Two men have been charged in connection with the theft of equipment belonging to the England football team while the squad was relocating from Florida to its FIFA World Cup base in Kansas City. Prosecutors in Jackson County, Missouri, identified the accused as Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, both have been charged with one count of receiving stolen property. The missing items are valued at approximately $18,000 (around INR 17.15 lakh) and the offence could result in a prison sentence of up to seven years under Missouri law.&nbsp;In a statement, prosecutors said Jackson County would not tolerate crimes targeting World Cup visitors, including participating teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Jackson County will not tolerate any criminal activity that targets World Cup visitors, including the international teams that have travelled here to compete."&nbsp;“We thank the Kansas City Police Department and our on-call attorneys for their quick work investigating this incident and filing charges immediately."&nbsp;Authorities said that the theft took place while England’s equipment was being transported from the team’s training base in Florida to Kansas City ahead of the squad’s arrival.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-lionel-messi-trains-hard-ahead-of-argentina-s-tournament-opener-1781423577506">FIFA 2026: Lionel Messi trains hard ahead of Argentina's tournament opener</a>&nbsp;According to court records, recovered items included football boots, goalkeeper gloves, training gear, electronic devices, signed jerseys and other merchandise.&nbsp;Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas praised law enforcement officials, highlighting their rapid efforts to recover the stolen property and bring charges against those involved.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-head-coach-ouahbi-hails-morocco-s-fearless-display-after-brazil-draw-1781415601184">FIFA 2026: Head coach Ouahbi hails Morocco’s fearless display after Brazil draw</a>&nbsp;England goalkeeper Dean Henderson confirmed that all of the players’ belongings had been returned.&nbsp;“I got them back, so it’s all good,” Henderson said, adding that the team had successfully recovered everything that was taken.&nbsp;Defender Dan Burn revealed that players were initially unaware of the incident but were relieved once the missing equipment was recovered.&nbsp;“Obviously it was to do with the police. So I don’t know how much people know about it. We didn’t know a lot about it, but I’ve got all my kit and all my boots."&nbsp;Meanwhile, England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, continued preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a light training session in Kansas City on Saturday. The team is set to begin its campaign against Croatia on Wednesday before facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Two men in Missouri have been charged with receiving stolen England team equipment worth around $18,000. The items were recovered and returned to the players.

Two men have been charged in connection with the theft of equipment belonging to the England football team while the squad was relocating from Florida to its FIFA World Cup base in Kansas City. Prosecutors in Jackson County, Missouri, identified the accused as Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, both have been charged with one count of receiving stolen property. The missing items are valued at approximately $18,000 (around INR 17.15 lakh) and the offence could result in a prison sentence of up to seven years under Missouri law. In a statement, prosecutors said Jackson County would not tolerate crimes targeting World Cup visitors, including participating teams. “Jackson County will not tolerate any criminal activity that targets World Cup visitors, including the international teams that have travelled here to compete." “We thank the Kansas City Police Department and our on-call attorneys for their quick work investigating this incident and filing charges immediately." Authorities said that the theft took place while England’s equipment was being transported from the team’s training base in Florida to Kansas City ahead of the squad’s arrival. Also Read - FIFA 2026: Lionel Messi trains hard ahead of Argentina's tournament opener According to court records, recovered items included football boots, goalkeeper gloves, training gear, electronic devices, signed jerseys and other merchandise. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas praised law enforcement officials, highlighting their rapid efforts to recover the stolen property and bring charges against those involved. Also Read - FIFA 2026: Head coach Ouahbi hails Morocco’s fearless display after Brazil draw England goalkeeper Dean Henderson confirmed that all of the players’ belongings had been returned. “I got them back, so it’s all good,” Henderson said, adding that the team had successfully recovered everything that was taken. Defender Dan Burn revealed that players were initially unaware of the incident but were relieved once the missing equipment was recovered. “Obviously it was to do with the police. So I don’t know how much people know about it. We didn’t know a lot about it, but I’ve got all my kit and all my boots." Meanwhile, England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, continued preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a light training session in Kansas City on Saturday. The team is set to begin its campaign against Croatia on Wednesday before facing Ghana and Panama in Group L. With inputs from agencies

Two men in Missouri have been charged with receiving stolen England team equipment worth around $18,000. The items were recovered and returned to the players.

FIFA 2026: England’s stolen World Cup kit recovered after US police arrest two suspects

Argentina captain Lionel Messi took part in an intense training session as the team prepared for its FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria on Monday. In an Instagram update, Messi was seen working through various drills, including running exercises, penalty practice and other match-preparation routines, indicating he is well prepared for the tournament.&nbsp;The veteran forward appears poised to feature in Argentina’s opening game as the defending champions begin their World Cup campaign. His confidence has been boosted by a positive outing in Argentina’s final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland on Wednesday.&nbsp;The match, held at Jordan-Hare Stadium, saw the Inter Miami CF star come off the bench in the 70th minute and marked his appearance by converting a penalty as Argentina secured a comfortable win.&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-day-3-recap-scotland-end-28-year-goal-drought-australia-dominate-turkiye-brazil-draw-morocco-1781418618803"> FIFA 2026 Day 3 Recap: Scotland end 28-year goal drought, Australia dominate Turkiye, Brazil draw Morocco</a>&nbsp;Speaking after the match to TyC Sports, as quoted by Goal.com, Messi said, "Enjoying it from the start, I was eager to play for a while since I arrived with this discomfort. Happy, enjoying every moment, and excited as always. I felt great, I was keen to get started and shake off the fears you have when you have this discomfort, to be able to play freely. We have a week to get everyone fit and ready for the opening match."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-head-coach-ouahbi-hails-morocco-s-fearless-display-after-brazil-draw-1781415601184">FIFA 2026: Head coach Ouahbi hails Morocco’s fearless display after Brazil draw</a>&nbsp;Messi missed Argentina's 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras on Jun 6 despite participating in the warm-up, as he was recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.&nbsp;The forward joined the national team camp after experiencing discomfort during an Major League Soccer match against the Philadelphia Union before the league paused for the World Cup.



Argentina captain Lionel Messi trained intensely ahead of his team's FIFA World Cup opening match against Algeria on Monday.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi took part in an intense training session as the team prepared for its FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria on Monday. In an Instagram update, Messi was seen working through various drills, including running exercises, penalty practice and other match-preparation routines, indicating he is well prepared for the tournament. The veteran forward appears poised to feature in Argentina’s opening game as the defending champions begin their World Cup campaign. His confidence has been boosted by a positive outing in Argentina’s final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland on Wednesday. The match, held at Jordan-Hare Stadium, saw the Inter Miami CF star come off the bench in the 70th minute and marked his appearance by converting a penalty as Argentina secured a comfortable win. Also Read - FIFA 2026 Day 3 Recap: Scotland end 28-year goal drought, Australia dominate Turkiye, Brazil draw Morocco Speaking after the match to TyC Sports, as quoted by Goal.com, Messi said, "Enjoying it from the start, I was eager to play for a while since I arrived with this discomfort. Happy, enjoying every moment, and excited as always. I felt great, I was keen to get started and shake off the fears you have when you have this discomfort, to be able to play freely. We have a week to get everyone fit and ready for the opening match." Also Read - FIFA 2026: Head coach Ouahbi hails Morocco’s fearless display after Brazil draw Messi missed Argentina's 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras on Jun 6 despite participating in the warm-up, as he was recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The forward joined the national team camp after experiencing discomfort during an Major League Soccer match against the Philadelphia Union before the league paused for the World Cup.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi trained intensely ahead of his team's FIFA World Cup opening match against Algeria on Monday.

FIFA 2026: Lionel Messi trains hard ahead of Argentina's tournament opener

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 on Saturday (Jun 13) saw Switzerland draw 1-1 with Qatar, while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco, with Vinicius Jr scoring the equaliser. Scotland ended their 28-year wait for a World Cup goal with a 1-0 win over Haiti, while Australia secured a 2-0 victory over Turkiye in their respective group match. The third day of the 48-team tournament, which runs until Jul 19, delivered several key moments, records and drama from both on and off the the pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s a look at all the major highlights from Day 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.<h2>Khoukhi’s late goal helps Qatar draw with Switzerland</h2>A late goal from Boualem Khoukhi in additional time helped Qatar earn their first-ever FIFA World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Saturday. The match saw many missed chances from both sides.&nbsp;Switzerland controlled most of the first half and created several opportunities, but Dan Ndoye missed a couple of key chances and the team could not finish strongly in the second half. Despite having 68.10% possession, 42 touches in the opposition box and 26 shots, Switzerland failed to win as Khoukhi’s late equaliser denied them all three points.<h2>Vinicius Jr rescues Brazil in 1-1 draw against Morocco</h2>Brazil's impressive 92-year record of not losing their opening FIFA World Cup match remained intact after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Morocco side at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Both teams played attacking football and created several chances, making it an entertaining contest for the fans, with each side earning a point.&nbsp;&nbsp;Morocco made a strong start and repeatedly produced chance after chance during the opening stages and their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari found the net, putting Brazil’s long-standing opening-match unbeaten streak under serious pressure.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-head-coach-ouahbi-hails-morocco-s-fearless-display-after-brazil-draw-1781415601184">FIFA World Cup 2026: Head coach Ouahbi hails Morocco’s fearless display after Brazil draw</a>&nbsp;However, Vinicius Jr responded just 11 minutes later with a superb equaliser, ensuring the five-time world champions entered the break on equal terms.&nbsp;The second half continued at a high tempo, with both sides creating numerous scoring opportunities but the match ended in a draw.<h2>McGinn ends Scotland’s 28-year World Cup goal drought in win over Haiti</h2>Scotland marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti in their Group C opener at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, thanks to a first-half goal from captain John McGinn.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-final-new-york-knicks-break-53-year-drought-with-title-victory-over-spurs-1781410355376">NBA Final: New York Knicks break 53-year drought with title victory over Spurs</a>&nbsp;It was Scotland’s first World Cup match in the 21st century and the win also marked their first World Cup victory since 1990. The result puts Steve Clarke’s side at the top of Group C and gives them a strong start ahead of tough matches against Morocco and Brazil. Haiti, meanwhile, will need points from their remaining group games.&nbsp;<h2>Irankunda stars as Australia stun Turkiye 2-0&nbsp;</h2>Australia made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver. The match was closely fought, with Turkey dominating possession and putting constant pressure on Australia.&nbsp;However, Tony Popovic’s side showed strong defence and finished their chances well to take all three points in their opening Group match. Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe ensured Australia stayed in control throughout the game.&nbsp;Irankunda, just 20 years old, became the youngest Australian to score at a FIFA World Cup. In the second half, Turkey continued to attack strongly but could not get past Harry Souttar and the Australian defence.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 on Saturday (Jun 13) began with a draw between Qatar and Switzerland. Brazil played out a 1-1 draw with Morocco, while Scotland ended their 28-year wait for a World Cup goal with a 1-0 win over Haiti. Australia finished the day with a commanding victory over Turkiye.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 on Saturday (Jun 13) saw Switzerland draw 1-1 with Qatar, while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco, with Vinicius Jr scoring the equaliser. Scotland ended their 28-year wait for a World Cup goal with a 1-0 win over Haiti, while Australia secured a 2-0 victory over Turkiye in their respective group match. The third day of the 48-team tournament, which runs until Jul 19, delivered several key moments, records and drama from both on and off the the pitch. Here’s a look at all the major highlights from Day 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Khoukhi’s late goal helps Qatar draw with Switzerland A late goal from Boualem Khoukhi in additional time helped Qatar earn their first-ever FIFA World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Saturday. The match saw many missed chances from both sides. Switzerland controlled most of the first half and created several opportunities, but Dan Ndoye missed a couple of key chances and the team could not finish strongly in the second half. Despite having 68.10% possession, 42 touches in the opposition box and 26 shots, Switzerland failed to win as Khoukhi’s late equaliser denied them all three points. Vinicius Jr rescues Brazil in 1-1 draw against Morocco Brazil's impressive 92-year record of not losing their opening FIFA World Cup match remained intact after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Morocco side at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Both teams played attacking football and created several chances, making it an entertaining contest for the fans, with each side earning a point. Morocco made a strong start and repeatedly produced chance after chance during the opening stages and their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari found the net, putting Brazil’s long-standing opening-match unbeaten streak under serious pressure. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Head coach Ouahbi hails Morocco’s fearless display after Brazil draw However, Vinicius Jr responded just 11 minutes later with a superb equaliser, ensuring the five-time world champions entered the break on equal terms. The second half continued at a high tempo, with both sides creating numerous scoring opportunities but the match ended in a draw. McGinn ends Scotland’s 28-year World Cup goal drought in win over Haiti Scotland marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti in their Group C opener at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, thanks to a first-half goal from captain John McGinn. Also Read - NBA Final: New York Knicks break 53-year drought with title victory over Spurs It was Scotland’s first World Cup match in the 21st century and the win also marked their first World Cup victory since 1990. The result puts Steve Clarke’s side at the top of Group C and gives them a strong start ahead of tough matches against Morocco and Brazil. Haiti, meanwhile, will need points from their remaining group games. Irankunda stars as Australia stun Turkiye 2-0 Australia made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver. The match was closely fought, with Turkey dominating possession and putting constant pressure on Australia. However, Tony Popovic’s side showed strong defence and finished their chances well to take all three points in their opening Group match. Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe ensured Australia stayed in control throughout the game. Irankunda, just 20 years old, became the youngest Australian to score at a FIFA World Cup. In the second half, Turkey continued to attack strongly but could not get past Harry Souttar and the Australian defence.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 on Saturday (Jun 13) began with a draw between Qatar and Switzerland. Brazil played out a 1-1 draw with Morocco, while Scotland ended their 28-year wait for a World Cup goal with a 1-0 win over Haiti. Australia finished the day with a commanding victory over Turkiye.

