Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a drama-filled opening match of the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca Thursday, kicking off the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece.
Taylor Swift on Thursday became the youngest woman ever inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame, another milestone in the 36-year-old US pop star's record-breaking career.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre revealed his team had overcome a bout of stage fright before clinching their first victory in a World Cup opener with a 2-0 defeat of South Africa on Thursday.
- Japan captain Endo out of World Cup, ends international career
- No new clashes after two nights of unrest on N. Ireland streets
Sports
Iran's footballers took to the training pitch in front of journalists Thursday at their base camp in Mexico, giving the world its first glimpse of a team whose participation in the World Cup has been clouded by war with the United States.
June 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
World Cup matches in the United States have been made as safe as they "can possibly be" -– from crowd control to anti-drone measures at every game -- but concerns remain about lone wolf attacks, according to top government officials.
June 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
US President Donald Trump withdrew his threat to launch a more devastating wave of bombings against Iran on Thursday and promised instead that he would soon be able to announce the signing of a deal with Tehran to end the war.
June 11, 2026
Ethiopia claimed Thursday that forces in the northern Tigray region were preparing an offensive against the federal government in the coming days, raising fears of a return to war.
June 11, 2026
Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid with club president Florentino Perez gambling his traits of discipline and a fierce competitive drive will revive the Spanish giants after a turbulent spell.
June 11, 2026
Sports
After two seasons without major silverware, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez activated the nuclear option.
June 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their coach on Thursday on a three-year deal, with the Portuguese veteran making a sensational return to the Spanish capital after 13 years away.
Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Still hurting after the worst collapse in NBA Finals history, the San Antonio Spurs vow the New York Knicks will not win their first title in 53 years without a fight.
Thousands of football fans attempted to shove their way into Mexico City's official World Cup fan zone on Thursday, creating chaotic scenes shortly before kick-off in the opening game.
June 11, 2026
Politics
US President Donald Trump said he was calling off strikes on Iran that he had planned for Thursday, and flagged the signing of a possible deal with Tehran after top-level talks.
June 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Ivory Coast and Senegal home-based fans have been denied visas to the United States, dashing their hopes of following their teams at the World Cup.
Tom Willis is adamant he has "no regrets" over rejoining Bordeaux-Begles, even though a return to France means his England career is on hold.
Iran warned Washington on Thursday that it risked wading into an "endless quagmire" of war and soaring energy prices, after US President Donald Trump vowed to launch a new round of airstrikes and to seize an island oil terminal.
Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams took part in training on Thursday, allaying fears over their fitness ahead of La Roja's World Cup opener against Cape Verde.
June 11, 2026
- 'Racist thuggery' slammed after second night of N.Ireland unrest
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- El Nino is back, but its effects vary widely
- Stocks rebound, oil wobbles as traders weigh Iran, rates outlook
- Van Aert dominates sprint on Tour de France warm-up race
- World Bank lowers global growth forecast on Iran war impacts
- Bangladesh clinch first-ever ODI series win over Australia
- First leather bag from T-Rex cells to be auctioned in Paris