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, 02 Aug 2026 19:22:17 GMT 2026-08-02T19:22:17Z 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/football/2026/aug/02/gianni-infantino-could-face-leadership-challenge-as-fifa-council-members-rebel <ul><li><p>Council wants to trigger emergency general meeting </p></li><li><p>Members demand review of Balogun decision</p></li></ul><p>Gianni Infantino is facing a rebellion from members of the Fifa council who are attempting to force an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that could develop into a full-blown leadership challenge.</p><p>The Guardian has learned that moves to call an EGM were already under way before the emergence of Infantino’s abortive plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup, with council members demanding an independent review into the unprecedented decision to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/05/folarin-balogun-red-card-suspension-lifted-usmnt-belgium-world-cup">lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension</a> during the World Cup, which involved multiple phone calls from Donald Trump.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/gianni-infantino-could-face-leadership-challenge-as-fifa-council-members-rebel">Continue reading...</a> Gianni Infantino Fifa Football Football politics Sport Uefa Sun, 02 Aug 2026 07:00:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/gianni-infantino-could-face-leadership-challenge-as-fifa-council-members-rebel Photograph: Sergio Pérez/EPA Photograph: Sergio Pérez/EPA Photograph: Sergio Pérez/EPA Exclusive by Matt Hughes 2026-08-02T07:00:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/sophie-cunningham-politics-wnba-culture-war-comment <p>Conservatives once demanded sports stay apolitical. Now they’ve embraced a new culture-war politics, and Sophie Cunningham has become one of its most valuable stars</p><p>Invoking a wounded innocence that their desire for sports to be simple, just like they used to be, conservatives for a decade and a half have dreaded the word “politics”. Now they cannot get enough.</p><p>Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has spent 40 years in the National Football League unknown except for his defensive schemes, but last week opened his press remarks mocking the congressional testimony of Dr Anthony Fauci, jokingly invoking the Fifth Amendment before taking questions. Apropos of nothing, President Trump <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/25/president-trump-basketball-lebron-james-racist">publicly surmised</a> that LeBron James might be a racist. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is now in the act, accepting the role as the right’s anti-Black, anti-transgender culture war ambassador, the role originally intended for Caitlin Clark.</p><p><em>Cunningham intentionally yanked Sheldon down by her neck and was hailed as a protector. A year later, the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas put her fist to Clark’s throat – accidentally, Thomas says – and was excoriated as reckless and worse. The circumstances were different, but both were undeniable fouls that merited punishment from the league. One player – Cunningham, who is white – earned a flood of new endorsements in the aftermath. The other – Thomas, who is Black – a barrage of death threats.</em></p><p><em>It’s a truth that is as inescapable as it is difficult to grapple with. Cunningham prides herself on being an open book, but through her representative, declined to discuss the role race played in the public perception of her fight and rise. So, too, did a handful of current WNBA players.</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/sophie-cunningham-politics-wnba-culture-war-comment">Continue reading...</a> WNBA Indiana Fever Basketball Sport Caitlin Clark Colin Kaepernick Megan Rapinoe Sun, 02 Aug 2026 09:00:18 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/sophie-cunningham-politics-wnba-culture-war-comment Photograph: Sean M Haffey/Getty Images Photograph: Sean M Haffey/Getty Images Photograph: Sean M Haffey/Getty Images Howard Bryant 2026-08-02T09:00:18Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/kelsey-plum-trade-sparks-mercury-wnba <ul><li><p>LA Sparks All-Star traded ahead of Sunday deadline</p></li><li><p>Lower leg injury has kept Plum out since 21 June</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/12/sign-up-for-wnba-30-a-limited-run-womens-basketball-newsletter">Sign up for the WNBA 30, our free newsletter</a></p></li></ul><p>The Los Angeles Sparks traded All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for a first-round pick next year, Monique Akoa Makani and a second-round draft choice in 2028, according to a person familiar with the deal.</p><p>The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the trade.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/kelsey-plum-trade-sparks-mercury-wnba">Continue reading...