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Words Of Truth and Military Code provide Godolphin with a strong hand in the Listed Scurry Stakes at Sandown Park, UK, on Saturday.Both three-year-olds are trained by Charlie Appleby, with Words Of Truth having posted
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Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui left record goalscorer Almoez Ali on the bench for Saturday's World Cup Group B game against Switzerland, who named a lineup largely unchanged from their qualifying campaign.Switzerland's most capped players Ricardo Rodriguez and captain Granit Xhaka will both make a record 13th World Cup appearance for their country.Denis Zakaria returns for Switzerland, Silvan Widmer misses out.Qatar made four changes to the team that sealed their qualification for the World Cup, with Almoez, the top scorer in Asian qualifying, left out.Twice Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif leads the attack for Qatar.Switzerland stick with the same group of defenders who started all six qualifiers and conceded just two goals.Swiss 20-year-old attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi is on the bench after starting in recent friendlies.Lineups:Qatar: Mahmoud Abunada, Pedro Miguel, Issa Laye, Jassem Gaber, Edmilson Junior, Akram Afif, Ayoub Alawi, Homam Ahmed, Yusuf Abdurisag, Boualem Khoukhi, Assim Madibo,Switzerland: Gregor Kobel, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Denis Zakaria, Breel Embolo, Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka, Dan Ndoye, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ruben Vargas, Michel Aebischer Related Story
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Qatar players were in high spirits during a training session in San Jose, California. (Reuters) Qatar will be aiming to add a winning chapter to their FIFA World Cup history when they kick off their campaign against Switzerland in Group B on Saturday at 10pm. The two-time Asian champions endured a difficult debut in 2022, becoming the first host nation to lose their opening match and exiting the tournament without a point. Four years on, Qatar return determined to make a stronger impression with head coach Julen Lopetegui having reshuffled their defensive structure. A 0-1 defeat to Ireland was followed with a goalless draw against El Salvador, wrapping up their FIFA World Cup preparations with the Spanish coach stressing there was still work to be done. Qatar players participate in a drill during a training session. They might have hoped for a more gentle introduction, with the resurgent Swiss unbeaten in competitive matches since late 2024 following an impressive Euros run, and keen to make a mark in their sixth successive World Cup. "We have to accept the fact that we will play against Switzerland first, and we have to be ready to do our best against a very strong team," Qatar's Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui said. "We know our real reality, and that the competitors are better than us, but this does not mean surrendering ... it requires us to be ready in order to achieve our ambition and dream of being a strong contender." With a squad of players mainly from their domestic league, Qatar have a cohesive unit that has been formidable in Asia but could struggle to fend off higher-level opposition in a Group B that also includes Bosnia and co-hosts Canada. Among the players retained from the 2022 squad, Akram Afif remains at the forefront of Qatar's attacking threat, with the two-time Asian Player of the Year eager to prove his quality on the global stage. On paper, Qatar are not an overwhelming attacking force in open play but a deep defensive block, a set-piece threat and Afif's ability to punish teams on the counter could prove a potent formula against higher-ranked opposition. Qatar's head coach Julen Lopetegui. But Switzerland are in confident mood, as they should be, having been unbeaten in qualifying while conceding just two goals. Switzerland’s consistency, notably reaching the round of 16 at both the FIFA World Cup 2022 and UEFA Euro 2024, gives them a more stable platform heading into the opener. They have stuck largely with the same group from the last World Cup and will include emerging talent like Dan Ndoye and versatile newcomer Johan Manzambi in attack, supported by the dependable Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez, who have 365 caps combined. Switzerland's record in reaching World Cups is matched only in Europe by Germany, France, Spain, England and Portugal, yet a quarter-final has eluded them for seven decades with a string of round-of-16 exits. Switzerland should advance from the group with ease, though coach Murat Yakin is taking Qatar seriously, considering them "the big unknown" while keen to avoid an opening-match upset like the one eventualchampions Argentina endured in 2022. "Qatar is a very serious opponent. We can't let what Argentina experienced against Saudi Arabia four years ago happen to us," he said. "In the end, tournaments like this also thrive on their surprises." Qatar's star
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Canada's Cyle Larin celebrates after scoring against Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match at Toronto Stadium. (AFP) Co-hosts Canada grabbed a second-half equaliser to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday in the first World Cup finals game ever played on Canadian soil.Cyle Larin got Canada's goal after Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead with a header in the 21st minute in Toronto. The result gave Canada its first point in World Cup history.Canadian sides had a perfect record of futility at two previous tournament appearances in 1986 and 2022, with six losses. Lukic's goal from a corner sent the small but enthusiastic Bosnian contingent at the Toronto Stadium into a frenzy.Canada had the majority of play in the first half but failed to generate any real chances. The stadium erupted in the 17th minute when forward Jonathan David had a clear shot on goal, but it was easily handled by Bosnian keeper Nikola Vasilj.Canada's Ismael Kone had a golden opportunity in the 30th minute, but sailed his strike well over the net, prompting groans from tens of thousands of Canadians who blanketed the stadium in a sea of red.The second half began in similar fashion, with Canada largely on the attack, but unable to find the net. Bosnia's veteran defender Sead Kolasinac saved a certain goal when he diverted a strike from David onto the crossbar, extending Canada's agony.But Larin's strike in the 78th minute marked a high point in Canada's limited World Cup history, causing a mostly Canadian crowd of 43,000 to erupt.Canada threatened to go ahead in the final minutes, narrowly missing a goal near the final whistle. Canadian entertainment royalty attended the match at the home of the MLS's Toronto FC, including film star Ryan Reynolds, from Vancouver, and Saturday Night Live and Austin Powers star Mike Myers, a Toronto native. Related Story
