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SEATTLE, June 20 — The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in their Group D clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday. The match attracted thousands of fans, with a vibrant atmosphere surrounding the stadium well before kick-off. Supporters dressed in colourful costumes and participated in singing and celebrations as they gathered outside the venue. Amid the festivities, several spectators were seen carrying Palestinian flags and banners expressing solidarity with Palestine. Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) outside the stadium, fans identified as Morina and Nick said they chose to display the flags and share pro-Palestinian messages to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian situation in the region. The United States' victory strengthens their position in Group D as they continue their campaign in the tournament, while Australia will look to bounce back in their next fixture. -- MINUTESMY

World Cup 2026: USA Defeat Australia 2-0 in Seattle

SEATTLE, June 20 — The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in their Group D clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Lumen Field in Seattle .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 -- National squash player, S. Sivasangari, continued her excellent performance at the 2025-2026 PSA Squash Tour Finals in Paris, after booking a place in the final early this morning, thus becoming the first Malaysian female player to advance to the final stage of the tournament since 2012. The fourth seed defeated top seed and Egyptian star Amina Orfi, 3-1, in a thrilling semi-final with an 8-11, 11-10, 11-8, 11-10 victory in 74 minutes. Sivasangari's success in reaching the final also ends a 14-year wait for Malaysian women's squash at the prestigious season-ending tournament, with no national representative reaching the final since 2012. Awaiting her in the championship decider is second seeded Egyptian Hania El Hammamy who advanced after winning another semi-final, to set up the much-anticipated final clash in the French capital. The head-to-head record is in El Hammamy's favour, as Sivasangari have only recorded two wins from their previous 10 meetings. The two wins came at the 2017 Women's Squash Championship and the 2024 London Squash Classic. -- BERNAMA

Sivasangari becomes first Malaysian finalist at PSA Tour Finals since 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 — National squash player, S. Sivasangari, continued her excellent performance at the 2025-2026 PSA Squash Tour Finals in Paris, after booking a place in the final .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 -- The decision by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to carry out a “restructuring exercise” by terminating the contracts of the national team coaching staff yesterday has been described as a very positive step marking a major transformation of the local football landscape. Local sports analyst Zack Rahim said the drastic move is a clear signal that the governing body is now in a phase of large-scale transformation, as long demanded by fans. He stressed that the move has indirectly returned technical authority to FAM, in line with calls from hardcore supporters, including Ultras Malaya, who have long wanted the Harimau Malaya setup to be overhauled. “FAM is undergoing a major transformation, and the termination of contracts is a very positive step, welcomed by me and also the supporters. If we want to reform FAM, let’s reform it from scratch,” he told Bernama today. He also viewed the move as a more efficient financial management strategy through expenditure rationalisation, allowing funds to be redirected towards more critical development programmes. Commenting on the team’s direction ahead of the ASEAN Cup and the FIFA ASEAN Cup, he suggested that FAM should not look for external candidates for now, but instead utilise proven internal expertise. He named National Football Development Programme (NFDP) technical director Datuk Ong Kim Swee as the most ideal individual to take on the interim coaching role, based on his record and extensive experience. He said the reassignment would be the most practical approach as Kim Swee is already within the system, while also taking into account FAM’s administrative constraints in offering new contracts before the formation of a permanent leadership line-up. “Not a new contract. He remains under his NFDP director contract but is reassigned to gather players while waiting for September to appoint a new FAM committee. That’s the only option I see available,” he said. Meanwhile, local football observer Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli also agreed, describing the decision as a “timely and appropriate” move to realign the management structure with recommendations from the Asian Football Confederation. He also said the absence of a permanent head coach at this stage would allow local players to demonstrate their inner strength in restoring the team’s image and rebuilding fans’ trust, which has been damaged by various issues. “Right now we want to see our players... whether they have the high awareness to restore the image... strong determination to dispel the perception that local players cannot perform,” he said. Previously, FAM confirmed that the contract of National Team CEO Robert Douglas Friend, or Rob Friend, was terminated by mutual consent effective June 1. The contract of Cklamovski, along with two senior technical staff members Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki, was also terminated by mutual consent effective June 16. FAM also said the contracts of coach Nafuzi Zain and U-23 national team goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin were terminated by mutual consent effective June 15. — BERNAMA

FAM Restructuring A Positive Step, In Line With Fan Demands – Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — The decision by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to carry out a “restructuring exercise” by terminating the contracts of the national team coaching staff .... read more

