Mbappe's focus on France, not records

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Mbappe's focus on France, not records

Philadelphia: Kylian Mbappe said he was not paying too much attention to FIFA World Cup scoring records after getting two more goals on what he described as a draining night in Philadelphia, as France beat Iraq 3-0 in a game interrupted by a two-hour storm delay on Monday.

Mbappe's strikes came either side of half-time on his 100th appearance for France, and Ousmane Dembele the other goal in a game which was held up at half-time as torrential rain lashed the city.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180242

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180244

Preview - Group A: South Africa v Korea Republic

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: South Africa v Korea Republic

Guadalupe: Korea Republic will look to finish the job when they face South Africa in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A tie at the Estadio Monterrey on Wednesday.

Hong Myung-bo’s side began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Czechia before being edged 1-0 by Mexico, a result which left the Taegeuk Warriors with one final hurdle to clear in their bid to reach the knockout stage.

Victory would guarantee Korea Republic a place in the Round of 32, while a draw could leave them dependent on the result between Mexico and Czechia. Defeat, however, would open the door for South Africa to leapfrog them.

Preview - Group B: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group B: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar

Seattle:  Qatar will have to produce their strongest performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their final Group B tie at the Seattle Stadium on Wednesday.

Julen Lopetegui’s side go into the match with one point from two games, level with Bosnia-Herzegovina and knowing that only victory will realistically keep alive their hopes of reaching the Round of 32.

Canada and Switzerland have taken command of the group with four points each, leaving Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina in a direct battle to stay in contention as third place could still offer a route into the knockout stage.

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 K: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Group K: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan

Houston: Uzbekistan's FIFA World Cup 2026 suffered a blow after they fell to a 5-0 defeat against Portugal in their Group K tie on Tuesday.

It was Uzbekistan's second consecutive defeat and it left the debutants staring at elimination as Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cup campaigns with the captain striking twice as Portugal bounced back in style from their 1-1 draw with Congo DR.