Category: Sport News

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain

Keeper Josimar José Évora Dias, aka Vozinha, was instrumental as Cape Verde pulled off an amazing upset on their 2026 FIFA World Cup debut against mighty Spain. As first-time football global participants, the little island nation held Spain, the title favourites, to a goalless draw.
 
Starting the game with 50,000 Instagram followers, the Blue Sharks’ outstanding, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha showcased their importance and ended the day with over five million and counting new admirers. 
 
Furthermore, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt also pulled off shocking ties against Uruguay, IR Iran, and Belgium. On Matchday 5, FIFA provides an interesting synopsis.
 
Not many thought Cabo Verde had a possibility. Among the tiniest nations ever to compete in the World Cup, in both size and population, they were up against the favourites. Everyone agreed the only issue was not whether Spain would win, but by how many goals.
 
Thanks to a remarkable defensive effort and amazing saves from 40-year-old Vozinha, which helped Bubista’s team earn a historic point, the net finally remained untouched.
 
Lamine Yamal, who entered the game in the 71st minute and sparkled, was the only bright spot for Luis de la Fuente’s team. But the 18-year-old virtuoso couldn’t eclipse one of the most important days in Cape Verdean history.
 
Vozinha, Cabo Verde goalkeeper who was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, noted, “We worked a lot for this. We knew we were playing against one of the best national teams in the world, but we also know our quality. We worked a lot for this big day. We knew it was going to be very difficult but we’re very happy.”
Egypt's Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team's progress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team’s progress

Egypt’s first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in a 1-1 draw against Belgium, with Emam Ashour being crucial for the team. He considered the development of Egyptian football.

Hossam Hassan, the Egyptian coach, was confident his team would strive to honour their country. The team’s performance met his standards, demonstrating drive and focus to leave a long legacy.

Egypt’s first goal of the tournament came from Ashour, who was emotional. It makes me upset, he said, we might have won. Though he drew, he underlined the need to maintain faith and fight.

He praised the dedication of the squad and the vision of his coach. It’s a privilege to wear the Egypt shirt. Strong attitude shown, we battled for our nation and team. For the following games, we will concentrate on enhancements.

Mostafa Shobeir, the goalkeeper, lamented lost opportunities to win. We want to create a significant legacy and hope to reach the knockout round, he added.

Younger players like Hamza Abdelrakim are rising as well. He said, We wanted all three points, but we learned from this match and appreciate the coach’s trust.

Following the draw, Egypt will play New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21.

Tunisia sack Sabri Lamouchi after heavy World Cup opening defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia sack Sabri Lamouchi after heavy World Cup opening defeat

Following only one game in the World Cup, Sabri Lamouchi has been let go from his position as coach of the Tunisian national team. 

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres scored goals as Tunisia lost badly 5-1 to Sweden in their first game on Sunday evening.

Official statements confirmed, “an agreement has been reached to part ways with coach Sabri Lamouchi.” Mondher Kebaier is expected to take over as the national team’s interim coach.

Before finishing their group stage against the Netherlands in Kansas City, Tunisia will face Japan this Saturday in the same Guadalupe stadium where they played Sweden.

Fifty-four-year-old Lamouchi joined in January but was already under fire after a 5-0 pre-tournament friendly defeat to Belgium in Brussels. He took charge of five matches, winning one, drawing one and losing three. The defeat by Sweden left Tunisia at the bottom of Group F. Their next game is against Japan on Saturday, 20 June.

Tunisia suffer heavy World Cup opener defeat to Sweden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia suffer heavy World Cup opener defeat to Sweden

One of Africa’s representatives, Tunisia, fell 5-1 to Sweden in their Group F 2026 World Cup opener at the Monterrey Stadium on Sunday, with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak leading the charge. Sweden fast seized the lead.

Two points ahead of Japan and the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Sweden tops Group F with this victory. With a powerful shot from outside the box, Yasin Ayari —whose father is Tunisian- scored the first goal.

After a wonderful turn and pass from Gyokeres, Isak scored the second goal. Omar Rekik headed in a fantastic cross from Hannibal Mejbri to bring Tunisia back into the match with his first international goal.

