All the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 news – Daily updates and LIVE blog!

July 10, 2026

10 July: Theate and Belgium face Spain

France knock out Morocco

Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise played from start to finish as France proved too strong for Morocco in the quarter-finals. – © IMAGO/SARAH YENESEL

As the Bundesliga’s and the world’s finest battle for the FIFA World Cup in North America this summer, our daily blog has you covered with all the latest news, stories and action.

I agree that external content from JWPlayer will be shown to me. This enables personal data to be transmitted to JWPlayer and cookies to be set by JWPlayer. You can find out more about this in JWPlayer‘s privacy statement | Edit cookie settings

0:58

Watch: Kobel’s penalty saves

Switzerland’s shootout hero has saved four penalties in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, Augsburg and VfB Stuttgart.

Kobel helps Switzerland progress

Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved a spot-kick from Cucho Hernández in a penalty shootout against Colombia a last-16 battle in Seattle. The game itself ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and extra time, forcing penalties. Bayern’s Luis Díaz scored when it was his turn, but ultimately the Swiss one 4-3 to set up a quarter-final meeting with Argentina on Saturday 11 July.

Argentina squeeze through again

Having edged past Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in the previous round, reigning champions Argentina had to fight back from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last 16. Lionel Messi scored his eighth goal of the tournament – and 21st World Cup goal overall – as La Albiceleste netted three times after the 79th minute to book their place in the quarter-finals. Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios was an unused substitute.

Luis Díaz on his World Cup campaign with Colombia

“I’ve worked my socks off to get here. Now I’m living the dream I had as a young lad of representing my country at a World Cup. On a personal level, I got off to a flying start. An assist and a really good goal. Getting off to this kind of start at the World Cup was really important to me. It was a dream I’d always wanted to fulfil, and now it’s come true.”

7 July: Big blow for Switzerland

“It would be a huge loss if they can’t play tomorrow,” said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin at his pre-match press conference of Johan Manzambi and former Bundesliga duo Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow. But Die Nati now know they will definitely be without the Freiburg midfielder after he injured his knee in final training and will only be a spectator in Vancouver. It is indeed a substantial blow with the loss of one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

Star man Tillman

The Bayer Leverkusen attacker’s goal may have ultimately been for nothing against Belgium, but it made him the first USMNT player to score in consecutive World Cup knockout fixtures. And he’s now only the second player from any nation since 1966 to score two direct free-kicks at a World Cup, after France’s Bernard Genghini in 1982.

Belgium send final co-host packing

The Red Devils proved too much for the USA as a double from Charles De Ketelaere and goals from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku sealed a much-deserved 4-1 victory. Earlier in the game, Malik Tillman had equalised with another free-kick.

Spain down Portugal

La Roja defeated their Iberian neighbours 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Mikel Merino – formerly of Borussia Dortmund – in what was surely Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup game.

Big hurdle

USA have faced Belgium seven times in their history, winning just once. That victory came in their first encounter back during the 1930 World Cup.

Familiar faces to meet in the quarters?

Were the United States to progress to the quarter-finals, they’d be up against either Portugal or Spain, meaning Tillman could face Grimaldo for a spot in the semis.

Can the hosts march on?

Joe Scally, Gio Reyna (both Gladbach) and Malik Tillman (Leverkusen, pictured) will face off against Arthur Theate’s Belgium in Seattle for a place in the quarter-finals. With Canada and Mexico now out, can the USA succeed where their co-hosts have failed?

Portugal take on Spain

A quartet of former Bundesliga players will try to guide Spain to victory over Portugal in tonight’s round of 16 clash. Most notable is Alejandro Grimaldo (pictured), recently of Bayer Leverkusen, and Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), while Mikel Merino (Borussia Dortmund) and Borja Iglesias (also Leverkusen) also had brief stints in Germany’s top tier.

France call for card to be wiped

Michael Olise was shown a yellow card in France’s win over Paraguay after Matías Galarza went down theatrically in an incident late in the game. Given that now puts the Bayern man at risk of missing a potential semi-final in the event he picks up another card, the French Football Federation have now contested the yellow card with FIFA, calling for it to be rescinded.

