In a highly anticipated Group C clash in New York last night, Morocco made the brighter start and stunned the five-time world champions with an impressive opening goal. Midfielder Ismael Saibari capitalised on a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Diaz, breaking through Brazil’s defence before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson to give the Atlas Lions an early lead.
Morocco’s energetic display reflected the confidence of a side that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and remains Africa’s most successful nation at the tournament. The North Africans pressed aggressively and looked the more cohesive team during much of the first half.
Brazil, however, needed only a moment of brilliance to restore parity. Vinicius Junior, one of the Seleção’s biggest attacking threats, combined neatly with Bruno Guimaraes before cutting inside and curling a superb strike into the top corner. The spectacular finish brought Carlo Ancelotti’s side level against the run of play.
The second half remained competitive, with both teams creating opportunities but neither able to find a decisive breakthrough. Morocco defended resolutely while Brazil searched for a winner through their array of attacking talent.
The draw leaves both sides with a point from their opening match in what could prove to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. It was also the only opening-round meeting between two top-10 ranked teams in the expanded 48-nation World Cup.
Elsewhere in Group C, Scotland moved to the top of the standings with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, taking advantage of the points dropped by both Brazil and Morocco in their opening encounter. Four matches were played on Saturday across Groups B, C and D: Switzerland 1-1 Qatar, Australia 2-0 Türkiye, and Scotland 1-0 Haiti.
Vinícius Júnior scored the equaliser for Brazil, who were held by Morocco on Saturday.
Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui, right, attempts a shot on goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.Brazil’s Casemiro, left, challenges for the ball with Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui (24) during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026. Fans wait for the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C opener between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.Spectators start to arrive to take their seats ahead of the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.Morocco fans before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Forward Julián Quiñones etched his name into World Cup history by scoring the tournament’s opening goal after just nine minutes before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed victory with a second-half header in front of more than 80,000 fans at Mexico City Stadium.
The victory provided an ideal start for Javier Aguirre’s side, which is seeking to erase memories of its disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mexico started brightly and nearly took the lead within five minutes when Jiménez forced South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into an early save. The breakthrough arrived shortly afterward when Erik Lira dispossessed Sphephelo Sithole in midfield and Quiñones drove a low shot through Williams’ legs from just inside the penalty area.
South Africa managed to keep the deficit at one goal before halftime despite sustained Mexican pressure, with Williams producing another fine save to deny Jiménez while Quiñones also struck the post.
The match turned decisively in Mexico’s favour early in the second half when Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Jiménez as the striker raced through on goal.
Moments later, Mexico doubled its lead. Quiñones combined neatly with Jiménez before feeding Roberto Alvarado, whose cross was headed home by the 35-year-old striker at the back post.
The contest descended into further drama late on as South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was sent off for striking an opponent, while Mexico defender Cesar Montes also received a red card for a late challenge.
The three dismissals made it the first World Cup opening match in history to feature three red cards and the most in any World Cup game since Portugal’s infamous clash with the Netherlands in 2006.
“I made an effort to explain to them what a World Cup and an opening match on home soil meant, but they had to experience it for themselves,” Aguirre said after the match.
Quiñones, named player of the match, said scoring the opening goal of the tournament was a special moment.
“I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans,” he said.
Earlier in Guadalajara, South Korea recovered from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1.
After a largely uneventful first half, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci put his side ahead in the 59th minute with a header following a long throw into the penalty area.
South Korea responded eight minutes later when Hwang Hee-chan equalised with a composed finish after cleverly evading two defenders. The winger then turned provider in the 80th minute, delivering a cross from the right that was converted by Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal.
The results leave Mexico and South Korea level on three points at the top of Group A. The two sides will meet next Thursday in Guadalajara, while South Africa faces the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
“It would be important to win the group, but right now the only thing we’re thinking about is the match against Korea,” Aguirre said. “We’re going to take it step by step and see what the future holds.”
Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez celebrates after scoring in the second half to give his team a 2-0 lead over South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup. The match was played in Mexico City.Jiménez was in tears after his goal. The 35-year-old striker recently lost his father. Mexico’s Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with a goal in tne ninth minute of play. Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado, left, vies for the ball with South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba. Modiba defends Alvarado early in the first half. These two teams also opened the 2010 World Cup when the tournament was held in South Africa.Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio shows a red card to South Africa’s Themba Zwane late in the second half. After video review, it was determined that Zwane had lashed out and caught an opponent with his hand. Sampaio issued three red cards in the match, including one late to Mexican defender César Montes.South Korea’s Lee Tae-seok (right) and the Czech Republic’s Vladimir Coufal vie for the ball during a Group A match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Thursday.