FIFA 2026 Day 3 Recap: Scotland end 28-year goal drought, Australia win, Brazil play out a draw

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi remained confident about the future of Moroccan football after his team secured a 1-1 draw against five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil in their opening Group C fixture at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. The North African side impressed against one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, matching Brazil’s intensity throughout the contest and earning a valuable point to kick off their campaign.&nbsp;Morocco struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari found the net after a strong opening spell in which his side created several opportunities. Brazil responded 11 minutes later through Vinicius Jr, whose equaliser ensured the teams went into halftime level.&nbsp;The second half remained highly competitive, with both sides creating numerous chances in an entertaining, end-to-end encounter. Despite a total of 27 attempts on goal, neither team could find a winner, thanks to excellent saves from goalkeepers Bono and Alisson.&nbsp;Speaking after the match, Ouahbi praised his players for their performance and their commitment to playing brave, possession-based football against top-level opposition.&nbsp;"For the future of Moroccan football, we are confident. We drew; we're happy. I'm not sad. We would have wanted to win, obviously, but I'm not sad," Ouahbi told reporters after the match.&nbsp;"What I'm really proud of is that we're bold enough to play and ask for the ball under pressure. This is a great quality that we have."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-final-new-york-knicks-break-53-year-drought-with-title-victory-over-spurs-1781410355376">NBA Final: New York Knicks break 53-year drought with title victory over Spurs</a> The coach had spoken before the tournament about Morocco moving beyond the underdog tag that followed their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals four years ago, when they became the first African nation to reach the last four. Following the draw, Ouahbi reiterated his ambitions for the team. "I want to go beyond the semi-finals, but it was a good match," he said. "One is good enough, and we'll improve." The Moroccan coach also praised the support his team received despite being outnumbered in the stands. "I don't know if 20% of the crowd were Moroccans, but we could hear them very loudly. If it was only 20%, they fooled me into thinking there were many more of them there," Ouahbi said, according to Reuters.&nbsp;"I hope they had great fun watching a good match tonight, and I hope this will continue." The result leaves Morocco and Brazil with one point each in Group C as the race for the knockout stages gets underway. Morocco will face Scotland in their next Group C clash, whereas Brazil will take on Haiti on Saturday.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Speaking after the match, head coach Ouahbi praised his players for their performance and their commitment to playing brave, possession-based football against top-level opposition.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi remained confident about the future of Moroccan football after his team secured a 1-1 draw against five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil in their opening Group C fixture at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. The North African side impressed against one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, matching Brazil’s intensity throughout the contest and earning a valuable point to kick off their campaign. Morocco struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari found the net after a strong opening spell in which his side created several opportunities. Brazil responded 11 minutes later through Vinicius Jr, whose equaliser ensured the teams went into halftime level. The second half remained highly competitive, with both sides creating numerous chances in an entertaining, end-to-end encounter. Despite a total of 27 attempts on goal, neither team could find a winner, thanks to excellent saves from goalkeepers Bono and Alisson. Speaking after the match, Ouahbi praised his players for their performance and their commitment to playing brave, possession-based football against top-level opposition. "For the future of Moroccan football, we are confident. We drew; we're happy. I'm not sad. We would have wanted to win, obviously, but I'm not sad," Ouahbi told reporters after the match. "What I'm really proud of is that we're bold enough to play and ask for the ball under pressure. This is a great quality that we have." Also Read - NBA Final: New York Knicks break 53-year drought with title victory over Spurs The coach had spoken before the tournament about Morocco moving beyond the underdog tag that followed their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals four years ago, when they became the first African nation to reach the last four. Following the draw, Ouahbi reiterated his ambitions for the team. "I want to go beyond the semi-finals, but it was a good match," he said. "One is good enough, and we'll improve." The Moroccan coach also praised the support his team received despite being outnumbered in the stands. "I don't know if 20% of the crowd were Moroccans, but we could hear them very loudly. If it was only 20%, they fooled me into thinking there were many more of them there," Ouahbi said, according to Reuters. "I hope they had great fun watching a good match tonight, and I hope this will continue." The result leaves Morocco and Brazil with one point each in Group C as the race for the knockout stages gets underway. Morocco will face Scotland in their next Group C clash, whereas Brazil will take on Haiti on Saturday. With inputs from agencies

Speaking after the match, head coach Ouahbi praised his players for their performance and their commitment to playing brave, possession-based football against top-level opposition.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Head coach Ouahbi hails Morocco’s fearless display after Brazil draw

Brazil's impressive 92-year record of not losing their opening FIFA World Cup match remained intact after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Morocco side at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. Both teams played attacking football and created several chances, making it an entertaining contest for the fans, with each side earning a point. Morocco made a strong start and repeatedly produced chance after chance during the opening stages and their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari found the net, putting Brazil’s long-standing opening-match unbeaten streak under serious pressure.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Vinicius Jr responded just 11 minutes later with a superb equaliser, ensuring the five-time world champions entered the break on equal terms.&nbsp;The second half continued at a high tempo, with both sides creating numerous scoring opportunities. Brazil gradually took more control in attack, with Raphinha was involved in several moves.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, neither side could find a winning goal as goalkeepers Bono and Alisson made a series of excellent saves to keep the score level until the final whistle.&nbsp;Brazil enjoyed a slight advantage in possession, controlling 51.2 percent of the ball and registering 13 shots, while Morocco managed 14 attempts.&nbsp;Morocco threatened early when Roger Ibanez conceded a free kick in the third minute, though the opportunity came to nothing. Neil El Aynaoui and captain Achraf Hakimi also tested Brazil’s defence, but the South Americans managed to hold firm.&nbsp;As the game progressed beyond the opening ten minutes, Brazil began to settle into possession and create chances of their own.&nbsp;&nbsp;Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute when Brahim Diaz delivered a pass to Saibari, who calmly beat Alisson to give the African side a deserved advantage.&nbsp;Morocco continued to attack after the goal, with Hakimi making several forward runs and Saibari causing problems for Brazil's defence. One of Saibari’s shots was blocked by Gabriel Magalhaes, while Morocco had already registered 11 attempts on goal in the opening 30 minutes.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/phoebe-litchfield-stars-as-australia-hammer-south-africa-in-women-s-t20-world-cup-opener-1781402830553">Phoebe Litchfield stars as Australia hammer South Africa in Women's T20 World Cup opener</a>&nbsp;Brazil responded with the composure expected of a side with five World Cup titles. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Jr produced a brilliant moment, collecting possession on the left flank, cutting inside and scored a powerful strike into the top corner to level the score and lift the Brazilian fans.&nbsp;In the final stages of the first half, Ibanez and Casemiro were shown yellow cards. Lucas Paqueta also came close to scoring with an acrobatic scissor-kick, but it was superbly saved by Morocco goalkeeper Bono.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-vs-curacao-meet-the-two-zoo-animals-predicting-the-match-result-1781367447508">Germany vs Curacao: Meet the two zoo animals predicting the match result</a>&nbsp;The teams went into the interval locked at 1-1.&nbsp;After the restart, Brazil appeared more comfortable in possession and controlled large spells of play. The coaching staff introduced fresh legs, with Matheus Cunha and Luis Henrique replacing Paqueta and Igor Thiago.&nbsp;&nbsp;Morocco also made changes, bringing on Talbi and El Mourabet in place of El Khannouss and Ounahi as both sides searched for a decisive breakthrough.&nbsp;Brazil was a man down for a while as Fabinho was out due to a bloody nose, but came back in. Brazil and Morocco kept producing chances, but the opportunities did not come as frequently.&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps the best chance was fumbled by Raphinha, who was fed by Vinicius while standing in the midst of a messy Moroccan defence. However, his 15-yard strike was saved by Bono in the 78th minute. Bono went down, saving another attempt from Raphinha just a few minutes later. Both teams kept making inroads in their opponents' defences, but to no avail, and 10 additional minutes were added to the clock.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brazil averted a major disaster as Allison managed a phenomenal double save, first keeping El Aynaoui's effort from 25 yards away from the net, but spilled it from his hands and then El Mourabet, who tried to put the ball past the goalie again, failed to poke the ball past him. Both teams ended with points shared.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

A stunning goal from Vinicius Jr on his 50th Brazil cap helped the five-time champions earn a draw, while Morocco’s resilient defence and Bono’s heroics kept the match level.

Brazil's impressive 92-year record of not losing their opening FIFA World Cup match remained intact after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Morocco side at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. Both teams played attacking football and created several chances, making it an entertaining contest for the fans, with each side earning a point. Morocco made a strong start and repeatedly produced chance after chance during the opening stages and their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari found the net, putting Brazil’s long-standing opening-match unbeaten streak under serious pressure. However, Vinicius Jr responded just 11 minutes later with a superb equaliser, ensuring the five-time world champions entered the break on equal terms. The second half continued at a high tempo, with both sides creating numerous scoring opportunities. Brazil gradually took more control in attack, with Raphinha was involved in several moves. However, neither side could find a winning goal as goalkeepers Bono and Alisson made a series of excellent saves to keep the score level until the final whistle. Brazil enjoyed a slight advantage in possession, controlling 51.2 percent of the ball and registering 13 shots, while Morocco managed 14 attempts. Morocco threatened early when Roger Ibanez conceded a free kick in the third minute, though the opportunity came to nothing. Neil El Aynaoui and captain Achraf Hakimi also tested Brazil’s defence, but the South Americans managed to hold firm. As the game progressed beyond the opening ten minutes, Brazil began to settle into possession and create chances of their own. Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute when Brahim Diaz delivered a pass to Saibari, who calmly beat Alisson to give the African side a deserved advantage. Morocco continued to attack after the goal, with Hakimi making several forward runs and Saibari causing problems for Brazil's defence. One of Saibari’s shots was blocked by Gabriel Magalhaes, while Morocco had already registered 11 attempts on goal in the opening 30 minutes. Also Read - Phoebe Litchfield stars as Australia hammer South Africa in Women's T20 World Cup opener Brazil responded with the composure expected of a side with five World Cup titles. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Jr produced a brilliant moment, collecting possession on the left flank, cutting inside and scored a powerful strike into the top corner to level the score and lift the Brazilian fans. In the final stages of the first half, Ibanez and Casemiro were shown yellow cards. Lucas Paqueta also came close to scoring with an acrobatic scissor-kick, but it was superbly saved by Morocco goalkeeper Bono. Also Read - Germany vs Curacao: Meet the two zoo animals predicting the match result The teams went into the interval locked at 1-1. After the restart, Brazil appeared more comfortable in possession and controlled large spells of play. The coaching staff introduced fresh legs, with Matheus Cunha and Luis Henrique replacing Paqueta and Igor Thiago. Morocco also made changes, bringing on Talbi and El Mourabet in place of El Khannouss and Ounahi as both sides searched for a decisive breakthrough. Brazil was a man down for a while as Fabinho was out due to a bloody nose, but came back in. Brazil and Morocco kept producing chances, but the opportunities did not come as frequently. Perhaps the best chance was fumbled by Raphinha, who was fed by Vinicius while standing in the midst of a messy Moroccan defence. However, his 15-yard strike was saved by Bono in the 78th minute. Bono went down, saving another attempt from Raphinha just a few minutes later. Both teams kept making inroads in their opponents' defences, but to no avail, and 10 additional minutes were added to the clock. Brazil averted a major disaster as Allison managed a phenomenal double save, first keeping El Aynaoui's effort from 25 yards away from the net, but spilled it from his hands and then El Mourabet, who tried to put the ball past the goalie again, failed to poke the ball past him. Both teams ended with points shared. With inputs from agencies

A stunning goal from Vinicius Jr on his 50th Brazil cap helped the five-time champions earn a draw, while Morocco’s resilient defence and Bono’s heroics kept the match level.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Jr rescues Brazil in 1-1 draw against Morocco

More than a decade after Paul the Octopus became one of football's most famous predictors, a German zoo has unveiled two new animal forecasters ahead of Germany's upcoming match against Curacao. Paul shot to international fame during the 2010 FIFA World Cup after correctly predicting the outcome of every Germany match and even forecasting Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the final. His remarkable success turned him into a global sensation and one of the most memorable stories of the tournament.&nbsp;Now, Cologne Zoo is hoping to recreate some of that magic with two of its most popular residents: Tarak the elephant and Walter the orangutan. Tarak, an Asian elephant known for his love of footballs, was given two balls decorated with the flags of Germany and Curaçao. In a move interpreted by zoo staff as a prediction, Tarak crushed the ball representing Germany's opponents while leaving the German ball untouched. The zoo believes the elephant's choice signals confidence in a German victory when the two nations meet on Sunday.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🐘 Oracle elephant predicts a German victory in their next World Cup match At Cologne Zoo, 20-year-old elephant Tarak was asked to predict the outcome of the Germany–Curaçao match. Three balls were placed in front of him: one for each team and one representing a draw. It took… <a href="https://t.co/x31n4q4esN">pic.twitter.com/x31n4q4esN</a>&mdash; NEXTA (@nexta_tv) <a href="https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/2065423019682484405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Walter, however, sees things differently. The orangutan was presented with two food-filled boxes, each representing one of the competing teams. Although he initially picked up both boxes, Walter ultimately chose to eat from the box linked to Curaçao, suggesting he expects the underdogs to pull off a surprise result.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pv-sindhu-lakshya-sen-and-satwik-chirag-headline-india-s-asian-games-2026-squad-1781364621276">PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Satwik-Chirag headline India's Asian Games 2026 squad</a>&nbsp;The split predictions have created plenty of excitement among football fans, who still remember the incredible accuracy displayed by Paul the Octopus during major international tournaments. Paul correctly predicted four of Germany's six matches during the 2008 European Championship before producing a perfect record throughout the 2010 World Cup. His final prediction, Spain defeating the Netherlands in the World Cup final, cemented his legendary status in football folklore.&nbsp;With Germany set to face Curaçao on Sunday, attention now turns to whether Tarak or Walter will prove to be the more reliable football oracle. For now, football fans can only wait to discover which animal predictor got it right.

<h2>How to watch and stream FIFA World Cup 2026 in India</h2>Multiple group-stage matches that will take place simultaneously will be aired across the Zee5 app and website.Link: <a href="https://www.zee5.com/">https://www.zee5.com/</a>

Cologne Zoo's elephant Tarak and orangutan Walter have made opposite predictions for Germany vs Curaçao, reviving memories of Paul the Octopus

More than a decade after Paul the Octopus became one of football's most famous predictors, a German zoo has unveiled two new animal forecasters ahead of Germany's upcoming match against Curacao. Paul shot to international fame during the 2010 FIFA World Cup after correctly predicting the outcome of every Germany match and even forecasting Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the final. His remarkable success turned him into a global sensation and one of the most memorable stories of the tournament. Now, Cologne Zoo is hoping to recreate some of that magic with two of its most popular residents: Tarak the elephant and Walter the orangutan. Tarak, an Asian elephant known for his love of footballs, was given two balls decorated with the flags of Germany and Curaçao. In a move interpreted by zoo staff as a prediction, Tarak crushed the ball representing Germany's opponents while leaving the German ball untouched. The zoo believes the elephant's choice signals confidence in a German victory when the two nations meet on Sunday. Watch the video here

Paul the Octopus has new competition as an elephant and orangutan make opposing predictions for Germany's match against Curacao

Germany vs Curacao: Meet the two zoo animals predicting the match result

Brazilian supporters turned Times Square into a sea of green and yellow on the eve of the Selecao's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On Friday, thousands of fans gathered in the heart of Manhattan to celebrate Brazil's rich football history and show their support ahead of the team's Group C clash with Morocco. The famous intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway was filled with songs honoring Brazil's five World Cup triumphs in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.&nbsp;Supporters also unfurled a giant Brazilian flag, creating a vibrant atmosphere in one of New York City's most iconic locations as anticipation builds for the tournament opener. Brazil begin their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title on Saturday when they face reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, the five-time world champions will be without their biggest star for the opening fixture after Neymar was ruled out due to fitness concerns.&nbsp;Watch the video here

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇧🇷🟢🟡 Brazil has officially taken over Times Square! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/JzaQUoc6Sf">pic.twitter.com/JzaQUoc6Sf</a>&mdash; Ultras Clips (@ultras_clips) <a href="https://x.com/ultras_clips/status/2065667071292199297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the 34-year-old will not feature against Morocco but remains hopeful of having the forward available later in the tournament. “He’s working hard to get fit as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said. Neymar played an important role during Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He was also absent from Brazil's final warm-up match against Egypt, raising concerns about his condition ahead of the tournament.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VAMOS BRASIL! 🇧🇷 Os torcedores brasileiros já estão presentes em Nova York, nos Estados Unidos, cidade vizinha de Nova Jersey, que será o palco da estreia da seleção brasileira. Um bandeiraço do Rei Pelé marcou o momento no meio da Times Square. Neste sábado (13), os comandados… <a href="https://t.co/6hQ7Bs7LqI">pic.twitter.com/6hQ7Bs7LqI</a>&mdash; ge (@geglobo) <a href="https://x.com/geglobo/status/2065573587961159985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His absence inevitably brings back memories of the injury setback he suffered during the 2014 World Cup on home soil. While the current issue is far less serious than the vertebrae fracture that ended his campaign 12 years ago, Brazil's medical staff remain cautious with one of the team's most influential players.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">O PROTOCOLO FOI ATIVADO! ATESTADO NA MÃO.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Original?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Original</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/PlanejamentoCaz%C3%A9TV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlanejamentoCazéTV</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ElencoCaz%C3%A9TV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElencoCazéTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/uxYk4TeXxx">pic.twitter.com/uxYk4TeXxx</a>&mdash; CazéTV (@CazeTVOficial) <a href="https://x.com/CazeTVOficial/status/2065593877621334202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

