News
9255 stories
-
World Cup 2026 final set for New Jersey on July 19 as 39-day tournament nears its climax
The 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes with the final in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19, making it the longest edition in history at 39 days — a full week longer than recent tournaments. The expanded 104-game format includes a new last-32 knockout round.
Football -
Jeremy Clarkson hands World Cup tickets to two England fans rather than sit in Boston rain
Jeremy Clarkson gave away two press tickets for England's World Cup group-stage draw with Ghana in Boston on 23 June, opting to watch from a private box instead after deciding he did not want to sit outside in the rain.
Football -
Newcastle's three hidden clauses could earn millions more from Gordon's £69m Barcelona move
Anthony Gordon's transfer to Barcelona for upwards of £69.3m includes three add-on clauses negotiated by Newcastle's sporting director Ross Wilson — covering appearances, silverware, and a sell-on fee — that could significantly increase the Magpies' total return.
Football -
O'Malley predicts Topuria will return 'better than ever' after Gaethje's humbling knockout
Sean O'Malley believes Ilia Topuria will bounce back from his stunning fourth-round stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14, though O'Malley's coach Tim Welch warns that Topuria's aura of invincibility is now gone for good.
MMA -
South Korea expect home-ground roar as Mexico fans rally behind them for World Cup decider
Coach Hong Myung-bo says South Korea could feel like they are playing at home when they face South Africa in their decisive World Cup Group A match in Monterrey on Wednesday, thanks to the enduring bond between Mexican and Korean football fans forged in 2018.
Football -
Manchester United secure key land deal to unlock 100,000-seater Old Trafford replacement
Manchester United have agreed a deal with Indurent for a 25-acre plot near Old Trafford, giving the club enough land to proceed with plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium estimated to cost at least £2 billion.
Football -
United risk losing second midfield target as Tottenham close in on £85m Fernandes
Manchester United have already abandoned their pursuit of Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest's £120m asking price proved too steep. Now Tottenham are threatening to snatch Mateus Fernandes, United's next midfield priority, after holding positive talks with West Ham.
Football -
Eze urges England to block out noise after Ghana stalemate leaves top spot unresolved
Eberechi Eze insists England's mentality is unchanged after a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston left Thomas Tuchel's side needing a result against Panama on Saturday to secure top spot in Group L.
Football -
Davies set to return from hamstring injury as Canada face Switzerland with Group B top spot secured
Alphonso Davies is expected to feature against Switzerland on Tuesday after missing Canada's opening two World Cup 2026 games with a hamstring injury. Manager Jesse Marsch says his captain looks fit and ready, though he may start from the bench.
Football -
Atletico Madrid rule out Barcelona sale and hand Arsenal priority in Julian Alvarez race
Julian Alvarez has publicly confirmed he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, and the Spanish club have responded by ruling out a sale to Barcelona — leaving Arsenal and PSG as the preferred destinations for the World Cup winner.
Football -
Canada name six uncapped players in 32-man Nations Cup squad as Ardron and Rumball return
Stephen Meehan has selected six potential debutants alongside returning veterans Tyler Ardron and Lucas Rumball for Canada's Nations Cup campaign, which opens against Spain in Edmonton on July 4.
Rugby -
FIFA braced for match-fixing fears as weather threatens simultaneous World Cup group finales
FIFA has acknowledged that final group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup may not kick off simultaneously due to weather delays, raising fears of a repeat of the 1982 'Disgrace of Dijon' scandal that tainted West Germany and Austria's result against Algeria.
Football -
Ferrari targets turbo upgrade after summer break to close gap to Mercedes
Ferrari will deploy its second ADUO power unit credit on a newly designed turbocharger, likely at Zandvoort or Monza, after introducing combustion chamber modifications in Austria aimed at closing the performance gap to Mercedes.
Formula 1 -
Jamie George leads England into gruelling three-continent Nations Championship tour
England depart on Wednesday for a 25,000-mile summer tour spanning South Africa, England and Argentina, with Jamie George captaining the side after Maro Itoje's rest. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth insists the logistical challenge will not serve as an excuse.
Rugby -
Ghana boss Queiroz fumes as VAR misses Konsa penalty in England's goalless World Cup draw
Carlos Queiroz accused VAR of going 'for a coffee' after Ezri Konsa appeared to foul Prince Kwabena Adu without touching the ball in the closing stages of Ghana's 0-0 draw with England. Former England internationals Ian Wright and Gary Neville both conceded the penalty should have been given.
Football -
Infantino defends World Cup hydration breaks and hints they could become permanent
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has backed the mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, dismissing financial motives and suggesting the stoppages could be extended to future tournaments despite widespread criticism from players, managers and fans.
Football -
WRU targets two Welsh teams in Premiership Women's Rugby from 2027/28 season
Welsh Rugby Union director of women's rugby Nadine Griffiths has confirmed expressions of interest have been submitted for Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning to join Premiership Women's Rugby, with a potential 15-team competition planned from 2027/28.
Rugby -
Contepomi names five uncapped players in Argentina squad as 91-cap Lavanini misses Nations Championship
Felipe Contepomi has selected five uncapped players in a 34-man Argentina squad for Nations Championship Tests against Scotland, Wales and England, while 91-cap lock Tomás Lavanini and former first-choice scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou are notable absentees.
Rugby -
Amorim's AC Milan move could spare United a costly £43m Leao mistake
Rafael Leao has softened his stance on leaving AC Milan since Ruben Amorim's arrival, and Manchester United — who had been linked with the Portuguese winger — may be better off if he stays put given his £43m price tag and age profile.
Football -
Tuchel rejects 'wake-up call' talk after England held goalless by Ghana at World Cup
Thomas Tuchel pushed back on suggestions England needed a jolt after they were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday, insisting his squad showed no overconfidence despite failing to build on their 4-2 opening win over Croatia.
Football
