Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Elephants roar to 2026 World Cup knockouts
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Elephants of Ivory Coast roar through to the World Cup knockouts

Group F – On a record-breaking day, Ecuador shocked Germany to keep on in the competition, while Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden also moved on.

To advance to this stage for the first time in their history, Côte d’Ivoire defeated Curaçao 2-0; the Netherlands won Group F by defeating Tunisia. Japan and Sweden tied their matches, which let both countries to qualify.

Australia moved ahead following a goalless draw with Paraguay; Türkiye won late goal over the USA.

With their victory over Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire created history by moving past the group stage for the very first time. Ecuador shocked Germany as well and advanced.

Following a simple victory over Tunisia in Kansas City, the Netherlands came top in Group F. Japan’s 1-1 tie with Sweden let both teams advance to the following level. Sweden made the cut as one of the top third-place finishers.

Co-hosts USA lost 3-2 to Turkey in the final games of the day, while Australia tied Paraguay and so placed second in Group D.

First time, Côte d’Ivoire knew a victory against Curaçao would qualify them for the knockout stage. They only scored seven minutes into the Philadelphia game. Yan Diomande set the opportunity; Nicolas Pepe scored.

Curaçao also had chances, but Pepe’s second-half goal brought their tournament run to an end and let Côte d’Ivoire mark their historic advancement.

Result

Curaçao 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire
Group E Philadelphia Stadium

Senegal to Meet Iraq in Crucial Group I Decider at Toronto Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal to Meet Iraq in Crucial Group I Decider at Toronto Stadium

Senegal is set to battle against Iraq at Toronto Stadium on Friday in an effort to recover from back-to-back losses in their first two Group I matches, and with their Round of 32 hopes in the balance. Both nations will meet for the first time in football history. (Photo Senegalese Federation)
 
Senegal has opened with two defeats
 
The Lions of Teranga started their World Cup run at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16 with a 3-1 loss to France, as Kylian Mbappé introduced himself to the world with a brace against the African powerhouse.
 
Things got even worse for Senegal after that as they lost 3-2 to Norway on the same fields on June 23. Their losing streak dropped them to zero points in third place, while Iraq is fourth in Group I before Friday’s match.
 
The Opponent – opening on 17 June, Iraq played Norway and suffered a 4-1 loss at the Boston Stadium; Aymen Hussein scored for his country.
 
The Lions of Mesopotamia, as they are lovingly known, then faced 2022 finalists France at the Philadelphia Stadium on June 22 and lost 3-0 thanks to goals from Mbappe (2) and Ousmane Dembele.
 
Senegal’s head coach reflects and looks ahead
 
Pape Thiaw thinks his team has not failed at the competition, even if they lost their first two games, as Senegal is set to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
 
“We have one game left, and we need to concentrate on this last game, try it, get three points, then cross our fingers,” Thiaw added. “I suppose it’s a little too early to declare we failed. We’re not dead; rather, we’re living.
 
This is the first time Senegal has opened a World Cup season with two losses; we are not in a strong situation. However, we still have a chance to qualify; therefore, we will concentrate on the final game.

We hope to go through and wish to try to get those three points. Once you make it to the following round, it’s yet another tournament beginning. 

Tunisia to Close Out World Cup Group F Against the Netherlands
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia to Close Out World Cup Group F Against the Netherlands

Already eliminated, Tunisia is scheduled to finish its campaign versus the Netherlands this Friday morning at the Kansas City Stadium following severe losses in its first two Group F games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tunisia’s bad run in Group F

Tunisia is currently at the bottom of Group F with a goal difference of minus eight, therefore facing one of the hardest records World Cup group stages have ever seen. At the Monterrey Stadium on June 15, they started the competition with a crushing 5-1 loss to Sweden, then a dismal 4-0 loss to Japan at the same venue only six days later.

Under Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands

Conversely, the Netherlands hopes to guarantee their place in the Round of 32, presently leading Group E. With four points, they tie second-placed Japan.

Though Ronald Koeman’s team drew their first game 2-2 against Japan at the Dallas Stadium, they recovered with a strong 5-1 win over Sweden at the Houston Stadium last Saturday.

Advancing Under New Leadership

Appointed following Sweden’s loss, Tunisia’s coach, Herve Renard, wants to stay on. Renard first brought in only for the World Cup, has expressed his disappointment with the team’s most recent performance.

Renard said, “I’m ready for any talks.” “I am not happy at all. I won’t justify or place fault on another person. I assume total responsibility; It’s been humiliating somewhat. Let’s concentrate on the following game and aim for something amazing.

Past Meetings

Regarding their past meetings, Tunisia and the Netherlands have met only once before, drawing 1-1 in an international friendly on February 11, 2009.

Morocco Reach World Cup Last 32 After Fighting Back to Beat Haiti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Reach World Cup Last 32 After Fighting Back to Beat Haiti

Morocco overcame Haiti 4-2 on Wednesday night to secure a spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions had a tough start, falling behind twice in the first half. Achraf Hakimi and Ismail Saibari equalised before halftime. In the second half, substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine Jassim scored to complete the comeback.

