FOOTBALL

Kubo Ruled Out of Brazil Clash

Takefusa Kubo, Japan and Brazil.
Before Japan’s round-of-32 World Cup match against Brazil.

Japan will be without Takefusa Kubo for their knockout tie against Brazil, with the Real Sociedad playmaker still training separately. Kubo has not played since Japan’s opening draw with the Netherlands and remains on an individual programme.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed Kubo is unavailable but said Japan still believe they can change history. The absence removes their most natural creative unlocker against Brazil, who enter the tie with Neymar fit for a larger role.

Canada Reach Last 16 With Late Winner

Canada, South Africa, Stephen Eustaquio and Jesse Marsch.
Canada’s round-of-32 World Cup match at SoFi Stadium.

Canada reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after Stephen Eustaquio scored a stoppage-time winner against South Africa. The co-hosts won 1-0 in Los Angeles and will face either the Netherlands or Morocco next.

Canada pushed late after Alphonso Davies returned from injury off the bench, raising their attacking tempo. South Africa defended deep and survived several chances, but Eustaquio’s long-range volley finally broke through and created a defining Canadian football moment.

Hong Resigns After South Korea Exit

Hong Myung-bo, South Korea and the Korean Football Association.
Less than 24 hours after South Korea’s World Cup elimination was confirmed.

Hong Myung-bo has resigned as South Korea head coach after the team failed to reach the World Cup knockouts. His exit follows public criticism from the country’s president, who ordered a review of the national team programme.

Hong apologised to Korean football supporters and said he had tried to make decisions in the team’s best interest. The resignation deepens scrutiny on the KFA, whose 2024 appointment process had already faced government criticism.

Gusto Agrees Manchester City Terms

Malo Gusto, Manchester City, Chelsea and Enzo Maresca.
During Manchester City’s summer recruitment push.

Malo Gusto has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester City, leaving the clubs to negotiate a transfer fee with Chelsea. The France right-back is said to be keen on reuniting with Enzo Maresca.

City are moving early to secure defensive depth and prepare for future coaching changes, while Chelsea may cash in as part of a wider squad reset. Gusto’s approval gives City leverage, but the final fee remains unresolved.

Klopp Backs Iraola to Succeed at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp, Andoni Iraola, Liverpool and Mohamed Salah.
After Iraola was confirmed as Liverpool’s new head coach.

Jurgen Klopp backed Andoni Iraola to succeed at Liverpool, calling him a great coach while warning that long-term success at Anfield will still need luck. Klopp also reflected on Arne Slot’s exit and Liverpool’s difficult previous season.

Klopp said Liverpool can now look forward under Iraola, while praising Mohamed Salah’s greatness and revealing their relationship has grown into friendship since he left management. His comments frame Liverpool’s latest reset after another managerial change.

Austria-Algeria Draw Knocks Iran Out

Austria, Algeria, Iran, Riyad Mahrez and Sasa Kalajdzic.
In the final Group J World Cup match in Kansas City.

Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 in a dramatic finale that sent both teams into the knockout stage and eliminated Iran. Mahrez appeared to have won it for Algeria late, before Kalajdzic equalised almost immediately for Austria.

Austria finished second and will face Spain, while Algeria advanced as a third-placed team to meet Switzerland. Iran would have gone through if either side had won, making Kalajdzic’s stoppage-time header the decisive blow.

Quansah Injury Deepens England Full-Back Crisis

Jarell Quansah, Thomas Tuchel and England.
After England’s 2-0 World Cup win over Panama.

England’s right-back problems deepened after Jarell Quansah limped off against Panama with an ankle twist. He joins Reece James and Tino Livramento as injury concerns, leaving Tuchel short of natural options before facing DR Congo.

Tuchel said Quansah was in pain but walking later, with his recovery expected to be a matter of days. England may need Djed Spence or another makeshift option if Quansah and James are not ready.

Messi Scores Again as Argentina Stay Perfect

Lionel Messi, Argentina and Jordan.
Argentina’s final Group J World Cup match in Arlington, Texas.

Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored a free kick as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect group stage. The goal extended his men’s World Cup record to 19 and kept Argentina unbeaten before facing Cape Verde.

Scaloni rested Messi for the first hour, with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez scoring before his introduction. Messi’s strike also made him the first player to score in seven straight World Cup matches, strengthening Argentina’s momentum.

South Korea President Orders World Cup Review

South Korea president Lee, the KFA and head coach Hong Myung-bo.
After South Korea’s World Cup group-stage exit.

South Korea’s president called for a government investigation after the national team failed to reach the World Cup knockouts. He said he was baffled by the outcome and questioned whether competence had guided the appointment of Hong Myung-bo.

The president cited taxpayer funding and asked the sports ministry to examine what went wrong, then propose reforms. The statement also revived scrutiny of Hong’s 2024 appointment, which the KFA previously defended despite ministry concerns.

Miami Tightens World Cup Security After Copa Chaos

FIFA, Miami Stadium officials, local authorities and World Cup fans.
During the World Cup group stage after past Copa America final chaos.

FIFA and local officials tightened security at Miami Stadium after the chaotic Copa America final raised fears of a repeat at the World Cup. The Colombia-Portugal match became a major test because of huge ticket demand.

Organisers added a third security perimeter, extra ticket checks, shuttle controls and a no-tailgating policy to keep non-ticket holders away. The system worked smoothly, with further pressure expected when Argentina return to Miami against Cape Verde.