China, after a surprising five-set victory over the United States, has advanced to the Women's Volleyball Nations League semi-finals in Macau. They are set to face Turkey on Saturday, a team that has consistently defeated them in recent major tournaments, including the 2023 VNL final and the Paris Olympics quarter-finals.
The schedule for cricket at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, has been announced, with defending champions India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh receiving direct entry into the men's and women's T20 quarter-finals. The women's competition runs Sept 17-22, men's Sept 24-Oct 1.
Defending champion Luke Littler secured a dominant 16-7 quarter-final victory over Josh Rock at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, throwing 17 180s. Littler will face Dirk van Duijvenbode in Saturday's semi-final, after Van Duijvenbode defeated Gary Anderson 16-13.
Morocco faces a "herculean task" preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, budgeting £4bn-£4.8bn for direct football investments and £17bn for infrastructure upgrades. This accelerated expenditure, equivalent to 11.9% of its 2024 GDP, raises public concerns about costs versus long-term benefits, prompting lessons from past hosts like South Africa.
Italy and Brazil secured their spots in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals semi-finals in Macau, with Italy beating the Netherlands 3-0 and Brazil overcoming Japan 3-1. Ana Cristina was key for Brazil, scoring 30 points. Turkey, Canada, China, and the USA will compete for the remaining semi-final places.
The 2030 World Cup power rankings highlight teams with strong young talent poised for success, with Spain leading due to its blend of experienced and emerging players. France, England, and Morocco also feature prominently, while Argentina and Portugal face challenges replacing legendary figures.
China's women's volleyball team, led by coach Zhao Yong, will face the top-seeded US in the Volleyball Nations League Finals quarter-finals in Macau on Thursday. Despite a mixed performance in the regular season, China aims to leverage its youth and experience against the favored US.
World number one Luke Littler achieved a thrilling nine-darter and an 11-8 victory over Nathan Aspinall to reach the World Matchplay quarter-finals in Blackpool. He recorded the tournament's second-highest average and will next face Josh Rock.
An independent review of Old Firm crowd disorder at Ibrox in March criticizes Rangers, Celtic, Scottish football authorities, and police for failures, warning of near-violent mass confrontation. It recommends immediate crowd restrictions over fines for unacceptable fan conduct.
Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen lost in the Athens Open quarter-finals to Barbora Krejcikova, making it likely she will need to play qualifiers for the US Open main draw. Her current ranking of No 122 is below the top 104 threshold for direct entry, with a wildcard being her only other option.
Paris Olympics champion Zheng Qinwen advanced to the Athens Open quarter-finals, her first tour-level quarter-final in a year, by defeating Elena Micic 6-4, 6-1. Zheng needs to win the WTA 250 tournament in Greece to qualify for the US Open main draw.
Iran's national football team will continue with head coach Amir Ghalenoei until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The decision follows an unbeaten but ultimately unsuccessful FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign where Iran exited at the group stage. Ghalenoei's contract extension was confirmed by the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Jude Bellingham hit back at Thomas Tuchel's criticism of England's performance, potentially creating tension between player and coach before a crucial World Cup semi-final. Bellingham questioned Tuchel's understanding of playing conditions and hinted at his modest playing career, while Tuchel's 'shock therapy' approach is seen as a tactic to drive standards. The public spat risks undermining team unity.
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern over his team's performance despite a World Cup quarter-final victory against Norway. He highlighted issues with possession, technical mistakes, and lack of speed, despite commending the players' effort and team spirit.
Jude Bellingham hit back at Thomas Tuchel's criticism of England's performance, potentially creating tension between player and coach. Bellingham's response, seen as a dig at Tuchel's playing career, risks derailing England's World Cup campaign.
Harry Kane defended Thomas Tuchel's strong criticism of England's performance, stating it's meant to push players to match training ground excellence. Kane acknowledged the team can improve but emphasized reaching the World Cup semi-final.
Jude Bellingham responded sharply to Thomas Tuchel's criticism of England's performance, potentially creating tension between player and coach ahead of a crucial World Cup semi-final. Bellingham's comments, interpreted as a dig at Tuchel's playing career, risk overshadowing England's campaign and creating internal discord.
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern over his team's performance despite their World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway. He highlighted issues with possession, technical mistakes, and a lack of speed, despite commending the players' effort and team spirit in overcoming adversity.
England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed Declan Rice was sick in bed for three days before their World Cup quarter-final win against Norway. Rice started the match but was substituted at halftime due to illness and struggling in the heat.
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern over his team's performance despite their World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway. He highlighted "sloppy" play and technical errors, emphasizing a need for better possession dominance and faster play, even as the team advances.
England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed Declan Rice was ill and spent most of the three days before their World Cup quarter-final win against Norway in bed. Rice started the match but was substituted at halftime due to his condition and the heat.
Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni and inspired by Lionel Messi, continues its World Cup journey with a mix of brilliant play and chaotic struggles. Coach Scaloni defines the team's legacy not by trophies, but by the passionate spirit of young fans, emphasizing resilience and fighting until the end, even after difficult matches.
Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career when Argentina meet in the semi-final. Despite over 200 caps for Argentina, this match marks a new experience for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
England advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a grueling extra-time win over Norway. Manager Thomas Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, citing sloppiness and technical errors, despite the victory. Jude Bellingham defended the team's mentality and resilience.
