Martinez admits Portugal paid the price for being overly cautious

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Martinez admits Portugal paid the price for being overly cautious

Houston: Roberto Martinez felt scoring early worked against Portugal after the European side were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo DR in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match on Wednesday.

Touted as potential champions, Portugal took the lead through Joao Neves in the sixth minute, with Yoane Wissa equalising.

Despite their star-studded cast, Portugal failed to find the winner as Congo DR held out for a deserved draw.

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MD1: The Asian goals

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

MD1: The Asian goals

Los Angeles: Matchday One of the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded with all nine Asian teams having done their best to shine on the global stage.

While there were highs and lows for the continent's representatives, all nine sides found the back of the net in matches against top-quality opponents.

The-AFC.com rewinds the Asian goals and invites you - the fans - to tell us which is your favourite.

Preview - Group D: United States v Australia

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group D: United States v Australia

Seattle: Australia head coach Tony Popovic believes his team is capable of making further improvements ahead of their clash with FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts the United States as the Socceroos stand on the cusp of a place in the knockout rounds.

A 2-0 win over Turkiye in their Group D opener last week sees the Australians go into the clash in Seattle level on three points with Mauricho Pochettino’s side, who kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Paraguay last week.

That sets up a battle for top spot in the standings between the two nations and victory for either side would confirm progress into the Round of 32 with one group phase match remaining.

Group A: Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Group A: Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic

Zapopan: Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 win over Korea Republic at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Luis Romo's goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go following a goalkeeping mistake by Kim Seung-gyu. In contrast, Mexico stopper Raul Rangel made a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve their lead.

Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City. Korea Republic are second on three points, with Czechia and South Africa also still alive on one.

Group A: Czechia 1-1 South Africa

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Group A: Czechia 1-1 South Africa

Atlanta: Teboho Mokoena's penalty kept South Africa's dream of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czechia on Thursday.

Michal Sadilek's early opener had the Czechs on course for just their second World Cup win as an independent nation.

 

But Mokoena's late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance.

Group B: Canada 6-0 Qatar

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Group B: Canada 6-0 Qatar

Vancouver: Canada defeated nine-man Qatar 6-0 to clinch their first ever FIFA World Cup victory on Thursday in a Group B match marred by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

A Jonathan David hat-trick, one apiece form Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba as well as a Qatar own goal sealed a momentous victory for the Canadians, who now need only a draw against Switzerland in their final match to finish top of the group.