An MRI scan conducted before the tournament suggested Neymar could still play a significant role in Brazil's World Cup campaign despite being sidelined in recent weeks with a calf problem. For now, Brazil's focus remains firmly on their opening challenge against Morocco, while fans across New York and beyond continue dreaming of a sixth world title.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A TORCIDA BRASILEIRA CHEGOU!!! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 AMANHÃ TEM A ESTREIA DO BRASIL NA COPA!!! 🔥🔥<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Sele%C3%A7%C3%A3oBrasileira?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeleçãoBrasileira</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/CopaNaCaz%C3%A9TV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaNaCazéTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/8os1qW8dzS">pic.twitter.com/8os1qW8dzS</a>&mdash; CazéTV (@CazeTVOficial) <a href="https://x.com/CazeTVOficial/status/2065593076714705144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Brazil fans celebrate in Times Square ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener vs Morocco, but Neymar is ruled out of Brazil’s first match due to injury

Brazilian supporters turned Times Square into a sea of green and yellow on the eve of the Selecao's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On Friday, thousands of fans gathered in the heart of Manhattan to celebrate Brazil's rich football history and show their support ahead of the team's Group C clash with Morocco. The famous intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway was filled with songs honoring Brazil's five World Cup triumphs in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Supporters also unfurled a giant Brazilian flag, creating a vibrant atmosphere in one of New York City's most iconic locations as anticipation builds for the tournament opener. Brazil begin their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title on Saturday when they face reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, the five-time world champions will be without their biggest star for the opening fixture after Neymar was ruled out due to fitness concerns. Watch the video here

Brazil fans flood Times Square ahead of World Cup match against Morocco, but star played Neymar is ruled out of the opener due to injury concerns

WATCH | Brazil fans take over New York's Times Square ahead of FIFA World Cup clash against Morocco

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway in North America, and the opening two days were no short of history, drama and joy. While none of the three co-hosts lost their respective openers, there’s plenty that has happened in four contested matches thus far. Let’s check out the best moments.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway in North America, and the opening two days were no short of history, drama and joy. While none of the three co-hosts lost their respective openers, there’s plenty that has happened in four contested matches thus far. Let’s check out the best moments.

5 Best Moments from Day 1 and 2 at FIFA World Cup 2026

The United States kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, but the match will also be remembered for a historic VAR intervention that left players, fans, and commentators baffled. With the USMNT cruising to a comfortable lead in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium, an unusual sequence of events unfolded that resulted in a World Cup first under FIFA's newly introduced laws.&nbsp;Veteran defender Tim Ream appeared to foul Miguel Almiron and was immediately shown a yellow card by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie. However, after Paraguay had already taken the resulting free-kick, the match was suddenly halted following communication from the video assistant referee. Makkelie was sent to the pitchside monitor and, after reviewing the incident, overturned his original decision. Rather than cautioning Ream, the referee rescinded the yellow card and instead booked Almiron for simulation after determining that the Paraguay forward had dived.&nbsp;The incident marked the first-ever World Cup VAR intervention for mistaken identity, made possible by a new FIFA regulation introduced ahead of the tournament. Under the updated rule, if a player is cautioned or sent off for an incident that was actually committed by an opposing player, officials are now permitted to review and correct the decision. While yellow cards themselves are generally not reviewable, the mistaken identity provision allowed the referee to reverse the booking.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usmnt-star-christian-pulisic-breaks-cristiano-ronaldo-record-as-usa-crush-paraguay-1781346942325">USMNT star Christian Pulisic breaks Cristiano Ronaldo record as USA crush Paraguay</a>&nbsp;The confusion was heightened because play had already restarted before the review took place. Traditionally, once the game resumes, previous decisions cannot be revisited, making the intervention even more unusual. Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams, speaking to BBC Sport, added: "They let them take the free-kick, which was bizarre but clearly the right decision. "It's the first time we have seen it but fair play."&nbsp;Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, who was co-commentating for BBC Sport, added: “Any adaptation of the rules which means diving gets more punishment is good.” While the VAR drama dominated discussion, the United States delivered an outstanding performance on the pitch. An own goal from Damian Bobadilla helped the hosts establish control before Folarin Balogun scored twice to give Mauricio Pochettino's side a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime. Balogun's brace made him only the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup match.&nbsp;Paraguay reduced the deficit through Mauricio in the second half, but Giovanni Reyna produced a spectacular finish with the final kick of the game, curling a stunning effort into the net from 20 yards out to seal a memorable 4-1 victory. The result gives the United States a perfect start to their World Cup journey, but the unprecedented VAR intervention ensured the match made history for more reasons than one.

The USA's 4-1 World Cup win over Paraguay featured a historic VAR intervention as FIFA's new mistaken identity rule was used for the first time ever

The United States kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, but the match will also be remembered for a historic VAR intervention that left players, fans, and commentators baffled. With the USMNT cruising to a comfortable lead in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium, an unusual sequence of events unfolded that resulted in a World Cup first under FIFA's newly introduced laws. Veteran defender Tim Ream appeared to foul Miguel Almiron and was immediately shown a yellow card by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie. However, after Paraguay had already taken the resulting free-kick, the match was suddenly halted following communication from the video assistant referee. Makkelie was sent to the pitchside monitor and, after reviewing the incident, overturned his original decision. Rather than cautioning Ream, the referee rescinded the yellow card and instead booked Almiron for simulation after determining that the Paraguay forward had dived. The incident marked the first-ever World Cup VAR intervention for mistaken identity, made possible by a new FIFA regulation introduced ahead of the tournament. Under the updated rule, if a player is cautioned or sent off for an incident that was actually committed by an opposing player, officials are now permitted to review and correct the decision. While yellow cards themselves are generally not reviewable, the mistaken identity provision allowed the referee to reverse the booking. Also Read: USMNT star Christian Pulisic breaks Cristiano Ronaldo record as USA crush Paraguay The confusion was heightened because play had already restarted before the review took place. Traditionally, once the game resumes, previous decisions cannot be revisited, making the intervention even more unusual. Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams, speaking to BBC Sport, added: "They let them take the free-kick, which was bizarre but clearly the right decision. "It's the first time we have seen it but fair play." Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, who was co-commentating for BBC Sport, added: “Any adaptation of the rules which means diving gets more punishment is good.” While the VAR drama dominated discussion, the United States delivered an outstanding performance on the pitch. An own goal from Damian Bobadilla helped the hosts establish control before Folarin Balogun scored twice to give Mauricio Pochettino's side a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime. Balogun's brace made him only the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup match. Paraguay reduced the deficit through Mauricio in the second half, but Giovanni Reyna produced a spectacular finish with the final kick of the game, curling a stunning effort into the net from 20 yards out to seal a memorable 4-1 victory. The result gives the United States a perfect start to their World Cup journey, but the unprecedented VAR intervention ensured the match made history for more reasons than one.

USA beat Paraguay 4-1, but a historic VAR intervention under FIFA's new rules stole the spotlight in a bizarre World Cup first. Scroll down to know what happened

World Cup first: VAR makes 'mistaken identity' history in bizarre booking incident during USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay

Donning a yellow jersey at FIFA World Cups represents the pinnacle of footballing royalty. Brazil has had icons, legends, and generational talents who all helped them achieve unparalleled success at the tournament. Let’s look at their top five players ever.

Donning a yellow jersey at FIFA World Cups represents the pinnacle of footballing royalty. Brazil has had icons, legends, and generational talents who all helped them achieve unparalleled success at the tournament. Let’s look at their top five players ever.

From Pele to Ronaldo: Ranking the 5 Greatest Brazilians at FIFA World Cups

The five-time champions, Brazil, will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco on Sunday (Jun 14), in their quest for a record sixth world title. However, five distinctive records belong to them. Let’s look at them.

The five-time champions, Brazil, will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco on Sunday (Jun 14), in their quest for a record sixth world title. However, five distinctive records belong to them. Let’s look at them.

5 Mind-Blowing FIFA World Cup Records Only Brazil Holds

Christian Pulisic delivered a masterclass performance as the United States men's national team opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while also achieving a remarkable milestone that puts him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in one key World Cup statistic. The USMNT produced one of the finest displays in its World Cup history, with Pulisic at the heart of the action.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American captain helped spark the opening goal and later provided an assist for Folarin Balogun's first goal of the evening as Mauricio Pochettino's side overwhelmed Paraguay. With his assist against Paraguay, Pulisic recorded the third World Cup assist of his career in just his fifth appearance at the tournament. That total already surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup assist tally despite the Portuguese superstar preparing to compete in his sixth World Cup this summer.&nbsp;Pulisic's latest contribution also saw him register his fourth career World Cup goal involvement. The achievement draws him level with USMNT legend Clint Dempsey and leaves him just one goal contribution behind Landon Donovan's national record on the sport's biggest stage.<h2>Ronaldo-Pulisic career world sup statistics</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Statistic</td><td>Cristiano Ronaldo</td><td>Christian Pulisic</td></tr><tr><td>Goals</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Assists</td><td>2</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Appearances</td><td>22</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Minutes Played</td><td>1,860</td><td>360</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

However, what started as a historic night raised concerns when Pulisic was substituted at halftime. The decision immediately sparked speculation about a possible injury, especially after the midfielder appeared uncomfortable late in the first half.After the match, head coach Mauricio Pochettino provided an encouraging update.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/christian-pulisic-injury-update-pochettino-confident-usa-star-will-return-soon-after-half-time-withdrawal-1781345624272">Christian Pulisic injury update: Pochettino confident USA star will return soon after half-time withdrawal</a>&nbsp;“He received a kick in his calf,” Pochettino revealed post-match. “On the end of the first half he started to feel tight [his calf] and we didn’t want to take any risk, and it was difficult for him to walk. But we hope it’s not a big issue, and he can be ready for the next one.”&nbsp;Pulisic also addressed his condition and expressed confidence that the issue is only minor. “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half,” Pulisic said. “So I'm really hoping that it's nothing. I'm taking a little bit of precautions today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine in the next few days. My calf area. But I've had similar things before, and yeah, I’m staying positive.”&nbsp;The update will come as welcome news for American supporters, with Pulisic playing a crucial role in the team's World Cup ambitions. While his night ended earlier than expected, his performance against Paraguay once again demonstrated why he remains the face of US soccer and one of the tournament's most influential players.

Christian Pulisic broke Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup assist record during USA's 4-1 victory over Paraguay before being substituted with a calf injury concern. Mauricio Pochettino provides the latest update

Christian Pulisic delivered a masterclass performance as the United States men's national team opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while also achieving a remarkable milestone that puts him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in one key World Cup statistic. The USMNT produced one of the finest displays in its World Cup history, with Pulisic at the heart of the action. The American captain helped spark the opening goal and later provided an assist for Folarin Balogun's first goal of the evening as Mauricio Pochettino's side overwhelmed Paraguay. With his assist against Paraguay, Pulisic recorded the third World Cup assist of his career in just his fifth appearance at the tournament. That total already surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup assist tally despite the Portuguese superstar preparing to compete in his sixth World Cup this summer. Pulisic's latest contribution also saw him register his fourth career World Cup goal involvement. The achievement draws him level with USMNT legend Clint Dempsey and leaves him just one goal contribution behind Landon Donovan's national record on the sport's biggest stage. Ronaldo-Pulisic career world sup statistics

USMNT star Christian Pulisic surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup assist tally before suffering a minor calf injury in USA's 4-1 dominating win over Paraguay

USMNT star Christian Pulisic breaks Cristiano Ronaldo record as USA crush Paraguay

Mauricio Pochettino has eased concerns over Christian Pulisic's fitness after the United States captain was substituted at half-time during the USA's 4-1 victory against Paraguay. The Americans made a flying start to their 2026 World Cup campaign, securing an impressive win thanks to a brace from Folarin Balogun, a goal from Gio Reyna, and an own goal by Damian Bobadilla.&nbsp;Despite the dominant performance, there was concern when Pulisic was withdrawn at the interval after experiencing discomfort in his calf. Speaking after the match, Pochettino reassured supporters that the issue does not appear to be serious. “He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” he explained. “We didn’t want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mathematician-who-correctly-predicted-last-3-world-cup-winners-reveals-fifa-world-cup-2026-champion-1781261342828">Mathematician who correctly predicted last 3 World Cup winners reveals FIFA World Cup 2026 champion</a>&nbsp;While Pulisic's condition will continue to be monitored, Pochettino was delighted with his team's overall display and praised both the players and staff for their efforts. “So, so proud. Players and staff deserved big credit for this performance,” he said. “The most important is the performance and the feeling. We know it is only the start and it is nothing. It is only one game. Now we need to be intelligent to keep going in that direction.&nbsp;“But we are so happy because the first game is always so difficult, hosting the World Cup, the expectation but we managed the expectation and pressure. The first 45 minutes were amazing, difficult to find a team to play like this. So happy and so proud.”&nbsp;Pochettino also highlighted the impact of the fans, praising the atmosphere and growing passion for soccer across the country.“The support was amazing,” he added. “That is what we were waiting for. When you talk about America, that passion, that feeling. Now they realise that soccer in America is massive, it’s big.” The USA will now await further assessment on Pulisic's fitness ahead of their next World Cup fixture, though the early signs suggest the injury is not expected to keep him sidelined for long.

Mauricio Pochettino provides an update on Christian Pulisic's calf injury after USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay. The USMNT boss remains optimistic ahead of the next World Cup fixture

Mauricio Pochettino has eased concerns over Christian Pulisic's fitness after the United States captain was substituted at half-time during the USA's 4-1 victory against Paraguay. The Americans made a flying start to their 2026 World Cup campaign, securing an impressive win thanks to a brace from Folarin Balogun, a goal from Gio Reyna, and an own goal by Damian Bobadilla. Despite the dominant performance, there was concern when Pulisic was withdrawn at the interval after experiencing discomfort in his calf. Speaking after the match, Pochettino reassured supporters that the issue does not appear to be serious. “He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” he explained. “We didn’t want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one.” Also Read: Mathematician who correctly predicted last 3 World Cup winners reveals FIFA World Cup 2026 champion While Pulisic's condition will continue to be monitored, Pochettino was delighted with his team's overall display and praised both the players and staff for their efforts. “So, so proud. Players and staff deserved big credit for this performance,” he said. “The most important is the performance and the feeling. We know it is only the start and it is nothing. It is only one game. Now we need to be intelligent to keep going in that direction. “But we are so happy because the first game is always so difficult, hosting the World Cup, the expectation but we managed the expectation and pressure. The first 45 minutes were amazing, difficult to find a team to play like this. So happy and so proud.” Pochettino also highlighted the impact of the fans, praising the atmosphere and growing passion for soccer across the country. “The support was amazing,” he added. “That is what we were waiting for. When you talk about America, that passion, that feeling. Now they realise that soccer in America is massive, it’s big.” The USA will now await further assessment on Pulisic's fitness ahead of their next World Cup fixture, though the early signs suggest the injury is not expected to keep him sidelined for long.