In a statement released on Thursday, UEFA announced that the 34-year-old Somali official will take charge of the prestigious season-opening clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
The appointment is one of the first high-profile initiatives under a recently signed memorandum of understanding between UEFA and CAF, which aims to strengthen cooperation in areas including refereeing development. It is being hailed as a significant recognition of Artan’s standing among the world’s elite referees.
Artan, who has been on FIFA’s international referees list since 2018, was selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. However, he was unable to participate after being refused entry into the United States, ending what would have been a historic appearance as the first Somali referee at football’s biggest tournament.
Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by recent travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s immigration policy overhaul.
Artan returned to Mogadishu to a hero’s welcome yesterday, with supporters and football officials celebrating his achievements despite the disappointment surrounding the World Cup setback.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said the decision to appoint Artan reflects both his exceptional refereeing abilities and football’s power to unite people across borders.
“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football,” Čeferin said. “Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”
Artan has steadily built a reputation as one of Africa’s leading match officials. Among the most notable fixtures of his career was the second leg of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League final. His performances earned him the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award in 2025.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe welcomed UEFA’s decision, describing it as recognition of both Artan’s achievements and the growing influence of African referees on the global stage.
“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African continent extremely proud,” Motsepe said. “His appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and his receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award are recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys.”
UEFA announced that the 34-year-old Somali official will take charge of the prestigious season-opening clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered from early morning at Aden Adde International Airport, waving Somali flags and chanting as they waited for Artan’s arrival.
When he finally landed at about 8:30 a.m. local time, the crowd surged forward, draping him in the national flag and escorting him through the airport amid cheers.
Artan had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after earning a place on FIFA’s final list for the tournament. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, he was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025, marking a rapid rise in his international career.
His journey to the United States was cut short on Saturday when he was denied entry at Miami International Airport over what U.S. Customs and Border Protection described as “vetting concerns,” without providing further details.
FIFA subsequently removed him from its list of referees for the tournament. The decision came despite Artan having been issued a visa last week, according to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, which processed the travel documents. He had been expected to join other selected referees at a training base in Miami ahead of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Back home, his arrival transformed into a public show of support and national pride. After being escorted by police to the VIP terminal, Artan was welcomed by Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, officials from the Somalia Football Federation and other dignitaries before addressing the media.
“It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” he said. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”
He also struck an optimistic tone despite the setback, telling supporters: “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one. I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
The incident has drawn international attention, with questions raised about the circumstances surrounding his denial of entry. Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by recent travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s immigration policy overhaul.
The controversy also sparked wider reactions in the football world. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Artan’s achievement, saying his World Cup selection “stands no matter what” and that being kept off the pitch did not erase the milestone he had already reached.
Omar Artan is draped in a Somali flag upon his arrival in the capital, Mogadishu.Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered from early morning at Aden Adde International Airport, waving Somali flags and chanting as they waited for Artan’s arrival.
The deal, announced by UNITE HERE Local 11 and confirmed by food-service operator Legends Global, covers about 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks, dishwashers and concession workers. The workers, who had overwhelmingly authorized a strike last week, are scheduled to vote on the agreement Wednesday.
SoFi Stadium is set to host eight FIFA World Cup matches, including Friday’s game between the United States and Paraguay.
According to UNITE HERE Local 11, the agreement includes wage increases, protections against subcontracting and automation, and provisions allowing workers to stop work if federal immigration enforcement activities create what the union considers safety risks during tournament operations.
“We won every major issue that we brought to the table,” union co-president Kurt Petersen said at a news conference Tuesday.
Legends Global said it was pleased to have reached an agreement and looked forward to providing an outstanding hospitality experience for fans during the tournament.
Public details of the contract remain limited pending ratification. Union officials said the agreement could significantly raise wages over its duration, with some cooks eventually earning close to or more than 40 U.S. dollars per hour.
The contract is expected to remain in effect through April 2028, shortly before Los Angeles hosts the Olympic Games. The deal removes a key source of uncertainty at one of the World Cup’s major U.S. venues. It also highlights how large international sporting events can amplify local labor disputes over wages, job security and workplace protections.
Workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, reached a tentative labor agreement Tuesday, averting a potential strike days before the venue hosts its first FIFA World Cup match.
In a statement released on Monday, the company stated that over the past 12 years, the partnership between SKOL and Rayon Sports evolved into one of the most recognized and impactful collaborations in Rwandan football, built on shared ambition, mutual respect, and a common commitment to the development of sport in Rwanda.
