Haaland scores two goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on World Cup return

BOSTON, United States 

Erling Haaland scored twice in his World Cup debut as Norway powered past Iraq to win 4-1 in their Group I opener in Boston.

The Manchester City striker scored his first goals at a major international tournament on Tuesday as Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Haaland turned in from close range to give Norway the lead on 29 minutes, but Aymen Hussein’s header brought Iraq level.

Haaland then pounced on an error at the back to put Norway ahead again before half-time and take his goal tally at international level to 57 in just 51 matches.

Leo Ostigard headed in a third for Norway moments after coming off the bench to effectively wrap up the victory. Norway then got a fourth deep into stoppage time through a Hussein own goal.

The win left Norway on top of Group I on goal difference, level with France on three points after Les Bleus overcame Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day. The Norwegians face the African powerhouses in their next game in New Jersey on June 22 .

No team has endured a longer or more perilous road to the World Cup than Iraq, who secured their place as the 48th and final qualifiers in March after a 21-match campaign that stretched across 867 days.

Hussein, the scorer of the decisive goal in the play-off win over Bolivia, was held and questioned for hours by US immigration officials after arriving with the squad ahead of Iraq’s first World Cup since 1986.

Norway last played at the tournament in 1998, when coach Stale Solbakken was a member of the squad that famously beat Brazil in the group stage before exiting in the last 16. He also featured at Euro 2000.

After breezing impressively through qualifying, twice thrashing Italy, they are hoping a golden generation of players – led by Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard – can break new ground in North America.

Solbakken predicted that Haaland would make a “very big impact” at his first major finals, and the Manchester City star was quick to deliver on that promise.

Antonio Nusa’s trickery was a problem for Iraq, and his incisive pass released the overlapping David Moller Wolfe clear before Haaland stretched to steer in the low cross from the left.

Iraq, who lost all of their group games in their only previous appearance, did not let that get to them as they equalised 10 minutes later.

Amir Alammari found space just inside the area and clipped in a cross, with Hussein rising brilliantly to power a header past Orjan Nyland.

But Iraq only had themselves to blame as they gift-wrapped Haaland’s second of the contest.

Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan was slow to react to a softly hit back pass, his attempted clearance smacking off Haaland’s shin and ricocheting into the net.

Iraq again responded well with Ibrahim Bayesh denied by a desperation block, Ali Alhamadi dribbling an effort wide, and centre-back Akam Hashim lashing a spectacular volley just over the bar.

Ostigard nodded in Odegaard’s corner on 76 minutes to seal the points for Norway, before Haaland was thwarted by Hassan when another loose pass sent him clean through and seeking his hat-trick.

Haaland, nonetheless, had a hand in Norway’s late fourth, his looping header back across goal deflecting off Hussein before trickling over the line.

Austria beats Jordan 3-1 in Group J

SAN FRANCISCO, United States 

Austria’s leading goalscorer Marco Arnautovic forced an own goal to beat spirited Jordan 2-1 and deny the World Cup debutants a precious point at the San Francisco Bay Arena.

Roman Schmid struck a great effort into the top right corner with his laces to cap off a positive start, but the Middle Eastern side weren’t without chances and Ali Iyad Olwan curled home a fantastic finish worthy of being his country’s first at the tournament.

Arnautovic slotted home after coming off the bench only for it to be ruled out for handball, but Jordan didn’t heed the warning and conceded an own goal from Yazan Al-Arab before converting a penalty to seal the win and go second in Group J.

Jordan had to dig in to withstand early pressure from Ralf Ragnick’s men, yet the first chance did fall to the debutants as captain Haddad arrived late into the penalty area and the right wing-back fired into the side netting.

Just as Jordan began to build in confidence when Odeh Fakhouri saw his deflected strike from the edge of the penalty area saved well by the goalkeeper, they went behind to Schmid’s brilliant strike finding the top right corner.

Their defence simply didn’t get out quickly enough to meet the effort on goal following a neat set-back by RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager and Schmid took full advantage to convert his only shot on goal.

But Jordan were almost level instantly when Olwan headed onto the bar at the near post. Austria were caught napping by the short corner routine in a contest that was coming alive by the minute.

Alexander Schlager was called into action a second time to keep out Olwan’s shot on goal but could only parry it into the path of Rennes striker Mousa Al-Tamari, who blasted the follow up into a defender.

The forward had Schlager concerned again on the stroke of half time, wriggling away from several challenges and sending a low effort crawling not far wide as Jordan looked the more dangerous team heading into half time.

