Hannan, who served on the BCB's junior selection panel during Bangladesh's victorious 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign, previously worked as a national team selector before moving into coaching.

The former opener enjoyed success in domestic cricket, guiding Abahani Limited to the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) title and leading Rajshahi Warriors to a Bangladesh Premier League championship. He most recently served as head coach of the Bangladesh Under-17 team.

Five of the six members of the new Under-19 coaching staff are local coaches. Former Bangladesh pacer Dollar Mahmud has been retained as pace bowling coach, while Mohammad Selim will continue as fielding coach. Both were part of the previous Under-19 coaching setup.

The appointments were announced at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Monday.

The BCB also confirmed that veteran Bangladesh cricketer Mahmudullah has been appointed mentor for various age-group teams, the High Performance (HP) programme and the national youth setup. Former national opener Imrul Kayes will accompany the Emerging and HP teams as a mentor during their upcoming tour of Australia.

Speaking to reporters after his appointment, Hannan said his priority would be to develop future national team players while maintaining competitive results at the youth level.

"We want to achieve good results, but our main objective is to produce cricketers capable of progressing to higher levels," he said.

Meanwhile, the BCB announced the launch of an analytics laboratory at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Initially operating from an indoor facility in Mirpur, the lab will maintain a comprehensive video database tracking player’s performances from the Under-14 level through to the national team.

The initiative is expected to strengthen player development, performance analysis and talent identification across Bangladesh's cricket pathway.

With captain Harry Kane scoring twice and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham netting, England midfielder Declan Rice believes Thomas Tuchel's squad should be a match for any team in the tournament. Rice said Monday the challenge for England will be reproducing the swashbuckling attacking display that marked their second-half performance against Croatia. "We know as players the level, we know what's required, and that second-half performance was probably the benchmark for us in terms of having to start the game at that level," Rice said.

"We believe that if we can do that from the opening minute, with the players that we also have to come on and finish the game, we can beat any opponent in the world. "We want to be confident in our abilities and what we can do on the pitch." England's German manager Tuchel meanwhile says his team are already embracing the pressure that comes with a World Cup campaign. "There are emotions involved and you can at some point feel the tension and feel the pressure. I hope we can cope with it, accept it and turn it around," Tuchel said.

"I heard also a lot about it and I feel of course the excitement and the pressure, but I feel that we have so many winners and so many players who are experienced to cope with the pressure." England though will be wary of the threat posed by Ghana's Antoine Semenyo, the London-born Manchester City winger who is the focal point of the Black Stars attack. Ghana, 1-0 winners over Panama in their opener last week, can also qualify for the knockout rounds on Tuesday with a victory at Foxborough, just outside Boston. Elsewhere, Portugal will attempt to draw a line under a turbulent first week of the tournament when they take on Uzbekistan in Houston.

Portugal arrived at the World Cup as one of the tournament favourites, boasting a team studded with flair players and spearheaded by veteran Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. But Ronaldo's leaden performance in a faltering 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo renewed debate about the captain's place in the starting line-up. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has continued to offer staunch support of his 41-year-old captain, despite his failure to score in his last 10 matches at major tournaments.

"He's a good example for us, for all of us," Martinez said of Ronaldo. "So he really wants to keep on improving, to contribute to the team, and he's really a role model for our team." Martinez though stopped short of confirming Ronaldo will start against Uzbekistan when asked by reporters on Monday, saying he had not informed his players of the lineup.

Martinez said the disappointment Portugal felt after drawing with the DRC will be motivation against Uzbekistan, who are playing at a World Cup for the first time and will be heavy underdogs. "The feeling of frustration that we all had as a team, the feeling of disappointment after the game, probably that's the best starting point to prepare for the next game," said the Spaniard. 

Messi, who had tied Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals with a brilliant hat-trick against Algeria last week, bagged the 17th and 18th goals of his World Cup career in a 2-0 win over Austria in Texas. The eight-time Ballon D'Or winner, who turns 39 on Wednesday, had blown a chance to break the record after eight minutes when he dragged a penalty wide of the post in the Group J match. But the Argentina skipper made no mistake seven minutes before half-time, coolly placing his finish beyond the dive of Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

He then completed his double in the fifth minute of stoppage time to take his tally for the tournament to five goals. Argentina are now guaranteed top spot in Group J after Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 in Monday's late game in Santa Clara, California. Messi admitted he had been privately seething after missing his penalty early in the game.

"Today there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed and I struck it very badly," he told reporters. "Luckily we were able to turn the situation around, take the lead and take three very important points." France meanwhile were made to wait before booking their place in the last 32 with a storm-hit win over Iraq in Philadelphia that took just under four hours to complete.

Kylian Mbappe, making his 100th appearance for France, had fired France into a 1-0 lead with a vicious long-range effort after 14 minutes that ripped past Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. But as the half progressed, a severe thunderstorm that had prompted tournament organisers to delay opening the stadium doors to fans before kick-off rolled into the region, dumping heavy rain on the venue. As the half-time whistle blew, fans in the 68,324-capacity Lincoln Financial Field were told to take shelter, and scrambled into the stadium concourses.

The weather warning prevented the match resuming after half-time, leaving the two teams to huddle in their respective locker rooms before the second half finally kicked off at approximately 8.00pm local time (0000 GMT), a delay of around two hours. "We stayed calm, (during the suspension of the game), I was joking with the players," France coach Didier Deschamps said of the delay. When play resumed, Mbappe grabbed his second of the match -- and 16th career World Cup goal -- before Ousmane Dembele added France's third in the 66th minute.

The possibility of weather causing disruption to the tournament had been signalled at last year's Club World Cup in the United States, when multiple games were interrupted for several hours. Public safety regulations used widely in the United States mandate that play is halted whenever lightning is recorded near a stadium. "It's a matter of security, I don't blame anyone," Deschamps said. "As soon as there is a risk, we adapt to local laws. These are unusual circumstances, and I hope it won't happen again."

With Messi and Mbappe getting among the goals once more, Norway striker Haaland was in no mood to be left out, helping himself to a double with a rampaging performance in a 3-2 defeat of Senegal in East Rutherford. The Manchester City striker's brace and a Marcus Holmgren Pedersen strike sealed victory for the Norwegians, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice for Senegal. The win sets up a mouthwatering final Group I game between France and Norway on Friday, where the winner will be assured of topping the group.

Next on the list is Brazilian great Ronaldo, with 15 goals, one ahead of Gerd Muller and current France star Kylian Mbappe. "To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment," Inter Miami star Messi said. "I'm happy." He added: "It's an honour to be there, given what it means to stand alongside Klose or the others.

"Ronaldo is there too but I don't think it means anything -- Mbappe as well, who scored two today (in a 3-1 win against Senegal). "In the end, it's just a statistic and nothing more." Messi's razor-sharp eye for goal augurs well for Argentina's hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

"The squad, it's a very united, very strong group," he said. "I feel good. We were lucky enough to win a tough match. It's important to start off with a win in the first game. "I'm grateful to the fans, because once again they've shown that Argentina is crazy about this -- we packed the stadium again." Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he no longer had "the words to describe Messi." "For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play," he said of Messi's masterclass.

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said Messi was still the heartbeat of the team despite his veteran status. "If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," he said. Rodrigo De Paul, who supplied the pass for the first goal on Tuesday, described the former Barcelona star as "a beast".

The win gives Algeria hope of progressing to the knockout round if they can beat Austria in Kansas City on Saturday. Austria lost 2-0 to Argentina earlier on Monday, leaving the South Americans top of Group J on six points. The Austrians and Algeria have three points each. Jordan face Argentina in Arlington, Texas on Saturday in their farewell to the tournament.

However, Haaland cautioned against getting carried away after the team's strong start to their first World Cup since 1998. "To qualify for the first time in 28 years and going through the group stage I would say, yes. To win the World Cup, absolutely not," said Haaland. "We've won 12 competitive games in a row now. I'm part of something special, making history, and I'm extremely proud to be Norwegian."

In this tournament, the Manchester City striker is level with Kylian Mbappe on four goals and one behind Lionel Messi, who has netted all five of Argentina's goals at the tournament so far and in the process has become the World Cup's highest scorer in history with 18 goals. Haaland meanwhile took his international tally to a remarkable 59 goals in 52 games. "I think it's my speciality, to score goals," said Haaland.

"It's like many others things, I'm just really good at scoring goals and I'm quite lucky. I don't know what I'm doing. It's just how it is." Senegal coach Pape Thiaw must hold out hope his team can beat Iraq in their final game to have a chance of reaching the knockout phase. "A tough match against a team that caused us problems; they were very clinical and scored two goals at the worst possible times," said Thiaw.

"After the first goal we regrouped, but we conceded a second. We have to encourage the players because it's not easy. "We need to focus on this last match and give everything to get the three points and keep hoping. It's difficult, but we're not dead yet."

Not the most played outright, because Brazil have faced Sweden seven times including in the 1958 final and in the 1994 semi-finals. There have also been seven meetings of Argentina and Germany or West Germany, three of which have come in finals. But the Selecao and the Scots faced off four times at World Cups between 1974 and 1998, all in the group stage -- after all, Scotland have never gone beyond the first round.

Narey's strike in Seville in 1982 remains an iconic World Cup moment, but it did not really have the desired effect as it simply stirred the Brazil of Socrates and Zico to life -- they came back to win 4-1. In 1974 in West Germany, Kenny Dalglish's Scotland held the Brazil of Jairzinho and Rivellino to a goalless draw, and were ultimately eliminated on goal difference. A late Mueller goal gave the Brazilians a 1-0 victory in Turin at Italia 90, and in 1998 Scotland prevented Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto from scoring only for Tom Boyd's own goal to decide the contest 2-1 in favour of the World Cup holders.

So can Scotland upset the odds and finally beat the Brazilians at the World Cup? "Brazil have got an amazing history and we obviously want to disrupt that on Wednesday," said defender Jack Hendry, whose namesake Colin captained Scotland in that 1998 game. Scotland are hoping to make history by qualifying for the knockout phase for the first time, after starting their campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston.

That was followed by a 1-0 defeat against Morocco, but a draw here will almost certainly take them through as one of the eight best third-placed sides -- in fact they could even yet advance with a defeat, and three points. "If there's a nation to play to get to the next round, we want to do it against these type of teams, so it's going to be a great spectacle," added Hendry.

"Scotland against Brazil in Miami to make some history is something you dream of," said John McGinn, who was just three when the nations last met at the tournament. The fixture perhaps doesn't have quite the same aura for Brazil, the record five-time World Cup winners. They are just focused on getting the job done and advancing to the next round in the best possible position in the group -- a win will be required to make sure of that, as they and Morocco both have four points so far.

Brazil are without Barcelona forward Raphinha due to injury but this could be the occasion for Neymar to finally make his return for the Selecao. The 34-year-old, his country's all-time record scorer, was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti despite not having appeared for Brazil since October 2023 due to injury. He then, almost inevitably, suffered another injury to his right calf which has kept him out of the team's two games so far in the United States, but the ex-Paris Saint-Germain superstar is now ready to play.

"We saw the quality he has in training, we were speechless," said Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli on Monday. "When you look at the shape he is in you can see that he is desperate to get out there and we are delighted to have him." Brazil's last meeting with Scotland was a friendly in 2011 in London, in which Neymar scored twice on just his third cap. Full-back Aaron Hickey remains a doubt for Scotland after not playing against Morocco.

It was the first time that a match at the tournament has had to be paused due to the weather. Fans at the stadium tried to make the best of the situation, although they were surprised by the strictness of the protocol. After Canadian referee Drew Fischer sent the 22 players back to the dressing rooms for half-time, with France leading 1-0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappe goal, an urgent message flashed up on the scoreboards: "Please exit the open seating area and seek shelter in covered areas of the stadium."

The approximately 70,000 spectators, many already in ponchos and rain coats, filed out and, in little more than 15 minutes, the concourses of "the Linc" resembled a huge train station on a holiday travel day. Antoine Chouraqui, a Frenchman who has lived in the United States for a decade, took the development in stride. "There are storms in the summer here. I've never had to evacuate a stadium, but I play tennis and often we're in the middle of a match when the alarm goes off warning that lightning is coming, and we have to leave the court," he told AFP.

A fan from Paris though was baffled by the order to leave the stands. "We don't really know what to do; we haven't been given many instructions," said the man, who declined to give his name, as he stood with his two sons. "I've never seen that in 40 years of football. In France we don't stop a match for rain."

The rain poured and poured, soaking any fans who lingered in the seats. "We brought the ponchos, we were ready," said Steven Jouan, 32, who had come to Philadelphia from South Carolina with his partner for the game to support France. "We have been to different sporting events before so we knew that delays happen. Most of the other games get cancelled but a World Cup game, you just gotta stick it out."

'With $400 tickets, I'm staying' - Spectators used the interruption to try to dry off, chat, and shop, whether it was food, drinks, jerseys, scarves, or whatever other merchandise they could find. There was no chance of fans leaving though -- with the cost of tickets to this World Cup, they wanted to get their money's worth. "I've already left an interrupted MLS match before," said Axel Francon, who has lived in Colorado for four years. "But here, at $400 a ticket, I'm staying."

Pierre Prondeau and Morgane Granger stayed too, "after travelling 6,000 kilometers" to attend France's first two World Cup matches. "We're making the best of a bad situation, but the match better not be postponed because we won't be able to change our return tickets," Prondeau said. Eventually the lightning stopped flashing and an announcement was made that the game would restart at 8:00 pm local time (0000 GMT Tuesday). France went on to win 3-0.

The Club World Cup in the United States last year, which served as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, saw six matches delayed because of extreme weather conditions, including eventual winners Chelsea's game against Benfica in the round of 16 in Charlotte, which was halted for four and a half hours. Scientists say this is a phenomenon that could become increasingly common as greenhouse gases continue to warm the planet.

The pre-season tour also includes a match against Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich in Hong Kong on August 7 for the inaugural Audi Football Summit, the club statement added. Manager Unai Emery's men will start their pre-season schedule against English side Walsall on July 21, while they will also face Bundesliga team Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany on August 15, before the start of the new top flight season.

Ahmad Satrio, the head of marketing communication of Sound Rhythm, said the local promoter was "proud" to be able to bring the Europa League holders to Jakarta. "Aston Villa's achievements this season have made them one of the most exciting and talked-about clubs in European football, Ahmad said in a statement on Monday.

"We believe Indonesian football fans deserve the opportunity to experience that excitement directly." The English club finished fourth in the Premier League last season, which bring qualification for the Champions League. The club also won the Europa League final, its first trophy in 30 years.

The 29-year-old will therefore definitely miss Wednesday's last Group C match against Scotland in Miami, which could open the door to a return for superstar Neymar. "We are all sad, especially Rafa, because of the little setback with this injury, but he can count on all of us for support. We are all by his side," Paqueta, of Flamengo, told reporters at Brazil's World Cup base in New Jersey.

"He is a dedicated kid, and I am sure he will do everything possible and impossible to be back as soon as possible. But in terms of how important he is, well, I don't think I need to say anything. "He has had an incredible couple of seasons and has been getting better and better for the national team, so I think that when any player of that importance is missing you are going to have to restructure quickly."

Raphinha's season with Barcelona was regularly impacted by problems with his right hamstring, and he has missed a total of 24 matches for club and country since the campaign began. A starter in both of the Selecao's games so far, he was replaced by the young Bournemouth forward Rayan when he came off late in the opening half against the Haitians.

"We all know his characteristics, his qualities, his pace, his ability to create space and his finishing ability, so I think we are losing a very important player," added ex-West Ham United player Paqueta. "But we are not paying too much attention to how long he is going to be out. We just hope he is back as soon possible." Ancelotti's side have four points from two games so far, and will clinch qualification for the last 32 in one of the top two places in the section if they avoid defeat against the Scots.

Neymar is being tipped to feature against Scotland after overcoming the injury which has stopped him from featuring at the tournament so far. If Brazil's all-time top scorer does play, it will be his first appearance for his country since October 2023. "He is a very important player for the national team, who has a marvellous history with us and can still help us a lot," Paqueta said of the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.

He will become the 10th French player to reach a century of caps, but is still a long way away from the record of 145 appearances held by his former teammate, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. "The importance and the stakes of the match are what really matter and we need a win to go through," insisted Mbappe. He made his debut for France as an 18-year-old in 2017, and on Monday he became his country's leading marksman of all time with a brace in the 3-1 win over Senegal at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

That took him past Olivier Giroud's previous record of 57 goals to set a new mark, with 58. It is fitting that these landmarks have come at the World Cup, a tournament which has defined his career since he revealed himself on the global stage in the France team that won the trophy in Russia in 2018. He scored four goals in that tournament, and eight in Qatar four years ago, including a stunning hat-trick in the final which Les Bleus lost on penalties to Lionel Messi's Argentina.

"I am aware of what it means to be at a World Cup here and representing over 67 million French people," said the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward. "I just want to go down in history for my country. I think a lot of players, given the stakes of a World Cup, don't fully enjoy it, but I just try to enjoy it, I know how lucky I am.

"I know I have the quality but you still need to go out and show it on the biggest stage at a World Cup and I don't think a double in the first game is enough to show the full extent of my talent." That sounded like a warning to outsiders Iraq, against whom another France win will send the tournament favourites on their way to the knockout stages. Mbappe has 14 World Cup goals from just 15 appearances, and he is just two away from matching the overall tournament goals record -- that was held before this year by Germany's Miroslav Klose with 16, and equalled by Messi when he scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria last Tuesday.

"I knew Leo Messi would score goals, he always does. He has the record, I am just behind and I will keep trying to score goals," Mbappe said. "That will bring me closer to the record, but the most important thing is going as far as possible with my team." Mbappe seems to be especially loving being one of the star names at a World Cup in the United States, and he suggested that he might eventually like to play in Major League Soccer later in his career.

"Of course, the culture is different to ours in Europe, and I have always liked that, the fact that people have ambitions with no limits, and are not afraid to say it," he admitted. "Will I come here at the end of my career? I don't know. David Beckham often asks me. We will see, but it is a country I like and I am happy to be here."

However, he did indicate that he might not still be playing at World Cups into his forties, like Cristiano Ronaldo at this year's edition. "I won't be doing this at 40, you will have got rid of me by then," he joked.

But Conceicao on Sunday there was no was question of players feeling obliged to pass to Ronaldo if other team-mates were in better attacking positions. "We don't feel the need to pass him the ball," Conceicao said. "I pass it to whoever I think is in the best position and unmarked." Conceicao said Ronaldo is seen as "just another member of the squad" which needed "every individual for the collective to function".

"Cristiano is an example because of his career and the hunger he still possesses at 41 years of age... An example of leadership and the goals he scores," the Juventus player said during a press conference. "There is no one like him when it comes to scoring goals... He is here to help, just like any other player." Portugal play Uzbekistan in their second Group K match in Houston on Tuesday, desperately looking for three points to get their campaign up and running. "No one takes it harder than we do. We felt firsthand that we didn't do our job in the best possible way," Conceicao said.

"If things don't go well, there will be more pressure and more criticism. We want to show our quality and win the next match."

Ghalenoei praised his players for holding Belgium, ranked 10th in the world, to a stalemate in Los Angeles on Sunday despite facing the strain of considerable visa and travel restrictions in the United States. "This is a great achievement. We've had two games without losing in the World Cup, with the conditions that we've had," he said.

"We had less than 16 hours to get to do training before the game," he said, after his team was not permitted to travel early to the US from their base camp in Mexico. "This is a great achievement, and it will be written about in the history of our football, and future generations will talk about this." Before the game, the Iran anthem was booed by members of Los Angeles' extensive Persian exile community, who oppose the country's hardline regime. But the team itself was vocally supported by a majority of the packed stadium.

"I want to thank all the Iranians, with different attitudes regarding politics. They supported us, and they gave us energy," said Ghalenoei. Ghalenoei said that despite Belgium having Nathan Ngoy sent off in the 66th minute, Iran were "lucky not to lose" given the strength of the opposition. "I don't think any team in the world could have really sustained with such conditions, and played like this -- the conditions have been extremely hard for us," he said.

"Our players are really giving everything, they are playing with their heart." In an evenly poised Group G, Iran must secure at least a point in their final game against Egypt, which will take place in Seattle next Friday. "Tomorrow we need to focus on the game with Egypt. Egypt is a very strong team, they have very good players. Our first and utmost aim is to reach the next round," said the manager.

Iran midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh also paid tribute to the team's "spirit" and "amazing performance." He said the team would draw upon the experience of narrowly failing to progress from their group at the last World Cup, when they crashed out after a 1-0 defeat to the United States. "Last World Cup, we tried to do the best thing, but very last minute, we couldn't do it," he said. "But now I think the most important thing is we go to recover well, to make sure that we are ready for the next game."

The Argentina captain was tearful after his first goal, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue. Despite his personal travails and a troubled build-up because of a hamstring injury, Messi's mere presence appears to inspire his teammates. "If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.

Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday. Another player chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record, Kylian Mbappe, will play his 100th game for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia. "There is nothing bigger -- one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me," Mbappe told reporters on Sunday.

Mbappe, 27, is tied with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 goals after he netted twice in France's opening 3-1 win against Senegal in Group I. France, who were beaten by Argentina on penalties in the last final in 2022, will expect to brush aside the Iraqis to guarantee a ticket to the knockout phase.

Norway and their marksman Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win, will also be guaranteed of going through from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France defeat Iraq. In Sunday's action, Spain got their campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde conjured another memorable performance to snatch a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. European champions Spain were frustrated in a 0-0 draw with World cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening game, sparking criticism at home.

But against the Saudis, Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal opened the scoring as he made his first start in two months since recovering from a hamstring problem. Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, before a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal. Spain coach Luis De la Fuente said his squad had been fuelled by the criticism of their opening performance.

"When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong," said De la Fuente. The win put Spain top of Group H with four points after two matches. Cape Verde grabbed another point in an entertaining draw with Uruguay in Miami.

Their coach Bubista said his team were now dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds -- a scenario that would have been unthinkable before the tournament. "We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that's what we showed today in today's match," Bubista said. Belgium are still looking for their first win after being held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Group G.

The Red Devils, who also drew with Egypt in their opening game, finished the game in Los Angeles with 10 men and struggled to break down a resolute Iranian side. The Egyptians moved to the top of the group on Sunday after coming from behind to claim the first World Cup victory in the country's history, 3-1 win over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored Egypt's goals after Finn Surman had given New Zealand the lead.

"It's incredible, I don't know how to express it in words," former Liverpool star Salah said of the historic first win. "It's a great achievement for all the players and the subs, and hopefully we can make history and qualify first."

Salah's goal came after he exchanged passes with Zico -- named after the Brazilian legend -- and then curled in a shot with his left foot in the 67th minute. Salah then provided the assist for substitute Trezeguet -- who himself is named after former France forward David Trezeguet -- to make the game safe with a low header. "In years to come we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history," Salah said.

He praised the large Egyptian contingent in the crowd, saying: "It feels like we are playing in Egypt. It's a great win and great vibe." Egypt had trailed the Kiwis, who opened the scoring through Surman's towering header after 15 minutes. But Zico equalized when he headed in a cross from Mohamed Hany. Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 earlier in the other Group G game. The Belgians face New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday.

Clark has repeatedly apologized for damaging the locker at Oakmont after missing the cut last year. "I sure hope it closes the door on it," Clark said. "I'll probably always get (hecklers), but I hope I don't become the heel of the PGA." Clark recalled the aftermath the incident as his darkest time, never dreaming he would win the US Open a year after. "After what happened at Oakmont was obviously the lowest point," Clark said. "It was a really tough two, three days for me. I was in a dark place, didn't really go outside much.

"I just felt a lot of my career, world ranking, reputation, everything just dwindling. That's a terrible feeling. "In that moment I definitely didn't think I'd be here this year doing this." While some joked about what Clark might do to his locker had he squandered a six-stroke lead in the last round, Clark said he has much better control of his anger. "I'm not as angry as I used to be," Clark said. "I think I get frustrated. My anger has kind of gone away, which is a huge blessing.

"It's a combination of things off the course being great," he said. "My game feels like it's in a good position. I'm just happier where I'm at in life. "Last year I got too caught up in things that really didn't matter." It didn't help being bypassed for last year's Ryder Cup team. "That was also another just jab to the stomach that I didn't make that," he said. "I'm just happy I'm here on the other side of things."

That helped him handle hecklers, and a gallery that greeted his great shots with silence while cheering his errors. "They definitely didn't want me to win," Clark said. "It's pretty rare in a major to have fans kind of boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots. That was tough. But sometimes being the underdog is nice. "I kind of brought it on myself. I'm proud of myself I battled through. Things really could have gotten away from me. I stood tough."

He joked about his few cheers with caddie Dave Pelekoudas. "If we heard someone cheer for me, I'd go, there's one person that likes me," Clark said. "But it's tough, man. I've played now a Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup on foreign soil and it kind of had that atmosphere a little bit." Scheffler caddie Ted Scott praised him after the finish. "He went out of his way to say, hey, that took a lot of grit. No one was really pulling for you, and to battle through and win, that was impressive," Clark said.

Clark teased the locals at last week's PGA Canadian Open by wearing a USA hockey jersey that brought him boos. "They were pretty harsh on me," Clark said. "It sucks getting rooted against, but I can pull through, and there's nothing like winning an away game."

Yet, the crowd leapt with joy when Iran's Team Melli nearly scored against Belgium's Red Devils, before the referree disallowed the goal for being offside -- earning a chorus of whistles. "Our second team for this World Cup is Iran," Romero told AFP, taking pride in Tijuana managing to host the Iranian team at the last minute, after a series of off-field matters kept them from their US-based training camp.

With the United States and Israel's war against Iran as a backdrop, the Persian squad has voiced complaints of unfair treatment over US visas, travel times and equity with all the teams who have earned their spot in FIFA's vaunted global tournament. Iran's team moved its base camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana after a dozen of its staff members had their US visas denied. The tensions have created an unexpected solidarity between Mexicans and Iranians -- a football friendship already evident during Iran's first match against New Zealand, also held in Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, a city steeped in Mexican culture, a large portion of the crowd cheered for Iran during their match. The support was so noticable that Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi offered his thanks to Mexican fans. "We're looking forward to the next two matches, we hope they'll keep supporting us this way," he said after the game.

"The support from the Mexican fans has been unbelievable," said Iranian American YouTuber Art Eftekhari, who has a channel devoted to the Iranian national team. The 44-year-old said their support helps make up for all the controversies surrounding Team Melli. Besides, beyond the way the United States has treated the team, the welcome from Los Angeles's large Iranian diaspora community has been mixed: many in the stadium cheered the players, but boorf the Iranian anthem in protest of the Islamic Republic.

"I try not to pay attention to that, I'm just focusing on the match," Eftekhari said. "The warm welcome of Mexican fans makes us forget about what's happening off the pitch." For Latino plans, it's the setbacks and the discord that motivates them to raise their voices for Iran's players.

"I think that they're being treated unfairly," said Nikkole Martinez, a 24-year-old fan of Mexican descent who lives in the Los Angeles area. "At the end of the day, they're just young men trying to play the sport they love, it has nothing to do with their government. They should be treated fairly and equally, as much as everybody else."

The Iranian squad voiced protest this week because the Belgian team was allowed to enter Los Angeles on Friday, but Iran wasn't allowed to travel into the US until Saturday. "For this game, they're at a disadvantage. They absolutely don't deserve that," Martinez said, adding that she likes to root for underdogs.

Another fan who traveled from Tijuana, 25-year-old Jaen Pina, agreed that Iran's treatment was unfair. "The Belgian players are well-rested, while the Iranian team is not, so that's a big disadvantage," Pina said. Pina admits he does not know any Iranian players, but he knows the team faces big Belgian stars and he supports Team Melli on principle, because of the visa and travel issues they have faced.

"To be honest, that's bullshit, why do they do that?" Pina said. "That's why I'm with them, because this World Cup has become political." 

Bangladesh, however, made three changes to the line-up from the previous game in a bid to avoid a whitewash with Soumya Sarkar, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Mustafizur being left out of the squad. Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan replaced them. Australia squad unchanged from the series-clinching victory in the previous game. 

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), Towhid Hridoy (capt), Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

Gull Feroza scored 23 off 18 balls before being caught by Sobhana Mostary off Nahida, while Muneeba Ali made 25 from 30 deliveries before becoming Nahida's second victim. Ayesha Zafar attempted to keep Pakistan in contention with 11 off 12 balls, but her dismissal by Sanjida Akter triggered the collapse. Sanjida claimed three crucial wickets as Pakistan struggled against Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack.

Apart from the top three batters, only Fatima Sana reached double figures, scoring 10 runs from 17 balls. Pakistan eventually finished on 100-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Earlier, Bangladesh made a shaky start after electing to bat first, losing three wickets for just 13 runs. The innings was revived through a 35-run partnership between Sobhana Mostary and captain Nigar Sultana Joty.

Sobhana contributed 22 off 19 balls before her dismissal, while Joty anchored the innings with 36 from 38 deliveries. Ritu Moni added seven runs but Bangladesh's scoring rate slowed during the middle overs. The late charge came from Shorna Akter, who hammered an unbeaten 22 ball-39, helping Bangladesh post a competitive 123-6. With two wins from three matches, Bangladesh moved to third place in Group A with four points. They will face India and South Africa in their remaining group-stage fixtures as they continue their pursuit of a semifinal berth.

The European champions arrived in North America as one of the favourites, but with Lamine Yamal only able to appear as a second-half substitute on his return from injury, La Roja were unable to find the target against Cape Verde. De la Fuente, who confidently described his squad as the best in the world before the tournament, said they would show their true colors on Sunday.

"This generation of footballers is highly competitive and really fired up... It's going to be a completely different story," he said at his pre-match press conference on Saturday. "There is no drama or crisis. The bottom line is simply that we need to win tomorrow." Speculation about Yamal's fitness has dominated Spain's camp. The 18-year-old winger is still not ready to complete a full game, but De la Fuente is under pressure to play him from the start. "The most important thing is that he's back," he said. Saudi Arabia also drew their opening game 1-1 with Uruguay. 

Cape Verde, the team that frustrated Spain, will play "without fear" when they face Uruguay in Miami on Sunday, coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as "Bubista", said. "We didn't come just to take part. We want to play all the matches and to be able to show that we have the level to take on the best teams in the world," he added "Our aim is to play all the games with courage, in an organised way but also without fear." Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper who held Spain at bay with a remarkable performance, will be watched by his mother on Sunday after she arrived in Miami on a US visa.

Ana Candida Evora travelled from Cape Verde's capital Praia after her son tearfully told reporters she had not been granted a visa in time for the first game, but the US State Department has now provided her with the necessary document. In other games on Sunday, Iran face Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt face New Zealand in Vancouver. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said he has been told US travel restrictions on his team will finally be eased for their third group game, against Egypt in Seattle on June 26, but he claimed the treatment they have received so far had adversely affected their on-field performance.

Despite that, Iran remain in contention after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their first game. On Saturday, Germany booked their place in the knockout rounds with a dramatic injury-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Substitute Deniz Undav scored a 68th-minute equalizer before slotting the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time to settle an enthralling contest in Toronto. It is the first time since 2014 that Germany have reached the last 32. "This is exactly what we hoped for and I'm very happy for my team," coach Julian Nagelsmann said.

Germany's victory was made even sweeter later on Saturday as Curacao -- the smallest country by population ever to qualify for the World Cup with just 160,000 inhabitants -- dug deep to secure a shock 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City that ensured the Germans will win Group E with a game to spare. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was their hero, keeping out a record 15 shots -- the most ever saves in a game that did not involve extra time -- as the underdogs secured their first ever World Cup point. In Houston, the Netherlands stayed firmly on course for qualification with a 5-1 demolition of Sweden in Group F.

Japan are now level on four points with the Dutch after cruising to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico in Saturday's late match -- the 1,000th game in World Cup history.

The Blue Samurai, who held the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener, were always in control against Tunisia at the Monterrey Stadium. The result marked a losing start for new Tunisia manager Herve Renard, who was hastily appointed to take over the World Cup campaign after predecessor Sabri Lamouchi was sacked in the wake of the Sweden drubbing.

But Renard's team never looked like threatening a technically superior Japanese side that were quickly into their trademark, smooth passing game. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring after just four minutes, finishing from close range after deft interplay from Ao Tanaka and Keito Nakamura.

The Japanese almost scored again moments later, with only a desperate goalline clearance from Dylan Bronn denying the Asian giants a second goal. Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen was also working overtime, and had to claw away a shot that just went agonisingly short of crossing the goalline.

Japan though finally added to their tally in the 31st minute, with striker Ueda taking advantage of some hesitant Tunisian defending to surge forward and thunder a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The rout continued in the second half, with Junya Ito latching onto a brilliant through ball to calmly finish on 69 minutes before Ueda scored again with a looping header in the 83rd minute.

Group E

In Toronto

Germany 2 (Undav 68, 90+4) Ivory Coast 1 (Kessie 30)

Group E

In Kansas City

Ecuador 0 Curacao 0

Group F

In Houston

Netherlands 5 (Brobbey 5, 17, Gakpo 47, 54, Summerville 89) Sweden 1 (Elanga 59)

Playing later

Group F

In Monterrey, Mexico

Tunisia 0 Japan 4 (Kamada 4, Ueda 31, 83, Ito 69)

The 35-year-old all-rounder narrowly missed out on what would have been his first first-class century in 11 months when he was bowled by Harry Conway just after tea at Chester-le-Street. Stokes hit 18 fours as he helped Second Division leaders Durham reply to Northamptonshire's 450 -- a total which built on a career-best 187 from Ricardo Vasconcelos.

Durham had been struggling at 30-3 but after Stokes's innings, 62 from Will Rhodes saw them reach 302-7 at stumps on the second day. England's decision to omit Stokes at the Oval led to a flurry of speculation over his international future amid fears he might be stripped of the captaincy, stand down by himself, or even walk away from representing his country permanently.

But recent British media reports have indicated Stokes could return to England duty as soon as next week's series finale against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

But there was a concerning sign for Australia when Mooney pulled up after running two at the end of the 14th over and immediately left the field. Mooney did not return to to keep wicket because of a stiff back and with emergency keeper Phoebe Litchfield also absent due to a quad injury, Georgia Voll took over behind the stumps. Netherlands captain Babette de Leede marked her 100th T20 international with an unbeaten 56 and put on 96 with Sterre Kalis (44) but an upset never looked likely.

Saturday's second Group A match at Southampton saw Bangladesh eliminate border rivals Pakistan with a 23-run win. Bangladesh could only manage 123-6 but spinners Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akther Maghla took three wickets each as Pakistan were restricted to 100-8. Pakistan openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza shared a partnership of 49 before a collapse saw eight wickets lost for 31 runs.

Bangladesh, in trouble at 92-6 in their innings, were indebted to Shorna Akter's unbeaten 39 from 22 balls. All-rounder and captain Fatima Sana, who this week became the first Pakistani woman to sign a deal to play in English cricket's Hundred competition, took 2-18 but only managed 10 with the bat. Bangladesh are now third in Group A but, with only the top two in the two pools qualifying the semi-finals, they face a tough task in reaching the knockout stages with games against India and South Africa still to come.

In Group B, England made it three wins out of three with a comfortable 38-run defeat of neighbours Scotland at Headingley despite being without injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Sophia Dunkley (57) and Alice Capsey (40) were the main contributors to a total of 200-5 also featuring all-rounder Freya Kemp's rapid 39 not out. It was too much for Scotland, who finished on 162-7, with England's spinners taking the bulk of the wickets.

That has required frequent cross-border travel, and US authorities have only permitted the team to remain in the country for a few hours after each game, with restrictions frequently shifting last-minute. After playing Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Iran's final group game will take place in Seattle next Friday against Egypt.

Ghalenoei on Saturday said he had been told his team will have more flexibility for their final match, before quickly adding that it would have been "justice" for his team to have the same treatment for its first two games. "They said in Seattle, you can do what you want, you can act the way you want to, and you can come earlier," he told a press conference, without specifying who exactly the information had come from. "But what I want, my problem is, why didn't they let us come earlier for the first two games as well?

"I just know for the last game, yes, they've allowed us to decide, to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel. "But unfortunately, for the first two games, others made these travel arrangements for us, and the timing for us." Last week Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand, the tournament's lowest-ranked team, with sloppy defending twice allowing the All Whites to go ahead before Team Melli equalized.

"There were errors, individual ones, and also with regards to this defense we had, and I think we were playing... we were doing too many passes," said Ghalenoei. "And I think, because we have been flying too much, commuting, as a result of this long commute, we've been tired." The manager said restrictions on his team had been even more onerous for Sunday's upcoming game against Belgium, Group G's highest-ranked team.

Ghalenoei said his team had arrived in the US on Saturday less than 24 hours before kickoff, despite being briefly told by FIFA on Friday early afternoon that they may be able to travel that day. "We waited till 7.00pm, nothing happened, and they said, 'Sorry, we weren't able to do that," said the coach. "That's going to affect us mentally, especially me as a head coach, because I want to focus on technical stuff," he said.

Iran had only been able to do half its usual pre-game training session, complained Ghalenoei. All four teams in Group G currently have one point, with only the top two guaranteed to reach the knockout stages. A majority of third-placed teams across all groups will also progress, depending on their performance. 

Stevens, never a PGA Tour winner, sank a seven-foot birdie putt at the first hole and answered a bogey at the third with a 10-foot birdie putt at the fifth. Scheffler, who would complete a career Grand Slam with a victory Sunday on his 30th birthday, birdied four of his first seven holes on the back nine, including three in a row at 14, 15 and 16, to grab a share of third with fellow American Xander Schauffele and South Korean Tom Kim.

Scheffler had opened with back-to-back bogeys, sliding to two-over. But the American birdied the 10th from just inside eight feet, then reeled off three straight birdies -- holing a 65-foot birdie chip at 14, sinking a 12-foot birdie putt at 15 and making a tap-in birdie at the par-five 16th. Second-ranked Rory McIlroy, who won his sixth major at April's Masters, was on two-over.

The six-time major winner from Northern Ireland answered a bogey at the third with three consecutive birdies -- sinking a three-foot birdie putt at the par-five fifth, holing out from the fairway from 66 feet for birdie at six and rolling in a putt from just inside 17 feet. But McIlroy made bogeys on four of the first six holes on the back nine to stumble back.

Turkey's defeat means they become the second team after Haiti to be eliminated from contention.

After an unconvincing build-up to the World Cup, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday's victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opening game last week. A day of celebration for the co-hosts got even better later Friday after Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey confirmed that the US would clinch top spot in Group D, ensuring a theoretically easier draw in the last 32. "It was a fantastic game again, very good first half," Pochettino said. "I think we dominated the game against a very tough team.

"When the draw happened in December I thought it was going to be a really difficult, a really tough game." Paraguay meanwhile remain alive in the tournament after their gritty 1-0 victory in Santa Clara that eliminated Turkey. Matias Galarza's strike after just 63 seconds secured all three points for Paraguay in a game that saw the South Americans' Miguel Almiron become the first player ever to be sent off for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent under new FIFA rules.

Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkey's Mert Muldur. FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card, part of an initiative designed to tackle racism. In other games on Friday, Brazil took control of their destiny in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Haiti that ended the Caribbean nation's chances of reaching the last 32.

Two goals from Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha and a Vinicius Junior strike sealed a comfortable win for the Brazilians in a one-sided game at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. The result ensured Haiti will finish bottom of Group C and are the first team to be eliminated from contention for a place in the knockout rounds. Brazil's victory though was marred by an apparent injury to star forward Raphinha, who left the game in the 40th minute after an innocuous-looking tussle with Haiti defender Martin Experience.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was unable to provide an update on Raphinha's injury afterwards, instead preferring to praise his team's "complete" performance. "It was a complete match, much better in the first half," Ancelotti said. "It was what we expected from this game: better quality, fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in attack and more control at the back." Brazil are now level on four points with Morocco in Group C, but lead the North Africans on goal difference.

Morocco secured their first win of the tournament on Friday with a 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ismael Saibari scored the games's only goal, lashing home a thunderous angled strike in the second minute to leave the Scots reeling. Morocco will face Haiti in their final Group C game on June 24, while Brazil take on the Scots in Miami.

"Tonight we showed we can compete with the teams in the top 10. Brazil will be a different game, they play with less structure but they have quality that can hurt you at any point," Scotland's John McGinn said. "We will need to be at our best. We know what we need to do to try to get through to the next round."

Group C

In Foxborough, Massachusetts

Scotland 0 Morocco 1 (Saibari 2)

In Philadelphia

Brazil 3 (Cunha 23, 36, Vincius Junior 45+3) Haiti 0

Group D

In Seattle

USA 2 (Burgess 11-og, Freeman 43) Australia 0

In Santa Clara, California

Turkey 0 Paraguay 1 (Galarza 2)

Bangladesh is represented by a 10-member contingent, comprising five senior and five junior gymnasts. In the junior division, Uting Wang Marma produced an outstanding performance to qualify for the Vault final, scoring 12.850 points to finish among the top performers in the 53-member field. He will compete in the final tomorrow (Sunday).

In the senior division, Rajib Chakma delivered a historic performance by scoring 13.366 points to finish ninth among 67 competitors, earning the position of first reserve for the Vault final. He remains in contention for a place in the final should any qualified gymnast withdraw. Rajib's achievement is the best-ever performance by a Bangladeshi gymnast in the senior category at the Asian Gymnastics Championships. He has also secured direct qualification for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, marking another landmark achievement for Bangladesh gymnastics.

The qualifying tournament will be held in Uzbekistan from August 25 to September 6, 2026, where Bangladesh have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Uzbekistan, Syria, and India.

Earlier, on Thursday last, the Bangladesh U-20 national football team announced its pre-preliminary squad, marking the first phase of preparations under incoming head coach Gerard Jones (UK) ahead of the continental qualifiers.

The preliminary squad includes Ismail Hossain, SP Rafiz, Nahidul Islam, Raj Chowdhury, Yousuf Ali, Mithu Chowdhury, Abdul Tiyad, Sifat Shahriar, Azam Khan, Sani Das, Ishan Habib Riduan, Sheikh Sangram, Masud Rana, Chandon Roy, Sameul Raksam, Kamal Merdha, Ratul Hasan, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Md. Shafiq Rahman, Shorif Uddin Nirob, Md. Mahe Khan, Md. Manik, Rifat Kazi, Ashik, Joy Ahamed, Safiul Hasan, Moltaza Alam Himel, Ikramul Islam, Opu Rahman, Hadi Rahman, Siam Omit, Shawon Ritghil, Sabbir Islam, Eshan Mallik, Ibrahim Nawaz, Zidane Yousuf, Salah Uddin Shahed, Sree Sumon Soren, Murshed Ali, and Adam Abbas.

In the fifth-round game, played on Friday last with Tahsin registered an impressive victory and secured three points from five matches.

Earlier, in the fourth-round game, he shared the point with Kush Devnani of India after the match ended in a draw.

Progressing to the knockout round would be a relief for the Germans who astonishingly have failed to reach that stage since they won their fourth World Cup in Brazil in 2014. So tight are the margins that Ivory Coast could lock up their place in the next round too, if they beat the Germans. Nagelsmann said his team had to be prepared for Ivory Coast's athleticism. "Their speed is one of their biggest strengths and that's what I think they do best," he told reporters, highlighting the French-born Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe.

"During the last game, he was everywhere," Nagelsmann said of Pepe. Sweden face the Netherlands in Houston knowing that a win will secure a place in the knockout round -- an extraordinary turnaround for the Scandinavians who only qualified for the World Cup through through the Nations League, essentially the back door. Coach Graham Potter warned that Sweden striker Alexander Isak will get "stronger and stronger" as the tournament goes on.

Isak had a poor season by his standards, interrupted by frequent injuries, after Liverpool paid Newcastle United a British record œ125 million ($165 million) for him. He made a strong start to the World Cup though as the 26-year-old scored one goal and set up two in the 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia. "Alex has had a season that has been interrupted," Potter said. "Most football players would say they need a certain amount of time and games to get up to top, top level, so we've had to try to build Alex up. I think there's more to come from him."

History will be made in another of Saturday's games as Japan face Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico for the 1,000th game at a World Cup. Hajime Moriyasu warned his Japan side they will need to match the intensity of a Tunisia team fired up by the introduction of coach Herve Renard after Sabri Lamouchi became the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after one game. On Friday, the United States marched into the knockout round with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.

A day of raucous celebrations for the co-hosts got even better when Paraguay's 1-0 win against Turkey confirmed that the US would clinch top spot in Group D, ensuring a theoretically easier draw in the last 32. A Cameron Burgess own goal in the 11th minute and a headed effort from Alex Freeman two minutes before half-time sealed a comfortable three points for Mauricio Pochettino's USA side, who have won the group with a game to spare.

After an unconvincing build-up to the World Cup, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday's victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opener. "It was a fantastic game again, very good first half," Pochettino said. "I think we dominated the game against a very tough team. "When the draw happened in December I thought it was going to be a really difficult, a really tough game."

The victory means Mexico are guaranteed to finish in top spot in Group A with a game to spare following South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic earlier Thursday. Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea are second on three points, with the Czech Republic and South Africa also still alive on one.

In other games on Thursday, Canada moved to the brink of the last 32 after overwhelming nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first ever World Cup victory in Group B. Switzerland, also in Group B, reignited their campaign with a resounding defeat of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles. Tournament co-hosts Canada had lost all six of their previous matches at the World Cup, at the 1986 and 2022 finals, but brought that run of losses to a halt in spectacular fashion at Vancouver's BC Place stadium.

With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- wearing a replica Canada shirt -- among a fired-up crowd, Jesse Marsch's side ran riot to secure a win that leaves them needing only a point against Switzerland to finish top of Group B. A hat-trick from Juventus striker Jonathan David, one goal apiece from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, and a Mohammad Manai own goal sealed Canada's win.

The victory was marred though by a serious left leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after being clumsily upended by Qatar's Assim Madibo in the 51st minute. Madibo was initially shown a yellow card for the challenge which was subsequently upgraded to red. The stricken Kone was given oxygen as he was carried off the field, waving to fans.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch revealed afterwards Kone was being treated in hospital for a suspected broken leg, adding that his staff had understood the severity of the injury immediately. "It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap," Marsch said. "I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's at the hospital. He will prepare for a surgery.

"Everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us." Earlier, Switzerland got their campaign back on track with a 4-1 drubbing of Bosnia-Herzegovina at the SoFi Stadium. Johan Manzambi scored twice while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka were on target in a late flurry of goals for the Swiss, who are dreaming of advancing beyond the last 16 for the first time at this World Cup.

Bosnia, who upset Italy in a playoff to reach this year's tournament, are nearing an early exit after a loss that leaves them with one point from two games. In other games on Thursday, South Africa resurrected their slender qualification hopes with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta. Teboho Mokoena's penalty earned a point for South Africa after Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Czechs. But Mokoena's late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance.

Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday. But the Iranian federation claims its request was turned down. "Given that the game will be played at 12:00 pm local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match," the spokesman said.

"The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalize preparations. "Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied."

"Given that the game will be played at 12:00 pm local time in Los Angeles (1900 GMT), the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match." It said the aim of its request was to allow players "to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalize preparations". "Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied," the federation spokesman added. "The federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels."

The Iranians were also angry that they had to leave Los Angeles the night of their first game of the World Cup, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian claims. Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said on Monday that Iran had been informed in advance that they would only be allowed to enter the United States on the day before the game. "The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match," Giuliani told CBS News.

"They'll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they'll be able to do that again in Los Angeles." He added that the procedure would be the same for Iran's final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iran had a troubled buildup to the World Cup due to the war in the Middle East. It switched its training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana on the US-Mexico border shortly before the tournament began and says up to 15 team officials have been refused visas to enter the United States.

South Africa has been gripped for months by protests demanding the departure of undocumented immigrants. The marches have never exceeded a few thousand people, but they have been accompanied by a torrent of xenophobic hatred online and received significant media attention. That has flipped the usual script during the World Cup, when African nations traditionally support each other.

"We support all the other African teams. This is to teach them that there are consequences," said Shahim's friend, Fatma, a 34-year-old farmer. "When you have a superiority complex, you suffer alone," she added. South Africa says it has repatriated 2,745 foreigners following President Cyril Ramaphosa's promise to crack down on illegal immigration. Ghana and Nigeria have repatriated several hundred of their citizens, and some 600 Mozambicans returned home after violence in the southern city of Mossel Bay that left at least two dead.

It has shocked many across the continent and turned football fans against the Bafana Bafana, as the South African team is known. There was joy when the team lost to Mexico last week. A popular social media meme showed a map of the African continent covered with the Mexican flag, excluding South Africa. "The whole continent seems to have become Afro-Mexican," quipped Wode Maya, a popular vlogger in Ghana, asking his fans to reply in Spanish.

Even a spokesperson for the Confederation of African Football, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, joined in, posting on X: "You cannot mistreat Africa and still expect Africa's full blessing on the world stage," though he later moderated his remarks and called on all Africans to wear the South African jersey. The atmosphere remained light-hearted in the Nairobi bar visited by AFP for the Czech Republic match -- which ended in a draw -- where a few South Africans were present.

Edwin, a 50-year-old Kenyan communications professional, said he was determined to support all African teams: "You can't judge a whole country because of a minority." He recalled even harsher times in east Africa, when dictator Idi Amin Dada expelled tens of thousands of Ugandans of Indo-Pakistani origin in 1972.

But others were less forgiving. "It is not because you don't have jobs that you can attack Africans," said Richie, a Tanzanian consultant visiting Nairobi, recalling his country's support for black South Africans during the apartheid era. "Unless they change, we will do it over and over," he added. The South African Football Association issued a statement on Wednesday denouncing the "online harassment and abusive messages" directed at its players, which it said was "unacceptable".

At a press conference on Thursday, Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams admitted "it does hurt". "You want to focus on doing your job, which is being a footballer, but then you get involved in politics and you don't want to get into that space," he said.

The 72-1 against Australia was indeed Bangladesh's fifth highest runs in the first six overs behind 76-4 against New Zealand in 2013 in Mirpur, 74 for no loss against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2018 and 73 for no loss against Ireland in 2023 in Chattogram. Australia which won the first match by four wickets compiled 196-5, their best T20 total against Bangladesh, thanks to career-best 48 ball-89 not out from Matt Renshaw.

After electing to bat first, captain Mitchell Marsh and Josh Iglis gave the side a fluent start but none of them converted it to big knock. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed gave the side first breakthrough, trapping Inglis leg-before for 11 while Mustafizur Rahman sent back Marsh for 20.

Nahid Rana, one of the two changes for Bangladesh, removed Cooper Connolly for 1 before Renshaw and Tim David put on 97 runs from 50 balls to pave the platform for big total. David hammered 45 off 26 with two fours and four sixes before he was dismissed by Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Renshaw who smashed four fours and five sixes guided the lower order to edge the side closer to 200-run mark.

"Japanese men spend among the least time on housework internationally," read the post, which has been viewed 1.9 million times. "Please do it at home," the post said, with a satirical illustration showing a fan who proudly cleans up the stadium is, in fact, relaxing on a sofa at home, oblivious to the pile of laundry and his wife or mother doing the dishes. Japanese men participate notoriously little in household chores, with women spending 5.5 times more time than men taking on "unpaid work" such as shopping, domestic chores and caregiving, the Cabinet Office says, citing 2021 OECD data. The gap is far greater than in Britain, France and the United States, where women spend 1.8 times, 1.7 times and 1.6 times -- respectively -- longer than men doing unpaid work. While supporters describe the act of cleaning up the stadium as proof of Japan's cultural altruism, others have also seen it as slightly performative. And opinions have been divided on the viral X post. "Wives struggling with husbands who don't clean at all should have them wear Samurai Japan uniforms at home too," one comment said. "This is too much of generalisation -- not all Japanese men are like that," another user wrote.

England's position would have been worse but for tailender Matt Fisher's 50 not out -- his maiden Test half-century. Fisher, on his Surrey home ground, was supported in a last-wicket stand of 53 by Sonny Baker, one of three England debutants, after they came together with the hosts in dire straits at 238-9. England had resumed play on 222-6 on Friday morning. 

Debutant Jordan Cox was 22 not out and he quickly clipped Kyle Jamieson for four as play got underway beneath sunny skies on a pitch of even pace and bounce -- seemingly ideal conditions for batting. But Cox fell for 27 after a full-blooded clip off Henry was caught by diving New Zealand captain Tom Latham. Henry, troubled by back spasms at Lord's, struck again with the aid of another well-executed tactical ploy when Jofra Archer was out for eight after a top-edged cut was brilliantly caught by wicket-keeper Tom Blundell, standing up to the stumps.

Josh Tongue's miscued drive off Henry was well-held one-handed, at the second attempt, by a back-pedalling Nathan Smith at mid-on. Tongue's exit gave Henry his seventh five-wicket haul in 35 Tests. Fisher and Baker then hung on against a succession of bouncers, with fast bowlers on both sides curiously reluctant to test the tail-enders with yorkers instead. Fisher, in just his second Test and first in four years, even hooked the odd short ball for four and, giving himself room outside leg stump expertly cut several deliveries to the boundary.

A pull off Henry, his sixth four in 76 balls faced, saw Fisher to his fifty. By that stage New Zealand had taken the new ball and that did the trick when Baker nicked Jamieson to second slip.

The Black Stars didn't attempt a shot on goal through the first half. The second half played out under steady rain at the Toronto Stadium but saw more sustained attacking play. Cristian Martinez triggered a massive roar from the loud Panamanian contingent when he lashed a shot into the side-netting in the 60th minute. But the match looked headed for a scoreless draw until Yirenkyi put the Black Stars ahead. Ghana's veteran coach Carlos Queiroz turned to his side's fans after the goal, urging them on in celebration. Queiroz only took charge of the Black Stars a couple of months before the start of the tournament.

Wednesday's fixture made him only the second coach to appear in five consecutive World Cups, after leading Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Loud boos rang out across the crowd of nearly 43,000 during a second-half hydration break under pouring rain. Ghana triumphed despite being without Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial on rape charges in Britain. Canadian authorities denied him a World Cup visa, over the British case.

"Oh my God, they're amazing. I have enjoyed so much watching them enjoy the city," Cara DiBenedetto, a 54-year-old resident of Boston's North End, told AFP. "It's really kind of renewed my love of Boston because I'm seeing them see things that I take for granted and it's been great." Reports have put the estimated number of Scottish fans in the Massachusetts city for the team's opening World Cup game against Haiti last weekend at 40-50,000, and a fresh wave are expected for Scotland's second match against Morocco on Friday.

The Tartan Army were a welcome feature of many major tournaments towards the end of the last century. But before this year they had not qualified for a World Cup since 1998, and fans jumped at the chance to cross the Atlantic to follow Steve Clarke's team, not remotely put off by the cost of tickets or the current political climate in the United States. "Not at all. If anything that is the sort of thing I will lie to my wife about," joked Jamie Grewar, 42, who came from Edinburgh with two friends for the Haiti game, each paying 500 dollars a ticket plus the considerable cost of travel and accommodation.

He was speaking in New York City, where he was spending the night before taking the train north. On the streets of Manhattan, Scottish fans in replica jerseys and kilts were visible at almost every intersection. They saw their team beat Haiti 1-0 thanks to a John McGinn goal in front of a majority of Scottish fans in the 64,000 crowd at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, 20 miles south of downtown Boston. "I didn't realise until we actually stepped out onto the pitch just quite how many Scottish people were there," said midfielder Lewis Ferguson.

"Our support is never in doubt. They will travel everywhere, they always have and always will." Fans then returned into the city to celebrate the only way they know how -- NBC News said one bar ran out of its local lager over the weekend "because Scottish soccer fans drank it dry". "They're great, man. They're great, great people. They showed us nothing but respect," said Chris Wildt, a 49-year-old bartender at the Black Rose.

"They're a little bigger drinkers than we thought, but we appreciate it." On Sunday, after nursing their hangovers, Scottish fans marched together to Fenway Park to watch the Major League Baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers. Instagram is awash with viral reels of those fans creating some very different vibes to those usually seen at baseball, singing favourite songs like "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers and "Super John McGinn". "What a night, just a brilliant group of people," says the commentator.

But Scotland don't want to just be remembered for having great supporters. They want to reach the World Cup knockout phase for the very first time. This is Scotland's ninth World Cup, and up to now they have always been eliminated in the group stage. The win against Haiti was only Scotland's fifth in 24 matches at the tournament, and how they needed it given what is to come. Friday's opponents Morocco are ranked seventh in the world and reached the semi-finals in 2022.

Their last Group C game is against record five-time winners Brazil, for which the Boston-based colony of Scots supporters will have to travel south to Miami -- the kilts might weigh a little heavier in the Florida heat. "We know we have the best fan base in the world, we know they follow us in their numbers, we know how long they have been waiting for this moment as well, and we know how excited they all are, and it is up to us to try to give them a good time," said captain Andy Robertson.

Antoine Dupont's Toulouse have reached the last four having finished the regular season at the top of the standings and scored a record 981 points across the campaign.

Manu's Racing booked their place in the semis with a 33-31 win over Pau in last Saturday's play-offs, in the former rugby league star's maiden campaign in the Top 14.

"When I came to France, the boys started talking about how good Toulouse are, they're awesome," Manu told AFP on Wednesday.

"There's respect for them as a team, what they've achieved over the years.

"You don't fear anyone, you don't fear any team," the 29-year-old added with a place in June 27's final on the line.

Manu arrived in the plush western suburbs of Paris after a season in Japan having made the switch after a trophy-laden spell with the Sydney Roosters.

Having started four straight games earlier in the calendar year, Manu has been used off the bench by head coach Patrice Collazo in their end of season run-in.

"Playing rugby league, the backs don't really come on as substitutes," Manu said.

"Then playing rugby, I started trying to get used to coming off the bench and learning that role of how you impact a game.

"I just try to adapt well and try to bring as much intensity as I can from starting or from coming on the last 20 minutes, the last 15," he added.

Manu's game time has been restricted due to the talent that Racing, six-time champions, have at their disposal

- 'Real threat' -

France's experienced midfielder Gael Fickou as well as Fiji pair Vinaya Habosi and Josua Tuisova compete with Manu for a place in the run-on team.

"They've all got different traits," Manu said.

"Naya and Josh are powerful ball runners. I just try to build a connection with them.

"I know that's their strength, so I want to use them up as much as I can.

"They're a real threat, those boys," he added.

Racing's hopes of booking a place in their first Top 14 final since have been handed a boost with Toulouse set to be without full-back Thomas Ramos and his sure-fire boot.

In the other semi, Montpellier, who finished second in the table face Stade Francais 24 hours later at the Stade Velodrome on the Mediterranean coast.

Montpellier, champions in 2022, are unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions, including May 21's Challenge Cup final triumph over Ulster.

Fixtures (both 1905GMT)

Friday

Toulouse v Racing 92

Saturday

Montpellier v Stade Francais

With a chaotic game locked 2-2 at the break, Bellingham scored two minutes into the second half to put England on the way to an ultimately fairly comfortable win. It capped an all-action display from Bellingham, who started ahead of Morgan Rogers, and he told the BBC: "For me personally it was nice to put some of the noise aside and show my country, show my team-mates, how committed I am to helping us win football matches." Bellingham, who could play a vital role for England if they want to win their first major trophy since 1966, said it had been "a tougher season" for me.

But he comes to football's biggest stage feeling "fresh and sharp and strong, and ready to give everything". He added: "I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder." Asked if that helps him play better, he replied: "I think so. That helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game, to find that intensity. "I know it's part of being a footballer, I don't hold a grudge about anyone that says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it. "Today I think it was nice to try and show people and remind people what I'm about."

Tuchel, who once described Bellingham's on-field behaviour as "repulsive", before apologising, challenged him to show the same level for however long England are in the tournament. "A very good player, he deserved to start," said the German coach. "And that's what he needs to do, fight for his place, to keep his place, that's what he did, it was good."

But the Koreans' preparations on Tuesday were interrupted by the incident, which prompted fears of spying, with reports stating that the drone was brought down by Mexico's military. "Yesterday during our training there was a drone in the sky, and we came to know about the fact. But fortunately it was right before we practiced our tactics, so it did not impact us significantly," said the coach. "But, while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing. So, what happened was unfortunate," he told a press conference.

Mexican federal authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while officials in the state of Jalisco told AFP they had no formal record of the incident. Drone flights have been banned over stadiums and facilities hosting World Cup matches and events in Mexico, as well as the United States. Korean coach Hong said he expected a challenging clash against Mexico, praising the opponents' "creative" midfield and telling reporters he expected a vocal home crowd to play a role.

"We fully understand that it's going to be a match with the home team, and we know that that's going to give benefits to the home team," he said. "But my players have experienced such matches before, so it will be different tomorrow, and we need to control the rhythm and the flow of the match." Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening game last week, while South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1.

One of the favourites to win the tournament in North America, England conjured up numerous chances after that through Kane, Bellingham and Nico O'Reilly, before substitute Marcus Rashford wrapped up the three points. The victory showed England at their attacking best, but they were flimsy at the back, especially in the first half. Asked how they had pulled away after the break, Kane said of the coach Tuchel: "He gave a great speech to be honest, especially the way we conceded that second goal just before the half-time.

"He just told us to let the shackles off, calm down, what are we scared of? Let's just go. "The way we conceded that second goal, it's not the team we want to be, dropping deep, waiting and conceding anyway. "He kind of just said, what's the worst that can happen? We lose a match, first group game, we get on with it, we move on, let's just go and show the world who we can be. "And I think we've done exactly that second half."

The German Tuchel, tasked with taking England to their first major trophy since 1966, said he thought his side were nervy and passive in the first half. Tuchel called the first 45 minutes "complicated". "I felt a bit nervy," he told ITV. "The decisions we took were basically, we chose to go safe and play too many balls backwards. "We struggled to find the rhythm, didn't have the confidence to go through the gaps and find the rhythm in some short passes and then the switch of play."

Tuchel was much happier after the break as England ran out ultimately fairly comfortable winners. "I love the reaction of the players into the second half, the second half was excellent," he said. "We deserved to win, but it was emotional, a lot of emotions involved and it took us a while to get going, but we did get going, and that's positive."

"It was frightening, because there was an expectation that we would produce a big performance," said the 34-year-old Flamengo defender. "When things don't work out, it's not easy to digest. "We need to find balance. We were unbalanced both tactically and mentally," he added. Danilo acknowledged that Brazil are currently a step behind favourites such as defending champions Argentina and France, but stressed they remain among the leading contenders.

"We have to be clear: we don't yet have the maturity that France or Argentina have today as a team," he said. "That doesn't mean we can't perform well, win matches and go far. "If we can add one more star to the shirt, that would be wonderful." Despite Brazil's clear superiority on paper, Danilo said the team respected Haiti, pointing to surprise results at the tournament such as Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain in Group H. "Everyone saw how Cape Verde defended against Spain," he said. "Talking about thrashing Haiti would be crazy." Danilo also said he hoped injured forward Neymar would be fit to return soon from a calf injury that has kept him out of action since mid-May.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star received a playful guard of honour from his team-mates Wednesday as he trained with them for the first time at this World Cup. "I often talk with players about opponents... If you have a player like Neymar up against you, there's more pressure and you're always asking for help," he explained. "Just by being on the pitch, he can disrupt everything the opponent has prepared."

The Colombians went ahead when Daniel Munoz volleyed in Diaz's superb pass after 40 minutes but Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized before Diaz settled the contest in the 65th minute and Jaminton Campaz scored a third in the dying seconds.

Attendees, who do not require a ticket, will be required to undergo security screening, with extensive restrictions on permitted items. The parade, which kicks off at 1400 GMT, will see the Knicks travel from Bowling Green at the bottom of Manhattan to City Hall, a 10-block route known as the "Canyon of Heroes." They will be showered with 2,500 pounds (1.1 tonnes) of recycled confetti, according to the city.

After the parade, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani will award keys to the city to the victorious squad at City Hall. "From packed watch parties in our parks to joyous celebrations that spilled out onto our streets, this championship belongs to New York City," said Mamdani. Typically the preserve of the city's "great and good," leftist Mamdani is giving away 600 tickets for the ceremony at City Hall to ordinary Big Apple residents.

"The Knicks brought together New Yorkers from every borough and every walk of life. That's why we're making these tickets free and accessible -- so working-class people have a chance to be part of this historic moment and celebrate the team that brought a championship home," he added. Crowds at the City Hall event will be treated to an all-star show, team owner James Dolan told local media.

"We have everybody from Walt Clyde Frazier from the old team to the new team, the Knicks City Dancers, there's like five marching bands," he said, adding that Grammy winner Alicia Keys will sing "Empire State of Mind" -- the smash hit she recorded with Jay-Z in 2009. Ticker-tape parades trace their origins to the late 1800s with the first such celebration marking the dedication of the Statue of Liberty. The city, already swarming with football fans for the World Cup, faces traffic chaos with a number of street closures enforced across Manhattan from late Wednesday.

No one can match the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's 143 international goals. But he has failed to net in his last nine matches at major tournaments and offers little in a defensive role when the opposition are in possession.

Martinez, though, has no doubt he remains Portugal's best option up front. "He is an example and a reference for football. For all those children on the street who begin to feel the love for sport, following the example of Cristiano Ronaldo is wonderful," Martinez told a press conference ahead of Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo. "It is his sixth World Cup, but I can say that internally it seems to be his first World Cup in terms of intensity, in terms of emotional output, of how important it is for him to be prepared to lead the group.

"Within the team he is a vital player because he is the finisher, he is the player in the penalty area, he is the player who has those movements that can open spaces for other players. Within our attacking game, his numbers reflect the importance he has." Bruno Fernandes said his first experience of a major tournament as a child came on home soil, when a 19-year-old Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the final of Euro 2004.

"All of us in this national team we have grown up watching Cristiano Ronaldo play and for us it's such an honour to play next to him now in the same team," said the Manchester United captain. "We're all here to support him and to support Portugal to go as far as possible." Fresh from winning Premier League player of the year accolades, Fernandes is part of one of the strongest midfields in the World Cup.

Vitinha and Joao Neves have recently won a second consecutive Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, while Bernardo Silva is set to join Real Madrid after a trophy-laden nine years at Manchester City. "We have a very strong team, great individual quality, and beyond the individual quality and the strengths that we have as individual players, I think we are a very cohesive team, a very united team," added Fernandes.

"Obviously our dream is to be there (winning the World Cup) and I think that dreaming is not forbidden." Portugal will also face tournament debutants Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K. Martinez, though, warned against looking beyond DR Congo after the shock Spain suffered in being held 0-0 by Cape Verde in their opening match.

"We've got very little to win tomorrow from the outside. If you win against Congo, it's expected. If you win by one, it's a big problem. If you draw, it's a catastrophe. If you lose, this is the end of the world," said the Spaniard. "They come with no expectations, they are enjoying being here. We've seen incredible performances from teams like Qatar, Cape Verde, exemplary performances, that shows you that there are no easy games in a World Cup."

Martinez also confirmed reports he is set to leave his role after the World Cup when his contract expires. "My contract ends after the World Cup. This is not news, this is just a fact," he added. "We're now focused on finishing the work that we've begun three-and-a-half years ago. "When I came to Portugal the focus was to try to win everything, but most importantly to prepare for the World Cup."

Ibrahim Mbaye was on the mark for Senegal. Mendy said that even though they may have had the better of the first-half, the Lions of Teranga had failed to execute their game plan. "We were a bit sluggish in the first-half," the 34-year-old told beIn Sports. "We knew that in the second we had to raise our level, be more cutting edge in attack. "We were at times, although against teams like these, you have to be totally on your game defensively and offensively.

"You cannot take your eye off the ball because you are up against pure talent." Mendy, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, said he did not believe there was a gaping chasm between the two teams. "We know what our qualities are and that we are capable of playing better," he said. "We were especially lax when it came to retaining possession, we should have been more consistent in keeping it. "But then again we did have a very good team as the opposition today." Mendy, an Africa Cup of Nations winner in 2021, said there was still all to play for in terms of reaching the second round.

The 2002 quarter-finalists have Norway next Monday followed by Iraq four days later. "As I said even if we won this match, the group would still be open," said Mendy, who plays his club football for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. "Today we lost but just as in 2022 (when they lost their opening group game but recovered to reach the knockout stages) we must rest and focus on Norway."

And the 38-year-old, who made his first appearance at a World Cup as a teenager in 2006, lit up the occasion with three goals in a clinical display by the reigning champions. "To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment," said the Inter Miami star. "I'm happy." He added: "I'm grateful to the fans, because once again they've shown that Argentina is crazy about this. We packed the stadium again."

Messi produced a majestic finish from distance in the 17th minute, sparking a frenzy among his adoring fans, who had turned the match into a virtual home game. He netted again in the second half from close range, gobbling up a rebound to take him just one goal behind the all-time record held by Germany's Klose. And Messi completed his first hat-trick at a World Cup with an unstoppable finish in the 76th minute. The diminutive genius was substituted shortly afterwards, forcing Argentine fans to wait to see their hero have a shot at the outright record.

The Group J match in the open-air stadium started at a frantic pace and both sides had early goals ruled out for offside, including one from Messi. But Argentina took the lead when Rodrigo De Paul played a beautifully measured through ball, which Messi picked up before driving at goal and unleashing a fierce drive from outside the penalty area that curled away from goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

The South American team were largely in control, fluid in attack with their revered number 10 pulling the strings. But as the clock ticked towards half-time Algeria enjoyed a better spell, with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez forced to parry a shot from Fares Chaibi. Messi curled another effort over the bar in the early minutes of the second half and Zidane kept out a shot from Lautaro Martinez.

But the crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate another goal from the veteran Inter Miami forward. Zidane failed to deal with a sizzling Alexis Mac Allister strike and Messi was there to sweep home in the 60th minute. Time stood still six minutes later as Messi was through again but this time Zidane pushed the ball over the bar. But he was not to be denied, completing his hat-trick after being set up by substitute Nico Gonzalez.

"I don't have the words to describe Messi," said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. "For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play." Argentina are seeking to become the first back-to-back winners of the World Cup since Brazil managed the feat in 1962. Earlier, the roads around the stadium were clogged as tens of thousands of Argentine fans streamed towards ground dressed in blue and white, many with Messi's name on the back of their shirts.

Argentina's all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa. Ronaldo will equal Messi's record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.

"Following efforts by the Football Federation and coordination with FIFA, the player was issued a new multiple-entry visa today," a team official said. "With this visa now secured, Torabi will have no issues accompanying Iran's national team in its upcoming matches and will be available to travel with the squad throughout the remainder of the tournament." Iran's final group game is against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The visa issue was the latest complication for the Iranian team in the run up to the World Cup. Team Melli's participation had been in doubt since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran in late February. Tehran hit back at US allies in the region, targeting infrastructure and closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20 percent of the world's oil passes.

A plan to station the team in Arizona was scrubbed at the 11th hour, with a new base camp being established in Tijuana, Mexico instead. US officials denied visas entirely for more than a dozen support staff, meaning they could not travel to the games. Coach Amir Ghalenoei complained Monday that Iran was the "most oppressed team in the World Cup" after his players were suddenly informed they must travel back to Mexico immediately after their opening game ended.

"They delayed our arrivals, (now) they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery," Ghalenoei told journalists. "They are making the situation more and more difficult, facing us with more hurdles, but we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best."

Croatia face England on Wednesday in Texas in one of the most attractive fixtures of the group stage in North America.

The 40-year-old Modric will lead out Croatia, who beat England in the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, and will pull the strings once more in midfield.

Along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, this will be the last dance for one of the most acclaimed players in the world over the past 20 years.

Modric, now with AC Milan after more than a decade at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield, is set to win his 200th cap for his country in North America.

"Every game, every tournament is special at 40 with the national team," Modric said on the eve of the England clash.

"My aim in this tournament is to enjoy it, to do my best, but enjoy it," he added.

"I want to enjoy each match, every training with these guys."

Croatia strolled through qualifying but come into the World Cup with little fanfare -- much like at other recent major tournaments.

But England will underestimate them at their peril, even if the Croatia squad is one of the older ones at the tournament.

Another veteran of past campaigns, 37-year-old winger Ivan Perisic, is also in the squad alongside Manchester City pair Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic.

There is excitement about defender Luka Vuskovic, 19, who is expected to start against England, and Modric said: "There are a lot of young players, so I feel rejuvenated with them."

Long-serving coach Zlatko Dalic is looking forward to facing England once more, and seeing how his men stand up to an attack led by the prolific skipper Harry Kane.

"The opponent is high quality," he said.

"We know their quality, we analysed them, and they know us too... they're very dangerous.

"They have the best strikers in the world. They have Kane -- Kane can do a lot, a hell of a lot," he added, saying he was also wary of the threat posed by Thomas Tuchel's side from set-pieces.

"We are quite prepared for that," he said.

Also in Group L are Ghana and Panama.

Brazil's all-time record scorer has yet to return to full training after missing the team's opening 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday. Neymar has been an integral part of Brazil's last three World Cup campaigns but there was some surprise at his inclusion this time as injuries have prevented him from playing for his country at all since 2023.

He has featured in just half of his club's games in the Brazilian league, cup and Copa Sudamericana this year due to various fitness issues. Brazil's next game is against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday. They face Scotland in their final Group C game in Miami on June 24.

Jordan never stopped chasing the game and had the consolation of scoring the first World Cup goal in their history through Ali Olwan.

Real Madrid star Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 -- just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose -- and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

The 38-year-old had started an unforgettable occasion -- his 200th international appearance -- by claiming a piece of history, becoming the first man to play in six World Cups as he led Argentina onto the field for what would become a one-sided Group J clash. Messi, who first played in the World Cup as a teenager during the 2006 finals in Germany, then emphatically stamped his class over proceedings with a memorable hat-trick -- the first of his World Cup career.

A 17th minute curling strike took his World Cup goals tally to 14, putting him alongside German legend Gerd Muller and France superstar Kylian Mbappe in the all-time rankings. He then moved one clear of Muller and Mbappe to join Brazilian great Ronaldo on 15 goals in the 60th minute after pouncing on a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister shot to make it 2-0. He joined Germany's Klose on 16 goals in the 76th minute, sweeping in a low finish from the edge of the area before departing to deafening applause and a standing ovation from an adoring crowd four minutes later.

Argentina defeated France in an epic 2022 World Cup final in Doha, winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw that saw Les Bleus striker Mbappe score a hat-trick. France -- who could meet Argentina in the final again this year if seedings follow the form book -- launched their tournament on Tuesday with a 3-1 defeat of Senegal, with Mbappe scoring twice to suggest he is more than ready to deliver another big World Cup.

"There are still people out there who will criticise him but he is an extraordinary player," France coach Didier Deschamps said of Mbappe. "Not everything came off for him, but he can win games in one moment." Mbappe's double against the Senegalese also saw him overtake Olivier Giroud as France's leading goalscorer with 58 goals from 99 games.

"I am really pleased for him. He didn't score in the warm-up friendly games but to break the record at the World Cup gives it more impact," Deschamps added. Another potent scorer, Erling Haaland, marked his first World Cup finals appearance with two goals in a 4-1 romp against Iraq in France's Group I. The Manchester City striker pounced from close range on 29 minutes in Foxborough, but Aymen Hussein's header brought Iraq level before Haaland capitalised on an Iraqi defensive error to put Norway ahead again before half-time. He took his international goals tally to 57 in just 51 matches.

Substitute Leo Ostigard headed in a third for Norway and they got a fourth deep in stoppage time through a Hussein own goal to secure three points in their first appearance at a World Cup since 1998. Haaland's goalscoring World Cup debut left Norway coach Stale Solbakken purring with satisfaction. "You could see that he adapted to the occasion, the occasion wasn't too big for him," said Solbakken. "I had a good feeling before the game. I had quite a comfortable feeling that he would do it for us today." In the late game on Tuesday, World Cup debutants Jordan face Austria in Santa Clara, California in Group J.

Bangladesh secured the ODI series 2-1 after outplaying Australia for much of the three-match contest. While the triumph marked Bangladesh's maiden ODI series victory over the Australians, they had previously enjoyed success against them in T20 cricket. Of the 11 T20 Internationals played between the two sides, Bangladesh have won four, all of which came during their memorable 4-1 series victory in Mirpur in 2021, the last T20I series contested between the teams.

Despite concerns over batting depth, Bangladesh captain Liton Das pinned hopes on the side's strong pace-bowling resources ahead of the series. The hosts possess an impressive pace attack featuring Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam and emerging fast bowler Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Except for Gaffar, all were part of the ODI squad and played key roles in Bangladesh's successful campaign against Australia. "It is good that the pace bowling is very strong. You can play anyone in the best XI. It is a good competition.

It is also good for the Bangladesh team that the bench is getting stronger," Liton said. Liton said the confidence to expect for another series victory stemmed from their ODI series win. "Not only did we win the series, we played very good cricket in all three matches. This is an added bonus. Of course, the format is different, our team is different, their team is also different." "One good thing is that most of our players have played in ODIs. Everyone has confidence. But we have to play very good cricket on a certain day," he said. Australia, meanwhile, avoided a series whitewash with a hard-fought one- wicket victory in the third ODI after losing the opening two matches.

The visitors have been boosted by the return of regular captain Mitchell Marsh, who missed the ODI series due to an ankle injury. Australia have also included all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary in their T20 squad. If selected in the playing XI, he could become the first Indian-born male cricketer to represent Australia in more than six decades. Chaudhary was brought into the squad amid the continued absence of Travis Head, who has been granted personal leave after initially being named in Australia's limited-overs squads for the Bangladesh tour.

Squad Bangladesh: Liton Das (Captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Shamim Patwari, Towhid Hridoy (Vice Captain), Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Soumya Sarkar Australia: Mitchell Marsh(c), Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw and Adam Zampa.

Despite their proud record in the competition, Germany have struggled in recent editions and this was the first time they had won their first opening match at a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2014. "It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalized. Curacao can play football too, as we saw, and I'm curious to see how they'll fare in the group going forward," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. "I'm very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important and we're glad we managed it," he added.

Curacao will hope they can get more out of their remaining Group E games against Ecuador and Ivory Coast. "It is not embarrassing to lose like that against such a team," said their 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. In other games on Sunday, Japan fought back twice to seal a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

Skipper Virgil van Dijk had put the Dutch ahead with a fine header at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville's sumptuous curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour. Japan earned a point with an 89th-minute deflected equalizer attributed to Daichi Kamada. In Philadelphia, a last-gasp 90th-minute goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a precious 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group E.

An entertaining battle between two evenly matched sides looked to be heading for a draw until Diallo popped up to side-foot home a finish from Wilfried Singo's low cross. In the late game on Sunday, Sweden face Tunisia in Group F. Off the field, all eyes turned to Los Angeles where Iran's footballers finally arrived on US soil after months of uncertainty in the build-up to the tournament following the United States and Israel's military assault on the Islamic Republic.

