N LogoThe National News Logo
  • My Profile
  • Saved articles
  • Newsletters
  • Sign out
UserSign in
  • Register
  • Sign in
News
UAE
Gulf
MENA
US
UK
Europe
Asia
Business
Aviation
Economy
Energy
Money
Property
Banking
Markets
Opinion
Comment
Editorial
Obituaries
Cartoon
Feedback
Future
Science
Space
Technology
Climate
Environment
Road to Net Zero
Health
Culture
Art & Design
Books
Film & TV
Music & On-stage
Pop Culture
Lifestyle
Travel
Fashion & Beauty
Food
Motoring
Luxury
Home & Garden
Wellbeing
Things to do
Sport
World Cup 2026
Football
Cricket
F1
Tennis
Combat Sports
Cycling
World Cup 2026
Newsletters
TN Magazine
  • International Edition
  • UAE Edition
      Podcasts Newsletters Follow us App Video
      World Cup 2026NewslettersTN MagazineWeekend
      News
      UAE
      Gulf
      MENA
      US
      UK
      Europe
      Asia
      Business
      Aviation
      Economy
      Energy
      Money
      Property
      Banking
      Markets
      Opinion
      Comment
      Editorial
      Obituaries
      Cartoon
      Feedback
      Future
      Science
      Space
      Technology
      Climate
      Environment
      Road to Net Zero
      Health
      Culture
      Art & Design
      Books
      Film & TV
      Music & On-stage
      Pop Culture
      Lifestyle
      Travel
      Fashion & Beauty
      Food
      Motoring
      Luxury
      Home & Garden
      Wellbeing
      Things to do
      Sport
      World Cup 2026
      Football
      Cricket
      F1
      Tennis
      Combat Sports
      Cycling
      News
      UAE
      Gulf
      MENA
      US
      UK
      Europe
      Asia
      Business
      Aviation
      Economy
      Energy
      Money
      Property
      Banking
      Markets
      Opinion
      Comment
      Editorial
      Obituaries
      Cartoon
      Feedback
      Future
      Science
      Space
      Technology
      Climate
      Environment
      Road to Net Zero
      Health
      Culture
      Art & Design
      Books
      Film & TV
      Music & On-stage
      Pop Culture
      Lifestyle
      Travel
      Fashion & Beauty
      Food
      Motoring
      Luxury
      Home & Garden
      Wellbeing
      Things to do
      Sport
      World Cup 2026
      Football
      Cricket
      F1
      Tennis
      Combat Sports
      Cycling
      N Logo
      News
      Business
      Opinion
      Future
      Climate
      Health
      Culture
      Lifestyle
      Sport
      World Cup 2026
      • My Profile
      • Saved articles
      • Newsletters
      • Sign out
      UserSign in
      • Register
      • Sign in
      Sport
      Top row: Qatar's Boalem Khoukhi, Morocco's Ismael Saibari, Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al Owais, Tunisia's Omar Rekik; bottom row: Jordan's Ali Olwan, Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Iraq's Aymen Hussein, Algeria's Riyad Mahrez.

      How did Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the region's other teams do in first matches?

      A mixed bag with encouraging results for likes of Qatar and Morocco while Tunisia, Iraq, Algeria and Jordan suffer heavy defeats

      World Cup 2026

      Jordan's spirited World Cup debut ends in harsh 3-1 defeat to Austria

      World Cup 2026

      Lionel Messi: Every World Cup match for me now is a bonus

      World Cup 2026

      Haaland double spoils Iraq's World Cup return but boss Arnold remains positive

      World Cup 2026

      Messi sinks Algeria with hat-trick days before 39th birthday

      World Cup 2026

      Video

      • Jordan fans take Silicon Valley by storm

        Play01:09
      • Jordanian fans form convoy to support team in California

        Play00:24
      • 'Nothing to lose': Iraq fans ready for World Cup opener

        Play00:58
      • Saudi goalkeeper shines in World Cup draw with Uruguay

        Play00:52
      • Fifa president visits Iranian team after first World Cup match

        Play01:29
      • Iraq fans take over Boston before World Cup opener

        Play00:50
      • ‘Where’s Uruguay?’: The Saudi superfan who went viral in 2022

        Play00:39
      • Fans gather in Seattle for Belgium v Egypt

        Play00:47
      • Trump hosts UFC fight night at White House

        Play00:43
      • 'Shame on you': Protesters gather outside Iran's hotel

        Play01:01
      Swipe up for more

      Emam Ashour, left, of Egypt celebrates with teammates Mostafa Ziko, centre, and Mohamed Salah after scoring against Belgium. EPA

