Kansas City, June 27 (IANS) Algeria and Austria head into their final Group J fixture at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday knowing that avoiding defeat could be enough to extend their World Cup campaigns.Both sides recovered from opening losses to Argentina by defeating Jordan, leaving them level on three points. Austria’s superior goal difference puts Ralf Rangnick’s men in the stronger position, with a draw likely securing second place behind the defending champions. Algeria, meanwhile, would be w…
Latest Round of 32 News & Updates
Houston, June 27 (IANS) Cape Verde created history by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia secured second place in Group H and a dream knockout clash against defending champions Argentina.The Blue Sharks finished the group stage perfectly, drawing three games in a row to finish second on three points, one ahead of two-time champions Uruguay and hosts in 2034, Saudi Arabia. Their reward is a Round of 32 clash with Lio…
Johannesburg, June 25 (IANS) The South African government hailed the Bafana Bafana’s historic qualification for the knockout stage in the FIFA World Cup 2026, describing the achievement as “a proud moment for South Africa” after the national team progressed beyond the group phase for the first time.South Africa secured a place in the Round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in its final Group A match, finishing second in the standings and extending its campaign into the knockout rounds.Co…
Boston, June 25 (IANS) Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has criticised the FIFA World Cup scheduling format, arguing that teams finishing at the top of their groups are placed at a disadvantage due to limited preparation time ahead of the knockout rounds.Germany secured first place in Group E after collecting enough points to guarantee qualification before the end of the group stage. However, the four-time world champions will not know the identity of their Round of 32 opponents until the co…
Atlanta, June 25 (IANS) Morocco came from behind to defeat a dogged Haiti team in their final match of group play at the FIFA World Cup 2026 here at Atlanta Stadium. The Atlas Lions suffered a huge scare with Les Grenadiers twice taking the lead, but they finished with a flourish to secure the victory. With the win, Morocco finished second in Group C and qualified for the Round of 32 as runners-up and will play the winner of Group F: Either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden, while Haiti head home…
Seattle, June 20 (IANS) USA defender Alex Freeman described his maiden FIFA World Cup goal as an emotional and unforgettable moment after helping his side secure a 2-0 victory over Australia and seal top spot in Group D in Seattle on Saturday.Freeman thought his celebrations had been cut short when the assistant referee raised the offside flag after he found the net in the second half at Seattle Stadium. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home…
Mumbai, June 19 (IANS) Former India captain and football legend Bhaichung Bhutia has shared his views ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C clash between Morocco and Scotland and opined that attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz could make the difference for Morocco. Morocco, who finished fourth at Qatar 2022, went blow-for-blow in an entertaining draw with Brazil in their opener.Speaking about the player to watch, Bhaichung highlighted Morocco’s attacking threat from the right side, backing Dia…