TORONTO: Germany reached the World Cup knockout phase for the first time since 2014 with a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday.&nbsp;Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including the crucial goal four minutes into injury time, triggering a massive roar from the overwhelmingly pro-German crowd of 43,000 in Toronto.&nbsp;Germany had not advanced from the group stage since winning the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and coach Julian Nagelsmann had been under huge pressure to make that breakthrough.&nbsp;A first-half goal by Franck Kessie gave the Ivorians a 30th-minute lead.&nbsp;Kessie turned in from close range following strong work by teenage Ivorian phenomenon Yan Diomande, who is in the sights of some of Europe&#39;s top clubs, including Liverpool.&nbsp;The Germans thought they had found the net twice in the first half.&nbsp;Nathaniel Brown&#39;s corner in the 21st minute was knocked into the goal by Aleksandar Pavlovic, but Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benitez immediately called it back -- charging Pavlovic with fouling Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.&nbsp;Then, in the 38th minute, German forward and Arsenal star Kai Havertz had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed because of a foul by Bayern Munich&#39;s Jamal Musiala.&nbsp;When the second half began, the Germans applied relentless pressure.&nbsp;The vaunted Ivorian defence held firm till the 68th minute, but ultimately the Germans broke through.&nbsp;Undav, of VfB Stuttgart, volleyed in a cross by Nadiem Amiri in the 63rd minute.&nbsp;His second sent Nagelsmann and the German crowd into a frenzy as the Germans snapped a string of disappointments at the last two World Cups.&nbsp;&quot;Winning mentality, team spirit -- we had exactly what you need to be successful in a tournament,&quot; Germany defender Jonathan Tah told MagentaTV.&nbsp;&quot;We never gave up, we kept going no matter what. The guys coming off the bench brought energy. Deniz deserves a special mention, outstanding!&quot;&nbsp;The Ivorians have never advanced at a World Cup, but may still move on with a win over debutants Curacao in their final group stage match.

Football

Germany secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast in Toronto, reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014. Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including a stoppage-time winner, after Franck Kessie’s opener.

Germany come from behind to beat Ivory Coast and reach World Cup last 32

TIJUANA: Iran&#39;s treatment at the World Cup in North America is a &quot;dark point&quot; in the history of the competition, a leading Iranian football official said Friday.&nbsp;Hedayat Mombeyni, the secretary general of the Iranian football federation, was speaking to reporters the day after his organization said it would lodge a complaint with FIFA, claiming the team was being subjected to travel restrictions that were jeopardizing its performance.&nbsp;&quot;This is a major international tournament. This sort of breaking of our rules and our agreements, in my opinion, calls football itself into question,&quot; Mombeyni told reporters at the team&#39;s training base in Tijuana, Mexico.&nbsp;&quot;I believe this will mark a dark point in the World Cup&#39;s recent history,&quot; Mombeyni added.&nbsp;Iran wanted to fly to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday, because the match kicks off at midday local time.&nbsp;Iran&#39;s Belgian opponents were flying to California on Friday, two days before the game.&nbsp;But the Iranian federation said its request to follow suit was turned down.&nbsp;The US administration, which has just signed an interim deal to end its conflict with Iran, has pushed back against the Iranian claims.&nbsp;Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said Iran had been informed in advance that they would only be allowed to enter the United States on the day before its games.&nbsp;&quot;The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,&quot; Giuliani told CBS News on Monday.&nbsp;FIFA&#39;s rules for World Cups say teams should travel from their bases to the match venue on the day before a game, but can travel two days before &quot;in exceptional cases&quot;.&nbsp;Mombeyni hit out at the US organizers.&nbsp;&quot;Rules must be followed. Seems to me that (Giuliani) should have studied the rules much sooner. And people who are not capable of carrying out FIFA&#39;s rules should not be hosting, and FIFA should not select them to be hosts,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;In my opinion, he should have studied the rules sooner, checked with people from Team Melli of Iran, and he shouldn&#39;t have created these problems.&quot;&nbsp;The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is the first in history in which a host nation must host on its soil the team of a nation it is at war with.

Iranian football official Hedayat Mombeyni called World Cup travel restrictions a dark point, after FIFA complaint over denied US travel before Belgium match. Organizers said rules allowed entry one day before games, sparking further criticism.

