Find the signal.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Harry Kane admits England’s World Cup 2026 exit ‘hurt more than any other’

‘It wasn’t the team that we wanted and said we’d be’England host Spain in Nations League on SaturdayHarry Kane has described England’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina as his most painful tournament exit because of how the team lost sight of who they were.The captain is determined to move on as quickly as possible and is chasing a statement performance against Spain at Wembley on Saturday night in the Nations League. But he admits he is yet to get over the Argentina game and knows it is something he and his England teammates must work to process. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Prem agrees to revamp refereeing in boost for England’s Rugby World Cup hopes

League agrees new interpretations to help BorthwickScrum and breakdown targeted as areas of inconsistencySteve Borthwick has secured a boost to his preparations for the World Cup next year, with an overhaul in the refereeing of Prem matches for the coming season designed to help England’s hopes in Australia.The Guardian understands that in the formal absence of relegation from the Prem for the first time this season, agreement has been reached over a number of law interpretations that will better align officiating in club matches with the international game. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

De Laurentiis wanted to 'shoot' Infantino, then applauded his World Cup show

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

England players carrying World Cup scar - Saka

England winger Bukayo Saka says the team are still carrying the "scar" of their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Ronaldo spurred on by 1,000-goal target and Portugal glory

Cristiano Ronaldo contemplated retirement after the World Cup but wants to reach 1,000 career goals and help a new-look Portugal thrive before hanging up his boots.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

The footballer who had a heart transplant - then became a World Cup winner

Martyn Jackson never thought he'd play football again when he had a heart transplant in 2024. Less than two years later, he was a World Cup winner with England.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Raina says having Kohli and Rohit gives India 90 percent chance of winning 2027 World Cup

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Prem Rugby 2026-27: the essential club-by-club guide to the new season

Bath have a point to prove, Newcastle are shy of an A-lister and Aaron Wainwright could prove the signing of the summer at Welford RoadThe 2025 champions go into the new campaign with a point to prove after they were humbled on home turf by Exeter in last season’s semi-finals. Successfully defending the title is no easy task – it has not been done since Saracens in 2019 – but last season’s failure to return to Twickenham should stiffen the sinews in Johann van Graan’s squad. There is a World Cup at the end of the campaign and plenty in Bath’s squad also have a point to prove to Steve Borthwick – the centres Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh, and Ted Hill chief among them. Recruitment has been kept to a minimum, but the arrival of Dan du Preez adds some more Springbok beef. Losing Thomas du Toit, who has returned to South Africa, is a huge blow, but Will Stuart’s return after a lengthy layoff due to an achilles injury softens it somewhat. If they finish in the top two Bath would forgo a home semi-final with the Rec finally undergoing much-needed refurbishment, which could ultimately count against them. Expect them to be in the mix. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

World Cup-winner Mark Wood retires from international cricket

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Will anyone topple Infantino? How Fifa president is trying to cling on after World Cup sell-off debacle

Fifa president continues to lobby for re-election despite no other candidates coming forward to challenge himFor Gianni Infantino there is no international break. The Fifa president is widely expected to make an appearance at the United Nations general assembly this week in New York, where he will lobby heads of state for their federations’ support as he continues his campaign to be re-elected next year.Infantino has not been idle during the lull since Fifa abandoned its World Cup sell-off plan last month, instead crisscrossing the globe on a private jet provided by Qatar Airways as part of its sponsorship deal with world football’s governing body. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Juventus opens renewal talks with Kalulu, Conceição and González

Juventus has opened preliminary contract talks with Pierre Kalulu, Francisco Conceição and Nicolás González, according to Mirko Di Natale. The reporter’s September 9 update identifies the three players as renewal priorities, with initial discussions underway over their futures in Turin. The existing contracts give Juventus room to work. Kalulu is tied to the club until June 2029, while Conceição signed through June 2030 when his transfer from Porto became permanent. Neither player is approaching the final season of his deal. Juventus completed Kalulu’s permanent signing in June 2025 after his loan from AC Milan. The French defender had made 39 appearances in his first campaign, establishing himself in the starting lineup and scoring away to Atalanta. His ability to play centrally or at right-back gives the defense useful flexibility. Conceição’s permanent contract followed in July 2025. Across his debut campaign and the Club World Cup, the Portuguese winger made 40 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. That included two goals against Al-Ain in Juventus’s opening game of the tournament. His contribution extended beyond those returns. Juventus recorded 71 successful dribbles from Conceição during that spell, with only Kenan Yıldız completing more among his teammates. Retaining that ability to beat a defender would preserve an attacking option the club had already committed to keeping for several seasons. González has also contributed to Juventus’s current campaign. The Argentine opened the scoring in the 5-0 Europa League win over NEC Nijmegen on September 17, putting the home side ahead after nine minutes. Taken together, the reported discussions suggest Juventus is considering continuity across its defense and attack. For Kalulu and Conceição, any

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Mbappe reveals his mother wanted him to join Liverpool in 2017

Kylian Mbappe has revealed he was "close" to joining Liverpool in 2017, after his mother and agent, Fayza Lamari, "fell in love" with the club during negotiations with Jurgen Klopp. Nine years ago, Mbappe was one of the hottest properties in world football after bursting onto the scene with Monaco, having registered 40 goal involvements in just 60 appearances for the club (27 goals, 13 assists). Mbappe ultimately joined PSG in a loan deal that became permanent the following year, plundering 256 goals in 308 outings for the Parisiens and winning 15 trophies, including six Ligue 1 titles. He then, of course, moved to Real Madrid in 2024, and though he has scored 94 goals in just 111 games for the Spanish giants, he is yet to win the Champions League, LaLiga, or the Copa del Rey. While working as a German television pundit at this year's World Cup, at which Mbappe became the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, Klopp reflected on Liverpool's pursuit of the then-teenage sensation. Klopp disclosed he accompanied several Liverpool officials on a private plane from Blackpool to Nice, where they met with Mbappe and his mother to discuss a potential transfer. And on Tuesday, in an interview with The Athletic, Mbappe revealed just how close he came to moving to Anfield. "It was while I was playing in Monaco. I had to take a decision," Mbappe said. "And yes, I was close to Liverpool. "My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there. "I didn't listen because I wanted to play in my city, in Paris. I didn't want to leave my country before I was someone. "But yes, my mum was always saying, 'Liverpool, you're going to be there, playing at Anfield, it's going to be insane for you.' I was like, 'Okay!'

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

'Constant bombardment' - fans shown 65,000 junk food ads at World Cup

New data shows fans were shown more than 28 hours of adverts for unhealthy food and drinks during World Cup matches this summer.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

De la Fuente promises ‘the best is yet to come’ for Spain

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has vowed "the best is yet to come" from the reigning world and European champions. De la Fuente has agreed a contract extension to stay in charge of Spain through to the end of Euro 2032. Since De la Fuente replaced Luis Enrique in 2022, Spain have been dominant. La Roja won Euro 2024 and then repeated the trick at this year's World Cup. Spain are on a 38-game unbeaten run in competitive matches, which is a record for a European or South American team. Un acto que reconoce la confianza de la RFEF en Luis de la Fuente. ‍‍‍ Una familia que seguirá unida 𝗵𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟮: https://t.co/a0DVH0Y0lS#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/ajBLueXW7x — RFEF (@rfef) September 21, 2026 But De la Fuente insists Spain are not done yet. "I only think about time and how fragile we are. Life has taught me to be very short-sighted," he said. "My goal is to arrive in good shape for [Euro 2028]. But of course, I'm especially excited about reaching the 2030 World Cup, but also, now, the 2032 European Championship. We're going to try, with all our strength. "The best is yet to come. The third star [World Cup crown] would be like something out of a movie." Spain face England on Saturday before taking on Croatia and Czechia, in their opening Nations League games. The post De la Fuente promises ‘the best is yet to come’ for Spain appeared first on SoccerNews.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Infantino proposes an ‘independent external review’ of Fifa governance

President writes to council and member nationsInfantino says he is ‘fully committed to leading Fifa’The Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, has agreed to commission an independent governance review after coming under mounting pressure to do so in the wake of the World Cup sale debacle.The Guardian revealed last month that several members of the Fifa council had been lobbying for an external review of both the proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise sell-off and the Folarin Balogun controversy – with the Football Association chair, Debbie Hewitt, increasing the pressure last week by writing to Infantino demanding the release of all documents relating to both issues. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Harry Brook says Brydon Carse ‘just needs time away from the international scene’

Bowler ‘is working on a few things’England v Sri Lanka ODIs come a year before World CupHarry Brook is hopeful that Brydon Carse will break back into his England white-ball teams once the fast bowler is clear of his disciplinary proceedings, describing him as a “very good mate” who is “working on a few things behind the scenes”.Carse discovered recently he will not face a criminal charge for the late-night incident in Derby last month that led to him being briefly handcuffed. But while technically available for selection, the 31‑year‑old has not featured in England’s squads since that night as he awaits the outcome of an investigation by the Cricket Regulator. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Prediction: Portugal vs Wales

