Group J: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Group J: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Dallas: Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history as the captain struck twice to give Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday and send the champions into the last 32.

The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time pounced late in the first half in Texas with a trademark left-footed finish after neat build-up play.

The predatory goal added to his hat-trick in Argentina's opening match to make it 17 in total at the FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old then sealed the match deep in injury time after a scramble in the box, as he outfoxed four defenders who lined up to keep the ball out.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179802

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179804

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180057

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180059

Preview - Group K: Portugal v Uzbekistan

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Portugal v Uzbekistan

Houston: Uzbekistan will have to deliver a response of real character when they face Portugal in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K tie at Houston Stadium on Tuesday.

The Central Asian side’s long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut produced a moment to treasure, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev scoring the country’s first goal on the global stage but the 3-1 defeat to Colombia means there is little room for error heading into Matchday Two.

With Colombia having taken early control of the group and Portugal held 1-1 by Congo DR in their opener, Uzbekistan know that anything less than a win would leave their hopes of reaching the last 16 hanging by a thread.

Japan's Ueda ready to fire against Sweden

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Japan's Ueda ready to fire against Sweden

Monterrey: Ayase Ueda warned Sweden his confidence was sky-high after the red-hot striker scored a classy FIFA World Cup brace to put Japan on the cusp of the knockout rounds.

Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0 on Saturday to join the Netherlands at the top of Group F and all but seal their place in the last 32 with a game to spare.

That game is against Sweden, who sit third after being beaten 5-1 by the Dutch in Houston.

Brazil must adapt to loss of injured Raphinha, says Paqueta

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Brazil must adapt to loss of injured Raphinha, says Paqueta

Basking Ridge: Brazil must find a way to overcome the loss of injured star Raphinha as quickly as possible, midfielder Lucas Paqueta said on Sunday, as Carlo Ancelotti's side prepare for their final group game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Scotland.

Barcelona forward Raphinha came off before half-time in Friday's 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia with a right thigh injury, and the Brazil team later said he would undergo "intensive treatment" with the aim of being back in time for a possible game in the last 16 in early July.

The 29-year-old will therefore definitely miss Wednesday's last Group C match against Scotland in Miami, which could open the door to a return for superstar Neymar.

Nagelsmann: Advancing to knockout stage not enough for Germany

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Nagelsmann: Advancing to knockout stage not enough for Germany

Toronto: Head coach Julian Nagelsmann was thrilled by Germany's comeback victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday, but stopped short of celebrating his side advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014.

Germany failed to get out of the group stage both at Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar.

Saturday's dramatic win, secured in added time with a second goal from substitute Deniz Undav, guarantees the Germans will advance and snaps a streak of bitter FIFA World Cup disappointment for the four-time winners.

Gakpo savours 'freedom' to fire Dutch in title bid

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Gakpo savours 'freedom' to fire Dutch in title bid

Houston: Cody Gakpo faced flak from Liverpool fans as their Premier League title defence imploded but at the FIFA World Cup 2026 he is proving to be the man for the big occasion with his country.

The forward set up Brian Brobbey for the opening goal and grabbed two himself in the second half as the Netherlands dismantled Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday.

After being held 2-2 by Japan, it gave Ronald Koeman's side liftoff at the tournament in North America and put them on the brink of the last 32.

In a Group F encounter packed with top Premier League attacking talent, including Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres for Sweden, Gakpo topped the billing.