Iran, who relocated their team training camp to Tijuana in Mexico from Arizona due to diplomatic wrangling, take on New Zealand in Group G on Monday. The Iran team has had to leave some of its support team in Tijuana after the US refused to grant visas to administrative and management staff. At an eve-of-game press conference that got under way just over an hour after Tehran and Washington announced a peace deal to end the conflict, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said political tensions and visa issues had hampered his team's World Cup preparations.

But Ghalenoei insisted his players would not "pay attention to any of the hype." Protests are planned outside the SoFi Stadium on Monday by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed. "We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP.

"Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football." The coach said his team are simply at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora." "We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei. 

The former Liverpool captain said the Real Madrid star had made huge progress since his international debut as a 17-year-old in 2020. "How much he's grown as a player and as a person since then is incredible, really," said Henderson. "I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. But what he's done so far at such a young age, I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me really sometimes."

The Brentford player added: "I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him. I know a lot gets written in the media. I find it hard to read sometimes, really, because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field. "And what he gives us is just something really special, really. I think he really gives us the X factor in our team. "He's had big moments in his career. He's a big-game player. He's got experience in tournaments. So he's a huge, huge player for us in this tournament."

Henderson, speaking a day after England arrived at their World Cup base in the Midwest, also spoke highly of Tuchel. The German, who has managed a string of top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, took charge at the beginning of last year with a brief to win England's first World Cup since 1966. "I feel as though in the space of maybe just over a year, year-and-a-half he's changed quite a bit to be honest and created a really good environment, really good culture with the group," said Henderson. "But then it's up to the players to then lead that and take that forward, which I feel as though we have done and it's just about building that now.

"We've got a lot in the bank, how well we've worked over the past year or so to get to this point." England face a stiff test against Croatia in their Group L opener in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, before matches against Ghana and Panama. Henderson, 35, picked out the threat of fellow veteran Luka Modric, who is 40.

"For me, he's probably the best I've played against in my career midfield-wise," he said of the AC Milan man. "I think his career speaks for itself. "I think he's a top world-class player, so hard to play against... I'm a big, big fan of his and hopefully he doesn't perform as well as we know he can against us."

It is Ivory Coast's first win at a World Cup in exactly 12 years, since they beat Japan in Brazil in 2014, and they can now be confident of making the knockout phase at the tournament for the first time. It was a disappointing way to start for Ecuador, who had the majority of the 68,274 crowd at the packed Philadelphia stadium kitted out in yellow and backing them. They hit the bar twice in the first half, through John Yeboah and Alan Minda, while Elye Wahi struck the same crossbar for the Ivorians after half-time.

Ivory Coast, African champions in 2024, will now hope to build on this when they play Germany in their next game in Group E in Toronto on Saturday. The Ecuadorians will look to bounce back when they head to Kansas City the same day to play Curacao, the debutant minnows who were hammered 7-1 by Germany earlier in Houston. Ecuador, coached by Argentinian Sebastian Beccacece, had a remarkable record in South American qualifying as they finished second behind Argentina.

With a defence marshalled by Paris Saint-Germain's Willian Pacho and Chelsea's Moises Caicedo patrolling the midfield, they conceded a miserly five goals in 18 qualifying games, but scored only 14. Remarkably, eight of their 18 matches ended in 0-0 draws, and six featured a single goal. Ivory Coast were nevertheless confident of causing their opponents problems with exciting young RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande a danger on the flanks and recent French-born recruit Wahi leading the line. A match watched by US rap mogul Jay-Z was cagey at times but came to life midway through the first half as the frame of the goal was rattled for the first time.

Yeboah, the former German youth international who plays in Italy's Serie B for Venezia, pounced on uncertain defending at the edge of the box and crashed a shot off Yahia Fofana's bar. The Ivory Coast goal was living a charmed life as Ecuador struck the woodwork again on the half-hour mark, Pedro Vite slipping in Minda to be denied this time. Emerse Fae's Ivorians looked dangerous intermittently, notably when Nicolas Pepe was denied by a last-ditch challenge after Diomande had raced away from Piero Hincapie.

The Elephants had never reached the World Cup knockout phase in their three previous appearances but surely knew a win here would practically secure their passage to the next round. Wahi, who finished the club season at Nice in France, turned a Diomande cross from the right onto the bar shortly after the restart. Seko Fofana forced a save from Hernan Galindez in the Ecuador goal, but the match seemed to be petering out to a goalless conclusion until the late drama. Wilfried Singo went on a rampaging run from defence down the Ivorian right, before delivering a low centre for Diallo to score with a sidefoot finish, and silence the Ecuador support.

Protests are planned outside the stadium by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed. "We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football."

The coach said his team are simply at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora." "We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei. The press conference took place barely an hour after a peace deal between the US and Iran was announced, bringing an "immediate and permanent" end to miltary operations on all fronts. Controversy surrounding the Iran team has drawn headlines but is far from the only political issue affecting the World Cup that the US is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada.

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US for the World Cup, as have been many fans. "It's not just Iran that has been impacted, as you know," said star striker Mehdi Taremi. "Others, including a referee, have been impacted." He said the tension surrounding the tournament "undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA or people, which is about football that brings about peace." "I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup, and whenever at any tournament there is tension, of course, we don't have the same beautiful experience that we always talk about, about peace, joy for the people of every country."

Iran was originally supposed to base their training camp in the US, but switched to Tijuana in Mexico at late notice. "We arrived late, and we didn't have enough time to adjust... it will affect us, but God willing, I know that my players are very determined to do their utmost and show the highest quality," said Ghalenoei. "Of course, our camp was changed twice, first it was in the United States, then we were transferred to Mexico and of course that impacts us," the coach added. "But we Iranians make opportunities out of hardship, and we don't think about anything other than bringing joy to our people, and we will do our utmost, and the rest is up to God the Almighty." Iran has never reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup. Their Group G also contains Belgium and Egypt.

"We've been discussing how much we want to enjoy the match and the World Cup," Bubista told a press conference. "It is an amazing opportunity to show our country to the world. We are very much happy to face Spain in the opener, this is a dream coming true." Cape Verde were one of 13 football federations to hit out at UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on Sunday over remarks that an expanded tournament would lead to "completely uninteresting" matches. In remarks by Ceferin reportedly made before the tournament to Slovenian newspaper Delo, the UEFA chief said the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams this year -- up from 32 in 2022 -- would dilute the quality of the competition.

"We are happy to be here, I believe it is an opportunity for teams from smaller countries to have a chance to participate and play and compete, so to us we are proud of being here," Bubista told AFP. "Our flag will be flying, that is the most important thing, among the best football nations in the world. "There is no greater joy than that because we are a small country and we will do our very best so that every Cabo Verdian may feel proud of our participation."

Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal is set to only make his World Cup debut from the bench as he is eased back into action from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona winger lit up Euro 2024 as La Roja romped to success in Germany and is hoping to make similar impact on the World Cup at just 18 years of age. "If it is the World Cup of Lamine I don't know. There are many great players from many different countries," said Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes. "We are up against one of the best teams in the world, we can just hope it is our day and get the best result possible."

"We know Ecuador is a big team. We had to be patient and wait for our opportunity and we got the goal." The West Africans are appearing at their fourth World Cup but the first since 2014. They have never made it past the group stage but are well placed to do so with games still to come against Germany and Curacao. "We haven't come here just to be part of it all. We want to make history," said Diomande. He will face some familiar faces when the Ivorians take on four-time World Cup winners Germany, packed with Bundesliga stars, in Toronto on June 20. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 to open their account on Sunday.

"We'll do everything we can to win the next match," said Diomande. "We know that playing against Germany is a tough game and they are one of the biggest teams in the world. We're waiting for them, but the most important thing is to stay calm and be humble." Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae credited his side for the way in which they overcame their World Cup nerves as they rode their luck in the first half when Ecuador twice hit the bar.

"The players were a bit on edge. It was a first World Cup for everyone, so there was a bit of tension. They were afraid to take risks," said Fae, who guided the Elephants to an Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil two years ago. "We managed to hold on and dig in," he added. "In the second half we were a lot more focused... and we have attacking players who can make the difference at any moment." The loss snapped a 19-match unbeaten run for Ecuador dating back to September.

"It's difficult to start with a loss," admitted captain Enner Valencia. "This squad has a history of coming through difficult situations. This will be just another one. I'm sure we'll pull through."

"Japanese people think that when we use a certain place, we were told that you have to make that place look tidier when you leave than it was when you arrived," said the 20-year-old, clasping a beer and a couple of cups, and wearing Japan's blue shirt. "For example, at school in our classrooms we tidy it up after ourselves without our teacher telling us." Japan are appearing at their eighth straight World Cup and their fans' cleanliness has become their international calling card.

NFL quarterback Jameis Winston could even be seen joining in the clean-up after Sunday's game, wearing a blue Japan shirt with his name on the back. Japan fan Futo Hagiwara said he was proud that the behaviour of his countrymen had been recognised in a positive light. "This is our culture, that means everywhere we go we need to clean it after ourselves, it's our spiritual way, our attitude," he said.

Sociologist and philosopher Masachi Ohsawa believes a mix of social responsibility and peer pressure is behind the fans' behaviour. "While Japanese people tend not to take much interest in justice on a large scale -- issues like global inequality, conflict or climate change -- they are extremely sensitive to moral considerations on a smaller scale," he said. "When it comes to people who they share the same space with or have direct personal contact with, they feel a strong desire not to cause them any trouble or make them feel uncomfortable."

Cleaning chores are a part of Japanese education from an early age, and children can be seen scrubbing floors and tables at schools every day. Public waste bins are scarce in the country, and people are expected to take their rubbish home with them. Getting rid of household waste can be a labyrinthine task that involves separating rubbish into different categories. Scott North, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Osaka, said he and his neighbours get together twice a year to pull out weeds and rake up cuttings.

He said such groups are organised into leaders and followers, and operate in a similar way to Japanese football supporters. "Since everyone comes together, there's an expectation that they'll act as a group," said North, an American who has lived in Japan for about 40 years. "And when the leaders break out the bags and say here you go, nobody is going to say no." Sociologist Ohsawa said such behaviour could be explained by what Japanese people refer to as "reading the air".

"In Japan, even if one person starts picking up litter, those around them feel they simply cannot help but join in," he said. "That's because if they don't, the people they are with will think they are a bad person." He said peer pressure was a powerful social force. "In this case, the primary motivation isn't so much a desire to keep the stadium clean or to avoid causing trouble for the people who have to clean the stadium afterwards," he said. "It's more a desire not to be seen as a nuisance in one's own group."

Whatever the reasons, Japan's fans will keep tidying up for as long as they stay in the tournament. Their next game is against Tunisia in Mexico on Saturday, and fan Hagiwara is happy to keep leading by example. "We usually don't tell children they should do it," he said. "We just show our actions and behaviour, and other people follow."

Iran were initially to be based in Tucson, Arizona for the tournament, but switched their training base to Tijuana, Mexico at the 11th hour as a result of ongoing tensions with World Cup co-hosts the United States over visa issues. US authorities have refused to grant visas for several members of the Iranian delegation.

Protests are planned outside the stadium by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed during the Group G clash. Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Sunday, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said he hoped his team's performances at the World Cup could unite all Iranians at home and overseas.

"We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in response to a question from AFP. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football." The coach said his team are at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora."

"We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei. Iran's World Cup debut comes just a day after Washington and Tehran announced a permanent deal to end their ongoing conflict. In other games on Monday, European champions Spain launch their quest for a second World Cup crown in Group H against Cape Verde, the 2,500-1 outsiders from the Atlantic archipelago who are making their first appearance in the World Cup.

Spain are regarded as one of the favourites for this year's World Cup, boasting a squad bristling with talent that defeated England in the final of the European Championship in Germany two years ago. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente did little to dampen the expectation surrounding his players on Sunday, confidently describing his squad as the best in the tournament. "For me, with all due respect to the rest, it is the best team in the world. The best players," he said.

"To see the level of footballers we have, you only have to see the ones I leave out.

"But the players understand their role and accept it. That is the luck this team has."

Cape Verde coach Bubista insists the African qualifiers are not just making up the numbers in the World Cup as they prepare for the opener in Atlanta.

"We've been discussing how much we want to enjoy the match and the World Cup," Bubista said. "It is an amazing opportunity to show our country to the world. We are very much happy to face Spain in the opener, this is a dream coming true."

In other games on Monday, Saudi Arabia face Uruguay in Group H in Miami, while in the other Group G game, Belgium face Mohamed Salah's Egypt in Seattle.

In Sunday's games, Germany opened their tournament with a 7-1 drubbing of Curacao in Group E while Japan twice came from behind to grab a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Group F in Arlington, Texas.

In Philadelphia, a last-gasp 90th-minute goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a precious 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group E.

Sweden opened their campaign in Group F with a swashbuckling 5-1 rout of Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico.

Sweden, who only squeezed into the World Cup via the playoffs thanks to their performances in the Nations League, ran the North Africans ragged and romped to an impressive victory thanks to two goals from Yasin Ayari and one apiece from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg.

The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection. "We are not completely satisfied with the draw," said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, whose side face Tunisia on Saturday in a competitive-looking Group F. "But the Netherlands are a top-class team and we tried to compete at the same level.

"We were tenacious but patient and kept calm." Japan and the Netherlands are missing key players through injury, but on paper this was still one of the more attractive fixtures in the group stage. Both have been touted as dark horses capable of going far at the tournament -- the Dutch have been runners-up three times whereas Japan have never gone beyond the last 16. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, the former defender charged with finally delivering World Cup glory, was given a grilling by Dutch media afterwards especially for his substitutions.

"I am disappointed that we did not win," said Koeman, who pointed the finger at his side's defending. "But I am not that negative," he said to one line of questioning that he took exception to. "I saw a team that has made great progress," he added of his men. "Of course we can perform better and need to grow during the tournament." The Netherlands made a confident start and nearly took the lead after three minutes, Donyell Malen swivelling and forcing a smart save from Zion Suzuki.

The impressive air-conditioned arena is usually home to the Dallas Cowboys, and at the hydration break the NFL team's cheerleaders were shown on the massive screen hanging over the pitch performing one of their routines. The stoppage seemed to help the Dutch and Roma forward Malen again worked Suzuki with a header from a corner.

Japan's fans, who had hardly stopped singing and outnumbered the Dutch contingent, were briefly silenced. The first real chance for Moriyasu's team came a few minutes before the break when a cross evaded the backtracking Summerville but Nakamura pulled his effort wide. The Dutch had looked most threatening in the air, so it was no surprise when Liverpool talisman Van Dijk rose to plant a well-placed header into the bottom corner after a pinpoint cross from his club team-mate Ryan Gravenberch on 51 minutes.

The lead lasted just six minutes, Nakamura wriggling free and firing low past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, the ball taking a small deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke. In a madcap period of play, the Dutch forged ahead once more on 64 minutes when West Ham's Summerville beat his man on the right wing and curled into Suzuki's bottom-right corner with his left foot. Both teams rang the changes and had chances to score again, before Kamada's chaotic leveller from a corner. Sweden face Tunisia later Sunday in the other Group F game of the day.

But they were soon outclassed as Felix Nmecha opened the scoring for the Germans and Kai Havertz grabbed a goal in each half, including a penalty. Despite their proud record in the competition, Germany have struggled in recent editions and this was the first time they had won their first opening match at a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2014. "It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalized. Curacao can play football too, as we saw, and I'm curious to see how they'll fare in the group going forward," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

"I'm very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important and we're glad we managed it," he added. Curacao will hope they can get more out of their remaining Group E games against Ecuador and Ivory Coast. "It is not embarrassing to lose like that against such a team," said their 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. In other games on Sunday, Japan fought back twice to seal a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

Skipper Virgil van Dijk had put the Dutch ahead with a fine header at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville's sumptuous curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour. Japan earned a point with an 89th-minute deflected equalizer attributed to Daichi Kamada. In Philadelphia, a last-gasp 90th-minute goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a precious 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group E.

An entertaining battle between two evenly matched sides looked to be heading for a draw until Diallo popped up to side-foot home a finish from Wilfried Singo's low cross. In the late game on Sunday, Sweden face Tunisia in Group F. Off the field, all eyes turned to Los Angeles where Iran's footballers finally arrived on US soil after months of uncertainty in the build-up to the tournament following the United States and Israel's military assault on the Islamic Republic.

Iran, who relocated their team training camp to Tijuana in Mexico from Arizona due to diplomatic wrangling, take on New Zealand in Group G on Monday. The Iran team has had to leave some of its support team in Tijuana after the US refused to grant visas to administrative and management staff. At an eve-of-game press conference that got under way just over an hour after Tehran and Washington announced a peace deal to end the conflict, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said political tensions and visa issues had hampered his team's World Cup preparations.

But Ghalenoei insisted his players would not "pay attention to any of the hype." Protests are planned outside the SoFi Stadium on Monday by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed.

"We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football." The coach said his team are simply at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora." "We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei.

The Liverpool forward raced forward and cut inside before unleashing a shot, which goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh failed to keep out, even though he got a hand to the ball. Tunisia did not concede a single goal in qualifying, becoming the first side to achieve that feat, subsequently matched by Ivory Coast and England. Sweden threatened to overwhelm their opponents but the match changed complexion minutes before half-time when Omar Rekik headed home Hannibal Mejbri's teasing cross.

However, the Scandinavian nation restored their two-goal cushion in the 59th minute after another defensive calamity for Tunisia. Midfielder Ellyes Skhiri was caught in possession on the edge of the box by Isak, who fed Viktor Gyokeres and the Arsenal man fired home. Substitute Mattias Svanberg made it 4-1 late on after VAR ruled he was onside.

And there was still time for another stunning goal from Ayari from outside the penalty box. Sweden reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia but did not qualify for the tournament in Qatar four years later. Tunisia were the first African team to win a World Cup match when they beat Mexico in 1978, but they have never progressed beyond the group stages. Earlier in Group F, Japan scored late to draw 2-2 against the Netherlands.

Nagelsmann brought him out of international retirement after he helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals this season. The 2014 World Cup-winner has had to nurse a calf injury in the buildup to the 2026 tournament and played no part in the 4-0 friendly win against Finland and the 2-0 victory against the USA. Nagelsmann compared the meeting of the four-time World Cup winners with the team from the tiny Caribbean island to a domestic club match.

"This is a German Cup situation. David versus Goliath," he said. The Curacao players "are all well-trained and can go into the tournament without pressure. That always makes an opponent dangerous," Nagelsmann said. "You never win a match just because you're favourites. We will win a match only if we produce a perfect performance. "We're going to try to show our best level."

Fitness problems had been a persistent problem after he burst onto the scene as a teenager. After a superb breakthrough season in 2020/21, Pedri's starring role as Spain reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 meant he played 73 matches for club and country, a toll which was too much for his developing body. Barcelona turned to a specialist myopathy laboratory in the USA for solutions and a study of Pedri's genetics helped create an individual plan that has brought him back to among the world's best midfielders.

Alongside Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi he is part of another hugely talented generation of Barca youngsters that have helped the club overcome financial difficulties to remain La Liga's dominant force. Unlike the others, Pedri was not a product of Barca's fabled La Masia academy. He made his breakthrough at Las Palmas as a 16-year-old and quickly broke into the first team after joining Barca in 2020.

Yet, his ability to keep possession and vision to cut defences open is reminiscent of Xavi and Iniesta in their prime. "With Xavi or Iniesta I realised that they are prepared before they receive the ball," Pedri said in a recent documentary on his rise to stardom. "I learned that from a very young age and it was natural to me. What makes a good move is knowing what you are going to before you get the ball."

He will be central to Spain's attempt to match the feats of the golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup, in between two triumphs at Euro 2008 and 2012. Back then Pedri watched on admiringly from a bar, founded by his grandad and run by his parents, in Tenerife that was also the first Barcelona supporters' club on the Canary Island. "Thanks to God I am living the dream that he had," Pedri added of his Barcelona fanatic grandfather, who never got to see him play at the Camp Nou. "It's like something from a movie."

The next step on the Hollywood script would be for Pedri to make his mark on the World Cup and propel himself into the conversation to win the Ballon d'Or -- the prize for the best player on the planet. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente certainly has no doubt that Pedri deserves to be recognised among the world's best. "We don't know what his best version is because he's so good," said De la Fuente, whose side are unbeaten in 31 competitive games heading into the World Cup. "He is limitless."

Spain begin their World Cup campaign against debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta on Monday. They will also face Saudi Arabia and two-time winners Uruguay in Group H. 

Vice-captain Jackson Irvine was also dropped in favour of 21-year-old midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in a starting XI that featured 10 World Cup debutants. Both of those selections proved to be inspired, with Beach pulling off a string of fine saves to deny Turkey, who dominated possession and territory but could not find a way past the Australian goalkeeper. Okon-Engstler meanwhile was instrumental in setting up the opening goal in the first half, unfurling a long ball that split the Turkish defence and sent Irankunda racing in on goal to score. Turkey -- playing in the World Cup for the first time since finishing third at the 2002 tournament -- arrived in North America dreaming of making a serious run in the knockout rounds.

But their talented team made up largely of players who regularly compete in the European Champions League were unable to get to grips with a well-organised Socceroos line-up. One of Turkey's best chances came in the 27th minute when Real Madrid's Arda Guler forced a smart save from Beach with a rasping shot. Just seconds after that chance though Australia took the lead. Beach picked out Okon-Engstler deep in the Australia half, and the 21-year-old midfielder pumped the ball upfield for Irankunda.

The Australia winger still had plenty to do but a clever first touch took him clear of the covering defence before he tucked away a low finish. Irankunda celebrated by sprinting to the edge of the pitch and pretending to box the corner flag, mimicking former Australia skipper Tim Cahill's signature goal celebration. Turkey thought they had equalised three minutes later after Abdulkerim Bardakci's piledriver from outside of the area hurtled towards goal.

But Beach got the slightest of fingertips to divert the ball onto the post and Australia survived again. Beach kept up his commanding form in the second half, turning a Guler free-kick wide for a corner on 57 minutes. With Beach continuing to make save after save, Australia made the game safe in the 75th minute when Metcalfe picked the ball up in midfield, advanced on goal and shot home from 25 yards.

The win leaves Australia level on three points with Group D leaders the United States, with the two teams due to meet in Seattle on Friday.

“He is okay but has been monitored by the doctors,” Shanto said at the toss, disclosing the current condition of Miraz. Bangladesh won the first match by 86 runs and second game by five wickets, both on DLS method to register its first ever ODI series victory against Australia. The hosts also rested fast bowler Nahid Rana, brining in offspinner Mahedi Hasan for the series final. Australia, too, made two changes to avoid a humiliating whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh.

Pacer Ben Dwarshuis and allrounder Oliver Peake were included, replacing opener Matthew Short and pacer Nathan Ellis. “It has obviously been a disappointing series for us so far. We really want to put in a good performance today and finish it 2-1,” Australia stand in captain Josh Inglis said.

Line Ups:
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Das (w), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mosaddek Hossain Saikot, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Australia: Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (w/c), Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith

Scotland meanwhile marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 win over Caribbean minnows Haiti in Foxborough, outside Boston. The meeting of Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City promised to be one of the early highlights. Ismael Saibari ran through to give Morocco a 21st-minute lead with a clever scoop in the Group C opener, but Vinicius produced a moment of magic to ensure Brazil came away with a point, cutting in from the left and unleashing a thunderous shot to level on 32 minutes.

Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup title, 24 years after last lifting the trophy, but Saturday's performance suggests there Carlo Ancelotti's side have a lot of work to do. "I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. I think the team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place," said Ancelotti. "We didn't play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup and we can't... think the team is doing perfectly from the get-go."

In Group C's other game on Saturday, Scotland -- playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998 -- were roared on to a hard-fought win over Haiti, themselves playing in their first World Cup since 1974. Hordes of Scotland's famous "Tartan Army" travelling supporters packed the Gillette Stadium, to watch manager Steve Clarke's side claim their first victory in a World Cup game since the 1990 finals in Italy. After a deafening rendition of "Flower of Scotland", the Scots started a physical contest on the front foot, and scored the game's only goal on 28 minutes when midfielder John McGinn's deflected shot flew past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide.

"Everyone said it was a must-win game - we won the game," said Scotland manager Clarke, whose team face Morocco on Friday in their second game. In the shock of the day, Australia sent Turkey spinning to a 2-0 defeat in their Group D clash in Vancouver in the late game. The result was dazzling vindication for Australia coach Tony Popovic, who had made the huge call to drop experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan in favour of rookie shot-stopper Patrick Beach. Beach repaid Popovic's faith in him with an unforgettable performance, making save-after-save to deny the Turks, who enjoyed 72 percent possession and spent long periods camped in Australian territory.

At the other end, Australia took the few chances that came their way with clinical precision, the goals coming from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. Another of Popovic's selection calls also proved to be inspired, with Paul Okon-Engstler -- starting in place of vice-captain Jackson Irvine -- setting up Irankunda's opener in the 27th minute. Metcalfe made the game safe for the Australians with an individual strike in the 75th minute.

"Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this...and just happy for a wonderful young group of men," Popovic said afterwards, before praising the contribution of inexperienced goalkeeper Beach. "It's something that we've always seen, and I've got a lot of belief in the young man. He stood up today, so very happy for him," Popovic added. Earlier, Switzerland had taken the lead against Qatar in Santa Clara, California in Group B when Breel Embolo converted a first-half penalty, but Muheim's injury-time own goal secured a share of the spoils.

"I am very proud of the team," said Qatar's Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui. "I told them that even if we hadn't scored the goal and didn't draw I would have been proud of the mentality and discipline that they showed today. But fortunately we scored and that was history." 

The Curacao players' carefree attitude has already won admirers with players singing and dancing bare-chested on the team bus in a viral social media post. "We are a nation that loves to have a little bit of a party as well," said captain Leandro Bacuna. "We love to have fun." Advocaat, 78, is the oldest coach in World Cup history. Despite his vast experience at both club and international level -- he has also taken charge of the Netherlands and South Korea at a World Cup -- the Dutchman said the team spirit that carried Curacao to the tournament was unique.

"The team spirit in this team is something I've never seen before. As a country we will give everything to win for the island, but we're not the favourite," he said on Saturday. Nagelsmann compared the match to a domestic club clash. "This is a German Cup situation. David versus Goliath," he said, and warned his team: "You never win a match just because you're favourites." Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start in his fifth World Cup. Iran's participation in the tournament was shrouded in doubt for months after the United States and Israel launched an aerial assault on the Islamic Republic that became a wider Middle East war.

But on Sunday the team is due to fly into Los Angeles from its training camp in Mexico on the eve of its first game. Iran take on New Zealand in the city on Monday, marking the first time that a World Cup host has hosted a country it is at war with. But the Iran team has had to leave many of its support team in Tijuana after the US refused to grant visas to 15 administrative and management staff.

In other games on Sunday, the Netherlands play a Japan team weakened by the absence of their injured captain Wataru Endo who announced on Thursday that his international career was over. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu on Saturday described Liverpool midfielder Endo as "hurt" and apologised after saying it had been his call that the 33-year-old should not be involved following a foot injury. In Philadelphia, Ivory Coast face Ecuador and Sweden play Tunisia in the final match of the day.

Sweden had a curious route to the tournament, having failed to win a single match in the qualifying group phase. They only obtained a ticket thanks to their UEFA Nations League performance. Sweden do though boast a strikeforce featuring Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. Five-time champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by a powerful Morocco side as they lit the touchpaper on their challenge on Saturday.

Scotland got their first World Cup win since 1990 as John McGinn's deflected strike gave them a 1-0 win against Haiti. And Australia stunned Turkey 2-0 to give the Socceroos a strong chance of progressing from Group D. 

Hridoy was the top-scorer for the side, hitting an 88 ball-83, a knock laced with eight fours. Liton Das made an unbeaten 58 while Mosaddek was on 56, brining up his second half-century in the series. Najmul Hossain Shanto who led the side in absence of Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first after winning toss but Bangladesh lost Soumya Sarkar in the fourth ball of the innings, as Xavier Bartlett rattled his stump with searing pace.

Unfazed by the early wicket loss, Bangladesh recovered from Shanto and Taznid Hasan Tamim, who added 51 runs for the second wicket. Matt Renshaw removed both of the batters in quick succession leaving Bangladesh 61-3 in 15th over, with Shanto making 24 and Tanzid scoring 19. Hridoy and Liton Das steadied the innings with 92-run for the fourth wicket and it was only broken when Liton had to retire following a minor injury when he was on 48.

However, Mosaddek joined Liton Das in giving the innings further pace as they combined for a 93-run partnership. Hridoy appeared to be on course of his second century but he miscued a shot to deep mid wicket off Ben Dwarshuis, one of the two changes of Australia for avoiding a series-sweep. Mosaddek who hammered a career-best 80 not out in the first match to script Bangladesh’s first victory against Australia since 2005, raised his fifth half-century from 43 balls with a single. However Liton returned to the field after the dismissal of Mahedi Hasan (3) and completed his 14th fifty to help Bangladesh post a competitive total.

Montgomery, 21, had been ranked a career high 95th in June 2025. The 30-year-old Krejcikova, who won the French Open in 2021 and Wimbledon in 2024 had been seeded eighth and was attempting to win her first title of the season in a first-time matchup against the American.

Yet, a fifty in ODI cricket at Mirpur remained elusive. That wait ended against Australia as Liton reached the landmark in dramatic fashion. After suffering a leg-muscle strain and retiring hurt on 48, he returned later in the innings and completed his half-century with a two-run shot off the final ball of the 49th over. The wicketkeeper-batter eventually finished unbeaten on 58, registering not only his maiden ODI fifty at Mirpur but also his first half century against Australia.

Before the match, Liton's record at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium had been surprisingly modest. In 28 ODI innings at the venue, he had failed to score a fifty, accumulating just 439 runs at an average slightly above 17. A batter renowned for his fluent strokeplay and career strike rate of around 85, he had also struggled to maintain a strike rate of 70 in Mirpur. Although his unbeaten 58 came at a strike rate of 74, the innings carried far greater significance than the numbers suggested.

Liton had shown signs of regaining form at the venue in recent months, producing several scores above 40 during series against Pakistan and New Zealand. However, he repeatedly fell short of converting those starts into a fifty. Against Australia, he finally erased that blemish. Bangladesh were under pressure at 61-3 when Liton joined forces with Towhid Hridoy. The pair added a crucial 92-run partnership that steadied the innings and restored momentum. Their stand laid the foundation for a competitive total in fact.

Asked what he will do to celebrate, he replied: "To be honest, I think I'll probably just, you know, watch some Netflix." Balogun was born in New York but moved to England as a one-month-old and raised in London. He has family across both nations, many of who were in attendance. "Too many, you know!" he joked, adding that he had been charged with procuring countless tickets for relatives on both sides of the pond.

"But I'm happy to do it, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion," he said. Balogun came up through the Arsenal academy ranks, representing both England and the United States in age-group teams. He went on loan to Reims, where his career came to life. Last year Balogun top-scored for Monaco with 19 goals after a reported 40-million-euro transfer. His first season in France's Ligue 1 sparked interest from the US, which lacked a world-class striker, and he was famously courted by scouts, receiving the red-carpet treatment with trips to Florida and NBA ringside tickets.

American soccer fans tracked his every move, before he formally switched allegiance to the US in 2023. "When I committed, and throughout the whole cycle, and the whole journey to me being at this point, I've always said the fans gave me so much motivation and showed me so much support," he said Friday. "For me the most important thing has always been to be able to repay that, so I feel like today's a great opportunity... I just want to continue to show the fans I made the right decision."

Balogun's teammate Christian Pulisic said the US side is "really lucky to have him." "The kid's insane. He's lethal right now in front of goal... Let's just hope it keeps going like this."

But any doubts about their ability to progress past the first round were obliterated in a dazzling first-half display which saw them roar into a 3-0 lead to all but seal victory in the opening 45 minutes. "Just a great start from the guys," US star Christian Pulisic said afterwards. "The guys came out with so much energy, just a great performance and a deserved win. "It's just the start of a long journey. We've got a lot more to do. It's really, really great start and we should be proud but we've got to keep pushing and be ready for the next game."

Pop star Katy Perry got the party started with a rousing performance just before kick-off while Hollywood royalty including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Halle Berry were amongst a 70,492 crowd. The US men rose to the occasion with a performance of flair and precision that will ignite dreams of a deep run in the tournament by the co-hosts, with group games against Australia and Turkey to come. Wave after wave of US pressure led to Bobadilla's opening goal after just seven minutes before Balogun -- who grew up in London and represented England youth teams before pledging allegiance to the United States -- bagged his brace.

The only blemish on the US performance was the conceding of a Paraguay goal from Brazil-born Mauricio in the 73rd minute after hesitancy in the hosts' defence. Canada grab first point - In Friday's other game, co-hosts Canada earned the first World Cup point in its history when Cyle Larin grabbed a second-half equaliser in Toronto to make it 1-1 after Bosnia-Herzegovina had taken the lead with a close-range header from Jovo Lukic.

"It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team. I thought the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done," Larin said. Canadian film stars Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers were in the packed crowd to watch the first-ever World Cup match on Canadian soil. But former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau skipped the game in favour of the USA opener in Los Angeles -- where his girlfriend Katy Perry was performing. Partey blocked by Canada -

Off the pitch, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial in Britain on rape charges, has been denied a visa to enter Canada. FIFA said Partey "will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government." The 32-year-old will be eligible to play in Ghana's subsequent Group L games against England and Croatia, both taking place in the United States.

Trump's immigration policies have created problems for nationals from certain countries. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite having a valid visa. And US authorities have refused visas to some members of the Iran team's support staff as well as Senegalese and Ivory Coast fans. Friday's games in Los Angeles and Toronto were the precursor to a packed slate of World Cup fixtures on Saturday, with eight teams in action.

Five-time world champions Brazil will launch their bid for a sixth title with a testing game against Morocco in East Rutherford in Group C while Scotland make their long-awaited return to World Cup football against Haiti. Australia will take on Turkey in Vancouver while Qatar play Switzerland in Santa Clara, California. The World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will culminate in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Major (retd) Sheikh Jihaduzzaman Jihad was present there as the special guest in the opening ceremony.  Speaking as the chief guest in the opening ceremony, the chief guest said, sports not only ensure physical fitness, it also plays an important role in developing discipline, brotherhood and leadership qualities.  A large number of spectators and local sports enthusiasts were present at the event and enjoyed the match. 

Pressed by a journalist at his post-game conference about the performance of US talisman Christian Pulisic, Pochettino refused to budge. "You push me to talk about names, and it's about the team, it's a collective performance. Of course, he was amazing," said the coach. He then went on to name nearly every member of the US lineup, praising each as also "amazing." Pochettino was also effusive in his praise for the 70,000 crowd in Los Angeles. Despite some media reports suggesting that the US public is not as invested in the tournament as other World Cup hosts -- particularly with the ongoing NBA Finals drawing eyeballs away from the soccer -- the atmosphere was raucous in the Los Angeles Stadium.

"On behalf of the whole team, massive thank you to the fans, because the energy that they relate to the team was amazing, and we can do amazing things with if the fans are in this way," said Pochettino. The US is now in a strong position to progress from Group D, which also contains next Friday's opposition Australia, and Turkey.

"We are so happy, but this is only the start," said Pochettino. "It's still two games to play. We need to enjoy this start to the tournament, but know that we need to keep going and try to improve and try to do better in the next game, because all the games are very competitive."

Bangladesh registered a commanding 39-25 win over Nepal in the Under-18 category, with the Quantum Cosmo School and College student playing a key role by scoring seven goals. Despite receiving individual recognition, Jebe remained focused on the team's success rather than personal achievements. "I would give myself 5 out of 10 for my performance. To be honest, I played for the team and for Bangladesh. I never play for myself. Today, I wanted someone else to win the award," he said after the match.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's narrow defeat to India, Jebe admitted the loss was particularly painful. "Losing that match felt really bad because the margin was only four goals. We could have closed that gap and won the game if we had performed a little better," he said. Looking ahead to the final group match, Jebe described Afghanistan as a strong opponent and stressed the importance of maintaining the same level of intensity shown against India and Nepal.

"Afghanistan is a strong team. I want us to play against them the same way we played against India and the way we played today. If we can maintain that level of performance, we'll have a good chance of achieving a positive result," he added. Bangladesh will now take on Afghanistan in their final match of the tournament as they seek to finish their campaign on a high note.

Soumya endorsed that mindset, saying Bangladesh must continue looking ahead if they want to become a major force in world cricket. "When a World Cup ends, you have to start thinking about the next one and how to perform better. What Mustafizur said is absolutely right," Soumya said. "If you want to become a big team, you have to do these things. If you don't perform in ICC events or major tournaments, it doesn't count. We want to become a team that can achieve something in any big tournament and take Bangladesh cricket to a much higher level."

At the same time, Soumya acknowledged that a 3-0 whitewash of Australia would rank among the greatest achievements in Bangladesh's ODI history as the Tigers prepare for the third and final match of the series. Bangladesh had waited 21 years for only their second ODI victory over Australia following the famous Cardiff upset in 2005. That drought ended in the opening match of the ongoing series before the hosts secured a maiden ODI series victory against Australia with a five-wicket win in the second game. Now Bangladesh stand on the verge of another landmark achievement - their first-ever ODI series whitewash of Australia. "It will be very big.

When we won the series, it was a very big achievement. We should have celebrated this in a bigger way. If we can win 3-0, it will be an even bigger achievement for us," Soumya said. "We all have the same goal, which is to play positive cricket." Bangladesh have previously whitewashed Kenya, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies and Zimbabwe in ODI bilateral series but have never managed the feat against Australia. Before this series, they had not won a single match in either of the two previous bilateral ODI series against the five-time world champions.

A major reason behind Bangladesh's recent success has been the emergence of a potent pace-bowling unit led by Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur and rising fast bowler Nahid Rana. Mustafizur was named Player of the Match in the second ODI after combining with Taskin to leave Australia reeling at 3 for no score early in their innings. Soumya described the current pace attack as one of the strongest Bangladesh have ever assembled. "We have one of the best pace bowling departments I have ever seen. It doesn't matter which condition or country we play in. Any team playing against us will definitely think about our pace attack," he said. "Even when we play overseas, opponents will have to consider whether they should prepare fast-bowling-friendly wickets. We are going through a very good period in pace bowling right now."

The 31-year-old Mahedi has played 11 ODIs for Bangladesh with his last appearance being against the same opposition in November 2023 during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India. His inclusion came after captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was hospitalized following being hit on his head by a bouncer of Australian pacer Nathan Ellis in the second ODI.

He was released from the hospital yesterday and rejoined the team. BCB, however, confirmed that Miraz is in good health but will undergo further assessment tomorrow to determine his fitness for the third game. Squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice Captain), Tawhid Hridoy, Litto Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikot, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana and Mahedi Hasan.

This was Bangladesh's second victory in three matches in the tournament. Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in its final match of the round-robin league scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 p.m.

Jebe Dai Bom was instrumental in Bangladesh's win over Nepal. He shared top-scoring honors with David Bom, with both players scoring seven goals apiece in the match.

Bangladesh maintained its dominance throughout the match. 
However, Jebe Dai Bom, who scored 18 goals against India in the previous game, was unable to score as freely in this match and did not meet the high expectations set by his earlier performance.

On both occasions, Bangladesh thoroughly dominated the cricketing powerhouse Australia, sending the fans into delirium. The manner in which they won those games instilled a belief that a series-sweep is not just a mere imagination rather it's a realistic goal if they can replicate the performances. Standin on the brink of the history opener Soumya Sarkar has urged the team management to field its strongest possible XI in the final ODI against, saying the Bangladesh should focus on completing a historic whitewash rather than testing new combinations.

"It is a matter for the management, but if you ask me, I would say it is better not to test. We are playing against a very big team. Winning 3-0 would be a huge achievement. So only the best XI should be played," he said. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was hit on his head by a bouncer of Australian pacer Nathan Ellis in the second game still looks uncertain despite recovering fast. "Miraz has joined the team. The doctors are still monitoring him. There is time until tomorrow. He is with the team and doing well," he said. Considering Miraz's condition, Bangladesh added offspinner Mahedi Hasan into the squad. However, Soumya believes Bangladesh's landmark series triumph deserved greater recognition and celebration. "The series we won should have been celebrated in a bigger way because it is a major achievement. I don't know how much we celebrated it, but it should have been done more," Soumya remarked. Looking ahead to the final match, he said a whitewash would elevate the accomplishment even further. "A 3-0 victory would definitely be even bigger.

That will be our goal. We will play positive cricket, and the team that performs well in all three departments will win," he added. The two sides so far met 24 times in ODI format, with Bangladesh winning three. Bangladesh's success against Australia also marked their 20th bilateral ODI series triumph. England remain the only major side against whom Bangladesh have yet to win an ODI bilateral series. Should Bangladesh complete the sweep, it would become the country's 15th ODI bilateral series whitewash and one of the most memorable achievements in its cricket history. Squads: Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Musaddek Hossain Saikat, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana and Mahedi Hasan Australia: Josh Inglis, Oliver Peake, Cooper Connolly, Liam Scott, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Riley Meredith, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa, Billy Stanlake, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne.

Aguirre though revealed his team had had to set aside some opening day nerves to achieve the result. "When you're starting out the World Cup, of course your legs will shake," Aguirre said. "Never in 25 years had anyone had any cramps but three of them had cramps today. "We were in awe when we saw the stadium and they got a little bit of stage fright. But we never suffered. We could have scored four and it would have been completely different." The final minutes of Thursday's game saw some sections of the restless home crowd boo the World Cup co-hosts.

Aguirre said while he hadn't heard the catcalls, the crowd were entitled to vent. "I didn't hear boos. But it could have been a 4-0 game. 2-0, is not so much. But we got three points, which is amazing," Aguirre said. "If someone is booing, it's the Mexico players' obligation to make sure that doesn't happen again. But it didn't have an impact on us." Mexico now look ahead to games against South Korea and the Czech Republic -- but Aguirre snuffed out any suggestion that his team were targeting finishing first in their group.

"We're zero obsessed to win the group," he said. "Today we're just focused on Korea. It's not relevant. It's not our priority. Our priority is to focus on Korea, to keep going step by step and prepare for the future." South Africa coach Hugo Broos meanwhile had no complaint with the red card that saw Sphephelo Sithole dismissed after half-time, but took issue with the dismissal of substitute Themba Zwane late in the game. "The first red card, I don't think we have to say something about it but the second red card I think the Mexican player blocked my player, the referee decides something else," he said. "So it is a pity that we have to finish this game with nine players.

"I think my team played a good game, some moments in the game Mexico even desperate, they didn't know how to find the spaces. But we must try and be better in the next game when we have the ball."

The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild. It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes

The former US international had been tipped as a possible head coach for his home country after he was sacked by Leeds United in 2023. But he ended up north of the border, with a chance to secure Canada's first ever World Cup victory. Canada qualified for two previous World Cups, 1986 and 2022, but lost all six of its matches. Hopes are higher this year with a roster that includes several players competing in top European leagues.

But Marsch said Canada's top player, Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, remains unavailable for the Bosnia match because of a hamstring issue. "We did an MRI with him yesterday. It showed very positive signs that he's healing incredibly well," Marsch said, confirming Davies "will not be available tomorrow." Stephen Eustaquio will captain the home side in the first ever World Cup match in Canada. "It's a dream come true," said Eustaquio, who plays for Los Angeles FC of the MLS. Marsch was asked about nerves within his squad, which is facing unprecedented expectations to advance out of the group stage, but said the environment has been "pretty normal."

"There wasn't really a need for big mental and psychological messages. We're all aware of the World Cup. We're all aware of it being at home. We're all excited," Marsch said. Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Italy to qualify for its second World Cup, and coach Sergej Barbarez said his side had plenty of experience playing higher-ranked countries. "We are, of course, sort of an underdog here," Barbarez said, adding: "the road (to the tournament) was by no means easy.

But he noted that his team's ability to surprise rivals has limits. "I love this game between David and Goliath, but the world gets to know you after a while." 

Of the 26 members of "Team Melli," only a dozen players were present, with star striker Mehdi Taremi among those who did not show. Dressed in green jerseys, the players did some light jogging on the training pitch of the Xolos, Tijuana's local club. They then performed stretching and core-strengthening exercises on foam mats. Iran is scheduled to play its first match on Monday in Los Angeles against New Zealand.

A team official confirmed to AFP that the squad is set to enter the United States on Sunday and spend the night there ahead of the match. Last week, Iran's ambassador to Mexico told journalists the squad would only be allowed into the US on the day of their games and would have to leave straight afterwards. Iran's participation in the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, comes three months after the US and Israel launched attacks on the country of around 93 million people, setting off hostilities that saw a large swathe of the Middle East drawn in, and the global economy shaken.

Thursday's open practice came as US President Donald Trump announced what he said was a "great settlement" to end the war with Iran, saying he expected a deal to be signed in Europe as soon as this weekend.

Three players were sent off -- two from South Africa and one from Mexico -- in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000 spectators. South Africa had Sphephelo Sithole dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity before Themba Zwane was shown a red card for a slap. Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off, for a late foul. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre revealed his players had overcome a serious case of first-day nerves.

"When you're starting out the World Cup, of course your legs will shake," Aguirre said. "Never in 25 years had anyone had any cramps but three of them had cramps today. "We were in awe when we saw the stadium and they got a little bit of stage fright. But we never suffered." Mexico's victory launched a 48-team tournament also hosted by the United States and Canada that will last nearly six weeks, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19. Before kickoff, Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed "Dai Dai", the official song of the tournament and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli rounded off the opening ceremony.

There was a festive atmosphere inside the stadium, but outside dozens of protesters clashed with police. Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered outside the stadium amid a heavy police presence. Some protesters breached barriers and traded blows with officers guarding the stadium's perimeter moments after Mexico scored their opening goal.

Tens of thousands of fans crammed into a fan zone in central Mexico City to watch the game, which was also enthusiastically followed by a large crowd of fans from Los Angeles' Mexican community on giant screens at the Coliseum. South Korea and the Czech Republic play the second game of the opening day later in Guadalajara. The start of the action on the pitch will come as a welcome relief to football's world governing body FIFA, which has faced stinging criticism over the eye-watering costs of tickets.

In addition, Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has seen a top referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the United States. On the eve of the tournament, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the organization and brushed off criticism over visa issues. Infantino insisted that tickets -- which in some cases have topped $30,000 -- had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism. He added: "Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average."

Infantino also played down the controversy surrounding Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry after arriving in Miami, suggesting reporters should "chill, relax". US authorities said he was refused entry because he was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations". On Thursday, European football's governing body UEFA announced that Artan had been selected to referee its European Super Cup, between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August. Infantino also portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization, saying "I don't know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances -- which we could not influence -- Iran could come and play," he said.

The Iran team took to the training pitch in front of journalists Thursday at their base camp in Mexico. Meanwhile, the World Cup squad from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been hit by an outbreak of Ebola, was allowed to enter the United States. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who plays in England for West Ham, said after coming through immigration at Houston airport after a flight from Paris that the team had faced "no problems" and had left the airport an hour after touching down.

US authorities had insisted the squad serve a 21-day quarantine period before entering US soil. Spain, France and England are the favourites to win the World Cup, while reigning champions Argentina will look to their 38-year-old talisman Lionel Messi to drive them to the final. 

The former Tottenham star blasted one effort over the bar before making a driving run to his left and evading two Czech defenders only to shoot wide. An entertaining second half began with the Czechs scoring against the run of play as Ladislav Krejci rose at the front post to power a header past Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. Hwang In-beom finally made the Korean pressure pay with a clever equalizer as he faked a shot and then caressed the ball over Czech 'keeper Matek Kovar on 67 minutes.

The Czechs had a goal disallowed before Hwang added to his goal with an assist, crossing from the right for Oh to slot home. When the final whistle sounded after a frantic end to the game, Son sank to the turf in joy. South Korea face co-hosts Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening Group A game earlier Thursday, on June 18. The Czechs play the South Africans in Atlanta on the same day.

"We adapted to the situation," said Desabre. "We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often. "That is what we did. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies and here we are. Now, it is another step for us." DR Congo -- who have qualified for their first World Cup since they featured in the 1974 edition as Zaire -- cancelled a planned pre-World Cup training camp at home after the country was hit by the Ebola outbreak last month and were based in Belgium instead.

Desabre, 49, said the people back home had had to be patient to see the team appear at another World Cup. "It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup," said the Frenchman. "We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament." They are to be based in Houston during the competition, where they will play their first Group K match on June 17 against Portugal. DR Congo are then scheduled to head to Guadalajara in Mexico to face Colombia on June 23 before playing Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 28.

"For me, successful is to win. Is to win tomorrow. And win after," the former Tottenham coach said on Thursday. "If we don't arrive to the final and we don't win the World Cup, to talk about 'successful'? I don't know." A talented crop of US players led by Christian Pulisic need to prove themselves against the world's best, while dealing with the pressures of playing in front of their own fans.

Pulisic insisted the squad around him is "able to compete with anyone." "We want to be a real force in this tournament," he told AFP. "We've got three really good games to show everyone what we're all about." Pochettino, an Argentine, has insisted his team need to be equal to the streetwise South Americans. "We know we have to be ready to battle. It's not about just playing beautiful football," said Pulisic. US Secretary of State Mario Rubio will attend the opening match. President Donald Trump has said he would be present at other games in the tournament, without specifying which.

The game in Los Angeles will be preceded by a Hollywood-style opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry and a host of music stars. In Friday's other game, co-hosts Canada go in search of the first World Cup win in their history as they tackle Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto. Canada must do without their star player Alphonso Davies, who is still recovering from a hamstring issue. The World Cup kicked off in dramatic fashion in Mexico City on Thursday where Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy got the packed 80,000 crowd at the Estadio Azteca on their feet.

Co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a game that featured three red cards. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament after nine minutes and 35-year-old striker Raul Jimenez headed in Mexico's second at the Azteca, which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups. There was a festive atmosphere inside the stadium, but outside dozens of protesters clashed with police in chaotic scenes.

Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered outside the stadium. Some protesters broke through barriers and traded blows with police officers guarding the stadium's perimeter moments after Mexico scored their opening goal. Mexico's victory launched a 48-team tournament that will culminate in the final in New Jersey on July 19. South Korea got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start by beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the opening day's second game.

Until the 80th-minute mark, it seemed that the Czechs would punish the Koreans' wastefulness in front of goal, but substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu notched the decisive goal in a Guadalajara stadium that was far from full. The start of the action on the pitch will have come as a welcome relief to football's world governing body FIFA, which has faced stinging criticism over the eye-watering cost of tickets. In addition, Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has seen a top referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the United States,

Infantino portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization, claiming he did not know if any other body could have pulled it off. Four days after they arrived at their base camp in Mexico, the Iran players finally allowed reporters to watch them train Thursday. They face New Zealand in Los Angeles in their first game Monday.

"From the moment I took over, I have tried to factor in the long-term interests of the Socceroos while ensuring that we achieve the short-term results, which in the first instance was qualifying for the World Cup." The Asian Cup is due to be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5. "Securing Tony's contract extension on the eve of the World Cup is a fantastic outcome," said Football Australia chief Martin Kugeler.

"While the immediate focus is on the World Cup, this extension provides clarity and enables Football Australia to plan with absolute confidence for the period following the tournament, leading into the Asian Cup." Australia, who are at their sixth successive World Cup, are also grouped with co-hosts the United States and Paraguay.

Broos is bracing for more of the same on Thursday in a game that he regards as pivotal to South Africa's chances of advancing beyond the group stage. "There will be a big crowd and there will not be so much South African support," Broos said. "So that is a big help for them (Mexico). "They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing. But we have to focus on our game. And if we can do that, if we are not too influenced by the noise of 85,000 Mexicans, then we can have a good game." Broos believes Mexico are the team to beat in Group A.

"I think they've won nearly all of their last 10 games," Broos said of "El Tri". "So they'll be a team with confidence...they're the best team in the group. "So tomorrow it will be a very tough game. We need to be at our best level, but I can assure you our team is ready to fight for every metre and every ball." Broos meanwhile admits he is no fan of the expanded 48-team World Cup, citing the gruelling travel schedule his team faces that includes games in Atlanta and Monterrey.

"It's a bit too big when you play with 48 countries," he said. "Forty years ago it was a World Cup in Mexico, but now it is modern times, and we have to adapt. "It's more exhausting than the previous World Cup, when you are with less countries but we have to accept it." Mexico have played in seven World Cup opening matches but have never won one -- a run that coach Javier Aguirre said he was determined to put right.

"We have to break the statistic," Aguirre said at his pre-match press conference. "I didn't know that fact; I'm going to share it with the players. It will be another source of motivation." On Thursday, Aguirre will relive the experience of playing a World Cup on home soil 40 years after doing so as a player in 1986. "Since I arrived 22 months ago, I have had no greater emotion than experiencing a World Cup at home again," said the 67-year-old coach.

Infantino and FIFA have come in for stinging criticism over the eye-watering costs of World Cup tickets while Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has seen a top referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the United States. Infantino insisted that tickets to the tournament -- which in some cases have topped $30,000 -- had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism.

"Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases," Infantino said. "Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average." Infantino also played down the controversy surrounding Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States after arriving in Miami last Saturday following security concerns raised by US immigration authorities.

FIFA has since confirmed Artan, who the US State Department later said had "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," will play no part in the tournament. "It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia," Infantino said. "We don't control everything... Sometimes it's good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything.

"Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution." The FIFA leader also portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization. "People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup," Trump said. "There are challenges, it's not easy, but I don't know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances -- which we could not influence -- Iran could come and play."

Infantino's close relationship with US President Trump has also come under scrutiny in the build-up to the tournament. But Infantino maintained Trump had played a critical role in World Cup preparations. "Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been, simple as that, impossible to organise a World Cup in the United States," Infantino said of Trump. In Washington on Wednesday, Trump confirmed he plans to attend some World Cup matches, without providing details.

"I spoke to Gianni this morning... he said there's never been anything close" to the success of the coming tournament, the US leader said. Meanwhile, concerns were rising that Thursday's opener between hosts Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City could be disrupted by social unrest.

Protesters Tuesday blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca although lines of police prevented the demonstrators from reaching the stadium. Thousands took part in the demonstration following a week of action that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a "provocation." Sheinbaum insisted Wednesday that "everything is under control" for the curtainraiser. The spectre of Mother Nature disrupting the tournament also reared up on Wednesday, with England's final World Cup warm-up game against Costa Rica delayed after a thunderstorm hit Orlando, Florida.

Torrential rain and lightning flashes forced the kick-off to be delayed, echoing the problems that marred last year's Club World Cup, where several games were disrupted by weather. When the action started, England eased to a 3-0 win with new Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon starring with a goal and an assist, making his case for a starting spot for his side's World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17. Portugal wrapped up their preparations by beating Nigeria 2-1, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao making up for an off night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

On the sidelines of the match, Rubio will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena "to advance the US-Paraguay strategic partnership spanning regional security, trade and investment, and emerging technology," Piggott added. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, with the first match kicking off Thursday in Mexico City. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to attend the World Cup, but did not specify which match or matches.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has said he expects Trump to present the trophy to the winning team at the final on July 19 just outside New York City, as he did during last year's Club World Cup.

He also featured in the Barcelona teams that beat Ancelotti's Real in the finals of the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. "What he has achieved in football is admirable, not just to those who worked with him but also his opponents," Raphinha told reporters Wednesday at the Brazil team's World Cup base in New Jersey. "It was always very difficult coming up against him, but I was lucky to come out smiling a lot of the time.

"Now I hope to do for him all the things I did against him. To help get good results for him and for the team, because they really deserve it." Ancelotti is leading Brazil as they attempt to end a 24-year wait to win a record-extending sixth World Cup at the tournament in North America. The former AC Milan and Chelsea coach celebrated his 67th birthday on Wednesday, three days before the Selecao begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco in Group C at the MetLife Stadium, just outside New York City.

Brazil are set to go into that game without Neymar, who was called up for the tournament despite not being capped since 2023 because of injuries and is now set to miss Saturday's match due to a calf problem. Raphinha may need to step up in Neymar's absence, four years after his first World Cup in which he appeared in every game but failed to score as the Selecao went out to Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals in Qatar.

"I think I felt more pressure in 2022, because I was more immature. I was quite new to the national team and had just arrived at Barcelona," said the former Leeds United winger. "I didn't feel completely settled in the Brazil squad. I feel much more ready now." He is coming off a season in which he scored 21 goals and set up eight more in all competitions as Barcelona won La Liga.

But he missed five of Brazil's six friendly games between October and March due to injuries. He and Vinicius Junior, who played under Ancelotti in Madrid, were the only two Brazilians ranked in the top 30 in last year's Ballon d'Or and carry much of the attacking responsibility for their country going into the World Cup. "We are the only nation to have won five World Cups. You can't play in a tournament like this if you are not ready to handle the pressure," he said.

"We are very confident. We have had years of frustration, because we had teams that were capable of winning and did not. And none of us want more frustration." Brazil will also play Haiti and Scotland in the group stage.

"Today's game against Costa Rica has been delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando," the English Football Association said in a statement. "Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today's match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 5pm ET - subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area." Delays were prominent feature of the Club World Cup in the United States 12 months ago and could have a major impact on the largest ever World Cup, which begins on Thursday.

England chose to have two friendlies in Florida to acclimatise to the searing heat they will face once the tournament gets underway. The Three Lions will then travel to their base camp in Kansas City. Considered among the favourites despite not winning a major tournament for 60 years, England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17. Thomas Tuchel's side also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.

OG Anunoby's tip-in basket with 1.2 seconds left sealed the thrilling win to give the Knicks a 3-1 stranglehold on the best-of-seven championship series, which shifts back to San Antonio for game five on Saturday.

He joked that there are grievances within his community -- men who pray together but do not get along -- but when Bosnia's victory was secured, those rivalries evaporated. "That day everybody was hugging. I even showed some of them, I showed the picture, 'Oh my God, look who you are hugging here.'" Few had anticipated the first-ever World Cup in Canada would feature the home side against Bosnia-Herzegovina. For Toronto's huge, well-established Italian community, the 2026 World Cup looked set to offer a battle of loyalties.

Over decades, Italian-Canadians have blared horns and partied through Toronto's streets after World Cup and Euro successes. For this World Cup, Canada's largest city was poised for a historic and divisive clash. Bars in Toronto's Little Italy were packed for the March qualifier and, when the Azzurri lost, the devastation was palpable. "I was so excited thinking about watching Italy playing here in Canada," Alessandro Aureli told the Canadian Press after the match. "I'm going to go home and cry for the rest of the day."

But sadness for the Italian community created an opening for Toronto's several thousand Bosnians -- a chance to reaffirm a shared identity that Dzumhur concedes has faded over the years. People used to be "more dedicated to the community," he said. "These days, I feel that now it has a little bit whittled down," he added, voicing hope that the tournament would offer a rare opportunity for everyone to gather as Bosnians.

Toronto's Bosnian community began organizing in the 1980s, but the conflict in the former Yugoslavia through the 1990s marked a turning point. As refugees began arriving, institutions were set up to welcome them, and the mosque became a focal point for community life. The mosque's former library has been converted to a youth activity room, and a big screen was brought in for the World Cup qualifiers. As people crammed in for the Italy match, Dzumhur said he believed victory was possible. "They had issues," he said of the Italian side. "But still, Italy is Italy...yet we've come out on top."

Mirza Durak, a Bosnian-born Canadian, travelled to Zenica for the Italy match. He's the president of Toronto's Bosnian Cultural Association and said that for his national team "to come to Toronto, in our neighborhood, it's a dream come true." He does not intend to let the moment pass.

He got tickets to Friday's match and has organized a series of events to celebrate Bosnia-Herzegovina's presence in Toronto, including a party before the match, a march to the stadium on match day, and an after-party. Thousands of Bosnians from across North America, and some from Europe, are converging on the city, he said. "We wanted to show Toronto a bit of a different culture, how usually European soccer fans do this," Durak said. "It's going to be really cool to see for Canadians."

"The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future and was not intended as a political statement," Saeta said in a statement posted on Instagram. "During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design. "While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA."

Haiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland in Boston on Saturday. The Caribbean minnows, ranked 83rd in the world, then face the might of five-time winners Brazil and African champions Morocco in Group C. Haiti's qualification is one of the most inspiring tales of the tournament.

Despite a backdrop of domestic chaos, with the impoverished nation grappling with gang violence that meant they were unable to play home qualifiers in the country, they have reached just a second World Cup in their history. "We know people might have a bad image of our country, that it has lots of problems, but this will do the country, the people, my family so much good," star midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde told AFP.

Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino launched a spirited defense of the organization of the tournament and brushed off criticism over visa issues. Infantino insisted that tickets -- which in some cases have topped $30,000 -- had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism. "Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases," Infantino said.

"Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average." Infantino also played down the controversy surrounding Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States after arriving in Miami last Saturday following security concerns raised by US immigration authorities. FIFA has since confirmed Artan, who the US State Department said had "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," will play no part in the tournament.

"It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia," Infantino said. "We don't control everything... Sometimes it's good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything. "Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution." The FIFA leader also portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization.

"People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup," Infantino said. "There are challenges, it's not easy, but I don't know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances -- which we could not influence -- Iran could come and play." Infantino's close relationship with US President Trump has also come under scrutiny but the FIFA chief maintained that without Trump, there would not have been a World Cup in the United States. "Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been, simple as that, impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States," Infantino said of Trump.

Trump confirmed on Wednesday he plans to attend some World Cup matches, without providing details. "I spoke to Gianni this morning... he said there's never been anything close" to the success of the coming tournament, the US leader said. South Africa coach Hugo Broos warned his players they will have to block out a wall of sound during the curtainraiser in the Estadio Azteca, a legendary venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.

"They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing. But we have to focus on our game. And if we can do that... then we can have a good game," the Belgian said. Mexico have never won the opening game of a World Cup despite appearing in one seven times and coach Javier Aguirre said he was determined to put that right.

"We have to break the statistic," Aguirre said. "I'm going to share (that fact) with the players. It will be another source of motivation." South Korea and the Czech Republic play the second game of the opening day, in Guadalajara. Spain, France and England are the bookmakers' favourites while reigning champions Argentina will look to their 38-year-old talisman Lionel Messi to drive them to the final.

Williams is one of tennis' all-time greats with 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her credit. The 44-year-old American last played at the 2022 US Open when she said she was "evolving away from tennis". Williams' return is fuelled by a desire for her two young daughters with husband Alexis Ohanian to see her in a competitive environment before she finally hangs up her racquet for good. "It's really about the kids seeing me play," Williams told reporters at Queen's on Sunday. "Olympia is a little bit older, Adira is very young. It's components like that."

After competing at Queen's, Williams will take part in the doubles at the Berlin Open from June 15-21. In her first press conference since announcing her return, Williams played down suggestions she would extend her return to singles competition. But, with Wimbledon looming later in June, she did not completely rule out the possibility of featuring at a tournament she has won seven times.

"For singles, I can't say 'yeah' and I can't say 'no'," explained Williams. "Right now, no. I feel like I probably need to train a little bit more if I want to play singles. "We will see if I get there and if not, it is not my journey right now." 

"I think with all the respect of what I did last year, I was pretty sure to get a wild card or I was hoping to get a wildcard," Maria told reporters having beaten Briton Lily Miyazaki and Uzkbek Kamilla Rakhimova to reach the first round. "It was not, like, five years ago, it was last year and especially this tournament and to come back like a champion, I hoped and I thought I would get a wildcard. "I was surprised when I got the message from (tournament director) Laura Robson saying all the wild cards would go to the British players, which I understand of course but you know as a champion, it's tough for me (to accept)."

Maria added her two daughters were a particular inspiration before she plays Greek player Maria Sakkari in the opening round on Tuesday. "Yesterday I wanted to win also for my girls to stay as long as possible because they really love to be here and they love the tournament," she said. "A lot of members here (Queen's) came to me and said, 'really we don't understand why you didn't get the wildcard', so it was super nice," she added. On court, Romania's Jaqueline Cristian defeated Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 6-4, 7-6 (4), as the Chinese player suffered an early exit following her run to last year's semi-finals at Queen's.

"In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team's pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan," the KNVB said. "Ronald Koeman has called up Lutsharel Geertruida as Timber's replacement," it added. Koeman's side begin their campaign against Japan on Sunday before facing Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

"Nobody else has five stars on their chest. We have great players who play for top teams, like Vini and Raphinha. We need to give our players the respect they deserve," Newcastle United midfielder Guimaraes told reporters at the Brazil team's base in New Jersey. Carlo Ancelotti's side, who finished fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying group, 10 points behind first-placed Argentina, begin their World Cup bid against Morocco on Saturday at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City.

They completed preparations for the tournament with back-to-back friendly wins, hammering Panama 6-2 in Rio de Janeiro and then defeating Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday. "We couldn't be feeling better. We won and played well in the two friendly matches. We have another few days to work on things but we feel ready," said Guimaraes, who scored his team's opener against Egypt. "Once the World Cup begins, everyone will forget what has happened before. Hopefully we can start with a victory, and that will give us something to build on."

Brazil will also play Haiti and Scotland in Group C and are currently waiting to see if Neymar will be able to play any part in their group games. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, now 34, is currently playing for Santos in his homeland and has not been capped by his country since 2023. Despite that, Ancelotti took a gamble by including Neymar in his squad, and he has since been hit by a calf problem.

Brazil have already been forced to make a change to their squad, with Roma full-back Wesley being ruled out of the tournament at the weekend due to a thigh injury. He has been replaced by Ederson, the 26-year-old midfielder with Atalanta in Italy who is expected to join Manchester United after the World Cup. "Playing at a World Cup is the apex of our careers as footballers. We hope Wesley recovers quickly," said Guimaraes.

An Israeli police spokesperson told AFP that "the court has ordered that the suspect remain under house arrest," and stressed that "this ruling does not indicate or determine the outcome of any future legal proceedings." Police had said last week that Halawani was arrested along with an 18-year-old man in relation to an incident in Jerusalem in which objects were allegedly thrown from a balcony at demonstrators marching on a street below. "The investigation remains ongoing, and evidentiary material continues to be collected and assessed," police told AFP.

The Palestinian Football Association celebrated Halawani's release in a statement late Sunday. "Rand Halawani breathes freedom," the association said in a social media post, accompanied by an image showing her wearing the Palestinian national team's red kit. The Palestinian Prisoners Club, the main rights group for Palestinian prisoners, said Monday that that the number of women in Israeli prisons and detention camps has risen to around 95. The number of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons stands at around 9,500, according to figures released by the organisation last week.

Bournemouth will play in a major European competition for the first time in their history next season when they take part in the Europa League under new head coach Marco Rose after finishing sixth in the Premier League during the reign of his predecessor, Andoni Iraola. "It's with a great amount of gratitude that I return in such a successful era," Ritchie told Bournemouth's website. "I look forward to working alongside Marco and his technical staff, supporting them in every way possible as we aim to create even more history together."

Bournemouth announced in April that German manager Rose would succeed Iraola, shortly after the Spaniard revealed his intention to leave the south coast club at the end of the 2025/26 season. Iraola was appointed manager of English giants Liverpool last week after the Reds sacked Arne Slot following a woeful defence of their Premier League title.

A former student of Dhaka University, Sheikh Ruhul Amin is a resident of village Baradia in Rampal upazila. He is the eldest son of former teacher Alhaj Mohammad Ali. He is also the cousin of State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam. Along with business activities, he has been involved in various social and public welfare activities for a long time.

According to local sources, he has been regularly assisting in the development of mosques, madrasas and religious-social institutions in different parts of the country, including Rampal. Leaders of various political, social and professional organizations have congratulated him in separate statements, welcoming his appointment to this important position in the cricket arena of Bangladesh.

In their congratulatory messages, they expressed hope that Sheikh Ruhul Amin's experience, leadership qualities and organizational skills will play an important role in the development of cricket in the country and further enriching Bangladeshi cricket in the international arena. Among the congratulators are Rampal Upazila Development Forum convener former district judge Sheikh Jalal Uddin, senior convener former headmaster freedom fighter Sheikh Sultan Ahmed, joint convener Rampal Government College principal A. Hannan, former headmaster Sheikh A. Mannan, Major (Retd.) Mallik Moniruzzaman and member secretary M. A. Sabur Rana.

In addition, Rampal Press Club convener Motahar Hossain Mallik, member secretary Md. Mehedi Hasan, members Md. Rizaul Islam, A. H. Nantu, Sujan Majumder, Md. Tariqul Islam, Molla Hafizur Rahman, Md. Kabir Akbar Pintu, Laila Sultana and Murshida Parvin, along with the leaders of the organization, also congratulated him. 

According to the WHO, there have been more than 500 confirmed cases, including dozens of deaths, recorded in the DRC and neighbouring Uganda. Despite the concerns, Congolese football officials insist that none of the players called up for the national team are based in the country. The squad has been training in Marbella, southern Spain in recent days and set off on Monday for Orleans in central France.

Chile published a video on social media of its players, saying that they had already arrived in Paris. DR Congo recently drew 0-0 with Denmark in Belgium, where a large ethnic Congolese support was visible in the 23,000-strong crowd. Congo's preparations for the upcoming World Cup have been affected by the outbreak, forcing them to cancel a planned training camp at home and base themselves in Europe instead. The Congolese side are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.

They play in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. With matches scheduled across the United States and Mexico, US authorities have required the team to undergo a 21-day isolation period before entering the country.

The 18-year-old Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams are expected to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against debutants Cape Verde on June 15. Luis de la Fuente's team took the lead after just two minutes in Puebla, Mexico, when Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal rifled into the top corner from outside the box.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri doubled Spain's lead on 32 minutes, and a Pedro Gallese own goal eight minutes after half-time made it 3-0 when the goalkeeper flapped a cross into his own net. Jairo Velez scored a consolation after 66 minutes in front of a crowd of 46,000.

Apart from Mosaddek's inclusion, Bangladesh almost retained the side that played in their most recent ODI assignment against New Zealand in April. Rishad Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Shoriful Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan were left out from the starting XI.

The series marks Australia's first ODI tour of Bangladesh in 15 years. During their previous visit in 2011, Australia completed a 3-0 whitewash over the hosts.

Bangladesh have struggled against Australia in the 50-over format, winning just one of their 22 ODIs. Their lone victory came at Cardiff in 2005, inspired by a memorable century from Mohammad Ashraful, who now serves as Bangladesh's batting coach.

Australia remain the only major cricketing nation against whom Bangladesh have yet to register more than one ODI victory.

Despite the unfavourable record, Bangladesh enter the series with renewed confidence following an impressive run of form at home. Over the past six months, they have secured ODI series victories against West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable side in home conditions.

The last ODI meeting between the two sides came during the 2023 World Cup when Mitchell Marsh smashed 177 off 132 balls to guide Australia to a successful chase of Bangladesh's 306-run total.

Bangladesh have won three of their last five ODIs, compared to Australia's two victories in the same period. The visitors arrived in Dhaka following a 2-1 ODI series defeat to Pakistan.

Australia are also missing several key players. Marsh and Travis Head, who missed the Pakistan series, were initially expected to feature in Bangladesh but were ruled out shortly before the tour. Marsh continues to recover from an ankle injury, while Head is on personal leave.

Australia handed a debut to South Australian allrounder Liam Scott as they are searching for a suitable squad ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, according to stand-in captain Josh Inglis.

Line Ups: 

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam

Australia: Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (capt/wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

A hashtag related to Ma's trip to the tournament has received more than 3.6 million views on social media platform Weibo, while the referee's RedNote account has gained 195,000 followers in less than two weeks. Ma has also appeared in collaborations with brands such as laptop maker Lenovo, electronics manufacturer Hisense and dairy product firm Mengniu. Ma's first post on the RedNote app showed him drawing a little red book from his referee's front pocket in a play on the platform's Chinese name.

Another showed him at an airport in China as he prepared to depart for the footballing extravaganza in Mexico, Canada and the United States. "His luggage is probably all filled with yellow and red cards," one Weibo user commented under Ma's airport post. Ma gained his "Card Master" moniker after dishing out nine yellow cards and three reds in an ill-tempered Shanghai derby in 2015.

Others revelled in the prospect of Ma officiating a match between the United States and Iran, fulfilling China's role as a peace-broker in the conflict. "The whole country is behind you (though no one from the Chinese football team)," another social media user commented in a jibe at the national team's failure to qualify. Ma is the only Chinese match referee at the tournament, where he is making his second World Cup appearance, having debuted as a fourth official in Qatar in 2022. He is joined in North America by assistant referee Zhou Fei and VAR official Fu Ming.

"With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup... the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team's three group stage matches," the federation said in a statement. The Iranian football body said FIFA regulations dictate that it should be allocated eight percent of tickets for each match, which are given to participating federations for distribution to their supporters through official channels.

According to the statement, Iran had already begun ticket sales for group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt -- all to be held in the US -- after receiving its quota, with some fans having already made necessary arrangements. "However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team," it said.

The federation described the move as "contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries". It also called on FIFA and tournament organisers "to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters". Neither FIFA nor US organisers have publicly commented on the Iranian accusation.

The complaint is the latest dispute regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup, following visa issues that Tehran says have prevented some 15 administrative and management staff in its delegation from entering the United States. Rising tensions also prompted Iran to announce that it was moving its World Cup training base to the Mexican border city of Tijuana rather than Tuscon, Arizona, as originally planned. Iran open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in the same city on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Organized by the Bangladesh Squash Federation and sponsored by Turaag Active, a concern of Urmi Group, the national-level championship will feature talented players from different regions of the country competing for the prestigious title.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Monday (June 8) at the Bangladesh Olympic Association Bhaban in Dhaka by Brigadier General (Retd.) G M Kamrul Islam, SPP, NDC, PSC, MBA, MPhil, General Secretary of Bangladesh Squash Federation.

The press conference was attended by Major General Md. Hasan Uz Zaman, NDU, AFWC, PSC, MSc, Engg ( evn) MPhil, FIEB President of Bangladesh Squash Federation, who was present as the chief guest.

Also present were Major (Retd.) Imruz Ahmed, Vice President of Bangladesh Olympic Association; Zubaidur Rahman, Secretary General of Bangladesh Olympic Association; officials of Bangladesh Squash Federation; members of the organising committee; and representatives of Turaag Active, the title sponsor of the championship.

During the event, the championship trophy of Turaag Active 6th National Squash Championship 2026 was unveiled. The official trophy unveiling ceremony, attended by federation officials and Turaag Active representatives, marked the beginning of the final countdown to the tournament.

Speaking at the press conference, Major General Md. Hasan Uz Zaman said players from different regions, sports institutions, universities, and clubs across Bangladesh will participate in this year’s championship.

He said the selection process is already at its final stage in several regions and institutions, including Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Chattogram, Gopalganj, Thakurgaon, Sylhet, Cumilla, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), and various clubs and organization’s in Dhaka.

The federation president said the competition will be held across nine categories, including men’s and women’s open categories, amateur and university student categories, as well as separate boys’ and girls’ categories in Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 age groups.

The matches will be played at three venues in Dhaka — Army Squash Complex, Bashundhara Sports City, and Army Officers’ Mess

Marsh will, however, fly over to be with the team as he prepares for a comeback in the subsequent Twenty20 series in Bangladesh. Teenage batsman Ollie Peake and big-hitter Matt Short, who were due to head home after Pakistan, will now stay on. Off-spinner Todd Murphy, who has seven Test caps but is yet to play limited-overs cricket for Australia, will fill Sangha's role.

"Unfortunately, Tanveer Sangha sustained a hamstring injury during the second ODI against Pakistan and will take no further part in the tour," said national selector Tony Dodemaide. "We were hopeful Mitch Marsh would be available for the Bangladesh ODI series however he is still returning to full fitness from an ankle injury. "Travis was initially selected in the ODI and T20I legs of this Bangladesh tour but has subsequently been granted personal leave for both," he added.

Australia squad: Josh Inglis (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Adam Zampa

"My national team is coming to my city, and being here is a small thing I can do just to welcome them," the man in his thirties told AFP, proudly wearing the white jersey with green and red trim of the Iranian side, known as "Team Melli." The gesture felt especially important because the tournament is beginning under difficult circumstances for Iran. While the players obtained the visas necessary to enter the United States and play their group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, not all delegation members received them.

About 15 accompanying officials were denied visas, including Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj, who previously served in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated a terrorist group by Washington. "It makes no sense to me," Galavi complained. "Sport is supposed to be a symbol of peace, so when you mix politics and sports, it doesn't work." The visa controversy is the latest chapter in the drama surrounding Iran's team at this unusual World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Since the first Israeli and American strikes against Iran in late February, the war has created repeated uncertainty over Team Melli's participation. Never before had a nation competing in the tournament been at war with one of the host countries, and Tehran long left open the question of whether its team would be allowed to play. The insistence of FIFA ultimately prevailed. But two weeks ago, rising tensions prompted the Iranian federation to announce that the team would stay in Tijuana rather than in Tucson, Arizona, as originally planned.

With all these off-field developments, can the Iranians play their best football against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt and finally advance from the group stage -- a feat they have never achieved? Sina Moghadam has no doubts, and displays unwavering faith in his team. "Iran's history goes back thousands of years. Things like this only make us stronger; they won't destabilize the team," boasted the Iranian-American, who had traveled from San Diego, just across the border in California.

"The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that the player Wesley was re-evaluated this Sunday by the medical staff of the Brazilian National Team and underwent imaging tests," the CBF said. "The MRI revealed a muscle injury in the adductor muscle of his left thigh. "In light of the diagnosis, the CBF announces the call-up of the player Ederson, who will join the squad this Monday in the United States," the governing body added. Five-time World Cup winners Brazil start their campaign on Saturday against Morocco before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

The 29-year-old joked it was "fine" if people now consider him "the worst player to win a Grand Slam" but that he "could not care less". "Now no matter what happens, I will always be a Grand Slam champion, and nobody can take that away from me," Zverev added. "To be honest, I'm a little bit drunk already, so I just repeat myself a little bit more than I'm used to. I'm just happy to be sitting next to this trophy."

The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist said having the Coupe des Mousquetaires in his possession would make his future attempts at winning more of tennis' biggest titles less burdensome, mentally. "For sure this trophy helps the belief a lot," he said. "That does give me some freedom. It does give me some -- maybe my mind will just be a little bit calmer when I play a final, meaning that even if I lose it, I will still be a Grand Slam champion.

"I think this trophy for me is very important, because if I would have lost this one, the self-belief would have gone down a lot. But now that I've won it, I feel like I can do it again." However, Zverev admitted that the favourite tag he had seemed to carry serenely through most of the tournament did weigh on him during the final against world number 14 Cobolli. "I was just very tight today. I honestly feel like I've managed the last two weeks extremely well, because with all the losses that happened early on with Jannik (Sinner) going out, with Novak (Djokovic) going out, I managed to stay composed, I managed to stay calm in my mind," he said.

