Injuries not stopping France's Saliba

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Injuries not stopping France's Saliba

Waltham: France centre-half William Saliba said on Saturday he has been "gritting his teeth" and playing through the pain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering from a back problem for the past few months.

The defender was a key figure in helping his club Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, but told reporters that he is not operating at "100 percent" in North America as he bids to help France win a third FIFA World Cup.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179675

Group F: Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Group F: Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Guadalupe: Japan marked the 1,000th game in the history of the FIFA World Cup with a 4-0 defeat of Tunisia on Saturday to close in on a place in the last 32.

Ayase Ueda scored twice while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito were also on target as Japan - who registered the biggest win ever on the global stage by an Asian side - joined the Netherlands on four points at the top of Group F.

Tunisia, who were beaten 5-1 by Sweden in their first game of the tournament, can no longer hope for a place in the knockout rounds.

Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Seattle: Head coach Tony Popovic admitted Australia were below par in their 2-0 defeat to the United States in their FIFA World Cup 2026 tie on Friday.

While the win confirmed the US' spot in the knockout stage, defeat left Australia with work to do against Paraguay in their concluding Group D tie on Thursday.

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Zapopan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo urged his Korea Republic players to forget about a missed opportunity but instead focus on advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

A 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Thursday meant the co-hosts confirmed not only the Group A top spot but also became the first side to confirm their Round of 32 spot while Korea Republic will have to beat South Africa to be absolutely sure of advancing.

Lopetegui focused on getting Qatar ready for Bosnia

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui focused on getting Qatar ready for Bosnia

Vancouver: Head coach Julen Lopetegui said his focus is on the recovery of his Qatar players following their 6-0 defeat to Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B tie on Thursday.

Having seen his side create history by claiming their first ever FIFA World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland just days earlier, it all unravelled in Vancouver.

Not only were Qatar reduced to nine men, Canada's Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg following a tackle from Assim Madibo, which led to the latter being sent off.

Potter says 'harsh' defeat will make Sweden better

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Potter says 'harsh' defeat will make Sweden better

Houston: Head coach Graham Potter said his Sweden team will learn and be better for their 5-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 defeat by a rampant Netherlands on Saturday.

The Swedes beat Tunisia by the same scoreline to launch their campaign but came crashing back down to Earth in Houston.

Potter's men, who would have reached the last 32 with a win, were 4-0 down after two goals each from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo. Anthony Elanga pulled one back before Crysencio Summerville put the seal on a five-star display for Ronald Koeman's side.