Houston Dynamo FC draw 2-2 with FC Cincinnati

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Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
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By Robert H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 19, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC had control of the match for most of Saturday night, but a late penalty kept the team from earning all three points.

The Dynamo played FC Cincinnati to a 2-2 draw at Shell Energy Stadium after building a two-goal lead early in the second half.

Guilherme (shown left) gave Houston the lead in the 38th minute with a curling free kick that found the inside of the net. The goal was his 14th of the season and gave him 22 total goal contributions, a new single-season Dynamo record.

The 31-year-old Brazilian now has 14 goals and eight assists this season. His 22 goal contributions moved him past the previous club record of 21, set by Héctor Herrera in 2021 and Mauro Manotas in 2019.

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Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
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Houston added to its lead in the 51st minute. After Agustin Bouzat (No. 19, right) was brought down inside the Cincinnati penalty area, Mateusz Bogusz stepped up and converted the penalty kick.

The goal was Bogusz's sixth of the season and marked his second straight home match with a goal.

Cincinnati began its comeback in the 73rd minute when Bryan Ramirez finished at the back post to make it 2-1.

The visitors completed the comeback in second-half stoppage time. Cincinnati was awarded a penalty after Bogusz was called for a foul on Kenji Mboma Dem inside the box. Kevin Denkey converted the chance to tie the match.

Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made six saves to keep the Dynamo in front for much of the night. Lucas Halter also made a key goal-line clearance in the second half.

The Dynamo remain second in the Western Conference at 13-8-5 with 44 points, the second-highest total through 26 matches in club history.

Houston returns home September 26 to host Sporting Kansas City for Noche de Mexico. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.

2nd half goal by Utah gives Houston Dash 1-0 loss

By Chris Price
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 12, 2026) The Houston Dash suffered a 1-0 loss to Utah Royals FC on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, with Mina Tanaka scoring the only goal of the match in the second half.

Tanaka broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, finishing a right-footed shot from inside the box after receiving a pass from Nuria Rábano. The goal gave Utah all three points and ended Houston’s hopes of earning a home win.

Houston created several chances but could not find the back of the net. Sarah Puntigam had an early shot blocked in the 11th minute, while Avery Patterson sent a corner-kick chance wide.

Kiki Van Zanten came close in the 38th minute, but her one-touch effort missed the target. Kate Faasse also had a chance early in the second half, with her shot hitting the outside of the net.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell kept the Dash in the match with five saves. She made four saves late in the first half before stopping Cece Delzer’s shot in the 61st minute.

Houston pushed for an equalizer after Tanaka’s goal. Kat Rader created two strong chances in the final 20 minutes, but Utah goalkeeper Mia Justus made the needed saves to preserve the shutout.

The match also marked an important milestone for midfielder Danny Colaprico, who made her 50th regular-season appearance for the Dash. Houston also honored Sophie Schmidt at halftime for reaching 150 league appearances earlier this season.

The Dash fall to 7-12-5 with 26 points. Houston next travels to face Boston Legacy FC on Sunday, September 20, at Centreville Bank Stadium. The match will air live on CBS Sports Network at 1 p.m. CT.

Houston Dynamo FC blanks LA Galaxy 1-0

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By Robert H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 15, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC blanked the LA Galaxy 1-0 on Saturday night at a sold-out Shell Energy Stadium, stretching their shutout streak to four straight wins. 

It was the first time in club history the team has strung together that many consecutive clean-sheet victories. Guilherme (shown left) provided the only goal in the 21st minute, coolly converting from the penalty spot after Lawrence Ennali was fouled in the box. 

The Brazilian’s 12th goal of the season also marked his 19th goal contribution. He has now been involved in 67.9 percent of Houston’s goals this year, the highest mark in MLS, and sits within striking distance of Sebastien Le Toux’s single-season record of 71.4 percent set with the Philadelphia Union in 2010.

The Dynamo have not allowed a goal in 372 minutes, the second-longest such stretch for the club over the past decade. Over their last 13 matches they sit atop the Western Conference form table with a 9-2-2 record and 29 points, and they remain undefeated across the past seven matches.

Los Angeles went down to 10 men in the 58th minute when Emiro Garces received a straight red for denying Ennali a clear goal-scoring opportunity just outside the area. In stoppage time Dynamo forward Aliyu Ibrahim was shown two yellow cards in quick succession and also dismissed.