"But then today I feel like I didn't manage so well." Zverev revealed he experienced "mental cramps" during the match, but in the end they helped him get over the line after four hours and 16 minutes of battle on Court Philippe Chatrier. "I was a lot more nervous, which at some stage is also human, I think. That's why I say the cramps helped me in a way, because my mind let go," he explained.

"I started swinging more freely. I started hitting the ball a bit more aggressive. All of that, you know, that's because of the cramps. I couldn't focus on being tight anymore. I had to kind of let go. That's why I played the fifth set the way I did." 

The Atlas Lions are targeting another deep run at the 2026 World Cup, where they open their Group C campaign against Brazil next Saturday before further first round matches with Scotland and Haiti. Against fellow World Cup qualifiers Norway on Sunday, the Moroccans suggested they could well be equipped to mount a deep run at the 2026 finals. Diaz opened the scoring after just eight minutes, calmly gathering a cross after a superb run down the left flank by Abde Ezzalzouli before burying a low finish.

Norway, who started with Manchester City's Erling Haaland in attack, created little of note during the first half, with their best chance a glancing header from Alexander Sorloth that drifted wide. Morocco continued to create the better openings, with Ezzalzouli going close to doubling the African champions' lead in the 38th minute after volleying just over from Diaz's pass. Norway's best chance of the half came on the stroke of halftime when Antonio Nusa's shot from the left was clawed away by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Diaz almost bagged a second goal in the 57th minute but his shot was parried by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and Neil Al-Aynaoui's header on the rebound flew over. Instead it was Norway who grabbed a share of the spoils, with Odegaard lashing home Bobb's cross 15 minutes from time to make it 1-1. Norway kick off their tournament against Group I opponents Iraq on June 16 before taking on Senegal and France.

At the start of the tournament, Bangladesh earned praise for their disciplined defensive performances. Holding Pakistan to a draw despite being reduced to ten men and putting up a spirited fight against Afghanistan were among the team's notable achievements. However, despite having an opportunity to clinch victory against the Maldives, Bangladesh conceded a late equaliser and had to settle for a draw.

"When I was 18, maybe I was a bit too young, and maybe I was a bit too scared to make the change straight away," he said of snubbing Australia in 2022. "Maybe I was in my comfort zone a bit, playing for Italy.

"Something, I don't know, in my heart just said 'I think it's time to come home'." It was a boost for Australia after injured Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree was ruled out of the World Cup. Volpato made his first appearance for Australia in the pre-World Cup friendly 1-1 draw against Switzerland in San Diego on Saturday.

He is still acclimatising after his late arrival in training camp and was substituted at half-time. Volpato plays for Serie A side Sassuolo and said he spent a long time talking with fellow Australian and Parma defender Alessandro Circati about his decision. "I'm Italian and I'm Australian, so it's actually been a big decision that's always been on my head 24/7 for quite a while," Volpato said. "Obviously, I do feel Australian, so it felt really good coming in, being brought in by the boys, and speaking English -- Aussie."

Brazil open their World Cup Group C campaign against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco on June 13, before further first round fixtures against Scotland and Haiti. African qualifiers Egypt launch their World Cup against Belgium on June 15 before facing New Zealand and Iran in Group G. In front of a large contingent of their fans at the home of the Cleveland Browns NFL team, Brazil got off to a dream start, taking the lead after only seven minutes following a blunder by Egypt. Midfielder Mohanad Lashin was caught in possession on the edge of the area by Newcastle's Guimaraes, who collected the ball and tucked a low finish past Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir.

Brazil's lead was short-lived, however, and it was another defensive howler that led to Egypt's equalizer. An under-hit back pass by Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos gifted possession to Egypt's Mostafa Zico, who drilled a crisp finish into the bottom corner past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. Thereafter it was Brazil who created the better chances, with Shoubir twice being forced to save in quick succession, from Vinicius Jr and Barcelona striker Raphinha, as the South Americans chased a second. Ancelotti rang the changes at half-time with eight substitutions, among them the introduction of 19-year-old Endrick, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid.

The talented youngster was quick to make his mark. Raphinha ghosted clear down the left-hand side of the penalty area and cut back to Endrick, who swept a finish into the far corner for 2-1.

"I'm excited, can't wait for it to get started." New Zealand were thrashed 4-0 by Haiti on Wednesday but Thomas Tuchel's men found clear-cut chances far harder to come by in their first experience of the brutal conditions in the United States. Tuchel named two entirely different sides for each half, but there was little to read into his team selection ahead of England's opening game of the World Cup against Croatia on June 17. "The energy is right and the quality will come," said Tuchel. "The better the opponent gets, the better we will get."

Kane typically made the breakthrough from an in-swinging cross by Spence, who impressed at left-back. Ivan Toney replaced Kane among the 11 changes made by Tuchel at the break. Toney thought he had won a penalty only for New Zealand to be rescued by a marginal offside call against the Al Ahli striker. England dominated possession but could not add to their lead with the Kiwis happy to keep the score down. Despite not having won a major tournament for 60 years, England go into the World Cup among the favourites having reached at least the quarter-finals in their last four tournaments.

They also face Ghana and Panama in Group L. New Zealand will face Iran, Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

Clarke named a close to full strength side and got the morale-boosting performance and result he would have wanted. Shankland made his case to start against Haiti with a third goal in the past two games by heading in Andy Robertson's cross on five minutes. New Rangers signing Shankland then teed up McTominay to fire in from the edge of the box.

Bournemouth's Ben Gannon Doak showed blistering pace to twice set up Torino striker Adams to fire home from close range before the break. Scotland also face Morocco and Brazil in Group C.

She was joined on six-under by South Korean Kim, who carded a three-under 68 at Riviera Country Club, the iconic Pacific Palisades course that will host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics golf competition. "It's always amazing to be in this position," Korda said of the chance to challenge for a third career major title.

The American kick-started her round with a chip-in birdie at the third hole and rolled in an 18-footer at the sixth. She gave a shot back with a bogey at the eighth, but powered home with birdies at 16, 17 and 18. "Just had a comfortable eight-iron on 16," she said of the shot that left her "solid, straightforward" five and a half-foot birdie putt.

At 17, she bombed her drive but missed the green, chipping to two feet to pick up another shot. "And then 18 I smoked my drive and just had a nine-iron in," Korda said. "Pretty comfortable, nice little birdie finish. "I'm really happy with how I grinded out the front nine and then took the opportunities that I had on the last three holes."

Korda has said her runner-up finish in last year's US Open fueled her hunger to win her national championship, but she said she can't let that desire get the better of her on Sunday. "I think last year I really, really wanted it, and the more you want it sometimes the more you stiffen up and you get a little bit more nervous," she said. "I play my best golf when I'm happy, free Nelly ... so that's kind of the attitude that I'm going to have tomorrow."

Kim, whose 13 LPGA titles include a major at the 2020 Women's PGA Championship, was alone in first on six-under after birdies at the 10th and 12th, draining a seven-footer at 10 and a five-footer at 12. But she missed the green at the par-four 15th and her chip left her 12 feet. She two-putted to drop a shot but birdied the 17th. "I played better than yesterday, for sure," Kim said. "It has been a long time since I won a major championship, so maybe I'll play under pressure tomorrow but I'll try to just do what I have to do to focus on the course."

The leading duo were one stroke clear of South Korean Chun In-gee and American Jennifer Kupcho, who both shot 69. Chun, who won the first of her three major titles at the 2015 US Women's Open, launched her round with an eagle at the first. She was tied for the lead after a chip-in birdie at 11 followed by a 21-foot birdie at the 12th but gave a stroke back at 16.

Kupcho, tied for the lead after a pair of front-nine birdies, dropped off the pace with bogeys at 12 and 13 but bounced back with birdies at 16 and 17. Overnight co-leader Yin Ruoning of China carded an even par 71 to headline a trio sharing fifth on four-under 20. She was joined by Japan's Nasa Hataoka (68) and Mexico's Gaby Lopez (70).

A lethargic game burst into life on 37 minutes when Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled in the penalty area by Cristopher Melendez and Inter Milan forward Martinez drove home the spot kick low to his left to make it 1-0 on 37 minutes. The lively Martinez was the creator when Argentina doubled their lead on 54 minutes as his intelligent backheel set up Atletico Madrid's Simeone to fire past Honduras goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar.

In other highlights, Giovani Lo Celso hit the crossbar with a superb curling shot from outside the area in the first half and Tomas Aranda's second-half attempt was well saved by the Honduras 'keeper. Honduras barely crossed the halfway line in the second half as Argentina exterted their dominance. Argentina face Iceland in their final friendly match in Auburn, Alabama on Tuesday before the three-time winners begin their World Cup group games against Algeria on June 17 in Kansas City. Scaloni has indicated that Messi could play a small part in one of the friendlies, meaning an appearance against Iceland is likely.

Popovic named an experimental starting side, with seven changes from Australia's 1-0 defeat to Mexico last week, before reverting to a likely first-choice line-up for the second-half. "I'm just happy. We've got no injuries. We've got through the game," Popovic said. "We got a result, that always helps and we scored a very nice goal. We need to start better, of course, next week, that will help us." Australia, who are at their sixth successive World Cup, are in Group D alongside Turkey, co-hosts the United States and Paraguay.

The Swiss are pitted with Qatar, Bosnia-Herzegovina and co-hosts Canada in Group B. Popovic said he was encouraged by holding a near full-strength Swiss side ranked eight places above them at 19th and believes his youthful team can make it through to the knockout rounds. "If you ask every Australian, they expect to be right at the end because we always feel that we can punch above our weight," he said.

"We've proven that time and time again in all sports, and we've done it in football. So we've shown what we can do." In Qatar four years ago, Australia made it through the group phase and gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the last 16 before going out to a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi. "We want to go through, and that's the challenge that we have," added Popovic. "We want it to be a knockout stage where we know anything is possible.

"But if we peel it back, there's a lot of work to do until then, and we've got a really tough group, but I'd like to think that our opponents will see us as a tough task as well." Australia open their World Cup against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13, while the Swiss kick off against Qatar in San Francisco on the same day.

Born in Brooklyn to Haitian parents, he spent his early childhood in Haiti before his family resettled in Ottawa. His multicultural background mirrors that of a Canadian squad built of players with diverse, immigrant roots. Football has always been part of him. He fell into the sport "as soon as (he) could walk", inspired by his father and early childhood in Haiti, where football is hugely popular.

He has only a handful of memories from his time there, but they remain meaningful. Returning in 2021 for a World Cup qualifier with Canada was a moment of immense pride. As a boy, it was the Barcelona teams of the 2000s -- and Ronaldinho in particular -- that captured his imagination and fuelled his desire to one day play in Europe. That ambition carried him to Belgium with Gent and then to Lille, where he became one of the most prolific forwards in the French club's history. He scored 109 goals in 232 appearances, won the Ligue 1 title in 2021, and climbed to third on Lille's all?time scoring list.

"I've advertised him often as the most intelligent footballer I've ever coached," Canada coach Jesse Marsch said in 2024. "He's really clever. We all really believe that he can be one of the best in the world, if he's not already in that category." Yet David remains modest, and happy to shun the spotlight. "Personally, speaking in public isn't really in my nature because I don't like putting myself forward - I'm someone who is discreet and calm," he once told La Voix du Nord newspaper. "After a match I prefer to leave the stadium without saying a word."

Last summer, David joined Juventus on a free transfer. He remains the most expensive Canadian footballer in history, with Lille splashing out 30 million euros ($34.8 million) to sign him in 2020. His first season in Italy, however, proved challenging. He scored just eight times in 46 appearances and saw his minutes reduced late in the campaign. "For me, I think it's been up and down... I wasn't scoring as regularly as I wanted to," he told TSN in April. "Juventus is the club that is under more scrutiny than any other club in Italy; there are all these eyes on you, and obviously, people will talk."

Still, David remains central to Canada's hopes. Alongside captain Alphonso Davies -- who is in a race against time to be fit -- he is one of the faces of a team seeking its first?ever World Cup victory. And his ambition is clear. "My wildest dream? Let's just say winning the World Cup with Canada. If I ever manage to do that, honestly, I could retire the very next day," David told La Voix du Nord.

That may be a stretch, but a more realistic target is to help transform the sport at home. "I want this World Cup to change soccer in Canada forever, to make it maybe the number one sport in the country," David told FIFA.com. "The national team have come on leaps and bounds since I came into the picture," he reflected. "To win a match would be momentous for Canada. After that, the aim is obviously to go as far as possible in the competition."

There was no immediate word from Inter Miami on the exact reason for Messi's substitution. Any significant injury to the five-time Ballon D'Or winner, though, would deal a huge blow to Messi and Argentina's hopes of defending their World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, with Argentina due to play their opening game against Algeria in Kansas City five days later.

Inter Miami's game on Sunday was the last before MLS takes a break ahead of the World Cup. Messi has not formally confirmed he plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what will be a record-equalling sixth appearance at the finals. Argentina's squad is due to be named next week, and the South American giants will head to the United States shortly afterwards for pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras in Texas on June 6, followed by a game against Iceland on June 9.

Canada's American coach Jesse Marsch insists his team, which includes the likes of Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies and Juventus's Jonathan David, have set their sights high. "We want to win the World Cup," Marsch said last year. "That may sound ridiculous, but why would we go into any tournament at any time and think, 'Yeah, let's see how we do, and maybe we get one win. Or can we score a goal?'"

While outright victory remains monumentally unlikely, Canada's results under Marsch suggest that winning a first World Cup game is well within reach. The Canadians surprised many by reaching the semi-finals of the Copa America in 2024, where they only narrowly lost on penalties to Uruguay in the third-place playoff. The biggest challenge to Canada's group campaign is likely to come from Switzerland, who are returning for their sixth straight World Cup.

The Swiss have a consistent record of navigating the group stages -- reaching the second rounds in 2022, 2018 and 2014 -- but have never won a World Cup knockout game. They fared better at the 2024 Euros, eliminating defending champions Italy in the last 16 before suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat to England. The Swiss possess attacking threat in forward Breel Embolo, who is likely to be flanked by Nottingham Forest's Dan Ndoye and Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas. Sunderland's Granit Xhaka returns to anchor the midfield in what is likely to be his fourth and final World Cup. Bosnia meanwhile will feature another player gracing the World Cup stage for the final time, the 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko returning to the tournament 12 years after his only other appearance at the 2014 finals in Brazil.

That campaign in 2014 marked the only other time Bosnia have played in a major championships. Dzeko played a key role in their journey to the 2026 finals, scoring the equalizer in a dramatic playoff win over Wales in Cardiff before the team went on to stun four-time world champions Italy. At the other end of the age spectrum, Bosnia will look to PSV Eindhoven's 21-year-old Esmir Bajraktarevic and 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic for goals.

Like Canada, Asian minnows Qatar are also chasing a first World Cup win, four years after losing all three group games on home soil in 2022. Qatar's campaign will be overseen by former Spain, Real Madrid and West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui, who is finally arriving at the World Cup eight years after being sacked by Spain on the eve of the 2018 finals. Lopetegui faces an uphill task to buck Qatar's World Cup record, with his selection of the 42-year-old Sebastian Soria underscoring the country's shallow player pool.

The co-hosts get the tournament under way against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 11 before later first round games against South Korea and the Czech Republic. With a consistent record of reaching the last 16 in the seven World Cups spanning 1994 and 2018, Mexico have enough tournament pedigree to suggest that qualification from Group A should be straightforward.

While the 2022 tournament bucked that trend -- Mexico exited in the first round after a dismal campaign -- recent results have suggested a return to form. Veteran coach Javier Aguirre, who led Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, returned for a third spell in charge in 2024 and led 'El Tri' to victories in last year's CONCACAF Nations League and CONCACAF Gold Cups.

Veteran striker Raul Jimenez provides a reliable goalscoring cutting edge in attack, while 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora could also emerge as one of the most talented young players of the tournament. Mexico's biggest challenge in Group A is likely to come from South Korea, who enter the tournament on the back of an unbeaten 16-game qualifying campaign.

An ever-present at the World Cup since qualifying for the 1986 finals in Mexico, South Korea reached the last 16 in Qatar and will fancy their chances of charting a path to the knockout rounds once again. Head coach Hong Myung-bo, who took over in 2024 after a troubled one-year reign under Jurgen Klinsmann, has a squad studded with European-based players, notably Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae.

In attack, former Tottenham forward Son Heung-min will provide the goal threat, although the Major League Soccer-based veteran arrives at the tournament in miserable domestic form, having failed to score for Los Angeles FC this season. The Czech Republic are the lone European team in the group, and have everything to prove after a haphazard qualifying campaign that included a seismic 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands that led to the dismissal of coach Ivan Hasek last October.

Miroslav Koubek, 74, replaced Hasek and subsequently guided the team through the playoffs with back-to-back defeats of Ireland and Denmark, both games won on penalties. South Africa meanwhile are making only their fourth appearance at the World Cup and their first since hosting the 2010 tournament. The Bafana Bafana have never progressed past the group stage, and will look to buck that trend under the guidance of 74-year-old Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who steered Cameroon to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2017.

The 33-year-old winger, who will captain Egypt at the 2026 World Cup next month, leaves as the Reds' third-highest goalscorer of all-time on 257.

Popularly known as the Egyptian King, Salah played 74 minutes before being substituted for Jeremie Frimpong in a 1-1 draw with Brentford.

AFP Sport highlights African headline-makers in the major European leagues:

ENGLAND

MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool)

Salah waved an emotional farewell to Liverpool after nine glittering years at Anfield in a draw against Brentford. There was no goodbye goal for Salah, but he did provide the assist for Curtis Jones as a point secured Liverpool's place in the Champions League next season.

ANTOINE SEMENYO (Manchester City)

Semenyo finished third in the Premier League goalscoring charts this season after netting his 17th for runners-up Manchester City in a 2-1 home defeat by fourth-placed Aston Villa. The Ghanaian international was one of the few City stars not rested by Pep Guardiola in his final game in charge and flicked in from a corner to open the scoring at the Etihad.

BRYAN MBEUMO (Manchester Utd)

Cameroon international Mbeumo finished off a brilliant team move for his 12th goal of the season as third-placed United ended the season on a high with a 3-0 win at Brighton.

SPAIN

EZ ABDE (Real Betis)

Moroccan winger Abde ended an excellent campaign with a goal in Real Betis's 2-1 win over Levante on the final day of La Liga. The 24-year-old scored his 10th league goal of the season to put his team in front as they celebrated their Champions League qualification with a home victory.

BRAHIM DIAZ (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid playmaker Diaz netted the fourth in Los Blancos' emphatic 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao. The Morocco international was able to score his first top-flight goal of a season in which he was often reduced to a bit-part role, from close range at the end of a neat team move.

RANDY NTEKA (Rayo Vallecano)

Vallecano are focused on the Conference League final against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but were able to sign off from La Liga with a 2-1 win over Alaves thanks to Randy Nteka's late goal. The Angola attacker showed poise in the box to receive a low pass and drill home his third goal of the league season.

FRANCE

ABDALLAH SIMA (Lens)

The Senegalese striker struck on 78 minutes to seal a 3-1 victory for Lens over Nice in the French Cup final. Sima got on the end of a header back towards his own goal by veteran Brazilian defender Dante, and stabbed the ball into the net.

"We will therefore be based in Tijuana, near the Pacific Ocean. It is a city that lies between Mexico and the US, but it is located in Mexico. We have actually completed the team building there." Taj said that the move would help to avoid complications related to visas and that the squad could use Iran Air flights to travel directly to Mexico. Iran's participation in the World Cup has been in question for months because it is being co-hosted by the United States, which along with Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, sparking a wider war in the Middle East.

Iran have been drawn in Group G and will play their first two matches in Los Angeles. They open their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 and will then face Belgium on June 21 before rounding off their group games against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Taj said that Tijuana was closer to the cities where Iran will play than the camp in Arizona would have been.

"The distance for us in the two games that we have in LA will be a 55-minute flight. Which is a lot less compared to Tucson," the federation president said. The Iran team is currently preparing in Antalya, southern Turkey, and some of the squad went to the US embassy in Ankara on Thursday to submit visa applications for the World Cup. The Iranian football federation's vice-president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi said on Tuesday that the federation was unsure if US visas would be granted to all of the team and accompanying officials.

"We're not certain yet that all the players and staff will receive US visas," he said, but added that Iran was "very confident" in FIFA's protocols. Sarah Hanna, the head of the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson where the Iran team were to have been based, told AFP on Saturday that she could not confirm the move to Mexico and referred all questions to World Cup organisers. At a FIFA congress in Vancouver last month, president Gianni Infantino said that Iran would play their World Cup games in the US as scheduled.

"Let me start at the outset by confirming straight away, for those who maybe want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino said then. "And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together." The World Cup, hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, kicks off on June 11.

"I wanted the referee to let me go out on my shield or let me go in the 12th. I felt we were pretty even on the scorecards." He said he was thankful for the opportunity and revealed that Usyk had offered him a rematch. "I am super proud of my performance and hopefully, the boxing world embraces me as a boxer," he added. Despite having fought the likes of former champions Tyson Fury, Antony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, Usyk was given perhaps his toughest heavyweight fight by a man who had only boxed once before, in 2014.

Verhoeven is a legend of kick-boxing but no one expected him to cause the great Usyk so many problems in a boxing bout. "I know right now, Ukrainian people are sitting in the bomb shelter, my daughter too, in a bomb shelter, sent me a message saying, 'Papa, I love you, you will win'," said Usyk, who retained the WBA, WBC and IBF belts. "Thank you so much, Rico. You are an amazing fighter. Thank you so much to your team. My team, I love you. My wife, I love you. You are my light and my heart.

"This fight was hard. It was a good fight." Until the controversial stoppage, Verhoeven had proved to be more than a tricky competitor and gave Usyk a huge scare. His jerky style, bulldozing aggression and powerful right hand had troubled a sluggish-looking Usyk for most of the fight. The fight had attracted a host of boxing greats to ringside including Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Gennady Golovkin and former heavyweight champions Joshua and Andy Ruiz.

But as an exhausted Verhoeven started to labour in the 11th round, Usyk unleashed a stunning uppercut to drop the Dutchman. There were only seconds left of the round to survive after Verhoeven climbed off the canvas. But Usyk went straight in for the finish, unleashing a flurry of punches before the referee called off the bout with Verhoeven stumbling, but still on his feet.

With so little time left in the round, it seemed a hugely controversial call from the referee. Despite Verhoeven soaking up heavy punishment, he was likely still leading the fight. He had started well, landing a couple of vicious right hands in the opening round. Usyk struggled to find his range, and although he had a good fourth round, rocking Verhoeven with an uppercut, he seemed to be losing most of the early rounds.

As the rounds ticked down, everyone waited for Usyk to assert his superiority, but that did not come until the end of the 11th. A plush right hand sent Verhoeven down and through the ropes. Once he was up, Usyk unleashed a barrage but the Dutchman looked like he would be saved by the bell, until the referee intervened. Germany's WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel entered the ring after the fight to call out Usyk. "I have waited so long for this fight. I am ready and I think Germany is ready for the fight. Let's do it in a German stadium. I think all the fans want it," Kabayel said. Usyk replied: "Let's do it, no problem. I am ready, brother."

Victory sealed a 14th league and cup double for Bayern and 21st cup success. "Going into this final, I felt like it was my responsibility as much as anyone to get us over the line," Kane said on German TV. "I know I'm going to get chances and I did again today. To score a hat-trick in a final is such a special feeling. It's just memories I'll remember forever." The England captain's first strike was set up by Michael Olise from the right, who now boasts an incredible 30 assists in all competitions this season.

Left winger Luis Diaz helped create the second and Kane added a penalty in stoppage time to complete a second-half hat-trick. The double once again highlighted Bayern's incredible dominance of German football. No other German club has achieved the double more than once.

This was the third time that Stuttgart were forced to watch on as Bayern celebrated this season. Bayern beat Stuttgart in the season-opening Super Cup and also secured the Bundesliga title with a big win over the Swabians in Munich in April. Coming into Saturday's match, Bayern had already beaten their opponents three times this season with a combined goal tally of 11-3.

Yet Stuttgart edged the first half, frequently troubling Bayern on the counter. Stuttgart's Maximilian Mittelstaedt and Chris Fuehrich, both left out of Germany's World Cup squad, were particularly impressive going forwards. Kane's only chance of the opening half came in the 21st minute when he headed a cross well over the bar.

Early in the second-half, Bayern made Stuttgart pay for their failure to convert their first-half chances when Olise set up Kane's opener. The France winger tore down the right and delivered a low-flying cross perfectly to Kane, who leapt forward and headed in from close range, making sure he had scored in each of Bayern's six games in the competition this season. Moments later, Bayern scuffed a golden chance to go two up when Konrad Laimer blasted a rebound well over the bar with Stuttgart's Alexander Nuebel on the ground and the goal unguarded.

With 10 minutes remaining, Kane made sure of things, collecting a Diaz pass on the spin and blasting a low shot into the bottom corner. Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller handled in the box in stoppage time, bringing Kane to the spot. The striker converted nervelessly to complete an incredible season at the club.

With double-defending champion Alcaraz missing through injury, Djokovic will enter his first-round match in the night session on Stade Philippe Chatrier against France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard knowing this may well be his best chance of claiming a record-breaking 25th crown. "It's been a lot of hours spent on the court and trying to perfect the game and the body and enable myself physically and game-wise to be ready for best of five (sets)," Djokovic told reporters Friday of his preparations as he returns from a shoulder issue.

"Let's see. I don't know whether that's going to be the case for the entire tournament, however long that tournament will be for me. "But Grand Slams have been, and I have said this many times, always the priority list, particularly in the last couple of years... So I can't wait to get on a court and start competing."

The third-seeded Serb enters the tournament with little match practice on clay after only competing in the Italian Open, where he was eliminated in his opening match earlier this month. Djokovic is a different beast when it comes to Grand Slams. Despite his reduced participation in ATP tournaments in recent years, he has nonetheless reached at least the semi-finals at each of the past five majors. He has, however, been handed a tough draw in the French capital.

First on the menu is former world number 29 Mpetshi Perricard, who, in addition to having one of the biggest serves on the tour, will also enjoy raucous home backing on Roland Garros' centre court. Second seed Alexander Zverev will also be in action on the opening day as the German faces home hope Benjamin Bonzi. Rising stars Joao Fonseca of Brazil and Czech Jakub Mensik will both open their bids on Court Simonne Mathieu.

Russia's Mirra Andreeva will be the highest-ranked woman playing on Sunday. The eighth seed meets French wildcard Fiona Ferro on Philippe Chatrier. "Of course it's never tricky to play a French player, especially in Paris," Andreeva joked. "Because obviously the crowd is gonna support her as much as they can, and that's totally okay. I mean, I have some experience even from last year when I played quarters, so I pretty much know what to expect."

Last year, the 19-year-old stormed through to the last eight before falling to French sensation Lois Boisson in a match in which Andreeva received a warning from the umpire for blasting the ball into the crowd. Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic will open play for the tournament on Philippe Chatrier against Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus. Former Grand Slam champions Sofia Kenin, Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu all start their French Open campaigns too.

Lilli Tagger of Austria, the 2025 junior champion who has drawn comparisons to four-time Roland Garros winner Justine Henin for her elegant single-handed backhand, will make her bow in the senior draw on court nine against Chinese 32nd seed Wang Xinyu.

The Knicks seized a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals and could complete a sweep in game four on Monday in Cleveland. No team in NBA history has recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. "The series isn't over," Anunoby said. "Just keep our foot on their necks and just try to win the game." Brunson said the Knicks must continue to concentrate.

"Just focus on one possession at a time," Brunson said. "The way we've been having that mindset these past couple weeks, we have to continue it, if not actually better." The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals 27 years ago when they lost to San Antonio. They have not won the NBA championship since 1973.

New York's Karl-Anthony Towns had 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Josh Hart added 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals for a Knicks team that has not been beaten in a month. "Our mindset hasn't changed," Brunson said. "We're trying to get better every single day. We're trying to learn from winning. "There's a lot of things we can get better at. There's a lot of things we can control, a lot of mental errors that we need to clean up, but we're always just looking for ways to try and get better."

Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 24 points while Donovan Mitchell added 23 and James Harden scored 19 points. The Cavaliers, who squandered a 22-point lead to lose the series opener, never led as New York seized command early and dominated.

"I guess you could say momentum carried over (from game one)," Anunoby said. "We try to play the right way every game but maybe that momentum carried over a little bit." New York started the game 10-of-13 from the floor to seize a 29-19 lead only 8:29 into the contest, Towns delivering 11 points in the run on the way to a 37-27 lead after the first quarter.

Cleveland trimmed New York's half-time edge to 60-54 but the Cavs committed six turnovers in the first six minutes of the third quarter. The Knicks were a 91-82 ahead entering the fourth quarter and stretched it 110-93 in the closing minutes before completing their fifth road triumph in a row. "It's just executing the game plan on both sides of the floor, playing the right way, moving the ball then getting stops on defense," Anunoby said of New York's secret to success.

They include the UAE's ILT20, South Africa's SA20, and New Zealand's privately-backed NZ20 scheduled to start in December 2027, all bidding for the best local and overseas players. "If those salary caps (of other leagues) are significantly higher than ours over the coming years, and players can earn more in those areas, then players will follow those. That's a real risk to us," Greenberg told local media.

"I want to make sure that for Australian cricket, our ambition is to have a league that runs at the key part of the year for us, which is the December-January window, and it's the best T20 league in the world at that moment in time. "To do that, we have to have a significant amount of money in our salary caps to attract not only the best players from overseas, but to retain and attract our own best players." He added: "The concept of bringing private capital to cricket is inevitable at some point."

While not a direct competitor as it runs in a different window, the benchmark Indian Premier League has seen massive success thanks to wealthy benefactors, with England's The Hundred also on a roll after an influx of private capital. But it is a thorny issue in Australia with an initial proposal to sell stakes in each of BBL's eight teams stalling last month amid concerns about a loss of control for the game's local custodians.

While the Victorian, Western Australian and Tasmanian cricket associations voiced support and South Australia said it was open to the idea, New South Wales and Queensland rejected the move. Queensland Cricket, which controls the Brisbane Heat, said it was worried about player payments skyrocketing to unsustainable levels, and that private owners may not be as invested in the grassroots game.

Cricket NSW, which operates the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, was similarly concerned that it could be detrimental to how the sport is governed and how local players are produced. There are also fears about an Indian takeover, with the most likely buyers seen as the rich IPL team owners who have invested in other short-form competitions around the globe.

Former Australian captain Greg Chappell is in the "No" camp, arguing that the BBL belongs to the states and communities that have built it into a successful and well-attended product. While acknowledging the commercial realities, he said selling it off was not the answer. "The moment you introduce private ownership at scale, you introduce a set of priorities that may not always align with the long-term health of the game," he wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Private investors, however well-intentioned, answer to shareholders, not to Australian cricket." Andrew Jones, a former head of strategy at Cricket Australia who was instrumental in the launch of the BBL, is similarly unconvinced. "A one-off sale is a sugar hit, not a solution," he said in The Australian newspaper, arguing that revenues can be better grown through sponsorships, wagering, ticketing and more focus on commercialising the women's game.

Despite scepticism, Greenberg remains confident and is now eyeing a hybrid ownership model. This would allow the BBL franchises keen to sell stakes to do so while allowing those against to maintain complete ownership. "If we end up not going together at the same time, can we still extract the same level of revenue, and can we extract the same level of value?" he said. "I think we can, but I've got to do the work to satisfy a recommendation that would ultimately go to the members and our board."

At the Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, Arambagh Krira Sangha will play against Abahani Limited Dhaka. Meanwhile, PWD Sports Club will meet Fortis Football Club at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur. Defending champions Bashundhara Kings will face Fakirerpool Young Men's Club at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital.

After the match, the league trophy will be handed over to the champions, Bashundhara Kings. All matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:45 pm. The final round will determine the remaining league standings. Bashundhara Kings have already secured the league title with one match to spare, while Abahani and Fortis, both on 34 points, will battle for the runners-up position.

Earlier, Bangladesh opened Pool B play with a 3-0 set defeat to Iran held on Friday last. Participating teams include Bangladesh, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, split into two groups, are taking part in the tournament which will run through May 29 in the Nepalese capital.

Naegohyang's win means they will appear in next year's FIFA Women's Champions Cup, which will feature teams from around the world. Naegohyang, who were founded in 2012 and whose name means "My Hometown" in Korean, beat Suwon FC Women 2-1 in the semi-finals at the same Suwon stadium earlier this week in a rare North-South match-up. The North Koreans edged Tokyo in a final that featured plenty of hard tackles but was played in a fair spirit. The players hugged each other at the final whistle and coach Ri Yu Il sat on the bench and wept with joy.

Interest in Naegohyang's visit to the South has been intense, and 7,087 general admission tickets for their semi-final against Suwon sold out within hours. Tickets for the final were still available shortly before kick-off and swathes of empty seats could be seen in the stadium. There were no official Naegohyang supporters because North Koreans are generally not allowed into the South, and the two countries have technically remained at war since 1950.

South Korean spectators, wearing sunglasses and caps under the sunny weather, beat traditional Korean drums while cheering for Naegohyang. Around 3,000 spectators from civic groups backed by Seoul's unification ministry were expected. Cheong Wook-sik, director of South Korean NGO Peace Network, told AFP before the game that Naegohyang's visit was "emotionally overwhelming for many of us". "We have long been the closest neighbours, yet also the most hostile towards each other," he said.

"I hope these football events can help change that, even if it may sound too idealistic." Choi Hyo-kwan, who is originally from the North, was attending the game at the age of 94. "I heard they were playing Japan today, so I came out to support them," he said. "Above all, I just hope everyone stays healthy, avoids injuries and goes all the way to victory." Naegohyang and Tokyo had met earlier in the competition, with the Japanese side winning 4-0 in the first round in Myanmar.

The final was a much closer affair, with Tokyo having the better of the first half until Naegohyang scored one minute before the interval. Jong Kum broke down the left after a quick counterattack and she squared the ball for Kim to finish. Tokyo pressed for an equaliser in the second half but Naegohyang were comfortable to soak up the pressure and look for another chance to break forward. North Korea rank 11th in the FIFA women's world ranking, far above their men's team, which is ranked 118th. Tokyo were looking to become Asian champions for the second time, having won the Champions League's forerunner competition in 2019.

His 11-under 60 at TPC Craig Ranch in suburban Dallas left him on 18-under 240, five clear of defending champion Scottie Scheffler, South Korean Im Sung-jae, Japanese rookie Kensei Hirata, former US Open champion Wyndham Clark and American Jackson Suber. Im surged up the leaderboard with an impressive 10-under-par 61 that included a hole-in-one and a closing eagle. Suber also shot 61, closing with back-to-back birdies for his share of second. Scheffler, playing alongside his good friend and fellow Dallas resident Kim, carded an eight-under 63 that was matched by Clark, and Hirata signed for a six-under 65.

"I hit it great and putted great, so everything was perfect, other than the last hole," Kim said. "I'll still take it." Inspired by Im's early round, Kim launched what he called his greatest round with a six-foot birdie at the first, rolled in 17-foot birdie from the fringe at the third then birdied three in a row at five, six and seven, where he drained a 20-footer.

He birdied four straight from the ninth through the 12th -- where he blasted out of a greenside bunker to six feet. Birdies at 14 and 15 put him at 11-under for the day, but he said he didn't seriously think about shooting 59 -- 12-under on the par-71 layout -- until narrowly missing a birdie putt at 16. "And then I made that putt at 17 and I was excited," Kim said. "Eighteen, I knew it was going to be hard. I tried still to be aggressive on the second shot ... maybe I was too pumped. But it was a good round."

It overshadowed a stellar effort from Scheffler, who picked up five shots in the space of four holes with birdies at 11, 13 and 14 sandwiched around a 46-foot eagle putt at the 12th. "Sometimes you feel like you're playing bad when you're watching somebody just hit it to eight feet and make it on every hole," the world number one said. Im's scintillating round also came in a red-hot pairing as playing partner Jordan Spieth fired nine birdies in a nine-under 62.

Im and Spieth teed off on 10 and Im had four birdies before his only bogey of the day at the 18th. He birdied the first, third and fourth holes before watching in apparent surprise as his five-iron off the tee at the par-three seventh bounced on the green and rolled in the cup. "I was surprised, but I hit a really good shot," he said, calling the moment "a little unexpected but obviously very exciting."

Im, whose 2026 campaign got off to a delayed start after a January wrist injury added a 14-foot eagle at the par-five ninth. Spieth's birdie outburst included six in a row to launch his final nine. With a 12-under total of 130 former world number one Spieth was in a group of five players sharing sixth. "It was really fun," Spieth said. "You're feeding off each other, right? There's a lot of good golf going on."

Liverpool and Bournemouth could both secure places in the Champions League, while European football is also on the line for Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea and Sunderland.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the action:

Spurs 'dignity' at stake

This time last year Tottenham fans were basking in the glow of a first trophy for 17 years after beating Manchester United to lift the Europa League.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi believes the visit of Everton dwarfs the importance of that victory, with Premier League survival at stake.

"There is something more important than the trophy and the bonus," he said. "There is the future of the club, there is the history of the club, there is the pride of the players, there is the pride of the families of the players.

"There is the dignity of every one of us."

A point will be enough to secure survival and relegate West Ham due to Tottenham's vastly superior goal difference.

But Spurs have already lost 10 of their 18 home league games this season and another defeat would open the door to Nuno Espirito Santo's Hammers, if they can beat Leeds.

Battle for Europe

Liverpool should ensure a terrible season does not end on a fresh low note by securing a top-five finish in Mohamed Salah's farewell to Anfield.

Finishing in the top five would ensure Champions League football next season -- a consolation prize after a shocking title defence.

Egypt international Salah criticised Liverpool's performances under Arne Slot this season after last week's 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa.

"I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies," he said in a social media post, pointedly referring to the football played under Slot's predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

"Qualifying to next season's Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen," he added.

Liverpool, who host Brentford, have a three-point lead and a six-goal cushion on goal difference over sixth-placed Bournemouth.

Sixth could be enough to qualify for the Champions League if Liverpool win and leapfrog Aston Villa, who travel to Manchester City, into fifth spot.

As it stands, the sixth and seventh-placed teams would go into the Europa League and the eighth would qualify for the Conference League.

Brighton would be guaranteed at least Europa League football with victory over Manchester United.

Sunderland host Chelsea with a chance of qualifying for continental competition for the first time in more than half a century.

Premier League greats depart

Mohamed Salah's outburst gives Arne Slot a tough decision to make on whether to start the 33-year-old, who has only recently returned from a hamstring injury.

The already unpopular coach risks infuriating the Liverpool fans even further if he does not give the man they christened "The Egyptian King" one last run out in front of the Kop.

With increasing speculation over his future, Slot can ill afford to let any personal issues with Salah get in the way of finishing the season on a high.

Liverpool have failed to win any of the nine league games that Salah has not started in 2026.

At the Etihad, Guardiola is set for a rousing send-off after amassing 20 trophies in his decade in charge, including six Premier League titles and City's only Champions League.

"It's been the experience of my life," said the Catalan after announcing his departure on Friday.

Fixtures

Sunday (all 1500GMT)

Brighton v Manchester United, Burnley v Wolves, Crystal Palace v Arsenal, Fulham v Newcastle, Liverpool v Brentford, Manchester City v Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth, Sunderland v Chelsea, Tottenham v Everton, West Ham v Leeds

Teenager Djibril Coulibaly pulled one back for Nice with his first senior goal just before the interval and they hit the woodwork twice in the second half. But Lens made sure of the win through substitute Abdallah Sima, who poked home in the 78th minute to spark joyous celebrations. The triumph caps a superb campaign for the club from northern France, who under new coach Pierre Sage finished second in Ligue 1 to a dominant Paris Saint-Germain and qualified for next season's Champions League as a result.

Lens had never previously won the French Cup despite reaching the final three times, most recently in 1998 -- that year they won the league title for the only time in their history. "It is historic, extraordinary," star performer Thauvin told broadcaster France 2. "It has really been a remarkable season and we were all eager to make history for the club." The vast majority of the near-capacity crowd inside the 80,000-seat Stade de France were supporting Lens, with many disillusioned Nice fans not attending.

Defeat for Nice adds to their misery in a difficult season which is not yet over -- they finished third-bottom in Ligue 1 and must therefore win a two-legged play-off next week against second-tier Saint-Etienne in order to secure their top-flight status. The 33-year-old Thauvin narrowly missed out on a place in the France squad for the upcoming World Cup but he seemed determined to put that disapppointment behind him as the ex-Newcastle United forward fired in a fine opener on 25 minutes.

He then set up the second with a corner that was headed home by former Celtic striker Edouard -- both players end the season with 14 goals. Coulibaly headed Nice back into the game but Antoine Mendy's effort which hit the bar shortly after the break proved a turning point. Instead of drawing level, Nice ended up falling further behind when Senegalese forward Sima got on the end of a header back towards his own goal by veteran Brazilian defender Dante, and stabbed in.

Lens are the fifth different winners of the French Cup in the last eight editions, with Rennes, Nantes and Toulouse also lifting the trophy in that time, as well as PSG. The club were due to continue the celebrations long into the night, travelling back to their Stade Bollaert to greet supporters gathered there before an open-top bus tour scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Bayern have beaten Stuttgart three times already this season by a collective 11 goals to three. However a defeat on Saturday will sting a club with their ambitions -- and their resources. With just three defeats in all competitions, Bayern have been incredible this season. Finishing the Bundesliga 16 points ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, Bayern scored 122 goals in 34 matches to shatter the previous single season goalscoring record of 101, becoming the first side in league history to average over three goals a game.

But the Bavarian giants' financial muscle has meant the league title has become par for the course in recent years, with 13 wins in the past 14 seasons. A victory on Saturday would not just crown an excellent season, it would break what is becoming a surprisingly long drought in the competition. The Bavarians have won the German Cup a record 20 times -- 14 more than the next best side, Werder Bremen -- but they have not lifted the trophy for six years dating back to 2020, the biggest gap between cup wins this century.

Bayern twice crashed out to lower league opposition in that run and only made it to the quarter-final stage once. In 2021-22, Bayern lost 5-0 to Borussia Moenchengladbach in the second round -- their biggest defeat in any competition since the mid-1970s. "We really want to win that again because it's painful for us that we haven't won the cup for six years," Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said on Sunday.

Harry Kane finally broke through for a first team trophy when Bayern won the Bundesliga last season but admitted failing to win Saturday's showpiece would put a different spin on the campaign. "If we don't win, it will leave a bitter taste in our mouths," Kane said of the clash with Stuttgart at Bayern's Bundesliga title celebrations in Munich on Sunday. By lifting the cup on Saturday, Bayern would win the double for a remarkable 14th time. No other team in German history has done so more than once.

A Bayern-Stuttgart clash opened the season in the newly renamed Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, which features the league and cup holders. That the domestic season should close with the same two teams duking it out shows how far Stuttgart have come under coach Sebastian Hoeness. The coach, a nephew of Bayern powerbroker Uli, took over with Stuttgart in relegation danger in 2023 but guided them to two Champions League qualifications and their first silverware in 28 yeras.

Stuttgart may be the defending champions but striker Deniz Undav said the pressure is all on the Bavarian giants, with his side happy to play the role of spoilers. "It's a bonus game. We've got nothing to lose -- we're the complete underdog," the Germany striker said, adding "there's one clear favourite and that's Bayern".

- Hydration breaks –

Pauses to allow players to take on fluids have been regularly seen in games played in hot conditions, but they have never been introduced as a compulsory element of every match at a World Cup.

That will change this year, with FIFA bringing in three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half -- regardless of the weather, even for matches played in cool conditions or under a closed roof.

"There will be no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches," football's world governing body said.

FIFA puts the introduction of hydration breaks down to a commitment to player welfare, but cynics might say the decision to effectively split matches into four quarters resembles the way some leading US sports are played and suits American broadcasters who might take advantage by selling advertising during the breaks in action.

- VAR to review corners, second yellows –

The video assistant referee system was initially introduced to review possible clear and obvious errors in relaton to goals, penalty incidents, straight red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

Earlier this year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which determines the laws of the game, announced that it would allow VAR's scope to be extended to cover second yellow cards and corners in time for the World Cup.

That means a review can now take place if a player is sent off for a second booking, as well as straight red card incidents.

VAR will also be able to review a "clearly incorrectly awarded corner" so long, the IFAB says, as "the review can be completed immediately and without delaying the restart".

- Countdowns for goal-kicks, substitutions –

Countdowns will be introduced for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions in an attempt to discourage time-wasting.

If a player takes too long, possession will switch to the opposition, meaning a goal-kick could become a corner, or a throw-in would change hands.

This comes after the recent introduction of the eight-second time limit imposed on goalkeepers when they have the ball, which sees a corner given against them if they take too long.

"If the referee considers that a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or is being deliberately delayed, a five-second visual countdown will be initiated," said the IFAB.

Meanwhile, players will have 10 seconds to leave the field once their number is shown on the substitute board.

If they fail to do so, they must still leave the field immediately, but the substitute will not be allowed on until the next stoppage in play, after at least one minute of play has elapsed.

Players who receive treatment for an injury, or where their injury causes play to be stopped, must leave the field for one minute before being allowed back on.

- Red cards for covering mouths –

Players who cover their mouths "in a confrontational situation with an opponent" can now be shown a red card, FIFA said last month.

The announcement came after an incident during a UEFA Champions League game in February when Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.

Prestianni was accused of racist abuse and later received a six-match ban "for discriminatory (i.e. homophobic) conduct".

In addition, FIFA said officials would be allowed to show a red card to any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a decision.

"This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play," FIFA added. "A team that causes a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the match."

January's Africa Cup of Nations final was marred when Senegal players walked off in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco.

The players eventually returned and Senegal won the match, but the Confederation of African Football later stripped them of the title, saying "that the champions had infringed tournament regulations by walking off".

Kylian Mbappe (France)

Mbappe could become the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history over the next few weeks, but will cross the Atlantic after a troubled time at Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old is yet to win a major trophy in two seasons at the Spanish giants despite his prolific goalscoring record.

Mbappe's commitment has been questioned after he went on holiday while nursing a hamstring injury towards the end of the season.

A change of scenery on the international stage could be just what he needs as he aims to write more history on the global stage.

Mbappe took the tournament by storm as a teenager in France's 2018 World Cup win. He plundered another eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final, as Les Bleus missed out on penalties to Argentina four years ago.

He needs just four more to match Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland finally gets his first taste of a major international tournament after ending Norway's 28-year wait to reach the World Cup.

The Manchester City striker struck 16 times in eight games during Norway's flawless qualifying campaign that included two thrashings of Italy.

That took his tally to a remarkable 55 goals in 49 international appearances.

Haaland is the poster boy for a golden generation of Norwegian players, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, that have been tipped as dark horses.

But Norway will need their star striker in top form after being handed a tough draw alongside France and African champions Senegal in Group I.

Vinicius Junior (Brazil)

Neymar's return to the Brazil squad has caught the imagination, but it is Vincius' performance that will likely determine whether Carlo Ancelotti's men end up with a sixth star on the famous yellow jersey.

He and Mbappe have had to share the spotlight in Madrid, but the World Cup gives Vinicius the chance to become a national hero in Brazil and win the Ballon d'Or he craves.

Vinicius and his club team-mates famously boycotted the ceremony after he was overlooked for Manchester City's Rodri despite scoring in the Champions League final two years ago.

But his record for Brazil is patchy. He scored just once in the World Cup four years ago and has only eight goals in 47 caps overall.

Harry Kane (England)

England's captain and all-time record goalscorer enters probably his last shot at World Cup glory off the back of a stunning season for Bayern Munich.

Kane scored 58 goals in 50 games as Bayern romped to the Bundesliga title and narrowly missed out on the Champions League final.

At international level he has spearheaded the rise of the Three Lions to serial contenders, but is yet to end his nation's 60-year wait to win a major tournament.

Kane has often been hampered physically at international tournaments, exhausted by his exertions during the club season.

However, this time his minutes have been managed by Bayern for months as they prioritised a deep run in the Champions League, with the Bundesliga long since won.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

The breakout star of Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Yamal's hopes of taking the world by storm will depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The 18-year-old has not featured since suffering the injury for Barcelona on April 22 and could reportedly miss Spain's first two group games against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.

After a slow start to the season, Yamal had been in blistering form prior to his injury, scoring 24 goals in all as Barca cruised to a second consecutive La Liga title.

Spain will be confident of negotiating the early stages of the tournament before unleashing the player many regard as the best in the world for the latter stages.

The squad sees the return of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan -- also missing from the Bangladesh tour. Left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim stages a comeback in the ODI squad after finishing as the highest wicket taker in the PSL 2026 with 22. Fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal, spinning allrounder Arafat Minhas and wicketkeeper batter Rohail Nazir are selected in the ODI squad for the first time.

Experienced openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will miss the series with injuries, while senior wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan is dropped. The Australian team will arrive in Islamabad on May 23 and play the matches in Rawalpindi (May 30) and Lahore (June 2 and 4). The series will give both teams a chance to build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Pakistan's Test team returned home after suffering a shock 2-0 defeat in Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Pakistan ODI squad:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim

Salah posted on social media the day after that match calling for a return to the "heavy metal" football that made them successful under Jurgen Klopp. Despite a desperately disappointing season and growing fan unrest, Slot appears set to remain in charge for the final year of his contract. "I think Mo and I have the same interest - we want the best for this club," said Slot, who won the Premier League in his first season in charge last year.

"We were both part of giving the fans their first league title in five years - but we are also aware of this season. "What we want, what he wants and what I want is for the club to be as successful as last season. That is where my main focus is at now because the game on Sunday could give us a base heading into next season. That is where we should focus."

Liverpool go into the final weekend of the season 23 points adrift of champions Arsenal. Slot congratulated the Gunners for their first title in 22 years, but said their success showed how the Premier League had changed to a style more focused on set pieces. "Winning the Premier League is never easy and they have done a tremendous job this season but for me they have been a different champion to the teams the last 10 seasons," added Slot.

"First of all because it is the first time in 30 years 40 percent of their goals are from set-pieces. "So football has changed and evolved and we have to make sure we are able to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City next season with our own brand of football." Slot refused to confirm whether Salah will start on his farewell appearance. The 33-year-old only made his comeback from a hamstring injury as a late substitute against Villa.

The German former Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss has made a series of bold calls that will be harshly judged if the Three Lions fall short of glory in the coming weeks. Palmer and Foden played a major role in England's run to the final of Euro 2024. However, Chelsea playmaker Palmer and Manchester City's Foden have paid the price for poor seasons with their clubs. Tuchel said telling players they would not be on the plane to the United States had been tough.

"It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult and like even in the phone calls I felt the emotion," he said. "So I called all players that were with us in camp at least one time, I called them, I wanted to show at least the appreciation and the respect for what they have done." Tuchel said he could not wait to be on the plane and "be a coach". "Now I'm feeling in between relieved and excited and ready to go because once you get the energy back and once you see the excitement of the players that you chose and then once the decisions are made it gives you a certain edge, it gives clarity," he said.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been overlooked despite being two of the highest-scoring Englishmen in the Premier League this season. Veteran Brentford midfielder and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been included at the expense of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said on Thursday he was shocked at his exclusion. "I was confident I could (have) played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had," the 33-year-old posted on social media.

"I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision." Maguire's United team-mate Luke Shaw has also been overlooked. Tuchel has taken a risk on centre-back John Stones despite his lack of involvement at Manchester City during an injury-hit season. Toney made an impact off the bench at the Euros two years ago, but has played only two minutes of international football since after moving to Saudi Arabia in 2024.

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before playing Ghana on June 23 and Panama four days later.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento, Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly (all Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

We look forward to appointing German-American tactician Thomas Dooley as the new head coach of the Bangladesh men's national team, BFF said in the release. With 43 years of elite global football experience, he played for the USA national team, including in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and served as captain during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He later worked as assistant coach of the US national team under Jurgen Klinsmann from 2011 to 2014.

Coach Dooley is a specialist in building teams from the ground up and understands the unique challenges and incredible passion of Asian football. He guided the Philippines national football team to a historic unbeaten AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign and their highest-ever FIFA ranking. Most recently, he served as head coach of the Guyana national football team and won all four matches under his charge. He now takes on the challenge of transforming Bangladesh national team into a winning side by building on the potential of our young players. The appointment marks a significant move by the BFF as Bangladesh looks to strengthen its football program under an experienced international coach.

"I'm grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I've met and the friendships I've made along the way." The defender's final game will be Sevilla's visit to face Celta Vigo on Saturday. Azpilicueta started his career with Osasuna before moving to Marseille in France and then Chelsea in 2012.

The Spaniard started his career as a right-back but also played in the centre of defence and on the left, showing great versatility. After more than a decade at Stamford Bridge, where he became the club's captain, he moved to Atletico Madrid in 2023 and then to Sevilla last summer.

At the Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, Arambagh Krira Sangha will play against Abahani Limited Dhaka. Meanwhile, PWD Sports Club will meet Fortis Football Club at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur. Defending champions Bashundhara Kings will face Fakirerpool Young Men's Club at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital.

All matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:45 pm. The final round will determine the remaining league standings. Bashundhara Kings have already secured the league title with one match to spare, while Abahani and Fortis, both on 34 points, will battle for the runners-up position.

The race route will be set around Hatirjheel, covering key city landmarks, including Police Plaza, Rampura bridge, Lake Road and FDC. The starting point, finishing line and fan zone will be located in the Amphitheatre area of Hatirjheel. A group of Russian community living Bangladesh and also citizen from other countries participating this one run, which offers a unique opportunity to spend an active weekend with family or friends, or to meet like-minded individuals, experiencing their first official race, or setting a personal record.

On the same day, the event will be held simultaneously in 38 countries, including Russia, China, Brazil, Venezuela, Serbia, Belarus, Tanzania, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Morocco, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Chile and Armenia, among others. More than 2,50,000 participants globally are expected to join the event under the shared slogan, "One Run, One Goal, One World." Chuti is the title sponsor of One Run Bangladesh and it is powered by Duronto Sports Gallery. 

The closing and prize giving ceremony will be held after the race at Hatirjheel Amphitheater. State Minister of Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque is expected to present on the occasion as the chief guest. The event will be more exciting with the presence of youth icon and sports patron of Bangladesh Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The ambassadors from Russia and Malaysia will also attend in the ceremony. The "One Run" half marathon (known as "ZaBeg.RF" in Russia) originated in Russia in 2017 and has gradually expanded into a global event, now held across dozens of countries under a synchronized format.

"From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride," Carrick said. "Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here. "Now it's time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again."

"What a time we have had together!" Guardiola said in a club statement. "Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time. "Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City." News of the Spaniard's impending departure was first reported on Monday.

At that point, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was tight-lipped on his future as City missed out on the Premier League title to Arsenal 24 hours later. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked on Guardiola's staff at City, has been widely reported as the man set to take over at the Etihad.

The divisional commissioner was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the three-day divisional round of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament at the Rajshahi Divisional Women's Sports Complex ground as the chief guest. A total of 16 boys' and girls' teams from eight districts of the Rajshahi division are taking part in the tournament, divided into two groups.

Greeting the participating footballers, Bazlur Rashid said teachers and education officials had worked hard to bring the best teams from union, upazila and district levels to the divisional competition. "Today we will witness the best teams competing against each other. It should be treated purely as a game. It is not a clash or rivalry; the game is about skill," he added.

"We hope many promising boy and girl footballers will emerge from this tournament," he said, expressing optimism that the Rajshahi division would become champion at the national level. Additional Divisional Commissioner Md. Rezaul Alam Sarkar chaired the function. District Council Administrator Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, Additional Police Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Al Mamun, Additional Superintendent of Police Helena Akhter and Divisional Deputy Director of Primary Education Nur Akhter Jannatul Ferdous, among others, addressed the event. Education officials, teachers, students, dignitaries and media personnel were also present.

The official attendance for the game, which was played in torrential rain at the roofless Suwon Sports Complex Stadium, was 5,763. A large group of spectators from civic groups backed by Seoul's unification ministry were in the stadium to support both teams. Naegohyang's arrival at South Korea's Incheon International Airport on Sunday saw players and officials surrounded by throngs of reporters and supporters holding welcome signs.

Suwon coach Park Kil-young said the huge attention surrounding the game had affected his players. "We are Suwon FC Women of the Republic of Korea," he said, struggling to control his emotions. "Throughout the match, our players and our staff felt hurt." There were no official away supporters at the game because North Koreans are generally not allowed into the South and the two countries have technically remained at war since 1950.

Suwon were backed by fans banging drums and chanting for their team. Park said his team had "never played in front of so many people and so many writers before". "We needed to win today to draw more attention to women's football here, and our players competed so hard with that in mind," he said. "Hopefully, this match will help people take more interest in our sport and make them come to more matches." Naegohyang came from behind to win the game and book their place in Saturday's final against Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza, which will also be played in Suwon.

Suwon spurned a chance to equalise with just over 10 minutes to play when captain Ji So-yun missed a penalty. Naegohyang coach Ri Yu Il said the atmosphere in the stadium had contributed to the occasion. "It was a very intense match and we were too caught up in it to be too conscious of the cheering," said Naegohyang coach Ri Yu Il, who formerly led North Korea's women's national team. "However, I felt that people here have such a high level of interest in football."

The 17th Ebola outbreak to hit the DRC is already suspected of having caused 139 deaths from around 600 probable cases. The training camp that "was due to begin in Kinshasa for three days" has been "relocated" to Belgium, a team press officer told AFP, without confirming whether the Ebola outbreak was the reason for the decision.

"No players based domestically have been selected" for the national squad, he added. DR Congo have qualified for the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, for only the second time after playing in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire. They have planned to be based in Houston during the tournament, where they will play their first Group K match on June 17 against Portugal.

DR Congo are then scheduled to head to Guadalajara to play Colombia on June 24 before returning to the United States to play Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 28. A US official said Tuesday the team would be able to travel to play in the World Cup. The United States has banned non-Americans who have been in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days from visiting due to the outbreak.

The US official said the DR Congo had already been training in Europe so may not have been subject to the ban in any case. But if they in fact were in DR Congo over the last 21 days, they would be subject to strict screening of the sort required for returning American citizens -- not a complete ban.

In a BOA message, BOA President and Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with BOA Secretary General Jubaidur Rahman Rana and members of the executive committee, congratulated all players, coaches, officials and the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, along with everyone associated with the team, for the memorable success.

The BOA expressed hope for the continued development of cricket and all other sports disciplines in the country and wished for a successful and glorious journey in the nation's sporting arena.

While their far-flung countries are more than 1,500 kilometres apart, they share a maritime border. The impact of the sometime doubles partners, not only on the court but in the stands, has brought them the nickname 'SEASters'. The huge Filipino expat population flock to see their first tennis star everywhere she plays. "The start of the season is when I seriously noticed that people were really coming, they were buying tickets, they were taking time out of their day. It was like, wow," world number 38 Eala told the Served website.

She added she had been a "little bit in denial" about her popularity. "After I broke that barrier of not accepting, thinking, 'I don't think I'm really famous', every week they just kept coming, so I was, 'Okay, you have to accept it, absorb it, it's here, it's a really good position'." Her opponents notice. "I love that she has such an incredible fan base. I've seen the atmosphere. It's amazing," American Amanda Anisimova said in Dubai. Yet, Eala is cautious.

"I want to give back all the support they give me, but my first obligation is to myself," she told the Punto de Break website. "I try to find the healthiest way to deal with all of this, because I feel like many things could go wrong... It's all about balance." Representing a nation of 288 million, 41st-ranked Tjen is also proving a draw.

"I don't think too much about it," she told the Times of India ahead of a Billie Jean King Cup match in Delhi in April. "I know that as long as I keep working hard and giving my best, I always have Indonesia behind me. That's something I'm proud of." Two Thai women, Lanlana Tararudee and Mananchaya Sawangkaew are also hovering around the top 100.

"I'm super, super proud to be part of this group. And these are girls that I grew up with," said Eala. "I think Southeast Asia has its own little charm. We have certain humour that's very similar, maybe cultural things that we share. There's definitely that shared sense of pride for my region." Eala left home aged 12 to join the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca. She won the US Open junior singles in 2022. After breaking into the top 50 last season, she became the first person to hit with Nadal since his retirement over a year earlier.

"It was crazy," Eala told The National. "It was my first time ever hitting with him and I was so nervous and it was definitely physically demanding for me. "Just to say that you hit with Rafa, it's insane." She has Nadal's willingness to go to the limits. After beating Magdalena Frech in a tough three-setter at the Italian Open earlier this month, she said on Tennis Channel: "I told myself that I wasn't tired enough."

Eala is a lefty, like Nadal, but has not yet displayed the 14-time Roland Garros champion's love for clay. "I'm starting to build that relationship," she said in Rome. "This is my first season where I've really done these high-level tournaments." Tjen developed later on tennis scholarships at US universities, spending one year at Oregon and three at Pepperdine by the beach in Malibu. She has hardly any experience on clay and played her first tour-level matches on the surface in April.

"So I'm just taking things one at a time," she told the Roland Garros website. She also admitted she had previously held doubts about pursuing a tennis career. "Tennis demands a lot of you," she told the Times of India. "You basically have to travel every week of your life and that's a very tough demand for me. I don't like travelling as much and considering that I wouldn't be able to enjoy it and being away from home for that long I decided to quit, but I had a lot of good people around me and they kept convincing me to give it a try."

While his scheduling is more selective and his approach more pragmatic, Djokovic conceded he would have liked more time on clay before coming to Paris. He has played in just three tournaments in 2026, and lost his only match on clay to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic at this month's Italian Open. Djokovic pulled out of tournaments in Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid while dealing with a shoulder injury -- with strapping visible during his brief stay in Rome. "It's not an ideal preparation, to be honest," said Djokovic, who will be seeded third at Roland Garros.

"I don't recall the last time I had in the last couple of years a preparation where I didn't have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament. There's always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with." It is a candid admission from a player who has built his career on meticulous planning and physical resilience, but who is confronting the realities of an ageing body.

"It is frustrating," he said. "At the same time it's my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions." Djokovic's record at Roland Garros underlines why he cannot be discounted. The absence of defending two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz is another factor in his favour. A three-time French Open champion and one of the few players to consistently trouble Rafael Nadal on the surface, Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals or better at each edition since a third-round loss in 2009. But the physical demands of clay are unforgiving, and Djokovic is acutely aware of the marginal losses that come with age.

"I see what I'm missing," he said. "Late half a step. I'm not definitely where I want to be for the highest level and to compete at the highest level and to be able to get far." Recent seasons have also shown the growing challenge of sustaining peak performance over the two-week grind of a Grand Slam. Matches that once tilted towards him now demand sustained excellence from first point to last.

His preparation, as he openly acknowledges, has limits. "I train hard. I train as much as the body allows me to," he said. "Then how it turns out on the court, that's really unpredictable." However, Djokovic is one of just two men to beat red-hot title favourite Jannik Sinner this season, having ended his Australian Open reign. Djokovic delivered what he called one of his best performances in a decade to outlast the Italian in five sets in the semi-finals in January, fired up by those who had written him off.

"I never stopped doubting. I never stopped believing in myself," said the former world number one at the time. "There's a lot of people that doubt me. I see there is a lot of experts all of a sudden that wanted to retire me or have retired me many times the last couple of years. "I want to thank them all because they gave me strength. They gave me motivation to prove them wrong." Djokovic would go on to lose to Alcaraz in the final -- and has not added to his Grand Slam haul since the 2023 US Open -- but it would be foolish to dismiss him again, as he has proved many times over.

Sooryavanshi hit 10 sixes as he went past Lucknow opener Mitchell Marsh's total of 563 runs in the IPL batting chart. The teenager is now top with 579 runs in 13 matches, earning him the right to wear the orange cap as the competition's highest run-scorer. "I've seen some amazing players in 35 years of cricket," Langer, the former Australia opening batsman and now Lucknow coach, told reporters in Jaipur.

"To see a young man bat like that, not just tonight but throughout the series, is breathtaking." Sooryavanshi took apart some world-class fast bowlers including Australia's Mitchell Starc and South Africa's Anrich Nortje. "It's quite incredible, actually, to be able to play that way, and now have the orange cap," said Langer, who played 105 Tests for Australia.

"The scary thing going forward -- if the expressions on the face of Mitch Starc and Nortje and every bowler tells a story now -- is what about when he learns how to bat?" Langer said. "Gosh, he's so young. He's a brilliant player, and it's a real privilege to watch him bat. "He'll adapt, he'll keep getting better and better, which is scary for world cricket." Sooryavanshi's performances have sparked calls for him to be fast-tracked into the senior Indian national team, but the selectors are in no rush.

"We've picked him for the India A team again," chief selector Ajit Agarkar said on Tuesday. "We are very excited with what he's been doing in the IPL, and hopefully he shows a bit of that when he travels with India A."

Having done so, they won a Test series against a top-flight nation in both home and away for the first time, other than Zimbabwe. Pakistan resumed Day 5 at 316-7, still needing 121 runs with three wickets in pursuit of a daunting 437-run target, a summit that no team has ever succeeded in Test cricket's 149-year history. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 358, just less than 30 minutes before the lunch session on the final day, after losing the remaining three wickets in 12 balls for no runs.

But the visitors threatened to do the unthinkable with their vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan showing staunch determination. He continued to frustrate Bangladesh with a determined counterattack. Rizwan struck fast bowler Nahid Rana, who claimed 2-58, for consecutive boundaries in the third over of the day to give Pakistan a psychological edge. Rizwan struck fast bowler Nahid Rana, who claimed 2-58, for consecutive boundaries in the third over of the day to give Pakistan a psychological frame.

His overnight partner Sajid Khan also scored freely, threatening to pull off an extraordinary chase. The pair added 54 runs for the eighth wicket to put Bangladesh under pressure and briefly raised hopes of an improbable chase. Sajid played his part effectively with 28 runs, while Rizwan moved steadily toward what would have been his fourth Test century. However, Bangladesh found the breakthrough through their dependable left-arm spinner Taijul. After bowling tirelessly from one end, Taijul dismissed Sajid to end the dangerous partnership and swing the momentum back toward the hosts.

The wicket also brought up Taijul's 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, leaving him just one short of the Bangladesh record of 19 held by Shakib Al Hasan. Pakistan's resistance finally ended in the following over when Rizwan, attempting to cut a delivery from Shoriful Islam, guided the ball straight to gully. Rizwan fell for a fighting 94 off 184 balls, an innings decorated with 10 boundaries. With Rizwan gone, Pakistan collapsed quickly. Taijul wrapped up the innings by dismissing Khurram Shahzad for a duck as the visitors lost their remaining three wickets in the span of just 12 deliveries to be bowled out for 358.

Earlier, Bangladesh were dismissed for 278 in their first innings, thanks to Liton Das's sublime 126, before bowling Pakistan out for 232. The hosts then piled up 390 in the second innings, courtesy of Mushfiqur Rahim's record-breaking 137, setting Pakistan a daunting target that ultimately proved beyond reach.

While German giants with huge followings like Hamburg, Schalke and Stuttgart have wobbled and suffered relegation in recent seasons, Freiburg have established themselves as European regulars. Freiburg's success is a result of a strong community connection along with loyalty to coaches rarely seen in modern football. Moments after beating Braga to reach the final, Nicolas Hoefler, a 36-year-old midfielder who will retire in the summer after two decades at the club, stood motionless on the pitch as overjoyed fans streamed onto it. He told reporters he struggled to believe what "little Freiburg" had achieved.

Germany's strict member-control rules restrict outside investment, meaning there are few shortcuts to success for ambitious sides. Freiburg are the model example of methodical, gradual self-improvement, based on good decisions and a clear sense of identity. The two most important coaches in Freiburg's history -- Volker Finke and Christian Streich -- each served for over a decade, keeping their jobs despite relegations.

Current manager Julian Schuster took over from Streich in 2024 after playing for the club since 2008 and the transition went smoothly. Schuster took Freiburg close to Champions League qualification in his first season. This year, Freiburg made the German Cup semi-finals -- and the Europa League showpiece. The club's core playing group features several long-time servants, many of them graduates of the Freiburg academy.

Captain Christian Guenter, defender Matthias Ginter, Hoefler and rising star Johan Manzambi are just some of the club's junior products. Freiburg-born Ginter, 32, said his side's collective values have laid the groundwork for success. "It's about the shared virtues which have distinguished the club for years and brought us to where we are today," Ginter, a 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, said at a media day on Thursday.

"Over the past few years, there has been steady development. Personally, we might not have the biggest individual stars on paper, but we function perfectly as a team. "Since football is a team sport, that works quite well." Ginter called the Villa clash "the biggest match in the club's history -- and we're going to give it a real go." Freiburg are clear underdogs. Not only are Villa among the Premier League's best, coach Unai Emery is a four-time Europa League winner.

While Villa tasted major success against German opposition beating Bayern Munich to win the 1982 European Cup, this will be just the second Premier League team Freiburg have faced, after two meetings with West Ham ended in a 5-1 aggregate defeat in the Europa League last-16 in 2023-24. Captain Guenter, 33, has spent his entire career at the club, but made it clear just reaching the final was not enough.

"There's no point in losing; that's the motto we have to go there with. Hopefully, we'll be able to lift the cup at the end. "To experience that would be incredible. But you can dream all you want, it has to be achieved first. "For many years, people told me, 'Just move to a bigger club if you want to win titles or play in Europe'. "We were able to disprove that together. That's the result of years of hard work from every single person. Many right decisions were made at the top."

The four-time Grand Slam champion still holds more than 1,000 ranking points on her closest challengers but foremost on her mind over the next fortnight will be going one better than her runner-up finish last year in the French capital, when she lost in three sets to Coco Gauff.

If her aims ahead of the tournament, which starts on Sunday, mirror that of her men's counterpart, Jannik Sinner who is also hunting a first title on the red dirt in Paris, Sabalenka's stranglehold over her competitors is suddenly a lot less dominant than the Italian's.

When Sabalenka swept to the Sunshine Double at the WTA 1000 hardcourt events in Indian Wells and Miami in March, she had then won three of the four tournaments she had played in this season -- the only blight on that record being a three-set defeat to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.

And as she jetted into Madrid for the start of the European clay swing on a 15-match winning streak, it had seemed little would stand in her way to claiming a fourth career title at the Caja Magica as she began preparations for the French Open.

But a quarter-final exit at the hands of 30th seed Hailey Baptiste put paid to the Belarusian's ambitions in Spain, before she followed that up by crashing out of the Italian Open against a resurgent Sorana Cirstea in the third round, after which she said she felt like "my body was limiting me from performing on the highest level".

"I guess we never lose; we only learn, so it's OK," Sabalenka mused after exiting a 1000 tournament at the round-of-32 stage for the first time since February 2025.

With the 28-year-old top seed now looking uncertain on the clay, the draw again appears to be wide open.

- 'Big battles' -

Rybakina, who beat Sabalenka in last season's WTA Finals decider and then in Melbourne in January to claim her second major title, will be one of the main contenders despite having never progressed beyond the last eight at Roland Garros.

The Kazakh world number two is the player who has arguably enjoyed the best season on the tour this year, barring Sabalenka, and last month won indoor on the clay in Stuttgart but similarly had disappointing runs in Madrid and Rome.

Iga Swiatek, the erstwhile 'queen of clay', has of late shown glimpses of the form that took her to world number one and four Roland Garros titles in the early 2020s.

Since her last triumph in Paris two years ago, the 24-year-old has struggled to find consistency but will be hoping her new collaboration with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig can help her refind her best tennis on the surface she had for so long dominated.

Defending champion Gauff will certainly not cede her title lightly and the world number four enters the fray on the back of a strong run in Rome, which ultimately ended in defeat at the final hurdle to the in-form Elina Svitolina.

The 31-year-old Ukrainian has won two titles already this year, including a first 1000-level crown in eight years at the Italian Open, and will certainly fancy a deep run in Paris, after reaching the final eight for the fifth time in her career last year.

"(Winning Rome) gives me a lot of confidence. Gives me a good look at Roland Garros," Svitolina said.

"But... There are really tough players. You cannot underestimate (them). You need to be ready for the first-round matches, big battles. Everybody's there to beat you."

Alongside Svitolina, Madrid Open winner Marta Kostyuk, rising starlets Mirra Andreeva, Iva Jovic and Victoria Mboko, as well as Amanda Anisimova will be dark horses for a maiden Grand Slam title.

The 22-year-old French star played 49 minutes and outshone Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander, who received his second straight Most Valuable Player trophy before the game. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points, shaking off a sluggish start to key the Thunder's bid to rally from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit.

But Wembanyama and the Spurs came out on top in the slugfest between the teams with the best regular-season records in the league. The Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns and LeBron James's Los Angeles Lakers in the first two rounds, will try to bounce back when they host game two on Wednesday before the series shifts to San Antonio for games three and four on Friday and Saturday. The winner of the series will face either the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

Naegohyang's arrival at South Korea's Incheon International Airport on Sunday saw players and officials surrounded by throngs of reporters and supporters holding welcome signs. Around 3,000 spectators from civic groups backed by Seoul's unification ministry are expected to cheer both teams, but there will be no official away supporters because North Koreans are generally not allowed into the South. Naegohyang head coach Ri Yu Il brushed off questions about what he thought about the prospect of South Koreans cheering his side during Tuesday's pre-match press conference.

"I'm not sure whether similar questions will continue to come up," he said. "But we are here solely to play football. "Simply put, we will focus only on each match," he added. "Therefore, the issue of the supporters is not something I, as a coach, or our players need to concern ourselves with. "We will concentrate exclusively on the game." The Seoul government has provided US$200,000 to support South Korean civic groups planning to cheer both teams at the match.

According to local media, civic groups have been discussing cheering guidelines with the authorities, because waving North Korean national flags in public is prohibited under the national security law. In past such events held in the South, civic groups instead waved flags depicting the Korean Peninsula. Both Ri and the team captain, Kim Kyong Yong, sat through the press conference without showing any emotion, and their answers were translated by a North Korean interpreter.

Kim said: "We will give our all to repay the trust and expectations of our people and our parents and families." The winner of the semi-final will play either Australia's Melbourne City or Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza, also in Suwon, in Saturday's final. The two teams clashed in the group stage earlier in the competition, with Naegohyang winning 3-0, but the coach said that would count for little on Wednesday. "Just because they played in the group stage, it would be absolutely wrong to say that one team is stronger or weaker than another based solely on those results," Ri said.

"For us, our focus is simply on doing our best to achieve a good result in tomorrow's match." Women's football is one of North Korea's strongest international sports, with their national sides regularly competing at the highest levels in Asia and globally. North Korea rank 11th in the FIFA Women's World Ranking, far above their men's team, which is ranked 118th.

The visit comes with Pyongyang being unresponsive to Seoul's repeated unconditional dialogue proposals under President Lee Jae Myung, who has taken a much softer stance than his conservative predecessor. The two Koreas are technically at war as the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. 

The world number one could not be in better form after romping to the Italian Open crown on Sunday. That final victory over Casper Ruud made the 24-year-old only the second player to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments after Novak Djokovic, who is arguably his biggest rival for the French Open, which starts on Sunday. Sinner has won six consecutive Masters titles and is on a record-breaking 34-match winning streak at the level just below the Slams.

It would be a surprise if he cannot translate that form to the red dirt in Paris. Sinner cruised into the 2025 final without dropping a set before missing three championship points as Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to snatch the trophy. Norway's Ruud, who has never taken a set off Sinner in five meetings, is under no illusions as to the task facing the other contenders for the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

"I never played the big three in their prime... But I'm sure Roger (Federer), Novak, Rafa, 25, 26 years old was also the same feeling for the other players," said Ruud of Sinner after being swatted aside 6-4, 6-4 in Rome. "I don't see him getting any worse, unfortunately. You just have to think that you have to be better and better because he's also going to get better and better." Sinner has only lost twice in 10 tournaments since retiring injured against Tallon Griekspoor in Shanghai last September.

Czech Jakub Mensik got the better of him in the quarter-finals of the ATP event in Doha in February, while Djokovic produced a vintage display in the Australian Open semi-finals. Djokovic is still the most likely man to deny Sinner, despite having struggled for form and fitness since losing to Alcaraz in the Melbourne final. The Serb, who will turn 39 shortly before the tournament, has beaten Sinner five times in 11 meetings. Djokovic, still chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, has made at least the semi-finals at each of the past five majors.

But he remains without one of the sport's biggest four trophies since equalling Margaret Court's all-time record tally at the 2023 US Open. Djokovic, now ranked fourth, has only played two events since the Australian Open, losing to Jack Draper in the Indian Wells last 16 before a surprise defeat by Croatia's Dino Prizmic in his opening match in Rome. Alexander Zverev will be the second seed in Alcaraz's absence and will have high hopes of finally ending his wait for a maiden Grand Slam title.

But there is little to suggest the German can start delivering when it matters. The world number three has lost in three finals and nine semi-finals since last winning an ATP tournament in Munich 13 months ago. Zverev has lost nine successive meetings with Sinner and the last six in straight sets. Home hopes will be high for a deep run from Arthur Fils who has enjoyed an excellent return from injury this season.

There has not been a French men's quarter-finalist since Richard Gasquet in 2016. Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar will be seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time after an impressive clay-court campaign, while Brazilian fans will turn out in numbers to support their rising star Joao Fonseca. However, everything points to Sinner standing with the trophy on Court Philippe Chatrier on June 7, which would leave an Olympic gold medal as the only big achievement missing from his still young career.

The inclusion of Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, was the biggest surprise in the 26-man squad named by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti announced Neymar's selection at a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, with loud cheers ringing out as the veteran attacker's call-up was confirmed.

Speculation has raged for months over whether the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker would force his way back into the national team set-up.

The forward, a veteran of the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, had not played for Brazil since suffering knee injury during a World Cup qualifying game against Uruguay in 2023.

A mixture of injuries and poor form had left him outside the national team set-up, with Ancelotti citing concerns over his fitness after leaving him out of Brazil's squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia.

However Neymar, who rejoined boyhood club Santos in January after an injury-ravaged stint in Saudi Arabia, has now earned Ancelotti's stamp of approval for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"We monitored Neymar throughout the year and observed that, in recent times, he has been playing consistently and his physical condition has improved," Ancelotti said. "We believe he is an important player."

Injuries have restricted Neymar to just 15 appearances in 31 matches since his return to Santos in 2026.

Brazil, who are chasing a record sixth World Cup crown, open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before playing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Neymar joins a potent line-up of attackers that includes Barcelona striker Raphinha and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

Ancelotti meanwhile said he believed the World Cup would be won by the most "resilient" team.

"The World Cup won't be won by a perfect team - because a perfect team doesn't exist," he said. "It will be won by the most resilient team."

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Ederson (Fenerbahce/TUR), Weverton (Gremio/BRA)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo/BRA), Danilo (Flamengo/BRA), Leo Pereira (Flamengo/BRA), Bremer (Juventus/ITA), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/ENG), Ibanez (Al-Ahli/KSA), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Wesley (Roma/ITA)

Midfielders Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Casemiro (Manchester United/ENG), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad/KSA), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo/BRA).

