USA's Freeman follows NFL father's footsteps

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

USA's Freeman follows NFL father's footsteps

Seattle: Alex Freeman said scoring a FIFA World Cup goal for the USA in Seattle where his father once scored two touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers was a "full circle family moment."

Emulating his NFL wide receiver dad, Freeman was the first to the ball when Sergino Dest's effort looped into the air, heading past Australia's 'keeper for the second goal in a 2-0 win.

Victory sent the US into the knockout rounds with right-back Freeman having played a vital role defensively across two matches so far.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179451

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3179453

Group D: United States 2-0 Australia

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Group D: United States 2-0 Australia

Seattle: Australia's FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage hopes suffered a setback after a 2-0 defeat to the United States in their Group D clash on Friday.

Victory meant the US advanced to the knockout rounds with a game to spare while Australia will have to defeat Paraguay on Thursday to be absolutely sure of continuing their journey.

Preview - Group F: Tunisia v Japan

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group F: Tunisia v Japan

Guadalupe: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu admitted to being wary of opposite number Herve Renard after the former Saudi Arabia tactician was appointed to lead Tunisia in the nations' Group F clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

Renard took over from Sabri Lamouchi after the Tunisians lost 5-1 in their group opener against Sweden on Sunday as the North African nation attempt to reignite their challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.

Uzbekistan earn Cannavaro's respect

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Uzbekistan earn Cannavaro's respect

Ciudad de Mexico: It may have ended in defeat but head coach Fabio Cannavaro praised his Uzbekistan players for their determination and focus in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K tie against Colombia on Wednesday.

The Central Asian side, making their debut on the global stage, could have been overcome by the occasion but instead made Colombia work hard for the win.

Spain's Yamal says 'too soon' to play full match

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Spain's Yamal says 'too soon' to play full match

Chattanooga: Spain star Lamine Yamal said on Friday it is "too soon" for him to play a full 90 minutes as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, ahead of the European champions' FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Saudi Arabia.

Luis de la Fuente's men were held to a surprise goalless draw by debutants Cabo Verde in their Group H opener and will be hoping to get up and running on Sunday when they face the Saudis.

On Monday, Barcelona winger Yamal made his first appearance since suffering the injury in mid-April, coming on as a 71st-minute substitute against Cabo Verde.

Kane: Tuchel team talk transformed 'nervy' England

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Kane: Tuchel team talk transformed 'nervy' England

Arlington: Captain Harry Kane credited Thomas Tuchel with delivering a half-time team talk that propelled England to a 4-2 win over Croatia to launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 title bid on Wednesday.

Kane scored twice in the first half of a chaotic encounter in Texas, one a retaken penalty, only for 2018 runners-up Croatia to fight back to go in 2-2 at the break.

England started the second half with a bang, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham galloping down the wing before pinging the ball into the bottom corner.

One of the favourites to win the tournament in North America, England conjured up numerous chances after that through Kane, Bellingham and Nico O'Reilly, before substitute Marcus Rashford wrapped up the three points.