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England Faces Croatia in Key World Cup 2026 Opener

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European powerhouse England kicks off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign today on Texas soil, carrying the historical slogan ‘It’s Coming Home’ and strong aspirations to claim the title, as they face familiar rivals Croatia.

For England, who first won the World Cup in 1966, this is their golden opportunity to end a 60-year drought. Despite some debate among supporters regarding head coach Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection, this team — which maintains a flawless winning record in the qualification phase — is widely considered a strong contender for the trophy.

Coach Tuchel has cautioned his squad, stating, “We have the right to dream, but we don’t want to be deluded.” Meanwhile, Croatia, once regarded as underdogs, has become one of world football’s most consistent teams, substantiated by their runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup and third-place achievements in both 1998 and 2022.

Led by the magical leadership of 40-year-old captain Luka Modrić, participating in his fifth and final World Cup, Croatia aims once again to shatter England’s dreams.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

This will mark the 12th encounter between England and Croatia. In the previous 11 matches, England has won 6 times, Croatia 3, and 2 games ended in draws.

Historically, the two teams have met three times at the World Cup, with the most notable being the 2018 Russia World Cup semifinal, where Croatia defeated England 2-1 to reach the final, ending England’s hopes of winning the tournament.

Reviewing recent form, England has recorded 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in their last five games. They entered Texas with high morale after friendly victories against Costa Rica and New Zealand.

Although they suffered an unexpected defeat to Japan in March, the team had drawn with Uruguay and secured a qualifying win over Albania prior to that.

Conversely, Croatia’s recent record shows 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five matches. Their form has fluctuated somewhat — they triumphed over Slovakia in a warm-up game but were subsequently defeated by Belgium and Brazil. Earlier, the team secured wins against Colombia and Montenegro.

Players to Watch

England

Harry Kane (Striker): England’s captain and all-time top scorer, 32-year-old Harry Kane, is in the finest form of his career. At German club Bayern Munich, Kane scored an impressive 61 goals in 51 matches last season, helping the team secure their second consecutive Bundesliga title. Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić has described Kane as one of the world’s best strikers. Kane’s clinical finishing, which guided the team through qualification, will be key to breaking down Croatia’s defense.

Jude Bellingham (Midfielder): The 22-year-old Jude Bellingham, a principal star at Spanish giant Real Madrid, is England’s midfield engine. Known for his ball control, physical strength, and ability to quickly transition from midfield to goal-scoring opportunities with his box-to-box style, Bellingham’s performance against Croatia’s famed midfield will be decisive.

Trevoh Chalobah (Defender): With Newcastle United’s right-back Tino Livramento sidelined by a knee injury during training in Kansas City on Sunday, Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as an emergency replacement. Chalobah’s role has become crucial in this match to counter Croatia’s speedy wingers and to strengthen England’s defensive line.

Croatia

Luka Modrić (Midfielder): At 40 years old, Croatian captain Luka Modrić remains the heart and soul of the national team. Coach Dalić describes him as his ‘right hand’ on the field. The Real Madrid star is participating in his final World Cup campaign. His magical ability to control the game’s tempo from midfield and deliver precise set-piece crosses will pose the greatest challenge to England.

Josko Gvardiol (Defender): Manchester City’s key defender Josko Gvardiol is a solid rock in Croatia’s backline. At 24, he is regarded as one of the world’s best modern defenders. Playing in the Premier League gives him comprehensive insight into Harry Kane’s style, and Gvardiol will have the primary responsibility of containing the prolific striker inside the box.

Andre Kramarić (Forward): The experienced striker from German club Hoffenheim, Andre Kramarić, is a vital component of Croatia’s attacking line. Having played over 90 international matches, Kramarić is known for his clever body positioning and ability to capitalize on opportunities inside the box. His role in applying pressure on England’s defense during counterattacks will be significant.

Unusual Facts About Tardigrades: Breathing Without Lungs and Surviving Even After Decapitation

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Many of us feel fear or disgust when we spot a tardigrade at home. There are over 4,600 species of tardigrades worldwide, but only about 30 of these species are found in human habitats or homes. It is crucial to understand how powerful this tiny creature truly is. It has survived the Earth’s four major mass extinction events and even endured the effects of nuclear bombs. The history of tardigrades, which is millions of years old, is considered older than that of dinosaurs. In 1865, scientist Samuel Hubbard Scudder discovered fossils of tardigrade wings approximately 300 million years ago in American coal mines. At that time, the length of these wings ranged from 4 to 7 centimeters. In 2018, scientists at Imperial College London created a three-dimensional virtual model of these 300 million-year-old fossils, making it easier to understand the actual physical structure of tardigrades from that era.

