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 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:54:23 GMT 2026-06-14T14:54:23Z 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/14/jalen-brunson-knicks-championship-reaction-finals-mvp-spurs <p>The Knicks ended a decades-long title drought behind a 45-point explosion from Brunson, whose teammates say his influence extends far beyond the box score</p><p>The New York Knicks spent decades searching for the player who could carry them back to the top of the NBA. On Saturday night, Jalen Brunson removed any remaining doubt that they had found him.</p><p>With Karl-Anthony Towns limited to two points and New York struggling offensively for much of the evening, the Knicks’ 6ft 2in floor general erupted for 45 points <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/new-york-knicks-win-nba-title-san-antonio-spurs">in a 94-90 victory over the Spurs</a> that delivered the team’s first championship in 53 years and earned him Most Valuable Player honors.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/jalen-brunson-knicks-championship-reaction-finals-mvp-spurs">Continue reading...</a> NBA finals New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs Basketball NBA Sport US sports Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:00:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/jalen-brunson-knicks-championship-reaction-finals-mvp-spurs Photograph: Ross D Franklin/AP Photograph: Ross D Franklin/AP Photograph: Ross D Franklin/AP Bryan Armen Graham 2026-06-14T07:00:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/barcelona-catalunya-grand-prix-formula-one-2026-live <p>Lewis Hamilton won his first grand prix in nearly two years but championship leader Kimi Antonelli limped off the track in the final laps<br><br>️ <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@guardiansport?utm_term=6a2832ad3985ea68b589bbbd37dbef6c&amp;utm_campaign=TheFiver&amp;utm_source=esp&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;CMP=fiver_email">Follow us on TikTok</a> | <a href="mailto:billy.munday@theguardian.com">Mail Billy</a></p><p>Russell holds off the challenge from Hamilton on turn one! Antonelli also stays ahead of Norris.</p><p><strong>The drivers head out for their formation lap.</strong> It’s a scorching day in Catalonia. Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are both starting on soft tyres. That’s brave!</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/barcelona-catalunya-grand-prix-formula-one-2026-live">Continue reading...</a> Formula One 2026 Formula One Motor sport Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:50:19 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/barcelona-catalunya-grand-prix-formula-one-2026-live Photograph: David Davies/PA Photograph: David Davies/PA Photograph: David Davies/PA Billy Munday 2026-06-14T14:50:19Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/dana-white-ufc-donald-trump <p>Strange things are afoot at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, giving rise to an obvious question: how did we get here?</p><p>Rising from the South Lawn of the White House is a 92ft-tall skeletal structure known as “the Claw”. Beneath it sits an octagonal cage surrounded by sponsor logos, temporary grandstands and thousands of seats for a mixed martial arts card on Sunday night to celebrate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a>’s 80th birthday and the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> brand.</p><p>The event has prompted comparisons to Idiocracy, Mike Judge’s satire of a future US where politics, entertainment and corporate branding become indistinguishable. Others have gone further, dismissing it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/12/trump-ufc-fighting-cage">as a “kleptocratic spectacle”</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/dana-white-ufc-donald-trump">Continue reading...</a> UFC MMA Donald Trump US politics Sport US sports Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:42 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/dana-white-ufc-donald-trump Photograph: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Photograph: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Photograph: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Bryan Armen Graham 2026-06-14T10:00:42Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/world-cup-2026-news-scotland-react-to-first-world-cup-victory-in-36-years-as-australia-beat-turkey <ul><li><p>News, buildup and reaction from North America</p></li><li><p><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/picture/2026/jun/05/world-cup-2026-wallchart-print-out-your-own-here">Wallchart</a> | <a href="mailto:matchday.live@theguardian.com">Mail us here</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>How Group D stands after the opening games…</strong></p><p>Group D also continued today, with <strong>Australia earning a 2-0 win over Turkey</strong> in Vancouver. You can recap the action below.