ATLANTA: The Czech Republic were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in the World Cup on Thursday, keeping both teams' chances of advancing to the knockout stages, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported. Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Czechs in the sixth minute, set up by Aleksandr Sojka after Vladimir Coufal's long throw caused chaos in the South African defence. The equalizer in the 83rd minute came unexpectedly as Teboho Mokoena tricked goalkeeper Matěj Kovář into the opposite direction on a penalty kick after a handball incident by Pavel Šulc. South Africa failed to break down the Czech defense and did not score any tries until the 74th minute. The Czech team paid the price for being passive after their goal. Patrik Schick wasted a chance before the opposition goal and they only posed a slight threat in the first minute of the second half when Lukáš Červ was denied by Ronwen Williams and Schick headed into the goalkeeper's arms on the ensuing corner. Both teams have one point after losing their first matches, the Czech Republic 1-2 against South Korea and South Africa 0-2 against hosts Mexico. Mexico will face South Korea on Thursday, while the final Group A match next week will see the Czech Republic take on Mexico and South Africa meet South Korea. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups reach the round of 32 along with the eight best third-place finishers. South Africa have never made it past the group stage while the Czechs last reached the quarter-finals in 1990. Thursday's match was officiated by American referee Tori Penso, making it the second men's World Cup match to be overseen by a woman, four years after France's Stéphanie Frappart officiated the Germany-Costa Rica game. -- BERNAMA-dpa

World Cup 2026: Czech Republic draw 1-1 with South Africa

ATLANTA: The Czech Republic were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in the World Cup on Thursday, keeping both teams’ chances of advancing to the knockout stages, the .... read more

NEW YORK, JUNE 19 -- Police arrested six people during England's 4-2 win over Croatia in the World Cup, including one for criminal trespassing, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported. According to the Arlington Police Department, officers also responded to two reports of fights inside AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, but no incidents resulted in arrests. Three people were arrested on suspicion of drug offences, one on suspicion of drunkenness and another on suspicion of trademark counterfeiting involving goods worth between US$2,500 and US$30,000. None of those arrested were British citizens, the team confirmed. Police said stadium staff usually deal with "unruly" spectators before requesting assistance from officers, adding that security staff often resolve incidents without police intervention. Drones were used to monitor the crowd and several officials circled the stadium perimeter on Segways hours before kick-off. The arrest for criminal trespass was made after witnesses alleged that many fans violated security and entered the venue without being checked. According to FIFA, they are not aware of any fans entering the stadium without tickets. Following too closely at a football match in the United Kingdom is now a criminal offence as thousands of ticketless fans stormed Wembley ahead of the Euro 2020 final. A life-threatening situation occurred when fans stormed Wembley Stadium, according to comments by Baroness Louise Casey. -- BERNAMA-dpa

World Cup: Six held in England’s win

NEW YORK, JUNE 19 — Police arrested six people during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the World Cup, including one for criminal trespassing, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported. .... read more

MEXICO CITY, JUNE 19 -- Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs has been chosen to officiate the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, world soccer governing body FIFA said on Thursday, Xinhua reported. Kovacs will take charge of the Group F match between Tunisia and Japan at Monterrey Stadium on Saturday, according to a FIFA statement. According to the statement, he will be assisted by compatriots Ferencz Tunyogi and Mihai Marica, along with Costa Ricans Juan Calderon and Juan Carlos Mora, serving as fourth official and reserve assistant referees, respectively. FIFA's chief refereeing officer and chairman of the referees' committee Pierluigi Collina said Kovacs was selected according to the usual criteria, even for special matches. "We chose the referee we thought was the best one for this match," Collina said. "And of course, coincidentally, he was also appointed for the 1,000th game. So, for him, it was something extra -- something special." "Referring a FIFA World Cup match is always a privilege, it's an honour," said the Italian, who refereed the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany. Kovacs, 41, is part of the match officials panel at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, serving as fourth official eight times. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

FIFA selects Kovacs for 1000th World Cup match

MEXICO CITY, JUNE 19 — Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs has been chosen to officiate the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, world soccer governing body FIFA said on Thursday, .... read more

ISTANBUL: Switzerland secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday in a Group B match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium in the United States, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. In the first half, both teams lacked chances and attacking ability. They entered the second half in a goalless stalemate until the end of the game. Minutes after coming off the bench, 20-year-old Johan Manzambi scored Switzerland's opening goal in the 74th minute with a powerful volley following a cross into the penalty area, leaving Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj helpless. Bosnia were reduced to 10 men when Tarik Muharemovic made a tackle to block Breel Embolo's run towards the penalty area, leaving the Bosnian defence exposed. Ruben Vargas fired a low shot past Vasilj in the 84th minute to double Switzerland's lead, marking another Swiss substitute who contributed to the goal. Switzerland's third consecutive victory came in the 90th minute when captain Granit Xhaka played a "no look pass" to Vargas, who headed the ball towards substitute Manzambi, leaving the undermanned Bosnian defence overwhelmed and beaten. However, Bosnia grabbed a consolation goal through Ermin Mahmic in the 90th+3 minute with a great long-range shot that went through the crowded penalty area, past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and into the net. Switzerland were awarded a penalty in the 90th+7th minute following an intervention by Amar Memic in the penalty area and Xhaka converted it, ensuring a comfortable three-goal lead. As a result of the game, Switzerland rose to the top of Group B, while Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

