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World News / International

Sweden open World Cup campaign with commanding 5–1 win over Tunisia

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Sweden

Sweden: Sweden delivered a dominant performance in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, defeating Tunisia 5–1 in a Group F match played in Monterrey.

Sweden took control early, with Yasin Ayari capitalizing on a defensive error in the 7th minute to give his side the lead. Alexander Isak doubled the advantage in the 30th minute, finishing a precise assist from Viktor Gyökeres.

Tunisia pulled one back before halftime through a header from Omar Rekik, briefly reducing the deficit and keeping the contest alive.

However, Sweden regained full control in the second half, adding two more goals in the 59th and 84th minutes to extend their dominance.

Substitute Swedberg made history by scoring just 12 seconds after coming on, setting a record for the fastest substitute goal in World Cup history.

In stoppage time, Ayari struck again to complete his brace and seal a convincing opening win, sending Sweden to the top of Group F standings.

Japan stage late comeback to hold Netherlands to 2–2 draw in World Cup thriller

Japan produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2–2 draw against Netherlands in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter.

The match, played in an intense atmosphere, saw the Netherlands start slightly stronger in the first half, with Daniel Malen creating several chances that forced key saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The Dutch took the lead in the 51st minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a precise cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan responded quickly, leveling the score six minutes later through a powerful strike from Keito Nakamura that left the Dutch goalkeeper helpless.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished a brilliant solo effort inside the box.

However, Japan pressed relentlessly in the closing stages and were rewarded just two minutes before full time when Daichi Kamada scored a header to make it 2–2, sparking celebrations among Japanese fans in the stadium.

Both teams earned a point each from the opening Group F fixture, with the match being widely regarded as one of the most exciting early games of the tournament.

Late Amad Diallo strike gives Ivory Coast 1–0 win over Ecuador in World Cup thriller

Ivory Coast secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Ecuador in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E clash, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Amad Diallo.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when the Manchester United winger finished a swift attacking move with a composed left-foot strike into the corner of the net, sending the stadium into celebration.

The goal was set up following a powerful run from Wilfried Singo, who delivered a precise pass that allowed Diallo to complete the match-winning finish.

The defeat proved particularly painful for Ecuador, ending their 19-match unbeaten run that had lasted nearly two years.

Throughout the match, Ecuador created several clear chances, hitting the crossbar three times through attempts from John Yeboah and Alan Minda in the first half, while experienced striker Enner Valencia also came close after the break.

Ivory Coast also threatened on multiple occasions, with Nice forward Evann Guessand striking the crossbar as well.

Despite Ecuador’s defensive discipline for most of the match, Ivory Coast’s persistence paid off in the dying moments to secure a crucial Group E victory and strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

US deports migrants to Central African Republic amid criticism

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US deports migrants

BANGUI: The Trump administration has deported a group of about 20 migrants from countries including Afghanistan and Iran to the Central African Republic, according to media reports and an immigration lawyer, as part of its expanding third-country deportation policy.

The group reportedly included two Iranian women, with one identified by an immigration attorney as a pro-democracy activist who had fled Iran and was previously granted legal protection by a U.S. immigration court.

The Central African Republic, a conflict-affected nation classified at the highest U.S. travel advisory level, has been designated “Level 4,” with the State Department warning Americans not to travel there “for any reason” due to violence, crime, kidnapping and instability.

Human rights advocates say the country, one of the world’s poorest, remains heavily affected by armed conflict, political instability and ongoing reports of human rights abuses.

An unnamed U.S. official said migrants from Armenia and Iraq were also among those deported to the Central African Republic, according to reports.

The State Department has previously advised against all travel to the country, citing security threats including terrorism, violent crime and kidnapping.

The deportations have renewed concerns among rights groups and immigration lawyers, who argue that sending individuals some with legal protections to third countries with no ties raises serious legal and humanitarian questions.

Iran pardons 139 death row inmates in rare mass clemency decision

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Iran pardons

TEHRAN: Iran has granted amnesty to 139 prisoners sentenced to death in an unprecedented decision approved by the country’s supreme leader, according to judicial officials.

Judiciary spokesman Ali Asghar Jahangir said the pardons were issued for the first time for inmates on death row, bringing relief to 139 individuals convicted in various cases.

He said the decision was approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Jahangir, the pardoned prisoners had no private complainants against them and did not have a record of security-related offenses. He added that they qualified for clemency after showing remorse, good conduct and participation in rehabilitation programs while in prison.

The judiciary did not provide further details on the specific cases or the offenses involved.

Mass pardons of death row inmates are rare in Iran, where capital punishment remains widely used under the country’s legal system.

United States defeats Paraguay 4–1 in FIFA World Cup match

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United States

LOS ANGELES:  The United States secured a commanding 4–1 victory over Paraguay in a World Cup match played in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The U.S. took control early, leading 3–0 by halftime after a dominant first-half performance.

The opening goal came via an own goal by Paraguay’s Buba Dela, followed by a strike from American midfielder Brenden Aaronson. Just seconds before the halftime whistle, Aaronson scored again to give the U.S. a 3–0 advantage.

Giovanni Reyna added the fourth goal in the closing stages to seal the win for the Americans.

Paraguay managed to pull one goal back in the 73rd minute through Marcio, but it proved only a consolation as the United States maintained control until the final whistle.

The result gives the United States a strong start to its World Cup campaign, while Paraguay will look to regroup ahead of its next fixture.

England team equipment stolen ahead of World Cup opener

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England team

KANSAS CITY, United States: Items belonging to England’s football team were stolen ahead of their World Cup opening match, British media reported.

