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UEFA slams FIFA's proposed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup
The new initiative is the second time Infantino has attempted to privatise football assets, with the first being in 2018 where the FIFA chief proposed a multi-billion dollar project to create more global competitions, funded by private investors.
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Messi's mysterious pre-final video fuels speculation
Messi’s team talk before the 2026 World Cup final sparked theories online. Journalist Eduardo Feinmann relayed claims that Messi’s call to 'forget everything' was linked to rumours circulating before the match, although this has not been confirmed.
Sport
Spain vs Argentina: Time and key facts for the 2026 World Cup final
"Por la mañana café, por la tarde, gol." Argentina look to defend their crown, add a fourth star and make Spain dance to Messi’s tango, while La Roja dream of another South Africa and making Scaloni’s men dance Rodri’s sevillanas.
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'That's crazy': Messi reflects on iconic photo with baby Lamine Yamal
Lionel Messi described the viral photo of himself holding baby Lamine Yamal as "crazy" ahead of their World Cup final meeting. Messi praised the Spain star as one of the world's best but said Argentina would do everything possible to stop him.
Sport
Rajoy pens new column after Spain beat France and refuses to apologise
The former president has published a new column in 'El Debate' after Spain’s win over France in the semi-finals, refusing to retract his remarks about the French side and hitting back at criticism from Pedro Sánchez and the French authorities.
Sport
World Cup 2026 sticker swap draws thousands for Guinness World Record attempt
Thousands of football fans gathered in Mexico City's Zócalo to swap 2026 World Cup stickers as part of a Guinness World Record attempt. The Panini event brought together collectors of all ages, turning the hunt for missing stickers into a celebration of football, family and community.
Sport
Sinner defeats Zverev to win second straight Wimbledon title
The top-ranked Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday for his second consecutive title at the All England Club after his German opponent appeared bothered by a knee issue following a slip to the grass on a key point in the third set.
Sport
Haaland look-alike contest draws fans in Miami
A look-alike contest celebrating Norway striker Erling Haaland drew crowds in downtown Miami ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against England. The event was organised by content creator Emma Kate Willman after she went viral on social media over her resemblance to the football star.
Sport
Do World Cup hydration breaks protect players in the heat?
Scientists are questioning whether FIFA's hydration breaks do enough to protect players competing in extreme heat. While some argue the breaks disrupt the game, researchers say longer cooling periods and active cooling measures may better reduce heat-related health risks.
Sport
UK and Norway leaders don national team shirts ahead of World Cup clash
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Støre, held a bilateral meeting ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara wearing their national team shirts. Both leaders backed their teams ahead of Friday's World Cup quarter-final in Miami.
Sport
Argentina heads into World Cup quarterfinals against Switzerland
Trailing 2-0 against Egypt with 11 minutes of regular time to play on Tuesday, the defending champions rallied for an improbable 3-2 victory and a spot in the quarterfinals against Switzerland, which defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout.
Sport
US, Belgium and England all survive tough tests to reach World Cup Round of 16
England and Belgium narrowly escaped shock Round of 32 eliminations on Wednesday. Harry Kane's late double rescued England in a 2–1 win over DR Congo, while Belgium overturned a 2–0 deficit to edge Senegal 3–2 in extra time.
Sport
France sweep past Sweden and Mexico advance to last 16
Kylian Mbappé scored twice, and Bradley Barcola added a third as France beat Sweden 3–0, reaching the World Cup last 16 with Mexico, as El Tri defeated Ecuador 2-0. Belgium takes on Senegal on Wednesday night in a high-stakes knockout clash in Seattle.
Sport
Heavyweights Deliver a Spectacular Finish in Qingdao
The Qingdao Grand Prix ended in style as the heavyweights took centre stage. Yahor Varapayeu claimed gold at -90kg, world No.1 Anna Monta Olek won her fourth Grand Prix title, Adam Sangariev celebrated a maiden gold, Elis Startseva dominated +78kg, and Tamerlan Bashaev returned to the top.
