Meridian

match report

44 articles tagged match report.

Late Gouiri strike completes Algeria comeback and eliminates Jordan. Meridian world.World

Late Gouiri strike completes Algeria comeback and eliminates Jordan

Algeria rallied from a goal down to beat Jordan and claim their first World Cup win since 2014, ending the debutants' tournament.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 22

Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach the knockouts. Meridian world.World

Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach the knockouts

Lionel Messi recovered from a missed early penalty to score twice and become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history.

By Marcus Okafor · Jun 22

Haaland Double Sends Norway Through in Five-Goal Thriller. Meridian world.World

Haaland Double Sends Norway Through in Five-Goal Thriller

Erling Haaland struck twice as Norway edged a pulsating contest with Senegal to reach the knockout stage.

By Mira Faraj · Jun 22

Mbappe and Dembele Send France Through Against Iraq. Meridian world.World

Mbappe and Dembele Send France Through Against Iraq

Another Kylian Mbappe brace and a Ousmane Dembele strike booked France's place in the knockout stage.

By Priya Chen · Jun 22

Cape Verde stun Uruguay again with thrilling comeback draw. Meridian world.World

Cape Verde stun Uruguay again with thrilling comeback draw

Kevin Pina's free-kick and Helio Varela's chip earn debutants Cape Verde a second remarkable point against two-time world champions Uruguay.

By Sara Qureshi · Jun 21

Yamal and Oyarzabal inspire Spain to statement rout of Saudi Arabia. Meridian world.World

Yamal and Oyarzabal inspire Spain to statement rout of Saudi Arabia

Lamine Yamal opens his World Cup account and Mikel Oyarzabal strikes twice as Spain answer their critics with a ruthless first-half blitz.

By Lena Holloway · Jun 21

Mohamed Salah inspires Egypt to historic first World Cup win over New Zealand. Meridian world.World

Mohamed Salah inspires Egypt to historic first World Cup win over New Zealand

The Pharaohs came from behind in Vancouver, Salah scoring and assisting as Egypt claimed a maiden World Cup victory in their 92-year history.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 21

Ten-man Belgium held by resolute Iran in goalless Group G stalemate. Meridian world.World

Ten-man Belgium held by resolute Iran in goalless Group G stalemate

Nathan Ngoy's red card forced Belgium onto the back foot, but they held firm for a point against a disciplined Iran side at SoFi Stadium.

By Marcus Okafor · Jun 21

Ueda double sends Japan surging as Tunisia exit in the World Cup's 1,000th match. Meridian world.World

Ueda double sends Japan surging as Tunisia exit in the World Cup's 1,000th match

Kamada's fourth-minute strike set the tone in a landmark fixture for the tournament.

By Mira Faraj · Jun 20

Brobbey and Gakpo doubles power Netherlands to crushing win over Sweden. Meridian world.World

Brobbey and Gakpo doubles power Netherlands to crushing win over Sweden

The Dutch produced their best display of the tournament to seize control of Group F.

By Priya Chen · Jun 20

Eloy Room's 15-Save Masterclass Earns Curaçao Historic First Point. Meridian world.World

Eloy Room's 15-Save Masterclass Earns Curaçao Historic First Point

A record-breaking goalkeeping display in Kansas City frustrated Ecuador and kept Curaçao's qualification dream alive.

By Sara Qureshi · Jun 20

Undav's Stoppage-Time Winner Sends Germany Through in Toronto. Meridian world.World

Undav's Stoppage-Time Winner Sends Germany Through in Toronto

Deniz Undav struck twice, including a 94th-minute winner, as Germany came from behind to seal top spot in Group E.

By Lena Holloway · Jun 20

Galarza's lightning strike sinks Turkey as 10-man Paraguay survive. Meridian world.World

Galarza's lightning strike sinks Turkey as 10-man Paraguay survive

The fastest goal of the tournament and a controversial new-rule red card defined Paraguay's gritty win that eliminated Turkey.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 19

USA see off Australia 2-0 in Seattle to seal knockout berth. Meridian world.World

USA see off Australia 2-0 in Seattle to seal knockout berth

An early own goal and Alex Freeman's first World Cup strike booked the co-hosts' place in the round of 32, even without the injured Christian Pulisic.

By Marcus Okafor · Jun 19

Cunha brace and Vinicius strike fire Brazil top of Group C. Meridian world.World

Cunha brace and Vinicius strike fire Brazil top of Group C

Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior added a third in a dominant first-half display as Brazil eliminated Haiti and moved top.

