Valiant Jordan make Sellami proud

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Valiant Jordan make Sellami proud

Santa Clara: Head coach Jamal Sellami said there was no shame in defeat for Jordan in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Austria on Tuesday.

The tactician said the 3-1 scoreline didn't do justice to the effort his players had put in, with Jordan making their FIFA World Cup debut at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3178896

Iraq's Arnold remains confident despite Norway setback

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Iraq's Arnold remains confident despite Norway setback

Foxborough: Head coach Graham Arnold is confident Iraq can reignite their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after falling to a 4-1 defeat to Norway on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein's equaliser gave rise to hope that Iraq would be able to take something from the Group I tie but Erling Haaland's brace, Leo Ostigard's header and an own goal by Hussein sealed the points for Norway.

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Relieved Donis applauds Saudi Arabia's defensive resilience

Miami: Georgios Donis paid tribute to goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais and his defenders after Saudi Arabia battled to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H opener on Monday.

The South American side dominated possession with 10 of their 27 shots on target to Saudi Arabia's three but inspired goalkeeping from Al Owais and resolute defending limited the two-time world champions to just one goal at the Miami Stadium.

Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Zapopan: Korea Republic will face Mexico in Group A on Thursday knowing victory will seal their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

The East Asian side showed immense grit to come from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening match but will have to tread with caution against co-hosts Mexico, who impressed in their 2-0 win against South Africa.

Preview - Group B: Canada v Qatar

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group B: Canada v Qatar

Vancouver: Qatar will look to build on their opening day resilience when they face Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B tie at BC Place on Thursday.

Julen Lopetegui’s side showed character in their 1-1 draw with Switzerland, staying in the contest under pressure before forcing a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser through Miro Muheim’s own goal.

That result not only secured Qatar their first-ever FIFA World Cup point but kept them firmly in the race in a group where all four teams are locked on one point, with Canada also having drawn 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener.

Group L: England 4-2 Croatia

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Group L: England 4-2 Croatia

Arlington: Harry Kane scored twice in the first half as England eventually saw off Croatia 4-2 to launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 title assault in Texas on Wednesday.

Jude Bellingham, immediately after half-time, and substitute Marcus Rashford with five minutes to go ensured a winning start for Thomas Tuchel's side after Croatia had fought back to level at 2-2.

The prolific Kane twice put England ahead in the first half - one a retaken penalty - only for Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to hit back for 2018 runners-up Croatia.