Preview - R16: Paraguay v France

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Paraguay v France

Philadelphia: Kylian Mbappe's France have been the outstanding team so far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will be expected to get the better of Paraguay on Saturday and extend their run to the quarter-finals.

Perhaps the only thing that can stop Mbappe and Les Bleus is the threat of extreme heat and possibly storms in Philadelphia.

It is a last-16 tie with a clear favourite, but a match-up with historic significance on the July 4 weekend in the birthplace of American independence.

After winning the trophy in 2018 and losing the 2022 final on penalties, France are hoping to become only the third team in FIFA World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals, after West Germany and Brazil.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182609

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182611

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182613

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182615

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182617

Preview - R16: Canada v Morocco

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Canada v Morocco

Houston: Canada will have to be at their best to deny an impressive Morocco as the co-hosts look to extend their record-breaking run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Saturday's Round of 16 tie.

The 1-0 win against South Africa in the Round of 32 saw Jesse Marsch's Canada advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history and the American tactician will be keen to keep the positive run going.

Morocco, however, will have no fear after knocking out three-time runners-up Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32, with Mohamed Ouahbi confident his charges are capable of taking on any team.

'I was just missing a goal,' says Spain's Yamal

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

'I was just missing a goal,' says Spain's Yamal

Los Angeles: Spain star Lamine Yamal said Thursday he was delighted with his team's performance in their 3-0 win in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 32 against Austria - but admitted he would have liked to score.

"I was just missing a goal or an assist," said the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation, who was named man of the match.

"But as long as we win and advance to the next round, that's what matters," he told journalists in Los Angeles.

Endrick says versatility could help Brazil against Norway

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Endrick says versatility could help Brazil against Norway

Basking Ridge: Brazil forward Endrick highlighted his versatility on Thursday as a potential asset against Norway should Carlo Ancelotti turn to him in their FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 encounter.

The Real Madrid attacker is one of the leading candidates to replace the injured Lucas Paqueta, who had started alongside Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield before suffering a hamstring injury.

Including Endrick in the line-up on Sunday would likely require a change to the three-man midfield system Brazil have used throughout the tournament, although Ancelotti has indicated he is open to change.

Can anyone stop France?

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Can anyone stop France?

New York: The first 48-team FIFA World Cup will soon be whittled down to the last 16, and already it looks like a question of whether anybody can stop a flying France side.

Les Bleus have lived up to their favourites tag so far on their run to the last 16.

Four games played, four wins, 13 goals scored - that is their record so far, after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Sweden in the last 32 on Tuesday in New Jersey, and ahead of Saturday's last-16 clash with Paraguay in Philadelphia.

Harry Kane: England's saviour

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Harry Kane: England's saviour

Kansas City: Harry Kane is England's talisman, record goalscorer and often their saviour. Is he also their only hope at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The captain came up with the goods yet again against Congo DR in Atlanta on Wednesday, scoring twice in 11 minutes as Thomas Tuchel's men recovered from a shocking start to win 2-1.

The Bayern Munich star headed a superb equaliser from Anthony Gordon's cross in the 75th minute and thumped home the winner with four minutes remaining.