Mixed feelings for Canada's Marsch

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Mixed feelings for Canada's Marsch

Toronto: Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said he didn't do enough to ready his side for the first half of the co-hosts' FIFA World Cup 2026 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday and wants to see more "self-belief" in their next match.

Marsch said his second-half substitutes made a "big impact", particularly Cyle Larin, whose equaliser in the 78th minute earned Canada a 1-1 draw and their first-ever FIFA World Cup point.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177885

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177887

Group B: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group B: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Santa Clara: Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi stunned Switzerland with a late equaliser as the sides played out a 1-1 draw in their opening Group B match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

A Breel Embolo penalty had broken the deadlock for Switzerland early in the first half in the San Francisco Bay Area, before the wasteful favourites were made to pay as Qatar earned their first ever point at a FIFA World Cup.

Group D: Australia 2-0 Turkiye

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group D: Australia 2-0 Turkiye

Vancouver: Australia scored a stunning 2-0 upset over Turkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday as head coach Tony Popovic's bold selection gamble paid off.

Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored the goals and rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach produced a string of crucial saves to help secure a famous Australian victory at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium.

Group C: Brazil 1-1 Morocco

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group C: Brazil 1-1 Morocco

East Rutherford: Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant equaliser for Brazil in a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday as the five-time FIFA World Cup winners made an uncertain start to the tournament in New Jersey.

Ismael Saibari ran through to give Morocco a 21st-minute lead with a clever scoop in the Group C opener, but Vinicius produced a moment of magic to ensure Brazil came away with a point.

Group C: Haiti 0-1 Scotland

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group C: Haiti 0-1 Scotland

Foxborough: A scrappy finish by John McGinn allowed Scotland to mark their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 win over outsiders Haiti on Saturday.

Aston Villa captain McGinn fired in with the aid of a deflection just before the half-hour mark at the Gillette Stadium just outside Boston, which was filled to its 64,000 capacity with a majority of Scottish fans.
 
They have travelled to the United States in large numbers to follow Scotland's first World Cup campaign since 1998, and were able to celebrate a rare victory at the tournament as they go top of Group C.

Raya relaxed despite Spain goalkeeper debate

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Raya relaxed despite Spain goalkeeper debate

Chattanooga: David Raya believes Spain "are in good hands" no matter who starts the FIFA World Cup 2026 in goal as he battles with Unai Simon and Joan Garcia to be Luis de la Fuente's number one.

Raya enjoyed an outstanding season at Arsenal, helping the Gunners to a first Premier League title in 22 years and reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Garcia also shone as Barcelona won La Liga, but they are reportedly set to miss out as Simon is expected to start.