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.

Belgium battle back to deny Egypt first World Cup win

SEATTLE, United States 

A second-half own goal denied Egypt a first ever World Cup win as Belgium rescued a point from their Group G opener in Seattle.

The Pharaohs took the lead in the 21st minute through Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour, who thundered a 20-yard strike into the bottom corner past Thibaut Courtois.

But Thomas Meunier's low cross was turned into his own net by Egypt defender Mohamed Hany in the 66th minute, under pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku.

Egypt were backed by a passionate support base on the USA's west coast as they hunted their first World Cup win in eight games, having made their tournament debut back in 1934.

Instead the seven-time African champions spent the final moments holding on and managed to avoid defeat at a World Cup for only the third time.

Despite being record Africa Cup of Nations winners, Egypt have a poor record across their previous three World Cup appearances, and have now failed to win any of their eight games since their debut 92 years ago.

After going ahead, they nearly doubled their lead before the break when Mostafa Zico's drilled strike across goal was tipped behind by Belgium keeper Courtois.

Playing on his 34th birthday, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah also had a second-half header well-saved by Courtois and goalscorer Ashour failed to hit the target on the rebound.

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia introduced the Red Devils' all-time leading goalscorer Lukaku in the 66th minute - and seconds later his presence spooked Hany into his error.

Hamstring injuries had limited Lukaku to just 40 minutes in Serie A for Napoli across the 2025-26 season.

A few minutes before the equaliser, his club team-mate Kevin de Bruyne had struck the outside of the post from a free-kick as Belgium started to take control.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 16/6/2026

 

Cape Verde shock Spain with historic draw on World Cup debut

ATLANTA, United States 

Debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest World Cup shocks of recent times by holding Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta.

The third-smallest country in terms of population to qualify for a World Cup, Cape Verde were 67th in Fifa's latest rankings and many expected them to be swept aside by second-ranked Spain in their opening Group H contest.

However, the reigning European champions were laboured in attack for long spells and on the occasions Spain threatened the Cape Verde goal, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha kept them at bay with numerous fine saves.

The introduction of Lamine Yamal as a second-half substitute injected life into his side and the Spain fans inside the stadium, but the Barcelona teenager - making his first appearance for almost eight weeks following his recovery from a hamstring injury - could not produce a decisive moment on his World Cup debut.

Ferran Torres wasted Spain's best chance in the first half, connecting with Marc Cucurella's header back across the six-yard box, but hitting the crossbar under pressure from Vozinha.

Mikel Oyarzabal, scorer of their Euro 2024 winner against England, was denied by a superb block from Shamrock Rovers' Roberto Lopes in the closing moments.

And as Spain pushed late on, they were almost caught out at the other end - but they avoided the ignominy of defeat as defender Diney Borges headed a corner straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon.

South Africa repatriates 2,745 foreigners in the week

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa 

South Africa has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in the week after President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher action against illegal immigration, the country's home affairs minister said on Sunday.

One of Africa's largest economies, South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent, both legally and illegally.

But saddled with an unemployment rate above 30 percent, it has experienced recurring spurts of anti-immigrant unrest, including fresh violence in recent weeks.

Mobs of South Africans carrying sticks, whips and shields have marched through parts of the country ordering foreigners with no residency papers to leave by June 30.

Growing security fears after businesses were looted and foreigners targeted have prompted citizens of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to accept voluntary repatriation organised by their governments.

"As of last night, the number we can report is 2,745 repatriations that have come in this period since the president spoke," Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber told reporters.

"It is a moving target," he said.

The government said most of those repatriated were in the country illegally.

They include Malawian nationals, about 7,000 of whom have been sheltering in an open field in the eastern port city of Durban, according to an inter-ministerial migration committee set up after the president's address.

Eight buses commissioned by the Malawian government began moving its citizens on Sunday, with South Africa providing 10 additional buses to speed up deportations, the committee said.

Among those boarding the first buses, some carried babies on their backs and small bags of belongings.

"I'm relieved we are finally leaving. It's better than living in fear here," said Fortunate Chilenje from Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital.

The 25-year-old had lived in South Africa for three years, she told AFP, adding that threats to leave had followed her even at the camp, one of the largest to emerge since the unrest began.

The government said on Sunday it did not operate refugee camps and had no intention of establishing them, even on a temporary basis.

Another passenger, Laina Nala from Mangochi in southern Malawi, said she simply wanted to be dropped as close to her home as possible, rather than continuing on to Blantyre.