Midfielder Ondrej Lingr reached a personal milestone with his 50th appearance in orange across all competitions. Houston now hits the road for a two-game swing, beginning Wednesday at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Houston Dash and Kansas City Current settle for 1-1 draw

By Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
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By Robert H Kelly

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 8, 2026) The Houston Dash battled to a 1-1 draw against the Kansas City Current on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, earning one point to close out a three-game homestand.

Rookie forward Kat Rader (No. 22, shown above) scored the equalizer from the penalty spot in the second half, giving her seven goals this season. Rader continues to lead all 2026 NWSL rookies in scoring.

The draw gave Houston four points during its three-game homestand. The Dash finished the stretch with a 1-1-1 record.

Kansas City opened the scoring in the 44th minute. Debinha fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner for her fourth goal of the season. Croix Bethune picked up her eighth assist of the year on the play.

Houston answered in the second half after defender Allysha Chapman was fouled inside the box. Rader stepped up and calmly converted the penalty kick to tie the match.

The Dash continued to create chances as they searched for the winning goal. Maggie Graham hit the woodwork in the 59th minute, while Kiki Van Zanten followed with a shot that narrowly missed the target.

Rader nearly scored again in the 90th minute after a free kick just outside the box, but her shot sailed just over the crossbar. Clarissa Larisey also came close after creating a one-on-one chance late in the match.

Captain Jane Campbell made an early save to keep Houston within reach, denying Amelia White inside the opening minutes.

The match also marked an important milestone for Chapman, who made her 100th start for the Dash in all competitions. She became only the third player in club history to reach 100 starts, joining Campbell and Kealia Watt.

Khyah Harper also made her first start for Houston after joining the team from Gotham FC. Defender Natalie Hammond made her NWSL debut as a second-half substitute.

Houston will travel to North Carolina next weekend to face the North Carolina Courage. The Dash return home Aug. 19 to host Chicago Stars FC.

Houston Dash drop match to Gotham FC 1-0

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By Chris Price
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 1, 2026) The Houston Dash fought until the final whistle Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium but came up empty in a 1-0 loss to Gotham FC. Despite generating multiple quality chances and forcing six saves from Gotham goalkeeper Shelby Hogan, the Dash could not find an equalizer.

Houston controlled the early stages. In the opening minute, defender Paige Nielsen nearly opened the scoring with a long-range effort that rolled just wide of the far post. Moments later, Kat Rader intercepted a long ball and set up Kiki Van Zanten inside the box, only for Hogan to make the stop.

The Dash came even closer in the 12th minute when Rader unleashed a shot from the top of the penalty area that beat Hogan but struck the left post.Goalkeeper Jane Campbell preserved the scoreless deadlock with a key save against Jaedyn Shaw in the 14th minute. Gotham earned a penalty in the 18th minute, but Sam Kerr sent her attempt wide, giving Houston a lifeline.The visitors broke through early in the second half. 

In the 46th minute, Guro Reiten slipped a pass across the face of goal to Kerr, who finished from close range for the game’s only goal.Houston continued to press for a response. Maggie Graham, Lisa Boattin, Clarissa Larisey, Sophie Schmidt, and Rader all contributed to dangerous sequences, but Hogan repeatedly denied the home side.

A positive note for the Dash was the debut of forward Khyah Harper, acquired earlier in the week from Gotham. Facing her former club after entering in the second half, Harper created opportunities and nearly forced a late equalizer. In stoppage time, her cross found Sarah Puntigam, whose header was turned away by another diving save from Hogan.

TexSport Publications senior photographer interviewed on CW39 in Houston

By Chris Price

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 25, 2026) TexSport Publications senior writer Darla Tamulitis was interviewed in CW39 in Houston about her photography career and being selected by FIFA to photography the 2026 World Cup in Houston. Click on the video below to view the interview.

Houston Dynamo FC settles for 1-1 draw with D.C. United

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By Robert H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 22, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC kicked off their return to MLS action after the World Cup break with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against D.C. United on a sweltering Wednesday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

Despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff, a season-high Wednesday crowd of 17,137 turned out to support the Dynamo, who maintained their strong home form with a 5-2-1 record this season.

The Dynamo seized the lead in the 40th minute through veteran midfielder Hector Herrera (shown above). A well-delivered free kick from Jack McGlynn was headed down into the path of the Mexican international, who showed superb control before firing a low shot past the keeper into the bottom right corner. It was Herrera’s second goal of the 2026 campaign.