Christian Pulisic suffered a calf knock against Paraguay in the opening match, but coach Mauricio Pochettino expects the USA star to be fit for the next World Cup match

Christian Pulisic injury update: Pochettino confident USA star will return soon after half-time withdrawal

The first two days of the FIFA World Cup 2026 have already produced excitement, memorable moments and plenty of talking points. Tournament co-host Mexico got off to a winning start against South Africa, while fellow hosts the United States delivered a commanding performance on Friday, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun starred for the Americans, scoring twice in the opening half.&nbsp;With group-stage action now underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, attention turns to an action-packed Day 3 on Saturday (June 13, 2026), (Sunday (Jun 14) in India), featuring matches from Groups B, C and E.&nbsp;The day’s fixtures begin with a Group B encounter between Qatar and Switzerland, scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. In Group C, Haiti will face Scotland at Boston Stadium at 6:30 AM IST. Australia will then take on Turkiye at 9:30 AM IST, while the day’s final match sees Germany meet Curacao in a Group E clash at 10:30 PM IST.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-vs-morocco-group-c-fifa-world-cup-2026-when-and-where-to-watch-matches-in-india-1781334860220">BRA vs MAR, FIFA World Cup 26: When and where to watch live streaming in India?</a><h3>FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3: Live streaming details</h3><h2>When will FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches take place?</h2>The Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place on Saturday (Jun 13) (Sunday (Jun 14) in India).&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-everyone-remembers-maradona-s-goal-in-1986-world-cup-but-did-you-know-jose-brown-played-with-dislocated-shoulder-in-final-1781333227634">FIFA 2026 | When Argentina's Brown played with dislocated shoulder in final</a><h2>Which TV channel will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches live in India?</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches between Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao, will be shown live on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD) in India.<h2>How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches live streaming in India?</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches between Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao, will be available for live streaming on the Zee5 website and app (<a href="https://www.zee5.com/">https://www.zee5.com/</a>).

Here are all the details for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on Day 3: Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao 

The first two days of the FIFA World Cup 2026 have already produced excitement, memorable moments and plenty of talking points. Tournament co-host Mexico got off to a winning start against South Africa, while fellow hosts the United States delivered a commanding performance on Friday, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun starred for the Americans, scoring twice in the opening half. With group-stage action now underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, attention turns to an action-packed Day 3 on Saturday (June 13, 2026), (Sunday (Jun 14) in India), featuring matches from Groups B, C and E. The day’s fixtures begin with a Group B encounter between Qatar and Switzerland, scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. In Group C, Haiti will face Scotland at Boston Stadium at 6:30 AM IST. Australia will then take on Turkiye at 9:30 AM IST, while the day’s final match sees Germany meet Curacao in a Group E clash at 10:30 PM IST. Also Read - BRA vs MAR, FIFA World Cup 26: When and where to watch live streaming in India? FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3: Live streaming details When will FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches take place? The Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place on Saturday (Jun 13) (Sunday (Jun 14) in India). Also Read - FIFA 2026 | When Argentina's Brown played with dislocated shoulder in final Which TV channel will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches live in India? The FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches between Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao, will be shown live on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD) in India. How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches live streaming in India? The FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 matches between Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao, will be available for live streaming on the Zee5 website and app (https://www.zee5.com/).

Here are all the details for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on Day 3: Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, Australia vs Turkiye and Germany vs Curacao&nbsp;

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3 live streaming: When and where to watch matches in India?

One of the standout matchups of the opening round at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature five-time champions Brazil against Morocco in a highly anticipated Group C encounter on Sunday (IST). With co-hosts Mexico and the United States already registered opening victories, focus now turns to one of the tournament’s headline fixtures at New York New Jersey Stadium.<h3>Brazil chasing historic sixth title</h3>Brazil enter the competition under immense expectations as they continue their pursuit of sixth FIFA World Cup trophy. Widely regarded as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, the South Americans have not lifted the title since 2002.&nbsp;Guided by veteran manager Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil will be eager to end a 24-year title drought and reclaim their place at the summit of world football.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-paraguay-s-bobadilla-nets-first-own-goal-of-ongoing-world-cup-1781332227059">FIFA 2026: Paraguay’s Bobadilla nets first own goal of ongoing World Cup</a><h3>Morocco aim to build on historic success</h3>Morocco captured global attention during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, producing one of the most memorable campaigns in tournament history.&nbsp;The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals, overcoming top teams such as Spain and Portugal before ultimately securing a fourth-place finish.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-day-2-recap-from-spectacular-opening-ceremonies-to-usa-s-dominant-win-1781321469932">FIFA 2026, Day 2 Recap - From spectacular opening ceremonies to USA's strong win</a>&nbsp;That remarkable achievement elevated Morocco’s standing in international football and the North Africans arrive at this World Cup determined to demonstrate that their breakthrough run was the start of a new era rather than a one-time achievement.<h3>Brazil vs Morocco: Previous results</h3>Brazil and Morocco have had limited encounters on the global stage. Their only FIFA World Cup meeting came in 1998, when Brazil recorded a convincing 3-0 victory.<h2>Which TV channel will broadcast the Brazil vs Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 match live in India?</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Brazil and Morocco will be shown live on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD) in India.<h2>How to watch Brazil vs Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming in India?</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Brazil and Morocco will be available for live streaming on the Zee5 website and app (<a href="https://www.zee5.com/">https://www.zee5.com/</a>).

As the crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 clash between Brazil and Morocco approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

One of the standout matchups of the opening round at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature five-time champions Brazil against Morocco in a highly anticipated Group C encounter on Sunday (IST). With co-hosts Mexico and the United States already registered opening victories, focus now turns to one of the tournament’s headline fixtures at New York New Jersey Stadium. Brazil chasing historic sixth title Brazil enter the competition under immense expectations as they continue their pursuit of sixth FIFA World Cup trophy. Widely regarded as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, the South Americans have not lifted the title since 2002. Guided by veteran manager Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil will be eager to end a 24-year title drought and reclaim their place at the summit of world football. Also Read - FIFA 2026: Paraguay’s Bobadilla nets first own goal of ongoing World Cup Morocco aim to build on historic success Morocco captured global attention during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, producing one of the most memorable campaigns in tournament history. The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals, overcoming top teams such as Spain and Portugal before ultimately securing a fourth-place finish. Also Read - FIFA 2026, Day 2 Recap - From spectacular opening ceremonies to USA's strong win That remarkable achievement elevated Morocco’s standing in international football and the North Africans arrive at this World Cup determined to demonstrate that their breakthrough run was the start of a new era rather than a one-time achievement. Brazil vs Morocco: Previous results Brazil and Morocco have had limited encounters on the global stage. Their only FIFA World Cup meeting came in 1998, when Brazil recorded a convincing 3-0 victory. Which TV channel will broadcast the Brazil vs Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 match live in India? The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Brazil and Morocco will be shown live on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD) in India. How to watch Brazil vs Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming in India? The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Brazil and Morocco will be available for live streaming on the Zee5 website and app (https://www.zee5.com/).

As the crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 clash between Brazil and Morocco approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

BRA vs MAR, Group C, FIFA World Cup 2026: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

Argentina's FIFA World Cup victory in 1986 is remembered for Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal in the quarterfinal against England but there's a little known story of defiance and sheer grit which happened in the final. Argentina won the final 3-2 against Germany at Azteca Stadium in Mexico and lift their second title, but it wouldn't have been possible without one man - Jose Luis Brown. The defender scored the first goal of the final but tragedy struck and he dislocated his shoulder. Brown, however, refused to be substituted and played the remaining match with made-up sling from his jersey - proving his mettle and eventually lifted the most prestigious trophy in football.<h2>How is Argentina's Brown played through dislocated shoulder in FIFA 1986 final?</h2>It was just after the first half with Argentina one goal up but Jose Luis Brown dislocated his shoulder. Any person with such injury would have left the pitch after putting his team head but Brown refused to do so.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-brazil-trusting-on-smart-vest-to-help-them-regain-lost-glory-1781328924961">FIFA 2026 | Brazil trusting on 'smart vest' to help them regain lost glory</a>"The pain was unbearable," Brown said as <a href="https://www.fifa.com/en/articles/quirky-funny-stories-from-fifa-world-cup-finals-varela-tostao-brown-brehme#:~:text='%20I%20bit%20a%20hole%20in,as%20Argentina%20won%203%2D2.">reported by FIFA's official website</a>. "But I told the doctor in no uncertain terms, 'Don’t even think about taking me off.' I bit a hole in my jersey, put my finger through it, and used it as a sling," he added.He was off the pitch for only 28 seconds, came back and played throughout the game.Apart from him, Jorge Valdano in 56th minute scored the goal for Argentina before Germany scored two goals in six minutes and bring the match to a level. For Germany Karl-Heinz Rummenigge &nbsp;and Rudi Völler scored in 75th and 81st minute, respectively. The final goal of the match was scored by Argentina's Jorge Burruchaga in the 84th minute to take his team to glory.<h2>Argentina's schedule in FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>Argentina are featuring in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 as defending champions. They start their defence against Algeria in Group J match on June 16 at Kanas City stadium. They next play Austria on Jun 21 at Dallas Stadium before finishing their group stage fixtures against Jordon on June 27, also at Dallas Stadium.<h2>How to watch Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live in India?</h2>Argentina's group-stage matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website.

Argentina's Jose Brown played with a dislocated shoulder in the final, using his jersey as a make-shift sling during the match as the team won 3-2 against Germany.

Argentina's FIFA World Cup victory in 1986 is remembered for Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal in the quarterfinal against England but there's a little known story of defiance and sheer grit which happened in the final. Argentina won the final 3-2 against Germany at Azteca Stadium in Mexico and lift their second title, but it wouldn't have been possible without one man - Jose Luis Brown. The defender scored the first goal of the final but tragedy struck and he dislocated his shoulder. Brown, however, refused to be substituted and played the remaining match with made-up sling from his jersey - proving his mettle and eventually lifted the most prestigious trophy in football. How is Argentina's Brown played through dislocated shoulder in FIFA 1986 final? It was just after the first half with Argentina one goal up but Jose Luis Brown dislocated his shoulder. Any person with such injury would have left the pitch after putting his team head but Brown refused to do so. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | Brazil trusting on 'smart vest' to help them regain lost glory "The pain was unbearable," Brown said as reported by FIFA's official website. "But I told the doctor in no uncertain terms, 'Don’t even think about taking me off.' I bit a hole in my jersey, put my finger through it, and used it as a sling," he added. He was off the pitch for only 28 seconds, came back and played throughout the game. Apart from him, Jorge Valdano in 56th minute scored the goal for Argentina before Germany scored two goals in six minutes and bring the match to a level. For Germany Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Völler scored in 75th and 81st minute, respectively. The final goal of the match was scored by Argentina's Jorge Burruchaga in the 84th minute to take his team to glory. Argentina's schedule in FIFA World Cup 2026 Argentina are featuring in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 as defending champions. They start their defence against Algeria in Group J match on June 16 at Kanas City stadium. They next play Austria on Jun 21 at Dallas Stadium before finishing their group stage fixtures against Jordon on June 27, also at Dallas Stadium. How to watch Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live in India? Argentina's group-stage matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website.

Argentina's Jose Brown played with a dislocated shoulder in the final, using his jersey as a make-shift sling during the match as the team won 3-2 against Germany.

FIFA 2026 | Everyone remembers Maradona's goal in 1986 World Cup but did you know Jose Brown played with dislocated shoulder in final

Defender Damian Bobadilla made an unwanted record on Saturday by scoring the first own goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 during Paraguay’s Group D match against the United States at SoFi Stadium in California. The midfielder accidentally put the ball into his own net while trying to deal with a cutback from Weston McKennie. The goal came in the seventh minute, making it the USA’s third-fastest goal in World Cup history and the quickest goal of the 2026 tournament so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;The own goal also marked the fourth time the United States have profited from an opposition own goal in World Cup history. Only France have benefited more often, with six such goals.&nbsp;Following the early breakthrough, USA took control of the match and keep constant pressure on Paraguay’s defence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-have-you-not-seen-my-matches-cristiano-ronaldo-confident-ahead-of-portugal-s-campaign-1781326517431">FIFA World Cup 2026 | 'Have you not seen my matches?': Cristiano Ronaldo confident ahead of Portugal's campaign</a>&nbsp;Coming to the match, Folarin Balogun scored twice, while Gio Reyna impressed late on as USA comfortably outclassed Paraguay and made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 4-1 win.&nbsp;&nbsp;The result was particularly significant as it marked the first occasion on which the USA scored four goals in a World Cup fixture.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-day-2-recap-from-spectacular-opening-ceremonies-to-usa-s-dominant-win-1781321469932">FIFA 2026, Day 2 Recap - From spectacular opening ceremonies to USA's strong win</a>&nbsp;Hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1994 FIFA World Cup, the United States will aim to improve on their 2022 campaign, which ended in the Round of 16.&nbsp;For Paraguay, the tournament represents a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage after missing the previous editions. Their best World Cup performance remains the quarterfinal appearance they achieved at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Paraguay central midfielder Bobadilla accidentally put the ball into his own net while trying to clear a cutback from Weston McKennie inside the six-yard box.

Defender Damian Bobadilla made an unwanted record on Saturday by scoring the first own goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 during Paraguay’s Group D match against the United States at SoFi Stadium in California. The midfielder accidentally put the ball into his own net while trying to deal with a cutback from Weston McKennie. The goal came in the seventh minute, making it the USA’s third-fastest goal in World Cup history and the quickest goal of the 2026 tournament so far. The own goal also marked the fourth time the United States have profited from an opposition own goal in World Cup history. Only France have benefited more often, with six such goals. Following the early breakthrough, USA took control of the match and keep constant pressure on Paraguay’s defence. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026 | 'Have you not seen my matches?': Cristiano Ronaldo confident ahead of Portugal's campaign Coming to the match, Folarin Balogun scored twice, while Gio Reyna impressed late on as USA comfortably outclassed Paraguay and made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 4-1 win. The result was particularly significant as it marked the first occasion on which the USA scored four goals in a World Cup fixture. Also Read - FIFA 2026, Day 2 Recap - From spectacular opening ceremonies to USA's strong win Hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1994 FIFA World Cup, the United States will aim to improve on their 2022 campaign, which ended in the Round of 16. For Paraguay, the tournament represents a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage after missing the previous editions. Their best World Cup performance remains the quarterfinal appearance they achieved at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Paraguay central midfielder Bobadilla accidentally put the ball into his own net while trying to clear a cutback from Weston McKennie inside the six-yard box.