Sport
Golden Score Drama and New Champions in Qingdao
Day two of the Qingdao Grand Prix delivered world-class judo, with Narumi Tanioka winning a thrilling golden score final, Tatsuki Ishihara claiming his first Grand Prix gold, Lara Cvjetko defending her Qingdao crown, and Zelim Tckaev finishing the day in style at -81kg.
Sport
Home Heroes and Japanese Stars Shine in Qingdao
The Qingdao Grand Prix opened with memorable performances as home favourite Wenna Zhuang delighted the local fans. Hayato Kondo claimed a second Qingdao title, Kokoro Fujishiro earned her first Grand Prix gold, Hifumi Abe added another title, Maysa Pardayeva celebrated a maiden World Tour victory.
Sport
Here are all the World Cup matches you may have missed on Monday
Argentina, France and Norway advance to the knockout stages as Messi, Mbappe and Haaland continue to shine, scoring a brace each in their second fixtures of the group stage in a tightly contested race for the World Cup Golden Boot.
Sport
A Spectacular Finish to the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam
The Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam concluded with outstanding performances from the world’s top judoka. MURAO Sanshiro claimed a ninth Grand Slam title, LYTVYNENKO Yelyzaveta triumphed in -78kg, while PIRELLI Gennaro, ARAI Mao and KIM Minjong secured gold on a thrilling final day in Mongolia.
Sport
Japan fans keep World Cup clean-up tradition alive
Japanese fans once again cleaned the stands after Japan's 4-0 World Cup victory over Tunisia, continuing a tradition that has become a symbol of respect and sportsmanship. Supporters collected rubbish in the stadium before leaving, a gesture that has drawn admiration at every World Cup since 1998.
Sport
Judo: Home nation strikes gold in Ulaanbaatar
The hosts celebrated gold on day two as Ankhzaya Lavjargal thrilled the Mongolian crowd with victory in the -73kg category. World champions Haruka Kaju and Shiho Tanaka added more gold for Japan, while Korea’s Lee Joonhwan impressed with a spectacular ippon to claim the -81kg title.
Sport
Judo: Japan dominates Day one in Ulaanbaatar
Japan claimed four gold medals on the opening day of the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026. ABE Uta made history with a record-breaking 12th Grand Slam title, while KOGA Wakana, TAKEOKA Takeshi and OMORI Akari also struck gold. AGHAYEV Balabay defeated world champion NAGAYAMA Ryuju for -60kg gold.
Sport
Football not covered by framework deal, Iran's World Cup squad finds
Just two days after Washington and Tehran signed a framework deal aimed at ending their war, Iran's football federation said US travel restrictions on its World Cup squad remain unchanged, and is filing a formal complaint with FIFA.
Sport
All of Uzbekistan readies to watch history at its first World Cup
Schools, offices and city squares across Uzbekistan are setting up screens for Thursday's 7 am kick-off against Colombia, as the country makes its World Cup debut under coach Fabio Cannavaro. "In the heart of every Uzbek, this is a matter of pride and honour," an education ministry official said.
Sport
After refused entry into US, Somali referee Omar Artan will be paid full World Cup fee by FIFA
Full tournament salary will be paid to Somali referee Omar Artan by FIFA after his entry into the US was refused by border officials over "association with suspected membres of terror organisations".
Sport
Mexico's President Sheinbaum joins fans as World Cup gets underway
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum joined thousands of supporters at a fan zone in Mexico City's Zocalo Square as Mexico took on South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Fans packed the square to cheer on the host nation.
Sport
Somalia's World Cup referee returns home to hero's welcome after US entry denial
Somali referee Omar Artan was welcomed by hundreds of supporters in Mogadishu after being denied entry to the United States and removed from the 2026 World Cup officials list. Artan vowed to return for the next tournament.