By Mira Faraj · Jun 19

Saibari's 70-second strike sinks Scotland and dents knockout hopes. Meridian world.World

Saibari's 70-second strike sinks Scotland and dents knockout hopes

Ismael Saibari struck the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup as Morocco edged Scotland and left Steve Clarke's side needing a result against Brazil.

By Priya Chen · Jun 19

Jonathan David hat-trick sinks Qatar as Canada hammer six in Vancouver. Meridian world.World

Jonathan David hat-trick sinks Qatar as Canada hammer six in Vancouver

Canada recorded their first-ever World Cup victory in spectacular fashion, with Jonathan David's treble inflicting Qatar's heaviest tournament defeat.

By Sara Qureshi · Jun 18

Manzambi double powers Switzerland to emphatic win over 10-man Bosnia. Meridian world.World

Manzambi double powers Switzerland to emphatic win over 10-man Bosnia

A late flurry of goals turned a tight contest into a rout as Switzerland overwhelmed a Bosnia side reduced to ten men at SoFi Stadium.

By Lena Holloway · Jun 18

Luis Romo Settles It as Mexico Book Knockout Spot With Win Over South Korea. Meridian world.World

Luis Romo Settles It as Mexico Book Knockout Spot With Win Over South Korea

A second-half strike from Luis Romo gave the hosts a 1-0 win and a place in the Round of 32.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 18

Late Mokoena Penalty Earns South Africa a Point Against Czechia. Meridian world.World

Late Mokoena Penalty Earns South Africa a Point Against Czechia

Teboho Mokoena's 83rd-minute spot kick cancelled out Michal Sadílek's early opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

By Marcus Okafor · Jun 18

Yirenkyi's last-gasp winner snatches priceless Ghana victory over Panama. Meridian world.World

Yirenkyi's last-gasp winner snatches priceless Ghana victory over Panama

A 95th-minute strike from 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi settles a tense, low-scoring Group L opener in Toronto.

By Anika Patel · Jun 17

Kane double powers chaotic England past Croatia in six-goal Group L opener. Meridian world.World

Kane double powers chaotic England past Croatia in six-goal Group L opener

Harry Kane's brace and second-half strikes from Bellingham and Rashford see the Three Lions edge a frantic World Cup opener in Arlington.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 17

Luis Diaz Inspires Colombia to Winning Start Against Spirited Uzbekistan. Meridian world.World

Luis Diaz Inspires Colombia to Winning Start Against Spirited Uzbekistan

Diaz scored one and made another as Colombia saw off World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca.

By Diego Arroyo · Jun 17

Wissa Earns DR Congo Historic Point as Portugal Stumble in Houston. Meridian world.World

Wissa Earns DR Congo Historic Point as Portugal Stumble in Houston

Yoane Wissa's stoppage-time header cancelled out Joao Neves' early opener to hand DR Congo their first-ever World Cup point.

By Mira Faraj · Jun 17

Arnautovic stoppage-time penalty seals Austria's first World Cup win in 36 years. Meridian world.World

Arnautovic stoppage-time penalty seals Austria's first World Cup win in 36 years

Austria edged a thriller against debutants Jordan in Santa Clara, with a 12th-minute-of-added-time spot kick settling it.

By Theresa Bauer · Jun 16

Messi's first World Cup hat-trick fires holders Argentina past Algeria. Meridian world.World

Messi's first World Cup hat-trick fires holders Argentina past Algeria

Lionel Messi drew level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals as Argentina opened their title defence in style in Kansas City.

By Sara Qureshi · Jun 16

Haaland Brace Powers Norway to Emphatic Win Over Iraq. Meridian world.World

Haaland Brace Powers Norway to Emphatic Win Over Iraq

Erling Haaland scored twice on Norway's long-awaited World Cup return as the Scandinavians overwhelmed Iraq at Gillette Stadium.

By Anika Patel · Jun 16

Mbappe Double Sinks Senegal as France Open Group I in Style. Meridian world.World

Mbappe Double Sinks Senegal as France Open Group I in Style

Kylian Mbappe struck twice and Bradley Barcola added a third as France saw off a spirited Senegal at MetLife Stadium.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 16

Maxi Araujo rescues Uruguay as Al-Owais defies the favourites. Meridian world.World

Maxi Araujo rescues Uruguay as Al-Owais defies the favourites

Saudi Arabia lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri but Maximiliano Araujo levels late to earn Uruguay a point in the Miami heat.

By Diego Arroyo · Jun 15

Cape Verde stun Spain with goalless draw on World Cup debut. Meridian world.World

Cape Verde stun Spain with goalless draw on World Cup debut

European champions Spain are frustrated in Atlanta as tournament debutants Cape Verde dig in for one of the great World Cup upsets.

