USA rolls past Czechia to finish Group Play 3-0

Photo courtesy of USA Basketball
Used with permission.

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

BERLIN, GERMANY (September 7, 2026)  The United States women’s basketball team finished group play at the FIBA Women’s World Cup with a dominant 105-64 win over Czechia on Monday night at Berlin Arena.

The victory improved the USA to 3-0 in Group D and marked the Americans’ third straight World Cup win over Czechia. The United States now moves on to the quarterfinals, where it will face either Hungary or Japan on Thursday, Sept. 10.

After a tough offensive game against Italy, the USA came out firing against Czechia.

The Americans scored 29 points in the first quarter while holding Czechia to 15. The 29 points were the USA’s highest-scoring quarter of the tournament. The team shot 50 percent from the field in the opening period and made four 3-pointers.

The strong start continued throughout the game. The USA shot 52.5 percent from the field, making 42 of 80 shots. The Americans also finished with seven 3-pointers and 32 assists.

All 12 USA players scored at least once, showing the team’s depth and unselfish style of play. Five players finished with at least three assists.

Breanna Stewart (No. 10, shown above) led the USA with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists. She also recorded a steal and a blocked shot. Stewart scored 11 points in the first quarter and had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists by halftime.

Stewart also continued her impressive World Cup record. She has now won all 23 games she has played in the tournament.

Napheesa Collier added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The game marked her first World Cup, and her 12 points were a personal best in major international competition.

The USA defense was just as impressive. Czechia shot only 32.8 percent from the field and made just three of 30 3-point attempts.

With the group stage complete, the USA will now turn its attention to the quarterfinals and another step toward a World Cup title.

McNeese State dominates Texas Wesleyan in 52-0 shutout

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (September 5, 2026)  The McNeese State Cowboys displayed total dominance on Saturday night, shutting out Texas Wesleyan Rams 52-0 at Navarre Stadium in Lake Charles.

The win moved McNeese to 1-1 on the season, while Texas Wesleyan dropped to 0-2. The Cowboys finished the night with 500 total yards, including 280 passing yards and 220 rushing yards.

Quarterback Devin Lippold (No. 19, shown above) made his first career start and delivered a strong performance. The Clear Lake (TX) High School prep star completed 15 of 20 passes for 199 yards and four touchdowns before leaving the game midway through the third quarter. His four touchdown passes were the most by a McNeese quarterback in a game since Cody Orgeron threw four in 2021.

Lippold connected with Solo Lewis for a 22-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give McNeese a 7-0 lead.

The Cowboys then added a big play on special teams. Javon Davis blocked a Texas Wesleyan field goal, and Safir Stills-Bey picked up the loose ball and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. It was McNeese's first blocked field goal since 2024 and its first blocked field goal returned for a touchdown since 2002.

McNeese's defense continued to make plays. Sentario Willis intercepted a pass and returned it 37 yards, setting up another touchdown. Willis has now recorded an interception in each of the Cowboys' first two games.

McNeese led 24-0 at halftime and continued to pull away after the break. Backup quarterback Brady Barrier added a touchdown pass to Wyatt Fontenot, while Marquez Davis scored on a 13-yard run late in the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys held Texas Wesleyan to just 187 total yards, including 74 rushing yards.

McNeese will return to action Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Cowboys host Tarleton State at 6 p.m. Tarleton enters the game ranked among the top five teams in the FCS.

North Shore shows its championship poise in 27-17 win over John Curtis

Photo by Darla S. Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA (September 4, 2026)  The North Shore Mustangs passed another major test Friday night, rallying in the fourth quarter to defeat Louisiana powerhouse John Curtis Christian Patriots 27-17 in a matchup of nationally recognized high school football programs.

For North Shore, the victory was more than just another win. It was an early-season statement from the defending Texas Class 6A Division I champions and one of the Houston area’s premier football programs.

The Mustangs improved to 2-0 with the road victory after opening the season with a 35-0 shutout of Lancaster. North Shore has now outscored its first two opponents 62-17.

North Shore controlled the first half against John Curtis, taking a 14-3 lead into halftime. The Mustangs scored seven points in each of the first two quarters before the Patriots responded with a strong third quarter.

John Curtis scored twice in the third period, turning a 14-3 deficit into a 17-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Instead of allowing the momentum to slip away, North Shore answered with its best football when the game was on the line.

The Mustangs scored twice in the final quarter to regain control and secure the 27-17 victory.

