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Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser as they twice fought back to rescue a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in front of 69,285 in Texas on Sunday to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns.

A match that had bubbled away in the first period sparked into life in the second half.

Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk scored with a fine header, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville’s delicious curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour.

The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection.

Sweden face Tunisia in a competitive-looking Group F later Sunday.

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Japan and the Netherlands are in North America missing key players through injury, but on paper this was still one of the more attractive fixtures in the group stage.

Both have been touted as dark horses capable of going far at the tournament — the Dutch have been runners-up three times whereas Japan have never gone beyond the last 16.

The Netherlands made a confident start and nearly took the lead after three minutes, Donyell Malen allowed to swivel inside the box and forcing a smart save from Zion Suzuki.

The impressive air-conditioned arena is usually home to the Dallas Cowboys, and at the hydration break the NFL team’s cheerleaders were shown on the massive screen hanging over the pitch performing one of their routines.

The stoppage seemed to help Ronald Koeman’s side and Roma forward Malen again worked Suzuki with a header from a corner, then Cody Gakpo fired wildly over the bar.

Japan’s fans, who had hardly stopped singing and outnumbered the Dutch contingent, were briefly silenced.

The first real chance for Hajime Moriyasu’s team came a few minutes before the break when a cross evaded the backtracking Summerville but Nakamura pulled his low effort wide.

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The Dutch had looked most threatening in the air, so it was no surprise when Liverpool talisman Van Dijk rose to plant a well-placed header into the bottom corner after a pinpoint cross from club team-mate Ryan Gravenberch on 51 minutes.

The lead lasted just six minutes, Nakamura wriggling free and firing low past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, the ball taking a small deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.

In a madcap period of play, the Dutch forged ahead once more on 64 minutes when West Ham’s Summerville beat his man on the right wing and curled into Suzuki’s bottom-right corner with his left foot.

Both teams rang the changes and had chances to score again, before Kamada’s chaotic leveller from a corner.

READ: Germany thrash Curacao 7-1 to send FIFA World Cup 2026 warning

TEXAS: A ruthless German side opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao at Houston Stadium on Sunday.

The victory marked Germany’s first win in an opening match of the World Cup since their triumphant 2024 campaign in Brazil.

Felix Nmecha converted a well-weighted pass from Florian Wirtz in the sixth minute to score the first goal for Germany and received loud applause from a crowd of more than 68,000.

However, Livano Comenencia scored an equalizer in the 21st minute with an impressive deflection goal. This remained the only silver lining for Curacao, who remained at the receiving end till the end of the game.

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Germany retook the lead in the 38th minute as Nico Schlotterbeck glanced Nathaniel Brown’s corner into the net. They maintained their aggressive approach and controlled possession, with Kai Havertz adding another goal before half-time.

The break did not halt Germany’s momentum as they continued their dominant run, with attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala finding the bottom corner to make it 4-1.

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The misery continued for Curacao when left-back Nathaniel Brown volleyed in after a Deniz Undav flick on the edge of the box to make it 5-1.

Substitute  Deniz Undav and Kai Havertz closed the play with further goals to make it a commanding performance. The final goal replicated the famous scoreline which they recorded against hosts Brazil in the 2014 semi-finals.

With seven goals in the match, Germany became the all-time top scorers at the World Cup (239), surpassing Brazil (238) in the goal charts.

READ:  Somali referee Omar Artan to receive full World Cup fee

WAVRE: Spain 5-1 victory over Pakistan handed the Green Shirts their ninth consecutive loss in the FIH Pro League at the Belfius Hockey Arena on Sunday.

Spain started strongly, scoring in the 11th minute when Alvarez Nicolas netted, applying early pressure.

The first quarter ended with Spain leading 1-0. Pakistan had a penalty corner in the second quarter but couldn’t capitalize.

Spain proved more clinical, with Cunill Pepe scoring twice, extending their lead to 3-0 by halftime. Post-break, Pakistan fought back; Abu Mahmood scored in the 43rd minute, briefly offering hope.

Despite two more penalty corners, Pakistan couldn’t convert, and Spain maintained a 3-1 lead into the last quarter.

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Spain dominated down the stretch, netting two more goals through Reyne Merc and Alvarez Nicolas to reach 5-1.

This victory was Spain’s first of the season, moving them to seventh place with five points and a goal difference of -16. Pakistan remains without a win after nine defeats, at the bottom with zero points and a goal difference of -30.

A day earlier, hosts Belgium routed Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League at the Belfius Hockey Arena. Belgium remained dominant throughout the game, never allowing the Green Shirts to make a comeback.