Sweden, nevertheless, controlled the second half. Ellyes Skhiri lost the ball to Isak, then Gyokeres scored to pull the score to 3-1. Coming on as a substitute, Mattias Svanberg scored fast; Ayari ended the game with his second goal.

Final score: Sweden 5, Tunisia 1.  

Sweden goals: Ayari (7 & 90+6), Isak (30), Gyokeres (59), Svanberg (84).  

Tunisia goal: Rekik (43).

Amad nets late winner as Côte d'Ivoire claim dramatic victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amad nets late winner as Côte d’Ivoire claim dramatic victory

In an exhilarating game where the woodwork was struck four times, Amad Diallo scored a goal in the 90th minute to help Côte d’Ivoire defeat Ecuador 1-0. 

The game seemed like it would result in a tie until Diallo, who came in as a substitute, shot into the bottom corner and sparked celebrations.

The first part was quite active. With a strong shot from outside the box, Ecuador’s John Yeboah struck the crossbar. Soon after, Alan Minda curled his shot off the bar, missing a fantastic opportunity when he got a perfect pass from Pedro Vite, and Côte d’Ivoire’s goalkeeper Yahia Fofana couldn’t stop it.

Côte d’Ivoire also made opportunities. While Bazoumana Toure had a low shot that needed a fingertip save from Ecuador’s goalie Hernan Galindez, Yan Diomande was extremely active on the right side, generating hazardous runs.

Enner Valencia’s shot from a difficult angle connected with the crossbar in the latter half. Elye Wahi of Côte d’Ivoire then hit the bar with a decent first-time shot he could not hold down.

Having more possession while Ecuador defended, Côte d’Ivoire began to manage the game. Their hard work was rewarded when Amad’s goal moved them to the lead in Group E.

Key Stat -Important number: Yan Diomande, then 19 years and 212 days old, was the first youngster to compete for Côte d’Ivoire in a FIFA World Cup match.

Diomande committed his prize to his mother, still mending from surgery. Said: We were desperate for that. We came here to write history. We still have two more games to play and need to concentrate and strive to win. them. Though Ecuador has excellent players, we kept calm as we knew this game would be challenging.

– Côte d’Ivoire Amad Diallo, goalscorer: We worked diligently, we won, and now we are all happy. It is honourable to speak for our country. It’s difficult as we stand for about 33 million individuals. Every game, we want to win and create history together.

– Yan Diomande, Côte d’Ivoire winger and Better Player of the Match: “We changed our strategy in the second half and dominated the game enough to at least earn a draw. Against a good team, we worked hard. Though it’s not what we hoped for, it’s only the start, and we will keep striving.”

Sebastian Beccacece, Ecuador’s coach: “In the second half, we made the necessary adjustments and were in control enough to secure at least a draw. We put in a tremendous effort against a strong opponent. The final result wasn’t what we wanted, but it’s just the beginning, and we have to keep working.”

Destiny: From Refugee Camp to World Cup Goalscorer for Australia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Destiny: From Refugee Camp to World Cup Goalscorer for Australia

Nestory Irankunda, who was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp in 2006 to Burundian parents, is now a World Cup goalscorer as Australia defeated Turkey at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday.

True to the hype around him, Nestory Irankunda, 20, was instrumental in the Socceroos’ outstanding opening victory against Turkey. During the 2-0 win over Turkey at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday, he netted his first goal of the 2026 World Cup.

Sharing on his first World Cup, Irankunda, 20, said, “It feels amazing to score on my debut. “We are so proud of this; this is just the second time we have won our starting game. I hope everyone back home is just as proud.”

He continued, “Honestly, I don’t pay attention to personal records; I only try to give my best for the national team, and that is what I did today.” I poured my heart into it. Of course, I was sensing it towards now; this is what I like: giving everything for the nation that has so much for me.

The win is Australia’s biggest World Cup winning margin since 2006, when Tim Cahill’s star-studded performance led the Socceroos to a 2-0 win over Japan. This win also puts Australia even with the USA at the top of Group D, therefore ready for a thrilling match in Seattle on June 19.

