Almeyda: the Mexican fans, an asset of the 2026 World Cup

The Paraguayan team achieved a historic ticket to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. They beat Germany 4-3 in the penalty shootout, after drawing 1-1 in regular time. The game was played at Boston Stadium.

The feat from the eleven steps

Paraguay missed its last two penalties in the shootout, which gave life to Germany. However, in sudden death, Tah missed his shot and Canale scored the goal that sealed the South American pass.

In the first half, at minute 42, Julio Enciso opened the scoring with a header inside the six-yard box. The shot surpassed German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the rival defense.

Germany reacted in the second half. At 54, Kai Havertz equalized with a solid header. German dominance grew, but goalkeeper Orlando Gill responded with several key saves to maintain the tie.

The score did not move in the 90 minutes, so the game went to extra time. Near the end of the first overtime period, Germany scored a goal that was disallowed for a foul against Gill.

Both teams searched for the winning goal without success. On penalties, Germany missed three shots and Paraguay hit four. The classification was defined in the round.

Now Paraguay awaits a rival for the round of 16: it will emerge from the duel between France and Sweden.

Gallardo: “Another tournament begins”

The Mexican National Team reaches the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup with perfect progress in the group stage. Their rival will be Ecuador, which advanced as one of the best third parties after an agonizing victory over Germany.

Jesús Gallardo, Tri side and Toluca player, spoke to the media before the game. Recognize that previous performance is behind.

“We are very proud of what we achieved, but we believe that now the good thing is coming, another tournament begins. We are motivated but calm because we have not won anything and we believe that we can make history.”

The match will be played at the Mexico City stadium. Gallardo considers that playing at home is an advantage, although they do not feel like favorites.

“I don’t know if we are the favorites, but we are at home, with our people, and we want to advance to the next round without detracting from Ecuador, since we know the quality of players they have.”

Knowledge of the rival

Gallardo was called up to last October’s friendly between both teams in Guadalajara. That’s why he knows the team led by Sebastián Beccacece.

“They are a very dynamic team that attacks very well, obviously the defense is also very good. But we have to focus on ourselves. Javier Aguirre will tell us about their virtues and defects, and we must take advantage of it.”

For Gallardo, who is playing in his third World Cup, the match represents a historic opportunity. Without triumphalism, El Tri seeks to continue advancing in the tournament played at home.

Early departures at the 2026 World Cup

Dos entrenadores presentaron su renuncia tras quedar fuera del Mundial 2026 en la fase de grupos. Escocia y Corea del Sur se quedaron sin técnico casi al mismo tiempo.

Steve Clarke left the Tartan Army bench after the team finished eleventh in the best third place table, just one step away from the round of 32. Escocia sumó tres puntos y una diferencia de -3: venció 1-0 a Haití, pero perdió 1-0 con Marruecos y 3-0 ante Brasil.

Clarke asumió en 2019 y había renovado por cuatro años. Según la prensa escocesa, David Moyes, actual DT del Everton, suena como sustituto de cara a la Eurocopa 2028.

Horas antes, Hong Myung-bo anunció su salida de Corea del Sur en una rueda de prensa en Zapopan, México. Los surcoreanos debutaron con un triunfo 3-1 sobre República Checa, pero luego cayeron 1-0 ante México y 1-0 frente a Sudáfrica.

“I am resigning from my position as coach of the South Korean men’s soccer team. I would like to apologize to the fans who love Korean soccer. We did not achieve the results they expected, and the responsibility falls entirely on me,” said Hong, 57, who was facing his second cycle.

La eliminación también provocó una fuerte reacción del presidente Lee Jae Myung. Se declaró “conmocionado” y exigió una investigación de la federación.

“When partisanship is prioritized over competition and unprepared people are elected, the result is inevitable. I apologize to the fans for this unacceptable defeat. We are committed to reforming sports administration,” said Lee.

Ambos estrategas dejan sus cargos después de que sus selecciones no lograran avanzar. Corea del Sur ni siquiera figuró entre los ocho mejores terceros. Con una sola victoria y dos derrotas, el ciclo quedó cerrado.