The Iranian team’s very presence at the Los Angeles Stadium had long felt uncertain, after months of military conflict between their nation and the United States.

At last able to focus on the football, the Iran players twice found themselves trailing to the tournament’s lowest-ranked team, thanks to goals from New Zealand striker Elijah Just.

But with a vocally pro-Iran crowd drowning out planned protests by anti-government demonstrators, equalisers from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi spared Team Melli any further blushes.

The Iran team have dealt with a gamut of obstacles before even arriving at this World Cup, from delayed and refused US visas, to moving their training camp to Mexico at the last minute.

Hundreds of protesters against Iran’s ruling regime demonstrated outside the venue on Monday, saying the team does not represent their people.

Many inside the stadium sported anti-government emblems, nonchalantly flouting FIFA rules against political messaging, and the Iran anthem received boos and cheers.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei had insisted on the eve of the game his players would not “pay attention to any of the hype”.

But his side was stunned by an early New Zealand goal on the counter created by veteran striker Chris Wood.

Collecting a long pass in the seventh minute, the Nottingham Forest target man expertly held up the ball, turned and played in the onrushing Elijah Just.

After a sharp exchange of passes with Sarpreet Singh and Wood, Just leapt and smashed a volley into the net.

Iran’s star forward Mehdi Taremi nearly levelled in the 23rd minute, the former Inter Milan man’s long-range effort ricocheting off the right post.

They came close again as Kiwi keeper Max Crocombe was tackled outside his box, only able to watch as a lobbed effort at his open goal faded wide.

Iran’s equaliser did come in the 32rd minute with a poacher’s finish from wingback Rezaeian.

Rezaeian latched onto a rebound following Saman Ghoddos’ smart pass into Shahriyar Moghanlou, whose shot on the turn was blocked by the outstretched leg of Finn Surman.

Iran defender Ali Nemati thought he had scored in first-half stoppage time, but his header from a free kick was comfortably offside.

New Zealand retook the lead in the 55th minute. Motherwell striker Just bagged a brace via a crisp one-two with Wood, after Liberato Cacace had stolen the ball on the halfway line.

But they were again pegged back nine minutes later, as Mohebi’s leaping header from Rezaeian’s superb cross glanced off the inside post.

The game’s final half hour saw Iran on the front foot, but unable to grab a winner due to a combination of sloppy finishing and dogged New Zealand defending.

The draw dents Iran’s hopes of progressing to the knockouts for the first time, though fellow Group G contenders Egypt and Belgium also drew on Monday.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s wait for a first World Cup win goes on.

Regarded as one of the strong pre-tournament favourites, Spain had been expected to cruise past Cape Verde in their Group H opener in Atlanta.

But despite enjoying 74 per cent possession and laying siege to the Cape Verde goal, the 2010 world champions were unable to find a breakthrough against the underdogs from the volcanic archipelago of just 525,000 people, who are ranked as 2000-1 outsiders to win the World Cup by several betting websites.

Not even the introduction of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal off the bench could engineer a goal for Luis de la Fuente’s men.

Cape Verde’s players and supporters, meanwhile, celebrated wildly after securing an improbable point in what was their first-ever World Cup match.

The underdogs, nicknamed the Blue Sharks, had never qualified for the World Cup, but were boosted in their bid to qualify for the finals after FIFA’s expansion of the tournament to 48 teams.

NEW YORK: Kylian Mbappe heads into France’s World Cup opener against Senegal on Tuesday with questions swirling around him after a season that has left the country’s biggest football star under immense pressure.

The France captain drew a blank in warm-up games against Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland and ended the season at Real Madrid without a trophy, despite finishing as La Liga’s top scorer.

His performances, leadership and behaviour away from the pitch have become regular talking points after Real Madrid fell short in both the Champions League and the domestic title race.

Mbappe has also come under fire over his leadership since succeeding Hugo Lloris as captain in 2023, with 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf among those to question whether he is the right man to lead Les Bleus.

Yet inside the France camp, support for Mbappe appears unwavering.

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who has emerged as one of the team’s most influential figures, said the criticism directed at his long-time team-mate and close friend had gone too far.

“The criticism towards him is very, very unfair,” Dembele told Spanish newspaper Marca this week.