Mustang quarterback JaVoris Taylor played an important role in the victory, completing 12 of 17 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 64 yards. North Shore finished with 210 rushing yards and 108 passing yards.

The victory also extended North Shore’s winning streak to eight games, dating back to last season. The Mustangs finished the 2025 campaign 14-2 and captured another Texas state championship, continuing a remarkable run for the Galena Park ISD program.

Now 2-0, North Shore returns to Texas for another major test. The Mustangs will travel to Dallas to face South Oak Cliff on September 12 in Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC blanks LA Galaxy 1-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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.

Pasadena concludes Jason Landers volleyball tournament with win

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 15, 2026) The Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team concluded the three-day Jason Landers Tournament on Saturday with two matches in the Round 3, Group 1, Bronze Bracket, contested at Austin High School.

The Lady Eagles dropped their first match of the day 13-25, 18-25 to the Texas School for the Deaf. The lost placed them in the consolation game of the bracket, where they downed Manor New Technology High School 27-25, 25-21 to finish third place in the bracket,

Overall, Pasadena placed 15th out of the 30 teams competing in the tournament. After one day of rest and recovery on Sunday and training on Monday, they will face off against Pasadena ISD rival South Houston High School to begin District 20-5A competition. The freshmen and junior varsity action will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the varsity match at 5:30 p.m. at Pasadena High School.

Pasadena faces tough opponents on Day 2 of Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 14, 2026)  The Pasadena High School volleyball team went into Day 2 of the Jason Landers tournament with a 2-1 record from Day 1 and were looking to improve their overall tournament record with their three scheduled matches. The Lady Eagles ran into two tough opponents but were able to mount a comeback in the final match of the day.

Against their first opponent on Friday, they faced a tough Brownsville Rivera squad, who posted  a 2-0 record on Thursday.  In the first game, the Lady Eagles kept it close with a  23-25 score. However, they fell behind quickly in the second game; posting a 6-25 score to drop the match 2-0. Their next match saw Pasadena facing the No. 2 overall seed in the tournament, San Antonio Churchill. The Lady Eagles played hard, but could not overcome the Chargers; falling the two games, 13-25, 12-25.

In Pasadena’s third match of the day, they played a hard-fought match; coming away with a 2-1 win; 21-25, 26-15, 25-20, finishing the day with a 1-2 record. 

Moving on to Saturday, the Lady Eagles will play Texas School for the Deaf at Austin High School with an 11 a.m. start. At the conclusion of that match, they will face either Del Valle (2-4) or Manor New Technology (2-4).

Pasadena Eagles post 2-1 record after Day 1 of Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament

Pasadena MH Kristin Kelly (13) serving
against Travis High School. 

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 13, 2026) After defeating Baytown Lee in straight sets (25-8, 25-7, 25-6) on Tuesday night, the Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team headed to Austin to compete in the Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament, hosted by Austin ISD. The Lady Eagles, who placed 5th in last year’s tournament, were seeded in Pool 4 for Thursday’s matches.

In their first contest of the tournament, Pasadena faced off against Austin LASA at Bowie High School. LASA, who placed 30th in last year’s tourney (3-5), fought a good fight against the Eagles, with Pasadena taking the match 25-22, 25-23.

Their second match in Austin, Pasadena took on Austin Travis High School, who placed 35th in the 2025 tournament with a 1-7 record. The Lady Eagles had no problem with the Lady Rebels, downing them 25-9, 25-14.

In the night cap match, Pasadena took on a stubborn Fort Bend Elkins squad, who was the 19th place team in 2025. After battling back-and-forth with the lead changing many times, the Lady Eagles dropped a 2-0 decision (16-25, 26-28) to Elkins.

After Day 1 of the tourney, Pasadena stands at 2-1, with a 3-1 record for the season. On Friday, they will take on Brownsville Rivera ECHS (2-0)  at 11 a.m., followed by San Antonio Churchill (3-0) at 12 noon. The Lady Eagles will face San Antonio Marshall (2-1) in their final match of the day, with first serve scheduled at 2 p.m. All three matches on Friday will be at Austin Bowie High School.

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

By Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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.

Ullmark’s stoppage-time goal lifts Houston Dash to victory over Bay FC

By Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly 
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 24, 2026) The Houston Dash found a dramatic way to earn three important 

points Friday night, defeating Bay FC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium thanks to a stoppage-time goal from rookie midfielder Linda Ullmark (shown left).