Iran's treatment at World Cup 'a dark point' for football: Iranian official

SEATTLE: The United States advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds with a game to spare following an impressive 2-0 win over Australia Friday, stoking the hopes of an already hyped host nation.&nbsp;The US join fellow tournament co-hosts Mexico as the first teams to progress, and could be assured top spot in Group D if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay later Friday.&nbsp;Excitement had been running high from last week&#39;s US thrashing of Paraguay.&nbsp;And a glorious day in the Pacific Northwest did not disappoint the red-and-white-clad fans who packed Seattle&#39;s Lumen Field and its surrounding streets and bars.&nbsp;Even before kickoff, chants of &quot;USA&quot; rocked a stadium best known as the raucous home of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, but also a US soccer hotbed that hosts the local Sounders.&nbsp;Without injured talisman attacker Christian Pulisic, who failed to recover from a calf issue in time, coach Mauricio Pochettino switched to a 4-4-2 formation, bringing in second striker Ricardo Pepi.&nbsp;For the second game running, the US were gifted an early lead, thanks to an own goal in the 11th minute.&nbsp;Playing slightly wider than usual, star striker Folarin Balogun raced down the left and cut the ball back from the byline.&nbsp;Under pressure from a lurking Pepi, Aussie defender Cameron Burgess steered the ball into his own net.&nbsp;&nbsp;Toothless AustraliaHaving surprisingly dropped both goalscorers from their impressive opening win over Turkey, Australia looked toothless.&nbsp;The US controlled possession and were lively and dynamic on the attack, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest combining well down the right flank.&nbsp;Alex Freeman doubled the US lead in the 44th minute from what was surprisingly his team&#39;s first shot on target.&nbsp;Taking a free kick from the right byline, Antonee Robinson ignored the scrum in the box and played the ball to Sergino Dest, wide open in the D, whose blocked shot looped up into the air.&nbsp;Freeman -- son of Super Bowl-winning NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman -- was first to the ball, heading it past Patrick Beach. The offside flag went up. But it was overturned by VAR, and the stadium rocked for a second a time.&nbsp;Australia made three changes at the break -- sending on Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda, the goalscorers against Turkey -- and pushed higher up the field.&nbsp;They were nearly caught out immediately. Balogun raced onto a through ball for a one-on-one chance, but his shot was blocked after a heavy touch.&nbsp;Australia&#39;s best chance so far came in the 62nd minute. The dangerous Cristian Volpato -- who switched allegiance from Italy to Australia on the eve of the tournament -- skied his shot from Irankunda&#39;s cut-back pass.&nbsp;With the US sitting back, Metcalfe had a shot saved, a rampaging Irankunda was brought down by Richards, and Jason Geria&#39;s close-range effort was blocked in a nervy final phase for the hosts.&nbsp;But despite late-flaring tensions between the teams, the Americans held on for the clean sheet and will have the luxury of playing Turkey next Thursday, knowing their spot in the round of 32 is secured.&nbsp;With home advantage and sparkling form so far, US fans will be dreaming of a run to the quarter-finals, which they last reached in 2002, and even beyond.

The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle, advancing to the World Cup knockout rounds with a game to spare. An own goal and Alex Freeman’s strike sealed the win, keeping the Americans unbeaten.

USA beat Australia 2-0 to reach World Cup knockouts

GUADALAJARA: Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo&#39;s goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go following a goalkeeping clanger. In contrast, Mexico stopper Raul Rangel made a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve their lead. Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea are second on three points, with the Czech Republic and South Africa also still alive on one. Both teams went into the clash in front of a passionate home crowd knowing that victory would guarantee progress in double-quick time. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made three changes from the side that beat South Africa 2-0 a week ago to open the tournament. His counterpart Hong Myung-bo made just one alteration, largely keeping faith with the team that fought back to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1. South Korea skipper Son Heung-min had the first sniff at goal after 15 minutes, looping the ball over Rangel only for Edson Alvarez to prevent it going in with a bicycle kick on the line. Los Angeles FC attacker Son was belatedly flagged for offside although replays suggested it was a close call. Julian Quinones, who scored the opening goal of the tournament, then forced South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu into a good save from a header, raising the decibels. The rest of an uneventful half belonged to South Korea as they &nbsp;stroked the ball around at will, without ever creating a clear chance, but they did succeed in silencing the home support. Jeers rang out at half-time from the Mexico fans. The hosts started the second period with far more intent, and five minutes in they went ahead when the goalkeeper Kim came for a high ball and clattered into his own player, spilling it straight to Romo. He just needed to poke the ball first time into an unguarded net, triggering pandemonium. Hong surprisingly hauled off the veteran talisman Son before the &nbsp;hour and threw on Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers. But the Koreans were mostly toothless going forward until the final few minutes, when Guadalajara native Rangel came to Mexico&#39;s rescue. They will face the Czech Republic in their dead-rubber final group game while South Korea play South Africa. South Africa and the Czechs drew 1-1 earlier in the day.

