Naive Germany frustrate Nagelsmann

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Naive Germany frustrate Nagelsmann

East Rutherford: Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said his side, who had already qualified for the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, had committed "tactical suicide" after Ecuador came from behind to beat the Germans 2-1 on Thursday.

Leroy Sane gave Group E winners Germany a perfect start by netting after two minutes but Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later.

With Ecuador chasing a place in the knockout round, they were the hungrier side and Gonzalo Plata scored a priceless winner on 77 minutes in New Jersey that put them in third place, which was enough for a place in the next phase.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3180906

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Preview - Group J: Jordan v Argentina

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group J: Jordan v Argentina

Arlington: Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami is confident his players have overcome their disappointment of the 2-1 defeat to Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will go into their final Group J clash with defending champions Argentina in Dallas on Saturday in a positive frame of mind.

The loss to the North African side, which came after Nizar Al Rashdan had given the Jordanians a first-half lead, means Sellami's side have no chance of progressing to the knockout rounds in the country's debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Preview - Group K: Congo DR v Uzbekistan

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Congo DR v Uzbekistan

Atlanta: Uzbekistan will be playing to stay in contention when they face Congo DR in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K tie on Friday.

Fabio Cannavaro’s side know victory isn't likely to be enough to seal qualification to the next stage but it will allow Uzbekistan to make a statement in their global stage debut.

Hong takes blame as Korea Republic's hopes fade

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Hong takes blame as Korea Republic's hopes fade

Monterrey: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo took the blame for his team's 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Wednesday that left their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes hanging by a thread.

Hong left superstar Son Heung-min out of his starting line-up for his side's final group match in Monterrey.

After a bright start for the East Asian side, South Africa were the better team, showing greater invention and a sharper cutting edge. Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike proved the difference between the two teams.

Lopetegui looks at positives as Qatar bid farewell

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui looks at positives as Qatar bid farewell

Seattle: Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey may have ended on Wednesday but head coach Julen Lopetegui said it was a campaign that the West Asian side can learn and build on.

A 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina meant Qatar fell short of staying in contention for a place in the Round of 32 but will depart having earned their first ever point on the global stage.

Ancelotti hails Vinicius as Brazil march on

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Ancelotti hails Vinicius as Brazil march on

Miami: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed Vinicius Junior as "one of the best players in the world" after the Real Madrid forward continued his excellent FIFA World Cup 2026 form with a brace in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Scotland.

Vinicius scored twice in the first half in Miami, including a header, to set Brazil on their way to a victory which allowed them to progress to the last 32 as winners of Group C.