Pulisic fitness boost as US seek knockout momentum against Turkey

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Pulisic fitness boost as US seek knockout momentum against Turkey

Irvine: Christian Pulisic said on Wednesday he has recovered from his calf injury and the United States are eager for a third straight FIFA World Cup 2026 win against Turkey to take momentum into the knockout rounds.

The co-hosts have topped Group D with a game to spare, and their opposition in Los Angeles on Thursday has already been eliminated, making the game essentially a dead rubber.

But Pulisic, the United States' talisman forward, said that another group stage victory in front of boisterous home support would benefit the team heading into their last-32 match in Santa Clara, California against unknown opponents next Wednesday.

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Preview - Group D: Paraguay v Australia

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group D: Paraguay v Australia

Santa Clara:  Australia will have to hold their nerve to secure a place in the knockout stage when they face Paraguay in their decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D tie on Thursday.

Tony Popovic’s side head to the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium knowing that a place in the Round of 32 is within reach, with the Socceroos holding second place in the group on goal difference ahead of Paraguay.

With the United States already through after back-to-back victories, this contest is effectively a direct battle to decide who takes the second automatic spot from the group. 

Preview - Group F: Japan v Sweden

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group F: Japan v Sweden

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu has set his sights on another three points when his Japan team take on Sweden in their final Group F match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the Samurai Blue boss eyeing top spot in the standings ahead of the knockout rounds.

The Japanese handed Tunisia a 4-0 defeat on Saturday having started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands to sit in a strong position to claim pole position and a more favourable draw in the next phase of the competition.

Japan are level on points and goal difference with the Dutch but would need to defeat the Swedes at Dallas Stadium by more than Ronald Koeman's side win over the Tunisians if they are to have any hope of climbing to the summit.    

Sellami: Inexperience cost Jordan

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Sellami: Inexperience cost Jordan

Santa Clara: Jamal Sellami admitted inexperience was the major reason for Jordan's 2-1 defeat to Algeria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J tie on Monday.

The tournament debutants took the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan in the 36th minute but Algeria hit back in the second half through Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri, with the defeat consigning Jordan to an early exit.

Arnold confident Iraq can still progress

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Arnold confident Iraq can still progress

Philadelphia: Graham Arnold refused to accept that Iraq's dream was dashed despite their 3-0 defeat to France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

A second consecutive loss means Iraq's hopes are hanging by a thread in Group I, with even victory against Senegal on Friday may not be enough to take them into the Round of 32.

Tuchel insists England remain on course despite Ghana draw

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Tuchel insists England remain on course despite Ghana draw

Foxborough: England head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted his team had lacked a cutting edge in a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday but insisted there were plenty of positive signs going forward in their quest to win the FIFA World Cup.

England had 79 percent of the possession but could not break down a determined Ghanaian defence in the Group L contest.

They also lacked the cutting edge which made the difference in their opening 4-2 win against Croatia in Dallas, having 19 attempts on goal but managing only three on target.