Hong: Intensive preparations paid off for Korea Republic

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Hong: Intensive preparations paid off for Korea Republic

Zapopan: Hong Myung-bo attributed Korea Republic's high altitude training for the thrilling 2-1 win against Czechia in their opening FIFA World Cup Group A tie on Thursday.

The East Asian side fought back after going behind with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu securing their first opening match win on the global stage since 2010.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177802

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177806

Group A: Korea Republic 2-1 Czechia

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Group A: Korea Republic 2-1 Czechia

Guadalajara: Korea Republic roared back from a goal down to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A opener on Thursday.

Strikes from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed a perfect start for the East Asian side who had found themselves trailing to Ladislav Krejci's goal despite dominating the tie at the Estadio Guadalajara.

Aguirre says Mexico beat cramps and stage fright in opener

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Aguirre says Mexico beat cramps and stage fright in opener

Mexico City: Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre revealed his team had overcome a bout of stage fright before clinching their first victory in a FIFA World Cup opener with a 2-0 defeat of South Africa on Thursday.

Mexico had never won their opening FIFA World Cup match in seven attempts, registering five defeats and two draws during their previous appearances at the tournament.

But Aguirre’s side were always in control against a poor South African team at the Estadio Azteca and bagged three points that puts them firmly on course for the knockout rounds from Group A.

Preview - Group B: Qatar v Switzerland

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group B: Qatar v Switzerland

California: Qatar will be aiming to add a winning chapter to their FIFA World Cup history when they kick off their 2026 campaign against Switzerland in Group B on Saturday.

The two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions endured a difficult debut in 2022, becoming the first host nation to lose their opening match and exiting the tournament without a point. 

Preview - Group D: Australia v Turkiye

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group D: Australia v Turkiye

Vancouver: Australia will be striving for a winning start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they face Turkiye in Group D on Saturday.

The Socceroos return to the global stage looking to build on their impressive run to the Round of 16 in Qatar four years ago, where they pushed eventual champions Argentina before bowing out 2-1.

Injured Endo pulls out, announces international retirement

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Injured Endo pulls out, announces international retirement

Dallas: Japan captain Wataru Endo announced his withdrawal from Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and his international retirement on Thursday.

The midfielder had been in a race against time to get fit following an injury-plagued season with Liverpool.