The most remarkable trait of tardigrades is their extraordinary ability to survive. They have endured the four major mass extinctions on Earth. The Late Devonian extinction, about 360 million years ago, saw the destruction of approximately 75 percent of species due to severe oxygen depletion in the ocean, yet tardigrades survived. The Permian-Triassic extinction, around 250 million years ago, involved massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia, acid rain, and environmental devastation destroying 95 percent of marine species and 70 percent of terrestrial species. Tardigrades survived by hiding under swamps and feeding on decayed matter. The Triassic-Jurassic extinction, approximately 200 million years ago, caused by extensive volcanic activity, wiped out about 80 percent of life, but tardigrades once again managed to persist.

The body of a tardigrade is very different compared to other animals. It is divided into three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head contains two eyes that provide an almost 360-degree field of vision. There are also two antennae that function as sensors. A tardigrade’s heart has 13 chambers. Interestingly, tardigrades do not have lungs; instead, they breathe through tiny openings called spiracles located throughout their body. Their blood lacks hemoglobin, so it is not red but rather white or yellowish in color. Remarkably, tardigrades can survive even after losing their head. Their nervous system is not confined solely to the head but spread throughout different parts of the body, with nerve centers allowing various parts to continue functioning even if one area is damaged.

Messi Sets Multiple Records Including First Hat-Trick at 2026 World Cup

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Lionel Messi celebrates joyfully after scoring at the 2026 World Cup

Photo source, Getty Images

Photo caption, Lionel Messi becomes the first player to participate in six World Cups

June 17 proved to be a special day for football’s greatest players; however, all eyes were on Argentina’s Lionel Messi as he delivered a standout performance.

Following two goals each by France’s Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland, Messi quickly showcased his brilliance within hours.

After scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, Messi matched the joint record for the most World Cup goals at 16. Alongside this, he proved his ability to perform at an elite level despite his advancing age.

At sunset in Kansas, 38-year-old Messi became the first player to compete in six World Cups, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal by one day in setting this record.

Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 in Germany at the age of 18. Twenty years later, he played his 200th match for Argentina, delivering a highly impressive performance displaying his agility and skill.

Messi Shines at the 2026 World Cup, Achieves Multiple Records with His First Hat-Trick

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Lionel Messi celebrating jubilantly after scoring at the 2026 World Cup

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Lionel Messi becomes the first player to participate in six World Cups

June 17 marked a remarkable day for football legends. While many players gave impressive performances, Argentine star Lionel Messi stood at the center of attention.

Following notable performances by France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland, each scoring twice and earning widespread acclaim at this ongoing FIFA World Cup, Messi showcased his brilliance.

With a hat-trick against Algeria, Messi equaled the all-time World Cup top scorer record, shared with 16 goals. Despite his advancing age, he proved his enduring prowess on the field.

At 38 years old, Messi became the first player to participate in six World Cups during the match in Kansas. This milestone puts him one day ahead of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 in Germany at age 18. Twenty years later, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, he played his 200th match representing Argentina. His performance remained exceptional, demonstrating agility and skill as before.

Portugal and Congo Face Off for the First Time: What to Expect from Ronaldo’s Performance?

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June 17, Kathmandu – Today at the stadium in Texas, a highly anticipated and thrilling encounter unfolds in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where European powerhouse Portugal will meet the surprising African squad, Congo DR, for the first time. Portugal, entering the tournament with aspirations of claiming their first-ever World Cup title, demonstrated a remarkable performance in the qualification phase, scoring 20 goals in just 6 matches to secure their spot. On the other hand, Congo DR returns to the World Cup’s main stage after a 52-year absence since 1974, stepping onto the field with high morale. Making history by defeating Jamaica 1-0 in the final play-off match in Mexico, Congo DR is prepared to shock the European champions and create a new record on this grand stage.