Having been Jordan’s brightest attacking threat in the first half, Olwan got his reward five minutes after the break leading a counter attack with a 30-yard run into the penalty area.

Jordan’s left midfielder justified the number nine on the back of his shirt by cutting onto his right foot and curling home off the inside of the post to deservedly draw level.

The debutants were momentarily behind when Austria’s record goalscorer Marco Arnautovic came off the bench to punish Yazeed Abdulaila for failing to get enough on the punch to clear a corner from the left.

But a VAR check then spotted right back Stefan Pausch handling the ball before the 37-year-old had scored, recommending an on-field review by referee Dahan Beida before he disallowed the goal.

The laws of the game would have ruled it out regardless of whether the handball was intentional or not, bringing a reprieve for Jordan in their quest to surprise the Austrians.

But Jordan didn’t learn their lesson and clear the next corner at the first time of asking, and Arnautovic contented with Al-Arab for the delivery and the defender inadvertently sent it past his own goalkeeper for what looked to be the winner.

Austria did well to conserve their momentum throughout the 10 minutes of added time at the end, as 37-year-old Arnautovic’s attempt on goal in the dying embers was blocked by the hand of Saleem Obaid.

The former Stoke City striker buried the spot kick and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Austria a victory that may well flatter on first glance, but head coach Ragnick will nevertheless be pleased to get his World Cup campaign off to a winning start.

G7 Turns spotlight on Middle East as Trump unveils Iran deal

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France 

G7 leaders and invited partner nations gathered in Evian-les-Bains as attention shifted from Ukraine to the Middle East following Donald Trump’s announcement of a tentative deal with Iran, with Gulf leaders joining talks on regional security and global economic risks.

Heads of state and government from the Group of Seven posed for an official family photograph alongside invited partner countries at the summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, highlighting the broad international participation in discussions on pressing geopolitical and economic challenges.

Alongside the G7 members, leaders from Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya, South Korea, Qatar, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates joined the gathering as special guests.

The summit’s working lunch focused heavily on developments in the Middle East after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a tentative agreement aimed at ending the three-and-a-half-month conflict with Iran.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated in the discussions, reflecting the growing regional stakes in the evolving diplomatic landscape.

Leaders examined the wider economic fallout of the conflict, including the disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies and international trade.

The talks underscored concerns that prolonged instability in the Gulf could have significant consequences for inflation, energy markets and worldwide economic growth.

Despite the focus on the Middle East, G7 leaders also continued discussions on Russia’s war in Ukraine, reaffirming the conflict’s place on the summit agenda alongside broader security and economic issues.

The meeting highlighted the G7’s effort to balance multiple international crises while engaging regional partners in search of coordinated responses.

Central African Republic army denies coup rumours

BANGUI, Central African Republic 

The Central African Republic's military has rejected reports circulating on social media that a plot was underway to overthrow the government, insisting that the country remains stable and that state institutions are functioning normally.

In a rare public statement, the armed forces' general staff dismissed claims of a coup attempt as false information aimed at creating confusion and undermining public confidence. 

Military officials urged citizens not to be influenced by rumours and to rely only on official sources for information.

The denial comes amid heightened sensitivity across Africa, where several countries have experienced military takeovers or alleged coup plots in recent years. As a result, unverified reports of political instability often spread quickly online.

Authorities in Bangui say security forces remain fully operational and loyal to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's government. 

The military leadership also warned against the dissemination of false information, saying such reports could threaten national security and public order.

The statement seeks to reassure both citizens and international partners at a time when the Central African Republic continues to face security challenges despite efforts to stabilize the country.

For now, officials insist there has been no attempt to overthrow the government, describing the rumours as unfounded speculation rather than a genuine threat to the state.

Messi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup

KANSAS, United States 

Lionel Messi marked his record sixth World Cup appearance with his first hat-trick at a FIFA tournament – also becoming the joint-highest scorer at a World Cup – as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 to open the defence of their global crown.

The former 38-year-old forward thought he had opened the scoring in the eighth minute in Kansas City on Tuesday when he slotted home from close range, but the offside flag was raised.

The dream start to his record-setting appearance, which will be matched by Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, was not to be denied for long, though.

A trademark, mazy run was capped by a drive on the edge of the box from that famed left foot. The power was too much for Algeria keeper Luca Zidane, son of World Cup winner with France, Zinedine.

Messi doubled his tally on the hour mark with a simple tap-in from a rebound off the keeper following a drive from Alexis Mac Allister.