Sport
Mexico gears up for 2026 World Cup opener at historic Azteca Stadium
Mexico City is preparing to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday when the hosts take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The venue will become the first stadium in history to host three World Cup opening matches.
Sport
World Cup border issues continue as Cannavaro questions security frisk
Iran's World Cup ticket allocation has been cancelled, and 13 delegation members remain without visas, forcing the team to base itself in Mexico. Meanwhile, a Somali referee was turned away, an Iraqi striker was held for seven hours in Chicago, and Senegalese players were body-searched on arrival.
Sport
Iran World Cup squad to head for Mexico via Spain
Iran’s national football team will travel to Spain before heading to its World Cup base in Mexico, despite players still awaiting Mexican and US visas ahead of the 2026 tournament. The 2026 World Cup is being hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Sport
North and South Korean women meet in rare football clash as fans cheer both sides
Fans in rain ponchos cheered both North and South Korean women’s football teams during a rare inter-Korean match in Suwon, where North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC defeated Suwon FC Women in the AFC Women’s Champions League semifinal.
Sport
Arsenal win their 14th Premier League title ending 22-year drought
The Gunners have finally secured a Premier League title ending a 22-year wait for the coveted title after Manchester City drew with Bournemouth. The north Londoners can now set their sights on winning their first Champions League final in Budapest, where they face holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Sport
Game of Thrones: The secret of Florentino Pérez's power at Real Madrid
Money talks. Especially at Real Madrid. If you can't personally guarantee €187 million and boast 20 years of club membership, there's no way to take over the club, which has allowed its president Florentino Pérez to rule for nearly two decades.
Sport
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal waves Palestinian flag during La Liga celebrations
Footage released on May 12 showed Yamal waving a Palestinian flag during FC Barcelona’s La Liga title parade celebrating the club’s 29th league title. In a news conference, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he did not like such gestures, but added that Yamal was old enough to make his own decisions.
Sport
How much would you pay to see Ronaldo? Here's the cheapest ticket
The match between Portugal and Colombia in the 2026 World Cup is becoming a phenomenon off the pitch. The anticipation surrounding what could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup has caused the price of the cheapest tickets to explode.
Sport
Astana ends on a high with a heavyweight finale
The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026 ended in style as the heavyweights closed the show in Astana. Boris Rutovic, Anna Monta Olek, Marat Baikamurov, Elis Startseva and Inal Tasoev took gold, while Kazakhstan finished strongly with four medals and third in the table.
Sport
Judo: Strong start for the hosts in Astana
The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam opened in style in Astana, with packed stands and top-level judo. Sukhbat Byambasuren, Amber Gersjes, Blandine Pont, Abdurakhim Nutfulloev and Faiza Mokdar all took gold, while Kazakhstan celebrated two medals on day one.
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Can you afford the 2026 World Cup? What fans paid over the years
The 2026 World Cup is facing criticism over record-high ticket prices, with fans saying it is becoming far less affordable than past tournaments. Compared to previous World Cups-where even final tickets were often under a few thousand dollars-2026 prices can reach $15,000 or more for premium seats.
Sport
Georgia Shows Its Heavyweight Power on Day 3 in Tbilisi
A powerful final day in Tbilisi saw Luka Maisuradze win gold at -90kg, Audrey Tcheumeo dominate, and Idar Bifov impress. Raz Hershko staged a comeback victory, while Irakli Demetrashvili thrilled the home crowd. Georgia confirmed its strength with multiple medals.
Sport
Thrilling Finishes Light Up Day 2 in Tbilisi
An electric Day 2 in Tbilisi saw Haruka Kaju take gold in -63kg, Leonardo Valeriani claim his first Grand Slam title, and Madina Taimazova return to the top. Vedat Albayrak sealed victory in the final seconds, while the Georgian crowd celebrated Giorgi Loladze’s bronze.
