R32: Spain 3-0 Austria

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

R32: Spain 3-0 Austria

Inglewood: Spain coasted past Austria and into the FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 on Thursday, thoroughly outclassing their opponents in a 3-0 knockout win with a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header.

The European champions controlled possession and sliced through the Austrian defence in a typically dominant performance in Los Angeles, as Hollywood stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and singer Rosalia cheered on.

The win - which could have been by a greater margin, with a disallowed goal and a free-kick off the woodwork - sets up a tantalising Round of 16 clash with Portugal.

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R32: Portugal 2-1 Croatia

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

R32: Portugal 2-1 Croatia

Toronto: Goncalo Ramos scored an injury-time winner as Portugal battled into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday with a drama-filled 2-1 victory over Croatia.

Ramos connected with a superb pass from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time to snuff out a Croatia team which had created the lion's share of the chances in sapping evening heat in Toronto.

In a dramatic ending, Croatia thought they had equalised in the dying seconds but Josko Gvardiol's goal was chalked off for offside.

The Croatians were left stunned by the decision, while Portugal's players celebrated.

Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Arlington: Australia head coach Tony Popovic is confident his young players can deliver a first-ever win in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup when the Socceroos face off against Egypt in the last 32 in Dallas on Friday.

The Australians have advanced through the group phase for only the third time and are looking to go one step further than in 2006, when they lost to Italy, and in Qatar in 2022 when they were defeated by Argentina.

Preview - R32: Colombia v Ghana

Sat, 04 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.

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.

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.