D.C. United responded late, equalizing in the 78th minute when Tai Baribo rose to head home a delivery from Nathan Ordaz, denying Houston all three points

Making his Dynamo debut as a starter was new signing Duncan McGuire. The 25-year-old forward, acquired from Orlando City SC earlier this month, brought energy up front after a solid tenure with the Lions that included 32 goals across 109 appearances and three straight postseason appearances.

Both teams created dangerous moments throughout the contest. D.C. United’s Mateusz Bogusz tested goalkeeper Sean Johnson with sharp efforts in the first and second halves, while Houston threatened on set pieces.

The Dynamo now turn their attention to a Texas Derby showdown, continuing their homestand against in-state rivals Austin FC on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Houston Dynamo FC downs C.D. Olimpia 3-0 in international friendly

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By Robert H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 11, 2026) While most of the world was watching England down Norway 2-1 in extra time in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, approximately 8,000 fans were at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston to witness Houston Dynamo FC down C.D. Olimpia 3-0 in an international friendly match in Houston.

With the FIFA Fan Fest right across the street from Houston’s pitch, the slightly dominant Olimpia fans saw Dynamo forward Mateusz Bogusz (shown above, No. 19) draw first blood; scoring in the 14th minute. Olympia kept pressing on offense but were unable to equalize the score in the first half.

The second half saw both sides trying to get an advantage and the score remained tied at one until defender Franco Hegri  came off the bench to score in the 76th minute to give the Dynamo a 2-0 lead with 14 minutes remaining in regulation. Three minutes later, Bogusz added an insurance goal to secure the win for Houston.

Houston will next face América de Cali on Wednesday, July 15 with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff before returning to their regular  MLS schedule on July 22 where they will host D.C. United. Game time is also set for 7:30 p.m,

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 12 Recap

By Chris Price
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2026) The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage continued on June 22 with four exciting matches, as Argentina and France secured important victories while Norway and Algeria earned hard-fought wins.

Defending champion Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 behind another brilliant performance from Lionel Messi. The veteran captain opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish before adding a second goal after halftime to seal the victory. Argentina controlled possession throughout the match, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez preserved the clean sheet with several key saves when Austria threatened on the counterattack.

France also remained unbeaten with a convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq. Kylian Mbappé scored the opener before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the advantage with a powerful strike. Marcus Thuram added a late goal to complete the win as France's quick passing and relentless pressure proved too much for Iraq's defense.

Norway edged Senegal 3-2 in one of the tournament's most entertaining matches. Erling Haaland led Norway's attack with a goal and constant pressure, while Senegal battled back with two second-half strikes before falling just short of an equalizer in a fast-paced contest.

The day's final match saw Algeria defeat Jordan 2-1. Jordan scored early, but Algeria responded with two unanswered goals, including the match-winner late in the second half. Strong defensive play in the closing minutes helped Algeria earn three valuable points and remain in contention for a place in the knockout round.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 11 Recap

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By Robert H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21,2026) The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another exciting day of action on June 21, with four group-stage matches featuring dominant victories, a defensive battle, and a thrilling comeback draw.

Spain put together one of its best performances of the tournament, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Group H. Teenager Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice in a 14-minute span to put the match out of reach. Saudi defender Hassan Al-Tambakti added to Spain's advantage with an own goal early in the second half. Spain controlled possession throughout and created scoring chances with its quick passing attack.

Japan continued its impressive form with a 4-0 win over Tunisia. Ayase Ueda led the charge with two goals, while Japan's high-pressure attack overwhelmed Tunisia from the opening whistle. Crisp passing and relentless movement helped Japan move into a strong position to qualify for the knockout round.

Group G featured a scoreless draw between Belgium and Iran, but it was far from dull. Belgium dominated possession before defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 68th minute. Iran nearly stole the victory, but a goal by Mehdi Taremi was ruled offside as both teams settled for a point.

The day's final match produced late drama as Uruguay rallied for a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde. Uruguay fought back from a deficit with two second-half goals to salvage a valuable point, while Cape Verde earned another impressive result through disciplined defending and timely counterattacks, leaving Group H still wide open entering the final round of matches.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 10 Recap

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By Robert H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21, 2026) The second round of group-stage matches continued Saturday, June 20, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with four important contests helping shape the race for the knockout rounds.