DFB demand statement

Following the lifting of the suspension imposed on the USA’s Folarin Balogun for his red card, the president of the German FA (DFB) Bernd Neuendorf has issued a statement. He said: “FIFA should now swiftly address reports suggesting that the decision to suspend the red card against the American player Folarin Balogun was preceded by a telephone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The impression that there has been active political interference in sport must be dispelled promptly and conclusively. The integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA are at stake.”

Kane in Golden Boot race

The top scorer from 2018 is still very much in contention for this year’s award with his sixth goal of the tournament. It all looks set to go down to the wire, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all a goal ahead and with at least one more game to play each.

6 July: Harry level with Gerd

Having spent the last three seasons smashing records at Bayern, including netting at a better rate than the club’s all-time top scorer, Harry Kane has now gone level with the great Gerd Müller for World Cup goals with 14 each. Bayern’s current No.9 has got his in 16 games; his predecessor in 13.

Kane conquers Azteca

Harry Kane’s 14th World Cup goal proved the winner as England beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thriller at the Estadio Azteca. Ex-Dortmund man Jude Bellingham put the Three Lions 2-0 up with a quickfire double before Mexico got a goal back. Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah was then sent off for a reckless challenge, but Kane’s penalty made it 3-1 before the captain gave away a spot-kick for El Tri to convert and set up a grandstand finish. But England held on to set up a quarter-final tie with Norway.

Norway through to quarter-finals

Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson and Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa both started for Norway in their last-16 clash with Brazil in New Jersey. Bruno Guimarães had a first-half penalty saved – a miss Brazil would come to rue as Erling Haaland scored two second-half goals to pave the way for victory. Neymar pulled one back with a stoppage-time penalty but it was too little, too late as Norway won 2-1 and will now face either Mexico or England in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday 11 July.

Cristiano Ronaldo: “This will be my last World Cup”

The Portugal star announced that this will be his last ever World Cup tournament, and hopes that he’ll be able to enjoy it for a bit longer by guiding his side to victory over Spain: “This will be my last World Cup; God willing tomorrow is not my last game. I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”

Balogun allowed to play

There was good news for co-hosts USA on Sunday as first-choice striker Folarin Balogun was given the green light to play in his side’s last-16 meeting with Belgium in Seattle on Monday. The 25-year-old was sent off following a VAR review for this tackle in the last round against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has suspended his automatic one-match ban for one year, citing Article 27 F of the body’s statutes.

Quansah fit, Ryerson doubtful

England head coach Thomas Tuchel says Jarell Quansah is “fully available” for the Three Lions’ round-of-16 clash after missing the victory over DR Congo with an ankle problem, but Norway’s game against Brazil may come too soon for Julian Ryerson, who has only recently returned to training following a thigh injury.

Big test for Bundesliga stars

Antonio Nusa and Co. will be looking to help Norway reach the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time when they take on five-time winners Brazil in New Jersey. Attention then turns to Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico – who have won all four of their games without conceding a goal – face Harry Kane’s England.

Davies on the injury that kept him out against Morocco

“Obviously, in training I felt a little bit of something, but at the end of the day, me and Jesse [Marsch] had a conversation. To be honest, obviously, we want players on the pitch that are 100% to play the game and can give everything, and I felt like I wasn’t there yet, and so this is why we made the decision, or I made the decision to sit out.”

Upamecano rubbishes Olise exit talk

After France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay, the Bayern defender was asked about rumours linking his club and international teammate away from Munich, and he was quick to quash such talk with a smile.
“He’s staying, he’s staying,” was the 27-year-old’s response.

5 July: Bayern wait on Saibari injury

Bayern Munich fans will have had their hearts in their mouths when new signing Ismael Saibari pulled up after 20 minutes of his country’s 3-0 round-of-16 win over Canada. The 25-year-old appeared to be clutching the back of his right thigh before going to ground, but the severity of the injury has yet to be confirmed. Vincent Kompany will hope to have Saibari available for Bayern’s first pre-season friendly – against Wehen Wiesbaden – on 25 July.

France see off stubborn Paraguay

The pre-tournament favourites were victorious in their Round of 16 tie against Paraguay, after a narrow 1-0 win in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé made the difference after slotting home a second-half penalty to pull level with Lionel Messi as the World Cup’s top goalscorer. Next up for France is a quarter-final against Morocco next Thursday, which could see Bayern Munich duo Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano face their new club teammate, Ismael Saibari.

