Chinese table tennis players struggled at the WTT Contender event in Zagreb, with only one men's doubles pair reaching the final. Hong Kong's Wong Chun-ting and Doo Hoi-kem secured the mixed doubles title, while Japan dominated the women's singles quarter-finals.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence in Italy's return to the World Cup, looking forward to the 2030 qualifiers. He met with Gianni Rivera at the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City, recalling the historic 1970 "Match of the Century."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers schedule includes matches on Saturday, May 13th, featuring Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, and USA vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles. Sunday, May 14th, has Qatar vs. Switzerland in the Bay Area, Brazil vs. Morocco in New York, Haiti vs. Scotland in Boston, and Australia vs. Turkey in Vancouver.
A parrot named Olivia at Nasu Animal Kingdom has predicted a 3-game winning streak for Japan in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, despite a historically low prediction rate for men's soccer.
Chinese veteran Fang Bo, competing for Kazakhstan, was eliminated in the final round of the 2026 WTT Zagreb Challenge qualifiers. The 34-year-old lost to India's 19-year-old Bhattacharya, marking a disappointing return to competition after nearly five years.
Fifa has requested Haiti change their 2026 World Cup jerseys due to political imagery. The original designs featured silhouettes inspired by the Battle of Vertières and the Haitian Revolution, which Fifa deemed potentially problematic under its equipment regulations. The team wore modified jerseys for official portrait sessions.
Iraq qualifies for the World Cup finals after 40 years, overcoming logistical challenges due to the Middle East war, and faces a tough group with France, Senegal, and Norway, drawing inspiration from past successes like the 2007 Asian Cup win.
Nepal's Kushal Bhurtel achieved a rare world record with back-to-back T20I centuries, scoring 126 off 54 balls against Malaysia in the Asian Games qualifiers, leading Nepal to a 167-run victory.
Liverpool appoints Andoni Iraola, a 43-year-old Spanish coach, as its new head coach after Arne Slot's departure, aiming to return to an aggressive, high-pressing style reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp's era.
Algeria secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a friendly match in Rotterdam, with substitute Anis Hadj Moussa scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute. Goalkeeper Luka Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, made crucial saves.
Taiwan's women's football team is heading to the East Asian Cup qualifiers in Guam without a team doctor, sparking controversy. The Sports Administration Minister stated they will assess player needs and consider future team doctor provisions as the sport grows.
Algeria's national football team, led by goalkeeper Luca Zidane and forward Anis Hadj Moussa, secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a friendly match in Rotterdam. The win serves as preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Qualifying player Chwalinska has reached the semifinals in Paris, winning her eighth consecutive match. The left-handed player's varied style, including underspin shots and drops, has frustrated opponents and mirrors Nadia Podoroska's 2019 achievement.
ENEOS and Nissan Motors advanced to the semifinals of the first representative playoff in the 97th Intercity Baseball Tournament's West Kanto regional qualifiers. ENEOS defeated Yokohama Kinko Club 19-1, and Nissan Motors beat Zen Kawasaki Club 9-0.
The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, held its first full training session with all 26 players, including Lee Kang-in, for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Key players like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae had previously joined the camp.
Lee Kang-in, who recently won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, has joined the South Korean national team in Herriman, Utah, for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. He arrived later than other key players due to his club commitments but expressed a strong desire to join team training immediately.
Italy's women's national football team is training in Tirrenia for their final two World Cup 2027 qualifiers against Sweden. Coach Andrea Soncin emphasized the importance of winning both matches to secure a direct spot in the tournament.
England captain Leah Williamson will miss the Women's World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine due to a hamstring injury. Liverpool's Grace Fisk replaces her, while Brighton's Sophie Baggaley is also called up.
Japan's national football team defeated Iceland 1-0 in an international friendly match held at Tokyo's MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). The winning goal was scored by substitute Koki Ogawa in the 42nd minute of the second half with a header. This match served as a send-off game for the team ahead of the North American World Cup qualifiers.
South Korean striker Oh Hyun-gyu displayed 'wild charm' during the national team's first training session in Herriman, Utah, for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He was seen running barefoot and shirtless, a routine he also followed at his club, Celtic.
Roland Garros tennis tournament kicks off in Paris under a heatwave. Saudi Arabia's national football team coach announced a preliminary 30-player squad for World Cup 2026 preparations. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi pledged to stay with the club even if they are relegated from the Premier League.
The Saudi Athletics Federation has officially announced that 6 athletes have qualified for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, USA. The federation highlighted the progress in technical work and aims to build a strong base of talent for international competitions.
Egypt's national football team will play a friendly match against Russia on May 28th as part of their World Cup preparations. This encounter follows limited use of the Egypt Stadium and aims to leverage the familiarity and crowd advantage of Cairo Stadium.
Coleman Wong secured a historic spot in the French Open main draw as a lucky loser, while Eudice Chong won the WTA doubles title at the Morocco Open, marking a significant day for Hong Kong tennis.
