The United States pulverised Paraguay as they opened their home World Cup campaign with a statement victory in front of a galaxy of Los Angeles stars, including former England captain David Beckham. Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, a former England Under-21 international, scored two well-taken first-half goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side served early notice of their capabilities in a convincing 4-1 win.
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Substitute Cyle Larin helped co-hosts Canada make history with a first World Cup point after his deflected 78th-minute strike rescued a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Jovo Lukic threatened to spoil the party occasion for Jesse Marsch’s men when he scored in the 21st-minute before ex-Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac produced an incredible second-half clearance to preserve Bosnia’s one-goal lead.
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Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu gave South Korea a winning start to the World Cup as they came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Oh struck 11 minutes from time after Hwang In-beom’s moment of magic had cancelled out Czech captain Ladislav Krejci’s header in Guadalajara. South Korea made the brighter start, Son Heung-min firing over with Lee Han-Beom heading over the bar before Paris St Germain’s Lee Kang-in forced a save from Matej Kovar with an effort from outside the box.
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Co-hosts Mexico made a strong start to their 2026 World Cup campaign as they defeated nine-man South Africa at a packed Azteca Stadium in the tournament opener. Three players were sent off in all, with Mexico reduced to 10 men in the closing moments. Mexico had only needed nine minutes before they delighted their fans with the first goal of the finals.
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Gabriel Magalhaes skied the decisive spot-kick as Arsenal were denied a first Champions League triumph in a penalty shootout defeat by Paris St-Germain, who won the competition for a second successive year. Mikel Arteta’s side lifted the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years last weekend, but missed out on a league and European double in the most heartbreaking of fashions in a hot and humid Puskas Arena.
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