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'Anger, disbelief and worry': Stokes saga overshadows England's revival
'The mullahs' team': Split loyalties for Iran fans at World Cup
'The mullahs' team': Split loyalties for Iran fans at World Cup

Iran's World Cup campaign began in Los Angeles in a blaze of goals and controversy Monday, with hundreds protesting against a team they see as stooges for an extremist government in Tehran.

June 16, 2026

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Iran snatch draw in World Cup opener, Spain stunned by Cape Verde
Iran snatch draw in World Cup opener, Spain stunned by Cape Verde

Iran came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their long-awaited opening game at the World Cup on Monday as European heavyweights Spain were frustrated in a shock stalemate by tiny tournament debutants Cape Verde.

June 16, 2026

India eyes biofertilisers after Mideast war stoked supply fears
India eyes biofertilisers after Mideast war stoked supply fears

Under a shed in north India, women scoop cow dung, lumps of unrefined sugar and flour to produce biofertiliser -- part of a growing effort to tackle anxieties over the supply of chemical fertilisers.

June 16, 2026

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

June 16, 2026

RECENT NEWS

Iraq coach urges outsiders to 'shock the world'
Iraq coach urges outsiders to 'shock the world'

Iraq coach Graham Arnold said there is no room for fear as his unfancied side prepare to face Erling Haaland and Norway in their first World Cup match in 40 years.

June 16, 2026

RECENT NEWS

Netanyahu says will run in upcoming Israeli elections
Netanyahu says will run in upcoming Israeli elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said he intended to run in elections scheduled for later this year, as he faced domestic criticism over his wartime leadership.

June 16, 2026