caribbean nation became the first to be eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 3-0 defeat by Brazil on Friday.

Back-to-back losses for Haiti, who are competing at their first FIFA World Cup in 52 years, mean they will finish bottom of Group C regardless of the result in their final game against Morocco.

Scotland remain bullish despite Morocco setback

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Scotland remain bullish despite Morocco setback

Foxborough: Scotland players led by star John McGinn retained the belief that they can secure a historic qualification for the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite going down 1-0 to Morocco in their second match on Friday.

A brilliant second-minute strike by Ismael Saibari settled the Group C game in Morocco's favour, leaving the Atlas Lions on four points and Scotland on three with one match still to play.

Steve Clarke's team beat Haiti 1-0 at the same stadium in their first outing, but now face needing to get something against Brazil on Wednesday to be sure of a place in the last 32.

Preview - Group G: Belgium v IR Iran

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group G: Belgium v IR Iran

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei will look to eradicate the defensive mistakes that cost his side in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand when they take on Belgium in their second Group G clash in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Central Asian side were twice forced to come from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with New Zealand and Ghalenoei is determined to ensure there is no repeat of the issues in Los Angeles last Monday.

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia will be aiming to build on their encouraging start when they face Spain in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H tie at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday.

Georgios Donis’ side opened their campaign with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Uruguay, a result that showed their discipline, resilience and ability to stay in the contest against high-quality opposition.

Spain, meanwhile, were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession but lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a disciplined defensive block, something Saudi Arabia will be looking to exploit.