Gündogan blasts VAR decision after Germany’s World Cup exit to Paraguay
Former Germany midfielder Ilkay Gündogan has strongly criticised the VAR decision to disallow Jonathan Tah’s goal during the team’s penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay.
FIFA World Cup
Klopp dismisses Germany role links after criticising Paraguay defeat
Jürgen Klopp insists he has not considered the Germany head coach position despite mounting speculation, as he delivered a scathing assessment of the national team’s penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.
Volpato earns first World Cup start for Socceroos after Italy switch
Cristian Volpato has made his first World Cup start for Australia just weeks after switching his international allegiance from Italy. The 22-year-old winger joined the squad on the eve of the tournament after rushing back to Sydney to renew his passport.
Montagliani: The Vancouver power broker eyeing FIFA’s top job
Victor Montagliani rose from East Vancouver amateur football to become Concacaf president and architect of the 2026 World Cup, but his path to FIFA’s summit remains shadowed by governance controversies.
Germany 1-1 Paraguay Analysis: Gill’s Shootout Heroics and Alfaro’s Discipline Eliminated a Giant
Paraguay eliminated Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead before Kai Havertz equalised with a header, but Orlando Gill’s shootout heroics and José Canale’s decisive conversion proved decisive. The result sends the third-place Group D qualifiers to face the winner of France vs Sweden, while Germany’s perfect group record meant nothing in the single-elimination knockout.
Brazil 2-1 Japan Analysis: Martinelli’s 95th-Minute Winner and Ancelotti’s Halftime Rescue
Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on June 29, 2026 (EAT), with substitute Gabriel Martinelli striking in the 95th minute to complete a dramatic comeback and send the Samurai Blue home. Kaishu Sano’s 29th-minute opener had given Japan a deserved lead against the Group C winners, but Carlo Ancelotti’s halftime tactical intervention produced a second-half equalizer from Casemiro before Martinelli’s winner sealed the result. The victory advances Brazil to face the winner of Ivory Coast versus Norway in the Round of 16, though the narrow margin of victory exposed vulnerabilities that Hajime Moriyasu’s disciplined side exploited effectively until the final moments.
Ancelotti keeps cool as Brazil snatch late win over Japan
Carlo Ancelotti displayed his trademark composure as Brazil scored a 95th-minute winner to beat Japan 2-1 and secure a place in the World Cup last 16.
Deschamps returns to France camp after mother’s funeral
France manager Didier Deschamps has rejoined his squad in the United States following his mother’s funeral. He also responded to FIFA’s refusal to allow Les Bleus to wear black armbands against Sweden.
Marcus Thuram ruled out of France’s World Cup clash with Sweden
Inter striker Marcus Thuram will miss France’s World Cup Round of 32 tie against Sweden on Tuesday after sustaining a muscular injury confirmed by coach Didier Deschamps.
World Cup goal glut masks visa chaos and ticketing disputes
The tournament has produced a record 2.99 goals per game and stellar performances from Lionel Messi, yet immigration barriers and exploitative pricing have left fans and journalists stranded.