Banned flags, protests and a saved point - but also new travel problems and upset feelings. Iran drew 2-2 in the opening match against New Zealand. "We are the most oppressed team in the World Cup," says Iran's national team captain Amir Ghalenoei.
SportsVictor Nilsson Lindelöf and Gabriel Gudmundsson believe they silenced the critics with the 5-1 victory over Tunisia. The opening-day performance also seems to have put their next World Cup opponent on notice. “Watch out, Netherlands!” writes De Telegraaf about Blågult.
SportsPresumptive favorites Spain enter the World Cup - hoping injured stars and European Championship gold medalists Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will be able to play against World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Here's what you need to know about the fifth day of the championship.
SportsGraham Potter allowed himself and the players to enjoy the relief. He was happy and satisfied but also composed after the 5-1 win in the World Cup opener against Tunisia. "Great for us to start the tournament with a win, but it's only one game," he said.
Sports5–1 against Tunisia - and it could have been more. Talk about a dream start for Sweden. The victory is Sweden's biggest debut win since an 8–0 victory against Cuba in 1938 in France.
SportsThe Netherlands - the big favorite in Sweden's World Cup group - were on their way to three points when Japan shocked the Dutch in the 89th minute and salvaged a point with a 2-2 draw in Dallas.
SportsEight years go by quickly - almost an entire national football team can be replaced. Only Victor Nilsson Lindelöf and goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt remain from Sweden's World Cup squad in Russia. This gives them extra responsibility now.
FootballPresumptive favorites Spain enter the World Cup - with hopes that injured stars and European Championship gold medalists Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will be able to play against World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Here's what you need to know about the fifth day of the championship.
SportsDo I risk a red card from the neighbors if I scream in the apartment during Sweden's World Cup opener against Tunisia tonight? Anna Dorrian, a union lawyer at the Tenants' Association, says an occasional football scream will not constitute grounds for eviction.
FootballDark war headlines can make the world feel dark - and it's not just a feeling. In 2025, there were a record number of conflicts between states, and the year was the bloodiest in over 30 years. It's a very worrying trend, says Therese Pettersson at Uppsala University's Conflict Data Program, UCDP.
WorldThe smallest-ever World Cup participant and a team with great potential to make a splash are entering the championship. But one match is also marked by a fan controversy as we enter the fourth day of the World Cup - when Sweden plays its first match.
SportsThe mayor of San Miguel Amatitlán in the state of Oaxaca, southern Mexico, has been shot dead, local authorities say.
WorldOn Thursday, the World Cup kicked off at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. But behind the luxury boxes are workers who risked paying a high price. "Putting these events in countries where workers have to risk their lives so we can watch football is fucking not okay," said Ombudsman Jonas Eriksson, who inspected the stadium.
FootballTwo minutes on the pitch were enough for substitute Cyle Larin to salvage Canada's first-ever World Cup point, as the host nation drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
SportsThe president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, has not been granted a visa to the United States, despite having World Cup accreditation.
FootballThe wait, the longing. Soon it will be over - but for the absolute majority of national team supporters it will be a time to get up early. The World Cup opener against Tunisia will be played early on Monday morning. Here is a guide.
SportsThe smallest-ever World Cup participant and a team with the potential to make a splash enter the championship. But one match is also marked by a fan controversy as the tournament enters its fourth day.
SportsAn Argentine referee will officiate Sweden's World Cup debut against Tunisia.
SportsTV4 viewers missed large parts of the World Cup opening ceremony. The channel did not broadcast Shakira's performance of the World Cup song "Dai Dai."
MusicSouth Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their World Cup opener. The winning goal came shortly after the team's star player, Son Heung-min, was substituted.
SportsHost nation Mexico got off to a winning start at the World Cup, but the home fans at the Azteca Stadium vented their discontent before Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over a decimated South Africa, who received two red cards.
Sports