“Some people overdo the criticism because he’s Kylian Mbappe. They shouldn’t keep going after him. Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not, it’s too much. He’s still a human being. With the France team, he’s very good with us, he’s a leader.”

Defender Lucas Hern­andez struck a similar tone, saying Mbappe remained fully focused despite the noise around him.

“When you’re Kylian Mbappe, everyone looks at everything you do, on the pitch and off the pitch,” Hernandez said.

“He’s 100 per cent motivated for the World Cup. All the criticism there has been this season, he’s going to silence it.”

France are among the favourites to lift the trophy and Didier Deschamps is embarking on his final tournament in charge, giving Mbappe an immediate opportunity to turn the conversation back to what he does best.

If there is one stage on which Mbappe rarely disappoints, it is the World Cup, where France will also face Iraq and Norway in Group ‘I’.

He has struck 12 times in 14 World Cup matches, leaving him only four goals short of Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 and offering a reminder of how quickly he can silence his critics.

Another goal would put him top of the list of France’s all-time scorers alongside the retired Olivier Giroud (57).

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

On the first day to feature four matches at the 48-team tournament, Qatar won the first World Cup point in their history when Miro Muheim’s own goal earned the 2022 tournament hosts a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

The meeting of Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City was a clash of the teams ranked sixth and seventh in the world respectively.

Ismael Saibari ran through to give Morocco a 21st-minute lead with a clever scoop in the Group C opener, but Vinicius produced a moment of magic to ensure Brazil came away with a point, cutting in from the left and unleashing a thunderous shot to level on 32 minutes.

Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup title, 24 years after last lifting the trophy, but Saturday’s performance suggests there is a lot of work to be done by Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

“I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. I think the team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place,” said Ancelotti.

“We didn’t play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup and we can’t… think the team is doing perfectly from the get-go.”

Tartan Army

In Group C’s other game on Saturday, Scotland — playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998 — were roared on to a hard-fought win over Haiti, themselves playing in their first World Cup since 1974.

Hordes of Scotland’s famous “Tartan Army” travelling supporters packed the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, to watch manager Steve Clarke’s side claim their first victory in a World Cup game since the 1990 finals in Italy.

After a deafening rendition of “Flower of Scotland”, the Scots started a physical contest on the front foot, with midfield star Scott McTominay hitting the post in the 17th minute.

The breakthrough came on 28 minutes when Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn bundled a deflected shot past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide.

But Scotland were never able to extend their advantage against a resilient Haiti team, hanging on grimly in the closing stages before bagging a precious three points.

“Everyone said it was a must-win game — we won the game,” said Scotland manager Clarke, whose team face Morocco on Friday in their second game.

Qatar history

Earlier, Switzerland had taken the lead against Qatar in Santa Clara, California in Group B when Breel Embolo converted a first-half penalty, but Muheim’s injury-time own goal secured a share of the spoils.

“I am very proud of the team,” said Qatar’s Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui.

“I told them that even if we hadn’t scored the goal and didn’t draw I would have been proud of the mentality and discipline that they showed today. But fortunately, we scored and that was history.”

In Saturday’s late game, Australia take on Turkiye in Vancouver in Group D after the United States kicked off the group on Friday with a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Ghana’s foreign minister said the country had “dispatched an official note of protest” over Canada’s refusal to issue a visa to Thomas Partey and requested the co-host country “reviews its unfortunate decision”.

Midfielder Partey is facing trial in the United Kingdom next year on rape charges.

Ghana open their campaign against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.

Emam Ashour opened the scoring early in the first half in Seattle, before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench after the hour to force Egypt’s Mohamed Hany into an own goal.

With the draw, seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Egypt’s wait for a first victory at a World Cup goes on.

This is their fourth participation in the global showpiece and with Group G fixtures to come against Iran and New Zealand, they will hope to break that hoodoo in North America.

For Belgium, this tournament is likely the last chance for the remnants of their golden generation to better their third-placed finish in Russia eight years ago and finally win silverware.

Veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Lukaku are the main protagonists of that group still involved in Rudi Garcia’s squad.

With all eyes in the Pacific Northwest on Salah and De Bruyne, it was the ex-Manchester City playmaker that created the first moment of note in the match when he dragged a sharp effort narrowly wide in the seventh minute.

However, it was Ashour who upstaged the pair just before the hydration break when he received the ball in a similar position to De Bruyne but his sweetly-struck effort left Courtois no chance as it whistled into the bottom-right corner.

