The 2026 World Cup's expansion to 48 teams has led to thrilling upsets, with debutants like Cape Verde and Curacao performing strongly. The US has advanced, while established teams like Argentina and France face intriguing matchups.
Canterbury Bulldogs kept their NRL finals hopes alive with a thrilling 13-12 golden-point victory over Manly Sea Eagles, thanks to a late field goal from captain Stephen Crichton. Earlier, Gold Coast Titans stunned competition leaders Penrith Panthers 19-18.
The Canterbury Bulldogs secured a dramatic 13-12 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles in a golden point thriller. Matt Burton kicked the winning field goal in the 81st minute after a tense back-and-forth contest.
The Gold Coast Titans secured a dramatic 19-18 victory over the Penrith Panthers, handing the Panthers only their second loss of the season. Rookie Zane Harrison sealed the win with a field goal in the dying seconds. The match also featured a suspected dislocated ankle for Titans winger Jensen Taumoepeau.
Canterbury Bulldogs kept their NRL finals hopes alive with a thrilling 13-12 golden-point victory over Manly Sea Eagles, thanks to a Stephen Crichton field goal. In another upset, Gold Coast Titans defeated competition leaders Penrith Panthers 19-18.
A traditional owner, Alwyn Lyall, was asked to leave Australia Zoo by police after seeking information about 'Old Faithful,' an icon crocodile considered a totem to his community. Lyall alleges the crocodile was 'wrongfully arrested' and transferred without proper consultation, highlighting a breakdown in trust between traditional owners and the Queensland government.
Alwyn Lyall, a traditional owner, was asked to leave Australia Zoo by police after seeking information about 'Old Faithful,' an icon crocodile. Lyall alleges the crocodile was 'wrongfully arrested' and transferred without proper consultation, leading to a rift with the Queensland government.
Northampton, the Premiership's top contenders, face Exeter in the final, a match that history suggests will be unpredictable. Despite Exeter's lower league position, their recent strong performances and the return of key players like Manny Feyi-Waboso, along with the leadership of Dafydd Jenkins, suggest they are capable of an upset.
Day 8 of the World Cup saw hosts Canada decimate Qatar 6-0, with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick. Mexico drew with South Korea, Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Czechia drew with South Africa. Upcoming matches include USA vs. Australia and Scotland vs. Morocco.
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi defeated world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in Hong Kong. Erigaisi capitalized on a late blunder by Carlsen, securing a crucial win for Team MGD1.
The FIFA World Cup's opening week saw historic moments like Messi's hat-trick, Spain's shock draw with Cape Verde, and DR Congo's draw against Portugal. Key takeaways include Messi's continued impact, Ronaldo's anonymous display, Mbappe's record-breaking form, and the emergence of underdogs.
A new Polymarket user, 'fishalive,' turned $400,000 into nearly $9 million by betting against Spain in their 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, highlighting the risks and potential rewards of prediction markets.
Curacao, the smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup, scored against Germany but lost momentum after a hydration break, ultimately losing 7-1. Critics argue these breaks disrupt game flow and allow for tactical shifts.
Georgia Republicans narrowly chose Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive, over Donald Trump's preferred candidate, Burt Jones, for the gubernatorial nomination. Trump's pick for Senate, Rep. Mike Collins, won his runoff.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticizes the Indian film industry for favoring blockbusters, leading to poor screen time and show timings for smaller films like 'Bandar' and 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', while Hollywood releases get better treatment. He laments the lack of industry solidarity and the shift towards OTT consumption.
Maxi Araújo scored a late equalizer in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in a dramatic Group H match. Saudi Arabia had taken the lead in the first half through Abdulelah Al-Amri.
Maxi Araújo scored a late equalizer in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in a dramatic Group H match. Saudi Arabia had taken the lead in the first half through Abdulelah Al-Amri.
Romelu Lukaku's immediate influence off the bench secured a 1-1 draw for Belgium against Egypt in their World Cup Group G opener. Egypt had taken a deserved lead through Emam Ashour, but an own goal after Lukaku's introduction cancelled it out, preventing a shock defeat.
Spain's star-studded "La Roja" played to a 0-0 draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta. Cape Verde's goalie Vozinha was named Man of the Match for his stellar performance, securing a historic point for his nation.
Ilia Topuria suffered a severe defeat and was hospitalized after a brutal fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 250. The previously unbeaten champion's face was badly injured, leading to the fight being stopped after the fourth round. Gaethje ruled out an immediate rematch.
Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria to win the lightweight UFC title at an event held on the White House lawn. Ciryl Gane also secured an interim heavyweight title, while Sean O'Malley and Josh Hokit achieved significant knockout victories.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage has begun with significant matches. Brazil drew with Morocco, Scotland beat Haiti, Australia upset Turkey, Germany dominated Curaçao, and the Netherlands narrowly defeated Japan. Ivory Coast secured a late win against Ecuador.
A UFC event in Washington D.C. saw seven fights end in stoppages, with Justin Gaethje defeating Ilia Topuria in the main event. President Donald Trump was in attendance, congratulating the victorious fighters.
The lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje was stopped after Topuria was unable to continue due to severe swelling and bleeding in his eyes. Gaethje was declared the winner by TKO.