Irankunda and his colleagues view this as a chance to refute their detractors. We understood our goals and our capabilities. The young talent said, “That wasn’t our best effort, but we pushed to our boundaries and gave everything we had.”

We attacked with focus and defended fiercely. The outcome shows itself; we scored some goals and are quite happy. For those who questioned us, much more is to be said.

Rewind Early Careers

Australia’s first international call-up for Irankunda, who might have represented  Burundi and Tanzania, came in September 2022. He was chosen to represent the under-17 team in the qualifying games for the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup. He had a spectacular debut versus the Northern Mariana Islands, capping off a spectacular hat-trick by the 38th minute and then adding two more goals to guarantee a decisive 23-0 win.

Club and Country 

The youngster has made 42 appearances for Championship club Watford, scored four goals and made five to ensure he was selected for the World Cup to make history in the USA, Canada and Mexico 48 teams World Cup. After collecting a clever pass, he showed a superb pace and composure to create the opening in the 27th minute against Turkey.

Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi was impressive in World Cup debut against Brazil
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi was impressive in World Cup debut against Brazil

Ayyoub Bouaddi stole the show on Saturday with a strong performance in his first World Cup game at MetLife Stadium. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who had complete faith in the young talent, was not surprised by his calm midfield performance.

Sofascore reports that teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi made a spectacular worldwide debut by anchoring Morocco’s midfield against five-time winners Brazil with a stunning 87 touches and 60 precise passes.

With an exciting 1-1 draw, Morocco’s first game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close. At the 21st minute Ismael Saibari pulled the Atlas Lions ahead only for Vinícius Júnior to draw Brazil just eleven minutes later.

Coming only months after he played for France at the Under-21 level in March, following years in the French youth system, this game was important for Bouaddi as it signalled his senior international debut.

Based on post-match statistics from Sofascore, the 18-year-old midfielder sparkled, leading Morocco with three successful dribbles, 60 accurate passes, and 87 touches. His great debut enabled Morocco to compete against one of the most famous clubs in soccer.

Bouaddi showed control during the game, first taking the lead over Casemiro in the first half, then dominating the midfield versus Fabinho following the break.

Ouahbi told reporters later, “it wasn’t a gamble to start him at just 18.” I pay just attention to players’ performances, not their age. If a player performs well, whether they are 35 or 17, they will play. He also stressed that starting Bouaddi was a confident choice based on the skills of the young player.

The Morocco coach said that starting Bouaddi was a deliberate decision as he was sure the young player would rise to the occasion against Brazil; he rejected the idea of a bold pick. I won’t run away from playing younger players. We knew he would do well, thus it was not at all risky. That wasn’t the kind of game for risking against Brazil.”

Tonight, Ayyoub Bouaddi was unusually composed. One user said, “An underrated performance and our Man of the Match.” Another called him “super exceptional,” emphasising his amazing “composure and passion.”

On June 19 in Foxborough, the Atlas Lions hope to keep this momentum going against Scotland; five days later, there is a final group-stage match against Haiti in Atlanta.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi confident ahead of Brazil match
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi confident ahead of Brazil match

The North African team from Morocco, who reached the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, is eager to demonstrate their skills on the global stage, as expressed by their captain, Achraf Hakimi.

At New York New Jersey Stadium later this evening, Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil will take on New York’s Atlas Lions. Confident leading up to the game are head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and captain Achraf Hakimi

One of the group stage highlights of the FIFA World Cup 2026, this match will be. Though Ancelotti’s debut World Cup™ as a coach will take centre stage, many are also interested in whether Morocco can replicate their strong Qatar showing.

Both teams are now at ground zero. Achraf Hakimi, the captain, thinks this is accurate. Though Morocco has only five World Cup victories, compared to Brazil’s five championships, he discounted the notion that they were underdogs.

Hakimi commented, “In a game like this, in a tournament like the World Cup, there are no favourites.” “That’s half and half. It boils down to the minute details and which team is more efficient. That will be us, fingers crossed. 