The moment that was magical even for a player as decorated as Messi came in the 76th minute when he drilled low past the keeper from just outside the box.

The strike took Messi level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals.

His substitution came just three minutes later to a standing ovation – even old maestro seemed disappointed to be removed, and most likely rested for Argentina’s tilt at becoming only the third side to defend a World Cup title.

Algeria – the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners – offered little, but were themselves denied an early goal when Fares Chaibi’s ninth-minute strike was ruled out for offside.

Messi saw to it that there was no opening game upset to be had at this edition, with Argentina having lost their opening game at Qatar 2022 to Saudi Arabia.

Messi, who spent the majority of his club career in Spain with Barcelona before moving to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, plies his trade in US football’s Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

Jordan and Austria open their account in the group later on Tuesday in San Francisco.

Mbappé’s belter steals show as fluid France see off late Senegal challenge

NEW YORK, United States 

This was an ominous start from the World Cup favourites. A spluttering first-half performance gave way to a second period characterised by a combination of physical intensity and technical ability that few club sides, never mind nations, can match. 

Add on a record-breaking double for Kylian Mbappé and some superlative playmaking from Michael Olise and this was very much a job well done for Les Bleus.

After Mbappé tucked away a superb Olise pass just after the hour, a match that had started as a keenly fought contest faded away into a procession. 

When the captain crashed his second of the day past Édouard Mendy in a chaotic period of added time, he secured both victory and his place as France’s all-time leading scorer, a 58th goal for his country edging him ahead of Olivier Giroud.

This was all grist to the mill for Didier Deschamps, who denied having given his team a dressing-down after an error-strewn first half but did admit to “speaking my mind”. 

He said the key change in the second half was positional, as Olise moved more centrally to influence the play. But it was clear the players had also been encouraged, gently or otherwise, to raise their level.

“I am frank with my players, I tell them how things are,” Deschamps said. “We could have done much better on many levels in the first half. I wasn’t shouting or screaming, I’ve grown wiser with age, but my players do have to make the right decisions in defending and come into their own when attacking.”

Deschamps said he moved Olise inside, at the expense of Ousmane Dembelé (who was later substituted), because “I thought it would give us more connection. The more Michael touches the ball the better it is. It created more danger.”

As for Mbappé he was, in his coach’s words, “ruthlessly efficient”. 

The 27-year-old is now the third highest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Ronaldo Nazario and Miroslav Klose, and was not immune from the mistakes that characterised the first half. 

But, Deschamps said: “If you want to miss the first half again and score two in the second half, that’s OK with me.”

Senegal should likely have held the lead at half time, with Mike Maignan saving well from Sadio Mané (and avoiding an inadvertent own goal after the ball deflected off his heel) before Ismaïla Sarr wasted a clear opportunity from 10 yards out. 

But when France re-emerged from the break they did so with a marked increase in intensity and, by the hour mark, the game had changed decisively.

France were now the dominant team and it felt as if a goal could arrive at any minute. 

So when Mbappé burst down the right and forced Mané into a sliding challenge inside the penalty area, there was a collective holding of the breath. 

While Alireza Faghani awarded a corner, video footage seemed to suggest a foul, but after the Iranian-Australian referee was directed towards the monitor, he chose not to change his mind to the surprise of almost everyone in the ground.

The decision, however unusual, did not effect the direction of this match as Olise and Mbappé continued to purr. 

Almost immediately the former burst through the middle of the pitch and slipped a ball beyond the Senegal defence which the latter just could not reach. 

No matter, because the next time the ball came to the Bayern man, some 30 yards out from goal, he bisected two lines of opposition defence with a visionary pass cutting right to left across the field.

Coming left to right, meanwhile, was Mbappé. He beat everyone to the ball, turned back on himself and finished with consummate ease.

Dembelé was ultimately withdrawn for Bradley Barcola, a closer for club and country, who doubled the France lead with eight minutes to go when he ran on to another through ball, this time following assertive play by Adrien Rabiot, to slot past Mendy. 

The Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye slammed a rising drive past Maignan in added time to alter momentarily the calculations before Mbappé struck again, a swerving dipping effort off the laces that Mendy should have dealt with better.

For Pape Thiaw, the Senegal head coach, this was a lesson in hitting your levels, but not a fatal one. 

His side face Norway next, then Iraq, and qualification remains the aim. “When you look at the match overall, if we had been more efficient by half-time we would have led by one or two nil,” he said. “In the second half France were more efficient than we were. 

