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.