Pakistan squad for FIH Pro League

Goalkeepers: Waqar Ali, Ali Raza.

Defenders: Abu Bakar, Arbaz Ahmad, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufyan Khan.

Midfielders: Nadeem Khan, Ammad Shakeel, Moin Shakeel, Hammad Anjum, Zakriya Hayat.

Forwards: Gjazanfar Ali, Mohammad Emmad, Rana Waleed, Afraz Khan, Rana Wahid, Abdue Rahman, Ahmad Nadeem, Arshad Liaquat, Hanan Shahid.

READ:  Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak stuns De Minaur for first ATP title

Somali referee Omar Artan will receive a full fee from FIFA despite being barred from entering the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

Artan was questioned for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport on Monday before being sent back after his diplomatic passport and visa were rejected.

Following the incident, Artan confirmed that he had been interrogated by border officials over his alleged links to a Somali militant group.

“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” said Artan.

“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”

After being put on a flight to Turkey, Artan received assistance from FIFA in Istanbul before heading back to Somalia.

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According to reports, FIFA will honor the full payment due to Artan despite his inability to participate in the tournament.

For the unversed, Omar Artan was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Men’s Referee of the Year and has since been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on 12 August.

The 34-year-old, who received a hero’s welcome at home has vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.

Artan enjoyed a memorable 2025, becoming the first Somali referee to take charge of a continental final.

In June 2025, he officiated the second leg of Pyramids FC’s African Champions League final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.

In June 2025, he officiated the second leg of Pyramids FC’s CAF Champions League final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.

FIFA also appointed Artan to the U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he took charge of three matches, including the third-place play-off.

Latre that year, he refereed two group games at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), having also officiated at the tournament in 2024.

READ: Lewis Hamilton claims first Ferrari win at Barcelona Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first victory for Ferrari on Sunday at the Barcelona-Catalunya Formula One Grand Prix, ending championship leader Kimi Antonelli’s five-race winning streak.

The seven-time world champion finished ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris, while Antonelli was forced to abandon in the final stages because of a technical problem.

Hamilton, 41, cut down Antonelli’s title lead to 41 points by triumphing on a Sunday nearly two years after he last won a race.

“It’s not over, that’s for sure,” said Hamilton, also second in Monaco last weekend, of the championship race.

Mercedes polesitter Russell came in 19 seconds behind Hamilton, with Norris completing an all-British podium, the first since the 1968 United States Grand Prix.

“You have helped me so much to achieve this dream, I cannot thank you enough,” said Hamilton over team radio, after becoming the first driver for a team other than Mercedes to win a race this season.

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“To the fans, thank you for reminding me who I am. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Russell, pre-season favourite for the championship, arrived in Barcelona bemoaning bad luck for his recent struggles but after team-mate Antonelli edged in front of him late on he had some good fortune to cut the gap on the teenager to 50 points after the Italian abandoned.

“Good to be back on the podium and have a clean race, but Ferrari were mighty today so we need to keep pushing,” said Russell.

“The last stints were difficult, but it’s good to be back here. The pace today was insane from Lewis, they are coming I think.”

With track temperatures up at 51 degrees Celsius, Hamilton opted for a three pit-stop strategy and it worked to perfection, with the third of those fortuitously coming while the virtual safety car was deployed.

Ferrari’s heavily upgraded car may well have been fast enough for Hamilton to triumph anyway, as he recorded the 106th victory of his career.

“(All of them are) special in their own way but this one is something else,” said Hamilton.

“When I was young, I watched Ferrari have all their success on TV. I always wondered what it would feel like — and it’s come.”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen came in fourth, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Isack Hadjar in the other Red Bull.

Russell got off to the perfect start from pole, holding off Hamilton on softs, with the Ferrari driver cutting off Antonelli.

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Hadjar, who started in position six, was slow off the line and overtaken by eight cars.

Charles Leclerc, in the second Ferrari, admitted he was “ashamed” by his crash in qualifying which left him starting in 10th but expertly weaved his way up to sixth, although he was later forced to retire.

Hamilton took an early pit stop on lap 12 to swap his softs for hards, with Mercedes responding on the following lap with hards for Russell.

Russell was worried his stop “exposed” him to Antonelli but retook the lead from Hamilton with his teenage team-mate back in third after his own stop to bolt on the hards.

With Hamilton 2.3 seconds behind Russell he said “we are on Plan C” over team radio.

The seven-time champion pitted for the second time in the 28th lap, with Mercedes deciding not to do the same because of the threat of 2025 champion Norris.

Antonelli moved right behind Russell, who was forced to fend off his team-mate.