We lost the ball easily on all their opportunities, and with the technical ability of the opponent we can’t allow that to happen. We have two matches to play to get six points.”

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 17/6/2026

 

Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup match

LOS ANGELES, United States 

Iran twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in an exciting World Cup clash at Los Angeles Stadium as protests against Tehran’s government and a peace deal signed to end the US-Iran war formed a charged backdrop to the match.

High security presence and protests outside the venue were among the off-field concerns surrounding the match on Monday.

And when New Zealand took an early lead through Elijah Just’s volleyed shot from inside the box, after being set up by Chris Wood, some fans critical of the Iranian government celebrated with New Zealand supporters.

Many of these anti-regime spectators also carried Iran’s pre-Islamic Revolution Lion and Sun flag, against FIFA’s rules. Several also booed Iran’s national anthem before kickoff.

But most of the crowd of more than 70,000 appeared firmly behind Team Melli, chanting “Ir-ran! Ir-ran!” and erupting when Ramin Rezaeian equalised shortly after the half-hour mark.

Rezaeian, one of several Iran players who had not played club football since February after the domestic league was suspended amid US and Israeli air strikes, reacted quickest to a blocked shot and poked the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

Wood and Just combined again early in the second half, the New Zealand captain sliding a precise pass into the 26-year-old forward’s path before Just hammered home to restore the All Whites’ lead.

Iran responded 10 minutes later with a superb goal from Mohammad Mohebbi, who headed Rezaeian’s perfect cross in off the far post to make it 2-2.

The stalemate means all the teams in Group G have one point after Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt earlier on Monday.

New Zealand, making their third appearance at the tournament, remain without a win at a World Cup after seven matches. Iran are looking to reach the knockout round for the first time.

The match laid bare divisions among Iranian American fans, many of whom said they felt torn between pride at seeing Iran on the sport’s biggest stage, anger over Tehran’s crackdown on protesters and concern over Washington’s bombing campaign.

Before kickoff, about 300 to 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium, waving anti-government signs and flags.

Some Iranian Americans had said attending the match would imply support for Iran’s government, while others said they wanted to set politics aside and support the players.

Iran will next return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on Sunday when New Zealand take on Egypt in Vancouver.

Uruguay equalise late to deny Saudi Arabia in stifling Miami

MIAMI, United States 

Maxi Araujo scored a late Uruguay equaliser to deny Saudi Arabia another memorable opening-game win at a World Cup.

Saudi Arabia stunned the world when they beat eventual winners Argentina in their first match at the last 2022 tournament in Qatar.

But they could not hold off a second-half onslaught from Uruguay - who ended with 28 shots on goal - as Marcelo Bielsa's South American side earned a point in the Group H encounter.

Abdulelah al Amri turned the ball home four minutes before the half-time break after Hassan al Tambakti's bullet header from a corner was parried by Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera to put Saudi Arabia into the lead and dreaming of another remarkable victory.

However, ex-Leeds boss Bielsa made a double change at the break - including taking off the ineffective former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez - and it brought more energy into his team.

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al Owais tipped a low strike from Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte onto the post as Uruguay piled on the pressure.

But Araujo got the equaliser with 10 minutes to go after Al Owais pushed Federico Vinas' header towards the Uruguay attacker.

Al Owais made nine saves including getting down late to tip a fierce stoppage-time effort from Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde round the post.

After Cape Verde's shock draw with Spain, the group is now wide open as Saudi Arabia try to reach the knockout stages for the first time since the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

Nunez can probably count himself lucky that he started this game given he has barely played football since February.

The former Liverpool striker's move to the country he was playing against here has turned sour after he was omitted from Al-Hilal's Saudi Pro-League squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema midway through the season.

The 26-year-old had scored nine goals in 24 appearances but his future is now in doubt and the lack of game time saw him dropped to the bench for Uruguay's March friendlies against England and Algeria.

Yet it should be a concern for the forward at how much better Uruguay looked after the break when he was withdrawn, although he would have liked more service having recorded just eight touches, his lowest tally in a start for his national team.

Uruguay would have won this game but for the brilliance in the Saudi Arabia goal from Al Owais and it will be interesting to see if Bielsa gives Nunez another chance against Cape Verde with so much up for grabs in Group H.

South African minister laments loss of artistes’ gigs amid global backlash

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa 

The South African government has expressed concern about the impact of the growing perception that its citizens are xenophobic, saying the situation is beginning to affect the arts and entertainment sector in the country.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has said that some South African artists have started to lose opportunities to perform in various African countries after organizers canceled planned concerts.