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/world-cup-2026-news-scotland-react-to-first-world-cup-victory-in-36-years-as-australia-beat-turkey">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:47:07 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/world-cup-2026-news-scotland-react-to-first-world-cup-victory-in-36-years-as-australia-beat-turkey Photograph: Javier García/Shutterstock Photograph: Javier García/Shutterstock Photograph: Javier García/Shutterstock Yara El-Shaboury (now), Daniel Harris, Emillia Hawkins and Billy Munday (earlier) 2026-06-14T14:47:07Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/folarin-balogun-usmnt-paraguay-world-cup <p>Against Paraguay, the Monaco striker provided the ruthless finishing the USMNT have often missed in recent years</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>Even after they conceded an early goal on Friday, Paraguay kept affording the United States ample room up the channel. As the ball reached Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie in midfield, their disoriented opponents never quite seemed to know how to station themselves to stem the tide. The US’s off-ball movement further complicated those efforts, dizzying Paraguay’s defense before it could establish an ideal structure.</p><p>“I just tried to run in behind,” McKennie said after the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/usa-paraguay-world-cup-2026-group-d-match-report">had completed their 4-1 victory</a>. “I think I realized early on that they were struggling to follow my deep runs. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. I keep trying to do it until they figure something out. I was able to find more space than usual, and it was fun. I really enjoyed to get on the ball as much as I did.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/folarin-balogun-usmnt-paraguay-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> USA World Cup 2026 World Cup Football US sports Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:41 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/folarin-balogun-usmnt-paraguay-world-cup Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Jeff Rueter 2026-06-14T10:00:41Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/australia-socceroos-turkey-world-cup-2026-group-d-match-report <p>Nestory Irankunda ran to the corner flag like Tim Cahill, punching and ducking and weaving, after sending the Socceroos on their way to a stunning 2-0 upset victory over Turkey in Vancouver. The one act pulled past and future together on a night when Australia’s next generation delivered one of their best World Cup victories, to start their 2026 campaign in style.</p><p>They can thank a trio of young stars, all of whom were considered unlikely to start the match. Irankunda finished a brilliant end-to-end attack with a goal in the 27th minute, assisted by midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler. Young goalkeeper Patrick Beach – thrust into the starting side in a pre-match selection shock – <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/australia-turkey-player-ratings-world-cup-group-d">pulled off a series of dazzling parries</a>, including one in the first half that will be a contender for save of the tournament.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/australia-socceroos-turkey-world-cup-2026-group-d-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Australia Turkey Football Australia sport Sport World Cup Sun, 14 Jun 2026 05:57:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/australia-socceroos-turkey-world-cup-2026-group-d-match-report Photograph: Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press/AP Photograph: Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press/AP Photograph: Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press/AP Jack Snape at BC Place Vancouver 2026-06-14T05:57:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/vinicius-junior-brazil-world-cup-2026 <p>The Real Madrid star was his country’s best player in their World Cup opener on Saturday. They’ll need more of the same if they are to make a deep run </p><p>Vinícius Júnior is not wearing the famous Brazil No 10 at this World Cup. For now, the hallowed shirt of Pelé, Zico, Rivellino, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and all the rest belongs to Neymar.</p><p>Or at least it belongs to a man faintly resembling Neymar. Now 34, he showed just enough at Santos to make Carlo Ancelotti’s squad after two lucrative but mostly wasted years in Saudi Arabia. Ancelotti could have chosen João Pedro or Richarlison or Savinho or Gabriel Jesus or Igor Jesus or, hell, even Antony, but he took Neymar. Who is injured again – a calf problem this time – and whose fitness will loom over the Brazilian campaign, just as it has at some point during every one of his four World Cups.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/vinicius-junior-brazil-world-cup-2026">Continue reading...