https://www.theguardian.com/us/sport Sports news, scores, blogs and opinion on US and world sports from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:02:52 GMT 2026-06-12T00:02:52Z en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/victor-wembanyama-knicks-fans-jeers-thrown-egg <ul><li><p>Video shows egg tossed toward star as he entered hotel</p></li><li><p>Players had condemned apparent attacks on Spurs fans</p></li></ul><p>A brutal night for Victor Wembanyama continued even after he returned to his New York hotel on Wednesday, as he was pelted with boos from jeering Knicks fans and nearly struck by a flying egg.</p><p>A video <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZc3eEbRUjb/">shared online</a> showed at least one egg tossed in the direction of the San Antonio Spurs superstar as he entered his hotel, flanked by security, after the team’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/10/wembanyama-spurs-knicks-game-4-nba-finals-series-tied">Game 4 loss</a> to the Knicks.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/victor-wembanyama-knicks-fans-jeers-thrown-egg">Continue reading...</a> NBA finals Victor Wembanyama Basketball NBA Sport US sports New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:30:06 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/victor-wembanyama-knicks-fans-jeers-thrown-egg Photograph: Ross D Franklin/AP Photograph: Ross D Franklin/AP Photograph: Ross D Franklin/AP Guardian sport and Associated Press 2026-06-11T19:30:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/darron-lee-indicted-murder-charge-nfl <ul><li><p>Prosecutors cite ChatGPT messages as key evidence</p></li><li><p>Gabriella Perpetuo died of blunt force injuries</p></li></ul><p>Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been indicted on a murder charge <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/06/darron-lee-chiefs-jets-murder-charge-nfl">in the death of his partner</a>.</p><p>A grand jury in Hamilton County returned an indictment on Tuesday. Prosecutors dismissed a tampering with evidence charge to focus solely on the more serious allegation, Hamilton County district attorney Coty Wamp said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/darron-lee-indicted-murder-charge-nfl">Continue reading...</a> NFL Kansas City Chiefs New York Jets US sports Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:36:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/darron-lee-indicted-murder-charge-nfl Photograph: Rey Del Rio/Getty Images Photograph: Rey Del Rio/Getty Images Photograph: Rey Del Rio/Getty Images Agencies 2026-06-11T22:36:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/real-madrid-confirm-jose-mourinho-manager <ul><li><p>63-year-old leaves Benfica to move back to the Bernabéu</p></li><li><p>Marco Silva agrees deal to replace him at Portuguese club</p></li></ul><p>José Mourinho’s blockbuster return as Real Madrid manager has been confirmed. The 63-year-old, who was in the dugout at the Bernabéu from 2010 until 2013, joins the 15-times European champions from Benfica on a three-year contract.</p><p>Mourinho’s appointment comes after a torrid season at Real Madrid, with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jan/13/xabi-alonso-real-madrid-manager-end-florentino-perez">Xabi Alonso sacked in January</a> amid player unrest. Álvaro Arbeloa came in as interim head coach, but failed to turn around the campaign as Real exited the Champions League to Bayern Munich at the quarter-final stage and Barcelona cantered to the La Liga title. Disharmony within the squad also continued, with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/07/real-madrid-fede-valverde-has-stitches-after-fight-with-aurelien-tchouameni">Fede Valverde taken to hospital</a> to have stitches after a confrontation with his teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/real-madrid-confirm-jose-mourinho-manager">Continue reading...</a> Real Madrid La Liga Football Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:29:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/real-madrid-confirm-jose-mourinho-manager Photograph: Steven Paston/PA Photograph: Steven Paston/PA Photograph: Steven Paston/PA Guardian sport 2026-06-11T18:29:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/11/new-york-city-knicks-basketball <p>Largest comeback in NBA finals history galvanizes city and inspires morning-after chants of ‘Knicks in five!’</p><p>New Yorkers woke up on Thursday morning – those who had even slept in the city that never sleeps – still jubilant after the Knicks men’s basketball team had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/10/wembanyama-spurs-knicks-game-4-nba-finals-series-tied">made history</a> the night before.</p><p>The team staged the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/10/wembanyama-spurs-knicks-game-4-nba-finals-series-tied">largest comeback</a> in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/nba-finals">NBA finals</a> history to overcome the San Antonio Spurs in the dying seconds of the fourth game of the finals – and put themselves 3-1 up and within one game of a rare championship win.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/11/new-york-city-knicks-basketball">Continue reading...