According to head-to-head statistics and recent form, this will be the first encounter between these two nations in World Cup history. Reviewing the broader international football records, Portugal and Congo DR have never met in any official senior-level match before, making this Texas showdown a historic debut. Based on the outstanding attacking record during qualifiers and FIFA rankings, Portugal appears to be the stronger contender; however, Congo DR’s disciplined defense and gritty African playing style, coming through the play-offs, could pose a significant challenge. Portugal enters the match unbeaten in their last 5 encounters, with 4 wins and 1 draw, whereas Congo DR’s recent form includes 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.

The key players in this match include Portugal’s captain and striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who is widely regarded as a legendary figure in world football. Having scored crucial goals in six qualification games and leading the team, the 41-year-old Ronaldo is participating in his sixth World Cup. His game intelligence and precise finishing will be the greatest threat to Congo DR’s defense. For Congo DR, forward Yoan Visa and defender Chancel Mbemba stand out as significant players to watch.

This match is expected to write a new chapter in World Cup history.

Jordan Makes World Cup Debut but Falls to Austria

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June 16, Kathmandu – Austria kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a victory. In the opening match held on Wednesday at the San Francisco Bay Area stadium in California, USA, Austria defeated Jordan 3-1. Goals from Romano Schmid and Marko Arnautovic, each scoring once, along with an own goal gifted to Austria, secured the win.

Romano put Austria ahead in the 20th minute. However, Jordan’s Ali Alwan equalized in the 50th minute. Austria regained the lead in the 76th minute after Jordan’s Yazaan Alarab scored an own goal. During injury time in the second half, a handball by a Jordanian player inside the box awarded Austria a penalty, which Marko Arnautovic converted to seal the victory.

With this win, Austria collected 3 points and stands second in Group J. Argentina, also with 3 points, leads the group on goal difference. Jordan and Algeria remain without points. Austria is making their eighth World Cup appearance; their best finish was third place in the 1954 tournament. Having last participated in 1998, Austria has returned to the World Cup stage after 28 years. Meanwhile, Asian nation Jordan is making its World Cup debut.

Austria Regains Lead Against Jordan in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

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June 17, Kathmandu – In the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, Austria has once again taken the lead against Jordan. The match, held at the San Francisco Bay Area Arena in California, United States, saw a pivotal moment in the 76th minute when Jordan’s Yazan Al-Arab scored an own goal, allowing Austria to claim their second lead.

The game’s opening stages featured an early goal from Romano Schmid in the 20th minute, putting Austria ahead for the first time. However, Jordan responded in the second half when Ali Olwan netted a goal in the 50th minute to level the score.

Drone Scoreboard Lights Up the Sky at 2026 World Cup in the USA

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The United States sky was illuminated by a ‘drone scoreboard’ during the 2026 World Cup. Nineteen minutes ago, in Seattle—the host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026—the final match result was displayed on a drone scoreboard, causing the sky to sparkle with lights. On June 15, the match between Belgium and Egypt ended in a 1-1 draw. The final score alongside the flags of the competing nations was showcased in the Seattle sky.

This marks the first instance of match results being displayed via drones at the World Cup, heralding a new technological innovation.

Messi’s Hat-Trick Leads Argentina to a Spectacular Start

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In a match held on Wednesday morning at the Kansas City Arena in the United States, Argentina delivered a spectacular start by defeating Algeria 3–0. June 17, Kathmandu. Captain Lionel Messi achieved a hat-trick as the defending champions began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high note. Messi scored goals in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes to complete his hat-trick.

Although Messi scored early in the game, the goal was disallowed for offside. Similarly, a goal by an Algerian player was ruled out for the same reason. With this victory, Argentina earned 3 points and currently leads Group J. Messi has now scored 16 goals in World Cup tournaments, equaling Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s record.

Messi also set the record as the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup. Previously, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo held the record by scoring a hat-trick at age 33 years and 130 days. Messi, who was 38 years and 357 days old when he scored against Algeria, surpassed that mark. Making his World Cup debut in 2006, Messi became the first player to participate in six World Cups while playing against Algeria.

Additionally, Argentina extended a record by providing assists in five consecutive World Cups. Four years ago in Qatar, Messi led Argentina to the World Cup title as captain. The match against Algeria marked Messi’s 27th World Cup appearance.

