Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener in Los Angeles. The match saw mixed reactions, including boos, during Iran's national anthem, reflecting political divisions among the diaspora. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, while Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi netted for Iran.
Clint Dempsey, former USMNT star, criticized Canada coach Jesse Marsch for suggesting US players needed to be 'begged' to sing the national anthem. Dempsey defended his commitment to the US, highlighting his career sacrifices and stating Marsch should focus on his own team.
Canada's men's national soccer team achieved a historic 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup, marking their first point and first goal in the tournament's history. This appearance follows their 1986 debut and a 36-year gap, with automatic qualification as hosts.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch encourages his team to embrace the pressure of hosting their first World Cup game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, praising the squad's multicultural pride and commitment to representing Canada.
FIFA has changed the World Cup tradition where only starting players sang their national anthems. Now, all 26 players and coaches from both teams will gather on the field to perform their anthems before matches, starting with Mexico vs. South Africa.
US national football team coach Mauricio Pochettino stated he will not sing the American national anthem at the World Cup, emphasizing his role is solely to represent the US through sports and prepare the team.
11-year-old Indian karting prodigy Atiqa Mir dominated the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Greece, winning qualifying, heats, and the final. The victory was made more emotional by the Indian national anthem playing on the podium, a moment she described as unforgettable.
A Jiji Press poll found 42.2% of respondents believe it was appropriate for an active JSDF member to sing the national anthem at the LDP convention, compared to 15.9% who found it inappropriate. The incident sparked controversy over the alleged political use of the Self-Defense Forces.
Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin with military honors and flag-waving children in Beijing. The leaders discussed national development, the Middle East crisis, and bilateral relations, with Putin highlighting Russia's role as an energy supplier amid sanctions.
Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin with military pageantry in Beijing. Leaders discussed national development, the Middle East crisis, and bilateral relations, with China confirming a major Boeing jet order.
Beijing hosts President Trump with a grand military welcome, signaling its pursuit of warmer US-China relations.
West Bengal state schools must now sing 'Vande Mataram' daily before classes, sparking confusion among school heads who must also accommodate the National Anthem and potentially the state song 'Banglar mati Banglar jal'.
Hiroshi Suzuki, Japan’s ambassador to Britain, is becoming a social media sensation as followers embrace his unbridled enthusiasm for everything the country has to offer. Videos of him singing the Welsh national anthem, for example, and his valiant attempts to copy local dialects and expressions have generated an outpouring of love for him online. Many comments say Suzuki is reminding often pessimistic Britons of the nation’s achievements and rich heritage. His entertaining efforts have garnered...
Tehran insists that its players and coaches receive visas for the tournament and also is demanding enhanced security and assurances that the Iranian flag and national anthem will be respected.
CPI state secretary M Veerapandiyan has objected to the order of songs played at Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's swearing-in ceremony, where 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' was placed third after 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem. He stated this violates long-standing convention and demanded a public explanation for the lapse, urging the government to restore the state song's primacy.
CPI state secretary M Veerapandiyan has objected to the order of songs played at Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's swearing-in ceremony, where 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' was placed third after 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem. He stated this violates long-standing convention and demanded a public explanation for the lapse, urging the government to restore the state song's primacy.
The "enormous work" of the Russian Wrestling Federation has allowed to clear youth and juniors to participate in international tournaments under the country’s flag and to the tune of the national anthem, the wrestler says
UFC Freedom 250 will take place on June 14, 2026, at the White House as part of US 250th independence celebrations and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The seven-fight card features major title bouts, but the key change is UFC CEO Dana White breaking tradition by including a live national anthem performance for the first time in years.
UFC Freedom 250 will take place on June 14, 2026, at the White House as part of US 250th independence celebrations and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The seven-fight card features major title bouts, but the key change is UFC CEO Dana White breaking tradition by including a live national anthem performance for the first time in years.
UFC Freedom 250 will take place on June 14, 2026, at the White House as part of US 250th independence celebrations and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The seven-fight card features major title bouts, but the key change is UFC CEO Dana White breaking tradition by including a live national anthem performance for the first time in years.
