Sports Facts

Belgium 1-1 Egypt: Red Devils draw with Pharaohs as Lukaku forces an own goal, Salah assists
46 mins ago / R47
Despite a battling performance, Egypt weren’t able to win their first-ever FIFA World Cup match at Seattle Stadium, drawing 1-1 with Belgium in an intense Group G encounter.
1 - 1
Mohamed Hany (66' OG)
Emam Ashour (19')
Match Report

Despite the energy-sapping 30-degree heat, both teams began this match on the front foot, though it took until the seventh minute before any efforts of note came about, as Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne fired just wide from outside the area. Egypt were compact and efficient in their possession, with Omar Marmoush particularly impressive, but they were consistently thwarted by a well-organised Belgian defence.

That was until Emam Ashour received Mohamed Salah’s simple pass before letting fly from distance in the 20th-minute, with his right-foot shot leaving Thibaut Courtois grasping at thin air as the ball nestled in the bottom corner. Belgium redoubled their efforts to try and get Jérémy Doku into the game, but still struggled collectively to get going, and the Manchester City man’s wild stoppage-time attempt rather summed up the Red Devils’ opening 45.

A scramble right at the start of the second half saw Belgium escape further punishment, and they could’ve drawn level shortly afterwards, when De Bruyne’s direct free-kick after Doku had been felled cannoned back off the woodwork. Courtois was then called upon to parry Salah’s free header, before Ashour dragged his follow-up well wide.

The undercurrent of Man City influence across the field only continued, as Marmoush soon caught Belgium on the break, but as he was about to pull the trigger, Nathan Ngoy snuffed out the danger. That appeared to encourage the Red Devils, and Youri Tielemans’ incredible left-footed volley was just a whisker wide. But when Romelu Lukaku came on in the 66th minute, he made his presence felt within seconds, and in Mohamed Hany’s attempts to clear the ball from the striker’s path, he only succeeded in putting it into his own net.

Having been handed a lifeline, Belgium began to pour forward at every opportunity, with Mostofa Shobeir brilliantly denying Brandon Mechele with a flying one-handed save late on. The draw ensures that Belgium have still lost just one of their last 16 group stage matches at the World Cup (W8, D7), and despite Egypt’s inability to earn a fifth clean sheet in their last six games, this performance largely bodes well for the African heavyweights.

Match Events
19' Goal! Emam Ashour neatly controls a decent pass from Mohamed Salah and smashes an unstoppable drive into the net

66' Own goal! Mohamed Hany accidentally puts a pass from one of the attacking players into his own net

Line-ups
Belgium XI: Courtois, De Bruyne, Meunier, Trossard, Mechele, Tielemans, Castagne, Amadou Onana, De Ketelaere, Doku, Nathan Ngoy

Subs: Witsel, Lukaku, Vanaken, Dodi Lukébakio, Nicolas Raskin, Alexis Saelemaekers, Senne Lammens, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Arthur Theate, Diego Moreira, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Mike Penders, Joaquin Seys

Egypt XI: Salah, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany, Hamdy Fathy, Omar Marmoush, Ahmed Fatouh, Mohanad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Oufa Shobeir, Marwan Ateya, Mostafa Ziko

Subs: El Mahdi Soliman, Mohamed El Shenawy, Ramy Rabia, Trezeguet, Zizo, Karim Hafez, Nabil Dunga, Haissem Hassan, Mahmoud Saber, Ibrahim Adel, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Tarek Alaa, Mohamed Alaa, Hamza Abdelkarim

Check out the exclusive overview of Belgium vs Egypt 👉 Click here now >>>

Related：
Belgium
Egypt
FIFA World Cup
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United States 4-1 Paraguay: Balogun shines with brace as the host seals huge victory
an hour ago / R47
Balogun’s outstanding performance and Reyna's late-time score help the U.S. secure huge victory. Here is the match report.
4 - 1
Damián Bobadilla (7' OG)
Balogun (31')
Balogun (45'+5')
Reyna (90'+8')
Mauricio (73')

Endo: I will withdraw from Japanese World Cup squad & retire from the national team due to injury
19 mins ago / RichardYan
According to Wataru Endo's announcement, his sufferings from injury forced him to withdraw from the World Cup squad and hence, retire from the national team.
Endo's Statement:

As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad.

Since my injury, I've done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever.

Of course, there's frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I'm proud of how we've grown together since the Qatar World Cup—me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of "winning the World Cup" into something we can say as a matter of course.

The current team is truly a wonderful team.

I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we've never seen before.

With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team.

So from here on, I'll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans.

The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come someday.

Let's believe in that and cheer them on together.

And let's unite Japan's strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament—everyone, let's take on the North and Central America World Cup together!!

