Preview - R32: Brazil v Japan

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Preview - R32: Brazil v Japan

Houston: Japan will be determined to extend their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they face five-time champions Brazil in their Round of 32 tie at Houston Stadium on Monday.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side advanced from Group F with an unbeaten record, finishing second after a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia and a 1-1 stalemate with Sweden to set up a thrilling knockout-stage meeting with the South Americans.

The Samurai Blue - seeking to advance beyond the Round of 16 for the first time - will head into the tie with confidence, having defeated Brazil when the sides met in a friendly last October. It was Japan’s first win in 14 meetings with the giants. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3181277

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3181479

Preview - R32: Netherlands v Morocco

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Preview - R32: Netherlands v Morocco

Guadalupe: It will be a meeting between two impressive sides when the Netherlands and Morocco square off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

The two enjoyed smooth passage into the Round of 32 and will be equally confident of advancing further in their bid to lift the coveted trophy for the first time.
 
Three-time runners-up Netherlands topped Group F, opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan before cruising to wins against Sweden (5-1) and Tunisia (3-1).

Preview - R32: Germany v Paraguay

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Preview - R32: Germany v Paraguay

Foxborough: Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro told his players to grasp the opportunity of a lifetime as they aim to knock out Germany in a seismic FIFA World Cup 2026 shock on Monday.

The South Americans bounced back from losing 4-1 to co-hosts the United States in their opening game to progress beyond the group stages at a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2002 as one of the best third-placed sides.

Four-time winners Germany won Group E but were beaten by Ecuador in their last outing and were also far from convincing in securing a late win over the Ivory Coast.

Sellami: Jordan will put lessons learnt to good use

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Sellami: Jordan will put lessons learnt to good use

Arlington: Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami believes his players will benefit from their experience at the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup after a 3-1 loss to defending champions Argentina saw the West Asian side bow out of the competition without a point in Group J.

Mousa Al Tamari came off the bench to score for the Jordanians 10 minutes into the second half, the France-based striker halving Argentina’s lead after Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had given Lionel Scaloni’s side a two-goal half-time lead.

 

Lionel Messi then scored with an 80th minute free-kick to take the three-times winners into the next round while the Jordanians made their way to the exit door after losses against Argentina, Austria and Algeria.

Cannavaro calls for continued investment in Uzbekistan football

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Cannavaro calls for continued investment in Uzbekistan football

Atlanta: Fabio Cannavaro urged Uzbekistan to continue investing in football after their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey came to an end on Saturday.

A 3-1 defeat to Congo DR followed earlier losses against Colombia and Portugal as the tournament debutants learnt some harsh lessons on the global stage.

Hong, Korea Republic part ways

Mon, 29 Jun, 2026

Hong, Korea Republic part ways

Guadalajara: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday, a day after his side's group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 57-year-old former captain, in his second stint as coach, oversaw an early FIFA World Cup departure for the second time to go with the failure in 2014.