R32: Mexico 2-0 Ecuador

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

R32: Mexico 2-0 Ecuador

Ciudad de Mexico: Mexico turned on the style at their iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, brushing Ecuador aside 2-0 to break their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout curse dating back 40 years.

The round-of-32 match was delayed for an hour due to stormy weather and when it started the co-hosts flew out of the blocks, mounting wave after wave of attacks.
 
In a supercharged atmosphere, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a thunderous strike and then turned provider for Raul Jimenez.
 
Tuesday's win means they are now unbeaten in 10 FIFA World Cup games at the Azteca and will fancy their chances against England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.

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Paraguay coach salutes extraordinary win over Germany

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Paraguay coach salutes extraordinary win over Germany

Foxborough: Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing an "extraordinary" performance after beating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on Monday. 

Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would eventually scrape through in extra time.

However, Jonathan Tah had a goal chalked off and Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, after a 1-1 draw.

Ancelotti never doubted 'suffering' Brazil would score

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

Ancelotti never doubted 'suffering' Brazil would score

Houston: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said he knew his "suffering" side would eventually score and praised their patience in reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Japan on Monday.

Substitute Gabriel Martinelli pounced in the 95th minute in Houston for the five-time champions and sent Japan home.

Japan led 1-0 at the break after some sloppy Brazil play but the South Americans dominated the second half with goals from veteran Casemiro and Arsenal winger Martinelli at the death and will play Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

R32: France 3-0 Sweden

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

R32: France 3-0 Sweden

East Rutherford: Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Michael Olise was in scintillating form as France beat Sweden 3-0 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday and set up a last-16 clash with Paraguay.

Mbappe finished a superb move to break the deadlock just before half-time in the last-32 tie watched by 80,663 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, after France had already hit the woodwork twice - once through Mbappe and once through Olise.

The French were on top throughout against a limited Swedish side, utterly dominating in terms of possession and shots on goal. Olise set up Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola for the second on 53 minutes, and then delivered a delightful pass for Mbappe to complete a convincing victory.

R32: Cote d’Ivoire 1-2 Norway

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026

R32: Cote d’Ivoire 1-2 Norway

Arlington: Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway set up a last-16 showdown with Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after taming the Ivory Coast 2-1 in Texas on Tuesday.

The Manchester City striker prodded in from close range, the ball dribbling in on 86 minutes for his fifth goal of the tournament. It was the first time that Norway had won a knockout game in the history of the competition.

After an even first half that was slow to get going, Antonio Nusa fired Norway into the lead six minutes before the break with one of the goals of the tournament. Manchester United's Amad Diallo was sent on for the Ivory Coast after an hour and was immediately in the thick of it, stopping a certain second Norway goal and then grabbing a terrific equaliser on 74 minutes.

With extra time looming, predator supreme Haaland got on the end of a cross by Patrick Berg to make some Norwegian history.

Preview - R32: USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Preview - R32: USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Santa Clara: The pressure on the United States will be immense when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Wednesday.

Expectations are high that the USA will easily see off the challenge of Bosnia - who will be appearing in the knockout stage for the first time.