The Guardian

Other drivers are trying to remain upbeat but the Italian is untouchable on present form, and his Mercedes team principal is in awe Kimi Antonelli reached new heights at the Monaco Grand Prix , his talent and potential made abundantly clear as he became the race’s youngest winner. The question now in Formula One only six races into the season is increasingly whether anyone can catch the teenager.…

Croatia head coach says England game crucial to hopes Kovacic, Gvardiol and Modric lacking match sharpness Zlatko Dalic sees Croatia’s World Cup opener against England as pivotal to their summer fortunes, admitting a softer first match may have been preferable for a team struggling with form and fitness issues. Croatia beat Slovenia 2-1 in their final friendly before flying to the US but Dalic is…

Zverev took his chance in chaotic slam but lack of top 10 challengers in Paris begs more questions about the strength of depth below Alcaraz and Sinner Félix Auger-Aliassime has long been one of the more measured and reflective players on the ATP Tour. He may be desperate to achieve his potential, but the Canadian also understands that improvement is often a long process and remaining patient is …

In today’s newsletter: the Pacific islands hoping to enter World Cup qualifying before ocean level increase wipes them from the map “This is not just about football, it’s about building something from scratch,” Eriati Reebo, the Kiribati football president, explains. “A legacy, a story, that the world will always remember.” Kiribati, a group of Pacific islands south of Hawaii with 138,000 inhabit…

What does it actually take to win a World Cup? Talent? Tactics? A functioning democracy? Not necessarily. As the 2026 World Cup begins, the largest ever, we analysed all 22 past tournaments to find the common threads that link every single champion. From the tactical innovations that shocked the world to the political forces that fuelled past victories, history shows there are eight distinct ways…

Coach impressed by response in win over New Zealand McCullum admits pitch ‘incredibly challenging’ for batters Brendon McCullum has praised his players’ refusal to be haunted by their nightmare winter after England won their first Test since the Ashes against New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday, admitting that “the temperature has been a bit hot” around his side since their failure in Australia, but …

Robert Wyland’s depiction of ocean life was covered up for a World Cup promotion – now he wants retribution • World Cup newsletter | Daily podcast | Get the app Florida-based artist Robert Wyland – he’s almost always referred to as simply “Wyland” – was busy in his studio in the Florida Keys a few weeks ago doing what he always does: painting or sculpting vibrant, vivid scenes of aquatic life. Th…

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Lars Sivertsen, Mark Langdon, Ewan Murray and Jack Snape to preview Groups A-D including Scotland and Brazil Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts and join the conversation on email . On the podcast today; the first of our World Cup previews. Four groups per podcast in alphabetical order. Continue reading...

Spanish great moving to England after 14 years at Barça She has been impressed by vision of Michele Kang’s club Alexia Putellas has agreed personal terms with London City Lionesses. Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, Putellas would be one of the biggest signings in the history of the Women’s Super League, with her arrival also representing an extraordinary moment for London …

Denmark’s medic reveals 34-year-old is in ‘good spirits’ Eriksen in hospital after losing consciousness on pitch Christian Eriksen is expected to be soon discharged from hospital after he collapsed during Denmark’s friendly with Ukraine on Sunday. Television images showed Eriksen holding his chest in the 65th minute of the fixture at Odense Stadium, with the match quickly halted and abandoned sho…

Even the finest miss out on a place at the finals and for those who do get there, decisions can make or break a dream Ismail Elfath was taking his children to the park near his home in Texas when a message arrived. “Congratulations,” it read. Elfath hugged his wife. Fifa had selected him for his second World Cup. Relief and pride swept over him. “Going to a World Cup is the dream of every referee…

As a former NBA player, I know that criticism is part of the game. But in an age when players are under attack constantly, the Knick star is an example to us all The entire basketball world is singing the praises of Jalen Brunson and rightfully so. He has led the Knicks to the NBA finals for the first time since 1999 and has united the entire city of New York in a unique way. On every New York st…

Live Championship updates from 11am UK time Email Tanya | MCC apologises for Lord’s pitch Osman Samiuddin is a wonderful writer and this long read/podcast on Imran Khan is unputdownable/switchoffable. On a spearmint green pitch at the Oval, Dan Lawrence had one of his unstoppable days – an unorthodox tub-thumping of Hampshire . With fierce eye and rampaging bat he bashed 218 off 190 balls, and be…

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