Morocco progress at Canada’s expense

The Atlas Lions defeated Canada 3-0 in Houston to advance to the last eight on Saturday night. Stuttgart’s Bilal El Khannouss (pictured) started for Morocco, who endured a tough first 45 minutes, as Ismael Saibari, fresh from signing for Bayern Munich, was forced off with an injury. However, they rallied after the break and secured a comfortable victory after goals from Azzedine Ounahi (2) and Soufiane Rahimi. Canada captain Alphonso Davies was an unused substitute.

Saibari injured

The new Bayern signing started Morocco’s last-16 tie against Canada in Houston, but was substituted off after just 22 minutes after suffering an injury.

Big day of celebrations

Today is Independence Day in the USA, and while it’s a major public holiday every year, that is even more the case this time around as the country celebrates a landmark milestone: its 250th anniversary since gaining independence.

Olise to shine once more?

Saturday’s second round-of-16 tie sees Paraguay – victors over Germany in the last round – take on in-form France in Philadelphia. Bayern winger Michael Olise has been one of Les Bleus’ standout performers at the tournament so far, with France legend Thierry Henry recently describing the 24-year-old as “on another planet”.

Davies vs. Saibari

Two new Bayern Munich colleagues go head-to-head in Houston later on as Alphonso Davies’ Canada play Ismael Saibari’s Morocco for a place in the quarter-finals. Fit-again Davies made his first appearance of the tournament in the co-hosts’ last-32 victory over South Africa, while in-form Saibari (pictured) has three goals in four outings so far.

‘I’ve made it clear I’m interested’

“The fact is, I have an existing contract with Red Bull,” said Klopp, who is currently the drinks manufacturer’s Head of Global Soccer. “I’ve said many times how much I enjoy this job. I’m the type of person who usually likes to honour contracts. But I’ve also made it clear I’m interested in talking [to the DFB].”

Klopp ‘ready’ for Germany

Former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz head coach Jürgen Klopp says he is “ready” to become Germany boss – although an agreement between the German Football Association and the 59-year-old has yet to be reached. Klopp’s Red Bull contract runs until 2029, but the Stuttgart native says he is “interested” in holding further talks with the DFB, telling Magenta Sport he is “more recharged than ever” after two years away from the dugout.

Colombia to face Switzerland in last 16

Colombia deservedly rubberstamped their spot in the next round after another superb team display against Ghana in Kansas City. Bayern’s Luis Díaz had a goal disallowed but still excelled throughout Los Cafeteros’ 1-0 win, picking up the Man of the Match award, meaning they’ll now meet Switzerland in the round of 16 in Vancouver on Tuesday, 7 July.

4 July: Messi and Argentina squeeze through – just

Reigning world champions Argentina survived a scare against Cabo Verde in the round of 32 in Miami. They were pegged back twice, once in normal time, which finished 1-1, and then again at 2-2 in extra time before a Lionel Messi corner was deflected into his own net by Diney Borges. The 3-2 win means Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday 7 July.

Heartache for Irvine and Australia

St. Pauli’s Jackson Irvine played from start to finish for Australia against Egypt in the round of 32 in Dallas, a match that ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time. Irvine scored his penalty in the ensuing shootout, but two of his team-mates missed, meaning Egypt advance to the last 16, where they will face either Argentina or Cabo Verde on Tuesday 7 July in Atlanta.

Nagelsmann: ‘The team deserves the chance to make a fresh start’

“My primary goal has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, the team deserves the chance to make a fresh start without any baggage. I would like to thank my coaching team, the staff and everyone at the association who supported us, and above all the players with whom I had the privilege of working in a spirit of trust. Special thanks also go to the fans. You carried us through, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. I am truly sorry and deeply saddened that we have let you down and were unable to give you any more nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more.”

Germany part ways with Julian Nagelsmann

Following the national team’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany have parted company with head coach Julian Nagelsmann, and have confirmed they will approach Jürgen Klopp as the 38-year-old’s successor. Upon confirmation of Naglesmann’s departure, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf issued the following statement: “The German Football Association would like to express its sincere thanks to Julian Nagelsmann for the work he has done since September 2023. He is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Moreover, Julian is an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all hold in high regard.”

Díaz and Colombia eye last 16

High-flying Colombia, who topped Group K ahead of Portugal, are back in action on Friday as they take on Ghana in Kansas City. Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz is expected to start the Round of 32 tie after netting in Colombia’s World Cup opener against Uzbekistan. One man trying to stop him from scoring again will be Ghana and Wolfsburg defender Jonas Adjetey, who played in all three of the Black Stars’ group games.

