Group H: Uruguay 0-1 Spain

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Group H: Uruguay 0-1 Spain

Zapopan: Uruguay bowed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's howler gifted Spain a 1-0 win on Friday in Guadalajara to secure top spot in Group H.

Alex Baena's weak shot slipped through Muslera's grasp for the only goal as Spain avoided a last 32 showdown against Argentina. The European champions will instead face Austria or Algeria next in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Uruguay's defeat allowed debutants Cabo Verde to secure second place and a meeting with Lionel Messi and the defending champions thanks to a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.

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Group H: Cabo Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Group H: Cabo Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Houston: Saudi Arabia were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after playing to a goalless draw with Cabo Verde in their final Group H match on Friday.

The stalemate meant Saudi Arabia finished on two points while debutants Cabo Verde stunningly advanced to the knockout stage as runners-up behind Spain.
Unbeaten in their three group matches, the archipelago nation of just over 500,000 will play Lionel Messi's Argentina in Miami on July 3 in another chapter to their remarkable story.

Group I: Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Group I: Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Toronto: Iraq's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end following a 5-0 defeat against Senegal in Group I on Friday.

The loss meant Iraq concluded their return to the global stage for the first time in 40 years with three defeats while victory kept Senegal in the race to advance as one of the best eight third-placed sides.

Japan's Moriyasu looking forward to Brazil challenge

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Japan's Moriyasu looking forward to Brazil challenge

Arlington: Japan will head into their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against Brazil with confidence, head coach Hajime Moriyasu said on Thursday.

The Japanese tactician said he was relishing the chance of locking horns with the five-time world champions, with the sides to meet in the Round of 32 on Monday.

The last meeting between the sides - an international friendly last October - ended 3-2 in favour of Japan which halted a run of 13 consecutive matches without victory for the East Asian side against the South American giants.

Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Santa Clara: Head coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do "something special" after reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for only the third time in their history.

The Socceroos played out a 0-0 draw on Thursday with Paraguay in Santa Clara in a stalemate that suited both teams.

Australia, who stunned Turkey in their opening match before losing to co-hosts the United States, qualified for the last 32 as runners-up in Group D.

Next they play at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys on July 3 against the side that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Belgium and New Zealand.

Better to qualify this way, says Ecuador hero Plata

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Better to qualify this way, says Ecuador hero Plata

East Rutherford: Ecuador's FIFA World Cup 2026 hero Gonzalo Plata said qualifying for the last 32 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday made the achievement even sweeter.

Plata bagged the winning goal in the 77th minute in New Jersey as Ecuador snatched a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed sides.

However, they did it the hard way after taking just one point from their opening two Group E games, including a frustrating 0-0 draw against rank outsiders Curacao.