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon/FRA), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), Igor Thiago (Brentford/ENG), Luiz Henrique (Zenit/RUS), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United/ENG), Neymar (Santos/BRA), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Rayan (Bournemouth/ENG), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid/ESP)

The Daily Mail and The Athletic reported that Guardiola will step down after the visit of Villa to the Etihad. City have made no comment on the speculation. However, the club have arranged a parade through Manchester on Monday to celebrate their League Cup and FA Cup triumphs this season, which could act as a farewell to Guardiola. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked on Guardiola's staff at City, is reportedly in line to take over next season.

Guardiola has one more year remaining on his contract but rumours he was set to depart at the end of the season have circulated for months. After a first trophyless season for seven years in the 2024/25 campaign, a rejuvenated City have bounced back. Victory over Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup final completed a domestic cup double and they could still usurp Arsenal for a seventh league title in nine years. Guardiola arrived in England as already one of Europe's most decorated coaches.

His four-year spell at boyhood club Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 captured admirers across the globe, winning two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles. He added three more league titles in three seasons at Bayern Munich. A similarly short spell was expected when City lured him to the Premier League. But his influence has transformed the English game at all levels over the past 10 years. Backed by the deep pockets of Abu Dhabi royalty, City have stepped out of the shadow of local rivals Manchester United to become the dominant force in England. Guardiola's brand of passing football has been copied from grassroots through to the elite level.

Even City's competitors have turned to his disciples to catch up. Arsenal, managed by Guardiola's former assistant Mikel Arteta, are on the brink of their first league title in 22 years. Liverpool boss Arne Slot has said his coaching philosophy was shaped by watching the City boss' Barcelona team, while new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso moved to Bayern in the final years of his playing career to gain the experience of woring under Guardiola.

The timing of Guardiola's exit comes with the outcome of an investigation into more than 100 alleged breaches by City of financial regulations still to be released. First charged by the Premier League in February 2023, an independent commission hearing concluded in December 2024 with the case hanging over City's achievements on the pitch ever since.

The tournament is being organised by the Cadet Squash Fraternity with support from the Bangladesh Squash Federation. Bashundhara Sports City is serving as the venue partner, while Marks Medical College is the title sponsor. Featuring former cadets from all twelve cadet colleges in the country, the tournament aims to provide participants with an opportunity to showcase their sporting excellence through competitive squash matches.

Organizers believe the event will further promote the values of discipline, endurance and camaraderie developed during cadet life. They also said such initiatives would play an important role in strengthening institutional cooperation and partnerships in Bangladesh’s sporting arena. GM Quamrul Islam, the general secretary of the Bangladesh Squash Federation, said that besides providing healthy entertainment through sports, talented cadets could play a significant role in revitalizing squash, which is currently a struggling sport in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Football Federation said the match was rescheduled due to unavoidable circumstances. Earlier, defending champions Bashundhara Kings advanced to the final of the 10-team Federation Cup with a commanding 4–0 victory over Brothers Union in the first qualifier. Mohammedan secured their place in the final after a dramatic 2–1 win over Brothers Union Club in the decisive second qualifier.

The day’s training session was conducted with high intensity and began with warm-up exercises, passing drills and small-sided games. The players later took part in 8 vs 8 possession-based matches at maximum intensity as the coaching staff continued to emphasize match fitness, teamwork and tactical awareness ahead of the tournament.

According to the team management, all members of the squad are in good condition and no injuries have been reported by the medical staff so far.

The team will hold their final training session tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Alpine Sports Training Camp before departing for Goa on May 21 to participate in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.

Mitchell was among four Cavs players who scored 20-plus points, along with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Sam Merrill from the bench. "We just knew that we had to get the job done. We knew that we had to bring a lot of force," said Allen. "It's a tough arena to win in, but we knew that every single possession, every single play was super important." But it was heartbreak for Detroit, who comfortably topped their conference's regular season at 60-22, yet underwhelmed throughout their stuttering playoff run, and finally fizzled out in front of their home fans.

The Cavaliers raced as many as 20 points ahead in the first half, their accurate shooting aided by some unusually poor and passive Pistons defense. Detroit repeatedly missed out on rebounds and allowed uncontested three-pointer attempts, while failing to find their attacking flow. The Pistons trailed 64-47 at the break. That meant yet another mountain to climb for a team who had already been on the brink of elimination four times this postseason. Detroit had battled back from 3-1 down to scrape past Orlando in their first-round series, and at 3-2 down against Cleveland had shown resilience to pull back one elimination game on Friday.

But Cleveland would not let the Pistons back into this one, playing with an aggression Detroit could not match, and led by an outstanding Mitchell, who suddenly seemed to be everywhere. "He started out the game not trying to take it over, not trying to score every single basket," said Allen. "He started the game trying to distribute the ball. I think that's huge for a leader like him, trying to get everybody else going, and then getting himself going second."

The Cavs led by 26 points at the end of the third quarter, as a shellshocked home crowd began to lose hope and filter out of Little Caesars Arena. With four minutes remaining, and the win secured, Cleveland withdrew their stars including Mitchell. Victory sets up Cleveland's first conference finals appearance since 2018. Their series against the Knicks begins Tuesday. "We know it's going to be a loud environment, and we know that their fans are incredible fans, crazy fans. But we know that we can do it," said Allen.

Messi struck first, starting and finishing a slick team goal for the defending Major League Soccer champions on the half-hour mark. Messi laid off the ball to Luis Suarez, who found Telasco Segovia with a through ball. Segovia's instinctive backheel landed back at the feet of Messi, who swept it into the far corner from close range. Ten minutes later, fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul romped up the right flank, finding Messi who played a one-two with Suarez.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or-winner then slalomed his way into the box, through four defenders, before using the outside of his left foot to tee up German Berterame for a tap-in. Messi missed chances to add to his tally in a slower and goalless second half, curling a left-foot strike from outside the box just inches wide of the post.

And he nearly added a stunning free kick deep into stoppage time, denied by a superb James Pantemis save, who dove at full stretch and barely tipped the ball away from the top corner. It was the fifth home game at the gleaming, purpose-built Nu Stadium, which was opened to great fanfare last month. Until now, the 27,000-capacity arena had witnessed three frustrating draws and a humiliating Miami collapse from 3-0 up to lose 4-3 to Orlando City.

Despite their recent struggles at home, the win sends Inter Miami top of the Eastern Conference, one point clear of Nashville SC, who have two games in hand. The World Cup, being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, kicks off June 11. Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi -- who lifted the trophy with Argentina at the last edition, in Qatar -- is set to become the first player to appear in six different World Cups.

Both the Black Stars and the Blue Sharks secured places at the global showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 having missed out on the 2025 AFCON.

The seedings were determined by the current FIFA rankings, and 10 of the 12 first seeds are former winners of the biggest sporting event in Africa.

Those include Morocco, who lost a dramatic 2025 final to Senegal in Rabat only to be declared winners after an appeal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Many Senegal players left the field after Morocco were awarded a penalty. They eventually returned, Brahim Diaz missed the spot kick, and Pape Gueye struck an extra-time winner.

Senegal reacted to being stripped of the title by appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland and are awaiting a verdict.

Four-time African champions Ghana suffered the humiliation of finishing in a 2025 AFCON qualifying group behind Angola, Sudan and minnows Niger.

Cape Verde fared equally poorly in AFCON qualifying, winning just one of six matches to occupy bottom place below Egypt, Botswana and Mauritania.

Undeterred, Ghana and Cape Verde bounced back to win 2026 World Cup groups. Cape Verde finishing above Cameroon was the biggest shock of African qualifying.

- Guirassy boost -

Guinea, boosted by consistent Borussia Dortmund scorer Serhou Guirassy, will be another second seed hoping to make up for failing to reach the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The 48 contenders will be dived into 12 groups at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters with the winners and runners-up in nine securing tournament places.

Co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be automatic participants in the June 19-July 17 2027 AFCON, but will take part in qualifying to gain competitive match practice.

The presence of the trio means that there will be only one other qualifier from the separate groups they are placed in.

There have been ongoing concerns about the ability of the three east African countries to be ready for the first tournament in the region since Ethiopia hosted the 1976 AFCON.

But CAF president Patrice Motsepe insists the 2027 AFCON will kick off on time, telling reporters "the next AFCON is going to east Africa, I have no doubt about that, despite all the challenges".

Seeds

Pot 1

Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, South Africa, Burkina Faso

Pot 2

Cape Verde, Ghana, Guinea, Gabon, Uganda, Angola, Benin, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Comoros

Pot 3

Kenya, Libya, Tanzania, Niger, Mauritania, Gambia, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Togo, Malawi, Rwanda

Pot 4

Zimbabwe, Guinea-Bissau, Congo Brazzaville, Central African Republic, Liberia, Burundi, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Botswana, South Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia

Matchdays

1, 2: September 21-Oct 6

3, 4: November 9-17

5, 6: March 22-30 2027

"The Iranian national football team, consisting of 22 players and coaching staff, departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup," the Tasnim news agency reported.

Australia last toured Bangladesh for an ODI series in April 2011 when they swept the three-match series 3-0 at the same venue in Dhaka. Following the ODI series, the teams will travel to Chattogram for the T20 International leg of the tour. All three T20 matches will be held at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium on June 17, 19 and 21. Australia last visited Bangladesh for a bilateral T20 series in August 2021, when Bangladesh secured a historic 4-1 series victory in Dhaka.

Liton was unbeaten on 48 at the interval while Mushfiqur was batting on 39 as the pair frustrated Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack with unwavering resolve. The hosts suffered an early setback in the morning when skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for 15 shortly after the resuming the day at 110-3.

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad trapped Shanto leg-before with a sharp inswinger in the fourth over of the day to finish the session with figures of 3-46. However, Liton and Mushfiqur ensured Bangladesh stayed firmly in control by frustrating the Pakistan bowlers for the remainder of the session. Bangladesh was earlier bowled out for 278 in the first innings, riding on a sublime 126 from Liton Das. Pakistan, replying to the hosts' total, was dismissed for 232 as Babar Azam top-scored with 68 on his return.

The 1-0 win made it a domestic double for City, who beat Arsenal in the League Cup final in March. Now City can focus on their last two games of the league season as they look to catch leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners are firm favourites to be crowned champions and will wrap up the title if they beat Burnley on Monday and win at Crystal Palace on May 24. But second-placed City, just two points behind Arsenal, are lying in wait if Mikel Arteta's team slip up. If City win at Bournemouth and beat Aston Villa at home on the final day, they could take the title if Arsenal drop points their matches. With that in mind, Guardiola was quick to put the celebrations on ice after the 20th trophy of his glittering 10-year reign was wrapped up at Wembley.

"Home -- not even one beer," he said of halting the party in City's dressing room. "Next Monday, after Aston Villa, we're going to celebrate with the women's team with a parade in Manchester, but no, we do not have time now. "We have only three days (before Bournemouth). Chelsea had seven days to prepare for the final. We had three days and yesterday was a nightmare.

"We spent literally six hours getting from Manchester to here. The trains are a little bit of a problem in this country. Six hours!" Having guided City to the title six times in the last eight years, Guardiola knows it will take a remarkable turnaround to snatch the trophy from Arsenal's grasp. But regardless of the conclusion of the title race, Guardiola is confident City are in better shape than 12 months ago when they finished the 2024-25 season without silverware.

Guardiola believes the key contributions of Semenyo and Marc Guehi, signed from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace during the January transfer window -- along with the development of Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico O'Reilly -- shows City can return to the top next term. "I took time to click something. I missed something during the process. We had the feeling in the last few months that we had some stability with the team that we maybe didn't have in the past," he said.

"There were a lot of new players, injured players. Sometimes you need a little more time. But the highest competition doesn't wait. "In the Champions League we lost to a really, really good opponent in Real Madrid. But in the rest of the competitions we behaved extraordinary. The future is bright. "I know the guys. I know how they feel, the commitment for the club. I'm pretty sure we will be there for the next years."

He made birdies on three of the last four holes for his third under-par round of the week and will be joined by Germany's Matti Schmid, in a pack on 206, in the last group. "I've played with Matti a few times," Smalley said. "I'm very familiar with him. Matti and I actually paired up together in the New Orleans event three years ago.

"We're good buddies. We're familiar with each other, so I think that will help both of us tomorrow as well. I'm looking forward to that." Schmid, like Smalley, has never won a PGA Tour title. It marks only the second time in 23 years a PGA Championship Sunday final pairing hasn't had a tour winner. "Definitely not the center of attention, but I still have to focus on doing the things I have to do well enough," Schmid said. "Just focus on myself. Hopefully it leads to a really good round and then we'll see."

Smalley prefers to focus on himself as well. "I just try to stay in my own little world and just try to take care of my business and hit each shot the best that I can," said Smalley. One round from a dream come true, Smalley is trying to make the event like just another tournament. "Anybody who wants to play golf for a living dreams of winning on the PGA Tour when they're younger. I recognize I have an opportunity to do that," Smalley said.

"I recognize it's on a stage that's a little bit larger than most other tour events. I'm trying to downplay that as much as I possibly can just to make it seem like any other tournament." Smalley hopes to lift the Wanamaker Trophy, which he has a link to from his days at Duke University. "It's the Wanamaker Trophy and when I was in college, I stayed in the Wanamaker dorm for three years," Smalley said. "So my parents and I have been joking that maybe this would be a tournament that I would win just because of that.

"It would be pretty cool to actually pull it out tomorrow." Smalley's mother is on his support team as statistician and video maker. His father has come to watch this weekend to see his son face a brutal course whose sloped greens are challenging the game's best. "Conditions are tough. It has been windy the last few days. Greens were a little firmer. I anticipate it's going to be that way tomorrow, too. It's going to be hot.

"Any time you can shoot under par on a golf course of this caliber, under these conditions, anybody would take that," Smalley said. "So I'm hoping to put up another under-par score tomorrow. We'll just add them up at the end of the day tomorrow and see where that takes me."

But it was Gamba who struck the only goal of the game, against the run of play, when forward Deniz Hummet latched onto Issam Jebali's through ball and buried his finish from the edge of the box after 29 minutes. Earlier in the week, Ronaldo had been forced to wait longer for a first Saudi Pro League title when Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento conceded a bizarre injury-time own goal that gave second-placed Al Hilal a 1-1 draw. A win would have secured a first Saudi domestic title for the Portuguese great who then endured more agony in Riyadh four days later.

"The dream is close," the 41-year-old wrote on X to his 107.5 million followers on Wednesday, after his side had been seconds from the league title glory against Al Hilal. "Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!" Al Nassr are two points ahead of Al Hilal with one game to play and can seal the title at home to Damac on Thursday. Al Hilal play their final match away to Al Fayha on the same night.

Claudia Pina, Esmee Brugts and Salma Paralluelo scored for Barca as Pere Romeu's team won the trophy for a third consecutive occasion and a record 12th time overall.

Liga F and Spanish Super Cup winners Barca have won the Copa de la Reina in six of the last seven seasons, with Atletico lifting the trophy in 2023.

Barcelona are aiming to secure a quadruple next weekend when they face French giants Lyon in the Champions League final.

In the penalty shootout, each team successfully converted their first seven kicks, then stand-in Zamalek captain Mohamed Shehata blazed over. Before taking his kick, Shehata struggled to place the ball on the penalty spot, then USM goalkeeper Oussama Benbot came forward from his goalline to further delay the kick. The next USM penalty fell to Congolese substitute Glody Likonza, and he scored with a kick into the left corner that goalkeeper Mohamed Awad got his fingertips to, but could not stop.

USM also won the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League in 2023, pipping Young Africans of Tanzania on away goals. It was the first Confederation Cup final failure for Zamalek after two triumphs over Moroccans Renaissance Berkane. The first in 2019 was won on penalties and the second in 2024 on away goals. USM became the first club to win a final in the second-tier African competition after taking a 1-0 lead into the second leg.

Dolphins of Nigeria, Club Africain of Tunisia and Berkane were unable to defend the slender advantage in previous title deciders. The return match between Zamalek and USM was often a scrappy affair with many delays for injuries and arguments with the excellent Gabonese referee over his decisions. Less than two minutes had elapsed when Cameroonian Che Malone fouled Palestinian Adam Kaied, but as protests developed it took a further three minutes before the kick could be taken.

Dabbagh, who joined Zamalek last year after a loan spell at Aberdeen, remained calm and sent Benbot the wrong way to restore overall equality. Zamalek had the ball in the net again after 15 minutes, but a headed goal from Juan Bezerra was ruled offside. The Brazilian also had a goal disallowed in the first leg. USM pocketed a Confederation Cup record $4 million while debt-stricken Zamalek collected $2 million. The Algerian club also qualify for a one-off CAF Super Cup match against the winners of the CAF Champions League, either Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa or FAR Rabat of Morocco.

"Selecting 30 players for this final training camp ahead of the World Cup was the most difficult technical decision of my coaching career," Ghalenoei told the Iranian football federation website, adding that he had selected players solely on "technical criteria". Iran hope to play two friendlies in Antalya. They have already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.

Iran and the US cut diplomatic ties in 1980 and the players are expected to use their time in Turkey to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining visas. "No visas have been issued yet," Mehdi Taj, the Iranian football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 450 kilometres (280 miles) from Antalya to Ankara. Taj is expected to hold talks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino as Tehran seeks assurances for its squad amid tensions increased by the ongoing war. When the squad reaches the US, Iran will set up their base camp in Tucson, Arizona. They are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle, in Group G.

The pacer then produced a sharp swinging delivery to dismiss Azan Awais, the centurion from the first Test, who lobbed a catch to short leg after scoring 13. Pakistan captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam attempted to steady the innings with a cautious 38-run stand. However, Mehidy broke the partnership when Masood miscued a short delivery to short cover after making 21. The offspinner struck again soon after, dismissing Saud Shakeel for 8 to leave the visitors in further trouble.

Babar, returning after missing the opening Test with a left knee injury, remained unbeaten on 37 at the interval, with Salman Ali Agha batting on 6. Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 in their first innings, thanks largely to a sublime 126 by Liton Das on the opening day.

"I think we're working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the World Cup. "We've had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters, like we do with every member association. "But I'm very happy that we were able to have this positive exchange, and both the Iran FA and FIFA are very happy with the meeting and looking forward to welcoming Team Melli in the USA, Canada and Mexico." The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, had said on Thursday that no visas had yet been issued for Iran's team.

But he also described Saturday's meeting as "positive and constructive" without going into details. "We discussed our concerns and expressed our joint commitment to ensure the smooth participation of Team Melli," he said. The meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Turkish Football Federation, comes as the Iranian team prepares to leave on Monday morning for a training camp in Turkey before heading to the United States.

Iran hope to play two friendlies in Antalya. They have already confirmed one match, against The Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team. They are taking a squad of 30 players, which will have to be trimmed to the World Cup maximum of 26. While Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is on the list, this is not the case for the other star striker, Sardar Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals for the national team and previously played for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma.

The forward, who had previously voiced support for anti-regime protesters, was recently accused of "treason" by Iranian state media after a photo was published in March showing him alongside the Emir of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, where he plays and resides. Coach Amir Ghalenoei, however, has defended his decision. "I swear before God that nothing other than technical criteria played a role in the selection of the players, and I chose the 30 players solely on that basis," he said.

Iran have qualified for their fourth consecutive finals and, when the squad reaches the US, will set up their base camp in Tucson, Arizona. They are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle, in Group G.

Speaking on the occasion, he hoped that such competitions would play an important role in the development of golf in the country.  The army chief also thanked all concerned for organising the tournament, the ISPR added. A total of 881 golfers took part in the tournament where Wing Commander Md Golam Mostafa Sarker emerged as the champion.

In the veteran category, Captain (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain became champion, while Lt Col (retd)  Iqbal Enamul Kabir  won the senior category title. Meanwhile, Mrs Nila Aziz secured the title in the ladies category, while Master Abdullah Rafian Kaiyum became champion in the junior category. Senior military officials of Bangladesh Army, president and chief executive officer of Army Golf Club, chairman of the tournament committee, members of the executive committee, senior officials of sponsoring organisations, journalists and other distinguished guests were present at the function.

According to the schedule, voting will take place on June 7 and the results will also be declared on the same day. The draft voter list was published today. However, objections to the list will be accepted and heard on May 18. The final voter list will be published at 5 pm on the same day following the hearing process. Nomination papers will be distributed on May 20 and 21 between 10 am and 4 pm. Candidates will be able to submit nomination papers on May 21 and 22 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Scrutiny of nominations and publication of the preliminary candidate list will take place on May 23. Appeals against the scrutiny decisions will be accepted and heard on May 24, while withdrawal of nominations and publication of the final candidate list are scheduled for May 25.  Applications for postal and e-ballots must also be submitted on the same day. The election process will pause for Eid-ul-Azha before resuming on June 1 with the dispatch of postal and e-ballots. Voting through postal and e-ballots will continue until June 6, while the deadline for ballots to reach the Returning Officer is 1 pm on June 7.

Polling will be held at the BCB headquarters in Mirpur from 10 am to 4 pm, with results scheduled to be announced at 6 pm. A total of 23 directors will be elected directly, while two additional directors will be nominated by the National Sports Council. The BCB president will subsequently be elected by votes from the 25 directors. The election commission overseeing the process is headed by Ahsanul Karim, senior advocate of Bangladesh Supreme Court. The other members are Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Israil Hawlader and National Sports Council Director and Assistant Secretary ABM Ehsanul Mamun.

Bangladesh had earned a crucial first-innings lead of 46 runs after dismissing Pakistan for 232 in reply to their 278, which was built around Liton Das’s sublime 126 on the opening day. Fast bowler Nahid Rana and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each to keep Pakistan under pressure throughout the innings. Nahid, fresh from his five-wicket haul in Bangladesh’s 104-run win in the opening test, once again led the pace attack superbly. He removed Pakistan’s key batter Babar Azam for a team-best 68 before returning to dismiss the aggressive Sajid Khan and wrap up the innings.

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and off spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz shared four wickets between them after Pakistan resumed the day at 21 without loss. Taskin struck twice in his opening two overs of the morning to put Bangladesh firmly in control. He first removed opener Abdullah Fazal for 9, forcing an edge behind the wicket.

The pacer then produced a sharp swinging delivery to dismiss Azan Awais, the centurion from the first Test, who lobbed a catch to short leg after scoring 13. Pakistan captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam attempted to steady the innings with a cautious 38-run stand. However, Mehidy broke the partnership when Masood miscued a short delivery to short cover after making 21. The offspinner struck again soon after, dismissing Saud Shakeel for 8 to leave the visitors in further trouble.

Babar found support from Salman Agha as the pair added 63 runs to revive the innings. Babar brought up his 31st Test half-century off 63 balls and looked in complete control after hitting 10 boundaries. But Nahid produced a clever change of pace to dismiss the former Pakistan captain for 68 off 84 balls, with Babar chipping a catch to veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim. Taijul then ripped through the middle and lower order, dismissing Salman Agha for 21 before also removing Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Ali in quick succession.

Sajid Khan counterattacked late in the innings with a brisk 38 off 28 balls, smashing two fours and four sixes, but Nahid returned to end the resistance as Pakistan folded for 232. In Bangladesh’s second innings, Tanzid Hasan fell early before Mahmudul Hasan and Mominul Haque added 76 runs for the second wicket to extend the lead steadily. Mahmudul completed his sixth Test fifty before pacer Mohammad Abbas broke the partnership. Khurram Shahzad then dismissed Mominul for 30 with the final ball of the day, leaving Bangladesh firmly in control heading into Day 3.

Messi appeared to suggest that there would not be much point in carrying on after he skippered Argentina to victory in Qatar. "Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can't ask for any more," he said after dragging Lionel Scaloni's side to victory over France on penalties in that World Cup final in Doha. "My career is coming to an end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?" Plenty more, it turns out. Messi was in the middle of an underwhelming spell at Paris Saint-Germain then, and six months later he departed for Major League Soccer.

There he is excelling with Inter Miami, with whom he won the MLS Cup last year. He might no longer be playing at the very highest level every week, but he remains crucial for Argentina. The Barcelona legend captained his country to victory at the Copa America in the US in 2024, and was the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying. "I love playing football, and I'm going to do it until I can't anymore," he said recently.

At one stage there were some doubts as to whether he would play at another World Cup, a tournament he first graced in 2006, when aged 18 he scored in a 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen. "I will do everything to make sure he is there," insisted Scaloni, with Messi now just two games away from reaching 200 caps. He is set to add to his record of 26 appearances in World Cup matches, including their run to the 2014 final in Brazil.

Messi has 13 World Cup goals, meaning Miroslav Klose's record of 16 is within striking distance, especially as Argentina's group opponents do not appear the toughest. They will begin against Algeria and Austria before tackling Jordan in Dallas, three days after Messi's 39th birthday. He has a couple of years on Ronaldo, but the 41-year-old Portuguese talisman was determined to carry his international career on in the hope of landing the ultimate prize.

Ronaldo was a teenager when he lost the Euro 2004 final with Portugal on home soil, but he made up for that by captaining them to victory at Euro 2016. Yet the World Cup has proven harder, at least after Portugal got to the 2006 semi-finals. Portugal have won only one World Cup knockout match since, when they hammered Switzerland 6-1 in 2022 with Ronaldo dropped to the bench.

Roberto Martinez became coach after that and restored Ronaldo as the first-choice striker, which he remains despite not scoring at Euro 2024 when Portugal lost in the last eight. He is the most-capped men's player of all time with 226 international appearances, and the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar is now set to win the Saudi title with Al Nassr. Ronaldo confirmed recently this would be his last World Cup, insisting: "I'm going to be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment."

Portugal, who go into a group with Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo, are genuine contenders to win it even if there are doubts as to whether Ronaldo is holding back a talented squad. Personally, Ronaldo will be seeking to add to his eight World Cup goals, and finally get a first in the knockout stages. "He is more than just a football player, but for the national team that is all he is," said Martinez in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster RTP.

"He is the captain and he shows exemplary commitment to his country. He is incredible." Lifting the World Cup at 41 would be quite the way for Ronaldo to finish -- and if both Portugal and Argentina top their groups, he and Messi would be on course to meet in the quarter-finals in Kansas City on July 11. 

"Education isn't a priority, but the million-dollar business of the World Cup is," one banner held by a protester read. Another protester bounced a soccer ball between his feet as he marched. The government and official leadership of the teacher's union have agreed to a nine percent raise, but the union is divided. A dissident wing is calling for a 100 percent raise.

The monthly starting gross wage for Mexican public school teachers is the equivalent of US$967. "We demand the fulfilment of our demands," one protesting teacher, Filiberto Fraustro Orozco, from the northern state of Zacatecas, told AFP, adding that union members have agreed to stage intense protests during the World Cup. Past industrial action by teachers has managed to shut down much of Mexico City for days at a time by blocking key roads, including access to the international airport.

Mexico expects around five million tourists to arrive for the World Cup that will be jointly hosted with the United States and Canada. 

Real Sociedad attacker Kubo is also a key man for Japan and he pledged to step up after hearing that Mitoma would not be with them in the United States, Canada, Mexico. "His injury is so disappointing. I got in touch with him directly but naturally it's a tough time for him, he's such an important player," the 24-year-old Kubo was quoted as saying by Japanese media on Friday. "I want to carry Mitoma's feelings with me and give my all with an even greater sense of responsibility."

Japan have been drawn with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F and they start their campaign against the Dutch in Arlington, Texas on June 14. Kubo was named in coach Hajime Moriyasu's 26-man squad after recovering from a hamstring injury of his own. Kubo was hurt in a game against Barcelona in January and returned for Sociedad in April.

He said Mitoma had been in touch to support him during that time. Kubo also said Japan cannot afford to dwell on the winger's injury, and backed others in the squad to make an impact. "The replacement players will get their chance," he said. "We have to come together as one, and for Mitoma's sake I hope we can pull together and make this a successful tournament."

Like other repurposed NFL stadia being used at the World Cup, organizers have replaced the synthetic turf with fresh grass. A specially engineered natural grass pitch was laid last Tuesday, some 60 centimeters above the Cowboys' normal playing surface. By Thursday, the seams between each individual roll of turf -- each measuring 1.2 meters wide and 15 meters long -- were still clearly visible. AT&T Stadium general manager Tod Martin is confident, though, that the surface will be in pristine condition by the time the Netherlands face Japan in the first game at the venue on June 14.

"Over the next few days and weeks, those will absolutely go away as that grass gets established and then just the grooming, the maintenance continues," Martin said. "By the time match day one gets here, it'll just be completely flush." The elaborate efforts to ensure perfect pitches at the World Cup come two years after playing surfaces at the Copa America held in the United States faced sharp criticism. Peru coach Jorge Fossati said the hastily laid grass pitch at the AT&T Stadium at the Copa in 2024 may have contributed to an Achilles injury suffered by defender Luis Advincula.

"It came out of nowhere," Fossati said at the time. "I realize that this is a grass field today but it's not normal grass." Similar criticism was leveled at the surface used at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2024, another venue which will feature prominently at the World Cup. "You're playing on a football field, with laid grass that's all patchy and it breaks up every step you take -- it's frustrating," USA midfielder Weston McKennie said at the time.

In Dallas, stadium chiefs are leaving nothing to chance as they aim to avoid a repeat of the Copa America controversies. Martin says some 45,000 man hours were used to install the new pitch, which was made up of a Kentucky ryegrass blend of sod grown in Colorado before being transported to Texas on 24 refrigeration trucks. A full irrigation system will ensure the surface is properly watered, while the pitch will also be reinforced with plastic fibers ahead of the World Cup.

The metal arms suspended from the roof of the stadium and lowered above the pitch house grow lights that bathe the grass in a striking pink, but more importantly, boost photosynthesis. Martin devised the system after visiting Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where similar pitch maintenance techniques are in place. "We specifically went to Wembley and Tottenham and talked with those guys ... and it was a sight to see for sure," Martin said.

Wembley's grow lights are mounted on wheeled structures rolled onto the pitch, while Tottenham's system is raised hydraulically from the sidelines. Dallas's set-up uses a similar technique, with frames suspended from the ceiling that can be raised. Ewen Hodge, FIFA's Head of Pitch Infrastructure, described the Dallas set-up as a "very innovative step forward by the stadium."

The only issue appears to be sorting out when exactly PSG will receive their trophy, with their opponents refusing to allow them to stage a ceremony on the pitch at their Stade Jean-Bouin after the match. The top three in Ligue 1 go directly into the Champions League, while the team finishing fourth must enter in the third qualifying round and win two ties in order to reach the league phase. Lens have done their job and are now preparing for the French Cup final against Nice on May 22, but they will still have a say in who takes third place as they go to Lyon this weekend.

Lille currently sit third, meaning a win at home to relegation-threatened Auxerre will guarantee them a return to Europe's top table. But any slip-up will open the door to Lyon, who are just a point behind as the financially-troubled club seek a first involvement in the Champions League since reaching the semi-finals in 2020. "When we started the season, who could have believed we would finish in these places," asked Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca. "When you see the investments made by other clubs and by us, I never would have thought we would be where we are."

Rennes are another point behind Lyon so still have a chance of the Champions League, but their priority is holding onto fifth and securing Europa League football. They finish the season at Marseille, who are three points behind them in sixth and are managed by former Rennes coach Habib Beye. OM therefore have to win, otherwise a draw will be enough to hold off Monaco and take sixth -- that is a place in the Conference League, or the Europa League should Lens win the French Cup. Nantes and Metz have already been relegated, with Troyes and Le Mans promoted from Ligue 2.

Nice occupy the relegation play-off place and are therefore in real danger of having to win a two-legged tie against a Ligue 2 team while also preparing for the French Cup final. However, they are only behind Auxerre on goal difference and trail Le Havre by a point. Nice finish by hosting bottom side Metz, while Auxerre visit Lille and Le Havre are at Lorient.

Player to watch: Esteban Lepaul

The Rennes striker is set to finish the season as Ligue 1's leading scorer having so far netted 20 times, including one with former club Angers at the beginning of the campaign.

There were calls for the 26-year-old ex-Lyon youth player to be included in the France World Cup squad, only for coach Didier Deschamps to overlook him.

But the striker now no longer needs to postpone his wedding planned for June and on Sunday will focus on helping Rennes get the result they need as they target a place in the Champions League.

Key stats

10 - Lille are aiming to qualify for at least the preliminary rounds of the Champions League for the 10th time.

6 - Lyon are bidding to end a six-year absence from the Champions League.

10 - Ousmane Dembele was named the Ligue 1 player of the year despite starting just 10 games in the competition, as many as he has started in the Champions League.

Fixtures on Sunday (kick-offs 1900 GMT)

Brest v Angers, Lille v Auxerre, Lorient v Le Havre, Lyon v Lens, Marseille v Rennes, Nantes v Toulouse, Nice v Metz, Paris FC v Paris Saint-Germain, Strasbourg v Monaco.

The rain came just as Sinner looked to have broken the back of battling Medvedev, who had given the Italian by far his toughest test of the tournament. Medvedev looked like being blown away when Sinner rattled off the first four games before taking the first set in just 33 minutes. But any idea that another massacre was on the cards went away when Medvedev won the first three games of the second set and began to get his racket to nearly everything Sinner, who began to show serious signs of tiredness, threw at him.

Sinner drew level in the set but repeatedly had to lean on his racket between points and after winning game six was visibly out of breath in his seat, looking out on his feet as he conceded the second set. But Medvedev started to make mistakes of his own, hitting two consecutive double faults in giving up his serve in game three of the third set, as Sinner took control before the rain stopped play. Sinner is still favourite to become the first Italian to win the Rome title in five decades, ahead of a potential career Grand Slam at the French Open.

Should he get to the final he will have to get past Ruud, who reached his first title decider since winning in Stockholm in October last year by dismantling Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-1, another match interrupted by heavy rain. Ruud, a specialist on clay, dealt with flamboyant Darderi with the minimum of fuss, even with a downpour that forced him to wait nearly two hours to restart a match he was already winning easily. The Norwegian hasn't won a single set in any of his four matches with Sinner and was destroyed 6-0, 6-1 by him in the last eight last year in one of the most one-sided matches ever seen at the Foro Italico.

"It will be a tough match no matter who it is," said Ruud after his match. "If it's Jannik it will be another test for me and hopefully I can get some sort of revenge from from last time we played." When play was stopped Ruud was 4-1 up and at advantage in game six of the first set, which he immediately won after the restart on centre court in Rome. Not including the rain interruption Ruud took little more than an hour to see off Darderi to win a tour-leading 140th match on clay since the start of 2020, in which time he has won more tournaments on the surface than any other ATP player.

Tanzid, a successful white-ball cricketer, was chosen ahead of Zakir Hasan, who was called up into the squad after Shadman was injured. Bangladesh also left out pacer Ebadot Hossain to accommodate Shoriful Islam into the playing XI. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, however, said they also would have bowled first if they won the toss. However, he accepted the fact that they have to cope with the condition to make the most of the opportunity for creating another history.

"We would've bowled first as well, but I think we have to adapt to the conditions now and make the most of the opportunity to do something special for the team," Shanto said, adding that winning the game is their priority as always. "We always play to win, specially at home. Over the last few years, we've tried to become more consistent in our performances in home conditions. Today is no different. We have to play good cricket, session by session, day by day."

Leading batter Babar Azam is back in the Pakistan squad after missing the first Test because of a knee injury. Pakistan also included pacer Khurram Shahzad and offspinner Sajid Khan to the playing XI for its three changes from the opening Test. Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali were left out to make way for them into the squad.

Shan Masood said unfamiliarity with the condition and the possibility of rain prompted them to bowl first. "Look, there is grass covering and the pitch is unknown as well, so that's the reason we are bowling first," he said. "In the World Test Championship, every game counts. We will look to do well on Day 1 and take it from there on."

Line Ups: 

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto(captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Pakistan: Azan Awais, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.

The win definitely boosted the team's confidence and motivation ahead of the SAFF tournament. In the SAFF Championship scheduled to be held from May 25 to June 5 with back-to-back champions Bangladesh set to face Maldives and India in the group stage encounters.

South Korea have been drawn in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa. They will play all their first-round games in Mexico and take on the Czechs in their opener on June 11. Besiktas striker Oh Hyeon-gyu was also included in coach Hong Myung-bo's 26-man squad, along with Celtic's Yang Hyun-jin and Birmingham's Paik Seung-ho. German-born Jens Castrop of Borussia Moenchengladbach also made the cut. South Korea World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo/JPN), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk) Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich/GER), Kim Tae-hyon (Kashima Antlers/JPN), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang/CHN), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade/SER), Jens Castrop (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER), Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien/AUT), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland/DEN), Cho Yu-min (Sharjah/UAE)

Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City/ENG), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham/ENG), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic/SCO), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea/WAL), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz/GER), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord/NED), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers/ENG) Forwards: Son Heung-min (LAFC/USA), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besitkas/TUR), Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland/DEN)

Kaarina was suffering from liver complicated diseases. The statement of the club said that the board of directors of the Mohammedan Club, donors, permanent members, former and current players, and employees expressed deep shock by her demise. “We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members by seeking forgiveness of her departed soul,” the statement reads.

Lyles, who will run his first 100m of the season in Tokyo on Sunday, said Gout was "a really good kid". "I'm just teaching as much as I can in two weeks," said the American. "He absorbs a lot of information and he wants to be the best. "He's eager and that's really good to see, and it's really fun to see that youthful spirit again." Lyles said he was "excited" for the race over the unconventional distance, which will be run on a regular 400m track.

"I'm pretty eager," he said. "I've run really good 150s in practice, so I think it's going to be really fast." Lyles is in Tokyo for the Golden Grand Prix, where he will race on the track where he took 100m bronze behind Jamaican pair Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson at last year's world championships. Lyles won 200m gold to match Usain Bolt's record of four world titles at the distance.

Lyles does not get a bye to Sunday's final and he said he wants to put on a "good show" for the fans. "We're going to have two rounds tomorrow so I'm really excited about that because the more rounds, the faster I get," he said. "I'd say by the time I leave tomorrow, I want to have my fastest season opener."

Shanto was unbeaten on 26 at the break, while Mushfiqur was batting on 18, with the pair adding an unbroken 38 runs for the fourth wicket. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas struck with just the second ball of the innings after Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bowl first, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck. Debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim then counterattacked to ease the early pressure, driving Abbas through the covers for a boundary before treating pacer Khurram Shahzad in disdain.

His aggressive batting also produced some chances for Pakistan. Pacer Hasan Ali suffered an awkward fall while taking a return catch chance offered by Tanzid and had to leave the field immediately. Tanzid's fluent knock ended on 26 when he top-edged a short delivery back to Abbas, who completed a return catch, breaking a 44-run partnership with Mominul Haque. Mominul, who struck half-centuries in both innings of the opening Test, was later bowled by Shahzad for 22 as Bangladesh slipped to 63-3. Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim then steered Bangladesh through the torrid session with serenity, keeping Pakistan bowlers at bay.

She has been suffering from liver diseases for the last few days.  In a condolence message, BFF president Tabith Awal along with the senior vice president, vice presidents, executive committee members, general secretary, all standing committees and officials, and staffs of BFF, expressed their deepest condolences at the death of Kaarina and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

No other batters crossed 30 runs mark, highlighting their struggles against a disciplined Pakistan pace attack. Khurram Shahzad, who replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi in the squad, led the charge with 4-81 while Mohammad Abbas claimed 3-45 to further deepen Bangladesh’s crisis. Hasan Ali, who was stretchered off to the ground after falling awkwardly in his first over, returned to the ground later and took 2-49, including the wicket of Liton Das to wrap up Bangladesh’s innings.

Abbas struck with just the second ball of the innings after Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bowl first, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck. Debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim then counterattacked to ease the early pressure, driving Abbas elegantly through the covers for a boundary before treating pacer Khurram Shahzad in disdain. Hasan Ali suffered an awkward fall while attempting a return catch offered by Tanzid. The pacer landed heavily with the right side of his head hitting the turf and had to be stretchered off the field looking visibly dazed. All-rounder Salman Agha completed the over before Hasan later returned to resume bowling.

Tanzid’s fluent knock ended on 26 when he top-edged a short delivery back to Abbas, who completed a return catch, breaking a 44-run partnership with Mominul Haque. Mominul, who struck half-centuries in both innings of the opening Test, was later bowled by Shahzad for 22 as Bangladesh slipped to 63-3. Fresh from his 101 and 87 in Bangladesh’s 104-run win in the first Test, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim steered the side through the torrid morning session with serenity, keeping Pakistan bowlers at bay.

Abbas struck back just after the lunch session, dismissing Shanto for 26, ensuring there would be no repeat of skipper heroic in the second Test. Hopes rested on veteran Mushfiur to bail the side out of danger but Shahzad dealt a double blow, sending back Mushfiqur (23) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as Bangladesh further imploded to 116-6. Liton resisted as Bangladesh looked set to be dismissed below 200. Taijul gave him apt support as the duo shared 60 runs for the seventh wicket.

Offspinner Sajid Khan broke through, removing Taijul (16) for his only wicket in the innings. Liton, meanwhile, raised his fifty off 93 balls and then accelerated as the wickets tumbling around him. He got to his next fifty off just 42 balls and raised his sixth Test ton off 135 balls, with a sublime backfoot punch for a boundary through cover. Hasan Ali, however, ended his stay to wrap up Bangladesh below 300. Azan Awais (13) and Abdullah Fazal (6) negotiated six overs from Bangladesh bowlers safely to keep Pakistan unscathed.

The State Department said it would waive the bonds for team members competing in World Cup matches in the United States as well as for fans from competing countries who already have tickets and signed up for a priority system set up for visas. "We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament," said Mora Namdar, the assistant secretary of state for consular affairs.

She said the Trump administration wanted to organize the "biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history." "Today's announcement from the US State Department further demonstrates our ongoing collaboration with the US Government and the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup to deliver a successful, record-breaking and unforgettable global event," a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement.

Five countries that qualified for the World Cup are among those whose nationals are required to pay visa bonds: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia. At least two other countries that have qualified for the soccer showcase have seen nearly total bans on entry into the United States under Trump: Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, and Iran, which the United States and Israel attacked on February 28.

The Trump administration has also sharply expanded scrutiny for visitors from friendly Western countries, requiring them to provide access for the US government to look through their social media postings. A study by the Mendoza Law Firm found that Haiti could play its matches with virtually no fans traveling from the country due to the restrictions. It said that in the five qualifying countries affected by the visa bonds, $15,000 is equivalent to an average of three years of income. The World Cup, which kicks off June 11, is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"The national team players in the World Cup will represent the people, the country's fighters, the leader (supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei) and the country," said Taj. "Our national team is the national football team of wartime," he said, adding that the team would be a "pillar of authority and resistance". People at the ceremony waved flags and belted out chants and slogans, some holding placards and pictures of late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, killed during the US-Israel attacks on Iran that triggered the Middle East war.

"For the blood of the martyrs, sing the national anthem with firmness and without hesitation," read one placard. Iran, who are due to be based in Tucson, Arizona during the World Cup, face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G. The Iranians open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

The tide appeared to have turned in City's favour in the title race over recent weeks but last week's costly 3-3 draw at Everton put Arsenal firmly back in the box seat. The City players experienced the agony of seeing a stoppage-time equaliser for West Ham against Arsenal ruled out following a VAR check on Sunday as the Gunners battled to a 1-0 win. Guardiola's men dominated the ball in the early minutes on Wednesday but Palace, with Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton on the bench, posed a threat on the break.

City opened the scoring in style in the 32nd minute after Foden produced an exquisite back pass to set up Semenyo, who finished coolly past Dean Henderson into the far corner of the goal. They doubled their lead eight minutes later, with Foden again the provider, touching the ball to Marmoush, who celebrated his third Premier League goal of the season. John Stones, departing at the end of the season, came on as a substitute towards the end of a forgettable second period to a rousing reception from the City fans.

Minutes later Rayan Cherki ran with the ball from his own half before setting up Savinho, who swept the ball past Henderson. The three-goal win takes City to 77 points, two behind Arsenal. City now have a superior goal difference of plus one and have scored seven more goals. City take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, gunning for a domestic cup double after lifting the League Cup earlier this season.

Before kick-off on Wednesday, Guardiola explained his multiple changes, saying: "When the schedule is so tight, everybody is fit, everybody needs to help." Despite the narrow gap, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal remain overwhelming favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004. City next face a tricky match at Bournemouth, who are chasing Champions League qualification, and finish their campaign against Aston Villa.

Arsenal host relegated Burnley next week before travelling to Palace for the final day of the season. Palace, who beat City in last season's FA Cup final, are 15th in the table. But their focus now is on the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27 -- Glasner's final match in charge of the south London club.

It was 1-1 at half-time after Kevin Denkey's 41st-minute penalty, then Pavel Bucha scored from close range to put the hosts 2-1 up soon after the break. Messi struck again in the 55th minute, finishing off a flowing Miami attack with a left-footed shot from a cross by Rodrigo De Paul. Cincinnati's Brazilian playmaker Evander put the hosts back in front again with a blast from outside the box in the 64th minute, his seventh goal in six matches. But Messi set up a goal for young fellow Argentine Mateo Silvetti in the 79th minute, with Mexico international German Berterame scoring again for 4-3.

Messi forced the final goal in the 89th minute. The 38-year-old launched himself at a cross from Silvetti and struck it with his right foot, the ball crashing off the post and deflecting in off goalkeeper Roman Celentano for an own goal. Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos was full of praise for his side. "What they did today was brilliant, against a tough team and on a difficult pitch," he said.

"It's very hard to play here. It's clear they're not here to stroll around MLS. "They're here to play, to give everything, and to show the world that football is played here too." He added: "We're leaving very happy. "We were able to play football at a very high level."

Sports cooperation helped trigger a thaw in inter-Korean ties after North Korea sent athletes, cheerleaders and a high-level delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics in the South. The two Koreas also fielded their first unified Olympic team -- a joint women's ice hockey squad -- at the Pyeongchang Games. Ri Sol Ju, the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, also visited South Korea in 2005 as part of a North Korean cheering squad for the Asian Athletics Championships. But relations have sharply deteriorated since US-North Korea nuclear talks collapsed in 2019, with Pyongyang repeatedly declaring itself an "irreversible" nuclear state.

The Naegohyang squad are set to arrive in South Korea by air from Beijing. A total of 39 people will make the trip, according to South Korea's unification ministry, consisting of 27 players and 12 staff members. They will stay at a hotel in Suwon, a city about 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Seoul and where Wednesday's match will take place. South Korea's Suwon FC squad will be based at the same hotel. The dining areas and travel routes will be kept separate, local reports said, making encounters between the two sides unlikely.

The game will be at Suwon Sports Complex, which has a capacity of just under 12,000. Under South Korean national security laws it could be deemed illegal to own or brandish the North Korean flag or play its national anthem in public. A separate law -- the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act -- also requires South Koreans to obtain prior approval from the unification minister before contacting North Koreans by any means.

A government official told AFP the North Korean players' visit had received prior approval, meaning it would not be considered illegal for South Koreans to exchange simple greetings with them. Under Kim Jong Un "sports are viewed not simply as entertainment, but as a measure of national capability", said Lim Eul-chul, a North Korea expert at the South's Kyungnam University. Pyongyang is likely "aiming to showcase what it sees as its 'overwhelming superiority' through sporting performance, using it as an opportunity to send a strong message that it is superior to its 'hostile state' rival", he told AFP.

North Korea are traditionally strong in women's football, especially at youth level, where they have won multiple World Cups in recent years. Naegohyang FC, based in North Korea's capital Pyongyang, are a rising force in the women's game in the country, according to South Korea's unification ministry. Founded in 2012, the club won the North Korean top flight in the 2021-22 season after defeating powerhouses April 25 Sports Club. Naegohyang also beat Suwon -- their opponents on Wednesday -- 3-0 in the Champions League group stage in November.

As the Champions League is a club competition, national flags and anthems will not be used during the match. North Koreans are not typically allowed in South Korea so no fans will travel across the border. The visiting team will though have plenty of support. Seoul's unification ministry will provide 300 million won ($200,000) to support South Korean civic groups planning to cheer both teams at the match.

It will cover tickets, cheering supplies and banners, a ministry official said, adding the event could help promote "mutual understanding between the two Koreas". About 2,500 supporters are expected at the game, according to the unification ministry. A ministry official said civic groups would "largely be left to decide for themselves" what they chant, but the government will give guidelines given the "special nature" of the event.

"We see it as a rare and meaningful exchange between young South and North Koreans," Hong Sang-young, secretary general of the civic group Korean Sharing Movement, told AFP. "Political slogans or messages could cause misunderstandings, so we intend to focus on football itself and on supporting young people from both Koreas sharing the same space." 

Wood, who has scored 45 goals in 88 internationals, believes New Zealand have the depth and quality to challenge their Group G opponents Iran, Egypt and Belgium. "It's been a long time, 16 years, since we've been in the World Cup," Wood said via video link at the squad announcement in Auckland. "I can't wait to share the moment with this team and hopefully create some history. "I hope that we can do everybody proud and show the world what we're capable of." Wood returned to action a month ago, having been in doubt for the World Cup with a knee injury that forced him to miss most of Forest's English Premier League campaign.

On their World Cup debut in 1982, New Zealand lost all three group matches in Spain. But in 2010 they were unbeaten after drawing all three group matches -- against holders Italy (1-1), Slovakia (0-0) and Paraguay (1-1) -- but failed to advance to the knockout stages. Coach Darren Bazeley made one surprise selection in veteran defender Tommy Smith, who started all three matches in South Africa 16 years ago.

The 36-year-old now plays in the fifth tier of English football, for Braintree Town, but Bazeley said the former England age-group player's wisdom would be invaluable. "With a squad of 26, not everybody is going to play," Bazeley said. "So we added Tommy because his leadership is great. He's going to be so important for the players keeping everybody on track. We'll lean on him a lot." Bazeley said Wood and European-based midfielders Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Matt Garbett and Ryan Thomas will be key players.

Ten of the squad play in the Australian A-League competition, including eight at the league's two New Zealand clubs, Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix. New Zealand earned their World Cup berth by winning the Oceania qualifying series in March. Their first opponents in Group G will be Iran in Los Angeles, on June 15, before facing Egypt on June 22 and Belgium on June 27, both in Vancouver, Canada.

New Zealand World Cup squad: Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdansk), Michael Woud (Auckland FC) Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham), Francis de Vries (Auckland FC), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Tommy Smith (Braintree Town), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers) Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets), Joe Bell (Viking FK), Matt Garbett (Peterborough United), Ben Old (Saint-Etienne), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Marko Stamenic (Swansea City), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle)

Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Elijah Just (Motherwell), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg IF), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC), Ben Waine (Port Vale FC), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced in March last year that there would be "the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final". He did not say at the time who would be performing or how long the show would last. "This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world," he said on Instagram. The move mirrors the show held during the final of the 2024 Copa America in Miami, when Colombian star Shakira performed at half-time at the Hard Rock Stadium.

There was also a half-time show at last year's FIFA Club World Cup final, also at MetLife Stadium, which stretched the break in excess of the regulation 15 minutes. Infantino added that FIFA also planned to "take over" New York's Times Square on the final weekend of the World Cup. The half-time extravaganza will support FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise $100 million for children worldwide during the World Cup.

Shakira last week teased the new official song for the World Cup, releasing a brief video of the track filmed at Brazil's iconic Maracana Stadium. The singer -- who also created the 2010 World Cup anthem "Waka Waka" -- announced the song, titled "Dai Dai" in a post on her Instagram account. In the 67-second video, Shakira appears on the pitch at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, where she performed in a free concert at the city's Copacabana Beach before two million people. Holding the "Trionda", the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup, Shakira performed excerpts of the song in English, joined by dancers dressed in the colors of teams including the United States and Colombia.

The song was produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy and is set for official release on Thursday. The clip, also shared by the FIFA World Cup account, ends with the message: "We're ready!" Shakira has a long association with the World Cup, performing at the 2006 and 2014 World Cup finals in addition to producing "Waka Waka" for the 2010 tournament. 

The athletics event was conducted under the supervision of Omar Faruk Rubel, Sports Editor of the Dhaka Reporters Unity. Meanwhile, the men’s singles table tennis event of the festival will be held on Thursday at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Indoor Stadium.

Among the special guests will be Maj (retd) Imroz Ahmed, vice president of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), BOA secretary general Jubaidur Rahman Rana and National Sports Council executive director (routine duty) Titon Khesa. Organized by the Bangladesh Roller Skating Federation, the competition will feature 618 male and female athletes in 16 categories from 10 districts and 40 clubs and associations across the country.

Other notable participating clubs include Gulshan Youth Club, Gulshan Club, Uttara Club, Officers Club, and Engineers Club, among others. The competition will be held in a total of eight categories  men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, boys’ under-12 singles, girls’ under-12 singles, boys’ under-16 singles, and girls’ under-16 singles. The entire tournament will be conducted in a knockout format. State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md. Aminul Haque is expected to attend in the closing and prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest on May 20 and distribute prizes among the winners.

In this regards, a press conference was held at the conference room of the National Tennis Complex today (Wednesday) to provide all the details of the meet. Bangladesh Tennis Federation general secretary Ishtiaque Ahmed (Karen)  tournament referee Zain Omar  and tournament director Shafiqul Islam Sohel were among others, present in the press conference.

"These squads are never easy to select but we're confident with the balance and stability we've got across the group." Left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton comes in for her first World Cup in place of Brown. "With at least six right-arm pace options in the mix and raw pace expected to be less effective, we opted to go with Lucy Hamilton who offers something different as a left-arm quick," said Flegler. "Grace Harris comes into the side having missed the recent series against the West Indies.

"She's a handy all-round option and someone who can take the game away from an opposition." New Zealand were shock winners in 2024 but did so without having to face Australia or England, the world's two top-ranked T20 teams. The tournament takes place in England beginning on June 12. The final is at Lord's in London on July 5. Australia are in Group A with South Africa, India, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Pakistan.

Australia open their campaign against South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 13. Australia T20 World Cup squad: Sophie Molineux (captain), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.

"No sleep. We'll sleep later!" joked Otto Benedict, senior vice president of facility and campus operations, one day before the venue is officially turned over to FIFA and renamed the brand-neutral "Los Angeles Stadium." Because American football pitches are narrower, and soccer fields require extra space for players to take corner kicks and throw-ins, officials removed 100 seats at each corner to squeeze in a playing surface compliant with FIFA rules.

FIFA initially wanted to have pitches with dimensions up to 80 meters wide at the corners, but realized that none of the 11 NFL stadiums being used could meet that distance, said Benedict. "I think they made a great collaboration with us and all the other NFL stadiums to say, 'how far can we get?'" SoFi Stadium already had some "demountable" seats in the corner, that could be removed "LEGO-style," but the decision was taken to also tear out two extras rows of permanent seats at two corners to create extra space.

The silver lining is that fans who have purchased seats by those corners will be sitting right on top of the action, Benedict told AFP. "They wanted to have at least three meters, and we got it up to five meters... Anybody sitting in the corner is gonna have an incredible seat!" As of Tuesday, the view from the corners was still a vast, sandy rectangle, with no grass in sight. Grass was due to be harvested in the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday night, put immediately into refrigerated trucks, and driven directly to the stadium without stopping by teams of drivers working in shifts.

The idea is for the sod to spend "the least amount of time in the truck coming down here," said Benedict. While beginning installation just a month out from the first kickoff might seem tight, Benedict pointed to the trial use of a hybrid surface with natural grass and synthetic fibers at last year's CONCACAF Nations League games at the SoFi Stadium. "We built this exact field with this exact system that's in there now last year, and test-ran how that would go," said Benedict.

"This 30 days is giving us the right amount of time to get the grass in, get it rooted and allow FIFA (to) take over the building tomorrow." With its transparent roof covering, the stadium has the advantage of greenhouse-like conditions that can help the grass to thrive. The installation will take two days, after which the grass will benefit from a newly installed irrigation system and grow lights.

Officials have also had to remove all signage that contains the names of SoFi sponsors -- from the stadium banner itself, to various bars, lobbies and restaurants. "It's a pretty monumental task... Every little place you look, you suddenly see a new name or something that has to be has to be covered up," said Benedict. 

"For me, it's ridiculous," the goalkeeper added, taking a break from palming away shots struck by friends wearing colorful Brazil and Barcelona jerseys. The most expensive face value ticket for the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium is more than $30,000 -- well above the peak of around $1,600 for the 2022 final. Standard tickets ranged from about $2,800 to almost $4,200 initially, but now resale for almost $11,000.

Fan groups have erupted over the costs: Football Supporters Europe labeled the World Cup pricing structure a "monumental betrayal." Even President Donald Trump has said he would not pay the $1,000-plus ticket cost for the United States' first World Cup match. Finance student Duro, like others priced out in Kearny, will instead be watching the tournament from his home -- around seven miles from the MetLife. Unlike other US towns, soccer is the dominant sport in Kearny, mostly due to Scottish and Irish immigrants who transplanted the game in the late 1800s as they arrived for factory jobs.

Since then Kearny's youth system has produced three US men's national team players including Tony Meola, and the hilly town of 40,000 people boasts its role in promoting US soccer. Many locals are frustrated to be watching the world's biggest footballing competition from the sidelines. "Soccer is supposed to bring people together," said Sean McDonald, a member of the Scots American Club, which is linked to the historic Kearny Scots soccer team founded in 1895.

"With the extravagant prices and the costs involved in this World Cup, it's not going to achieve that," the 51-year-old added. He spoke to AFP from the clubhouse filled with memorabilia that included scarves reading "Soccer Town USA" and a picture of Brazil legend Pele with a former club member. "They're charging an awful lot of money," McDonald said of the World Cup, as a Premier League match played on a television behind the bar. "I think that that's being felt by a lot of people in this area who would love to go, but they just simply don't have the means." 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has justified the organization's ticket prices by saying they are appropriate for the United States, which is hosting the bulk of the fixtures. But that argument did not win people over in Kearny. "Why is it so expensive because it's in the States? It's making us look bad a little bit," said Andrew Pollock, CEO of the Scots American Club. He called for FIFA to sacrifice its revenue -- expected to total $13 billion for this year's tournament -- to subsidize World Cup tickets.

"We're all under the impression that FIFA is going to take billions every year of a World Cup. Why can't they take a little less?" Pollock said. Jose Rodrigues, who drank a Guinness at the dark wood-paneled bar with his wife Ann, agreed that the tournament was out of reach for his family of five. "I'm not gonna go pay $1,000 for a ticket or $500 for a ticket. Screw that. We're not doing it," the 54-year-old insurance worker said. "The average Joe's not gonna be able to afford to go," Rodrigues added.

Grass is being watered and cut to FIFA-regulation height to ensure that players don't get any surprises when they take to the field in Los Angeles and Seattle, the venues for their group-stage games. Hotel rooms and meeting spaces are locked in, and security is tight. "Right now, I'm probably averaging about 12 to 20 meetings regarding this training facility a week," said Hanna. "From our concessionaire for food and beverage... to lots of grounds meetings with FIFA coming out to check."

The flurry of activity in Tucson comes against the backdrop of a war between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other that is now in its 11th week. Despite a shaky ceasefire in place for a month, hostilities are stubbornly unresolved, with Iran having virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz. Organizers FIFA have insisted the team will take part in the tournament as planned, so Tucson has pressed ahead with its preparations. "As far as we're concerned, it's 100 percent on, and it's never been off," said Hanna.

"Since they've been identified as the team, we've been moving forward as them as our team, until we hear something different from FIFA." Despite the official position, there's plenty of uncertainty. On Friday, Iran's football federation president announced the team would participate, but laid down a list of requirements, including around the granting of visas and the treatment of staff. Concerns are particularly acute for anyone with ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the organization seemingly in control of the country now, but which the US views as a terrorist group.

And in March, Trump cast doubt on their presence, saying that while the team was "welcome" to participate, it might not be a good idea. "I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," he wrote on social media. Locals in Tucson dismiss the implied threat. "Our president is known to be a bit bombastic in his use of social media," said Jon Pearlman, president of FC Tucson. "I don't think President Trump or any part of our government will make it their business to make them feel unwelcome or unsafe. I think it will do the opposite."

At the Kino Sports Complex, Iranian players will have access to the club's weight training facilities, ice baths, and massage tables. "We welcome them with open arms," said Pearlman. "We are part of the world soccer community. We are part of what FIFA is trying to do, and we believe the game is something that brings nations together, not drives them apart." It is a sentiment widely echoed throughout this multicultural city of 540,000, which leans Democratic.

"I hope that they still feel welcome here," said Rob McLane, who plays indoor soccer. "Even though we're doing what we're doing, which is ridiculous," he said of the military operation. Even near the local military base -- whose aircraft regularly fly over the fields where the team will practice -- Republican voters interviewed by AFP draw a clear distinction between sports and geopolitics. "I'm glad that they're coming," said veteran Michael Holley, who thinks the war was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.

Trump only brought up player safety because he feared "that Iranian athletes would be punished by their own government if they had a voice of their own," the 68-year-old said. "He didn't mean that the American people are a threat." But not everyone in Tucson is thrilled about the prospect of the Iranian team being in town. For some in the city's small Persian community, the players are little more than emissaries from a regime that launched a bloody crackdown on popular protests in January, killing thousands of people. Ali Rezaei, a 68-year-old IT worker, said it would be "impossible" to support them. "If there is a demonstration against them, I may go there."

According to the figures Messi's base salary has doubled while overall the deal will see him make $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation. South Korea star Son, the former Tottenham captain who signed with Los Angeles FC last August for a reported MLS record $26 million transfer fee, has a base salary of $10.36 million with total guaranteed compensation of $11.2 million.

The salaries do not include income from endorsement deals, nor does Messi's compensation reflect his option to acquire a stake in the Florida franchise -- co-owned by David Beckham -- which he joined in 2023. The 38-year-old Messi, who is expected to lead Argentina's World Cup title defense starting next month, has 59 goals in 64 MLS regular-season games with Miami. He led the league with 29 goals last season and was named Most Valuable Player for the second straight season.

Messi's Inter Miami and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul is third on the least with $9.7 million in guaranteed compensation. Mexico's Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is fourth on the list with $9.3 million despite the fact that he hasn't featured for San Diego since November. Atlanta's Miguel Almiron rounds out the top five with guaranteed compensation of $7.9 million. Total league compensation was listed at $631 million, with the average guaranteed compensation $688,816 -- an 8.9% rise from figures released last October.

"Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!" Al Nassr, with just one game left this season, remain five points ahead of Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. Al Nassr can seal the title when they play Damac next week. Former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward Ronaldo is yet to taste domestic honours in Saudi Arabia since signing a lucrative contract in 2023. His move ignited interest in Saudi football and inspired a wave of big-name signings including Neymar and Al Hilal's Karim Benzema.

The two previous World Cups held on Mexican soil are among the greatest of all, especially the 1970 tournament won by Pele's Brazil. "It was a World Cup of modernity, as football took its first tentative steps into a new era," writes Andrew Downie in The Greatest Show on Earth, his book about 1970. "It was the first World Cup to be held outside of Europe or South America. The first to feature substitutes. The first to threaten players with yellow and red cards. The first to have its own ball, the Adidas Telstar, with its ultra-stylish black and white panels.

"Most thrillingly of all for football fans across the globe, it was the first to be broadcast live and in colour," he adds. "Was there ever a more memorable tournament?" There were so many highlights, but it was really all about the wonderful Brazil team of Pele, who lifted the trophy after demolishing Italy 4-1 in the final at the Azteca. "In the end it was almost as though the World Cup in Mexico had been staged for his benefit," recalled then-England captain Bobby Moore, of the great Pele. When Colombia withdrew from hosting in 1986, Mexico stood in to stage a tournament that had by now been expanded from 16 teams to 24.

This was Maradona's tournament, the World Cup of the 'Hand of God' and of his breathtaking solo goal against England in the quarter-finals. He dragged Argentina to the final, in which his pass released Jorge Burruchaga for the late winner after West Germany had come from two goals down to draw level at 2-2. "Really, he is extraordinary. Having Maradona is like having a miracle that repeats itself in every game," said Argentina's Jorge Valdano ahead of that final. 

The Azteca has now been given a major facelift, its capacity reduced from over 100,000 to 83,000. It only reopened at the end of March after being closed for almost two years. "It is beautiful. The pitch is exquisite," remarked the Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, whose team drew 0-0 with Portugal in a friendly to mark the ground's reopening. Mexico will play two group games at the Azteca, with the Czech Republic their other opponents there after the opener against South Africa. In between they will play South Korea in the city of Guadalajara.

Mexico City is hosting five matches overall, with four each in Guadalajara and Monterrey. There are concerns about gang violence, leading to the country's government saying it will deploy 100,000 security personnel during the tournament. But this is a genuinely football-crazy country, unlike the other co-hosts. 'El Tri', as the national team is known, will therefore be hoping to take advantage of the footballing fervour in the country to go deep into the tournament.

Their best performances to date at the World Cup have come on their two previous occasions hosting, with quarter-final appearances in 1970 and 1986. Eliminated in the group stage in Qatar in 2022, this time a team set to be spearheaded by Fulham striker Raul Jimenez has the incentive of knowing they will stay in Mexico City for a last-32 tie at the Azteca if they top their group. And another victory would mean a last-16 game there too, possibly against England. "I played in a World Cup in Mexico so I know what it is like," said Aguirre, part of the 1986 team, when he was appointed in 2024 for a third spell as coach.

"People know I am going to give everything, and we will have a team which is a reflection of its coach - a team that will fight and leave its soul on the pitch."

Madrid bowed out of the Champions League with a quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich. Current Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, is unlikely to remain at the helm next season and former Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been linked with a potential return. This season has seen Madrid finish without a major trophy for a second year running. Fans have been protesting against star player Kylian Mbappe for a perceived lack of commitment, while there are stories of multiple training ground bust-ups, including one that sent midfielder Fede Valverde to hospital.

Perez justified his bid for a new term in response to what he dubbed an "absurd campaign" against Real Madrid. "I've made this decision because an absurd situation has been created to generate a tide of opinion against the interests of Real Madrid," argued Perez. "I've been here 26 years and it's been a wonderful time." Perez took aim at media campaigns and other personalities, claiming they were taking advantage of this season's poor results to target him personally.

"I want to put an end to this anti-Madrid current that wants to destroy Real Madrid," he said. "I'm standing for re-election to return the club's assets to its members. "If anyone wants to run, they shouldn't just pretend -- let them run, but let them say what they're going to do, how they're going to finance everything." Perez added: "They say out there that Real Madrid is a problem case, but it's the most prestigious club in the world."

But he admitted that he was as frustrated as the rest of Madrid fans about the lack of trophies for the second consecutive year and also about the altercation between Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. "I think it is very bad and I think it's even worse that it was made public," Perez said of the clash which ended with both players being fined 500,000 euros.

Perez added that he and his backers were putting together a 500-page dossier that he will send to UEFA over allegations of corruption in Spanish refereeing. "It's the most serious case of corruption in football," he said. "I've only won seven Champions League titles and seven league titles, when I could have won 14 because the others were stolen from me." Barcelona are currently being investigated by Spanish authorities in a sports corruption case after paying the former vice-president of Spain's refereeing committee (CTA), Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, seven million euros ($8.3 million) over several years. The club deny any wrongdoing.

And Barcelona responded forcefully to Perez's words on Tuesday. "With regard to the press conference called by the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, we inform you that our legal department is carefully studying his remarks and accusations," Barca said in a statement. "At this time, they are being analysed and the next steps to be taken are being considered."

"As the event approaches and expectations grow, we're here to report that Houston is ready," Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup Houston host committee told AFP on Monday as the city began the one-month countdown to kickoff. The Texans' NRG Stadium, renamed Houston Stadium for the World Cup, is one of the NFL venues switching out its synthetic playing surface for the natural grass required by FIFA. The change is made easier by the fact that the stadium originally featured a natural grass field, according to Hussain Naqi, general manager of the stadium complex NRG Park.

"We know what we're doing," Naqi said, noting that Houston has hosted Copa America matches and international club friendlies in the past. Before laying the grass pitch imported from Colorado, officials adjusted the playing surface dimensions from those of American football to allow for corners and throw-ins. "Equally, we have put in what's called a sub-air system. So that is effectively an aeration system that goes in underneath the surface to help with growing the pitch," Naqi said. Grolite, a high-performance mineral soil conditioner, is being brought in from the Netherlands to keep the grass healthy and the original irrigation system is being reactivated.

On Monday, the white pipes were still visible while workers with heavy machinery covered parts of the field with soil. World Cup matches will be played with the stadium's roof closed, but outside the climate-controlled venue, Houston's streets will likely see scorching summer temperatures with a heat index hovering around 40 Celsius. "We are working on basically adapting our public realm to do a couple of things to help to reduce ambient temperatures," Kit Larson, chief executive of the organization Houston Downtown+, told AFP.

"The biggest elements of this are shade and vegetation," Larson said, and the group, dedicated to revitalizing the sprawling city, began installing what they call "cool corridors" last year, with trees and structures that provide shelter for pedestrians on several downtown streets. The work must be finished by the time Houston hosts its first match, Germany v Curacao, on June 14, but Larson envisions a project that can be expanded upon in coming years.

Meanwhile, Houston transit police will wear a device on their chests that performs simultaneous translations in 50 languages to assist tourists. It detects the source language and translates it into English for the officer. The officer responds in English, and the device translates the reply back into the listener's original language. Ban Tien, chief of police for the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO), said they have already tested the system in German, Dutch, Chinese and Spanish and "they all work so far."

And unlike New Jersey, where the train fare will be multiplied by eight, up to 105 dollars, for those traveling to MetLife Stadium on the outskirts of New York, Houston has joined Philadelphia in keeping its transport prices unchanged. "Our prices remain the same, and that's not changing," said Anna Carpenter, communications director of METRO, which charges $1.25 for the bus and urban rail to the stadium and $4.50 for a bus from the airport to downtown. "We offer affordable transportation for everyone," she said.

The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Matt Crooks found Belloumi in acres of space out on the right. The Algerian had time to cut inside on his right foot before curling a superb effort around the dive of Anthony Patterson and inside the far post. The tie was wrapped up when Belloumi fed Gelhardt, who had only just come on but held his nerve to beat Patterson and send the away end wild.

"A great feeling and an amazing feeling. Millwall are very difficult and demanding -- we knew they would start well and be a threat," Hull City boss Jakirovic told Sky Sports. "But we are going to Wembley." He added: "I have seen this all season, they are a good group and stick together, the chemistry between the players "I am very proud of these players. I told them to just dream, and every game we got better and better. This is my dream come true."

Hull, who last played in the Premier League in the 2016/17 season, will face either Middlesbrough or Southampton at Wembley on May 23 for the chance to join Coventry and Ipswich in the Premier League next season.

Dembele last year succeeded Kylian Mbappe who won the prize five times in a row before departing for Real Madrid. "It's an individual trophy but all the individual trophies I've won are thanks to this team," Dembele said. The forward retained the honour despite having had an injury-plagued season.

He has started just nine matches in Ligue 1, notching up 960 minutes of gametime, compared to 20 starts and 1,736 minutes last season. Despite the reduced time on the pitch, Demebele has scored 10 goals and six assists -- still down on the 21 and eight he achieved last year. Paris Saint-Germain effectively wrapped up another Ligue 1 title on Sunday as a 1-0 win over Brest left them six points clear of nearest rivals Lens.

With just two games remaining, Luis Enrique's side also boast a superior goal difference. PSG will be officially crowned French champions for the fifth season running, and the 12th time in the last 14 years, if they avoid defeat away to second-placed Lens on Wednesday. PSG are also preparing for the Champions League final against Arsenal later this month after edging Bayern 6-5 on aggregate in their semi-final.

The award for best young player went to Dembele's teammate Desire Doue, while Pierre Sage picked up the honours for best coach after establishing Lens as a direct challenger to PSG.

It was the third consecutive game where Mitchell has scored 30 points or more, a run of form that has helped Cleveland climb out of a 0-2 hole to square the series. Mitchell's 39-point display in the second half also tied the NBA record for most points in a single half of a postseason game, set by Golden State's Eric Floyd in 1987. Mitchell said he had apologized to his team-mates at the break after a lackluster first-half performance.

"I was trying to set the tone on offense, and I didn't do that in the first half. I came in at half-time and told my guys, 'It's on me'," Mitchell said. "I tried to make a statement in the second half." Detroit had looked ready to take a 3-1 advantage in the early exchanges, battling into a 56-52 lead at the half. But seven-time NBA All-Star Mitchell took over with a virtuoso third-quarter performance, scoring 21 points in the third as Cleveland launched a jaw-dropping 25-0 run to turn the game on its head, moving into a 75-58 lead that would ultimately prove decisive.

Mitchell kept the points flowing in the fourth quarter, adding 18 more points as Detroit struggled to respond to the onslaught, with Cade Cunningham restricted to just seven points in the third and fourth quarters. Most Valuable Player contender Cunningham finished with 19 points, while Caris LeVert led the Pistons scoring with 24 from the bench. The series now heads back to Detroit for game five on Wednesday.

"They protected their home court and we did the same thing, so now we've got to go and get one," Mitchell said. "We've got to go and bring the same energy and intensity."

As it was expected, Bangladesh adopted an aggressive approach from the outset, with Shanto leading the charge after the early loss of Mushfiqur Rahim, who holed out a delivery of Hasan Ali to be caught at mid-off for 22. Shanto, who had scored a century in the first innings, hit seven boundaries in his 87 before being trapped leg-before by left-arm spinner Noman Ali.

Noman, who finished with 3-76, continued to trouble Bangladesh's middle and lower order despite their counterattacking approach. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a brisk 24 off 27 balls to push the lead beyond 250, while Taskin chipped in with a quickfire 11 off five deliveries. Hasan Ali ended with 3-52 after removing Taskin, caught by Imam-ul-Haq, shortly before Bangladesh declared.

Pakistan's first innings centurion Azan Awais was unbeaten on 3 at lunch, with Abdullah Fazal on 1. Earlier, Bangladesh had posted 413 in their first innings and secured a 27-run lead after bowling Pakistan out for 386, with Mehidy claiming a five-wicket haul.

Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided the breakthrough with a clever arm-ball that dismissed Azan for 15. Azan had earlier marked his debut with a century in the first innings. Speedster Nahid Rana further boosted Bangladesh's hopes by removing Pakistan captain Shan Masood for just 2, reducing the visitors to 68-3. However, Fazal continued to bat with assurance and together with Salman, safely negotiated the remaining overs before tea to keep Pakistan in a favourable position.

Earlier, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a fluent 87 as Bangladesh set Pakistan a target of 268 runs for a victory. Resuming the Day 5 on 152-3 and with an overall lead of 179, Bangladesh declared their second innings on 240-9, leaving themselves at least 76 overs to force a result. As it was expected, Bangladesh adopted an aggressive approach from the outset, with Shanto leading the charge after the early loss of Mushfiqur Rahim, who holed out a delivery of Hasan Ali to be caught at mid-off for 22.

Shanto, who had scored a century in the first innings, hit seven boundaries in his 87 before being trapped leg-before by left-arm spinner Noman Ali. Noman, who finished with 3-76, continued to trouble Bangladesh's middle and lower order despite their counterattacking approach. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a brisk 24 off 27 balls to push the lead beyond 250, while Taskin chipped in with a quickfire 11 off five deliveries.

Hasan Ali ended with 3-52 after removing Taskin, caught by Imam-ul-Haq, shortly before Bangladesh declared. Earlier, Bangladesh had posted 413 in their first innings and secured a 27-run lead after bowling Pakistan out for 386, with Mehidy claiming a five-wicket haul.

This partnership marks a new era of friendship, focusing on youth development, professional athletic exchange, and the modernization of sports governance between the two brotherly nations. The MoU outlines a multifaceted framework for collaboration, prioritizing the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Both nations have committed to reciprocal visits of senior officials and experts to share best practices in the organization and financing of major sports competitions.

Furthermore, the mou emphasizes the management and financing of world-class sports infrastructure, ensuring that both countries can benefit from shared technical data and teaching materials. In a significant commitment to social inclusion, the MoU highlights the exchange of best practices for support programs and sports accessibility for persons with impairments. Ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethics in their respective sporting environment.

This milestone Mou is expected to significantly boost the performance of athletes on the global stage while fostering a deeper cultural understanding through the universal language of sports.

Twenty20 skipper Mitchell Marsh will captain the ODI team in Cummins' absence. Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who were both part of the Australia squad that failed to make it out of the group stage at the T20 World Cup earlier this year, have been dropped. Peake, who has captained Australia Under-19s, will be blooded at senior level for the first time on the Pakistan leg of the tour.

But he will not feature in the Bangladesh matches, when a number of senior players return after stints in the IPL, including Travis Head, Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis. The 25-year-old Scott was named in the ODI squads. Left-arm spinning all-rounder Joel Davies, 22, was named in the T20 squad for the first time. "It's always exciting to see new players get an opportunity to play international cricket and be a part of the national team," national selection chair George Bailey said. "The blend of experienced players coupled with new or returning players will provide a nice mix for these subcontinent tours."

Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs (May 30 to June 4): Mitchell Marsh (capt), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa. Australia squad for Bangladesh ODIs (June 9-14): Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Adam Zampa

Australia squad for Bangladesh T20s (June 17-21): Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa. 

"It helped me find my game again, helped me discover my talents again," Reitan said. "That was something really important to me, which I try to remind myself of every single day. "That was definitely a huge thing for me, getting back and playing some good golf again." American Rickie Fowler, who birdied six of the first 10 holes, shared second with Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard on 271 after a closing 65 with England's Alex Fitzpatrick, the 54-hole leader, settling for fourth on 272 after a closing 73.

"Happy to see Kris win. He deserves it," Fitzpatrick said. "He played really well today. Hopefully mine another time." Other players who won their first US PGA Tour titles at Quail Hollow included world number two Rory McIlroy in 2010, Fowler in 2012 and Max Homa in 2019. McIlroy, in his first event since winning his second Masters in a row last month at Augusta National, also birdied six of the first 10 holes in shooting a 67 to share 19th on 279 on a course where he has won four times. The event was a last tuneup for next week's PGA Championship at Aronimink, where top-ranked Scottie Scheffler will try to defend his title.

There were 10 players within two strokes of the lead in the heart of the back-nine fight. Reitan blasted out of a greenside bunker to within seven feet at 14 and sank the birdie putt then birdied the par-five 15th, reaching the green in two and sinking a putt from just inside eight feet to reach 15-under. While rivals faltered late, Reitan sank a par putt from just inside 12 feet at 16 after plunking his approach into a bunker.

Reigning US Open champion JJ Spaun of the United States, South Korean Im Sung-jae and England's Tommy Fleetwood shared fifth on 273 with Sweden's Ludvig Aberg and England's Harry Hall another stroke adrift. Fitzpatrick, fourth and ninth in two solo starts since sharing a pairs victory with brother Matt to earn his PGA Tour card, was in the hunt before a double bogey at the par-three 17th.