Australia face Egypt in Dallas

The final three Round of 32 matches are set to take place on Friday, beginning with Australia v Egypt at Dallas Stadium. St. Pauli duo Connor Metcalfe and Jackson Irvine could feature for the Socceroos, who are aiming to reach the last 16 for the second World Cup in a row.

Manzambi: ‘The dream lives on’

Speaking after Switzerland’s historic win in Vancouver, Freiburg’s starlet told the media: “The opening goal pushed us. I repaid him [Embolo] for his assist [against Canada]. It’d be great if we can keep that up. Breel and I have a good understanding on and off the pitch. The dream lives on and gets even better. I hope we can keep going.”

Manzambi guides Switzerland through

Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi’s bursting run and cutback for Breel Embolo set Switzerland on their way to a 2-0 win over Algeria for their first World Cup knockout victory since 1938 and progress to the last 16. Dan Ndoye got a second for Die Nati, who featured 11 current or former Bundesliga players. Algeria started with Fares Chaïbi, Ramy Bensebaini and Ibrahim Maza as they bow out in Vancouver.

3 July: Portugal into last 16

Portugal will take on Spain in the round of 16 in Dallas on Monday 6 July after beating Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32. Croatia took the lead early in the second half through former Bayern and Dortmund winger Ivan Perišić, but it was later cancelled out by a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Gonçalo Ramos headed in the winner in stoppage time to book Portugal’s place in the next round.

Spain march on

La Roja booked their place in the last 16 with a comfortable and deserved 3-0 win against Austria in Los Angeles. Mikel Oyarzabal scored either side of a Pedro Porro header in a match they dominated from start to finish, earning their fourth clean sheet in as many games at this tournament.

Big Kane praise from Rooney

Wayne Rooney, who was England’s record goalscorer before being surpassed by Kane, was glowing in his appraisal of the star Bayern man after his performance against DR Congo. “”His header was brilliant but the second goal was incredible and he is just such a top player. All the best players in the world are performing at this World Cup, he is England’s superstar, he is the hero for us.”

Switzerland and Algeria meet

At 5am CEST tomorrow morning, Switzerland face Algeria in an intriguing match-up. Nine Bundesliga men are part of the Switzerland squad, with Johan Manzambi and Co. finishing top of Group B, while Algeria have Ibrahim Maza, Mohamed Amoura, Ramy Bensebaini and Farès Chaïbi amongst their ranks. They reached this stage courtesy of a 3-3 draw with Austria in their final group game.

Croatia prepare for Portugal clash

Four Bundesliga players – plus Luka Vušković, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg – will aim to reach the round of 16 with Croatia against Portugal (kick-off: 1.00am CEST). They finished second in Group L behind England, recovering from their opening loss to the Three Lions with wins over Panama and Ghana.

Big night ahead for Austria’s Bundesliga representatives

There are 14 Bundesliga-based players in Austria’s squad as they prepare to take on Spain in Los Angeles. Ralf Rangnick’s side were heading out of the World Cup when Riyad Mahrez gave Algeria a 3-2 lead in stoppage time, but former VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Saša Kalajdžić struck deep into added time to secure his nation a place in the round of 32.

The Tillman show

Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman was the star of the show as the USA booked their place in the World Cup last 16. Playing a role in Folarin Balogun’s opening goal before doubling his team’s tally with a sublime free-kick to send Mauricio Pochettino’s charges past Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tillman continues to set the stage alight with his ball-carrying abilities, eye for a pass and goalscoring threat from midfield.

Golden Boot race

Harry Kane’s spectacular game-winning strike against DR Congo put England’s captain on five goals, level with former Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and one less than France’s Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Ousmane Dembélé and Vinícius Júnior are also in the running with four goals.

2 July: USA and Belgium progress

Co-hosts USA beat Bosnia and Herzegovina convincingly in San Francisco, securing a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Folarin Balogun and Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman (pictured, l.), who scored a brilliant free-kick. Arthur Theate’s Belgium came back from behind to beat Senegal in dramatic fashion, winning 3-2 despite being two goals down going into the final five minutes of the game.