Iran War: Why Tehran Considers Its Agreement with the U.S. a Victory

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Iran has issued a stern warning to Israel to stop its attacks in Lebanon. Iran’s military headquarters claimed that Israel has violated the ceasefire 84 times. Lebanese state media reported that at least four people have died in Israeli attacks. Earlier, the Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted suspicious vehicles.

At the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Israel over the loss of many lives. He accused Israel of attacking residential buildings while searching for Hezbollah leaders. Iran’s leadership has presented the alleged agreement with the U.S. as a success and a victory. However, this argument is not easily substantiated.

The recent conflict has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s economy, placing the country under immense pressure. Additionally, some groups within Iran have expressed opposition to the deal with the U.S. Several Iranians, both inside the country and abroad, view the internal crisis not as a diplomatic opportunity but as a chance for regime change. The political environment in Tehran is currently highly fragmented along various lines.

Senior Iranian officials have sought to declare the agreement a major success. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament and chief negotiator, stated that Iran has taken “a great step toward ultimate victory.” President Masoud Pezeshkian described the deal as having a transformative effect. Ghalibaf emphasized the importance of viewing it positively.

However, an Iranian parliamentarian criticized the agreement, warning that it risks turning Iran into “an American colony.” He accused Iranian negotiators of violating the Supreme Leader’s directive to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. Within Iran’s parliament, hardline leaders, state-supported media, and pro-government nighttime rallies argue that the U.S. is not a trustworthy partner.

Canada vs Netherlands League 2 Match Abandoned Due to Poor Pitch Conditions

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June 16, Kathmandu – The ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 one-day match between Canada and the Netherlands in King City, Canada, was abandoned after just 4.1 overs due to safety concerns related to the pitch. Having won the toss and elected to bat, the Netherlands were 15 runs for one wicket when the match was called off. In the second over, Max O’Dowd was dismissed for a duck. Following this, uneven bounce from the pitch raised serious safety issues as several batsmen suffered injuries from the ball repeatedly. Due to the persistent dangerous bounce, the umpires and match officials decided to abandon the game.

Just four days earlier, the same venue had hosted a match between the USA and the Netherlands, after which the International Cricket Council (ICC) had deemed the pitch ‘unsatisfactory.’ Match referee Phil Thompson described the surface as ‘extremely poor’ and highlighted player safety risks due to the erratic bounce. Both teams’ captains had also expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions. Subsequently, the King City ground received one demerit point under the ICC’s pitch and outfield monitoring system. According to ICC regulations, a pitch considered ‘unsatisfactory’ is assigned one demerit point, while a ‘play unfit’ pitch is given three demerit points. These points remain on record for five years. If a venue accumulates six demerit points within five years, it faces a 12-month ban from hosting international matches; accumulating 12 points results in a two-year suspension.

With serious concerns about pitch quality and player safety in two consecutive matches, King City is now likely to come under increased scrutiny. Following the abandonment, both teams were awarded one point each. In the League 2 points table, the Netherlands, in third place, have 32 points from 28 matches, while Canada occupies sixth place with 24 points. Nepal is positioned fifth with 24 points from 28 matches, ranking ahead on net run rate.

Nepal-China Relations: Is Shishir Khanal Silent on the BRI in Beijing?

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Shishir Khanal and Wang Yi

Image source, fb/Sishir Khanal

During Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal’s visit to Beijing, both sides expressed commitment to the rapid implementation of previously agreed projects and programs, yet the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement made no mention of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Acting Nepali Ambassador to Beijing, Roshan Khanal, stated that Nepal’s stance on participation in the BRI remains unchanged from decisions made by the previous government.

“However, further discussions on specific projects are still pending. Gradually, separate consultations on technical and financial aspects will follow,” she said.

“The minister’s focus was mainly on developing network and infrastructure linking Nepal and China, concentrating on upgrading border-adjacent roads to be of high quality and accessible year-round.”

She also mentioned expectations for Chinese assistance in digital infrastructure and technology transfer, assuring that the new government intends to maintain consistent relations with China.

US Vice President JD Vance Says Honoring the Deal Will Greatly Benefit Iran

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June 17, Kathmandu – US Vice President JD Vance stated that if America fulfills all its obligations with honesty, it is prepared to pave the way for Iran’s reintegration into the global economy.

Discussing provisions of the preliminary understanding, he mentioned the readiness to open the path for Iran to rejoin the world economic system.

