Raya relaxed despite Spain goalkeeper debate

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Raya relaxed despite Spain goalkeeper debate

Chattanooga: David Raya believes Spain "are in good hands" no matter who starts the FIFA World Cup 2026 in goal as he battles with Unai Simon and Joan Garcia to be Luis de la Fuente's number one.

Raya enjoyed an outstanding season at Arsenal, helping the Gunners to a first Premier League title in 22 years and reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Garcia also shone as Barcelona won La Liga, but they are reportedly set to miss out as Simon is expected to start.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178008

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Group B: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Group B: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Santa Clara: Qatar earned the first FIFA World Cup point in their history when they stunned Switzerland with a late equaliser to grab a 1-1 draw in both sides' opener on Saturday.

A Breel Embolo penalty had broken the deadlock for Switzerland early in the first half in Santa Clara, before the Swiss were made to pay by a Miro Muheim own goal.

Group C: Brazil 1-1 Morocco

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group C: Brazil 1-1 Morocco

East Rutherford: Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant equaliser for Brazil in a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday as the five-time FIFA World Cup winners made an uncertain start to the tournament in New Jersey.

Ismael Saibari ran through to give Morocco a 21st-minute lead with a clever scoop in the Group C opener, but Vinicius produced a moment of magic to ensure Brazil came away with a point.

Preview - Group F: Netherlands v Japan

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group F: Netherlands v Japan

Arlington: Ko Itakura will lead Japan into their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands in Group F on Sunday after the Ajax Amsterdam defender was handed the captain's armband by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Itakura takes over from Wataru Endo following the Liverpool midfielder's withdrawal from the squad and his subsequent retirement from international football having failed to fully recover from a foot injury.

Neuer to start for Germany

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Neuer to start for Germany

Houston: Manuel Neuer will start in goal for Germany against Curacao in his fifth FIFA World Cup, head coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Saturday.

"All the players are fit and Manu will start," Nagelsmann said at his pre-match press conference.

Hong: Intensive preparations paid off for Korea Republic

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Hong: Intensive preparations paid off for Korea Republic

Zapopan: Hong Myung-bo attributed Korea Republic's high altitude training for the thrilling 2-1 win against Czechia in their opening FIFA World Cup Group A tie on Thursday.

The East Asian side fought back after going behind with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu securing their first opening match win on the global stage since 2010.