The 2026 World Cup, the largest in history with 48 teams and 104 matches, has begun. The BBC is seeking reports from residents of the 16 host cities across Mexico, Canada, and the US about the local atmosphere, business impact, and fan mood.
Australia began their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 65-run victory over South Africa. Georgia Wareham starred with bat and ball, while Phoebe Litchfield's 50 guided Australia to 172, a total South Africa couldn't chase.
Australian captain Sophie Molineux's leadership has been marked by unusual batting order decisions and a strong start with the ball. Despite batting low in the order, she opened the bowling effectively against South Africa, contributing to a significant win.
Australia began their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 65-run victory over South Africa. Batting first, Australia posted 172/8, with Phoebe Litchfield scoring 50. Georgia Wareham starred with 32 runs and figures of 3/13, securing player of the match.
Australia began their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 65-run victory over South Africa. Phoebe Litchfield's rapid half-century and Georgia Wareham's bowling secured the win.
Australia began their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 65-run victory over South Africa. Batting first, Australia posted 172-8, with Phoebe Litchfield scoring 50. In response, South Africa were bowled out for 107, with Georgia Wareham taking 3-13 and contributing a crucial 32 runs.
A mass shooting in Johannesburg, South Africa, killed 12 and injured 15, exposing a pattern of violence in deprived communities fueled by organized crime and police corruption. Experts cite unchecked criminal syndicates and police failings as key drivers.
Caroline von Rantzau, 26, heiress to a German shipping firm, was found shot dead at her family's South African safari lodge. Her death follows that of the family's financial manager, Arno Koën, who was also killed on the property. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, with initial reports suggesting a possible accident.
South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba took a crucial wicket of Ashleigh Gardner, caught by Laura Wolvaardt. Earlier, Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Phoebe Litchfield. Australia Women are 62/4 after 7.2 overs. Shabnim Ismail left the field due to injury.
Australia Women posted 172/8 against South Africa Women, with Phoebe Litchfield scoring 42 in the Powerplay. South Africa's bowling attack, led by Mlaba, De Klerk, and Khaka with two wickets each, struggled to contain Australia's middle-order rebuild. Ellyse Perry contributed 30s in a 58-run partnership with Georgia Wareham.
Australia Women secured a commanding 65-run victory over South Africa Women in a white-ball cricket match. Key wickets fell at regular intervals, with Australia's bowlers proving dominant, restricting South Africa to 107 all out.
South Africa Women are in a precarious position, needing 130 runs off 84 balls with two key wickets down. Australia's bowlers have been effective, exploiting the slow and awkward bounce of the pitch. Nadine De Klerk and Laura Wolvaardt are attempting to rebuild the innings.
South Africa Women's captain Laura Wolvaardt has won the toss and elected to bowl first against Australia Women in their T20 World Cup match. Wolvaardt cited their strong chasing record and good preparation as reasons for the decision. Australia Women's captain Sophie Molineux expressed confidence in her team's ability to bat first on a slower pitch.
South Africa Women are struggling in their match against Australia, reaching 99/7 after 14.5 overs. Key wickets include Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, with Alana King taking two wickets. The Proteas need 77 runs from 38 balls.
Australia Women are 24/2 after 3.5 overs against South Africa Women. Shabnim Ismail took a wicket, and Beth Mooney fell for a low score. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll also lost their wickets early in the match.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes Yashasvi Jaiswal is poised to become a regular in India's ODI team after Rohit Sharma's eventual departure from the format. Sehwag, along with Manoj Tiwary, sees Jaiswal as a top contender for future opening roles, despite current competition.
Clint Dempsey, former USMNT star, criticized Canada coach Jesse Marsch for suggesting US players needed to be 'begged' to sing the national anthem. Dempsey defended his commitment to the US, highlighting his career sacrifices and stating Marsch should focus on his own team.
A VAR announcement during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa left players, commentators, and fans confused, with South African defender Khuliso Mudau's bewildered expression going viral. The moment drew comparisons to a similar reaction from Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Sixteen years after hosting the World Cup, South Africa's current squad, including 25-year-old star Foster, is inspired by the 2010 tournament. Many players, like Foster and Apolis, gained international experience in the U20 World Cup, and despite a tough opening match loss, they are determined to grow and inspire a new generation.
The BBC's decision to broadcast the World Cup from the UK, citing cost and environmental concerns, contrasts with ITV's on-location approach. The article analyzes the merits of each, highlighting the BBC's journalistic focus versus ITV's celebrity guests, and the challenges of remote broadcasting.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum explained her absence from the World Cup opening match, citing unaffordable ticket prices for most Mexicans. She gave her ticket to Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua, a young Indigenous woman who won a government contest.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed plans to expand India's pace reserves for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, with youngsters Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar set to get opportunities against Afghanistan. The focus is on developing white-ball game and identifying seamers capable of performing in South African conditions.
African football fans backed Mexico over South Africa in a World Cup match, citing anger over xenophobic violence in South Africa. Memes and posts mocked the South African team, linking support for Mexico to anti-migrant sentiments and unemployment concerns.
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener, but a red card incident involving South Africa's Themba Zwane and his confused reaction to the referee's explanation in English quickly became a viral meme, overshadowing the match's outcome.
