Standings · Ninety XI

Results & fixtures

Bosnia & Herzegovina1

ResultArgentina (pens)

ResultArgentina (pens)

Top Players

1L. MessiArgentina30 a
2F. BalogunUSA20 a
3E. HaalandNorway20 a
4Y. AyariSweden20 a
5Kylian MbappéFrance20 a
6E. JustNew Zealand20 a
7H. KaneEngland20 a
8K. HavertzGermany20 a
9D. UndavGermany12 a
10A. IsakSweden12 a
11N. BrownGermany11 a
12Hwang In-BeomSouth Korea11 a
13V. GyökeresSweden11 a
14R. RezaeianIran11 a
15L. DíazColombia11 a

Latest news

USMNT Faces Australia in Seattle Amid Pulisic Injury Doubt for Critical World Cup 2026 Group Stage Clash

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage brings the United States Men's National Team face-to-face with Australia on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET at Seattle's Lumen Field. This fixture carries significant weight for both nations. For the USA, playing on home soil brings an expectant atmosphere and the pressure of delivering a deep tournament run. This match, part of a tournament that commenced on June 11 and concludes on July 19, will be a crucial early test of their tactical cohesion and mental fortitude against a resilient Australian side. The Stakes for the Host Nation The USMNT enters the tournament with the unique advantage of familiar surroundings. Their preparation over the preceding years has undoubtedly focused on capitalizing on this home support. A strong start in the group stage is paramount, not just for points but to galvanize the fanbase and build momentum. Their tactical setup will likely aim for control in midfield and dynamic wide play, seeking to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities Australia might present. Pulisic's Status: A Critical Variable The USMNT's preparations for Australia have been complicated by the fitness of Christian Pulisic. The influential attacker is currently listed as day to day with a left calf injury, sustained during the opening 4-1 victory against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Pulisic, who provided an assist in that match, was withdrawn at halftime after aggravating a pre-existing calf issue and taking a kick to the back of his calf, causing his muscles to seize. Since then, he has engaged in modified and individual training sessions, remaining separate from full team practices. His availability for the June 19 fixture in Seattle remains uncertain. Manager Mauricio Pochettino stated a final decision would follow a medical staff meeting on Thursday evening, with an announcement expected on Friday. Should Pulisic be unable to feature against Australia, Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, or Giovanni Reyna are potential options to fill his role. Pochettino anticipates Pulisic's return for the subsequent game against Turkey if he misses the Australia encounter. Australia's Approach Australia, traditionally known for their disciplined approach and physical intensity, will arrive with a clear game plan. They often thrive on disrupting opponents' rhythm and executing swift transitions. In a World Cup environment, these attributes can prove highly effective. Their challenge will be to manage the intensity of the home crowd and impose their style, preventing the USA from settling into a comfortable rhythm. Expect them to prioritize defensive solidity and look for opportunities to counter. A Pivotal Group Stage Encounter As a key group stage fixture, the outcome will significantly influence the trajectory of both teams' World Cup campaigns. For the USA, it is an opportunity to assert their intentions early. For Australia, it represents a chance to upset the hosts and lay down a marker of their own. Both sides understand the importance of securing points in their opening matches to ease the path to the knockout rounds.

@nathan/1h ago

Recap

Romo's Strike and Rangel's Late Heroics Seal Mexico's Gritty World Cup Win Over South Korea

Mexico secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against South Korea in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A encounter. A decisive goal from Luis Romo early in the second half, combined with a crucial late double save from goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, proved enough for Mexico to claim all three points. Tactical Contest and Decisive Moments The match saw Mexico line up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to leverage wide play and a compact midfield. South Korea countered with a 3-4-2-1, a setup designed to control the midfield through a double pivot and create overloads in advanced areas. South Korea dominated possession with 57 percent and recorded a higher expected goals (xG) tally of 0.63 compared to Mexico's 0.48, yet they struggled to convert this territorial and statistical advantage into goals. The opening half was a cautious affair, punctuated by early intensity. South Korea's Lee Kang-In received a yellow card in the fourth minute for a foul. Mexico's Edson Álvarez made a pivotal goal-line clearance in the 16th minute, denying a dangerous effort from Son Heung-min and keeping the score level. The deadlock broke five minutes into the second half. Luis Romo capitalized on a goalkeeping error from South Korea's Kim Seung-gyu, finding the net in the 50th minute to put Mexico ahead. This moment of individual error proved to be the game's turning point. Defensive Stand Secures the Win Following the goal, South Korea pushed for an equalizer, increasing their attacking pressure. Midfielder Paik Seung-Ho received a yellow card in the 58th minute. Despite South Korea's increased urgency and higher shot count, Mexico's defensive structure, anchored by their 4-3-3 shape, largely held firm. The most significant defensive contribution arrived in the 87th minute when Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Rangel made an incredible double save. This intervention preserved Mexico's clean sheet and extinguished South Korea's most promising late opportunity to salvage a point. Mexico's eight shots, four on target, ultimately yielded the solitary goal needed, while South Korea's seven shots, only two on target, highlighted their finishing struggles. Mexico's victory, forged by Romo's goal and Rangel's late heroics, demonstrated their ability to withstand pressure and secure a vital World Cup win, even when out-possessed.

