From stag-do drag video to the World Cup - the bizarre rise of Scotland's other national anthem

From stag-do drag to Fenway Park, how did a 1970s disco hit become the soundtrack of the Tartan Army?

Why Team Iran Is in a Tough Spot at the World Cup

At its first game in Los Angeles, the men’s national team drew spectators who weren’t coming for the soccer, but rather to protest the regime in Tehran.

By Tariq Panja

Iranian football team told to return to Mexico after opening World Cup game

Head coach of Tehran’s squad says ‘oppressed’ players instructed to go back to training base over border

Hundreds protest Iran's 'regime team' ahead of World Cup opener

The Iran vs New Zealand match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, took place under tight security, with a large contingent from the Iranian-American community in Los Angeles vowing to make known their opposition to the regime. The city – sometimes dubbed 'Tehrangeles' – is home to the largest ethnic Iranian community outside of Iran

Class acts: the maths teacher who taught Argentina’s Álvarez and Fernández

Luciana Alvarengue likes to think she had the smallest of influences on two of her old pupils as they take aim at another World Cup For all Argentinians, sitting down to watch the 2022 World Cup final was special – but for Luciana Alvarengue there was additional emotion. In the Argentina side were not one but two players to whom she had taught maths at school: Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez. “They are still my students, even if they are no longer in the classroom,” she says. “To see it wit...

By Jonathan Wilson in Monterrey

Iran fans react to team’s first World Cup match amid political schisms

Iran fans react to team’s first World Cup match amid political schisms

Reporter's Notebook: Lawmakers scramble as FISA fight comes at the worst possible time

FISA Section 702 expired amid heightened terrorism fears, World Cup security concerns, and political disputes over Bill Pulte's role as acting DNI.

Fact check: Hitler look-alike at Germany's World Cup match?

Images circulating across several platforms allegedly show a football fan who resembles Adolf Hitler during Germany's 7-1 win against Curacao. But is the viral image authentic?

Racist gesture to Korean at World Cup, Singapore PM to visit Russia: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to visit Russia, first since Ukraine war sanctions Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to visit the Russian city of Kazan in a trip that would mark the first high-level talks between leaders from both sides since the city state...

By SCMP

Iran's players celebrated at World Cup but complicated feelings remain

After a challenging, politically charged build-up to their World Cup campaign Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand brought mixed feelings for the Iranian diaspora.

By Amanda Shalala

France kick off World Cup campaign, with Senegal looking to repeat 2002 upset

Les Bleus will be wary of carrying the favourites tag when they begin their quest for a third World Cup title against Senegal on Tuesday, 24 years after their shock defeat against the Lions of Teranga set off dancing in the streets of Dakar – and precipitated France's calamitous exit in the group stage.

By FRANCE 24

Iran claim they were forced to leave US minutes after World Cup opener

Iran have claimed they were forced out of the United States just minutes after their opener with New Zealand concluded, saying his team are the “most oppressed” at the World Cup.

By Jamie Gardner

Iranian Team Claims They Were Forced To Return To Mexico Immediately After First World Cup Game In U.S. - Forbes

Iranian Team Claims They Were Forced To Return To Mexico Immediately After First World Cup Game In U.S.  Forbes

Report: Liverpool scouts dispatched to assess ‘unique talent’ in history-making World Cup clash

Liverpool scouts have reportedly been dispatched to keep track of one player who’s set to make his entrance at the World Cup over the next 48 hours.Reds supporters will have loved what they saw from...

FIFA World Cup: Iran rally twice amid geopolitical turmoil to deny New Zealand

Iran showcased remarkable resilience, twice coming from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their politically charged World Cup opener. Mohammad Mohebbi's late equaliser capped a spirited comeback for Team Melli, who have faced a turbulent build-up to the tournament. The match, played before a passionate pro-Iranian crowd, saw Iran overcome deficits to claim a valuable point.

By TOI SPORTS DESK

Music Industry Moves: The Linda Lindas Sign With Reprise-Warner; Motown Announces HBCU Internship Program; Republic and Ziza Launch Label

Los Angeles quartet the Linda Lindas, who first captured national attention as teenagers (or pre-teenagers) in 2018, have signed with Reprise-Warner Records and celebrated by releasing the new single and video “Burning Out,” likely a precursor to a third album from the group.   “‘Burning Out’ felt so simultaneously new and nostalgic for us, and […]

By Jem Aswad

Even after US-Iran's June 19 peace deal, Hormuz may not fully reopen for weeks. Here's why

The agreement between the US and Iran has lessened immediate fears in the Strait of Hormuz, yet concerns over naval mines persist.

‘A disaster’: Iran at the World Cup — expelled, oppressed and still standing

New York Is Kicking Los Angeles Around Right Now

This was supposed to be L.A.’s time. But with events like the Knicks' title and Taylor wedding, Gotham is showing it up.