</a> Vinícius Júnior World Cup 2026 Brazil Football World Cup Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:00:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/vinicius-junior-brazil-world-cup-2026 Photograph: Jess Stiles/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Jess Stiles/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Jess Stiles/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Leander Schaerlaeckens at New York New Jersey Stadium 2026-06-14T07:00:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/mohamed-salah-has-eyes-of-a-nation-on-him-as-egypt-look-to-end-92-year-wait <p>The Liverpool icon has little left to prove but will be key for his country as they look to end a near-century wait for a victory in a World Cup match</p><p>Last week Orange, one of Egypt’s leading mobile network operators, released a series of <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/worldcup/comments/1u27uwg/after_failing_to_pass_the_group_stage_multiple/">humorous adverts</a> starring Egypt’s Ahmed Fatouh, Rami Rabia and Hossam Abdelmaguid, where the trio’s optimism is met with scepticism as partners and family members struggle to take them seriously. Their crime? Daring to suggest Egypt might finally progress beyond the group stage of a World Cup.</p><p>If there is one thing Egyptians do particularly well, it is self-deprecation. Perhaps that comes from history. Despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, Egypt are still waiting for their first World Cup victory. The Pharaohs will kick off their fourth appearance at the tournament against Belgium on Monday knowing they failed to win any of their seven matches so far. That is the contradiction at the heart of Egyptian football. No African nation has won more continental titles, yet Egypt remain one of the continent’s World Cup underachievers. While other African nations aim to replicate Morocco’s 2022 semi-final success, many Egyptians would happily settle for something far more modest: a single group stage victory.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/mohamed-salah-has-eyes-of-a-nation-on-him-as-egypt-look-to-end-92-year-wait">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Mohamed Salah Egypt football team World Cup Football Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 13:17:55 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/mohamed-salah-has-eyes-of-a-nation-on-him-as-egypt-look-to-end-92-year-wait Photograph: Jeff Vinnick/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Jeff Vinnick/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Jeff Vinnick/FIFA/Getty Images Yara El-Shaboury 2026-06-14T13:17:55Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/no-soccer-fans-here-world-cup-fever-fails-to-grip-texas-republicans <p>Houston is a host city but those gathered there for a GOP convention are far more concerned with contentious politics – and an elephant</p><p>Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, has just finished a 25-minute address and most of the hits have been played. The radical Democrats must be destroyed in November’s midterms; an Austin-style woke agenda should be avoided at all costs; it is essential the Lone Star State remains the most conservative in the US. He has provided ample fodder for about 5,000 delegates but, as the applause subsides, they have a more weighty subject matter to absorb.</p><p>There is an elephant in the room. A real live elephant in the form of Paige, who is wearing a white cloak bearing the slogan “Unity drives victory”. It has long been an in-joke at the Texas Republican party convention that, one day, a pachydermal visitor might drop in; the animal has been a symbol of the GOP for 150 years. Now, at the George R Brown Convention Center on Friday afternoon, the fantasy has been made flesh. To intakes of breath, Paige is led up the vast conference hall’s central aisle, taking a break halfway up. The exit is 100 metres away but will have to wait; unfortunately for those who have rushed to marvel at her, it turns out Paige needs to urinate.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/no-soccer-fans-here-world-cup-fever-fails-to-grip-texas-republicans">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:39:46 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/no-soccer-fans-here-world-cup-fever-fails-to-grip-texas-republicans Photograph: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images Photograph: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images Photograph: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images Nick Ames in Houston 2026-06-13T22:39:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/england-world-cup-training-base-kansas-city-swope <p>England’s squad arrived at Swope Soccer Village, their World Cup base, to find locals (and the local police) out in force</p><p>Before Thomas Tuchel and his England players departed for the United States, there was talk about their World Cup training ground in Kansas City being too open. It was motivated, in part, by the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/21/southampton-spying-scandal-millwall-wrexham-legal-options">Southampton spygate scandal</a>. Would England’s rivals be able to steal a glance at them? Tuchel even said the Football Association would seek to erect protective fences.</p><p>The nine-pitch facility at Swope Soccer Village is certainly sprawling but here’s the thing. Nobody is getting on site without going past the armed police officers at the entrance. There was a throwaway line from a steward on Saturday as England trained on the complex’s best pitch after flying in from Florida after their pre-tournament camp. “You guys see spying,” he said. “We see personal security.” The latter rather overrides the former. It was safe to say they have it covered.