@nathan/2h ago

Recap

Mexico, South Korea Locked 0-0 at Halftime in Group A Clash

Tense First Half in Guadalajara Leaves Group A Undecided The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A encounter between Mexico and South Korea reached halftime in Guadalajara with the score deadlocked at 0-0. Both sides entered the match having won their opening fixtures, making this contest a direct battle for first place and early progression to the knockout rounds. The opening minutes set a physical tone, with South Korea's midfielder Lee Kang-in receiving a yellow card just four minutes into the match for serious foul play. Despite the early caution, the game settled into a tactical struggle, reflecting the high stakes. Mexico, deploying a 4-3-3 formation, aimed to leverage wide areas and central overloads. South Korea countered with a 3-4-2-1 shape, attempting to stifle Mexico's build-up and launch quick transitions. The contest saw balanced possession, with Mexico holding 47% and South Korea 53%. Neither team managed to assert clear dominance in creating genuine scoring opportunities. Key moments in the first half saw South Korea's captain Son Heung-min have an attempt cleared off the line by Mexico's Edson Álvarez, though the play was subsequently flagged for offside. At the other end, South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a crucial save from a header by Julián Quiñones, denying Mexico a potential opener. Shots were at a premium, with Mexico registering three attempts to South Korea's two, and only one shot on target from Mexico. Mexico played without defender César Montes, who served a suspension for a red card received in their previous match against South Africa. The conditions in Guadalajara, with an 88% chance of performance-impairing heat, also presented an additional challenge for both sets of players, potentially contributing to the measured pace. The underlying expected goals (xG) further underlined the evenly matched nature of the half, with both Mexico and South Korea recording an xG of 0.11. This suggests a half where defensive solidity largely negated attacking ambition, leaving the second period open for either side to seize control of Group A.

@nathan/3h ago

Recap

Canada Annihilates Qatar 6-0 for Historic First World Cup Victory in Vancouver

Canada secured their first-ever men's FIFA World Cup victory with a commanding 6-0 win over Qatar at BC Place in Vancouver on June 18, 2026. The atmosphere was charged with expectation, intensified by the presence of Prime Minister Mark Carney and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Early Dominance and a Midfield Blow From the outset, Canada established control. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Jonathan David quickly followed suit, finding the net in the 29th minute to double Canada's advantage. David was not finished there, adding another goal before halftime, sending Canada into the break with a resounding 3-0 lead. However, the first half also brought a moment of concern for Canada. Midfielder Ismaël Koné sustained a horrific injury, a significant blow despite the team's on-field success. Star player Alphonso Davies was available, providing a steady presence. Qatar's Discipline Issues and Canada's Ruthless Finish Qatar's challenge became significantly more difficult due to disciplinary issues. Homam Ahmed received a direct red card after a VAR check for a possible penalty, reducing Qatar to ten men. This incident, combined with another red card later in the game, meant Qatar played much of the match with a numerical disadvantage, ultimately finishing with nine players. Canada capitalised on Qatar's structural collapse with ruthless efficiency. Jonathan David completed his hat-trick in the second half, showcasing his clinical finishing. The Canadian attack continued to press, eventually pushing the scoreline to a comprehensive 6-0. The result was a testament to Canada's tactical discipline and offensive prowess, marking a memorable chapter in their World Cup history.

@nathan/4h ago

Messi looking to guide Argentina to third FIFA World Cup title as they take on France in Qatar.