FIFA 2026: Paraguay’s Bobadilla nets first own goal of ongoing World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed concerns about his fitness and said he feels confident as he prepares to captain Portugal at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking in Lisbon before the team departed for its training base in Palm Beach, Florida, the 41-year-old forward said that Portugal’s preparations had been demanding but productive. The Portuguese side heads into the tournament on the back of friendly victories over Chile and Nigeria, although Ronaldo was unable to find the net in either match.&nbsp;Asked about his fitness, Ronaldo responded confidently: “Physically? I’m fine - have you not seen my matches?"&nbsp;The veteran striker highlighted the effort the squad has put in during the lead-up to the competition.&nbsp;“It has been good but tiring because we’ve worked hard," he said. “We’ve had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount that’s when we’ll see the true champions."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-day-2-recap-from-spectacular-opening-ceremonies-to-usa-s-dominant-win-1781321469932">FIFA 2026, Day 2 Recap - From spectacular opening ceremonies to USA's dominant win</a><h2>Can Portugal end their World Cup wait?</h2>Ronaldo is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup, extending his remarkable international career. Portugal are still searching for their first World Cup title, with their best result remaining a third-place finish in 1966.&nbsp;Despite that history, Ronaldo believes the current squad possesses the quality needed to challenge for football’s biggest stage.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-brazil-trusting-on-smart-vest-to-help-them-regain-lost-glory-1781328924961">FIFA 2026 | Brazil trusting on 'smart vest' to help them regain lost glory</a>&nbsp;“We’re really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we’re heading there full of hope," he said.&nbsp;“We have a very good generation, but there are factors we can’t control, such as the matches, winning or not winning is the most important thing. I believe this is a generation that will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people," he added.<h2>Importance of a strong start</h2>Portugal begin their Group K campaign against Congo on Jun 17 before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia.&nbsp;Ronaldo also stressed that the significance of finishing at the top of the group and building momentum early in the tournament.&nbsp;“The key is to start well, finish top of the group," he said. “Then it’s one game at a time, step by step, taking it calmly, building confidence and getting into our rhythm. It will depend on many factors, but I’m very confident that things will go well."&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is ready and confident ahead of leading Portugal at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will compete in Group K against Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed concerns about his fitness and said he feels confident as he prepares to captain Portugal at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking in Lisbon before the team departed for its training base in Palm Beach, Florida, the 41-year-old forward said that Portugal’s preparations had been demanding but productive. The Portuguese side heads into the tournament on the back of friendly victories over Chile and Nigeria, although Ronaldo was unable to find the net in either match. Asked about his fitness, Ronaldo responded confidently: “Physically? I’m fine - have you not seen my matches?" The veteran striker highlighted the effort the squad has put in during the lead-up to the competition. “It has been good but tiring because we’ve worked hard," he said. “We’ve had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount that’s when we’ll see the true champions." Also Read - FIFA 2026, Day 2 Recap - From spectacular opening ceremonies to USA's dominant win Can Portugal end their World Cup wait? Ronaldo is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup, extending his remarkable international career. Portugal are still searching for their first World Cup title, with their best result remaining a third-place finish in 1966. Despite that history, Ronaldo believes the current squad possesses the quality needed to challenge for football’s biggest stage. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | Brazil trusting on 'smart vest' to help them regain lost glory “We’re really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we’re heading there full of hope," he said. “We have a very good generation, but there are factors we can’t control, such as the matches, winning or not winning is the most important thing. I believe this is a generation that will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people," he added. Importance of a strong start Portugal begin their Group K campaign against Congo on Jun 17 before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia. Ronaldo also stressed that the significance of finishing at the top of the group and building momentum early in the tournament. “The key is to start well, finish top of the group," he said. “Then it’s one game at a time, step by step, taking it calmly, building confidence and getting into our rhythm. It will depend on many factors, but I’m very confident that things will go well." (With inputs from agencies)

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is ready and confident ahead of leading Portugal at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will compete in Group K against Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | 'Have you not seen my matches?': Cristiano Ronaldo confident ahead of Portugal's campaign

Brazil is the most successful team in the history of the FIFA World Cup but haven't been able to live up their own standards in the last five editions. The last of Brazil's five trophies came in 2002 and the team has been wanting left for success ever since. In the ongoing FIFA 2026, the five-time champions will strive to reclaim the glory once their and for that, they are using every means possible including 'smart vest.' The vest helps tracks data of the athletes and aides in making tactical decisions, something Brazil has looked into to reach their golden standards.<h2>What is a smart vest and how does it help athletes?</h2>A smart vest is something like a sports bra which players wear underneath their jerseys while playing for clubs around the globe. It tracks data such as speed, heart rate, recovery from injuries among other things. The data is then relayed to coaches who make decisions based on the data. For eg, if a player has high speed then the coach might want to play him in an attacking position from where he can carry the ball swiftly.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-england-s-equipment-including-boots-stoles-ahead-of-training-session-1781324259802">FIFA 2026 | England's equipment including boots stolen ahead of training session</a>The vests also helps with keeping data of star players, such as Neymar in Brazil's case, who spend very little time with national coaches and management. The data helps the national teams keep track of their players' fitness by looking at the data even if the players spending much of their time in another continent.<h2>How is Brazil leveraging smart vest data?</h2>Guilherme Passos, head of sports science for the Brazil national team, as reported by the BBC, says: "On a daily basis, when we are not with the players, we communicate with the clubs and they send us the players information from the tracking system."Passos said that the national team uses data to analyse players who are not with them for longer duration because of club commitments. The data also helps coming up with recovery plans for athletes, says Passos: "If the player's a high speed player, it's very important to devote to this metric, small steps to guarantee that the muscle is well recovered."<h2>Brazil's schedule in FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>Brazil start their FIFA 2026 campaign against Morocco on Saturday (Jun 13) - Sunday 3:30 am India time - in Group C fixture at Metlife stadium in New York New Jersey. They next play Haiti on June 19 at Philadelphia stadium before finishing off the group-stage against Scotland on June 24 at Miami Stadium.<h2>How to watch and stream Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in India?</h2>Brazil's group-stage matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website.

Brazil players wear smart vest during club matches which gives data to national set-up to help coaches make tactical decision and track players' health.

Brazil is the most successful team in the history of the FIFA World Cup but haven't been able to live up their own standards in the last five editions. The last of Brazil's five trophies came in 2002 and the team has been wanting left for success ever since. In the ongoing FIFA 2026, the five-time champions will strive to reclaim the glory once their and for that, they are using every means possible including 'smart vest.' The vest helps tracks data of the athletes and aides in making tactical decisions, something Brazil has looked into to reach their golden standards. What is a smart vest and how does it help athletes? A smart vest is something like a sports bra which players wear underneath their jerseys while playing for clubs around the globe. It tracks data such as speed, heart rate, recovery from injuries among other things. The data is then relayed to coaches who make decisions based on the data. For eg, if a player has high speed then the coach might want to play him in an attacking position from where he can carry the ball swiftly. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | England's equipment including boots stolen ahead of training session The vests also helps with keeping data of star players, such as Neymar in Brazil's case, who spend very little time with national coaches and management. The data helps the national teams keep track of their players' fitness by looking at the data even if the players spending much of their time in another continent. How is Brazil leveraging smart vest data? Guilherme Passos, head of sports science for the Brazil national team, as reported by the BBC, says: "On a daily basis, when we are not with the players, we communicate with the clubs and they send us the players information from the tracking system." Passos said that the national team uses data to analyse players who are not with them for longer duration because of club commitments. The data also helps coming up with recovery plans for athletes, says Passos: "If the player's a high speed player, it's very important to devote to this metric, small steps to guarantee that the muscle is well recovered." Brazil's schedule in FIFA World Cup 2026 Brazil start their FIFA 2026 campaign against Morocco on Saturday (Jun 13) - Sunday 3:30 am India time - in Group C fixture at Metlife stadium in New York New Jersey. They next play Haiti on June 19 at Philadelphia stadium before finishing off the group-stage against Scotland on June 24 at Miami Stadium. How to watch and stream Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in India? Brazil's group-stage matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website.

Brazil players wear smart vest during club matches which gives data to national set-up to help coaches make tactical decision and track players' health.

FIFA 2026 | Brazil trusting on 'smart vest' to help them regain lost glory

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 2 on Friday (Jun 12) saw co-host Canada play out a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the United States recorded a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in their respective group matches. The second day of the 48-team tournament, which runs until Jul 19, delivered several key moments, records and drama from both on and off the the pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Canada earned their first-ever World Cup point after substitute Cyle Larin scored a late equaliser to secure a draw, while USA registered their biggest World Cup victory in history with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. It was also the first time the USA men’s team scored four goals in a World Cup match.&nbsp;Here’s a look at all the major highlights from Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.&nbsp;<h2>FIFA World Cup Day 2 Recap</h2><h2>Spectacular opening ceremonies</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies in Canada and Los Angeles took place on Friday (Jun 12), celebrating the tournament’s multi-nation format with performances from several global stars, including Nora Fatehi, Lisa, Katy Perry and Tyla.&nbsp;In Toronto, fans enjoyed a lively show as Nora Fatehi performed “Siir Siir” alongside Vegedream and Sanjoy. Meanwhile, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Katy Perry headlined the ceremony and performed with young singer Tius.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-england-s-equipment-including-boots-stoles-ahead-of-training-session-1781324259802">FIFA 2026 | England's equipment including boots stoles ahead of training session</a><h2>Cyle Larin rescues Canada with historic World Cup point&nbsp;</h2>Canada earned a historic point in their FIFA World Cup 2026 home debut after coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium in Ontario.&nbsp;It was Canada’s first-ever World Cup point after six previous unsuccessful attempts at the tournament. Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead in the first half, but Cyle Larin struck in the 78th minute to level the score and ensure both teams shared the points in the opener.<h2>USA register their biggest win in FIFA World Cup history</h2>The United States made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles.&nbsp;Backed by a strong home crowd, Mauricio Pochettino’s side got an early boost when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla scored an own goal in the seventh minute, handing the hosts a dream start. After that, USA took control of the match and keep constant pressure on Paraguay’s defence.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-neymar-set-to-miss-brazil-s-opening-match-against-morocco-1781319683298">FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar set to miss Brazil’s opening match against Morocco</a>&nbsp;Folarin Balogun scored twice, while Gio Reyna impressed late on as USA comfortably outclassed Paraguay.<h2>Paraguay’s Bobadilla scores first own goal of FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>Defender Damian Bobadilla made an unwanted record by scoring the first own goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 during Paraguay’s Group D match at SoFi Stadium in California.&nbsp;&nbsp;The midfielder accidentally put the ball into his own net while trying to deal with a cutback from Weston McKennie. The goal came in the seventh minute, making it the USA’s third-fastest goal in World Cup history and the quickest goal of the 2026 tournament so far.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 2 on Friday (Jun 12) began with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring Nora Fatehi and Alessia Cara. Canada played out a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while USA ended the day with a commanding victory over Paraguay.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 2 on Friday (Jun 12) saw co-host Canada play out a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the United States recorded a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in their respective group matches. The second day of the 48-team tournament, which runs until Jul 19, delivered several key moments, records and drama from both on and off the the pitch. Canada earned their first-ever World Cup point after substitute Cyle Larin scored a late equaliser to secure a draw, while USA registered their biggest World Cup victory in history with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. It was also the first time the USA men’s team scored four goals in a World Cup match. Here’s a look at all the major highlights from Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA World Cup Day 2 Recap Spectacular opening ceremonies The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies in Canada and Los Angeles took place on Friday (Jun 12), celebrating the tournament’s multi-nation format with performances from several global stars, including Nora Fatehi, Lisa, Katy Perry and Tyla. In Toronto, fans enjoyed a lively show as Nora Fatehi performed “Siir Siir” alongside Vegedream and Sanjoy. Meanwhile, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Katy Perry headlined the ceremony and performed with young singer Tius. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | England's equipment including boots stoles ahead of training session Cyle Larin rescues Canada with historic World Cup point Canada earned a historic point in their FIFA World Cup 2026 home debut after coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium in Ontario. It was Canada’s first-ever World Cup point after six previous unsuccessful attempts at the tournament. Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead in the first half, but Cyle Larin struck in the 78th minute to level the score and ensure both teams shared the points in the opener. USA register their biggest win in FIFA World Cup history The United States made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Backed by a strong home crowd, Mauricio Pochettino’s side got an early boost when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla scored an own goal in the seventh minute, handing the hosts a dream start. After that, USA took control of the match and keep constant pressure on Paraguay’s defence. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar set to miss Brazil’s opening match against Morocco Folarin Balogun scored twice, while Gio Reyna impressed late on as USA comfortably outclassed Paraguay. Paraguay’s Bobadilla scores first own goal of FIFA World Cup 2026 Defender Damian Bobadilla made an unwanted record by scoring the first own goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 during Paraguay’s Group D match at SoFi Stadium in California. The midfielder accidentally put the ball into his own net while trying to deal with a cutback from Weston McKennie. The goal came in the seventh minute, making it the USA’s third-fastest goal in World Cup history and the quickest goal of the 2026 tournament so far.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 2 on Friday (Jun 12) began with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring Nora Fatehi and Alessia Cara. Canada played out a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while USA ended the day with a commanding victory over Paraguay.

FIFA 2026, Day 2 Recap - From spectacular opening ceremonies to USA's dominant win

In a bizarre incident at the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/fifa-2026">FIFA World Cup 2026</a>, England team's equipment including boots has been stolen ahead of their first training session on Sunday (Jun 14). The theft may potentially disrupt some of the training plans of Thomas Tuchel's men who are vying for their first silverware since 1966. England come in the World Cup with great hope and as a finalists of Euro 2024 which they had lost to Spain 2-1. Their first full training session was planned in Kansas City, Missouri but with equipment being stolen, it remains to be seen how they cope with the loss and practice for their World Cup 2026 opener.<h2>How England team's equipment was stolen ahead of first full training?</h2>The England team were at their pre-tournament base in Florida and are expected to reach Swope Soccer Village - their training camp - in Kansas City Missouri Saturday (Jun 13) afternoon. The equipment was believed to have been placed before their arrival. It is, however, believed that the vehicles transporting the goods were broken into on way to the training camp site. The Kansas City Police Department is leading the investigation and two people have been apprehended in the matter as well.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-neymar-set-to-miss-brazil-s-opening-match-against-morocco-1781319683298">FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar set to miss Brazil’s opening match against Morocco</a>"Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation," a Police spokesperson told the UK-based Guardian news outlet as the investigation continues into the theft.<h2>England's schedule in FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>England start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia in a Group L game in Dallas on Wednesday (Jun 17). They next take on Ghana on June 23 at the Boston Stadium before the final group-stage match against Panama on June 27 at Metlife stadium in New York - New Jersey. England, currently <a href="https://www.fifa.com/en/world-rankings">ranked 4th in the FIFA list</a>, are expected to make it to the knockout stage with ease from their group.<h2>How to watch and stream England's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in India?</h2>England's group-stage matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website.

England's equipment were stoles on the way from pre-tournament camp in Florida to training camp in Kanas City, Missouri.

In a bizarre incident at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, England team's equipment including boots has been stolen ahead of their first training session on Sunday (Jun 14). The theft may potentially disrupt some of the training plans of Thomas Tuchel's men who are vying for their first silverware since 1966. England come in the World Cup with great hope and as a finalists of Euro 2024 which they had lost to Spain 2-1. Their first full training session was planned in Kansas City, Missouri but with equipment being stolen, it remains to be seen how they cope with the loss and practice for their World Cup 2026 opener. How England team's equipment was stolen ahead of first full training? The England team were at their pre-tournament base in Florida and are expected to reach Swope Soccer Village - their training camp - in Kansas City Missouri Saturday (Jun 13) afternoon. The equipment was believed to have been placed before their arrival. It is, however, believed that the vehicles transporting the goods were broken into on way to the training camp site. The Kansas City Police Department is leading the investigation and two people have been apprehended in the matter as well. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar set to miss Brazil’s opening match against Morocco "Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation," a Police spokesperson told the UK-based Guardian news outlet as the investigation continues into the theft. England's schedule in FIFA World Cup 2026 England start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia in a Group L game in Dallas on Wednesday (Jun 17). They next take on Ghana on June 23 at the Boston Stadium before the final group-stage match against Panama on June 27 at Metlife stadium in New York - New Jersey. England, currently ranked 4th in the FIFA list, are expected to make it to the knockout stage with ease from their group. How to watch and stream England's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in India? England's group-stage matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website.

