Preview - R32: South Africa v Canada

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Preview - R32: South Africa v Canada

Los Angeles: Canada head coach Jesse Marsch is banking on the "X-factor" of returning superstar Alphonso Davies to elevate his team as they face South Africa in both sides' first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout tie in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Bayern Munich defender Davies has not yet featured in the tournament due to a hamstring injury, watching on as his teammates finished second in Group B to progress to the last 32 - but lose their homefield advantage as co-hosts.

While Marsch previously hinted Davies could play in last Wednesday's game against Switzerland and later admitted it had been a decoy, he insisted that this time the country's highest-profile footballer is truly "available."

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Japan's progress paying off, says Troussier

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Japan's progress paying off, says Troussier

Tokyo: Japan believe they can shock Brazil in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 meeting, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a fitting reward for their progress as a football nation.

Frenchman Troussier led Japan when they co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Korea Republic in 2002 and took them to the last 16 in only their second tournament appearance.

Japan have not missed a FIFA World Cup since, and they have openly talked about winning this year's competition in North America, where they face Brazil in Houston on Monday.

Not even a showdown with the five-time champions can shake Japan's current confidence, and Troussier believes it is fully justified.

Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Santa Clara: Head coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do "something special" after reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for only the third time in their history.

The Socceroos played out a 0-0 draw on Thursday with Paraguay in Santa Clara in a stalemate that suited both teams.

Australia, who stunned Turkey in their opening match before losing to co-hosts the United States, qualified for the last 32 as runners-up in Group D.

Next they play at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys on July 3 against the side that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Belgium and New Zealand.

Better to qualify this way, says Ecuador hero Plata

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Better to qualify this way, says Ecuador hero Plata

East Rutherford: Ecuador's FIFA World Cup 2026 hero Gonzalo Plata said qualifying for the last 32 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday made the achievement even sweeter.

Plata bagged the winning goal in the 77th minute in New Jersey as Ecuador snatched a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed sides.

However, they did it the hard way after taking just one point from their opening two Group E games, including a frustrating 0-0 draw against rank outsiders Curacao.

Potter realistic about Sweden's chances

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Potter realistic about Sweden's chances

Arlington: Graham Potter said his Sweden team will be underdogs no matter who they face after sneaking into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage on Thursday.

Sweden grabbed a place in the last 32 following a 1-1 draw with Japan in Group F to advance as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1, then lost to the Netherlands by the same scoreline, before giving Japan a fright at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Bielsa accepts blame for exit, but says Uruguay deserved more

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Bielsa accepts blame for exit, but says Uruguay deserved more

Guadalajara: Marcelo Bielsa said Uruguay deserved more from all three of their FIFA World Cup 2026bgames, but accepted the critics that will come his way after the two-time winners crashed out in the group stage.

Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's mistake condemned Bielsa's side to an early exit in a 1-0 defeat to Spain on Friday after disappointing draws against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia.