Japan come from behind twice to draw with Netherlands

Japan hit back twice to start their World Cup campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. The Dutch were denied a victory in their the World Cup Group F opener when Koki Ogawa’s 88th-minute header took a deflection off Daichi Kamada before going in at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. After a drab first half where chances were few and far between, the came to life when an unmarked Virgil van Dijk headed home in the 51st minute from Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch’s cross.

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Merciless Germany put seven past debutants Curaçao

Four-time winners Germany overcame a brief scare from World Cup debutants Curacao before turning on the style to win their Group E opener in Houston. Die Mannschaft went ahead in the sixth minute with the tournament’s earliest goal so far coming from a powerful curling effort from Felix Nmecha. But they were stunned by a leveller from Livano Comenencia. That proved to be a wake up call with the Germans showing no mercy as they pushed on for an emphatic victory.

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Young guns shine as Australia upset Turkey

Australia provided the surprise result so far of the 2026 World Cup as they began their Group D campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver. It was a highly organised and clinical display from Tony Popovic’s side, who withstood their opponent’s dominance of the ball and struck with a goal in each half from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. The match turned on a moment in the 27th minute. Arda Guler’s header was saved low by goalkeeper Patrick Beach – making his competitive international debut – and in a flash Irankunda was released to race away from the defence and slot into the corner at the other end.

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McGinn fires Scotland to narrow win over Haiti

Scotland moved top of Group C in their long-awaited return to the World Cup with a nervy 1-0 win over Haiti in Foxborough. In the Scots’ first game on the big stage since 1998, midfielder John McGinn fired them ahead in Boston with a deflected strike after 28 minutes, although Steve Clarke’s side lived dangerously at times.

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Brazil fightback to share spoils with impressive Morocco

Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in the first ⁠heavyweight clash of the World Cup on Saturday, with the African side confirming their potential while exposing familiar weaknesses in their opponents at a sold out New York/New Jersey stadium. Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved first-half lead before Vinicius Jr produced a moment of brilliance to restore parity, ensuring the points were shared in the opening Group C match.

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