Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Arlington: A nerveless Mohamed Salah said he decided only at the last moment to chip in his penalty under massive pressure to help Egypt into the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on Friday.

The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a "Panenka" as they beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in Texas.

Egypt, who won a FIFA World Cup knockout game for the first time, face Lionel Messi's Argentina next.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182785

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3182787

Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Arlington: Tony Popovic defended his decision to ask defender Lucas Herrington to take one of his side’s penalties just two days before his 19th birthday in their 4-2 shoot-out loss against Egypt at Dallas Stadium on Friday as Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Herrington hit the crossbar with Australia’s fourth spot-kick to allow Hossam Abdelmaguid to roll in the winner following a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Popovic also choosing to replace goalkeeper Patrick Beach moments before the match went to penalties.

The decisions didn't work out but the tactician said Australia had much to savour after a campaign which had numerous positives.

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Miami: Cabo Verde are an example for other small nations to follow, said defender Pico Lopes, after the islanders came close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history against Argentina on Friday.

Defending champions Argentina needed a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute to win a thrilling last-32 tie after strength-sapping extra-time in Miami.

A tiny archipelago of just over 500,000 people off the west coast of Africa, Cabo Verde held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws on their first ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

'Inspired millions': Modric praised as international career appears at end

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

'Inspired millions': Modric praised as international career appears at end

Toronto: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic and Portugal's Roberto Martinez paid tribute on Thursday to Luka Modric, who almost certainly played his last FIFA World Cup match.

After a gut-wrenching 2-1 loss to Portugal in Toronto, Croatia midfielder Modric, 40, shared a long exchange with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo - two football greats nearing the end of their international playing careers.

Preview - R16: Paraguay v France

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Paraguay v France

Philadelphia: Kylian Mbappe's France have been the outstanding team so far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will be expected to get the better of Paraguay on Saturday and extend their run to the quarter-finals.

Perhaps the only thing that can stop Mbappe and Les Bleus is the threat of extreme heat and possibly storms in Philadelphia.

It is a last-16 tie with a clear favourite, but a match-up with historic significance on the July 4 weekend in the birthplace of American independence.

After winning the trophy in 2018 and losing the 2022 final on penalties, France are hoping to become only the third team in FIFA World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals, after West Germany and Brazil.

Preview - R16: Canada v Morocco

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Canada v Morocco

Houston: Canada will have to be at their best to deny an impressive Morocco as the co-hosts look to extend their record-breaking run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Saturday's Round of 16 tie.

The 1-0 win against South Africa in the Round of 32 saw Jesse Marsch's Canada advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history and the American tactician will be keen to keep the positive run going.

Morocco, however, will have no fear after knocking out three-time runners-up Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32, with Mohamed Ouahbi confident his charges are capable of taking on any team.