world cup
81 articles tagged world cup.
WorldHow Japan Reached This Level: A 100-Year Plan Arriving Early
From the founding of the J-League to a pipeline of European regulars, Japan's rise is the product of patient structure, not sudden luck.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 23
WorldHow Egypt Reached This Level: Salah, Al Ahly and a Continent's Deepest Pedigree
Egypt's World Cup credibility rests on Africa's richest trophy history, a generational talisman and a domestic game that both produces and exports.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 23
WorldThe Dark Horses of World Cup 2026: Why Egypt and Japan Belong in the Conversation
Expanded to 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico, this World Cup rewards nations that built patiently. Egypt and Japan are the clearest examples of preparation meeting opportunity.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 23
WorldEliminated Jordan chase a famous scalp against group winners Argentina
With both teams' group fates already settled, the debutants face the holders in Arlington hoping for a parting statement.
By Priya Chen · Jun 23
WorldEliminated Tunisia aim to spoil the party against group-leading Netherlands
The Dutch can secure top spot in Group F against a Tunisia side already out of the tournament.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 23
WorldParaguay vs Australia preview: winner-takes-second Group D shootout
Level on points, Paraguay and Australia meet at Levi's Stadium with the final Group D qualification spot up for grabs.
By Priya Chen · Jun 23
WorldCroatia and Ghana set for high-stakes Group L decider in Philadelphia
A contrasting pair of openers sets up a tense final-round clash that could decide who advances.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 23
WorldAlgeria and Austria meet in Kansas City with a knockout place on the line
The final Group J fixture is a straight shootout for second place behind runaway leaders Argentina.
By Anika Patel · Jun 23
WorldTurkey vs USA preview: pride on the line in Group D dead rubber
An already-eliminated Turkey meet group winners USA in a fixture with nothing but pride and rotation at stake at SoFi Stadium.
By Anika Patel · Jun 23
WorldMust-win in Toronto as winless Panama and Croatia meet in Group L
Both sides lost their openers, making this BMO Field clash close to a knockout tie for survival.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 23
WorldPanama face daunting England test at MetLife in Group L finale
England carry momentum into the final round of fixtures as Panama chase the points they need to survive.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 23
WorldJapan and Sweden meet in Group F decider with knockout places on the line
A win would all but secure top spot for Japan, while Sweden must respond to their Houston hammering.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 23
WorldEngland eye knockout berth as buoyant Ghana arrive at Gillette Stadium
Both sides won their openers, and a victory in Foxborough could all but book a place in the last 32.
By Priya Chen · Jun 23
WorldDR Congo and Uzbekistan Meet in Atlanta With Survival on the Line
Two World Cup debutants in spirit clash in a pivotal final-round meeting that could shape who progresses from Group K.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 23
WorldEcuador Must Beat Germany to Rescue Their World Cup
La Tri face the group winners at MetLife Stadium needing a result to keep their round-of-32 hopes alive.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 23
WorldColombia and Portugal Set for Group K Showdown in Miami
The heavyweight finale in Miami is likely to decide who tops Group K, with Ronaldo and Luis Diaz centre stage.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 23
WorldCuraçao Eye Fairytale as Ivory Coast Chase Knockout Spot in Philadelphia
The smallest nation in World Cup history take on the Elephants in a Group E decider with qualification on the line.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 23
WorldBosnia and Qatar meet in Seattle chasing pride and a parting win
With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, both sides head to Lumen Field looking to sign off their group campaign on a positive note.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 23
WorldHosts USA and Mexico carry home advantage into the Round of 32
Both co-hosts won their groups, setting up knockout ties on home soil as the tournament's biggest stages await.
By Anika Patel · Jun 23
WorldUruguay face qualified Spain with their World Cup hopes on the line
Already through, Spain go to Mexico chasing top spot while Uruguay must avoid defeat to keep their tournament alive in Zapopan.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 23
WorldCape Verde eye history against Saudi Arabia in Group H decider
World Cup debutants Cape Verde can dream of the knockout rounds, while Saudi Arabia need a win to keep their campaign alive in Houston.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 23
WorldSwitzerland and Canada clash for top spot in Group B showdown
Level on points heading into the final round, the Swiss and the co-hosts meet in Vancouver with first place in the group on the line.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 23
WorldGermany top Group E and eye a deep World Cup 2026 run
The four-time champions sealed first place in Group E and head into the Round of 32 among the favourites.