</a> WNBA Sport Basketball Sun, 02 Aug 2026 17:46:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/kelsey-plum-trade-sparks-mercury-wnba Photograph: Eakin Howard/Getty Images Photograph: Eakin Howard/Getty Images Photograph: Eakin Howard/Getty Images Associated Press 2026-08-02T17:46:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/tarik-skubal-trade-dodgers-tigers-mlb <ul><li><p>Defending champions send prospects to Tigers</p></li><li><p>Cy Young-winning Skubal joins stacked rotation in LA</p></li></ul><p>The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired the biggest prize on the trade deadline market, getting two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night.</p><p>Skubal got the news during the Tigers’ 8-6 win over the Athletics and was emotional after the game as he prepared to leave the team that drafted him in 2018 and developed him into a star to join the two-time defending World Series champions.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/tarik-skubal-trade-dodgers-tigers-mlb">Continue reading...</a> MLB Baseball Sport US sports Sun, 02 Aug 2026 14:07:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/tarik-skubal-trade-dodgers-tigers-mlb Photograph: Paul Sancya/AP Photograph: Paul Sancya/AP Photograph: Paul Sancya/AP Associated Press 2026-08-02T14:07:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/mls-robert-lewandowski-chicago-fire-charlotte-messi-inter-miami-columbus <ul><li><p>Poland striker scores double on his home MLS debut</p></li><li><p>Messi returns as Inter Miami draw 2-2 with Columbus</p></li></ul><p>Robert Lewandowski scored two goals on his home debut as the Chicago Fire eked out a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC on ⁠Saturday. The win is Chicago’s first in Major League Soccer since the end of the international break.</p><p>Lewandowski, signed in late June as a free agent, produced a vintage performance to help the Fire (9-6-2, 29 points) close an ever-narrowing gap with the Eastern Conference’s top three clubs. Charlotte (7-7-4, 25pts) has now lost four of its last five road matches.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/mls-robert-lewandowski-chicago-fire-charlotte-messi-inter-miami-columbus">Continue reading...</a> MLS Chicago Fire Robert Lewandowski Football US sports Sport Inter Miami Portland Timbers Sun, 02 Aug 2026 11:02:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/mls-robert-lewandowski-chicago-fire-charlotte-messi-inter-miami-columbus Photograph: Harry Figiel/ISI Photos/Getty Images Photograph: Harry Figiel/ISI Photos/Getty Images Photograph: Harry Figiel/ISI Photos/Getty Images Reuters 2026-08-02T11:02:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/premier-league-managers-arteta-alonso-de-zerbi-carrick-klopp-guardiola <p>Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is perhaps best placed to fill the void but the coaching contenders are legion as another season looms</p><p>This used to be a land of giants. This used to be a land where big men fought. This used to be a land where Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger tussled, then José Mourinho joined the fray. This used&nbsp;to be a land where Jürgen Klopp made Pep Guardiola reconsider, and he changed his style and won anyway.</p><p>Not any more. Next season will be the first since the inaugural Premier League in 1992 not to feature any of the five big managerial beasts – not Ferguson, not Wenger, not Mourinho, not Klopp and not Guardiola.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/premier-league-managers-arteta-alonso-de-zerbi-carrick-klopp-guardiola">Continue reading...</a> Arsenal Mikel Arteta Michael Carrick Roberto De Zerbi Unai Emery Andoni Iraola Enzo Maresca Liverpool Football Manchester United Sport Chelsea Premier League Sun, 02 Aug 2026 07:00:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/02/premier-league-managers-arteta-alonso-de-zerbi-carrick-klopp-guardiola Composite: Getty Images, Reuters Composite: Getty Images, Reuters Composite: Getty Images, Reuters Jonathan Wilson 2026-08-02T07:00:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/01/sophie-cunningham-transgender-sports-protests-fever-wnba-portland <ul><li><p>Cunningham says rallies aren’t a distraction</p></li><li><p>Supporters gather outside second straight game</p></li><li><p>White: team wants focus to stay on basketball</p></li></ul><p>Sophie Cunningham says she’s unconcerned that the rallies against transgender participation in women’s sports that have accompanied the Indiana’s Fever’s recent games are a distraction for the WNBA team.</p><p>Cunningham made the comments before the Fever’s game Friday night against the Portland Fire. Outside, a group rallied for the second straight game in support of Cunningham and her recent comments about transgender athletes.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/01/sophie-cunningham-transgender-sports-protests-fever-wnba-portland">Continue reading...</a> WNBA Indiana Fever Sport US sports Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:38:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/01/sophie-cunningham-transgender-sports-protests-fever-wnba-portland Photograph: Soobum Im/Getty Images Photograph: Soobum Im/Getty Images Photograph: Soobum Im/Getty Images Agencies 2026-08-01T14:38:09Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/mls-casemiro-sebastian-berhalter-world-cup-young-american-players <p>The World Cup gave MLS unprecedented momentum. Keeping it will depend less on signing aging icons than convincing America’s best young players to stay</p><p>“Thanks World, we’ll take it from here,” is Major League Soccer’s message to the American public. Yet two moves in the last week were emblematic of the issues the league faces in taking on the mantle of North America’s hosting of the game’s grandest stage.