</a> New York New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs NBA finals NBA Basketball US sports Sport Culture US news Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:30:04 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/11/new-york-city-knicks-basketball Photograph: Olga Fedorova/EPA Photograph: Olga Fedorova/EPA Photograph: Olga Fedorova/EPA Anna Betts and Bryan Armen Graham in New York City 2026-06-11T17:30:04Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/george-russell-kimi-antonelli-formula-one-title-race-mercedes <ul><li><p>British driver says pressure is off following bad run</p></li><li><p>Antonelli 68 points ahead of Mercedes teammate</p></li></ul><p>George Russell insists the pressure is off in the battle for the Formula One drivers’ championship. A succession of mishaps – combined with the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/08/kimi-antonellis-monaco-triumph-rattles-f1-rivals-toto-wolff-mercedes-lewis-hamilton">exemplary form of his Mercedes teammate</a>, Kimi Antonelli – has left him 68 points off the pace.</p><p>Sunday’s round seven is the newly styled Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, with the Spanish Grand Prix shifting to a new venue in Madrid in September. Mercedes are expected to excel again this weekend, but it is the 19-year-old Antonelli who has established a firm grip on the drivers’ championship after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/07/kimi-antonelli-becomes-youngest-winner-of-f1-monaco-gp-after-late-drama">five consecutive victories</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/george-russell-kimi-antonelli-formula-one-title-race-mercedes">Continue reading...</a> George Russell Formula One 2026 Formula One Mercedes GP Motor sport Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:37:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/george-russell-kimi-antonelli-formula-one-title-race-mercedes Photograph: Marco Canoniero/Shutterstock Photograph: Marco Canoniero/Shutterstock Photograph: Marco Canoniero/Shutterstock Luke McLaughlin at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya 2026-06-11T18:37:09Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/infantino-rebrand-long-haul-games-five-takeaways-from-world-cup-opener <p>Mexico City played host to this year’s first game as an emotionally charged Azteca witnessed Shakira’s big return</p><p>Mexicans have waited 40 years to witness a World Cup in their own country and the pride felt from becoming the first nation to stage three tournaments has been easy to sense in the city all week. Those fortunate enough to have secured tickets were not going to miss out. Despite road closures and multiple protests from striking teachers and families of the country’s 130,000 disappeared making travel challenging, all 83,000 seats at the Azteca were filled 90 minutes before kick-off, with Fifa’s fears of being forced to delay proceedings proving unfounded.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/infantino-rebrand-long-haul-games-five-takeaways-from-world-cup-opener">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Mexico South Africa football team Fifa World Cup Football politics Football Sport Shakira Gianni Infantino Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:08:28 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/infantino-rebrand-long-haul-games-five-takeaways-from-world-cup-opener Photograph: CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images Photograph: CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images Photograph: CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images Matt Hughes at Mexico City Stadium 2026-06-11T22:08:28Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/iran-world-cup-tijuana-security-camp-mexico <p>An improvised base in Mexico has become Team Melli’s unlikely World Cup home as security fears, visa disputes and political divisions shape their tournament</p><p>Open-top trucks patrolled the surrounding roads outside the Estadio Caliente today, mounted by men in helmets and masks and wielding machine guns. They pass by the main entrance every few hours, guarding the massive city block, otherwise chocked with cars and smog, that the Iran national team has made its temporary, and largely improvised, home for this World Cup.</p><p>This has become business as usual here in northwest Mexico, at an arena that most teams in the domestic league hate to visit thanks to its distance from the country’s other footballing hubs and its brutal artificial turf playing surface.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/iran-world-cup-tijuana-security-camp-mexico">Continue reading...</a> Iran World Cup 2026 Football World Cup Sport US-Israel war on Iran Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:49:46 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/iran-world-cup-tijuana-security-camp-mexico Photograph: Victor Medina/Reuters Photograph: Victor Medina/Reuters Photograph: Victor Medina/Reuters Alexander Abnos in Tijuana 2026-06-11T20:49:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/usmnt-world-cup-preview <p>Unlike most other countries, the US are playing the 2026 World Cup not just for themselves, but for the future of their voice in the sport</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/20/sign-up-for-soccer-with-jonathan-wilson-his-free-weekly-newsletter-on-european-soccer">World Cup newsletter</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/footballweekly">Daily podcast</a> | <a href="https://app.adjust.com/1o65wsyj">Download the app</a></p></li></ul><p>Mauricio Pochettino paused. The microphone signal flickered. He tried, for a second time, to say a few things to the 5,500 fans who had gathered in the sun Monday at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California – the United States’ World Cup home base – for an open training session. Nothing. Then something. More choppy audio. By the time things came back online, he had developed a quip.