Infantino faces questions on World Cup eve

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to face the media on the eve of the World Cup. Photo: AFP LONDON: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to face the media on the eve of the World Cup on Wednesday, as off-field distractions dogged the build-up to the tournament. Infantino is likely to face tough questions about sky-high ticket…

Read More

Iran to reach US day before their opener

MEXICO CITY: Iran’s football federation announced on Tuesday that the country’s World Cup team will fly to Los Angeles the day before their opening group stage match against New Zealand. The Iranian team will be based in Tijuana in Mexico throughout the tournament, despite playing their three first round matches in the United States. Iran…

Read More

Serena makes triumphant return

Serena Williams made a winning return to tennis after four years in retirement. Photo: AFP LONDON: Serena Williams said she had “so much fun” as the American legend rolled back the years in her triumphant return to tennis in the Queen’s Club doubles on Tuesday. Four years after appearing to end her glittering career, Williams and…

Read More

Stokes’ captaincy in jeopardy

England captain Ben Stokes in action against New Zealand. Photo: AFP LONDON: Ben Stokes’ position as England cricket captain was in jeopardy Monday after officials announced he was being investigated for a nightclub incident reportedly involving a Saracens rugby player. Both Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the England and Wales…

Read More

FIFA World Cup 2026 nears kickoff

The World Cup will kick off in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Photo: AFP MEXICO CITY: The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can rise above anger at soaring ticket prices, an uneasy political climate in Donald Trump’s America and…

Read More

Somali referee axed from World Cup

Omar Artan says, despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood, and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career. Photo: AFP LOS ANGELES: Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States, world football’s governing body FIFA said on…

Read More

India dominate Afghanistan

India’s batting depth and the emergence of left-arm spinner Manav Suthar headlined a dominant second day in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, as the hosts tightened their grip on the match. India, resuming on a commanding 368 for three, continued their batting onslaught as Shubman Gill (126) and KL Rahul (100) anchored…

Read More

England beat New Zealand at Lord’s

Gus Atkinson takes a five-for to seal England’s low-scoring win over New Zealand by 8 wickets at Lord’s. Photo: ICC/FILE Gus Atkinson produced another incisive spell at Lord’s as England completed a comprehensive victory over New Zealand on the fourth morning, though the home side were left with mixed feelings after a match dominated by…

Read More