By Priya Chen · Jun 23
WorldFrance storm into the last 32 as Mbappe and Dembele fire
A weather-interrupted 3-0 win over Iraq sealed Group I for Les Bleus, who look ominous heading into the knockouts.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 23
WorldBelgium need a win as New Zealand fight for survival in Group G finale
Two draws have left Belgium needing a result against the All Whites in Vancouver to guarantee their place in the knockout rounds.
By Priya Chen · Jun 23
WorldColombia Eye Early Qualification Against Resilient DR Congo in Guadalajara
Group leaders Colombia can move close to the knockouts, but DR Congo arrive emboldened by their point against Portugal.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 23
WorldWin-or-Bust for South Africa as South Korea Eye Knockout Place
Bafana Bafana must beat South Korea in Monterrey, while a draw would likely be enough for the Koreans to advance.
By Priya Chen · Jun 23
WorldPortugal Seek Response Against Uzbekistan as Pressure Mounts in Houston
Roberto Martinez's side need a win after their opening stumble, while Uzbekistan chase a first World Cup point.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 23
WorldNorway are back, and Haaland has them dreaming in the Round of 32
On their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway reached the knockouts behind France with Erling Haaland in irresistible form.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 23
WorldSenegal vs Iraq: Eliminated Pair Seek Pride in Toronto
Both already out of contention, Senegal and Iraq meet at BMO Field hunting a consolation result.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 23
WorldMorocco target group win as Haiti chase historic first point
Unbeaten Morocco can secure top spot in Atlanta while an eliminated Haiti hunt a maiden World Cup point on their farewell appearance.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 23
WorldArgentina march into the Round of 32 with Messi rewriting history
The holders won Group J and will base their knockout run in Miami after Lionel Messi broke the all-time World Cup scoring record.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 23
WorldEgypt eye knockout berth as Iran chase a result in Group G decider
Buoyed by their historic first win, Egypt face an organised Iran side in Seattle with a place in the last 32 on the line.
By Anika Patel · Jun 23
WorldCzechia Chase a Lifeline as Group-Topping Mexico Await
Already through, Mexico close out the group against a Czechia side that must win to keep its World Cup alive.
By Anika Patel · Jun 23
WorldWorld Cup 2026 Round of 32: how the bracket is taking shape
With the 48-team group stage winding down, the first 32-side knockout round in World Cup history is coming into focus.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 23
WorldNorway vs France: Group I Top Spot on the Line in Foxborough
Both already through, Norway and France meet at Gillette Stadium with first place in Group I the prize.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 23
WorldScotland chase history against Brazil with knockout dream alive
Steve Clarke's side need a result in Miami to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, against a Brazil chasing top spot.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 23
WorldLate Gouiri strike completes Algeria comeback and eliminates Jordan
Algeria rallied from a goal down to beat Jordan and claim their first World Cup win since 2014, ending the debutants' tournament.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 22
WorldMessi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach the knockouts
Lionel Messi recovered from a missed early penalty to score twice and become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 22
WorldHaaland Double Sends Norway Through in Five-Goal Thriller
Erling Haaland struck twice as Norway edged a pulsating contest with Senegal to reach the knockout stage.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 22
WorldMbappe and Dembele Send France Through Against Iraq
Another Kylian Mbappe brace and a Ousmane Dembele strike booked France's place in the knockout stage.