This victory gave Morocco seven points in Group C, placing them second behind Brazil due to goal difference. They will face the winners of Group F in the knockout stage, likely the Netherlands.

Morocco showed resilience, bouncing back from Haiti’s aggressive start. Haiti scored first with an own goal by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, marking their first World Cup goal since 1974. Hakimi equalised, but Haiti regained the lead with a goal from Wilson Isidore. Saibari’s late first-half goal kept Morocco in the game.

After halftime, Morocco increased their pressure. Key substitutions changed the game, with Rahimi scoring the go-ahead goal and Jassim sealing the win in the final minutes.

Morocco finishes the group stage strong, having drawn with Brazil and beaten Scotland. Despite concerns about conceding goals, their attacking depth and recent performances offer hope for the knockout stage.

Haiti ended their campaign with one point, while Morocco looks ahead to their next challenge.

Historic Victory Over South Korea Sends South Africa into the Round of 32
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Historic Victory Over South Korea Sends South Africa into the Round of 32

Wednesday evening, South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in their last Group A game at the Monterrey Stadium to make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Thapelo Maseko’s lone goal in the second half helped Hugo Broos’ side reach the knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa needed a victory to keep their chances alive; South Korea only required a draw.

South Africa struggled early on when Aubrey Modiba made a crucial clearance to thwart a shot by Kim Min-jae from Lee Kang-in’s corner kick.

Broos’s men started the second half more confidently. In the attack, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, and Evidence Makgopa cooperated effectively.

South Korea’s goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu saved Thalente Mbatha’s hard shot, so close to scoring. The teams entered halftime with qualification still in doubt at 0–0.

The important event happened in the 63rd minute. Tshepang Moremi passed the ball to Maseko right away. Celebrating with his colleagues, Maseko rapidly shifted onto his left foot and fired into the net’s bottom corner.  While South Korea had to respond, this aim helped South Africa to qualify strongly and altered the Group A rankings.

Under the direction of Captain Ronwen Williams and superb defensive work from Mbekezeli Mbokazi, South Africa effectively fended off continuous South Korean assaults.

Although South Korea had greater possession, they struggled to create decent opportunities, while South Africa displayed a strong defence in the last minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a famous victory, following six minutes of added time, sparking joyous celebrations among the South African players and supporters.

Morocco set for Group C top-spot showdown
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set for Group C top-spot showdown

Morocco will be aiming for first place in Group C when they face Haiti for the first time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday morning.

Though they lag the five-time world champions on goal differential in second place, the Atlas Lions are tied with Brazil on four points heading into the last round of group games.

Before recording their first group victory with a 1-0 victory over Scotland six days later, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team drew a disappointing Canarinho 1-1 in their 2026 World Cup opener on June 14.

Since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the North Africans have drawn with Ecuador (1-1) and Norway (1-1), defeated Paraguay (2-1), Burundi (5-0) and Madagascar (4-0) to maintain their perfect record over their previous seven games.

Still, knowing full well that the Grenadiers will be driven to get their first-ever points at the international event, Ouahbi is not going to underestimate them. In his pre-match news conference, he added, “My preference is to beat Haiti and finish ahead of Brazil in the group.”

“Though it might also be Japan, but even then, France or Argentina, there is talk we might play next against the Netherlands, but it is not anything we are thinking about.

Though we probably already possess the necessary skills, we still want to defeat Haiti and so mean to field our greatest team in the game. Though there are still certain considerations before we decide, we could start with the same starting line-up.

“Haiti will be entirely driven since it is a World Cup match, and they will be aiming to get the first points of the competition. We will need to be careful of this. Long before the World Cup, we have been studying them; they are an excellent team; thus, we must be patient.”

With their only other appearance dating all the way back to 1974, the Caribbean team have waited a long time to play on the biggest stage again.

In their first match, Sebastien Migne’s team fought Scotland hard, but ultimately lost 1-0 on account of John McGinn’s 28th-minute goal.

Haiti’s elimination was confirmed on June 20 following a 3-0 reverse to the Brazilians, leaving them without any goals at the spectacle in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ivory Coast eye win over Curacao in Group E final match
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast eye win over Curacao in Group E final match

Ivory Coast and Curacao set for an intriguing contest as they wrap up Group E at the Philadelphia Stadium on Thursday night.

The Ivorians, without a doubt,t will be looking to book their ticket into the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kick-off is nine o’clock at night, BST.

Ivory Coast are currently second with three points, three points behind leaders Germany, who have already secured their place in the knockout rounds.

The Elephants started their season with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador on 15 June as Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner at the Philadelphia Stadium. However, their run was halted with a 2-1 loss against Germany on matchday two when Deniz Undav scored in the 94th minute to deny them a crucial point at the Toronto Stadium.

