Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
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FIFA reports over 1 million fans attended the opening 16 matches of the World Cup in North America, with stadiums operating at 99.34% capacity, though concerns persist over ticket access and fan segregation.
Iran's national team manager has described his squad as the "most repressed" at the World Cup, alleging authorities instructed them to abandon their Los Angeles base immediately after their opener against New Zealand and relocate to Mexico.
Erling Haaland announced his World Cup arrival in style, netting twice in Norway's commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq. The striker's brace marked his fifth competition debut goal across multiple elite tournaments.
Ghana's government is pursuing legal action through Canadian federal court to reverse Ottawa's decision to deny a World Cup visa to footballer Thomas Partey, who faces criminal charges in Britain.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick commended World Cup debutants Jordan after narrowly defeating them 3-1, highlighting how emerging football nations have narrowed the gap with traditional powerhouses in modern international competition.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi, who featured in his nation's World Cup victory over Ecuador, was arrested in May amid a French investigation into alleged spot-fixing activities, reports reveal.
South Korea's World Cup squad has withdrawn from voluntary media engagements following allegations that journalists mocked captain Son Heung-min's military service. The Korea Football Association condemned the remarks caught on an open microphone.