By Mira Faraj · Jun 15

Elijah Just double earns New Zealand a thrilling Group G draw with Iran. Meridian world.World

Elijah Just double earns New Zealand a thrilling Group G draw with Iran

The winger struck either side of half-time but Iran fought back through Rezaeian and Mohebi to share the spoils at SoFi Stadium.

By Theresa Bauer · Jun 15

Lukaku's instant impact rescues Belgium as Egypt are denied historic first win. Meridian world.World

Lukaku's instant impact rescues Belgium as Egypt are denied historic first win

Emam Ashour's maiden international goal had Egypt dreaming, but a Mohamed Hany own goal moments after Romelu Lukaku's introduction salvaged a Belgium point in Seattle.

By Sara Qureshi · Jun 15

Ayari brace inspires rampant Sweden in five-goal demolition of Tunisia. Meridian world.World

Ayari brace inspires rampant Sweden in five-goal demolition of Tunisia

Isak and Gyokeres also struck as Sweden announced themselves with a statement Group F win.

By Anika Patel · Jun 14

Netherlands and Japan share the spoils in pulsating Group F opener. Meridian world.World

Netherlands and Japan share the spoils in pulsating Group F opener

Kamada's late equaliser earns Japan a deserved point in a four-goal Arlington thriller.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 14

Amad Diallo's Late Strike Sinks Ecuador and Ends 19-Game Unbeaten Run. Meridian world.World

Amad Diallo's Late Strike Sinks Ecuador and Ends 19-Game Unbeaten Run

The Manchester United winger came off the bench to settle a tight Group E opener in Philadelphia and end Ecuador's long unbeaten streak.

By Diego Arroyo · Jun 14

Germany Run Riot in Houston as Curaçao's Historic Bow Ends 7-1. Meridian world.World

Germany Run Riot in Houston as Curaçao's Historic Bow Ends 7-1

Julian Nagelsmann's side opened their World Cup with a goal blitz, though Curaçao's debutants left their own mark on the record books.

By Mira Faraj · Jun 14

Late own goal hands Qatar a precious first World Cup point against Switzerland. Meridian world.World

Late own goal hands Qatar a precious first World Cup point against Switzerland

Breel Embolo's first-half penalty looked like winning it before Miro Muheim's stoppage-time own goal rescued Qatar in Santa Clara.

By Diego Arroyo · Jun 13

Socceroos stun Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver counterattacking masterclass. Meridian world.World

Socceroos stun Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver counterattacking masterclass

Underdogs Australia rode a debutant goalkeeper's heroics and clinical breaks to a famous victory over a possession-hungry Turkey.

By Theresa Bauer · Jun 13

John McGinn ends Scotland's 28-year wait as Tartan Army top Group C. Meridian world.World

John McGinn ends Scotland's 28-year wait as Tartan Army top Group C

McGinn's deflected strike delivered Scotland's first World Cup win since 1990 and their first goal at the tournament in 10,244 days.

By Anika Patel · Jun 13

Vinicius Junior rescues Brazil as Morocco hold five-time champions to a draw. Meridian world.World

Vinicius Junior rescues Brazil as Morocco hold five-time champions to a draw

Ismael Saibari's audacious lob put Morocco ahead before Vinicius Junior's stunner earned Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil a point on their opening night at MetLife Stadium.

By Rafael Mendez · Jun 13

Balogun brace fires USA to 4-1 rout of Paraguay in World Cup opener. Meridian world.World

Balogun brace fires USA to 4-1 rout of Paraguay in World Cup opener

The co-hosts lit up SoFi Stadium with their joint-best World Cup win as Folarin Balogun announced himself on the global stage.

By Sara Qureshi · Jun 12

Larin rescues Canada a historic first World Cup point against Bosnia. Meridian world.World

Larin rescues Canada a historic first World Cup point against Bosnia

A late Cyle Larin equaliser earned the co-hosts a point on home soil in Toronto and ended a long wait for World Cup respectability.

By Mira Faraj · Jun 12

South Korea Stun Czechia With Late Comeback on World Cup Opening Day. Meridian world.World

South Korea Stun Czechia With Late Comeback on World Cup Opening Day

Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu struck in the final half hour to overturn Ladislav Krejčí's opener at Estadio Akron.

By Theresa Bauer · Jun 11

Mexico Open World Cup 2026 in Style as Quiñones and Jiménez Sink South Africa. Meridian world.World

Mexico Open World Cup 2026 in Style as Quiñones and Jiménez Sink South Africa

El Tri got the host nation's tournament under way with a comfortable 2-0 win at a roaring Estadio Azteca.

By Sara Qureshi · Jun 11