During a segment on ‘Fox News,’ Vice President Vance compared the current Trump administration’s deal with Iran to the one made during former President Barack Obama’s administration.

He noted that the deal under Obama’s tenure had failed and that the current agreement is fundamentally different.

“The main difference between the deal during Obama’s time and the current agreement is that, under this arrangement, Iran will not be able to develop nuclear weapons,” Vice President Vance said. “It will neither enrich uranium nor store it.”

According to the agreement, Iran will be prohibited from producing nuclear weapons, the Strait of Hormuz will remain open, and Iran can receive various benefits if it behaves responsibly. “If it does not comply with the conditions of the agreement, it will receive no benefits,” he emphasized.

Vice President Vance also revealed that a ceremony to sign a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled for this Friday in Switzerland.

USA Iran Tensions JD Vance


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Why Is Football Called ‘Soccer’ in the US and Canada? Exploring the Background

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Football holds immense significance in the lives of millions of fans worldwide, yet it is referred to by a different name in two of the World Cup participating nations — the United States and Canada, where it is called “soccer.” But why? And why does this term seem unusual to football enthusiasts elsewhere? “When I was a child in England, the term ‘soccer’ was commonly accepted,” says Stefan Szymanski. An emeritus professor at the University of Michigan who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, he finds the debate between “football” and “soccer” to be rather curious. “I asked my friends, ‘Do you remember? Maybe I’m mistaken. Was there really a controversy about this?’ I started talking to people and found that in the 1970s, there wasn’t much dispute over the term.”

Szymanski’s curiosity turned into research. According to him, football initially was a sport played mostly by the upper classes. “In 1863, the founders of the Football Association in England were Oxford graduates who had attended prestigious public schools,” he explains. The game played according to the Football Association’s rules was called “association football,” which helped distinguish it from another popular game, rugby, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica’s John M. Cunningham. “At that time, there were two games: one called rugby football and the other association football,” Szymanski adds.

During the 1880s and 1890s, wealthy university students developed a habit of shortening words and adding “-er” to them in colloquial speech. “For example, ‘breakfast’ became ‘brekker.'” They called rugby “rugger.” But how did the word “soccer” originate? There is a theory, but Szymanski notes, “No one is entirely certain it’s the truth.” These students created “soccer” by taking the middle of “association” (soc) and adding “-er” on the end. “No one knows exactly how, but it’s widely believed to have started at Oxford. Many documents suggest that the students there coined the term.”

Sports historian Andy Mitchell points out that by late 1885, various school magazines across England contained at least three instances each of “soccer” and “socker.” “My guess is that ‘soccer’ and ‘rugger’ were already in oral use and first appeared in print at the start of 1885 in an anonymous publication,” Mitchell wrote on the Scottish sports blog History. Over time, usage of “socker” declined, but “soccer” remained popular. When football spread to other continents, the word traveled with it. Today, countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada commonly use “soccer.”

In the United States, “football” refers to American football. “All of these things are related,” Szymanski explains. “American football evolved from rugby but was also influenced by soccer.” “They are like close brothers, which is why ’soccer’ came into use in the 1880s and 1890s when American football was also growing in popularity.” Szymanski and his colleague Zilka Maria Winek note that British newspapers graciously prioritized the word “football,” although “soccer” was still used until the 1980s. Over time, “football” became the standard term among the general public. During his university lectures, Szymanski notes, “The two terms ‘football’ and ‘soccer’ often come up in discussion. When Americans say ‘soccer,’ they often apologize saying, ‘Sorry, I meant football,’ because they think the British are sensitive about it. And they are right — some British people really are.” He adds, “I find the apology very polite, but I tell them, ‘It’s an English word, so use it confidently.’”

Why Is Football Called ‘Soccer’ in the US and Canada? The History Explained

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A football fan attending a match between the US and Paraguay in Los Angeles

Image Source, Getty Images

Football holds immense significance in the lives of millions of fans worldwide, yet in two World Cup participating nations, it is known by a different name.

In the United States and Canada, football is called ‘soccer’. But why?

Why does this term strike other football-loving countries as surprising?

“When I was growing up in England, the term ‘soccer’ was commonly accepted,” says Stefan Szymanski.

An emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, he was raised in the 1960s and 1970s and finds the debate around ‘football’ and ‘soccer’ quite unusual.