The Guardian

Captain to miss Nations Championship barring injuries Feyi-Waboso could recover in time for tour after surgery The chances of Maro Itoje touring with England this summer continue to diminish after the national captain was left out of Steve Borthwick’s latest June training squad. It is understood England would ideally like to give Itoje a rest barring a sudden rush of injuries which affects the nu…

As football’s greatest spectacle comes to North America, our cartoonist creates a heartwarming narrative around the Fifa president Buy a cartoon | David’s favourite works of 2025 And his latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now Continue reading...

Morocco’s semi-final appearance in Qatar has raised the possibility of an African team reaching the final, but who are best poised to do so? With a record 10 African teams at the first 48-nation World Cup, the big question, after Morocco’s historic semi-final appearance in Qatar , is whether any of them can go a step further. The prospect of an African side becoming world champions appeared reali…

The town where rugby league began may find itself without a top division team unless plans for a new stadium come to fruition by 2030 Saturday afternoon was meant to provide a glimpse into a different, more optimistic future for Huddersfield Giants. But in the end, it was another stark reminder of why rugby league in the West Yorkshire town is facing an existential fight. Super League has been th…

Low wages and fears of ICE crackdowns have set workers on edge of strike as thousands set to arrive during World Cup Hospitality and food service workers in several US cities hosting World Cup games are warning of looming labor disputes and possible strikes as the largest single sport tournament in the world gets ready to kick off on 11 June. In Los Angeles, California, about 2,000 workers at SoF…

There are young stars and golden oldies available on a free transfer this summer. But which team is stronger? Goalkeeper Illan Meslier, aged 26, contract expiring at Leeds United The goalkeeper joined Leeds as a teenager but departs the Yorkshire club having not made a first-team appearance since March 2025. Meslier was recently seen alone on the Elland Road pitch , seemingly contemplating his de…

Former pornographer, who owns 38.8% of club, has been accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour The football regulator could force David Sullivan to sell his stake in West Ham United after the former pornography billionaire was accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against women over several decades. The 77-year-old announced his resignation as a director and co-…

The tournament kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City. Here’s what newcomers can expect from one of the world’s largest and most watched events It is! Every four years the best men’s teams on the planet gather to see who will be crowned world champions. This year’s tournament will be co-hosted by frenemies Canada, Mexico and the United States in 16 cities as different as Vancouver, Kansas City and …

If you want to understand warrior mentality, look no further than these unflinching icons of the 1970s and 80s People talk a lot about character in sport without always agreeing on a precise definition. Hanging in there when times get tough? Arguably that is a pre-requisite across top-level competition. The ability to keep cool, calm and collected under the most extreme pressure? Valuable, certai…

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson, Paul Watson and Sid Lowe to preview Groups E-H. Subscribe to The Guardian Football Weekly ► https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 On the podcast today; the second of our World Cup previews. We begin at Group E. A group that features Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao. It also features a 40-year-old goa…

Live Championship updates from 11am UK time Email Tanya | MCC apologises for Lord’s pitch I’m afraid we are re-running the story of day two. It is raining at The Oval. The covers are on. And Simon Burnton on the latest nightclub shenanigans from England’s men’s team. Continue reading...

Iraq’s No2 discusses his recipe for a World Cup shock, the players’ singing and his time assisting Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United Iraq’s journey to their first World Cup in 40 years involved sacrifices unmatched by any other side. After 20 qualifiers, the team faced a decisive playoff in the Mexican city of Monterrey but, with Iraq dragged into the Middle East war and airspace closed , se…

Latest news as World Cup countdown continues Player guide | Bracketology | Wallchart | Mail Tom And the treatment of Artan is filling up the inbox, early doors. Here’s Krishna Moorthy: “Uncertainty over Iran. Now a top referee from Africa is sent back from Miami. Bankruptcy ensured ticket prices. To rephrase a famous quote. It is not the schedule that killed the game, it is the greed!” The Englis…

The American is track and field’s youngest world champion but you won’t find the 17-year-old boasting about his achievements We are in living in the era of teenage super talents. On Saturday, Mirra Andreeva won the French Open at 19. Spain’s Lamine Yamal, at 18, is one of the favourites for the World Cup’s golden ball. Then there is Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 17-year-old American already making the w…

The batter is primed to take advantage of the home T20 tournament – she is determined to create memories for the nation Given how composed Alice Capsey has recently looked in an England shirt, it’s hard to imagine her getting nervous – but with only days to go until England’s World Cup opener on Friday against Sri Lanka, she admits she is struggling. “I doubt I’ll sleep very well [on Thursday],” …