</p><p>“We are in the greatest country in the world,” he said in his Rioplatense-accented English. “But the technology does not work.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/usmnt-world-cup-preview">Continue reading...</a> USA Football World Cup 2026 US sports Sport World Cup Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:01:18 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/usmnt-world-cup-preview Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Alexander Abnos in Irvine, California 2026-06-11T16:01:18Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/donald-trump-world-cup-ted-lasso-usa <p>Ted Lasso will deliver a message of hope before the USA’s first game, in an America that is not a fit or desirable host right now</p><p>Shortly before 6pm local time on Friday night at the Los Angeles Stadium, the actor who plays Ted Lasso – the fictional manager of a fake team in a falsely heartwarming version of football – will tell hundreds of millions of TV viewers tuning in to watch the start of the American leg of the Fifa World Cup that <em>football unites the world</em>.</p><p>In an interesting twist, the actor Jason Sudeikis will do this at a time when the World Cup host is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/10/middle-east-peace-talks-iran-strikes">simultaneously bombing the second-ranked country in Group G</a>, having recently murdered its head of state. The message of unity is one likely to be heard by the US president, Donald Trump, who has initiated six military conflicts in his second term, and whose brutally divisive immigration policies have now led to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/omar-artan-scandal-gianni-infantino-donald-trump-world-cup">the barring of Omar Artan</a>, the reigning African referee of the year.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/donald-trump-world-cup-ted-lasso-usa">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Football Sport World Cup Gianni Infantino Donald Trump Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:44:08 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/donald-trump-world-cup-ted-lasso-usa Composite: AFP/Getty Images and Reuters Composite: AFP/Getty Images and Reuters Composite: AFP/Getty Images and Reuters Barney Ronay in Los Angeles 2026-06-11T12:44:08Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/nike-world-cup-jerseys-shoulder-problem-solution <p>After acknowledging an issue with bulging shoulders in the shirts’ March debut, the company offered a solution that comes down to different treatment</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/20/sign-up-for-soccer-with-jonathan-wilson-his-free-weekly-newsletter-on-european-soccer">World Cup newsletter</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/footballweekly">Daily podcast</a> | <a href="https://app.adjust.com/1o65wsyj">Download the app</a></p></li></ul><p>When Nike’s World Cup kits debuted in March, many fans identified a bizarre detail: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/08/nike-world-cup-jerseys-shoulder-problem">an unsightly bulge</a> along the shoulder seam. It was subtle on some players, but, on others, such as France’s Kylian Mbappé, it was borderline comical.</p><p>It felt entirely unrealistic that the design of the shirts would be fundamentally changed three months before the start of the World Cup and on Wednesday a source familiar with Nike’s plan confirmed they had not altered the shirts in any way. What Nike had done, the source said, is offer instructions to member federations on how to wash them before wearing and steam the shoulder seams.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/nike-world-cup-jerseys-shoulder-problem-solution">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Football Sport World Cup Nike US sports Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:14:35 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/nike-world-cup-jerseys-shoulder-problem-solution Photograph: Nigel French/Getty Images/Allstar Photograph: Nigel French/Getty Images/Allstar Photograph: Nigel French/Getty Images/Allstar Pablo Iglesias Maurer 2026-06-11T16:14:35Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/elliot-anderson-england-2026-world-cup-thomas-tuchel-nottingham-forest-manchester-city-transfer <p>Midfielder’s meteoric climb could enter different stratosphere if he inspires World Cup glory and seals record move</p><p>The numbers around Elliot Anderson are rising fast – to extraordinary levels. A little like the player himself. At the beginning of last week, when he flew to Florida with the England squad for their pre-World Cup camp, he was the Nottingham Forest midfielder who had finished a gruelling club season, which featured four managers, on the right side of the relegation line.</p><p>The 23-year-old had established himself as a first choice in Thomas Tuchel’s England team over the course of the campaign, albeit he remained in single digits for caps. There was a lot of noise about Anderson on the transfer market. The richness of the promise was there for all to see.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/elliot-anderson-england-2026-world-cup-thomas-tuchel-nottingham-forest-manchester-city-transfer">Continue reading...</a> England Football Sport Nottingham Forest Manchester City World Cup 2026 World Cup Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:00:22 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/elliot-anderson-england-2026-world-cup-thomas-tuchel-nottingham-forest-manchester-city-transfer Photograph: Maddie Meyer/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Maddie Meyer/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Maddie Meyer/FIFA/Getty Images David Hytner in Orlando 2026-06-11T18:00:22Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/somali-referee-barred-from-world-cup-super-cup-final-uefa-omar-artan <ul><li><p>Omar Artan to officiate PSG v Aston Villa in August</p></li><li><p>‘Football is made to connect people,’ says Uefa head</p></li></ul><p>Omar Artan, the Somali referee <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/08/top-african-referee-omar-artan-refused-access-to-the-united-states">prevented from officiating at the World Cup</a>, will take charge of the Super Cup in August, Uefa has announced.</p><p>Artan found himself at the centre of controversy after being denied entry to the US, with the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, suggesting he was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/10/gianni-infantino-fifa-criticism-2026-world-cup">powerless to overrule</a> Donald Trump’s administration. Somalia is one of 12 countries on a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/09/trump-travel-ban">travel ban list</a> introduced by the US president last year.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/somali-referee-barred-from-world-cup-super-cup-final-uefa-omar-artan">Continue reading...</a> Referees World Cup 2026 Football World Cup Uefa Uefa Super Cup Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:39:30 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/somali-referee-barred-from-world-cup-super-cup-final-uefa-omar-artan Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Ben Fisher 2026-06-11T13:39:30Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/jakobe-tharp-world-record-110m-hurdles <ul><li><p>20-year-old finished in blistering time of 12.75sec</p></li><li><p>First world record at NCAA championships since 1976</p></li></ul><p>American Ja’Kobe Tharp broke the 110m hurdles world record with a blistering time of 12.75sec at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Wednesday.</p><p>Tharp’s effort in the heats of the 110m hurdles improved upon the previous world record mark of 12.80sec, set by Olympic champion and fellow American Aries Merritt in Brussels in 2012.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/jakobe-tharp-world-record-110m-hurdles">Continue reading...</a> Athletics Sport US sports Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:12:31 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/jakobe-tharp-world-record-110m-hurdles Photograph: Isaac Wasserman/NCAA Photos/Getty Images Photograph: Isaac Wasserman/NCAA Photos/Getty Images Photograph: Isaac Wasserman/NCAA Photos/Getty Images Agencies 2026-06-11T12:12:31Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/serena-williams-return-ends-prematurely-queens-club-mboko-injury-raducanu <ul><li><p>Mboko forced out with knee injury after heavy fall</p></li><li><p>Williams’ focus now shifts to Berlin wildcard spot</p></li></ul><p>Serena Williams’s first tournament since coming out of retirement has ended prematurely after her doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, was forced to withdraw from the Queen’s Club tournament <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/10/serena-williams-doubles-partnership-doubt-victoria-mboko-injury-tennis-hsbc-championships">after injuring her knee</a> when slipping on the grass in her singles match.</p><p>Williams made a sensational return to competition at 44 after a four-year absence on Tuesday alongside Mboko as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/09/serena-williams-makes-winning-return-to-tennis-with-victory-in-queens-doubles">they defeated the third seeds</a>, Nicole Melichar Martinez and Erin Routliffe, 7-6(2), 6-2. The pair were scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund on Thursday afternoon.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/serena-williams-return-ends-prematurely-queens-club-mboko-injury-raducanu">Continue reading...</a> Tennis Serena Williams US sports Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:50:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/11/serena-williams-return-ends-prematurely-queens-club-mboko-injury-raducanu Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Tumaini Carayol 2026-06-11T11:50:02Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/mexico-south-africa-world-cup-2026-group-a-match-report <p>Was that it, then? Was Sphephelo Sithole being caught in possession nine minutes into the opening game, Julián Quiñones running on to lash the ball through Ronwen Williams’s legs, was that when the football took over, the moment when concerns over the aggression of the major co-host faded away and the world got on with celebrating the great festival of humanity the World Cup ought to be?</p><p>It seems unlikely. Donald Trump’s war with Iran goes on, as do the outrages of his immigration forces. But it’s not just that. Gianni Infantino has opted to run this tournament, uniquely in the modern age, without a local organising committee. That may not explain the shambolic organisation at the Azteca – the chaotic traffic, the non-existent signage, the absence of wifi, the general lack of order – but it does make it harder to fix. Not that Mexican fans cared much.