Throughout the partnership, both institutions worked closely together to support the club, strengthen fan engagement, and contribute to the continued growth of football across the country.
SKOL said it remains committed to maintaining and strengthening its long-standing relationship with Rayon Sports and its supporters in a sustainable manner.
The company indicated that representatives from both institutions have engaged in positive and constructive discussions regarding the future of the partnership, with a shared interest in identifying approaches that can support the club’s long-term ambitions and continued development.
As part of these discussions, SKOL presented an evolution of the partnership structure from a Principal Sponsorship arrangement toward a mutual-benefit sponsorship model. According to the company, the approach is intended to create greater flexibility and potentially open opportunities for additional partnerships capable of contributing to the long-term sustainability and development of Rayon Sports.
SKOL stated that the continued evolution of sports partnerships requires adaptive and sustainable models that can support clubs in an increasingly dynamic environment while preserving strong institutional relationships.
The company added that discussions remain ongoing and expressed confidence in the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration that has characterized its relationship with Rayon Sports for more than a decade.
SKOL also thanked Rayon Sports’ leadership, players, supporters and all stakeholders for the trust, collaboration and memorable moments shared throughout the years, reaffirming its dedication to supporting the advancement of sport and meaningful partnerships that positively contribute to Rwandan communities.
SKOL said it remains committed to maintaining and strengthening its long-standing relationship with Rayon Sports and its supporters in a sustainable manner.
Speaking during her daily morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Sheinbaum accused political opponents of attempting to provoke a government crackdown in order to generate negative international headlines ahead of the tournament.
However, she ruled out the use of repressive police measures in response to any demonstrations.
“There are groups that want to provoke us, and they are not necessarily teachers. What they want is repression,” Sheinbaum said.
“We will also ensure that the World Cup opening ceremony proceeds smoothly, peacefully and calmly,” she added.
Mexico is one of three host countries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada. The country is scheduled to host 13 matches across three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Sheinbaum’s comments come after the CNTE warned that it could stage protests if the federal government fails to meet its demands, including higher wages and other labor-related concessions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addresses supporters at the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City, Sunday, May 31, 2026, marking two years in power. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday on a flight from Istanbul and was subjected to additional screening by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following the inspection, authorities determined that he was inadmissible due to unspecified vetting concerns and placed him on a return flight to Turkey.
The 52-year-old was among 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that Artan would be unable to participate in training or officiate at the tournament.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
CBP said all travellers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches and tournament staff, are subject to inspection and vetting.
“Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” the agency said in a statement.
Officials in Somalia expressed disappointment over the decision. A senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said Artan had been travelling with valid documents, while a Somali embassy official noted that he had been issued a diplomatic passport to facilitate international travel after experiencing visa-related difficulties in the past.
The case has drawn attention because Somalia remains on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list. While exemptions exist for World Cup athletes and team personnel, those provisions reportedly did not apply to referees.
Artan’s exclusion marks a significant setback for a referee whose rise has been widely celebrated across Africa. In 2025, he was named Africa’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football and has officiated at major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Earlier this year, Artan reflected on the challenges he faced pursuing a refereeing career in Somalia.
“At times, I have had to change my route to my local stadium because of explosions in the country,” he said. “You cannot give up as a referee. You have to have a target.”
Despite the setback, Artan struck a positive tone in a statement released on Monday.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said. “I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup.”
Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said the decision undermined football’s values.
“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” he said.
The incident is the latest controversy surrounding US immigration policies and the World Cup, with concerns previously raised over visa processing delays for some participating nations.
Artan’s exclusion marks a significant setback for a referee whose rise has been widely celebrated across Africa. In 2025, he was named Africa’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football and has officiated at major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking in an interview with combat sports journalist Tim Wheaton, PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze said Kigali has already proven itself as a reliable and high-performance host city, and expressed his wish for it to become the “anchor” of the league’s African calendar.
The development follows the successful staging of the PFL Africa Semifinals in Kigali in October last year at BK Arena, where an 11-fight card determined finalists across multiple weight divisions. The event was widely viewed within the organisation as a turning point in proving that Rwanda can deliver world-class MMA production at scale.
Schulze said Rwanda’s appeal lies in its combination of strong infrastructure, safety, and political support, even if MMA remains a relatively new sport for local audiences.
“Rwanda was a unique challenge,” he said. “It has world-class event infrastructure and a very safe environment, but relatively low consumer familiarity with MMA. What surprised us was how quickly people embraced it.”
“The seat for MMA headquarters in Africa is still open,” he said. “Rwanda has the enabling environment, infrastructure, and will to claim it.”
