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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180962

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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.

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.

Preview - Group J: Jordan v Argentina

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group J: Jordan v Argentina

Arlington: Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami is confident his players have overcome their disappointment of the 2-1 defeat to Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will go into their final Group J clash with defending champions Argentina in Dallas on Saturday in a positive frame of mind.

The loss to the North African side, which came after Nizar Al Rashdan had given the Jordanians a first-half lead, means Sellami's side have no chance of progressing to the knockout rounds in the country's debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Preview - Group K: Congo DR v Uzbekistan

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Congo DR v Uzbekistan

Atlanta: Uzbekistan will be playing to stay in contention when they face Congo DR in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K tie on Friday.

Fabio Cannavaro’s side know victory isn't likely to be enough to seal qualification to the next stage but it will allow Uzbekistan to make a statement in their global stage debut.

Naive Germany frustrate Nagelsmann

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Naive Germany frustrate Nagelsmann

East Rutherford: Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said his side, who had already qualified for the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, had committed "tactical suicide" after Ecuador came from behind to beat the Germans 2-1 on Thursday.

Leroy Sane gave Group E winners Germany a perfect start by netting after two minutes but Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later.

With Ecuador chasing a place in the knockout round, they were the hungrier side and Gonzalo Plata scored a priceless winner on 77 minutes in New Jersey that put them in third place, which was enough for a place in the next phase.