</p><p>A rising, under-the-radar homegrown player left for Europe, and a veteran with immense pedigree arrived, likely to close out his career. Sebastian Berhalter’s swapped title-chasing Vancouver Whitecaps for Middlesbrough of the EFL Championship. Free agent Brazil legend Casemiro traded Manchester’s Old Trafford for Nu Stadium in Miami.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/mls-casemiro-sebastian-berhalter-world-cup-young-american-players">Continue reading...</a> Inter Miami MLS Football Sport US sports Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:28:57 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/mls-casemiro-sebastian-berhalter-world-cup-young-american-players Photograph: Anissa Dimilta Photograph: Anissa Dimilta Photograph: Anissa Dimilta Chris Smith in Miami 2026-07-31T15:28:57Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/31/reflecting-pool-damage-olympian <p>Lawyers now say damage to pool liner attributed to David Hearn instead is result of installation by contractor</p><p>The justice department has moved to dismiss a criminal case charging former Olympian David Hearn with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial‘ reflecting pool, instead blaming damage to the pool liner as “the result of flawed installation by the contractor”.</p><p>Government lawyers said in a 20-page court filing in DC superior court on Friday evening that they had received information about a “rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/31/reflecting-pool-damage-olympian">Continue reading...</a> Trump administration Washington DC Sport US news Olympic Games Law (US) US justice system US politics Law Fri, 31 Jul 2026 23:13:11 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/31/reflecting-pool-damage-olympian Photograph: Rod Lamkey/AP Photograph: Rod Lamkey/AP Photograph: Rod Lamkey/AP Edward Helmore 2026-07-31T23:13:11Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/humiliated-gianni-infantino-must-stand-down-fifa-or-be-removed-uefa-football-politics <p>Uefa’s call for a boycott and declaration of no-confidence must be the opening salvos in push to dethrone game’s global leader</p><p>There is no time to dance around the subject. Gianni Infantino must stand down as Fifa president or otherwise be legally removed. No fresh chances can be made available for an official who has demolished trust in football’s integrity and governance, trashing all remaining credibility of the body that oversees the world’s most-cherished sport.</p><p>Infantino was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/fifa-scraps-plan-to-sell-off-stakes-in-world-cup-after-widespread-backlash">forced into a humiliating climbdown</a> on Saturday morning when he accepted the failure of his plan to sell off portions of the World Cup to private investment. He resolved to resume dialogue about football’s growth “in the spirit of shared interest in our game”. But such a naked attempt to save his own skin cannot hold. Every day Infantino remains in power is a fresh stain on an institution whose reputation is on the floor.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/humiliated-gianni-infantino-must-stand-down-fifa-or-be-removed-uefa-football-politics">Continue reading...</a> Gianni Infantino Fifa World Cup 2026 Football World Cup Football politics Sport Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:00:55 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/humiliated-gianni-infantino-must-stand-down-fifa-or-be-removed-uefa-football-politics Photograph: Manu Fernández/AP Photograph: Manu Fernández/AP Photograph: Manu Fernández/AP Nick Ames 2026-08-01T15:00:55Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/liverpool-premier-league-andoni-iraola-leeds <p>New head coach needs to use the transfer market with defensive cover vital as injuries hamper US pre-season tour</p><p>“Faster, faster,” bellowed Andoni Iraola throughout the open training session Liverpool held in Chicago on Friday. His first pre-season tour as Liverpool head coach ends at the city’s famous Soldier Field Stadium on Sunday, with a friendly against Leeds, and “faster, faster” could apply to all aspects of the club’s preparations for a new Premier League campaign that begins in three weeks’ time.</p><p>Iraola was in his element as he immersed himself at the centre of every training drill that Liverpool performed at Chicago Fire’s Endeavor Health Performance Center, their base for the past two weeks in the US. “Faster, faster” was the new head coach’s instruction to his players as three teams of seven worked on their pressing games. He also shouted it when they walked over to a different pitch, recently vacated by Robert Lewandowski and his new Chicago Fire teammates, to work on offensive and defensive set-piece routines. Sprints were demanded following every rondo.