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/mexico-south-africa-world-cup-2026-group-a-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Mexico South Africa football team World Cup Football Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:17:29 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/mexico-south-africa-world-cup-2026-group-a-match-report Photograph: Carl Recine/Getty Images Photograph: Carl Recine/Getty Images Photograph: Carl Recine/Getty Images Jonathan Wilson at Mexico City Stadium 2026-06-11T21:17:29Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/they-are-adults-tuchel-grants-england-players-day-off-with-few-strings-attached <ul><li><p>Manager says team must ‘live up to the trust’ on rest days</p></li><li><p>German suggests Bellingham may play as a ‘free role’ No 9</p></li></ul><p>Thomas Tuchel is confident that his England players will not abuse his trust, as he granted them time off with few strings attached at the end of their pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.</p><p>The manager said he was happy for them to do whatever they wanted – as long as it did not involve air travel – before they fly on Saturday to Kansas City, their base for the tournament. Tuchel oversaw a training game against the amateur club Miami United in Palm Beach Gardens on Thursday before giving the players the rest of the day and Friday off.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/they-are-adults-tuchel-grants-england-players-day-off-with-few-strings-attached">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Thomas Tuchel England World Cup Football Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:00:22 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/they-are-adults-tuchel-grants-england-players-day-off-with-few-strings-attached Photograph: Dave Shopland/Shutterstock Photograph: Dave Shopland/Shutterstock Photograph: Dave Shopland/Shutterstock David Hytner in Orlando 2026-06-11T18:00:22Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/itv-delivers-feisty-start-to-coverage-and-taunts-bbc-from-glitzy-studio <p>Mark Pougatch acknowledged the controversies surrounding the tournament, while capturing the excitement of football fans</p><p>Don’t mention the war. Mark Pougatch mentioned it, right at the start of ITV’s World Cup coverage, but I think he got away with it. He also, to his credit, highlighted the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/11/world-cup-2026-ticket-prices-fifa-sport-politics">outrageous ticket prices</a>, as well as the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2026/jun/10/the-politics-and-profit-of-a-world-cup-in-trumps-america-full-story-podcast">disgraceful treatment</a> of the teams, fans and officials who now find themselves persona non grata in the US. Even Donald J Trump, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/05/fifa-peace-prize-trump-world-cup-infantino">the first (and quite possibly last) holder of the Fifa Peace Prize</a>, got a mention. Pougatch also gave a visibly emotional Ian Wright the chance to suggest that the US has “no idea of the spirit of the game”. All unexpectedly and encouragingly feisty.</p><p>Of course, it was no Gary Lineker, railing against the hosts’ human rights record while launching the BBC’s coverage of Qatar 2022. But Lineker is a corporation ghost now – no longer at the Beeb <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/09/podcast-wars-bbc-itv-the-rest-is-football-netflix-fifa-world-cup">but podcasting for Netflix</a>. The BBC have, on the grounds of cost, opted to present this World Cup <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/10/will-bbc-score-own-goal-broadcasting-fifa-world-cup-from-salford">from an austerity bunker in Salford</a>. The Telegraph derided this as a “work from home” operation. ITV are already having some fun with it too.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/itv-delivers-feisty-start-to-coverage-and-taunts-bbc-from-glitzy-studio">Continue reading...</a> World Cup Television industry Sport Football Media ITV BBC Fifa Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:25:17 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/itv-delivers-feisty-start-to-coverage-and-taunts-bbc-from-glitzy-studio Photograph: Antonio Felix/AP Photograph: Antonio Felix/AP Photograph: Antonio Felix/AP Phil Harrison 2026-06-11T22:25:17Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/scott-mctominay-scotland-world-cup-opener-stomach-bug <ul><li><p>Midfielder missed final training session before Haiti game</p></li><li><p>‘Hopefully that doesn’t spread,’ said Kenny McLean</p></li></ul><p>Scotland are confident Scott McTominay will be fit to face Haiti on Saturday despite the midfielder sitting out training on Thursday due to a stomach complaint.</p><p>McTominay, widely considered Scotland’s most influential player, was a notable absentee as Steve Clarke put his players through their paces for a final time in North Carolina before departing for Boston. There, Scotland will play their first World Cup match in 28 years.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/scott-mctominay-scotland-world-cup-opener-stomach-bug">Continue reading...