Two camps who will get their respective Nations League campaigns underway on Thursday night, Portugal will welcome Wales to Lisbon. With a stacked international schedule pencilled in over the next fortnight, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available. Verdict: Portugal win to nil Best Odds: 1/1 Bookmaker: 1xBet Portugal Starting with the hosts, while Portugal might have touched down in North America over the summer regarded as a potential dark horse contender, Roberto Martinez’s camp drastically failed to find their feet under the bright lights. Watching their World Cup adventure come to a Round of 16 end on July 6th as they fell to a 1-0 loss against eventual champions Spain, the Navigators are getting a new era underway. Watching Martinez immediately leave his post following their North American exit, new boss Jorge Jesus has some serious expectations on his shoulders. However, handed what they feel is a golden opportunity when they return to Lisbon in midweek, Portugal should be excited by their rugged success on home soil. In fact, the former European champions have not suffered a single competitive defeat in front of their own supporters since way back in September 2022. Portugal Team News Officially announcing this month that he is not ready to call time on his international career, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Jesus’ maiden squad. The Manchester United duo of Bruno Fernandes and Diego Dalot will also feature over the next fortnight. Despite struggling to find his feet after completing a blockbuster switch to Spanish icons Real Madrid this summer, Bernardo Silva has been included. Benfica goalkeeper Samuel Soares has received a senior call-up. Wales As for the visitors, suffering major World Cup qualifying he

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Zidane’s next move as France coach may reveal the wizard behind the curtain | Jonathan Wilson

It is apt that the most perplexing football country will now be guided by the most enigmatic of leadersEven in his playing days, Zinedine Zidane seemed unknowable. As a manager, the sense of distance has only grown. He won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid without ever giving a sense of what his idea of football looked like.France are perhaps the most perplexing football country: a squad that teems with such talent that a B team would be serious contenders at a World Cup, that reached three major finals under Didier Deschamps with a sense of unfulfilment, a team that progressed but rarely entranced, or at least didn’t until this summer’s World Cup, when they attacked with gusto and ended up overrun in midfield by Spain. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

‘Embrace the chaos’: Tuchel aims to harness England’s football culture

Head coach says he must accept lack of control in games‘Deep down, English players … they go for it’Thomas Tuchel has admitted there are times when he craves greater control in matches. But the England head coach feels the more chaotic, adrenaline-fuelled nature of the Premier League will remain his template as he targets glory at Euro 2028.Tuchel described his team as “maybe not the most economical to play football” in terms of their habit of constantly playing at full throttle. They lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in July when they had nothing left in the tank and watched the game slip away after going 1-0 up in the 55th minute. England barely touched the ball thereafter, had no control and were reeled in, Argentina winning with two late goals. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Socceroos captain Maty Ryan axed for Brazil friendlies

Goalkeeper dropped despite strong start to La Liga seasonSeven uncapped players called into 26-man Australia squadMaty Ryan’s Socceroos days aren’t done, insists coach Tony Popovoc, despite the decorated captain being left out of his first squad since the World Cup.Ryan is the most eyebrow-raising omission from Popovic’s squad, which includes seven uncapped players, for games against Brazil in Brisbane on 25 September and Townsville on 28 September. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Case not proven: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s England recall is based on patchy evidence

Thomas Tuchel promises to play the full-back in his natural right-sided position but we have not seen enough of him this term to gauge his formThomas Tuchel said Trent Alexander Arnold had enjoyed a good start to the season, which came as news to those in England who have not been watching him at Real Madrid. It also, in truth, came as news to those in Spain who have. If the England manager did not see enough in Alexander-Arnold to include him in the World Cup in the summer he has not really had the chance to see enough to change that decision as autumn begins. Two unremarkable league starts provide insufficient evidence with which to make a case for the full-back’s recall, or indeed his exclusion, but he is in the squad.Alexander-Arnold’s most high-profile match this season has been against Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu. That night, he started from the middle of midfield. At the pre-match press conference, José Mourinho had refused to answer a direct and apparently well-informed question about employing the right-back in midfield, given the absence through injury or suspension of Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Thiago Pitarch, as well as his determined conclusion that Jude Bellingham is better used further up. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Thomas Tuchel’s shot at redemption begins with England’s tricky Nations League tests

It is hard to know whether haters will ever accept manager’s failed tactical shift against Argentina but positive start to preparation for Euros might helpThomas Tuchel has been back around the Premier League grounds this season and it is worth dwelling on one particular interaction he had with a colleague inside a VIP enclosure, which has doubtless been repeated elsewhere. “People are killing me,” the England manager said. At which point he might have added: Still.It is two months since England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina in the United States and the emotion tied up in it continues to swirl. Heartbreak, pain, frustration; everything in this kind of area has touched everybody with an investment in the team. It was a result to leave scars that may never heal. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Will England boss Tuchel 'embrace the chaos'?

After the World Cup, England boss Thomas Tuchel wanted greater control. Two months on, he is keen to "embrace the chaos" after naming his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Trent Alexander-Arnold recalled by England but with a warning from Thomas Tuchel

Real Madrid player must help improve defensive solidityScott, Hall, Lewis-Skelly and Calvert-Lewin selectedThomas Tuchel has told Trent ­Alexander-Arnold he must bring defensive solidity to the England squad after giving him a surprise recall for the upcoming Nations League matches.The head coach has selected the Real Madrid right-back only once before – for the games against Andorra and Senegal in June last year. Tuchel made headlines when he did so by urging Alexander-Arnold to focus on the defensive side of his game or risk a slip that could undermine the team’s World Cup campaign. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Tuchel should listen to ‘the 0.1%’ and learn from England’s World Cup mistakes | Jacob Steinberg

Head coach is keen to focus on positives but Nations League squad hints at desire for greater tactical optionsThomas Tuchel should be listening to the 0.1%. As he unveiled his first England squad since the World Cup, he said 99.9% of supporters he bumped into did not talk about his substitutions during the Argentina game. According to him, the conversation is far more positive. Memories are shared of the knockout wins over Mexico and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It seems those who want to take the England head coach to task over the retreat in the semi-final in Atlanta are in the minority.This is, of course, hard to quantify. Is it really 99.9%? We can take Tuchel at face value, but relying on anecdotal evidence goes two ways. A lot of fans are not ready to move on yet. The national mood is far more downbeat than Tuchel imagines and he is kidding himself if he thinks people have forgiven the way England folded after going 1-0 up against Argentina early in the second half. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

2025 and all that: Red Roses ready to reignite Canada rivalry after World Cup win

One year on from the epic final women’s rugby is flourishing in both nations while England are aiming to take their successive win total to 40 gamesTrain like you have never won, play like you don’t know how to lose. That is the mantra scribbled on a whiteboard in the Red Roses camp this week as they prepare to take on Canada for the first time since defeating them in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final.The game at Sandy Park on Saturday will be a week shy of the first anniversary of the Twickenham showpiece in front of a record‑breaking crowd of 81,885. It is the fans that come to mind when players remember that day: the thousands waiting for both teams to get off buses, the noise in the stadium and the reality of a full ground after months of speaking about what it might be like to play in front of that many people. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Baumann reveals further frustration after Germany omission

Oliver Baumann expressed his frustration after being left out of Jurgen Klopp's Germany squad for the upcoming international break. Klopp named two squads with a total of 44 players for the extended international break as he prepares for his first matches in charge since taking over from Julian Nagelsmann. Baumann was already frustrated with his role at the national team, having been demoted to second-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. He was set for a major role at the competition after starting in all six of their qualifying matches, as well as their two warm-up matches. However, the 36-year-old did not play a single minute at the tournament after Manuel Neuer reversed his decision to retire from international football. Baumann previously revealed his frustration with Nagelsmann, and the Hoffenheim goalkeeper is far from happy after his recent omission by Klopp. "I have to accept the decision. I don't like it, that's clear," Baumann told Nitro. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DFB-Team (@dfb_team) "They are taking a different path, and I have to accept and respect that. "The summer hurt much more, the way it happened was unbelievable – and not just from one direction, actually." The likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jonas Urbig and Noah Atubolu were all named in Klopp's squad for their upcoming Nations League campaign. During the first international break of the season, Germany will face Netherlands before playing Greece, first at home and then away, either side of hosting Serbia. The post Baumann reveals further frustration after Germany omission appeared first on SoccerNews.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Alexander-Arnold must ‘prove himself’ for England, says Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel has called on Trent Alexander-Arnold to "prove himself" for England after receiving a recall to the national team. Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer were the notable returnees to the Three Lions squad, while Jarrad Branthwaite, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly also received recalls. The Real Madrid defender has won 34 caps for England, though missed out on a spot in their World Cup squad earlier this year. His most recent appearance for England came in June 2025, as he struggled for form under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa at Madrid last season. With Reece James and Ben White both missing out through injury, Tuchel believes Alexander-Arnold has the chance to prove his worth at right-back. "[He needs to] perform, that's just what it is," said Tuchel on Alexander-Arnold. "It is a competition and I understand the question because he was not with us at the World Cup. We trusted other players. "I still stick with this decision and it is now time to fight for his place. He always said he is up for a fight, he always said he is up to fight for his place, especially for England so it is on him to prove himself and he is more than welcome in camp. "We have a long camp and I am sure he will show up." Returning to represent the #ThreeLions Welcome back, lads! pic.twitter.com/kIUQLJpMpu — England (@England) September 18, 2026 After finishing third at the World Cup, England's best performance at the competition since 1966, when they won the tournament, Tuchel will now lead the Three Lions into their Nations League campaign. Across the extended international break, England will face reigning World Cup and Euros champions Spain, as well as Czechia twice and Croatia. Tuchel believes the motivation levels in the squad are high as they target Nations