England's equipment were stoles on the way from pre-tournament camp in Florida to training camp in Kanas City, Missouri.

FIFA 2026 | England's equipment including boots stolen ahead of training session

A decomposing body was discovered inside the trunk of an abandoned vehicle parked near the stadium where Iran's national football team is training ahead of the FIFA World Cup, authorities said on Friday (Jun 12). The grisly discovery was made in a supermarket parking lot opposite Caliente Stadium in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iran has set up its training base for the tournament.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-opening-ceremony-and-first-game-fan-fest-in-mexico-city-under-cloud-of-protest-1781155832671">FIFA 2026 | Opening ceremony and first game fan fest in Mexico City under cloud of protest</a><h2>How was the rotting body discovered?</h2>AFP, citing its journalists at the scene, said that police found the rotting body in the trunk of a grey Toyota SUV with California licence plates. Videos from the scene show forensic specialists in white protective suits examining and removing the body.According to the Tijuana prosecutor's office, a police patrol located the vehicle after reports from the area. "Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a person wrapped in a black bag in the trunk, showing signs of violence," a spokesperson said.A security guard at the supermarket told the news agency that they were alerted to the vehicle after passersby reported a strong, foul smell. "That morning they found out because it smelled bad," the guard said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-why-haiti-asked-to-change-jersey-on-eve-of-football-world-cup-1781150472672">FIFA 2026 | Haiti asked to change jersey on eve of football World Cup</a><h2>Dead body was locked in SUV for days</h2>Authorities believe the SUV had been abandoned since Wednesday. With temperatures in Tijuana reaching 28 degrees Celsius, authorities suspect that the body had been left inside the vehicle for several days before being discovered.Prosecutors have launched an investigation to identify the victim and determine the circumstances of the killing.<h2>Is the rotting dead body linked to the Iran World Cup team?</h2>There was no immediate indication that the discovery was linked to the Iranian delegation or the World Cup. However, notably, the incident unfolded just metres from the stadium where Iran's World Cup squad has been training under heightened security. On Friday, the team's convoy departed the stadium only minutes after forensic personnel removed the body from the scene.Iran had originally planned to hold its pre-tournament camp in Arizona but shifted its base to Mexico amid hostilities with the United States. Since arriving in Tijuana, the team has travelled between its hotel and training ground under armed escort.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A decomposing body wrapped in a black bag was discovered inside an abandoned SUV parked near Iran's FIFA World Cup training facility in Tijuana, Mexico. Here's what investigators have revealed so far.

A decomposing body was discovered inside the trunk of an abandoned vehicle parked near the stadium where Iran's national football team is training ahead of the FIFA World Cup, authorities said on Friday (Jun 12). The grisly discovery was made in a supermarket parking lot opposite Caliente Stadium in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iran has set up its training base for the tournament. Also read | FIFA 2026 | Opening ceremony and first game fan fest in Mexico City under cloud of protest How was the rotting body discovered? AFP, citing its journalists at the scene, said that police found the rotting body in the trunk of a grey Toyota SUV with California licence plates. Videos from the scene show forensic specialists in white protective suits examining and removing the body. According to the Tijuana prosecutor's office, a police patrol located the vehicle after reports from the area. "Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a person wrapped in a black bag in the trunk, showing signs of violence," a spokesperson said. A security guard at the supermarket told the news agency that they were alerted to the vehicle after passersby reported a strong, foul smell. "That morning they found out because it smelled bad," the guard said. Also read | FIFA 2026 | Haiti asked to change jersey on eve of football World Cup Dead body was locked in SUV for days Authorities believe the SUV had been abandoned since Wednesday. With temperatures in Tijuana reaching 28 degrees Celsius, authorities suspect that the body had been left inside the vehicle for several days before being discovered. Prosecutors have launched an investigation to identify the victim and determine the circumstances of the killing. Is the rotting dead body linked to the Iran World Cup team? There was no immediate indication that the discovery was linked to the Iranian delegation or the World Cup. However, notably, the incident unfolded just metres from the stadium where Iran's World Cup squad has been training under heightened security. On Friday, the team's convoy departed the stadium only minutes after forensic personnel removed the body from the scene. Iran had originally planned to hold its pre-tournament camp in Arizona but shifted its base to Mexico amid hostilities with the United States. Since arriving in Tijuana, the team has travelled between its hotel and training ground under armed escort.

A decomposing body wrapped in a black bag was discovered inside an abandoned SUV parked near Iran's FIFA World Cup training facility in Tijuana, Mexico. Here's what investigators have revealed so far.

'Bad smell' leads to discovery of rotting body near Iran team's FIFA World Cup camp in Tijuana

Brazil will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign without star forward Neymar, as the team’s all-time leading international goalscorer has been ruled out of the opening Group C match against Morocco on Saturday (Jun 13). The fixture will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium, with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirming that Neymar is still recovering from injury and will not be available for selection.&nbsp;Ancelotti, who became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a FIFA World Cup, revealed that Neymar is expected to resume training next week. The veteran attacker has been sidelined since sustaining a right calf injury in mid-May and has not represented Brazil since 2023.&nbsp;Speaking ahead of the match, Ancelotti praised Neymar’s commitment during rehabilitation and highlighted the importance of his presence within the squad.&nbsp;“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said on Friday. “We called him up not only for his football ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can provide to the younger players in the squad."&nbsp;&nbsp;After their opener against Morocco, who finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup, Brazil will face Haiti in their second group match on Friday (Jun 19), before concluding the group stage against Scotland on Wednesday (Jun 24).&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fifa-world-cup-2026-canada-opening-ceremony-in-pictures-nora-fatehi-alessia-cara-dazzle-with-their-performance-1781290298297">FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada Opening Ceremony in pictures: Nora Fatehi, Alessia Cara dazzle with their performance</a><h3>Brazil ready to challenge for the title</h3>Ancelotti also expressed confidence in Brazil’s ability to compete with the strongest teams at the tournament as they pursue a record-extending sixth World Cup crown and their first since 2002.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thomas-partey-denied-entry-to-canada-set-to-miss-ghana-s-fifa-world-cup-opener-against-panama-1781289503218">Ghana star Thomas Partey denied from entering Canada ahead of Panama clash</a>&nbsp;The Italian manager, who has won five UEFA Champions League titles at club level, is preparing for his first World Cup as a head coach. He described leading Brazil as both a privilege and a major responsibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a new experience and a new responsibility to represent the country of football," Ancelotti said ahead of Brazil’s Group C opener against Morocco.&nbsp;“It comes down to two words: responsibility and honour. It’s a unique and very beautiful moment in my career. We have a team that can compete with every team in the world, and we’re convinced of that. It’s a team with quality and experience, and with absolute confidence that it can compete with anyone," he added.&nbsp;Ancelotti also predicted that the World Cup will be very competitive and balanced, adding that his team is ready for its opener against Morocco.

Neymar is unavailable for Brazil’s first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Morocco, but coach Carlo Ancelotti said the Brazilian star is recovering well.

Brazil will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign without star forward Neymar, as the team’s all-time leading international goalscorer has been ruled out of the opening Group C match against Morocco on Saturday (Jun 13). The fixture will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium, with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirming that Neymar is still recovering from injury and will not be available for selection. Ancelotti, who became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a FIFA World Cup, revealed that Neymar is expected to resume training next week. The veteran attacker has been sidelined since sustaining a right calf injury in mid-May and has not represented Brazil since 2023. Speaking ahead of the match, Ancelotti praised Neymar’s commitment during rehabilitation and highlighted the importance of his presence within the squad. “Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said on Friday. “We called him up not only for his football ability, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can provide to the younger players in the squad." After their opener against Morocco, who finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup, Brazil will face Haiti in their second group match on Friday (Jun 19), before concluding the group stage against Scotland on Wednesday (Jun 24). Also Check - FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada Opening Ceremony in pictures: Nora Fatehi, Alessia Cara dazzle with their performance Brazil ready to challenge for the title Ancelotti also expressed confidence in Brazil’s ability to compete with the strongest teams at the tournament as they pursue a record-extending sixth World Cup crown and their first since 2002. Also Read - Ghana star Thomas Partey denied from entering Canada ahead of Panama clash The Italian manager, who has won five UEFA Champions League titles at club level, is preparing for his first World Cup as a head coach. He described leading Brazil as both a privilege and a major responsibility. “It’s a new experience and a new responsibility to represent the country of football," Ancelotti said ahead of Brazil’s Group C opener against Morocco. “It comes down to two words: responsibility and honour. It’s a unique and very beautiful moment in my career. We have a team that can compete with every team in the world, and we’re convinced of that. It’s a team with quality and experience, and with absolute confidence that it can compete with anyone," he added. Ancelotti also predicted that the World Cup will be very competitive and balanced, adding that his team is ready for its opener against Morocco.

Neymar is unavailable for Brazil’s first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Morocco, but coach Carlo Ancelotti said the Brazilian star is recovering well.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar set to miss Brazil’s opening match against Morocco

FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada Opening Ceremony in pictures: Nora Fatehi, Alessia Cara dazzle with their performance

Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony thrilled fans as Canadian-born singer Nora Fatehi performed “Siir Siir” with Vegedream and Sanjoy. Alessia Cara and William Prince also took the stage

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country's opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. The former Arsenal midfielder is scheduled to stand trial next year. FIFA confirmed that Partey, currently with Spanish club Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana's training camp in Boston after his visa application was rejected by Canadian officials.&nbsp;In a statement, FIFA said, "FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.” According to Canada's immigration rules, individuals who have committed or been convicted of a crime may be denied entry into the country. Although Partey has not been convicted and maintains his innocence, Canadian authorities declined his visa application while legal proceedings remain ongoing.&nbsp;A spokesperson from US Customs and Border Protection said, "The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey, however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa."Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP [customs and border protection] officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law. CBP defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-dog-who-saved-the-1966-fifa-world-cup-how-pickles-solved-football-s-greatest-mystery-1781283302241">The dog who saved the 1966 FIFA World Cup: How Pickles Solved football's greatest mystery</a>&nbsp;Before the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad. He said, "If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. "I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about? "This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. "Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth."&nbsp;Ghana will face England in their second Group L fixture at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on 23 June before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. Partey remains eligible to play in both matches in the United States. Should Ghana advance to the knockout rounds, the team's path could once again take them into Canada. A second-place finish in Group L would result in a Round of 32 match in Toronto on 2 July. If Ghana progress as a third-placed team and win their opening knockout fixture, they could play a Round of 16 match in Vancouver on 7 July.&nbsp;Partey's case is one of several immigration-related issues affecting participants during the tournament. Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was reportedly questioned for several hours at a Chicago airport before being allowed entry into the United States. Iran have also encountered difficulties, including relocating their training base to Mexico, while some supporters reportedly had tickets revoked and members of their delegation were denied visas.

Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada and will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama. FIFA confirms visa refusal as legal case remains ongoing

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country's opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. The former Arsenal midfielder is scheduled to stand trial next year. FIFA confirmed that Partey, currently with Spanish club Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana's training camp in Boston after his visa application was rejected by Canadian officials. In a statement, FIFA said, "FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. “The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.” According to Canada's immigration rules, individuals who have committed or been convicted of a crime may be denied entry into the country. Although Partey has not been convicted and maintains his innocence, Canadian authorities declined his visa application while legal proceedings remain ongoing. A spokesperson from US Customs and Border Protection said, "The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey, however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa. "Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP [customs and border protection] officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law. CBP defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry." Also Read: The dog who saved the 1966 FIFA World Cup: How Pickles Solved football's greatest mystery Before the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad. He said, "If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. "I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about? "This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. "Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth." Ghana will face England in their second Group L fixture at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on 23 June before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. Partey remains eligible to play in both matches in the United States. Should Ghana advance to the knockout rounds, the team's path could once again take them into Canada. A second-place finish in Group L would result in a Round of 32 match in Toronto on 2 July. If Ghana progress as a third-placed team and win their opening knockout fixture, they could play a Round of 16 match in Vancouver on 7 July. Partey's case is one of several immigration-related issues affecting participants during the tournament. Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was reportedly questioned for several hours at a Chicago airport before being allowed entry into the United States. Iran have also encountered difficulties, including relocating their training base to Mexico, while some supporters reportedly had tickets revoked and members of their delegation were denied visas.

Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama after Canada denied his visa application amid ongoing legal proceedings

Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada, set to miss Ghana's FIFA World Cup opener against Panama

Long before England lifted the World Cup on home soil in 1966, the tournament faced a crisis that threatened to overshadow the entire event. Four months before kickoff, the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen from a public exhibition in London, sparking a nationwide manhunt that would eventually be solved by an unlikely hero, a mixed-breed collie named Pickles.<h2>A trophy vanishes</h2>The story began on March 20, 1966, when the Football Association (FA) agreed to display the Jules Rimet Trophy at the Stanley Gibbons Stampex exhibition, “Sport with Stamps,” held at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster. Valued at £3,000 and displayed alongside rare stamps worth an estimated £3 million, the trophy was considered one of the exhibition’s main attractions. Then-FIFA President Stanley Rous approved the display under strict security conditions. The trophy was transported by a reputable company, kept inside a locked display case, guarded by security personnel, and insured for £30,000.&nbsp;Despite these precautions, a major flaw remained. Security coverage was not continuous, leaving gaps when the exhibition was closed. Taking advantage of the lapse, a thief entered through a rear door and stole the trophy in broad daylight sometime between 11 a.m. and 12:10 pm. Even more baffling was the fact that the thief ignored the far more valuable stamp collection and took only the World Cup trophy. The theft was a major embarrassment for authorities. The Metropolitan Police had no immediate leads and conflicting witness descriptions complicated the investigation.<h2>The ransom note</h2>Days later, FA chairman Joe Mears received a ransom note signed by someone calling himself “Jackson.” The note read: “Dear Joe Kno doubt you view with very much concern the loss of the World Cup ... To me it is only so much scrap gold. If I don’t hear from you by Thursday or Friday at the latest I assume it’s one for the POT.” The sender demanded £15,000 for the trophy’s return.&nbsp;Detective Inspector Len Buggy posed as Mears’s assistant and arranged a meeting with the alleged thief in Battersea Park. Carrying a briefcase filled mostly with newspapers, Buggy waited for the exchange. However, the suspect spotted police surveillance nearby and fled. He was quickly arrested and identified as Edward Betchley. Investigators soon discovered he was merely a middleman and did not possess the trophy. With no further leads, the investigation stalled.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/104-matches-16-cities-3-countries-the-massive-broadcast-operation-behind-fifa-world-cup-2026-1781279302683">104 matches, 16 cities, 3 countries: The massive broadcast operation behind FIFA World Cup 2026</a><h2>Enter Pickles</h2>Everything changed on the morning of March 27. David Corbett stepped outside his home with his dog Pickles. He planned to make a phone call from a nearby telephone box before taking his collie for a walk. As they passed a neighbor’s car, Pickles became interested in a suspicious package hidden in nearby bushes. Wrapped in newspaper and tied with string, the parcel seemed unusual enough to attract Corbett’s attention.&nbsp;Recalling the moment years later, Corbett told FIFA: “I picked it up and it’s quite heavy, though not very big; it wasn’t a spectacular cup.” “At the time the IRA (Irish Republican Army) were at large, so I personally thought it was a bomb. So I put it down. Picked it up, put it down again. Then curiosity took hold. I tore a bit off the bottom and there was a plain disc. Then I tore around and there was Brazil, Germany, Uruguay. I ran back in and said to my wife: ‘I think I’ve found the World Cup!’”&nbsp;Corbett immediately delivered the trophy to Cannon Row Police Station. Ironically, police initially viewed him as the prime suspect. Finding the missing World Cup trophy outside his own home seemed too incredible to be a coincidence. After extensive questioning, authorities cleared Corbett of any involvement. The investigation never conclusively determined who had originally hidden the trophy in the bushes.<h2>Overnight celebrity</h2>With the mystery solved, Pickles became an instant national celebrity. The collie appeared on television, starred in the film The Spy With a Cold Nose, received a medal from the National Canine Defence League (now Dogs Trust), and was rewarded with a year's supply of dog food. Corbett also received a £5,000 reward for recovering the trophy. The newfound fame came with memorable moments. Corbett later admitted to feeling embarrassed when Pickles relieved himself on elevator doors at the hotel hosting England’s World Cup winners' banquet—a celebration to which both owner and dog had been invited.<h2>England’s historic triumph</h2>Four months after the trophy was recovered, England completed one of the most memorable chapters in football history. The Three Lions defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the 1966 World Cup Final. Geoff Hurst scored a historic hat-trick, becoming the first player ever to achieve the feat in a World Cup final.&nbsp;The record stood for 56 years until Kylian Mbappe matched it for France against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final.England captain Bobby Moore proudly lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy, the same trophy that had nearly vanished forever months earlier. Pickles was there to celebrate with the team, forever cementing his place in football folklore. Although the collie died just a year later, his remarkable discovery ensured that his legacy would endure as the dog who helped save the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

