Iran earned a crucial point after holding Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium. Despite Belgium entering the match as clear favorites, Iran’s disciplined defense and swift counterattacks kept the European side under pressure throughout the game. A first-half goal by Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi was disallowed for a narrow offside following a VAR review.

The match turned in the 70th minute when a Belgian defender received a second yellow card for a foul, reducing his team to ten men. Iran increased their attacking intensity in the final stages but were repeatedly denied by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose key saves preserved the draw. Neither side managed to break the deadlock by the final whistle.

With two points from two matches, Iran climbed to the top of Group G on goal advantage, while Belgium slipped to second. The result strengthened Iran’s position in the race for the knockout stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has reached a remarkable milestone by recording 100 goals in only 33 matches. This marks the fastest century of goals in 68 years since the 1958 Sweden World Cup. The milestone goal came from Dutch forward Cody Gakpo during the Netherlands’ 5–1 victory over Sweden. The current tournament’s goal average stands at 3.09 per match, significantly higher than the 2.69 average in the previous Qatar World Cup.

Analysts attribute this goal surge to several factors, including the unpredictable flight of the new official ball ‘Trihonda,’ player fatigue due to North America’s intense heat, and tactical hydration breaks that allow coaches to adjust strategies mid-match. The expansion to 48 teams has also led to more lopsided results, such as Germany’s 7–1 win over Curaçao and Canada’s 6–0 victory over Qatar.

If the current scoring pace continues, the 2026 World Cup could become the first in football history to surpass 300 total goals.

During the tenth minute of the first half in the Japan vs Tunisia match, Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu’s powerful shot appeared to cross the goal line after deflecting off a Tunisian player. However, goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had not fully crossed the line, missing by just one millimeter, leading to the goal being disallowed.

The incident prompted widespread discussion among viewers who found the decision confusing. According to football’s laws, a goal is valid only when the entire ball crosses the goal line. Analysts and former players noted that goal-line technology and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system provide more precise judgments than the human eye, even when television angles suggest otherwise.

Experts emphasized that while such decisions may stir emotional debate, the technology ensures fairness by measuring the ball’s position with millimeter accuracy. The event, though not affecting Japan’s eventual 4–0 victory, reignited attention on the precision of football’s modern technologies and their role in maintaining rule integrity.

Lionel Messi is one goal away from setting three new World Cup records as Argentina prepares to face Austria. After scoring a hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria, the Inter Miami forward has equaled several long-standing records and now stands on the brink of surpassing them.

Messi’s total of 16 World Cup goals has matched Germany’s Miroslav Klose, and one more goal would make him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 17. He has also tied Klose’s record of 16 World Cup match wins, meaning another Argentine victory would make Messi the player with the most wins in World Cup history. Additionally, his long-range strike against Algeria brought him level with Brazil’s Roberto Rivelino for the most goals scored from outside the penalty box, with five.

If Messi scores another long-range goal against Austria, he will hold that record outright, further extending his dominance in World Cup history.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, announced that more than 65,000 schools participated in this year’s Primary School Gold Cup tournament. He made the statement on Saturday at the Army Stadium in Dhaka after the final match of the event. According to him, the tournament saw participation from 1.1 million boys and 1.1 million girls, totaling 2.2 million students, with over 123,000 matches played across the country.

Mahdi Amin described the tournament as possibly the largest football event of its kind in the world. He emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the initiative reflects a vision for an education system that encourages both intellectual and moral development. He highlighted the importance of nurturing good citizenship, family values, and creativity through education, sports, and cultural activities.

