Ouahbi expects even more from Morocco

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

Ouahbi expects even more from Morocco

Houston: Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said "we're no longer a surprise" after reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals on Saturday and hit back at "bold" claims by Canada's Jesse Marsch.

The North African side were not at their best but were clinical in defeating Marsch's co-hosts 3-0 in Houston and will face France next.

Morocco made the semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup 2022 and won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and Ouahbi said: "We're no longer a surprise today and that's a great source of pride."

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182939

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Alfaro: Paraguay fought like lions

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

Alfaro: Paraguay fought like lions

Philadelphia: Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said his side had "fought like lions" in their 1-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 defeat at the hands of France on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe's 70th-minute spot-kick finally broke the deadlock in the last-16 tie and took France through to a quarter-final against Morocco, as Paraguay go home.

'Proud' Marsch says Canada better side in exit

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

'Proud' Marsch says Canada better side in exit

Houston: Jesse Marsch said his Canada side had been the better team and hopes this is just the start after the co-hosts bowed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the last 16 to Morocco on Saturday.

Canada were playing in the biggest match in their footballing history and were on top in the first half in Houston.

But in a niggly game, Morocco scored three times in the second period for a 3-0 win that was not an accurate reflection of the match.

Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Arlington: A nerveless Mohamed Salah said he decided only at the last moment to chip in his penalty under massive pressure to help Egypt into the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on Friday.

The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a "Panenka" as they beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in Texas.

Egypt, who won a FIFA World Cup knockout game for the first time, face Lionel Messi's Argentina next.

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Miami: Cabo Verde are an example for other small nations to follow, said defender Pico Lopes, after the islanders came close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history against Argentina on Friday.

Defending champions Argentina needed a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute to win a thrilling last-32 tie after strength-sapping extra-time in Miami.

A tiny archipelago of just over 500,000 people off the west coast of Africa, Cabo Verde held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws on their first ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Arlington: Tony Popovic defended his decision to ask defender Lucas Herrington to take one of his side’s penalties just two days before his 19th birthday in their 4-2 shoot-out loss against Egypt at Dallas Stadium on Friday as Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Herrington hit the crossbar with Australia’s fourth spot-kick to allow Hossam Abdelmaguid to roll in the winner following a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Popovic also choosing to replace goalkeeper Patrick Beach moments before the match went to penalties.

The decisions didn't work out but the tactician said Australia had much to savour after a campaign which had numerous positives.