Martinez: Ronaldo a role model

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Martinez: Ronaldo a role model

Houston: Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo as "a good example for all of us" but refused to confirm if the veteran captain would start his team's FIFA World Cup 2026 clash with Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Portugal, considered outside favourites to win the tournament in North America, were held 1-1 by Congo DR in their opening game last week.

Former Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo was largely anonymous and player and coach were criticised afterwards.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180095

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180097

IR Iran vow to get it right against Egypt

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

IR Iran vow to get it right against Egypt

Los Angeles: Islamic Republic of Iran were quick to shift their focus to the decider against Egypt after walking away with a point from their clash with Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

The goalless draw with Belgium was followed by Egypt defeating New Zealand 3-1, leaving Group G wide open going into Friday's final round of matches.

Donis proud of Saudi Arabia despite Spain defeat

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Donis proud of Saudi Arabia despite Spain defeat

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis said he remained proud of his players despite the 4-0 defeat against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

The West Asian side were 3-0 down inside 24 minutes with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal opening the scoring before Mikel Oyarazbal's double put the outcome beyond doubt before the mid-half hydration break in the first half.

Hassan Al Tambakti's own goal completed the Spanish win but despite the defeat, Saudi Arabia remain in the running to advance from Group H.

Group I: France 3-0 Iraq

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Group I: France 3-0 Iraq

Philadelphia: Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th cap by scoring two more FIFA World Cup 2026 goals on Monday as France eased to a 3-0 win over Iraq in their Group I game delayed by two hours by a severe storm.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute and added another nine minutes into the second half, with last year's Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele getting the other goal for the tournament favourites in Philadelphia.
 
The Real Madrid forward moved to 16 FIFA World Cup goals in his career, two behind Lionel Messi who set a new record of 18 goals by netting twice for Argentina against Austria earlier on Monday.

Group I: Norway 3-2 Senegal

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Group I: Norway 3-2 Senegal

East Rutherford: Erling Haaland scored his second FIFA World Cup 2026 brace in a row as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 on Monday to punch their ticket to the last 32.

Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen struck late in the first half in New Jersey before Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the break.

 

Ismaila Sarr cut the deficit for Senegal, only for Haaland to punish more slack defending as Norway moved through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare despite a late consolation from Sarr.

Group J: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Group J: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Dallas: Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history as the captain struck twice to give Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday and send the champions into the last 32.

The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time pounced late in the first half in Texas with a trademark left-footed finish after neat build-up play.

The predatory goal added to his hat-trick in Argentina's opening match to make it 17 in total at the FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old then sealed the match deep in injury time after a scramble in the box, as he outfoxed four defenders who lined up to keep the ball out.