Ange Postecoglou is exactly what Japan need after fifth-straight World Cup knockout loss | John Duerden

The Samurai Blue’s toughest opponents are themselves. The Australian coach would help them kick down the door to football’s global elite As Japan’s players burst into tears after losing to Brazil in the 96th minute of their last-32 match to make it five losses in five World Cup knockout games, a pundit on British television neatly summed it up. “It’s heartbreaking for Japan,” he said. “As a nation, they just feel they have to break through this barrier and now they have to wait another four years to do that but that’s the World Cup. The great teams find a way to win and that’s where Japan need

Switzerland v Algeria: World Cup 2026 last 32 – live

⚽️ Kick-off time: 8pm local/1pm AEST/4am BST/11pm EDT ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail Martin Portugal are through to the last 16 after coming from behind to defeat Croatia in an all-time classic at Toronto Stadium. Paul MacInnes had the pleasure of witnessing the chaos and high drama first-hand … Rafael Leão dropped to his knees. His cross had just been flicked into the net by Gonçalo Ramos to take Portugal to the last 16 of the World Cup. Leão’s expression was not one of delight, but relief. Billed as the last dance for two footballing icons, it was Luka Modrić

Late VAR drama as Croatia denied equaliser

Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time goal is ruled out for offside after a VAR review, denying Croatia an equaliser against Portugal in their World Cup knockout match in Toronto.

Ramos sends Portugal into last 16 as VAR drama caps wild finish against Croatia

Rafael Leão dropped to his knees. His cross had just been flicked into the net by Gonçalo Ramos to take Portugal to the last 16 of the World Cup. Leão’s expression was not one of delight, but relief. Billed as the last dance for two footballing icons, it was Luka Modrić who, at the age of 40, had to leave what will surely be his final World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, plays on, and both scored and was even substituted in a match of endless incident. But this was a contest about more than two individuals, who were far from the most influential players on show. Instead this was an old-fas

Ronaldo levels from penalty spot for Portugal

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo draws his side level from the penalty spot against Croatia during their round of 32 game in Toronto.

Ronaldo has equaliser ruled out for offside

Cristiano Ronaldo has an equalising goal ruled out for offside during Portugal's round of 32 game with Croatia in Toronto.

'Nervous' Sciver-Brunt revels as 'close to complete' England reach home final

Nat Sciver-Brunt was delighted to be able to overcome pre-match nerves and guide England to the Women’s T20 World Cup final with a ‘close to complete’ 40-run victory over South Africa.

Ronaldo and Modric meet in potential World Cup farewell as Portugal face Croatia LIVE!

Egypt star Mo Salah fit to face Socceroos in last-32 clash after hamstring strain

Coach Hossam Hassan unsure whether veteran will start ‘Messi isn’t that tall’: Pharaohs not worried by physical Australia The Socceroos are set to face Mo Salah in their last 32 match, though uncertainty hangs over whether the Egypt great will start the World Cup knockout in Dallas or come off the bench. Salah was seen training with his teammates on Thursday and Egypt coach Hossam Hassan confirmed his “passionate” forward was fit enough to play. Continue reading...

From 'invisible man' to Spain's 'most decisive player'

Mikel Oyarzabal is perhaps not the biggest name in Spain's World Cup squad, but the one who has so far shone brightest.

England-Mexico one of four last-16 ties live on BBC

England's meeting with Mexico is one of four World Cup last-16 matches to be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and across BBC Sport.

USMNT win smashes record for most-watched soccer broadcast with 33 million viewers

Fox averages 24.429 million; 9.1 million on Telemundo Outpaces averages of NBA Finals, Sunday Night Football Monday’s last-16 matchup sure to challenge record again The US men’s national team’s dramatic win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup on Wednesday drew a record television audience, according to preliminary reports released by Fox Sports and Telemundo. The game had an average of 24.429 million viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in US history, the broadcaster said. The Fox telecast peaked at 31.883 million. Telemundo, which holds the S