Preview - R32: Colombia v Ghana

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Colombia v Ghana

Kansas City: Colombia will start as favourites when they meet Ghana in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday.

The South American side topped Group K ahead of Portugal while Ghana advanced after finishing third in Group L behind England and Croatia.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182194

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182392

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182394

Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Arlington: Australia will be out to create history when they face Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday, with the Socceroos' Asia’s final challengers in the competition.

Tony Popovic’s side advanced from Group D as the runners-up, while Egypt finished second in Group G after breaking new ground by registering their first-ever FIFA World Cup win in the group stage.

Australia have never won a FIFA World Cup knockout stage tie and will be determined to do so against Egypt..

Preview - R32: Argentina v Cabo Verde

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Argentina v Cabo Verde

Miami Gardens: Cabo Verde have defied expectations but the African side will face the toughest possible challenge they could have imagined when they meet Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday.

Defending champions Argentina have continued from where they left off four years ago, cruising into the knockout stage with three wins to top Group I while debutants Cabo Verde booked their spot with three draws, one of which was against Spain.

Belgium coach salutes Tielemans after rescue act

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Belgium coach salutes Tielemans after rescue act

Seattle: Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia hailed captain Youri Tielemans after the midfielder's last-gasp penalty completed an astonishing 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 32 on Wednesday.

Senegal looked set for a place in the next round as they led by two goals with five minutes remaining, but Belgium produced a dramatic fightback through strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans to force extra time in Seattle.

Tielemans then held his nerve to convert a penalty in the 125th minute and send Belgium into the last 16.

The Aston Villa player faced a lengthy delay before taking the kick as Senegal players surrounded the spot, but he calmly dispatched his effort to cap an improbable turnaround.

Tuchel: England never stopped believing

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Tuchel: England never stopped believing

Atlanta: England head coach Thomas Tuchel said his team had never stopped "believing" after making a terrible start in their come-from-behind FIFA World Cup 2026 win against Congo DR on Wednesday.

Brian Cipenga had fired the Congolese into a shock lead after seven minutes in Atlanta, but Harry Kane scored twice in the second half of a nervy contest to send England into a last-16 meeting with tournament co-hosts Mexico.

Majestic Olise raises France to another level

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Majestic Olise raises France to another level

East Rutherford: That France are more than living up to their status as favourites at the FIFA World Cup 2026 may be down to the goals of captain Kylian Mbappe, but also in a large part to the creative genius of Michael Olise.

There is a sense that, after years of prioritising pragmatism over flair, head coach Didier Deschamps has decided to hand the keys to his brilliant attacking players as he aims to end his long reign with another FIFA World Cup triumph.

That may yet change when it comes to the latter stages and the quality of the opposition increases, but France have been irresistible so far with Olise helping raise them to another level.