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Ronaldo called up to Portugal squad for Nations League matches

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal's squad for their upcoming Nations League matches, ending rumours of an immediate retirement at international level. Many expected Ronaldo to call time on his international career after Portugal's exit from the World Cup in the summer, though the 41-year-old did state it would be his last appearance at the competition. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also told Vogue last month "this is probably my last year of football", further adding to talks of a possible international retirement sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, Ronaldo has been included in the Portugal squad by new head coach Jorge Jesus, who worked with the striker at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals in 233 games for his country, has been named in the squad alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Neves. Os convocados para o início da caminhada na Liga das Nações 2026/27 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗦 https://t.co/XshGqVxdAj#NationsLeague | @UEFAEURO pic.twitter.com/h08qtJIKQE — Portugal (@selecaoportugal) September 18, 2026 Lazio full-back Nuno Tavares has earned a recall after missing out on the World Cup squad, while Borussia Dortmund's Fabio Silva has also been included. Despite making just one start for Galatasaray this season, Rafael Leao has also been named in the squad by Jorge Jesus, along with Goncalo Ramos, who has scored just once since becoming AC Milan's record signing. Portugal will begin their Nations League title defence at home to Wales on September 24. They will then face Norway, away first and then at home, either side of a trip to Denmark in League A Group 4 of the competition. Portugal squad in full Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting CP) and Samuel Soares (Benfica); Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), D

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Bournemouth have no intention of giving Liverpool a cut-price deal for Rayan

Bournemouth have made it clear that they will not be forced into parting ways with Brazilian international Rayan next summer, according to Ekrem Konur. Only arriving at the Vitality back in January following an initial £24.7million move from Vasco da Gama, the 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of Europe’s hottest attacking starlets. Bagging a famous European strike in the Basque Country as the Cherries opened their iconic Europa League adventure with a 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad on Thursday night, Rayan certainly finds his stock at a red-hot high. Surprisingly included in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad over the summer, the six-cap international is already attracting plenty of heavyweight interest from across the continent. Embarking on what appears to be a sudden rise to superstardom, Konur reported this week that Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Bournemouth’s attacking ace and he is quickly emerging as one of their standout targets ahead of next summer. Brought to the Premier League by new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola only this year, Rayan and his former manager reportedly still hold a close relationship and the Spanish tactician is keen on a reunion at Anfield. However, with the Brazilian starlet sat on a contact at the Vitality that runs until the summer of 2031, Konur has stated that Bournemouth have no intention on budging on the 20-year-old’s £130million release clause. #Liverpool Rayan on radar of European giants including Liverpool. Bournemouth → No official bid yet. Clause → £130M release clause must be triggered. Detail → Vasco entitled to 4% share (€36M BRL) January → Move only possible if full clause paid. https://t.co/SpZ8L5mmdg — Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) September 15, 2026 While the summer transfer window might have officially slammed sh

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Two years and one World Cup down, Mauricio Pochettino is still assessing

The US manager’s first squad of the 2030 World Cup cycle leans heavily on youth, injecting intrigue into the four-game window. Sign up for our free newsletter hereIn the moments after the USMNT’s 4-1 crash-out in the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino took the podium for what many assumed would be his last press conference as the US head coach. I had a question for him: “Would you consider your tenure here a success?” His answer was full of the usual platitudes, but one thing did stand out. He said, more or less, that he and his staff had finally gotten a good idea of the player pool.It struck me as bizarre at the time. By almost every account, Pochettino had been brought in to win the game that he’d just lost. Given just two and a half years to get it done, his job had never really been to evaluate the player pool; it had been to maximize results with the tools at hand, something he did with varying levels of success. And now, in the shadow of arguably the most disappointing result in US men’s history, we were finding out that it had been a fact-finding mission? And there were suggestions that he was leaving? Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Tuchel considers England recall for Cole Palmer in Nations League squad

Chelsea forward back in form after World Cup snubAlex Scott and Morgan Gibbs-White also in contentionThomas Tuchel is considering an England recall for Cole Palmer and could include Alex Scott in his squad for the Nations League.Tuchel’s first selection since the World Cup will be confirmed on Friday morning and the head coach has been weighing up claims from a host of players who failed to earn a place in his plans last summer. Palmer was one of those to miss out after struggling for form and fitness but the Chelsea attacker has started the season with four goals and two assists, raising optimism around his hopes of inclusion. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

FA chair Hewitt demands Infantino release records of failed World Cup plan

Letter sent before Fifa council meeting on 15 OctoberInfantino under pressure before presidential electionThe Football Association’s chair, Debbie Hewitt, has written to Gianni Infantino demanding that Fifa releases all documents relating to his abandoned World Cup sell-off plan and the decision to lift the USA striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension during last summer’s tournament.The Guardian revealed last month that Hewitt and other members of the Fifa council were lobbying for an independent review of the proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) sell-off and the Balogun controversy. Their requests have been formalised in a letter sent to the Fifa president and his deputy, Mattias Grafström. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

The big questions for Tuchel's first England squad since World Cup

Before Thomas Tuchel names his first squad since the World Cup on Friday, BBC Sport looks at the big questions facing the England boss.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

FA chair demands Infantino release World Cup sell-off documents

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been told to release all documents relating to his controversial plan to sell off a stake in the World Cup.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Yuvraj Singh warns India before World Cup year: ‘Don’t make massive changes’

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

‘My scar, not your scar’: Tuchel stands by England semi-final subs but admits wrong timing

Coach says Argentina’s gung-ho approach forced hand‘No one is more hurt than me, no one wanted it more’Thomas Tuchel stands by his heavily criticised defensive substitutions in the World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina this summer, but the England head coach accepts he made them too early.Tuchel said England were “waiting for death”, unable to cope with the attacking tactics adopted by Argentina in Atlanta as they chased the game after Anthony Gordon’s opener on the hour. He said fatigue and the success of defending with a back five in knockout games against Mexico and Norway also influenced his decisions to sit on the lead. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Joao Pedro withdraws from Brazil squad with injury

Joao Pedro has withdrawn from Brazil's squad for the upcoming international break due to injury. The Chelsea forward was named in Carlo Ancelotti's new-look Selecao squad, which features plenty of new and younger faces after their round-of-16 World Cup exit. Joao Pedro missed out on the World Cup squad, with reports suggesting he was the player to make way for Neymar, but the 24-year-old has impressed for the Blues this term. He has scored three goals and provided three assists in Chelsea's first four Premier League games of the season, leading the competition for direct goal contributions. Joao Pedro became just the third player in Premier League history to both score and assist in three of the first four matchdays to start a season, after Thierry Henry in 2004-05 and Michail Antonio in 2021-22. Fluminense's Matheus Martinelli has replaced Joao Pedro in Ancelotti's squad to face Australia and India in the upcoming break, while the latter is now expected to miss Chelsea's trip to Brentford on Friday. O atleta Martinelli, do Fluminense, foi convocado nesta quarta-feira (16) pelo técnico Carlo Ancelotti para os amistosos da Seleção Brasileira contra Austrália e Índia, nesta próxima Data FIFA. O jogador irá substituir o atacante João Pedro, do Chelsea, lesionado. pic.twitter.com/c69OdTkOxo — brasil (@CBF_Futebol) September 16, 2026 The post Joao Pedro withdraws from Brazil squad with injury appeared first on SoccerNews.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

USA exits U-20 World Cup on penalties as tournament’s timing draws criticism

Brazil advances to quarter-finals in PolandAmericans have not won tournament since 2012US youth teams have struggled in recent showingsThe United States were eliminated from the U-20 Women’s World Cup in the last 16 on Wednesday, falling to Brazil on penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Brazil goalkeeper Thaís Lima made a crucial save on Emeri Adames’s attempt to begin the shootout, opening the eventual 5-4 finish in Katowice, Poland.The result extends a difficult run of form for US youth national teams across the men’s and women’s programs. This is the third time since last October that a US youth team has failed to win a knockout game at a World Cup: the U-17 boys and the U-17 girls both exited in the last 16 of their respective tournaments in shootouts. The U-20 men fell in the quarter-final of their World Cup in October 2025. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Iranian football returns in the shadow of war and with row over last league title

Prolonged league suspension due to war and falling behind Saudi spending power are weakening the sport in IranThree months ago, Iran was one of the biggest stories in football as Team Melli arrived at the World Cup to try to play in the US, a country that had been bombing and firing missiles at Tehran and other targets. A disallowed goal and a last-minute effort that hit the bar in the final group game against Egypt confirmed Iran’s group-stage exit – to the delight of some US officials – by the narrowest of margins. It also signalled the abrupt end of international attention.There was a return to international action this week as Esteghlal and Tractor SC started out in the AFC Champions League Elite. It comes after the Persian Gulf League kicked off in mid-August, almost six months after it was postponed at the end of February, and subsequently abandoned, as the war continued. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Tuchel regrets not eating Azteca turf after win over Mexico

