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HIGHLIGHTS| FIFA World Cup 2026, Day 9: Matias Galarza's strike seals 1-0 win for Paraguay over Turkey

Earlier, the United States powered into the last 32 of the World Cup on Friday with a 2-0 victory over Australia, and Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Haiti.
Paraguay's Matias Galarza, front, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Turkey during the World Cup Group D soccer match in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026.
Paraguay's Matias Galarza, front, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Turkey during the World Cup Group D soccer match in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo | AP)
TNIE online desk
Summary

Matchday 9 saw hosts USA become the second team to reach the World Cup knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Australia, while Brazil rediscovered their scoring touch with a 3-0 win over Haiti. The Selecao hold the edge over Morocco for top spot on goal difference after Ismael Saibari's second-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory for the Atlas Lions over Scotland.

In the final game of the day, Paraguay edged Turkey 1-0 to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Matias Galarza's strike just 65 seconds into the game is the fastest goal of this year's World Cup.

Turkey's defeat means they become the second team after Haiti to be eliminated from contention.

Almiron sees red under new FIFA rule

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules.

FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card.

The initiative being rolled out at the World Cup is part of a broader effort to combat racism, FIFA has said.

Matias Galarza's strike just 65 seconds into the game is the fastest goal of this year's World Cup

Matias Galarza scored 65 seconds into the game for the fastest goal at this year's World Cup .

The fastest goal in FIFA Men's World Cup history belongs to Turkey's Hakan Sukur, who found the net just 11 seconds after kickoff. He set the record on June 29, 2002, during the third-place playoff against co-hosts South Korea.

10-man Paraguay secure narrow 1-0 victory over Turkey

Paraguay held on for a 1-0 win over Turkey on Friday night after playing a man down for more than half the match.

Paraguay was short-handed after Miguel Almiron was issued a red card late in the first half for violating a new rule banning players from covering their mouth during a confrontation. But goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several key saves to preserve the lead.

The win assured the United States would win Group D and eliminated Turkey from any chance of advancing to the knockout round with its second straight loss. Paraguay will face Australia in the final match of the group stage next Thursday with second place in the group on the line.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron becomes 1st player red-carded at the World Cup for covering his mouth

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player issued a red card at the World Cup for covering his mouth, getting sent off during a confrontation late in the first half against Turkey on Friday night.

The infraction came during first-half stoppage time in the Group D match when Almiron and Mert Mulder exchanged words following a foul near midfield. Almiron covered his mouth while saying something to Mulder, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton for punishment.

Barton went to video review and quickly ruled that Almiron would be given a red card and ejected under a new rule put in place for this year's World Cup.

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron reacts after received a red card during the World Cup Group D soccer match against Turke in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026.
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron reacts after received a red card during the World Cup Group D soccer match against Turke in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo | AP)

Paraguay lead Turkey 1-0 at half-time

Matias Galarza fires Paraguay into early lead

Paraguay's Matias Galarza (23) celebrates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and Paraguay in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026.
Paraguay's Matias Galarza (23) celebrates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and Paraguay in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026.(Photo | AP0

Turkey vs Paraguay gets underway

A general view before the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and Paraguay in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026.
A general view before the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and Paraguay in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo | AP)

Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in World Cup Group C

Matheus Cunha struck the back of the net and struck a pose, bringing scoring — and a dash of surfing — to the World Cup stage for Brazil.

Vinícius Júnior scored and assisted on one of Cunha's two goals as five-time champion Brazil eliminated Haiti from the World Cup with a 3-0 victory on Friday night.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Vinicius Junior makes it three for Brazil just before half-time

Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) scores the third goal for his team against Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide (1) during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Haiti in Philadelphia, Friday, June 19, 2026.
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) scores the third goal for his team against Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide (1) during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Haiti in Philadelphia, Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo | AP)

Cunha strikes again to to double Brazil's lead 

Matheus Cunha gives Brazil the lead

Brazil's Matheus Cunha (9) scores their opening goal against Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide (1) during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Haiti in Philadelphia, Friday, June 19, 2026.
Brazil's Matheus Cunha (9) scores their opening goal against Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide (1) during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Haiti in Philadelphia, Friday, June 19, 2026.(Photo | AP)

USA down Australia to reach World Cup knockout rounds

Christian Pulisic's injury absence didn't hurt the Americans one bit.

