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  • FIFA World Cup preview: England eyes strong finish, Belgium targets progression, USA fights for knockout stage survival 

    FIFA World Cup preview: England eyes strong finish, Belgium targets progression, USA fights for knockout stage survival 

    The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage continues with three intriguing Round of 32 clashes on Thursday, as England, Belgium, and co-host United States look to avoid the fate of several tournament favorites already eliminated. With no second chances from this point forward, every match carries added significance as teams battle for a place in the Round of 16.


    England vs Congo DR

     

    12:00 AM (PHT)

     

    England advanced as Group L winners after collecting seven points in the group stage. The Three Lions opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana, then wrapped up the first round with a 2-0 win over Panama. Despite topping the group, Thomas Tuchel’s side has been searching for greater consistency heading into the knockout stage.

     

    DR Congo enters the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s surprise teams after qualifying as a third-placed finisher from Group K. The Leopards earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Portugal, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, and secured qualification with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan to reach the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout stage.

     

    Key Player: 

    Harry Kane (England)

     

    Belgium vs Senegal

     

    4:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Belgium finished first in Group G after overcoming a slow start in the tournament. The Red Devils drew their opening two matches against Egypt and Iran before exploding for a 5-1 victory over New Zealand to secure top spot and carry momentum into the knockout phase.

     

    Senegal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group I. The Lions of Teranga dropped close contests against France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) before responding emphatically with a 5-0 rout of Iraq to book their place in the Round of 32. Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw believes the knockout rounds present a fresh opportunity for his squad.

     

    Key Player: 

    Leandro Trossard (Belgium)

     

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    United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

     

    8:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Co-host United States topped Group D to secure a favorable Round of 32 matchup. The Americans advanced after victories over Paraguay and Australia despite falling to Turkiye in their group finale, finishing first in the standings under Mauricio Pochettino. Confidence remains high, but the hosts are wary after seeing several traditional powers fall earlier in the knockout stage.

     

    Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified as a third-placed team from Group B after defeating Qatar, losing to Switzerland, and earning a crucial draw against Canada to keep their World Cup campaign alive. The Europeans will rely on a disciplined defensive approach as they attempt to pull off another upset.

     

    Key Player: 

    Folarin Balogun (United States)

     

    With a mix of established contenders and emerging challengers taking the field, Wednesday’s Round of 32 fixtures promise compelling storylines. England and Belgium will aim to justify their status as favorites, while the United States looks to capitalize on home support and continue its run. Meanwhile, DR Congo, Senegal, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will seek to extend their World Cup journeys by adding another upset to an already unpredictable knockout stage.

     

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  • World Cup group stage roundup: Ecuador shock Germany, Türkiye edge USA in dramatic matchday

    World Cup group stage roundup: Ecuador shock Germany, Türkiye edge USA in dramatic matchday

    The latest round of group stage matches delivered plenty of excitement as several teams strengthened their bids for a place in the knockout rounds. Ecuador pulled off the biggest upset of the day by defeating Germany, while Türkiye snatched a dramatic stoppage-time victory over the United States. Elsewhere, Côte d’Ivoire and the Netherlands secured convincing wins, while Japan and Sweden shared the spoils and Paraguay and Australia settled for a goalless draw. 

     

     

    Group E

    Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 Curaçao

     

    Nicolas Pépé scored a brace to lead Côte d’Ivoire to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curaçao. The experienced winger struck in the seventh minute to give the Ivorians an early advantage before adding his second goal in the 64th minute to wrap up all three points. Curaçao struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as Côte d’Ivoire controlled the match from start to finish.

     

     

    Ecuador 2-1 Germany

     

    Ecuador pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the day with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Germany. Leroy Sané put Germany ahead after just two minutes, but Ecuador responded through Nilson Angulo in the ninth minute to level the score. With the match evenly poised, Gonzalo Plata found the winner in the 77th minute to hand Ecuador a famous victory.

     

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    Group F

    Netherlands 3-1 Tunisia

     

    The Netherlands produced an impressive attacking display to defeat Tunisia 3-1. An own goal from Ellyes Skhiri gave the Dutch an early lead before Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage just four minutes later. Tunisia pulled one back through Hazem Mastouri in the second half, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute to secure the victory.

     

     

    Japan 1-1 Sweden

     

    Japan and Sweden settled for a share of the spoils after an entertaining 1-1 draw. Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock for Japan in the 56th minute, but Sweden responded quickly through Anthony Elanga six minutes later. Both teams pushed for a late winner but had to settle for a point each.

