Scotland remain bullish despite Morocco setback

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Scotland remain bullish despite Morocco setback

Foxborough: Scotland players led by star John McGinn retained the belief that they can secure a historic qualification for the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite going down 1-0 to Morocco in their second match on Friday.

A brilliant second-minute strike by Ismael Saibari settled the Group C game in Morocco's favour, leaving the Atlas Lions on four points and Scotland on three with one match still to play.

Steve Clarke's team beat Haiti 1-0 at the same stadium in their first outing, but now face needing to get something against Brazil on Wednesday to be sure of a place in the last 32.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179599

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179601

Preview - Group G: Belgium v IR Iran

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group G: Belgium v IR Iran

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei will look to eradicate the defensive mistakes that cost his side in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand when they take on Belgium in their second Group G clash in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Central Asian side were twice forced to come from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with New Zealand and Ghalenoei is determined to ensure there is no repeat of the issues in Los Angeles last Monday.

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia

Atlanta: Saudi Arabia will be aiming to build on their encouraging start when they face Spain in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H tie at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday.

Georgios Donis’ side opened their campaign with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Uruguay, a result that showed their discipline, resilience and ability to stay in the contest against high-quality opposition.

Spain, meanwhile, were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession but lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a disciplined defensive block, something Saudi Arabia will be looking to exploit.

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Zapopan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo urged his Korea Republic players to forget about a missed opportunity but instead focus on advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

A 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Thursday meant the co-hosts confirmed not only the Group A top spot but also became the first side to confirm their Round of 32 spot while Korea Republic will have to beat South Africa to be absolutely sure of advancing.

Lopetegui focused on getting Qatar ready for Bosnia

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui focused on getting Qatar ready for Bosnia

Vancouver: Head coach Julen Lopetegui said his focus is on the recovery of his Qatar players following their 6-0 defeat to Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B tie on Thursday.

Having seen his side create history by claiming their first ever FIFA World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland just days earlier, it all unravelled in Vancouver.

Not only were Qatar reduced to nine men, Canada's Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg following a tackle from Assim Madibo, which led to the latter being sent off.

Switzerland's Manzambi realises childhood dream

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Switzerland's Manzambi realises childhood dream

Los Angeles: Swiss wunderkind Johan Manzambi on Thursday described coming off the bench at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to score twice in a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina as a "childhood dream come true."

"Honestly, it's incredible - it's the first brace of my entire career," a gleeful Manzambi said after the game, which ended in a flurry of Switzerland goals.

"And to do it at the World Cup, especially after we didn't get off to the best start? Honestly it's a childhood dream come true," he said, switching between French and German languages.