Luis Romo's goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go following a goalkeeping clanger; Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City.





Co-hosts Mexico first team into World Cup knockout rounds

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ISLAMABAD: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the biggest human stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a heroic performance against Spain transformed him from a little-known veteran into a global football sensation. The Blue Sharks, playing their first-ever World Cup, stunned European champions Spain with a 0-0 draw in Atlanta. At the center of the result stood 40-year-old Vozinha, who made seven crucial saves to keep one of the tournament favorites from scoring. Spain dominated possession, kept attacking and registered 27 shots, but Cape Verde&rsquo;s experienced No. 1 refused to let the ball pass. His brave performance earned him the player of the match award and gave Cape Verde one of the most memorable results in their football history. A veteran&rsquo;s moment after years of waitingVozinha, whose full name is Josimar Jos&eacute; &Eacute;vora Dias, plays club football with Chaves in Portugal&rsquo;s second division. Unlike many modern stars, his journey to the World Cup was neither quick nor glamorous.<img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/f546ae44-522e-478e-993e-86c169f6ac7e.jpg" style="width: 452px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> He began playing professional football at 25, an age when many players are already settled in their careers. Now, at 40, Vozinha has finally found the biggest stage of his football life, and he has made sure the world remembers his name. Tears for family, pride for a nationAfter the final whistle, Vozinha broke down in tears. The moment was not only about football. It was about family, struggle and the people who helped shape his life. The goalkeeper remembered his late grandparents, who helped raise him, and spoke emotionally about his mother, Ana Candida Evora, who could not attend the Spain match due to a visa-related issue. For Vozinha, stopping the Spanish team was a dream. But doing it without his mother in the stadium made the night emotional in a different way. Instagram erupts after Caz&eacute;TV pushVozinha&rsquo;s performance quickly moved from the football pitch to social media.&nbsp; During the match, Brazilian YouTube broadcaster Caz&eacute;TV urged fans to follow the Cape Verde goalkeeper on Instagram. What followed was a digital storm.&nbsp; Vozinha&rsquo;s Instagram following reportedly jumped from around 50,000 before the match to millions within hours, and close to 10 million within a day. For a player from a country of about half a million people, the sudden global attention was extraordinary.&nbsp; In one night, Vozinha became not only Cape Verde&rsquo;s football hero but also one of the World Cup&rsquo;s biggest viral faces. Mother to watch next gameThe attention also brought hope for his family. US officials later became involved in the visa matter, and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said arrangements were being made for Vozinha&rsquo;s mother to secure a visa. She is now expected to travel to Miami to watch Cape Verde&rsquo;s next World Cup match against Uruguay, adding a powerful new chapter to the emotional story. Cape Verde&rsquo;s dream keeps growingFor Cape Verde, the draw against Spain was more than just a result. It was a statement from a small island nation that refused to be intimidated by one of football&rsquo;s biggest powers. For Vozinha, it was the reward for years of persistence, sacrifice and belief. At 40, when many players are already retired, he has become a World Cup star. One night in Atlanta gave Cape Verde a historic result, gave football a new viral hero, and may soon give a mother the chance to watch her son live the dream he spent his whole life chasing.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha becomes a World Cup sensation after seven saves against European champions Spain; gains millions of social media followers; emotional attention focuses on his family, especially his mother’s visa struggles.