     

     

    Group D

    Türkiye 3-2 USA

     

    Türkiye emerged victorious in one of the most thrilling matches of the day, edging the United States 3-2. Auston Trusty gave the Americans an early lead before Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz turned the match around for Türkiye in the first half. Sebastian Berhalter equalized after the break, but Kaan Ayhan struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic victory for the Turkish side.

     

     

    Paraguay 0-0 Australia

     

    Paraguay and Australia battled to a scoreless draw in a tightly contested encounter. Both teams defended well and created several promising opportunities but lacked the finishing touch in the final third. The stalemate earned each side a point as they continue their group stage campaigns.

     

    With the group stage heating up, every point is becoming increasingly valuable as teams battle for qualification to the knockout rounds. The latest results have tightened several groups, setting the stage for another thrilling round of fixtures as the race for the next phase of the tournament intensifies. 

     

     

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  • FIFA World Cup preview: Germany, United States look to stay perfect as World Cup stakes rise 

    FIFA World Cup preview: Germany, United States look to stay perfect as World Cup stakes rise 

    The group stage enters its decisive stretch as several teams look to secure passage to the Round of 32, while others fight to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Here is a look at the six matches on deck and where each team stands heading into the final round of group action.


    Curacao vs Ivory Coast (Group E)

     

    4:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Curacao enters the match with everything still to play for despite sitting third in Group E with one point. After suffering a heavy 7-1 loss to Germany in its opener, Curacao responded with a disciplined scoreless draw against Ecuador to stay alive in the tournament. 

     

    Ivory Coast sits second in Group E with three points after opening its campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador before falling 2-1 to Germany. Led by winger Amad Diallo, the Elephants control their own destiny and can secure a Round of 32 berth with a positive result. A win would guarantee qualification regardless of the outcome of the other group match.

     

    Key Players: 

      • Curacao: Livano Comenencia
    • Ivory Coast: Franck Kessie

    Ecuador vs Germany (Group E)

     

    4:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Ecuador finds itself in a must-win situation after collecting just one point from its first two matches. La Tri suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast before being held to a 0-0 draw by Curacao. 

     

    Germany has already qualified for the Round of 32 after winning its opening two matches. Die Mannschaft dismantled Curacao 7-1 before edging Ivory Coast 2-1 to take sole possession of first place in Group E with six points. With their upcoming match, Germany aims to maintain their perfect record.

     

    Key Players: 

      • Ecuador: Moises Caicedo
    • Germany: Deniz Undav

    Japan vs Sweden (Group F)

     

    7:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Japan enters the final matchday level on points with the Netherlands atop Group F. The Samurai Blue opened with a 2-2 draw against the Dutch before producing a commanding 4-0 victory over Tunisia. 

     

    Sweden remains firmly in the qualification race despite a mixed start to the tournament. After routing Tunisia 5-1, the Swedes stumbled against the Netherlands in a 5-1 defeat. Yasin Ayari remains Sweden’s biggest attacking threat as they seek a result that could propel them into the knockout stage.

     

    Key Players: 

      • Japan: Ayase Ueda
    • Sweden:  Yasin Ayari

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    Tunisia vs Netherlands (Group F)

     

    7:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Tunisia has already been eliminated after back-to-back defeats to Sweden and Japan. The North Africans conceded nine goals across those two matches and will now look to salvage pride in their final World Cup outing. 

     

    The Netherlands entered the match in a strong position after collecting four points from its first two games. The Dutch drew Japan 2-2 before producing an impressive 5-1 victory over Sweden. The Netherlands can secure a Round of 32 berth with a favorable result and potentially finish atop Group F.

     

    Key Players: 

      • Tunisia: Omar Rekik
    • Netherlands: Virgil van Dijk

    Paraguay vs Australia (Group D)

     

    10:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Paraguay remains in contention for a knockout-round berth after earning a crucial 1-0 victory over Turkiye in its previous match. Paraguay seeks another important result that could send them through to the Round of 32.

     

    Australia will try to revive its campaign after a vital 2-0 defeat over the United States in their previous match. They will rely on defender Harry Souttar and Connor Metcalfe to anchor the back line in a match that could determine their World Cup future.

     

    Key Players: 

      • Paraguay: Julio Enciso
    • Australia: Connor Metcalfe 

    Turkiye vs United States (Group D)

     

    10:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Turkiye enters under pressure following a narrow defeat to Australia and Paraguay that complicated their path to the knockout rounds.The Turks look to bounce back and stay in the race.

