Group H: Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group H: Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde

Atlanta: Spain's ghosts of recent FIFA World Cup horror shows reappeared in Atlanta as the European champions were held 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde in their Group H opener on Monday.

Lamine Yamal was left on the bench as the Barcelona superstar is eased back to fitness after nearly two months out with a hamstring injury and even his appearance as a second-half substitute failed to break down Cape Verde's dogged defence.

 

Since winning the World Cup for the first time in 2010, Spain have not won a knockout game and their inability to make dominance of possession count was reminiscent of their meek exits in 2018 and 2022.

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Preview - Group I: Iraq v Norway

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group I: Iraq v Norway

Foxborough: Iraq will be determined to mark their return to the global stage with victory against heavily-fancied Norway in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I opener on Tuesday.

The West Asian side's only previous appearance at the Finals was in 1986.

Preview - Group J: Austria v Jordan

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group J: Austria v Jordan

Santa Clara: Jordan will spare no effort in ensuring a grand start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J campaign against Austria on Tuesday.

The West Asian side will be making their global stage debut, having secured qualification in impressive fashion.

History beckons for ageless Messi

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

History beckons for ageless Messi

Kansas City: Lionel Messi could have signed off from FIFA World Cup football on the ultimate high in 2022 but he is back and poised to become the first man to play in six tournaments.

The veteran Argentine forward, on the cusp of winning his 200th cap, confirmed four years ago that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 would be the last of his storied career.

He worked his unique magic in the Gulf state, propelling his side to glory with seven goals, including two in a captivating final against France.

Group F: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group F: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

Guadalupe: Sweden crushed Tunisia 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 tie on Sunday to leave the North African nation's defensive reputation in tatters and seize control of Group F.

Yasin Ayari opened the scoring early in the Mexican city of Guadalupe with a thunderbolt from distance and Alexander Isak doubled Sweden's lead in the 30th minute.

 

Omar Rekik pulled a goal back shortly before half-time but Viktor Gyokeres restored Sweden's two-goal cushion. Mattias Svanberg made it 4-1 before another stunner from Ayari.

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Vancouver: Head coach Tony Popovic is confident Australia are capable of much more after the impressive 2-0 win against Türkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday.

While goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealed the win, Popovic's decision to opt for rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in place of Maty Ryan Jackson Irvine respectively proved to be a masterstroke, with both delivering on the grandest of stages.