From second division to World Cup stardom: Vozinha becomes viral hero

HOUSTON: Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of Congo secured their first ever point at the finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match on Wednesday.&nbsp;Yoane Wissa&#39;s header cancelled out Joao Neves&#39;s early goal and the African side -- appearing in their first World Cup since 1974 when it was known as Zaire -- more than held their own.&nbsp;Ronaldo, 41, was largely a peripheral figure throughout the match -- failing to make the impact his great rival Lionel Messi had done on Tuesday in scoring a hat-trick against Algeria.&nbsp;The DRC&#39;s achievement was even greater given their preparations had been disrupted by the Ebola outbreak back in their country.&nbsp;Some Portugal players were wearing wrist bands, given to them by their Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, in tribute to late team-mate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash last year.&nbsp;Portugal got off to the perfect start, with Neves powering home a header from Pedro Neto&#39;s cross in the sixth minute.&nbsp;However, despite dominating possession they lacked a cutting edge and well into time added on in the first half their opponents made them pay.&nbsp;Wissa rose unmarked to head past Diogo Costa in the Portuguese goal sparking wild celebrations on the pitch, the bench and among the Congolese fans in the stadium as the Newcastle forward registered his country&#39;s first ever goal at a World Cup.&nbsp;Former Portuguese defensive bulwark Pepe, watching from the VIP seats, did not look impressed.&nbsp;Bernardo Silva had started the day by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer but he ended it by watching from the bench after Martinez took him off at half-time.&nbsp;He was briefly off his feet celebrating when Joao Cancelo&#39;s overhead kick hit the back of the net -- only for it to be ruled out for offside.&nbsp;The Congolese were matching the Portuguese, though, and 35-year-old veteran striker Cedric Bakambu shrugged aside Bruno Fernandes, but his shot came back off the near post.&nbsp;Ronaldo finally had a chance to shine when presented with a chance by Francisco Conceicao&#39;s pass but he fluffed his lines sending it wide of the post.&nbsp;The same combination linked up again minutes later, Conceicao -- a far livelier presence than Silva had been -- teeing up Ronaldo but once again the result was the same, the ball went wide.&nbsp;Portugal thought they had at least got a corner but when it was not given Conceicao slammed the ball into the ground in frustration as his side failed to pick up three points in their opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth World Cup began with a disappointing 1-1 draw as Democratic Republic of the Congo earned its first-ever World Cup point. Yoane Wissa cancelled out Joao Neves's early goal, while Portugal missed chances to secure victory.

Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn historic World Cup point

ARLINGTON: Jude Bellingham was preferred to Morgan Rogers in the England number 10 role for their World Cup opener against Croatia in Texas on Wednesday.&nbsp;There had been uncertainty over who coach Thomas Tuchel would select to offer support to captain Harry Kane up front.&nbsp;The 22-year-old Real Madrid star Bellingham has been given the nod over Aston Villa&#39;s Rogers to start the Group L encounter, which will take place under a roof with air conditioning.&nbsp;On the wings Tuchel went with new Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, with Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka still managing a nagging Achilles issue.&nbsp;Bellingham has not always had the smoothest relationship with Tuchel.&nbsp;The German once called some of the midfielder&#39;s on-pitch behaviour &quot;repulsive&quot;. He later apologised.&nbsp;At the back for the clash in Arlington Tuchel named Villa&#39;s Ezri Konsa alongside John Stones, with Marc Guehi on the bench.

England coach Thomas Tuchel selected Jude Bellingham ahead of Morgan Rogers in the No.10 role for the World Cup opener against Croatia. Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke started on the wings, while Ezri Konsa partnered John Stones in defence.