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/liverpool-premier-league-andoni-iraola-leeds">Continue reading...</a> Liverpool Andoni Iraola Leeds United Football Sport Chicago Fire Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:25:14 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/liverpool-premier-league-andoni-iraola-leeds Photograph: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC/Getty Images Photograph: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC/Getty Images Photograph: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC/Getty Images Andy Hunter in Chicago 2026-08-01T15:25:14Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/scottish-premiership-aberdeen-hearts-falkirk-st-mirren <ul><li><p>Two stoppage-time goals secure 2-1 win at Pittodrie</p></li><li><p>St Johnstone fight back to beat Kilmarnock 4-3</p></li></ul><p>Hearts’ miserable summer continued as they conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 to Aberdeen in their Premiership opener at Pittodrie.</p><p>Wouter Vrancken and Hearts looked on course for a much-needed victory after a turbulent few months as they led through Oisin McEntee’s first-half goal. But just as they looked to be closing out a first win at Pittodrie for more than a decade, Lewis Mayo equalised in the 90th minute before Kevin Nisbet won it for Aberdeen with a stoppage-time penalty after Stuart Findlay was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/scottish-premiership-aberdeen-hearts-falkirk-st-mirren">Continue reading...</a> Scottish Premiership Aberdeen Hearts Hibernian Motherwell St Johnstone Kilmarnock St Mirren Falkirk Football Sport Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:21:04 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/scottish-premiership-aberdeen-hearts-falkirk-st-mirren Photograph: Mark Scates/SNS Group Photograph: Mark Scates/SNS Group Photograph: Mark Scates/SNS Group PA Media 2026-08-02T16:21:04Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/transfer-news-welbeck-joins-chelsea-brentford-complete-record-sangare-deal <ul><li><p>35-year-old Brighton striker Welbeck seals £5m move</p></li><li><p>Mali international Sangaré joins Bees for reported £39m</p></li></ul><p>Chelsea have signed Brighton’s veteran striker Danny Welbeck in a deal worth a reported £5m. Welbeck has agreed a two-year contract and will link up with Xabi Alonso’s squad on their pre-season tour.</p><p>The 35-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge is a break from Chelsea’s policy of signing younger players with the potential to be developed. It is the first time they have paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 26 since they signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona in 2022 when the striker was 33.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/transfer-news-welbeck-joins-chelsea-brentford-complete-record-sangare-deal">Continue reading...</a> Transfer window Football Sport Chelsea Brighton & Hove Albion Brentford Lens Bournemouth Benfica Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:44:36 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/transfer-news-welbeck-joins-chelsea-brentford-complete-record-sangare-deal Photograph: Chris Lee/Chelsea FC/Getty Images Photograph: Chris Lee/Chelsea FC/Getty Images Photograph: Chris Lee/Chelsea FC/Getty Images Agencies 2026-08-01T16:44:36Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/amanda-staveley-consortium-deal-west-ham-stake-club <ul><li><p>Previously agreed sale to Daniel Kretinsky falls through</p></li><li><p>Vanessa Gold, daughter of former chair, is selling ⁠up</p></li></ul><p>A consortium led by Amanda Staveley has reached an agreement to buy a ‌25.1% stake in West ⁠Ham after Vanessa Gold, daughter of the former chair David Gold, ⁠agreed to sell ⁠her ​family’s shares in the Championship club.</p><p>The move by the businesswoman who helped lead the Saudi consortium takeover of Newcastle comes after a previously agreed sale to fellow shareholder and Czech businessman ⁠Daniel Kretinsky fell through.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/amanda-staveley-consortium-deal-west-ham-stake-club">Continue reading...</a> West Ham United Football Championship Sport Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:50:17 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/amanda-staveley-consortium-deal-west-ham-stake-club Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters Andy Martin 2026-08-01T15:50:17Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/roberto-de-zerbi-richarlison-tottenham-chelsea-friendly <ul><li><p>Ten-man Spurs win pre-season match 2-1 in Sydney</p></li><li><p>‘He’s important, it’s not easy to find another striker’</p></li></ul><p>Roberto De Zerbi wants Richarlison to stay at Tottenham, but says the striker, who has been linked with a move away, is still unsure about his future.</p><p>The Brazilian scored a last-gasp winner as 10-man Tottenham defeated Chelsea 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Sydney on Saturday, with Kevin Danso sent off only minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/roberto-de-zerbi-richarlison-tottenham-chelsea-friendly">Continue reading...