It was just the second time in their history that Egypt had taken the lead in a World Cup match — after Salah opened the scoring in a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2018.

De Bruyne came within inches of levelling early in the second period when he whipped a close-range free-kick over the Egyptian wall, only to see it rocket off the outside of the post.

Salah responded at the other end as he ghosted into the box but had his downward header punched away by Courtois with Ashour getting his follow-up effort all wrong.

The match became stretched as both sides came close on a couple of occasions, including a screaming left-footed volley by Belgian captain Youri Tielemans. With 65 minutes gone, Rudi Garcia decided to send on Lukaku.

The change immediately paid dividends as Belgium’s all-time top goalscorer showed his predatory instincts to dash in on a Thomas Meunier cross, with his presence enough to destabilize Hany who put through his own net. Salah departed the field with 15 minutes remaining as Egypt sought to shut up shop and ultimately held out for a point.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

A FIFA spokesperson said Artan would not be able to train or officiate at the World Cup — which kicks off on Thursday — after he was not allowed to enter the United States over the weekend.

Somalia’s government said it had unsuccessfully ​tried to negotiate with the US and FIFA so that Artan could enter the country and it was saddened ​by what had happened.

“His international achievements are a source of honour and pride for the Somali people,” ⁠Somalia’s sports ministry said in a statement.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Somali Football Federation (SFF) expressed sadness over the ​situation, calling Artan’s appointment a milestone for the country that resulted from years of dedication, professionalism and integrity.

The SFF said it has ​not received an official explanation as to why Artan was denied entry to the US, adding that it is working closely with FIFA and the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances of the situation.

FIFA says not involved in immigration policies

A senior Somali official told Reuters that diplomatic efforts were continuing ​to try to get Artan into the US for the tournament, but declined to share further details.

A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation “is ​not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed ‌at present”.

Artan ⁠said in a statement that despite the circumstances, he was in a positive mood and focused on the next challenges of his refereeing career.

“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF (Confederation of African Football) for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future,” he said.

It was not clear which game or games Artan would have refereed, ​although such information is typically ​only announced two to three ⁠days in advance.

US policies raise concerns ahead of world cup

Without naming him, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement that a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul ​on Saturday and was deemed inadmissible due to vetting concerns.

The agency did not elaborate on those ​concerns, but said ⁠the referee underwent routine additional inspection before being denied entry.

“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” the CBP said.

The Trump administration’s strict immigration policies have been a point of concern ahead of ⁠the World ​Cup. Last year, Washington imposed a sweeping travel ban on citizens of 12 ​countries, including Somalia.

Artan, who was named CAF’s Best Male Referee for 2025, had a valid visa, according to media reports.

The 38-year-old Messi had not featured for Argentina in the build-up to their title defence after injuring a hamstring playing for Inter Miami in late May.

He came on as a substitute with 20 minutes left to huge acclaim from a capacity 88,000 crowd against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, and his clever through ball played in Lautaro Martinez, who was fouled in the box.

Messi, who drove Argentina to their third World Cup crown in Qatar four years ago, lashed in the penalty as the reigning champions eased to a 3-0 win.

The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico starts on Thursday and Argentina’s first match is on June 16, against Algeria in Kansas City.

The biggest-ever World Cup, with a bumper 48 teams, has been dogged in the lead-up by controversies including fans and officials being barred entry, steep ticket prices and a U-turn after FIFA initially banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into stadiums.

Somali referee Omar Artan said the “biggest dream of my life” had been ripped away after he was turned back at the US border.

“I am very, very disappointed,” Artan told The New York Times from Istanbul, where he returned after being refused entry in Miami. “I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”

Artan said he was subjected to an 11-hour interview with border officials at Miami International Airport and then taken to a holding cell where he was detained for several further hours before being put on a flight back to Turkiye.

“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” he added — an assertion confirmed to AFP by a Somali government advisor.

A US State Department official alleged to AFP that the referee was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations,” therefore “making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States.”

Artan, who in 2025 was named men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football, would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup.

“I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud… Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged,” Artan told journalists.

Mexico City protests

Concerns were rising that the opening match in Mexico City on Thursday could be disrupted by social unrest.

On Tuesday a protest blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico will face South Africa in the curtain-raiser.

