Who am I? Guess World Cup star No 9

Will you get today's player in as few attempts as possible?

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

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

‘Beautiful moment’: fans of New Zealand and Iran draw on World Cup fervour together

Electrifying mood among those at a bar in Wellington watching a game that threatened to be overshadowed by international politics On a cold winter afternoon in Wellington, dozens gathered at the Four Kings sports bar to watch New Zealand’s football team, the All Whites, take on Iran. The politics and hostilities surrounding Iran’s World Cup opener may have dominated attention in the lead up to the match, but in New Zealand, fans on both sides turned out for one reason: the love of the game. ...

By Eva Corlett in Wellington

Football upstages politics as Iranians rally behind their team at World Cup

In opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles, Iran's Team Melli gets cheers from thousands of anti-regime supporters.

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

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. The team’s build-up to the finals has been profoundly impacted by the conflict between Iran and the United States. Coach Amir Ghalenoei welcomed the fans’ support, but said it had not been matched by those responsible for managing the team’s movements in what is believed to be a strong criticism of the US authorities.

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

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

Stevenson Ranch Max Fire: Huge blaze in Los Angeles County prompts shelter-in-place order; scary videos emerge

A brush fire, dubbed Max Fire broke out southeast of Pico Canyon Road & Stevenson Ranch Parkway in the unincorporated community of Stevenson Ranch, California.

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

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

Iran secures a 2-2 draw against New Zealand amid protests at an intense World Cup encounter

A goal was celebrated by some fans critical of the Iranian government, many of whom carried Iran's pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag. Some also booed Iran's national anthem before kickoff.

Seán O’Connor: Another twist in the sorry saga of the World Cup’s ‘most oppressed’ team

By Seán O'Connor,in Los Angeles

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

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

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

Iran coach Ghalenoei hits out at travel restrictions - Tehran Times

Iran coach Ghalenoei hits out at travel restrictions  Tehran Times

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 utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests. The post Iran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Ayobami

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