</a> Roberto De Zerbi Friendlies Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur Football Sport Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:02:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/01/roberto-de-zerbi-richarlison-tottenham-chelsea-friendly Photograph: Ayush Kumar/Getty Images Photograph: Ayush Kumar/Getty Images Photograph: Ayush Kumar/Getty Images Adam Hancock at the Accor Stadium 2026-08-01T15:02:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/emma-finucane-lands-keirin-to-claim-historic-fourth-commonwealth-gold <ul><li><p>Welsh cyclist had won in two sprints and time trial</p></li><li><p>Australia dominate Games with 171 medals, 70 gold</p></li></ul><p>Welsh cyclist Emma Finucane wrote her name into the history books on the final day of the Commonwealth Games, but Glasgow 2026 will be remembered most for Australia’s dominance.</p><p>Before the Games, Australia swimmer Sam Short had told reporters: “I’m so pumped – I can’t wait to go over there and smash those Pommies up.” And the whole Australia team seemed to get the memo as they finished with 171 medals, of them 70 gold. That put them a staggering 61 clear of England, who won 110 medals, with Canada third after winning 62.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/emma-finucane-lands-keirin-to-claim-historic-fourth-commonwealth-gold">Continue reading...</a> Commonwealth Games 2026 Commonwealth Games Sport Cycling Sun, 02 Aug 2026 19:06:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/emma-finucane-lands-keirin-to-claim-historic-fourth-commonwealth-gold Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Sean Ingle in Glasgow 2026-08-02T19:06:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/uci-president-backs-night-time-drug-testing-after-tour-de-france-controversy <ul><li><p>David Lappartient says selective night testing is justified</p></li><li><p>‘We always have suspicion in cycling, due to our past’</p></li></ul><p>The UCI president, David Lappartient, has said there will “always be suspicion in cycling” and insisted this year’s men’s Tour de France was clean. Lappartient, speaking at the start of stage two of the Tour de France Femmes in Aigle, also said he supported night-time testing during races in “exceptional cases”.</p><p>Tadej Pogacar, the five-time champion, and his rival Jonas Vingegaard were subjected to night-time tests, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/20/tadej-pogacar-jonas-vingegaard-night-time-doping-tests-authorised-paris-judge-tour-de-france-cycling">at 5am and 2am respectively</a>, by the International Testing Agency (ITA) midway through this year’s race. “We will not support something they do every night on the riders. The normal hours [of testing] are not in the night,” said the head of cycling’s governing body.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/uci-president-backs-night-time-drug-testing-after-tour-de-france-controversy">Continue reading...</a> Tour de France Cycling Sport Sun, 02 Aug 2026 19:00:29 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/uci-president-backs-night-time-drug-testing-after-tour-de-france-controversy Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Jeremy Whittle in Geneva 2026-08-02T19:00:29Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/02/commonwealth-games-2026-day-10-track-cycling-netball-closing-ceremony-live <ul><li><p>Matthew Bostock wins 40km points race for Isle of Man</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2026/jul/23/commonwealth-games-2026-medal-table">Medal table</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/australia-louise-hoskins-oldest-commonwealth-games-gold-medallist">Hoskins wins gold at 76</a> | <a href="mailto:daniel.gallan.casual@theguardian.com">Email Daniel</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>Australia delivered an unprecedented podium sweep in the women’s mile</strong> on the final day of athletics competition at the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/commonwealth-games">Commonwealth Games</a>, after Abbey Caldwell upset Jessica Hull to secure one of seven track and field gold medals including a breakthrough victory for Lachie Kennedy’s 4x100m relay team.</p><p>The haul exceeds the six gold medals from one day in Auckland in 1950, when Marjorie Jackson and Shirley Strickland were among the winners, to make it Australia’s most successful track and field day at the Commonwealth Games.</p><p>I can’t thank [enough] the people who have been in my corner during the highs and the lows of the past 22 years. It didn’t finish the way I wanted today, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I was a flag-bearer for Team Scotland.</p><p>[Apart from] stepping away with a medal today, and hearing Flower of Scotland, what more could you ask for, really? To get a standing ovation from a home crowd shows that people appreciate what I’ve done for the sport.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/02/commonwealth-games-2026-day-10-track-cycling-netball-closing-ceremony-live">Continue reading...