Everyone, give it everything you've got🔥

Wataru Endo

World Cup Roundup: a dramatic opening night of red cards, comback and combats
41 mins ago / RichardYan
Welcome to the All-New AF World Cup Roundup, your One-Stop Destination for World Cup News & Updates!

Matchday 1 Highlights:
Mexico 2-0 South Africa: A 3 reds opening drama as Jimenez & Quinones seize 3pts for the host
Mexico 2-0 South Africa: A 3 reds opening drama as Jimenez & Quinones seize 3pts for the host. Here is the match report.

South Korea 2-1 Czech: South Korea get off to winning start after rallying from goal down

Oh, Hwang goals see South Korea edge Czechia in thriller.

Key Stats Board:
Red cards mania? Stats about the dramatic opener between Mexico and South Africa

The opener of WC 2026 has already finished as the host won the game. Here are some stats about it.

Jimenez breaks down in tears in emotional moment as he scores 1st WC goal months after dad died

MEXICO striker Raul Jimenez was brought to tears whilst celebrating his first-ever World Cup goal – just months after his dad died.

Sithole the 3rd to commit an error that leads to a goal & receive red in 1 match at WC since 1966

Sithole the 3rd to commit an error that leads to a goal & receive red in 1 match at WC since 1966.

Quinones scores 3rd fastest World Cup opening goal in 9 minutes

In the opening match of the FIFA World Cup against South Africa, Julián Quiñones scored the first goal for host nation Mexico.

Messi or Ronaldo could be first to play six World Cups after Ochoa misses opener

On June 11, in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup, Mexico's veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has participated in five World Cups, did not play. At that time, Messi and Ronaldo are both expected to become the first players to participate in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.

South Korea defeats European teams for third consecutive World Cup match

In the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1. This marks South Korea's third consecutive victory against European teams in the FIFA World Cup.

South Korea completes 4th World Cup comeback, most of any asian team

In a recently concluded FIFA World Cup Group A match, the South Korean team came from behind after conceding the first goal to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1, securing a strong start to the tournament.

Son's Stats: Most shots on goal, missed one big chance

In today's World Cup match, South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1. South Korean forward Son started the match, lost possession 9 times, and missed 1 big chance.

Oh Hyeon-Gyu makes World Cup debut, scores first goal off the bench

On the morning of June 12, in a FIFA World Cup group stage match, South Korea played against the Czech Republic. The game is currently in the 87th minute, with South Korea leading 2-1 against the Czech Republic.

Standings:
Group A First Round Standings: Mexico, South Korea lead with 3 points, Czech&South Africa 0 points

After the first round of Group A matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, and South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Mexico and South Korea each earned three points, placing them in the top two spots of the group.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: José Mourinho as the first-team coach of Real Madrid until June 30, 2029
18 mins ago / nebronhames
Florentino Pérez, has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as the first-team coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
The Board of Directors of Real Madrid C.F., meeting today, Thursday, June 11, and chaired by Florentino Pérez, has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as the first-team coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029.

José Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13th, the day when preseason will begin.

France 3-1 Northern Ireland: Olise shines with hat-trick in the friendly game
an hour ago / R47
Game is over and the final score is France 3-1 Northern Ireland. Here is the match report.
3 - 1
Olise (43')
Olise (49')
Olise (75')
Patrick Kelly (64')
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!

Leao: I need a new challenge; Premier League & La Liga better showcase my talent
4 hours ago / autty
According to Milan News, Leao reiterated in an interview that he wants to embrace new challenges.
Leao's future is already far from Milan. In a lengthy interview with Portuguese Sport TV, the Rossoneri No. 10 once again expressed his desire for a change of environment after seven years of service. Leao talked about his experiences at Milan since joining, his relationship with Maldini and Ibrahimović, and his expectations for the future, especially the leagues he hopes to play in. The following is part of his interview about Milan.

Leao said: "I need new challenges. I've already won two trophies in Serie A, and I've been there for a while. Serie A is improving, but for my style of play, the Premier League or La Liga can better showcase my talent and reflect my value as a player. If an opportunity in the Premier League comes, I'll be very happy. I think I can compare my talent with those players who are at a very high level. Playing in such a league will greatly improve a player."

Talking about the past season, Leao said: "It was a tough season. We didn't qualify for the Champions League. I played for 4 to 5 months with a p***c injury, and I wasn't playing in my position. The tactical system didn't help me. I felt like I could have made a difference, but the team's style of play didn't put me in a position to do that. In the end, it was exhausting."

Talking about the process of joining Milan, Leao said: "Inter had been interested in me before. Luis Campos told me they were considering selling me. I said I wanted to stay for another year. A few days later, he told me Milan would make an offer of 25 million euros. He also said someone wanted to talk to me. A few hours later, they handed me a phone... It was Maldini, Maldini was talking to me. I couldn't refuse. I felt very good energy from him."

