(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Brazil, Argentina, Germany and England Secure Wins in Final World Cup Warm-Up Matches
Several leading football nations recorded victories in their final preparation matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England and Portugal all delivering positive performances.
The international friendlies provided teams with an opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess squad readiness before the tournament begins.
Argentina Defeat Honduras
Defending world champions Argentina earned a 2-0 victory over Honduras in Texas despite resting captain Lionel Messi.
Forward Lautaro Martinez played a key role in the win, contributing a goal and an assist, while Giuliano Simeone added Argentina’s second goal.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s performance and highlighted the importance of maintaining the squad’s identity ahead of the World Cup.
Brazil Overcome Egypt
Five-time world champions Brazil secured a 2-1 win against Egypt in Cleveland.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring early in the match, while young forward Endrick doubled Brazil’s advantage in the second half following an assist from Raphinha.
Egypt’s Zico scored for his side, while Mohamed Salah featured and showed promising form during his time on the pitch.
Brazil, however, faced an injury concern after defender Wesley left the field with what appeared to be a muscle injury.
England Edge Past New Zealand
England defeated New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa thanks to a first-half goal from captain Harry Kane.
The striker converted a cross from Djed Spence to score the only goal of the match. England manager Thomas Tuchel rotated his squad extensively, giving valuable playing time to multiple players ahead of the tournament.
Kane said the squad is focused on preparation and expressed confidence heading into the World Cup.
Germany Continue Winning Run
Germany extended their impressive winning streak with a 2-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in Chicago.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring early before the United States equalised through Antonee Robinson. Leroy Sane restored Germany’s lead in the second half with the winning goal.
Despite the defeat, United States coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team’s effort and competitiveness against one of football’s strongest nations.
Portugal Beat Chile
Portugal claimed a 2-1 victory over Chile in a closely contested match.
Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes scored for Portugal, while Lucas Cepeda found the net for Chile. Both teams finished the game with 10 players following red cards.
Fernandes said Portugal controlled much of the match and produced a strong overall performance.
Other Friendly Results
Scotland delivered one of the day’s most convincing displays, defeating Bolivia 4-0 in New Jersey. Che Adams scored twice, while Lawrence Shankland and Scott McTominay also found the net.
Elsewhere:
- Switzerland and Australia drew 1-1
- Bosnia and Herzegovina and Panama also finished 1-1
Australia coach Tony Popovic expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against stronger opponents during the tournament.
Focus Shifts to the World Cup
With the warm-up fixtures now complete, teams will turn their attention to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The final friendlies offered valuable match practice and insight into squad form as nations prepare to compete on football’s biggest stage.