Bellingham starts for England against Croatia

KANSAS CITY: Lionel Messi scored a dazzling hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday to equal Miroslav Klose&#39;s all-time record of 16 goals at World Cups as the defending champions swept Algeria aside 3-0. On a night for the ages in Kansas City, the records kept tumbling for Argentina&#39;s miracle man, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. When the match kicked off at the home of the NFL&#39;s Kansas City Chiefs, Messi became the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments, in his 200th international match. And the 38-year-old lit up the occasion with three goals in a clinical display by the reigning world champions. Messi produced a majestic finish from distance in the 17th minute, sparking a frenzy among his adoring fans, who had turned the match into a virtual home game. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of France great Zinedine Zidane, got his hands to the ball, but could not keep it out. Messi netted again in the second half from close range, gobbling up a rebound to take him just one goal behind the all-time record held by Germany&#39;s Klose. And he completed his first hat-trick at a World Cup with an unstoppable finish in the 76th minute. The diminutive genius was substituted shortly afterwards, forcing Argentine fans to wait to see their hero have a shot at the outright record. Messi magic&nbsp;The Group J match in the open-air stadium started at a frantic pace and both sides had early goals ruled out for offside, including one from Messi. But Argentina took the lead when Rodrigo De Paul played a beautifully measured through ball which Messi picked up before driving at goal and unleashing a fierce drive from outside the penalty area that curled away from Zidane. The South American team were largely in control of the match, fluid in attack with their Number 10 pulling the strings. But as the clock ticked towards half-time Algeria enjoyed a better spell, with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez forced to parry a shot from Fares Chaibi from a tight angle. Messi curled another effort over the bar in the early minutes of the second half and Zidane kept out a shot from Lautaro Martinez. But the crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate another goal from the veteran forward, who plays for MLS side Inter Miami. Zidane could not handle a sizzling Alexis Mac Allister strike from distance and Messi was there to sweep home in the 60th minute. Time stood still six minutes later as Messi was through again but this time Zidane pushed the ball over the bar. But he was not to be denied, completing his hat-trick after being set up by substitute Nico Gonzalez. Lionel Scaloni&#39;s Argentina are seeking to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil managed the feat in 1962. Algeria are hoping to reach the knockout round for only the second time, in a group that also includes Austria and Jordan. Earlier, the roads around the Kansas City Stadium were clogged as tens of thousands of Argentine fans streamed towards ground dressed in blue and white, many with Messi&#39;s name on the back of their shirts. Argentina&#39;s all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait&#39;s Bader Al-Mutawa. Ronaldo will equal Messi&#39;s record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.

Argentina's all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa; Ronaldo will equal Messi's record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.


Messi equals World Cup goalscoring record in Argentina win

MORRISTOWN: Brazil forward Neymar, who was diagnosed with a right calf injury in late May, trained at the World Cup for the first time Tuesday in a sign he may be nearing a return. The 34-year-old has been undergoing treatment since the squad&#39;s arrival in the United States, but took another step in his recovery process as he was out running at Brazil&#39;s training base in New Jersey. Brazil&#39;s all-time record scorer has yet to return to full training after missing the team&#39;s opening 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday. Neymar has been an integral part of Brazil&#39;s last three World Cup campaigns but there was some surprise at his inclusion this time as injuries have prevented him from playing for his country at all since 2023. He has featured in just half of his club&#39;s games in the Brazilian league, cup and Copa Sudamericana this year due to various fitness issues. Brazil&#39;s next game is against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday. They face Scotland in their final Group C game in Miami on June 24.

The 34-year-old has been undergoing treatment since the squad's arrival in the United States, but took another step in his recovery process as he was out running at Brazil's training base in New Jersey.

Neymar back in training with Brazil at World Cup

LOS ANGELES: Tunisia have responded to their 5-1 World Cup thrashing by Sweden by sacking coach Sabri Lamouchi and replacing him with Frenchman Herve Renard, the federation announced on national TV on Monday. Renard coached Saudi Arabia to a shock win against eventual winners Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has since coached the France women&#39;s team.

Tunisia's French head coach Sabri Lamouchi (L) and defender #02 Ali Abdi give a press conference on the eve of Tunisia's 2026 World Cup football tournament Group F football match against Sweden at Monterrey Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 13, 2026. 

Tunisia respond to their 5-1 World Cup thrashing by Sweden by sacking coach Sabri Lamouchi and replacing him with Frenchman Herve Renard.

Articles tagged with "FIFA World Cup 2026"

Germany come from behind to beat Ivory Coast and reach World Cup last 32

Iran's treatment at World Cup 'a dark point' for football: Iranian official

USA beat Australia 2-0 to reach World Cup knockouts

Co-hosts Mexico first team into World Cup knockout rounds

From second division to World Cup stardom: Vozinha becomes viral hero

Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn historic World Cup point

Bellingham starts for England against Croatia

Messi equals World Cup goalscoring record in Argentina win

Neymar back in training with Brazil at World Cup

Tunisia replace coach Lamouchi with Renard after World Cup thrashing: Federation

Germany come from behind to beat Ivory Coast and reach World Cup last 32