HOUSTON — For the third consecutive game — and arguably their biggest ever at the FIFA World Cup — Japan will be without key playmaker Takefusa Kubo for Monday’s massive round-of-32 meeting with Brazil. But having seen his side get this far even without the Real Sociedad star, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu is optimistic his charges can still pull off what most would view as a huge upset — and…
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The word hero gets thrown around a lot in the world of sports. After Canada beat South Africa to win its first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match and advance to the round of 16, head coach Jesse Marsch didn’t hesitate to use that word in describing his team. Marsch was overheard on the broadcast talking to his players on the field after Stephen Eustáquio‘s 92nd-minute volley gave…
Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell revealed he had applicants for Scotland’s head-coach position just hours after Steve Clarke departed the post following the nation’s 2026 World Cup exit. The Scots took three points from the available nine in Group C to end up behind Brazil and Morocco, and with a minus-three goal difference. However, it was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams…
ALAMEDA, California – 18-year-old phenom Lucas Herrington says he’s staying locked in on the Socceroos’ looming Round of 32 clash with Egypt, and not the reported interest of some of the world’s biggest clubs. Making his first World Cup appearance in Australia’s knockout-stage sealing 0-0 draw with Paraguay last Thursday – becoming the youngest ever player to start for the Socceroos at a FIFA World Cup – Herrington was characteristically…
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Stephen Eustáquio scored in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, and Canada beat South Africa 1-0 on Sunday for its first knockout match victory in a World Cup and a first-ever appearance in the round of 16. A tense match at SoFi Stadium appeared to be headed for extra time until Eustáquio, who plays professionally for LAFC several miles away, put a stunning volley from outside…
IRVINE, Calif. — United States forward Folarin Balogun said he can “feel the difference” in the atmosphere around the World Cup now that the knockout stages have begun. After finishing atop Group D, the U.S. is set to play Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, in the round of 32. Whereas in the group stage teams can survive a poor result, that isn’t the case now that the tournament…
South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo resigned on Sunday, a day after the team’s quick elimination from the World Cup and following heavy criticism from the country’s president. South Korea won its opening match against Czechia, then lost its next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico. South Korea hoped it would qualify for the next round as one of the third-place teams to advance in this year’s expanded…
Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury in his final World Cup group stage match against Spain, Manchester United have confirmed. The 25-year-old was stretchered off the pitch, visibly in pain, in the first half of Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat. Assessment into the extent of the injury is still underway, with the full timescale of his return unknown. United said in a statement: “Assessment of the injury is ongoing…
Star-powered France and Argentina, which both made it through the World Cup group stage with three wins, top the championship odds board as the tournament moves into the knockout stage, while the United States’ positive momentum will have sportsbooks sweating more with each game it wins. France is the favorite to win the World Cup at +350, followed closely by reigning champion Argentina at +430, according to DraftKings odds as…