Sports

Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI, achieving two major milestones with one victory. The result also benefited Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s win means Bangladesh will join the direct qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup. The victory also finalised the eight teams that will qualify directly based on the ...

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 10 – Myriam Nyadjou scored from a free-kick to give Cameroon a surprise 1-0 quarter-final victory over Women’s Africa Cup of Nations defending champions Nigeria in Casablanca on Sunday. The 19-year-old struck after 19 minutes, slamming a rising shot past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and into the corner of the net. It was the first ...

The deadlock between Manchester City and Barcelona over Rodri appears to be easing, with the Catalan club making a second offer for the Spanish midfielder. City, meanwhile, are reportedly ready to lower their asking price from €80 million. The deadlock between Manchester City and Barcelona over Rodri appears to be easing. Barcelona have made a second offer for the Spanish ...

The soccer ball that Diego Maradona used to score his infamous “Hand of God” goal during Argentina’s win over England in the 1986 World Cup is expected to sell for $10 million at a US auction this month. Maradona’s goal in the quarter-final match at the Estadio Azteca saw him punch the ball past the England goalkeeper, with the South ...

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has said he is willing to return to the country to face all legal cases against him, including a murder case, if the government guarantees his safety. He also said that if an immediate return is not possible, he would like to return alongside former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, referring to her as the ...

Lionel Messi scored twice, his first goals since the World Cup, as Inter Miami came from behind to beat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in a rain-hit Leagues Cup match on Wednesday night. The match at Nu Stadium was delayed for 30 minutes in the second half because of lightning in the area. Messi scored in the 11th and 44th minutes ...

Ireland international Orla Prendergast took 4-18 as Welsh Fire beat Manchester Super Giants by three wickets at Old Trafford. Playing only her second Hundred match after arriving as an injury replacement for Sophie Devine, the seamer tore through the Super Giants’ top-order as the hosts slipped to 24-4. Prendergast bowled Super Giants captain Meg Lanning for a golden duck, had ...

Real Madrid have made an improved contract offer to Vinícius Júnior since the World Cup, sources have told ESPN, resuming talks which had been stalled for almost a year. There has been growing speculation over the Brazil international’s future in recent weeks, with his current Madrid deal due to expire in June 2027 and interest from Premier League champions Arsenal. ...

Gianni Infantino’s hopes of extending his FIFA presidency may rest less on winning back soccer’s traditional powers than on calling in favours from the many small and emerging nations that rely heavily on the world governing body’s largesse. Infantino is facing the biggest crisis of his decade-long tenure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF declared no confidence in his leadership ...

Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer action after World Cup duty on Saturday, coming on in the second half as his Inter Miami side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew. Two weeks after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi was back on the pitch, entering in the 53rd minute to the delight of fans at Miami’s ...