By Priya Chen · Jun 22
WorldCape Verde stun Uruguay again with thrilling comeback draw
Kevin Pina's free-kick and Helio Varela's chip earn debutants Cape Verde a second remarkable point against two-time world champions Uruguay.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 21
WorldYamal and Oyarzabal inspire Spain to statement rout of Saudi Arabia
Lamine Yamal opens his World Cup account and Mikel Oyarzabal strikes twice as Spain answer their critics with a ruthless first-half blitz.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 21
WorldMohamed Salah inspires Egypt to historic first World Cup win over New Zealand
The Pharaohs came from behind in Vancouver, Salah scoring and assisting as Egypt claimed a maiden World Cup victory in their 92-year history.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 21
WorldTen-man Belgium held by resolute Iran in goalless Group G stalemate
Nathan Ngoy's red card forced Belgium onto the back foot, but they held firm for a point against a disciplined Iran side at SoFi Stadium.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 21
WorldUeda double sends Japan surging as Tunisia exit in the World Cup's 1,000th match
Kamada's fourth-minute strike set the tone in a landmark fixture for the tournament.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 20
WorldBrobbey and Gakpo doubles power Netherlands to crushing win over Sweden
The Dutch produced their best display of the tournament to seize control of Group F.
By Priya Chen · Jun 20
WorldEloy Room's 15-Save Masterclass Earns Curaçao Historic First Point
A record-breaking goalkeeping display in Kansas City frustrated Ecuador and kept Curaçao's qualification dream alive.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 20
WorldUndav's Stoppage-Time Winner Sends Germany Through in Toronto
Deniz Undav struck twice, including a 94th-minute winner, as Germany came from behind to seal top spot in Group E.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 20
WorldGalarza's lightning strike sinks Turkey as 10-man Paraguay survive
The fastest goal of the tournament and a controversial new-rule red card defined Paraguay's gritty win that eliminated Turkey.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 19
WorldUSA see off Australia 2-0 in Seattle to seal knockout berth
An early own goal and Alex Freeman's first World Cup strike booked the co-hosts' place in the round of 32, even without the injured Christian Pulisic.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 19
WorldCunha brace and Vinicius strike fire Brazil top of Group C
Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior added a third in a dominant first-half display as Brazil eliminated Haiti and moved top.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 19
WorldSaibari's 70-second strike sinks Scotland and dents knockout hopes
Ismael Saibari struck the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup as Morocco edged Scotland and left Steve Clarke's side needing a result against Brazil.
By Priya Chen · Jun 19
WorldJonathan David hat-trick sinks Qatar as Canada hammer six in Vancouver
Canada recorded their first-ever World Cup victory in spectacular fashion, with Jonathan David's treble inflicting Qatar's heaviest tournament defeat.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 18
WorldManzambi double powers Switzerland to emphatic win over 10-man Bosnia
A late flurry of goals turned a tight contest into a rout as Switzerland overwhelmed a Bosnia side reduced to ten men at SoFi Stadium.
By Lena Holloway · Jun 18
WorldLuis Romo Settles It as Mexico Book Knockout Spot With Win Over South Korea
A second-half strike from Luis Romo gave the hosts a 1-0 win and a place in the Round of 32.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 18
WorldLate Mokoena Penalty Earns South Africa a Point Against Czechia
Teboho Mokoena's 83rd-minute spot kick cancelled out Michal Sadílek's early opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
By Marcus Okafor · Jun 18
WorldYirenkyi's last-gasp winner snatches priceless Ghana victory over Panama
A 95th-minute strike from 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi settles a tense, low-scoring Group L opener in Toronto.
By Anika Patel · Jun 17
WorldKane double powers chaotic England past Croatia in six-goal Group L opener
Harry Kane's brace and second-half strikes from Bellingham and Rashford see the Three Lions edge a frantic World Cup opener in Arlington.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 17
WorldLuis Diaz Inspires Colombia to Winning Start Against Spirited Uzbekistan
Diaz scored one and made another as Colombia saw off World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 17
WorldWissa Earns DR Congo Historic Point as Portugal Stumble in Houston
Yoane Wissa's stoppage-time header cancelled out Joao Neves' early opener to hand DR Congo their first-ever World Cup point.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 17
WorldArnautovic stoppage-time penalty seals Austria's first World Cup win in 36 years
Austria edged a thriller against debutants Jordan in Santa Clara, with a 12th-minute-of-added-time spot kick settling it.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 16
WorldMessi's first World Cup hat-trick fires holders Argentina past Algeria
Lionel Messi drew level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals as Argentina opened their title defence in style in Kansas City.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 16
WorldHaaland Brace Powers Norway to Emphatic Win Over Iraq
Erling Haaland scored twice on Norway's long-awaited World Cup return as the Scandinavians overwhelmed Iraq at Gillette Stadium.
