Despite a record nine AFC teams qualifying for the expanded World Cup, only Australia and Japan reached the knockout rounds, winning just three of 27 group games, highlighting a gap in Asian football compared to African teams' success.
The World Cup knockout phase commences with South Africa vs Canada; Australia faces Egypt on July 4 AEDT. Full schedule in Australian times provided.
Cape Verde, with a population of 525,000, has become the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout stage, securing a spot against Argentina. Their success is attributed to a strategy of recruiting players from their diaspora and consistent coaching under Bubista.
Cape Verde, the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout stage, will face Argentina in the last 32. Their success is attributed to drawing on diaspora players and a clear technical plan by the football federation.
Australia's World Cup squad is down to 24 players as Matthew Leckie and Jacob Italiano have left the camp due to injuries. Leckie suffered a leg injury, and Italiano a groin problem, forcing their return to their clubs. This leaves coach Tony Popovic with limited options, particularly on the wings.
Jordan Bos delivered a standout performance at right-back against Paraguay, showcasing athleticism and skill. His dynamic play, drawing comparisons to Gareth Bale and Dani Alves, lifted the Socceroos as they neared World Cup knockout qualification.
The Socceroos secured a place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. Coach Tony Popovic praised his young team's performance and is now focused on their last-32 clash in Dallas on July 3rd.
Australia's coach Tony Popovic made six changes for the Paraguay World Cup match, dropping the main striker. Despite attacking flair from Volpato and Bos, Australia drew 0-0, highlighting a lack of clinical finishing. Defender Lucas Herrington, 18, impressed, suggesting a bright future for the team.
Sweden and Japan drew 1-1 in a World Cup Group F match, with Anthony Elanga equalizing for Sweden after Daizen Maeda scored for Japan. Both teams advanced to the knockout rounds; Japan finished second and will face Brazil, while Sweden progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
Ecuador defeated four-time champion Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium, securing a dramatic berth in the World Cup knockout stages. Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal in the 77th minute, marking Ecuador's first round-of-16 appearance since 2006. The match saw a record attendance of 80,663 fans.
The 2026 World Cup's group stage progression explained: top two teams from each of 12 groups advance, with head-to-head results now the primary tiebreaker over goal difference.
Harry Kane reflects on his lucky hat-trick against Panama in 2018 and the team's recent goalless draw with Ghana, emphasizing the importance of results over performance in tournaments. He aims to secure qualification against Panama, drawing on experience to manage team pressure.
Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 in Group J, securing their World Cup knockout stage hopes. Jordan took the lead before second-half goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri sealed the win for Algeria.
France secured their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout spot with a 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé scored twice on his 100th international appearance, with Ousmane Dembele adding a third. The match was significantly delayed by a 130-minute weather interruption due to severe thunderstorms.
France secured their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout spot with a 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé scored twice on his 100th international appearance, with Ousmane Dembele adding a third. The match was significantly delayed by a 130-minute weather interruption due to severe thunderstorms.
Lionel Messi scored twice to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, securing a 2-0 victory for Argentina against Austria and advancing them to the last 32. Despite missing a penalty early on, Messi's goals in the first half and injury time sealed the win.
Lionel Messi scored twice, becoming the leading scorer in World Cup history with 17 goals, as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to advance to the last 32.
Japan secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the 1,000th match in World Cup history. Ayase Ueda scored twice, with Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also finding the net, placing Japan atop Group F with the Netherlands.
The 2026 World Cup's expanded 48-team format, new tiebreaker rules, and multiple host countries create a complex knockout stage. BBC Sport's predictor tool helps fans navigate potential match-ups, with head-to-head results now superseding goal difference as the primary tiebreaker.
Neymar Jr. will miss Brazil's upcoming FIFA World Cup matches against Haiti and Scotland due to a grade-two calf strain. The 34-year-old is rehabilitating in New Jersey and aims to be fit for the knockout rounds. Brazil faces pressure after a 1-1 draw in their opener.
Day 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup saw pivotal matches with Czechia and South Africa drawing 1-1, Switzerland thrashing Bosnia 4-1, Canada dominating Qatar 6-0 to top Group B, and Mexico securing a knockout stage spot with a 1-0 win over South Korea.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup's second matchday saw Czechia draw with South Africa, Switzerland defeat Bosnia 3-1, Canada thrash Qatar 6-0, and Mexico secure a 1-0 win over South Korea, booking their spot in the knockout stage.
Brazil's Neymar faces further doubt for the FIFA World Cup after undergoing new tests on his injured right calf. The veteran forward, sidelined since preparations began, is reportedly being managed for a potential return in the knockout stages, missing group games.
Hong Kong’s men and women delivered at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London as both got past the first knockout rounds on Monday. In what head coach Li Ching described as an “uneasy but normal” draw for the city’s teams, the men’s team knocked out fellow group winners North Korea 3-0 while the women were unconvincing in their 3-2 win over Wales. Doo Hoi-kem’s 3-1 win over Danielle Kelly gave Hong Kong a perfect start but teenager Su Tsz-tung lost by the same scoreline in her...