     

    The United States opened its campaign in impressive fashion, cruising to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay before following it up with a 2-0 win over Australia to secure a spot in the Round of 32. Riding the momentum of back-to-back victories, the Americans will look to maintain their winning form when they take on Türkiye in their final group-stage match.

     

    Key Players: 

      • Turkiye: Abdulkerim Bardakci
    • United States: Folarin Balogun 

    With qualification spots, group titles, and World Cup survival all on the line, the final round of group-stage matches promises drama across every kickoff as teams battle for their place in the Round of 32.

     

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  • World Cup co-hosts Canada and USA open campaigns against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Paraguay in matchday 2 showdowns 

    World Cup co-hosts Canada and USA open campaigns against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Paraguay in matchday 2 showdowns 

    Matchday 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup shifts the spotlight onto two of the tournament’s co-hosts, with Canada and the United States both opening their campaigns in contrasting but equally compelling Group-stage fixtures.


    In Toronto, Canada begin their historic World Cup journey against a dangerous Bosnia and Herzegovina side, while later in California, the United States face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in another key early test in Group D. Both North American teams enter the tournament carrying expectations of strong home performances, but each faces opponents built to frustrate and disrupt rhythm on the world stage.

     

    Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina 

     

    Canada step into the World Cup stage for the first time as co-hosts, backed by a passionate home crowd expected to turn Toronto Stadium into a sea of red on June 13, Saturday at 3:00 AM (PHT). Under head coach Jesse Marsch, the Canadians have developed into one of the most aggressive transition teams in the tournament, built on vertical pressing, rapid ball recovery, and direct attacking movement.

     

    Their final tune-up offered encouragement, with a 2-0 friendly win over Uzbekistan highlighting their improved structure and speed in transition. Much of Canada’s attacking threat will revolve around Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, whose explosive runs from left-back remain one of the most dangerous weapons in international football. Alongside him, Jonathan David provides clinical finishing in the final third, while Stephen Eustaquio anchors midfield control and distribution.

     

    While, Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive as battle-tested qualifiers, having carved their path through a demanding UEFA playoff route that included statement wins over Italy and Wales. Led by Sergej Barbarez, Bosnia are expected to lean heavily on structure, physicality, and game management.

     

    Veteran striker Edin Dzeko remains their focal point in attack, offering experience, aerial presence, and finishing instinct in tight matches. Supporting him, young midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic provides energy and progression through midfield, while defender Amar Dedic leads a disciplined back line built to absorb pressure.

     

    Canada’s challenge will be breaking down a compact low-to-mid block while avoiding turnovers that could trigger Bosnia’s direct counterattacks. For Marsch’s side, patience and tempo control could determine whether their opening night becomes a statement win or a frustrating introduction to World Cup football.

     

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    United States vs Paraguay (Group D)

     

    The United States of America begin their own World Cup campaign on home soil as they face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in California on the same day at 9:00 AM (PHT).

     

    Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT enter the tournament with a blend of European-based talent and high-tempo attacking structure. Their expected front line features Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, whose movement inside the box gives the United States a direct scoring threat, flanked by Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah, both capable of stretching defenses with pace and creativity.

     

    In midfield, Weston McKennie offers box-to-box energy and aerial strength, Malik Tillman provides technical creativity between the lines, while Tyler Adams anchors the system with defensive balance and ball recovery.

     

    Paraguay, meanwhile, arrive as one of South America’s most resilient sides after a strong rebuilding phase under Gustavo Alfaro. Known for their compact defensive shape and disciplined organization, Paraguay are expected to frustrate opponents and rely on quick transitions.

     

    Their attack is led by Miguel Almiron, whose Premier League experience and pressing ability make him a constant outlet on the break. Alongside him, young star Julio Enciso brings flair and unpredictability, capable of unlocking defenses with dribbling and direct forward runs.

     

    Paraguay’s structure will likely focus on limiting space in central areas, forcing the US into wide circulation, and capitalizing on counterattacks and set-piece opportunities.

     

    For the United States, breaking Paraguay’s defensive discipline will require precision in the final third and composure in possession, especially under the pressure of a home crowd expecting a strong opening result.

     

    As Canada and the United States begin their World Cup journeys within hours of each other, both matches present early tests of identity—Canada’s high-intensity pressing against Bosnia’s structure in Toronto, and the USMNT’s attacking depth against Paraguay’s disciplined resilience in California.

     

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