According to reports, locks on a vehicle transporting the team’s equipment were broken in Kansas City, where items including training boots and footballs may have been taken.

The Football Association is working to determine the full extent of the missing equipment, British media said.

Reports added that the team’s kit and luggage were scheduled to arrive in Kansas City ahead of the squad, with players and coaching staff expected to arrive on Saturday.

Police are investigating the incident in coordination with the Football Association, and two people have reportedly been arrested on suspicion of involvement.

The theft could potentially disrupt England’s preparations ahead of their opening match against Croatia, with the team scheduled to hold its first training session on Sunday.

Pakistan football team invited to inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup

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Pakistan football

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national football team has been invited to participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, marking a major milestone for the country’s football development, officials said.

According to sources, FIFA extended a formal invitation to Pakistan, which was subsequently confirmed by the Pakistan Football Federation regarding the national team’s participation.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Indonesia from Sept. 21 to Oct. 6, where Pakistan will compete in Division One against teams including India, hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Officials said this will be a significant opportunity for Pakistan, as it will mark the national team’s first appearance in a FIFA-affiliated competition outside World Cup qualifiers or Asian qualifying events.

Sources added that Pakistan’s inclusion in the tournament was facilitated by PFF President Mohsin Gilani’s engagement and diplomatic contacts with FIFA officials.

Experts say participation in the event could provide Pakistan with valuable international exposure and a chance to assess its football progress on a competitive regional stage.

Unexpected scene at World Cup as fan kisses reporter on Live TV

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Unexpected scene

GUADALAJARA: The FIFA World Cup 2026 has kicked off with high drama on the pitch and unexpected viral moments off it, as colorful scenes from the tournament continue to dominate social media.

Following the opening match marked by three red cards, another unusual incident emerged from Guadalajara, Mexico, where a South Korean journalist was reporting live during pre-match coverage between South Korea and the Czech Republic.

According to footage circulating online, a female fan approached the reporter from behind during the live broadcast, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek before walking away.

The reporter appeared briefly surprised by the sudden gesture but quickly regained composure, smiling and saying “thank you” in Spanish.

The video has gone viral across social media platforms, with users divided in their reactions. While some have described the moment as a lighthearted reflection of the vibrant and friendly World Cup atmosphere, others have raised questions about consent and suggested that public reaction might have been different if the roles were reversed.

The incident adds another unusual chapter to an already eventful start of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kane Williamson announces retirement from international cricket

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Kane Williamson

WELLINGTON: New Zealand batting legend and former captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished 16-year career.

According to details, the 35-year-old has decided to retire with immediate effect, ruling himself out of the remaining two Test matches against England. Williamson was currently part of the Kiwi squad for the ongoing three-match Test series.

In his statement, Williamson said he had been considering retirement for some time, but recently felt it was the right moment to step away from international cricket.

He expressed pride in representing New Zealand throughout his career, saying he always gave his best whenever he stepped onto the field.

Williamson retires as one of New Zealand’s most successful Test batters. He scored 9,515 runs in 110 Test matches, along with 7,256 runs in One Day Internationals and 2,575 runs in T20 Internationals.

One of the highlights of his career came in 2021 when he led New Zealand to their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title. As captain, he also guided the team to multiple ICC tournament finals and semi-finals.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter paid tribute to Williamson, calling him not only a world-class cricketer but also an exemplary leader and ambassador of the game, adding that his legacy will continue to shape New Zealand cricket for years to come.

South Korea beat Czech Republic 2–1 in FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

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South Korea

DOHA: South Korea national football team defeated Czech Republic national football team 2–1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 match on Friday, coming from behind in the second half after a goalless first period.

Both sides struggled to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes, with strong defensive setups keeping scoring chances limited.

The Czech Republic took the lead early in the second half, but South Korea responded with two quick goals to turn the match around and secure all three points.

South Korea’s equalizer came through Wang E-bum in the 67th minute, before the Asian side completed their comeback with a second goal later in the half to seal a 2–1 victory in the group-stage encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Earlier, the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off with a dramatic and record-breaking opening match as hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0 at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

The opening fixture saw Mexico dominate proceedings against South Africa in a high-intensity contest, securing a comfortable victory in front of a home crowd.

However, the match will be remembered not only for the result but also for a rare disciplinary record in World Cup history. For the first time ever in a World Cup opening match, three red cards were shown.

The referee sent off two South African players and one Mexican player during the game, adding an unexpected twist to the tournament’s curtain-raiser.

According to records, there have been only seven instances in FIFA World Cup history where a single match featured three or more red cards. The highest number remains four red cards, issued during the 2006 World Cup clash between Portugal and the Netherlands.

The dramatic opener has set an intense tone for the rest of the tournament.

Trump rebukes Iran over alleged leak of agreement terms

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Trump rebukes

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports circulating on Iranian state media regarding the contents of a newly announced agreement with Iran, calling them “fake news” and inaccurate.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that details being circulated by Iranian media have “nothing to do” with the written agreement reportedly reached between the two sides.

He said Iran had leaked false information about the deal, adding that such claims were misleading and did not reflect the actual terms agreed upon.

Trump also rejected Iranian assertions that a comprehensive agreement was close, calling those statements “weak and unfortunate” and insisting that no such finalization had been reached on those terms.

The US president further criticized Tehran’s negotiating approach, saying Iran had not engaged in good faith discussions and warning that the country should “get its act together quickly.”

Iranian state media had earlier reported that the proposed agreement could include provisions such as the unfreezing of $24 billion in Iranian assets, continued uranium enrichment, and Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Trump rejected these claims, saying they do not represent the official understanding between the two sides.