"It's still very surreal," said Fitzpatrick. "I feel like it's crazy to be disappointed but somehow a little disappointed." Fitzpatrick, 27, played Quail Hollow regularly while at college at nearby Wake Forest University.

The Timberwolves knotted their Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2, pulling away late for a 114-109 victory over the Spurs -- who played most of the game without Victor Wembanyama. The French star was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in the jaw early in the second quarter. The Knicks reached the conference finals for the second straight year and will face either the top-seeded Detroit Pistons or fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers for a place in the NBA championship series.

"One game at a time," Knicks star Jalen Brunson said after New York humbled the 76ers on their home floor for a second straight game. "I think we still have a lot of work to do and our focus needs to be better," he said. Miles McBride made seven three-pointers on the way to a game-high 25 points and Brunson drained six from beyond the arc in scoring 22. Six players scored in double figures for the Knicks, who were without forward OG Anunoby for a second straight game with a hamstring strain.

With the series on the line the Knicks stormed out of the gate, scoring 43 points in the first quarter. Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse exhorted his team during one time out to stay positive and "play harder." But with their Xfinity Mobile Arena turned into hostile territory by a legion of raucous Knicks fans, the 76ers could find no answer. By the time the Knicks took an 81-57 lead into the break it was virtually over and they pushed the lead to as many as 44 points enabling them to rest their starters in the fourth quarter.

Joel Embiid, soldiering through hip and ankle injuries that struck after his April appendectomy, hit all eight of his shots and six of seven free throws to lead the 76ers with 24 points. Tyrese Maxey added 17 but the Sixers, who shocked the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round, have now failed to go beyond the second round since 2001. "Quite frankly, New York, they were just better than us in everything," Embiid said.

In Minneapolis, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards scored 16 of his 36 points in a frantic fourth quarter that featured five lead changes. Rudy Gobert converted a three-point play that put the Timberwolves up for good, 103-101, with 3:02 remaining and Ayo Dosunmu converted another three-point play to push Minnesota's lead to 110-103 as they closed out the win in a game in which neither team led by more than nine points. Defensive Player of the Year Wembanyama was tossed from a game for the first time in his NBA career early in the second quarter.

Bottled up by Reid and Jaden McDaniels after an offensive rebound he turned back toward Reid and jabbed his elbow, sending the Timberwolves player sprawling. But with 24 points apiece from De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper and 20 from Stephon Castle the Spurs kept themselves in it and led 94-86 with 8:51 to play. "When Wemby got thrown out of the game we came out thinking it was going to be easy," Edwards said. "But those guys are really good even without Wemby. So we just had to play hard, and I had to just take it upon myself to try to get us a win." Reid finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, and McDaniels added 14 points for the Timberwolves, who assured the series will return to Minneapolis for game six after the Spurs host game five on Tuesday. 

Flick's team were disappointed to be knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid in April, but were still determined to celebrate in style. "This title is more special for winning it at home against Madrid, now we have to enjoy it with the fans," Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar. "We have been the best team in Spain -- of course we (also) want to win the Champions League, that's the objective. "Next year we will have another opportunity." Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training ground scuffle with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, who started.

Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side's comfortable triumph. "It has been a tough day. It started in the morning and I really, I'll never forget this day," Flick told fans on the pitch. "I'm really proud about that we have such a team. I want to say thank you to everyone, thank you for everything, thanks for really fighting. I really appreciate that a lot." The German coach opted for the energetic Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, on the right wing in place of injured teenage star Lamine Yamal.

The Catalans, who only needed to avoid defeat, came out with their eyes firmly locked on the prize, racing into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes. Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, whipping the ball into the top left corner from a position 20 yards out, right of centre. Torres doubled the hosts' advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, the 62,000-strong crowd enjoying the first Clasico back there since the stadium was reopened.

Dani Olmo produced a clever backheel to allow Torres to burst into the box and ram past Thibaut Courtois. Gonzalo Garcia, playing in place of injured Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, prodded narrowly wide after racing in behind Barca's high defensive line. Urged on by coach Alvaro Arbeloa on the touchline, unlikely to be at the helm next season, Madrid battled to stem the bleeding. Rashford could have added a third before the break but fired wide, with Fermin Lopez unmarked and well placed to finish.

Torres should have struck early in the second half but Courtois saved from the Spain international as he ran through. Jude Bellingham put the ball in Barcelona's net but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Joan Garcia thwarted Vinicius Junior. Barca fans batted inflatable beach balls around to taunt the Brazilian over his unfulfilled Ballon d'Or ambitions, and lapped up the party atmosphere. Courtois saved from substitutes Raphinha, back after injury, and Robert Lewandowski as Madrid saw out the remainder of the match without taking further damage.

"We can't say a lot (to the fans), because we understand the frustration, their upset, how unsatisfied they have to be with this season," Arbeloa told reporters. "All we can do is work, looking towards the future, learning from everything we did badly this year, knowing that Real Madrid always come back." Flick's side remain on course to match the record of 100 points in a league season and can win all their home matches if they defeat Real Betis in the one remaining. Meanwhile Madrid finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, staring down the barrel of a summer reshuffle, including former coach Jose Mourinho being linked with a potential return. What is clear is that for now president Florentino Perez cannot seem to find the solution to end Flick's Barca's domestic domination.

Group A

Mexico (co-hosts)

South Africa

South Korea

Czech Republic

Group B

Canada (co-hosts)

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Qatar

Switzerland

Group C

Brazil

Morocco

Haiti

Scotland

Group D

United States (co-hosts)

Paraguay

Australia

Turkey

Group E

Germany

Curacao

Ivory Coast

Ecuador

Group F

Netherlands

Japan

Sweden

Tunisia

Group G

Belgium

Egypt

Iran

New Zealand

Group H

Spain

Cape Verde

Saudi Arabia

Uruguay

Group I

France

Senegal

Iraq

Norway

Group J

Argentina

Algeria

Austria

Jordan

Group K

Portugal

Democratic Republic of Congo

Uzbekistan

Colombia

Group L

England

Croatia

Ghana

Panama

Mitoma reportedly left the stadium on crutches which will be a huge worry for Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who is due to name his World Cup squad on Friday. "We have to wait for the scan, then we can clarify it," said Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler when asked by reporters about Mitoma's injury after the match.

"Of course, it didn't look great, but I'm a positive person and I stay positive regarding it. "It looked like a hamstring injury, but let's wait if it's an injury or not." Japan will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas on June 14. They will also face Tunisia and Sweden in Group F.

The sprawling, nearly six-week-long spectacle kicks off at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11 before culminating in the final at New Jersey's 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium on July 19. Yet a turbulent build-up has meant the 23rd edition of the World Cup risks feeling like a morning-after headache before the party has even started, with a potent cocktail of affordability concerns, politics and conflict already souring the mood.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the pre-tournament unease is overblown, dismissing the tide of downbeat headlines as "negative press." "The truth of the matter is that it's very difficult to find something negative around this World Cup," Infantino told a business conference in Beverly Hills this week. But Infantino's bullish optimism has not been broadly shared around the football world.

The skyrocketing cost of tickets for the tournament has triggered a global backlash which has left FIFA and Infantino scrambling to manage the public relations fallout. Fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has branded the World Cup pricing structure as "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal", citing ticket prices that have put the tournament -- expected to help generate $13 billion for FIFA -- out of reach for many.

The most expensive ticket for the final in 2022 cost around $1,600 at face value; in 2026 the most expensive face value ticket being sold by FIFA now weighs in at an eye-watering $32,970. Infantino says the prices are appropriate for the United States, which will host the bulk of the tournament's fixtures. "We have to look at the market -- we are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates," Infantino said.

FIFA has reported more than 500 million requests for tickets, compared to 50 million combined for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. However despite claims that the tournament is a sellout, seats for many games -- including the United States' opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12 -- remain available on secondary ticket market sites. Even staunch Infantino ally Trump has balked at the cost, reacting with surprise this week when informed of the $1,000 price tag for the USA clash with Paraguay.

"I did not know that number," Trump told the New York Post. "I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you." As fans mull the cost of watching the World Cup, other critics have zeroed in on the feverish political climate in the United States, which is hosting 78 of the tournament's 104 games. The re-election of Trump to the White House has upended the 2026 tournament's initial billing as a "Unity Bid" that would showcase the harmonious relationship between the three North American co-hosts.

Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly talked about making Canada a "51st state" of the United States while launching a trade war with both neighbours. Human Rights Watch has said the World Cup risks being defined by "exclusion and fear" due to Trump's crackdowns on immigration, demonstrations and press freedom, while Amnesty International warned the tournament could become a "stage for repression."

The US-Israel military strikes launched against Iran in February meanwhile have sent shockwaves through the global economy, with the World Bank warning the conflict in the Middle East could tip millions into hunger. The war also sparked uncertainty about Iran's participation in the World Cup. It is the first time in history a host has been in a military conflict with a participating nation directly before the tournament. Trump initially suggested Iran withdraw from the tournament, for their "own life and safety."

However FIFA supremo Infantino is adamant that Iran, who are scheduled to play their three group matches in the United States having seen their proposal that they be moved to Mexico rejected, will take part as planned. "Of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino told the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30. "And of course, Iran will play (in) the United States of America."

Trump, who hopes to reap political dividends from the World Cup ahead of this year's midterm elections, subsequently said he was "OK" with Iran's presence at the World Cup. FIFA and Infantino are banking on the controversies being forgotten when the on-field action gets under way and the World Cup serves up its trademark feast of drama and footballing brilliance.

Defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi head into the tournament among the favourites, alongside European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England, desperately chasing a first major tournament win since 1966. At the other end of the scale, the expanded World Cup will welcome several nations for the first time, notably Curacao -- the smallest country by population to ever play in the tournament -- and Cape Verde.

The draw for the 2027 edition of the continent's showpiece event, which runs from January 7 to February 5, took place on Saturday in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia are staging the Asian Cup for the first time as the kingdom views the tournament as a precursor to hosting the 2034 World Cup.

"We have the advantage of playing at home," Saudi head coach Giorgos Donis told AFP.

"We have the stress but we will manage it with our experience," the Greek added.

For the third time running, the Asian Cup will feature 24 national teams, with 23 already confirmed.

The sole remaining spot will go to either Lebanon or Yemen, who contest a play-off in Doha on June 4.

A tie would be enough for Lebanon to qualify.

At the draw, Japan were placed in Group F alongside Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia.

Japan have lifted the trophy a record four times, although they have not won the tournament since 2011.

Saudi Arabia and Iran each have three wins, with Qatar crowned champions for the past two tournaments, in 2019 and 2023.

Last time out, the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final.

Both countries have qualified for this summer's global finals, with Jordan competing for the first time.

On Saturday, teams were divided into four pots of six in accordance with the latest FIFA ranking as of April 1. At 18th in the official standings, Japan are the lead country in Asia, with Iran second (No. 21), South Korea third (No. 25) and Australia fourth (No. 27).

Allocated first position in Pot 1, Saudi Arabia are looking to add to the three titles they won in 1984, 1988 and 1996.

The opening match will be played on January 7 between Saudi Arabia and Palestine at the refurbished King Fahd Sports City Stadium, its 72,000 capacity making it the largest of the venues used.

Group A

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine

Group B

Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, Jordan

Group C

Islamic Republic of Iran, Syria, Kyrgyz Republic, China

Group D

Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, Singapore

Group E

South Korea, UAE, Vietnam, Lebanon/Yemen

Group F

Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia

Pakistan were still trailing by 162 runs as Bangladesh were bowled out for 413 in its first innings. Azan who became the 15th Pakistan batter and seventh opener to hit century on debut, finally was dismissed on 103 off 165, an innings laced with 14 fours. Another debutant Abdullah Fazal was out on 60, failing to replicate the feat of Azan.

Miraz ended the session with 3-61 with his wily offpsin while pacer Taskin finished with 2-61. Azan began the day fluently, hitting two fours in the first four overs to reach 99. He then nudged Nahid Rana to point for a single to raise his century off 153 balls.  But the brilliant knock came to end when he edged Taskin delivery to slip to give the pacer his 50th Test wicket. In doing so, Taskin became only third Bangladeshi pacer after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain Rajib to reach the milestone.

Taskin then sent back captain Shan Masood for 9 to trigger a mini collapse as Pakistan lost three wickets for four runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck twice including the wicket of another debutant Abdullah Fazal who made 60. Salman Agha was batting on 12 with Mohammad Rizwan on 8 at the first interval of the day.

Bangladesh, however, fought back through left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who broke the partnership by dismissing Rizwan for 59. Rain arrived shortly after the wicket, prompting the umpires to call for tea 20 minutes ahead of schedule. Salman Agha was unbeaten on 55 at the break.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 413 in their first innings, riding on captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 101, Mominul Haque’s 91 and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 71. Pakistan still trailed by 64 runs at tea. Resuming the day at 179-1, Pakistan looked set to build a commanding total with debutant Azan Awais continuing from where he left off on the previous day. But Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed sparked a Bangladesh fightback, sharing four wickets for just 20 runs in the opening hour.

Azan, who became the 15th Pakistan batter and seventh opener to score a century on Test debut, was eventually dismissed for 103 off 165 balls, striking 14 fours. Fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal made 60 but could not emulate Azan’s feat. Miraz finished the session with 3-94 through his crafty off-spin, while Taskin claimed 2-70. Azan began the morning fluently, hitting two boundaries in the first four overs to move to 99 before nudging Nahid Rana to point for a single that brought up his century from 153 deliveries.

His impressive innings ended when he edged a Taskin delivery to slip, handing the pacer his 50th Test wicket. With the milestone, Taskin became only the third Bangladeshi fast bowler after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain Rajib to reach 50 Test wickets. Taskin then removed Pakistan captain Shan Masood for 9 to trigger a mini collapse as Pakistan lost three wickets for four runs. Miraz struck twice more, including the wicket of Abdullah Fazal.

Women's chief selector Sajjad Ahmed said Bangladesh aimed at winning at least three matches in the showcase event. "Out of the five matches, we hope to win three," he said after announcing the team in a press conference here today. "Our focus will be on the Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa matches. We should win those three games." Sajjad added that the selectors had to compromise in some areas while finalizing the squad. Former Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun is the other member of the women's selection panel.

Bangladesh entered the tournament in poor form, having lost each of their last five T20I series. They were heavily beaten by Sri Lankan women's team at home last month. Taj Nehar earned a World Cup spot after Sharmin Sultana was dropped following that series. The fitness of captain Nigar Sultana also remains a concern. Although she is not suffering from any major injury, the wicketkeeper-batter has been struggling with recurring minor issues.

"I think there is no other option for her injuries except rest," Sajjad said. "It would be better if she rested, but if she keeps playing, the problem may increase again. Either she has to stop playing cricket or continue like this." Bangladesh will rely heavily on spin in the English conditions after naming only two specialist pacers in their 15-member squad. Fast bowlers Marufa Akhtar and Fariha Islam are the only specialist seamers in the squad while Ritu Moni is considered a pace-bowling backup option.

Sajjad said the team management is considering fielding two pacers if conditions in England assist seam bowling. "We want to play two pace bowlers if the ball moves more in England conditions. But from what I have seen recently, in England during summer the ball does not move that much. The wickets have become similar to the subcontinent," he remarked. 

That assessment has influenced Bangladesh's squad composition and likely playing combination. "Our plan may remain the same - to play one pacer alongside spinners," he said. "If the ball moves more, then there is a possibility of playing two seamers. There are enough breaks between matches, so we will have time to recover."

Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous Mou, Taj Nehar.

His disciplined bowling stalled the progress of Bangladesh, who looked to extend its domination over the game after hurling the baton on Day 1. Abbas relied on an old school Test match approach, bowling relentlessly outside the off stump to induce mistakes. While the strategy prevented Bangladesh from accelerating, it also brought Pakistan the breakthroughs they desperately needed.

Mushfiqur nudged Shaheen Shah Afridi for a single in the third over of the morning to bring up his 29th Test fifty from 114 balls. The milestone marked his 42nd fifty-plus score in Tests, the most by a Bangladesh batter, surpassing Tamim Iqbal's tally of 41. He and Liton Das looked to take Bangladesh in stranglehold before Abbas produced a beauty to dismiss the latter for 33, ending the 62-run third wicket stand.

Abbas then sent back Mehidy Hasan Miraz (10) and Taijul Islam (17) in quick succession, leaving Mushfiqur to dig deep. Mushfiqur was unbeaten on 71 after hitting eight boundaries from 176 balls, going into the lunch while Ebadot Hossain was yet to score. Earlier on Day 1, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a sublime century and Mominul Haque made 91 to put Bangladesh in command. 

Brazil continue to hold the top spot in both the men's and women's futsal rankings. A total of 96 countries are included in the women's rankings, while 143 nations feature in the men's category. Bangladesh women's futsal team had earlier participated in the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup in 2017, which helped the side secure an international ranking previously.

Bangladesh recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming inaugural champions of the SAFF Women's Futsal Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand. Led by captain Sabina Khatun, the team remained unbeaten throughout the seven-nation tournament, recording five wins and one draw. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh men's national futsal team, who participated in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers for the first time last year before competing in the SAFF tournament, are currently ranked 139th in the FIFA futsal rankings.

"We're going to end the school year on June 5 because many states are already experiencing high temperatures, and there's also the issue of the World Cup," he said at an event in the northern state of Sonora. He noted, however, that authorities were considering in turn moving up the start of the next academic year, currently scheduled for August 31.

The tournament -- hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada -- kicks off on June 11 when Mexico takes on South Africa at home in Mexico City. When Delgado initially announced the move on Thursday, President Claudia Sheinbaum said it was merely a "proposal." "There is no definitive calendar yet," she said at her daily press conference. "It's important that the children don't miss classes either."

Parents were left stunned by the decision, which could mean they need to find -- and pay -- for a third month of childcare during the summer break. "Moving up the end of the school year will affect more than 23.4 million students by further reducing learning time, amid existing educational underachievement and growing inequalities," warned the Mexico Evalua public policy think tank.

The Coparmex business association called the decision "hasty," and warned of disruptions to families' schedules and subsequent impacts on labor. Officials in Jalisco state in western Mexico -- run by Sheinbaum opponents -- said they would not comply with the decision, and keep schools open until June 30 as originally scheduled. Classes will only be suspended for the four days when Guadalajara, located in the state, hosts World Cup matches, in order to address "logistical needs" sparked by the event.

The show will feature Colombian megstar J Balvin, multi-Grammy-award-winning Mexican rock band Mana, and pop star Alejandro Fernandez, the son of legendary ranchero king Vicente Fernandez. Mexico's Latino pop princess Belinda and singer-songwriter Lila Downs are on board, along with South African singer-songwriter Tyla and Los Angeles Azules, who play in the traditional Mexican cumbia style. "The world will share this moment and that's how this tournament will begin," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

"Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament," Infantino said. "It is a powerful way to begin a truly global celebration." Canada will face Bosnia and Hercegovina in that host's opening match on June 12 in Toronto, with singers Morissette, Buble, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez and Nora Fatehi among the artists to be featured.

Organizers promise a "journey across Canada, as the countdown unfolds through moments that reflect the country from coast to coast." Later on the same day the United States open their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, where it will be another massive sports crossover moment for pop megastar Perry -- who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2015. She'll be joined by rapper Future, Lisa of K-pop band Blackpink, Brazilian superstar Anitta, Rema and Tyla, with additional artists still to be announced, FIFA said.

"This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become," Infantino said. "The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation's rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country."

Other global artists who are set to get the sprawling, nearly six-week long football spectacle off to a spectacular start include Venezuelan reggaeton star Danny Ocean and Bangladeshi-American Sanjoy, a Los Angeles-based DJ set to appear. Organizers say fans will have an "active role to play" in the shows and encouraged them to arrive early. "Across time zones and borders, the celebrations are united by one central idea: a shared heartbeat," FIFA's statement said.

However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has made Inter Miami the must-see team in Major League Soccer, said the competition will be stiff. "As of today, France are in great shape again. They have a ton of top-level players," he said of the team that Argentina beat in the 2022 final in Qatar. He also tipped Spain and Brazil, called Portugal "very competitive" and noted that traditional European powers Germany and England are always dangerous.

Messi, who will turn 39 in June, has yet to officially confirm his participation in the tournament, which will be held from June 11-July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Nevertheless, the former Barcelona star stressed that he has not set any time limits on his career as his competitive hunger remains.

"I love playing football, and I'm going to do it until I can't anymore," said Messi, who earned MLS Most Valuable Player honors last season as he sparked Miami to the title and led the league in goals. "I'm competitive," he said. "I like to win at everything ... I don't even let my son win at video games."

Bangladesh, one of the leading nations in international Kabaddi, has maintained a strong record in tournaments held at home, particularly in Dhaka. As a result, the country is expected to emerge as a strong contender in the upcoming championship. Alongside India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh is anticipated to compete among the top teams in the tournament.

Sports analysts believe that the event, conducted under the Commonwealth sporting framework-considered the second-largest multi-sport platform after the Olympics-will provide a significant opportunity for Bangladeshi Kabaddi players to showcase their talent on the global stage.

According to Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation sources, preparations have already begun, with plans to organize special training camps for both the men's and women's national teams, along with a series of preparatory matches ahead of the championship.

In the 67-second video, Shakira appears on the pitch at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, where she performed in a free concert at the city's Copacabana Beach last Saturday before two million people. Holding the "Trionda", the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup, Shakira performed excerpts of the song in English, joined by dancers dressed in the colors of teams including the United States and Colombia.

The song was produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy and is set for official release on May 14. The clip, also shared by the FIFA World Cup account, ends with the message: "We're ready!" Shakira has a long association with the World Cup, performing at the 2006 and 2014 World Cup finals in addition to producing "Waka Waka" for the 2010 tournament.

Just 40,000 train tickets will be available for each of the games at the 82,500-capacity stadium. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, responsible for the railroad that will ferry fans from Manhattan to the Meadowlands sports complex, "asked NJ TRANSIT to find private sponsorships and other sources to reduce the cost of the ticket," said the system's chief Kris Kolluri.

"I am pleased we are able to reduce the price by at least 30 percent and bring the cost down to $105 per ticket." The decrease is unlikely to put to bed the row over the steep pricing that also drew rebukes from football's governing body, FIFA. FIFA, already under fire over the high cost of match tickets, previously said that the original host city agreements "required free transportation for fans to all matches."

A re-negotiation stipulated that transport be offered "at cost" on match days, FIFA added. In contrast to the New York New Jersey stadium, fans heading to Philadelphia's Financial Field stadium, another World Cup venue, will pay just $2.90 to reach the ground, and nothing to leave it on the city's subway system. Reacting to the $150 price point, England's Football Supporters' Association (FSA) chief Thomas Concannon told the BBC, "we weren't expecting to be gouged." The United States is co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico. The tournament kicks off on June 11. 

CBF President Samir Xaud said Thursday he is "certain" Ancelotti's extension will be officially confirmed "before the World Cup." Xaud, speaking at the FutPro Expo conference in Fortaleza, said the CBF and Ancelotti's legal advisers were working through aspects of the Italian's new contract. Ancelotti has repeatedly expressed his willingness to continue in his current role after this year's World Cup.

He is due to announce his final squad for the tournament on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro before Brazil gather for a World Cup send-off against Panama at the Maracana Stadium on May 31. The Brazilians will be based in New Jersey during the World Cup, and face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and building on what we've started," Lee said. "I'm excited about the direction we're headed and our team's bright future... I'm proud of the culture we're establishing. We're just getting started. I'm looking forward to the work ahead." The Hornets beat Miami in the play-in round but lost to Orlando for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

"Charles has done an outstanding job establishing a foundation for who we want to be as a team," said Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson. "He has built a team-first culture rooted in accountability, hard work and professionalism." Lee was an NBA assistant coach for 10 years, including for 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee and 2024 NBA champion Boston, before taking charge in Charlotte.

Taskin and pacer Nahid Rana were the two changes from the Bangladesh side that played against Ireland in their previous Test assignment. Hasan Murad and Syed Khaled Ahmed made the way for the two pacers in the starting XI. Despite losing the toss, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed satisfaction at getting the chance to bat first.

"Looks a pretty good wicket to bat on. If you look at the last few matches, especially in one-day cricket, this has been a very good batting wicket," Shanto said after the toss. He also expressed confidence in the pace attack. "All the seamers are in good shape. Taskin is back in the side and he is very experienced. Nahid Rana is in good form, while Ebadot has also returned. I'm really happy with the pace unit and hope they can do something special for the team," he said.

Shanto stressed the importance of making full use of home conditions. "It's important to put up a strong performance at home. We need to play good cricket and I hope the boys are well prepared to do something good in this series," he added. Pakistan suffered a setback ahead of the match as leading batter Babar Azam was ruled out due to injury.

The visitors, however, handed Test debuts to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal. "I think the conditions are pretty much what we expected and that's why we brought a squad with all options available. We'll assess how the wicket behaves and then decide our plans as the game progresses," Pakistan skipper Shan Masood said.

"The start is always important and carrying momentum into the second Test matters a lot. But for now, we have to take it day by day and see how things go while bowling first," he added.

Teams:

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain.

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.

Reports on Friday said he still had not regained consciousness and was still undergoing treatment. The Asahi Shimbun and other media said Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is considering a rule to warn or eject players from games if they swing their bats in a dangerous manner. The proposal is set to be raised at an executive meeting with all 12 NPB clubs on Monday and could be implemented before the end of the current season. NPB did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

Venezuelan batter Osuna, who plays for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, apologised after his bat struck Kawakami. "I'm very sorry about what happened today when my bat hit the main umpire. I hope he's well, I'm really sorry," he wrote in a post on X soon after. Two days after the incident, NPB implemented a rule requiring all umpires to wear helmets. Kawakami was wearing a face protection mask with a baseball cap underneath.

Their resistance helped Bangladesh recover from early setbacks and move towards a competitive first innings total after Pakistan’s pacers made full use of the lively conditions. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to exploit the early moisture on the wicket. His fast bowlers responded immediately with disciplined swing bowling and consistent movement off the seam.

Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy survived an early chance while on six but failed to capitalise. He eventually edged a delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi behind to depart for 8. The other opener, Shadman Islam, also struggled against the movement before edging a catch to first slip for 13. Shanto and Mominul then steadied the innings with a cautious approach, frustrating the Pakistan bowlers by avoiding further damage before lunch.

Shanto, in particular, balanced caution with positive stroke-play to keep the scoreboard moving and maintain Bangladesh’s recovery.

Williamson has 9,461 runs at an average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches, and said in December he was considering retirement. "As you get to the latter stages (of your career) those thoughts certainly enter your mind," said Williamson, who added his future commitment to the Black Caps would be "series by series". As it turns out the 35-year-old has committed to New Zealand's next four Tests, while New Zealand will also play India at home and Australia away later in the year.

Young's omission for the England Tests comes as a shock given he'd been the long-standing preferred back-up to New Zealand's batting group. With limited opportunities, Young had four 50-plus scores in his last nine Test innings, including 74 opening the batting against a fiery spell from fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani on a lively pitch against Zimbabwe. Nicholls, who had earned a recall after 18 months in the international wilderness, came in the next day on a then-placid pitch and scored 150 not out, but having barely faced Zimbabwe's best bowler.

Young is part of the squad for the Ireland Test but will head home at its conclusion. Black Caps coach Rob Walter named two potential debutants in seamer Kristian Clarke and spin-bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft. "To be able to test ourselves against some of the very best Test teams in the world is an exciting challenge and with the added carrot of the fourth edition of the World Test Championship," Walter said.

"I know it's something the players and staff alike have been looking forward to for some time and we're determined to meet the opportunity head on." New Zealand are bolstered by the return of Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke, while Jacob Duffy will sit out the tour as he awaits the birth of his child. All-rounder Michael Bracewell said he will no longer play Test cricket, instead focusing on limited-overs formats. New Zealand: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Kristian Clarke (IRE only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (IRE only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (IRE only).

"I disagree with the decision -- and I am overturning it," Allan said in a statement. "There's always a risk of bad behaviour from a few dickheads at every public gathering, but police and security will be on site and there'll be zero tolerance for it," she said. "The World Cup should bring us together, not keep us apart." Football Australia had condemned the ban, saying it would rob fans of the chance to follow their team together.

The Socceroos begin their World Cup against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13, followed by games against co-hosts the United States in Seattle six days later and Paraguay in California on June 25. Melbourne Arts Precinct director Katrina Sedgwick said she "welcomed" the state's decision to help provide a safe site for watching the World Cup in Federation Square. "We look forward to seeing the Socceroos back on the world stage, and on the Big Screen next month," she said in a statement.

"Australia will arrive in Islamabad on May 23 and take on Pakistan in the first ODI at the Rawalpindi stadium on May 30," said a PCB release. The second and third ODIs will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and 4. The matches will start at 4:30 pm local time because of the hot weather.

It will be Australia's first bilateral ODI series in Pakistan since March-April 2022. They were thrashed 3-0 by the hosts in T20s in January-February this year.

This is the 13th season that Fabio has played in the competition, with previous stints at Vasco da Gama and Cruzeiro before winning the trophy with his current club in 2023. Almeida's previous record had stood since 1990. Fabio began his career in 1997 and first played in the competition in 2001. He has been a professional footballer for 29 seasons, longer than many of his team-mates have been alive.

Earlier, in the morning, two semi-finals were also decided through tie-breakers. Deepto Television defeated Channel I in the semi-final, while Kalbela beat The Daily Star to reach the final. The champions Deepto Television and runners-up Kalbela were awarded attractive trophies, prize money, and medals for each player. 

Deepto Television captain Mirza Sakib was named player of the final for his outstanding performance. He was also adjudged the the best player of the meet. Dhaka South City Corporation administrator Md Abdus Salam witnessed the day's final as the chief guest and later distributed the prizes.

Earlier, on way the final on Wednesday last, Firoj Kamal Football Academy, Brahmanbaria blanked Morning Star Football Academy by 3-0 goals in the first semifinal. While in the second semifinal, Two Star Boda Upazilla Football Academy, Panchagarh thrashed S.B Ali Football Academy, Khulan by 6-0 goals.

All the matches kick off at 3.45 pm.  In the remaining sixteen round matches on the following day (Saturday), Brothers Union Club will play against Rahmatganj Muslim and Friends Society at Birshreshtha Fl. Lt. Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj while Arambagh Kira Sangha take on Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited at Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj. 

In the pre quarterfinals held at BFF artificial turf, Star News beat Ekhon TV by 5-3 goals in penalty shoot out, The Daily Star defeated Dhaka Post by 3-2 goals in penalty shoot out, Deepto TV outplayed RTV by 4-2 goals in penalty shoot out, Kaler Kantho defeated Jagonews24 by 2-1 goals, Cricfrenzy outclassed Channel 24 by 2-0 goals, Channel I defeated Banglavision by 2-0 goals, Kalbela blanked NTV by 2-0 goals and Jugantor beat Bangladesh Pratidin by 5-1 goals.   

The quarterfinals will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at the same venue. 

India retained the No. 1 position with 275 rating points, though their lead over second-placed England has narrowed to 13 points. Australia remain third with 258 points, followed by New Zealand (247), South Africa (244), Pakistan (240) and West Indies (233). The top seven positions remain unchanged. In women’s cricket, Bangladesh strengthened their standing despite remaining in 10th place. They gained five rating points and are now just one point behind ninth-placed Ireland in the ODI rankings released on May 1.

Australia continue to dominate the women’s rankings with 287 points, ahead of England (275) and India (264). New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies occupy fourth to sixth places, while Sri Lanka are seventh, just one point behind West Indies. No changes were recorded in the top 16 positions. Among other movers, the United States rose to 13th in the men’s rankings, surpassing the Netherlands and Scotland. Nepal advanced to 17th after overtaking the United Arab Emirates, while Oman moved up to 19th ahead of Canada. Italy (23rd), Spain (26th), Cyprus (53rd) also registered notable gains.

The latest update reduced the number of ranked men’s teams from 102 to 98, with Fiji, Gambia, Greece and Israel dropping out after failing to meet the minimum requirement of eight T20Is over the past three years. Mozambique recorded the steepest fall, slipping 15 places.

Walsh, winner of three world titles in Singapore last year, is now more than a second faster than the second-fastest woman in the history in the event, Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom, who owns a best of 55.48. France's Olympic hero Leon Marchand captured two titles to take his tally for the week to four. On Saturday, the four-time Olympic gold medalist won the 200m breaststroke in 2min 9.04sec, his best time of the season, and followed up with a victory in the 200m individual medley in 1:57.28.

Hungary's Hubert Kos, who trains with Marchand under former Michael Phelps mentor Bob Bowman in Texas, tied for second in the medley with Carson Foster, both touching in 1:57.95. Marchand, gearing up for the European Championships starting in Paris on July 31, had used early meets this season to test himself in less familiar events. But in Fort Lauderdale the 23-year-old has opted for the same race program that saw him win four gold medals at the 2024 Paris Games.

Lewandowski headed home after 81 minutes to break the deadlock, with Torres slotting in a second with four minutes to go. Osasuna pulled one back through Raul Garcia late on but Barca secured the three points to close in on a second consecutive league title and a 29th in the club's history. If Real Madrid do defeat Espanyol, then Barcelona's next opportunity to clinch the title will be in the Clasico against their arch-rivals on May 10. "For me the important thing was that today we did our job, it's not in our hands what happens tomorrow," Flick told reporters.

"It's like that. We have to wait -- this is a good situation... "If we win the title (by Madrid slipping up), we will also celebrate, I think it doesn't matter (how)." Barca striker Torres said he would prefer for the title to be sewn up "as soon as possible". "We've put the pressure on Madrid because tomorrow, if they don't win, then we really will be champions," Torres told DAZN. Barca's first half was that of a team perched on a comfortable cushion and the feeling of having little at stake. Without the injured Lamine Yamal, Barca lose a lot of their dynamism, and although they had much the ball in the first half they found it hard to break down Osasuna to create clear chances.

Osasuna had the best opening in the first period, forged by Croatian striker Ante Budimir all on his own, showing strength to hold off two defenders before prodding against the post. Barcelona had a slightly higher tempo in the second half, particularly after Flick sent on winger Marcus Rashford to play on the right flank. The Manchester United forward, on loan at Barca, curled narrowly over and offered a welcome injection of pace.

Rashford created the opener with a perfect cross for Lewandowski, who took advantage of slack marking to find space and power a header home. Torres, another substitute, produced a clinical finish to double Barca's lead, but they were made to sweat through eight minutes of stoppage time after Garcia headed in for the hosts when left free in the box. The Catalans battled hard, thumping balls to safety as Osasuna turned the screw, but were eventually able to celebrate a 10th consecutive league win -- and now they wait.

Flick said he was not going to watch Madrid's clash with Espanyol and instead he was considering going to see magician El Mago Pop. "I think it's the last day... maybe I go with my wife," said the coach. Marcelino's Villarreal, third, moved 18 points clear of fifth-place Real Betis, who have only five games left to play. Georges Mikautadze struck twice in the Yellow Submarine's derby victory, with Alberto Moleiro, Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pepe also on target. Carlos Espi netted for Levante, 19th, provisionally three points from safety and in severe danger of relegation, with Sevilla and Alaves above them still to play this weekend.

"Congratulations to each and every one of the players. Let's continue enjoying this moment," said Marcelino, poised to leave Villarreal at the end of the season according to Spanish reports. "Let's keep competing because we want to finish third." Villarreal are five points clear of fourth-placed Atletico, who won at Valencia despite Simeone rotating all 11 players from the Champions League semi-final first leg 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

This was match number 1000 for Simeone in his coaching career, but he was thinking more about 1001, in London on Tuesday against Mikel Arteta's Premier League leaders. Youngsters Iker Luque and Miguel Cubo struck second-half goals for Atletico, with defeated Valencia, 13th, only five points clear of the relegation zone.

However, a mistake by teenage debutant Pierre Mounguengue allowed Aiyegun Tosin to run through and score a second for Lorient, and PSG could not find a winner. Nevertheless, their lead at the top of the table remains six points with three games left after title rivals Lens drew 1-1 at Nice.

Lens still have to host PSG on May 13, but Luis Enrique's side will be crowned champions next weekend if they better the result of their closest challengers. In the meantime, PSG are focused principally on the defence of their European title as they face Bayern away on Wednesday after winning 5-4 at home in the first leg.

"It is very difficult in terms of motivation after playing a Champions League semi-final in an incredible atmosphere, but I expect more from my players," said Luis Enrique, who made nine changes, with only Willian Pacho and Desire Doue retained from midweek. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were unused substitutes while Vitinha was rested entirely. Renato Marin, 19, made just his second top-team appearance in goal. Mounguengue, an 18-year-old forward, came on in the second half.

PSG went ahead on six minutes when Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo attempted to clear a Doue cross but instead played the ball off Mbaye before it rebounded in. Pagis converted the first equaliser for Lorient, but the hosts went 2-1 up just after the hour. Zaire-Emery had just come on for Fabian Ruiz when he controlled a Doue pass for his first touch, and then fired in via a deflection. But Mounguengue cost the home side two points when his loose pass was pounced upon by Tosin and the Benin forward went on to score.

PSG, chasing a fifth straight Ligue 1 title, hit the post late on through Senny Mayulu as they dropped points for the third time in five home league games. Lens could not take advantage, as they led at Nice through Allan Saint-Maximin's goal but were reduced to 10 men late on when Saud Abdulhamid was sent off for chopping down Sofiane Diop as he ran in on goal. The resulting free-kick fell into the path of Ali Abdi and he made it 1-1.

Marseille's troubled season continued with a 3-0 defeat at struggling Nantes which is a further blow to their prospects of Champions League qualification. Ignatius Ganago, Remy Cabella and Matthis Abline all scored in the space of nine minutes in the second half as Nantes claimed a first win in nine matches. Eight-time champions Nantes remain in the automatic relegation places with two games left but are now just two points behind Auxerre in the play-off spot before their rivals play on Sunday.

Marseille have lost four of their last six and have slipped to seventh below Monaco, who won 2-1 at Metz. OM are four points away from a Champions League berth with two games left, and are even at risk of not qualifying for Europe at all. "We got what we deserved," said coach Habib Beye, who insisted he will not resign. "When you take on a challenge like this you don't just give up. I will never quit."

Monaco revived their European hopes by coming from behind against Metz, with USA star Folarin Balogun scoring a ninth goal in 10 league games to equalise before Ansu Fati's stoppage-time winner. Metz have gone 20 league matches without winning and the result confirmed their relegation. Troyes, who are part of the City Football Group, secured promotion back to Ligue 1 last weekend after a three-year absence. On Saturday, they clinched the Ligue 2 title with a game of the season to spare. Le Mans are on course to take the second automatic promotion spot.

Inter can claim the Scudetto on Sunday with three games to spare when they play mid-table Parma at the San Siro. Napoli coach Antonio Conte admitted Como had given them quite a challenge. "It was certainly a good performance, as without that you don't emerge unscathed from a game where both Napoli and Como had a lot at stake," Conte told DAZN. "Como probably had more at stake with Champions League qualification."

But after the stalemate, third-placed AC Milan can draw level with Napoli on 70 points should they win at Sassuolo on Sunday. The first big chance came to Como inside the opening 10 minutes as Anastasios Douvikas managed to round Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, only for two defenders to scramble back and block his effort on the goal-line.

At the other end Scott McTominay responded for Napoli with a towering leap at a corner on 18 minutes but his header went over with the Como 'keeper Jean Butez lost in a melee. Como's Martin Baturina bent wide four mins later and then Milinkovic-Savic came out well to deny Assane Diao on a swift counter and the match went into half-time goalless. Napoli appealed vainly for a penalty early in the second period, however, the referee adjudged Rasmus Hojlund had manufactured the contact close to the byline and chose not to point to the spot.

A deflected effort from just inside the box from Baturina then required a desperate claw away from the goal by a wrong-footed Milinkovic-Savic. McTominay passed up the best chance of the second period on 80 minutes after galloping onto a lofted through-ball but his steered finish nestled in the side netting. Matteo Politano nearly won the match five minutes later with a spectacular curling effort from distance, which came back off the post with Butez well-beaten. Elsewhere, Udinese climbed to 10th following a 2-0 win at home to Torino and seventh-placed Atalanta played out a goalless draw at home to Genoa.

"We showed a lot of authority, determination and composure," said Arteta. "We got the crowd going and when this stadium creates that kind of atmosphere, it can be difficult." Gyokeres also silenced his critics with two predatory finishes to take his tally to 21 in his first season since a œ64 million ($87 million) move from Sporting Lisbon. The Swede was perfectly positioned to tap in Saka's cross after just nine minutes to ease any Arsenal tension.

Riccardo Calafiori had a second goal ruled out by VAR for offside before Gyokeres and Saka combined again to double the home side's lead. This time Gyokeres fed the England international, who blasted in at Bernd Leno's near post. City can eradicate Arsenal's lead with two games in hand before the Gunners next play in the Premier League. But goal difference could prove decisive in the destiny of the title. Arsenal stretched their goal difference advantage to four when Gyokeres rose highest to head in Leandro Trossard's cross just before half-time.

Arteta was then able to look ahead to the second leg against Atletico, with the tie finely poised at 1-1, as Saka made way at half-time, before Gyokeres, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze were also rested for the closing stages. Defeat was a major blow to Fulham's ambitions of European football next season as they remain in 10th. Brentford took control of the battle for sixth, which could be enough for Champions League qualification, by inflicting a damaging 3-0 defeat on West Ham. Tottenham remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety, but can move out of the bottom three with victory at Aston Villa on Sunday after the Hammers succumbed to just their third defeat in 11 league games.

Konstantinos Mavropanos was unfortunate not to be awarded a free-kick as he turned the ball into his own net to open the scoring. The Greek defender thought he had made amends moments later with a bullet header, but was ruled marginally offside by a VAR review. Brentford had another call go in their favour early in the second half when Dango Ouattara won a penalty and Igor Thiago coolly converted his 22nd Premier League goal of the season.

Mikkel Damsgaard's strike rounded off a bad day for West Ham, who face Arsenal next weekend. "It's a tough day for us," said West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "It's up to us now to react." Newcastle eased any lingering fears of being drawn into the relegation battle with a 3-1 win over Brighton to end a five-game losing streak. William Osula and Dan Burn scored in the opening 24 minutes as Newcastle edged up to 13th. Jack Hinshelwood pulled a goal back, but defeat could prove costly to Brighton's European hopes as having started the weekend in sixth, they could end it outside the top half.

Harvey Barnes rounded off the scoring in stoppage time to bring some relief to the under-fire Eddie Howe. "It's been a horrible feeling for us for a number of weeks," said Howe. "The attitude of the lads during this difficult run has been outstanding. We stayed together, trained well, and we got our reward today." Sunderland's bid for Europe was also dented by a 1-1 draw at bottom-of-the-table Wolves after Dan Ballard was sent off in the first half for a hair pull.

Messi's brilliant strike in the 33rd minute gave the hosts a 3-0 lead, the former Barcelona star curling a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area past Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. Ian Fray had opened the scoring for Miami in the fourth minute and Venezuelan Telasco Segovia doubled the score in the 25th.

But the team coached by Argentine Guillermo Hoyos couldn't maintain the pace. Argentine Martin Ojeda scored Orlando's first three goals, pulling one back in the 39th minute with a brilliant long-range strike. Ojeda repeated the formula with another shot from the edge of the box in the 68th minute. He delivered the equalizer in the 79th minute from the penalty spot, taking his tally to seven goals in 11 matches this season.

Tyrese Spicer completed the spectacular comeback in second-half injury time, latching onto a long ball in behind the center backs and finishing between the legs of goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Porto claimed their 31st title, more than any other side apart from Benfica on 38. Former Porto coach Jose Mourinho's Benfica went two goals up at Famalicao, but defender Nicolas Otamendi was sent off early in the second half. The hosts hit back to secure a point and leave glory within Porto's reach.

"This game is a good reflection of what has happened in this championship," said Mourinho, who was unhappy about the officiating. "I want to give my congratulations to FC Porto for being deserving champions."

"I think if he gets a few scores together, he will find that rhythm," Jayawardene told reporters. "He batted really well ... really took on the bowlers in that phase. I think another couple of overs, he could have been off for a really good score." Suryakumar hit three fours and one six in his brief stay before he attempted a lofted cut and found Dewald Brevis at deep point.

Earlier this week, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Suryakumar fell for five -- after a mistimed hit got him caught at fine leg. "I think he is definitely up for it ... It's just a matter of time. He himself is disappointed but just have to keep on working hard," former Sri Lanka batting great Jayawardene said. Suryakumar's batting flop has coincided with five-time champions Mumbai's disappointing season, as they stare at an early exit from the T20 tournament. Mumbai, led by Hardik Pandya, have suffered seven defeats in nine matches and their chances of moving into the playoff remain slim.

Another defeat could end their hopes. "We have still got five more games, anything could happen to us, we just need to finish the tournament positively and see what happens," said Jayawardene. "There is a lot of cricket to be played, I don't think mathematically we are out. I am going to fight, and I am sure the rest of the boys will do the same."

"There was definitely a plan and someone was in charge of it, but things got out of their control," Gianinna, 36, told news outlets including AFP. She spoke on the sidelines of the trial in San Isidro of seven medical workers -- including a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist and a nurse -- whom prosecutors accuse of gross negligence over Maradona's death. The seven deny responsibility and say the star of the 1986 World Cup died of natural causes. They face prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted.

Gianinna blamed Maradona's former lawyer and representative Matias Morla and his former assistant Maximiliano Pomargo. The pair are not among the accused in the negligence case, but will stand trial for alleged fraudulent management of Maradona's brands. The trial date has yet to be announced. "I can't quite bring myself to think through this plan, that they wanted to kill him. Did Morla want to have my father's life in his hands? Surely," Gianinna said. Gianinna said some of the defendants convinced the family in November 2020 that Maradona could only recover from neurosurgery at home, instead of being admitted to a psychiatric clinic.

The clinic could have treated the football star's addictions but, if Maradona refused to be admitted, he would likely have been placed under a judge's guardianship. "It didn't suit them for my father to be hospitalized in psychiatry, because a whole lot of things would have collapsed for Morla," Gianinna said. She said Maradona had given Morla power of attorney in the commercial use of his name. "He was the one who had the signature, who could sign as if he were my dad," she said.

"He had the power of having Maradona (under his control) and did whatever he wanted with that power," Gianinna said, adding that those in his closest circle were "always thinking about the money side of things, not about dad's health." Gianinna testified at the trial last month and denounced Maradona's "total manipulation." Prosecutors said the footballer was kept in a house in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre without appropriate medical equipment and sanitation, and that carers committed "all kinds of omissions" that resulted in "cruel" conditions.

Gianinna said she believed the seven defendants were "all responsible, some to a greater degree than others." She singled out Maradona's then-personal physician Leopoldo Luque as the "main voice" who managed his team. However, she said each defendant bore personal responsibility. "The nurse who was supposed to check on him before leaving didn't check on him, and the nurse who arrived didn't check on him either," she said.

Expert reports say that Maradona died after several hours of agony, alone on the bed in the house rented for his recovery. Gianinna said that the medical team members "all had a common line and they all followed it." She said Pomargo, Maradona's former right-hand man and Morla's brother-in-law, was "the one who was pulling the strings a bit." When Maradona's condition worsened, the carers "were afraid, because in the audio messages (used in the trial), you hear things like: 'I'm covering myself legally,'" Gianinna said. "They never imagined that the prosecutor's office would act quickly, seize their phones, raid their homes," she said.

But they are now up to 14th in an impressive first season back in the top flight to, along with Sunderland, buck the trend of promoted sides falling straight back to the second tier. "The three points are massive for us," said Farke. "The job is not done yet. We will celebrate proper when it's mathematically done. But 43 points is good." Staying up would also be huge for Farke in his bid to silence his doubters at Premier League level.

Twice the German led Norwich to the English top-flight but was unable to keep the Canaries in the top flight. "Of course, it was a massive step for us tonight," he added. "To deliver 10 points out of the last four games in a nervy period, as a newly-promoted side, is second to none." Burnley were only pipped to the Championship title by Leeds on goal difference last season.

But the Clarets have struggled much more with the step up as they have been relegated for the third time in as many seasons in the Premier League. Burnley parted company with manager Scott Parker on Thursday despite his exceptional record of achieving promotion from the Championship with three different clubs. The difference in what was at stake for both clubs was clear in the opening stages as Leeds burst out of the blocks. Stach fired the home side in front after just eight minutes as Martin Dubravka got down slowly to the German's low drive.

Leeds dominated the rest of the first half but had to wait for a two-goal burst in four minutes just after the break to seal the points. A brilliant move was finished off by Okafor after Calvert-Lewin's backheel picked out Jayden Bogle. The Swiss forward has scored six goals in his last seven league games to see Leeds over the line in the relegation battle.

But it was Calvert-Lewin's goals that kept his side afloat earlier in the campaign. The England striker prodded home his 13th goal of the season from close range after Dubravka could only parry Ao Tanaka's strike. Burnley salvaged some pride from Mike Jackson's first match in interim charge when Loum Tchaouna blasted in a late consolation. 

"It matters to get the win," said player of the match Rahul who top-scored with 75 from 40 balls. "Results haven't gone our way but we had some honest conversations. We needed to get sharper in certain areas. "We got this win and are hoping to string together some more." Sri Lankan Nissanka hit his maiden IPL half-century, scoring 62 off 33 balls. Rahul's 75 was his third half-century of the season, along with 152 not out against Punjab Kings.

Nitish Rana chipped in with 33 but the hosts fumbled the finish, holding back Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger. Impact sub Tushar Deshpande went for 16 runs in the penultimate over as Tristan Stubbs (18 not out) and Ashutosh Sharma (25 not out) steered Delhi over the line with five balls to spare. The Capitals moved to sixth in the table with four wins in nine games while Rajasthan missed out on a chance to go top.

They remain fourth with 12 points from 10 games and trail Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad who are also on 10, on net run-rate. "My job is to get two points so my score and innings don't really matter if we lose the game," said Rajasthan captain Parag. Earlier, the experienced pair of Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Starc hit Rajasthan hard as both openers fell cheaply.

Wonderkid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was bowled by Jamieson for four while Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught and bowled by Starc for six. Parag, with five sixes in his 90, and Dhruv Jurel (42) turned the innings around before Starc struck twice more to reduce the hosts to 168-5. The Australian quick sent down 12 dot balls in his four overs and finished with 3-40. South African slugger Donovan Ferreira then hit six sixes and scored 20 off Kuldeep Yadav's 18th over, closing on 47 not out from just 14 balls.

On the day, Little Friends Club takes on Dhaka Wanderers Club at Bashundhara Kings arena practice ground, while Dhaka Rangers Football Club faces BRTC Sports Club at Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur.

Both the matches kick off at 3.30 pm.

In the remaining last round matches on the following day (Monday), City Club will play against Chattogram City Football Club at Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur, Suktara Jubo Sangsad meet Chittagong Abahani Limited at Fortis ground Jalshiri and Khelaghar Samal Kalyan Samity take on Wari Club at Bashundhara Kings arena practice ground.

Around 320 archers-both men and women-from nearly 43 countries are expected to take part in the global competition. Speaking at a pre-departure press conference held at the Bangladesh Olympic Association auditorium today, BAF president Dr Mohammad Moklesur Rahman expressed optimism about the team's performance, citing their recent good form. Head coach Martin Frederick said the World Cup will serve as preparation for the upcoming Asian Games. "We are building towards the Asian Games. Bangladesh has yet to win a medal there, but we are hopeful of achieving good results this time," he said.

During the press meet, Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol, president of World Archery Asia and former BAF general secretary, handed over a previously pledged cash reward to the compound men's team for their gold medal win at the Asia Cup-World Ranking Tournament Stage-1. Bangladesh's compound men's team made history by clinching their first-ever gold medal in the tournament, defeating Vietnam in Bangkok last March. Team members Himu Bachar, Aishwarya Rahman and Rakib Mia each received US$400 as reward.

Chapol also announced an additional incentive of US$1,000 for each archer if they achieve notable success in the upcoming World Cup. Among others, Rubaiyat Ahmed, brand manager of City Group, and Tanvir Ahmed, general secretary of BAF, were present at the press conference.

They also seek a second consecutive T20I series win at home against the visitors, following their 3-2 success in 2021. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series with a thrilling six-wicket victory in the opener, while the second match in Chattogram was abandoned due to persistent rain, setting up a winner-takes-all finale. A win today would also see Liton Das become Bangladesh's most successful T20I captain, surpassing both Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad. 

Liton has already matched their tally of 16 wins but achieved it in just 30 matches, compared to Shakib's 39 and Mahmudullah's 43. Bangladesh made one change, bringing in all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin for Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who misses out due to a back injury. New Zealand, meanwhile, retained the same XI as they aim to level the series.

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Liton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Ripon Mondol, Shoriful Islam

New Zealand: Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears

Bangladesh began steadily, reaching 21 without loss in three overs. Saif Hasan looked in good touch, striking two boundaries in the second over that yielded 12 runs. However, the momentum quickly shifted in New Zealand's favour. Jaydon Lennox broke the opening stand in the fourth over, dismissing Saif Hasan for 16 off 11 balls, caught at mid-off by Tim Robinson. Liton Das briefly counterattacked, hitting a four and a six in the same over.

The innings then unraveled in the fifth over. Nathan Smith bowled Tanzid Hasan Tamim, before Ish Sodhi struck on the very next delivery to remove Parvez Hossain Emon. Towhid Hridoy survived the hat-trick ball, but Bangladesh lost three wickets for just 14 runs. Rain arrived shortly after, forcing an interruption and leaving the match in an uncertain position. Earlier, New Zealand captain Nick Kelly won the toss and chose to field, aiming to level the series. Bangladesh, led by Liton Das, made one change, bringing in Mohammad Saifuddin for the injured Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

New Zealand also made two changes, with Jaydon Lennox and Ben Sears replacing Ben Lister and Matt Fisher. The series has already been affected by weather, with the second T20 in Chattogram abandoned due to rain. Bangladesh lead the series 1-0 after winning the first match by six wickets, while they earlier clinched the ODI series 2-1.

Addressing a press conference in Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today, BCB ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal announced a strict ban on mobile phone usage in dressing rooms, stating that players and officials must deposit their phones upon entering the ground. “No one will be able to use phones in the dressing room this time,” Tamim said, adding that the measure is part of efforts to align with ICC anti-corruption regulations. Tamim said reviving the DPL was a top priority after a prolonged disruption in domestic cricket activities.

“For every cricketer in Bangladesh, this is one of the most important tournaments in our cricketing ecosystem,” he said, thanking participating clubs for their cooperation. In a significant shift, the BCB will also take over meal arrangements for all teams, replacing the long-standing practice where clubs provided their own food. The board aims to ensure healthier, fitness-oriented meals, although Tamim acknowledged that adapting to new dietary standards may take time for domestic players.

The BCB has also strengthened medical preparedness for the tournament. Multiple ambulances, including ICU-equipped units, will be stationed across six venues to respond to emergencies. “We believe it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” Tamim said. The new season of the DPL will mark a more structured and regulated approach to Bangladesh’s premier domestic one-day competition, Tamim noted.

The league will be held without a Super League or relegation league this time, after the BCB revised the format shortly before the tournament begins. Under the updated structure, the competition will feature 66 matches in total, reduced from the previously announced 69. The reduction follows the board’s decision to scrap the relegation league, which was earlier expected to include three matches.

Despite removing the relegation phase, the BCB has retained relegation rules based on the points table. The bottom two teams at the end of the league stage will be relegated to the First Division Cricket League. The team finishing at the top of the standings will be crowned champions, while the second-placed side will be declared runners-up. The Dhaka League remains one of the most significant domestic cricket tournaments in the country and serves as a major source of livelihood for around 200 cricketers across 12 participating teams.

Traditional powerhouses such as Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, Abahani Limited and Dhaka Leopards have assembled strong squads, although other teams are also expected to remain competitive. The presence of national team limited-overs players from the outset is set to add further excitement to the league, with additional players expected to join after the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. Matches will be held across six venues, including BKSP Grounds 3 and 4, Cricketers Academy Ground, Bashundhara Sports City Ground, PKSP Ground 2 and ULAB University Ground.

Sabalenka is a three-time champion in Madrid and reached the final in the Spanish capital in each of the last three editions of the event but was unable to shake off the 30th-seeded Baptiste, who peppered her with huge serves and ultra-aggressive groundstrokes to reach a maiden WTA 1000 semi-final. Baptiste came up with huge serves in several crucial moments - finishing the duel with a total of 12 aces and 10 double faults - and even saved a match point with a bold serve-and-volley approach on her way to a memorable two-hour 30-minute triumph.

"I feel incredible... It was a super tight match, 7-6 in the third, I had to fight off some match points," Baptiste said. "It just shows me where my game lies, and I've always believed it. And I feel like now I'm starting to put it into action, and the world is seeing it as well. So I'm very confident right now." Next up for the 24-year-old Baptiste is ninth-seeded Mirra Andreeva, who gave herself an early birthday gift by defeating Canadian Leylah Fernandez 7-6(7/1), 6-3 to reach her first Madrid semi-final.

The Russian teenager, who turns 19 on Wednesday, was a recent champion in Linz and improved her clay-court record to 11-1 this season. Earlier in the day, Jannik Sinner suggested the Madrid Open organisers should reconsider their tournament scheduling to avoid late-night finishes like the one Rafael Jodar experienced in the third round on Sunday. In a rare 11:00 am start on Tuesday, Sinner moved past British 19th seed Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals.

He explained he was put on first on Manolo Santana Stadium so that Jodar, his potential next opponent, would be scheduled in the afternoon to give the Spaniard time to recover from his three-set win over Joao Fonseca that ended at 1:00 am on Monday morning. "It's quite unusual for me," Sinner told Tennis TV about his early kick-off. "There was a question if it would be me or Jodar to play at 4. But I think it's right he plays at 4, because he finished very, very late.

"But at the same time, I feel like we need to make some adjustments to the scheduling of the day. Two matches (starting) from 8pm is very late. "Even though you have one day in between. But still it's very, very late. "You finish at 1:30am, and you need to eat, you need to have treatment, so it's very late. But we try to adapt ourselves, our bodies, our minds, so from my side it was a good performance today."

Sinner, who is bidding to reach the semi-finals for the first time in the Spanish capital, will next face 19-year-old Jodar in what will be a highly-anticipated last-eight showdown. Jodar's dream run on home soil continued with a convincing 7-5, 6-0 thumping of world number 66 Vit Kopriva. Casper Ruud fought back from the brink to keep his title defence alive with a 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3) victory over former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas.

In a high-quality three-hour contest, Tsitsipas led 5-3 in the decider, holding two match points, and served for the victory at 5-4, but Ruud, who was 0/11 in break points up until then, found a way to take down the Greek's serve and went on to clinch the tie-break. Ruud will square off with 21-year-old Belgian Alexander Blockx for a semi-final spot. Last week's Barcelona champion Arthur Fils advanced to the quarter-finals at the Caja Magica with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentine 25th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The Frenchman will take on Jiri Lehecka, who beat sixth-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-3, for a place in the last four.

Violations can attract fines of up to 500,000 rupees ($6,000) and jail terms. Personal possession and vaping in public is also banned. Parag scored 29 runs as Rajasthan handed table?toppers Punjab their first defeat of the season, successfully chasing down 222.

The captain has struggled with the bat this season, scoring just 117 runs in nine matches at an average of 14.62. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could fine Parag for breaching IPL rules and setting a poor example. Rajasthan, winners of the inaugural IPL in 2008 under late Australian great Shane Warne, recently had their team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder fined 100,000 rupees for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.

"This decision has been made considering the significance of participating in the final of a major global franchise competition, which is viewed as an important step in the continued development of the player," BCB stated in a press release today. "More importantly, the team management and BCB medical team has provided clearance, confirming that his participation in the match will not adversely affect his fitness, workload management or availability for national duty."

The BCB rested Nahid from the ongoing T20 International series against New Zealand in a bid to get him for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan.  BCB said that Nahid Rana remains on track to be available for selection for the first Test against Pakistan, set to commence in Dhaka on May 8.

"All administrative functions of Sri Lanka Cricket will be temporarily brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, effective today," the ministry said. A committee will be appointed shortly "to address the current issues in cricket and implement structural reforms", it added. Four-time SLC president Shammi Silva resigned on Tuesday, along with his entire committee, after the government intervened.

A government source said former investment banker and opposition politician Eran Wickramaratne will likely be named new head of the board. AFP has contacted the ICC for comment. Sri Lanka made an early exit from the T20 World Cup, which it co-hosted with India in February-March.

Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 after securing a six-wicket victory in the opening game. New Zealand had posted a competitive 182-6, but Bangladesh chased down the target in 18.4 overs with a composed and clinical batting display. The hosts had earlier claimed the preceding ODI series 2-1.

As the team arrived at the airport, the BKF president welcomed the players with floral greetings. Speaking on the occasion, the BKF president said: “The fighting spirit our girls displayed on foreign soil is a matter of pride for the entire nation. This bronze medal is not just an award, it reflects hard work and deep love for the country. We’ll take stronger steps to further develop women’s kabaddi.”

BKF general secretary SM Newaz Shohag, National Sports Council Director Mohammad Aminul Ehsan, Bangladesh Olympic Association Deputy Secretaries Mahbubur Rahman Shaheen and MA Quddus Khan, BKF vice president IGP (Prison), Brigadier General Syed Md. Motahar Hussain along with other officials of the federation also present there.

Even the toss could not take place, and following a wait of more than two hours, the umpires decided to abandon the game. Bangladesh leads the three-match series 1-0, having secured a six-wicket victory in the opening encounter. 

The washout ensures that the hosts cannot lose the series, as they aim for a second consecutive T20I series win over New Zealand, following their 3-2 triumph in 2021. The series decider is scheduled for Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Bangladesh will look to seal the series with a win, while New Zealand must secure victory to avoid defeat. Bangladesh had earlier clinched the preceding three-match ODI series 2-1 against New Zealand.

State Minister of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque is expected to inaugurate the meet as the chief guest. 

Bangladesh Handball Federation is organizing the event. 

A total of 17 school teams from the boys’ and girls’ category in Dhaka metropolitan city will participate in the tournament. 

In the boys’ category, nine school teams are participating, divided into two groups.
The top four teams from both Group A and Group B in both boys’ and girls’ categories will qualify for the semifinals. The finals of the both categories will be held on May 4 at the same venue.
Grouping
Boys’ categories  
Group A: Sunnydale, St. Gregory High School & College, South Point School & College, Nirjhar Cantonment Public School & College
Group B: Motijheel Ideal School & College, Wills Little Flower School & College, Mitali Bidyapith Higher Secondary School, Motijheel Model School & College, and Navy College, Dhaka.
In the girls’ category, eight school teams will participate also divided into two groups.
Group A:
Sunnydale, Navy College Dhaka, Wills Little Flower School & College, Sher-e-Bangla Girls’ High School & College
Group B:
Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, Motijheel Ideal School & College, Motijheel Model School & College, and Nirjhar Cantonment Public School & College.

The initiative will feature competitions in eight disciplines—football, cricket, chess, martial arts, badminton, athletics and kabaddi—bringing together young talent participants from across country. A total of 160,779 adolescents have registered online between April 12 and 27, including 116,646 boys and 44,133 girls. Following team formation at the upazila level, the final list is expected to be published tomorrow (Thursday). Regional and divisional phase competitions will run from May 13 to 22, while the national phase schedule will be held in Dhaka will be announced later.

Speaking at a press conference held at the National Sports Council on Wednesday, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque said the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ programme aims to promote both mental development and a healthy lifestyle among new generation. Aminul said: “Sports is powerful tools to build a drug-free society and keep the youth on the right path. “Notun Kuti Sports” will be an integral part of the dream of prosperous Bangladesh that we are dreaming of under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.” 

He added that the programme will be conducted in a structured manner, starting from word-level competitions in unions and city corporations. Participants will progress through upazila, district and regional stages before competing at the national level. “There will be no favoritism in selecting talent. I will oversee this not just as a minister, but as a former athlete. A dedicated medical team will be in place to ensure full support and treatment for participants,” he said.

The State Minister further said that, in addition to financial support, the government will bear the educational and training expenses of selected talented participants. He also emphasized that one of the aim of the programme is to establish sports as a respectable profession. Originally launched in 1976, ‘Notun Kuri’ was a popular initiative to nurture young talent in independent Bangladesh. Though it remained off-air for years on Bangladesh Television, the programme has now been revived in a new sporting format.

The match was scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM local time, with the toss set for 1:30 PM. However, continuous rainfall prevented even the toss from taking place. After waiting for more than two hours, umpires officially called off the match at around 4:15 PM. Heavy rain has been affecting Chattogram and other parts of the country since Tuesday, raising concerns well in advance about the possibility of play. Bangladesh currently lead the three-match series 1-0, having secured a six-wicket victory in the opening encounter.

Nahid, who claimed eight wickets in three matches, jumped 16 places to 48th. Shariful moved up 11 spots to 28th after taking five wickets, while Mustafizur climbed 14 places to 41st, highlighted by his five-wicket haul in a single match.

In the batting rankings, Nazmul Hossain Shanto made a significant leap, rising 11 places to 32nd. The left-hander was the only centurion across both sides in the series. Liton Das also progressed, moving up 15 spots to 65th after scoring 129 runs, including a half-century.

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, also the captain of Bangladesh ODI team, advanced to joint third in the ODI all-rounder rankings following his contributions with both bat and ball, accumulating 36 runs and two wickets in the decisive match. 

He shares the position with Mohammad Nabi on 275 rating points. Azmatullah Omarzai remains at the top with 329 points, while Sikandar Raza holds second place with 276.

Bangladesh players have also made gains in the T20I rankings following the opening match of the ongoing series. Towhid Hridoy climbed nine places to 39th among batters, while Parvez Hossain Emon moved up three spots to 40th. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz also improved three places in the bowling rankings, now sitting at 18th.

The Lakers can advance to the second round with a home victory over the Rockets on Wednesday. The Rockets avoided a sweep but must win on Wednesday to force a sixth game on Friday at Houston. A winner-take-all seventh game, if needed, would be played on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Atletico have never won Europe's premier competition, also beaten in their other final appearance in 1974. They can take a first step towards a fourth final against Mikel Arteta's side this week, in which they are celebrating the club's 123rd anniversary. In their first game back home after the Copa final disappointment, on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao, Atletico's fans gave the team a cold reception.

"The fans don't need messages (from me), what they need is to win," noted Simeone, Atletico's most decorated manager, in Seville. However by the end of the team's 3-2 victory over Athletic, only their second in the last nine games across all competitions, the mood had lightened. "We have to get up from that blow and give everything to get to the final," key striker Julian Alvarez said on Monday.

The Arsenal tie offers a route to immediate atonement, and by Wednesday the atmosphere will be frenzied, intoxicating, as it was for the quarter-final elimination of Barcelona. Atletico are no longer at the Vicente Calderon but the Metropolitano stadium is just as intense, louder still, with the increased capacity. Opened in 2017, it obviously does not have the history of its predecessor -- that will take time, and intense performances on nights like these, to build.

"Congratulations Atletico -- if you beat Arsenal, then the (anniversary) celebration will be perfect," wrote Madrid newspaper AS. The Rojiblancos' support are the loudest in Spain and Simeone called on them to give his team the edge against the Premier League leaders. "Atletico have struggled to reach the Champions League semi-finals and finals," explained the coach. "We've built this success through hard work and the support of our fans. "We need them now more than ever, and hopefully, we can give them what they want on the pitch."

When the conditions are right, at the Metropolitano Atletico have proven they can dismantle any side. They blitzed Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, a lead which proved unassailable, and romped to a 5-2 derby victory over Real Madrid there earlier this season. Those matches, along with many others, should have put to bed the myth that Simeone's team play the same, dour, defensive football which was the bedrock of their success in the first half of his 14-year reign. What is non-negotiable though, now, then and always for Simeone, is his team's intensity, work-rate and competitiveness, and capacity to suffer when they need to against superior opponents.

"We've reached this point by competing the way we have -- nothing has stopped us so far," said Simeone. "Coraje y corazon" -- courage and heart -- is the team's motto and even when on the attack, Atletico look to cause damage with their power and speed. The coach's son, Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth are dynamic, hard-hitting attackers, while even talented talisman Antoine Griezmann works his socks off.

"If you don't run, you're coming off tomorrow," Simeone joked, while sitting next to Griezmann at a recent press conference. Alvarez, who hit the woodwork twice in the 4-0 league phase defeat by Arsenal in October, said he is "100 percent" fit, but they will miss injured energetic midfielder Pablo Barrios. "Both teams have evolved a lot since then," said Llorente. Beating Athletic might be the morale boost the team needed to head into the Arsenal game with confidence and belief.

"It's good to win again after a negative run," said Atletico's all-time top goalscorer Griezmann, leaving the club in the summer for MLS side Orlando City. "It will be a very important match (against Arsenal), we have to be calm, relaxed, knowing that we can do it... "I'm enjoying these last few games here. I hope I can gift something incredible to the fans." As Simeone observed, for all the sweat and grit his team have offered, the gift they need to give is silverware.

By scoring a season-high 51 points earlier this month in a loss to Orlando, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history with a 50-point performance. Flagg had four 40-point games in the season, the most by a rookie since Allen Iverson in 1996-97, and broke the record set by LeBron James for most 40-point NBA games by a teenager. Flagg became the third Dallas player to win the Rookie of the Year award, joining Jason Kidd in 1995 and 2019 winner Luka Doncic, whose trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last season set the stage for Dallas to tumble into the NBA Draft Lottery and win the top pick used on Flagg.

Philadelphia's V.J. Edgecombe, a 20-year-old Bahamian guard, and Charlotte's Kon Knueppel, a 20-year-old American forward who was a college teammate of Flagg at Duke University, were the other finalists for the award. Voting by a global media panel saw Flagg receive 56 first-place votes and 412 points overall to 44 first-place votes and 386 points for Knueppel.

In the third round of the men's draw, second seed Alexander Zverev won in straight sets against Terence Atmane and Alexander Blockx earned a surprising win against world number five Felix Auger-Aliassime. In the day's late match Kazakhstan's Rybakina, the world number two, was shocked by her 56th-ranked opponent. Both players secured two breaks in the first set before Potapova edged Rybakina in the tie-break. In the second set Rybakina captured her fifth break point of a long fifth game to nose ahead but lost the eighth and 10th games as Potapova triumphed.

"I'm speechless, I'm extremely happy, it was such a tough match and tough opponent," said Austria's Potapova. "My team helped me today, they were there for me, big thanks (to them)." Sabalenka, who has claimed titles at Miami, Indian Wells and Brisbane this year, was tested by her Japanese opponent but came back from a set and a break down to triumph. "When (she) put me under pressure, I was able to pull out really incredible shots and incredible tennis. So I'm happy," said Sabalenka.

The first set between the two four-time Grand Slam winners was tight, with only one break point forced, by Sabalenka, which Osaka saved to hold for 2-1. Osaka dominated in the tie-break, ripping into a 5-0 lead and then triumphing when Sabalenka lashed a return wide. Reigning champion Sabalenka stepped up a gear in the second frame, although world number 15 Osaka dug deep to survive three break points and then managed to engineer a break for herself to take a 2-1 lead.

However, the Belarusian immediately broke to love and then again in the eighth game, serving out to take the second set. Only Rybakina has beaten Sabalenka this year, in the Australian Open final, and the 27-year-old dominated in the third set, securing two breaks to triumph. Sabalenka sealed her victory by serving to love with an ace to reach the last eight, where she will face American Hailey Baptiste, who beat Belinda Bencic in three sets, including losing a tie-break 16-14 in the second. World number three Gauff, who had been dealing with a stomach bug this week, fell to a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/5) defeat by Noskova.

The Czech earned a decisive break in the fifth game of the first set, but American Gauff secured two of her own to claim the second. Gauff moved two breaks up in the third but let the match slip away from her as Noskova pulled back to level 4-4. The American led 3-0 in the tie-break before again she could not hold on. Two-time former Madrid champion Zverev, ranked third in the world, showed his quality as he defeated Atmane 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the fourth round.

Serving well, Zverev kept the Frenchman at arm's length in the first set with two breaks. The second was closer with Atmane battling well, and Zverev spurned two match points before triumphing in the tie-break. Young Belgian Blockx, ranked 69th in the world, caused a shock with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory over Canadian Auger-Aliassime, his first win against a top-10 player.

"I had so much confidence," he explained. "I didn't even think about panicking or losing my serve. "I was playing well in the rallies, too, so I knew even if I missed a few serves, I could play the rallies." Daniil Medvedev, who has reached the quarter-finals in each of the last two years despite not being a fan of clay, beat Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 6-3, 6-2. Casper Ruud eased to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to reach the last 16, while Stefanos Tsitsipas, Francisco Cerundolo, Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik also progressed. 

On the day, Joypurhat District Handball Academy beat Joypurhat Girls High School by 7-0 goals, Pathuria High School played out to a goalless draw with Chokgopal Junior Secondary School while Joypurhat District Football Academy also played out to a 3-3 goal draw with Sadar Thana High School. 

Earlier, Bangladesh played out to a 5-5 draw against Chinese Taipei in their opening match and bounced back strongly to register their maiden win at the international level beating Uzbekistan 3-2 in the second match. Bangladesh women's hockey team booked their place in the debut Asian Games after securing a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong in their ultimate group match.

After a tightly contested match, Airin struck twice in quick succession in the 57th and 58th minutes to complete her hat-trick and seal the win for Bangladesh. She was later named player of the match for her outstanding display. The final of the tournament is scheduled to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7:00 pm Bangladesh time. Earlier, in the competition, Bangladesh began their campaign with a 5-5 draw against Chinese Taipei women's national field hockey team before registering their maiden international victory with a 3-2 win over Uzbekistan women's national field hockey team.

The team also confirmed their place in the upcoming Asian Games with a 2-1 victory against Hong Kong women's national field hockey team in their final group match.

After a goalless first half, the decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Mohammed Abdullah netted the all-important goal for PWD, sealing a vital win. Abahani finished their group campaign with four points from four matches, ending their journey in the tournament as last year’s runners-up. With this victory, PWD moved to six points from four matches and remain in contention for a place in the next round. Their qualification hopes now depend on the result of the Rahmatganj–Youngmens clash, with a Rahmatganj defeat boosting PWD’s chances.

"The committee resigned to make way for an interim management team headed by a former investment banker, who is also an opposition politician," the official told AFP, asking not to be named. A government official said Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had met with Silva over the weekend to discuss the future of the board under a new management. Sri Lanka made an early exit from the T20 World Cup, which it co-hosted with India in February-March.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport's world governing body, suspended Sri Lanka's membership in November 2023, citing political interference in the running of the national board. That suspension had been lifted at the end of January 2024, and Silva's committee was restored. He subsequently won a fourth term uncontested as president.

Former Netherlands international midfielder Davids said the appointment of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi three weeks ago was a good move, but fears for Spurs' Premier League future. Asked by AFP how Tottenham had ended up in such a predicament, Davids said: "It's very obvious, if you pay peanuts, you get...

"It's a lack of quality and a lack of management. Everything." Davids, who played for Spurs in 2005-2006 after starring for Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Inter Milan, said Spurs should have strengthened an injury-hit squad in the winter transfer window. "I hope they stay up, I think it's a very good thing they got in De Zerbi," said the 53-year-old, speaking at the announcement of the "Hong Kong Football Festival" featuring Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus in August.

"But it's hard. They should have done big things in the winter period to get some players in. It was obvious." Tottenham, who have not won in the league since late December, travel to already relegated Wolves on Saturday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP, scored 25 points, connecting on just five of 18 from the field but drilling 15 of his 17 free throw attempts for Oklahoma City. He added seven assists and two blocked shots before sitting out the entire fourth quarter. Jalen Williams added 22 points and Chet Holmgren scored 16 for the Thunder, who wasted no time in seizing control in game one of their best-of-seven Western Conference series in front of a revved-up crowd at the Paycom Center.

Devin Booker scored 23 points for Phoenix but the Suns, who scraped through the play-in to claim the Western Conference eighth seed, were largely helpless against a Thunder team that amassed the best record in the league with 64 regular-season wins. "It was a great defensive performance," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I thought the guys were really competitive, played on a string, great communication, covered for each other. (It) wasn't perfect, but we had each other's backs.

"We forced them to earn everything." While the well-rested Thunder came out firing, the Pistons looked rusty after having a week off and the Magic, who beat Charlotte on Friday to secure their playoff spot, took full advantage. Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter as the Magic withstood a 39-point performance from Pistons star Cade Cunningham.

Detroit trailed by as many as 13 in the first quarter and by 11 early in the third. A Cunningham three-pointer tied it with 7:04 left in the third, but the Magic pulled away again. "I liked our composure the whole game, our energy," Wagner said after the Magic handed the Pistons an 11th straight home playoff defeat, a skid dating back to 2008. In Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51 points as the Celtics led wire to wire against the Sixers, who have lost their last six post-season series against Boston.

Tatum led the charge, racking up 21 of his 25 points in the first half. Brown poured in 16 of his 26 in the third quarter alone. "It's an incredible feeling," said Tatum, whose unexpected late-season return from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last year's playoffs has plenty of pundits picking Boston, not Detroit, to emerge from the East. "Not too long ago I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to play this season, let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs," Tatum said. The San Antonio Spurs -- with Victor Wembanyama getting his first taste of NBA playoff action -- hosted the Portland Trail Blazers in the day's final game.

At stake in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League will be a record $4 million first prize -- an increase of 100 percent from last season. The kick-off was delayed 80 minutes after rival supporters threw projectiles and a Moroccan journalist was reportedly taken to hospital having been assaulted.

Ahmed Khaldi converted a penalty four minutes into first half added time to put the Algiers outfit ahead and leave Safi needing to score two unanswered goals to reach the final. They managed one, after 75 minutes, when Senegalese substitute Moussa Kone scored his sixth goal of the African campaign with a far-post header after a corner.

But the home team, roared on by the majority of supporters in an 8,000-capacity stadium in the southern coastal city, rarely looked like scoring again. After 10 minutes of added time in the first half, an additional 20 minutes were added to the second period in a tense match that was constantly interrupted. Players feigned injuries and constantly disputed decisions of the Rwandan referee, bottles were flung on the pitch and fireworks temporarily created a cloud of smoke over the pitch.

USM won the Confederation Cup in 2023 and claimed a second CAF trophy that year thanks to a surprise victory over then African champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the Super Cup match. Zamalek are the second most successful club in CAF competitions after Cairo neighbours Ahly, winning 13 titles, including the Confederation Cup twice.

Kenya's Kipruto, who won the New York City Marathon last year to complete his collection of all the US World Marathon Majors, is the fastest man in the field with a personal best of 2:02.16. Simbu followed his runner-up finish in Boston, 19 seconds behind Korir, with a victory in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo. Korir thinks the quality of the field augurs a fast race on Monday. "I think if I had someone to push me last year, we would have been very close to the course record," Korir, who clocked a blistering 2:02:24 in Valencia in December, told the Boston Globe.

