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Germany began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao, with Felix Nmecha scoring first and Livano Comenencia equalizing for the Caribbean side. Manuel Neuer, at 40, became the oldest German player to appear in a World Cup, and the match was played in Houston.
The Netherlands secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden to move closer to the knockout rounds, with braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo. Elsewhere, Curacao made history as the smallest nation to play at a World Cup, facing Germany on day four of the tournament.
Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in their World Cup 2026 Group C opener, with Ismael Saibari and Vinicius Junior trading goals. Morocco later beat Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2, while Scotland secured a 1-0 win over Haiti.
During South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to Italy, the two countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership, covering cooperation in semiconductors, AI, and other strategic areas. Lee received Italy's highest state decoration, and both sides signed agreements on technology, Africa development, and cultural exchanges.
Africa has set a new World Cup record with 10 teams qualifying for the 2026 tournament, which kicked off in North America with South Africa facing Mexico. The expanded 48-team format and recent continental successes are seen as key drivers, though challenges remain on and off the pitch.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The tournament is overshadowed by controversies over ticket prices, immigration policies, and the U.S.-Iran conflict, while expectations of $13 billion in revenue highlight its economic significance.
France coach Didier Deschamps has challenged Michael Olise to make his mark at the World Cup after the Bayern Munich winger scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 warm-up win over Northern Ireland. Olise's standout performance alongside Mbappé, Dembélé, and Doué has raised expectations for France's opener against Senegal on June 16.
Germany has failed for the first time to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a defeat seen as a major foreign policy setback. The loss has prompted Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to hint at reconsidering Germany's financial contributions to the UN, citing underrepresentation.
Algeria enters the 2026 World Cup as Africa's third-highest ranked side, aiming to overcome a history of inconsistency. Captain Riyad Mahrez, 35, will lead the team in what could be his final World Cup, as African teams are increasingly seen as legitimate contenders.
Iran's national football team received US visas just 10 days before their World Cup opener, but several staff and federation officials, including the federation chief, were denied entry. The team has relocated its base to Tijuana, Mexico, amid a war with the US, marking the first time a host nation receives a team it is at war with.
Iran’s national football team will leave for their World Cup base in Mexico on Saturday, June 6, after a final warm-up match against Mali in Turkey. While the team has received Mexican visas, US entry visas for their group games remain pending, and Washington has said it will bar Iranian officials with ties to the IRGC from accompanying the squad.
Senegal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as Africa's most consistent side, with veteran forward Sadio Mané set to play his final international tournament. Coach Pape Thiaw has declared he believes Senegal can win the World Cup, while the squad blends experienced stars with emerging talent. The team faces a challenging group including France, Norway, and Iraq.
Morocco enters the 2026 World Cup as Africa's highest-ranked team and continental champions, aiming to surpass their historic 2022 semifinal run. New coach Mohamed Ouahbi has drawn heavily on the European diaspora, while the team contends with the fallout from a controversial Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
Ahead of Eid al-Adha, sheep prices have surged in Ivory Coast and Senegal as insecurity in Mali and export bans in Burkina Faso and Niger disrupt supply. Traders report significant shortages and higher transport costs, leaving families struggling to afford animals for the festival.
Al-Qaeda-linked fighters have intensified a blockade around Mali's capital, burning dozens of vehicles and cutting off key supply routes. The disruption has forced many Muslims to spend Eid away from their families, caused fuel shortages, and worsened hunger in a country already facing food insecurity.
Four nations—Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—will make their World Cup debuts at the 2026 tournament. Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify, faces Germany in its opener, while Cape Verde's captain reflects on years of progress.
The draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers was held in Cairo, placing defending champions Ivory Coast in Group C and hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in groups with automatic qualification. The tournament, set for June-July 2027, will be the first in East Africa in 51 years, with 48 teams competing for 24 spots.
Liberia's Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan defends the Boakai administration's progress on infrastructure, education, and energy, while also engaging with the African Development Bank to boost regional projects and youth entrepreneurship.
South Korea's national football team has begun its pre-World Cup training camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, with head coach Hong Myung-bo unveiling a 26-man squad that includes several K League players and surprising selections. The team will play friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador before opening the tournament against Czechia on June 11, with a focus on acclimating to high altitude and overcoming injury concerns.
Mali's junta faces mounting pressure after a coordinated offensive by separatist and jihadist groups killed the defense minister and tightened a blockade on Bamako, but a junta ally insists the army retains popular support. The article examines the attack's details, the regime's Russian backing, and the historical roots of the conflict.