Thomas Tuchel regrets not eating any of the grass at the Azteca Stadium after England's epic World Cup win against Mexico.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

From Segura to Maltby: six breakout stars from the Women’s Under-20 World Cup

With an incredible array of talent on show we select half a dozen players who could make the step up to the senior World Cup next yearThe 2026 Under-20 Women’s World Cup is entering the knockout stage in Poland and, after an intriguing group stage, we pick some of the young stars who have stood out.Celia Segura (Spain and Barcelona)Segura is no stranger to knockout football, having helped Spain to silver at the Under-17 World Cup two years ago and finishing with the Bronze Ball and Bronze Boot. She has picked up the mantle again as La Roja eased through their group. Her four goals against New Caledonia were an illustration of her pure scoring instinct and she has also played a key role with her high technical skills and instinctive ability to both make space for and find her teammates. Her back-heel assist to set up Pau Comendador against China was a memorable one. A product of the Barcelona academy, the 19-year-old forward made her debut for the senior side in February and will return to Atlético Madrid for a season-long loan at the conclusion of this tournament.This is an extract from our free email about women’s football, Moving the Goalposts. To get the full edition, visit this page and follow the instructions. Moving the Goalposts is delivered to your inboxes every Tuesday and Thursday. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

James Rodriguez retires from Colombia duty

James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football after winning 131 caps for Colombia in a 15-year span. James recently returned to his home country to sign for Atletico Nacional, following short-lived stints with Minnesota United and Club Leon. He represented Colombia at a third edition of the World Cup this year, as Colombia impressively topped their group ahead of Portugal but lost on penalties to Switzerland in the round of 16. In the Cafeteros' last-16 defeat, James surpassed goalkeeper David Ospina as his nation's all-time leading appearance-maker, but that was his final outing in the international game. The 35-year-old wrote on social media on Tuesday: "The moment has arrived. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear, and every dream shared. "Defending the colours of the Colombia national team was one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you, Colombia. Forever." Llegó el momento. Gracias por cada partido, cada alegría, cada lágrima y cada sueño compartido. Defender los colores de la selección Colombia fue uno de los mayores honores de mi vida. Gracias, Colombia. Para siempre. pic.twitter.com/AlRxMgtFeI — James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) September 15, 2026 The 2014 World Cup represented James' breakout tournament, as he won the Golden Boot with six goals to earn a move from Monaco to Real Madrid. At that point, only Ronaldo Nazario (eight in 2002) had scored more goals at a single World Cup this century, though Kylian Mbappe (eight in 2022, 10 in 2026), Lionel Messi (seven in 2022, eight in 2026), Erling Haaland (seven in 2026) and Jude Bellingham (seven in 2026) have subsequently bettered that achievement. Colombia's best tournament performance with James in their ranks came at the 2024 Copa America, as they finished as runne

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

How Dhiraj Bommadevara scripted historic recurve Archery World Cup Final title

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

State schools finally get their big day: ‘All of a sudden, playing at Lord’s becomes cool’

The inaugural Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup was a special occasion not just for the teenagers playing on Lord’s hallowed turf, but for the English game as a wholeState-school cricket has had its day at Lord’s, at last. On a ground that has this summer hosted men’s and women’s international Tests, the Women’s T20 World Cup final and the Hundred finals, on Thursday four school teams played in front of the Pavilion and Father Time for the Knight-Stokes Cup, named after two state-educated cricketers who have captained England’s Test teams.Heather Knight and Ben Stokes recorded video messages for pupils from Altrincham grammar school, John Hampden grammar school, Penistone grammar school and Chelmsford County high school before they competed in the boys’ and girls’ finals. The privileges did not stop there – full use of the Pavilion dressing rooms, lunch and media duties made this a day to remember and inspire. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Prediction: Barcelona vs Racing Santander

Simply looking to extend on their sensational start to proceedings, Barcelona will welcome Racing Santander to Catalonia on Wednesday night. With a stacked midweek schedule from across the continent, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available. Verdict: Anthony Gordon to score anytime Best Odds: 29/20 Bookmaker: BetUS Barcelona Starting with the hosts, successfully defending their La Liga crown last season, Barcelona have certainly reestablished themselves as Spain’s ultimate poster boys. Shattering a string of records prior to the summer interval and receiving a fearsome reputation from across the continent, Hansi Flick’s superstar squad have once again embarked on a dominant start to proceedings. Last seen over the weekend cruising their way to a rollercoaster 4-2 victory away at Levante, the former Bayern Munich boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a continued high. With their sights set on completing a famous silverware sweep this year, Barcelona will be looking to lay down another public marker on Wednesday night. Getting their Champions League charge underway with a 5-1 romp against Feyenoord last week, the midweek hosts have won all of their first six appearances across all competitions. Barcelona Team News Both sidelined with respective long-term knee injuries, Barcelona will once again be without the duo of Roony Bardghji and Dutch international Frenkie de Jong on Wednesday night. Given what is a speedy turnaround following Sunday’s trip to Levante, Flick is expected to once again make a handful of alterations here. While 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal might have bagged yet another La Liga brace over the weekend, Spain’s World Cup-winner could be handed a rest from the start. Completing a surprise Deadline Day switch from Arsenal, Br

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Coutinho joins Neymar at Santos

Philippe Coutinho has reunited with Neymar after signing a contract with Santos through to the end of the season. The former Barcelona and Liverpool playmaker has been without a club since February, having left boyhood club Vasco da Gama due to "mental exhaustion". But Coutinho has now joined Santos on a free deal, linking up with childhood friend Neymar, who he played alongside at Brazil, including at the 2018 World Cup. The 34-year-old had initially joined Vasco on loan from Aston Villa in 2024, before eventually joining them in a permanent deal the following year. PHILIPPE COUTINHO É DO SANTOS! O Santos Futebol Clube acertou a contratação de Philippe Coutinho para a sequência da temporada. Com reconhecida qualidade técnica e visão de jogo, além de carreira vencedora na Europa e na Seleção Brasileira, o meia chega ao Peixe com… pic.twitter.com/Jd77ZjiH8G — Santos FC (@SantosFC) September 14, 2026 Coutinho made 81 appearances in total for Vasco, with 48 of those coming in Serie A, while he netted 17 goals. In a video posted before Coutinho's move was made official by Santos, Neymar welcomed Coutinho to the club, saying: "Brother, we are so happy you're here. "Our squad and our fans will embrace you so you can be happy. Welcome to Santos." The post Coutinho joins Neymar at Santos appeared first on SoccerNews.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Pochettino’s ‘different’ vow to the US invites unwelcome speculation

The US manager’s relationship with the international job has changed with a full World Cup cycle beginningI hope, in this lifetime, you find someone who loves you the way Mauricio Pochettino loves Tottenham Hotspur. The grip Spurs have on his heart seems the stuff of a literary classic: his imperfect partner who called things off at the first sign of trouble must merely check in on him occasionally to rekindle hopes of a reunion.Perhaps a bit extreme, but this week’s revelation – that he’d return to Tottenham even if they were relegated and chalking his absence up to imperfect timing, not the part about handing the club a decade-old title – has implicity laid out the terms of his return as United States manager. Others may always have interest in his services, and a certain North London suitor will never get the door slammed in their face outright. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

‘Very weak. Very bad’: how Rodri’s verdict exposed woeful Valencia’s crisis | Sid Lowe

The World Cup winner’s off-the-cuff assessment was brutally honest. Within days their manager and CEO were gone, but the problems run much deeperKiat Lim wanted to see Valencia play so badly, so that is what he did. It was week four in La Liga, 6 September, and for the first time since he was given the presidency 18 months earlier, the owner’s 33-year-old son was going to watch his team play a competitive game. He was going to do it from the inside, too, so he took a flight to Spain, landing at Manises in a black mask and cap, a van to the hotel, then the team bus to Mestalla. He looked through the window as they rolled along Avenida Suecia, a huge, noisy crowd waiting, but when he got off and headed through the iron gate with its ornate club badge, he saw that this was no welcome.Above him as he went in were giant portraits of Mario Kempes, Antonio Puchades, Juan Sol, Gaizka Mendieta, David Villa and Santiago Cañizares, footballers from a better time; around him were yellow banners and whistles for the footballers there now. Inside, Lim saw the game start with the lower south stand empty as fans stayed away until the 19th minute, the sound of the protest drifting in from the street. They were out there still when, sitting alongside Joan Laporta, he saw Lamine Yamal score the sixth-minute opener then get a second. And although that, also from Lamine Yamal, was ruled out, he eventually saw Barcelona get four more, presiding over a 5-0 defeat. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Ancelotti: Neymar cannot be replaced by Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti believes Neymar is "an irreplaceable player", confirming the forward would not be returning to the Brazil squad. Neymar called time on his international career after this summer's World Cup, where Brazil were knocked out in the last 16 by Norway. The 34-year-old is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, and he is one of only two players to score at four different World Cups for Brazil (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026) after Pele. His availability for the 2026 edition was in doubt as he battled a knee injury, subsequently making just two substitute appearances throughout the whole competition. Neymar has since reiterated his decision to retire from international football, while also hinting his club career may not last much longer. In an interview with CNN Esportes, Ancelotti said: "He deserved to be there because of his quality. "Neymar has already confirmed that he does not want to return to the national team. "Neymar cannot be replaced because he was an extraordinary and unique talent. So, an irreplaceable player." 26 CONVOCADOS! A Seleção está pronta para novos desafios: dois jogos contra a Austrália e o primeiro confronto da história contra a Índia. 25/09 | Austrália 29/09 | Austrália 03/10 | Índia ISSO É BRASIL! #BateNoPeito pic.twitter.com/Yht5SuOHjr — brasil (@CBF_Futebol) September 9, 2026 Brazil face Australia twice in the upcoming international break, while they will also go up against India for the first time. Ancelotti has named a new-look squad for the break, with the likes of Casemiro, Fabinho and Alisson all missing out, though Joao Pedro did receive a recall after being excluded for the World Cup. "I think we need to proceed step by step," added Ancelotti. "Now we need to focus on the young players who could be the futur