"If everything goes good this year, it is in my mind to go for it," added the Kenyan, who is vying to become the first man to repeat as champion since Evans Chebet won in 2022 and 2023. Women's champion Sharon Lokedi is also going for a repeat a year after she clocked 2:17:22 to slice more than two minutes off the course record. She ended the two-year reign of fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri and said her strategy this year will be much the same.

"I believe in consistency, and what works is what I've always been doing," said Lokedi, who also won the New York City Marathon in November. Lokedi's top challengers include fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who was fourth in Boston last year, and Ethiopian Workenesh Edesa, who won the Osaka and Hamburg marathons last year.

A vote was also successful by a 63.5 percent majority in the northern city of Kiel on Sunday, which would host sailing events if a bid were successful. Enough ballots were cast in 16 of the 17 municipalities, other than Herten, where mountain bike competitions were planned. As a result, the municipality is no longer part of the bid. The Rhine/Ruhr region -- which includes the cities of Cologne, Duesseldorf and Dortmund -- is among four German bids alongside Berlin, Munich and Hamburg.

The German Olympic Committee (DOSB) will consider the four bids before submitting one to the International Olympic Committee in late September. Rather than picking a specific year, the DOSB is keeping its options open in order to have the best chance of hosting at least one edition from 2036 to 2044. The North-Rhine Westphalia vote was held six months after a similar initiative was put to a vote in Munich, which won public support by a two-thirds majority.

After the Munich and Rhine/Ruhr referenda, Hamburg will hold a vote on May 31. Though not binding, a positive result would be influential in the selection process by the DOSB, while the International Olympic Committee is likely to view public support as a key factor in awarding the Games. The last summer Olympics on German soil took place in 1972, in Munich, then part of West Germany, while Berlin also hosted the games in 1936.

Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, forcing hundreds of spectators to flee onto the pitch, according to television footage of the incident, which showed smoke engulfing portions of the stands. The match -- played before a crowd of about 40,000 -- was called off after 29 minutes of play, and about 100 people were detained. "Police officers acted immediately to ensure the safety of those in attendance," local police said in a statement.

Security forces said at least six officers were injured -- with one in serious condition -- and transported to a hospital. It was not immediately clear whether any fans had been injured. David Torales, a spokesperson for the hospital, said the injured officers sustained head injuries, lacerations, including possible stab wounds, and other injuries. Police said they were working to "identify those who instigated the conflict so that they may be sanctioned and barred from attending future sporting events."

The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) holds that a team must forfeit a match if its supporters force the game to be suspended. Olimpia President Rodrigo Nogues said his club will seek the three points for the match from the APF disciplinary tribunal. Cerro Porteno President Blas Reguera, meanwhile, said Olimpia was responsible for stadium security, citing their status as the match's organizing club. Olimpia currently leads Paraguay's top football division, while Cerro Porteno sits in second place.

Coach Vincent Kompany left regular starters Kane, Michael Olise, Manuel Neuer, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah on the bench with Wednesday's German Cup semi-final at Bayer Leverkusen in mind. Bayern fell behind when Chris Fuehrich scored with 21 minutes gone but roared back, scoring three goals in seven minutes. Jamal Musiala created Guerreiro's opener before Luis Diaz laid on two goals in four minutes for Jackson and Davies to grab control of the match by the break.

Kane grabbed another early in the second-half to ensure another Bundesliga crown was quickly added to his burgeoning team trophy collection. With victory secure, Bayern took their foot off the pedal as an assistant brought bags full with '2026 Champions' t-shirts to the sideline. Andres added a late goal for Stuttgart with two minutes remaining but Bayern were on cruise control with title celebrations in mind.

The title victory once again illustrated Bayern's modern and historical dominance of German football. The Bavarian giants have now won 13 of the past 14 Bundesliga titles. Bayern have 35 league titles, with no other team reaching double figures. Bayern's wealth and influence outshines all of their domestic rivals and this season has been truly remarkable.

Bayern have scored 109 goals, the most in Bundesliga history and eight more than the previous record set back in 1971-72, with four games remaining. Free-scoring Bayern have 79 points and a goal difference of 80. If the season ended today, Bayern would become the first team to have a greater goal difference than points tally in Bundesliga history. With four wins in their remaining four games, Bayern could bring up 91 points, equalling the best mark set by their treble-bound side in 2012-13.

Then there are the individual records. Kane, who became the first Englishman since 1930-31 to reach a half-century of goals in a season in all competitions on Wednesday, can still reach Robert Lewandowski's single-season goals record of 41. The England captain has 32 goals from his 27 games this campaign and is in with an outside chance of catching Lewandowski.

Michael Olise has 18 assists, three shy of the all-time mark set by Thomas Mueller in 2019-20. Earlier on Sunday, Freiburg pushed last-placed Heidenheim closer to the drop with a 2-1 home win. Johan Manzambi put the Europa League semi-finalists ahead after 24 minutes but Heidenheim's Budu Zivzivadze levelled things up just before the hour mark.

Freiburg's Maximilian Eggestein scored the winner with seven minutes remaining to help his side leapfrog Eintracht Frankfurt into seventh spot. The defeat leaves Heidenheim, who hosted Chelsea in the Europa Conference League last season, seven points behind the relegation play-off spot and 11 from safety with four games to play. In Sunday's late game, Nadiem Amiri converted a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time to snatch Mainz a 1-1 draw at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Bangladesh made one change to their line up, bringing back Soumya Sarkar in place of Afif Hossain as they aim to level the series. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz stressed the importance of capitalizing on key moments in the must-win encounter. "I think it's a great opportunity for everyone. If we play well, definitely we will win," Miraz said, adding that early breakthroughs would be crucial. "We need to get some wickets in the first 10 overs. I am confident about our bowling unit because we have a very good pace attack."

He also pointed to missed chances in the first ODI, suggesting that holding onto catches could have restricted New Zealand to a lower total. Latham, meanwhile, expects conditions to remain similar despite a slightly different surface. "It looks like a slightly different surface than the other day, but it still looks reasonably dry underneath. Hopefully it shows similar characteristics," he said. "For us, it's about playing what's in front of us."

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das(w), Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana

New Zealand: Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Will Young, Tom Latham(w/c), Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Jayden Lennox, William Orourke

Up 22-7 at the interval, aided by two tries to winger Manasa Mataele, the visitors saw off a surging finish from the Brumbies, sealing victory through a late penalty goal from fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. The Drua's only other win in 34 matches outside Fiji came against Moana Pasifika in Auckland three years ago. Skipper Temo Mayanavanua said his team was driven by the plight of their country, which was battered last week by category 3 Cyclone Vaianu, which damaged homes and caused widespread flooding across Fiji.

He revealed there had been some criticism in Fiji directed at the players, who continued to train and play for the Drua, rather than help with cyclone recovery. "People were huddling in their homes. Some of the boys had mango trees falling on their roofs, but they decided to show up at training and put in the hard work," Mayanavanua told Stan Sport. "We get criticised a lot but to get the job done, there's nothing more deserving.

"And we dedicate this to the families that lost their houses during the cyclone. This win is for all of us." The Drua played with greater discipline than the error-prone hosts and were lethal on the counter-attack. Their fourth win from nine games leaves them ninth but just four points behind the sixth-placed Canterbury Crusaders.

The struggles of the defending champion Crusaders continued with an upset 31-26 loss to the Force, who trailed 19-0 but charged back to record their first home win of the season. Next week's "Super Round" will feature all five games in Christchurch, at the city's newly-built Te Kaha Stadium. The Crusaders will open the round on Friday in a crucial match against the seventh-placed New South Wales Waratahs.

That also included a FA Cup exit to second-tier Southampton and a crucial home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend to give City fresh hope in the title race. Arsenal are the only English side still standing in the Champions League but even progressing to the semi-finals was underwhelming as they squeezed past Sporting Lisbon 1-0 over two legs. Jaded by a brutal schedule, the leaders have also been hindered by injury.

Bukayo Saka is set to miss the trip to the Etihad Stadium, while captain Martin Odegaard and first choice full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are doubts. Yet, Arteta is attempting to focus his players on the opportunity that awaits rather than the fear of another shot at the title slipping away. "We see this as a big opportunity for us," said Guardiola's former assistant at his pre-match press conference.

"We have earned the right to be in this position and to be challenging, with an opportunity to win, against arguably the best team and best manager this league has ever seen." Arsenal have finished second in each of the past three seasons and history could be about to repeat itself. In both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, City reeled in the Gunners after Arsenal began the campaign stronger. City's early exit from the Champions League has given them a free week to prepare and Guardiola's men have been gaining momentum as Arsenal have faltered.

Since lifting the League Cup, City have thrashed Liverpool 4-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals and Chelsea 3-0. "If you could buy confidence in a supermarket we would buy it immediately. It is one of the most important aspects," said Guardiola about his side's sudden upturn in form. "The reality is there are seven games left in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment."

Indeed City are just nine games away from matching their own achievement seven years ago of being the only English side to win the domestic treble. They are big favourites to add the FA Cup to the League Cup, with Southampton to come in the last four next weekend. And they control their own destiny in the title race. Victory over Arsenal and Burnley in midweek will take City top of the table for the first time this year. "We all know the importance of this game. It's like a final," said City striker Erling Haaland. "It's probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game." 

But Messi, having already converted a penalty, had other ideas. With just over 10 minutes remaining, the Argentine sprinted onto a through ball sent down the right by Rodrigo De Paul. He dribbled into the box and somehow threaded a shot with his favorite left foot through three defenders and past the keeper into the corner. It handed Messi's longtime friend Guillermo Hoyos a win on his debut as Miami coach, after Javier Mascherano departed the club for "personal reasons" Tuesday, just four months after guiding the club to its first MLS Cup title.

"We have the greatest player in history, someone who completely shifts the momentum of matches," said a delighted Hoyos. Hoyos, 62, made few changes to the lineup, notably bringing in German Berterame to replace Tadeo Allende, who continues to recover from a muscle injury. The win sends Inter Miami up to second place in the Eastern Conference.

"This continues the work we've been doing and the progress the team has been making -- the team is the reigning MLS champion. We are a solid unit," said Hoyos. "Just look at the energy Inter Miami generates -- how they've had to move to a larger stadium to accommodate it all -- and contrast that with the quiet humility with which we have always tried to go about our business," he added, in Spanish. 

Playing in front of 75,824 fans -- the second-largest crowd in MLS history -- Miami got off to a sluggish start, but were handed a golden opportunity. As Colorado tried to play the ball out from the back under Miami's press, Josh Atencio conceded a penalty for tripping Yannick Bright in the box. Following a lengthy VAR check Messi stepped up, rolling it calmly down the middle as the keeper dived left.

Colorado continued to dominate possession while rarely threatening. And just before halftime, the Rapids coughed up possession in their own half. A Messi flick allowed Mateo Silvetti to flight in a cross for Berterame to head home from close range. The Rapids rushed back into the game in the second half.

Just before the hour mark, Rafael Navarro picked up the ball just inside his own half, drove through the center, skipping inside a defender with a clever feint to bury the ball in the bottom right. Colorado coach Matt Wells immediately doubled down, bringing on attacker Darren Yapi for Hamzat Ojediran. It paid off spectacularly.

Barely four minutes after their first goal, a pinpoint Lucas Herrington ball over the top found Yapi clean through with a diagonal run for the Rapids' equalizer. But Messi quelled the home team's comeback with his late heroics. The game ended on a sour note as Bright was sent off for using abusive language while protesting a yellow card against his teammate Telasco Segovia.

City reeled in Arsenal to win the title in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns. "Let's be ourselves and go for it, put everything we have on that pitch," said Arteta. "Have huge belief, have huge conviction and go for it because we are more than capable of doing it." Arsenal have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.

But Arteta is trying to focus on the positives as they aim to end a 22-year wait to win the title. "We are exactly where we want to be and there have been a lot of positive things and I don't see anything that has to hold you back," added the Spaniard. "We are playing against an opponent that requires the best out of you. It doesn't get much better than that."

By contrast, City have hit their stride with convincing wins over Liverpool and Chelsea since lifting the first silverware of the season at Wembley. But Guardiola reiterated his belief City have no room for error if he is to land a seventh league title in 10 seasons since arriving in Manchester. "We need that pressure," Guardiola said. "To compete well against that team, they have to know that if we don't win, it's over. They know it, we talk about that."

Two-time European champions England moved above Spain in Group A3 earlier in the week after beating the World Cup holders 1-0 at Wembley. Only the top team progresses automatically to the tournament in Brazil next year. "The most important thing is that we have played four and have 12 points. No game is easy, we don't take anything for granted and we're in a really good position," England boss Sarina Wiegman told ITV.

"We know how good Spain are, and Ukraine too. "I am happy with six points (from this week's two fixtures). The players go back to very important games with their clubs and then we go again in June." Edna Imade netted two headers as Spain crushed Ukraine 5-0 in Cordoba. Spain roared into an immediate lead through Bayern Munich striker Imade. She powered home a fine header from Lucia Corrales's cross before 90 seconds had passed.

Spain were without injured three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, but her Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas ran the show from midfield. The visitors almost levelled before the break when Olha Ovdiychuk fired against the post. Spain's second goal was a carbon copy of the first, with Corrales crossing from the left and Imade nodding home just over a minute into the second half.

Salma Paralluelo hit the post before Maria Mendez headed home the third from Barcelona teenager Vicky Lopez's cross. Eva Navarro notched Spain's fourth with a deflected effort from the edge of the area and Lopez showed neat footwork before tapping home the fifth. "I think we could have scored even more goals... coaches always want to improve," said coach Sonia Bermudez. "The plan was to use the flanks and with Edna, she's got the power that allows her to do damage."

Spain host England in Mallorca on June 5, a game they likely have to win if they want to qualify directly and avoid the play-offs. "Now we'll take a breath and then start thinking about England," added Bermudez. Germany dropped their first points in Group A4 after drawing 0-0 away to neighbours Austria. Norway are just a point behind after Signe Gaupset grabbed a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory in Slovenia. Leaders Denmark were held 0-0 at home by Italy in Group A1, which allowed Sweden to close to within a point after a 1-0 win over Serbia.

Iran's participation in the global tournament had been thrown into doubt by the war with the United States and Israel that broke out on February 28. "Sports should be outside of politics," Infantino said. "If there's nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and together, we are doing the job," he continued. The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, starts on June 11.

Sykes said the USOPC's board of directors discussed the matter at their scheduled meeting on Wednesday and have heard concerns from a variety of stakeholders. "We take the concerns very seriously," Sykes said. "We're stewards of the Olympic and Paralympic movement in the United States, and we're committed to upholding and consistently demonstrating its values. "We've actively engaged and listened to our stakeholders, including athletes, and we're closely monitoring the impact on our community."

Sykes said the USOPC board had shared its concerns with the board of LA28, noting that it was the local organizing committee board "which is responsible for determining who serves as its chair." In February, the LA28 executive committee backed Wasserman, who has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing in the scandal. He said in an apology that his exchange with Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for trafficking underage girls for Epstein, took place before her crimes came to light.

Sykes said that the USOPC remains impressed with the "measurable progress" Los Angeles organizers are making in building corporate partnerships and boosting community and athlete engagement. "The ongoing committee is executing effectively and we're very happy to work with them," Sykes said.

Harry Kane put Bayern back ahead in the tie only for Kylian Mbappe to restore parity overall when he put Madrid 3-2 up before half-time. Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow card with four minutes left and Bayern pushed forward, Diaz blasting into the corner from outside the box after a crucial deflection. With Real pressing for an equaliser, Olise curled in a magnificent shot to rubberstamp Bayern's ticket to the last four and keep alive their quest for a seventh European crown. They will head to Luis Enrique's PSG at the end of the month.

Tempers boiled over after the final whistle with Guler picking up a straight red for confronting the referee. "We got off to a bad start, and then conceded again through a free-kick and a counter. The first half was hectic," Joshua Kimmich told DAZN. "The second half was calmer, we had more control - and then managed to win it in the end. It wasn't our best performance, but we'll take the win. "The two best teams in Europe will face each other. We had many top level games against Paris in recent years. I'm looking forward to it."

The defeat for Real effectively ended their season as they look set to finish without a major trophy for the second year running. Barcelona hold a nine-point lead in La Liga and Real suffered a shock last-16 exit in the Copa del Rey. "I feel for them (the players), for the effort they made. It hurts," coach Alvaro Arbeloa told Movistar. "I'm very proud. We're going back to Madrid after giving it our all." For the first time in Real's long Champions League history, their starting XI did not contain a single Spanish player. Jude Bellingham, who impressed off the bench in the first leg, was one of four changes to the line-up made by Arbeloa. 

Neuer, widely lauded after a vintage performance in Madrid, gifted Real an opener. The Bayern goalkeeper miscued a pass directly to Guler, who floated a first-touch shot into the unguarded goal in the first minute. Bayern looked stunned but struck back almost immediately when Pavlovic headed in a Kimmich corner after Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin failed to read the flight of the ball. The match had barely time to settle before Real were ahead once more thanks to a Guler goal, with Neuer again not at his best.

The Turkey international whipped a free-kick into the top corner which Neuer got a hand to but was unable to keep out. The match continued to swing back and forth before the break, as Kane struck first before Mbappe responded by getting himself on the scoresheet. Kane slotted clinically into the bottom corner in the 38th minute to again haul Bayern level on the night -- and ahead in the tie -- before Mbappe ran onto a Vinicius Junior pass and slotted home to level the tie 4-4 on aggregate. With Real regularly cutting into Bayern's high line, coach Vincent Kompany responded by introducing the pace of Alphonso Davies at the interval.

Both sides traded chances in the second half, with Olise particularly dangerous, forcing a fingertip save from Lunin with 20 minutes left. Camavinga came on midway through the half but picked up two yellow cards in quick succession to leave his team a man down in the closing stages. It proved a turning point as Bayern struck three minutes later when Diaz's effort took a touch off Eder Militao and flashed beyond Lunin. Olise made certain of Bayern's progress deep into stoppage time as the German giants took down Real in a knockout clash for the first time since 2012.

Under the MoU, MARKS Medical College Hospital Ltd will provide comprehensive healthcare services to the players, officials, coaches, and associated members of BSRF. BSRF will give possible mileage like the use of logo on the banner. The MoU will ensure much needed healthcare of the squash players, specially, underprivileged one. MARKS group will also sponsor the major portion of the upcoming WSF Level-2 Coaching Course would be held from April 20 to 25.

The Bangladesh men's and women's kabaddi teams will take part in the 6th Asian Beach Games are set to begin on April 22 in Sanya, Hainan Province in China. During the meeting, the IGP encouraged the players to boost their morale and urged them to play their best while maintaining the country's honor on foreign soil.

Apart from the players, top officials of the Kabaddi Federation including BKF general secretary SM Newaz Sohag, its joint secretary and team official DIG of Police Israel Hawlader, BKF member and men's team coach Badsha Mia, women's team coach Shahnaz Parveen Maleka and BKF treasurer Masudur Rahman Chunnu were also present at the time.

In another match, defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club will play against Fakirerpool Young Men's Club at Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla. All the matches will kick off at 3:30 pm. In the remaining 13th round fixture, Brothers Union Club will meet PWD Sports Club at Birshrestha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Saturday.

"Football is hope and love. It inspires pride and passion," said Salome Sandler Tally, founder and coach of the women's section of Aigle Noir AC, a professional club based in the Haitian capital. "Qualifying for the World Cup is something special for a country that loves football so deeply." The Grenadiers, as Haiti's team is known, made their only previous appearance in West Germany in 1974. "It is incredible to have achieved this 52 years later," Tally told AFP. In early April, the cash-strapped government allocated 264 million gourdes ($2 million) for the national football team as a qualification bonus and to help pay for World Cup preparations.

Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in Group C. Their games will be played in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. In their World Cup qualifying campaign, Haiti did not play a single match on home soil. The nation's main venue -- the Sylvio Cator Stadium -- has been closed since February 2024 as it is located in a Port-au-Prince neighborhood controlled by gangs, as is about 90 percent of the capital.

But the "beautiful game" is played everywhere by people who are barefoot, in flip-flops or in sneakers. They have matches on asphalt, dirt or worn-out artificial turf -- in neighborhood leagues, inter-school competitions, and tournaments involving both professional and amateur clubs. Patrice Dumont, a former senator and sports columnist, said that in Haiti, a deeply religious nation, summer holiday leagues "are sites of pagan ceremonies that would make even the most devout fanatics blanche" -- an apparent reference to the charged atmosphere at the matches.

"You see them in every community -- provided there is space -- ranging from three-a-side matches to full 11-a-side games, always drawing massive crowds of spectators," he said. Evens Lezin, a 49-year-old amateur player, said qualification for the World Cup will give "hope" to Haiti's youth. "We can move forward, but it requires discipline," he said. "Nowadays, many young people are delinquent. They struggle with alcohol, they smoke and they lack healthy recreational pursuits. But football can offer an escape."

The topic of football finds its way into every conversation. It bridges generational and social divides, and is talked about in restaurants, supermarkets, in living rooms and over the airwaves. "Football is probably one of the few spaces for socialization still accessible to a large segment of the youth. It is the quintessential conversation starter," said football fan Marc Donald Orphee, 35. Even though the majority of the men's and women's national team players play abroad, that has not diminished the public devotion's to the home side.

Pierreline Nazon, 18, a star of the women's under-20 team, compares herself to Melchie Dumornay, a Haitian midfielder for OL Lyonnes, a top French team. Nazon spoke to AFP as she took time out from a training session in the hills above Petion-Ville, a suburb of the capital spared from violence. "My dream has always been to play football -- to be like Melchie, and even to surpass her," she said. "I know I will achieve this. That is why I keep training, seizing every opportunity to play, even though the situation in Haiti is difficult."

After Miami star Tyler Herro had sunk a superb corner three-pointer to make it 125-123, Ball carelessly turned over possession and then gave away three free-throws with a rash lunge on Herro. Herro drained all three shots to give Miami the lead with just nine seconds left. Ball though made amends with a determined driving layup to make it 127-126 before an athletic block from Miles Bridges snuffed out Miami's last-gasp attempt to win it.

"We stuck with it and ground it out," Ball said. "We wasn't hitting our threes, all the shots weren't hitting, but we stuck with it." Ball was at the centre of controversy over an incident in the second quarter which led to Miami star Bam Adebayo hobbling out of the game. After being blocked during a drive to the basket, Ball reached out and tripped Adebayo with a tug on his standing leg, sending the Miami star crashing to the hardwood. He played no further part in the game.

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra was furious that Ball escaped an ejection. "The referees are there for what? How did they not see that? I don't want this to be an excuse, Charlotte was incredible at the end," Spoelstra fumed. "I don't think that's cute. I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play. Our best player is out. "(LaMelo) should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys, shenanigans. Someone has got to see that. And he should have been thrown out of the game for that."

The victory means Charlotte, beaten in their two previous appearances in the play-in tournament in 2021 and 2022, remain alive in the postseason while Miami are eliminated. Charlotte will face the loser of Wednesday's Eastern Conference play-in game between the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic and seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. The reward for the winner of that game on Friday is a first-round playoff series against top seeds Detroit.

Ball finished with 30 points, 10 assists and five rebounds, while Bridges added 28 points and nine rebounds. Coby White had a crucial 19-point contribution from the bench, making five-of-eight three-pointers. Davion Mitchell led Miami's scorers with 28 points while Andrew Wiggins added 27 and Herro 23.

A return ticket for the journey normally costs $12.90. "FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer's World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill," Schumer commented. "The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states. "New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall." New York Governor Kathy Hochul also took aim at the reported price hike.

"The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible," Hochul wrote on X. "Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me." NJ Transit did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by AFP. The Athletic quoted a spokesperson for the agency as saying that no firm decision had been taken on World Cup ticket pricing.

"The ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalized and any reference to cost would be unconfirmed speculation," the spokesperson said. The Athletic report cited NJ Transit sources as saying that the cost of laying on services for the eight matches due to be held at MetLife Stadium -- including the final on July 19 -- would cost around $48 million. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has said the state will not pass on the cost of transportation to local taxpayers.

"We are not going to be paying for moving the people who are viewing the World Cup on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and New Jersey commuters," Sherrill said on Monday. The issue of public transport fare hikes affecting World Cup venues also emerged in Boston, where the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirmed earlier this month that return tickets from the city to Gillette Stadium would cost $80 -- up from the usual price of $20.

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra-time. Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals. "(We're) very happy, knocking out a great Barca side. We had a great game away... it was really hard for us at the start (of this one), but the team knew how to get back on its feet," Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar.

Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015 and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination. "I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything," said the Dutchman. "I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue -- we're on a good path, we're growing every year."

Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season. Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium. The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away.

Torres nudged it back to Yamal who slipped a low shot through Musso's legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca's attempted comeback bid. Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate. Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night.

Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo's pass and fired across Musso into the top corner. Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca's third but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face. Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time.

Marcos Llorente charged in down the right behind the Catalans' high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert. Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home but the goal was disallowed for offside. Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season's semi-finalists needed.

Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night. Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising. The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth's heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi's red card in the first leg.

Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages but there was no way back and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.

Only the winners from each of the League A groups will earn direct passage to next year's tournament in Brazil. Keira Walsh, who wore the captain's armband in place of the unavailable Leah Williamson, celebrated her 100th England cap, and Euro 2022-winning goalkeeper Mary Earps was honoured in an international retirement ceremony. England took just three minutes to go in front as Alessia Russo scooped the ball into the path of Hemp, who hooked it past Cata Coll before Alexia Putellas could clear off the line.

Spain threatened an equaliser when Irene Paredes nodded just over. Hemp was inches away from doubling England's lead in the 19th minute, clipping the post after she was set up stylishly by Lucy Bronze's backheel pass. Hannah Hampton preserved England's lead at the halfway point when she denied Patricia Guijarro at the near post.

England escaped early in the second half when Olga Carmona's effort took a deflection and cannoned off the crossbar. Salma Paralluelo forced a good save from Hampton as Spain poured forward. And the inspired Hampton had the last word as she turned Edna Imade's header past her post in the final minutes.

In other matches, Ada Hegerberg scored twice as Norway thrashed Slovenia 5-0 in Group A4, while Germany remained unbeaten in the same pool with a convincing 5-1 victory over neighbours Austria. Group A2 action saw France cede leaders' spot to the Netherlands after going down 2-1 to the Dutch, for whom Renee van Asten and Esmee Brugts scored either side of one from Sandy Baltimore.

Ireland recorded a 3-2 away win over Poland in the same pool thanks to goals from Emily Murphy, Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva. Denmark took control of Group A1 with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Sweden as Janni Thomsen scored the winner in injury time. Italy pummelled Serbia 6-0 to draw level with the Swedes in second spot.

Notable participants included Shahriar Nafees, Hannan Sarkar, Talha Jubair, Rajin Saleh, Abdur Razzak, Tushar Imran and Javed Omar, among others. The BCB will formally hand over certificates to all successful candidates on April 15. Special awards will also be presented to participants who achieved the highest marks in the course.

The Level-3 programme returns to Bangladesh after a 16-year gap. The last edition was held in 2009 under a joint ICC-ACC initiative, while this latest course was conducted solely by the BCB with training delivered by Australian coaches.

He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema -- a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs -- two weeks after going under the knife. His seven-person medical team were indicted over the conditions of his convalescence in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre, described by prosecutors as grossly negligent. But two and a half months into their trial, after hours of sometimes tearful testimony from witnesses, including Maradona's children, the proceedings came to a halt.

The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the judges overseeing the trial was involved in a documentary about the case, potentially breaking ethics rules. The judge, Julieta Makintach, was later impeached. The new trial, which will hear from some 120 witnesses, will again seek to determine if Maradona's medical team is responsible for his death.

Seven health care professionals -- doctors, psychologists, and nurses -- who were treating him at the time of his death are accused of homicide with possible intent -- pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to death. They risk prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted. The defense maintains the larger-than-life Maradona, who battled cocaine and alcohol addictions, died of natural causes.

"If there's one thing that has been ruled out, it's a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona. Anyone who continues to maintain that is cruel to the family and the accused," Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, told Radio Con Vos on Sunday. News of the death of the 1986 World Cup champion brought hundreds of thousands of Argentines onto the streets in mourning in the midst of the Covid pandemic. The trial is expected to last until July.

"I want to use this time to rediscover what makes figure skating so special, take on new challenges and reflect on myself as I look toward the future," he said. Kagiyama said he would skate in ice shows and events and had "a few projects in the works". Kagiyama was seen as American Ilia Malinin's closest rival for gold heading to the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Malinin suffered a spectacular meltdown and finished eighth but Kagiyama could not take advantage as dark horse Shaidorov won the competition. Malinin bounced back to win his third straight world title in Prague, with Kagiyama again finishing second. Kagiyama said the "past few seasons have brought many frustrations and difficult moments, but I'm glad I was able to finish the season on a positive note".

Neuer, who turned 40 in March, has a contract in Munich until the end of the season. Bayern seem willing to offer their long-time 'keeper and captain another year, but Neuer has repeatedly said he is still weighing up his future. The 2014 World Cup winner has struggled with muscle injuries in the past two seasons. Normally the first name on the teamsheet, this campaign he has missed 11 games as he battles persistent calf muscle strains.

Having already ruled himself out of World Cup contention this summer, ending the season with a third Champions League crown alongside a record-equalling 13th Bundesliga title would be a perfect sign-off. While Bayern have always sat atop German football, Neuer's arrival alongside other modern greats including Thomas Mueller, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger helped push the club into the stratosphere. Bayern had never won more than three Bundesliga titles in a row before Neuer signed in 2011 but have only missed out twice in the 15 subsequent seasons.

Two of Bayern's six Champions League titles have come with Neuer between the sticks. Even after 15 years, Bayern are still not immune to Neuer's brilliance. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen last week said: "We had something Real didn't -- our world-class goalkeeper, our x-factor." Centre-back Jonathan Tah asked reporters, "are you surprised?", and added: "He simply exudes something special, especially with the saves he keeps making. "You shouldn't take it for granted, but for him it's an everyday occurrence."

Neuer's spectacular saves make highlight reels, but his leadership has been crucial as Bayern have rebuilt from 2023-24's third-place Bundesliga finish, to once again contend for the Champions League. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, in just his second season managing a club with Champions League ambitions, said so after the first leg. "Manu only has to say one sentence and he brings order to the team. That's why his role to me as a leader is just as important as what he does on the pitch," Kompany said, adding Neuer "made things much easier for me at the beginning than I thought".

Heading into Wednesday's return leg, Neuer is the only current Bayern player to have experienced victory over two legs against Madrid. Since getting past the Spaniards in the 2012 semi-finals, Bayern had not even won a match against Los Blancos in their eight meetings -- up until last week. And the Gelsenkirchen native will have even more motivation to get across the line against Real this time around. Two years ago, with Bayern ahead against Los Blancos in the dying stages of their semi-final return leg, Neuer spilt a Vinicius shot which Joselu tapped in to level things up.

Minutes later, Joselu scored again and Bayern were eliminated, with Real going on to win the title at Wembley. Despite their first-leg lead, Bayern know their opponents well -- with 29 games between the sides, no European fixture has been played more -- and remain wary of the Champions League specialists. Real suffered another La Liga setback on Friday and are now nine points behind Barcelona, but Joshua Kimmich recognised that the 15-time winners can turn it on when they have the Champions League anthem ringing in their ears.

"It doesn't matter at all what form Kylian Mbappe and his teammates are in. When it's the Champions League, they perform," Kimmich said Saturday. "We know exactly who we are playing against. It's a brutally difficult task," Leon Goretzka said the same day. "We know how quickly they can create scoring opportunities. We know what to expect." 

Batter Gill, spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj were all on the list. The only English player in the group of five was former Test opener Haseeb Hameed, who led Nottinghamshire to the County Championship in 2025. Players can only receive the award once in their careers and it is based predominantly on performances during the previous English season.

Gill also received the Wisden Trophy for Test performance of the year after he scored 269 and 161 in the second Test at Edgbaston. Deepti Sharma succeeds compatriot Smriti Mandhana as Wisden's leading women's cricketer of the year for her all-round performances in India's 50-over World Cup triumph, with Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc receiving the men's award. The prolific Abhishek Sharma was named Wisden's leading T20 cricketer of the year.

Wisden editor Lawrence Booth, however, criticised the increasing Indian influence on English domestic cricket's Hundred, with four of the eight franchises now linked to owners of Indian Premier League teams after a huge influx of private investment. "The competition's new ownership structure risks turning The Hundred into an IPL proxy event, more for the benefit of Indian businessmen than English cricket," wrote Booth.

He also pulled no punches in labelling England's woeful Ashes campaign as "feckless, reckless and legless". England, humiliated 4-1 by Australia, were criticised for insufficient planning, confused tactics and an over-relaxed approach to off-field behaviour, highlighted by reports of excessive drinking during a mid-tour break.

"In the game's long history, it is hard to think of a privilege so carelessly squandered, a chance so blithely spurned," wrote Booth. "England were feckless, reckless and legless. These were the wing-and-a-prayer Ashes and England got what they deserved. What a waste. What a shame."

"Coach Queiroz is starting his work immediately in order to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11," the federation said in a statement. No mention was made of the length of his contract beyond this tournament. Queiroz has previously taken Portugal to the World Cup in 2010 and Iran to the 2018 and 2022 editions.

His long list of national teams also includes UAE, South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar and Oman. Ghana will face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L this summer at the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The structure will remain broadly the same but the two groups will from 2026-27 increase from 12 to 16 teams each. The top six in each group will automatically progress to the last 16 while clubs in seventh to 10th will go through to a newly established knockout stage playoff.

The tournament has been branded the AFC Champions League Elite since 2024/25. The last 16 and quarter-final matches in the 2025/26 campaign take place this week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Germany internationals Angelo Stiller, Chris Fuehrich and Maximilian Mittelstaedt all got on the scoresheet for Stuttgart and Bilal El Khannouss scored his first goal since making his loan from Leicester City permanent in January to round out the romp. Deniz Undav's missed second-half penalty, which he blasted well over the bar, was the only blot on the copybook for the dominant hosts.

Stiller converted a clever Jamie Leweling cutback with 22 minutes gone to put Stuttgart in front. Fuehrich added another just after the half-hour mark when Stuttgart bullied Hamburg into a mistake on the edge of their own box. Mittelstaedt and El Khannouss both scored in the second half either side of Undav's wayward penalty. Earlier on Sunday, Werder Bremen edged closer to the Bundesliga drop zone after going down 3-1 at Cologne in an error-ridden performance.

Bremen gave away an early penalty, converted by Said El Mala, and lost captain Marco Friedl to a red card midway through the first half. Ragnar Ache doubled Cologne's lead, while Isak Johannesson's effort was deflected into his own net by Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus, either side of a Romano Schmid penalty for the visitors. The defeat leaves Bremen -- who share the distinction of having played the joint-most Bundesliga seasons alongside Bayern Munich --three points clear of the relegation play-off spot. Cologne leapfrogged Bremen and are now five points clear of the drop zone.

"It's down to us to be in the best shape possible to make a special evening on Tuesday," said captain Virgil van Dijk. "We are at home and we have to show belief that we can do it. It needs a special performance but I'm lucky I have been part of special performances so I will try and bring that across for the team." Van Dijk was part of the side that beat Lionel Messi's Barcelona 4-0 in 2019, overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit in the semi-finals on Liverpool's way to Champions League glory.

That night may have been the high point of Jurgen Klopp's glorious reign, which included three Champions League finals in five seasons. Barring a miraculous fightback, Tuesday could be the final Champions League chapter for the key figures in that Klopp side. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have both confirmed they will leave Anfield at the end of the season. Van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker remain for now, but there is no guarantee Liverpool will be in the competition next season despite five English sides being assured of qualification.

A 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday gave Slot's men some breathing space from the chasing pack in the battle for Champions League football and also snapped a three-game losing streak. Adding to uncertainty, Slot's position remains in serious doubt towards the end of his second campaign in charge. Liverpool fans chanted the name of former midfield favourite Xabi Alonso after last weekend's 4-0 demolition by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Alonso, who left Real Madrid in January, is the prime candidate to take over should Slot be dismissed at the end of the season. The Dutchman issued a rallying cry after the Fulham win to try and get the fans back onside for the visit of the European champions. "This was a massive win not only for the league but looking forward to Tuesday. Not only for the players but also for the fans. After a 4-0 loss and a 2-0 loss everybody could do with this win," said Slot.

"One thing is clear is that on Tuesday we need our fans. There were fans in Paris but we had a very hard time. "Anfield has shown many times that it can lift the team to another level and we need that again. Half an hour before the game the players need that support and need to feel it is going to be another special evening." At the very least Slot needs his side to salvage some pride. Another embarrassment like the ones suffered recently in Manchester and Paris, but this time on home soil, could be the final straw for many fans.

Lilepo gained possession in Chiefs' half, evaded a Galaxy defender and then struck the ball past onrushing Ivorian goalkeeper Ira Tape from an acute angle well outside the box. Chiefs have 42 points, three more than fourth-placed AmaZulu, and have two matches in hand. However, seven of their remaining eight fixtures are away. Galaxy have reached the South African FA Cup final against Durban City on May 2. The winners will join the club finishing third in the Confederation Cup.

But the league form of Galaxy in the second half of the season has been disastrous. The loss to Chiefs was their eighth in nine matches and they last won on January 21. Thabang Mahlangu of Orbit College had a penalty saved by Kagisho Mlambo in a 0-0 draw away to fellow strugglers Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein. Marumo and Orbit have 19 points each, two more than bottom club Magesi, who have played one match fewer. 

It took a superb parry from Ben Said to prevent another Leon header entering the net at the start of the second half in Rades on the outskirts of Tunis. Esperance thought they had equalised midway through the second half when Malian substitute Aboubacar Diakite nodded the ball into the net from close range. However, a VAR review of the build-up revealed that Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had been struck in the face by the elbow of Hamza Jelassi.

The goal was disallowed by the Algerian referee, who gave an outstanding performance in an electric atmosphere. Rades ranks among the most intimidating cauldrons in Africa. Sundowns centre-back Grant Kekana was shown a straight red card with five minutes remaining after kicking Frenchman Florian Danho in the face. Physically imposing Danho had come closest to scoring in a cagey opening half when his angled close-range shot struck the post.

It was an often scrappy first leg with Sundowns wasting time almost from the kick-off as they regularly changed the takers of corners, free-kicks and throw-ins. They escaped censure, however, until the 73rd minute when Williams was yellow-carded after taking too long to take a free-kick. The return match is set for Saturday in Pretoria with Sundowns seeking to reach successive Champions League finals after losing to Pyramids of Egypt last season. In the other first leg, second-half goals from Ahmed Hammoudan and Khalid Ait Ouarkhane gave FAR Rabat a 2-0 win over Renaissance Berkane in an all-Moroccan clash on Saturday.

Ernesto Valverde's side have now suffered five defeats in their last six games across all competitions and are only six points above Elche in 18th. "This year the details are killing us... It's a moment to pull together to get back to winning ways," Athletic striker Inaki Williams told Movistar. "We have to take it and keep moving forwards. The reality is that things feel really bad, that we're not getting these points, we have to look at (the teams) behind us."

Athletic were able to bring Spanish winger Nico Williams, Inaki's brother, back into the team for his first start since February because of a long running groin issue that has hampered him through the season. Nico Williams was a key figure for Spain in their Euro 2024 conquest and national team coach Luis de la Fuente will hope the youngster is back to his dynamic best by the time the World Cup begins in June. Sergi Cardona put the visitors ahead with a neat lofted effort over goalkeeper Unai Simon, who was running out to close him down on the edge of the box.

Alfonso Gonzalez doubled Villarreal's lead before half-time after closing down Inigo Lekue's clearance and driving home at the near post. Georges Mikautadze almost added a third from long range with Simon stranded but his effort bounced over. Gorka Guruzeta pulled one back for the hosts from close range with little over five minutes remaining, but they could not produce a comeback.

Villarreal are now nine points behind second-placed Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 against Girona on Friday in a blow to their title ambitions. On Saturday, champions Barcelona took a significant step towards retaining the Spanish title with a 4-1 derby win over Espanyol, moving nine points clear of Los Blancos.

Real Oviedo secured their sixth win of the season -- and third from their last four matches -- to move within five points of safety at Celta. Levante, who dropped to 20th, host Getafe on Monday. Alberto Reina opened the scoring for the visitors at Celta's Balaidos stadium, with Federico Vinas adding a brace to secure three potentially vital points on the road. Defeat was a blow for Celta, sixth, who could not capitalise on fifth-placed Real Betis's 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on.

Mallorca moved out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, with target man Vedat Muriqi netting twice. The Kosovo international has 21 league goals this season, trailing La Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappe by only two strikes. With eight teams within six points of the relegation zone, there is plenty to fight for in the seven rounds remaining.

Just a few weeks ago the Gunners were dreaming of an unprecedented quadruple but they lost to City in the League Cup final and were dumped out of the FA Cup by second-tier Southampton. A wobble in the Premier League, which they have not won since 2004, raises major doubts about their staying power with six matches to go. After suffering just three defeats in their opening 49 matches of the season in all competitions, they have lost three of their past four, ramping up the tension.

"It's a big punch in the face, that's what I said to the boys, and now it's about how we react to that," said a downbeat Arteta, whose team remain favourites for the title. The Spaniard, whose side have finished as runners-up three times in a row, admitted Arsenal's long title drought was playing on their minds. "We know what is at stake and the fact that as a club we haven't done it for so long is a reason for that," he said. Junior Kroupi reacted quickest to Adrien Truffert's deflected cross to give mid-table Bournemouth an early lead, silencing a nervy crowd at the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres levelled before the break from the penalty spot, but a lack of creative spark in the final third was again the home side's undoing. Arsenal's fine defensive record has underpinned their title charge but they were cut open with ease when Alex Scott finished off a fine team move for the winner in the 74th minute. Five English sides will qualify for next season's Champions League and fifth-placed Liverpool strengthened their case with a 2-0 home win against Fulham, easing the heat on manager Arne Slot.

Teenager Rio Ngumoha scored his first goal at Anfield in the early evening match to put the Reds ahead, whipping his shot around the diving Bernd Leno after a jinking run. The recalled Mohamed Salah, departing at the end of the season, doubled Liverpool's lead shortly before half-time with an arrowed finish. It was the only the Egyptian's sixth Premier League goal of the campaign after he netted 29 in last season's title-winning campaign. Heavy defeats by Manchester City in the FA Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League have piled the pressure on Slot, who had celebrated just two wins in eight games in all competitions before Saturday's match.

"It's a better place than it was two or three days ago or a week ago," the Dutchman told Sky Sports. "But it's also not that after we win all of a sudden everything is good again. "We've played many games like this this season but they've not always led to a win. We've deserved to win, not by a big margin, but we deserved to win." Liverpool, who face PSG in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday with a 2-0 deficit, now have 52 points, four clear of Chelsea in sixth place.

Brentford and Everton, both with a chance to qualify for the Champions League, drew 2-2. Brentford's Igor Thiago scored twice, taking his tally for the season to 21 Premier League goals, within one of Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot. Brighton's Mats Wieffer scored twice in a 2-0 win at relegation-bound Burnley.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany told Sky Germany he knew his side would shatter the total. "I saw Uli Hoeness yesterday and told him 'We're coming for the record'. The mark existed for so long and the lads can be proud, but we're going to keep going." Top scorer Harry Kane was left on the bench but Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Nicolas Jackson and Raphael Guerreiro joined Goretzka on the scoresheet as Bayern pulled 12 points clear of Borussia Dortmund, who lost to Bayer Leverkusen earlier on Saturday.

With five matches remaining this season, defending champions Bayern can win the title as early as next week at home against Stuttgart. Mindful of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Bayern also started with Luis Diaz, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah among the substitutes. The missing firepower mattered little as Musiala headed the visitors in front with nine minutes gone. Early in the second half, Goretzka turned the ball in from close range to best a record the Bavarians set over half a century ago.

Olise added another just a minute later. Kane replacement Jackson got one of his own and Guerreiro scored late to round out the victory and up the record to 105. Robert Andrich hit a long-range strike late in the first half as Leverkusen became just the second team to beat Dortmund in the league this season with a 1-0 away victory. Dortmund, whose two previous defeats this season came against Bayern, remain eight points clear in second place despite their four-game winning streak coming to an end.

A day after extending his deal at the club to 2031, Nico Schlotterbeck received a smattering of boos and whistles from the home fans amid reports he had a release clause for this summer inserted into his contract. "We're really happy Schlotti extended," centre-back partner Waldemar Anton told DAZN. "He didn't deserve the boos. That hurts the team, everyone in the stands needs to know that. It's nonsense and it's not something we can accept." Stoic and risk averse under coach Niko Kovac, Dortmund were uncharacteristically fluid in attack in the opening half hour but Andrich broke through for the visitors in simple fashion.

The Germany midfielder intercepted a Ramy Bensebaini pass and took a touch before blasting a low shot into the bottom corner past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Dortmund's best chance came with seven minutes remaining when Serhou Guirassy collected a Carney Chukwuemeka pass and hit the underside of the crossbar. Yan Diomande's 81st-minute effort boosted RB Leipzig's hopes of a top-four finish, securing a 1-0 home win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Diomande's late winner lifted third-placed Leipzig three points clear of Stuttgart, who face Hamburg at home on Sunday, with Leverkusen a point further back in fifth. The goal continued the 19-year-old's impressive debut Bundesliga season, in which he has scored 11 times. Leipzig captain David Raum praised the teenage winger, calling him "a player with world-class potential".

Gladbach ultras unveiled a banner directed at academy product and captain Rocco Reitz, who will join Leipzig in the summer, which said: "Whoever wants what's here can never be our skipper." Elsewhere, Wolfsburg lost 2-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt to slide closer to relegation. Goals from Oscar Hojlund and Arnaud Kalimuendo left second-last Wolfsburg, who have won just once in 14 games in 2026, six points from safety.

Last-placed Heidenheim kept their slim hopes of beating the drop alive with a 3-1 home win over Union Berlin. The victory, Heidenheim's first since early December, took them two points behind Wolfsburg and eight from fourth-bottom Cologne.

And a Como win would not be good news either as the lakeside outfit currently sit fourth and five points behind Milan, who have lost three of four matches since winning last month's Milan derby, with Juventus also gunning for a Champions League spot. Juve are at Atalanta in the day's late match and will move above Como into fourth -- just three points behind Milan -- with a win in Bergamo.

"This defeat should make us understand that our qualification for the Champions League is under threat," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said to DAZN. Milan host Juve in a fortnight, a match which looks likely to be key to the top-four positions come May, and Allegri described as "right" the loud whistles which accompanied the end of the game. Udinese moved into the top half of the table after an impressive away performance in which Nicolo Zaniolo, who was the rising star of Italian football before suffering two serious knee injuries in 2020, was the standout player.

Zaniolo has had a difficult time of it since being dumped by Roma in 2023, and he was not selected for the Italy squad which recently missed out on a third straight World Cup. But the 26-year-old has found a home at Udinese and he was key to Bartesaghi's own goal in the 27th minute, as the attacker charged upfield on the counter-attack before offloading to Atta whose cross was deflected into the Milan net.

Ten minutes later Zaniolo whipped in a beautiful, inch-perfect cross for Ekkelenkamp to double the away side's lead and spark rumblings of discontent in the San Siro stands. Milan pushed up on Udinese after the break, when Allegri brought on burly centre forward Niclas Fullkrug, and Alexis Saelemaekers could barely believe it when Maduka Okoye palmed his half-volley onto the crossbar in the 51st minute. Atta sealed the points for Udinese 20 minutes later when he was allowed to burst towards goal and roll a sneaky low shot in at Mike Maignan's near post. The discontent was clear when loud boos met Rafael Leao's substitution soon afterwards, and those who were still in the seats at the end made their feelings known at the final whistle.

Barca face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals, aiming to fight back from a 2-0 first-leg defeat, but the coach still picked a strong side against Espanyol. Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez and 18-year-old winger Yamal played the full match as Flick tried not to let the second leg disrupt the team's league campaign. Torres's goals were his first since January and he was happy to help Barca move closer to the title.

"Until we win it, it's not over but it's true, it's in our hands -- we have to keep getting the three points," Torres told DAZN. After a strong start to the season Espanyol were beaten at home by Barca in the first game of 2026 and have failed to win a match since. They offered little resistance as Hansi Flick's side cruised into a two-goal lead.

Yamal created both goals for Torres, whipping in a corner which the Spain international nodded home. Although some wondered if Flick would rest Yamal for Tuesday's visit to face Atletico, the teenager is always keen to play and Barca fans adore watching him. Yamal's assist for the second was sumptuous, playing Torres through with the outside of his boot and the striker's shot trickled past Marko Dmitrovic and into the net.

"I always believe in hard work and that you will get your reward," added Torres on ending his goal drought. "You always hear noise around you, more for the bad things than for the good... I am always focussed on myself, on improving." Espanyol came close when Tyrhys Dolan's chipped effort clipped the top of the crossbar but they were mainly pinned back in their own territory.

Yamal curled a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar and Dmitrovic made a good double save to keep Fermin Lopez and Eric Garcia at bay. Barcelona thought they had extended their lead early in the second half when Torres stabbed home Garcia's goal-bound header but it was ruled out for a tight offside against the defender.

Espanyol pulled one back through Pol Lozano immediately afterwards with a rasping effort after Barca struggled to clear the ball. "Small errors killed us a bit, we have to be proud of the work we did," said Lozano after the game. "We're getting better and sooner rather than later the victory will come."

Substitute Rashford could have got a third for Barca but the England international seemed to lack confidence as he delayed his shot before firing straight at Dmitrovic. The winger missed several chances against Atletico in the first leg of the Champions League tie, but by the end he found the net and will look to make further amends at the Metropolitano. Yamal notched the third in the 87th minute by charging down a loose ball, which rebounded beyond Dmitrovic, leaving him with a tap-in.

Two minutes later Rashford hooked home the fourth with a volley from Frenkie de Jong's cross, with the Dutch midfielder on as a substitute for his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in February. Barca fans stayed in the stadium after the final whistle to celebrate with their team and try to inspire them ahead of the visit to face Atletico. Diego Simeone's side take on Sevilla later on Saturday. Earlier Real Sociedad and Alaves shared an entertaining 3-3 draw, while Elche edged Valencia 1-0 to move out of the relegation zone.

Hall dragged away two defenders before squaring for an unmarked Jorge Ruvalcalba who swept a low finish beneath Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. But Miami drew level on the stroke of half-time when Argentine forward Matero Silvetti finished from close range from Rodrigo De Paul's cross.

Miami looked to be taking control after half time, and defender Maxi Falcon should have made it 2-1 but sent a free header wide of the post from De Paul's corner. Messi and Silvetti both had chances go begging before Miami took the lead on 55 minutes through Argentine-born Mexico international forward German Berterame.

Berterame collected a pass which deflected off New York's 17-year-old midfielder Adri Mehmeti and shot low to make it 2-1. New York thought they had equalized midway through the half when Robert Voloder bundled in a low finish only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review. The New York equalizer finally arrived in the 77th minute, when a twisting turning run inside the area from Hall tormented the Miami defence before he squared to fellow teenager Mehmeti, who slid to finish for 2-2.

Miami pressed furiously in the closing stages, and only a sensational diving save by Ethan Horvath prevented Messi from snatching a winner with a free kick in stoppage time. The draw leaves Miami in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, four points behind leaders Nashville, 2-1 winners over Charlotte on Saturday.

The 30-year-old attacker, one of the stars of the USA's last FIFA Women's World Cup victory in 2019, also played a key role in the home side's second goal just after half-time. A sweeping counter-attack ended with Lavelle steering a pass into the path of midfielder Lindsey Heaps who duly tucked away a low finish into the corner past Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. Japan, who clinched their third Women's Asian Cup title last month with a victory over Australia, rallied later in the half and pulled a goal back through substitute striker Riko Ueki in the 61st minute.

But despite a flurry of chances from the Japanese, the US defence held firm to clinch victory -- the 2024 Olympic gold medallists' 10th consecutive win under English manager Emma Hayes as they build towards next year's World Cup in Brazil. The two teams will meet again in a second friendly in Seattle on Tuesday.

Berkane are competing in the premier African club competition for the first time after winning the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup three times from 2020. After a first half devoid of clearcut chances, FAR took control and deservedly went in front just before the hour mark. Berkane midfielder Yassine Labhiri was dispossessed, leading to a swift FAR counterattack that culminated in Hammoudan scoring his second goal of the African campaign.

When a low cross deflected off a Berkane defender, Ait Ouarkhane slammed the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. On Sunday, Esperance of Tunisia host Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the first leg of the other semi-final. Both return matches are on April 18.

But he has started three of Liverpool's last eight games with Slot encouraged by his physical development and more end product. That faith was rewarded as Ngumoha produced a sublime strike to become Liverpool's youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield. Mohamed Salah then netted in his first home appearance since announcing he will leave at the end of the season as Liverpool snapped a three-game losing streak.

"He has such a special quality which you don't see a lot in football anymore, dominating the one v one situation and that's exactly what he did when he scored his goal," said Slot on Ngumoha's impact. "I've said a few weeks ago that his playing time will increase because he got stronger and stronger, showed more and more when he came in (to games), but also in training sessions. "That it wasn't only a nice trick, but there was more and more end product to what he did.

"There was more and more power, which is needed if you play against the best defenders in the world and I don't think anyone is surprised that, at this moment in time, he scored his first goal (at Anfield)." Liverpool face a much stiffer test on Tuesday if they are to overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit against holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Slot, though, believes Ngumoha is ready for that elite level, even if he is unsure whether the teenager will be fresh enough to start.

"I think he's ready. The question, of course, is can he do this two days later again?" Slot added. "In the beginning of the season, he was a young player, getting some experience with the first team, but now he's just someone I can pick for any game. So also the one on Tuesday."

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson scored 18 points apiece and Dyson Daniels added a triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists for the Hawks, who led 61-48 at halftime and surged away with a 16-0 scoring run late in the third quarter. The Cavaliers, assured of the fourth seed in the East and home court advantage in the first round, rested Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen.

The Celtics, who had missed a chance to secure the second seed with a loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday, got the job done with a record-equaling 29 three-pointers in a 144-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. It's the second time in two seasons the Celtics have matched the record of 29 treys, first set by the Milwaukee Bucks in December 2020 and also matched this season by the Memphis Grizzlies.

All 30 teams played on the penultimate day of regular-season action, with more than a dozen of those headed for the post-season still jostling to cement their playoff or play-in positions. The Knicks secured the third seed in the East with a 112-95 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Toronto slipped from fifth to sixth in the East with one game remaining and the same 45-36 record as the seventh-placed Orlando Magic -- who beat the Chicago Bulls 127-103.

The short-handed Philadelphia 76ers shook off the absence of star big man Joel Embiid, who is recovering from an appendectomy, to beat the Pacers 105-94 in Indiana. Eighth in the East, the Sixers still have a mathematical chance of overtaking both the Raptors and Magic on Sunday and avoiding the play-in. But the Charlotte Hornets were locked into the play-in with their 118-100 loss to Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit.

The playoff-bound San Antonio Spurs, fueled by 40 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots from superstar Victor Wembanyama, beat the Dallas Mavericks 139-120. Wembanyama returned to action after missing one game with bruised ribs and with 64 regular-season games and the NBA Cup final under his belt has met the 65-game minimum to be eligible for season honors including Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player. Wembanyama underscored his status as an MVP contender with his fifth 40-point game of the season in just 26 minutes on the floor.

"That feels amazing," said an emotional Burrage who has battled injuries in recent times. "I'm proud of us for the way that we played, way that we came out and managed to close that out." Victory propelled Britain -- semi-finalists last year -- into the September eight-team finals in Shenzhen, China. Hunter and Perez broke early for a 3-1 lead, but they imploded with Dart and Burrage reeling off the next five games to claim the opening set.

A seesawing second set saw four service breaks before the British pair broke again for a 5-4 advantage and Burrage made no mistakes in serving out for the win. It was an impressive victory with none of Britain's top four making the long trip with Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Fran Jones opting to focus on the European clay-court season and Sonay Kartal hurt. "They're two great players," said Dart of Hunter and Perez. "They play a lot of doubles and it was our first time playing together.

"It's crazy actually because we played pretty well and to be able to make the finals is just kind of surreal." Seven ties are being played this weekend with two-time defending champions Italy, spearheaded by Jasmine Paolini, 2-0 up at home against Japan. But last year's runners-up the United States -- record 18-time competition winners -- have their work cut out, trailing Belgium 2-0 in Ostend.

In the eighth and final round, South Point School & College defeated Tajikistan's Secondary School No. 6 by 2.5-1.5 game points. Safayat Kibria Azaan and Muhtady Tajwar Nasheed won their games against Muhsinzoda Asiya and Kholov Inkander respectively. Azaan Mahmood split point with Kholova Amal while Sidratul Muntaha Nafi lost to Naimov David. Uzbekistan's Wisdom School emerged champions with 16 points and Russia's Kurchatov School finished as runners-up with 14 points while India's Velammal MHS School secured third place with 12 points.  A total of 26 schools from 20 Asian countries participated in the event.

All recognized educational institutions in the country will be able to register students with photo ID and copies of birth certificates by April 14. Students can pay Taka 200 (per player) for individual game and Taka 2,000 (per team) for team event through the Federation's merchant bKash number 01919012883 payment option. The name of the school should be briefly written in the reference. After registration, information will have to be filled in the Google Form https://bttf.org.bd/schooltt and have to send to the email address officials.bttf@gmail.com.

The BTTF general secretary captain MA Maksud Ahmed Sonnet said: "The main aim of this event is to create a competitive playing environment among students at the school level and to search for future national and international quality players."

New Zealand are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday. In addition to the ODI series, the two sides will also contest a three-match T20 International series. The Black Caps will play the first two ODIs in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, with the third ODI set for April 23 in Chattogram. The T20I series will begin in Chattogram, hosting the first two matches on April 27 and 29, while the final T20I will be held in Dhaka on May 2.

Squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Kumer Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

In a twisty game that featured 16 lead changes, Knicks superstar Brunson provided another standout performance, including 25 points and 10 assists. Asked about teammate Hart, Brunson joked: "I don't want to say anything too good about him right now, but he played really well." "We kept coming back and finding a way," Brunson added. The No. 2 spot means home-court advantage through to the Eastern semifinals.

The Knicks would have the tie-break advantage if the two teams finish level, due to a superior head-to-head. Thursday's win also gives the Knicks a one-win cushion over the chasing Cleveland Cavaliers. In a possible preview of the Eastern playoffs' second round, a back-and-forth first half featured 10 lead changes, with Payton Pritchard and Brunson scoring freely at opposite ends. After the break, the Knicks quickly opened up a 13-point lead. Yet they found themselves trailing at the end of the third quarter, as the Celtics rallied with seven three-pointers, including six from the bench.

The Celtics' Baylor Scheierman was particularly potent from behind the arc, sinking his fifth and sixth three-pointers of the night to put Boston up 104-103 with barely two minutes left. But a Hart layup and a Brunson free throw restored the Knicks' lead, before Hart finished the game off. On an emotional return to the fabled Manhattan arena where he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon nearly a year ago, Boston star Jayson Tatum top-scored for the Celtics, with 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.

Tatum has defied the odds to return this season, making his debut last month with the Celtics in the thick of the playoff race. Trailing conference champions the Detroit Pistons, Boston remain the favorites to clinch second, with games Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans and Sunday against the Magic. But they may have to secure the spot without fellow star Jaylen Brown, who missed Thursday's clash with Achilles tendinitis.

Elsewhere, the incredibly tight race for the Eastern Conference's final guaranteed playoff spots took yet more twists Thursday. The top six automatically progress to the post-season, while teams finishing seventh to tenth must enter a knockout play-in tournament next week to join them. The Toronto Raptors, boosted by Brandon Ingram's 38 points, gained a valuable 128-114 win over the Miami Heat, rising from sixth to fifth.

It leaves both the Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks one win clear of the in-form Orlando Magic -- who have won their past four in a row. But the eighth-placed Philadelphia 76ers saw their own playoff hopes fade as they fell 113-102 to the red-hot Houston Rockets, who claimed an eighth consecutive victory. And fans in the West were denied a match-up between the two biggest NBA stars of the past decade, as the Golden State Warriors rested Stephen Curry for medical reasons against LeBron James's Los Angeles Lakers. Facing the play-ins next week, the Warriors opted to give an extra recovery day to superstar Curry, who had only recently returned from a 27-game knee injury absence.

Before that he played for Lithuania's FK Suduva in 2021 and has also turned out for clubs in Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and Azerbaijan. Honda said in a statement that he was "pursuing several personal challenges", including trying to score in more domestic top leagues than anyone else. "However, my primary goal with this club is to win the league title," he said.

"There are a couple of very strong rivals, so it will be a tough challenge, but I am determined to achieve it." Honda retired from the Japan national team with 98 caps and 38 goals after playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Outside football he heads a venture capital fund, owns a non-league club in Japan and has also dabbled in management, taking charge of Cambodia's national team from August 2018 to January 2023.

FC Jurong, formerly known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, said bringing Honda to the club "goes beyond the signing of a single player". "To build a great castle, you need a solid cornerstone," said chairman Daisuke Korenaga. "Into that cornerstone, we pour world-class experience, vision, and passion. "Together with Keisuke Honda, we are determined to build a legacy that will carry this club forward for the next 100 years."

Los Blancos are also in a tough spot following their 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but have a bigger gap between the Girona game and the second leg in Bavaria next Wednesday. "We have also a derby in three days on Saturday, our next match, it's also important for us to win," said Flick. "We will see, we will analyse everything, what kind of options we have." The worst case scenario would be suffering a first league defeat at Camp Nou since its reopening before being eliminated from the Champions League anyway in the Spanish capital.

With the league Clasico against Real Madrid on May 10 appearing on the horizon, Flick is keen to maintain Barca's lead, but the Champions League may take precedence. Several players who have been reserves for much of the season like Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji could come into the side to take on an Espanyol team in free-fall. After a strong start to the season Manolo Gonzalez's team have failed to win in 2026, which began with a 2-0 home defeat by Barca that set off their slump.

Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez is fundamental for Barca but came off at half-time in the defeat by Atletico, with a minor physical issue. "Pedri had some problems. No big problems but in this situation we need him (going forwards) -- so we made the decision to take him off the pitch," said Flick. Flick will hope to have midfielder Frenkie de Jong available for the second leg at Atletico and the Dutchman returned to training this week after a hamstring injury.

The Dutchman has a chance of being included in the squad to face Espanyol, while Barca can also find encouragement in Gavi's performance against Atletico as a substitute. It could buy the 21-year-old more game time at the weekend as he continues to find fitness following a long injury lay-off. "Gavi had a fantastic game," said Flick. Atletico Madrid visit Sevilla on Saturday and Diego Simeone is certain to rest several key players.

The Argentine coach has been focused on the cup competitions in recent weeks with his team fourth in La Liga and unlikely to slip with Real Betis 12 points behind in fifth. Player to watch: Vedat Muriqi Mallorca's Kosovan target man Muriqi scored a vital goal last week to help the team beat Real Madrid and boost their chances of avoiding relegation. The forward has 19 goals this season, trailing only La Liga's top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe and will look to add to his tally against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in another important game.

Key stats

0 - shots on target for struggling Sevilla last weekend against Real Oviedo.

12 - no goalkeeper has more clean sheets than Barca's Joan Garcia.

58 - fouls committed by Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu, the most in the top flight.

Fixtures

Friday (all times GMT)

Real Madrid v Girona (1900)

Saturday

Real Sociedad v Alaves (1200), Elche v Valencia (1415), Barcelona v Espanyol (1630), Sevilla v Atletico Madrid (1900)

Sunday

Osasuna v Real Betis (1200), Mallorca v Rayo Vallecano (1415), Celta Vigo v Real Oviedo (1630), Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal (1900)

Monday

Levante v Getafe (1900)

Tottenham have turned to Roberto De Zerbi to save them from the drop for the first time in nearly 50 years and the Italian takes charge for the first time at Sunderland. AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of this weekend's action: Still Arsenal's title to lose

Defeat in the League Cup final to City and at second-tier Southampton in the FA Cup have quickly turned Arsenal's quest for a quadruple into dreams of a Premier League and Champions League double.

Mikel Arteta's men can go 12 points clear at the top with victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, with City not in action until Sunday.

A 1-0 Champions League victory at Sporting Lisbon got the Gunners back to winning ways, but they needed heroics from goalkeeper David Raya after another unconvincing performance.

City, by contrast, appear to be hitting top form after thrashing Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals and will smell blood should Arsenal stumble at the Emirates.

Pep Guardiola's men still have a game in hand on Arsenal and the two face off next weekend in a potentially decisive clash in the title race.

Struggling Liverpool in 'survival mode'

Slot conceded the English champions were outclassed in defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and they face a battle just to make the competition next season.

"We were in survival mode for large parts of the game but maybe also in the period of the season we are in, we are in survival mode," said Slot after a run of one win in six games.

The top five in the Premier League will qualify and Liverpool occupy fifth for now.

But only seven points separate them from Bournemouth in 12th.

The wretched form of both Liverpool and Chelsea has offered hope for the chasing pack.

Fulham are among them and can close to within two points of the Reds should Liverpool suffer a fourth consecutive defeat.

Slot has already lost the confidence of large sections of the Liverpool support less than a year on from winning the title.

And a disgruntled fanbase are also set to protest this weekend over planned ticket price rises in line with inflation for the next three seasons.

De Zerbi's debut

Spurs could be in the bottom three by the time of De Zerbi's debut should West Ham beat bottom-the-table Wolves on Friday.

Tottenham begin the weekend one point above the drop zone but without a league win in 2026.

De Zerbi has just seven games to try and save a club that has not experienced life outside the top flight since 1978.

The Italian has been lured to north London despite Spurs' perilous position thanks to a lucrative five-year deal.

The fiery former Marseille boss established a positive reputation for himself in England during a two-year spell as Brighton manager between 2022 and 2024.

But his methods often take time to bed in. Time Tottenham do not have in the battle for survival.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Friday

West Ham v Wolves (1900)

Saturday

Arsenal v Bournemouth (1130), Brentford v Everton, Burnley v Brighton (both 1400), Liverpool v Fulham (1630)

Sunday

Crystal Palace v Newcastle, Sunderland v Tottenham, Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (all 1300), Chelsea v Manchester City (1530)

Monday

Manchester United v Leeds (1900)

Spearheaded by England striker Harry Kane, Bayern top the Bundesliga and beat Real Madrid 2-1 away this week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. They have visited South Korea and Hong Kong once each previously. Bayern have South Korean international Kim Min-jae at the heart of their defence.

Villa, who have one foot in the semi-finals of the Europa League, said on their website they "would hope to announce further fixtures in the far east in due course". Teams heading on pre-season tours will need to balance lucrative visits with player welfare, with the World Cup running from June 11 to July 19.

Huge enthusiasm and excitement was seen among the students with this tournament, which was held with the participation of students from all government primary schools of Hakimpur Municipality. A festive atmosphere was prevailed on the field with the presence of school teachers, parents, and local sports enthusiasts centering on the opening match.

The organizers said that such competitions will play an important role in increasing children's interest in sports, as well as their physical and mental development. On the day, Dhakhin Basudebpur Primary School beat Churi Patti Primary School by 1-0 goal in the inaugural match.

The biggest East Asia-Pacific qualifying tournament ever will see nine teams battling to move a step closer to the T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Matches will also take place at the Japan Cricket Association's headquarters in Sano, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) outside of Tokyo. "This is an extraordinary opportunity for Japan to show our capacity to host pathway events for the EAP Region across multiple venues," said JCA chief operations officer Alan Curr.

"We will be stretched like no time ever before, but are confident we can deliver an event that will showcase the best of the EAP region as well as create excitement for cricket at the Asian Games later this year." Hosts Japan will be joined at the tournament by the Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Samoa and Vanuatu.

Diego Simeone's side, who have never won the competition, reached the 2014 and 2016 finals but were beaten by rivals Real Madrid on both occasions. "We have things to improve and learn from... we're happy for the win but there's a long way to go," Atletico's Antoine Griezmann told Movistar. "We're very far from the semis, we're 90 or more minutes away... we're confident but keeping our feet on the ground."

Barca, semi-finalists last season, need to make a huge comeback next Tuesday in Madrid if they are to stand a chance of lifting the trophy they last won in 2015. "It will be tough there but if anyone can do it, it's us," Barca defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar. Barca coach Hansi Flick was upset by the use of VAR to punish his side for Cubarsi's red card but not to analyse a potential handball incident against Atletico's Marc Pubill in the second half.

The defender touched the ball with his hand after goalkeeper Juan Musso passed it to him, to take the goal kick himself, which Flick said should have been reviewed. "The VAR was very focussed today for Atletico, he's a German guy, so thanks Germany," complained the former German national team boss. "It's for me a clear red card, then it (can) change (things) totally." Diego Simeone said the decision that was made was "common sense".

Atletico knocked Barca out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals in March and this was the second of three meetings between the sides in the space of a fortnight. Barcelona started well with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, their main threat down the left. On the right flank Atletico tried to suffocate teenage star Lamine Yamal with defensive numbers, allowing Rashford more room.

The first chances fell to the England international, who scored against Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, but Musso denied him. At the other end, Alvarez, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona in recent months, tested Joan Garcia. The busy Rashford, constantly escaping beyond Nahuel Molina, volleyed narrowly wide and then rolled a shot into the bottom corner but it was disallowed for offside in the build-up.

Even though the 18-year-old Yamal was up against three Atletico defenders, he produced some superb skill to break free of their shackles, but Robin Le Normand blocked his shot. Veteran Atletico midfielder Koke was fortunate to stay on the pitch after fouls on Dani Olmo, Pedri and Yamal were only punished with a yellow card, to Barca supporters' fury. Flick's side were controlling the game with Atletico talisman Griezmann quiet against his former team, but a moment of clumsiness from Cubarsi dramatically gave the visitors the upper hand before half-time.

The 19-year-old centre-back, chasing Giuliano Simeone as he ran through on goal to reach a ball in behind Barca's defence from Alvarez, clattered the Atletico coach's son from behind. Although referee Istvan Kovacs only produced a yellow card for Cubarsi, he upgraded it to a red after a VAR review. Worse was to come for Barca, with former Manchester City striker Alvarez whipping the free-kick into the top corner.

Barca battled well with 10 men, continuing to create chances for Rashford. Yamal sent the forward through on goal but after rounding Musso he could only hit the side netting, and he had a free-kick tipped over. It was against the run of play again that Atletico snatched their second. Griezmann and Matteo Ruggieri combined and the latter crossed for target man Sorloth, who outmuscled Gerard Martin and fired past the helpless Garcia.

Barca tasted defeat at home for the first time since Camp Nou reopened in November 2025 -- and Atletico coach Simeone won at the stadium for the first time in his 14-year career at the helm of the Rojiblancos. It was Atletico's first win at Camp Nou since 2006 and a potential stepping stone towards the trophy they crave most.

It only remains to be seen whether the reigning European champions -- who had a second-half penalty in their favour overturned after a VAR review -- might regret not scoring more goals against a Liverpool side who lined up with three centre-backs and were run ragged. "I think we had chances to score more. There were many moments where we should score but it is OK," Kvaratskhelia told broadcaster Canal Plus.

"I think 2-0 is good but we have to stay focused because we have to play at Anfield. We know that the atmosphere will be amazing so we are already starting to prepare that game." Liverpool's game plan could not stop them slumping to a second emphatic loss in five days, even if the scoreline was not as bad as the 4-0 mauling inflicted by Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend. It is just one win in six in all competitions for Liverpool, and this was a 16th reverse in total in a difficult campaign.

"We were in survival mode for large parts of the game, and maybe also we are in survival mode at this period of the season," said coach Arne Slot. "It is really, really hard against this team -- PSG was the better team, but we didn't give up and that is why we still have a chance in this tie."

Slot's team must try to repeat what they did in the last 16, when they overturned a 1-0 first-leg loss away to Galatasaray by winning 4-0 in the return. This will be a far tougher task, however, as the sides clash again next Tuesday on Merseyside, where PSG won 1-0 in the second leg of their last-16 tie last season before advancing on penalties. That was a big step on their way to winning the Champions League, and came after they somehow lost 1-0 at the Parc des Princes despite completely dominating.

A string of Alisson Becker saves helped Liverpool smash and grab their way to victory a year ago, but the Brazilian was absent here meaning Mamardashvili started in goal. Mohamed Salah was also left out of the line-up by Slot, instead taking a place on the bench alongside Alexander Isak with the Swede involved again after suffering a leg fracture in December. Hugo Ekitike started up front for Liverpool against the club where he spent 18 months earlier in his career and failed to escape the shadows of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Joe Gomez slotted in alongside Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk as a third central defender, as Liverpool set out to press high but spent the night chasing the ball. PSG were well in control before they scored, as Doue collected the ball just outside the box, advanced into the area and tried a shot which struck Gravenberch's boot and took a looping trajectory which left the goalkeeper flummoxed. Mamardashvili did later save from Kvaratskhelia and Doue meaning there was just one goal in a one-sided first half in which PSG had 70 percent possession and Liverpool's only attempt came from Jeremie Frimpong when he was offside.

The pattern of the contest did not really change after the break, with Ousmane Dembele blazing over before the second goal arrived. A superb Joao Neves pass released Kvaratskhelia through the inside-left channel, and the Georgian held off Gravenberch before rounding the goalkeeper to tuck in. Liverpool were then rescued by the Spanish referee's decision to change his mind after initially awarding a penalty when Konate brought down Warren Zaire-Emery, while also taking the ball.

Small mercies for Slot, who sent on Isak in a quadruple substitution on 78 minutes, but left Salah on the bench. Dembele hit the post late on for PSG, although they are firmly in control after a ninth win in a game against Premier League opposition since the start of 2025.

Khairul Kabir Khokon, Parliament Member of Narsingdi-1 constituency and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Joint Secretary General, is expected to attend in the competition as the chief guest and distribute prizes. BBF president and additional inspectors general of police of Police Bureau of Investigation Md Mostafa Kamal will preside over the prize distribution ceremony.

Islamabad’s South African recruit Chris Green tormented Lahore with his wily off-spin, claiming 3-19. He was ably supported by Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson and Shadab Khan who all took two wickets apiece. The bowlers’ performance was imperative in defending such low total but Lahore bowlers including Mustafizur Rahm failed to come up with the terms.

Only Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed a wicket initially by dismissing Sameer Minhas. However, Devon Conway and Mohammad Faiq shared a 93-run for the unbeaten second wicket to sail the side home in just 10.2 overs, reaching 104-1 for a victory. Conway was not out on 59 off 35 after hitting seven fours and three sixes while Faiq was unbeaten on 34. Mustafizur went wicket-less after giving away 16 runs in two overs.

"The outcome of the initiative will be visible very soon. CWAB expects that the current ad-hoc committee of the BCB will continue to make such timely decisions for the country's cricket. CWAB will always support any positive decision regarding the nation's cricket," it added. Tamim Iqbal-led 11-member ad hoc committee, which assumed charge after the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led elected BCB body was dissolved last Tuesday, announced a pay hike for the local cricketers yesterday in its just second meeting.

Under the new structure for women's cricketers, match fees in limited-overs formats have nearly doubled. Players will now earn Taka 10,000 per T20 match and Taka 15,000 per ODI game, up from Taka 5,000 previously. The fee for longer-format matches has been set at Taka 20,000. In women's domestic cricket, the number of contracted players has risen to 35. Monthly salaries have increased from Taka 30,000 to Taka 40,000.

For men's domestic cricket, the number of contracted players has increased slightly to 102 from 100 last year. Salaries have seen substantial hikes across categories. Category 'A' players will now receive Taka 65,000 per month (up from Taka 28,750), 'B' players Taka 50,000 (up from Taka 23,000), and 'C' players Taka 40,000 (up from Taka 17,250).

Match fees in men's first-class cricket have also been raised, with players now earning Taka 100,000 per match, compared to Taka 70,000 previously. Explaining the decision, Tamim said domestic cricketers had long been underpaid regardless of their efforts. He added that the revised salary structure would be effective retroactively from January, despite being introduced in April.

Khairul Kabir Khokon, Parliament Member of Narsingdi-1 constituency and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Joint Secretary General, is expected to attend in the competition as the chief guest and distribute prizes. BBF president and additional inspectors general of police of Police Bureau of Investigation Md Mostafa Kamal will preside over the prize distribution ceremony.

Earlier, in the first leg, defending champions Mohammedan defeated Abahani Limited by 3-2 goals. In the day’s another two matches, Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club meet Brothers Union Club at Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj and PWD Sports Club face old Dhaka outfit Rahmantganj Muslim and Friends Society at Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur.  

All the three matches kick off at 3:30 pm.

In the remaining 12th round matches on the following day (Saturday), Bangladesh Police Football Club will play against  Fortis Football Club at Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur  while  Bashundhara Kings meet Arambagh Krira Sangha at Bashundhara Kings arena in the capital.

Marking the occasion, a press conference and jersey unveiling ceremony was held today at the BCB Media Center in Dhaka. Among those present were Prime Bank PLC Additional Managing Director Md. Nazim A. Chowdhury and Senior Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand and Communications Syed Raihan Tariq. Representing the BCB were former national team captain and chief selector Habibul Bashar Suman and current Test captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto. National team batter Towhid Hridoy, a product of school cricket, also attended the event.

Speaking at the event Nazim A. Chowdhury said several cricketers who emerged from school cricket have gone on to represent Bangladesh at the highest level, describing it as a matter of pride. He emphasized the importance of grassroots development in the overall progress of cricket and expressed Prime Bank’s continued commitment to the initiative. Since its inception in 2015, the tournament has seen participation from 3,507 schools, with 76,235 cricketers competing in 6,195 matches nationwide, making it one of the largest cricket platforms in the country.

In addition to organizing the tournament, Prime Bank PLC has been awarding scholarships to promising players selected by BCB’s age-group selectors. This year, the number of scholarships has been increased from 15 to 25, while the annual stipend has been doubled from Taka 60,000 to Taka 120,000 per player.

According to the updated itinerary, all matches will now be held during daytime hours. The ODIs will commence at 11:00 AM, while the T20Is will start at 2:00 PM. The decision follows a meeting held on Wednesday night. BCB ad hoc committee chief Tamim Iqbal confirmed that the timings will be adjusted to align with the government's initiative aimed at reducing electricity consumption, particularly by limiting the use of floodlights. The move is expected to contribute to nationwide efforts to manage energy demand more efficiently. New Zealand will play the first two ODIs in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, and the third ODI in Chattogram on April 23. The first two T20Is will be played in Chattogram on April 27 and 29 and the final T20I will be in Dhaka on May 2.

