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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179571

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179573

Preview - Group I: France v Iraq

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group I: France v Iraq

Philadelphia: Iraq face a must-succeed test against France in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I tie at Philadelphia Stadium on Monday as they look to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

Graham Arnold’s side opened their campaign with a 4-1 defeat to Norway, a result that left the Lions of Mesopotamia bottom of the group and under pressure to respond.

The scoreline was heavy, but Iraq did show moments of promise, particularly when Aymen Hussein cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener to briefly bring them level. 

Injuries not stopping France's Saliba

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Injuries not stopping France's Saliba

Waltham: France centre-half William Saliba said on Saturday he has been "gritting his teeth" and playing through the pain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering from a back problem for the past few months.

The defender was a key figure in helping his club Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, but told reporters that he is not operating at "100 percent" in North America as he bids to help France win a third FIFA World Cup.

Group F: Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Group F: Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Guadalupe: Japan marked the 1,000th game in the history of the FIFA World Cup with a 4-0 defeat of Tunisia on Saturday to close in on a place in the last 32.

Ayase Ueda scored twice while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito were also on target as Japan - who registered the biggest win ever on the global stage by an Asian side - joined the Netherlands on four points at the top of Group F.

Tunisia, who were beaten 5-1 by Sweden in their first game of the tournament, can no longer hope for a place in the knockout rounds.

Potter says 'harsh' defeat will make Sweden better

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Potter says 'harsh' defeat will make Sweden better

Houston: Head coach Graham Potter said his Sweden team will learn and be better for their 5-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 defeat by a rampant Netherlands on Saturday.

The Swedes beat Tunisia by the same scoreline to launch their campaign but came crashing back down to Earth in Houston.

Potter's men, who would have reached the last 32 with a win, were 4-0 down after two goals each from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo. Anthony Elanga pulled one back before Crysencio Summerville put the seal on a five-star display for Ronald Koeman's side.

Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Seattle: Head coach Tony Popovic admitted Australia were below par in their 2-0 defeat to the United States in their FIFA World Cup 2026 tie on Friday.

While the win confirmed the US' spot in the knockout stage, defeat left Australia with work to do against Paraguay in their concluding Group D tie on Thursday.