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/england-world-cup-training-base-kansas-city-swope">Continue reading...</a> England World Cup 2026 Thomas Tuchel Football Sport World Cup Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:04:28 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/england-world-cup-training-base-kansas-city-swope Photograph: Charlie Riedel/AP Photograph: Charlie Riedel/AP Photograph: Charlie Riedel/AP David Hytner in Kansas City 2026-06-14T04:04:28Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/aldon-smith-death-49ers-nfl <ul><li><p>Defensive lineman was No 7 pick in 2011 draft</p></li><li><p>Off-field incidents, suspensions affected his career</p></li></ul><p>Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith died Saturday at the age of 36, the San Francisco 49ers said. The team did not disclose the cause of death.</p><p>Smith played six seasons in the NFL for the 49ers, the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/aldon-smith-death-49ers-nfl">Continue reading...</a> NFL US sports Sport San Francisco 49ers Oakland Raiders Dallas Cowboys Sun, 14 Jun 2026 01:18:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/aldon-smith-death-49ers-nfl Photograph: Thearon W Henderson/Getty Images Photograph: Thearon W Henderson/Getty Images Photograph: Thearon W Henderson/Getty Images Agencies 2026-06-14T01:18:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/emma-raducanu-injury-scare-queens-club-wimbledon-tennis <ul><li><p>British No 1 defeats Iva Jovic 6-2, 6-2</p></li><li><p>Raducanu to face Donna Vekic in final</p></li></ul><p>Emma Raducanu returned to Andy Murray Arena for her second match in five hours with lingering doubts about her physical condition after slipping on the slick grass earlier in the day and hurting her left thigh. By the time she had launched herself into consecutive backhand and forehand down-the-line winners to snatch an early break, that concern had dissipated.</p><p>What followed was one of her very best matches as she dismantled the talented 18-year-old Iva Jovic 6-2, 6-2 in front of an ebullient home crowd to reach the final here.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/emma-raducanu-injury-scare-queens-club-wimbledon-tennis">Continue reading...</a> Tennis Emma Raducanu Katie Boulter Sport Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:28:12 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/emma-raducanu-injury-scare-queens-club-wimbledon-tennis Photograph: Paul Harding/Getty Images Photograph: Paul Harding/Getty Images Photograph: Paul Harding/Getty Images Tumaini Carayol at the Queen's Club 2026-06-13T18:28:12Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/james-harden-weapon-charges-arrest-nba <ul><li><p>11-time All-Star released on $100 bond</p></li><li><p>Police spotted handgun in player’s Mercedes</p></li></ul><p>Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was released from a Houston jail after he was arrested early on Saturday morning on a misdemeanor gun violation.</p><p>Harden was driving through downtown Houston with four others when he was stopped by police just before 4am. When Harden drove up behind another vehicle, an officer spotted a handgun in the cup holder of his Mercedes, according to court records.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/james-harden-weapon-charges-arrest-nba">Continue reading...</a> NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Houston US news US sports Sport Basketball Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:37:42 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/james-harden-weapon-charges-arrest-nba Photograph: Sarah Stier/Getty Images Photograph: Sarah Stier/Getty Images Photograph: Sarah Stier/Getty Images Agencies 2026-06-13T17:37:42Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/george-russell-bounces-back-in-style-to-claim-pole-at-barcelona-catalunya-gp <ul><li><p>‘I’m just glad to feel myself again … at one with the car’</p></li><li><p>Lewis Hamilton second ahead of Kimi Antonelli</p></li></ul><p>Is George Russell’s run of rotten luck finally over? The Mercedes driver said he felt “like my old self again” after scorching to pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. He was fractionally faster than second-placed Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, who nearly snatched top spot with a dramatic surge at the last, capitalising on what is clearly a significant upgrade to the Scuderia machine.</p><p>Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s 19-year-old teammate, will aim for a sixth consecutive victory from third on the grid while Charles Leclerc of Ferrari said there were “no excuses” and that he felt “very ashamed” after crashing out spectacularly in Q3 and causing a red flag – a week after hitting a wall at his home race in Monaco.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/george-russell-bounces-back-in-style-to-claim-pole-at-barcelona-catalunya-gp">Continue reading...