Month: June 2026

On Monday afternoon in Houston, Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil fought hard for a dramatic, stoppage-time victory against a defiant Japanese side. It was a match where the CONMEBOL side had to dig deep and now, the Seleçao’s quest for a sixth World Cup trophy and its first in more than two decades, continues. For Japan, despite the loss, it can feel extremely proud of its World Cup as it faced some big teams in the tournament and never felt inferior. Today, it was a gutsy performance that sadly wasn’t enough. The 19-year-old Endrick stepped up at the start of the second half to try to generate a spark, and it worked, as Casemiro equalized. In the end, Brazil dominated the second half, and Ancelotti’s tinkering proved correct as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli found the winner in stoppage time. Here are my takeaways: 1. Brazil Turned It Around In The Second Half Whatever Ancelotti said in the dressing room at halftime, it worked. Brazil started to play more of its game and utilized the final third at a quicker pace. Also, Vinícius Jr grew more into the afternoon and almost scored a work of art in the second half. Rayan also improved. If Brazil is to win this World Cup, it has to believe more in its own football. It has to let go and trust more in the Joga Bonito (“play beautifully”) mentality. Also, there’s a reason why the Italian manager came to manage this team, and it was because of in-game management, such as today: 2. Ancelotti’s Decisions Worked To Perfection Ancelotti made some big decisions, and they worked to perfection. He decided to ride with Casemiro despite a poor first half (more on that in a moment) and brought in Endrick, who definitely created a spark. Bruno Guimaraes also stuck with it despite not having a good first half, and it was his assist that set up the winner for Gabriel Martinelli, who also came on as a substitute. All in all, tremendous work from the Italian. 3. Japan Fought Until The End Hajime Moriyasu’s team was excellent in the first half and won almost every single battle against Ancelotti’s side. It placed five men on the defensive line and focused on neutralizing any kind of interplay between Brazil, especially with Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, who did nothing in the first 45 minutes. The latter sadly came off injured at the break due to a left ankle injury. As a result of the strength of Japan, Brazil ended that half with a laundry list of things to rectify because it knew that it was playing a flat game, devoid of ideas. Samurai Blue, not in its classic blue kit and looking more like Germany, took the lead thanks to a fantastic interception and goal from Kaishu Sano, who plays his club football in the Bundesliga for Mainz. It was a classic counterattacking finish from Japan, and Brazil had to truly make its chances count or at least change multiple things. But after scoring, the Asian side was more than content to protect, and the first half absolutely belonged to Japan. Be proud, Samurai Blue. You keep rising. 4. Casemiro Struggled. Then He Scored. One of the most important requirements when playing Japan is that your midfield needs to be protected. And Casemiro, the legendary Brazilian stalwart center-mid, sadly showed his age against this dynamic Japan. His distribution and ability to cover in front of his defenders was suspect, and when you face an energetic, willing Japanese midfield, then you will be exposed. Unfortunately, the first half was poor from him. Things intensified for Brazil as it grew in possession and efforts, as Casemiro was close to equalizing had it not been for a dramatic clearance off the line. But the former Man United man, who had a great scoring season last campaign, equalized in the 56th minute thanks to an assist from Arsenal’s Gabriel, and made it 1-1. It was just another reason why you can never count him out.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t complete yet, but we’re starting to get a look at what the round of 16 will look like. As the biggest World Cup ever continues, the round of 32 will be completed on Friday, July 3, and the round of 16 will commence on Saturday, July 4. So, with tickets being punched into the next round, here is what the round of 16 looks like: Saturday, July 4 Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One) The first matchup of the round of 16 is set. Morocco defeated the Netherlands in penalty kicks on Monday night, advancing to the round of 16 for the second time in as many World Cups. It’s also the third World Cup that Morocco has reached the round of 16. Canada became the first team to punch its ticket into the round of 16 with its dramatic victory over South Africa on Sunday. It marked Canada’s first knockout stage win as it’ll play in the round of 16 for the first time ever. Morocco was ranked seventh in the most recent World Cup rankings, while Canada was ranked 30th. Philadelphia Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One) Paraguay upset Germany in the round of 32, defeating Germany in penalty kicks. It’s the first time since 2010 that Paraguay has advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup. Paraguay didn’t qualify in each of the last three World Cups, either. Sunday, July 5 New York New Jersey Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One) Brazil became the second team to punch its ticket into the round of 16 with its comeback win over Japan on Monday. In the final minutes of stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli scored the game-winning goal to give his side a 2-1 victory. It marks the 11th straight World Cup that Brazil has reached the round of 16. Norway took down Ivory Coast 2-1 off the heels of a late Erling Haaland goal to set up an epic showdown between Norway’s talented goalscorer and the dynamic presence that is Vinícius Júnior. Mexico City Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One) Mexico won its first knockout stage match since 1986, 2-0, over Ecuador to book a spot in the round of 16 where it will face the winner of England vs. DR Congo. Monday, July 6 Portugal/Croatia vs. Spain/Austria Dallas Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One) USA/Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Belgium/Senegal Seattle Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One) Tuesday, July 7 Argentina/Cape Verde vs. Australia/Egypt Atlanta Stadium (Noon ET, FOX, FOX One) Switzerland/Algeria vs. Colombia/Ghana Vancouver Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports