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.
Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match after an end-to-end contest played against the backdrop of Iranian fan protests against the government in Tehran.
New Zealand went ahead in the seventh minute when Elijah Just volleyed home from inside the box after being set up by Chris Wood.
Iran deservedly levelled in the 32nd, Ramin Rezaeian stabbing the ball in from close range to send the largely Iran-supporting crowd at a packed Los Angeles stadium into raptures.
The outstanding Just, the 26-year-old Motherwell winger, restored New Zealand’s lead in the 54th minute, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand after another assist from Wood. But Iran hit back again 10 minutes later, Mohammad Mohebbi glancing a header in off the back post to equalise again.
Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador: Diallo delivers late winner
Ivory Coast opened their Group E campaign with a dramatic 1–0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia, as Amad Diallo scored a stoppage-time winner to secure all three points.
Ecuador had dominated much of the first half, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both striking the crossbar in the clearest chances of the match. Ivory Coast, led by Yan Diomande’s energetic attacking play, created several openings but were repeatedly denied, including a key last-ditch block from Moisés Caicedo to stop Nicolas Pépé.
The second half remained evenly balanced until Diallo was introduced in the 56th minute, shifting the tactical momentum. In the 90th minute, defender Wilfried Singo surged forward and delivered a cross that Diallo finished first time into the net, sealing Ivory Coast’s fourth World Cup win in history and a strong start to their campaign.
In a dramatic Group F encounter in Arlington, Japan fought back twice to secure a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring early in the second half, heading in from Ryan Gravenberch’s cross, before Keito Nakamura levelled moments later with a deflected effort. Crysencio Summerville appeared to have won it for the Dutch with a superb curling strike, but Japan responded late as Daichi Kamada diverted a 89th-minute equaliser to earn a point.
Both sides will take positives, but also questions, from an open match that swung repeatedly in the second half.
Sweden produced one of the most dominant performances of the day, sweeping past Tunisia 5–1 in Monterrey.
Yasin Ayari opened the scoring with a long-range strike before Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres combined repeatedly to dismantle the Tunisian defence. Gyökeres and Isak both scored, with Mattias Svanberg adding another after coming off the bench, while Ayari later completed the rout.
Tunisia briefly responded through Omar Rekik, but Sweden’s attacking pace and precision proved overwhelming as they moved top of Group F.
Cape Verde produced one of the shocks of the tournament so far, holding reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta.
Spain dominated possession with nearly three-quarters of the ball and created multiple chances, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired performance from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who made a series of crucial saves and was named player of the match.
Despite heavy pressure, Cape Verde defended in a disciplined low block, limiting Spain to long-range efforts and frustrated attacks. Spain captain Rodri admitted his side lacked cutting edge, saying: “We created chances, but we couldn’t score.”
The result marks a historic point for Cape Verde on their World Cup debut, while Spain are left to reflect on missed opportunities.
Uruguay were held to a 1–1 draw by Saudi Arabia in their FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group H opener in Miami after Maxi Araujo struck late to cancel out Abdulelah Al Amri’s first-half opener.
Saudi Arabia took the lead from a set-piece when Mohamed Kanno’s header was parried by Fernando Muslera and Al Amri reacted quickest to convert the rebound. Uruguay had started brightly, with Mohammed Al Owais producing key saves to deny Federico Viñas, while Manuel Ugarte struck the woodwork with a long-range effort.
The South Americans pushed forward after the break and eventually found a breakthrough 10 minutes from time when Viñas’ header was saved and Araujo bundled home the rebound.
Saudi Arabia held firm under late pressure from Federico Valverde and secured a valuable point, leaving Group H finely balanced after the opening round of fixtures.
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted three tankers and stopped them in Iran's southern waters early on Wednesday. It also announced a ballistic missile attack on two U.S. bases in Jordan.
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