As international fans flooded into the three tournament co-host countries, Mexico is grappling with chaotic teacher protests in its capital.

Thousands took part in Tuesday’s demonstration following a week of action that President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a “provocation.”

“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,’” she told a press conference.

A police blockade prevented the demonstrators from reaching the stadium.

Sheinbaum has said that the opening match was “guaranteed,” though the left-leaning leader again ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations.

Her government has favored dialogue with the protesting teachers, but to no avail.

“We’re going to continue our struggle,” said protester Austreberto Flores.

With thousands of officers deployed and concrete barriers set up around the venue, protesters rallied on the street for around three hours before dispersing.

Mexico City’s security chief Pablo Vazquez said in a statement that the movement had been peaceful.

The teachers have called for demonstrations on Thursday that will also include families of so-called “disappeared” people, who are alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs.

Messi cameo

Along with Spain, France and England, Argentina are among the favourites to win the title.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named an experimental starting line-up against Iceland, with Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister joining Messi on the sidelines initially.

Messi is set to feature in his sixth World Cup and allayed fears he may not be ready with a supreme 20-minute cameo.

In France on Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose World Cup preparations have been disrupted by concerns over the Ebola outbreak, lost 2-1 to Chile in the other warm-up match which was played behind closed doors.

The friendly was originally due to be played in a city in southern Spain, but the mayor refused to host the match due to concerns over the virus. It was instead held in Orleans without spectators.

DR Congo play in Group ‘K’ alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. Games in that section will be staged in the United States and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Iraq concluded their warm-up campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Venezuela. Cristian Casseres and Jesus Ramirez scored a goal each in either side of the half. Iraq finished the match with 10 men after forward Ali Youssef was shown a straight red card in the 72nd minute.

Iraq will begin their Group ‘I’ campaign against Norway on June 17 before facing France and Senegal. Venezuela is not a participant in this year’s tournament in North America.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia was held to a goalless draw against 10-man Senegal.

Saudi Arabia begin their World Cup Group H campaign against Uruguay on June 16 before facing Spain and Cape Verde. Senegal, meanwhile, will open their campaign against France.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

The Group ‘A’ clash marks a return to the World Cup stage for the iconic venue that hosted matches in 1970 and 1986, while also reviving memories of the 2010 tournament opener, when South Africa held Mexico to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.

This time, the hosts arrive as clear favourites and know victory could prove crucial to their hopes of finishing top of a group that also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic, who will also be in action later on Thursday at the Guadalajara Stadium.

Mexico have gone unbeaten in their last eight matches, equalling the longest unbeaten run they have taken into a World Cup and providing further encouragement for Javier Aguirre’s side ahead of the tournament.

The atmosphere is expected to be festive as more than 80,000 fans pack the renovated Azteca for the first match of the expanded 48-team tournament, but the occasion will bring its own pressure for a side expected to make the most of home advantage.

South Africa, meanwhile, are back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 and coach Hugo Broos believes his largely domestically based squad can surprise more fancied opponents.

The Belgian, who faced Mexico in the 1986 World Cup, acknowledged the challenge posed by the opening-day atmosphere but said his players must remain focused.

“For us it will be a fantastic experience,” he said. “It is very important that we keep ourselves to the game plan and don’t listen to what is happening in the stands.”

South Africa’s preparations were disrupted by visa issues that delayed the arrival of several members of the travelling party, costing them valuable time to acclimatise to conditions in central Mexico.

Yet Broos’s side emerged from a difficult qualifying campaign and will hope to frustrate the hosts once again, 16 years after earning a draw in the last World Cup opener involving the two nations.

For Mexico, however, anything less than three points would be viewed as an early setback in a tournament they hope will finally deliver a breakthrough on home soil.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

WASHINGTON: The head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup on Tuesday defended the decision not to grant visas to a Somali referee and some support staff for the Iranian team.

“To this point we’ve had 35 teams that have come into the United States,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the task force, said at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington.

“No players, no coaches have been denied,” Giuliani said. “There have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason.”

A US State Department official told AFP late on Tuesday that the referee was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations,” therefore “making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States”.

Giuliani, the son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, was asked specifically about the decision to bar Somali referee Omar Artan from entering the country.

“We’re striking that balance between making sure that any bad actors that…try to come into the country under the guise of the World Cup will not get access to the United States,” he added.