The biggest statement came in Houston, where the Netherlands overwhelmed Sweden 5-1 in a Group F showdown. Brian Brobbey (shown above, far left player, leaping) gave the Dutch an early spark, scoring twice in the opening 17 minutes. then took over after halftime, adding two goals of his own as the Netherlands stretched the lead. Sweden briefly answered through Anthony Elanga, but Crysencio Summerville capped the dominant performance with a late goal. Denzel Dumfries was outstanding on the right flank, creating chances throughout the match and contributing two assists as the Dutch climbed to the top of Group F.

In Toronto, Germany secured a place in the knockout stage with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast. Franck Kessié put the African side ahead before halftime after capitalizing on a rebound opportunity. Germany controlled possession and continued to press forward, eventually finding a breakthrough when substitute Deniz Undav volleyed home in the 68th minute. Undav delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time, scoring again to complete the comeback and send Germany into the Round of 32.

The final Group E match ended in a surprising 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Curaçao. Ecuador generated numerous opportunities but could not beat Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room, who produced a remarkable performance. Room finished with 15 saves, helping his nation earn its first-ever World Cup point and keeping qualification hopes alive heading into the final group match.

The day’s fourth match saw Japan cruise past Tunisia 4-0. Japan's attack controlled the match from the opening whistle, securing a result that placed the Samurai Blue in strong position to advance from Group F while eliminating Tunisia from contention.

With several groups beginning to take shape, Saturday's action delivered goals, dramatic comebacks, and standout individual performances as the road to the World Cup knockout rounds continued.

Netherlands rout Sweden 5-1 to take control of Group F

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
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View the photo slideshow from the match by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography by clicking here.

By Robert H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 20, 2026) Netherlands delivered one of the most convincing performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, defeating Sweden 5-1 before a sellout crowd of 68,777 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The victory moved the Dutch to the top of Group F and placed them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.

The Dutch struck early and never looked back. Brian Brobbey opened the scoring in the sixth minute after finishing a low cross from Cody Gakpo. Just 11 minutes later, Brobbey doubled the lead, racing onto a cross from Denzel Dumfries and finishing from close range. Sweden struggled to recover from the quick start as the Netherlands controlled the tempo throughout the first half.

The Netherlands extended the lead shortly after halftime when Cody Gakpo found the net in the 51st minute. The Liverpool forward added his second goal just four minutes later, effectively putting the match out of reach at 4-0.

Sweden finally got on the scoreboard in the 59th minute through substitute Anthony Elanga, who briefly gave his side hope of a comeback. However, Dutch substitute Crysencio Summerville capped the scoring late in the match with the Netherlands' fifth goal.

No penalties were awarded in the contest. Dumfries was a standout performer with two assists, while Brobbey's first-half brace set the tone for the dominant victory. The result left Sweden facing a must-win match against Japan, while the Netherlands moved within touching distance of the Round of 32.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 9 Recap

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By Chris Price
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 19, 2026) Day 9 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup featured three important matches in Groups E and F, with the Netherlands and Germany earning crucial victories while Curaçao and Ecuador battled to a scoreless draw.

The headline result came in Group F, where the Netherlands delivered one of the most dominant performances of the tournament with a 5-1 victory over Sweden. The Dutch attack was relentless throughout the match, overwhelming a Swedish side that had entered the contest riding high after a 5-1 opening win over Tunisia. The Netherlands created chances from the opening whistle and finished them clinically, moving to the top of the group with four points and a strong goal difference. Sweden, meanwhile, will need a positive result in its final group match to keep its knockout-round hopes alive.

In Group E, Germany continued its impressive start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. After opening the tournament with a 7-1 rout of Curacao, Germany faced a much stiffer challenge from the African side. Ivory Coast defended well and threatened on the counterattack, but Germany's quality in the final third proved decisive. The win gave the Germans six points from two matches and put them in excellent position to advance to the Round of 32.

The day's final match saw Ecuador and Curaçao play to a scoreless draw. Both teams created opportunities but struggled to find the finishing touch. The result earned Curaçao its first point of the tournament and kept Ecuador's qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of group-stage play.

USA clinches Round of 32 berth with 2-0 victory over Australia

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By Robert H Kelly
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (June 19, 2026) The United States secured its place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia on Thursday at Seattle Stadium. The win improved the Americans to 2-0-0 in Group D and marked the nation's first back-to-back World Cup group-stage victories since 1930.

