Kane tells England 'be free in the mind'

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Kane tells England 'be free in the mind'

Arlington: Captain Harry Kane told his England teammates to "go for it" and be "free in the mind" when they launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 title charge on Wednesday against Croatia in Texas.

England are among the favourites for the tournament in North America after a string of near-misses at recent European Championships and FIFA World Cups.

But history weighs heavy on Thomas Tuchel's talented side as they chase their first major trophy for 60 years.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178732

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178734

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Miami: Georgios Donis paid tribute to goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais and his defenders after Saudi Arabia battled to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H opener on Monday.

The South American side dominated possession with 10 of their 27 shots on target to Saudi Arabia's three but inspired goalkeeping from Al Owais and resolute defending limited the two-time world champions to just one goal at the Miami Stadium.

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Foxborough: Iraq had to concede to Erling Haaland-powered Norway as they fell to a 4-1 defeat in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I tie on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein drew Iraq level after Haaland had put Norway ahead in the 29th minute but an opportunistic strike from the Manchester City star just before the break and second-half goals from Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt ended the West Asian side's hopes of getting something from the game.

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

East Rutherford: Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.

Real Madrid star Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 - just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose - and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

Ronaldo as excited for sixth outing as his first, says Martinez

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Ronaldo as excited for sixth outing as his first, says Martinez

Houston: Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth FIFA World Cup as if it was his first, said Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez as he hailed the 41-year-old as "an example and a reference for football."

Armed with a richly talented generation, Portugal are among the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Atlanta: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said he is still convinced La Roja will go far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite failing to break down debutants Cabo Verde in a 0-0 draw to open their tournament.

The European champions badly missed the spark of Lamine Yamal, who was deemed only fit enough for a second-half cameo on his return from injury, as they struggled to even create chances against a side ranked 67th in the world.