Nagelsmann: Advancing to knockout stage not enough for Germany

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Nagelsmann: Advancing to knockout stage not enough for Germany

Toronto: Head coach Julian Nagelsmann was thrilled by Germany's comeback victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday, but stopped short of celebrating his side advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014.

Germany failed to get out of the group stage both at Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar.

Saturday's dramatic win, secured in added time with a second goal from substitute Deniz Undav, guarantees the Germans will advance and snaps a streak of bitter FIFA World Cup disappointment for the four-time winners.

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Group G: Belgium 0-0 IR Iran

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Group G: Belgium 0-0 IR Iran

Inglewood: Belgium were held to a goalless draw by Islamic Republic of Iran in an absorbing encounter on Sunday that saw the European side reduced to 10 men and facing the possibility of group-stage elimination for a second straight FIFA World Cup.

A star-studded though ageing lineup including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku was - if anything -fortunate to leave Los Angeles with a point, controlling possession yet ceding the game's best chances to a resolute Iran team.

Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 suffered a setback after they fell to a 4-0 defeat against former champions Spain on Sunday.

The loss means Saudi Arabia must beat Cabo Verde in their final Group H match to stand a chance of progressing to the Round of 32.

Lamine Yamal kickstarted Spain's campaign as he returned to the starting line-up to open the scoring after just 10 minutes, before a Mikel Oyarzabal brace and a Hassan Al Tambakti own goal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side took a big step towards the last 32 following a shock goalless stalemate in their opening group match against Cabo Verde.

Preview - Group I: France v Iraq

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group I: France v Iraq

Philadelphia: Head coach Graham Arnold has promised that his Iraq team will try to take the game to tournament favourites France when the sides clash in Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Iraq opened their campaign with a 4-1 defeat to Erling Haaland-led Norway, a result that left the Lions of Mesopotamia bottom of the group and under pressure to respond.

Now they must find a way of handling France's superstar attack, led by skipper Kylian Mbappe who scored twice as Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1 in their first match.

Preview - Group J: Jordan v Algeria

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group J: Jordan v Algeria

Santa Clara: Jordan will be fighting to keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 dreams alive when they face Algeria in Group J at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Monday.

Jordan were beaten 3-1 by Austria in their opening fixture, while Algeria also conceded three goals to Argentina, making this a match neither can afford to lose.

Victory would revive qualification hopes, but defeat would leave either side in serious danger of an early exit before the final round of group matches.

Timeless Messi eyes record as Argentina face Austria

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Timeless Messi eyes record as Argentina face Austria

Dallas: The Lionel Messi show rolls into Dallas with the Argentine maestro on the cusp of more footballing history when the FIFA World Cup holders face Austria on Monday.

Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria to pull level with Miroslav Klose's all-time FIFA World Cup record of 16 goals.