Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu admitted he had mixed feelings following Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F tie on Sunday.

While pleased with the resolve shown by his players to salvage a point after twice going behind, the Japanese tactician the target going into the tie was achieving victory.

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Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

Striker Elijah Just scored both New Zealand goals but the Oceania side were denied their first FIFA World Cup win by strikes from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia displayed immense defensive resilience to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced an outstanding performance as three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Saudi Arabia absorbed intense pressure in the second half to deny the South American side full points and leave the group wide open following Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde in their match.

Defender Abdulelah al-Amri gave the Saudis a surprise lead near the end of the first half only for Uruguay's second-half pressure to pay off with 10 minutes left through Maxi Araujo.

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Vancouver: Head coach Tony Popovic is confident Australia are capable of much more after the impressive 2-0 win against Türkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday.

While goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealed the win, Popovic's decision to opt for rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in place of Maty Ryan Jackson Irvine respectively proved to be a masterstroke, with both delivering on the grandest of stages.

Lopetegui: Qatar have earned the right to dream

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui: Qatar have earned the right to dream

Santa Clara: Julen Lopetegui has urged his players to keep believing after Qatar secured a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B opener on Saturday.

Boualem Khoukhi's late equaliser sealed Qatar their first ever FIFA World Cup point, with their debut as hosts four years ago ending in three defeats.

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Guadalupe: Head coach Graham Potter was lavish in his praise of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres after the duo produced sparkling performances in Sweden's 5-1 win against Tunisia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Liverpool's Isak and Arsenal's Gyokeres led from the front, netting a goal each and being a constant threat, with Yasin Ayari scoring a brace and Mattias Svanberg adding one as Sweden surged to the top of Group F ahead of Japan and the Netherlands.