Discover the incredible true story of Pickles, the dog who found the stolen 1966 World Cup trophy. Learn how a bizarre theft, ransom plot, and canine hero saved football’s biggest tournament

Long before England lifted the World Cup on home soil in 1966, the tournament faced a crisis that threatened to overshadow the entire event. Four months before kickoff, the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen from a public exhibition in London, sparking a nationwide manhunt that would eventually be solved by an unlikely hero, a mixed-breed collie named Pickles. A trophy vanishes The story began on March 20, 1966, when the Football Association (FA) agreed to display the Jules Rimet Trophy at the Stanley Gibbons Stampex exhibition, “Sport with Stamps,” held at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster. Valued at £3,000 and displayed alongside rare stamps worth an estimated £3 million, the trophy was considered one of the exhibition’s main attractions. Then-FIFA President Stanley Rous approved the display under strict security conditions. The trophy was transported by a reputable company, kept inside a locked display case, guarded by security personnel, and insured for £30,000. Despite these precautions, a major flaw remained. Security coverage was not continuous, leaving gaps when the exhibition was closed. Taking advantage of the lapse, a thief entered through a rear door and stole the trophy in broad daylight sometime between 11 a.m. and 12:10 pm. Even more baffling was the fact that the thief ignored the far more valuable stamp collection and took only the World Cup trophy. The theft was a major embarrassment for authorities. The Metropolitan Police had no immediate leads and conflicting witness descriptions complicated the investigation. The ransom note Days later, FA chairman Joe Mears received a ransom note signed by someone calling himself “Jackson.” The note read: “Dear Joe Kno doubt you view with very much concern the loss of the World Cup ... To me it is only so much scrap gold. If I don’t hear from you by Thursday or Friday at the latest I assume it’s one for the POT.” The sender demanded £15,000 for the trophy’s return. Detective Inspector Len Buggy posed as Mears’s assistant and arranged a meeting with the alleged thief in Battersea Park. Carrying a briefcase filled mostly with newspapers, Buggy waited for the exchange. However, the suspect spotted police surveillance nearby and fled. He was quickly arrested and identified as Edward Betchley. Investigators soon discovered he was merely a middleman and did not possess the trophy. With no further leads, the investigation stalled. Also Read: 104 matches, 16 cities, 3 countries: The massive broadcast operation behind FIFA World Cup 2026 Enter Pickles Everything changed on the morning of March 27. David Corbett stepped outside his home with his dog Pickles. He planned to make a phone call from a nearby telephone box before taking his collie for a walk. As they passed a neighbor’s car, Pickles became interested in a suspicious package hidden in nearby bushes. Wrapped in newspaper and tied with string, the parcel seemed unusual enough to attract Corbett’s attention. Recalling the moment years later, Corbett told FIFA: “I picked it up and it’s quite heavy, though not very big; it wasn’t a spectacular cup.” “At the time the IRA (Irish Republican Army) were at large, so I personally thought it was a bomb. So I put it down. Picked it up, put it down again. Then curiosity took hold. I tore a bit off the bottom and there was a plain disc. Then I tore around and there was Brazil, Germany, Uruguay. I ran back in and said to my wife: ‘I think I’ve found the World Cup!’” Corbett immediately delivered the trophy to Cannon Row Police Station. Ironically, police initially viewed him as the prime suspect. Finding the missing World Cup trophy outside his own home seemed too incredible to be a coincidence. After extensive questioning, authorities cleared Corbett of any involvement. The investigation never conclusively determined who had originally hidden the trophy in the bushes. Overnight celebrity With the mystery solved, Pickles became an instant national celebrity. The collie appeared on television, starred in the film The Spy With a Cold Nose, received a medal from the National Canine Defence League (now Dogs Trust), and was rewarded with a year's supply of dog food. Corbett also received a £5,000 reward for recovering the trophy. The newfound fame came with memorable moments. Corbett later admitted to feeling embarrassed when Pickles relieved himself on elevator doors at the hotel hosting England’s World Cup winners' banquet—a celebration to which both owner and dog had been invited. England’s historic triumph Four months after the trophy was recovered, England completed one of the most memorable chapters in football history. The Three Lions defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the 1966 World Cup Final. Geoff Hurst scored a historic hat-trick, becoming the first player ever to achieve the feat in a World Cup final. The record stood for 56 years until Kylian Mbappe matched it for France against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final. England captain Bobby Moore proudly lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy, the same trophy that had nearly vanished forever months earlier. Pickles was there to celebrate with the team, forever cementing his place in football folklore. Although the collie died just a year later, his remarkable discovery ensured that his legacy would endure as the dog who helped save the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

A collie named Pickles solved one of football’s greatest mysteries by finding the stolen 1966 FIFA World Cup trophy in a London hedge, saving England’s tournament from disaster

The dog who saved the 1966 FIFA World Cup: How Pickles Solved football's greatest mystery

When football fans tune in to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026, they will see goals, celebrations, controversies and unforgettable moments unfold on their screens. What they won't see is the massive army of producers, engineers, camera operators, commentators and technicians working behind the scenes to bring every second of the tournament to life. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the biggest sporting event ever staged. With 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations and 16 cities spread across North America, the tournament is not only rewriting football history, it is redefining sports broadcasting itself.For the global media industry, World Cup 2026 represents the most ambitious live-production challenge ever attempted.<h2>A tournament on an unprecedented scale</h2>Previous FIFA World Cups were large. The 2026 edition is something entirely different. For the first time, 48 nations will compete in football's biggest competition. The tournament will feature 104 matches, nearly double the number played in some earlier editions. Games will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, stretching from Vancouver in the west to New York in the east. For broadcasters, that means coordinating production teams across thousands of kilometres, multiple time zones and dozens of venues, all while maintaining seamless coverage for billions of viewers worldwide. The logistical challenge has been compared to producing more than a hundred major championship broadcasts in little over a month.<h2>The nerve centre behind the World Cup</h2>At the heart of the operation sits FIFA's International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Dallas. The facility will act as the central hub for the tournament's global television production. Every match feed, replay package, graphics operation, archive clip and broadcast signal will pass through the centre before reaching audiences around the world. Think of it as mission control for football's biggest show. Thousands of media professionals from broadcasters across the globe will rely on the facility to coordinate coverage, create content and distribute programming during the tournament.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-pulls-out-of-doha-diamond-league-due-to-back-injury-1781275899361">Neeraj Chopra pulls out of Doha Diamond League due to back injury</a><h2>The invisible giant making it all possible</h2>While viewers are familiar with broadcasters such as FOX Sports, BBC, ITV and beIN Sports, much of the actual production work begins with Host Broadcast Services (HBS). HBS is responsible for producing the official World Cup feed that is distributed to rights-holding broadcasters worldwide. Every camera angle, replay sequence, crowd shot and tactical view originates from this central production system before being customized by broadcasters for their own audiences. The challenge for 2026 is greater than ever. More matches mean more production crews, more cameras, more data and more technical infrastructure than any previous FIFA World Cup.<h2>More cameras than ever before</h2>Modern sports audiences demand far more than a traditional television broadcast. Fans expect ultra-slow-motion replays, tactical analysis, player-tracking graphics, aerial stadium shots and instant social-media clips. To meet those expectations, every World Cup venue will be equipped with extensive camera networks capable of capturing every detail of the action. Broadcasters will have access to multiple dedicated feeds, including tactical angles, isolated player cameras and enhanced replay systems. The result is a viewing experience designed not just for television but for smartphones, tablets, streaming platforms and social media audiences.<h2>Technology powering a global audience</h2>Behind every goal lies an enormous technological ecosystem. Artificial intelligence, cloud-based production systems and real-time data networks are expected to play a larger role than ever before at FIFA World Cup 2026. These technologies help broadcasters process vast amounts of footage, create highlights within seconds and distribute content to audiences across the globe almost instantly. A dramatic moment in Los Angeles can be clipped, edited and shared with fans in Asia, Europe and Africa within moments. The speed and scale of modern sports broadcasting would have been unimaginable even a decade ago.<h2>Beyond television</h2>The World Cup is no longer just a television event. Broadcasters today must serve audiences across multiple platforms, from traditional television channels to streaming services, social media networks and digital content hubs. Millions of younger fans consume football through short-form videos, behind-the-scenes clips and creator-driven content rather than full-match broadcasts. As a result, media organizations are producing thousands of hours of additional programming beyond the matches themselves, including training-ground reports, fan features, analysis shows and documentary content.<h2>A glimpse into the future</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more than a football tournament. It is a glimpse into the future of sports media. The lessons learned from broadcasting 104 matches across three countries will influence how future Olympics, World Cups and global sporting events are produced. Cloud production, AI-assisted workflows, remote operations and centralized broadcast hubs are no longer experimental technologies—they are becoming the new standard.&nbsp;For six weeks, viewers around the world will witness football history. Behind the scenes, however, another extraordinary achievement will be taking place: the successful delivery of the largest live sports production ever attempted. And if everything goes according to plan, most fans will never even notice the complexity behind it.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the largest sports broadcast ever, featuring 104 matches across three countries. Discover the technology, planning and people powering football's biggest tournament

When football fans tune in to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026, they will see goals, celebrations, controversies and unforgettable moments unfold on their screens. What they won't see is the massive army of producers, engineers, camera operators, commentators and technicians working behind the scenes to bring every second of the tournament to life. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the biggest sporting event ever staged. With 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations and 16 cities spread across North America, the tournament is not only rewriting football history, it is redefining sports broadcasting itself. For the global media industry, World Cup 2026 represents the most ambitious live-production challenge ever attempted. A tournament on an unprecedented scale Previous FIFA World Cups were large. The 2026 edition is something entirely different. For the first time, 48 nations will compete in football's biggest competition. The tournament will feature 104 matches, nearly double the number played in some earlier editions. Games will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, stretching from Vancouver in the west to New York in the east. For broadcasters, that means coordinating production teams across thousands of kilometres, multiple time zones and dozens of venues, all while maintaining seamless coverage for billions of viewers worldwide. The logistical challenge has been compared to producing more than a hundred major championship broadcasts in little over a month. The nerve centre behind the World Cup At the heart of the operation sits FIFA's International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Dallas. The facility will act as the central hub for the tournament's global television production. Every match feed, replay package, graphics operation, archive clip and broadcast signal will pass through the centre before reaching audiences around the world. Think of it as mission control for football's biggest show. Thousands of media professionals from broadcasters across the globe will rely on the facility to coordinate coverage, create content and distribute programming during the tournament. Also Read: Neeraj Chopra pulls out of Doha Diamond League due to back injury The invisible giant making it all possible While viewers are familiar with broadcasters such as FOX Sports, BBC, ITV and beIN Sports, much of the actual production work begins with Host Broadcast Services (HBS). HBS is responsible for producing the official World Cup feed that is distributed to rights-holding broadcasters worldwide. Every camera angle, replay sequence, crowd shot and tactical view originates from this central production system before being customized by broadcasters for their own audiences. The challenge for 2026 is greater than ever. More matches mean more production crews, more cameras, more data and more technical infrastructure than any previous FIFA World Cup. More cameras than ever before Modern sports audiences demand far more than a traditional television broadcast. Fans expect ultra-slow-motion replays, tactical analysis, player-tracking graphics, aerial stadium shots and instant social-media clips. To meet those expectations, every World Cup venue will be equipped with extensive camera networks capable of capturing every detail of the action. Broadcasters will have access to multiple dedicated feeds, including tactical angles, isolated player cameras and enhanced replay systems. The result is a viewing experience designed not just for television but for smartphones, tablets, streaming platforms and social media audiences. Technology powering a global audience Behind every goal lies an enormous technological ecosystem. Artificial intelligence, cloud-based production systems and real-time data networks are expected to play a larger role than ever before at FIFA World Cup 2026. These technologies help broadcasters process vast amounts of footage, create highlights within seconds and distribute content to audiences across the globe almost instantly. A dramatic moment in Los Angeles can be clipped, edited and shared with fans in Asia, Europe and Africa within moments. The speed and scale of modern sports broadcasting would have been unimaginable even a decade ago. Beyond television The World Cup is no longer just a television event. Broadcasters today must serve audiences across multiple platforms, from traditional television channels to streaming services, social media networks and digital content hubs. Millions of younger fans consume football through short-form videos, behind-the-scenes clips and creator-driven content rather than full-match broadcasts. As a result, media organizations are producing thousands of hours of additional programming beyond the matches themselves, including training-ground reports, fan features, analysis shows and documentary content. A glimpse into the future The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more than a football tournament. It is a glimpse into the future of sports media. The lessons learned from broadcasting 104 matches across three countries will influence how future Olympics, World Cups and global sporting events are produced. Cloud production, AI-assisted workflows, remote operations and centralized broadcast hubs are no longer experimental technologies—they are becoming the new standard. For six weeks, viewers around the world will witness football history. Behind the scenes, however, another extraordinary achievement will be taking place: the successful delivery of the largest live sports production ever attempted. And if everything goes according to plan, most fans will never even notice the complexity behind it.