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

USA defend Fiba Women’s World Cup title after early scare against France

USA overcame a 14-point France lead in first halfBreanna Stewart scores 22 points; Caitlin Clark gets 12Defending champions USA fell behind early but stormed back past ⁠France 97-79 on Sunday to win the Women’s World Cup.In a rematch of the 2024 ⁠Olympic final, ⁠the ​American women came out on top once more, earning their fifth consecutive World Cup title ⁠and stretching their impressive unbeaten run at Olympics or World Cups to 20 years. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Greatest Rivalry swagger showed South Africa will take some beating at World Cup

All Blacks were valiant in 3-1 series defeat but Springboks sent another warning to rest of the world in BaltimoreWhat is the enduring image of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series? The Springboks put the exclamation mark on their status as World Cup favourites by wrapping up the series 3-1 with victory in Baltimore on Saturday, but in months and years to come where will the mind immediately go when reflecting on this epic?The reality is that after four Tests of remarkable intensity – a brutal reminder of the levels required to compete with the two biggest beasts in the world game – there are plenty. But it is hard to look beyond the 65th minute of the third Test in Soweto, when the Boks’ tank rumbled over from 20 metres. Malcolm Marx was awarded the try and there would be no more deserving recipient of a player of the series award. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Enzo Fernández’s fortitude shows Maresca was right to crave City reunion | Will Unwin

Some scoffed at £125m price tag, but the Argentinian did the work of two midfielders after Phil Foden’s red cardEnzo Maresca does not pay the bills at Manchester City but he is ecstatic that those who do spent £125m for him to be reunited with Enzo Fernández. The manager and the midfielder were together at Chelsea, forming a strong bond over a relatively short time, one the Italian knew could provide the final piece within his master plan.The Argentinian was equally eager to work under Maresca once more and made it abundantly clear to his previous employers where he saw his future. Questions were immediately raised about the fee for the 25-year-old who had spent the summer winding up opponents on the way to losing the World Cup final against Spain. Some pondered his attitude and quality but Maresca was adamant he knew what he was doing and City agreed with a deadline-day move. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup final: USA v France – live

Americans chasing fifth consecutive titleReese and Clark celebrate their ‘chemistry’Email beau.dure@theguardian.com with your thoughtsUSA 17-18 France, 1:30 left, 1st qtr: Angel Reese rotates in for the US.Wide-open three-point attempt for Ayayi looks bad enough that the US will probably let her keep taking those fore a while. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Prediction: Ipswich Town vs Arsenal

Turning their attention to EFL Cup duties on Tuesday night, Arsenal will travel to Portman Road when they meet Ipswich. Ahead of a stacked midweek schedule from across the continent, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available. Verdict: Arsenal win & Both teams to score Best Odds: 19/20 Bookmaker: BetUS Ipswich Town Starting with the hosts, while many might have been shocked over the summer following Gary O’Neil’s arrival at Portman Road, Ipswich appear to be enjoying life under the former Wolves boss. Marking their Premier League return with a 2-1 victory against Europa League outfit Sunderland on August 22nd, the Blues should find the mood in their camp at a high. Eventually clinching what was a rollercoaster 3-2 win away at Sunderland over the weekend, O’Neil’s men find themselves sat in the top-half of the Premier League standings. However, despite extending on their EFL Cup adventure last month as they secured a 3-1 victory against Leicester, Ipswich are searching for some welcomed defensive grit. Signing off August with a 5-2 defeat away at Manchester United, Tuesday’s hosts have shipped 11 goals in their first five matchups across all competitions. Ipswich Town Team News Still sidelined with a knee injury and yet to make a maiden appearance this season, Ipswich will once again be without Irish midfielder Jack Taylor on Tuesday night. Eventually staying put in Norfolk following intense speculation over a summer move away, one-time Aston Villa youngster Jaden Philogene will get some more minutes under his belt. Coming off the bench and bagging a dramatic late winner away at Crystal Palace over the weekend, Deadline Day recruit and ex-Burnley striker Zion Flemming should make his full Ipswich debut at Portman Road. Arsenal As for the visitors, maki

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

USA survive Spain scare to set up Olympic final rematch with France at Fiba World Cup

Four-time defending champions beat Spain 76-66Stewart scores 16 as USA pull away in fourthAmericans to face France in rematch of Paris finalThe United States advanced to the Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup final for the fifth consecutive time, pulling away in the fourth quarter to beat Spain 76-66 on Saturday in Berlin.Breanna Stewart scored 16 points and Kahleah Copper added 13 for the four-time defending champions, who were tied at 58 entering the fourth quarter before finally taking control. Jackie Young added 12 points. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

England survive sluggish start to overwhelm Australia in second half

WXV: England 48-15 AustraliaMay Campbell kickstarts flurry of seven triesEngland had to execute something they have not had to do in John Mitchell’s reign against Australia on Saturday, win after being down at half-time. It was the first time in almost six years the Red Roses had been trailing after the first 40. But whatever was said in the changing room shook the team to life as they scored 43 second-half points to keep their winning streak going.Australia gave the Red Roses quite the scare in the first half. The Wallaroos were not just clinical when in attack, but they were thorough and physical in defence to disrupt England’s front-foot ball. The visitors played some of their best rugby since last year’s World Cup, when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals, before falling apart in the second half. England were uncharacteristically poor at times with several knock-ons and other handling errors hampering their attack. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

De Zerbi says Spurs have ‘mental block’ after wait for league win continues

‘No wins, no goals scored … it is tough for the players’Spurs in 17th place after 0-0 draw against Everton Roberto De Zerbi says his Tottenham players continue to lack physical fitness and must “unblock” themselves in psychological terms after they drew their latest Premier League blank in a home 0-0 with Everton. It is now four games in the competition since the start of the season without a goal for Spurs; they sit 17th in the table with two points and were booed off by frustrated fans.De Zerbi gave a number of explanations for Spurs’ slow start, chief among them the injuries that a clutch of players sustained on the long-haul pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia. He lamented the impact of the World Cup on the return dates of certain players and mentioned how Sávio and Omar Marmoush had signed late in the transfer window. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Mbappe wants Ballon d’Or: Nobody was better than me

Kylian Mbappe feels he is well worthy of winning this year's Ballon d'Or, insisting no other player performed better than he did. Mbappe did not win a trophy with either Real Madrid or France over the past year. However, he did win the Golden Boot at the World Cup, scoring 10 goals to take his overall tally at the finals to a staggering 22 in 22 games, which is a new record. Mbappe has netted five goals in as many matches for Madrid so far this season. Since the start of the 2025-26 campaign, Mbappe has netted 47 goals in 49 appearances for Madrid. Of all players from teams in Europe's top five leagues, the 27-year-old ranks behind only Harry Kane (64 goals) in that regard. And Mbappe thinks the time is now for him to win football's biggest individual accolade. "I believe I can win ​it this year," Mbappe said in an interview with France Football, carried by L'Equipe. "It’s one of my goals, and a short-term one at that. @KMbappe Jugador Cinco Estrellas August @FutbolMahou pic.twitter.com/cak2KIK2Ex — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 10, 2026 "People say ​I didn’t win a trophy, but it’s an individual award. I’ve never ⁠seen a Ballon d’Or winner elected unanimously. Has anyone ever won with 100% of the vote? That means there's always ​someone who thought the winner didn't deserve it. "There was no player better than me. We ‌were talking ⁠about achievements. "To score that many goals in the major competitions, where all the great players are, and of course at the World Cup, the biggest event, to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer – throughout my holidays, that was all people talked to me about." Mbappe also feels he now falls into the same category of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo. "My idea of the B

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

What can halt Fifa’s authoritarian turn under Infantino? Change from the outside | Jules Boykoff

