R32: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

R32: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Houston: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion on Monday as Brazil struck late to seal a 2-1 win in their Round of 32 tie.

Kaishu Sano gave Japan the lead in the 29th minute with Casemiro heading home the equaliser in the 56th.

Brazil kept pushing and were rewarded with the winning goal through Gabriel Martinelli deep into added time as Japan's dream came to an end. The five-time champions will face either Cote d'Ivoire or Norway in in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

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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.

Argentina wary of 'very tough' Cabo Verde

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Argentina wary of 'very tough' Cabo Verde

Arlington: Argentina won't underestimate "very tough" Cabo Verde when the Lionel Messi-inspired holders face the FIFA World Cup 2026 surprise packages in the last 32.

The reigning champions will be massive favourites to win and win big when they play the tournament debutants on Friday in Miami.

Argentina captain Messi came on as a substitute and scored a free-kick as they beat already eliminated Jordan 3-1 in their Group J tie on Saturday in Texas. Lionel Scaloni's side finished the first stage with maximum points and looking formidable, albeit in one of the weaker groups also featuring Algeria and Austria.

Wissa proud to deliver joy to Congo DR

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Wissa proud to deliver joy to Congo DR

Atlanta: Yoane Wissa dedicated his goals that sent Congo DR into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time to those suffering back home from a humanitarian crisis caused by war.

Newcastle striker Wissa scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K to give the African side their first ever FIFA World Cup win and set up a meeting with England in the last 32.

Congo DR is also fighting an Ebola outbreak that has claimed more than 300 lives but backed by thousands from the Congolese diaspora in Atlanta, the Leopards roared back from a goal down on Saturday to make history.

Tuchel delighted to have Bellingham in 'sweet spot' for England

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Tuchel delighted to have Bellingham in 'sweet spot' for England

East Rutherford: England head coach Thomas Tuchel hailed Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid star scored one goal and made another in Saturday's 2-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 win over Panama, describing the number 10 as being "in a sweet spot".

Bellingham stabbed in just after the hour mark, breaking the deadlock in an awkward game in New Jersey.

It was his second goal of the tournament, and he then turned provider, crossing for Harry Kane to head home as England claimed the victory that saw them to advance to the last 32 as Group L winners.