Category: Sport News

England leave it late to beat DR Congo, set up Mexico showdown
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

England leave it late to beat DR Congo, set up Mexico showdown

It’s co-hosts Mexico v England at the great Estadio Azteca on July 5th in the round of sixteen after Harry Kane’s brace rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side at the Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Harry Kane scored a header in the 75th minute, assisted by Anthony Gordon, to equalize for England after DR Congo took the lead with a goal from Brian Cipenga in the 7th minute.

DR Congo defended well and controlled the game until Kane’s equalizer. However, Kane struck again with another perfect shot, giving England a 2-1 lead.

Historically, England’s Three Lions have not come from behind to win a World Cup game after trailing at halftime since the 1966 final against West Germany.

But under coach Thomas Tuchel, things feel different. Kane scored again, hitting the ball into the roof of the net after receiving a pass from Anthony Gordon and moving into the area. This goal marks Kane’s 13th in World Cup finals and his fifth in this North American campaign.

England’s next match is against co-hosts Mexico at the stadium where legends like Pele and Diego Maradona once played.

Koeman hails Morocco's technical quality ahead of World Cup Round of 32 clash
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Koeman hails Morocco’s technical quality ahead of World Cup Round of 32 clash

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has called Morocco the toughest team his side has faced so far at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He praised Morocco’s skill ahead of their important Round of 32 match in Monterrey, Mexico.

During his pre-match press conference, Koeman said the Dutch are preparing for one of their hardest games of the tournament. He acknowledged that Morocco deserves to be considered one of the top teams in the world.

Although the Netherlands topped Group F, Koeman did not consider his team the favourites against the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

“I’m not sure if we are the favourites in the match against Morocco,” Koeman said.

Koeman expressed disappointment that two of the highest-ranked teams are facing each other so early in the knockout rounds.

“It’s a big thing for this game to take place now because we are both teams that ought to go further than this stage,” he added.

Koeman praised Morocco’s playing style, calling the Atlas Lions one of the most skilled teams left in the competition. He pointed out that Morocco plays confidently, attacks well, and combines quickly when they have the ball, making it a dangerous team.

According to Koeman, Morocco does not just defend; they try to control matches through their technical skills and attacking style.

“They want to attack,” he said. “They have a lot of football quality, and they can score easily.“

Koeman also highlighted captain Achraf Hakimi, saying he is one of Morocco’s key players because he can play in different positions and help drive the team forward.

DR Congo could provide a stern test for England in Atlanta
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo could provide a stern test for England in Atlanta

Starting their World Cup knockout campaign on Wednesday night against DR Congo at the Atlanta stadium, Thomas Tuchel’s England side may face a challenge. A victory for either side will guarantee a spot among the 16 against Mexico.

In a competition that begged many issues, Thomas Tuchel’s team came out on top Group L. Starting with a 4-2 win over Croatia, they then had a goalless draw with Ghana and finished with a shaky 2-0 victory over Panama.

Before this tournament, the Three Lions had fierce competition from African teams and so know not to underestimate DR Congo. The group-placed Congolese team drew with Portugal, played strongly against Colombia, and won 3–1 against Uzbekistan. This game is the first time these two teams will face off.

Head Coach Sébastien Desabre probably will go back to the 5-3-2 lineup he used in the group stage; for the vital game against Uzbekistan, he had a back four.

Leading the attack together with Cédric Bakambu is Yoane Wissa, who scored three of DR Congo’s four group stage goals. Four defenders have close relationships to the Premier League: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, and Arthur Masuaku. From Sunderland, Noah Sadiki is a midfielder. Desabre’s team has no reported injury problems.

England and DR Congo’s first meeting 

Fifty-two years after their debut in 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire, the Leopards are competing in their second World Cup ever.

Thanks to a goal by Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, they came behind Senegal in their qualification group but progressed after beating Nigeria on penalties and 1-0 in extra time.

Since 2022, Sébastien Desabre has served as the head coach. Coaching teams in Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon, he has African football knowledge. In 2023, he guided DR Congo to the African Cup of Nations semi-finals.

With Cedric Bakambu’s four qualifying goals helping him, Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa will provide a major menace. Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and captain Chancel Mbemba will offer excellent protection on defence.

“It ramps up now, doesn’t it? It’s a proper phase of football. One game at a time. There are lads who have won Champions Leagues, lads who have been in youth tournaments with England. Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive.” Jordan Pickford, England goalkeeper

“England next is gonna be a different game, a tough, tough game against top players, top opponents. We need to enjoy this type of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.“ Yoane Wissa, DR Congo striker

Predicted lineups:

England’s predicted team (4-2-3-1 formation): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

DR Congo’s predicted team (5-3-2 formation): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.

England v Congo DR

Round of 32

Wednesday, 1 July | Atlanta Stadium

Kick-off time

12:00 (Atlanta) | 17:00 (London) | 17:00 (Kinshasa)

Amad Diallo proud of Côte d'Ivoire's achievement despite elimination
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amad Diallo proud of Côte d’Ivoire’s achievement despite elimination

Rising elephants star Amad Diallo discusses Côte d’Ivoire’s incredible FIFA World Cup 2026 trip and what it means to score in their tight 2-1 defeat against Norway at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday.

Though their ambition at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is gone, Côte d’Ivoire leaves North America with dignity. This was their fourth World Cup appearance, and this time they made history by making the knockout stage for the first time.

At Dallas Stadium, they lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 32, but they kept supporters entertained along the way. Despite the letdown, Amad Diallo valued what the developing Côte d’Ivoire side achieved.

Diallo told FIFA, “We are really proud of what we achieved.” The youngest team in this tournament, we can be proud. This is a success for us since we never advanced from the group stage in our last three competitions.

Entering in the second half, Diallo had an instant effect. After a fast one-two with Nicolas Pépé, he scored a brilliant goal in the 74th minute to tie the score.

Following his group stage goal versus Ecuador, which gave the 23-year-old some relief, Diallo scored his second World Cup goal.

“Scoring that goal is a great relief; it’s a dream come true,” Diallo added. “Playing on the grandest stage has always been my goal; therefore getting this goal was remarkable. Losing would still feel like a win to us, even if it happened.

Morocco stun the Netherlands after a penalty shootout to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah faces race to be fit for Egypt’s last-32 tie

Egypt’s captain, Mohamed Salah, is doubtful for Friday’s World Cup match against Australia in Dallas due to a hamstring injury. He has scored 68 goals in 119 games for Egypt.

Salah was taken off the field during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran. Team doctor Mohamed Abou said Salah felt pain, and scans showed he has a hamstring strain.

The Egyptian Football Association stated that Salah has started treatment but did not say whether he will be ready to play against Australia in Dallas on July 3 at 19:00 BST.

“I spoke with Salah, and it seems, God willing, the injury is not serious,” said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan after the Iran match. “He told me he thinks it will be fine.”

Salah previously missed three weeks due to a hamstring issue in late April but returned to play in Liverpool’s final two matches of the season.

During this World Cup, Salah has scored once and provided two assists, helping Egypt secure second place in Group G.