"Blantyre is too far and expensive from there," she said.

For Hassan Hasha, 27, a debt linked to his journey to South Africa still hung over his head.

He said he had barely stayed in South Africa for weeks before the anti-foreigner sentiment flared, but added: "I have resigned myself to going home".

Last week, Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over illegal immigration but warned authorities would not tolerate anyone taking the law into their own hands.

Tensions escalated after two Mozambicans were killed following a May 29 march against illegal migrants in the Western Cape town of Mossel Bay. Mozambican authorities put the toll at five.

There are more than three million foreigners living in South Africa, or 5.1 percent of the population, according to the statistics agency.

Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1 in strong start to World Cup

GUADALUPE, Mexico 

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were in fine form as Sweden cruised to a comfortable 5-1 victory against Tunisia to kickstart their World Cup campaign in Group F.

Brighton's Yasin Ayari scored the pick of the goals with two stunning long-range strikes - on either side of the game in the sixth and 96th minutes - but the performances of Sweden's star forwards put the fixture firmly in their control.

Shortly after Ayari's first, with his celebrations muted out of respect for the birthplace of his father and a country he could have represented, Isak doubled Sweden's lead in the 40th minute.

Gyokeres laid the ball off to the Liverpool striker near the halfway line before he drove forward, cut in on his right foot and slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner.

Omar Rekin halved the deficit for Tunisia just before the break with a glancing header to spark hopes of a comeback (43) but Gyokeres' fine finish quickly restored the two-goal lead (59) after Isak turned provider on this occasion.

Substitute Mattias Svanberg, 18 seconds after coming on, then swept a fourth into the back of the net for Sweden as time ticked down (84). 

The offside flag initially went up, but a lengthy VAR review revealed a slight touch from Isak meant the midfielder had returned to an onside position.

A second stunner from Ayari, with this effort too good to mute his celebrations, then rounded off the dominant performance for Graham Potter's side.

Ivory Coast beats Ecuador 1-0 at FIFA World Cup with Amad Diallo goal

PHILADELPHIA, United States 

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo came off the bench to net a 90th-minute goal to get Ivory Coast's World Cup off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over Ecuador in Group E.

The forward was a surprise absentee from Emerse Fae's starting line-up but channeled any frustration in the best way possible after replacing Bazoumana Toure 10 minutes into the second half, sidefooting the winner smartly beyond Hernan Galindez after a lung-busting run down from Wilfried Singo down the right flank.

It provided Ecuador with a painful start to their World Cup campaign and ended their 19-game unbeaten streak, which looked well intact in an opening half-hour where they twice struck the crossbar through John Yeboah and Alan Minda, defying their pre-match expectations by dominating the early exchanges with and without the ball.

They never got back to those early heights and increasingly appeared at the mercy of Ivory Coast during the brief moments the 2023 AFCON champions clicked - with Yan Diomande lively almost throughout but with his end product often lacking.

Elye Wahi struck the crossbar for Fae's side in the second half before the introduction of Amad and Ange-Yoan Bonny breathed new life into them. 

But it would take until the final minute of normal time for it to count when the Manchester United winger sparked wild celebrations among the entire squad 12 years to the day since their last World Cup win.

Japan deny Netherlands by fighting back twice in World Cup opener

DALLAS, United States 

Daichi Kamada's late header rescued a deserved point for Japan against the Netherlands in their opening World Cup game in Dallas.

One of the most anticipated games in the tournament's group stages was a slow burner before developing into a second-half thriller, after the Dutch side's Premier League contingent looked to have set them on their way to an important victory.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville were on target before Crystal Palace's Kamada struck with a deft header to divert Koki Ogawa's effort with two minutes left and secure a draw.

Ronald Koeman's side posed the greater threat in a subdued first half, with Donyell Malen the main danger, forcing three saves from Japan keeper Zion Suzuki.

The game burst into life after the restart, captain Van Dijk heading the Dutch in front after 51 minutes with a precise header from Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch's cross.

Japan were never out of contention and they were level six minutes later when Keito Nakamura's low shot carried too much power for Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.

The Netherlands responded with a moment of real quality to restore their advantage after 64 minutes, Summerville cutting inside the area before sending a low drive beyond the outstretched arm of Suzuki.

Japan continued to press and got their reward through Kamada, to the delight of the thousands of Samurai Blue fans who were in Dallas to support their country.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 15/6/2026