With 104 matches across the USA, Canada and Mexico, FIFA World Cup 2026 is the most complex sports broadcast ever. Here's how thousands of professionals will bring the tournament to billions

104 matches, 16 cities, 3 countries: The massive broadcast operation behind FIFA World Cup 2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday (June 11), the tournament’s biggest stars are chasing more than footballing immortality. They are competing for one of the most valuable trophies in sports history, whose gold value has surged to record levels amid a dramatic rise in precious metal prices. The iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, which will be lifted by the tournament winners in New Jersey next month, has seen its bullion value soar by 157 percent since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), the raw gold value of the trophy now stands at approximately US$713,000, compared with around US$277,000 during the previous tournament four years ago.<h2>What is the FIFA World Cup trophy made of?</h2>Standing 37 centimeters tall and weighing roughly 6 kilograms, the FIFA World Cup Trophy is crafted from 18-karat gold. Its design features two human figures raising the Earth above their heads, symbolizing football’s status as the most widely followed sport on the planet.&nbsp;Despite its impressive appearance, the trophy is not made entirely of solid gold. It is hollow on the inside, a design choice that keeps its weight manageable for players celebrating victory on the world stage. The base of the trophy is decorated with two layers of malachite, a green semi-precious stone that adds to its distinctive appearance.&nbsp;The trophy was created by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga after FIFA launched an international design competition in 1970. It replaced the Jules Rimet Trophy, which was permanently awarded to Brazil following the nation’s third World Cup triumph at the 1970 tournament in Mexico. The current FIFA World Cup Trophy was first won by West Germany in 1974 under the captaincy of legendary defender Franz Beckenbauer.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/empty-seats-overshadow-world-cup-opener-as-fifa-faces-ticket-price-backlash-1781265873864">Empty seats overshadow World Cup opener as FIFA faces ticket price backlash</a><h2>Winning teams do not keep the original trophy</h2>One of the lesser-known aspects of the World Cup is that champions never retain the original trophy. FIFA remains the sole owner of the authentic prize, which is returned to the organization's headquarters in Zurich shortly after the final. The victorious nation instead receives a gold-plated bronze replica as a permanent keepsake of its achievement. While players celebrate with the original trophy during the presentation ceremony, the historic prize ultimately returns to FIFA custody, preserving one of football’s most treasured symbols for future generations.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is now worth about US$713,000 in gold value, up 157% since 2022. Learn what the iconic trophy is made of and why winners don't keep the original

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday (June 11), the tournament’s biggest stars are chasing more than footballing immortality. They are competing for one of the most valuable trophies in sports history, whose gold value has surged to record levels amid a dramatic rise in precious metal prices. The iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, which will be lifted by the tournament winners in New Jersey next month, has seen its bullion value soar by 157 percent since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), the raw gold value of the trophy now stands at approximately US$713,000, compared with around US$277,000 during the previous tournament four years ago. What is the FIFA World Cup trophy made of? Standing 37 centimeters tall and weighing roughly 6 kilograms, the FIFA World Cup Trophy is crafted from 18-karat gold. Its design features two human figures raising the Earth above their heads, symbolizing football’s status as the most widely followed sport on the planet. Despite its impressive appearance, the trophy is not made entirely of solid gold. It is hollow on the inside, a design choice that keeps its weight manageable for players celebrating victory on the world stage. The base of the trophy is decorated with two layers of malachite, a green semi-precious stone that adds to its distinctive appearance. The trophy was created by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga after FIFA launched an international design competition in 1970. It replaced the Jules Rimet Trophy, which was permanently awarded to Brazil following the nation’s third World Cup triumph at the 1970 tournament in Mexico. The current FIFA World Cup Trophy was first won by West Germany in 1974 under the captaincy of legendary defender Franz Beckenbauer. Also Read: Empty seats overshadow World Cup opener as FIFA faces ticket price backlash Winning teams do not keep the original trophy One of the lesser-known aspects of the World Cup is that champions never retain the original trophy. FIFA remains the sole owner of the authentic prize, which is returned to the organization's headquarters in Zurich shortly after the final. The victorious nation instead receives a gold-plated bronze replica as a permanent keepsake of its achievement. While players celebrate with the original trophy during the presentation ceremony, the historic prize ultimately returns to FIFA custody, preserving one of football’s most treasured symbols for future generations.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy’s gold value has surged 157% since 2022, reaching US$713,000. Made of 18-karat gold, the iconic prize remains FIFA property after every tournament

How much does the FIFA World Cup trophy cost in 2026? The answer may surprise you

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hinted that the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be his final appearance for the national team. Belgium are set to begin their Group G campaign against Egypt in Seattle on Jun 16 (IST). Speaking to the media at Belgium’s training camp, the 34-year-old, who made his international debut in 2011 and has represented his country 109 times, indicated that retirement from international football would be a strong possibility after the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Reuters, Courtois said that while he is not focused on making decisions about the future right now, it is more likely that he will step away from national-team duties after the World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I don't know if we should be talking about the future right now, but the chances are greater that I won't continue after this tournament than that I will. I still want to play for a few more years. And then you have to take care of your body. My family is here because this could be my last tournament,” said Courtois.&nbsp;Courtois also cited recurring injuries as a reason to consider stepping aside, adding, "Over the last year and a half, I've had more little physical problems and injuries, so you naturally think more about the future. I'm considering passing the torch. There's a lot of talent coming through with Senne Lammers and Mike Penders."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/empty-seats-overshadow-world-cup-opener-as-fifa-faces-ticket-price-backlash-1781265873864">Empty seats overshadow World Cup opener as FIFA faces ticket price backlash</a> Despite contemplating his future, Courtois expressed confidence in his current form, saying, "Yes, I'm very hungry, just like the rest of the group. I feel very good, and I'm looking forward to it. I also worked very hard on my comeback during the spring. The (quadriceps) injury was unfortunate because at that moment, I felt almost unbeatable. But I'm ready to maintain my level now and stay focused." Belgium are also scheduled to face Iran and New Zealand during the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.<h2>Belgium squad for FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens and Mike Penders Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys and Arthur Theate Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken and Axel Witsel Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemekars and Leandro Trossard&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Ahead of Belgium’s Group G opener against Egypt, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he is thinking about stepping away from international football after the World Cup.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hinted that the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be his final appearance for the national team. Belgium are set to begin their Group G campaign against Egypt in Seattle on Jun 16 (IST). Speaking to the media at Belgium’s training camp, the 34-year-old, who made his international debut in 2011 and has represented his country 109 times, indicated that retirement from international football would be a strong possibility after the tournament. According to Reuters, Courtois said that while he is not focused on making decisions about the future right now, it is more likely that he will step away from national-team duties after the World Cup. “I don't know if we should be talking about the future right now, but the chances are greater that I won't continue after this tournament than that I will. I still want to play for a few more years. And then you have to take care of your body. My family is here because this could be my last tournament,” said Courtois. Courtois also cited recurring injuries as a reason to consider stepping aside, adding, "Over the last year and a half, I've had more little physical problems and injuries, so you naturally think more about the future. I'm considering passing the torch. There's a lot of talent coming through with Senne Lammers and Mike Penders." Also Read - Empty seats overshadow World Cup opener as FIFA faces ticket price backlash Despite contemplating his future, Courtois expressed confidence in his current form, saying, "Yes, I'm very hungry, just like the rest of the group. I feel very good, and I'm looking forward to it. I also worked very hard on my comeback during the spring. The (quadriceps) injury was unfortunate because at that moment, I felt almost unbeatable. But I'm ready to maintain my level now and stay focused." Belgium are also scheduled to face Iran and New Zealand during the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Belgium squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens and Mike Penders Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys and Arthur Theate Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken and Axel Witsel Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemekars and Leandro Trossard With inputs from agencies

Ahead of Belgium’s Group G opener against Egypt, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he is thinking about stepping away from international football after the World Cup.

‘I’m considering passing torch’: Belgium goalkeeper Courtois hints at international retirement after FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion in Mexico City, where more than 80,000 fans packed the iconic Azteca Stadium to watch Mexico secure a 2-0 victory over South Africa. However, concerns about fan attendance quickly surfaced during the tournament’s second match, as visible empty seats dotted the stands in Guadalajara during South Korea’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic.&nbsp;The contrast between the two opening-day matches has intensified ongoing debate about ticket demand for the expanded World Cup, with critics pointing to high ticket prices, expensive travel costs, and FIFA’s marketing approach. While Mexico’s opening match generated a vibrant atmosphere, the later game in Guadalajara featured teams ranked outside the world’s top 25, attracting noticeably fewer spectators. Although the stadium has a capacity of nearly 46,000, empty sections were visible throughout the match despite an official attendance figure of 44,985.&nbsp;Fans and supporter groups have raised concerns for months about the affordability of attending the tournament. In addition to ticket costs, many supporters have cited rising accommodation prices and the expense of traveling between host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. An NBC News analysis found that hotels and tickets remained widely available for several early tournament matches. Depending on the fixture, attending a World Cup game could cost fans roughly the equivalent of a month's rent in Chicago.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mathematician-who-correctly-predicted-last-3-world-cup-winners-reveals-fifa-world-cup-2026-champion-1781261342828">Mathematician who correctly predicted last 3 World Cup winners reveals FIFA World Cup 2026 champion</a>&nbsp;Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization’s ticket pricing strategy, arguing that World Cup tickets compare favorably with other major sporting events. FIFA has sold more than six million tickets for the tournament, and demand had exceeded expectations by “a factor of 10 or more,” he said. “Our entry price, which is $60, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the playoff phases,” Infantino said.&nbsp;However, supporter organizations dispute FIFA’s claims. Football Supporters Europe filed a complaint with the European Commission in March, alleging that FIFA’s pricing structure has effectively priced out many ordinary fans. The group argued that ticket costs are significantly higher than at previous World Cups and claimed the advertised low-cost tickets were largely unavailable. It has also said that the $60 tickets FIFA is advertising “barely existed” and were snatched up before general public sales opened.&nbsp;Scrutiny over FIFA’s ticketing practices has also reached U.S. authorities. Last month, the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey issued a subpoena to FIFA following reports that some fans may have been misled about seat locations and that ticket sales practices may have contributed to escalating prices. Even President Donald Trump weighed in, criticizing World Cup ticket prices during an interview with The New York Post last month.

Empty seats at a 2026 FIFA World Cup match in Guadalajara have reignited debate over ticket prices, travel costs, and fan accessibility despite FIFA's claims of record demand

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion in Mexico City, where more than 80,000 fans packed the iconic Azteca Stadium to watch Mexico secure a 2-0 victory over South Africa. However, concerns about fan attendance quickly surfaced during the tournament’s second match, as visible empty seats dotted the stands in Guadalajara during South Korea’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. The contrast between the two opening-day matches has intensified ongoing debate about ticket demand for the expanded World Cup, with critics pointing to high ticket prices, expensive travel costs, and FIFA’s marketing approach. While Mexico’s opening match generated a vibrant atmosphere, the later game in Guadalajara featured teams ranked outside the world’s top 25, attracting noticeably fewer spectators. Although the stadium has a capacity of nearly 46,000, empty sections were visible throughout the match despite an official attendance figure of 44,985. Fans and supporter groups have raised concerns for months about the affordability of attending the tournament. In addition to ticket costs, many supporters have cited rising accommodation prices and the expense of traveling between host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. An NBC News analysis found that hotels and tickets remained widely available for several early tournament matches. Depending on the fixture, attending a World Cup game could cost fans roughly the equivalent of a month's rent in Chicago. Also Read: Mathematician who correctly predicted last 3 World Cup winners reveals FIFA World Cup 2026 champion Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization’s ticket pricing strategy, arguing that World Cup tickets compare favorably with other major sporting events. FIFA has sold more than six million tickets for the tournament, and demand had exceeded expectations by “a factor of 10 or more,” he said. “Our entry price, which is $60, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the playoff phases,” Infantino said. However, supporter organizations dispute FIFA’s claims. Football Supporters Europe filed a complaint with the European Commission in March, alleging that FIFA’s pricing structure has effectively priced out many ordinary fans. The group argued that ticket costs are significantly higher than at previous World Cups and claimed the advertised low-cost tickets were largely unavailable. It has also said that the $60 tickets FIFA is advertising “barely existed” and were snatched up before general public sales opened. Scrutiny over FIFA’s ticketing practices has also reached U.S. authorities. Last month, the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey issued a subpoena to FIFA following reports that some fans may have been misled about seat locations and that ticket sales practices may have contributed to escalating prices. Even President Donald Trump weighed in, criticizing World Cup ticket prices during an interview with The New York Post last month.

The 2026 World Cup opened with packed crowds in Mexico City, but visible empty seats in Guadalajara reignited concerns over FIFA ticket prices, travel costs, and fan affordability

Empty seats overshadow World Cup opener as FIFA faces ticket price backlash

Mexico kicked off the FIFA World Cup 2026 in style with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday. The home crowd at Mexico City Stadium had plenty to celebrate as the hosts took control early and never looked back. The breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Julian Quinones capitalised on a defensive error. South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a pass to midfielder Yaya Sithole, who lost possession under pressure, and the loose ball fell to Quinones, who calmly finished through the goalkeeper’s legs to score the first goal of the tournament.&nbsp;The strike was a landmark moment for Julian Quinones, as he is making his debut on football’s biggest stage. The 29-year-old also became one of the few players to score in their first World Cup appearance and his goal was the fastest opening goal of a World Cup since Germany’s Philipp Lahm found the net six minutes into the 2006 World Cup opener against Costa Rica.<h3>WATCH -&nbsp;</h3>

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South Africa struggled to recover after conceding early and faced another setback shortly after halftime. Sithole, already responsible for the turnover that led to Mexico’s opener, was shown a straight red card in the 50th minute for bringing down an opponent outside the penalty area. Reduced to ten men, the visitors found it even more difficult to tackle Mexico’s attacks.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/erling-haaland-trades-football-for-hockey-as-norway-stars-attend-stanley-cup-thriller-days-before-their-opening-match-at-fifa-world-cup-2026-1781257670541">Fans couldn't believe where Erling Haaland was spotted days before FIFA WC debut</a> &nbsp;The hosts eventually doubled their advantage in the second half, as Roberto Alvarado delivered an accurate cross into the box, where Raul Jimenez rose above the defence and powered a header into the net. The goal effectively ended South Africa’s hopes of having a comeback and gave Mexico a comfortable lead. &nbsp;Although Mexico controlled most of the game, the match became increasingly physical as tensions grew. Two more red cards followed before the final whistle, with South Africa’s Themba Zwane and Mexico defender Cesar Montes both being sent off, but despite the heated finish, Mexico remained in command and secured the first win of the tournament.&nbsp;The result gives the co-hosts a perfect start to their World Cup campaign, while South Africa will need to regroup quickly after a disappointing opening performance marked by defensive mistakes and disciplinary issues.

Julian Quinones took advantage of a defensive mistake by a South African defender to put Mexico ahead early, scoring within nine minutes at Mexico City Stadium.

Mexico kicked off the FIFA World Cup 2026 in style with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday. The home crowd at Mexico City Stadium had plenty to celebrate as the hosts took control early and never looked back. The breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Julian Quinones capitalised on a defensive error. South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a pass to midfielder Yaya Sithole, who lost possession under pressure, and the loose ball fell to Quinones, who calmly finished through the goalkeeper’s legs to score the first goal of the tournament. The strike was a landmark moment for Julian Quinones, as he is making his debut on football’s biggest stage. The 29-year-old also became one of the few players to score in their first World Cup appearance and his goal was the fastest opening goal of a World Cup since Germany’s Philipp Lahm found the net six minutes into the 2006 World Cup opener against Costa Rica. WATCH -

Julian Quinones took advantage of a defensive mistake by a South African defender to put Mexico ahead early, scoring within nine minutes at Mexico City Stadium.

FIFA 2026 | Only nine minute to first goal - Mexico's Julian Quinones gets ball rolling - WATCH

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