Australia put on a defensive masterclass as they beat Türkiye 2-0 in Vancouver in the final opening Group D match.
All eyes were on Türkiye's talisman Arda Güler, but it was Australia's youthful attack that stole the show.
Nestory Irankunda became Australia's youngest World Cup goalscorer when the 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a composed finish after the Socceroos launched a swift counterattack.
Türkiye, appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, enjoyed the overwhelming bulk of possession throughout the game, but were unable to turn it into goals.
Connor Metcalfe's strike 15 minutes from time sealed victory for Australia and gave them the perfect start to their World Cup campaign.
“Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this, to put a smile on these people's faces who have travelled so far to support us. I'm just happy for a wonderful young group of men,” Tony Popovic said.
Star player Vinícius Júnior helped Brazil salvage a 1-1 draw against Morocco after a shaky start to their Group C opener.
A thunderous strike from the Real Madrid forward levelled the game in the 32nd minute after Morocco's Ismael Saibari had lifted the ball over the onrushing Alisson Becker to open the scoring 11 minutes earlier.
After reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, Morocco carried their impressive form into this tournament by dominating Brazil during the opening half-hour.
The game at New York New Jersey Stadium drew a star-studded crowd, including former NFL star Tom Brady, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and rapper Travis Scott.
The hosts of the last World Cup, Qatar, scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland to claim their first-ever point at a World Cup finals.
Boualem Khoukhi headed home in the 94th minute to cancel out Breel Embolo's first-half penalty.
The match was largely one-sided and Switzerland will be disappointed not to have put away their earlier chances.
“I told them that even if we hadn't scored the goal and didn't draw I would have been proud of the mentality and discipline that they showed today,” said Qatar's Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Scotland opened their Group C campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti thanks to a first-half goal from John McGinn.
It was Scotland's first opening victory at a major tournament since 1982.
With Morocco and Brazil still to come in the group, victory was crucial if Steve Clarke's side are to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
“It doesn't happen very often. When you're told it's a must-win game and you win it, then the players deserve a lot of credit for that. They deserve to be the team that's finally got another win on the board in the World Cup,” Clarke said.
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As the 2026 World Cup kicked off on 11 June across North America, U.S. visa restrictions and travel policies have made it impossible for supporters, football officials and even a FIFA-appointed referee to attend. It's raised a lot of questions about access to such a high-profile global event.
Co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a dramatic World Cup opener in Mexico City, where three players were sent off.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Iranian national football team is set to arrive in North America for the World Cup after finally securing travel documents, but a dispute over U.S. visa approvals continues to cast a shadow over the country's tournament preparations.
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island early Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring four, according to emergency authorities.
U.S. President Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end the war in the Gulf has been signed by the U.S. and Iran, though details have yet to be made public and both countries said a permanent truce is yet to be negotiated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 14 June about efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, as world leaders prepare to gather for the G7 summit in France.
Iran’s World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by travel disruption, organisational problems and a shortage of key support staff, with players and coaches openly criticising conditions around the team.
Tunisia have appointed Hervé Renard as head coach after dismissing Sabri Lamouchi following the team's 5-1 defeat to Sweden.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 produced drama and surprises on 14-15 June, with Iran fighting back to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, Ivory Coast scoring a stoppage-time winner over Ecuador, Sweden thrashing Tunisia 5-1, and debutants Cape Verde holding Spain to a goalless draw.
Curaçao celebrate first World Cup goal despite heavy defeat against Germany, Sweden move to top of Group F with five-goal display and Japan fight back twice to hold Netherlands.
Iran's national team received an emotional send-off from supporters in Tijuana on Sunday,14 June as they departed for Los Angeles ahead of their World Cup opener against New Zealand.
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