Haaland hailed after more heroics

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Haaland hailed after more heroics

Arlington: Erling Haaland was described as "devastating" and "the greatest goalscorer in the world" after pouncing for a dramatic late winner on Tuesday for Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Manchester City predator had a quiet afternoon at the home of the Dallas Cowboys before prodding home in the 86th minute for a thrilling 2-1 victory over Cote d'Ivoire.

It was Haaland's fifth goal in three games in North America, having been rested for the 4-1 loss to France in the group phase.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182055

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182057

Kamada: Mindsets must change for Japan to be world champions

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Kamada: Mindsets must change for Japan to be world champions

Houston: Japan will never win the FIFA World Cup unless football becomes the country's number one sport, midfielder Daichi Kamada warned after their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday.

Asia's best side arrived in North America with ambitions of winning the tournament, and they were touted as outside favourites to go far.

 

But they were knocked out in the last 32 and have now failed to win a FIFA World Cup knockout game in five attempts.

Potter admits Sweden couldn't cope with France

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Potter admits Sweden couldn't cope with France

East Rutherford: Sweden head coach Graham Potter admitted his side could not compete with a brilliant France team as they went out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 3-0 defeat in the last 32 on Tuesday.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France either side of a Bradley Barcola goal, while Michael Olise tormented the Swedish defence with his passing.

The scoreline only just about reflected France's domination, as they march on to a last-16 tie against Paraguay, and Sweden go home.

Cote d'Ivoire coach laments lack of maturity in exit

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Cote d'Ivoire coach laments lack of maturity in exit

Arlington: Cote d'Ivoire gave everything but "lacked maturity" in being ousted from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday in a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Norway, head coach Emerse Fae said.

An unmarked Erling Haaland scored with four minutes left of normal time as Cote d'Ivoire's tournament ended at the last-32 stage.

Morocco 'unstoppable' says coach after Netherlands thriller

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Morocco 'unstoppable' says coach after Netherlands thriller

Monterrey: Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouabhi believes his team is primed to make a deep run at the FIFA World Cup 2026, declaring that the Atlas Lions could be "unstoppable" if they play to their potential.

The Moroccans, beaten semi-finalists at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, advanced to the last 16 on Monday after winning a thrilling battle with the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey.

 

It was another stylish display by the African champions, who dominated for long periods in a match that finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Paraguay coach salutes extraordinary win over Germany

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Paraguay coach salutes extraordinary win over Germany

Foxborough: Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing an "extraordinary" performance after beating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on Monday. 

Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would eventually scrape through in extra time.

However, Jonathan Tah had a goal chalked off and Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, after a 1-1 draw.