The World Cup and its aftermath made clear that Fifa needs independent oversight by governments and NGOs dedicated to preserving the people’s gameThe 2026 World Cup was a whirling swirl of scintillating soccer that prompted much-needed conversations about the vitality of diaspora, the fortitude of the underdog, the power of sport. In a world fractured along myriad cultural axes floating in an entertainment system dominated by on-demand content, the tournament provided a moment, perhaps unlike any other event, that brought together people from different backgrounds to simultaneously experience something meaningful.After the tournament concluded, Fifa president Gianni Infantino dropped a political pipebomb into the after-party, proposing to privatize the World Cup by injecting $20bn in private capital, with an assist from JP Morgan and Thrive Capital, the investment vehicle orchestrated by Joshua Kushner, brother to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Ellie Kildunne: ‘I have had to look in the mirror quite a lot and stick to my values’

The Red Roses star with the famous curls on her shock Harlequins exit and why she can’t look too far ahead ‘because I will lose where my feet are’Ellie Kildunne has almost a decade’s worth of experience in an England shirt. Her gamechanging moments have propelled her into the spotlight and helped England’s winning dominance, including last year’s World Cup title.The attention that brings is on full display at a windy but sunny day in Teddington as she is stopped every few steps for pictures. It is tricky to go unnoticed with her trademark curls. “I think the hair is a bit of a give away,” she says with a grin. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Football lends voice to message worth relaying: men should talk about their pain | Barney Ronay

Premier League’s link-up with the Together in Suicide campaign is dispersing simple, blunt and essential messagingIf you watched US television adverts during the World Cup for any length of time one thing just kept leaping out. I’ve mentioned this before here, but it still seems both jarring and significant. Every third or fourth rotation in that endless daytime scroll, in between the Chicken Megadeth Hyper-Box Family Meal Deal, either side of David Beckham expertly consuming a light beer, is an advert for antidepressants.The format for these is always the same kind of thing: contented, wholesome people throwing frisbees, or strolling through a small-town antiques fair, while a warm, honeyed, reassuring voiceover talks about how horrifying their lives are, with the suggestion that only a lengthy course of Smileothorium can solve this. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Moroccan official told to stop making 2030 final promise

Morocco's prime minister tells the head of the country's football federation to stop making promises about the 2030 World Cup final, while the head of the Spanish federation says the showpiece should be played in Spain.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Kobbie Mainoo moves from outsider to main man after summer of hurt

England reached World Cup semis yet midfielder did not play a minute. But he is key to Manchester United in derbyIt was a sight the England press pack became increasingly used to seeing after the team’s World Cup matches over the summer. Kobbie Mainoo was invariably the first to leave the dressing room, walk through the mixed zone – eyes dead ahead, features impassive – and board the bus.It was as if he could not get out of the stadiums quick enough and the further England progressed the more pronounced it started to feel. There was a real gap between Mainoo and the next England player to depart the stadium in the knockout rounds. The Manchester United midfielder is inscrutable, even in the heat of battle. It is part of his enviably unflappable temperament. It was no great leap to imagine what lay behind the mask – tremendous frustration as Thomas Tuchel kept on leaving him out. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Springboks v All Blacks a US World Cup preview in Baltimore as thrilling series goes down to the wire

‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ will culminate on US soil on Saturday, a staging post on the road to America hosting the World Cup in 2031When New Zealand and South Africa kick off at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, there will be more at stake than victory in “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry”, the four-Test series the Springboks lead 2-1. For World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin, the game is a key staging post on the road to the 2031 World Cup, which the US will host – a journey that could include Six Nations games on American soil.“We’ve been in a long process with venues and cities, over the last two years,” Gilpin said, of the build to World Cup kick-off. “We’ve still got 25-plus cities involved in that process, which is fantastic in terms of engagement and enthusiasm. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Chelsea wideman Neto pens new six-year contract

Chelsea have announced Pedro Neto has penned a new contract with the club to run until 2032. Neto arrived at Stamford Bridge from Wolves in 2024, and he has gone on to make 108 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and supplying 18 assists. The Portugal winger helped Chelsea win the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies in 2025, and he has also played a key role in the early days of Xabi Alonso's reign. Neto – who scored in Chelsea's thrilling 6-3 win over Leeds United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday – has taken up a wing-back position in Alonso's 3-4-3 system. And with Alonso overseeing two wins from three Premier League games, the exception being a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, Neto is excited about the future. Lightning down the wing until 2032. pic.twitter.com/npYmBYtFB9 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 11, 2026 "It's an unbelievable moment," he told Chelsea's website after putting pen to paper. "From when I arrived, I have always felt like the people here helped me a lot. I feel like home here, I feel like I want to achieve more things here. "I have had some good moments here as a group and as an individual, and now I want to have more of those moments. "I'm really excited because I think we can achieve a lot of things together." Neto will hope to help Chelsea get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, as they host a Hull City side who have seven points on the board and are yet to concede a goal since winning promotion from the Championship. The post Chelsea wideman Neto pens new six-year contract appeared first on SoccerNews.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

England v Pakistan: third men’s cricket Test, day three – live

Updates from Friday’s play at Edgbaston, 11am BST start Ashes legal dispute led to lack of 2027 Test in the north A day at the Knight-Stokes Cup | The Spin | Email JimState-school cricket has had its day at Lord’s, at last. On a ground that has this summer hosted men’s and women’s international Tests, the Women’s T20 World Cup final and the Hundred finals, on Thursday four school teams played in front of the Pavilion and Father Time for the Knight-Stokes Cup, named after two state-educated cricketers who have captained England’s Test teams.Heather Knight and Ben Stokes recorded video messages for pupils from Altrincham grammar school, John Hampden grammar school, Penistone grammar school and Chelmsford County high school before they competed in the boys’ and girls’ finals. The privileges did not stop there – full use of the Pavilion dressing rooms, lunch and media duties made this a day to remember and inspire. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

World Cup final tug-of-war escalates as Morocco PM rebukes FA head, Spain stakes claim

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Storm lose Ezi Magbegor for season with knee injury

Ezi Magbegor's injury-plagued season has come to an end as she hurt her knee at the FIBA World Cup.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

‘Too early to say they’ll make it’: India World Cup winner on Rohit, Kohli playing 27 WC

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

World Rugby floats plans for Six Nations match in US but England unlikely to participate

Governing body floating staging Ireland v Italy in USWorld Rugby eyes commercial value in American fixturesWorld Rugby wants a Six Nations match to be staged in the US and has offered financial incentives to the unions to do so – but England have effectively ruled themselves out on the grounds that fixtures at Twickenham are too lucrative.The US will stage the 2031 World Cup and World Rugby is seeking to capitalise commercially despite mounting fears over the parlous state of rugby union in the host country. As a result, the governing body is desperate to raise interest in the sport’s profile by staging high-profile matches Stateside, with Baltimore hosting the fourth Test between South Africa and New Zealand on Saturday. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

French FA accuses Infantino of ‘seriously damaging’ football as it withdraws support

‘Image and unity’ of game affected, FFF president saysIt will consult sacked former Fifa official Kevin LamourThe French Football Federation’s president, Philippe Diallo, said Gianni Infantino had “seriously damaged the image and the unity of football” as he announced the end of France’s support for the Fifa president’s re-election.The FFF’s executive committee unanimously voted on Thursday to withdraw its backing, which had been formalised at the end of June. Diallo referred to “events during the World Cup” which had “flagrantly gone against the way we believe our sport should be run” and to Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan, which was revealed in July and scrapped after a widespread backlash. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

MLS’s transfer window and the spending line that keeps going up

Summer spending across the league’s 30 clubs has ballooned. Here are three takeaways from the league’s transfer windowWith the shadow of the 2026 World Cup hanging over the league and a potential set of rule changes looming, Major League Soccer’s summer transfer window was one defined by uncertainty, diverse strategies and record spending. It was the fourth transfer window since MLS allowed clubs to purchase players from other clubs using traditional transfer fees rather than general allocation money (GAM), the intraleague currency system. The new rule, which is now being used more frequently, has helped account for rapid growth in league expenditure, as has increased GAM allotted to each club.These trends have been seen broadly over the last two seasons, but this past window took it to a new level, smashing the previous record for summer spending. This summer, MLS teams spent 65% more year-over-year, with a total of nearly $190m spent, accounting for 45% of the 2026 total. The above factors combined to create one of the most consequential transfer windows in MLS history, which may give a glimpse into the league’s future trajectory. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark celebrate their ‘chemistry’ as USA advance to Fiba World Cup semis

Fiba World Cup: USA 108-56 HungaryReese and Clark have been portrayed as fierce rivalsAngel Reese and Caitlin Clark’ s interactions are a subplot of the women’s Fiba World Cup, the WNBA season and if you spend enough time on social media, a divided United States. Clark and Reese have shown their relationship on the court is thriving, and they both excelled in USA’s 108-56 quarter-final win over Hungary on Thursday.In Thursday’s game, the growing chemistry showed. The pair had a nifty pick-and-roll to end the first quarter that ended with a layup by Reese. The Atlanta Dream forward returned the favor hitting Clark on a fastbreak for an easy lay-up later in the game. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

‘October 2027 is far away’: Rohit on his participation in next ODI World Cup

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Declan Rice shrugs off Arsenal concerns and says 60 games a season is sustainable