He further stated that the government will continue to support all participants, ensuring opportunities for every child to express their hidden talents. The adviser congratulated both winners and participants, calling them the future builders of a prosperous Bangladesh.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced heavy criticism after Portugal’s 1–1 draw with DR Congo in their opening World Cup match. Despite high expectations, the veteran forward struggled to make an impact, managing only 25 touches and three off-target shots. Calls emerged for him to be dropped from the starting lineup, but Ronaldo responded on social media with a clear message of support for his team. Portugal had taken an early lead through Joao Neves before Yoane Wissa equalized for DR Congo. Coach Roberto Martinez kept Ronaldo on the field for the full 90 minutes.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Ronaldo admitted the team’s start was not ideal but expressed optimism about upcoming games, urging focus and confidence. Supporters viewed his message as an effort to lift team morale. Martinez defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on, emphasizing the importance of an experienced striker in crucial moments.

Portugal will next face Uzbekistan in the group stage before concluding against Colombia.

Bangladesh has lost one of its brightest sports figures with the passing of Abdus Sadeq, the country’s first national hockey captain and a celebrated football and hockey star. He died on the morning of June 20, 2026, at Continental Hospital in Gulshan, Dhaka, after a long battle with cancer. He was 78 and is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, and numerous admirers. His first funeral prayer will be held after Asr prayers in Bashundhara Residential Area, followed by a second one at Banani DOHS field the next morning.

Sadeq was a pioneering figure in Bangladesh’s post-independence sports history. He captained the first national hockey team and also led the Abahani football team in 1972. During the 1970s and 1980s, he excelled in both football and hockey, notably leading the national hockey team in the 1978 Asian Games. In recognition of his achievements, he received the National Sports Award in 1996 and later contributed as a sports organizer.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque expressed deep sorrow, describing Sadeq as a guardian-like figure whose legacy will remain cherished in Bangladesh’s sporting history.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is ready to return in the team’s final group stage match against Scotland at the World Cup. The 34-year-old forward, who had been sidelined with a calf injury, has not played in Brazil’s first two matches. Ancelotti said Neymar will train separately before rejoining the full squad and is expected to be fit for the upcoming match in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 24.

Neymar’s inclusion in the World Cup squad had drawn criticism due to his long injury layoff and recent poor form. Despite his absence, Brazil’s attack has performed strongly, with Vinícius Júnior scoring and assisting in the 3–0 win over Haiti, while Matheus Cunha netted twice. Vinícius and Cunha currently lead Brazil’s scoring chart in the tournament.

If Neymar returns as planned, Brazil could enter the knockout stage with added strength and depth, boosting their bid for a sixth world title.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on students to pursue excellence not only in sports but also in education, music, and cultural activities to build a stronger nation. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at the final match and prize-giving ceremony of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament held at the Bangladesh Army Stadium.

Addressing young students, the Prime Minister emphasized that playing alone is not enough and urged them to advance in studies and creative work. He announced plans to organize the Gold Cup tournament at the secondary level this year and to introduce a Prime Minister’s Cup next year. This year, 2.2 million boys and girls participated in the football tournament organized nationwide by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

In the finals, Jorgacha United Government Primary School from Sathia, Pabna, won the girls’ division by defeating Achargaon Government Primary School of Nandail, Mymensingh, 4–2, while Dariar Mia Government Primary School from Bakerganj, Barishal, won the boys’ division by beating Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Trishal, 1–0.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the final round of the country's largest primary-level sports event, the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (boys and girls), held at the Army Stadium in Dhaka. He arrived at the venue around 4 p.m. on Saturday and joined young students in hoisting the national flag before watching the girls’ final match between Achargaon Government Primary School of Nandail, Mymensingh, and Jorgacha United Government Primary School of Santhia, Pabna.

Earlier, the boys’ final took place where Dariyal Mia Government Primary School of Bakerganj, Barishal, defeated Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Trishal, Mymensingh, by 1–0 to become champions. The tournament began on April 6 and involved 65,342 government primary schools, with over 1.1 million boys and 1.1 million girls participating nationwide.