The current surge of Morocco in international football gives Hakimi his confidence. Their Qatar performance has enabled them to keep developing.

Mohamed Ouahbi, the coach, also feels good about the team’s attitude. Having won the U-20 tournament last September, this will be his first time leading Morocco in a FIFA men’s competition. “We believe in the players and the work we’ve done,” he added. The games will tell us where we are.

Morocco has never played South American teams in the first FIFA World Cup games and has not won any of them. In their most recent match against a South American team, they fell 3-0 in Nantes to Brazil in 1998.

Brazil knows Morocco has come a long way since then. Vinicius Júnior said, “Morocco has definitely improved a lot.” They are well managed and able to rival anyone. The game has changed, and Morocco is in it.

Having lost 2-1 to the Atlas Lions in a friendly in March 2023, Brazil knows Morocco can be among the best teams.

Brazil in training ahead of the World Cup opener against Morocco
Brazil in training ahead of the World Cup opener against Morocco
homas Partey denied entry to Canada, unavailable for Ghana's opening World Cup game
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada, unavailable for Ghana’s opening World Cup game

Because Canada denied him admission, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s first World Cup match in Toronto versus Panama. 

Partly, 32, has pled not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in connection with accusations from four women between 2020 and 2022. Next year, he will appear in court.

FIFA verified that the Canadian government rejected his visa application. They said that the host government, not FIFA, makes visa decisions. The Canadian government website says that anyone with convictions or criminal charges could be refused admission.

A US Customs agent said Partey entered the US after obtaining a visa, even if they are aware of his continuing trial, as he has not been found guilty. They evaluate admittance on a case-by-case basis and directed inquiries about Canada’s entry rejection to that nation.

If the player is here with me, my response is simple, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz remarked with confidence in picking Partey.

Ghana will take on Croatia on June 27 and England in their second Group L game on June 23. Partey could still play in these matches. Should Ghana place second, they could go back to Canada for the last 32 on July 2.

Partey is not the only one dealing with entrance problems. At a Chicago airport, Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned before entry was permitted; Iran had to move their base to Mexico and had further problems with visa denials.

Though he had the necessary travel documents, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States because of suspected ties to terrorist organizations.

Cape Verde defender Sidny Cabral eyes a positive World Cup opener against Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde defender Sidny Cabral looks forward to a positive World Cup opener against Spain

Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has great faith in his team’s ability to compete on the biggest international scene as the Blue Sharks finish their preparations for their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup match against powerhouses Spain on Monday, 15 June. (Photo Credit Cape Verdian National team).

Following Thursday’s strenuous training session, where the team had been sharpening their concentration for their first game, the defender addressed the media. 

The debutant Cape Verde is among Africa’s ten representatives in the enlarged competition seeking to leave an immediate and long-term impact.

Exuberance About a Historic Launch

Reflecting on the atmosphere in the camp, Cabral underlined that the team’s motivation comes from enthusiasm and pride in representing their country on the biggest football platform. The defender thinks the team’s hard work is going to show.

Cabral expressed enthusiasm and said we are delighted to be here; we can’t wait to begin and create fantastic work. We are going to display a great deal of enthusiasm, energy, and aggression. We are a strong team with a great deal of quality, and we will certainly show this. Every day we are putting in a lot of effort to get better; our ultimate goal is to get to the knockout stages.

The Trabzonspor defender said the newcomers are not looking past their present test; instead, they are concentrating only on their difficult first game against La Roja.

Cabral said, “Our first game against Spain takes front stage; then we will consider Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.” We must give a solid performance and demonstrate to the world that we can match a team like Spain.

Though Spain is the clear tournament favourite going into the game, the 23-year-old says the Blue Sharks will not be afraid of their opponent’s record.

To show that we belong on this platform is our first goal. Though they are World Cup contenders, he said we will do very well against them.

A new beginning for the Blue Sharks

Cape Verde’s first-ever showing at the world championships, a historic turning point for the island country, is the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The debutante are drawn in Group H together with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The Blue Sharks will start their fantasy run against Spain on Monday at 5:00 PM WAT, then take on Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in their next group matches as they try to get into the round of 32.