Solbakken expects 'big impact' from Haaland

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Solbakken expects 'big impact' from Haaland

Boston: Norway head coach Stale Solbakken says star striker Erling Haaland is poised to make a "very big impact" as his country returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Haaland scored 16 times as Norway powered through qualifying with a perfect record, twice beating Italy, to secure a first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998.

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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.

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu admitted he had mixed feelings following Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F tie on Sunday.

While pleased with the resolve shown by his players to salvage a point after twice going behind, the Japanese tactician the target going into the tie was achieving victory.

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia displayed immense defensive resilience to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced an outstanding performance as three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Saudi Arabia absorbed intense pressure in the second half to deny the South American side full points and leave the group wide open following Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde in their match.

Defender Abdulelah al-Amri gave the Saudis a surprise lead near the end of the first half only for Uruguay's second-half pressure to pay off with 10 minutes left through Maxi Araujo.

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

Striker Elijah Just scored both New Zealand goals but the Oceania side were denied their first FIFA World Cup win by strikes from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.