By Anika Patel · Jun 16
WorldMbappe Double Sinks Senegal as France Open Group I in Style
Kylian Mbappe struck twice and Bradley Barcola added a third as France saw off a spirited Senegal at MetLife Stadium.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 16
WorldMaxi Araujo rescues Uruguay as Al-Owais defies the favourites
Saudi Arabia lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri but Maximiliano Araujo levels late to earn Uruguay a point in the Miami heat.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 15
WorldCape Verde stun Spain with goalless draw on World Cup debut
European champions Spain are frustrated in Atlanta as tournament debutants Cape Verde dig in for one of the great World Cup upsets.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 15
WorldElijah Just double earns New Zealand a thrilling Group G draw with Iran
The winger struck either side of half-time but Iran fought back through Rezaeian and Mohebi to share the spoils at SoFi Stadium.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 15
WorldLukaku's instant impact rescues Belgium as Egypt are denied historic first win
Emam Ashour's maiden international goal had Egypt dreaming, but a Mohamed Hany own goal moments after Romelu Lukaku's introduction salvaged a Belgium point in Seattle.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 15
WorldAyari brace inspires rampant Sweden in five-goal demolition of Tunisia
Isak and Gyokeres also struck as Sweden announced themselves with a statement Group F win.
By Anika Patel · Jun 14
WorldNetherlands and Japan share the spoils in pulsating Group F opener
Kamada's late equaliser earns Japan a deserved point in a four-goal Arlington thriller.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 14
WorldAmad Diallo's Late Strike Sinks Ecuador and Ends 19-Game Unbeaten Run
The Manchester United winger came off the bench to settle a tight Group E opener in Philadelphia and end Ecuador's long unbeaten streak.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 14
WorldGermany Run Riot in Houston as Curaçao's Historic Bow Ends 7-1
Julian Nagelsmann's side opened their World Cup with a goal blitz, though Curaçao's debutants left their own mark on the record books.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 14
WorldLate own goal hands Qatar a precious first World Cup point against Switzerland
Breel Embolo's first-half penalty looked like winning it before Miro Muheim's stoppage-time own goal rescued Qatar in Santa Clara.
By Diego Arroyo · Jun 13
WorldSocceroos stun Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver counterattacking masterclass
Underdogs Australia rode a debutant goalkeeper's heroics and clinical breaks to a famous victory over a possession-hungry Turkey.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 13
WorldJohn McGinn ends Scotland's 28-year wait as Tartan Army top Group C
McGinn's deflected strike delivered Scotland's first World Cup win since 1990 and their first goal at the tournament in 10,244 days.
By Anika Patel · Jun 13
WorldVinicius Junior rescues Brazil as Morocco hold five-time champions to a draw
Ismael Saibari's audacious lob put Morocco ahead before Vinicius Junior's stunner earned Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil a point on their opening night at MetLife Stadium.
By Rafael Mendez · Jun 13
WorldBalogun brace fires USA to 4-1 rout of Paraguay in World Cup opener
The co-hosts lit up SoFi Stadium with their joint-best World Cup win as Folarin Balogun announced himself on the global stage.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 12
WorldLarin rescues Canada a historic first World Cup point against Bosnia
A late Cyle Larin equaliser earned the co-hosts a point on home soil in Toronto and ended a long wait for World Cup respectability.
By Mira Faraj · Jun 12
WorldSouth Korea Stun Czechia With Late Comeback on World Cup Opening Day
Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu struck in the final half hour to overturn Ladislav Krejčí's opener at Estadio Akron.
By Theresa Bauer · Jun 11
WorldMexico Open World Cup 2026 in Style as Quiñones and Jiménez Sink South Africa
El Tri got the host nation's tournament under way with a comfortable 2-0 win at a roaring Estadio Azteca.
By Sara Qureshi · Jun 11