Iran hold New Zealand as World Cup opens with tight draws
FIFA, Fanatics and Topps introduce ‘World Cup Debut’ sleeve patches, removed post-match for trading cards from 2031, angering shirt collectors as kits are left incomplete.
Fans invited to quiz Neil McCann and Leanne Crichton on Scotland’s World Cup campaign after the 1-0 win over Haiti and ahead of the final two group matches.
Article content does not match headline: source text concerns Iwaki FC kit launch rather than Uruguay or Muslera, so no reliable World Cup summary is available from the provided article.
Gianni Infantino plans to attend two matches per day using a Qatar Airways jet across USA, Canada and Mexico. Tournament emissions estimated at about 9m tons of CO2, mostly from air travel.
Stale Solbakken backs Erling Haaland to make a ‘very big impact’ as Norway return to the World Cup. The striker opens against Iraq in Group I alongside France and Senegal.
Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi shines for Morocco in a draw with Brazil at World Cup 2026. Arsenal reportedly open talks as Olivier Giroud hails his maturity amid interest from major clubs.
World Cup day four: Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand as fans display banned flags, Spain held 0-0 by Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia draw with Uruguay amid rule query, Egypt draw Belgium, Takefusa Kubo injured.
Aston Villa roundup: John McGinn nets Scotland’s first World Cup goal since 1998 in 1-0 over Haiti. Lindelöf captains Sweden to big win, Tielemans and Onana feature for Belgium.
Brian McBride hails USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay, urges Berhalter’s side to ride momentum into Australia in Seattle to seal last-32 place, praising Dest and Robinson’s penetrating runs.
Must-win Group D clash at Levi’s Stadium after Turkey lost 0-2 to Australia and Paraguay 1-4 USA. Preview backs Turkey, citing Calhanoglu and Güler to expose Paraguay’s defence.
Switzerland seek key Group B win vs Bosnia-Herzegovina after 1-1 with Qatar. Yakin keeps core of Kobel, Akanji, Xhaka, Embolo, with Ndoye and Manzambi options for added attacking thrust.
Mohammad Mohebi faces claims of a ‘gun celebration’ after scoring Iran’s equaliser in their 2-2 World Cup draw with New Zealand. Ramin Rezaeian says his own celebration was ‘something political’.
Elijah Just strikes twice but Iran rally through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi for a 2-2 Group G draw in Los Angeles. Mehdi Taremi hits the post as both sides share points.
Manager defends himself after pre-tournament criticism and a poor World Cup start, insisting: ‘I did nothing wrong.’
Brazil need a Group C win after 1-1 Morocco. Preview tips Brazil to beat Haiti with over 3.5 goals, highlighting Vinícius, Neymar and goal difference before a likely decider with Scotland.
Group J opener: Austria return to the World Cup since 1998, Jordan debut. Alaba, Grillitsch, Wimmer doubtful. Predicted XI features Arnautovic, Sabitzer, Seiwald; Jordan led by Tamari.
Lionel Scaloni says ‘the whole planet’ wants to see Lionel Messi, set for his 200th cap as Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City after easing hamstring concerns.
England face Croatia in Group L opener. Tuchel’s first tournament amid backlash over omissions. Livramento out injured, Modric set to play in mask. Opta gives England 55.9% win chance.
Predicted XIs for France vs Senegal at MetLife: Deschamps tipped to start Mbappé with Dembélé and Olise in a 4-2-3-1. Mané, Jackson and Ismaila Sarr expected to lead Senegal’s 4-3-3.
Spain labour to 0-0 with Cape Verde. Keeper Vozinha makes seven saves, Ferran Torres wastes 1.07 xG, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams eased back from injury ahead of Saudi Arabia.
FSE’s Ronan Evain says minimal segregation at 2026 World Cup is ‘a risk’ and shows Fifa have ‘lost control of their ticketing’, with resale platforms diluting PMA allocations.
Daily quiz challenges fans to guess a World Cup footballer in as few attempts as possible, unlocking clues after wrong guesses.
Fifa reverse press conference stance, allowing Spanish questions and answers after backlash over restrictions at World Cup 2026. Translation services to be provided.
