Lack of creativity cost Saudi Arabia, admits Donis

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Lack of creativity cost Saudi Arabia, admits Donis

Houston: Georgios Donis admitted Saudi Arabia had only themselves to blame after being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday.

A win against Cabo Verde would have sealed knockout stage progression for the first time since their debut appearance in the 1994 edition but the three-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions could only manage a goalless draw.

That meant tournament debutants Cabo Verde advanced as the Group H runners-up while Saudi Arabia were left to rue a missed opportunity as they finished on two points.

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Japan's progress paying off, says Troussier

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Japan's progress paying off, says Troussier

Tokyo: Japan believe they can shock Brazil in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 meeting, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a fitting reward for their progress as a football nation.

Frenchman Troussier led Japan when they co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Korea Republic in 2002 and took them to the last 16 in only their second tournament appearance.

Japan have not missed a FIFA World Cup since, and they have openly talked about winning this year's competition in North America, where they face Brazil in Houston on Monday.

Not even a showdown with the five-time champions can shake Japan's current confidence, and Troussier believes it is fully justified.

Arnold: Strong domestic league crucial for Iraq's growth

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Arnold: Strong domestic league crucial for Iraq's growth

Toronto: Iraq's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended on a low-key note but head coach Graham Arnold believes the future is bright if immediate steps are taken by the West Asian nation.

A 5-0 defeat to Senegal on Friday brought the curtains down on Iraq's return to the global stage after 40 years, having lost 3-0 to France and 4-1 to Norway in their earlier Group I matches.

Qualification to the global stage was secured after an arduous journey but Arnold said Iraq can look forward to consistently rubbing shoulders with the world's best if they work on improving their domestic league.

Egypt coach optimistic about Salah

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Egypt coach optimistic about Salah

Seattle: Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan said he was optimistic about the health of Mohamed Salah despite the star striker's second-half exit during his country's 1-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 draw with Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday.

The result meant Egypt qualified for the knockout stage by finishing second in Group G.

Bielsa accepts blame for exit, but says Uruguay deserved more

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Bielsa accepts blame for exit, but says Uruguay deserved more

Guadalajara: Marcelo Bielsa said Uruguay deserved more from all three of their FIFA World Cup 2026bgames, but accepted the critics that will come his way after the two-time winners crashed out in the group stage.

Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's mistake condemned Bielsa's side to an early exit in a 1-0 defeat to Spain on Friday after disappointing draws against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia.

Norway's Solbakken defends decision to bench Haaland, Odegaard against France

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Norway's Solbakken defends decision to bench Haaland, Odegaard against France

Foxborough: Norway head coach Stale Solbakken defended his decision to leave out star duo Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard in Friday's 4-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I defeat against France, saying it was a "no-brainer".

Solbakken said the relatively quick turnaround from Monday's win over Senegal was the key factor, adding that Haaland and Odegaard were "team players, so they know what is best for the team."