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ATLANTA – Not too many believed. But those Cabo Verde fans inside Atlanta Stadium and around the world understood it was possible. And when match time had expired, the Blue Sharks had held off the periennal World Cup favorites, the Spainards who threw every shot at them but were denied by a relentless defense and a stolid goalkeeper. Dominating possession with 74 percent, Spain displayed an impressive offensive onslaught but failed to convert opportunities into goals. The match ended in a goalless draw with a final score of 0-0. In the end, Cabo Verde fans collectively said, "Yep." They believed that a small nation team, in the tounament for the first time in history, could stand tall against a team with world class players and emerging super stars. Against the European champions – owners of 17 World Cup appearances.  "This means everything for our country especially," Cabo Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito said through translation. "We have always said that we wanted everybody to see our country, our team. We have shown organization and braveness. And this is proof of what our country is about." Goalkeeper Vozinha turned in a world class performance on the biggest international stage with Blue Sharks fans belting out load with every sure-handed deflection.  "Today the dream came true," he said. "We competed against Spain. It's one of the best national teams in the world. And we are very very happy. Very proud." Vozinha said he cried at the end of the match, reminded of his deceased grandfathers and mother, who could not attend because of an inability to purchase a visa.  The Blue Sharks are the third-least populated nation – behind Iceland and Curacao – to ever qualify for the tournament. When they got a shot, they made the most of it. A scoreless draw will be seen as a win-win scenario around the world where these types of moral victories are judged. The Blue Sharks earn a point for their efforts.  Spain's tactical play resulted in 25 total shots, seven on target, but a stubborn Cabo Verde Islands' defense, supported by seven crucial saves from the goalkeeper Vozinha, held firm. His outstanding performance has lifted him to unexpected acclaim, considering his Instagram follwers jumped by about two million followers. 

PHILADELPHIA – In a tightly contested FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage match, Côte d’Ivoire's men's national team (Ivory Coast) edged out Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a late goal from substitute Aboubacar Diallo.  The game, held on June 14 at Philadelphia Stadium, saw both teams struggle to create clear opportunities, with Les Éléphants managing only one shot on goal throughout the match.  They move forward with a much-anticiapted match against Germany on June 20 in Toronto.  Ecuador dominated possession with 55 percent and had a higher passing accuracy at 87 percent  compared to Ivory Coast's 83 percent, but failed to register a single shot on target. The first half progressed with intense midfield battles, evidenced by three yellow cards issued to Ivory Coast's Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, and Giacomo Doue. Despite Ecuador's tactical substitutions in the second half, including Alexander Minda and Jhegson Yeboah, they could not break the deadlock. Les Éléphants breakthrough came in the 90th minute when Diallo converted their sole accurate effort into the match's defining moment. Ecuador's goalkeeper made one save, but it was not enough to stop Ivory Coast from securing a crucial three points. Les Éléphants return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and are making the nation's fourth appearance.  The result leaves Ecuador needing to reassess their attacking strategies for upcoming matches if they are to progress further in the tournament.   About the Game Welcome to the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field. The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team's

In a tightly contested Group Stage encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Scotland emerged victorious over Haiti with a 1-0 win, thanks to a decisive strike from John McGinn in the 28th minute at Boston Stadium.  The contest marked a historic night for each team, with Scotland collecting its first victory in the tournament since 1990.  And this is Scotland's first victory in a World Cup opener since their 5-2 win over New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain. Both teams had spent many years on the sidelines as others qualified for the World Cup and four-year windows passed. Haiti qualifed for this tournament for the first time since 1974, while Scotland returned to action for the first time since 1998 in France. An expanded tournament draw of 48 teams during this North American event helped both teams earn entrance. Disappointed by the loss, the Haitians have another day to play, as its second Group Stage match comes against Brazil on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium.    Looking for a better outcome, they will want to play with the same plucky toughness that kept them in this match. Despite Haiti's dominance in possession, holding 54 percent of the ball, they struggled to convert opportunities, managing only two shots on goal from a total of 15 attempts. The Haitian side, led by forward pressure, forced Scotland to defend robustly, but Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall's assured presence denied scoring opportunities. Scotland's organized defense and tactical discipline were exemplified by their equal number of shots on goal, though with fewer total attempts at nine. Aaron Hickey received a yellow card early in the second half, marking a critical moment as Scotland maintained composure amidst Haiti's spirited efforts. The match saw a flurry of substitutions in the latter stage. Notably, Lyle Shankland, Ben Gannon-Doak, and Che Adams were introduced simultaneously by Scotland to fortify the midfield and attack. Haiti p

