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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Victor Munoz have recovered from injuries and will be available as substitutes for the Group H opener against Cape Verde. Their game time will depend on match dynamics, with Spain heavily favored but wary of the debutants.
Germany beat World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in their Group E opener in Houston, marking their first opening-match win since 2014. Goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (2), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav powered the rout after Curacao had briefly equalised.
A rare species of cicada in Meghalaya, India, emerges on a strict four-year cycle that coincides with the FIFA World Cup. Villagers in Saiden, for whom the insects and the tournament share the same calendar, have generations of memories tied to both events.
England's training equipment was stolen just before the team's arrival at their World Cup base in Kansas City. Police have detained two suspects. The incident may affect preparations for the opening match against Croatia.
The US national team triumphantly opened the 2026 World Cup by defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, sparking a carnival-like atmosphere among tens of thousands of fans. The historic victory on home soil was both a dream come true for supporters and a testament to the unifying power of football.
Thousands of Bosnians in Toronto paraded in support of their home team for the World Cup opener against Canada, many expressing deep ties to both their homeland and adopted country. Fans shared stories of fleeing the Bosnian genocide and voiced solidarity with Palestinians, creating a multicultural atmosphere that reflected Toronto's diversity.
Newly appointed Japan captain Ko Itakura has pledged to unite the squad following the departure of his predecessor Wataru Endo, which disrupted preparations for the World Cup opener against the Netherlands. Itakura, named captain shortly after Endo left for personal reasons, vowed to take responsibility and connect the players. The match against the Netherlands is seen as Japan's first major test, but Itakura says the team is ready and trusts its collective ability.
Iran becomes the first World Cup team to play in a host country it is at war with, facing New Zealand in Los Angeles amid rising Iran-US conflict. The match challenges FIFA's unity message, with players navigating logistical hurdles and ideological tensions within the Iranian diaspora.
Japan's World Cup hopes have been dealt a devastating blow as captain Wataru Endo is ruled out on the opening day due to an injury sustained in training. Teammate Daichi Kamada called it a 'huge shock,' while coach Hajime Moriyasu pledged the team would fight for their leader. Endo, 33, who has 65 caps, missed the previous World Cup in 2022 for similar reasons.