By Steven Zeitchik

Uruguay’s Marco Bielsa refuses to comply for World Cup photoshoot: ‘I am not a model’

By Online editors

New negotiation round between US, Iran to take place in Switzerland, Iran's FM Araghchi announces

Iran's Foreign Minister Araqchi warned that any Israeli attack on Lebanon or continued presence on Lebanese territory from now on constituted a violation of the interim agreement with the US.

Iran Team Forced To Leave U.S. Immediately After World Cup Draw Amid Protests Against Tehran

The Iranian football team were forced to leave the U.S. immediately after their 2-2 World Cup group stage draw with New Zealand. Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei said U.S. officials ordered the team to leave the country after the match yesterday, and was quoted calling his team the “most repressed team in the whole World Cup.” The […]

By Jesse Whittock

Some wave protest flags, others cheer as Iran plays World Cup opener

The run-up to the match had been one ​of extraordinary drama off the pitch, with the team playing on U.S. soil barely 24 hours after a peace ‌deal was ‌announced to end the war.

Cape Verde holds Spain to a surprising 0-0 draw in the country's World Cup debut

ATLANTA (AP) -- Tiny Cape Verde, making its debut at the World Cup, pulled off a stunner, holding heavily favored Spain scoreless in a 0-0 draw on Monday. "This means everything for our country," Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito said. "We have always said that we wanted everybody to see our country, our team and we have shown organization and braveness and this is proof of what our country is about -- resilience and to try to overcome hardships." European champion Spain is one of the favorite

By The Korea Herald

Iran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw

Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been overshadowed by war, politics and protests. The Iranian team’s very presence at the Los Angeles Stadium had long felt uncertain, after months of military conflict between their nation and the United States. At last able to focus on the football, the Iran players twice found themselves trailing to the tournament’s lowest-ranked team, thanks to goals from New Z...

By none@none.com (AFPReuters)

A day after a peace deal was announced, Iran's World Cup campaign begins in LA

After months of uncertainty, the Iranian national football team arrived in the US just hours before a ceasefire was announced.

New Zealand's Garbett ruled out of World Cup with injury

Iran told to return to Mexico immediately after politically charged World Cup opener

The team was originally intending to base its training camp in Tucson, Arizona but moved it at the 11th hour to Tijuana in Mexico due to the visa and logistical issues.

Lisa Loeb Joins Belinda Carlisle & More for Women’s Rock Camp & Fantasy Songwriter Camp Lineup

The 2026 camp culminates in participants playing shows on Los Angeles' acclaimed Sunset Strip.

By Melinda Newman

The First-Ever Official Studio Ghibli Store in the U.S. Is Opening Later This Month in Los Angeles

IGN can exclusively reveal that the official Studio Ghibli store, also known as Donguri Republic, is opening for the first time in the U.S. in Los Angeles on June 23. The shop will feature over 400 officially licensed products from such beloved films as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and more.

By Adam Bankhurst

Marcos 'cautiously optimistic' on US-Iran ceasefire

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the United States-Iran ceasefire and the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but expressed concern on the possibility the deal could fall apart like past peace efforts in the region.

By Cristina Chi

Iran rally twice to hold New Zealand 2-2 in heated World Cup clash

Iran rallied twice from a goal down to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday in a World Cup match played against the backdrop of anti-gover...

Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup clash - The Daily Star

Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup clash  The Daily Star

De Leede stars but Bangladesh edge Dutch women in World Cup

The Netherlands captain Babette de Leede scored her side’s first T20 World Cup half-century on Sunday but could not prevent...

By Malhar Hathi

Iran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw

Iran’s World Cup campaign kicks off with a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand, overshadowed by political tensions and protests. Read More: https://punchng.com/iran-begin-fraught-world-cup-with-2-2-new-zealand-draw/

By Punch Newspapers

World Cup 2026: Ghana challenges Thomas Partey visa denial in court

According to BBC Sport, Ghana has filed for a judicial review of the decision, with a court hearing scheduled in Ottawa as officials seek permission for Partey to enter Canada ahead of the country's opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto. The post World Cup 2026: Ghana challenges Thomas Partey visa denial in court appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Henry Oduah

Iran coach Ghalenoei hits out at travel restrictions - Tehran Times

Iran coach Ghalenoei hits out at travel restrictions  Tehran Times

Tunisia fires football manager ahead of Oranje group stage World Cup match

Tunisia has sacked its national coach, Sabri Lamouchi, following the 5-1 defeat against Sweden, the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) reported.

By 89566

Jordan feeling pride not pressure over World Cup debut  

Jordan are feeling pride not pressure ahead of their World Cup debut against Austria and will ‌fight to prove their worth in what will be a new chapter in the country's soccer history, captain Ehsan Haddad said on Monday.

By Abubakar Ibrahim

Tunisia vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Everything you need to know - Goal.com

Tunisia vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Everything you need to know  Goal.com