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Top seed Elena Rybakina came within two points of being sliced out of the Queen's Club Championships by defending champion Tatjana Maria but switched on the power to reach the quarter-finals with a 6-7(4) 7-5 6-0 victory on Friday.The Kazakh will be back on court later for her quarter-final against Britain's Katie Boulter as tournament organisers play catch-up after persistent rain washed out play on Thursday to leave a backlog of matches. Boulter beat Romania's Jaqueline Cristian 6-1 6-3.Britain's Emma Raducanu delighted the home crowd at the prestigious London club as she beat Romania's seventh seed Sorana Cirstea 6-4 6-2 to also reach the quarter-finals.She will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova, a lucky loser from qualifying, later on Friday after she beat British wildcard Harriet Dart 5-7 6-1 7-5. Donna Vekic, another lucky loser, beat Czech Marie Bouzkova 7-6(9) 6-3. Rybakina lost to veteran unorthodox Maria at Queen's last year and was again baffled at times by the unique style of the 38-year-old German who hits every ground stroke with under-spin.But she eventually solved the puzzle.'I was battling with myself but I found the way and found the rhythm,' former Wimbledon champion Rybakina said on court.Her level fluctuated wildly in the opening set as she began strongly, then fell 5-3 behind, saved set points as she hit back to force a tiebreak before eventually succumbing.Qualifier Maria had voiced her frustration earlier in the week at not being handed a wildcard despite winning the title last year, and looked determined to make a point as she continued to torment Rybakina in the second set with her undercut strokes skimming low on the lush turf and drawing errors. Fans expecting the usual power rallies from the baseline were entranced as Maria went about her business in her unique way, chopping and chipping, and were clearly just happy to be watching tennis after this week's weather interruptions.They even gave Maria a round of applause for changing her shoe midway through the second set after she snapped a lace.Rybakina leaked errors and at 4-5 0-30 in the second set she seemed set for a repeat of her defeat by the German last year. But she found her range in the nick of time. She held serve, though, and then reeled off eight successive games for the win.The first quarter-final under way was an all-American clash between second seed Amanda Anisimova and teenager Iva Jovic.
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New Zealand's Kane Williamson during the press conference. (Reuters) New Zealand's most prolific run-scorer and arguably greatest batsman Kane Williamson announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday in the middle of their series against England. The 35-year-old former skipper called time ahead of the second Test at The Oval next week. He played in the Black Caps' defeat in the first Test at Lord's, making 0 and 18."I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time," he said."I've always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I've given it my all in every match I've played for New Zealand."Continuing with anything less wouldn't be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms," added Williamson.The timing of Willamson's announcement, one match into a three-Test series and with a 2026/27 season featuring series against India and Australia to come, was a surprise.But Williamson, speaking later Friday in London, said: "When I look at the dressing room now and I see the talent, and the journey that I think this team's looking to go on, it just feels like the right time for me to step away."I feel really good about it," added Williamson one of the 'Fab Four' batsmen of his generation, alongside India's Virat Kohli, Australia's Steve Smith and England's Joe Root. New Zealand's Kane Williamson during the press conference. (Reuters) He made his international debut in 2010 and played 378 games for his country, finishing as New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.Williamson played 110 Tests, hitting 33 centuries on his way to 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06.His leadership style was much admired and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.During that time, New Zealand made two World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.'LEGEND'New Zealand coach Rob Walter paid tribute to Willamson by saying: "Anyone who's had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person."His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it's what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket -- that will be his legacy."Williamson's retirement is a blow to New Zealand's hopes of levelling the England series, with Walter telling reporters in London: "You don't lose Kane Williamson off the team sheet and get stronger, because he's a legend."Walter, meanwhile declined to say who will take Williamson's place at No 3 at the Oval.Henry Nicholls is the reserve batsman in the squad but Rachin Ravindra could move up from No 4.Williamson's list of accolades is immense, including being named the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.New Zealand great Hadlee hailed him as "a wonderful player and fine leader"."He's demonstrated a willingness to continually advance his game to the highest level in all three formats and he rightfully finishes as one of the best players of his era," he said."The way he prepared himself physically and mentally was perhaps the most impressive part. He was always committed to working hard and developing his technique to ensure he was ready to be a world class player."He's been an unflappable leader and the architect of some of our greatest moments in cricket." Related Story
