Algeria stuns Netherlands in friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Algerian national team achieved a friendly victory at the expense of its host the Netherlands with a goal for nothing, in the international match that brought them together on Wednesday evening, as part of the preparations of the two teams to participate in the finals of the 2026 World Cup.
The first half ended in a negative draw, in light of tactical caution from both sides and parity in performance, before the second round witnessed a rise in the pattern of play and mutual offensive attempts.
In the 86th minute, Feyenoord's player, Anis Hadj Moussa, succeeded in snatching the winning goal for the Algerian national team, after he fired a wonderful curling shot that landed in the net of Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruchen, giving the "Desert Warriors" an important moral victory.
The Algerian national team is expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup in Group X, along with Argentina, Austria and Jordan, while the Netherlands team is at the top of Group F, which includes Tunisia, Sweden and Japan.
Spain coach: Yamal will participate in the first match of the World Cup
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who suffered a hamstring injury at the end of the season, should be ready for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde, scheduled for June 15.
The Spanish coach explained during a press conference that Yamal's readiness is moving in the right direction, saying: "If things continue as normal as it has so far, Lamine should be ready for the June 15 match, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will participate, as we will assess his situation in time."
De la Fuente pointed out that Yamal, along with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and Arsenal's Mikel Merino, will not be available to participate in Thursday's friendly against Iraq in the city of La Coruña, which is the penultimate for the European Cup champions before the start of the World Cup.
The coach added that the condition of the players who joined the camp suffering from injuries is gradually improving as expected, as part of the rehabilitation program set by the medical staff.
The draw for the World Cup placed Spain in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, where La Roja is one of the most prominent candidates for the title, especially since it has not suffered any defeat in official competitions since 2023.
The Spanish national team will start its campaign in the tournament in the city of Atlanta on June 15 against Cape Verde, before facing Saudi Arabia on the 21st of the same month, and the group stage matches will conclude with the meeting of Uruguay on June 27 in the Mexican city of Guadalajara.
Italy who were absent from the World Cup defeated Luxembourg
Italy, which is absent from the 2026 World Cup, achieved a difficult friendly victory at the expense of its host Luxembourg with a goal for nothing, in the international match that brought them together on Wednesday evening.
The Azzurri played the match with a young and fully rejuvenated squad, missing the most prominent names, with the exception of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who led the team inside the green rectangle and provided the element of defensive stability.
The first half of the match was characterized by caution and few chances, before Francesco Pio Esposito was able to score the winning goal in the 49th minute, and Italy achieved an important moral victory as part of its upcoming preparations, despite its absence from the World Cup.