</a> Scotland World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:37:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/scott-mctominay-scotland-world-cup-opener-stomach-bug Photograph: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock Photograph: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock Photograph: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock Ewan Murray in Charlotte 2026-06-11T18:37:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/england-world-cup-2026-team-guide <p>Thomas Tuchel wants to ‘put a second star on the shirt’ after making big selection calls, but what will be Jude Bellingham’s role?</p><p><em>This article is part of the Guardian’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/world-cup-2026-guardian-experts-network">2026 World Cup Experts’ Network</a>, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/england-world-cup-2026-team-guide">Continue reading...</a> England World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:19 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/england-world-cup-2026-team-guide Photograph: David Buono/Action Plus/Shutterstock Photograph: David Buono/Action Plus/Shutterstock Photograph: David Buono/Action Plus/Shutterstock Jacob Steinberg 2026-06-11T15:00:19Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/12/fifa-world-cup-2026-live-south-korea-v-czechia-updates-kor-vs-cze-group-a-match-score-latest <p>⚽️ Kick-off time: 8pm local/12pm AEST/3am BST/10pm EDT<br>⚽️ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide">Player guide</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory">Bracketology</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/golden-boot-world-cup-2026-top-goalscorers-winner">Golden Boot</a> | <a href="mailto:jonathan.howcroft.freelance@guardian.co.uk">Mail Jonathan</a></p><p><strong>Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of the second match of the 2026 World Cup between South Korea and Czechia. Kick-off in this Group A clash at Estadio Guadalajara is 8pm local time (10pm EST / 3am BST / 12pm AEST).</strong></p><p>Following Shakira’s shimmies, three red cards, and the fanatical hosts <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/mexico-south-africa-world-cup-2026-group-a-match-report">welcoming us all to the 2026 World Cup</a> with a celebrated victory, the second of the tournament’s 104 matches looks set to be a more muted affair. It features two sides in indifferent form with modest expectations opening their campaigns during the graveyard shift at the competition’s second smallest venue.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/12/fifa-world-cup-2026-live-south-korea-v-czechia-updates-kor-vs-cze-group-a-match-score-latest">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football South Korea Czechia Sport Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:29 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/12/fifa-world-cup-2026-live-south-korea-v-czechia-updates-kor-vs-cze-group-a-match-score-latest Photograph: Matias Delacroix/AP Photograph: Matias Delacroix/AP Photograph: Matias Delacroix/AP Jonathan Howcroft 2026-06-12T00:00:29Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/jesse-masrch-canada-us-national-anthem-world-cup <ul><li><p>Marsch says players will embrace World Cup occasion</p></li><li><p>Moïse Bombito and Ismaël Koné fit after injuries</p></li><li><p>Weather concerns dismissed: ‘We’ll be ready.’</p></li></ul><p>Jesse Marsch urged Canada to embrace the pressure of being co-hosts on the eve of their Group B opener and trumpeted his players’ pride at representing the nation, adding that when he was part of the US setup they had to sometimes “beg players to sing the national anthem”.</p><p>Canada will host their first World Cup game on Friday, with Bosnia and Herzegovina their opponents for the history-making match in Toronto.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/jesse-masrch-canada-us-national-anthem-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> Canada World Cup 2026 Football World Cup Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:47:46 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/jesse-masrch-canada-us-national-anthem-world-cup Photograph: Maja Hitij/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Maja Hitij/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Maja Hitij/FIFA/Getty Images Ben Fisher in Toronto 2026-06-11T23:47:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/socceroos-multiculturalism-video-immigration-australia-national-football-team-fifa-world-cup-2026 <ul><li><p>Message comes ahead of politically-charged World Cup</p></li><li><p>‘Socceroos are best representation right now of what Australia is’<br></p><p>⚽️ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/how-to-watch-2026-world-cup-australia-when-where-socceroos-games-time-sbs-guide">How to watch the Socceroos</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/01/australia-world-cup-2026-team-guide">Australia team guide</a><br>⚽️ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide">Guide to all 1,248 players</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory">Bracketology</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-2026">World Cup</a></p></li></ul><p>The Socceroos have addressed growing anti-immigration sentiment in a powerful video message ahead of the World Cup, speaking of their pride in their heritage and playing for the national team.