“My journey started through age-level cricket, but I was fortunate to play a school tournament in Kerala at the Under-17 level. That experience was very important for my career,” he said, recalling that he was named the best player in the competition. Shanto urged organisers to reintroduce similar overseas opportunities for promising school cricketers. “As far as I remember, that was the only such tour. If we can select the best school players and arrange matches abroad or even against state teams, it will benefit them and increase interest in the tournament,” he added.

The left-handed batter stressed that school cricket should be treated as a key development platform rather than merely a participation-based event. “If we can expand the tournament and ensure proper facilities, players will come on their own. Right now, sometimes schools need to be invited—but that should change,” he said. Highlighting the broader value of school cricket, Shanto said it offers both enjoyment and a pathway to professional success.

“We play to enjoy the game, but it is also an opportunity. Strong performances here can take a player a long way. It also builds friendships and understanding, creating a positive environment,” he noted. Reflecting on Bangladesh cricket, Shanto acknowledged a relative lack of role models compared to previous generations but expressed optimism, citing players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim as inspirations during his youth.

“We have a big responsibility. If we perform well, the next generation will be inspired by us,” he said, adding that current school players could one day represent the national team. Meanwhile, Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy also underscored the importance of school cricket, calling for better scheduling and wider opportunities.

“To be honest, whenever I talk about school cricket, I become a bit emotional. My journey in cricket started from here,” Hridoy said. He recalled the challenges of limited resources during his school days but said enthusiasm remained high. “We used to share bats and helmets and still enjoyed the game immensely,” he said. Hridoy described school cricket as a vital platform for emerging talent but expressed concern over matches being affected by rain in recent years.

“Some matches were decided by toss due to rain. The tournament should not be held during the rainy season so players can play full matches,” he said. He added that ensuring proper scheduling and venues would help maximise opportunities for young cricketers. Hridoy, whose school team won the national title during his time, emphasised the importance of team success over individual achievements. “With so many schools participating, becoming national champions is not easy. That shows how competitive the tournament is,” he added.

Identifying the cricket operations as a critical area, the new president said that the board is keen to avoid disruption at a time when it faces a three-month deadline to deliver a credible election.

"Cricket Operations department is the most important area. We are entrusted to conduct an election with three months timeframe and so we felt this is a very sensitive department," said Tamim, who took the responsibility of two departments.

Committee Chairmen:

Working and Facilities: Tamim Iqbal

Game Development, BPL: Fahim Sinha

Grounds: Rofiqul Islam Babu

Age-Group Cricket: Tanjil Chowdhury

Marketing and Disciplinary: Mirza Salman Ispahani

Women's Wing, Medical and Complaints: Rashna Imam

Financial and Welfare: Israfil Khosru

Security, Tender and Purchase: Syed Ibrahim Ahmed

Tournament Committee: Minhajul Abdein Nannu

Logistics: Mirza Yasir Abbar

Umpires: Athar Ali Khan

Jamal Uddin netted the lone goal for the losers in the 48th minute of the match. Sohel Rana of Chittagong Abahani got the marching order following double yellow cards. At Fortis ground Jalshiri, ten men Dhaka Rangers Football Club beat Chattogram City Football Club by 2-0 goals with Rimu Ahmed and Aswad Bin Wali Khan scored one goal each for Dhaka Rangers in the 67th and 90+3rd minutes respectively. Labibur Rahman of the winning team was shown red card by the referee following his double yellow cards. At Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur, Suktara Juboo Sangsad blanked Khelaghar Samaj Kalyan Samity also by 2-0 goals with Al Amin and Atiqul Islam scored one goal each for Suktara in the 67th and 77th minutes respectively.

Muhtady Tajwar Nasheed split point with Khoo Ian Poh and Sidratul Muntaha Nafi lost to Lee Yuze. However, in the sixth round held later in the afternoon, South Point School and College conceded 0.5-3.5 defeat against the RPMS Almaty of Kazakhstan. Safayat Kibria Azaan South Point School & College drew with Nurliyev Magzhan RPMS Almaty. Muhtady Tajwar Nasheed, Sidratul Muntaha Nafi and Azaan Mahmood of South Point School & College lost to Nesipbay Rakhman, Omirserik Alima and Baibek Emur of RPMS Almaty respectively. After six rounds, South Point School & College has collected six points. The seventh round games start tomorrow (Friday) with South Point School and College take on Bolovsrol Secondary School of Mongolia.

Termination of sublicence agreements

According to media reports, JioStar has terminated its Bangladesh sub-licence agreements with Excel Lead following “payment defaults.” The original agreements, signed between Viacom18 Media Private Limited (now JioStar) and Clifford Commodity DMCC, were later transferred to Excel Lead. They covered the digital exploitation of IPL and WPL rights in Bangladesh for the 2023–27 seasons. Sources said JioStar requested payment of outstanding dues for the IPL 2025 and WPL 2025 seasons in early January 2026. Despite access to all match feeds and permission to commercially exploit the content, Excel Lead failed to settle the payments within the agreed timeline. With the cure period expired, JioStar exercised its termination rights, reclaiming all licensed media rights.

Immediate stop to broadcasts

Following the termination, Excel Lead (T-Sports) has been ordered to immediately stop broadcasting, streaming, or promoting IPL and WPL content in Bangladesh. JioStar has warned that any further use would be considered unauthorised and actionable infringement of its proprietary media rights. The company is also considering legal action, including interim relief and injunctions, to prevent further unauthorised exploitation and protect the commercial value of these high-profile cricket properties.

Arbitration invoked against Gazi TV affiliate

Separately, JioStar has invoked arbitration against Green Bean Sports Marketing, an affiliate of Gazi TV Bangladesh, over a sublicence agreement for IPL television rights in Bangladesh covering the same 2023–27 seasons. Signals for the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons were delivered as per the agreement, but subsequent breaches and payment issues led JioStar to terminate the contract in January 2025.Through arbitration, JioStar seeks to resolve the disputes and enforce its contractual rights, underlining the company’s commitment to protecting its IPL and WPL media assets in Bangladesh.

Griezmann switched Atletico for Barca in 2019, lasting just two years in the Catalan capital before returning to Simeone's side on loan, and making the return permanent in 2022. During that short stint in Barca colours Griezmann missed out on Atletico's La Liga title win in 2021, a trophy that has eluded him through his career. At Barca he was on the receiving end of the brutal 8-2 thrashing by Bayern in the 2020 Champions League quarter-finals, and failed to fit into the team alongside Lionel Messi.

Griezmann wants to leave Atletico, where he is the all-time top scorer with 211 goals, with major silverware in his hands at last, to add to the 2018 World Cup he won with France. The first step towards that, since announcing the decision to depart last week, is at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the fifth meeting between Atletico and Barca this season. Orlando wanted him to join by the end of March, but Griezmann said he would stay at Atletico, in no small part for a final shot at biggest trophy in the club game, as well as the Copa del Rey final.

The 35-year-old, one of Simeone's very greatest soldiers during the coach's 14-year reign, combined the work ethic the Argentine demanded with immense skill and quality. "Griezmann is a maverick, it's unbelievable how he plays football," enthused Barca coach Hansi Flick last week. "It seems so light, it's like he's dancing." Griezmann may not have won as many trophies as he would have liked, but has often dazzled with his elegance and vision.

"I hope we can do something big," said Griezmann after helping Atletico crush Spurs 5-2 in the last 16 first leg, netting his side's second goal. Griezmann has rocked Barca before, scoring twice in the 2016 quarter-finals a decade ago to send Atletico through and knock out Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and Co, although that campaign ended in tears in the Milan final at the hands of rivals Real Madrid. After Griezmann started in the 2-1 La Liga defeat by Barca on Saturday, there is the chance he may be used from the bench on Wednesday.

For much of this season Simeone has been sparing with his minutes, perhaps tipping him towards the decision to leave. Another Atletico player who might one day follow the Frenchman's path to Barcelona is striker Julian Alvarez, who is likely to start at Camp Nou and has been frequently linked with the Catalans. The Argentine caused consternation in the Spanish capital earlier this season when he said "maybe yes, maybe no" over whether he was planning to stay at the club beyond the summer.

Barca, still not in a healthy financial position, may not be able to produce the hefty transfer fee the Rojiblancos would demand, after Alvarez arrived from Manchester City for œ81.5 million ($108m) in 2024. Alvarez has had a mixed bag of a season, but Simeone has repeatedly backed the forward who is in better form after a winter drought. "Thank God he is back," said Simeone after Alvarez netted against Barca in a 4-0 win in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg in February, with Griezmann also on target as Barca collapsed at the Metropolitano stadium.

Five-time winners Barca may be favourites for the tie but between Griezmann's desire for a grand finale and Alvarez's chance to dazzle his suitors, Atletico have the tools they need to cause an upset.

PSG's triumph on penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 last season was pivotal on their run to a first ever Champions League title. They had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since. Arne Slot's side somewhat ran out of steam after that, albeit having done more than enough to get over the line in the Premier League.

This season has been a huge disappointment, however, and they return to Paris in especially downbeat mood after a chastening 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals. That had Slot saying his team lacked fighting spirit, while captain Virgil van Dijk suggested they had given up and admitted it would be "very difficult" for Liverpool to lift themselves against PSG. "But we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but especially to the fans and, if we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in the next three games," he said, with the Champions League tie taking place either side of an awkward clash with Fulham.

"The matter of fact is now, PSG are waiting for us. It will be so tough again. So we have to be ready mentally as soon as possible," Van Dijk added. Liverpool have won just one of their last five matches and have suffered 15 defeats in this campaign. Securing a return to Europe's top table for next season has to be the main aim now for a team currently lying fifth in the Premier League.

PSG, in contrast, have had a tricky season at times due to injuries but look like they might be returning to their very best form at the right time. A 3-1 win over Toulouse last Friday, featuring one marvellous goal from reigning Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, helped them extend their lead atop Ligue 1 to four points from nearest challengers Lens, with a game in hand. But the Champions League is what really matters -- the French league even accepted their request to postpone this Saturday's key trip to Lens to allow them to concentrate fully on Liverpool.

"I think we have shown for a long time that we are ready, regardless of the competition, but there are obviously things we can improve," warned Luis Enrique. Dembele is fully fit and firing, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the inspiration in the last round, when PSG destroyed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate -- Wednesday's game will be their 14th against Premier League opposition since January 2025.

There is one obvious weakness in PSG's ranks, however -- they have not successfully replaced goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the hero in last season's shoot-out against Liverpool who is now at Manchester City. Lucas Chevalier was signed as the Italian's successor but has lost his place to Matvey Safonov, the Russian who made two glaring mistakes to cost his side a goal at the weekend.

"A goalkeeper is like any other player. They can make mistakes, because that's normal in football," said Luis Enrique. The key for the visitors, meanwhile, could be Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's leading scorer this season with 17 goals, who comes up against the club where he failed to make an impact earlier in his career. Ekitike, 23, joined PSG from Reims in 2022 but scored just four goals in 18 months before leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt.

He struggled to break into an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar but returns to his homeland as a genuine contender to start for France at the World Cup. "Hugo is a great player. He is really in form so we are just hoping he won't be against us," said PSG's Dembele, his international teammate.

Some US media initially reported that the Colombia captain was suffering from rhabdomyolysis -- a severe breakdown of muscle tissue that, in extreme cases, can be fatal. "Minnesota United FC takes the health and privacy of its players seriously," the Major League Soccer side said in a statement. "The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis."

Minnesota said Rodriguez had been recovering at home after being discharged last week before returning to training on Monday, where he participated in "a supervised return-to-activity" session. "His reintegration into full team training will follow the protocols established by the club's medical department and will be guided entirely by his clinical progress," Minnesota said.

Only the top two at the end of the regular season are guaranteed promotion to the lucrative Premier League with the other remaining place secured by play-off games between the teams finishing third to sixth. Earlier on Monday, Oscar Schwartau came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Norwich beat Millwall 2-1 -- a win that helped bitter local rivals Ipswich. Millwall, who started the day second, led through substitute Mihailo Ivanovic shortly after half-time but Pelle Mattson's long-range strike and Schwartau's effort sealed defeat to give their closest pursuers -- including Ipswich -- hope of narrowing the gap.

Instead it was Ipswich who went second after Kasey McAteer scored his first goal for the Tractor Boys on the stroke of half-time as they came from behind to beat Birmingham 2-1. Middlesbrough found themselves in third place, level on points with Ipswich but significantly having played two more games, following a 2-2 draw away to Swansea. In a game of three penalties -- including two for Swansea both scored by Zan Vipotnik -- it was Tommy Conway's second-half spot-kick that rescued a point for Boro.

Mid-table Bristol City made it two wins in a row under veteran interim manager Roy Hodgson with a 1-0 victory at home to Sheffield United. Mark Sykes scored the lone goal at Ashton Gate but Radek Vitek made several fine saves to secure another success for 78-year-old former England boss Hodgson.

At the bottom of the the table, Andre Dozzell's 87th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for 10-man Portsmouth in a 2-2 draw with fellow relegation candidates Oxford. The result meant Pompey remained just above the bottom three, with a game in hand over the clubs in the relegation zone. Sheffield Wednesday, long since condemned to the drop after being hit with 18 points in penalties for entering administration and breaches of payment obligations, were denied a first home league win of the season after Jordan Ayew scored a late equaliser for Leicester. But the result kept the Foxes in the bottom three after Jerry Yates' second-minute goal put the Owls ahead.

Earlier, Bangladesh suffered 3-2 defeat to host Thailand in their group opening match and conceded 2-0 lose to China in their second match.

Korda, who started the day two strokes adrift, closed with a three-over 75, her only birdie of the day coming at the final hole. Maguire, meanwhile, moved up the leaderboard with a one-under 71 to join Korda on two-under. Japan's Miyu Yamashita, who shared the first-round lead with Coughlin, posted a two-over 74 for a one-under total of 287. The leading four were the only players to finish the week under par after a days of swirling, gusting winds and high scores.

"I just know I played really, really great all week," said Coughlin, whose two prior titles came at the 2024 Canadian Women's Open and Scottish Women's Open. Ranked 32nd in the world coming into the week, the American is projected to rise to 12th in the rankings after the victory in a star-studded event that featured all of the top 20 ranked players. The tournament co-sanctioned by the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour is part of the Saudi-backed Global series and featured a total purse of $4 million with a $600,000 winner's prize.

More important to Coughlin, it gave her another chance to tackle Shadow Creek, where she finished runner-up in last year's LPGA Match Play. "It definitely left a sour taste in my mouth last year, not getting the W given how well I played all week," she said. "So it makes it extra special this week." After sharing the first-round lead Coughlin had led by five after the second round before Korda cut the gap on Saturday.

But Korda said her game just wasn't sharp enough on Sunday. "I just didn't play good golf today," the American said. "I was hitting it pretty poorly off the tee, and I was just finding myself in really tough positions going into the greens and then hitting it in places where I shouldn't be around the greens. "This golf course is brutal, especially if you're on the wrong side of the green."

Maguire, whose five birdies included one at the par-five 18th, said she enjoyed the challenge, and liked what it showed about her game. "Any time you can shoot three rounds under par at Shadow Creek you're pretty happy," she said. "I've always said it's one of my favorite venues of the year. "I felt like my game had been a lot better lately than some of the scores I shot, and it was nice to see that sort of come to fruition this week on really the hardest course I played all year."

Just as it seemed their well of Champions League magic was running dry, Madrid produced their best performance of the season to crush Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the last 16. Despite Madrid's prestige and troupe of attacking stars -- Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde -- Bayern are arguably favourites to lift the trophy. "It would be presumptuous to assume that we'll definitely advance," said honorary Bayern president Uli Hoeness. "But we haven't had such great chances in terms of the playing quality as we have this year in a long time."

Kane, who has scored 48 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, missed Bayern's battling 3-2 Bundesliga win at Freiburg on Saturday with an ankle issue. "He'd play in a wheelchair," said Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich, while Kompany added that he had "a feeling" that the England striker would be ready. With Michael Olise and Luis Diaz joining Kane in attack, Kompany's side play an aggressive, high-pressing style which helped them demolish Atalanta in the last 16, 10-2 on aggregate.

Bayern came from two goals down to beat Freiburg and match-winner Lennart Karl said that fighting spirit was crucial heading into the Madrid clash. "It gives us a lot of confidence. It was very important -- we actually feel unbeatable at the moment," he said, with Bayern's last defeat coming in January, 14 matches ago.

In that same period Madrid have lost four times, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa struggling to find the right balance when all his superstars are fit, just like Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti before him. "They're not playing the best football, but they're outstanding in terms of experience," noted Hoeness. Madrid fell to a disappointing defeat at Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday, leaving them seven points behind rivals Barcelona in the Spanish title race.

Arbeloa brushed off the loss and said it would have no bearing on his team's performance against Bayern, in the club's favoured competition. "I know what my players are capable of, I know they understand the importance of Tuesday's game," Arbeloa told reporters. "The demand on the team will be maximum and I know the support that Madrid fans will offer us -- with them, everything is easier."

Bayern are well aware of the impact of Madrid's supporters on big European nights at the Bernabeu, which, along with the weight of history and sublime individual quality, helps Los Blancos pull off remarkable results even when the odds are against them. "It's the stadium and the fans who, together with the team, transform into a hurricane that sweeps over the opponent," said Bayern powerbroker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"You need nerves of steel, you have to stay calm, and you have to be mentally prepared... it's not just an ordinary game. It will be the toughest test." Two Bayern players who understand that more than most are goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich, who have both cracked in the Bernabeu pressure cooker before. In the 2018 semi-final Ulreich went to pick up a back pass before suddenly realising his mistake and let it run past him, with Karim Benzema tapping into the empty net.

Madrid went on to win that tie, as they have on all of the last four knockouts against Bayern. In each of those years, they went on to lift the trophy. In the 2024 semi-finals former Stoke City striker Joselu struck twice in the dying embers of the second leg, the first after a Neuer handling error, to send Bayern crashing out.

No teams have faced each other more in the competition, with Tuesday's match the 29th occasion Madrid will meet Bayern. The German giants last eliminated Los Blancos in 2012 but believe they finally have the quality this year to rewrite the narrative of the last decade.

Up 80-77 going into the fourth quarter, the Celtics were buoyed by 11 points from Payton Pritchard in the final frame, pushing their lead to as many as 18. Ja'Kobe Walter scored 16 points and RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram added 15 points each for the Raptors, who are seventh in the East but neck and neck with Philadelphia in the fight for sixth and a chance to escape the play-in tournament. Later Sunday LeBron James leads a depleted Lakers team against the Mavericks in Dallas.

The Lakers, clinging to third place in the Western Conference, have confirmed they will be without NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic and offensive sparkplug Austin Reaves for at least the last five games of the regular season. Doncic suffered a hamstring strain in a loss to Oklahoma City Thursday and Reaves has an oblique muscle injury. The fourth-placed Denver Nuggets are hot on the Lakers' heels with the Houston Rockets just two games behind them in fifth place.

Golden State superstar Stephen Curry is expected to return from a 27-game injury absence when the Warriors host the Rockets. Curry, who last played on January 30, was diagnosed with a bone bruise and patella-femoral pain syndrome in his right knee. The 38-year-old said this week that he'd been frustrated at the slow pace of recovery from an injury he expected to sideline him "a week, 10 days max".

"The patience then was tough just because it's one of those injuries you really have to let rest," he said. Curry said there is "nothing structurally wrong" with his knee but acknowledged he's dealing with "a new normal" in terms of managing the issue. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Curry will be on a minutes restriction as the team, currently 10th in the West, builds toward the play-in tournament.

The American had looked to be heading for defeat after the 77th-ranked Burruchaga engineered a trio of match points while leading 5-3 on Paul's serve in the decisive third set. But Paul showed tremendous resilience to put out that fire and hold, and then broke Burruchaga in the next game to square the match at 5-5.

Buoyed by that narrow escape, Paul then held to love to go 6-5 up, and suddenly the pressure was all on the 24-year-old from Buenos Aires, playing in his first ATP final. Burruchaga, the son of 1986 World Cup-winning footballer Jorge Burruchaga, appeared equal to the challenge after going 40-0 up.

Yet once again Paul dug deep and clawed his way back to deuce. The American moved to match point when Burruchaga drilled a backhand wide down the line, and then clinched victory when the South American yanked a wild forehand long on the next point.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque led the procession. Officials and employees from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Department of Youth Development, National Sports Council and Sports Directorate took part in the rally. Players and organizers from various sports federations also joined spontaneously, creating a festive atmosphere.

Speaking to journalists after the rally, the State Minister thanked all participants and said sports not only enhance physical fitness but also help build strong social bonds. He noted that sports play a significant role in building a healthy and drug-free society. Highlighting the unifying power of sports, he said it is a platform free from division and urged people from all walks of life, irrespective of political or ideological differences, to work together to build a sports-friendly nation.

Coughlin, who started the day with a five-shot lead, bogeyed the third and sixth holes but was back to even for the day after birdies at the seventh and 11th. Her advantage dwindled with back-to-back bogeys at 13 and 14 and she arrived at the par-five 18th -- one of the hardest holes on the course on the day -- just one in front of Korda. Her approach raced through the green into a greenside bunker and her shot out rolled past the hole, but Coughlin made her birdie putt coming back to give herself a two-shot cushion with a seven-under total of 209.

"This golf course is really, really hard, especially if you get in the wrong spot," Coughlin said. "I felt like I did a pretty good job of at least getting in spots, and if I did get a little out, making sure I walked away with no worse than bogey. "It's going to be really hard tomorrow, so just going to see how it goes," said the American.

Korda will play in the final group on Sunday for a third straight week. Her three-under effort included birdies at the third and fourth and, after a bogey at 15, impressive back-to-back birdies at the par-three 17th and the 18th. Korda, five-under through 54 holes, also said patience was key in a round that saw long waits on several tees as players struggled to cope in the conditions.

"Shadow Creek definitely showed its colors today," she said. "It's been playing brutally hard, especially the back nine. There was, like ,a four-group wait on a par-three -- it was hard to stop golf balls for us." The challenge has drawn comparisons to major championship golf. In fact, the tournament co-sanctioned by the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour is part of the Saudi-backed Global Series and features a total purse of $4 million with a $600,000 winner's prize.

It has drawn a field featuring every player in the top 20. Denmark's Nana Koerstz Madsen and Japan's 2025 LPGA Rookie of the Year Miyu Yamashita both shot 71 to share third place on three-under. Ireland's Leona Maguire, who started the day tied for second, was alone on one-under after a two-over 74. South Korean Kim Hyo-joo, coming off back-to-back wins at the Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, started the day tied with Maguire but endured a nightmare day, carding a seven-over par 79 to slide to a share of 17th.

MVP candidate Wembanyama, back after missing one game to rest a sore ankle, scored 34 points with 18 rebounds, seven assists and five blocked shots for the Spurs, who led most of the contest but couldn't resist the Nuggets' late surge. Aaron Gordon, fed by Jokic, threw down a dunk to tie it at 124-124 with 6.2 seconds left in regulation. Wembanyama's jumper as time expired clanged off the rim and they went to overtime, when Gordon's dunk in the opening minutes put Denver ahead for good.

"It was indicative of what we can be as a group," said Gordon, who finished with 15 points. Johnson scored 17 points and Jamal Murray scored 15 points and handed out 10 assists for the Nuggets in a contest marked by playoff-level intensity. "We like the intensity," Gordon said. "That's a really good ball club over there that plays really hard. So they brought it out of us."

Two weeks before the start of the playoffs, Gordon said the victory over the West's second-placed team was an important marker. "It's big," he said. "I just want us to be ready when the time is coming. This was a good step in that direction." Denver's Johnson drilled a three-pointer to open the contest, but Devin Vassell quickly tied it and the Spurs didn't trail again on the way to a 72-65 halftime lead.

Denver cut the deficit to one on Jokic's layup early in the third quarter and trailed by four going into the fourth. San Antonio pushed their lead to 11 on a Wembanyama dunk with 9:08 left in regulation, Denver battling back to briefly take a one-point lead before they finished regulation all-square. Wembanyama called it an "amazing game".

"Very fun, one of the most fun games, Wembanyama said. "I wish we could have closed it out." But, he added: "It's good for us. It's a real test against a team that's actually playing for something right now." The Detroit Pistons clinched the Eastern Conference top seed with a 116-93 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Tobias Harris scored 19 points and Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins added 16 points apiece to help Detroit capture the top seed, and home court advantage throughout the East playoffs, for the first time since 2007. Jenkins added 14 assists for the Pistons, who improved to 8-2 since star guard Cade Cunningham was sidelined by a collapsed lung.

"The way this group has grown together as quickly as it has, it is special," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "But we've got more food to eat. We'll take tonight, enjoy this, but tomorrow we'll get back to work." With center Joel Embiid sitting out the second night of a back to back, Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points to lead the Sixers, who slipped behind the Toronto Raptors for sixth place and the last direct entry to the playoffs. The Miami Heat, 10th in the East and jockeying to improve their play-in position, beat the Washington Wizards 152-136.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored a game-high 32 points off the bench for Miami. Fellow reserve Kel'el Ware added 24 points, 19 rebounds and eight blocked shots and seven Heat players scored in double figures. That included Bam Adebayo, who scored 83 in Miami's last game against Washington but settled for 14.

"I came to America in the MLS 20 years ago and I made a lot of promises. And 13 years ago I made a lot of promises again announcing I was coming to Miami. "Today it's just a dream come true for us." But while the match kicked off in celebratory fashion, with Beckham joining billionaire Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas in a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony, Austin refused to follow the script. The Texas club, who went into the game with only one win from five matches, had stunned the home crowd after only six minutes, with Guilherme Biro nodding in a corner from Facundo Torres to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Messi though did not take long to open his account in his new surroundings. Right-back Ian Fray burst down the flank and crossed for Messi, who equalized with a rare headed goal to make it 1-1. Inter Miami dominated possession thereafter and carved out a string of chances, with Mateo Silvetti twice going close with a shot in the 34th minute before heading wide four minutes later. But Austin's dogged defence and speed on the counter continued to pose problems for the hosts, and they once again took the lead after 53 minutes.

Messi was dispossessed deep in the Austin half by Joseph Rosales, who released Myrto Uzuni, who in turn sent substitute Jayden Nelson clean through on goal to score. With Miami increasingly desperate, coach Javier Mascherano sent on veteran striker Luis Suarez in the 73rd minute. The Uruguayan duly delivered eight minutes later, prodding home from close range after a Messi corner was flicked on by German Berterame in the Austin defence. Suarez thought he had scored a dramatic winner when he finished from close range after Messi's free-kick came back off the woodwork, but was ruled out for offside.

Paul, ranked 21st in the world, is into his second final of the year after a runner-up finish to Sebastian Korda at Delray Beach in February. But the 28-year-old is through to his first clay court final, where in Burruchaga he'll face an opponent playing his first title match. Burruchaga, ranked 77th, overpowered friend and fellow Argentinian Thiago Tirante 6-1, 6-1. He seized control with a break in the opening game and never let up, breaking Tirante five times while never facing a break point himself in the 61-minute match.

Tirante, coming off a quarter-final upset of top-seeded American Ben Shelton, wilted in the face of Burruchaga's relentless pressure. "We are very close friends, so it is never easy," said Burruchaga, the son of footballer Jorge Burruchaga who famously scored the winning goal for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup final. "It was a very tough match, so I am happy." 

"We have eight games to play and for me nothing is done, we have to stay focused," said Flick. "The (players) were happy, everyone knows that these were big points today... but everyone knows it's not done." Marcus Rashford pulled Barca level after Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half. Atletico midfielder Nico Gonzalez was sent off just before the break and his team dug deep with 10 men to try and avoid defeat, which they almost managed.

Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski had other ideas and used his shoulder to deflect home a rebound from point-blank range after 87 minutes. "We all knew what happened in the afternoon," Barca defender Eric Garcia told DAZN. "We knew that if we won today we would be taking a big step (towards the title), so we're very happy." This was the first of a trilogy of matches between the sides, clashing in the Champions League quarter-finals over the next fortnight.

With little left to play for in La Liga, Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated heavily with Wednesday's visit to Camp Nou in mind. Barca's 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal hit the post with a dinked effort as the game flowed from end to end. Atletico took the lead in the 39th minute through Giuliano Simeone, the coach's son bursting in behind Barca's high defensive line and slamming past Joan Garcia.

The visitors pulled level just three minutes later, Rashford exchanging passes with Olmo and drilling past Juan Musso on only his third league start since January. Atletico were reduced to 10 men just before half-time when Gonzalez scythed down Yamal on the edge of the box as he ran towards goal. Barcelona defender Gerard Martin was dismissed early in the second half as he thumped the ball away but then clattered Thiago Almada with a high foot. However after a VAR review the red card was revoked, much to Atletico's fury.

Barca struggled to make their numerical advantage count until late on when Joao Cancelo's shot was pushed out by Musso, only for substitute Lewandowski to cleverly turn home with his shoulder. "When it was 11 against 11 we were better, that gives us confidence," said Atletico stopper Musso. Flick said both teams would be better in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. "There is the Champions League, where every player has 5-10 percent more to give," said Flick.

Vedat Muriqi's late strike secured Mallorca a shock late win over Real Madrid. Alvaro Arbeloa's side thought they had rescued a point after Eder Militao nodded home with two minutes remaining to level Manu Morlanes's opener before Muriqi pounced to help the hosts climb to 17th. "For me it is easy to see but the hard thing is for the players to know that without giving 200 percent today, we were not going to win," Arbeloa told reporters.

"We were on top in the first half but because of one mistake, they scored. Here if you slip up for a moment... you end up paying the price." Arbeloa started the game with Vinicius Junior on the bench, with Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich in mind. Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman saved well from Madrid's top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler, before Mallorca nosed ahead.

Morlanes lost Eduardo Camavinga and tucked Pablo Maffeo's cross past Andriy Lunin. Arbeloa sent on Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Militao for his first appearance since December after injury. Madrid huffed and puffed but to little avail until Militao nodded home from a corner late on. However there was a sting in the tail for Madrid. Muriqi, second top scorer in the division behind Mbappe with 19 goals, lashed home in stoppage time.

The striker was visibly emotional after scoring, having missed a penalty in the team's previous game, a defeat by relegation-battling rivals Elche. "It's been two difficult weeks... emotions and nerves get the better of me, I'm human," said Muriqi, who also missed out on World Cup qualification with Kosovo in a play-off against Turkey.

Atletico midfielder Nico Gonzalez was sent off just before the break and his team dug deep with 10 men to try and avoid defeat, which they almost managed. Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski had other ideas and used his shoulder to deflect home a rebound from point-blank range after 87 minutes. "We all knew what happened in the afternoon," Barca defender Eric Garcia told DAZN. "We knew that if we won today we would be taking a big step (towards the title), so we're very happy...

"They are a hard team to score against when they close up at the back, they defend very well, so the team did well." This was the first of a trilogy of matches between the sides, clashing in the Champions League quarter-finals over the next fortnight. With little left to play for in La Liga, Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated heavily with Wednesday's visit to Camp Nou in mind. His Barca counterpart Hansi Flick opted for Dani Olmo as a false nine to rest Lewandowski, while starting Rashford in place of the injured Raphinha on the left wing.

The England international, on loan from Manchester United, tested Juan Musso early on with a free-kick which the goalkeeper fielded comfortably. At the other end Antoine Griezmann, playing for Atletico for the first time since announcing his departure at the end of the season to MLS side Orlando City, was profligate. The forward skipped into the box and cleverly nutmegged Gerard Martin but his shot was too close to Barca stopper Joan Garcia to trouble the new Spain international.

Fermin Lopez was similarly wasteful at the other end, unable to find Rashford who had a clear sight of goal, and prodding wide himself when Lamine Yamal sent him scuttling through with a sensational pass. Barca's 18-year-old star Yamal hit the post with a dinked effort after Lopez laid the ball off to him as the game flowed from end to end. Atletico took the lead in the 39th minute through Giuliano Simeone, the coach's son bursting in behind Barca's high defensive line onto Clement Lenglet's pass and slamming past Garcia. The visitors pulled level just three minutes later, Rashford exchanging passes with Olmo and drilling past Musso on only his third league start since January.

Atletico were reduced to 10 men just before half-time when Gonzalez scythed down Yamal on the edge of the box as he ran towards goal. Barcelona defender Martin was dismissed early in the second half as he thumped the ball away but then clattered Thiago Almada with a high foot. However after a VAR review the red card was revoked, much to Atletico's fury.

Barca substitute Ferran Torres, without a goal since January, was twice thwarted by Musso as the visitors probed for a winner but struggled to make their numerical advantage count. Eventually their winner came when Joao Cancelo cut his way into the penalty area and his shot was pushed out by Musso, only for wily striker Lewandowski to knock it home with his shoulder. "We played a great first half... the red card penalised us, it's very hard with one fewer player," Musso told DAZN.

"I think it was a red card for them too, the referee saw it on the pitch... but this doesn't take our confidence away. "When it was 11 against 11 we were better, that gives us confidence."

For the first time in the race's 197-year history, both presidents (captains) were French, with Noam Mouelle leading the Light Blues of Cambridge and Tobias Bernard, a Londoner born to a French father and a Franco-American mother, skippering Oxford's Dark Blues. "I'm feeling great. It's really a feeling of relief. We got the job done," Mouelle said. "I feel like it always takes a bit of time to take a step back and reflect on what we achieved.

"These were really the worst conditions we've had in years on the Tideway, so it's really special to be part of that and to get the job done on a day like this." It was Cambridge who made the quicker start and never looked like being headed. Oxford did well to stay in touch along the 4.3-mile (6.9 kilometres) course from Putney to Chiswick, but it was Cambridge who powered ahead in the final third as they pulled clear to triumph by 11.02 seconds.

Cambridge now have an overall lead of 88 wins to 81, with one dead heat. In the preceding women's race Oxford ended a run of eight straight defeats after getting off to a fast start in blustery and rough conditions. Victory saw Oxford's Lilli Freischem defeat younger sister Mia, a member of the Cambridge crew.

Felix Correia pounced on a stray back-pass from Matthieu Udol to score a second for Lille five minutes after the break. Fernandez-Pardo sealed a fifth win in six games for Lille from the penalty spot after a handball by Ismaelo Ganiou. "You can lose but not in the way we did in a game like this. Now we have a duty to react," Sage told broadcaster Ligue 1+.

"We didn't turn up. It's as if we were looking at ourselves in the mirror and seeing a different version of us." Lille climbed up two places to third after extending their unbeaten run to eight matches, with Lens still four points behind PSG and having played a game more than the league leaders, who brushed past Toulouse 3-1 on Friday.

Strasbourg beat Nice 3-1 despite losing Argentina striker Joaquin Panichelli, the league's joint leading goalscorer, to a long-term knee injury suffered while on international duty last week. Martial Godo, Julio Enciso and Samir El Mourabet all struck in the first half for Strasbourg before Antoine Mendy bagged a late consolation for Nice.

Esteban Lepaul joined Panichelli on 16 goals for the season as he converted a pair of penalties to lift Rennes to a 4-3 win at Brest. Swiss forward Breel Embolo also scored as Rennes moved up to sixth after inflicting a third straight loss on mid-table Brest.

From the very beginning India looked sharp and in complete control launching the first attack in the 4th minute. Rohen floated in a quick cross from the right flank that finds Abrash, but his header went wide off the post. Bangladesh came close of scoring in the 25th minute. A long throw from the right, targeting Yusuf in the box, is half-cleared by the defence, but Bangladesh regain possession. However, the resulting shot is an easy catch for Suraj.

After the barren first half, Both Bangladesh and India were desperately trying to break the deadlock but failed to score any lack of proper finishing. India got a chance to take a late lead in the 83rd minute. Rishi provided a cross into the box. It evaded the run of Omang, but Vishal was right behind him. However, his shot flied over the bar. Bangladesh also got two scoring chances in the dying moment but they wasted the opportunities.

Earlier, in the first semifinal, Bangladesh edged past defeating Nepal by 1-0 goal while India booked their place of final crushing Bhutan by 5-0 goals in the second semis. Bangladesh Starting XI: Md Ismail Hossain Mahin (gk), Md Mithu Chowdhury (c), Md Kamal Merdha, Chandon Roy, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Md Mursed Ali, Ronan Benjamin Sullivan, Sheikh Sangram, Md Abdul Riyad Fahim and Md Yousuf Ali.

"I knew that Ben was a very difficult player, a great player, so I had to take more risks at some times of the match," said Tirante, who fended off a break point early in the third set and broke Shelton for a 5-4 lead before serving it out with a comfortable hold. "I did sometimes good, I did sometimes bad, but that's the key. (I had to stay) mentally strong all the time and try to break the serve -- he serves amazing."

Burruchaga, ranked 77th, upset third-seeded American Learner Tien, ranked 22nd in the world, 7-5, 6-4 to reach his first career semi-final. The son of former soccer player Jorge Burruchaga, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, the 24-year-old had already knocked out another member of the world top 40 on Thursday, 33rd-ranked local favorite Brandon Nakashima.

Second-seeded American Frances Tiafoe saved a match point in the third set tiebreaker to reach the semi-finals with a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Australian Alexei Popyrin. Tiafoe will face fourth-seeded Tommy Paul in an All-American semi after Paul beat Argentina's sixth-seeded Tomas Etcheverry 6-4, 6-2.

The world number five from the United States took two hours and 10 minutes to defeat 19th-ranked Shnaider, relying on a formidable service game that included eight aces. Shnaider battled well in the first two sets, and broke early for a 2-0 lead in the final set, before losing six straight games.

Pegula, chasing her second tournament victory of the year after winning the title in Dubai in February, will face fourth-seeded fellow American Iva Jovic, who beat Russian Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 6-4. Despite a first-round bye, Pegula has clocked up nine sets and more than seven hours on court so far. She has won nine of 10 matches this year that have gone to a deciding third set. On the other side of the draw, fifth-seeded American Madison Keys booked her semi-final spot with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over third-seeded Swiss Belinda Bencic in a battle of former Charleston champions.

Keys's comeback win over 2022 champion Bencic has her back in the semi-finals for the first time since her own title run in 2019. Keys, who is in her first WTA semi-final of the year, will face Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva for a place in the final. Starodubtseva beat American McCartney Kessler 6-4, 6-4.

Eight of their 17 three-pointers came in their 43-point first period and they led 75-55 by half-time. The Celtics, who have won five of their last six games, maintained their two-and-a-half game lead over the New York Knicks for second place in the East. The Knicks, who have struggled of late against quality teams, had no problem in a 136-96 thrashing of the Chicago Bulls, who have been eliminated from playoff contention.

OG Anunoby scored a game-high 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson added 17 points apiece, Brunson chipping in 11 rebounds as well. Anunoby connected on nine of 15 shots from the field, including seven of 10 from three-point range. Robinson, starting in place of injured center Karl-Anthony Towns, made all seven of his shots. The Atlanta Hawks, fifth in the East, cruised past the Brooklyn Nets 141-107 and the Philadelphia 76ers maintained their hold on sixth place in the East -- and the final direct entry berth to the playoffs -- with a 115-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Paul George scored 23 points, Tyrese Maxey chipped in 21 and Joel Embiid returned from a one-game absence due to illness and scored 19 points with 13 rebounds and seven assists. With five games left in the regular season the Sixers remained a fraction ahead of the seventh-placed Toronto Raptors, who beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-96 to stay atop the tightly bunched group jockeying for play-in position. The eighth-placed Charlotte Hornets beat the Indiana Pacers 129-108, and the Orlando Magic, half a game back and clinging to ninth place ahead of the Miami Heat, withstood a spectacular 51-point performance from Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg in a 138-127 victory over the Mavericks.

Flagg, 19, became the first teenager to record a 50-point game in the NBA. He joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies to post multiple games of 45 or more points in their rookie seasons. "He should be Rookie of the Year," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said of Flagg, who scored 24 points in the fourth quarter. Dallas trailed by 19 entering the final frame and were down by 21 when Kidd was ejected minutes into the period for arguing a non-call when he thought Flagg had been fouled.

Flagg himself had received a technical for appealing for a call and teammate Naji Marshall was ejected moments later, Flagg seeming only more determined after their departures. "The things that he's done, he's in rare air," Kidd said of Flagg's standout first season amid the Mavs' disappointing results. Despite Flagg's fireworks, the Magic's balanced attack was enough to carry the day. Wendell Carter Jr. scored 28 points and Desmond Bane added 27 as six Orlando players scored in double figures.

"It was fun," Flagg said. "It's always fun getting into that type of mode. The basket feels big and your teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. "But I love to win. That was my main focus and it's hard for me to fully enjoy myself when we're down by 20, down 10, down 15 for the majority of the game."

Earlier, Bangladesh suffered a 3-2 goal defeat against Thailand in their opening group match. Bangladesh will play their last group match against Vietnam on April 7.

The Bangladesh team is expected to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International airport at 6.35 pm.

Bangladesh beat India by 4-3 goals in penalty shoot out in the nail-biting final held at National Football Stadium in capital Mal‚, Maldives on Friday night.

The match rolled into a tie breaker after the regulation time ended in a goalless draw.

American expatriate Ronan Sullivan converted the fifth shot ensuring Bangladesh's title.

Substitute Goncalo Ramos wrapped up the win at the death, and the result ensures that Luis Enrique's side will finish the weekend on top of the French table. Their advantage is now four points from second-placed Lens, who play Lille away on Saturday. "Today he showed why he is the Ballon d'Or," Luis Enrique said of Dembele. "That is why we love Ousmane." PSG came into the weekend with a game in hand and their scheduled trip to title rivals Lens next week has been controversially postponed until May to allow them extra rest in between the two legs of the Liverpool Champions League tie.

The reigning European champions host Liverpool in the first leg of their quarter-final clash next Wednesday before going to Anfield for the return on Tuesday, April 14 in a tie that is a repeat of the last-16 encounter last season which PSG won on penalties. "It was important for us to just manage this game, playing on a Friday after an international break, because it is always tricky," Luis Enrique added.

"These games can catch you out but I am very pleased with what I saw. It was difficult but I think we deserved the three points and that was important for us to keep the pressure on Lens." Retaining the Champions League crown is the absolute priority for PSG, but they remain well on course to claim a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title, and a 12th in the last 14 years. Toulouse, meanwhile, are in mid-table and their season will now be defined by the outcome of their French Cup semi-final tie away to Lens, set for April 21.

PSG gave a rest at kick-off to several players who had just returned from long trips away on international duty, including captain Marquinhos and the Portugal trio of Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Joao Neves. Among the players coming into the line-up was Brazilian centre-back Lucas Beraldo, who was surprisingly selected in central midfield. Dembele, who starred in the France side that beat Brazil in the United States last week, started a Ligue 1 game for just the eighth time this season.

He marked it in style with his strike to give PSG the lead midway through the first half, nonchalantly swinging out his left leg on the edge of the box to meet a Mark McKenzie clearance and send the ball soaring into the top corner. Toulouse nevertheless drew level only four minutes later after a disastrous sequence of play by Safonov. The Russian initially came racing out of his box to attempt a headed clearance, only to be completely caught out by the bounce of the ball.

He was saved by his defence who conceded a corner, but Safonov then failed to hold onto the resulting delivery and Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen gratefully headed in for Toulouse. However, Safonov's blushes were soon saved by Dembele, who was left with an easy close-range finish on 33 minutes after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia nodded down a corner. Dembele is now on his own as PSG's leading scorer this season on 14 goals in all competitions, with 10 coming in Ligue 1 including four against Toulouse.

The second half was almost entirely devoid of interest until Ramos swept in his team's third goal in injury time with a low shot from outside the area. The Portuguese striker has now scored 12 goals in all competitions for his club this season, despite having started only 12 times.

Ben Brereton Diaz levelled twice for Derby, either side of Rudoni's first goal just five minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute. But Rudoni's towering header 10 minutes from time edged a five-goal thriller. Coventry also moved 12 points clear of third-placed Middlesbrough with just six games remaining. Josh Coburn came back to haunt Boro with a second-half double as Millwall won 2-1 at the Riverside to boost their bid for promotion to the top flight for the first time in the Premier League era.

Dael Fry gave Middlesbrough a half-time lead, but their promotion challenge is wilting after a four-game winless run. Coburn's deflected effort levelled just before the hour and he won the game four minutes from time with an emphatic fashion from Barry Bannan's pass. "I think sometimes in football some things are written in the stars a little bit," said Millwall boss Alex Neil of Coburn, who spent four years at the Riverside.

"The second goal was one he'll remember and I'm sure his family will remember forever." Fourth-placed Ipswich were not in action as their scheduled opponents Southampton are in FA Cup quarter-final action against Arsenal on Saturday. But Kieran McKenna's men have two games in hand to try and overhaul a three-point deficit to Millwall. Wrexham battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at West Brom and keep their hopes of a fourth consecutive promotion on track.

Goals from Josh Windass and George Dobson secured a point which takes the Welsh side into the play-off places at Southampton's expense. Roy Hodgson, 78, won 2-1 at Charlton on his return as Bristol City manager. The former England boss last took charge of the Robins 44 years ago but made the perfect start to his interim reign until the end of the season.

"If I can trust the players to keep working at the way they played today and keep showing a degree of determination then I shall be happy enough in these last five or six weeks before I get the slippers back out," said Hodgson. At the bottom, Leicester crept ever closer to relegation to the third tier just 10 years on from their stunning Premier League triumph. Two goals from Patson Daka rescued a point for the Foxes in a 2-2 draw against Preston.

Portsmouth's late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Norwich ensured Leicester remain one point adrift of safety. Blackburn's 1-0 victory at Birmingham moved them six points above the drop zone.

He also hoped that such winning spree of the U-20 football team would continue in the days to come. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal and Chief Whip Nurul Islam in separate messages also congratulated the U-20 football team for their historic win.

Bangladesh clinched the title of SAFF U-20 Championship beating India by 4-3 goals in penalty shoot-out in the nail-biting final held at National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives yesterday.

Brook was fined œ30,000 ($40,000) by the ECB and given a final warning. He later admitted that Bethell and fast bowler Josh Tongue had been present, explaining he had lied to try to protect his team-mates and publicly apologised. Brook and Bethell both played in the match the next day, which England lost by two wickets to complete a 3-0 series defeat.

No action was taken against Tongue, who was not in the one-day international squad at the time. The Regulator "issued a caution notice to Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell in relation to their conduct", said a statement. It added that both players had accepted they were in breach of the professional conduct regulations. Many observers believed Brook was lucky to retain the captaincy for the T20 World Cup, where he led England to the semi-finals before losing to India in Mumbai.

England's off-field behaviour in Australia before and during the 4-1 Ashes defeat came under heavy fire, with allegations of poor preparations, muddled team selection and a "drinking culture". England players were photographed spending hours in bars during a mid-series beach resort break, with a video of an apparently drunk Ben Duckett circulating on social media. England Test captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and director of men's cricket Rob Key all kept their jobs after an ECB review of the tour.

Japan won plaudits for their performances at the Asian Cup, where they scored 29 goals and conceded just one. Nielsen described his team as "inspirational" and said he was "very lucky to be working with players that are that good".

There was no indication at the time that he would soon depart. Nielsen previously coached Denmark and Switzerland's women's teams and served as the technical director of Manchester City's women's side.

Bangladesh pitted in Pool B along with Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan, will play their remaining group matches against Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan on April 3 and 6 respectively.  Each team will compete in a round-robin format to determine the semi-finalists. The semifinals will be held on April 9 while the final of the tournament is slated for April 10. The top six teams from this qualifying round will qualify for the Asian Games. The 2026 Asian Games, also known as 20th Asian Games will be Aichi–Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4. 

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 2-0 goals while India blanked Pakistan 3-0. In the group match, Bangladesh played out to a 1-1 draw with India. In the first semifinal, Bangladesh edged past defeating Nepal by 1-0 goal while India booked their place of final crushing Bhutan by 5-0 goals in the second semis.

The goal completes a dramatic qualification campaign for the Leopards, who eliminated African football giants Nigeria and Cameroon on their way to Tuesday's playoff in Mexico. It means the central African nation will be playing at the World Cup for the first time since the 1974 finals in West Germany, when the team competed as Zaire and were beaten by Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil. Tuesday's game went to extra time after the two sides finished 90 minutes deadlocked at 0-0, with DR Congo dominating possession but failing to find the breakthrough against a dogged Jamaican defense.

The Congolese looked the more threatening side from the kick-off and had the ball in the net after just five minutes when Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu tucked away a low finish from Meschack Elia's cross only for it be ruled offside. Bakambu threatened again soon afterwards but his looping header was comfortably gathered by Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake. With Jamaica sitting deep, Congo had ample possession but struggled to create many meaningful chances.

Elia shot into the side netting after collecting a clever chested layoff from Bakambu in the 23rd minute, and threatened again 10 minutes later when he burst down the right flank and forced a near-post save from Blake. The only Jamaican chance of note came midway through the half but Kasey Palmer's deflected shot drifted wide. The pattern continued after half-time, and Bakambu again nearly opened the scoring on 47 minutes when his curling shot from outside the area was parried away at full stretch by Blake.

That was as good as it got though for Congo until a flurry of chances in the final minutes of regulation time. Bakambu saw a second goal ruled out after Theo Bongonda was offside in the build up in the 85th minute, and two minutes later substitute Edo Kayembe saw a long-range effort whizz past the post. The breakthrough finally came in extra time when Tuanzebe met a corner in the six-yard box to put Congo ahead and seal their World Cup return. 

The Brazilians took the lead with a superb goal on the counter-attack in first-half stoppage time, Botafogo attacker Danilo finishing emphatically after a blistering run from Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Croatia equalized through Lovro Majer in the 83rd minute, but second-half substitute Endrick turned the match back in Brazil's favor.

The Lyon forward earned the penalty converted by Igor Thiago to equalize in the 88th minute, then set up Martinelli for Brazil's third in added time to seal the win. The result offered a measure of revenge for Brazil, who were knocked out by Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Brazil, seeking a sixth world title after last lifting the trophy in 2002, will open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13, before facing Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24. Croatia begin their World Cup in Group L with a high-profile clash against England on June 17, followed by matches against Panama on June 23 and Ghana on June 27.

Bangladesh earlier finished group B runners-up to rech the semifinal. The boys in red and green defeated Pakistan by 2-0 goals in their opening group match and played out to a 1-1 draw with India in their second and ultimate group match. On the other hand, Nepal emerged group A champions to reach the last four stage. On way to the semi-final, they beat Bhutan 2-1, defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 and played out to a 1-1 draw with Maldives. The final of the tournament is slated for April 3 at the same venue. 

At the 1974 finals in West Germany, the team competed as Zaire and were beaten by Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil. "We gave it our all, right here in the rain!" shouted Beni Ile, a fan in Kinshasa whose shoulders were draped in a soaked DRC flag. "We won't be working on Wednesday! It's going to be a national holiday. We're going to celebrate and party all night long.

"We've been waiting 50 years for this. We're staying out until dawn." It was a scene replicated across the city of 17 million people, where the final whistle in Guadalajara was greeted by a cacophony of banging pots, car horns and whistles. The win completed a dramatic qualification campaign for the team nicknamed the Leopards, who eliminated African football giants Nigeria and Cameroon on their way to Tuesday's playoff.

As early as the morning of the big match, many residents of the DRC capital were already sporting the sky-blue jersey of their beloved national side. By evening several hundred fans had gathered in a square in the city centre in anticipation to watch the game. Even as the rain bucketed down, the conclusion of the match after 120 nervy minutes was met with an outpouring of national pride and relief.

It was also a rare moment of national unity in a country scarred by 30 years of conflict and the resurgence of the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group. "It's truly exceptional, we are very proud of the Leopards today for this feat," said Merou, who comes from Goma, a major city in eastern DRC that fell into M23 hands in January 2025. "This victory will unify the Congo.

"We hope the whole country will benefit from it," he added, standing in the pouring rain. Another overjoyed supporter, Maclain, said: "We deserve a moment of happiness, away from the gunfire. "We need to come together too."

A surprise was the omission of fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who played his first Test in four years in the Boxing Day Ashes clash. The 29-year-old had been touted as one of the natural successors to Australia's ageing pace stalwarts Mitchell Starc (36), Josh Hazlewood (35) and Scott Boland (36). Cricket Australia instead opted to reward fellow Ashes-winning quick bowlers Brendan Doggett, who is 31, and the 36-year-old Michael Neser.

"The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges," said chair of men's selectors George Bailey. "This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle." Australia start their 2026-27 season with a two-match home series against Bangladesh in August. They will travel for three ODIs in Zimbabwe, plus three ODIs and three Tests in South Africa during September and October.

Australia return home for a white-ball series against England followed by 10 Tests in 14 weeks, starting with four at home to New Zealand in December and January. A five-Test tour of India begins on January 21 and the season will end with the 150th anniversary Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March, 2027. Cricket Australia contracted men's players 2026-27:

Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa

Bangladesh U-20 women's national team, which pitted in group A along with host Thailand, China and Vietnam, will play their remaining group matches against China and Vietnam on April 4 and 7 respectively.

"The result is certainly disappointing but I think we need to focus on the positive aspects and prepare better for the upcoming World Cup," said Son. "I know fans may feel disappointed compared to their expectations, but the real stage is the World Cup." South Korea have been grouped with co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic in the 48-team tournament. "What we do there will shape those expectations again," said Son.

"It's our job to raise excitement and give fans something to look forward to." Son, who left Premier League Tottenham Hotspur last year to sign for Los Angeles in Major League Soccer, is under pressure after an extended lean spell in front of goal. South Korea's second highest scorer, with 54 goals in 142 appearances, has only found the net once in nine appearances for LAFC this season, and that was from the penalty spot.

His last goal for South Korea came in a friendly against Bolivia in November. "I think I felt even more disappointed because when you miss a clear chance, you end up feeling the most sorry for your teammates who have worked so hard behind you," said Son, who spurned at least two gilt-edged opportunities to score against Austria.

"I also need to reflect and be better prepared." Son, who will turn 34 in July, said he would try to pass on his experience before what could be his last World Cup. "I've always tried to maintain good relationships with younger players," Son added. "As long as I am around, I want to share my energy and skills with them."

In his final game before picking his tournament squad, coach Mauricio Pochettino's experiment of playing Christian Pulisic as a striker fizzled out, as the US talisman missed several chances before being substituted at the break. It was an eighth defeat in a row for the US against European sides. But Pochettino insisted his players can break that curse when it really matters this summer. "Always [it] is the hope the first time is going to be in the World Cup," he said, after the game.

The US started brightly. Given license to rampage forward in the absence of striker Folarin Balogun, Pulisic shot from a narrow angle in the game's sixth minute, but his tame effort was blocked. Timothy Weah sent in a dangerous cross for Pulisic midway through the half. But Pulisic, who has yet to score for AC Milan in 2026, and has not found the net for the US since 2024, totally failed to connect with the ball. A better Pulisic effort from 25 yards flashed just wide of the post, before Fernandes -- played through with an incisive Vitinha pass -- cleverly backheeled it to Trincao, who slotted home.

In the final moments of the first half, Pulisic found himself in a one-on-one race with Henrique Araujo, but could not get past the defender and earned himself a booking for lashing out, before being substituted off. "We put a lot of pressure on them in the first half of both the games, and we were able to create chances," Pulisic said after the game. "If I finish a couple chances -- which I know I'm going to -- things are going to be a bit different." For the second half, Pochettino reverted to a more traditional formation with the arrival of striker Patrick Agyemang, who had scored against Belgium.

The Portguese made seven substitutions. It did not appear to upset their rhythm, and the Europeans' lead soon doubled. Fernandes pinged a corner to Felix, who somehow had time to control the ball, let it bounce and loop up for a volley, which he buried in the bottom left corner. A string of further substitutions from both sides slowed down the game. US goalkeeper Matt Freese was forced into two excellent saves -- one from a blistering long range by Ruben Neves, and off Francisco Conceicao in stoppage time.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11. The US will face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, with high hopes of reaching the knockouts. Despite back-to-back friendly losses, Pochettino said the only way to improve before the intense pressure of a home World Cup was to test his less vaunted side against daunting opposition. "We are the USA. And we are competing against Belgium, Portugal," he said. "I think for sure, Belgium and Portugal have in the top 100, a few, or some players playing in that top 100. I think we don't have." "That is why it is good to play against this type of team."

"The association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours," the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said. It will "communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course". The 50-year-old Addo had been in charge since March 2024. Ghana are grouped with England, Croatia and Panama at the World Cup in North America this summer.

French star Wembanyama was once again the pivotal figure for San Antonio, who have emerged as genuine NBA title contenders since the mid-season All-Star Break with 19 wins and only two losses. Wembanyama finished Monday's game with 41 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal in a performance which underscored his status as one of the front-runners for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award. Wembanyama's double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds arrived just eight minutes and 31 seconds after he stepped on court, a new NBA record.

Stephon Castle backed Wembanyama with 21 points while four other Spurs players finished in double figures. "Today wasn't perfect as a team and personally," Wembanyama said. "I wish I was better, but it's still satisfying. "The most fun part is that we've got a healthy locker room and we're just happy as a whole because we get on together well on and off the court. We're just loving the experience."

San Antonio's victory left them on 57-18 in the Western Conference, firmly on the shoulder of leaders Oklahoma City, who improved to 60-16 with a 114-110 overtime victory against Eastern Conference leaders Detroit. Wembanyama's rival and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, scored 47 points as the Thunder escaped with a win against a short-handed Detroit.

The Pistons went into the clash with their top-five leading scorers including Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren, all on the injured list. However a determined Pistons line-up led by seven points with three minutes remaining before Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded a late rally that included 13 fourth-quarter points and eight more in overtime to shepherd the Thunder to the win. "We have a never-die mentality," Gilgeous-Alexander said afterwards. "Seven points down with three minutes left is nothing to us. We knew that if we could get stops, we would give ourselves a chance. We just had to go out there and make players and we did a good job of that."

The Los Angeles Lakers remain in third place in the Western Conference on 49-26 after easing past the Washington Wizards 120-101. With Lakers star Luka Doncic missing through suspension, it was left to LeBron James to lead the scoring with 21 points. The Atlanta Hawks boosted their playoff hopes with a 112-102 defeat of the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference clash.

Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 29 points for a depleted Celtics line-up missing Jayson Tatum, but Atlanta's balanced offense, with 20 points apiece from Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, carried the Hawks to victory. The Minnesota Timberwolves saw seven players finish in double figures in a 124-94 rout of the Dallas Mavericks. The Phoenix Suns were similarly emphatic winners in a 131-105 romp over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Number one in the FIFA rankings, Spain beat Serbia 3-0 on Friday in the first of two friendlies scheduled for this March window. "I love it. We accept that challenge," De la Fuente said of the pressure of being favourites. "It's the same as what happens with other teams like France, England and Brazil," he said.

Asked about Yamal, De la Fuente said he was magical and in "one of the best moments of his young career", but refused to be drawn as to whether or not the Barcelona star would start. "He's in a very sweet moment - fast, resilient, producing flashes of brilliance," said the coach. "I understand that Barca fans worry about him. My responsibility is to put out the best possible lineup, the best possible team." "He's a better footballer than he was two years ago, but not as good as he'll be in two years. His contribution grows every day. He draws attention, he has magic," De la Fuente said.

Spain will play just one more friendly in Puebla, Mexico, against Peru on June 8 before their World Cup debut on the 15th against Cape Verde in Atlanta, United States. De la Fuente also mentioned some missing stars, with Nico Williams, Fabian Ruiz, and Mikel Merino - key members of their Euro 2024 championship winning team - all out injured. "I'm not being pessimistic, but there will be setbacks. We've had Merino's injury, Fabian's and Nico's," he said.

"I believe Nico has already returned to training. Mikel does have a longer-term injury. I think both will make it, but we'll see how their recovery progresses, because Mikel's injury is less predictable," he said. 

"Representing 46 million people is a unique experience," Arnold told reporters in Monterrey on Monday. "A major part of my job has focused on the mental aspect. "The players need to concentrate on themselves -- thinking of their families and a few close friends -- rather than the entire country; otherwise, the pressure becomes too great," the 62-year-old Australian added. Iraq's preparations for Tuesday's intercontinental playoff have been heavily disrupted over the past month by the war in the Middle East - a conflict involving Israel and the United States against Iran - whose shockwaves have rippled across the region.

Most of the Iraqi squad only reached Mexico around 10 days ago after a three?day journey from Baghdad that began with an overland crossing into Jordan. At least 101 people have been killed in Iraq since the conflict erupted on February 28, according to an AFP tally. "It has been a very difficult month," admitted Arnold, who had initially pushed for Tuesday's playoffs to be delayed. "I prefer not to talk about it right now (the war in the Middle East). I have tried to shield my players from it.

"A tremendous amount is happening in the Middle East; if they dwell on it too much, it will mess with their heads. They know what they have to do for their country. These past 20 days have been very difficult for them, but now they are relaxed." Arnold said he believes qualification could "change a country and the perception of it." "In Iraq, there is an obsession with football; it is the national sport," he said. "It is an honor to work with these players; I tried to be a father figure this week because I have experienced these situations (playoffs) before with Australia," he added.

The home fans chanted Undav's name until the striker was brought on at half-time. The former Brighton forward told ARD: "It was crazy to hear how the fans stood behind me," adding "it was a perfect evening. Got the win, scored a goal -- top." "We were completely in control in the first-half, but we have to make more out of our chances," Undav said. Despite a seventh win in a row, it was an inconsistent performance from Julian Nagelsmann's men against an out-of-form Ghana side.

"We didn't play in position. There was a lot of 'freestyle' play again, like against Switzerland, which left us very vulnerable to counter-attacks," Nagelsmann said. Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey lined up in midfield for Ghana, making his second international start since telling a London court he would plead not guilty to two new charges of rape, with a trial set to take place in November.

Before the game, Nagelsmann seemed unfazed despite Germany's leaky defence in Friday's 4-3 win over Switzerland on Friday, telling reporters "a clean sheet is nice, but above all we need to be winning." The hosts had Ghana pinned back for much of the opening half, with the visitors handing Germany the initiative with misplaced passes and failed clearances. Involved in all four of Germany's goals against Switzerland, Florian Wirtz went close with a dipping free-kick after six minutes, hitting the outside of the post.

Nick Woltemade set Wirtz up for what seemed to be Germany's opener just after the half-hour mark, but the Newcastle forward was narrowly offside in the build-up. In first-half stoppage time, VAR showed Jonas Adjetey handled an Angelo Stiller shot, allowing Havertz to convert from the spot. Bayern Munich starlet Lennart Karl came on at half-time and almost set up Germany's second minutes later with a deft chip which Woltemade headed against the crossbar.

With 20 minutes left, Ghana broke through on the counter to punish the hosts for their wastefulness, Derrick Koehn threading a ball for Fatawu to tap home. Undav had little impact until the dying stages when he collected a Leroy Sane pass and prodded the winner into the top corner.

"Very nervous, thinking maybe the game had just slipped through our hands," South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney told reporters. "But the boys, Kez (Carey) and Macca (McAndrew), to be able to spend so much time in the middle and chip away at a total... then to get 195 ahead just gave us so much momentum and something to really bowl at. "Our quicks have been great all year. To give them the ball and go to work was fantastic to see," he added.

Victoria took an early stranglehold on the five-day decider when they dismissed South Australia for 198, with Will Sutherland taking 4-54 and Fergus O'Neill 3-30. In reply, the hosts hit 261 on the back of O'Neill's unbeaten 64 and former Australian opener Marcus Harris's 40. When South Australia were reduced to 79-5 in their second innings, they looked doomed. But Carey dug in, sharing in a 105-run stand with McAndrew to set a tricky target of 196 for Victoria to chase.

They reached 102-3 but then collapsed, losing 7-37 to be all out for 139 with McAndrew, Liam Scott and Henry Thornton all taking three wickets. "The key moment was probably that partnership between McAndrew and Carey," said Victoria skipper Sutherland. "I still think we probably could have got it done this morning... it's still a bit of a young group that can maybe handle those chases under high pressure slightly better I think." Last year South Australia beat Queensland in the final, with a superb Carey century again leading the way.

"It's a very, very special moment," Sinner said. "Coming here, performing again in a very good way after Indian Wells means a lot to me. "It's something I never would've thought (I'd win) because it's difficult to achieve." Sinner's victory, coupled with Aryna Sabalenka's triumph over Coco Gauff on Saturday, mark the first time the Indian Wells-Miami sweep was achieved on both the men's and women's sides since Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka both did it in 2016.

It also saw the Italian gain a bit on Spain's Carlos Alcaraz -- who was upset in the third round -- in the race for world number one as the clay court season beckons. Early showers saw the match delayed for more than an hour. Sinner had just pocketed the first set when the showers hit again, halting the match for 90 minutes. It wasn't enough to unsettle Sinner, who fired 10 aces and won 33 of 36 points when he put his first serve in play. His return game was also spot on as he handed 22nd-ranked Czech Lehecka his first service break of the tournament for a 2-1 lead in the opening frame.

Sinner trailed 0-40 in the following game but fired three service winners and a pair of aces to hold. "I tried to be focused," Sinner said. "I tried to understand why I missed the first serves before. In the beginning, the conditions were very different ... very, very heavy balls. I missed a couple of first serves in the net because they were quite heavy." He said Lehecka's aggressive return game also gave him pause. "You have to hit very precise. If not, he has it on the racquet," Sinner said.

But he made the advantage stand up and gave himself a first set point in the ninth game with a blistering cross-court forehand service return winner. Lehecka saved that one with a service winner and saved another set point with a volley, going on to seal the hold on his sixth game point before Sinner pocketed the set with a love game. Lehecka fought off five more break points before Sinner pounced for the lone break of the second set and a 5-4 lead, the Czech gifting Sinner a break chance with a loose forehand.

Sinner didn't face a break point in the second set and gave himself a match point with a forehand volley winner, thought he had it on a serve that was called a let, and polished it off with another winner at the net. While Lehecka, playing in his first Masters 1000 final, couldn't follow compatriot Jakub Mensik into the Miami winner's circle, he will reach a career-high 14th in the world rankings on Monday. "I came here with not good form and I was able to come back to the tennis that I want to play," Lehecka said at the trophy ceremony.

She had more breathing room on Sunday after firing impressive 61s in the first and third rounds, starting the day with a four-shot lead and picking up birdies in three of her first seven holes. A double bogey at the eighth cut her lead to one stroke, but she responded with birdies at 10 and 12 that pushed her lead back to four. After a bogey at 16, Kim nabbed her last birdie of the day at the par-five 17th. "Hyo-joo has been playing amazing golf," said Korda, who had two eagles and four birdies in her five-under 67 for 262.

Kim, 30, bagged her ninth LPGA title, making her first successful title defense and claiming multiple wins in a season for the first time. "It has been inspiring to see," said Korda after being alongside the South Korean for a second straight weekend. "Playing with her I definitely elevate my game." Korda made sure of solo second place with a bravura finish that featured an eagle at the 17th and a birdie at the last. Japan's Minami Katsu had charged up the leaderboard with seven birdies in a seven-under 65, her 23-under total briefly pulling her level with Korda before she settled for third.

Korda, who claimed her first win since her seven-title 2024 season when she captured the season-opening Tournament of Champions, said she had little to fault in her game. "I mean, two eagles today," Korda said. "Made some solid putts, missed one or two that I wish I could get back, but that's just golf. "(I'm) just excited with the way my game is going and I'm excited to keep improving." 

Bosnia and Hercegovina v Italy

Gennaro Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner, is trying to lead Italy back to the tournament after the Azzurri missed out on the 2018 and 2022 editions, but they can expect a hostile atmosphere in Zenica.

Italy players were caught on camera celebrating when Bosnia beat Wales in the semi-finals on Thursday, although Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco insisted no disrespect was intended.

Bosnia's 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko, who scored a late equaliser against Wales and spent almost a decade playing in Serie A, went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil -- his country's first as an independent nation.

Dzeko says Italy are "big favourites" to take the final spot in Group B, which includes Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

Sweden v Poland

Viktor Gyokeres stepped up in the absence of the injured Alexander Isak to lead Sweden past Ukraine and to the cusp of just a second World Cup in 20 years.

Graham Potter's Sweden, whose win over Ukraine was their first of the qualifying campaign, will be at home in Stockholm against a Poland side seeking to go to a third successive World Cup.

Robert Lewandowski scored his 89th international last week as Poland came from behind to beat Albania in the semi-finals. The winner of this tie will go into Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia.

Kosovo v Turkey

Kosovo, the lowest ranked team to make the play-offs, are potentially 90 minutes away from reaching a first major tournament, a decade on from their admission to UEFA and FIFA.

They edged Slovakia 4-3 in Bratislava to set up a clash with Turkey, who have not played at the World Cup since a surprise third-place finish in 2002. Turkey beat Romania 1-0 with a goal from Brighton's Ferdi Kadioglu.

"We are in euphoria right now but we need to play the last game with calm," said Kosovo coach Franco Foda.

Kosovo will have home advantage in Pristina against Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey. A place in Group D alongside the United States, Australia and Paraguay awaits the winner.

Czech Republic v Denmark

The Czechs rallied from two goals down to get past the Republic of Ireland on penalties, and will stay in Prague as a fancied Denmark attempt to crash the party.

Denmark missed out on automatic qualification after a dramatic defeat in Scotland in November, but four second-half goals saw them comfortably brush aside North Macedonia in Copenhagen to stay in the hunt.

The Czech Republic last went to the World Cup in 2006, while Denmark have played at three of the last four finals. Tuesday's winning team will complete Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

The Kolkata bowlers -- minus Australian international Green -- then took a beating as the hosts chased down their target with five balls to spare. Quizzed afterwards about not using Green as a bowling option, Rahane replied bluntly: "The question you need to ask Cricket Australia." Cricket Australia on Monday said Green has a lower back injury that "requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period".

"Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days' time," a spokesperson said. "KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information." The 26-year-old Green has been carefully managed since having back surgery in 2024. He bowled just seven balls at the T20 World Cup in February and featured in the Sheffield Shield's ninth round only as a batter. Speaking later in a post-match press conference, Rahane said: "It is challenging because our bowlers are injured, but it is an opportunity for other players to show up and make a name for themself." 

The ball was changed at the request of the Kings, who then knocked off the nine remaining runs they needed to win. Fakhar was charged with violating the playing condition "which makes it an offence to take any action which changes the condition of the ball", said a PSL statement on Monday. "Fakhar denied the charge levelled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by the match referee Roshan Mahanama," the PSL added.

"Another hearing is set to take place within the next 48 hours after which the match referee will share his verdict." Fakhar could face a ban of at least one PSL match if found guilty.

"Taking on the mantle as the first Indian-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket is a major responsibility that I fully embrace," he added. "My absolute focus is to help this franchise win games and push for its first Championship." Major League Cricket is a T20-format featuring six teams who play in a condensed month-long tournament. San Francisco's season gets under way on June 19 with a clash against the LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas. Ashwin amassed some 765 wickets across 287 appearances for India in Test, one-day, and T20 cricket during his career, and was a member of the squad that won the 2011 World Cup.

But they continued their impressive form in friendlies since securing qualification a year ago, which includes a first ever win over Brazil in October, as Ito scored the only goal six minutes from time. Scott McTominay had Scotland's best chance of the match inside the opening 10 minutes, but the Napoli midfielder's effort was brilliantly saved by Zion Suzuki. Japan then slowly began to take control to extend Scotland's miserable record of not having won a home friendly for the past 10 years.

Angus Gunn made a fine save from Ito when the Genk forward ran clear on goal just after the hour mark. Gunn faces a battle with 43-year-old Craig Gordon to be Steve Clarke's number one for Scotland's opening game of the World Cup against Haiti on June 14. The Nottingham Forest 'keeper did himself few favours in that debate for the winning goal, though, as he went to ground too early and allowed Ito's tame effort to trickle into the net.

Scotland are back in action on Tuesday when they face the Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium and have one more outing at Hampden against Curacao in June before travelling across the Atlantic for the World Cup. 

But any hopes of a statement victory were dashed as the Belgians swiftly came to life, with a deluge of goals from Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, and Charles De Ketelaere, and a brace from substitute Dodi Lukebakio. Patrick Agyemang grabbed a late consolation for the US, who play Portugal in another high-profile friendly Tuesday before Pochettino announces his final squad in May. Long seen as minnows at the international level of soccer, the US hired former Tottenham and Paris Saint Germain coach Pochettino to oversee an increasingly star-studded roster including AC Milan's Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder McKennie.

The US will play all of its games at the World Cup on home soil, further raising expectations. But fans shelling out to support the home team will expect to see far more than they witnessed on Saturday. In a fairly even opening half hour, Belgium's veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne pulled the strings in midfield, and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku threatened down the left flank, but the US enjoyed the better of the chances.

McKennie received the ball unmarked on the edge of the six yard box from a corner but his shot was brilliantly saved by Manchester United's Senne Lammens, who is aiming to supplant the injured Thibaut Courtois in Belgium's goal. But McKennie made no mistake as another corner, delivered by Antonee Robinson, found him near the back post, where he tucked the ball into the net.

The goal seemed to spark Belgium into life. The Red Devils could have had several goals in the first half's final few minutes, but settled for a wonderful strike from outside the box by Zeno Debast. It was the Sporting Lisbon defender's first international goal. After halftime, the floodgates opened. An increasingly dangerous Doku ran down the wing and passed into the box, with the ball scrambled to Onana, who calmly side-footed it home.

Six minutes later, US keeper Matt Turner -- hoping to win his place back from Matt Freese -- thought he had made a tremendous double save, but the referee spotted that Thomas Meunier's header had brushed captain Tim Ream's arm. A lengthy VAR check failed to convince the official to overturn his decision, and De Ketelaere slotted in the penalty.

The afternoon went from bad to worse, as Belgium made a raft of substitutes on the hour mark, and one of those -- Lukebakio -- curled in a sumptuous shot under little pressure. Lukebakio added Belgium's fifth before Ricardo Pepi took advantage of some sloppy late defending to set up Agyemang. By that time thousands of US fans had left the domed arena, and full time was greeted with a smattering of subdued boos and whistles.

"There are no regrets at all, I can say goodbye with this performance," said Sakamoto. "I gave it all I have, there were a few tricky moments, but I think I gave my best." Her compatriot Mone Chiba took silver nearly 10 points behind, while Belgium's Nina Pinzarrone caused an upset by winning bronze as US champion Amber Glenn dropped from third overnight to sixth. In the absence of reigning Olympic and world champion Alysa Liu, Sakamoto led all the way to reclaim the title she won three consecutive times between 2022 and 2024. She took silver last year as she was dethroned by Liu.

The ice rink in the Czech capital, packed to capacity for the occasion, seemed to be waiting for only one thing -- to see Sakamoto, one of the most beloved skaters on the circuit -- end her superb career with a smile after the tears of sadness that had accompanied her silver medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. On Friday, she delivered a flawless programme, punctuated by seven triple jumps, impressively bouncing back just a month after the biggest disappointment of her career.

Sakamoto punched the air in delight after her performance. "After that I had a feeling I've done everything that I could and this is a really good way to end a career," she said. She wiped away tears as her scores came up, hugging 20-year-old Chiba who added silver to a bronze from last year. "Today I tried not to cry, I was really trying hard not to cry but I heard so many people cheering for me and applauding me and when I saw that scene I couldn't help it," said Sakamoto. Mone made up for the disappointment of finishing fourth at the Olympics, earning career best scores for her skate to the "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack.

With four world titles, Sakamoto ranks fifth all time among women's figure skaters. Far from Norwegian Sonja Henie's unattainable record of 10 titles between 1927 and 1936, she is tied with legends Lily Kronberger and Katarina Witt. Earlier, Olympic ice dance champions Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry dominated the rhythm dance to put themselves on track for gold.

Skating to a programme inspired by Madonna's hit "Vogue", the French pair broke their season record with 92.74 points and lead the way going into Saturday's free dance final. They hold a comfortable lead of more than six points over Canadians Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (86.45), the bronze medallists at the Milan-Cortina Olympics last month. Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson got the crowd going with their Spice Girls routine to put them third with 85.89 points. "It was quite magic," Cizeron said.

"We've delivered a beautiful performance, more relaxed than at the Olympic Games." Crowned Olympic champions last month after a turbulent first season skating together Cizeron, 31, and 33-year-old Fournier Beaudry are bidding for their first world title together. If he wins, Cizeron will clinch his sixth world title after five victories with his former partner Gabriella Papadakis between 2015 and 2022. For Canadian-born Fournier Beaudry it would be a first world medal. US skater Ilia Malinin will bid for a third consecutive men's title on Saturday a month after his Winter Olympics collapse as he leads going in the free skating final.

Sinner is trying to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to complete the "Sunshine Double" by winning titles at Indian Wells and Miami in the same year. Also attempting a "Sunshine Double" is world number one Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who defends her Miami crown against American fourth seed Coco Gauff in Saturday's WTA final. Lehecka, seeded 21st, dominated 28th-seeded Arthur Fils of France 6-2, 6-2 in the other semi-final at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

Lehecka is winless in three matches against Sinner without taking a set. Sinner blasted a forehand winner to break Zverev for a 3-1 lead and held from there to capture the first set after 42 minutes on a service winner. Neither player could manage a break into the second-set tie-breaker, which turned when Zverev sent an overhead smash long to hand Sinner a 5-4 lead. Zverev, who last beat the Italian in the fourth round at the 2023 US Open, sent a backhand wide on the next point and Sinner settled matters with a service winner, improving to 8-4 all-time against the German.

Sinner seeks a 26th career ATP title in his 35th career final. Lehecka, who has not dropped a set in the event, delivered the Frenchman's first four broken service games to advance after 75 minutes. "It feels great. It's definitely something I've been working towards the whole year and the whole pre-season," Lehecka said. "I really trusted my game and the work I put in. It didn't matter when, but I knew it would come and today was a nice example of how I want to play. I executed it well so I'm very happy with today's performance."

Lehecka didn't face a break point and broke Fils for the first time in the tournament in the opening game of the match when the Frenchman netted a forehand. He also broke Fils in the penultimate game of each set and held in the next game each time to secure a spot in his first ATP Masters 1000 level final. Lehecka will jump past his current career high ranking of 16th next week. He's assured of leaping eight spots to 14th and with a title would reach 12th. The 24-year-old seeks his third ATP title after Adelaide in 2024 and Brisbane in 2025. It's the eighth career final for the Czech but his first at the Masters 1000 level.

"I'm very excited that I'm in a final. It was definitely one of my goals," Lehecka said. "I'm just trying to do what I do best, and I definitely enjoy being on a court like this. So I'm trying to live in the present and we will see how it goes on Sunday." It was the first Masters 1000-level semi-final for Fils and just the second for Lehecka after 2024 at Madrid, when he retired due to a back injury that sidelined him for more than three months.

Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were among the established 11-strong contingent who will join a group that will now be cut down. England boss Tuchel, who named an expanded 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, trialled a variety of different players, with Everton midfielder James Garner and Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford making their debuts. But the German insisted he had learned valuable lessons ahead of the game against Japan on Tuesday -- England's final match before the World Cup, which starts in June.