</a> Commonwealth Games 2026 Commonwealth Games Sport Cycling Australia sport Netball Sun, 02 Aug 2026 18:30:07 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/02/commonwealth-games-2026-day-10-track-cycling-netball-closing-ceremony-live Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters Daniel Gallan (now) and Rob Smyth (earlier) 2026-08-02T18:30:07Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/lorena-wiebes-wins-second-stage-tour-de-france-femmes-cycling <ul><li><p>Dutch sprinter makes it two from two in Geneva</p></li><li><p>Her team still intend to sue UCI over Giro disqualification</p></li></ul><p>The Dutch sprinter Lorena Wiebes took her second win in this year’s Tour de France Femmes in Geneva, further extending her overall lead in the nine-day race. Wiebes is proving untouchable in the sprint finishes and her turn of speed in the final 250 metres, on the lakeside finish of the Quai du Mont-Blanc, reduced her rivals to onlookers.</p><p>Lone breakaway Riejanne Markus had led by more than half a minute on the flat approach to Geneva and maintained that advantage into the final 5km, even with the whole peloton giving chase. But as the kilometres clicked down, the peloton clawed its way back, eclipsing Markus in the last 500 metres, before Wiebes made her inevitable surge to take yet another sprint win.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/lorena-wiebes-wins-second-stage-tour-de-france-femmes-cycling">Continue reading...</a> Tour de France Femmes Cycling Sport Tour de France Sun, 02 Aug 2026 18:24:46 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/lorena-wiebes-wins-second-stage-tour-de-france-femmes-cycling Photograph: Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone/AP Photograph: Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone/AP Photograph: Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone/AP Jeremy Whittle in Geneva 2026-08-02T18:24:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/02/tour-de-france-femmes-2026-stage-two-from-aigle-to-geneva-live <p>Lorena Wiebes sprinted clear in the yellow jersey to win in Geneva after Riejanne Markus’s breakaway bid was denied in the final kilometre</p><p><strong>115km to go:</strong> We’re into the hills now, the first of the five climbs well under way as the riders head up to the summit of the Côte de Chexbres (3.2km at a 5.6% gradient). We’re in the hills for the next 70km or so.</p><p><strong>117km to go:</strong> Several more attacks, Alison Jackson pushing again and Idoia Eraso (wearing the green jersey) also involved in a few moves. But once again; nothing decisive. It’s all still very tight in Vevey.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/02/tour-de-france-femmes-2026-stage-two-from-aigle-to-geneva-live">Continue reading...</a> Tour de France Femmes Cycling Sport Sun, 02 Aug 2026 17:10:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/aug/02/tour-de-france-femmes-2026-stage-two-from-aigle-to-geneva-live Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Alex Reid 2026-08-02T17:10:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/glasgow-2026-chief-executive-phil-batty-commonwealth-games <ul><li><p>Phil Batty hails ‘phenomenal’ success of event</p></li><li><p>‘The Games are relevant, matter and are here to last’</p></li></ul><p>This year’s Commonwealth Games have been “phenomenal” and have shown the events have the potential to carry on for another 100 years, the chief executive of Glasgow 2026 has told the Guardian. Phil Batty also said that the revamped Games, which included only 10 sports rather than the 19 in Birmingham four years ago, showcased a formula that made them financially sustainable as they head to Amdavad in 2030.</p><p>“What a phenomenal 11 days,” Batty said. “I have had absolute pride in the way that the city and the Commonwealth has come together. These Games have not only exceeded expectations. They have demonstrated that major events can flex and evolve to be fit for purpose in the future.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/glasgow-2026-chief-executive-phil-batty-commonwealth-games">Continue reading...</a> Commonwealth Games 2026 Commonwealth Games Sport Sun, 02 Aug 2026 17:00:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/02/glasgow-2026-chief-executive-phil-batty-commonwealth-games Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Sean Ingle in Glasgow 2026-08-02T17:00:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2026/aug/02/commonwealth-games-2026-day-10-closing-ceremony-in-pictures <p>We look at the best images from the final day of action in Glasgow, featuring netball, bowls, judo and track cycling</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2026/aug/02/commonwealth-games-2026-day-10-closing-ceremony-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Commonwealth Games 2026 Commonwealth Games Sport UK news World news Scotland Glasgow Sun, 02 Aug 2026 14:42:56 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2026/aug/02/commonwealth-games-2026-day-10-closing-ceremony-in-pictures Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA Elena Goodinson 2026-08-02T14:42:56Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/31/tony-romo-cbs-leave-owi-arrest-jj-watt-nfl-broadcast <ul><li><p>CBS sidelines Romo indefinitely after arrest</p></li><li><p>JJ Watt promoted to lead booth in absence</p></li><li><p>Arrest followed Wisconsin OWI traffic stop</p></li></ul><p>Tony Romo has been placed on leave from his role as the lead analyst on CBS’ NFL coverage following his arrest last week on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.