Arsenal are monitoring midfielder’s workloadRice received painkilling injections last seasonDeclan Rice has insisted his body can sustain more than 60 appearances again this season, despite Arsenal’s concerns after he played through pain at the World Cup.Rice racked up 69 appearances last season for Arsenal and England but admitted during the World Cup he had been receiving pain-killing injections to manage neural back and hamstring pain a hamstring injury in December. It is understood Arsenal are monitoring the 27-year-old’s workload closely after he had only three weeks off before returning to training a week before the Community Shield last month. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Mauricio Pochettino: ‘I am always open to help Tottenham. In whatever division’

Manager is excited by new US deal but might have returned to Spurs if the stars had aligned and does not rule out taking England job one dayIf things had worked out differently, Mauricio Pochettino would have gone back to his beloved Tottenham over the summer. They had put in the call and it stirred him. Nothing was going to put him off – not even the possibility of the club being in the Championship.Seriously, Mauricio? After a World Cup campaign with the United States and top jobs with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain before that, he would have been willing to start a new chapter in the second tier of English football? “Yes, of course,” Pochettino says. “Tottenham … it’s the only club that always I am open to help. In whatever division.” Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Suaalii keeps ‘open mindset’ to Wallabies position amid rising expectations for Rugby World Cup

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii won’t specialise in one on-field role yetAustralia coach Les Kiss faces multiple selection conundrumsHe is known as the Wallabies’ foremost code-switcher, and there are growing calls for him to settle on a position that makes the most out of his unquestionable abilities. But Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has other ideas.Speaking at the NFL fan festival on Thursday to promote next year’s Rugby World Cup matches in Melbourne, Suaalii said he had no plans to specialise in just one on-field role. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Alexis Mac Allister makes his point as Liverpool fight back to defeat Atlético

It was the time and place for Alexis Mac Allister to do his talking on the pitch and the disgruntled Liverpool midfielder did not disappoint. “Very sad” over Liverpool’s refusal to offer him a contract extension, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were getting theirs, Mac Allister made Anfield very happy with a match-winning display against Atlético Madrid.The Argentina international, one of five World Cup finalists involved in a finely-poised, absorbing contest, vented his frustration in the best possible way with an immaculate 20-yard strike that extended Diego Simeone’s winless sequence against English opposition in the Champions League group phase to 11 matches. Mac Allister’s moment also gave Andoni Iraola the perfect start to life in the Champions League, and there were several contributions for the Liverpool head coach to savour. From Alexander Isak’s relentless pressing to Florian Wirtz’s consistent creativity, Liverpool rose to one of their toughest tests of the competition. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

England to extend Borthwick contract as Pollock closes on £400,000 Northampton deal

RFU eager to avoid uncertainty heading into World CupLloyds Bank to pay £5m a year for logo on back of jerseysSteve Borthwick will be handed a contract extension until after the 2028 Six Nations, giving the Rugby Football Union time to identify his successor if England flop at the World Cup next year.The RFU’s move is designed to avoid uncertainty heading into the tournament but stops short of backing Borthwick in the long-term. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Dani Olmo: ‘Winning the World Cup changes you, it changes your life’

One of Barcelona’s eight World Cup winners reflects on how Spain’s triumph is inspiring them in the Champions LeagueDani Olmo nods towards his right arm. “Look: goosebumps,” he says. The Spain midfielder is sitting in a back room at Barcelona’s Joan Gamper training ground trying to pinpoint the moment he knew he was a world champion. “There’s an image in my mind with Ferran [Torres]’s mum: hugging her, the two of us in tears,” he says. “‘What your son just did … what we all did … this is historic.’ And that’s when you start to feel it. In those final minutes of the game it’s impossible, impossible, but when the referee blows, the thought enters your head: ‘Have we done it?’ ‘Are we …?’ There, you feel it a little bit. When you lift the cup, a little bit more. And then when you see the families, when I see the reaction from my brother, my partner, my dad. I’m not one to cry, but …”But then Olmo knew, felt it: Spain were world champions. It was 19 July in New Jersey and it was real: Spain had beaten Argentina and nothing would be the same again. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026 power rankings: will there be an English winner for the first time in 25 years?

We assess the standing of the players on the shortlist for the award before the winner is announced in October1) Harry Kane (England/Bayern Munich)Even adjusting for the goal-drunken Bundesliga, his 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern last season undersells his all-around impact, considering his playmaking and hold-up skills. Kane was gameplanned out of England’s later games at the World Cup, but he was unstoppable through the last-16 to close out the finest year of his career to date. If not now, when? Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

England coaches tell Lawes and Marchant they need to prove themselves in Prem

Pair have joined Sale after spells in FranceDuo last played for England at 2023 World CupCourtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been warned they must go “over and above” the performances of their rivals in the first five weeks of the new season to earn England recalls this autumn.Lawes, 37, and the 30-year-old Marchant have both joined Sale this summer after spells in France and stated their ambition to resurrect their international careers, having last represented England at the 2023 World Cup. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Harry Kane and Alessia Russo among nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or

Bellingham, Rice and Alex Greenwood also nominatedCeremony to move from Paris to London for 2026 awardsHarry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have been nominated for this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or with Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood nominated for the women’s award.The 30 men’s and 30 women’s nominees were revealed by France Football magazine on Tuesday, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October. Ousmane Dembélé, who won the men’s award last year, has been nominated again, as has his France teammate Kylian Mbappé, who made history when he overtook Lionel Messi for all-time World Cup goals (22) at this summer’s tournament. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Gianni Infantino to run for re-election despite failed World Cup sell-off plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will seek re-election in 2027 for a final term through 2031, despite mounting pressure over his now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profit

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

More than 100,000 people add names to complaint against Gianni Infantino

Letter alleges Fifa president ‘has abused his power’Donald Trump links and FFE scandal among objectionsMore than 100,000 people have added their names to a complaint against Gianni Infantino, alleging the Fifa president has “at a minimum, abused his power, violated his duty of political neutrality, and violated his duty of loyalty” through his interactions with Donald Trump.The Reboot Fifa campaign was launched before the World Cup with the aim of delivering “the biggest complaint Fifa has ever received” over the organisation’s alleged failings of governance. The campaign has since extended the scope of its accusations to include the overturning of the red card awarded to Folarin Balogun at the tournament and the aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

The Breakdown | How the smaller ball trial in WXV has brought ‘mixed bag of emotions’

The trial has caused heated debate in women’s rugby, with England’s Zoe Harrison calling it the ‘worst decision ever’ but others more open to it“We won a World Cup with a size five so it can’t have been that bad,” the England full-back Ellie Kildunne says of World Rugby’s trial with smaller balls in the upcoming WXV Global Series. The top 12 nations in the world rankings will be playing home and away matches from Saturday with the WXV competition revamped from the one contested over the past few years. There will be no trophy at the end of it and the ball trial that has produced no little debate is in place.Players will compete with a size 4.5 ball instead ofthe aforementioned size five, which is used across rugby union; the new ball weighs the same but is 3% smaller. The reasoning is to see if a smaller ball will improve skillsets because of women’s physiology, despite statistics such as a 87.8% lineout success rate at the 2025 Women’s Six Nations and kicking success at goal reaching 61% at the World Cup last year with the old ball. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Mauricio Pochettino wants the US to become ‘one of the most powerful countries in soccer’

As he prepares for the upcoming international window, the US head coach spoke about Folarin Balogun, the LA Olympics and dual national playersIt’s been two months since the US men’s national team crashed out of the World Cup in disappointing fashion, and their head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, is back at work.The former Tottenham and PSG manager was largely viewed as a short-term hire when he joined the US in 2024, brought on to help the team capitalize on their first home World Cup in more than three decades. Along the way, Pochettino and US Soccer warmed to the idea of a contract extension, one they finalized in August. The US will play four friendlies in late September and early October against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, but that stretch of games pales in comparison to the larger task at hand. Pochettino must guide the US to qualification for the 2030 World Cup, of course, but the Argentinian – and the federation – have more ambitious goals that involve reshaping the structure of soccer in the United States. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Kevin Pietersen gets surprise call-up as mentor for England cricket team

First time former captain involved since 2014 sackingJoins McCullum’s backroom staff for the next yearKevin Pietersen will return to the England fold 12 years on from his acrimonious sacking as a player after being appointed as a “specialist mentor” to the men’s white-ball teams until the end of the 50-over Cricket World Cup next year.Announced on Monday morning, this consultancy deal marks the first time Pietersen will have worked with the senior England side since his central contract was ripped up in the wake of the 2013-14 Ashes ­whitewash in Australia. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Belgian FA still wants Balogun ban answers

Belgium's FA says it still wants answers about why Folarin Balogun was allowed to play against them at the World Cup.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Sale’s Courtney Lawes ‘not worried about legacy’ in drive to make England return

Lawes is back in the Prem after two years in France and has unfinished business at international levelCourtney Lawes was not expecting to be named in Steve Borthwick’s pre‑season England squad over the weekend. While the 37-year-old has made clear that his return to the Prem with Sale Sharks is in no small part down to his ambition to feature in a fifth World Cup next year, much like the national head coach Lawes favours action rather than words.Borthwick has explained to players such as Lawes, his fellow Sale arrival Joe Marchant and Newcastle’s new No 8 Hoskins Sotutu that in order to achieve England selection they must prove themselves against the players they are now competing with in the Prem. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Kim Milton Nielsen’s 1998 memories: ‘Hey, you are the man who sent off Beckham’

