India's warm-up cricket match against a Sri Lanka XI, ahead of their two-Test series, has been reduced from four days to three days. The practice game will now be played from August 7 to August 9 at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo, as confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn dismissed Tyson Fury's doubts about their long-awaited heavyweight clash, confirming the fight is still expected in November. Both boxers have warm-up bouts this week, with Joshua fighting in Saudi Arabia and Fury in Thailand.
China's senior men's football team will not participate in the Fifa Asean Cup in September, opting instead for warm-up matches against Palestine and North Korea in Chongqing as part of their preparation for next year's Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The women's and U23 men's teams will compete in the Asian Games in Japan.
Anthony Joshua returns to the ring against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a warm-up for a potential super-fight with Tyson Fury. The article details Joshua's career, Prenga's record, and other title fights on the card, with the Fury bout expected later this year if both win.
England faces the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a high win probability, but the DRC's tactical shift to a back five and strong defensive record, particularly against stronger opponents, suggests a tougher challenge than anticipated. The DRC's ability to frustrate opponents and limit high-quality chances will test England's clinical finishing.
Tyson Fury will face Poland's Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24th as a preparatory bout before a potential all-British clash with Anthony Joshua. Joshua is also scheduled for a comeback fight on July 25th in Saudi Arabia. Both boxers need to win their respective fights to pave the way for a meeting in 2026.
Fifa's introduction of 'hydration breaks' in football matches, particularly during the World Cup in the US, is criticized as an unnecessary advert break that fundamentally alters the game's structure and rhythms. The author argues it's driven by commercial interests and a power play by Fifa, despite claims of player welfare.
A France XV demonstrated superior depth and skill to secure a comfortable 35-19 victory over England in a non-Test summer warm-up match in Vannes. Despite an early try from England, France's quick handling and strong second-half performance sealed the win.
The 2026 World Cup in North America faces significant weather challenges, including thunderstorms, extreme heat, humidity, and potential tropical storms across its 16 host cities. Altitude in Mexico City also poses a risk, raising concerns about competitive fairness.
The 2026 World Cup in North America faces significant weather challenges, including thunderstorms, extreme heat, humidity, and tropical storms across its 16 host cities. Mexico City's altitude also presents unique conditions for players.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed several scoring opportunities in Portugal's 2-1 friendly victory over Nigeria, a final warm-up before the FIFA World Cup. Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição scored for Portugal, while Akor Adams netted for Nigeria. Ronaldo, 41, is set to make his sixth World Cup appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed several scoring opportunities in Portugal's 2-1 friendly victory against Nigeria, their final World Cup preparation. Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição scored for Portugal, while Akor Adams netted for Nigeria. Ronaldo, 41, is set for his sixth World Cup.
Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations were marred by a security lapse exposing player passport details, including Lionel Messi's. The leak occurred via an official team sheet distributed before a friendly against Iceland in Alabama. Despite this, Argentina won the match 3-0.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur promises a fearless approach as her team begins its ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan in Birmingham. Despite a mixed warm-up, the team is confident, with Richa Ghosh's batting a key positive.
England's World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida, was delayed by an hour due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. This incident highlights concerns about weather delays impacting the upcoming World Cup, with FIFA adhering to NOAA guidelines for lightning.
Portugal defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up match, securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, missed key chances despite playing a significant role.
Declan Rice scored an early goal for England against Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up match. Other headlines include US official claims about a banned referee's links to 'terror organisations', BBC pundits' World Cup predictions, and England cricket issues.
Lionel Messi scored minutes after returning from injury as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up match. Messi, eased back after muscle fatigue, made a 20-minute cameo, allaying fears about his readiness for the tournament.
Richa Ghosh's brilliant 68 off 36 balls wasn't enough as England narrowly defeated India by five runs in a Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match. India fell short chasing 172, with Ghosh's dismissal in the final over proving decisive.
The Doué brothers, Guéla and Desiré, share a unique bond as they play for opposing teams (Côte d'Ivoire and France) at the World Cup. Their story highlights the growing trend of sibling rivalries in international football, with seven pairs of siblings competing in the tournament.
England's World Cup preparations concluded with a five-run warm-up victory against India in Cardiff. Nat Sciver-Brunt returned with a half-century, and Amy Jones also impressed with the bat. Alice Capsey's wicketkeeping performance provided reassurance.
England Women secured a thrilling five-run victory over India in their final T20 World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff. Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 57 and Amy Jones added 64 as England posted 171-6, before India's Richa Ghosh hit a rapid 68 but was stumped by Linsey Smith.
Spain defeated Peru 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up match in Puebla, Mexico, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri, and an own goal, before Jairo Velez scored for Peru.
Michael Olise scored a hat-trick as France defeated Northern Ireland in their final World Cup warm-up, with his performance drawing praise and raising expectations for a Ballon d'Or contention.