After 62 matches and 163 goals which saw 32 teams from five confederations trimmed down to two, the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup final between the White & Sky Blue and Les Bleus takes center stage this Sunday. The 29-day tournament saw unprecedented upsets, with contenders such as Germany and favorites, five-time champions Brazil, eliminated pre-maturely, while Morocco set a record as the only African nation to ever reach a World Cup third-place play-off. Argentina vs. France kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on December 18 at Lusail Stadium. Argentina reached the World Cup final in Qatar after a Lionel Messi-inspired 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday. La Albiceleste redesigned their shape to keep the Checkered Ones at bay, relying on quick counter-attacking play from Messi (34’ P.) and Julián Álvarez (39’ & 69’). "We're celebrating because it's something very exciting, but there's still a step left," Lionel Scaloni said after his side reached the WC final for the first time since 2014, when they lost to Germany, 0-1. This will be Argentina’s sixth appearance in a World Cup final, with only Germany having more (8). It is also the fourth FIFA World Cup meeting between both sides, and victory here would see La Albiceleste [WWWDW] become crowned champions for a third time. The Argentines were champions in 1978 and at the 1986 World Cup when Maradona inspired the White and Sky Blue to the finals. - Following a controversial quarter-final clash against England, which featured the infamous "hand of God" goal. The Argentines lost in their most recent World Cup meeting against France, but have two victories in all [2W, 0D, & 1L]. "I am enjoying this a lot," Lionel Messi said, looking to put the decade-long raging debate over the much-acclaimed "GOAT" status to bed in a last-gasp effort to pick up the single piece of silverware that has since eluded him. Scaloni lined up a 4—4—2, but Argentina morphed into a 5—3—2 while playing Croatia, leaving Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez in attack. He is expected to adopt the same strategy for Sunday’s World Cup final against France. France reached back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Morocco, while President Macron sat right next to Gianni Infantino in the VIP section. Theo Hernández (5’) put France in front with an improvised acrobatic finish past the onrushing Bono, well before a combination of dazzling footwork saw Mbappe’s effort on goal converted by Randal Kolo Muani (79'). Les Bleus are looking to become the first defending champions to win consecutive episodes of the FIFA World Cup final since Brazil did so in 1962. Now in their fourth FIFA World Cup final, a victory over Argentina would see France [WLWWW] become three-time champions following final-day victories at the 1998 and 2018 editions of the World Cup. However, Les Bleus have only three victories over Argentina across all competitions [3W, 3D, & 6L]. Having batted away questions over a Benzema comeback, Didier Deschamps will keep the 4—2—3—1 with Olivier Giroud in place. Joint-top scorers and PSG teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi [5 goals each] go head-to-head in another subplot in the race for the FIFA World Cup golden boot. Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman are in doubt for Sunday’s final.

Ninety XI

Croatia vs. Morocco: "We have to fight for third," Dalić says after failed bid for back-to-back World Cup finals.

After an embarrassing defeat at the semi-finals, the Checkered Ones take on the Atlas Lions in Saturday’s third-place play-off clash, having failed to make back-to-back appearances at the FIFA World Cup final. Croatia vs. Morocco kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 17, at the Khalifa International Stadium. Croatia were swept away by a Messi-inspired Argentina following a 3-0 defeat to the White & Sky Blue on Tuesday. The Checkered Ones failed to replicate the inspiring form seen against Brazil, conceding twice in five minutes after goals from Julián Álvarez (39’ & 69’) - who eventually bagged a brace - and Lionel Messi (34’ P.). "Perhaps this is the end of the generation of the World Cups," Zlatko Dalić said after seeing his side fail to reach back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals. Croatia are now looking to settle for third place when they make their final appearance in Qatar. "Now [we] have to fight for third," Dalić said. The last time the Checkered Ones [WDDDL] took part in a FIFA World Cup third-place play-off match was in their debut appearance in 1998 after they lost to host country France [1-2] at the semi-finals. Croatia then defeated the Netherlands, 2-1 on July 11, 1998, following goals from Rosinečki (13’) and Davor Šuker (36’). The Blazers have kept a clean sheet in all three previous World Cup meetings with African countries, defeating Cameroon 4-0 in 2014 and Nigeria 2-0 in 2018, while picking up a goalless draw with Morocco on Match Day 1 in Qatar. Petković failed to return to the starting line-up against La Albiceleste, with Dalić preferring Mario Pašalić, Andrej Kramarić, and Ivan Perišić at the attacking end of the 4—3—3. He is expected to keep the trio in place for Saturday’s clash against Morocco. Despite a valiant display, the Atlas Lions were subdued by holders France in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final clash following a 2-0 loss to Les Bleus. Theo Hernández (5’) put France in front with an acrobatic finish past the onrushing Bono. But unlike Croatia, Morocco put up a fight worthy of a semi-final place, coming close on a few occasions but lacking the required finish to draw level. Nifty footwork from Mbappe saw him weave through a forest of legs before his attempt on goal was deflected and tucked away by Randal Kolo Muani (79'), who was only forty-four seconds old on the pitch having come off the bench. "The most important thing is to have shown a good face," Walid Regragui said after failing to see his side become the first African country in a World Cup final. A European nation has won this fixture in the last 10 episodes, but the Atlas Lions [WWDWL] are looking to break the ten-time jinx as the farthest-reaching African nation at the World Cup. Walid Regragui dropped the familiar 4—3—3 for a defensive 5—4—1 against France with Youssef En-Nesyri in attack. However, he is expected to revert to the former, with Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech forming part of the attacking trio.

Ninety XI