The U.S. national soccer team found a way to advance to the knockout round without the injured forward on the field, beating Australia 2-0 Friday for its second straight victory at the largest World Cup in history.

"C.P. is a fantastic player — the quality and the leadership that he gives us," said Folarin Balogun, who scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12. "We didn't have him today, but I think you saw we're still capable to go out there and get a result and put up a performance."

READ FULL STORY HERE

USA take early lead against Australia

Australia's Cameron Burgess conceded an own goal to give the hosts an early lead in a match with knockout hopes in focus.

USA kicks off against Australia

Kane hails World Cup 'Wonderwall' singalong as England highlight

Harry Kane says England's emotional "Wonderwall" singalong with fans after their opening World Cup win against Croatia was one of his top moments in the national shirt.

Thomas Tuchel's side got off to a flying start in their first Group L game in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, with captain Kane scoring twice in an entertaining 4-2 win.

England's victorious players celebrated in front of their supporters while 1995 Oasis hit "Wonderwall" blared out around the AT&T Stadium.

"That was one of my favourite-ever moments in an England shirt and especially at a major tournament," Kane said on England's Lions Den show.

"I know it's just the first game, and we're not getting carried away, but just that emotional connection with the fans, we know how much it means to them.

"I think they see how much it means to us.

"We have that connection right now, but just that moment, singing 'Wonderwall' in the stadium, everyone knew the words, and that was a really special moment, I thought."

Coach tells S. Korea to move on fast with World Cup knockouts in reach

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo told his team to keep their heads up and channel their disappointment into sealing a spot in the World Cup knockout rounds after a 1-0 defeat to Mexico.

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu dropped the ball to gift the co-hosts the only goal of a largely dull game on Thursday.

The narrow victory at a delirious Guadalajara stadium sent Mexico into the last 32 as Group A winners.

South Korea are still in a strong position to join them, sitting second in the group after beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match.

Hong's men face South Africa on Wednesday in Monterrey knowing that a draw will guarantee they advance.

South Africa anti-migrant hate loses team African support at World Cup

In a Kenyan sports bar, several football fans cheered South Africa's opponents in their latest match at the World Cup -- reflecting a wave of anger at the country's recent xenophobic violence.

"Everything is political in football. We're against what South Africa is standing for," said Shahim, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman, clenching her fists in joy every time the South African team missed an opportunity against the Czech Republic on Thursday night.

"We want (South Africans) to react against what is happening in their country... But nothing happens," she added.

South Africa has been gripped for months by protests demanding the departure of undocumented immigrants.

The marches have never exceeded a few thousand people, but they have been accompanied by a torrent of xenophobic hatred online and received significant media attention.

That has flipped the usual script during the World Cup, when African nations traditionally support each other.

"We support all the other African teams. This is to teach them that there are consequences," said Shahim's friend, Fatma, a 34-year-old farmer.

"When you have a superiority complex, you suffer alone," she added.

South Africa says it has repatriated 2,745 foreigners following President Cyril Ramaphosa's promise to crack down on illegal immigration.

Ghana and Nigeria have repatriated several hundred of their citizens, and some 600 Mozambicans returned home after violence in the southern city of Mossel Bay that left at least two dead.

It has shocked many across the continent and turned football fans against the Bafana Bafana, as the South African team is known.

Rescue dog Osito steals hearts at the World Cup, one bike ride at a time

As World Cup fever sweeps Mexico City, one of the tournament’s biggest fan favorites isn’t a player, coach or official mascot. Joining Merlin the duck in the pantheon of heart-stealers is Osito, an 8-year-old rescue poodle mix who's become an unlikely sensation after arriving at Mexico’s opening match perched on the back of a cargo bicycle, dressed in a Mexico jersey, sunglasses and a cap.

As thousands of fans streamed toward the stadium last week for the tournament opener, many stopped to snap photos, pet the dog and post videos online. Within hours, Osito was appearing on international broadcasts and spreading across social media, transforming the bicycle-riding dog into one of the World Cup’s most charming viral stars.

For his owner, Jorge Rangel, the attention is less about internet fame than the companionship he shares with the dog who accompanies him almost everywhere. For the past two years, Osito has joined Rangel on his daily rounds delivering household products across Mexico City.

“More than a dog, he’s my daily companion,” Rangel, 50, said.

They travel together on a specially adapted cargo bicycle, where Osito sits calmly in a back compartment, greeting passersby and drawing smiles from strangers.