He credited what he called the “Rwandan model”, a strategy focused on deep community integration, for the strong local engagement around the sport. This included fighter homecomings, university activations, gym partnerships, and collaboration with the Ministry of Sports. The organisation said it was surprised by how quickly fans embraced MMA in Rwanda.
According to Schulze, this approach is now being replicated across other African markets as PFL expands its continental footprint. He pointed to key focus markets including Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, and Ivory Coast, with additional interest in Senegal and Tanzania, as well as North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, as part of its long-term pan-African expansion strategy.
Beyond competition, PFL Africa says it is keen to develop a broader MMA ecosystem in Rwanda and other African markets, including training referees, judges, doctors, and production crews, as well as supporting the development of local fighters capable of competing internationally.
“If we host the finals in Kigali, I’m confident we’ll have at least two or three Rwandan fighters on the card,” Schulze noted.
Rwanda was represented last year by James Opio at the PFL Africa event in Kigali. He featured in a highly anticipated East African featherweight showcase bout against Uganda’s Isaac Omeda.
Organising an event of this scale involves extensive logistics, including transporting and installing specialist production infrastructure such as lighting rigs, broadcast cameras, and regulation cages, alongside coordinating international fighters, coaching teams, and medical staff.
According to Schulze, PFL operates purpose-built cages and production systems across Africa to support back-to-back events in different markets, with South Africa also serving as one of the key established production and staging hubs on the continent. The organisation also works with local partners to recruit technical crews and manage hospitality requirements, including hundreds of hotel room nights for fighters, teams, and officials.
Nigeria set for historic debut after South Africa stop
While Kigali is being positioned as a potential championship hub, Nigeria is set to host a landmark milestone in the league’s expansion, with the continental tour heading to Lagos immediately following its recent stop in Pretoria, South Africa (PFL Africa 1).
The Professional Fighters League will stage PFL Africa 2: Nigeria – First Round on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, marking the country’s entry into the league’s continental circuit.
Because PFL Africa staggers its weight classes to manage the tournament brackets, the Lagos event serves as the official opening First Round (Quarterfinals) exclusively for the Lightweight and Bantamweight tournaments, following April’s opening Welterweight matchups in Pretoria, South Africa.
Schulze described Nigeria as a “must-win market” for the organisation.
“You cannot claim to be a credible operator in Africa and neglect Nigeria,” he said. “It’s going to be a raucous event.”
He added that Nigeria’s strong sporting culture, spanning football, basketball, boxing, and traditional combat disciplines like Dambe, makes it a natural fit for MMA growth. PFL Africa views the country as a potential recurring anchor market alongside Rwanda and other priority destinations.
Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa drew over 4,000 mixed martial arts (MMA) spectators at BK Arena on Saturday, October 18. President Kagame, WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and MMA legend Francis Ngannou attended PFL Africa matches.Schulze said Rwanda’s appeal lies in its combination of strong infrastructure, safety, and political support, even if MMA remains a relatively new sport for local audiences.Rwanda was represented last year by James Opio at the PFL Africa event in Kigali. He featured in a highly anticipated East African featherweight showcase bout against Uganda’s Isaac Omeda.
The Police FC side endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign despite a promising start to the season. The club finished sixth in the league and was eliminated by Rayon Sports in the quarterfinals of the Peace Cup.
Their only silverware of the season came in February, when they won the Heroes Cup after defeating APR FC on penalties. However, the trophy was not enough to secure continental CAF qualification, unlike in the 2024/25 season.
The underwhelming results have prompted the club’s management to initiate a squad reshuffle, beginning with players whose contracts have come to an end.
Among those released is Nigerian striker Ani Elijah, alongside Rwanda international Byiringiro Lague, the only Rwandan player in the group of seven departing players.
Others shown the exit include Ghanaian central defender Issah Yakubu, Nigerian defender David Chimezie, Burundian duo Msanga Henry and Richard Kirongozi, and Ugandan midfielder Allan Kateregga.
Msanga is reportedly close to joining Rayon Sports, with reports indicating he has agreed to a two-year deal.
Police FC has yet to officially announce new signings, although the club is reportedly targeting goalkeeper Tuyizere Jean Luc, whose contract with Mukura VS has expired, and midfielder Hoziyana Kennedy, who is also a free agent after leaving Marine FC.
Byiringiro Lague had spent just one and a half years at Police FC.Nigerian striker Ani Elijah parts ways with Police FC after two years at the club.Msanga is reportedly close to joining Rayon Sports, with reports indicating he has agreed to a two-year deal.Ghanaian central defender Issah Yakubu is among the players released by Police FC.
