FIFA World Cup 2026 - players.bio

One dead, eight injured in stampede in Jordan as fans watched World Cup match, says Jordan News Agency

AMMAN: One person died and eight others were injured after a stampede during a crowded gathering of fans in central Amman to watch Jordan’s World Cup match against Algeria early on Tuesday, Jordan News ‌Agency reported ‌citing the country’s ‌Public ⁠Security Directorate (PSD). The incident ⁠occurred at Hashemite Square, where large numbers of fans had gathered in the capital to watch Jordan’s 2-1 defeat to ⁠Algeria, according to the ‌Jordan News ‌Agency. Emergency teams transported nine injured ‌people to hospital after heavy ‌congestion and crowd movement at the venue led to the crush. One of those ‌injured later died, while the others sustained minor ⁠to ⁠moderate injuries, it reported citing the PSD. Experts were investigating to determine the exact cause of death, it added.

Diaspora World Cup champions diversity over division

ATLANTA: When Sweden’s Yasin Ayari scored seven minutes into his World Cup debut he raised his arms in apology rather than celebration out of respect for Tunisia, where his father is from. The case of the Brighton midfielder is far from unique at a World Cup awash with players who could play for multiple nations via birth or ancestral roots. “It was a special game for me, that’s why I didn’t celebrate in the first goal because I feel a lot for the country (of Tunisia), I love this country,” said Swedish-born Ayari, who could also have represented his mother’s nation Morocco. Scouting and recruiting dual-national players has become vital to achieving success on the global stage. Nearly a quarter of the 1,248 players selected for the 2026 World Cup represent a country other than their birthplace. Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal four years ago and harbor hopes of at least matching that feat in the coming weeks. During an impressive performance to hold Brazil 1-1 in their tournament opener, they became the first side in World Cup history to at one point field a full foreign-born 11.

Arab teams at 2026 World Cup: Algeria wins over Jordan while Iraq concedes against France

PHILADELPHIA: Jordan failed to secure a win in its second World Cup game in California against Algeria on Tuesday. After dominating the first half of the game with a goal by Nizar Al Rashdan in minute 36, Jordan conceded two goals to Algeria. With one game left, Jordan is set to face off reigning champions Argentina and Algeria is set to play Austria on Sunday. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe scored his second brace in as many matches as France eased ‌into the last 32 with a 3-0 victory over Iraq on Monday in the first match of this World Cup beset by a lengthy weather stoppage. The goals for Mbappe, in his 100th cap, came nearly three hours apart after thunderstorms in the region delayed the second-half kickoff by approximately two hours. “The first half was good,” French manager Didier Deschamps said. “In the second half, we picked up where we left off, bearing in mind that it wasn’t easy given what happened, and we managed to put the game beyond reach.

Jordan bow out of World Cup after 2-1 defeat to Algeria

RIYADH: An all-Arab encounter brought day 13 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to a close, with Jordan and Algeria going head-to-head in a Group J clash at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

Portugal coach stays mum on Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential start after lackluster World Cup opener

HOUSTON: Portugal coach Roberto Martinez wouldn’t say if Cristiano Ronaldo would start Tuesday’s World Cup match against Uzbekistan after the superstar’s forgettable performance in the team’s opener. “I can’t inform you about the starting 11 because I haven’t informed my players,” Martinez said Monday when asked if Ronaldo would remain in the lineup. The 41-year-old Ronaldo failed to score in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo. Television pundits and social media users criticized Ronaldo after he missed on a couple of good scoring chances in the second half. Some wondered why Martinez didn’t substitute him in the second half with the team struggling offensively. Martinez said criticism does not impact his team and said such talk is part of being in an event of this magnitude. “We are playing a World Cup so of course we have a lot of noise and tension, but it’s part of the game,” he said.

Mbappe shines with 2 goals as France beat Iraq to book place in World Cup Round of 32

DUBAI: France beat Iraq 3-0 at the Philadelphia Stadium to go top of Group I and secure their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

Iran leaves message of peace after World Cup draw in Los Angeles

LONDON: The Iran national football team left a handwritten message calling for peace and friendship after their World Cup group-stage match against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Ageless Messi has World Cup scoring record in his sights

LOS ANGELES: Lionel Messi and World Cup holders Argentina face Austria in Dallas on Monday with the Argentine great needing one more goal to rewrite the record books. Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time mark of 16 World Cup goals when scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 opening win over Algeria. The Argentina captain was tearful after his first goal, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue. Despite his personal travails and a troubled build-up because of a hamstring injury, Messi’s mere presence appears to inspire his teammates. “If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all,” said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria. Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday. Mbappe’s century Another player chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record, Kylian Mbappe, will play his 100th game for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia. “There is nothing bigger — one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me,” Mbappe told reporters on Sunday. Mbappe, 27, is tied with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 goals after he netted twice in France’s opening 3-1 win against Senegal in Group I. France, who were beaten by Argentina on penalties in the last final in 2022, will expect to brush aside the Iraqis to guarantee a ticket to the knockout phase. Norway and their marksman Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win, will also be guaranteed of

Contacts

FIFA World Cup 2026 Sport News

One dead, eight injured in stampede in Jordan as fans watched World Cup match, says Jordan News Agency

Diaspora World Cup champions diversity over division

Arab teams at 2026 World Cup: Algeria wins over Jordan while Iraq concedes against France

Jordan bow out of World Cup after 2-1 defeat to Algeria

Portugal coach stays mum on Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential start after lackluster World Cup opener

Mbappe shines with 2 goals as France beat Iraq to book place in World Cup Round of 32

Iran leaves message of peace after World Cup draw in Los Angeles

Ageless Messi has World Cup scoring record in his sights