</p><p>Compared to their equivalent release ahead of the Qatar World Cup, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/27/socceroos-make-collective-statement-to-speak-out-about-qatars-human-rights-record">which directly addressed the hosts’ human rights record</a>, the Socceroos’ statement on Friday was uncontroversial.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/socceroos-multiculturalism-video-immigration-australia-national-football-team-fifa-world-cup-2026">Continue reading...</a> Australia World Cup 2026 Football Australia sport Sport World Cup Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:05:39 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/socceroos-multiculturalism-video-immigration-australia-national-football-team-fifa-world-cup-2026 Composite: PFA Composite: PFA Composite: PFA Jack Snape 2026-06-11T23:05:39Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/petrol-bombs-bricks-hurled-mexican-police-unrest-azteca-world-cup <ul><li><p>‘Nearly 200 hooded individuals’ caused havoc</p></li><li><p>Dozens of arrests made and several officers injured</p></li></ul><p>Mexico’s opening World Cup victory party was somewhat tarnished by violent clashes outside the Azteca Stadium just before kick-off as ticketless fans and protesters attempted to gain access.</p><p>Rocks and bottles were thrown at police outside gate eight, with local media reporting that dozens of arrests were made as a result. While Mexico City police have been grappling with protests from teachers, retired judges and families of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/mexico-disappeared-people">the country’s 130,000 disappeared</a> all week in the buildup to the tournament, the disorder at the stadium did not appear to be politically motivated.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/petrol-bombs-bricks-hurled-mexican-police-unrest-azteca-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Mexico Football Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:34:17 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/petrol-bombs-bricks-hurled-mexican-police-unrest-azteca-world-cup Photograph: Fred Ramos/Reuters Photograph: Fred Ramos/Reuters Photograph: Fred Ramos/Reuters Matt Hughes at Mexico City Stadium 2026-06-11T22:34:17Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/11/a-shameless-cash-grab-can-the-world-cup-be-saved <p>For the next 39 days, 104 matches will be played throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada until a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-2026">World Cup</a> winner is crowned on 19 July.</p><p></p><p>Amid the excitement around the world’s biggest sporting event, there has also been intense controversy and scrutiny. Ticket prices, transport costs, climate threats and security concerns have left fans with mixed emotions.</p><p></p><p>“The US of Donald Trump is tonally different to any host of a major sporting event that has preceded it: a country that actively wants you to see the darkness in its heart, the inhumanity at its core, that gets off on your revulsion,” writes Guardian columnist Jonathan Liew.</p><p></p><p>But ultimately who takes the blame?&nbsp;Fifa, argues Jonathan.</p><p></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/omar-artan-scandal-gianni-infantino-donald-trump-world-cup">Opinion: how the Omar Artan scandal reveals Gianni Infantino for what he is: one of sport’s greatest cowards</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/11/a-shameless-cash-grab-can-the-world-cup-be-saved">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Fifa Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:57:29 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/11/a-shameless-cash-grab-can-the-world-cup-be-saved Photograph: The Guardian Photograph: The Guardian Photograph: The Guardian Jonathan Liew, Lauren Hurrell, Nikhita Chulani and Francesca de Bassa 2026-06-11T18:57:29Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/west-ham-women-david-sullivan-restricted-access <p>Sources say it would have breached regulations to tell WSL or team details of safeguarding investigation into Sullivan</p><p>Neither the Women’s Super League nor West Ham United women’s team were aware of the restrictions placed on David Sullivan’s interaction with the team, the Guardian has learned.<br><br> Sullivan, who is West Ham’s largest shareholder, has faced restrictions on his contact with the women’s team and their youth teams since <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/10/david-sullivan-west-ham-football-association-safeguarding-investigation">2023 because of a safeguarding investigation</a>.</p><p>The Football Association opened an inquiry in the same year after receiving a complaint, which the Guardian understands was an allegation of sexual misconduct unrelated to football.<br><br> In a joint investigation by the BBC and the Times, seven women accused the 77-year-old of predatory behaviour, with alleged incidents dating back to the 1980s. Through his lawyers, Sullivan has said he denies the allegations.<br><br> Sources close to the playing squad at West Ham’s women’s side have said the team are appalled by the allegations, which they were not aware of before the story broke this week.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/west-ham-women-david-sullivan-restricted-access">Continue reading...