By contrast, Curacao lost badly 7-1 to Germany at the Houston Stadium in their first match, then drew goalless against Ecuador in their next game to claim their first-ever World Cup finals point.

The Blue Wave, as they are lovingly called, want to be the lowest-ranked country in history (81st) to make it to the knockout rounds. Curacao will have to get top marks against the Ivory Coast and a Germany victory over Ecuador at the New York New Jersey Stadium tonight in order to advance.

Following the Ivory Coast’s loss to Germany, coach Emerse Fae stated that his team aims to change their strategy going into the match against Curacao.

Fae continued, “A difference in experience meant in the opportunities we did have at the end of the game, when we needed to locate the back of the net, we were uncertain.”

“This game will serve as a lesson for us to work on the errors, our flaws we still have, which will help us go as far as we can.”

The first conference between the two countries will be held.

Hearts of Oak's keeper Benjamin Asare shines as Ghana hold England
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hearts of Oak’s keeper Benjamin Asare shines as Ghana hold England

Five important stops from Benjamin Asare helped Ghana tie England 0-0 in their Group L game on Tuesday in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo Credit GFA)

At the 86th minute, when Nico O’Reilly headed the crossbar, England had the best chance to score against Ghana. Harry Kane then missed a follow-up shot from close range that soared over the goal.

Though they had five shots on target, the Three Lions outshot the Black Stars 19-2 overall but could not win and finish a perfect World Cup group stage for the first time since 1982.

With the same points and sitting atop Group L, both teams are in excellent shape to advance to the following round. In yet another group match, Croatia defeated Panama to set a difficult contest against Ghana in their final group tie.

Ghana seeks to advance past the group stage for the first time since 2010, when they lost to Uruguay in a penalty shootout following Luis Suarez’s handball, which denied a winning goal.

England held far more possession—almost four times more than Ghana—and prevented Ghana from shooting any shots before halftime. Still, England only made six shots, none of which hit their mark.

At last, in the 57th minute, the Three Lions had a shot on goal when Anthony Gordon’s deflected attempt forced Asare to make a save after a promising shot from Noni Madueke was cleared.

A foul call against Prince Adu after a collision with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford while chasing a loose ball may have benefited England. Though Pickford’s repeated revelations revealed he might have been responsible, the game was not significant enough for a red card or a penalty, so it was not examined.

At the 79th minute, while Ezri Konsa challenged Adu as he was rushing down the field, referee Said Martinez did not call a foul.

Most of the heat then fell on Ghana. Marc Guehi’s header was cleared off the line following O’Reilly’s and Kane’s missed opportunities, albeit it might have been going wide.

England and Ghana bid for 2026 World Cup knockout berths
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

England and Ghana bid for 2026 World Cup knockout berths

On Tuesday night, England and Ghana will square off at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, each hoping to lead Group L as both nations eye a place in the knockout stage.

England won their first game 4-2 to show their excellent form; Ghana grabbed a 1-0 victory over Panama with a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi. A victory for either side will ensure knockout stage qualification since both are now three points.

Though he probably won’t play, Bukayo Saka has gone back to practice; thus, Noni Madueke will start. Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford trained on Monday and should be available, with Rice continuing in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.

Marc Guehi could fill in for Ezri Konsa on defence, and Trevoh Chalobah has joined the team as a replacement for the wounded Tino Livramento.

Though Lawrence Ati-Zigi has returned to practice, Ghana’s starting goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is predicted. Having missed the Panama game, Thomas Partey will probably be back in the starting XI to help Ghana’s midfield and free Yirenkyi to play alongside him.

England scored a World Cup record 20 shots in their victory against Croatia, but will need a better defensive structure. Coach Carlos Queiroz of Ghana hopes for a better attacking showing against a possibly weak England defence.

Predicted lineups

England’s Potential Starting XI: Pickford; R. James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Ghana’s Possible Starting XI: B. Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Partey; Fatawu, Sulemana, Semenyo; J. Ayew.

Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Kick-off: 21:00 BST

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston Stadium)

Referee: Said Martinez (Honduras)

Last Meeting: England 1–1 Ghana (29 March 2011, International Friendly)

Senegal's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread

A brace from Erling Haaland secured Norway a spot in the knockout stage, as Senegal suffered a second defeat in Group I at the New Jersey MetLife Stadium.

After losing to Norway 3-2 in Group I, Senegal’s hopes of making the World Cup knockout rounds are hanging by a thread. As the Scandinavian team guaranteed qualification for the last 32 with a second straight victory, an Erling Haaland brace proved critical.

Though they showed grit and fought back twice, Senegal couldn’t limit Norway’s offensive threat. Haaland’s clinical finishing penalised defensive mistakes and finally helped his team win all three points.

The loss leaves Senegal without a point from their first two games and fighting to keep in contention. To maintain their World Cup dream alive, they must now beat Iraq in their last group game and hope other results run their way.

France has already qualified and is topping the table with six points, boasting a superior goal difference over Norway in this group.