President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honors Kahimemua Nguvauva at 130th Battle of Otjunda commemoration

Iran to play New Zealand at World Cup amid political tensions; Spain faces Cape Verde

Iran's football team is set to play New Zealand in Los Angeles, following a journey to the United States marked by political tensions and visa issues. The team's initial base was changed from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to ongoing visa problems with US authorities, who denied visas to several Iranian delegation members. Protests from the Iranian diaspora are anticipated outside the stadium. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed hopes that the team's performance would unite Iranians, emphasizing that the team is there to represent the people of Iran and that football should be separate from politics. This match occurs a day after Washington and Tehran announced a permanent deal to end their conflict. In other World Cup matches, European champions Spain will begin their campaign against Cape Verde in Group H. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, described his squad as the best in the world. Cape Verde's coach, Bubista, stated that his team is eager to showcase their country. Additionally, Saudi Arabia will play Uruguay in Group H, and Belgium will face Egypt in Group G. Sunday's results included Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao, Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Ivory Coast's 1-0 win against Ecuador, and Sweden's 5-1 rout of Tunisia.