Iran's national football team, Team Melli, showed resilience by twice coming from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup opener. The match was played amidst a politically charged atmosphere due to the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Saudi Arabia's national football team, bolstered by high-profile signings like Ronaldo and Benzema in their domestic league, drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their World Cup opener. This performance, featuring a starting XI entirely from Saudi clubs, contrasts with past heavy defeats and suggests potential growth.
Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in a FIFA World Cup group stage match held in Inglewood, US. Mohammad Mohebi scored for Iran, becoming the first player from the Russian Premier League to score in the 2026 World Cup. Both teams have one point in Group G.
Iran twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening World Cup match in Los Angeles. Protests against the Iranian government were visible in Tehran during the game.
Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was mobbed by teammates after a stellar performance in their 0-0 World Cup draw against Spain. Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, made numerous saves to deny the European champions, earning player of the match.
Uruguai e Arábia Saudita empataram em 1 a 1 na estreia do Grupo H da Copa do Mundo. Arábia Saudita abriu o placar com Al-Amir, e Maxi Araújo empatou para o Uruguai. O goleiro saudita Al-Owais fez grandes defesas.
Maxi Araujo scored a late equalizer in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener at Miami Stadium. Abdulelah Alamri had given Saudi Arabia the lead in the 41st minute. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed disappointment, stating his team should have won.
Maxi Araújo scored a late equalizer in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in a dramatic Group H match. Saudi Arabia had taken the lead in the first half through Abdulelah Al-Amri.
Maxi Araújo scored a late equalizer in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in a dramatic Group H match. Saudi Arabia had taken the lead in the first half through Abdulelah Al-Amri.
Romelu Lukaku's immediate influence off the bench secured a 1-1 draw for Belgium against Egypt in their World Cup Group G opener. Egypt had taken a deserved lead through Emam Ashour, but an own goal after Lukaku's introduction cancelled it out, preventing a shock defeat.
Saudi Arabia tied Uruguay 1-1 in a FIFA World Cup group stage match in Miami. Al-Amri scored for Saudi Arabia in the 41st minute, and Araujo equalized for Uruguay in the 80th. Both teams are in Group G with Spain and Cape Verde.
Despite official attendance figures suggesting a near-full stadium, thousands of empty seats were visible at a World Cup game in Miami. FIFA sources cited highway issues, but the secondary ticketing market and Miami's celebrity-focused culture may also be factors.
Cabo Verde fans in Boston celebrated their national team's 0-0 draw against Spain in their World Cup debut, a result hailed as the tournament's biggest shock. Supporters expressed immense pride and a "big heart" mentality, seeing the draw as a victory and a chance to put their nation on the map.
Romelu Lukaku's late equalizer, forcing an own goal from Egypt's Hany, secured a 1-1 draw for Belgium in their World Cup opener. Emam Ashour had given Egypt the lead with a superb strike.
Romelu Lukaku's late equalizer, forcing an own goal, salvaged a 1-1 draw for Belgium against Egypt in their World Cup Group G opener. Emam Ashour had given Egypt the lead with a superb strike.
Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, named man of the match in their 0-0 World Cup draw with Spain, cried at full time as his mother could not afford the visa to the US due to a new $15,000 bond requirement for citizens of Cape Verde.
Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was named player of the match in their 0-0 World Cup draw against Spain, but cried at full-time as his mother could not afford the visa to travel to the US. New US government requirements for Cape Verdean citizens, including a returnable bond, prevented her application.
Belgium and Egypt drew their opening World Cup match in Seattle, with temperatures reaching 30C. Egypt took the lead through Emam Ashour in the 20th minute, but Romelu Lukaku equalized for Belgium in the 66th minute. Both teams showed quality and a willingness to compete.
Belgium and Egypt drew their World Cup opener 1-1 in Seattle. Egypt took the lead through Emam Ashour in the 20th minute, with Romelu Lukaku equalizing for Belgium in the 66th minute. The match was played under intense heat, necessitating cooling breaks.
Cape Verde achieved a historic goalless draw against European champions Spain in their World Cup debut. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, made seven saves, and the team committed only one foul, showcasing a disciplined defensive performance.
Cape Verde achieved a historic goalless draw against European champions Spain in their World Cup debut. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, made crucial saves, and Cape Verde committed only one foul, setting new records.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, delivered a career-defining performance with seven saves to earn a historic 0-0 draw against World Cup favorites Spain. The veteran became the oldest player to debut in a World Cup match for a nation, inspiring his team and captivating fans worldwide.
Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a career-defining performance, making seven saves for a historic 0-0 draw against World Cup favorites Spain. The veteran became the oldest player to debut in a World Cup match for a nation, inspiring his team and captivating fans worldwide.
Spain's star-studded "La Roja" played to a 0-0 draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta. Cape Verde's goalie Vozinha was named Man of the Match for his stellar performance, securing a historic point for his nation.
