Egyptian footballer; captains Egypt, stars for Liverpool
Cape Verde has reached the World Cup round of 32 after drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and benefiting from Spain27s 1-0 win over Uruguay. The debutants have become the smallest nation in tournament history to advance, finishing second in Group H and drawing a last-32 tie with defending champions Argentina in Miami on July 3.
Haaland has starred in Norway’s World Cup opener, delivering a standout performance that has energized fans from Boston to Vancouver. Norway has returned to the World Cup after 28 years, and celebrations reflect a surge of global interest in the tournament.
Sheffield's Crucible theatre will host the world snooker championships until 2045, securing a major sporting event in the city. The announcement follows speculation about relocating the event abroad, providing relief for the city’s cultural and sporting identity. The decision highlights Sheffield’s ongoing recovery from industrial decline.
Manchester United has reinforced its push for Champions League football, with Casemiro scoring and Bruno Fernandes assisting in a 2-0 win over Brentford. The result consolidates United’s position as their bid for a top-four finish continues, while Casemiro is closing in on a club record for headed goals.
Liverpool's Mo Salah has been ruled out of the final weeks of the club season due to a hamstring tear, with officials confirming he will be fit for Egypt's World Cup group stage. Jurgen Klopp’s side are pushing for a Champions League place as they navigate his absence.
Mohamed Salah has been sidelined by a minor hamstring issue since a win over Crystal Palace, but Liverpool says he is expected to be available again before the season concludes as he prepares for his Anfield farewell this summer.
Morocco has confirmed its 26-man squad for the World Cup under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The squad leans on European-born players, including five with links to Spain, and features Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose eligibility was approved by FIFA this year. The Atlas Lions open in New Jersey on June 13 vs. Brazil, then face Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
Spain has named its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal as a star presence. For the first time since 1950, no Real Madrid player features as Dean Huijsen is injured and Dani Carvajal is left out. Mikel Merino has returned from injury, and Yamal faces a potential hamstring issue ahead of the tournament.
Liverpool has appointed Andoni Iraola to replace Arne Slot, aiming to restore an attacking, front-foot style. The Spaniard has been identified as the successor after a run of mixed results and a push for a Klopp-era attacking identity. The move follows ongoing negotiations and recent coverage confirming Iraola’s strong fit with the club’s tactical ambitions.
Arsenal and PSG have reached the Champions League Final in Budapest, with PSG aiming to defend their crown after a 5-0 win in 2023; Arsenal seek their first European crown in 140 years. PSG enters as favorites, having defeated Liverpool and Bayern Munich en route to the final.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
Liverpool has appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager after sacking Arne Slot. Iraola, who guided Bournemouth to European qualification, will inherit a squad under pressure and is expected to implement a more attacking style. The announcement follows a season of injuries and poor results that left the club trophyless.
Belgium has shifted its World Cup approach under coach Rudi Garcia, emphasising defence amid an attack-led setup as Doku and Lukaku headline a transformed squad. Iran faces geopolitical scrutiny and a grind-it-out approach as it eyes progress from a tough group.
Egypt has qualified for the World Cup Round of 32 and will face Australia in Arlington, Texas, next Saturday; Egypt finished second in Group G after a 1-1 draw with Iran and Belgium’s 5-1 win over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah left the Iran game with a left-leg bandage in the 57th minute and his participation against Australia is currently uncertain.
Mbappé scores twice to move France to 58 international goals, becoming the nation's all-time top scorer. Dembele nets a hat-trick in earlier group win over Senegal; Barcola adds late goal as France beat Senegal 3-1 to seal Group I victory. Norway advance to last 32 after earlier results.
Morocco has defeated Scotland 1-0 in Boston as Ismael Saibari scores after 71 seconds, keeping them on track to advance from Group C. Scotland’s attack struggles and Hakimi faces a separate legal case, while Morocco eye further progress in their remaining group game.
Argentina has secured a 3-1 win over Jordan in the group finale, with Lionel Messi scoring from a free kick after coming on as a second-half substitute. The performance extends Messi’s World Cup scoring record and keeps Argentina atop Group J as they head into the knockout rounds.
Iran finishes third in Group G with three points after draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. A stoppage-time offside decision denied a potential group victory, while travel and visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. complicated preparation and recovery, leaving Iran eliminated as the World Cup concludes.
Morocco has eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 in a World Cup last-32 penalty shootout. Celebrations erupt in Casablanca, while police in The Hague deploy riot squads amid clashes as fans clash after the match.