Ronaldo as excited for sixth outing as his first, says Martinez

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Ronaldo as excited for sixth outing as his first, says Martinez

Houston: Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth FIFA World Cup as if it was his first, said Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez as he hailed the 41-year-old as "an example and a reference for football."

Armed with a richly talented generation, Portugal are among the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

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Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Foxborough: Iraq had to concede to Erling Haaland-powered Norway as they fell to a 4-1 defeat in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I tie on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein drew Iraq level after Haaland had put Norway ahead in the 29th minute but an opportunistic strike from the Manchester City star just before the break and second-half goals from Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt ended the West Asian side's hopes of getting something from the game.

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

East Rutherford: Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.

Real Madrid star Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 - just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose - and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Ciudad de Mexico: Uzbekistan will be determined to kickstart their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K campaign with a positive result when they take on Colombia on Wednesday.

After more than three decades of striving to reach the global stage, the White Wolves are set to make their FIFA World Cup debut, carrying the hopes of an entire nation.

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Atlanta: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said he is still convinced La Roja will go far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite failing to break down debutants Cabo Verde in a 0-0 draw to open their tournament.

The European champions badly missed the spark of Lamine Yamal, who was deemed only fit enough for a second-half cameo on his return from injury, as they struggled to even create chances against a side ranked 67th in the world.

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Seattle: Head coach Rudi Garcia challenged his Belgium players to get on the winning track in their next match after settling for a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

The European side equalised through Mohamed Hany's own goal in the 66th minute after he diverted Romelu Lukaku's cross, with Egypt ​having taken the lead in the 18th minute through Emam Ashour.