Sport
Tbilisi Welcomes the World Judo Tour in Spectacular Fashion
The World Judo Tour returns to Tbilisi with an exciting opening day. Tugce Beder dominates at -48kg, Izhak Ashpiz claims his first Grand Slam gold, and Blandine Pont shines. Nurkanat Serikbayev snatches victory late, while Timna Nelson Levy secures gold.
Sport
Ruling strips Senegal of AFCON 2025 title, declaring Morocco champions
Two months after the final, Morocco has been awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title by the Confederation of African Football's appeal board. Senegal's 1-0 win in extra time is now officially a default 3-0 win for the host nation.
Sport
Historic Firsts Highlight Day 3 of the Upper Austria Grand Prix
Day 3 in Linz brought thrilling heavyweight action. Tato Grigalashvili won the all-Georgian final at -90 kg, while Marie Branser made history with Guinea’s first World Judo Tour gold. Anton Savytskiy, Raz Hershko and Ibrahim Tataroglu also claimed gold on a spectacular final day.
Sport
Local Heroes Shine on Day 2 of the Upper Austria Grand Prix in Linz
Day 2 of the Upper Austria Grand Prix delivered thrilling action in Linz. Rafaela Silva, Ethan Nairne, Michaela Polleres and Adilet Almat secured gold medals. The home crowd celebrated Polleres’ dramatic golden score victory as fans enjoyed another spectacular day of judo.
Sport
Judo Returns to Upper Austria as Grand Prix Action Begins in Linz
The World Judo Tour returned to Linz for Day 1 of the Upper Austria Grand Prix. Mitsuki Kondo, Romain Valadier Picard, Iroha Oi, Ruslan Pashayev and Ayami Takano claimed gold medals as fans at the TipsArena enjoyed thrilling finals and spectacular techniques.
Sport
Heavyweights Deliver a Spectacular Finale in Tashkent
The final day in Tashkent saw thrilling heavyweight action. Murad Fatiyev shocked Lasha Bekauri, Kaila Issoufi secured her first Grand Slam gold, Said Sadrudinov made history for Bahrain, and Akira Sone returned to the top. A dramatic finish closed an unforgettable weekend.
Sport
Four Nations Share Gold on Day Two in Tashkent
Day two of the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 saw gold medals claimed by four different nations. Tanioka dominated at -63kg, Abdulloi stunned the home crowd at -73kg, Butkereit impressed in -70kg, and Rajabli secured his first Grand Slam gold at -81kg in front of a passionate Uzbek audience.
Sport
Home Gold Shines on Day 1 in Tashkent
Day one of the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 delivered thrilling action. Hui Xinran claimed -48kg gold, Abe Hifumi stunned with the throw of the day, and Shukurjon Aminova secured Uzbekistan’s first gold. A bronze from Doston Ruziev capped a proud start for the host nation.
Sport
UEFA suspends Prestianni over alleged racist incident towards Vini Jr
UEFA has provisionally banned Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni after allegations he racially abused Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in last week’s Champions League clash. Benfica heads into the second leg on Wednesday trailing a goal and without manager José Mourinho, who is serving a suspension.
Sport
Electric Start: Day 1 Highlights from the Paris Grand Slam 2026
Day 1 of the Paris Grand Slam delivered top-level judo and unforgettable moments. Home hero Shirine Boukli thrilled the crowd, while gold medals also went to Aghayev, Krasniqi, Takeoka, Cysique, Makhmadbekov and Silva in a spectacular opening day at Accor Arena.
Sport
Uzbekistan steps into the spotlight of global sport
More than 360 senior sports officials visited Tashkent as Asia’s Olympic leadership changed hands, new cooperation agreements were signed, and international federations inspected cutting-edge facilities, signalling rising confidence in Uzbekistan’s sporting infrastructure and organisation.
Sport
NBA and FIBA to approach European clubs over new league plan
The proposed European basketball league is planned to feature permanent spots and an annual qualifying system, with launch targeted for October 2027. Countries under consideration to host the matches include the UK, France, Spain and Italy.