</a> David Sullivan West Ham United Women West Ham United UK news Football Sport Women's football Women's Super League Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:49:18 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/west-ham-women-david-sullivan-restricted-access Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA Tom Garry 2026-06-11T13:49:18Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/11/mexico-v-south-africa-world-cup-2026-opening-match-live <p>Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for Mexico against South Africa, who had Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off; the hosts had César Montes dismissed</p><p><strong>“That ITV studio is spectacular,” reckons Kev the Poet.</strong> “Almost as spectacular as the nark-off between Roy Keane and anyone else. The BBC is going to have The Ghost Of Barry Davies coming out of the Manchester Ship Canal to compete.”</p><p>It is – it’s outdoors on the East River, with a sensational view of Manhattan. But I’d take Barry Davies coming out of anywhere.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/11/mexico-v-south-africa-world-cup-2026-opening-match-live">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Mexico South Africa football team Sport US sports Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:43:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/11/mexico-v-south-africa-world-cup-2026-opening-match-live Photograph: Carl Recine/Getty Images Photograph: Carl Recine/Getty Images Photograph: Carl Recine/Getty Images Daniel Harris 2026-06-11T21:43:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/11/world-cup-2026-countdown-opener-mexico-south-africa-south-korea-czechialive <p>Thursday’s latest news before the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa</p><p><strong>BTL chat is thus far dominated by Gianni Infantino’s</strong> ritual pre-tournament torching of his own dignity. SonOfThe Desert offers this:</p><p>“Infantino is just absolutely wretched, isn’t he? An absolute nothing of a man, sucking up to tyrants because he thinks it makes him look strong. <br><br> ”But you know what’s really annoying me? All those heads of national associations who could have unified around a candidate - <em>anyone</em> - to oppose Infantino and try and rescue Fifa from humiliation. Couldn’t be bothered though, could they? Might’ve had to do some actual work that way.</p><p>New York has honored two footballing greats by temporarily renaming streets after Thierry Henry and Pelé ahead of the World Cup kickoff …</p><p>Crowds gathered at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan to mark the unveiling of “Thierry Henry Way” by city officials, according to FOX Sports.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/11/world-cup-2026-countdown-opener-mexico-south-africa-south-korea-czechialive">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport US sports Australia sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:08:29 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/11/world-cup-2026-countdown-opener-mexico-south-africa-south-korea-czechialive Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters John Brewin, Tom Davies , Rob Smyth and Dominic Booth 2026-06-11T17:08:29Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/jun/11/knicks-fans-celebrate-historic-playoff-win-video <p>The New York Knicks completed the largest comeback in NBA finals history to beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the championship series on 10 June. Fans took to the streets of New York City to celebrate the win, and the police made several arrests and used riot gear to disperse crowds</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/jun/11/knicks-fans-celebrate-historic-playoff-win-video">Continue reading...</a> New York Knicks New York San Antonio Spurs NBA finals NBA Basketball Sports Team US sports US news Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:00:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/jun/11/knicks-fans-celebrate-historic-playoff-win-video Photograph: Shutterstock Photograph: Shutterstock Photograph: Shutterstock 2026-06-11T16:00:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2026/jun/12/world-cup-group-d-matches-turkey-national-football-team-strengths-weaknesses <p>Australia, the US and Paraguay will have their work cut out to match the Crescent Stars’ young midfield but a shaky defence is a genuine concern</p><p>Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella has been building <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/31/turkey-world-cup-2026-team-guide">one of the nation’s strongest teams in living memory</a>. A youth-driven squad with two genuine stars – Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz – several players were not even born when the Crescent Stars last <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/01/vincenzo-montella-turkey-return-world-cup-2026">qualified for a World Cup</a> and finished third in 2002.</p><p>In past tournaments, Turkey were often labelled as “dark horses” – which turned out to be more of a curse than a blessing. This time, Montella has constructed a squad that sits among those on the rung below heavyweights Spain, France and Argentina.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2026/jun/12/world-cup-group-d-matches-turkey-national-football-team-strengths-weaknesses">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Turkey Football World Cup Australia sport US sports Sport Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2026/jun/12/world-cup-group-d-matches-turkey-national-football-team-strengths-weaknesses Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Emre Sarigul 2026-06-11T15:00:21Z