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

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.

Pakistan Hockey Federation invites South Korea for four-match Test series

Pakistan Hockey

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited South Korea to tour Pakistan for a proposed four-match Test series, officials said.

PHF President Muhammad Uddin Wani said during an appearance on a local sports program that discussions are still in the early stages.

He expressed hope that the series could be held in Pakistan in the last week of July, depending on final agreements between both sides.

Wani said consultations are ongoing regarding venues, adding that matches could either be played in a single city or hosted across multiple cities.

He said the series, if finalized, would mark an important step toward reviving international hockey in Pakistan and help strengthen the country’s presence in global hockey.

Pakistan is ranked 12th in the world, while South Korea holds the 20th position. Officials noted that South Korea has not qualified for the upcoming Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The proposed series is expected to serve as preparation for Pakistan ahead of major international competitions later this year.

World welcomes 2026 with hopes of peace, stability and prosperity

World welcomes 2026

The New Year 2026 has begun across several countries around the world, with people celebrating amid hopes for peace, stability and prosperity.

In New Zealand, spectacular fireworks lit up the sky over Auckland as the iconic Sky Tower became the center of New Year celebrations. A large number of citizens gathered around the tower to witness the dazzling display as the country rang in the new year.

Australia also welcomed 2026 with grand celebrations. In Sydney, a breathtaking fireworks show illuminated the Sydney Harbour, while hundreds of people gathered along the coastline to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Across the globe, countries marked the occasion with traditional and modern festivities. In South Korea, the new year was welcomed by ringing a traditional bronze bell, symbolizing hope and renewal. In the United Arab Emirates, a spectacular fireworks display was planned at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s tallest buildings.

Major global cities including New York, London and Paris are also set to host large-scale New Year celebrations, attracting millions of spectators.

In Beijing, a New Year tea party featured a traditional opera performance. Addressing the event, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China would move forward with more proactive macroeconomic policies in 2026.

The celebrations reflected a shared global spirit of optimism as nations step into the new year with renewed aspirations for progress and harmony.