</p><p>CBS Sports announced Friday that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was on leave “until further notice”. JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Romo’s absence.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/31/tony-romo-cbs-leave-owi-arrest-jj-watt-nfl-broadcast">Continue reading...</a> NFL US sports Sport Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:55:16 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/31/tony-romo-cbs-leave-owi-arrest-jj-watt-nfl-broadcast Photograph: Tony Gutierrez/AP Photograph: Tony Gutierrez/AP Photograph: Tony Gutierrez/AP Agencies 2026-07-31T16:55:16Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/31/ayami-sato-womens-professional-baseball-league-los-angeles-queens-profile <p>A six-time world champion and three-time World Cup MVP, Japan’s Ayami Sato joins the new Women’s Professional Baseball League hoping to help build the sport’s future</p><p>When Ayami Sato takes the mound as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Queens on Saturday, it will be the culmination of a professional career that has spanned 16 years and three countries. The right-handed hurler is largely considered the best pitcher in the history of women’s baseball. She has the awards and experience to prove it, and now she’s taking on America when she makes her debut in the Women’s Professional Baseball League, the first pro women’s baseball league in the United States since the 1950s.</p><p>Even though most Americans tuning into the WPBL may not have heard of her, Sato’s resume speaks for itself. Sato’s fastball has been clocked at nearly 80mph and her curveball has a devastating spin rate that is higher than many Major League Baseball pitchers. As a member of the Japan National Team since 2010, Sato has won six gold medals. She is the only player in Women’s Baseball World Cup history to win three consecutive MVP awards. As a member of the now-defunct Japan’s Women’s Baseball League, Sato led the league in strikeouts in three of the last four seasons. And most recently, in 2024 she became the first woman to play pro baseball in Canada as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/31/ayami-sato-womens-professional-baseball-league-los-angeles-queens-profile">Continue reading...</a> Baseball Sport US sports Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:52:40 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/31/ayami-sato-womens-professional-baseball-league-los-angeles-queens-profile Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/AP Frankie de la Cretaz 2026-07-31T15:52:40Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/fifa-world-cup-privatisation-consultation-sell-off-plan <ul><li><p>Infantino’s role as president under increasing pressure</p></li><li><p>143 of Fifa’s 211 members now stand against scheme</p></li></ul><p>Gianni Infantino’s authority has been dealt a fresh blow after Carlos Cordeiro, one of his senior advisers, resigned with immediate effect in protest at proposals to sell a stake in the World Cup.</p><p>In the latest embarrassment for Infantino, who saw European FAs threaten to boycott future Fifa tournaments on Thursday, the former US Soccer chief Cordeiro criticised “a bad deal for football” and pointed out that the global governing body already sits on huge amounts of debt-free reserves.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/fifa-world-cup-privatisation-consultation-sell-off-plan">Continue reading...</a> Fifa Gianni Infantino Football Football politics Sport Uefa US sports Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:18:00 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/fifa-world-cup-privatisation-consultation-sell-off-plan Photograph: Claudio Thoma/EPA Photograph: Claudio Thoma/EPA Photograph: Claudio Thoma/EPA Matt Hughes and Nick Ames 2026-07-31T10:18:00Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/can-we-kick-it-soccer-documentary <p>Akbar Majeed’s new feature tells the story of the sport through a Black lens and asks hard questions about the barriers facing the game’s breakthrough</p><p>Akbar Majeed takes a deep breath as he considers the legacy of the 2026 World Cup and, in particular, the effect of the US team’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/06/usa-belgium-world-cup-2026-match-report">collapse</a> against Belgium for a last-16 exit.</p><p>“Unfortunately, that performance in the last game did not help at all,” he says.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/can-we-kick-it-soccer-documentary">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport US sports USA Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:10 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/31/can-we-kick-it-soccer-documentary Photograph: Rise Sport Entertainment Photograph: Rise Sport Entertainment Photograph: Rise Sport Entertainment Matthew Hall 2026-07-31T09:00:10Z