In an extract from a new book, the Danish former referee recalls sending off the England midfielder for his infamous kick on Diego SimeoneAt half-time on 30 June 1998, Kim Milton Nielsen stepped into the changing room at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne. The air reeked of wet towels. He hugged his assistants. They’d just taken charge of the best half of football they’d ever officiated.Argentina v England. World Cup round of 16. Michael Owen had terrorised Argentina with blistering runs and his breakout goal. A clever free-kick had outsmarted the English defence. Nielsen had awarded two penalties. He couldn’t wait for the second half, but he didn’t know what was coming. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Esposito commits future to Inter with six-year contract

Francesco Pio Esposito has signed a new six-year deal with Serie A champions Inter. The 21-year-old's previous contract was set to expire in 2030, but he has been rewarded for a breakthrough campaign in 2025-26. The striker scored 11 goals and provided six assists across 50 games (including the Club World Cup), though only 23 came as a starter. Only Lautaro Martinez (24), Marcus Thuram (18) and Hakan Calhanoglu (12) scored more often for Inter last season. Esposito also scored and assisted in Inter's 4-1 win over Monza to kick off their 2026-27 Serie A campaign, and he was overcome with emotion after signing his new deal. "It is certainly something very emotional," Esposito told the club website. "When I got into the car to come here, I had butterflies in my stomach. "I feel that it is an important milestone for my life and my career, although it is absolutely not a finishing point. It is a starting point from which to continue working like this. "It is also recognition for the work done up to now, so I need to continue working like this." He's here to stay pic.twitter.com/xCzaOlRn2Q — Inter (@Inter_en) September 6, 2026 Esposito helped Inter win the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles last season, while he also scored in their Champions League knockout round play-off tie against Bodo/Glimt, who won 5-1 on aggregate. While he has his eyes on more trophies and goals, those are not the Italy internationals' main objectives. "Both in terms of trophies and statistics, the important thing is to try not to stop, never be satisfied and always grow," he added. "I don’t like giving a precise number of goals or statistics, but the objective is always to improve myself, as a player and also as a person." The post Esposito commits future to Inter with six-year contract appeared first o

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Kane: I’m happy that I am in contention for Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane says he is proud of his record-breaking 2025-26 season and is "happy I am in contention" for the Ballon d'Or. By the end of the World Cup, the Bayern Munich striker had racked up 73 goals for club and country. He scored 61 times for Bayern, helping them to the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles, as well as netting 12 for England, including six at the World Cup as the Three Lions finished third. Only once in history has a player netted more goals across a single campaign, with Lionel Messi hitting the back of the net 82 times for Barcelona and Argentina in 2011-12. After his stunning season, Kane is being tipped as one of the favourites to win this year's Ballon d'Or. Should he do so, he would become just the fifth Englishman to be awarded the accolade and the first since Michael Owen in 2001. "I'm extremely proud of the season I put up, for sure," Kane told TNT Sports after being played a message from Owen, who said he hoped the striker would "join our exclusive little club". "Hearing players like Michael say that – I grew up watching Michael play, and I was a massive England fan – I think it just fills me with pride. "Not that long ago, I was that fan wanting to become a professional footballer, and I am here now and winning awards, and the Ballon d'Or is the same. "Of course, now it is out of my hands; it is down to the voters and the people who decide it. The season I had was my best season by far, and we'll have to wait and see. "It is a weird one because I am already focused on this season now, and the next season. Can I be better? Can I improve? But I also want to appreciate what I did. "The thing with football opinions – there are so many opinions, so many arguments for different players, and people love this player because 'he's fast' and 'he's got great

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Embattled Fifa president Infantino declares intention to stand for re-election

Infantino is under pressure to resign after sell-off planUefa has led calls for president to quitThe Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, has reiterated his desire to stand for re-election next year despite the continuing controversy surrounding his leadership.Infantino refused to answer questions about his future when asked by reporters at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday. The 56-year-old Swiss is under severe pressure to resign after trying to sell stakes in Fifa tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Why Germany equalling Pakistan’s World Cup record should worry Indian hockey

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

‘It was tough to be Jonah Lomu’: new film sheds light on late All Blacks hero

New Zealand great made his name at 1995 Rugby World Cup but rapid rise to fame took a toll as his health worsenedMaking a film about Jonah Lomu’s life was never going to thrill everyone. The big man’s widow, Nadene, took legal action in an unsuccessful attempt to block the project and declined to be involved. You can’t imagine Mike Catt being overly delighted either. Even 31 years later, the brutal footage of Lomu running straight over the top of England’s full-back in the 1995 World Cup semi-final in Cape Town almost merits an 18 certificate on its own.Happily, the makers of Lomu went ahead regardless and have managed to shine a fresh light on the biggest rugby phenomenon in history. There was always way more to Jonah’s story than a huge pair of thighs and here it is, laid out in a manner that is thought-provoking, affecting and wincingly nostalgic. As the former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew puts it: “I’m disappointed he didn’t have the life he deserved to have. I wonder, even [with] the magnificent gifts he had, whether he was ever truly happy.” Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Mali shock Spain for historic second win at Women’s Basketball World Cup

Kone has 19 points and 10 rebounds in 82-73 upsetHungary hold off Nigeria 71-67 for long-awaited winMali improve to 2-10 all-time at World CupMali pulled off the first stunner of the Women’s Basketball World Cup by shocking Spain 82-73 on Saturday.It was only the second win ever in tournament history for the African country, who beat Senegal in overtime in 2010. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Kriel and Marx tries help South Africa power past All Blacks to take series lead

South Africa 29-24 New ZealandAll Blacks captain Ardie Savea out of final TestThere have been moments over the past couple of weeks that have made us question South Africa’s status as the standard bearers in world rugby. After this helter-skelter third Test victory that ensures they cannot lose the series, we have an emphatic answer. The Springboks’ power is unrivalled. The All Blacks’ panache has taken them mightily close but South Africa remain on their perch.A consolation score for New Zealand at the death rescued some pride but flattered the All Blacks – and afterwards it was confirmed that their captain Ardie Savea will miss the final Test. A second-half masterclass from the Boks, the relentless kind that leaves even opponents as worthy as these suffocated, gasping for air, confirms what was taken as read before this series started – South Africa remain the hot favourites for next year’s World Cup. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

The FIFA World Cup deserved Lionel Messi

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

BCB president Tamim Iqbal says Bangladesh should have played 2026 T20 World Cup

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Uefa legal case may be beginning of the end for Infantino as Trump’s support evaporates | Barney Ronay

The order of discovery related to Fifa’s failed plan to sell the World Cup will worry the American president, a situation that tends to end badly for the culprit“Tell Mike it was just business. I always liked him.”“He understands.” Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

‘The noise was unbelievable’: the referee’s view of Mexico v England at the World Cup

England’s manager Thomas Tuchel called the officiating ‘just not good enough’ in the fiery last-16 tie. Now Alireza Faghani gives his version of eventsIt was 6pm on 5 July in Mexico City, and Alireza Faghani, a 48-year-old Australian-Iranian, was asleep in the locker room, snoring. His assistants had turned the music down. Had it not been for the muffled roar of nearly 90,000 fans through the concrete walls of the Estadio Azteca, he could have slept until the following morning.Faghani was the referee for Mexico v England in the last 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico hadn’t lost a competitive game at the Azteca since 2013, at least in part because they’re used to the conditions. Situated 2,240 metres above sea level, the air contains less oxygen. Opponents struggle to breathe, let alone win. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Chelsea hit bullseye with Morgan Rogers as Arsenal rue what might have been

The Gunners will have a look at what they could have won when the former Villa man lines up against them, having made a flying start for Xabi Alonso’s teamChelsea thought they had little chance of signing Morgan Rogers at the start of the summer. Xabi Alonso and the club’s recruitment team had the England international as a priority target but a deal seemed unlikely. Chelsea had endured a disappointing season, missing out on European football after finishing 10th, and their expectation was that Rogers would leave Aston Villa for Arsenal.It was towards the end of the World Cup that Chelsea were made aware of a window of opportunity. Although Arsenal could claim to be London’s top dogs after winning the Premier League they dithered in talks with Villa, raising the prospect of another club stepping in. Continue reading...

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

Messi and Argentina: A legacy that will stand the test of time

For 21 years, the left-footed forward from Rosario was La Albiceleste’s heartbeat, navigating his way through ups and downs with remarkable poise and inimitable brilliance. Having announced his international retirement via a post on social media on Monday, the 39-year-old brings an end to a career that entailed a record 207 appearances, 125 goals, one World Cup and two Copa America titles

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

FA to canvass England players in World Cup review

The Football Association's review into England's World Cup campaign will canvass the opinions of players involved in the tournament.

BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsSPORTS desk

How 'unique' Bellingham is thriving in Mourinho's system

Jude Bellingham looks fit and ready to build on his World Cup form as he aims to rediscover his best at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho.