IN WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT

=================================

The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway in spectacular fashion on Thursday with a star-studded opening ceremony in Mexico City, while Los Angeles rolled out a series of football-themed events aimed at cementing its status as a major hub for the tournament.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and K-pop singer Ejae opened the tournament with a live rendition of the official World Cup anthem, DNA, before hosts Mexico faced South Africa in the competition’s opening match.

Although the anthem features contributions from David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion, neither artiste was present at the ceremony.

Fans were also treated to performances by Shakira and Burna Boy, who performed Dai Dai, while South African star Tyler ICU delivered the South African national anthem.

Three players were sent off as World Cup co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa two-nil in a dramatic opening match at a packed Azteca Stadium.

South Africa finished with nine men, while Mexico was reduced to ten in the closing moments.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio produced the flurry of red cards, dismissing South Africa’s Yaya Sithole for denying a goalscoring opportunity and Themba Zwane for a slap, then sending off Mexico’s Cesar Montes for a late foul.

Only four red cards were shown in the entire Qatar 2022 World Cup, while three had never been shown in a tournament-opening game before.

Long before any hint of that turn of events, Mexico delighted their fans with the first goal of the finals after only nine minutes.

South Africa midfielder Sithole was tackled by Erik Lira and the ball dropped to Julian Quinones whose powerful strike went through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Striker Raul Jimenez, sealed the victory with his first goal at a World Cup, heading in powerfully from Roberto Alvarado’s cross for Mexico’s second, a moment that appeared to bring tears from the veteran.

===========================

South Korea got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start by beating the Czech Republic 2-1 Thursday after finally converting some of the many chances they created.

Until the 80th-minute mark it seemed that the Czechs would punish the Koreans’ wastefulness, but substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the decisive goal in a Guadalajara stadium that was far from full.

Son Heung-min’s Koreans had dominated the first half but were unable to find the net.

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.

=======

England’s players have organised a team-bonding dinner in Miami after Thomas Tuchel gave them time off from their gruelling Florida pre-World Cup training camp.

Having arrived at their base in West Palm Beach on 1st June, the players have completed a number of intense training sessions in the searing heat as they look to prepare themselves for the hot and humid conditions they are likely to face during the tournament held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The trip to Miami will provide a final opportunity for them to unwind before flying on Saturday to Kansas City, where they will be based for the final.

===========================

Liverpool legend Emile Heskey has voiced concerns that the severe weather conditions and extreme heat across the United States could impact England’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He noted that while the squad has the talent to reach the semi-finals, navigating the challenging climate would require a bit of luck.

===========================

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, has been appointed to take charge of the Uefa Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa.

The contest between Champions League winners PSG and Aston Villa, who triumphed in the Europa League, is scheduled to take place on 12th August in Salzburg.

European football’s governing body said the decision had been taken after discussions with the Confederation of African Football.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said Artan was an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football.

================

============

IN NIGERIA

============================

Super Eagles have maintained their 26th position in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings.

The three-time African champions were in action four times since the previous rankings.

The Super Eagles remain the third-highest ranked team in Africa, behind Morocco’s Atlas Lions and Senegal’s Teranga Lions.

Algeria and Egypt complete the continent’s top five ranked teams.

On the global stage, the top five remain unchanged, with reigning world champions Argentina retaining first place ahead of Spain, France, England and Portugal.

The next FIFA Men’s World Rankings will be published on 20th July

=============================

Former Nigeria international Benedict Akwuegbu says Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle is steadily restoring the national team’s reputation as a formidable force in African and world football.

He also praised the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau for creating the stability needed to drive progress.

Akwuegbu stated this against the backdrop of Chelle’s impressive record since taking charge of the Super Eagles.

He also called for continuity in the administration of football in the country, even as the NFF Elective Congress is scheduled to hold in September in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Akwuegbu said the current NFF leadership has prioritised peace among stakeholders, strengthened grassroots football structures, and created a more stable environment for the domestic game.

He also pointed to gradual improvements in Nigeria’s domestic leagues under Gusau’s leadership, arguing that continued stability in the federation would help consolidate ongoing reforms and deepen football development across the country.

Akwuegbu added that leadership continuity would be essential in sustaining progress and ensuring that reforms within Nigerian football are fully implemented.

=============================

Super Falcons forward, Esther Okoronkwo has returned to training after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Okoronkwo suffered a meniscus tear and hamstring damage during AFC Toronto’s league clash with Halifax last month.

The 29-year-old left the pitch in the 39th minute after sustaining the injury, with the game eventually ending in a goalless draw.

The striker has not featured in AFC Toronto’s last five league matches and was unable to represent Nigeria in their recent double-header against Senegal.

Okoronkwo shared an update on social media, confirming that she is back to full fitness.

The Nigerian is in line to make her comeback for AFC Toronto when they face Montreal Roses at York Lions Stadium on Saturday.

Okoronkwo’s return to training comes as a major boost for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

====================

========

Rangers are interested in Nigerian international Ryan Alebiosu, who plays for Blackburn Rovers.

The Light Blues are in the market for a new right-back following James Tavernier’s departure from the club at the end of last season.

Alebiosu impressed for Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers last season after joining the club from Belgian Pro League outfit Kortrijk last summer.

The 24-year-old scored once, and registered five assists in forty-one Championship appearances for Rovers.

==========================

Godday Appah has received his WBO Africa cruiserweight title belt following his split decision victory over Ezra Arenyeka in the Chaos in the Ring Peace Fight on May 1, with the presentation ceremony held in Lagos on Thursday.

The bout had been billed as a symbolic Peace Fight between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities of the Niger Delta, and Appah was full of praise for Balmoral Group after receiving his belt, highlighting what he described as a new era for Nigerian boxing.

The Commonwealth Fencing Federation has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to successfully host the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

It cited the country’s strong bid, extensive preparations and the support structures put in place ahead of the tournament in Lagos this August.

Nigeria will become the first African nation to host the senior edition of the championships, a milestone that CFF President Marie-France Dufour believes reflects both the country’s readiness and the federation’s confidence in the growth of fencing on the continent.

According to Dufour, Nigeria secured the hosting rights after emerging as the strongest candidate in a competitive selection process overseen by the CFF and sanctioned by Commonwealth Sport.

Nigeria’s Female YellowGreens demonstrated resilience at the Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament in Kigali, recovering from defeat to Brazil with a convincing victory over Zimbabwe Women High Performance.

The split results highlighted both the challenges and promise within Nigeria’s campaign as the competition enters a crucial stage on Friday.

Against Brazil, Nigeria won the toss and elected to bat, posting 111 for six from 20 overs in a steady but ultimately insufficient effort.

Shola Adekunle top-scored with 38 from 44 balls, while Salome Sunday made 25 and Esther Sandy remained unbeaten on 15.

IN ENGLAND

=================

=========

Manchester City’s second offer worth one hundred and twenty million pounds for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has been rejected.

City have intensified their pursuit of the 23-year-old England international, with an offer of an initial one hundred and six million pounds plus add-ons.

Should they sign Anderson, it would eclipse the one hundred and five million pounds Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023 as the record transfer for an English player.

==========================

Newcastle United are in talks with Osasuna to sign Spain winger Victor Munoz.

The club are in a market for a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona for sixty-nine point three million pounds, and Munoz is a top target.

However, it is understood a deal has not been agreed yet for the rapid forward, who has a thirty-four point five million pounds release clause.

Newcastle is attempting to strike early this summer, having already landed promising goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims for eighteen point five million pounds.

==========================

London Stadium who own and operate the home of West Ham United has raised concerns that they were not told about safeguarding restrictions relating to co-owner David Sullivan.

They say they would expect to be informed on the matters so they could assess risk and ensure measures were in place to protect their staff, contractors and the public.

The Football Association opened a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after receiving allegations about the conduct of Sullivan, the then co-chair of West Ham United.

In response, a safeguarding group made up of the club, the FA and the local authority decided to prevent Sullivan from having access to his own club’s youth and women’s teams.

==========================

OTHER LEAGUES

===============

===========

Real Madrid has confirmed the reappointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach.

The 63-year-old has agreed a three-year deal and will begin work when the club returns for pre-season training on 13th July.

Real Madrid have paid Benfica thirteen million pounds in compensation to bring the Portuguese head coach back to the Bernabeu, more than a decade after his first stint at the club came to an end.

It is the second time Mourinho has taken charge of Real Madrid, with his previous spell, which began in 2010 and lasted three seasons, yielding a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.

Meanwhile, Benfica agreed a deal to appoint former Fulham manager Marco Silva as Mourinho’s replacement.

===========================

Former Chelsea striker, Álvaro Morata has disclosed that leaving Atlético Madrid was the biggest mistake of his career.

The Spanish striker, who went on to join AC Milan and later Galatasaray, confessed that he would gladly trade all the major trophies he has won for just one title with Atlético.

Morata enjoyed a highly prolific and productive final spell at Atlético Madrid (2022–2024), where he recorded thirty-six goals in ninety-three appearances.

==========================

The Football Association of Wales is urging Uefa to expand the Women’s European Championship from sixteen to twenty-four teams, bringing it into line with the men’s competition.

Wales qualified for their first major women’s tournament at Euro 2025, beating the Republic of Ireland in a play-off before exiting at the group stage in Switzerland.

Rhian Wilkinson’s side are currently bidding to reach their first World Cup and, with Euro 2029 in mind, the FAW wants European football’s governing body to increase the number of participants.

==========================

Fifty two Women’s National League clubs have signed a letter sent to the Football Association opposing proposals to introduce top-tier academy teams into their system.

The FA is planning structural changes that would allow four clubs from the Women’s Super League to enter academy teams into the third tier from 2027.

The clubs have formed what they call an alliance to challenge the board’s decision and have requested a special general meeting with the FA.

They describe the proposals as morally wrong and say the FAWNL have shown a complete lack of respect for players and staff.

==================

========

OTHER SPORTS

==========================

In Tennis, Prize money at this year’s Wimbledon will increase by twenty percent to sixty-four point two million pounds.

The singles’ champions will each take home three point six million pounds with first-round losers paid eighty thousand pounds.

More than six million pounds has been set aside for the qualifying competition, an increase of twenty-five percent.

=================

=========

Also, Former British number one Dan Evans is to retire from tennis after this year’s Wimbledon.

The 36-year-old has won two ATP Tour-level titles, while he was part of the 2015 Davis Cup team that secured Great Britain’s first title in 79 years.

Evans reached a career-high ranking of 21 in 2023, but he has played just five professional matches so far this year and dropped to 217th in the world.

==========================

In Cricket, Bangladesh has claimed their first one-day international series win against Australia with a five-wicket victory in the second game in Mirpur.

The hosts, who won their first 50-over match against Australia in 21 years in the series opener, had lost all four of their previous ODI series against the six-time World Cup winners 3-0.

Their only previous match win was in a tri-series with England in 2005, but back-to-back victories means a first ODI series success to add to their T20 triumph in 2021.

Chasing a revised 192 in 41 overs after the Australia innings was halted by rain, Bangladesh lost opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a duck in the first over.

=========================

In Formula one, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli says he still has a lot to prove despite the imposing championship lead he has established after just six races this season.

The 19-year-old Italian has a 66-point lead over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton after winning five of the first six grands prix this year.

His team-mate George Russell, who won the opening race of the season, has suffered a slump that leaves him a further two points adrift going into this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

He admitted that a period in the middle of his debut season last year, when he was off the pace and suffered a number of incidents, had knocked his confidence at the time but had turned out to be an important part of his development.

========================

In Rugby, the Prem’s leading coaches says England’s top stars are playing too much rugby, but the responsibility of resting players shouldn’t just fall on the clubs.

While a leading England player could be in action for eleven months of the year, there are mandatory game limits and rest periods in the agreement between the clubs and the Rugby Football Union.

Club bosses believe there needs to be a balance regarding when a player is stood down, and say the prospect of England captain Maro Itoje resting this summer is a step forward.

=========================

In Athletics, Ja’Kobe Tharp broke the one hundred and ten metres hurdles world record during heats at the American college championships.

The 20-year-old, from Auburn, Alabama, clocked 12.75 seconds at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, event in Eugene, Oregon.

The previous record of 12.80 was set by fellow American Aries Merritt in Brussels in September 2012.

Current Olympic champion Grant Holloway set the previous collegiate record of 12.98 in 2019.

Tharp is the first athlete to set a world record at the NCAA championships in 50 years.

=========================

SOCCER ACTION CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND

=========================

IN FIFA WORLD CUP

ON SATURDAY

Qatar vs Switzerland

Brazil vs Morocco

United States vs Paraguay

ON SUNDAY

Haiti vs Scotland

Australia vs Turkey

Germany vs Curaçao

Netherlands vs Japan

==============================

FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams….words from Eleanor Roosevelt.