Sport
Iran and Portugal dazzle in their FIFA Futsal World Cup openers
This was the first time Portugal netted 10 goals in a FIFA Futsal World Cup game
Iran and Portugal registered historic victories in their FIFA Futsal World Cup openers on Monday in Uzbekistan, while France came from behind to win and Morocco beat Tajikistan.
Results for Monday September 16:
Portugal 10-1 Panama
IR Iran 7-1 Venezuela
Tajikistan 2-4 Morocco
Guatemala 3-6 France
Salar Aghapour and Pany Varela on Monday bagged breathtaking goals as Iran and France hurtled out of the blocks at Uzbekistan 2024.
There was mixed fortunes for two teams making their FIFA Futsal World Cup debuts, with Tajikistan dazzling in defeat to Morocco and France turning in a tremendous last 20 to overcome Guatemala.
Portugal 10-1 Panama
Portugal’s goals were scored by Jaime Penaloza, Afonso Jesus (2), Bruno Coelho, Tomas Paco, Erick Mendonça, Andre Coelho (2), Kutchy Camala Sa, Pany Varela.
Panama’s only goal was scored by Alfonso Maquensi.
Player of the Match was Erick Mendonça of Portugal who said after the match “we’re very pleased with the performance. Panama are a strong side, champions of their region. We spoke about making a good start, and that was crucial.”
Panama player Alfonso Maquensi said: “We can take a lot of encouragement from our second-half performance. Portugal are the best team in the world.
“We scored one, we could have scored more. Unfortunately we made too many mistakes in the first half, but what we did in the second gives us confidence for the matches ahead.”
This was the first time Portugal netted 10 goals in a FIFA Futsal World Cup game, and equalled their best-ever win in the competition: a 9-0 reverse of the same opponents in 2016.
Portugal are the defending champions at this year’s tournament.
Iran 7-1 Venezuela
Iran also put on a spectacular performance to defeat Venezuela 7-1 in their match on Monday.
Goals were scored twice by Salar Aghapour, Mahdi Karimi, and Behrooz Azimi while Amirhossein Davoudi scored one goal.
Venezuela’s single goal was scored by Milton Francia.
Player of the Match was Iran’s Salar Aghapour.
Speaking after the match at Bukhara Universal Sports Complex, in Bukhara, Azimi said: “The first few minutes were difficult for us, but then we adjusted and started to play better.
“The coach said it would be important for us to take advantage of Venezuela’s first mistake, and that’s what we did. Then the game opened up for us.”
“We knew we were playing against a very strong team and that we would have to take advantage of any chance we had.
“They are futsal powerhouses, but I also leave the court thinking that we could have done more. There is a bit of a bitter taste, but now we have to move ahead,” he said.
With teams fired up to take home this year’s trophy, fans across Afghanistan need not miss out on all the action. Ariana Television Network is the official broadcaster in the country and is screening matches live daily.
Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after strong performances at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.
The three Asian sides join hosts Qatar as confirmed representatives from the Asian Football Confederation for the expanded 48-team tournament later this year.
Japan booked their place after defeating Qatar and then beating China 2-1 in Group B. Anthony Motosuna and Maki Kitahara scored the goals that sealed a second straight victory and guaranteed qualification.
Saudi Arabia also advanced from Group A after a 2-0 win over Thailand. Marwan Al Yami opened the scoring early before Hassan Al Okrush added a late second goal, giving the Saudis six points from two matches following their opening win against Myanmar.
Tajikistan joined them after edging Myanmar 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Asadbek Makhtumov. The victory followed Tajikistan’s opening 2-0 win over Thailand and secured their place in Qatar 2026.
More teams could qualify on Sunday as the second round of matches in Groups C and D continues, with the final group-stage fixtures set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A delegation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has traveled to China following an official invitation from the Chinese government, in a move aimed at strengthening sports diplomacy and expanding technical cooperation in cricket between the two countries.
The delegation includes national coach Nawroz Mangal and players Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Faisal Shinozada, and Wahidullah Zadran.
Before their departure, ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan met with the delegation, reaffirming the board’s commitment to developing and globalizing Afghan cricket. He also referenced previous international engagement efforts, including a memorandum of understanding signed with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation focused on cricket development and technical collaboration.
Naseeb Khan highlighted existing economic and industrial ties between Afghanistan and China, expressing optimism that sports cooperation—particularly in cricket—could further strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized that knowledge-sharing, technical exchange, and joint development initiatives would support the growth of the sport in both countries.
During their visit, the Afghan delegation is expected to hold discussions on cricket development, community engagement, and the role of sport in society. The program also includes participation in workshops, attendance at a cricket match organized by Chinese cricket authorities, and visits to sports technology and innovation exhibitions.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has increasingly pursued regional partnerships in recent years. Last year, it signed a cooperation agreement with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation covering technical exchange, capacity building, development programs, and educational workshops aimed at expanding cricket infrastructure and expertise in the region.
The United States is set to welcome the world with a major opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Los Angeles prepares to host a star-powered celebration marking the start of the tournament across North America.
FIFA announced that global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12.
The event will officially launch what FIFA described as a “historic summer of football” across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organizers said the ceremony will combine football, music and entertainment in a large-scale production designed to reflect the cultural diversity and global appeal of the tournament.
Gianni Infantino said the ceremony in Los Angeles would showcase the scale and ambition of the 2026 World Cup, adding that the lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the power of music to unite people.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will take place across the three host nations. Mexico City will host the first ceremony on June 11, followed by celebrations in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.
The opening match in the United States will see the U.S. national team face Paraguay. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities, beginning on June 11 in Mexico City and ending with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Football fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow all the action live on the Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the tournament in the country. ATN will broadcast matches live on Ariana Television, providing full coverage of the world’s biggest football event for Afghan viewers.
Fans are also encouraged to stay connected with Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest updates, including match schedules, team news, and other FIFA World Cup 2026 developments as the tournament draws closer.
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