2026 FIFA World Cup
Asia's World Cup falls apart with just two teams remaining
The gap between Asia's best teams and the rest has been laid bare by the region's disappointing World Cup as just two AFC sides reached the knockout rounds. A record nine countries from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reached the finals in North America after the tournament was expanded to… Read
Money can't buy success in World Cup for gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar
Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that poured a fortune into soccer and infrastructure experienced unceremonious exits from the World Cup, proving that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport's biggest stage. Saudi Arabia is out at the earliest point. Again. Bottom of a group that included tiny… Read
Inside the World Cup knockout stage bracket: Some teams have an easier path than others
If the World Cup was the NCAA basketball tournament, then teams like Morocco and the Netherlands would have some serious anger toward the selection and seeding committee right now. England, Mexico, Portugal and Spain might not be all that happy, either. Lionel Messi and Argentina, on the other hand, probably… Read
England moving on at World Cup but questions linger
England ground out top spot in Group L after eventually seeing off a stubborn Panama side on Saturday, though Thomas Tuchel's team showed there is further work needed to be true World Cup contenders. After launching their title bid with a chaotic but thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia, England found… Read
South Korea coach quits after early World Cup exit prompts fierce criticism from president
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday after the team's quick elimination from the World Cup drew a harsh condemnation from the country's president, who called the coach “incapable” and ordered a complete review of the national team program. South Korea won its opening match against Czech Republic, then lost… Read
Messi scores again as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1
Giovani Lo Celso became the first Argentina player other than Lionel Messi to score in this World Cup as the defending champions finished the group stage with a three-game sweep after a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Saturday night. Lo Celso, in his first World Cup start, put Argentina ahead… Read
Austria and Algeria draw 3-3 to advance to knockout round and send Iranians home
Austria and Algeria played to a thrilling 3-3 draw Saturday night in what amounted to a win-win result in their World Cup group-stage finale, allowing both to advance to the knockout round while eliminating Iran from the tournament. The game was tied 2-all in the closing minutes, and Algeria looked… Read
Colombia wins Group K after 0-0 draw with Portugal; both teams advance to knockouts
Colombia finished the World Cup 's opening round as the Group K winner after playing Portugal to a scoreless draw Saturday night. Both teams had already secured spots in the knockout stage before the match, needing only to learn their opponents for the next round. Colombia will play Ghana, which… Read
England defeats Panama 2-0 to win its World Cup group
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored early in the second half, lifting England over Panama 2-0 Saturday and into what appears to be a more favorable bracket for the knockout phase of the World Cup. On a rainy afternoon before a vocal pro-England crowd that made MetLife Stadium seem like… Read
Croatia beats Ghana 2-1 to reach knockout stage
Croatia earned a spot in the World Cup knockout round, getting goals from Nikola Vlašić and Luka Sučić to beat Ghana 2-1 on Saturday. Ghana had already clinched a spot in the round of 32 for the first time since 2010. Vlašić headed home Luka Modrić’s corner in the 83rd… Read