Talking about Ibrahimović, Leao said: "He's a good person, but if your mind isn't strong enough, you'll be affected. His way sometimes seems negative. If you're the kind of person who feels attacked when you hear his way of speaking, you'll have a hard time. He's not the kind of person who pats you on the shoulder, not even in training. Personally, he's always been very important. He helped me both on and off the field. He's an idol. Having him in the squad always makes opponents wary. For me, I sometimes get a little distracted, and he keeps me alert every minute of the game."

Talking about his relationship with the coach, Leao said: "We've worked together for many years, and from the second year, he understood me better as a person and gave me the freedom to show my talent. He prepared the team very well, and I just needed to play freely. He's someone who has had a great impact on my career because he helped me win my first championship."

Talking about position changes, Leao said: "As a winger, after dribbling past, I have more time to think about whether to shoot, dribble again, or cross. But when playing as a second striker, I'm closer to the goal and have to be more direct: either assist or shoot. This is a detail I need to keep refining. In the end, modern football looks at statistics, and this is the last step I'm still missing."

Leao continued: "Am I easy to predict on the wing? Teams have adapted. When the ball gets to the winger, two or three defenders will already be there. Changing from the wing to playing as a second striker, or moving to the central area, I'll be closer to the goal two or three times a game, and then return to the wing to spread out. This will make my style of play harder to predict."

Related：
Paris Saint-Germain
Milan
Leao

Former Greece international Ikonomou dies in moped accident at 33
7 hours ago / autty
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Marios Ikonomou, former Greek international and former Bologna defender, unfortunately passed away in a car accident at the age of 33.
The former Greek defender was involved in an extremely tragic car accident on May 23rd this year and passed away quietly today in a hospital in his hometown of Ioannina. During his career, he played for several Italian clubs, including Cagliari, Bari, SPAL, and Sampdoria, but it was during his time at Bologna from 2014 to 2017 that he enjoyed the most glorious years of his career, helping the team successfully get promoted to Serie A. In addition, he made 6 appearances for the Greek national team.

Ikonomou had been in the intensive care unit since the car accident. At the time of the incident, he was riding his scooter when he collided with a car attempting to make a U-turn on a street in downtown Ioannina and was rushed to the hospital.

In the violent collision, Ikonomou suffered severe head injuries, leading to fears of the worst. He underwent an emergency decompressive craniectomy at the University Hospital of Ioannina and spent several days in the intensive care unit. He eventually passed away later this morning.

Ikonomou ended his playing career at Panetolikos FC in 2024. He had previously played for AEK Athens and Copenhagen, winning the Danish league title with Copenhagen in 2022. He then returned to his hometown of Ioannina, where he began his career at the local PAS club.

Related：
Copenhagen
AEK Athens
PAS Giannina
Greece
Sampdoria
Bologna
Cagliari
SPAL
Bari
Panetolikos Agrinio
Oikonomou
Rest In Peace
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OFFICIAL: Konate is set to leave Liverpool this summer as free agent
3 hours ago / WangSky
Liverpool FC confirm Ibrahima Konate is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
The centre-back will depart Anfield at the end of June, bringing his five-year spell with the Reds to a conclusion.

Signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, Konate made a total of 183 appearances and scored seven goals.

The France international will leave with a Premier League winner’s medal for his role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 title triumph, as well as successes in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup (twice) and FA Community Shield.

Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future.

Related：
Liverpool

Japan's squad for World Cup 2026: Endo and Doan lead, Mitoma, Minamino out due to injury
4 mins ago / RichardYan
According to the latest update from the Japanese National team, the Blue Samurai releases their official squad for the World Cup 2026. Liverpool's Endo and Frankfurt's lead, while notable players include Mitoma and Minamino were out due to injury.
Japanese's squad for the World Cup 2026:
GK

Tomoki Hayakawa, Kashima Antlers

Keisuke Osako, Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Aya Suzuka, Parma Calcio

DF

Yuto Nagatomo, FC Tokyo

Shogo Taniguchi, Sint-Truiden VV

Ko Itakura, Ajax

Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Feyenoord

Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ajax

Hiroki Ito, Bayern Munich

Ayumu Seko, Le Havre AC

Yukinari Sugawara, Werder Bremen

Junosuke Suzuki, FC Copenhagen

MF/FW

Wataru Endo, Liverpool FC

Junya Ito KRC, Genk

Daichi Kamada, Crystal Palace

Koki Ogawa, NEC Nijmegen

Daizen Maeda, Celtic

Ritsu Doan, Eintracht Frankfurt

Ayase Ueda, Feyenoord

Ao Tanaka, Leeds United

Keito Nakamura, Stade de Reims

Kaishu Sano, Mainz 05

Takefusa Kubo, Real Sociedad

Ito Suzuki, SC Freiburg

Kento Shiode, VfL Wolfsburg

Keisuke Goto Sint-Truiden, VV