      World Cup analysisEgypt have bright future beyond Salah as teenager makes history

      The fact that the Pharaohs were disappointed to draw with Belgium is proof they are not at these finals to make up the numbers

      World Cup 2026

      InterviewZabaleta: Messi has magic to win Argentina another World Cup

      Football

      Tunisia appoint Herve Renard to replace sacked Sabri Lamouchi

      World Cup 2026

      Iran are 'most oppressed' team in tournament, as Fifa boss visits dressing room

      World Cup 2026

      Forty-year-old keeper and Irishman from LinkedIn: How Cape Verde stunned Spain

      World Cup 2026

      Argentina v Algeria: No special plans for Messi, Petkovic says

      World Cup 2026

      'Go and do Iraq proud': Arnold on living in Baghdad, family and facing Haaland

      Football


      Spotlight

      • Fifa World Cup 2026 group stage. Photo: Fifa

        Full World Cup group analysis: Star players, coaches and all you need to know

      • Lionel Messi guided Argentina to victory at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Getty Images

        Ultimate Fifa World Cup quiz48 questions to test your football knowledge

      • National kits of USA, Argentina, and Germany. Getty Images / AFP

        World Cup 2026 kits ranked: Every strip from best to worst

      • Lionel Messi and Argentina are defending champions. AFP

        Fifa World Cup 2026 complete fixture guide and schedule

      • Top row: Qatar's Boalem Khoukhi, Morocco's Ismael Saibari, Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al Owais, Tunisia's Omar Rekik; bottom row: Jordan's Ali Olwan, Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Iraq's Aymen Hussein, Algeria's Riyad Mahrez.

        ReviewHow did Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the region's other teams do in first matches?

      • Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - Iraq v Norway - Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U. S. - June 16, 2026 Iraq's Aymen Hussein celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS / Pilar Olivares TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
        Play00:21

        Iraq may have lost at the World Cup, but I've never felt prouder to be Iraqi

      • Japan fans clear trash in the stands after their World Cup match against the Netherlands at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. AFP
        Camera7

        Why do Japan fans and players clean the stadium after a match?

      • A view of the UFC octagon on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. Reuters

        UFC White House explained: UAE start time, fight card and how to watch


      Football

      Top row: Qatar's Boalem Khoukhi, Morocco's Ismael Saibari, Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al Owais, Tunisia's Omar Rekik; bottom row: Jordan's Ali Olwan, Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Iraq's Aymen Hussein, Algeria's Riyad Mahrez.

      ReviewHow did Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the region's other teams do in first matches?

      A mixed bag with encouraging results for likes of Qatar and Morocco while Tunisia, Iraq, Algeria and Jordan suffer heavy defeats

      World Cup 2026

      Jordan's spirited World Cup debut ends in harsh 3-1 defeat to Austria

      World Cup 2026
      Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his third goal against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Getty Images

      Lionel Messi: Every World Cup match for me now is a bonus

      World Cup 2026

      Iraq may have lost at the World Cup, but I've never felt prouder to be Iraqi

      World Cup 2026

      Haaland double spoils Iraq's World Cup return but boss Arnold remains positive

      World Cup 2026

      Messi sinks Algeria with hat-trick days before 39th birthday

      World Cup 2026

      Tennis

      A digital projection of the new National Tennis Centre at Qiddiya City. Picture: Supplied

      Saudi Arabia announces new National Tennis Centre with ATP Masters on the way

      Sports minister says new facility underlines kingdom's long-term commitment to hosting top events

      Tennis

      Filipina star Eala celebrates 'incredible' maiden grass court title

      Tennis
      Germany's Alexander Zverev holds the French Open trophy after defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli in the final at Roland Garros. AFP