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field felt less like a neutral venue and more like Praia. Cape Verde defeated Bermuda 3-0 Saturday in front of a predominantly Cape Verdean crowd, turning an international friendly into a celebration of the nation's historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks are set to make their first-ever World Cup appearance this month, becoming one of the smallest nations to reach soccer's biggest stage. With one final match before the tournament, supporters from across New England packed the stands to send their team off in style. New England is home to the largest Cape Verdean population outside of Cape Verde, particularly in Massachusetts. And that was evident throughout the match as fans showed up and showed out for a team preparing for its biggest moment in history. The Cape Verde national team reciprocated that support with a stellar performance against Bermuda. Willy Semedo opened the scoring in the 33rd minute to give Cape Verde a 1-0 halftime lead. The Blue Sharks controlled much of the match and limited Bermuda's opportunities to score. Garry Rodrigues doubled the score in the 49th minute shortly, putting Bermuda under pressure and allowing Cape Verde to dictate the pace of the game. Nuno da Costa added the final goal in stoppage time, scoring in the 90th minute plus one to seal the 3-0 victory. For head coach Pedro "Bubista" Leitão Brito, the match represented more than a result. It was another opportunity for Cape Verde to prove that smaller nations can compete alongside the world's best. "We want to be able to confront the other teams in the level that we do," he said. "Even though our country is smaller… we belong, and we can play at the level that we have." Bubista hopes his squad can serve as an example for other nations seeking success on the international stage. "We want to demonstrate that a small country, like Cape Verde, is capable of playing at a level that we, we belong to, as long as there is, uh goals, and we are organized, playing there, we are an example of that." With the victory, Cape Verde heads into their first World Cup appearance with confidence. The Blue Sharks will open Group H play against Spain on June 15 in Atlanta.  

In an intense FIFA World Cup Group Stage clash, Brazil and Morocco shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. Morocco took an early lead in the 21st minute through a well-worked goal by Ilias Saibari, who firmly slotted into the net following precise build-up play. Brazil responded deftly with Vinicius Junior netting the equalizer in the 32nd minute. His strike, a result of a fluid attacking move, rejuvenated the Brazilian side. Despite enjoying 52 percent possession, Brazil struggled to convert opportunities into goals, registering five shots on target compared to Morocco's three. The Brazilian defense, however, committed numerous fouls leading to free-kicks for Morocco and earning yellow cards for Casemiro and Roger Ibanez in quick succession before halftime. Both teams actively utilized substitutions as the match progressed. Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, introduced key players like Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes in hopes of a breakthrough, but Morocco's defense, buoyed by proficient goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, stood resilient. The draw leaves both teams pondering missed chances to claim maximum points on a global stage, with Brazil reflecting on its 16 fouls and two bookings as areas for strategic improvement. Brazil next faces Haiti on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium. Morocco faces Scotland that same day in Boston.  About the Game Welcome to the world of the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field. The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team's large net, called the goal. Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime. Players use their feet to kick the ball, but

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In an assertive showcase at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. men's national team commanded the pitch with a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay during a Group Stage match held on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium.  The match opened with an early own goal by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla at the seventh minute, setting the tone for USA’s dominance. Striker Folarin Balogun, undeterred by a disallowed goal at the 28th minute due to an offside call, soon found the net twice in quick succession at the 31st and 45th minutes, establishing the American's commanding lead. Paraguay's Mauricio briefly rekindled hope with a goal in the 73rd minute, but Gio Reyna extinguished any comeback aspirations by sealing the match with an impressive strike in the 90th minute. Despite extensive ball possession of 65 percent, the U.S. maintained defensive discipline, with Tyler Adams receiving the only yellow card for his team. In contrast, Paraguay faced substantial disciplinary issues, with five yellow cards over the course of the match, underscoring its struggle to regain control. The match ended with USA exhibiting superior tactics and execution, ensuring a strong start in its World Cup campaign. The Stars and Stripes face Australia on June 19 in Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Wash.  About the Game Welcome to the world of the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field. The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team's large net, called the goal. Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime. Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms. Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box. Some important te

MEXICO CITY– In a poised start to its World Cup 2026 campaign, Mexico emerged victorious with a 2-0 triumph over South Africa in their Group Stage encounter at a bustling Mexico City Stadium.  Julian Quinones set the tone early, netting a goal in the 9th minute, putting Mexico ahead.  Despite South Africa's unwavering defensive stance, the match took a critical turn when Yaya. Sithole was sent off with a red card in the 49th minute, leaving his side at a numerical disadvantage.  Guillermo Ochoa, the Mexican goalkeeper, remained largely untroubled throughout, with South Africa managing only two shots on goal.  The game intensified in the second half as Raul Jimenez doubled Mexico's lead with a precise finish in the 67th minute. Mexico dominated possession with 61 percent of the ball and a passing accuracy of 90 percent, highlighting its control over the midfield. Brian Gutierrez, despite receiving a yellow card and later being substituted, played a pivotal role in linking play.  South Africa, plagued by discipline issues, received two red cards—Themba Zwane received his marching orders in the 84th minute, further crippling his team's chances.  Failing to capitalize on limited opportunities, South Africa recorded a low expected goals value of 0.07. Mexico, displaying efficiency in front of goal, boasted an expected goals tally of 1.41, underscoring its creative prowess and offensive intent.  With this victory, Mexico gains crucial momentum, reinforcing its aspirations to progress into the knockout stages.   About the Game Welcome to the world of the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field. The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team.  A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team's large net, called the goal. Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime.  Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms. Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box. Some important terms you'll hear include "offside," which is when a player is in a