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South Korea rallied from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 and make a winning start to their World Cup Group A campaign, much to the delight of their fans and the sizeable
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Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.Julian Quinones
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Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their coach on Thursday on a three-year deal, with the Portuguese veteran making a sensational return to the Spanish capital after 13 years away. The 63-year-old replaces Alvaro Arbeloa after Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, falling behind domestic rivals Barcelona. '(Real Madrid have) agreed to appoint Jose Mourinho as the first team's head coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029,' said the 15-time European champions in a statement. 'Jose Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13, the day preseason begins.' One of football's most successful yet divisive managers, Mourinho arrives from Benfica, where the Lisbon club completed an unbeaten league campaign but finished third. Benfica said Wednesday Real Madrid were paying 15mn euros ($17.25m) for the Portuguese coach.Mourinho managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during an intense period of rivalry with Pep Guardiola's golden era Barcelona side. Real Madrid became the first club to reach 100 points in a La Liga season under Mourinho in the 2011-12 campaign, although Barcelona did the same in the subsequent season before Mourinho departed.Mourinho divided the Real Madrid dressing room, with some players - including predecessor Arbeloa - fiercely loyal to him, while others were at loggerheads with the coach. Known to rule with an iron fist, Mourinho is charged with bringing Real Madrid's dressing room egos in check, after multiple conflicts and problems marked a troubled season. Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde was treated in hospital after a row with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni in May, among other flashpoints. Coaches Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa also could not find a way to successfully deploy star players Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham together without destabilising the balance of the team.In an appearance on Spanish television earlier in May, Madrid president Florentino Perez credited Mourinho with laying the groundwork for Real Madrid's last six Champions League titles, achieved in the years after the Portuguese departed. The chief said he would bring back Mourinho if he was reelected president earlier in June, which he was. Mourinho's return to Madrid also signifies a jump back to the European elite after several years away from the game's peak. The coach burst into the limelight as he won the Champions League with Porto in 2004, before helping Chelsea claim back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006. Mourinho labelled himself a 'special one' as his team dominated the English top flight, before guiding Inter Milan to Champions League glory in 2010 as part of a unique treble for an Italian side. Madrid chief Perez appointed him to try and stop Guardiola's powerful Barca team, which he achieved to an extent, in a fractious spell which also disrupted the harmony in the Spanish national team.Mourinho returned to Chelsea, winning the Premier League in 2015, before modest spells at Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma among other clubs. He won the EFL Cup and Europa League with Manchester United in 2017 and since then has only lifted the Conference League trophy with Roma in 2022. The coach was sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahce in August 2025 after failing to guide them past Benfica in a Champions League qualification play-off, before he was appointed by the Portuguese side the following month.
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US President Donald Trump speaks before signing a proclamation in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2026. (AFP) President Donald Trump will not be in attendance when the United States opens its World Cup competition against Paraguay on Friday in Inglewood, California.That was confirmed by Andrew Giuliani, the CEO of the World Cup task force, in an interview with a radio station in the United Kingdom."He's not going to end up attending the opening game," Giuliani told TalkSport on Thursday. "As we've said, his scheduling is tight. But I know he's going to be engaged throughout this World Cup.He needs to be in Washington, D.C., later in the weekend. He is hosting the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday, his 80th birthday.While it is uncommon for a head of state from a host country to miss the nation's World Cup opener, it is not unprecedented. President Claudia Sheinbaum of co-host Mexico was not in attendance on Thursday when her nation defeated South Africa 2-0. The Mexican government held a contest to give away Sheinbaum's seat.The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. The State Department confirmed their attendance in a news release earlier this week.Giuliani, the son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, said he wasn't sure when Trump would make an appearance."Having known President Trump for now 30 years, what I can tell you is: expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him," Giuliani said. "Throughout the course of this tournament, it wouldn't surprise me if we see him engage more and more with the World Cup."A sports fan, Trump has attended several big events while president, including Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden earlier this week. He was met with a chorus of boos. Related Story