      French Open chaos: Zverev and Andreeva prevail at wildest Grand Slam in years

      Tennis

      Andreeva ends Chwalinska's dream run to clinch French Open title

      Tennis

      French Open: Sabalenka crashes out after spectacular collapse against Shnaider

      Tennis

      Zverev ends Jodar's run as Kostyuk sets up emotional semi-final

      Tennis

      Most popular today

      1

      Lionel Messi mesmerises as hat-trick sinks Algeria to get Argentina's World Cup defence off to winning start

      2

      Lionel Messi: Every World Cup match for me now is a bonus

      3

      Erling Haaland double spoils Iraq's historic World Cup return but boss Arnold remains positive

      4

      Iraq may have lost their first World Cup game in 40 years, but I've never felt prouder to be Iraqi

      5

      Fifa World Cup 2026 complete fixture guide and schedule: How to watch in the UAE

      6

      Jordan's spirited World Cup debut ends in harsh 3-1 defeat to Austria

      7

      ‘Now we have to beat France’: Iraq fans heartbroken but defiant as team kick off World Cup campaign with loss


      Newsletter

      Middle East Today

      Middle East Today

      Your indispensable round-up of the key developments in the region

      PreviewSign up
      More Newsletters

      Cricket

      F1

      UAE's Heena Hotchandani during the six-wicket defeat against Thailand. Asian Cricket Council

      UAE hit with reality check as Thailand dish out ACC Premier Cup final beating

      Cricket

      UAE women’s cricket unearths another child star

      Cricket

      UAE qualify for Women’s Asia Cup after Theertha Satish and Esha Oza heroics

      Cricket

      F1

      Barcelona-Catalunya GP talking points: Antonelli on roll, Hamilton revival

      F1

      Antonelli is history-maker as he becomes youngest winner of Monaco GP

      F1

      Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. Reuters

      Hamilton 'in a ​good place' as Briton clinches first Ferrari win

      F1

      Combat sports

      Joe Rogan interviews Justin Gaethje after the American beat Ilia Topuria to win the UFC lightweight championship. Photo: Zuffa LLC
      Play00:43

      UFC Freedom 250: Gaethje wins title in Trump's White House spectacle

      American finally secured undisputed lightweight gold as US leader hosted first professional sporting event at presidential residence

      Combat Sports

      UFC White House explained: UAE start time, fight card and how to watch

      Combat Sports

      Ankalaev v Rountree to headline UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi

      Combat Sports

      Contrasting fortunes as Emirati fighters make PFL Mena debuts in Dubai

      Combat Sports

      Podcasts
      Beyond the Headlines

      Beyond the HeadlinesArrow

      Delve deeper into the biggest stories from the Middle East and around the world


      Culture Bites

      Culture BitesArrow

      Your guide to the arts and culture scene in the UAE


      Business Extra

      Business ExtraArrow

      The stories, companies, trends, tech, Innovation and leaders shaping your world


      Tarab

      TarabArrow

      Explore the creative worlds of the Middle East’s most compelling musicians


      More podcasts

      The National News Logo
      IPSO regulated

      News
      UAE
      Gulf
      MENA
      US
      UK
      Europe
      Asia
      Business
      Aviation
      Economy
      Energy
      Money
      Property
      Banking
      Markets
      Opinion
      Comment
      Editorial
      Obituaries
      Cartoon
      Feedback
      Future
      Science
      Space
      Technology
      Climate
      Environment
      Road to Net Zero
      Health
      Culture
      Art & Design
      Books
      Film & TV
      Music & On-stage
      Pop Culture
      Lifestyle
      Travel
      Fashion & Beauty
      Food
      Motoring
      Luxury
      Home & Garden
      Wellbeing
      Things to do
      Sport
      Football
      Cricket
      Olympics
      F1
      Tennis
      Combat Sports
      Cycling
      Weekend
      Living in the UAE
      TN Magazine
      Podcasts Newsletters Read E-Paper Print Subscriptions Video App
      About UsContact UsWork With UsAdvertise With UsTerms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicySitemapArchiveRegistration FAQsRosalynn Carter Fellowship
      IPSO regulated
      Follow us
      Get news alerts from
      The National logo
      You can manage notifications at any time by clicking the notifications icon.