World Cup: Switzerland win 4-1 over Bosnia

ISTANBUL: Switzerland secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday in a Group B match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium in .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 -- National women's squash player, S. Sivasangari created a sensation when she successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025/2026 PSA Tour Finals after defeating Japanese representative Satomi Watanabe early this morning. In the action held in Centquatre-Paris, France, the 27-year-old player had no problem defeating her opponent in straight sets 11-9, 11-6, 11-9 in 35 minutes. Awaiting Sivasangari in the semi-finals scheduled to take place early Saturday morning Malaysian time is the tournament's top seed Amina Orfi from Egypt. Earlier, Amina confirmed her slot to the semi-finals after defeating Belgian representative, Tinne Gilis 11-1, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5 in 57 minutes. -- BERNAMA

2025-2026 PSA Tour Finals: Sivasangari Checks Into Semi-finals

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — National women’s squash player, S. Sivasangari created a sensation when she successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025/2026 PSA Tour Finals after defeating Japanese .... read more

HOUSTON, June 18 — Cristiano Ronaldo's performance came under the spotlight after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portugal captain, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance alongside Argentina star Lionel Messi, endured a frustrating evening as he failed to convert two promising second-half opportunities that could have secured victory for his side. The 41-year-old striker missed a close-range chance that drifted wide of the target, leaving Portugal to settle for a point against a determined DR Congo side competing in their first World Cup finals in more than 50 years. Ronaldo's missed opportunities appeared to frustrate some teammates, including midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was in a better position during one of the attacking moves that ended without a goal. Match statistics further highlighted Ronaldo's quiet display, with the veteran forward registering just 25 touches — the fewest among all Portuguese players who were on the pitch for more than 45 minutes. Despite growing debate over Ronaldo's effectiveness, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain, arguing that the striker was not provided with sufficient service by his teammates. "We need to make use of all the players on the field. The main striker needs to be near the six-yard box and we need to pass the ball to him," Martinez said after the match. The Portuguese coach also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo should be dropped from the starting lineup, emphasizing the importance of his experience and goal-scoring pedigree. "It doesn't make sense to take out the top scorer in the history of international football when the team needs goals," Martinez said. "Cristiano's experience inside the penalty area and his ability to attract defenders create space for other players." Questions surrounding Ronaldo's role in the national team have persisted in recent years, with discussions centering on whether he should remain a regular starter or be used as an impact substitute. Nevertheless, the veteran forward's remarkable international record of 143 goals in 229 appearances continues to underline his status as one of football's most influential and accomplished players. Portugal will now look to improve in their next Group K fixture as they seek to strengthen their bid for a place in the knockout stages. -- MINUTESMY

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo Under Scrutiny as Portugal Held by DR Congo

HOUSTON, June 18 — Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance came under the spotlight after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the .... read more

NEW JERSEY, June 17 — France launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their Group I opener at New York Stadium, New Jersey. Despite being pushed hard by the African side, Didier Deschamps' men showed their quality in the second half, with captain Kylian Mbappé leading the charge by scoring twice to secure all three points. Senegal looked the more threatening side during the opening period and came close to taking the lead when Nicolas Jackson struck the post. Moments later, Ismaïla Sarr squandered a golden opportunity after failing to convert Sadio Mané's low cross from close range. France eventually found the breakthrough through Mbappé, who responded positively after a controversial VAR review denied him a penalty. Bradley Barcola then doubled Les Bleus' advantage with a superb chipped finish that left the Senegal goalkeeper helpless. The Lions of Teranga reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time when rising star Ibrahim Mbaye found the net. However, any hopes of a late comeback were quickly extinguished as Mbappé struck again moments later to complete his brace and seal a comfortable 3-1 win. The match also marked a historic night for the French captain. His two goals took his international tally to 58, surpassing Olivier Giroud's previous record of 57 goals to become France's all-time leading scorer. Mbappé further cemented his place in French football history by becoming the country's highest scorer in World Cup history with 14 goals, overtaking the legendary Just Fontaine's tally of 13. The 27-year-old now stands just two goals shy of equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16 goals. Although Senegal suffered defeat, Mbaye achieved a milestone of his own by becoming the youngest African player ever to score at a World Cup, finding the net at the age of 18 years and 143 days. France's victory also carried symbolic significance, erasing memories of their disastrous 2002 World Cup campaign when the defending champions suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the tournament opener before crashing out in the group stage. Les Bleus will next face Iraq on June 22, while Senegal will look to revive their qualification hopes when they take on Norway. -- MINUTESMY

France Begin World Cup Campaign with Convincing Win Over Senegal

NEW JERSEY, June 17 — France launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their Group I opener at New York Stadium, .... read more

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