"I learned a lot, because it was a tough opponent and you just see it in the details," he said. "You learn a lot in the details, also the behaviour, and you see the level. "If you play against (Manuel) Ugarte, if you play against (Federico) Valverde in midfield, you see the level. "You play against the winners and these defensive players, it's a high level and then you instantly see, so we needed this kind of test." Tuchel said the match against Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay, who have also qualified for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, had been "the test that I expected". "It was a bit feisty and tough," he said. "I knew from months ago that Bielsa called me and told me that they will take it very, very seriously and they will play the best possible team.

"You see in the way they did the substitutions, they were not ready to compromise on anything, so it was difficult. "We had a lot of new players on the pitch, we had a very new formation, a very new XI who had never played with each other. "They got a lot of information, but they were good in camp and they were good today because I think they put the structure into life, they tried, they helped each other out and they tried to create."

Tuchel, whose England side are among the favourites to win the World Cup, said the players coming in for the Japan game would have to "re-learn our principles". "We have three days of training," he said. "Japan plays a very unique style, with normally a back five, so wing-backs and then two 10s and then switching sides. "So we need to be on point tactically to have solutions. But this is what we expect from the guys who got a break. We will deliver some solutions and they need to put it into life." 

Bangladesh also made a strong start to the tournament, defeating Pakistan 2-0 in their opening match, courtesy of a brace by USA-based striker Ronan Sullivan. Today's match will determine the Group B champions. As per the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, scheduled to be held on April 1, while the final will take place on April 3 at the same venue.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhoni, a two-time World Cup winning captain for India, has defied age to be in CSK's yellow, batting at number seven under skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni played all 14 matches last year, scoring 196 runs, but Chennai finished bottom of the 10-team table. Chennai, who last won the IPL in 2023, will play their opening match on Monday against Rajasthan Royals. The 19th edition of the IPL begins Saturday with the final scheduled on May 31.

The BFF boss extended his best wishes to the squad ahead of the upcoming AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, encouraging the team as they prepare to represent Bangladesh on the continental stage.

Bangladesh U-20 women’s national team, which pitted in group A along with host Thailand, China and Vietnam, will start their tournament campaign taking on Thailand on April 1 before facing China and Vietnam on April 4 and 7 respectively. 

Earlier, he won gold medal in cadet kumi and bronze medal in cadet kata in the 11th Commonwealth Karate Championship held in Durban South Africa in 2024. Adam's consistence international successes has opened new possibilities in the country's karate arena and is expected to inspire the young generation. 

Reminiscing about the JS speaker Major (retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Aminul said: “Respected Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram,  is not only a successful politician and guardian of the parliament, he was a legend in the football field of our country.” He also captained the Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Dhaka University and combined University teams in various competitions. He was the president of the Bangladesh Football Federation. As his wife, Dilara Hafiz has given him courage and inspiration through every ups and downs. I extend my deepest condolences to their family at this sad time.

The State Minister for Sports also prayed eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, had defender Dayot Upamecano sent off early in the second half but shrugged that off to double their lead courtesy of Hugo Ekitike on 65 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil did pull one back 12 minutes from time via a close-range finish by Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, but Les Bleus held on for a victory that will boost confidence two and a half months before the World Cup begins. They play Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner in the group stage.

"I said beforehand that we couldn't take too much away from this game. It wasn't the World Cup final, but it showed we are in a good dynamic," Mbappe told broadcaster TF1. "We are creating lots of chances and we are looking a bit more solid even if we let in a goal at the end. We are moving forward and this will help us prepare for the World Cup." The sight of captain Mbappe scoring in trademark lethal fashion is especially good news for coach Didier Deschamps, after the Real Madrid superstar recently returned from three weeks out with a knee injury. The 27-year-old has now scored 56 goals in 95 appearances for his country, leaving him just one goal away from equalling the France record of 57 goals held by the recently-retired Olivier Giroud.

Mbappe will have the chance to match, and perhaps surpass, that record when France play Colombia in the second friendly of this American tour, at the Northwest Stadium near Washington DC on Sunday. The Brazilians go into this year's World Cup -- in which they will face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage -- hoping the recent appointment as coach of the revered Ancelotti can make them serious contenders to claim a record-extending sixth title.

Ancelotti said he was "half-satisfied" with Thursday's result. "When you lose a game, you should never be happy... The result isn't the most important thing, but it does reveal what we did well and what we didn't," Ancelotti said. "In the overall context of the game, I am satisfied - because the team competed and fought, even scoring from a set piece, which is important. I am half-satisfied, but we certainly shouldn't be happy with the result." But this match will have reminded them of the standards required against the very best sides in the international game.

Brazil were admittedly missing several key players here, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defensive duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Eder Militao, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and forwards Rodrygo and Estevao among those absent. France, meanwhile, were without Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, but a fearsome attack included Mbappe, Bayern Munich's Michael Olise and Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or. Dembele released Mbappe for the opener, and that separated the teams at the break.

Upamecano was sent off on 55 minutes after American referee Guido Gonzales upgraded a yellow card to red following a VAR review, ruling that the defender had denied Wesley a clear goal-scoring opportunity as he took down the full-back on the edge of the area. Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, a late call-up to replace the injured Saliba, came on for Dembele to make his debut and bolster the French back line after that.

They then increased their lead as Olise supplied Ekitike in the area and the Liverpool striker clipped the ball beyond Ederson for his second international goal. Mbappe and Ekitike were promptly removed, and Brazil were left with too much to do, even if Bremer converted from close range from Luiz Henrique's assist to make it 2-1. Ancelotti will now hope his team can bounce back when they take on Croatia in Orlando, Florida next Tuesday.

The All Whites were missing Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, who is still returning from injury, and with it went much of their goal threat against Finland. The Finns did not qualify for the World Cup. Their captain Joel Pohjanpalo opened the scoring in the 25th minute, leaping highest at a corner to head home. Jaakko Oksanen added a second in the 85th minute, firing under goalkeeper Max Crocombe after a swift counter-attack.

In the earlier match, Cape Verde were reduced to 10 men in a wild encounter with Chile, who did not qualify for this summer's extravaganza. Cape Verde play Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their World Cup bow. Ben Brereton Diaz gave Chile a controversial lead in 17th minute, lashing home after the referee restarted play from a drop ball when the Cape Verde defence wasn't in place. Dailon Livramento struck back four minutes later for Cape Verde, Benfica's Sidny Cabral overlapping down the left wing before crossing across the face of goal, leaving an easy finish.

Defender Diney Borges was red-carded on the stroke of halftime after the VAR flagged an inadvertent handball which was deemed to be preventing a goal scoring opportunity. Despite that it was Cape Verde who then took the lead, Cabral firing home off the inside post as the half came to a close. Chile equalised in bizarre circumstances in the 58th minute, goalkeeper Vozinha needlessly rushing out for Cape Verde, allowing Maximiliano Gutierrez to round him and fire home from 40 yards. Felipe Loyola and Gonzalo Tapia added further goals for Chile.

Despite this they came through CONCACAF qualifying unbeaten under Dutchman Advocaat with three wins and three draws and the experienced 78-year-old was expected to be at the helm when they create football history. But he unexpectedly left last month to care for his ill daughter and was replaced by Rutten. It proved to be a losing start for the former FC Twente, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Schalke coach, whose side are in a challenging Group E at the World Cup alongside Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. China, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, dominated the early exchanges in the friendly match that is part of the FIFA Series 2026.

But it was Curacao who had the first sniff of goal with former Birmingham City midfielder Juninho Bacuna's long-range strike narrowly missing the upright. China, ranked 93 to Curacao's 81, had to wait until the 40th minute for their first clear chance when Wang Shangyuan blazed over the bar. But when another came in first-half stoppage time they made it count. Goalkeeper Yan Junling sent a long ball forward and it was headed into the path of Wei to finish beautifully. China doubled their lead in the 59th minute when skipper Zhang latched onto a poor clearance in the box and fired into the right-hand corner, with an increasingly frustrated Curacao having no response.

Jamaica, who are aiming to qualify for the World Cup for only the second time in history following a lone appearance at the 1998 finals in France, defeated New Caledonia 1-0 in Thursday's other game in Guadalajara. The Reggae Boyz will now play the Democratic Republic of Congo next Tuesday for the right to a berth in World Cup K alongside Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. Jamaica, whose squad is drawn largely from the lower divisions of English football, will head into their clash with Congo knowing that they will need an improved performance to punch their ticket to the World Cup after a laboured win over New Caledonia, the tiny French territory in the South Pacific.

Despite dominating possession and territory for long periods at the Estadio Akron near Guadalajara, Jamaica struggled to create clear-cut chances. The only goal of a drab encounter came when Wrexham forward Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri bundled in a close-range rebound after New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine could only parry a well-struck free-kick from Ronaldo Webster in the 18th minute. Bolivia produced a second-half fightback to shatter Suriname's unlikely dream of World Cup qualification.

A 79th-minute penalty from Santos striker Miguel Terceros following an equalizer from teenage substitute Moises Paniagua gave Bolivia victory. Suriname, who had been bidding to become the lowest ranked team in history to qualify for the World Cup, took the lead in the 48th minute when Liam van Gelderen bundled home at Monterrey's BBVA Stadium. That goal looked like being enough to secure victory for the former Dutch colony, who are ranked 123rd in the world and made up mostly of players from the Netherlands of Surinamese descent.

But Bolivia began to dominate as the second half drew on and were thrown a lifeline when the 18-year-old Paniagua's low shot made it 1-1 after 72 minutes. Six minutes later an adventurous burst down the right flank from Bolivia fullback Diego Medina sowed panic in the Suriname defense. Medina's low cross found substitute Juan Sinforiano Godoy, who was tripped by Suriname defender Myenty Abena.

Australian referee Alireza Faghani pointed to the spot and after a brief delay, Terceros stepped up to drill in the spot kick and make it 2-1. It marked another heroic moment in Bolivia's World Cup qualifying campaign for the 21-year-old striker. Terceros also scored the goal in a 1-0 win over Brazil that saw them squeeze into this week's playoffs.

Diamondback starting pitcher Zac Gallen gave up a leadoff single to Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani but retired 12 of the next 13 batters he faced before the Dodgers offense heated up in the fifth inning. Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernandez led off the fifth with base hits and Pages followed with the first home run of the Dodgers' three-peat bid into the left field seats. They chased Gallen later in the inning, adding another run on a single by Will Smith -- who added a two-run homer in a four-run seventh inning.

The evening at Dodger Stadium started with the Dodgers celebrating their 2025 title before opening their bid for a rare third straight title run. "There's obviously going to be a lot of talk about it, but I think our guys are trying to just think about winning a game today," manager Dave Roberts said. "It's out there, but you've got to kind of block it out and focus." The season's first full slate of games saw Pittsburgh's Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Paul Skenes knocked out of the game just two-thirds of an inning into an 11-7 loss to the Mets in New York.

Skenes boasted an earned-run average of 1.97 -- the lowest for any Pirates starter since 1920 -- last year but was blasted off the mound by the Mets in the shortest outing of his career. Brett Baty's three-run triple powered a five-run first inning for the Mets. A Marcus Semien single scored Baty and Skenes was pulled. MLB history was made in the third inning at the Mets' Citi Field when the first successful Automated Ball-Strike challenge in a Major League game was made by Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez.

Alvarez challenged a full-count fastball thrown by Freddy Peralta to Oneil Cruz and called a ball on the outside edge of the strike zone. The call was overturned by the new "robot umpire" system for strike three and the second out of the inning. In Milwaukee, Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski surrendered a leadoff homer to the visiting Chicago White Sox, then the 23-year-old right-hander struck out 11 batters over the first five innings to set a Brewers opening-day record for strikeouts.

Misiorowski eclipsed the mark of eight set by Ben Sheets the day before Misiorowski was born in 2002. The Brewers bullpen added nine strikeouts, the total of 20 tying the MLB record for most team strikeouts in a nine-inning game. Detroit's Kevin McGonigle hit a two-run double down the right-field line on the first pitch he saw in his MLB career to help the Tigers win 8-2 at San Diego.

McGonigle was only the second Tiger, after Billy Bean in 1987, and 25th MLB player ever with four hits in his MLB debut. Detroit's Tarik Skubal, a 29-year-old left-hander chasing his third consecutive American League Cy Young Award, struck out six and allowed only three hits in six innings.

Gauff's sense of determination was on full display at the Hard Rock Stadium's main court on Tuesday as she weathered fluctuating form against the 12th-seeded Bencic to grind out victory. "I honestly didn't think I would be in the semis so I'm really happy and proud of myself," Gauff said. "I think I proved a lot to myself this week, and I feel like with each match I'm getting better. "Even though I'm still playing three sets, I feel like the level is getting better and better."

Gauff, the French Open champion, will now face the Czech 13th seed Karolina Muchova in the last four as she chases her first Miami final appearance. Gauff has won all five of her previous matches against Muchova. "You don't think about the head-to-head," Gauff said. "There's so many matches that we play that could go either way. I don't really think about it -- especially when I play here, because I know how good she is."

Muchova advanced to the last four earlier with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) defeat of Canadian 10th seed Victoria Mboko. The 29-year-old Muchova admitted she had everything to prove against Gauff. "I don't have the best record against Coco, but I feel good," Muchova said. "And you never know." Despite giving away 10 years to the teenaged Mboko, Muchova said she did not feel any sense of disadvantage against her younger opponent.

"I keep getting these questions this week like I'm really old or something," Muchova said. "I don't feel that old -- I feel like I'm still pretty young. In my head, I could be 20." 

His Liverpool honours also include a Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups. Salah has scored just five Premier League goals this season, compared with 29 in last term's title-winning campaign. His Anfield future became the subject of intense speculation after a dramatic bust-up with Liverpool manager Arne Slot in December. He accused Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus" after he was benched for three games in a row and said he had no relationship with the Dutch boss.

Salah, in a video on social media featuring highlights of his time with Liverpool, said: "Hello everyone. Unfortunately, the day has come. "This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. "I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. "It's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit. I can't explain in words to anyone not of this club." Salah, who in common with many Liverpool players and staff was deeply affected by the death of team-mate Diogo Jota in a car crash in July, added: "We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.

"I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates past and present. "And to the fans, I don't have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career, and you stood by me in the toughest times. It's something I will never forget and something I will take with me always. "Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you. This club will always be my home, to me and to my family.

"Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone," insisted Salah in a reference to the Liverpool fans' anthem. Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, posted on X: "We do not know where Mohamed will play next season. This also means that no one else knows." Liverpool said on their website: "Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season.

"The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield." Salah was forced off at Anfield last week after scoring in Liverpool's 4-0 victory against Galatasaray, which sealed their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Injury meant he missed fifth-placed Liverpool's 2-1 loss at Brighton last weekend. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, in a column for the Daily Telegraph, said Salah would aim to leave in style with victory in the Champions League final.

"Knowing Salah's mindset and competitive spirit, he will be setting his sights on the greatest of all possible goodbyes, inspiring his team to victory in the Champions League final in Budapest," said Carragher. "Do not bet against the perfect send-off." 

But two heavy defeats dished out by group winners Norway were a stark reminder of how far the national team has fallen since last winning the World Cup 20 years ago -- with Gattuso in midfield. Since then Italy haven't played a knockout match in a World Cup finals, dumped out in the group stage as defending champions in 2010 and four years later, before failing to even reach the last two editions in Russia and Qatar. Both of those qualification failures came via the play-offs and were deeply traumatic events to a footballing hotbed which has lost its self-esteem while rival nations like France and Spain have flourished.

The poor performance of Italy's clubs in this season's Champions League has only exacerbated a feeling of being left behind, to the point that missing this year's finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico would be seen almost as a death knell. "I really hope with all my heart that we can reach this goal, this group of players deserves it," Gattuso told reporters on Monday. "We can't stress the lads, they're well aware of what the stakes are. There will obviously be a bit of tension but we have to make sure we trasmit positivity."

Gattuso has to deal not just with the pressure of the occasion but also a clutch of injuries which threaten to leave him without several important players for what he hopes will be two matches. One of Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina await Italy in the final should they get past Northern Ireland as expected. Probably the key doubt is surrounding Sandro Tonali, who suffered a groin injury in Newcastle United's Champions League exit at Barcelona last week. Gattuso said on Monday that he hoped to have Tonali, an all-action midfielder, available for training in the lead-up to Thursday's match but the 25-year-old is by no means guaranteed to start.

Federico Chiesa, who hasn't featured for Italy since their dismal European Championship title defence in 2024, was dropped from the squad on Monday when Italy's medical staff ruled him unfit to play after he was originally selected in Gattuso's 28-man squad. "I had to make a decision. He didn't feel up for it, so he decided to return home, and I had to accept it," said Gattuso, who picked Bologna's Nicolo Cambiaghi to replace Chiesa.

"I didn't push. When someone wants to return home, it's right to let him do so." Meanwhile Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca and central defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Mancini are all trying to recover in time from injuries, with Gattuso also saying that Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori was feeling "discomfort" on his arrival at the Coverciano training centre. That leaves Gattuso hoping for a drama-free night on Thursday and his players all being ready for a date with destiny in the final.

Men

4th rd

Martin Landaluce (ESP) bt Sebastian Korda (USA x32) 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4

Jiri Lehecka (CZE x21) bt Taylor Fritz (USA x6) 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2

Tommy Paul (USA x22) bt Tomas Etcheverry (ARG x29) 6-1, 6-3

Arthur Fils (FRA x28) bt Valentin Vacherot (MON x24) 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4

Francisco Cerundolo (ARG x18) bt Ugo Humbert (FRA x31) 6-4, 6-3

Frances Tiafoe (USA x19) bt Terence Atmane (FRA) 6-4, 1-6, 6-4

Jannik Sinner (ITA x2) bt Alex Michelsen (USA) 7-5, 7-6 (7/4)

Women

Quarter-finals

Coco Gauff (USA x4) bt Belinda Bencic (SUI x12) 6-3, 1-6, 6-3

Karolina Muchova (CZE x13) bt Victoria Mboko (CAN x10) 7-5, 7-6 (7/5)

The home of NFL side New England Patriots is the venue for the first meeting of these teams in exactly 11 years, since Brazil came from behind to win 3-1 in a friendly at the Stade de France in March 2015 with goals from Oscar, Neymar and Luiz Gustavo. Brazil laboured their way through South American World Cup qualifying with six defeats in 18 games as they finished fifth -- now they are hoping the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as coach will give them a genuine chance of winning a record-extending sixth World Cup, and first since 2002.

After this match they will head to Orlando, Florida, for a friendly on March 31 against Croatia, the team who ousted them from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals. Neymar is now 34 and has not played for his country since October 2023, but his absence from the squad has still been one of the main talking points coming into these matches. "It is a physical issue, not technical. With the ball he is great, but he needs to improve physically," Ancelotti said after being asked about the absence of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, now at Santos.

"Because in my eyes and those of my staff, he is not at 100 percent. So he needs to keep working to get back to 100 percent." In the meantime Brazil's main man is Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, while others likely to have key roles at the World Cup such as goalkeeper Alisson Becker, centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes are missing here.

Among those who do feature is Rayan, the uncapped 19-year-old who earned his place after impressing in the Premier League for Bournemouth since arriving from Vasco da Gama in January. The main focus for France, as ever, is Kylian Mbappe, and the national team captain was eager to feature on this trip after overcoming a knee injury to return for Real Madrid just last week. There had been mounting fears in France that the 27-year-old's fitness could become a real issue but he said missing the World Cup or the end of the club season was never a concern.

"It is behind me. I was following a protocol and I wanted to start playing again gradually. I hope to be able to play during this international break and to start being decisive again," he said on Monday, just before the squad headed to the US. France, who have seen Arsenal defender William Saliba withdraw due to injury and called up Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace in his place, are staying in the same Boston hotel where they will be based during the World Cup.

The tournament will be coach Didier Deschamps' swansong after 14 years at the helm, with Zinedine Zidane fully expected to succeed him. "I know his name," French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo told daily Le Figaro this week when asked about his search for the successor to Deschamps. He refuses to explicitly say Zidane will take over, but it is hard to imagine Diallo means anyone else.

The last competitive meeting of the teams came at the 2006 World Cup, when France beat Brazil 1-0 in the quarter-finals, thanks to a Thierry Henry goal and a masterful performance by Zidane. If both win their groups at the upcoming World Cup as expected, then they would not be able to meet each other until the final. Getting that far is the aim for these sides, and Thursday's game will be a good gauge of where both stand as the competition approaches.

The mini?tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey also serves as a test run for two cities set to host World Cup matches in June, giving Mexico a chance to showcase its readiness after recent security concerns. The straight?knockout playoffs begin Thursday, with the tiny French Pacific territory of New Caledonia facing the "Reggae Boyz" of Jamaica in Guadalajara. The winner will advance to meet the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same venue on March 31, with a World Cup ticket on the line. Whoever emerges will join Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.

In Monterrey, Bolivia - seeking their first World Cup appearance since the 1994 finals in the United States - take on Suriname, the former Dutch colony on the northeastern coast The victor will move on to a winner?take?all clash with Iraq next week for the second berth on offer. The team that survives the Monterrey pathway will land in a daunting Group I, where France, Norway and Senegal await. On paper, and according to the latest FIFA rankings, Iraq and the DR Congo will start as the heavy favourites to advance out of the playoffs.

Iraq's preparations however have been hampered by the outbreak of war in the Middle East triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Iraq coach Graham Arnold initially appealed to FIFA to postpone his team's playoff, stating that many players and backroom staff had been left stranded due to the war. Players and staff based in Baghdad however made it out of the country after reportedly traveling overland to Jordan before flying out of Amman to reach Mexico.

Iraq are bidding to reach the World Cup for only the second time, having qualified for the 1986 finals in Mexico where they lost all three group games against Paraguay, Belgium, and Mexico. For DR Congo, meanwhile, the wait to secure their second World Cup finals appearance has been even longer. The country, formerly Zaire, last played at the 1974 World Cup finals in Germany, where they were eliminated in the group stage after defeats to Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil without scoring a goal.

DR Congo though have grounds for believing that the long wait to return to the finals could finally be over after battling through African qualifying, eliminating Cameroon and Nigeria to reach these playofffs. This week's tournament is taking place just weeks after an explosion of violence in Guadalajara and other parts of Mexico triggered by the death of a notorious cartel druglord. More than 70 people were killed in the violence, but Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and world governing body FIFA have insisted the unrest will have no bearing on the World Cup.

Mexico, which is hosting 13 matches at the World Cup shared between Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City, has said more than 100,000 security personnel will be deployed to protect fans at the tournament.

He said in an Instagram post that it was "part of a process". "Haste makes waste. Do what you need to do," he wrote. Japan play Scotland in Glasgow on Saturday before taking on England at Wembley three days later. They have been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and a European qualifier at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico which begins on June 11. Tomiyasu left Arsenal in July last year with 12 months remaining on his contract in order to focus on his rehabilitation.

He signed for Ajax in December and returned to action in January for the first time since October 2024, although he has yet to complete 90 minutes for his new club. He has 42 caps for Japan and played at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He joined Arsenal from Bologna in August 2021 and made 84 appearances in all competitions during his time in London.

Japan are the only Asian team to have won the world title and Nielsen said they would need to keep improving if they want to do it again. "We found some parts of ourselves that are really strong," the Greenland-born coach said after returning to Tokyo. "There are also elements that we saw, we had some difficulty getting the final to be on our terms because of the opponent's strength.

"We will see that again at the World Cup, that means we need to find some different tools how to get the game to be the way we want it." Japan won the World Cup in 2011 and reached the final again four years later, losing to the United States. They have not gone past the quarter-finals at either a World Cup or Olympics since.

Nielsen's squad in Australia featured 16 England-based players including captain Yui Hasegawa and forward Maika Hamano, who scored a spectacular winner in the final. The coach said his team had "grown a lot together already and that's not going to stop". "You need to grow more, you need to constantly be moving," said Nielsen. "If you are satisfied and accept status quo, you're not going to be good enough in the end."

Japan's win capped off a landmark tournament with more than 350,000 fans through the turnstiles, reinforcing the growth in popularity of women's football. This was around six times as many as the previous record set in 2010 in China, with the 74,397 fans at the Sydney final setting a new attendance mark for a single game in tournament history. There was palpably less excitement in Japan, with the final not being shown on terrestrial TV and a muted media reaction to the team's win.

Nielsen urged Japanese media companies to provide more coverage, saying "you will get your value back if you do because they are worth following". "We are not at the same place as they are in Europe and around the world," he said. "We are competing with other sports that are very popular."

Path A

Four-time World Cup winners Italy face immense pressure as they attempt to qualify for a first appearance at the tournament since 2014. After lifting the trophy in 2006, Italy's record at the World Cup has been dire. They suffered two successive group-stage exits before missing out entirely on the 2018 and 2022 editions.

In order to avoid another qualifying failure Italy must overcome Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday, before a potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31. "It's only normal that there's pressure - only if you had no blood in your veins would you not feel it," said Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, who played in the 2006 final which the Azzurri won on penalties against France.

Northern Ireland are big underdogs against Italy but hope to end a 40-year absence from the World Cup. Wales host Bosnia in Cardiff in the other semi-final. Manager Craig Bellamy told AFP earlier this month that he "feels a responsibility" to lead Wales to a second straight finals. Their appearance in Qatar was the country's first at the World Cup in 64 years.

Path B

Ukraine's footballers will hope to lift the morale of a war-torn country by competing at a first World Cup in 20 years. To get there, they need to beat Sweden on neutral ground in Valencia and then Poland or Albania. Sweden picked up just two points in a dismal qualifying campaign but a team now coached by former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter will get another shot on the strength of their Nations League performances.

However, Sweden will be without key man Alexander Isak as the Liverpool forward is not yet ready to return from a broken leg suffered in December.

Poland can count on Robert Lewandowski who is eyeing a third World Cup, but Albania -- led by former Arsenal and Barcelona defender Sylvinho -- believe they have what it takes to qualify for the first time.

Path C

Kosovo stand two wins away from a first major tournament a decade on from their admission to UEFA and FIFA. They came second in their qualifying group after two wins over Sweden and a victory in Slovenia.

"It's a massive opportunity for us. The whole country is buzzing with excitement. Everyone's over the moon," Kosovo captain Vedat Muriqi told FIFA.com.

Mallorca striker Muriqi sits second only to Kylian Mbappe in La Liga this season with 18 goals. The 31-year-old is also Kosovo's all-time record scorer.

Slovakia, who last featured at the World Cup in 2010, host Kosovo in Bratislava while Turkey and Romania square off in Istanbul.

Turkey have not played at the World Cup since a surprise third-place finish in 2002. Romania's most recent appearance was in 1998.

Path D

Troy Parrott's heroics snatched the Republic of Ireland a play-off berth, but there is much still to be done if the Irish are to return to the World Cup stage.

Ireland, who haven't featured at the tournament since 2002, head to Prague to take on the Czech Republic in the semi-finals. The winner of that tie will host the final against Denmark or North Macedonia.

"There's a quiet confidence in the group growing together, it's great to see but we know there's a lot of hard work to come," said Ireland assistant John O'Shea.

Denmark missed out on automatic qualification after a dramatic defeat in Scotland but will be expected to see off North Macedonia, whose lone tournament appearance came at Euro 2020.

Kasper Schmeichel is absent for Denmark after revealing last week that he may have played his final game, with two surgeries required to repair his damaged shoulder.

Women's world number one Sabalenka, defending the Miami title she won for the first time last year, cruised into the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-4 demolition of China's 2024 Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Sinner, who is chasing a second victory in Miami after lifting the title in 2024, was similarly comfortable in his third-round clash with French 30th seed Corentin Moutet, winning 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the last 16. Sabalenka is aiming to become only the fifth woman to complete the Indian Wells-Miami double after Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Iga Swiatek.

On Monday's form, few would bet against the big-hitting four-time Grand Slam champion from Belarus, who comfortably disposed of 23rd seed Zheng in 1hr 25min. "She's a tough opponent and I'm super happy with the level I played at today," Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. "I can definitely say that it felt like home. "I feel like I'm getting better, serving better, getting used to these conditions, which are tricky. But I'm getting more and more comfortable with every match," added Sabalenka, who faces unseeded American Hailey Baptiste in the quarter-finals.

Baptiste was one of three American women to advance to the last eight on Monday. Fourth seed Coco Gauff downed Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, while fifth seed Jessica Pegula beat another Romanian, Jacqueline Cristian 6-4, 6-1. Canada's Victoria Mboko, seeded 10, upset Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-0 to set up a quarter-final with Czech 13th seed Karolina Muchova, who strolled past Alexandra Eala of the Philippines 6-0, 6-2.

In the men's draw, Italian second seed Sinner was always in control against France's Moutet on the Hard Rock Stadium's main court. Sinner will face unseeded American Alex Michelsen in the last 16. Michelsen defeated Chile's Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 earlier Monday. But while Sinner sailed through, defending champion Jakub Mensik was among the latest crop of seeds to tumble out, losing a gruelling three-setter against 19th seed Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (13/11). A 2hr 55min slug-fest was decided by a marathon third set tiebreak when Czech 20-year-old Mensik saved six match points before finally succumbing.

US hope Tiafoe, who himself saved two match points in the final tiebreak, sealed victory after converting his seventh match point when a Mensik return of serve drifted wide. Tiafoe will face France's Terence Atmane in the last 16. Atmane powered into the fourth round with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 upset of Canadian seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on Monday. Auger-Aliassime joined a lengthening list of seeds who have stumbled in the early rounds in Miami that includes Indian Wells runner-up Daniil Medvedev, who was shown the door earlier Monday in a 6-0, 4-6, 7-5 loss to Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo.

Medvedev's exit followed the departures of world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Australian fifth seed Alex De Minaur and eighth seed Ben Shelton. Another French player, 31st seed Ugo Humbert, beat Kazakhstan's Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Third seed Alexander Zverev got past Croatian veteran Marin Cilic 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.

Two-legged knockout games in the East segment of the Champions League went ahead but four home-and-away ties in the West were postponed. They will now take place as one-off matches on April 13 and 14 at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City stadiums in Jeddah, the Asian Football Confederation said.

Saudi teams Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, the title-holders, will enjoy home advantage. Iran's Tractor are also in the last 16, facing Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates. The finals of the competition, which has been rebranded the Asian Champions League Elite, are still scheduled to be held in Jeddah on April 16-25.

Nils Nielsen's world number six side go into the clash in seemingly invincible form after cruising through the tournament with five convincing wins and 28 goals scored to just one conceded. In contrast, hosts Australia have had to knuckle down and fight hard. Montemurro said there were "no favourites in a final".

"It's the one who wants it more and the one who is smart enough to manage the moments," he said. "Adaptability is the word. I think this team is able to adapt accordingly. When we've had our backs against the wall we've changed things slightly and been able to find a way. "When you're in these contests, you know that ability to be selfless and adapt is really, really important."

It will be the biggest game Australia have played since their run to the World Cup semi-finals on home soil in 2023. While many of the current team were part of their two previous Asian Cup final defeats against Japan, captain Sam Kerr is the sole survivor from the 2010 title side. Dubbed the golden generation by Australian media, finally winning a trophy together would be a dream come true for the likes of Arsenal defender Steph Catley and Chelsea's Ellie Carpenter.

"I've been playing with a lot of these girls since I was 13 years old and we've not won a major trophy," said Catley. "We've put ourselves in a position a few times and had a few fourths. It would just be incredible to come away with a trophy for this group." Carpenter said winning at home would be "the cherry on top".

"Tomorrow's an amazing opportunity for us to hopefully do that," she said. "We need to bring our aggressiveness, our physical game, our speed into this game tomorrow because we know Japan probably won't like that."

With leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City meeting in the League Cup final on Sunday, the focus in the top flight switches to the congested race to qualify for the Champions League.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action:
Tottenham set for Forest 'final'

Tottenham defender Pedro Porro admits Sunday's showdown with Nottingham Forest will feel like a final as both teams try to haul themselves out of the relegation mire.

Igor Tudor's crisis-torn side are just one point above fourth-bottom Forest, leaving them with no margin for error when Vitor Pereira's men arrive in north London.

Tottenham will slump into the relegation zone if they lose to Forest and third-bottom West Ham win at Aston Villa on Sunday.

With only eight games left to avoid the humiliation of playing in the second tier for the first time since 1977-78, Tottenham can take heart from producing their best display for weeks in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

It wasn't enough to save their Champions League campaign as they bowed out 7-5 on aggregate, but Porro saw signs in the Atletico game -- and last weekend's draw at Liverpool -- that Tottenham have rediscovered some rhythm just in time.

"It gives you confidence for what's going to be like a final on Sunday. We've had some bad matches in the Premier League to be honest, but the last one against Liverpool, we came out with a draw so we're picking up some good feelings again," Porro said.

"It's tough, it's not easy because nobody wants to be in this position at this point."

Tottenham's current 12-game winless run in the league is their worst since 1935, while Forest haven't won in their last seven top-flight matches.

Chelsea chase Champions League return

Eliminated from the Champions League in chastening fashion by Paris Saint-Germain this week, Chelsea cannot afford to lick their wounds for long as they aim to secure a place in next season's tournament.

The Blues were crushed 8-2 on aggregate in the last 16 after a meek 3-0 second-leg defeat in a toxic atmosphere at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Frustrated fans sang the name of former owner Roman Abramovich and jeered Liam Rosenior's decision to take off Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, before many flooded to the exits long before the final whistle was greeted with more boos.

Rosenior's side are sixth in the Premier League, winning only one of their last five league matches ahead of a difficult assignment at Everton on Saturday.

Chelsea need to bounce back to keep pace with fourth-placed Aston Villa, currently three points ahead of them, and fifth-placed Liverpool, who are one point above the Blues.

At present, only the top four are guaranteed to qualify for the Champions League, but fifth place is also likely to end up making the competition based on 'European Performance Spots' to be awarded by UEFA.

Slot urges Liverpool to stay focused

Revitalised by their demolition of Galatasaray in the Champions League, Liverpool travel to Brighton on Saturday with Arne Slot insisting they must maintain the standards of that 4-0 rout.

Pressure has been mounting on Slot following Liverpool's dismal title defence and a European exit would have raised the scrutiny on the Reds boss even higher.

Liverpool's dynamic display at Anfield gave Slot a little breathing space, but he knows they must not lose focus in the battle to qualify for next season's Champions League.

"We have to try to find consistency," he said.

"We have had a lot of setbacks this season, a lot of times where we have created chance after chance without doing justice to how we performed."

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Friday

Bournemouth v Manchester United (2000)

Saturday

Brighton v Liverpool (1230), Fulham v Burnley (1500), Everton v Chelsea (1730), Leeds v Brentford (2000)

Sunday (1415 unless stated)

Newcastle v Sunderland (1200), Aston Villa v West Ham, Tottenham v Nottingham Forest

The announcement comes after the Asian Football Confederation recently met FIFA "concerning a potential revision to the international match calendar", the AFC said. "As part of this process, it has been deemed appropriate to halt the current bidding cycles to provide greater clarity and ensure a more structured approach to future host selections," the Kuala Lumpur-based AFC said.

Six bids were put in to host the 2031 showpiece: Australia, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, as well as a joint effort by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Australia, Kuwait, Japan and South Korea had also said they were interested in, or were bidding for 2035. "Given the far-reaching implications such a change would have on the scheduling and strategic planning of its premier national team competition, the AFC has initiated a broader review of its competitions calendar," the body said in a statement.

South Korea's football association said it received a letter from the AFC on Thursday announcing the bidding suspension. "Although unexpected variables have occurred, the association's will to host the Asian Cup remains unchanged," the KFA said on Friday. The next Asian Cup is in 2027 in Saudi Arabia.

Nine points clear of Borussia Dortmund atop the table, defending champions Bayern host Union Berlin on Saturday heading towards another Bundesliga title.

With a German Cup semi-final against Leverkusen and Champions League quarter-finals versus Real Madrid in April, Bayern could win a third treble -- something no other European men's team has achieved.

Speaking after Bayern once thumped Atalanta for a second time on Wednesday, the England captain pointed out how early the former Manchester City captain is in his development, despite winning the Bundesliga title last season.

"In the way we play, we've learned and evolved over the last 12 months. I think a lot of people forgot it was Kompany's first year last year," Kane told reporters at the Allianz Arena late on Wednesday.

"We were still learning the way he wanted to play, we were still learning different ideas from him. I think we've really honed in on his ideas now, and for sure we're a better team this year than we were last year."

Long derided for a lack of silverware, Kane said he was relishing the pressure and the spotlight big stage beckoned.

"Now it's about proving it on the big stage. We've had a fantastic campaign in all competitions so far, but as we know and as we spoke about before, April and May is when it really counts.

"So we have to be at our highest level in those moments."

With 93 goals in 26 league games, Bayern are just eight short of the all-time single Bundesliga season record of 101, which they set in 1971-72.

Kane has 30 goals and is 12 short of breaking Robert Lewandowski's single-season record, set in 2020-21.

Michael Olise is also on track for a spot in the record books. The one-time Crystal Palace winger has 17 assists this campaign -- five short of beating Thomas Mueller's all-time record.

With just two losses in 41 games in all competitions this campaign, Bayern have been cruising but the Bavarian giants have not had it all their own way.

Against Union Berlin this Saturday, Bayern will be without the injured Musiala, Neuer and Davies along with Nicolas Jackson, Jonathan Tah and Luis Diaz, all of whom are suspended.

One to watch: Carney Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund)

Born in Vienna to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was selected in Ralf Rangnick's Austria squad on Monday, days after switching his eligibility to his country of birth.

With his international future secure -- and with Dortmund's creative midfielder Julian Brandt leaving the club at season's end -- the time is right for the 22-year-old Chukwuemeka to in impress.

"Carney has got some minutes but definitely not what he or any player would have wished for," Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said Thursday.

"He came back in for the last game and was hungry after a two week break. It's always good when players are hungry and he has done that so far, whenever he's played."

Key stats

3 - Last-placed Heidenheim have just three points in their past 13 games and have not won since early December.

21 - In 13 Bundesliga games under Urs Fischer, Mainz have picked up 21 points, a vast improvement on the six they collected in their first 13 games of the season.

0 - Union have faced Bayern 14 times in all competitions but have never beaten the Bavarians, drawing five times and losing on nine occasions.

Fixtures (1430 GMT unless stated)

Friday

RB Leipzig v Hoffenheim (1930)

Saturday

Cologne v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Wolfsburg v Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich v Union Berlin, Heidenheim v Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund v Hamburg (1730)

Sunday

Mainz v Eintracht Frankfurt, St Pauli v Freiburg (1630), Augsburg v Stuttgart (1830)

Although she was seeded second in the elite combined ATP and WTA hardcourt tournament in Miami, Swiatek dropped this week to third in the world as Indian Wells finalist Elena Rybakina moved up behind top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek's compatriot Linette had to dig deep after Swiatek -- who won their last encounter 6-1, 6-1 -- raced through the opening set in 33 minutes. But she stuck to her guns and Swiatek double-faulted to give Linette two break points in the 12th game of the second set, Linette forcing a third set with a return winner.

"I just had to go for a little bit more," Linette told Tennis Channel. "I had to start hitting a little bit faster, too, to push her a little bit more back, not give her space. "But I think it all started with serving a bit better," she added. Swiatek didn't go meekly, saving a pair of match points on her own serve in the eighth game of the third and two more as Linette served for the match, before Linette sealed the win as Swiatek sent a backhand wide. "She actually gets really good on those break points down, match points down," Linette said. "She starts swinging. I just knew I had to stay strong on my serve."

Linette advanced to a third-round matchup against 20-year-old Alexandra Eala of the Philippines, a 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-3 winner over Germany's Laura Siegemund. "It really was close," said Eala, a surprise semi-finalist last year who needed three hours and 20 minutes to close out the victory. "It was demanding, physically and mentally. But that was one of my goals last year after the tournament, to improve physically, and here I am fresh as a flower." It was the longest WTA career match for 29th-ranked Eala, who beat Swiatek in last year's Miami Open quarter-finals for the biggest win of her career before losing to American Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.

Former world number one Venus Williams, 45, lost her first-round match to Britain's Francesca Jones 7-5, 7-5 after one hour and 51 minutes. Jones advanced to a second-round match against fifth seed Pegula, last year's Miami runner-up to Sabalenka. On the men's side 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca outlasted Hungary's Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, to book a second-round match with world number one Carlos Alcaraz.

Fonseca, ranked 39th, was strongly backed by Brazilian fans as he booked a first-ever meeting with Alcaraz and his second marquee contest in as many tournaments after falling to Jannik Sinner at Indian Wells last week. French 17-year-old Moise Kouame beat qualifier Zachary Svajda 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to become the youngest player to claim an ATP Masters 1000 victory since Rafael Nadal in Hamburg in 2003. Kouame, who received a wild card invitation, next faces 21st seed Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic.

Kouame, who battled through cramping late in the match, was thrilled to receive a message of congratulations from his idol Novak Djokovic. "He texted me something really, really nice," Kouame said. "I don't know how I'm going to answer. Hopefully I can meet him... it will be my dream."

Luis Enrique's side were irresistible in beating Chelsea 3-0 away on Tuesday to advance to the quarter-finals 8-2 on aggregate.

They play Liverpool next and will not be intimidated by the prospect of a rematch with the Anfield side, who they defeated on penalties in the last 16 a year ago.

The question is whether that tie, with the first leg in Paris on April 8 and the return six days later, will take all of their attention and leave the door open for Lens to stay in the domestic title race.

PSG are going for a 12th French championship in 14 seasons, and a fifth in a row -- that would be the longest streak of consecutive titles since Lyon's seven on the bounce between 2002 and 2008.

"We are very demanding, and we are having a very good season," said Luis Enrique. "This is a special group of players and it is a real pleasure to coach them."

But even such a special squad cannot find it easy to repeat last season's heroics, when they won every honour going before losing the Club World Cup final to Chelsea.

Injuries have had an impact after that epic campaign, with Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele only able to feature sparingly. Others are bound to have the looming World Cup on their minds.

PSG's last Ligue 1 game ended in a 3-1 home loss to Monaco, before last weekend's home meeting with Nantes was called off to help their Champions League preparations.

That postponement gave Lens the chance to go top, but they lost 2-1 at Lorient and so remain a point behind the leaders having played a game more.

Nice have beaten PSG in each of the last two seasons but these are more troubled times on the Cote d'Azur, with the team now coached by Claude Puel sitting just one place above the drop zone.

They have an eight-point margin over the relegation places but they have won just two of their last 16 league games.

With owners Ineos and Jim Ratcliffe now mainly focused on Manchester United, Nice's ambitions have had to be lowered and the future looks uncertain.

"It is always interesting to play the best team in Europe and see how we measure up," said Puel, but perhaps the main objective left for Nice now is a French Cup semi-final against Strasbourg next month.

Player to watch: Folarin Balogun

The 24-year-old USA striker is in a reich vein of form, having scored six goals in his last six games between league and Champions League.

The New York-born former Arsenal striker scored twice in his team's Champions League play-off loss to PSG and has been on target in each of Monaco's last four Ligue 1 games.

He has now improved to 14 goals in all competitions this season, helping revive Monaco's bid for Champions League qualification while he confirms his status as the main contender to lead the line for the co-hosts at the upcoming World Cup.

Key stats

2 - Nice are one of only two teams to have beaten PSG twice in Ligue 1 since Luis Enrique became coach of the capital club in 2023 -- the other is Monaco

5 - Monaco have won their last five Ligue 1 games, and are unbeaten in eight

73 - Vahid Halilhodzic will become the oldest coach in Ligue 1 history when he takes charge of Nantes against Strasbourg at the age of 73 years and 158 days

Fixtures (times GMT)

Friday

Lens v Angers (1945)

Saturday

Toulouse v Lorient (1600), Auxerre v Brest (1800), Nice v Paris Saint-Germain (2000)

Sunday

Lyon v Monaco (1400), Marseille v Lille, Paris FC v Le Havre, Rennes v Metz (all 1615), Nantes v Strasbourg (1945)

The 41-year-old notched the 124th triple-double of his career with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, helping the Lakers beat the Heat 134-126 for an eighth straight victory. Playing an unprecedented 23rd season, James already holds a host of NBA records, including points scored, field goals made and field goals attempted. His latest milestone came in a return to Miami,  he played for four seasons and won the first two of his four NBA titles.

James was coming off a 30-point performance on spectacular 13-of-14 shooting in the Lakers' win at Houston on Wednesday. After a quick turnaround that saw the Lakers arrive in Miami at 4:00 am on Thursday James was listed as "questionable" in early injury reports before he was confirmed as available. He shrugged off fatigue to make his first seven shots from the field -- not missing one until the fourth quarter.

James said the entire team was feeling the strain of the overnight travel. "I still wanted to come in and see how the body felt after some of the routine things that I do and the treatment things that I do. "Decided give it a go," added James, whose first chance to break Parish's record is on Saturday when the Lakers play the Orlando Magic. 

FIFA did not opt for the sanction requested by the Palestinian FA, which argued that the IFA should be suspended. But the IFA was found to have failed to "abide by FIFA's statutory objectives", in a lengthy decision published by its disciplinary committee, which listed several racist incidents in Israeli football. The disciplinary committee highlighted "deficient and substantively inadequate" sanctions against Beitar for racist and discriminatory behaviour.

Supporters of the club "have engaged in persistent and well-documented racist behaviour," the report said. "The club's use of slogans such as 'forever pure', and the repeated chanting of ethnic slurs such as 'terrorist' directed at Arab players are not isolated incidents but rather form part of a systemic pattern of conduct that offends the basic rules of decent behaviour and brings the sport into disrepute. FIFA said the committee had stressed that Beitar Jerusalem were "only a small example of a general failure by the IFA."

The IFA was issued with a warning and was ordered to display a "significant and highly visible banner" at its next three FIFA competition home matches, stating "Football Unites the World -- No to Discrimination". The IFA will also have to invest one-third of the fine towards implementing a plan to "ensure action against discrimination and to prevent repeated incidents". The report also said that the IFA's failure to respond to "political and militaristic messaging" by the CEO of the Israeli professional league and by Maccabi Netanya "further compounds its breach".

"The IFA has made no public statements condemning racism, has not launched any Anti Discrimination campaigns, and has not taken steps to foster inclusion of Arab or Palestinian players," the report continued. "It has not used its platform to promote peace or to counteract the politicisation of football by affiliated clubs and officials." After a separate investigation, FIFA announced no action would be taken against the IFA over allegations that Israeli clubs based in the occupied West Bank were taking part in Israel's leagues.

FIFA's governance, audit and compliance committee based its judgement on the fact that "the final legal status of the West Bank remains an unresolved and highly complex matter under public international law". The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) welcomed FIFA's ruling, saying "it was a step in the right direction". However it added: "The PFA observes that the findings do not fully address the scope and gravity of the violations raised in its original proposal."

In 2024, United Nations experts -- mandated by the Human Rights Council but not speaking on behalf of the UN -- said at least eight football clubs had been identified as playing in "Israeli colonial settlements" and called on FIFA to "fulfil its responsibility to respect human rights". "The autonomy and self-regulation in sport must not be detrimental to fundamental human rights," the experts said. In addition to roughly three million Palestinians, more than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law.

"I am missing my family," one of them told AFP on Monday at Kuala Lumpur Airport. According to DHA, the players left Istanbul Airport under police escort and headed to a hotel in the city. They will return to Iran on Wednesday, the Turkish news agency reported. Seven members of the delegation had sought asylum in Australia last week after they were branded "traitors" at home for refusing to sing the national anthem at their opening Women's Asian Cup game.

Only two remain in Australia after the others changed their minds. "The female football players and technical teams are children of the homeland, and the people of Iran embrace them," Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X on Wednesday. He added that they had "disappointed the enemies (of the Islamic republic) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements." Rights groups have accused Tehran of pressuring athletes abroad by threatening relatives with the seizure of property if they defect or make statements against the Islamic republic. Iranian authorities had previously accused Australia of pressuring the players to stay. US President Donald Trump had also called on Australia to offer the women asylum.

"The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute," it said in a statement.

"To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will, as soon as possible, file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne."

Eugenio Suarez drove in the winning run in the top of the ninth inning to seal a dramatic victory for the South Americans at Miami's LoanDepot Park.

Despite the defeat, it was a step forward for a team whose results have been disappointing since lifting the trophy in India four years ago. They bowed out in the group stage of the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, failed to reach the Paris Olympics and were hammered 8-0 by England last November. Australian Milicic, who has been in charge since May 2024, said they were on the right trajectory heading into the World Cup in Brazil next year. "I think part of my job was to bring some new faces into the team. I really feel I have a good idea what this team needs, what it's lacking, and what's working well," he said.

"But at the same time you have to understand that the next step for this team is the World Cup, so that's another step up again. "So you have got to keep evolving, picking the right players in the right training environment, getting the mix, the balance right." Milicic, who coached Australia at the 2019 World Cup, leading them into the last 16, said he was "very proud" of the improvements he had seen during the Asian Cup "both on-and-off the field". "I think the way that they've been open to a new way of playing, a new way of learning, a new way of training. That's what impressed me the most," he said. "Their mentality is excellent. They are such a joy to work with."

Zach Derenzo put the Italians 1-0 ahead after JJ D'Orazio drew a bases-loaded walk off Venezuela's starting pitcher Keider Montero. The Italians doubled their lead soon afterwards when Jac Caglianone came home after Dante Nori ground into a force out. Venezuela hauled themselves back into the contest in the fourth inning when Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez blasted a 386-foot home run into left center-field off Italy starter Aaron Nola to make it 2-1.

Venezuela, who conquered defending champions Japan in the quarter-finals, then broke the game wide open with three runs in the seventh inning. Ronald Acuna Jr's single scored Andres Gimenez to knot it at 2-2 and soon afterwards Maikel Garcia singled to left field to bring Jackson Chourio home for a 3-2 lead. Luis Arraez then tacked on another run, his line drive to center-field allowing Acuna to score and make it 4-2.

But he admitted to blood doping in comments shortly before the hearing was scheduled to take place, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said. An independent tribunal found he committed five anti-doping rule violations.

They included "use of a prohibited method through blood doping and facilitating another player to blood dope". He also "provided advice to others on how to avoid positive tests, and use and possession of the prohibited substance clenbuterol". Clenbuterol, a medication prescribed for treating asthma and other breathing difficulties, is sometimes misused by bodybuilders and athletes as an off-label performance enhancer.

Matosevic, who played at all four Grand Slams, is banned from any tennis event or activity authorised or sanctioned by the ITIA, such as ATP, WTA or Tennis Australia tournaments, until 2030. The 40-year-old is likewise prohibited from coaching or working with any players. There is no suggestion that O'Connell or Thompson have breached any rules.

The win set up a last-four clash in Sydney on Wednesday against an equally ominous-looking South Korea, who crushed Uzbekistan 6-0 to progress. Hosts Australia face defending champions China in the other semi-final in Perth on Tuesday. Japan were unrelenting, launching waves of first-half attacks without being able to penetrate a solid Philippines defence and the safe hands of young goalkeeper Nina Meollo. They had to wait until the 45th minute to open their account when Tanaka headed in from close range after a frantic goalmouth scramble.

With the Philippines rattled, Koga added the second deep in stoppage time, rising above the defenders to connect with Honoka Hayashi's corner. The second half was played almost exclusively in Philippines territory. The third goal arrived when Eintracht Frankfurt striker Chiba rifled into the left corner before Matsukubo showed deft touch to skip past two defenders and score two minutes later. Koga added the fifth with her head and Tanikawa and Ueki piled on the misery late on. Despite the defeat not all is lost for the Philippines, who move to a play-off game against Uzbekistan and will qualify for Brazil should they win. North Korea take on Taiwan in the second play-off.

The bowlers then defended the total successfully despite a valiant century from Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha, who hammered a composed 106 off 98 balls, an innings laced with nine fours and four sixes. His knock kept Pakistan in the contest until Taskin Ahmed removed him to finish with impressive figures of 4-49 in 10 overs. After Salman's dismissal, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi kept Pakistan's hopes alive, but leg-spinner Rishad Hossain delivered a superb final over, dismissing Shaheen for 37 and eventually helping bowl the visitors out for 279 in 50 overs.

The foundation for Bangladesh's successful defence was laid early by Taskin, who removed Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Rizwan within the first three overs. Nahid Rana, who finished with 2-62, also dismissed Maaz Sadaqat as Pakistan slumped to 17-3. Salman then resisted with calculated aggression, keeping Pakistan on course before Taskin delivered the decisive breakthrough to tilt the game back in Bangladesh's favour. Mustafizur Rahman also played his part well, braving an injury to claim 2-54.

Earlier, Tanzid and Saif Hasan put on 105 runs for the opening stand, with Saif contributing 36. Najmul Hossain Shanto added 27. Tanzid maintained the momentum through the middle overs, ensuring Bangladesh stayed on course for a big total. He became the third batter dismissed when left-arm spinner Abrar Ahmed removed him. Liton Das and Towhid Hridoy then took charge, although neither reached a half-century. Liton scored 41, while Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48 off 44 balls, hitting four fours. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan with 3-52 while Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket apiece.

The paddock in China woke up on Sunday to confirmation of the worst-kept secret in Formula One: next month's grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia had been cancelled because of the war in the Middle East. The decision leaves teams and drivers with an almost five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the start of the Miami race weekend on May 1. The change in schedule will affect development plans of teams already wrestling with sweeping regulation changes and new car designs.

Many were planning to bring upgrades to the Middle East races but they will now lose six practice sessions and two races in which to gather valuable data and on-track running. On the plus side, it will give more time behind the scenes and in the simulators to get their heads around F1's brave new world. Mercedes took a second consecutive one-two in China, with Antonelli leading home Russell.

Russell leads Antonelli by four points in the drivers' championship and Mercedes have 98 in the constructors' table, 31 clear of Ferrari, who seem to be their only challengers at present. After front-row lockouts in qualifying for both races this season, it has observers predicting confidently that a Mercedes driver will be crowned world champion in 2026. It appears just a question of whether it will be Russell or Antonelli. Both would be champions for the first time.

Constructors world champions McLaren were hurting badly after neither of their drivers even made the formation lap in Shanghai. McLaren's Oscar Piastri has now failed to start either of this season's two grands prix, though he did pick up three points for sixth place in Saturday's sprint. A few garages along the pit lane, Verstappen and Red Bull had very little to smile about either as the four-time world champion could only qualify eighth, dropped down the field after a terrible start and then retired on lap 46 with a cooling problem.

The once-dominant Red Bulls have suffered more than most from Formula One's sweeping new regulations and for the first time the team failed to score a point in a sprint race. "Nothing works. So it's just not nice," fumed Verstappen. "Every lap is honestly survival for me. I'm not enjoying it at all." After two weekends McLaren are already a massive 80 points behind Mercedes in the constructors' championship and Red Bull are a further six points back.

It meant they were absent as their club lifted the League Cup trophy in England on Sunday courtesy of goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones. Japan's Manchester United midfielder Hinata Miyazawa also missed out. "I don't think any other major tournament runs through a season and obviously that's disappointing for some," said Carpenter, speaking late Sunday.

"Sam and I had a League Cup final that we are missing and that's quite disappointing. "I think now that women's footballers that represent AFC (Asian Football Confederation) are playing in Europe I think that would definitely need to be looked at for the next one in four years." The next Asian Cup is in fact scheduled for 2029 in Uzbekistan. "Maybe putting in June-July when normal major tournaments are on," added Carpenter.

"It's not nice missing league games and (having) a congested tournament in the middle of the season is also probably not great for longevity." Thirteen of Australia's 26-strong squad play for English clubs and others elsewhere in Europe, with their seasons overlapping with the Asian Cup. Japan, who meet South Korea in the other semi-final on Wednesday, are similarly affected, with 16 of their squad based in England. The men's Asian Cup is typically held in January-February and so also cuts through the European club season.

Yet the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player left it late before reaching 20 points for the 128th game in a row, with 10 of his points coming in the fourth quarter after he spent long periods struggling for shooting accuracy. Gilgeous-Alexander shot only 7-of-22 from the field but was given scoring support from the Thunder bench, who contributed 61 of Oklahoma City's points, including 20 from Isaiah Joe and 17 from Alex Caruso.

"At the end of the day it's basketball," Gilgeous-Alexander said of his lacklustre shooting display. "I went out there with the same aggression I do every night. More shots didn't fall tonight than do, and usually that's not the case. "But some nights go your way, some nights don't. But regardless, I feel like I contributed enough for our team to get the W (win) and that's first and foremost -- walking out of here with a win."

Sunday's victory helped the defending NBA champions extend their advantage at the top of the Western Conference standings heading into the final month of the regular season. The Thunder are now 53-15, three-and-half games clear of the second-placed San Antonio Spurs (49-18). Minnesota fell to 41-27 and remain in sixth place in the West. Julius Randle led Minnesota's scoring with 32 points while Anthony Edwards added 19 and Ayo Dosunmu 18 from the bench.

Minnesota had won two of their three previous games against Oklahoma City this season and could have clinched regular-season bragging rights with victory. But after edging into a 53-47 lead at halftime, Minnesota were unable to build from that platform in the second half, with the Thunder erasing their advantage with a 33-23 third quarter before outscoring the visitors by nine points in the fourth. Eastern Conference leaders Detroit were upset 119-108 at Toronto, where Brandon Ingram scored 34 points and Jakob Poeltl added 21 points and 18 rebounds for the Raptors (38-29).

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons (48-19) -- who had a three-game win streak snapped -- with 33 points and nine assists while Jalen Duren had 20 points and 11 rebounds. At Cleveland, top NBA Draft pick Cooper Flagg scored a game-high 27 points and added 10 assists to spark Dallas over the Cavaliers 130-120.

Donovan Mitchell had 26 points and 11 rebounds for Cleveland, which fell to 41-27, 2.5 games behind third-place New York (44-25) in the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points to lead New York over visiting Golden State 110-107. At Indianapolis, the Milwaukee Bucks got 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists from Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 134-123 triumph over the NBA-worst Indiana Pacers (15-53), whose losing streak reached 13 games.

Bobby Portis added 29 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the Bucks (28-39), who snapped a four-game losing skid. Philadelphia's Quentin Grimes scored 31 points and Justin Edwards added 21 to lead the 76ers over visiting Portland 109-103.

Aminul said the patience and courage the players showed on the field has delighted the entire nation. He congratulated the national cricket players as well as coach and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The state minister expressed hope that this winning trend of the Bangladesh team will continue in the future and Bangladesh will further consolidate its position as a strong team in world cricket.

"As far as we know, Iran is playing," said Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation's general secretary. "We are monitoring whether they are playing or not, but at the moment they are. There is no official information that they are not playing," he told a press conference at the AFC's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Windsor stressed that the AFC wanted Iran, a "top team", to play in the global showpiece.

"So we hope that they will solve their issues... and be able to participate in the World Cup," he said. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social Platform said the Iranian team was welcome, "but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety." Meanwhile the captain of the Iranian women's football team, which played in the Asian Cup in Australia, withdrew her bid for asylum on Sunday.

Seven members of Iran's visiting football delegation competing in the Women's Asian Cup had sought sanctuary in Australia after they were branded "traitors" at home for refusing to sing the national anthem. Following the captain's reported move to go back on her asylum request, only two of them are now set to remain in Australia. A former player and a Persian-language TV channel based outside Iran said the players had been pressured to reverse their stance through threats against families.

Iranian authorities accused Australia of pressuring the players to stay. The players returning to Iran were at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur awaiting their onward travel. Asked about the women's immediate future, Windsor said the AFC was waiting for word from the team "when they want to leave." "It's their decision and we will support that," he said.

There was a hiccup as she tried to serve out the set and Sabalenka, who had lost just one point in her first three service games, was broken. Noskova kept the set alive with a battling hold in a marathon eighth game, fending off a set point with a service winner and sealing the game with an ace. Serving for the set again, Sabalenka opened with a double fault and went down 0-30, but a pair of big serves and a backhand winner brought her to set point and she claimed it with an ace. Sabalenka broke Noskova to open the second and was on her way. Noskova fended off a second break, but she was unable to convert a break opportunity in the eighth game as Sabalenka brought it home, capping the victory with a forehand winner on her third match point. "I think I really played great tennis," Sabalenka said.

"I was serving well. I was playing well. I like the way I put her under pressure on her serve." Rybakina, who is set to rise one spot to number two in the world on Monday, had too much firepower for ninth-ranked Svitolina, who was coming off a three-set win over two-time champion Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals. Rybakina recouped an early break in a tight first set and seized control with a break for 6-5, her steady pressure on Svitolina's serve provoking too many mistakes from the Ukrainian. Rybakina won seven straight games from 4-5 down in the first, breaking Svitolina twice on the way to a 4-0 lead in the second set.

The experienced Svitolina made her keep grinding, saving a match point on her own serve then saving another on the way to a break for 5-3 as she won three straight games. But Rybakina made no mistake as she served for the match a second time, nabbing her 12th straight victory over top-10 opponents. Although she trails Sabalenka 8-7 in their career head-to-head, she has won their last two meetings, in the title match of last year's WTA Finals and at the Australian Open -- were she claimed her second Grand Slam crown.

They will face the Matildas on Tuesday at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium after the hosts edged North Korea 2-1 in the last eight. Taiwan now move to a play-off against North Korea with an automatic World Cup spot on the line. The quarter-final had political undertones given China's claim to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, who compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" in international sports events. It is part of a political compromise with China that allows them to take part in major competitions without presenting itself as a sovereign nation. The crowd of 5,238 was relatively split between the fan bases although the Taiwanese contingent were more vocal.

There were some flag-waving Chinese fans wearing shirts with the words "China is my faith" written on the back. Like China, Taiwan has enjoyed strong support at the tournament but controversy erupted in the stands during their last game in Sydney. Former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium for leading a "Taiwan Jiayu", or "Go Taiwan", chant. There did not appear to be a repeat on Saturday. Taiwan are known for their dogged defence but unfurled attacking flair in the early exchanges. China gained control in the midfield and dominated possession and appeared to capitalise just before the interval when Wang Shuang headed home, triggering jubilation from the Chinese fans.

But their celebrations were cut short when the goal was overturned due to a handball by Wang earlier in the chain. China put the foot on the gas after the break, but Taiwan threatened on the counter-attack. In the last stages of regulation time, substitute Yao Wei's bullet hit the crossbar as the match went into extra-time where Shao stepped up.

His time made him the third-best all-time 60m hurdles performer behind Britain's Colin Jackson, who ran a best of 7.30 in 1994, and American Grant Holloway, who set the world record of 7.27 in 2024. Tharp won the US 110m hurdles crown last year and was sixth at the World Championships in Tokyo last year. Tharp did not compete in the US trials earlier this month and will not compete at the World Indoor Championships next week.

He'll have his work cut out for him again in Sunday's clash with four-time Grand Slam champion Sinner, who beat fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4. Alcaraz, 22, became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam with his Australian Open triumph this year. He followed with a title in Qatar and took a 16-0 2026 record into Saturday's contest. But Medvedev was up to the challenge, last month's Dubai champion running Alcaraz ragged in the intense desert heat as he pushed his own ATP win streak to nine matches.

"I just felt like the long rallies, especially when you play against Daniil, that the rallies are long, that you have to increase all the power in almost every shot," Alcaraz said. "So it feels like you're wasting extra energy after every shot. And with the heat, sometimes it's really tricky to deal with all of that." After Medvedev needed just one break of serve to pocket an opening set in which he didn't face a break point himself, Alcaraz made some adjustments broke first in the second for a 3-1 lead. But Medvedev broke back immediately, and his control in the rallies had Alcaraz gasping after one long point in the ninth game.

"The first set ... he just made it that I had to struggle a little bit," Alcaraz said. "In the second set, I started to feel much better. I realized what I have to do. I realized that I have to suffer, and I accept it." Alcaraz hung on to hold serve for a 5-4 lead in the second set, but he was unable to convert a pair of set points in the next game and they went to a tiebreaker that was all Medvedev. "He was playing aggressive, and he didn't even miss," Alcaraz said of Medvedev, who raced to a 6-1 lead in the tiebreaker to book is third shot at the title.

"He's an amazing player with amazing shots, defense, attack, serve, return, everything," Medvedev said. "So you need to be at your best -- and I was." Medvedev's form, after a disappointing 2025 campaign in which he fell as low as 18th in the world, has caught Sinner's eye. "He's back to very, very high level, very big serve. He's returning very well, very deep," Sinner said of the 2021 US Open champion. The Italian was delighted to finally punch his ticket to the final after falling to Alcaraz in the semis to Alcaraz in 2023 and 2024.

And he was delighted with his play in his sixth straight win over Zverev, the world number four from Germany. "It was a great performance - very solid from the back of the court," said Sinner, who saved the only break point he faced in a commanding display of precision and power. Zverev delivered two impeccable service games before he began to falter. Sinner broke him twice as the German's errors began to climb, and Zverev cut a dejected figure after Sinner pocketed the opening set. Zverev found renewed energy after fending off three break points in the opening game of the second set, but Sinner saved a break point in the sixth game with an ace and broke Zverev in the next game to gain the only advantage he needed.

Facing the hosts in front of their home fans may be nerve-wracking, but Milicic -- who is Australian -- said he was confident in his players' mentality. "These players are unfazed playing in front of opposing crowds -- their mentality as a nation is incredibly strong," said the 51-year-old, who coached the Matildas at the 2019 Women's World Cup. "They are not afraid of anyone and in fact that could even work to our advantage.

"These players are resilient and patriotic, and I see it every day. I would back these girls against any opponent." China are bidding for a record-extending 10th continental title and will have to get past Australia without their star player Wang Shuang. She picked up a yellow card for the second straight match against Taiwan and has been ruled out.

"Even without Wang Shuang, it doesn't bother us," insisted Milicic of the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham striker. "Wang Shuang has been excellent for us throughout this tournament. "I've been head coach for two years and of course losing her is a blow but at the same time, this tournament is about 26 players and it's an opportunity for someone else to showcase their talent against Australia."

Former number one Medvedev's aggressive play from the baseline and superb serving performance had Alcaraz on the back foot throughout, his control in the rallies leaving Alcaraz gasping after one long point in the ninth game of the second set. Alcaraz went on to hold serve in that game, but Medvedev saved a pair of set points in the next and dominated the tiebreaker to reach the Indian Wells final for a third time. The 30-year-old lost to Alcaraz in the title match in both 2023 and 2024.

"Super happy to beat someone as strong as he (is)," Medvedev said. "It's a great feeling." Medvedev needed just one break to pocket the opening set. Alcaraz broke first in the second for a 3-1 lead, but Medvedev immediately broke back and when they came to the tiebreaker was in full control, powering to a 6-1 lead. "He's an amazing player with amazing shots, defense, attack, serve, return, everything," Medvedev said. "So you need to be at your best -- and I was." He'll have his work cut out for him again in Sunday's clash with four-time Grand Slam champion Sinner, who beat fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4.

"We succeeded in communicating with some of the clubs of our professional players to facilitate their joining the national team." The match date has been set for March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey. Iraq is scheduled to face either Suriname or Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff final. The winner will play in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway in the first round of this summer's men's tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran's participation in the global spectacle. US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that the Iranian team's "life and safety" would be at risk in the US, despite FIFA chief Gianni Infantino saying they would be welcome at the tournament.

The conflict had also cast doubt on the participation of Iraq, which neighbours Iran, due to travel disruption concerns, with its manager calling for FIFA to postpone the country's playoff match. Iraq's head coach, Australian Graham Arnold, said many of the team's players and technical staff were stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict.

"Football should be a place where everyone feels safe and respected. This type of attitude has no place in the game and is simply not tolerated in football. "My friends and the people who were attacked had to be escorted by the Arsenal club's security staff as well as the police because of fears of retaliation from our supporters." Merseyside Police said they are "aware of videos circulating online of an altercation in the away section" and are working with the Metropolitan Police to investigate. Arsenal won the game with two late goals to close in on a first Premier League title in 22 years.

Her contribution to the development of sports in Bangladesh, especially athletics, will be remembered forever. The BAF president, general secretary, executive committee members, officials, coaches, athletes and all concerned expressed deep shock and sorrow at her death. They also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

In a condolence message, BFF president Tabith Awal, along with the senior vice president, vice presidents, executive committee members, general secretary, all standing committees and officials, and staff of BFF, expressed their deepest condolences at the death of Mimu and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Different sports bodies including Bangladesh Basketball Federation and Bangladesh Wushu Federation, also expressed deep shock at the passing away of Mimu. 

Apart from Bangladesh Athletics Federation, she also served in Bangladesh Archery Federation. With her death, the country's sports arena has lost a skilled organizer and a dedicated sports personality. The BOA family is deeply saddened and shocked by the death of this renowned former athlete and organizer. In a condolence message, the president of BOA and Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman and its Secretary General Jubaidur Rahman Rana, officials and employees expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Mimu and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

They will face the Matildas on Tuesday at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium after the hosts edged North Korea 2-1 in the last eight. Taiwan now move to a play-off against North Korea with an automatic World Cup spot on the line. The quarter-final had political undertones given China's claim to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, who compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" in international sports events.

It is part of a political compromise with China that allows them to take part in major competitions without presenting itself as a sovereign nation. The crowd of 5,238 was relatively split between the fan bases although the Taiwanese contingent were more vocal. There were some flag-waving Chinese fans wearing shirts with the words "China is my faith" written on the back. Like China, Taiwan has enjoyed strong support at the tournament but controversy erupted in the stands during their last game in Sydney.

Former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium for leading a "Taiwan Jiayu", or "Go Taiwan", chant. There did not appear to be a repeat on Saturday. Taiwan are known for their dogged defence but unfurled attacking flair in the early exchanges. China gained control in the midfield and dominated possession and appeared to capitalise just before the interval when Wang Shuang headed home, triggering jubilation from the Chinese fans. But their celebrations were cut short when the goal was overturned due to a handball by Wang earlier in the chain.

China put the foot on the gas after the break, but Taiwan threatened on the counter-attack. In the last stages of regulation time, substitute Yao Wei's bullet hit the crossbar as the match went into extra-time where Shao stepped up.

Opener Maaz Sadaqat laid the foundation for Pakistan with an audacious 75 off just 46 balls, an innings laced with six fours and five sixes that appeared to unsettle the Bangladesh bowlers early on. Riding on his whirlwind knock and a solid 62 from Salman Agha, before being run out dramatically, Pakistan managed to post a challenging total of 274 all out in 47.3 overs. Bangladesh made a poor start to the chase, slumping to 27-3 in 6.3 overs before rain and a hailstorm halted play, delaying the match for about one and a half hours.

After the interruption, the target was revised to 243 in 32 overs under the DLS method. Bangladesh resumed with the intent to chase aggressively but failed to maintain momentum, eventually collapsing to 114 all out in 23.3 overs. Liton Das was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 41 off 33 balls, while Towhid Hridoy contributed 28. The duo shared a 58-run stand for the fourth wicket to offer Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. However, Liton's dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse as the hosts lost their last seven wickets for just 41 runs.

Afif Hossain scored 14 and Saif Hasan added 12, with only four Bangladesh batters managing to reach double figures. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Sadaqat claimed three wickets each, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi finished with figures of 2-22. Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan gave Pakistan a flying start, putting on 103 runs in just 13 overs. Farhan scored 31.

The strong opening raised hopes of Pakistan posting a 300-plus total, but Bangladesh bowlers fought back in the middle overs to regain some control. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain slowed Pakistan's progress by applying pressure during the middle phase. However, Salman Agha later found his rhythm, scoring 64 off 62 balls to guide Pakistan to a competitive total. Mohammad Rizwan also made a valuable contribution with 44. ishad was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with 3-56 in nine overs, while Mehidy claimed 2-34 from his 10 overs.

"For us as a footballing team, it's the pinnacle," said 32-year-old Kerr, who scored the winner against North Korea. "So to put our team there is an amazing feeling. "Brazil is a footballing nation. What an amazing World Cup to go to. It will be incredible. I hope I'm there. Just the fact that we all get the opportunity to be on the biggest stage is incredible." Arsenal's Caitlin Foord and Leicester City's Emily van Egmond, both regular first-team starters, are also targeting a fifth World Cup.

The top six finishers at the continental competition in Australia qualify for Brazil. Montemurro praised his side for soaking up intense pressure from a high-tempo North Korea and taking their chances when they presented themselves. "They're the best team in the tournament. They really are. They're a great side," he said of the ninth-ranked North Koreans. "They have their reasons for the way they play. It's very difficult and it's very unpredictable.

"We didn't create much. We had to resist a lot. But it's the way you beat these teams. You have to manage the game in a certain way, and fortunately enough for us, we did it." Australia's reward is a last four clash in Perth with either defending champions China or Taiwan.

Reigning US 110m hurdles champion Tharp, sixth in the event in last year's World Championships at Tokyo, improved on the prior best of 7.37 shared by compatriots Trey Cunningham and Dylan Beard and Poland's Jakub Szymanski. Tharp did not compete in the US trials and will not take the track at next week's World Indoor Championships.

Tharp's time made him the fourth-fastest performer of all time in the discipline, level with compatriots Allen Johnson, Terrence Trammell and Greg Foster but well off Grant Holloway's world record of 7.27.

The match kicks off at 2: pm.

Earlier, on way the final, Brahmanbaria district team beat host Sylhet district team by 1-0 goal in the first semifinal while Moulvibazar district team defeated Habiganj district team also by the same identical margin of 1-0 goal.

The fact that Lens are even within touching distance of the Qatar-backed club is entirely unexpected, given that their budget is not even a tenth of that of the reigning European champions. The club from an old coal mining community in the far north of France, around 40 kilometres from the Belgian border, won their only league title in 1998 but finished as runners-up to PSG as recently as 2023. They fell away in the last two campaigns, finishing seventh and then eighth, not even qualifying for Europe for this season.

Between 2023 and the last close season, Lens sold a host of key players, including Brice Samba, Kevin Danso, Seko Fofana, Lois Openda, Facundo Medina, Neil El Aynaoui, Andy Diouf and Abdukodir Khusanov. Many have gone to leading European clubs such as Manchester City and Inter Milan, often for big fees, but Lens have not been able to reinvest all that money in new signings. Nevertheless, their decision to appoint former Lyon boss Pierre Sage as coach has been a masterstroke. The unassuming Sage has built an outstanding side full of over-performing players, in which the biggest star is French international forward Florian Thauvin.

Lens have the best defensive record in the division and have won 12 and lost two of their 15 Ligue 1 games since the start of November. They are through to the semi-finals of the French Cup, a trophy they have never won and still have a chance of a dream double. Last weekend, as PSG lost 3-1 to Monaco, Lens beat bottom club Metz 3-0 to cut the gap. However, the trip to Brittany to play Lorient promises to be an awkward one, as the promoted club are enjoying a fine season.

Sage has in mind the fact that Lens are due to host PSG on the weekend of April 11 and last week compared the title race to the Tour de France. "Right now we are still in the Alps with a good few stages and climbs to negotiate," Sage said last week, with Angers up next after Lorient. On Thursday he said: "Our objective now is to get six more points before the next international break so we can go into the remainder of the season in the best possible shape."

Player to watch: Matthieu Udol

The Lens left-back is not one of the more fashionable names in French football but he has been so impressive this season that he is a strong contender to make the France squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia.

Udol, who turns 30 this month, had spent his whole career at yo-yo club Metz before this season and has had to come back from several serious knee injuries.

However, his performances at Lens as a wing-back in their 3-4-2-1 system have been a major contributor to their success.

Key stats

10 - Lorient are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches in Ligue 1

15 - Marseille's Mason Greenwood is Ligue 1's leading scorer with 15 goals

6 - The number of points separating five teams, from Marseille in third to Monaco in seventh, in the fight for European qualification

Fixtures (times GMT)

Friday

Marseille v Auxerre (1945)

Saturday

Lorient v Lens (1600), Angers v Nice (1800), Monaco v Brest (2005)

Sunday

Strasbourg v Paris FC (1400), Le Havre v Lyon, Metz v Toulouse (both 1615), Rennes v Lille (1945)

The Belarusian star will face 14th-ranked Czech Linda Noskova, who ended the fairytale run of Australian qualifier Talia Gibson 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Svitolina's aggressive attack was too much for Swiatek, who coughed up eight double faults and looked out-of-sorts in the early going. The experienced Svitolina made the most of the early chances she was given then held her nerve in a tense third set. She gained the lone break of the final frame as she won the last three games to take the match.

"I wouldn't say it was the perfect match, but I could stay in the match and fight and find a way after losing second set," Svitolina said. "There is no champion who is waiting for the mistakes, and you have to really try to set up yourself in a good position to attack," she added. "I was trying to really open up the court and try to take the advantage, because Iga is such an aggressive player, and she moves really well. So if you don't take the opportunity, she's going to take it."

Svitolina closed it out in style, giving herself a match point with an ace and nailing a forehand volley to reach the Indian Wells semi-finals for the first time since 2019. "You make me feel a bit old with that stat," quipped the 31-year-old Svitolina, who returned to the top 10 in the world rankings in February for the first time since 2021 and the first time since becoming a mother.

It was just her second career win over Swiatek in six meetings and her first since 2023. But the victory continued a rich run of form in 2026 that has seen Svitolina capture the title in Auckland and finish runner up in Dubai last month. For six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek it was another disappointing quarter-final exit this year after she fell at the same stage in the Australian Open and in Doha.

- Rybakina halts Pegula streak -

Rybakina, the 2023 Indian Wells champion, booked a return to the semi-finals with another win over Pegula, who fell to the Kazakh in the semi-finals in Melbourne. Rybakina recouped a break that had her trailing 4-1 in the second set and put on a serving clinic in the tiebreaker to end Dubai champion Pegula's eight-match winning streak. Sabalenka's clash with Mboko was also an Australian Open rematch. Sabalenka said the 19-year-old Canadian had made strides since she was swept aside in the fourth round at Melbourne, but the Belarusian's power and precision ultimately proved too much.

"It was a tough battle today," Sabalenka said. "Super happy with the performance. Happy the level I played on those key moments in each set. "I think she was serving much better than she did in that match in Australia," Sabalenka added. "Definitely a bit more confident and was playing more brave."

Mboko agreed but said there was room for more improvement. "It's never easy to play the world number one," she said. "I had a lot of chances in the first set ... but she was playing really well, especially on pressure points. I've got to give credit to her there."

Kulbyte said her team should savour the occasion. "There's always the danger of getting too emotional but it's part of the game. If you don't live and appreciate the moment, then there's no point," she said. "One year ago we dreamed of being here. Then we dreamed about reaching the quarter-finals. "Now it is about achieving our next dream, but to dream without putting in the work does not work. We are happy where we are but we want more."

South Korea are heavy favourites after pipping hosts Australia to top their group and coach Shin Sang-woo is oozing confidence as they zero in on a maiden continental crown. "I feel that we will go into the match in good condition," he said. "We expect them to be compact and organised in defence. We've prepared various attacking options and we are ready to show it in the game." South Korea scored nine times through eight different players in their group games against Australia, Iran and the Philippines.

Kulbyte said their versatility posed a threat and demanded absolute focus from her team. "We have to be organised tactically. They have quality players but we have shown that we can be disciplined and structured," she said.