Preview - Group F: Japan v Sweden

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group F: Japan v Sweden

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu has set his sights on another three points when his Japan team take on Sweden in their final Group F match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the Samurai Blue boss eyeing top spot in the standings ahead of the knockout rounds.

The Japanese handed Tunisia a 4-0 defeat on Saturday having started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands to sit in a strong position to claim pole position and a more favourable draw in the next phase of the competition.

Japan are level on points and goal difference with the Dutch but would need to defeat the Swedes at Dallas Stadium by more than Ronald Koeman's side win over the Tunisians if they are to have any hope of climbing to the summit.    

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Preview - Group D: Paraguay v Australia

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group D: Paraguay v Australia

Santa Clara:  Australia will have to hold their nerve to secure a place in the knockout stage when they face Paraguay in their decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D tie on Thursday.

Tony Popovic’s side head to the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium knowing that a place in the Round of 32 is within reach, with the Socceroos holding second place in the group on goal difference ahead of Paraguay.

With the United States already through after back-to-back victories, this contest is effectively a direct battle to decide who takes the second automatic spot from the group. 

The Asian Challenge: How it stands

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

The Asian Challenge: How it stands

Los Angeles: The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters the final round of group stage matches from Wednesday with some teams having already confirmed their knockout stage spots.

Several of Asia's challengers, however, have work to do if they are to advance and the-AFC.com takes a look at where the continent's nine representatives stand.

Sellami: Inexperience cost Jordan

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Sellami: Inexperience cost Jordan

Santa Clara: Jamal Sellami admitted inexperience was the major reason for Jordan's 2-1 defeat to Algeria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J tie on Monday.

The tournament debutants took the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan in the 36th minute but Algeria hit back in the second half through Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri, with the defeat consigning Jordan to an early exit.

Arnold confident Iraq can still progress

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Arnold confident Iraq can still progress

Philadelphia: Graham Arnold refused to accept that Iraq's dream was dashed despite their 3-0 defeat to France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

A second consecutive loss means Iraq's hopes are hanging by a thread in Group I, with even victory against Senegal on Friday may not be enough to take them into the Round of 32.

Golden Boot battle steals the show

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Golden Boot battle steals the show

Kansas City: Usually a subplot, the race for the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot is one of the main talking points at the 2026 tournament as the top marksmen set a blistering pace.

The overall record has already been broken by Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who now has 18 goals over six FIFA World Cups after adding five in two games in the United States.

But he is being chased hard by Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland - who have four goals apiece - with Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane also in the mix.