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Antonio Valencia apologises to Ecuador after shock draw leaves them on brink of World Cup exit
Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has issued a public apology to Ecuador after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Curacao at the 2026 World Cup, leaving them needing a win against Germany to survive the group stage.
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Erasmus backs Pollard after 'worst player on the pitch' verdict from Zebo
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has defended Handré Pollard following sharp criticism from pundit Simon Zebo, who labelled the fly-half the worst player on the pitch in the Bulls' 36-7 URC final defeat to Leinster.
Rugby -
FIFA defends MetLife pitch as Saliba, Deschamps and fans criticise surface ahead of England vs Panama
The MetLife Stadium pitch has drawn sharp criticism from France defender William Saliba and manager Didier Deschamps after their opening World Cup match, with FIFA issuing a formal statement defending the surface ahead of England's Group L clash with Panama on June 27.
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2026 World Cup: Morocco Favored to Face Netherlands in Round of 16
Nearly qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the Lions of Atlas have more than a 50-50 chance of crossing paths with the Netherlands, the seventh-ranked nation in the FIFA rankings, according to Football Meets Data projections.
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Hamilton urges FIA to act on 'ridiculous' karting costs pricing out working-class talent
Lewis Hamilton has called on the FIA and Formula 1 to make grassroots motorsport more financially accessible, warning that karting costs exceeding $1 million a year are shutting out children from lower- and middle-income backgrounds.
Formula 1 -
Ethan Mbappé set for Lille contract extension, one sticking point remains
LOSC and Ethan Mbappé share the desire to continue together, according to Le Petit Lillois. Negotiations are advanced, but the length of the new contract remains to be settled.
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Severe storms threaten to delay France vs Iraq World Cup clash in Philadelphia
FIFA has activated weather protocols ahead of France's second World Cup group-stage match against Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with severe storms forecast that could force fan evacuations and push the game to the following day.
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Manchester United reject Barcelona interest in Benjamin Sesko after one season at Old Trafford
Barcelona have identified Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for departing Robert Lewandowski, but Manchester United have no intention of selling the Slovenian striker after his promising debut season.
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Tottenham eye Rashford but balk at £40m United clause as Barcelona exit ends loan hope
Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United after Barcelona declined to sign him permanently, choosing Anthony Gordon instead. Tottenham have added the England forward to their targets but are reluctant to meet his £40m release clause.
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All Blacks call-up throws Fineanganofo's Newcastle Red Bulls move into serious doubt
Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo has admitted his future is uncertain after earning a surprise All Blacks call-up, casting doubt over the two-year deal he signed with English Premiership side Newcastle Red Bulls earlier this year.
Rugby -
Tottenham prepare Rashford bid as £170m summer rebuild gathers pace
Tottenham are plotting a £170m squad overhaul after back-to-back 17th-place finishes and have identified Marcus Rashford as a transfer target, though United's £40m asking price and Rashford's preference for Barcelona remain significant obstacles.
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Injured in training, Amoura to miss rest of group stage with Algeria
Mohamed Amoura has suffered a right thigh muscle injury and will be sidelined for at least two weeks. Algeria, already bottom of Group J after their 3-0 defeat to Argentina, must qualify without him against Jordan and Austria.
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Rashford urges England brotherhood as he battles Gordon for World Cup starting spot
Marcus Rashford has called on England to 'fight for each other' as Thomas Tuchel builds a squad mentality ahead of their Group L clash with Ghana. The Manchester United forward, a substitute in the 4-2 win over Croatia, is competing with Anthony Gordon for a starting berth.
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Hadjar reveals how Verstappen's openness helps him survive Red Bull's toughest test
Isack Hadjar has opened up on life alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, describing the four-time world champion as surprisingly candid with information — while admitting the Dutchman's pace demands he "dig very deep" every time he leaves the garage.
Formula 1 -
Doué, Olise, Cherki and Mbappé all smiles: France in top form before Iraq
On the eve of their second 2026 World Cup match against Iraq, France's players opened their training session in Philadelphia, with technical exchanges between Désiré Doué and Michael Olise taking centre stage.
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Liverpool urged to pursue €100m Yan Diomande as Salah's departure leaves wings bare
Alan Shearer has called on Liverpool to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, 19, after the club reportedly had a €100m bid rejected. Diomande has caught the eye at the World Cup with Ivory Coast following 12 goals and nine assists in the Bundesliga last season.
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L'Équipe apologises after presenter calls Doku's childbirth wish 'useless' during World Cup row
French sports broadcaster L'Équipe has distanced itself from presenter France Pierron's remarks criticising Belgium winger Jeremy Doku for wanting to leave the World Cup to witness the birth of his first child, calling her comments a breach of its values.
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Manchester United's new Old Trafford plans survive Andy Burnham's move to Westminster
Manchester United have confirmed their 100,000-seat stadium project will not be derailed by Andy Burnham's departure as Greater Manchester mayor, after the politician emerged as favourite to succeed Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
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Storm warnings over Philadelphia put France vs Iraq World Cup clash at risk of lengthy delay
Severe thunderstorms are forecast near Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night as France face Iraq at 10pm local time. FIFA rules require play to be suspended and fans evacuated if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium.
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France Pierron removed from air after controversial comments on Jérémy Doku
L'Equipe journalist France Pierron was temporarily removed from broadcasting on Monday after criticizing Jérémy Doku for wanting to briefly leave the Belgian national team for the birth of his child. The network's management apologized to the footballer while calling for an end to cyberharvassment against its journalist.
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