New Portugal coach Jesus 'will call up' Ronaldo if available

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

New Portugal coach Jesus 'will call up' Ronaldo if available

Oeiras: Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national team head coach on Friday and he said he would continue to call on veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo if he is available, insisting the forward will "never" be a problem.

The 41-year-old striker was criticised for his FIFA World Cup 2026 performances under predecessor Roberto Martinez as Portugal were eliminated in the last 16 by Spain.

Ronaldo, who said he has appeared at his last FIFA World Cup, has not decided whether he will continue to play for the national team.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183767

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183769

Preview - Q-final: Argentina v Switzerland

Fri, 10 Jul, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Argentina v Switzerland

Kansas City: Lionel Messi has scored in every FIFA World Cup 2026 match so far, but after two gruelling knockout ties, will age finally catch up with the 39-year-old in the quarter-final against Switzerland?

Lionel Scaloni's team sailed through the group stage but have been pushed to the limit by Cabo Verde and Egypt.

They needed extra time to squeeze past the FIFA World Cup newcomers in the last 32 before winning 3-2 and then came back from the dead against Mohamed Salah's team.

The defending champions have won all five of their games, with Messi's brilliance and their unshakeable team spirit central to their progress.

Preview - Q-final: Norway v England

Fri, 10 Jul, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Norway v England

Miami Gardens: England's quest to end 60 years of FIFA World Cup pain comes up against Norway's scoring machine Erling Haaland in a Miami showdown for a place in the semi-finals on Saturday.

After overcoming high altitude and a fervent home crowd in Mexico City to progress to the last eight in an all-time FIFA World Cup classic, an England side boasting the in-form Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are favourites to reach the semis in south Florida.

However, the Three Lions' defensive deficiencies will be severely tested by Haaland, who put Brazil to the sword in the last 16 and has seven goals in his first four FIFA World Cup appearances.

Haaland, who was born in England and plays his club football for Manchester City, insisted there was no pressure on his side.

Xhaka tells Swiss fans to 'keep dreaming'

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Xhaka tells Swiss fans to 'keep dreaming'

Kansas City: Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka told fans to "keep dreaming" as he prepares to lead his team against Lionel Messi's Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Sunderland midfielder said Switzerland's "overarching aim" was to beat the defending champions and reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Solbakken expects Haaland, Kane to be decisive factors

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Solbakken expects Haaland, Kane to be decisive factors

Miami: Norway head coach Stale Solbakken said the showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will go a long way in deciding his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against England on Saturday.

Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament after taking his FIFA World Cup tally to 14 as he has helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final.

Vinicius apologises to Brazilians

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Vinicius apologises to Brazilians

Sao Paulo: Vinicius Junior apologised to Brazilian fans on Friday for the "enormous frustration" caused by their FIFA World Cup 2026 elimination by Norway and promised to "fight" to restore the might of the Selecao.

The five-time world champions were knocked out by upstarts Norway in a shock 2-1 Round of 16 rout.