Artan, who in 2025 was named men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football, would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup. He was turned back at the Miami airport.

Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

Iran, who will play their three group games on American soil, were forced to switch their training base to Mexico due to the ongoing military conflict with the United States.

The Iranian football federation said on Tuesday that its allocation of tickets for supporters had been revoked and some team support staff were denied visas.

Giuliani said “all the Iranian coaching staff is coming in” but there are “some Iranian officials that are not coming in — again for very good reason”. He said he “can’t get into the particulars” but “there are some people that claim that they are coaches that may not be coaches”.

Giuliani said Trump wants to make sure that there is a “level playing field” for all of the teams taking part in the World Cup “while also making sure that people that are directly working, let’s say, with the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have no ability to access the United States of America”.

The White House envoy also said there were currently “no credible threats” to the tournament but the intelligence community is “tripled up” and will continue to monitor the situation “between now and whenever the final goal is scored on July 19.”

Meanwhile, Iran threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, following criticism of the team’s presence at the global event.

“We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.

“We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt.”

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament, and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to a smooth start.

South Africa, meanwhile, never looked like they were spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity crowd of 80,824 at the imposing concrete arena.

But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico’s fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of “Ole!” in the opening minutes.

Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones’ opening goal. His miserable afternoon ended with a 49th-minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when clean through on goal.

Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counterattack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod home at the far post.

It got worse for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed after a VAR review for flinging an arm into the face of Alvarado.

There was still time for late drama when Mexican defender Cesar Montes was shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.

The 48-team tournament is also being hosted by the United States and Canada and will feature 104 games, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Shakira and Burna Boy warm up spectators at opening ceremony

Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the World Cup ahead of the opening clash.

Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks went off in the historic stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and has been renovated for this year’s tournament.

In the highlight of the ceremony, Shakira and Burna Boy performed ‘Dai Dai’, the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.

J Balvin and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli were among the other performers before kickoff as the noise levels ramped up.

“It’s already a party in Mexico,” Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter, told AFP.

“It’s amazing,” said Gustavo Ramrez, 19.

ORLANDO: England were undeterred by a thunderstorm that delayed their final World Cup warm-up friendly as they beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando on Wednesday.

Anthony Gordon was the star of the show with a goal and an assist as he made his case to start ahead of Marcus Rashford in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.

Kick-off was postponed by one hour after torrential rain and lightning in Florida left the pitch at the at the Inter&Co Stadium heavily waterlogged ahead of the planned 4pm (2000 GMT) kick-off time.

Tuchel appeared to signal his team selection for the Croatia clash as he named a strong side and held off on substitutions until just after the hour mark.

Gordon and Jude Bellingham were the big winners as the latter edged ahead of Morgan Rogers in the battle to start behind Harry Kane in attack.

Gordon beat his man to reach the byline and cut the ball back for Declan Rice to open the scoring on nine minutes. Kane was withdrawn among six changes made by Tuchel on 63 minutes.

The England captain’s absence meant Gordon took responsibility from the penalty spot when Eberechi Eze’s shot came off the arm of a Costa Rica defender. Gordon dispatched the spot-kick emphatically for his third international goal.

Ollie Watkins round off the scoring when Rogers’ shot was parried into the path of Aston Villa forward.

Despite not winning a major tournament for 60 years, England are considered among the favourites for the World Cup.

After a meeting with Croatia, England also take on Ghana in Boston and Panama in New Jersey in Group ‘L’.

PORTUGAL EDGE NIGERIA

In the concluding warmup on Wednesday before the showpiece kicks off, Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao making up for an off night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neto opened the scoring midway through the first half, but Nigeria levelled through Akor Adams before half-time. Conceicao restored Portugal’s lead 15 minutes from the end in Leiria as five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo wasted a number of good chances.

At 41, Ronaldo will be heading to his record sixth World Cup, but there are concerns that his presence will prevent Roberto Martinez’s strong side from flourishing.

With his full squad available following the arrival of the four players who won the Champions League with Paris St-Germain, Martinez started midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves alongside Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal leave on Friday to set up base camp in Palm Beach, Florida.

They open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston against the Democratic Republic of Congo, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group ‘K’.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026

Speaking in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup’s opening game at the Estadio Azteca, Infantino launched a spirited defence of the organisation of the 48-team extravaganza being co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

Infantino and FIFA have come in for stinging criticism over the eye-watering costs of World Cup tickets while Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has seen a referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the US.