A Miami art exhibit is celebrating Africa's soccer legacy throughout the World Cup

A photo of Vinícius Júnior celebrating a goal with one fist in the air was mounted near the entrance of the art exhibition, right next to an acrylic piece of a woman’s dreadlocks suspended in air as she heads a soccer ball.

A replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy was encased in glass nearby, surrounded by images, paintings and flags that document generations of African soccer dreams and stories. All of it is part of an exhibition celebrating Africa’s deep connection to soccer during the World Cup.

“This is what art is about," said Alfonso D. Brooks, founder of AfriKin, a foundation showcasing African and diaspora art. “Art has always been a platform to foster peace and understanding and give voice to those that can’t speak for themselves. “This is the necessary part we feel the need to do with AfriKin.”

Brooks — a longtime sound engineer turned art curator — spent about six months putting together the exhibition, titled “Art and the Beautiful Game: Africa on the World Stage,” which opened in Miami ahead of the start of the World Cup. The collection by more than 50 artists from 25 nations traces soccer's role in the continent's history, while celebrating some of the game's most influential figures from the late Pelé to French star Kylian Mbappé.

All 10 African nations competing in the World Cup are represented and celebrated, with special tributes to Cape Verde.

Football 'ambassador' and fan favorite: a duck becomes a star in Mexico

Merlin, a two-year-old duck, seized the imagination of millions of Mexicans when he was filmed walking down the street with his owner while wearing Mexico's green national jersey.

Now a viral sensation, FIFA has dubbed him the country's "ambassador" while the team shared an image of him flying over the stadium in Guadalajara, where the national team took on South Korea for its second game of the tournament.

His jersey number is 12, a trademark for his fans.

Bakeries sell pastries mimicking the image of Merlin in his green jersey, while TV stations interview him about his World Cup analysis. The duck is fairly consistent with his predictions: "Quack, quack, quack."

Neymar to miss Brazil's second World Cup game against Haiti

Neymar will not travel with the Brazil squad for Friday's second World Cup group game against Haiti as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

The 34-year-old has only returned to training with the national team this week and missed the five-time World Cup winners' opening 1-1 draw with Morocco in Group C.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said last week he was hopeful Neymar would be ready to play some part in the game against Haiti in Philadelphia.

Neymar was diagnosed in late May with an injury to his right calf, and has featured in just half of the games for his club Santos this year due to various fitness issues.

Ancelotti and his coaching staff are reluctant to rush the return of Brazil's all-time record goalscorer and compromise his availability for matches later in the tournament, according to Brazilian media.

Australia seek 'respect' from US amid World Cup 'layup' row

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said victory over the United States on Friday would earn his side "respect," in the wake of disparaging comments by US pundits about the Australian side that have triggered a long-brewing row.

Rage has simmered Down Under ever since a US analyst called Australia a "layup" after the World Cup draw in December, which placed the Socceroos in the same Group D as the co-hosts.

The term -- a basketball expression for a very easy opportunity -- first used by CBS pundit Mike Grella has been echoed by several American commentators since, and has become a rallying cry for the Australians.

"We know that we want to earn our respect," said Popovic, at a press conference in Seattle on Thursday.

"We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map, and that's what we aim to do."

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restrictions

Iran's World Cup team will lodge a complaint with FIFA claiming they are being subjected to travel restrictions during the tournament in North America, the Iranian football federation spokesman said on Thursday.

"Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran's national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organizers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff's plans," the spokesman said.

Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

But the Iranian federation said its request was turned down.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

USA, Australia eye World Cup knockout rounds, Brazil in action

The United States and Australia will look to book their place in the World Cup knockout rounds on Friday while Brazil aim to kickstart their campaign against Haiti.

After tournament co-hosts Mexico sealed their place in the last 32 on Thursday with a 1-0 victory over South Korea, the USA or the Socceroos can join them with a victory in their Group D game in Seattle.

After an unconvincing build-up, the Americans made a flying start to the World Cup last week with a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in Los Angeles.

Australia are also approaching the USA clash in buoyant mood after their stunning 2-0 upset of Turkey on Saturday.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said he would change the line-up -- and sought to put the team's sluggish start into context.

"Getting off to a good start is important in a World Cup, but the most important thing is that the team, rather than being perfect, has to be resilient," the Italian said.

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