Despite playing without injured captain Christian Pulisic, the U.S. controlled the match from the opening whistle. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when a dangerous cross from Folarin Balogun forced Australian defender Cameron Burgess into an own goal, giving the hosts an early 1-0 advantage.

The Americans doubled their lead just before halftime. Defender Alex Freeman rose above the Australian defense and headed home a rebound in the 43rd minute. The goal was initially ruled offside but was awarded after a VAR review, sending the Seattle crowd into celebration.

The U.S. dominated possession throughout the match, completing 88 percent of its passes compared to Australia's 62 percent. Australia managed only limited opportunities, while the Americans dictated the tempo behind a strong midfield performance from Weston McKennie. The clean sheet was the U.S. team's first in nine matches.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his squad's mentality after the match, saying the team must continue to "keep believing" as the tournament progresses. He also highlighted the performance of Ricardo Pepi, who stepped into a larger attacking role with Pulisic unavailable.

"We have quality throughout the squad," Freeman said after the match, noting that players were ready to step up when called upon.

The United States will close Group D play against Turkey, while Australia faces Paraguay in a must-win match to keep its knockout-round hopes alive.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 8 Recap

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By Chris Price
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 18, 2026) Day 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered plenty of action as four matches helped shape the race for places in the knockout stage.

Canada produced the most impressive performance of the day with a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar in Group B. The Canadians controlled the match from start to finish, creating scoring chances throughout the contest. Their attack was sharp, while the defense prevented Qatar from finding any rhythm. The win moved Canada into a strong position heading into its final group-stage match.

Earlier in the day, Czechia and South Africa battled to a 1-1 draw in Group A. Both teams showed urgency as they searched for three valuable points, but neither side could find a winning goal. The result left qualification hopes alive for both nations.

Switzerland followed with an important 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B. Switzerland's attack was clinical, converting several key chances and taking control of the match in the second half. The win gave the Swiss a major boost in the standings and increased the pressure on their group rivals.

The day's final match featured tournament co-host Mexico against South Korea. Mexico earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to a disciplined defensive effort and a timely goal. South Korea pushed for an equalizer late, but Mexico held firm to secure all three points.

With several groups beginning to take shape, Day 8 proved to be one of the most important days of the tournament so far. Canada and Mexico emerged as the biggest winners, while Switzerland also strengthened its path toward the Round of 32.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 7 Recap

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By Chris Price
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 17, 2026) The 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on June 17 with five matches across Groups K and L, featuring several entertaining contests and important early points in the race for the knockout rounds.

In Group J, Austria opened the day with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. Austria built on its strong tournament start with an organized attacking performance, creating several quality chances and controlling possession for long stretches. Jordan fought hard but was unable to overcome Austria's depth and finishing ability.

Group K began with a surprise result as Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. Portugal entered the match as the favorite, but DR Congo matched its European opponent with a disciplined defensive effort and timely attacking play. The draw gave the African side a valuable point in its opening match.

England delivered one of the most exciting performances of the tournament so far with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Group L. The Three Lions showcased their attacking firepower, scoring four times while overcoming a determined Croatian side. England's forwards consistently pressured the Croatian defense and moved to the top of the group standings with the win.

Later in the evening, Ghana earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama. The lone goal proved enough for the Black Stars, whose defense stood strong under pressure to secure all three points. The victory set up a highly anticipated showdown with England in the next round of group matches.

The final match of the day saw Colombia defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K. Colombia's attack came alive in the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities and finishing clinically to secure an important opening victory.

DR Congo stuns Portugal with hard-earned draw in Houston

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By Robert  H Kelly
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 17, 2026) DR Congo delivered one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their Group K opener on June 17.

Portugal entered the match as heavy favorites, boasting a lineup filled with international stars and controlling possession for much of the afternoon. However, DR Congo matched their opponents with a disciplined defensive effort and capitalized on their opportunities in attack.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half when DR Congo stunned Portugal with the opening goal. The African side absorbed pressure and struck on a quick counterattack, sending their supporters into celebration and forcing Portugal to chase the match.

Portugal increased its attacking pressure after halftime and eventually found an equalizer. The Portuguese attack created several dangerous chances before finally breaking through to make it 1-1. Despite dominating possession and outshooting DR Congo, Portugal could not find a winning goal.

There were no penalties awarded in the match, but both teams had opportunities to claim all three points. Portugal came closest late in the second half when a shot from inside the penalty area was turned away by the DR Congo goalkeeper, who delivered one of the standout performances of the day.