Russell was called in for fresh hards before Antonelli followed suit, allowing Hamilton into the lead, with Ferrari telling the Briton this was the “critical time” for his race.

Home favourite Alonso, in what he said was probably his final appearance in Barcelona which is not in the calendar next year, was forced to retire because of a suspected battery issue.

It brought out a yellow flag with the virtual safety car deployed, offering Hamilton an ideal chance for a cheap stop.

That worked brilliantly for Hamilton who emerged from his third stop with fresh rubber 2.6s ahead of Russell with 24 laps remaining.

With clean air Hamilton was able to stretch his lead comfortably to triumph in style.

The victory was sweetened further by late drama as Antonelli retired from second place in the 62nd lap to blow open the championship.

READ: Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak stuns De Minaur for first ATP title

Polish outsider Kamil Majchrzak clinched his first ever ATP tennis tour title Sunday, stunning world number six Alex de Minaur 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5) in a nail-biting final on the ‘s-Hertogenbosch grass.

The win capped a fairytale run for the world number 76, who had already overcome two top-10 players in consecutive rounds in Felix Auger-Aliassime (world rank four) and Daniil Medvedev (world rank eight).

Both players battled blustery conditions but Majchrzak was the more aggressive player, taking more risks and eventually grinding down the obdurate de Minaur in a match lasting two hours 25 minutes.

“This is a very emotional moment for me, I’ve been waiting for this moment all my career,” said the 30-year-old as he collected his trophy.

“I played some of the best players in the world, so this one feels really good, it feels really special. To beat three players from the top 10 is an unbelievable run for me.”

The Pole got off to a flying 3-0 start in the first set, breaking De Minaur’s first service game as the Australian appeared to struggle with the swirling wind on serve.

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That early break proved to be enough, as Majchrzak wrapped up the first set 6-3 with a high backhand volley at the net.

Losing his first set of the tournament appeared to galvanise the Australian, who broke Majchrzak’s first service game of the second set with a crosscourt forehand pass.

But this time the Pole responded immediately, getting the set back on serve with a break of his own as De Minaur pushed a ground stroke long.

A series of unforced errors from Majchrzak at 3-2 however gifted De Minaur another break of serve and the Australian sealed the set 6-2 with another break as the Pole drifted a forehand drive wide.

The deciding set went on serve until the crucial seventh game, when Majchrzak seized the initiative, breaking the Australian’s serve courtesy of a double fault.

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But the stubborn de Minaur broke back immediately and won his next service game with a brilliant backhand pass up the line, one of the shots of the match.

A final-set tie-break seemed a fitting way to decide such a tight match.

De Minaur kicked off the breaker with a double-fault and Majchrzak gratefully accepted the gift to race into a 3-0 lead.

With a first title in his sight, the Pole tightened up somewhat, allowing the Australian to scrape back to 5-5, but a brave serve and volley gave him championship point.

In the end, De Minaur handed him the title with a double fault, Majchrzak sinking to his knees in triumph after the biggest win of his life.

READ: Ancelotti urges patience as Brazil make slow World Cup start

BIRMINGHAM: Smriti Mandhana’s swashbuckling fifty, backed by Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul, powered India to a big win over Pakistan in the sixth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026. 

Set a daunting 171, Pakistan’s innings folded on 106 in 17 overs. Muneeba Ali  remained the top-scorer with 41 off 35 deliveries.

The openers provided a flying start with a 38-run partnership inside five fours. Gull Feroza was the first one to be dismissed, caught after scoring only 12.

The scorecard read 53 when Ayesha Zafar went back after making 12. Soon after, Shree Charani removed Saira Jabeen (2) to leave Pakistan in deep trouble at 58-3 in eight overs.

Muneeba Ali and Natalia Pervaiz tried to arrest the slide with a 17-run partnership. However, India’s bowlers continued to dominate proceedings with quick wickets.

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Consequently, Pakistan slumped from 75-4 to 91-7 and 107 all out in 17 overs.

For India, Deepti Sharma picked up five wickets while giving away just 10 runs.

Earlier, Smriti Mandhana hit an eye-catching fifty, powering India to 170 in their 20 overs despite a jittery start.

Sadia Iqbal removed Shafali Verma (6) in the first over, followed by Jemimah Rodrigues (1) in the third over. As a result, India were reduced to 18-2.

However, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana shared a 91-run stand for the third wicket to take their side out of trouble.

Kaur played second fiddle while Mandhana cleared the fence over covers on numerous occasions to raise her fifty. Her eye-catching shots made Pakistan bowlers clueless.