Kubayi said that some artists have personally contacted her complaining about the cancellation of their shows in various countries on the continent, which has affected their income as well as the growth of the entertainment sector.

Furthermore, the Minister has stressed that South Africa is not a xenophobic nation as claimed by some people, warning that such a perception could damage the country's relations with other African countries, as well as affect trade, tourism and investment.

However, the Government has urged citizens to address immigration challenges by adhering to established laws and procedures, warning that actions or statements that could be interpreted as xenophobia could cause serious harm to the country's economy and status within the African continent.

Tunisia fires manager Lamouchi after World Cup thrashing against Sweden

TUNIS, Tunisia 

The Tunisian Football Federation fired manager Sabri Lamouchi on Monday after its men’s team was dismantled 5-1 by Sweden in their FIFA World Cup opener on Sunday, according to multiple reports.

It was a short-lived reign for Lamouchi, 54, as the coach spent just five games leading Tunisia in international play.

His Eagles of Carthage defeated Haiti 1-0 in his first game at the helm in an international friendly, but would score just one goal in the following four games - one of which was a 0-0 draw against Canada in a friendly on March 31.

Lamouchi is a former midfielder who was born in France but has dual French and Tunisian citizenship. 

As a midfielder in his playing career, Lamouchi made 12 caps for the French national team. His managerial career has featured stops in Ligue 1 with Rennes, the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and a three-year stint with the Cote d’Ivoire national team, who he led in the 2014 World Cup.

Tunisia faces an uphill battle to get back into contention in Group F after Sunday’s disastrous opener - Japan and Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw earlier in the day, meaning all three sides have a points advantage entering the second set of matches.

Tunisia, who are ranked No. 56 in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking and have yet to confirm the firing or name a potential replacement, will play their next match against No. 18 Japan on Sunday, June 21, then finish their round robin against No. 8 Netherlands on June 25.

Trump may release US-Iran deal before Friday, Vance says

WASHINGTON, United States 

United States President, Donald Trump may decide to release a preliminary deal to end the war with Iran before Friday, US Vice-President JD Vance says, after the US president said the agreement had already been signed.

Vance has described the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran as "about a page and a half" and a "very general" document.

Senior US officials have also begun giving some details about the deal, briefing that the Strait of Hormuz would re-open on Friday - the same day the deal is formally inked in Geneva.

It comes as Trump attends the G7 summit in France, which will on Tuesday host a special session about Iran attended by the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

On Monday, during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said "I am very happy to say it's signed, the deal is all signed," referring to the preliminary agreement.

US officials said it had been signed electronically by Trump, Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Technical talks on Iran's nuclear programme are expected to begin this week, the officials said, while any sanctions relief or release of assets will depend on Iran meeting commitments under the deal.

While Trump had earlier suggested that details of the agreement were set to be published "pretty soon" after Friday's ceremony, Vance told Fox News the US president might decide to release the agreement with Tehran before then.

Vance earlier told CNN's Jake Tapper that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was a very general document, adding that a lot of the details would be worked out during future negotiations.

"On a number of issues, we are going to have to figure this stuff out during the technical negotiation phase, but what the MOU does is set up a framework whereby the Iranians get the benefits of the bargain by meeting their obligations under the bargain," he said.

In "paragraph one" of the document it is outlined that Iran will commit itself to "regional peace and stability", Vance said, which he added included stopping the funding of "terrorist organisations".

"Most importantly, they're going to have a verifiable commitment to not building a nuclear weapon," Vance said.

G7 allies will be eager to discuss Iran with Trump, with the UK and France having led plans for a defensive mission to protect vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said he did not believe the US would "need much help" in ensuring the free passage of shipping but added he did not think it was "a bad idea to have a ship or two" from other countries based in the strategic waterway.

The deal will extend a ceasefire for another 60 days, during which the sides will negotiate details of a final agreement.

Announcing the breakthrough on Sunday, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose nation had been mediating, said it included "the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon".

The US officials said that while Lebanon was covered by the ceasefire framework, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory was not a condition of the deal. Israel would retain the right to self defence, they added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday evening that Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza "as long as necessary", and retain the freedom to act against attacks.

He also told a news conference Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, with or without a deal.

Netanyahu was speaking after Lebanese media reported a deadly Israeli strike on a car in the south - the first since the peace deal was announced. Hezbollah said it had fired missiles and drones at Israeli forces in return.