Kane stars as England book last 16 ticket

Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions complete a second-half turnaround to reach the round of 16 courtesy of a second-half Harry Kane brace. England were a much-changed side after the interval, showing much more quality in attacking areas. The double substitution to introduce Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon proved decisive as the latter provided both assists for Kane’s strikes, but it was the Bayern man who made the difference for England. DR Congo fought valiantly, especially in the first half, but ultimately their World Cup journey has come to an end in Atlanta.

Bundesliga representatives eye last 16

They’ll be plenty of Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 representatives on show when co-hosts USA play Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco. Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen) will look to carry their nation into the last 16, where the winners will face Belgium or Senegal, but they’ll be against Bosnia’s Dženis Burnić (Karlsruhe), Ermedin Demirović (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Džeko, Nikola Katić (both Schalke), Haris Tabaković (Gladbach) and Nikola Vasilj (St. Pauli).

Henry: ‘Olise on another planet’

Speaking to FOX Sports after France’s victory, former Les Bleus striker Thierry Henry was full of praise for Bayern winger Olise, describing the 24-year-old as “a freak”. The ex-Barcelona and Arsenal star said: “The way he sees stuff is just not the same as [the way] others see stuff. MVP will always by Kylian [Mbappé], but the most important player is Michael Olise.”

Nusa lets emotions run free

Leipzig’s Nusa played an important role in Norway’s progression to the round of 16, scoring a stunning opener against Ivory Coast. At full-time, he broke down in tears, saying, “There were just too many emotions. I sat on the bench for the last 20 minutes and could barely watch the game because it was so stressful. It means everything. This is truly what I’ve dreamed of since I was a little boy. And to be able to show the young children in Norway that it’s possible – that’s also very, very nice.”

Olise on fire

While Bayern’s Olise has not yet found the back of the net, he has been the creative hub of the French team in this tournament. He has created five goals for his teammates, more than any other player in the competition, and has created a strong understanding with Kylian Mbappé in particular.

1 July: Hosts maintain winning record to progress

Co-hosts Mexico won a fourth straight match at this World Cup as they comfortably beat Ecuador to progress to the round of 16. They started strongly and were 2-0 up just after the half-hour mark thanks to goals from Julian Quinones and Raúl Jiménez. That was how the score stayed, with Ecuador – who were reduced to 10 men late on when ex-Bayer Leverkusen man Piero Hincapié – struggling to cause any problems for Mexico in response. As such, Javier Aguirre’s men can now look forward to a tie against either England or DR Congo.

Statement win for France

Michael Olise (pictured, l.) and Kylian Mbappé (r.) were both sensational as France overwhelmed Sweden 3-0 to ease into the round of 16, where they will take on Paraguay on Saturday 4 July. Mbappé scored two to take his goal tally to six at this tournament, while Olise provided two assists, meaning he leads that particular category at the competition with five.

Nusa screamer as Norway advance

RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa hit this sensational curler into the top corner as Norway beat Côte I’voire 2-1 in the round of 32 on Tuesday. Amad Diallo equalised for the African side in the second half, but Erling Haaland had the final say late on, notching his fifth goal of the tournament to set up a meeting with Brazil in the round of 16 on 5 July.

Neuer calls time on Germany career – again

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer appears to have confirmed his retirement from international football following Germany’s World Cup exit to Paraguay. The 40-year-old had initially stepped away after UEFA Euro 2024 before reversing his decision to return for one final World Cup. When asked if the Paraguay match would be his last for Die Nationalelf, Neuer simply replied: ‘Yes’.

Bayern duo target last 16

Pre-tournament favourites France play Sweden on Tuesday evening in New Jersey. Bayern Munich stars Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano are set to feature in the Round of 32 tie after starting in all three of Les Bleus’ group stage matches. Sweden, meanwhile, may hand a first World Cup start to Borussia Dortmund’s Daniel Svensson, who has only been used off the bench so far by head coach Graham Potter.

RB Leipzig teammates face-off

Tuesday’s opening match sees RB Leipzig wingers Yan Diomande and Antonio Nusa face each other as rivals, as Côte d’Ivoire take on Norway in the Round of 32. With neither nation having won a World Cup knockout match before, history beckons for the victor. Diomande and Nusa appeared in all three of their side’s group stage matches, with the former even grabbing an assist for Côte d’Ivoire against Curaçao.