The draw highlighted DR Congo's defensive organization and determination against one of Europe's top teams. Portugal finished with the majority of possession and scoring chances, but the African side's resilience earned a valuable point in the race for advancement.

The result leaves Group K wide open heading into the second round of matches, with Portugal set to face Uzbekistan and DR Congo preparing for another tough test against Colombia.

FIFA World C up 2025: Day 6 Recap

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By Chris Price 

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 16, 2026) The favorites made strong opening statements on Day 6 as Groups I and J took center stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In New Jersey, France opened its title bid with a 3-1 victory over Senegal behind another historic performance from Kylian Mbappe. After a tightly contested first half, Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute to give Les Bleus the lead. Bradley Barcola doubled France's advantage late in the match, but Senegal responded when 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye became the youngest African player to score in a World Cup. Any hopes of a comeback were erased in stoppage time when Mbappé scored his second goal of the night, securing the victory and becoming France's all-time leading scorer.

Norway enjoyed a successful return to the World Cup stage with a convincing 4-1 win over Iraq in Boston. Erling Haaland wasted little time making his tournament debut memorable, scoring twice in the first half. Iraq briefly leveled the match through Aymen Hussein, but Haaland restored Norway's lead before halftime. Defender Leo Østigård added a third goal in the second half, and a late own goal completed the scoring.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance for Argentina in a 3-0 victory over Algeria. The Argentine captain scored all three goals, recording the first World Cup hat trick of his career. The feat also tied Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.

Austria completed the day's action with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Jordan, putting the rest of Group J on notice with one of the tournament's most dominant performances so far.

Iran and New Zealand share points in 2-2 World Cup draw

 

Video by Samson Tamijani, Gol Bezan

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Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA (June 15, 2026) Iran and New Zealand played one of the most exciting matches of the early stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, battling to a 2-2 draw in a Group G contest on June 15.

New Zealand struck first just seven minutes into the match. Forward Chris Wood used his strength to hold off defenders before setting up Elijah Just, who finished calmly to give the Kiwis an early 1-0 advantage.

Iran responded in the 32nd minute when defender Ramin Rezaeian capitalized on a loose ball inside the penalty area and poked home the equalizer. The teams entered halftime level at 1-1 after a fast-paced opening 45 minutes.

New Zealand regained the lead shortly after the restart. Once again, it was Elijah Just who made the difference, finding space in the Iranian defense and scoring his second goal of the match to put the Kiwis ahead 2-1.

Iran refused to go away and found another equalizer in the 62nd minute. Mohammad Mohebbi finished a well-worked attacking move to bring the score to 2-2 and shift momentum back toward the Asian side.

The final half-hour featured chances at both ends. Iran pushed for a winner through sustained possession, while New Zealand looked dangerous on the counterattack behind the playmaking of Wood and the pace of Just.

No penalties were awarded in the match, and both goalkeepers made important saves during the closing stages. Despite several late opportunities, neither side could find a decisive goal.

The draw earned each nation a valuable point and left Group G wide open heading into the second round of matches.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 4 Recap

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By Chris Price
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HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 15, 2026) The fourth day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered goals, drama, and several standout performances as five group-stage matches took place across North America. Germany produced the most dominant result of the tournament so far, while Sweden and Ivory Coast also opened their campaigns with important victories.

Australia began the day with a 2-0 victory over Turkey in Group D. Despite Turkey controlling possession and creating numerous chances, the Socceroos stayed organized defensively and struck through Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe to claim all three points. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach was a key figure with several crucial saves.

In Houston, Germany overwhelmed World Cup debutants Curaçao 7-1 in Group E. After Curaçao briefly leveled the match through Livano Comenencia, Germany responded with a relentless attacking display led by Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Deniz Undav, and Nathaniel Brown. The victory gave Germany an early advantage atop the group.

Group F featured one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament as the Netherlands and Japan battled to a 2-2 draw. Japan showed resilience against the European power, earning a valuable point in a match that could prove important in the race for knockout-stage qualification.

Later, Ivory Coast secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Ecuador. The match appeared headed for a draw until substitute Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute, giving the African side a memorable opening victory.

The day concluded with Sweden's emphatic 5-1 victory over Tunisia. Yasin Ayari scored twice, while Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also starred as Sweden moved level with the Netherlands atop Group F.