</a> Formula One 2026 Formula One George Russell Motor sport Sport Lewis Hamilton Kimi Antonelli Mercedes GP Ferrari Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:37:19 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/george-russell-bounces-back-in-style-to-claim-pole-at-barcelona-catalunya-gp Photograph: Eric Alonso/DPPI/Shutterstock Photograph: Eric Alonso/DPPI/Shutterstock Photograph: Eric Alonso/DPPI/Shutterstock Luke McLaughlin at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya 2026-06-13T17:37:19Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2026/jun/14/world-cup-australia-socceroos-turkey-in-pictures <p>We look at the best moments as Australia win their men’s World Cup opener for the first time in 20 years with victory over Turkey in Vancouver</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2026/jun/14/world-cup-australia-socceroos-turkey-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Australia World Cup 2026 World Cup Turkey Football Australia sport Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:01:13 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2026/jun/14/world-cup-australia-socceroos-turkey-in-pictures Photograph: Abbie Parr/AP Photograph: Abbie Parr/AP Photograph: Abbie Parr/AP Guardian sport 2026-06-14T07:01:13Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/world-cup-scotland-haiti-steve-clarke <ul><li><p>Head coach ‘absolutely delighted’ with World Cup triumph over Haiti</p></li><li><p>‘Different approach’ needed in games against Morocco and Brazil</p></li></ul><p>Steve Clarke suggested expectation weighed heavily on the shoulders of Scotland’s players after they laboured at times during the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/haiti-scotland-world-cup-match-report">1-0 win over Haiti</a>. The game marked Scotland’s first at a World Cup since 1998 and delivered a first win since eight years earlier. The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/haiti-v-scotland-world-cup-2026-live">Scots top Group C</a> after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/brazil-morocco-world-cup-match-report">Brazil drew with Morocco</a>. Yet with those teams, both ranked in the top 10 in the world, still to come there is an understanding Scotland will have to improve to realise their ambition of becoming the first team from the nation to reach the knockout phase of a major tournament.</p><p>“I am absolutely delighted with my players,” said Clarke. “Resilience, character had to be on the pitch tonight. There is no relief. Everyone told us it was a must-win game and we won. When you win a must-win game, you have to be happy with yourselves.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/world-cup-scotland-haiti-steve-clarke">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Scotland World Cup Football Sport Haiti football team Sun, 14 Jun 2026 05:22:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/world-cup-scotland-haiti-steve-clarke Photograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Photograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Photograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Ewan Murray at Boston Stadium 2026-06-14T05:22:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/best-in-asia-no-longer-enough-japan-world-cup-breakthrough <p>Despite missing key players, Hajime Moriyasu’s side have built strength in depth to challenge the traditional order</p><p>In 2002 there was a sense that Japan had slightly missed an opportunity. South Korea may have enjoyed the benefit of some favourable refereeing, but they also impressed. They were quick, technically good and tactically extremely flexible and they progressed to the semi-final of their home World Cup.</p><p>Japan did not do much wrong, topping their group before going down 1-0 to Turkey in the last 16, but the contrast with their co-hosts was inevitably underwhelming.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/best-in-asia-no-longer-enough-japan-world-cup-breakthrough">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Japan World Cup Football Sport Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:00:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/best-in-asia-no-longer-enough-japan-world-cup-breakthrough Photograph: Alan Poizner/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Photograph: Alan Poizner/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Photograph: Alan Poizner/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Jonathan Wilson 2026-06-13T19:00:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/dr-congo-world-cup-houston <p>Brutally tough return to tournament awaits, but the stature of opposition feels less important than the fact of being here at all</p><p>It was an arrival worth more than half a century of waiting. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) players strolled into the arrivals hall of George Bush airport on Thursday kitted out in tuxedo suits and leopard-print sashes, channelling <em>La Sape </em>vogue for snappy dress that swept Kinshasa in the 1970s. A throng of local volunteers <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZe8MObu1jB/?hl=en">cheered them through</a> and, in a climate where little can be taken for granted, their welcome to Houston was a genuinely wholesome moment.</p><p>The DRC’s squad looked appreciative although perhaps they were simply relieved to see new faces. The joy of a first World Cup since 1974, when they competed as Zaire, has been complicated by the Ebola outbreak in their homeland and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/23/dcr-world-cup-squad-isolate-ebola-outbreak-congo-united-states">a 21-day isolation period</a> imposed by the US authorities. The players and staff formed a bubble in Belgium, playing one friendly against Denmark and being forced to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chile in Cádiz.