The stand was eventually broken in the 14th over as Mandhana was caught scoring after 68 off 44, including nine fours and two sixes.

At this moment, Pakistan sniffed a comeback with quick wickets, leaving India 123-5 in 16 overs.

But it was Rich Ghosh’s cameo that provided the innings’ late flourish, scoring 34 off just 17 deliveries, striking a six and five fours.

READ: Tickets sold out for Pakistan-India Women’s World Cup 2026 clash

MIRPUR: Copper Connolly’s sublime 149 triumphed Shoriful Islam’s six-wicket haul to seal a nail-biting victory in the final ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 275, Australia got off to a flying start, with skipper Josh Inglis and Connolly racing to 40 inside four overs.

However, Shoriful’s two in an over dented the visitors’ progress. He first removed Inglis, who made 12 before dismissing Renshaw for a duck.

With Australia two wickets down, Alex Carey (8) and Connolly provided brief resistance, adding a 30-run partnership that culminated with the former’s wicket.

Bangladesh continued to chip through Australia’s middle order, but left-handed Connoly remained firm and reached his half-century.

Bangladesh continued to chip away at Australia’s middle order, but left-handed Connolly remained firm and reached his half-century.

He stringed three half-century stands alongside Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, and Oliver Peake to keep his side in the hunt. In doing so, he notched up his maiden century.

It was Shoriful again who struck thrice in the 46th and 48th over to lift Bangladesh. Connoly was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over after scoring 149 off 134, striking six maximums and 13 fours.

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With the visitors needing just three runs and only one wicket in hand, Adam Zampa struck a boundary off the third ball to seal an emphatic win.

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam bowled wonderfully and picked up six wickets in his 10 overs.

Earlier, Towhid Hridoy struck a composed 83 to anchor Bangladesh’s innings of 274-5 after a nervous start against Australia in the final ODI match in Mirpur on Sunday.

Litton Das (58 off 78 balls) and Mosaddek Hossain (56 off 51) also contributed unbeaten half-centuries to give the hosts a competitive total in the dead rubber, with Bangladesh having already clinched the three-match series.

Bangladesh, missing regular captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz due to concussion, had a torrid start when Xavier Bartlett bowled opener Soumya Sarkar for two in the first over.

Tanzid Hasan and stand-in skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with a 51-run second-wicket stand before Matt Renshaw struck twice in quick succession to leave Bangladesh reeling at 61-3.

Tanzid fell for 19, caught by Riley Meredith at mid-on after top-edging a sweep off Renshaw, who then trapped Shanto lbw for 24.

Hridoy held Bangladesh together through the middle overs with his 88-ball innings.

He shared a 92-run fourth-wicket partnership with Litton before the wicketkeeper-batter retired hurt with cramp on 48.

Hridoy went on to reach his 13th ODI half-century in an innings that included eight fours.

Litton returned to bring up his first ODI fifty at Mirpur, finishing with 58 off 78 balls and striking four fours and two sixes.

Mosaddek provided a late flourish and was unbeaten on 56 off 51 deliveries, including five fours and a six, his fourth ODI half-century in ODI cricket.

Bartlett and Renshaw picked up two wickets apiece for Australia.

READ: Tickets sold out for Pakistan-India Women’s World Cup 2026 clash

BIRMINGHAM: The tickets for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture between Pakistan and India have sold out.

The ICC announced via official social media channels that fans should avoid visiting the designated ticket counters for Sunday’s big match, as no additional tickets will be sold at the gates

“Edgbaston is SOLD OUT for today’s T20 World Cup double-header,” the ICC posted.

“A cracking day of cricket is underway as Netherlands take on Bangladesh before the India-Pakistan match. No additional tickets will be available at the gates,” it added.

Pakistan will face India in their opening encounter of the mega event. The Green Shirts have featured in every edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup since 2009.

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Despite every appearance, they have not managed to advance through the group stage. Sana Mir captained the side in the first five editions from 2009 to 2016.

India has historically led the rivalry, winning 13 out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, while Pakistan has secured three victories.

Squads

Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, and Radha Yadav.

READ: Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia crush South Africa to make statement start

BIRMINGHAM: India have won the toss and opted to bat first against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026 clash at Edgbaston Stadium on Sunday.

Head to Head

India has historically led the rivalry, winning 13 out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, while Pakistan has secured three victories.

In T20 World Cups, India has secured six wins while Pakistan have managed two out of eight games.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Ayesha Zafar, Saira Jabeen, Natalia Pervaiz, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal and Tasmia Rubab.

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil.

READ: Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia crush South Africa to make statement start