Infantino insisted that tickets to the tournament — which in some cases have topped $30,000 — had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism.

“Let me just say that our $60 entry price is the lowest entry price of any American sports in the play-off phases,” Infantino said. “Our average price which is below $500 is again the lowest of the American sports on average.

“If you sell it at a lower price point, it would have gone on secondary markets at much higher prices. Every dollar that comes in goes back to the development of football.”

‘WE DON’T CONTROL EVERYTHING’

Infantino also played down the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving in Miami following security concerns raised by US immigration authorities. FIFA has since confirmed Artan, who the US State Department later said had “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations,” will play no part in the tournament.

“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia,” Infantino said. “We don’t control everything… Sometimes it’s good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything. We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation.

“Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution.”

The FIFA chief said ensuring Iran’s participation despite geopolitical tensions demonstrated football’s ability to bring people together.

‘WE WANT TO UNITE THE WORLD’

The FIFA leader also portrayed Iran’s participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organisation.“People were saying Iran couldn’t come to the World Cup,” Infantino said. “There are challenges, it’s not easy, but I don’t know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances — which we could not influence — Iran could come and play.”

“Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been, simple as that, impossible to organise a World Cup in the US,” Infantino said of Trump.

“When Iran play, the stadium will be full and I hope there will be a positive atmosphere because this is football,” he said. “We want to unite the world.”

Infantino’s close relationship with US President Trump has also come under scrutiny in the build-up to the tournament. But Infantino maintained Trump had played a critical role in World Cup preparations.

In Washington on Wednes­day, Trump confirmed he plans to attend some World Cup matches, without providing details.

“I spoke to Gianni this morning… he said there’s never been anything close” to the success of the coming tournament, the US leader said.

Infantino stressed that immigration decisions ultimately rested with national authorities.

Asked whether visa-related controversies had made him regret selecting the US as one of the host nations, Infantino said he had no regrets.

“There are issues; it’s normal for an event of this magnitude,” he said. “Some come from the US, some from Canada, some from Mexico. We deal with all of them.” The FIFA president said factors including altitude, climate, travel and the expanded format would add further unpredictability to the World Cup, before concluding: “Let the celebration begin.”

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026

Cyle Larin got Canada’s goal after Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead with a header in the 21st minute in Toronto. The result gave Canada its first point in World Cup history.

Canadian sides had a perfect record of futility at two previous tournament appearances in 1986 and 2022, with six losses.

Lukic’s goal from a corner sent the small but enthusiastic Bosnian contingent at the Toronto Stadium into a frenzy. Canada had the majority of play in the first half but failed to generate any real chances.

The stadium erupted in the 17th minute when forward Jonathan David had a clear shot on goal, but it was easily handled by Bosnian keeper Nikola Vasilj.

Canada’s Ismael Kone had a golden opportunity in the 30th minute, but sailed his strike well over the net, prompting groans from tens of thousands of Canadians who blanketed the stadium in a sea of red.

The second half began similarly, with Canada largely on the attack, but unable to find the net. Bosnia’s veteran defender Sead Kolasinac saved a certain goal when he diverted a strike from David onto the crossbar, extending Canada’s agony.

But Larin’s strike in the 78th minute marked a high point in Canada’s limited World Cup history, causing a mostly Canadian crowd of 43,000 to erupt.

Canada threatened to go ahead in the final minutes, narrowly missing a goal near the final whistle.

Canadian entertainment royalty attended the match at the home of the MLS’s Toronto FC, including film star Ryan Reynolds, from Vancouver, and Saturday Night Live and Austin Powers star Mike Myers, a Toronto native.

“The most iconic match of the most iconic tournament in the world deserves to be watched in the most iconic park in the world,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters.

Tickets will be free and allocated via a lottery system. Governor Kathy Hochul said the state has allocated $6 million to finance the watch party.

“This is the summertime go-to spot for New Yorkers, and now it’ll be the city’s front row seat to that beautiful game,” Hochul said.

The final will be played just outside the city at the MetLife Stad­ium, rebranded the New York New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup to comply with FIFA sponsorship rules.

The tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the Unite States begins on Thursday.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026