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/dr-congo-world-cup-houston">Continue reading...</a> Democratic Republic of the Congo football team World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:00:32 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/dr-congo-world-cup-houston Photograph: Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images/Reuters Connect Photograph: Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images/Reuters Connect Photograph: Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images/Reuters Connect Nick Ames in Houston 2026-06-14T04:00:32Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/womens-t20-world-cup-india-v-pakistan-live <ul><li><p>Updates from Edgbaston; 2.30pm (BST) start </p></li><li><p>Get in touch: <a href="mailto:james.wallace.casual@guardian.co.uk">email James</a> with your thoughts</p></li></ul><p><strong>2nd over: India 10-1 (Mandhana 2, Rodrigues 1) </strong>Pakistan’s skipper Fatima Sana has the ball for the second over. Mandhana pulls a short ball to the boundary rider on the leg side and is off the mark with a single. Rodrigues scampers a single to mid on, a direct hit would have been interesting… Mandhana tickles a single off her hip and there are just three runs off a tidy first over from the captain.</p><p><strong>1st over: India 7-1 (Mandhana 0, Rodrigues 0) </strong>Jemimah Rodrigues arrives in the middle, she’s a class player. She looks at a wide down the leg side and then defends the last ball of a high octane first over. Phew.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/womens-t20-world-cup-india-v-pakistan-live">Continue reading...</a> Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Sport Women's T20 World Cup India women's cricket team Pakistan women's cricket team Cricket Women's cricket Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:53:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/womens-t20-world-cup-india-v-pakistan-live Photograph: Manjit Narotra/ProSports/Shutterstock Photograph: Manjit Narotra/ProSports/Shutterstock Photograph: Manjit Narotra/ProSports/Shutterstock James Wallace 2026-06-14T14:53:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/australia-bangladesh-odi-cricket-match-report <ul><li><p>3rd ODI: Australia, 9-277, bt Bangladesh, 5-274, by 1 wkt</p></li><li><p>Connolly (149) falls in late collapse; hosts win series 2-1</p></li></ul><p>Cooper Connolly came of age with his maiden international ton as Australia squeaked out a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI of their series.</p><p>Connolly defied cramps to play the innings of his life at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, smashing 149 off 133 balls as Australia narrowly avoided a whitewash by edging past Bangladesh’s five for 274 with three deliveries to spare.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/australia-bangladesh-odi-cricket-match-report">Continue reading...</a> Australia cricket team Bangladesh Cricket Team Cricket Australia sport Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:50:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/14/australia-bangladesh-odi-cricket-match-report Photograph: Mosaraf Hossain/AP Photograph: Mosaraf Hossain/AP Photograph: Mosaraf Hossain/AP Australian Associated Press 2026-06-14T14:50:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/notts-v-somerset-sussex-v-glamorgan-and-more-county-cricket-day-three-live <p> Updates from around the grounds after 11am (BST) start<br> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/scotland-ireland-womens-world-t20-cup-match-report">Women’s T20 World Cup latest</a> | <a href="mailto:tanya.aldred.freelance@theguardian.com">Mail Tanya</a> or comment BTL</p><p><strong>Time to go round the grounds</strong> on this sleepy Sunday, Lancashire making a better fist of things this morning at Stanley Park, 31-1. The sun is even straining to come out from net curtain clouds. Matt Milnes has swapped to the north end.</p><p><strong>Harry Singh,</strong> slip catcher extraordinaire, is caught by his Kent counterpart, Ben Dawkins, off Hasan Mahmud’s first over of the day. Lancashire 19-1.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/notts-v-somerset-sussex-v-glamorgan-and-more-county-cricket-day-three-live">Continue reading...</a> County Championship Cricket Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:42:41 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/14/notts-v-somerset-sussex-v-glamorgan-and-more-county-cricket-day-three-live Photograph: Steve Poole/ProSports/Shutterstock Photograph: Steve Poole/ProSports/Shutterstock Photograph: Steve Poole/ProSports/Shutterstock Tanya Aldred 2026-06-14T14:42:41Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/how-to-watch-world-cup-germany-curacao-netherlands-japan <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">Get the app</a></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/world-cup-2026-news-scotland-react-to-first-world-cup-victory-in-36-years-as-australia-beat-turkey">Live blog: the latest news from around the tournament</a></p></li></ul><p>Germany should never be discounted as World Cup contenders, and yet many have readily done that this year. Julian Nagelsmann’s team are widely considered relative outsiders to lift soccer’s most prestigious prize for a record-equalling fifth time.