According to the Prime Minister’s Education and Primary and Mass Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, the competition progressed from village to divisional levels to identify grassroots football talent. Organizers plan to expand the next edition to include at least five million students.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed a new milestone in football officiating as an all-women referee team from the United States took charge of the Group A match between Czechia and South Africa. The team was led by head referee Tori Penso, assisted by Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt. Penso became only the second woman in history to officiate a men’s World Cup match and the first American woman to do so. The match, held at Atlanta Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Penso’s journey to this achievement began at age 14 in Florida. After a career in marketing, she returned to football, becoming the first woman in over two decades to referee a Major League Soccer match in 2020. She later officiated the 2023 Women’s World Cup final and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Her performance, along with Mayo and Nesbitt, drew widespread praise from fans and FIFA’s refereeing head Pierluigi Collina, who emphasized that merit remains the only selection criterion.

The event marked another step forward for women in football, reinforcing that skill and leadership transcend gender barriers on the world stage.

Brazil earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia to stay alive in the World Cup group stage. Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Vinícius Júnior added another goal before halftime. The result lifted Brazil to the top of Group C, while Haiti became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament.

After drawing with Morocco in their opening match, Carlo Ancelotti’s side faced criticism but responded with a controlled and attacking display. Cunha opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when a deflection off a Haitian defender sent the ball into the net. He doubled the lead from a rebound after a save by Haiti’s goalkeeper Johnny Placide, and Vinícius made it 3-0 from a long pass by Lucas Paquetá.

Haiti’s Ricardo Adé came close with a header, but Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson denied him. Ancelotti’s attacking concerns eased as Cunha’s movement and link-up play created more space for Vinícius and Raphinha. Brazil now lead Group C on goal difference ahead of Morocco and will face Scotland next, while Haiti exit after two defeats.

Brazil reclaimed its position as the highest-scoring team in FIFA World Cup history after defeating Haiti in Philadelphia. The five-time world champions secured a commanding victory led by forward Matheus Cunha, who scored twice. With this win, Brazil’s total number of World Cup goals rose to 241, surpassing Germany’s 239 to retake the top spot in the all-time scoring chart.

Earlier in the tournament, Germany had overtaken Brazil by thrashing Curaçao 7–1, but the South American giants quickly responded to regain their dominance. Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina remain far behind in third place with 155 goals, despite Lionel Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria. The gap between Argentina and the top two teams is considered too wide to close in the current tournament.

With only two goals separating Brazil and Germany, the race for the all-time scoring lead is expected to intensify as the tournament progresses, keeping global football fans eagerly watching.

Norwegian football star Erling Braut Haaland was spotted roaming the streets of New York in disguise after his team’s emphatic 4–1 win over Iraq in their first World Cup match. The 25-year-old striker, known for his trademark long blond hair, hid his identity with a light-colored baseball cap and dark sunglasses while visiting Times Square and Katz’s Deli with his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen. Few recognized the Manchester City forward as he blended in among tourists and locals.

Following Norway’s return to the World Cup after 28 years, coach Ståle Solbakken granted players two days off to relieve mental pressure before their next match against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Haaland shared photos of his disguised outing on Snapchat, joking that hiding his hair worked best. Solbakken viewed the relaxed mood of his players positively, emphasizing the importance of short breaks for mental refreshment.

Fans have responded with delight to Haaland’s playful adventure, which added a lighthearted moment to Norway’s promising World Cup campaign.

Football fans in Mongla, Bagerhat, have launched festive celebrations ahead of the World Cup. On Friday afternoon, supporters of Brazil organized a colorful rally in the Mongla Port Municipality area to express their love and support for their favorite team. The rally, which began at 5 p.m., paraded through key streets of the town, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

Participants carried Brazil’s national flags, jerseys, and colorful banners while chanting slogans and singing in support of the team. Fans of all ages joined the event, turning the town into a vibrant sea of yellow and green. Several supporters said Brazil represents beauty, creativity, and joy in football, and they expressed hope for the team’s strong performance in the tournament.

The rally concluded with fans wishing success for Brazil in the World Cup and expressing optimism that the festive spirit would continue throughout the tournament.