After nearly 90 minutes of missed chances and strong goalkeeping, Ullmark finally broke the deadlock in the opening moments of second-half stoppage time. She turned inside the penalty box and fired a low shot inside the near post for her second goal of the season. Defender Avery Patterson earned her first assist of the year on the play, helping Houston secure its third stoppage-time game-winning goal of the 2026 NWSL season.

Ullmark stated after the match about how the atmosphere of Shell Energy played into the match:

“It felt great. The (Langham Creek HS) band was there and they're amazing, so the environment was really nice to play in. Thankfully it was a little cooler tonight, so that felt good as well. We have some amazing fans and I love when they come out here on a Friday night. It's really great and it gives us a lot of energy."

The goal also continued a strong season for Houston's rookie class. Dash rookies have now scored 10 goals this year, accounting for half of the 20 rookie goals scored across the league.

Houston created several scoring opportunities throughout the match. Rookie forward Kate Faasse nearly opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but her left-footed shot rolled just wide of the post. Moments later, Kat Rader missed by inches before Ullmark sent another effort just outside the frame.

The Dash continued to pressure Bay FC for much of the evening but could not find the finishing touch until the final moments.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell played a major role in the victory. The Dash captain recorded seven saves, including several key stops against Caroline Conti and Alex Pfeiffer. Her strong performance helped Houston earn its fourth clean sheet of the season.

Defender Leah Klenke also turned in an impressive performance. The rookie made a crucial block late in the first half to deny Karlie Lema inside the box and finished the match with a team-high seven clearances. Klenke continues to lead all NWSL rookies in minutes played this season.

Houston came close to scoring again in the 85th minute when Sarah Puntigam blasted a rebound from outside the penalty area. Her powerful shot struck both goalposts but somehow stayed out.

That set the stage for Ullmark's late heroics.

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

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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,

Joji Solaris tour hits Dallas' American Airlines Center

Photo by Cinthea Martinez
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Renee Martinez
Copyright 20'26 All Rights Reserved

DALLAS, TEXAS (July 8, 2026) The Joji Solaris Tour hit Dallas at the American Airlines Center with the show starting at 7:30 pm with Corbin, a musician from Maryland.

His six-song set was made up of fan favorites and his choices throughout his career. These songs were very atmospheric. “Without You” and “Carbon Monoxide” were among the songs performed.

The next act was Nate Sib. A very different type of energy after Corbin left the stage.

Photo by Renee Martinez, Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

Nate’s set was more edm and some rapping. His set was 40 minutes for his two teen songs. Not only did he play the keyboard for a few of his songs, but he also had a visual display behind him. He ended his set with his song,” Famous” which can be found on Spotify. The crowd was dancing during is set.

When Joji took the stage, his visuals involved the whole stage. You could see his band as they played. The night started with “Pixelated Kisses” leading the 25-song set. “Sanctuary”, “EW”, and a “Glimpse of Us” were included in the second six songs.

Songs ranged throughout his four albums, with the majority from his newest album released in February, ”Piss in the Wind”. His ending songs included "1AM Freestyle”, which was a surprise as it wasn’t listed on the setlist that had been looked up before the show.

The last song was “Slow dancing in the dark”. The visuals changed depending on the song’s mood. There were also intermission type visuals and a small robot that appeared on stage a few times. The show itself was a serenade, not only for this music journalist, but also for fans. I am glad I had the opportunity to attend the show.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 13 Recap

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyrights 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 23, 2026) June 23 brought another thrilling day of action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighted by a record-setting performance from Cristiano Ronaldo (shown left) and three tightly contested group-stage matches.

Portugal delivered the day's most impressive result with a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Houston. Ronaldo became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups, netting twice to lead the Portuguese attack. Nuno Mendes opened the scoring with a well-worked free kick, an own goal by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov added to the advantage, and Rafael Leão completed the rout with a late finish. Portugal dominated possession and created scoring chances throughout the match.

England and Ghana battled to a scoreless draw in Boston despite several quality opportunities. England controlled possession, but Ghana's organized defense and timely goalkeeping frustrated the Three Lions, leaving both teams with a valuable point.

Croatia earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama behind Petar Sučić's long-range strike. Croatia's defense protected the slim lead with a disciplined performance, while Panama was unable to convert its late scoring chances.

Colombia completed the day's action with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo. Defender Daniel Muñoz scored the decisive goal, and Colombia's back line stood firm under second-half pressure to secure three important points and strengthen its position in Group K.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Day 12 Recap

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026  All Rights Reserved

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
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

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.