</p><p>This may be because Germany have exited the last two World Cups at the group stage. Since winning the 2014 tournament in Brazil, Germany haven’t played a single World Cup knockout match.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide">Complete guide to all the players</a></p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/01/world-cup-2026-stadium-guide">A visual guide to every stadium</a></p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-2026/table">Standings</a></p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/golden-boot-world-cup-2026-top-goalscorers-winner">Golden Boot leaders</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/how-to-watch-world-cup-germany-curacao-netherlands-japan">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport World Cup World Cup 2026 Germany Curaçao Netherlands Japan Côte d’Ivoire football team Ecuador Sweden Tunisia football team Sun, 14 Jun 2026 12:09:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/how-to-watch-world-cup-germany-curacao-netherlands-japan Photograph: Masashi Hara/Getty Images Photograph: Masashi Hara/Getty Images Photograph: Masashi Hara/Getty Images Graham Ruthven 2026-06-14T12:09:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/socceroos-australia-turkey-patrick-beach-reaction-group-d <ul><li><p>Goalkeeper repays faith shown in him with resolute display</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2026/jun/14/world-cup-australia-socceroos-turkey-in-pictures">Socceroos open campaign with win against Turkey – in pictures</a></p></li></ul><p>Before he became an instant national hero, Socceroos goalkeeper Patrick Beach had a perfect view of Nestory Irankunda’s opening goal during <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/fifa-world-cup-2026-live-socceroos-australia-v-turkey-updates-aus-vs-tur-group-d-match-score-latest">the 2-0 win against Turkey</a> in Vancouver.</p><p>“We know one of our threats is our pace up front,” he said. “I just saw an opportunity to get it out wide, and then within two or three passes, Nes was in the 18-yard box and having a crack on goal. And then it was absolute limbs, wasn’t it?”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/socceroos-australia-turkey-patrick-beach-reaction-group-d">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Australia Football World Cup Sport Turkey Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:37:06 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/socceroos-australia-turkey-patrick-beach-reaction-group-d Photograph: Andrew Chin/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Andrew Chin/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Andrew Chin/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Jack Snape at BC Place Vancouver 2026-06-14T07:37:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/haiti-v-scotland-world-cup-2026-live <p>Scotland claim victory in their opening match of the tournament thanks to John McGinn’s first-half strike</p><p><strong>Pre-match postbag. “</strong>I confess I was a wee bit worried after the first 10 minutes of the Brazil v Morocco game, because they were running about jolly quickly and firing balls into the net with great panache. The longer it’s gone on though the more confident I feel. I suspect we’ll confuse them by playing what they might think is a different sport” – Scott Blair</p><p>“I’m English and living down under in Melbourne. We are actually getting a whole bunch of games at reasonable times as we normally have to watch intentional games at 2am. I’m enjoying tea and toast over breakfast games and looking forward to hearing the Scots belt out Flower of Scotland, always a spine tingling experience, even for and Englishman.” – Simon Dobson</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/haiti-v-scotland-world-cup-2026-live">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Haiti football team Scotland Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 03:47:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/14/haiti-v-scotland-world-cup-2026-live Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP Tom Bassam 2026-06-14T03:47:02Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/13/nottinghamshire-v-somerset-yorkshire-v-warwickshire-and-more-county-cricket-day-two-live <p>Ben Stokes warmed up with Durham, while James Coles made a glorious 224 for Sussex against Glamorgan</p><p><strong>Look up to see some spraying bails</strong>, Bohanon bowled by Keith Dudgeon for eight, he’s having a bit of a rotten season, poor thing. Lancs 24-3.</p><p>IF anyone didn’t know, Ajit Singh Dale and Luke Wells are out for the season.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/13/nottinghamshire-v-somerset-yorkshire-v-warwickshire-and-more-county-cricket-day-two-live">Continue reading...