Amiri ‘disappointed and shocked’ after defeat

The Mainz midfielder, who came on as a late substitute for Germany against Paraguay, said: “We’re very disappointed and shocked because we didn’t expect to be knocked out so early. It was an unfortunate match. Obviously, our aim was clearly to progress. But that’s football – anyone can beat anyone. Congratulations to Paraguay.”

Neuer on Germany’s lack of cutting edge

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper stated after Germany’s Round of 32 exit: “The coach has had a few words to say to us. We’re all very sad. We didn’t have the bite or the bit of luck needed to win today. But we simply didn’t create enough chances. We lacked the means and the cutting edge. We simply have to win against an opponent like that.”

Nagelsmann reacts to World Cup exit

Following his side’s penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, the Germany head coach stated: “We just took too long to start playing down the wings. As the game went on, we tried to force the issue and created more in the penalty area. We were in control, but we lacked that cutting edge. It’s a joke that our goal was disallowed, but at the end of the day, you have to say that it simply wasn’t enough. I’m very disappointed because I feel we have a very cohesive team.”

Dutch pay the penalty

Five spot-kicks were missed as Morocco knocked out the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey. Cody Gakpo had put the Oranje ahead with 18 minutes to go, but Issa Diop’s header forced extra-time and ultimately penalties, where the Dutch missed three and the Atlas Lions only two, with Ismael Saibari netting the winner to send the North Africans through to face Canada in the last 16.

30 June: Germany exit World Cup

Germany are out after losing to Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32 at Boston Stadium. Kai Havertz equalised in the second half to force extra time, before Jonathan Tah had a late winner ruled out. Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah missed in the shootout as the four-time world champions bowed out early for the third World Cup in a row.

Brazil survive Japan scare

The five-time winners came from behind to book their place in the Round of 16 in a dramatic game in Houston. Mainz’s Kaishū Sano gave Japan the lead, but Brazil rallied in the second half, with Casemiro equalising and Gabriel Martinelli scoring an injury-time winner.

Germany’s possible route to the final

Should Nagelsmann’s side defeat Paraguay, they could face tournament favourites France next, who face a tricky Round of 32 tie against Sweden. Win that, and Germany could meet fierce rivals the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, followed by Spain or Portugal in the semi-finals.

Nagelsmann previews Paraguay clash

“They [Paraguay] are a very uncomfortable opponent who will be demanding a lot from us,” the Germany head coach stated in his press conference. “It is always about winning when talking about the national team, trying to win every game. How you deal with expectations is just self-confidence, give the players a good plan so they feel comfortable and do the right things on the pitch.”

A good omen for Japan?

The Samurai Blue recorded their first-ever win against Brazil the last time the two nations met in October of last year. Bundesliga stars Ritsu Dōan, Kaishū Sano and Shūto Machino all featured as Japan ran out 3-2 winners in Chōfu. Can they make it two wins in a row against the five-time World Cup winners?

Who might face who in the knockouts?

Germany set for knockouts

The four-time World Cup winners play the third game of the round of 32 as they face Paraguay in Boston. It’s a second straight match against South American opposition after losing to Ecuador in the final group game. “You feel how aggressive they [South American teams] are on the pitch. How united they are as a team, combined with the fans,” said Kai Havertz in the build-up. Kick-off is at 10:30pm CEST. Sweden or France await the winners in the round of 16.

29 June: Big day for Japan

Seven Bundesliga-based players could feature for Japan as they take on five-time world champions Brazil in Houston looking to cause a huge upset in the second round of 32 fixture at the World Cup. Bayern defender Hiroki Ito (c.) is the only outfielder to have played every minute for the Samurai Blue in these finals. Kick-off is at 7pm CEST.

Davies returns as Canada advance

Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies came on as a second half substitute as Canada booked their place in the round of 16 for the first time in their history following a dramatic 1-0 victory over a resilient South Africa. With extra time looming, Stephen Eustaquio’s well-struck half-volley in the second minute of added time found its way into the bottom corner, sending Jesse Marsch’s charges through.

WELCOME TO YOUR HOME, SHARKSPORTS

UNIQUE SPORTS SITE IN THE WORLD

MOST VIP, NEW, FRESH & QUALITY SPORT NEWS

1. PRIVACY POLICY

2. terms and conditions 3. Disclaimer 4. Cookies Policy 5. Affiliate Disclosure 6. Terms of Use for User-Generated Content 7. Contact Us