Seeking strong start, Qatar brace for tough Swiss test in World Cup o…

Doha, Qatar: Four years ago, Qatar’s World Cup debut never truly got going. A nervy opening defeat to Ecuador set the tone for a difficult campaign that ended without a point and with hopes fading before the knockout rounds even came into view.

As Al Annabi prepare to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Switzerland at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara tomorrow, head coach Julen Lopetegui will be hoping for a far brighter start. truewildslot.com

The stakes are significant as the reigning Asian champions enter their second consecutive World Cup with ambitions of reaching the knockout stage for the first time, but their toughest Group B assignment arrives immediately against a Switzerland side dubbed the favourites to finish top of the section.

Switzerland bring experience, consistency and a squad packed with players competing at the highest levels of European football.

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Murat Yakin’s side have progressed from the group stage at each of the last three World Cups and reached the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

This is Switzerland’s 13th World Cup appearance and they arrived in North America unbeaten in qualifying, winning four and drawing two of their six matches.

Led by captain Granit Xhaka, Switzerland also possess valuable World Cup experience throughout the squad. Xhaka is preparing for his fourth successive World Cup, while Ricardo Rodriguez is also set for a fourth appearance.

Five members of Yakin’s squad are competing at their third World Cup, giving the Swiss a core group accustomed to the demands and pressure of major tournaments.

Qatar’s preparations have not been entirely smooth. Planned high-profile friendlies against Argentina national football team and Serbia national football team were cancelled due to regional tensions, limiting opportunities to test themselves against elite oppositions before travelling to North America.

Even so, Lopetegui has remained encouraged by the work completed during training camps at home and in the United States. Qatar closed their preparations with a 1-0 defeat to Ireland and a goalless draw against El Salvador, results that highlighted both the team’s defensive organisation and their continuing search for greater attacking efficiency.

Lopetegui has made no secret of the challenge awaiting his side against Switzerland.

“Switzerland are a huge challenge in all aspects,” Lopetegui said recently, pointing to the quality, experience and tactical discipline that have made the Swiss regular competitors at major tournaments.

For Qatar, the task will be to avoid a repeat of the slow start that undermined their campaign in 2022. Defensive concentration will be essential against a Swiss side capable of controlling possession and punishing mistakes, while Qatar must also show greater attacking ambition than they managed in their opening World Cup appearance against Ecuador.

Much of that responsibility will fall on Akram Afif, Qatar’s leading creative force, and Almoez Ali, the country’s all-time leading scorer, who continues his return to full fitness after an injury-interrupted season. Midfielders Assim Madibo and Ahmed Fathy are expected to play important roles in helping Qatar compete physically and tactically against a well-drilled opponent.

Lopetegui has repeatedly stressed that Qatar are not travelling to the World Cup simply to participate.

“In theory, they may be stronger than us, but they have to prove that on the pitch. Our job is to defend our chances and compete from the first minute,” the coach said.

That message may be particularly important in the opening match. With Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina still to come, a positive result against the group favourites would significantly strengthen Qatar’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.

Mexico City: Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts' bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start.

South Africa meanwhile never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena.

But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico's fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of "Ole!" in the opening minutes.

Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones' opening goal.

Sithole's miserable afternoon ended with a 49th minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when clean through on goal.

Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counter attack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod home at the far post.

It got worse for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed after a VAR review for flinging an arm into the face of Alvarado.

There was still time for late drama when Mexican defender Cesar Montes was shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.

DOHA: Argentina (1st, up 2), the reigning world champions, will begin their title defence as the world’s top-ranked side after the June Men’s World Ranking was released hours before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday.

Argentina reclaimed top spot following friendly wins over Iceland and Honduras, overtaking Spain (2nd, unchanged), who were held by Iraq before beating Peru, and France (3rd, down 2), who dropped after defeat to Côte d’Ivoire and victory over Northern Ireland.

Qatar, who lost their friendly against Ireland and played a goalless draw against El Salvador, slipped one place to 56th ahead of their opening Group B clash against Switzerland, who are ranked 19th.

Morocco (7th, up 1) climbed to their highest-ever ranking since 1993, overtaking the Netherlands (8th, down 1).

Mexico (14th, up 1), Uruguay (16th, up 1) and Iran (20th, up 1) all moved up, while Senegal (15th, down 1) and the United States (17th, down 1) slipped.

Hungary (39th, up 3), Chile (51st, up 3) and China PR (91st, up 3) were the biggest climbers, while Serbia (41st, down 4), Mali (55th, down 3) and Benin (93rd, down 3) saw the sharpest falls.

أحرز العداء القطري عبدالرحمن صامبا المركز الخامس في سباق 400 متر حواجز ضمن منافسات جولة أوسلو، سادس جولات الدوري الماسي لألعاب القوى، التي أقيمت أمس. وسجل صامبا زمنا قدره 48.40 ثانية، بعدما بدأ السباق بقوة وتصدر المنافسات في مراحلها الأولى، قبل أن يتراجع في الأمتار الأخيرة ليحل خامسا عند خط النهاية.
وتعد هذه المشاركة الثانية لصامبا في منافسات الدوري الماسي هذا الموسم، بعد مشاركته في جولة شيامين الصينية، حيث يواصل استعداداته للاستحقاقات المقبلة، وفي مقدمتها دورة الألعاب الآسيوية المقررة في اليابان.

Wellington: New Zealand's most prolific run-scorer and arguably greatest batsman Kane Williamson announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday in the middle of their series against England.

The 35-year-old former skipper called time ahead of the second Test at The Oval next week. He played in the Black Caps' defeat in the first Test at Lord's, making 0 and 18.

"I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time," he said.

"I've always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I've given it my all in every match I've played for New Zealand.

"Continuing with anything less wouldn't be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.

Williamson said he felt "optimistic" about the team's direction.

"There's a huge amount of talent and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team," he said.

Williamson made his international debut in 2010 and played 378 games for his country, finishing as New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

He played 110 Tests, smacking 33 centuries on his way to 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06.

His leadership style was much admired and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

"It's a team I love and it's so dear to my heart"

Thank you for the memories, Kane ???????? pic.twitter.com/u1qBOMEfzy

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 12, 2026

During that time, New Zealand made two World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

"Anyone who's had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person," said New Zealand coach Rob Walter.

"His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it's what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket -- that will be his legacy.

"His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA."

Williamson's list of accolades is immense, including being named the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

New Zealand great Hadlee hailed him as "a wonderful player and fine leader".

"He's demonstrated a willingness to continually advance his game to the highest level in all three formats and he rightfully finishes as one of the best players of his era," he said.

"The way he prepared himself physically and mentally was perhaps the most impressive part. He was always committed to working hard and developing his technique to ensure he was ready to be a world class player.

"He's been an unflappable leader and the architect of some of our greatest moments in cricket."