</a> County Championship County Championship Division One County Championship Division Two Derbyshire Durham Essex Glamorgan Gloucestershire Hampshire Kent Lancashire Leicestershire Middlesex Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire Somerset Sussex Warwickshire Worcestershire Surrey Yorkshire Cricket Sport Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:46:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jun/13/nottinghamshire-v-somerset-yorkshire-v-warwickshire-and-more-county-cricket-day-two-live Photograph: Neil Marshall/ProSports/Shutterstock Photograph: Neil Marshall/ProSports/Shutterstock Photograph: Neil Marshall/ProSports/Shutterstock Tanya Aldred at Blackpool Cricket Club 2026-06-13T19:46:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/white-house-ufc-fighters-crypto <p>Some fighters will receive bonuses in ‘stablecoins’ issued by Trump family business World Liberty Financial</p><p>The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced on Friday that it will pay bonuses to fighters in a form of cryptocurrency issued by Trump family business World Liberty Financial at the heavily publicized White House mixed martial arts event on Sunday.</p><p>The development connects the Trump family’s financial interests to the high-profile UFC competition being promoted on government property. The competition on the south White House lawn is scheduled for 14 June, Donald Trump’s birthday.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/white-house-ufc-fighters-crypto">Continue reading...</a> Trump administration Donald Trump US news US politics UFC MMA US sports Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:24:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/white-house-ufc-fighters-crypto Photograph: Nathan Posner/Shutterstock Photograph: Nathan Posner/Shutterstock Photograph: Nathan Posner/Shutterstock Aram Roston and Joseph Gedeon in Washington 2026-06-14T14:24:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/new-york-city-knicks-nba-championship <p>Celebrations filled the streets, subways and bars until well after midnight in the five boroughs after Knicks win</p><p>Marvita Davis, 70, was a teenager in Harlem the last time the New York Knicks won a championship, in 1973.</p><p>“I was like, Oh, I like this game. I can get into this game,” recalled Davis, who went on to play basketball at Northeastern University.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/new-york-city-knicks-nba-championship">Continue reading...</a> New York NBA finals Basketball US sports NBA US news Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:15:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/new-york-city-knicks-nba-championship Photograph: Julius Constantine Motal/The Guardian Photograph: Julius Constantine Motal/The Guardian Photograph: Julius Constantine Motal/The Guardian Eric Berger in New York 2026-06-14T14:15:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/jun/14/im-pinching-myself-mike-brown-on-the-knicks-winning-first-nba-title-in-53-years-video <p>For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks won the NBA. Jalen Brunson scored 45 points, including 13 straight for New York in the fourth quarter, and the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night.</p><p></p><p>The Knicks won the series 4-1, rallying from double-digit deficits in all four of those victories</p><p></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/new-york-knicks-win-nba-title-san-antonio-spurs"><strong>Knicks beat Spurs to win their first NBA title since 1973 as brilliant Brunson shines again</strong></a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/jun/14/im-pinching-myself-mike-brown-on-the-knicks-winning-first-nba-title-in-53-years-video">Continue reading...</a> NBA New York Knicks Basketball US sports Sport San Antonio Spurs Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:18:45 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/jun/14/im-pinching-myself-mike-brown-on-the-knicks-winning-first-nba-title-in-53-years-video Photograph: Getty Images Photograph: Getty Images Photograph: Getty Images Guardian Staff 2026-06-14T10:18:45Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/world-cup-heat-workers <p>It could top 90F in several cities hosting World Cup games – and workers could pay the price with their health</p><p>As the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-2026">World Cup</a> kicks off, labor advocates and scholars warn that the workers making the tournament possible could face serious heat-related risks.</p><p>“It’s going to be extremely hot, and you just cannot leave people unprotected or you’re going to deal with a lot of injuries,” said Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, which has been calling for worker protections at the Miami games. “Or, God forbid, something even worse.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/world-cup-heat-workers">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Extreme heat Workers' rights Climate crisis Environment World Cup Fifa Football US sports Sport Health Mexico Miami New York Philadelphia New Jersey Atlanta Houston Dallas US weather US news Americas World news Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:41 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/14/world-cup-heat-workers Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP Dharna Noor 2026-06-14T10:00:41Z