Iraq hold Spain; IR Iran ease past Mali

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Iraq hold Spain; IR Iran ease past Mali

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq fought back to hold European champions Spain to a 1-1 draw while Islamic Republic of Iran cruised 2-0 past Mali in international friendlies ahead of their respective FIFA World Cup 2026 opening fixtures.

Graham Arnold's Iraq face Norway in their Group I opener, while IR Iran begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand.

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Focus: Group C

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group C

London: Brazil's credentials to end a 24-year wait to be world champions will be tested from the off as 2022 semi-finalists Morocco and a Scotland side seeking a historic breakthrough pose threats to the Selecao.

After consistent failure when faced with stern European opposition in the knockout stages, Brazil have turned to the coach who has won more Champions League titles than anyone else in Italian Carlo Ancelotti to deliver a sixth star on the famous yellow jersey.

Focus: Group D

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group D

Los Angeles: The United States head into Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with everything to prove after a turbulent build-up marked by an unconvincing run of form that saw them comfortably beaten by elite European opposition in two of three of their most recent friendlies.

A 5-2 thrashing by Belgium in March was followed by a clinical 2-0 defeat to Portugal, giving US head coach Mauricio Pochettino a sobering reality check as he attempts to plot a deep run in the tournament. A 3-2 win against Senegal on Sunday, however, would have brought some cheer.

The Squads: Facts & Stats

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

The Squads: Facts & Stats

Kuala Lumpur: From the best-represented clubs, to the oldest and youngest players, to the smallest and tallest players and FIFA World Cup returnees feature.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 squads now finalised and revealed, we're taking a deeper look into what the numbers are saying.

Lee’s stunning free-kick lifts Korea Republic past El Salvador

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Lee’s stunning free-kick lifts Korea Republic past El Salvador

Provo: Korea Republic wrapped up their preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a narrow 1-0 victory over El Salvador in Provo, Utah on Thursday.

The victory follows last week's emphatic 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, giving Hong Myung-bo's side a confidence booster ahead of their Group A opener against Czechia.

Yemen complete Saudi Arabia 2027 cast

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Yemen complete Saudi Arabia 2027 cast

Doha: Nasser Al Gahwashi struck both goals as Yemen completed the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ cast after defeating Lebanon 2-0 in their Qualifiers Final Round Group B match on Thursday.

Yemen, who topped the group with 14 points and will be making a return to the continental stage after missing out on the 2023 edition, will square off against Korea Republic, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam in Group E of the Finals.