Author: AFP

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 on Wednesday that Real Madrid were paying 15 million 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.

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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 re-elected president earlier in June, which he was.

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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.

READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: Groups, full schedule and Pakistan match timings

Japan captain Wataru Endo was ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with injury and announced his international retirement on Thursday, three days before his team’s opener against the Netherlands.

The Liverpool midfielder pulled out of the tournament after failing to recover from a foot injury, and was replaced in Japan’s squad by Borussia Monchengladbach’s Shuto Machino.

The 33-year-old Endo said on social media that he was “frustrated” at not being able to play but backed his team to impress in Group F, where they face the Dutch, Tunisia and Sweden.

“There will definitely come a time in the future when Japan win the World Cup, so let’s believe in that and support the team,” he wrote on X.

“Let’s bring the strength of Japan together so that that moment can happen at this tournament in North America.”

“I have decided to retire from the national team. From now on, I will be supporting Japan as just another fan,” he added.

発表にあった通りW杯メンバーから離脱する事になりました。
怪我をしてからここまで、自分にできることは全てやってきたので何も後悔はありません。…

— 遠藤 航 (Wataru Endo) (@wataru0209) June 11, 2026

Endo suffered a season-ending foot injury playing for Liverpool against Sunderland in February, but returned for Japan in a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in Tokyo on May 31.

He came off at half-time and continued to feel discomfort at the team’s pre-World Cup camp in Mexico, where he was not involved in any full training sessions.

He took part in training when Japan moved to their World Cup base in Nashville on Monday, but was not able to get up to speed in time for the tournament.

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“I’ve done everything in my power since I sustained the injury, so I have no regrets,” said Endo. “Of course I’m frustrated that I can’t play at this World Cup.”

“But more than that, I’m proud that I’ve been able to captain this team since the Qatar World Cup and help it grow into a group where it feels natural to say our target is to win the World Cup.”

Endo made his Japan debut in 2015 and retired with 73 caps, having scored four goals for his country. He was a member of Japan’s squads for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and played in their stunning wins over Germany and Spain in Qatar.

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Defender Ko Itakura will take over as Japan’s captain at the World Cup.

“Wataru is the one who will feel the most frustration at this,” said Itakura. “He has been a real leader for this team. I want to accept this role with a sense of responsibility and determination.”

Japan have been hit hard by injuries heading into the World Cup.

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was left out after injuring his hamstring less than a week before Moriyasu named his squad.

Monaco’s Takumi Minamino also missed out after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in December.

READ: Mexico outplay South Africa in chaotic FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

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 scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start.

South Africa meanwhile never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups.

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South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena.

But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico’s fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of “Ole!” in the opening minutes.

Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones’ opening goal.

Sithole’s miserable afternoon ended with a 49th minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when clean through on goal.

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Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counter attack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod home at the far post.

It got worse for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed after a VAR review for flinging an arm into the face of Alvarado.

There was still time for late drama when Mexican defender Cesar Montes was shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.

READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: Groups, full schedule and Pakistan match timings

Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 is also being hosted by the United States and Canada and will feature 104 games, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Dancers twirled around a giant model of the World Cup trophy while fireworks went off in the historic 80,000-capacity stadium which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and has been renovated for this year’s tournament.

In the highlight of the ceremony, Colombian star Shakira and Burna Boy performed “Dai Dai”, the official song of the tournament, bringing roars from the crowd.

J Balvin and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli were among the other performers before kickoff as the noise levels ramped up.

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“It’s already a party in Mexico,” Ingrid Orozco, a 40-year-old supporter, told AFP. “It’s amazing,” said Gustavo Ramírez, 19.

While there was a festive atmosphere inside the stadium, there were chaotic scenes in the centre of Mexico City where thousands of fans pushed and shoved as they attempted to enter the official World Cup fan zone shortly before the 1800 GMT kickoff.

Access to the fan zone in Zocala plaza was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers reaching the area.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the venue where the opening game was to be shown on a giant screen.

Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police as well as chanting in support of the Mexican team.

“It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan. “There could have been better organization.”

The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.

READ: Tentative dates for ODI World Cup 2027 revealed: report

New York has honored two footballing greats by temporarily renaming streets after Thierry Henry and Pele ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 kickoff, according to the City Council.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States of America (USA), Canada and Mexico, begins Thursday, and the final will be played next month at the MetLife Stadium, rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium, just outside the city.

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Crowds gathered at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan to mark the unveiling of “Thierry Henry Way” by officials, according to videos posted to social media on Wednesday.

“Today, New York City honoured one of the greatest to ever play the game,” New York City Council Member Virginia Maloney wrote on Instagram.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona star, who was a member of the France squad that won the 1998 World Cup, said in a recorded message on Instagram, “I can’t wait to walk around there the next time I go to Rockefeller Center or Radio City Music Hall.”

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The 48-year-old raised his profile in the United States after spending five seasons with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS) until 2014.

The city has also renamed the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road, in the Queens borough, after Brazilian legend Pele, according to the New York City Council website. The street names will stay in place until November 1.

READ: Younis Khan breaks silence on Pakistan coaching rumours

Hundreds of protesters returned to an area near Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Wednesday night, hours before the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was due to take place.

Most of the protesters were family members or relatives of “disappeared people” alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs.

Police set up a one-mile (1.6km) security perimeter ahead of fans arriving on Thursday and said that they would allow peaceful protests, but only ticket holders would be able to access the stadium.

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The World Cup is set to kick off at the stadium later Thursday with a star-studded ceremony followed by Mexico’s tournament-opening match against South Africa.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum “only cares about her soccer,” said protester Maria de Jesus Soria Aguayo, who has been searching for her son after he vanished in Veracruz state a decade ago.

“It’s disappearance after disappearance and (Sheinbaum) hasn’t done anything,” she told AFP.

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The demonstrators chanted slogans, and there were no direct confrontations with police.

A group of people placed colourful cempasuchil flowers, used in offerings to the dead, in the shape of a cross on the pavement.

Mexico’s government has faced weeks of protests, mainly by teachers demanding better working conditions.

READ: Portugal beat Nigeria in World Cup tune-up despite Ronaldo woes

Portugal beat Nigeria 2–1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up on Wednesday, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao making up for an off night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea forward Neto opened the scoring midway through the first half, but Nigeria levelled through Akor Adams before half-time.

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Juventus winger Conceicao restored Portugal’s lead 15 minutes from the end in Leiria as five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo wasted several good chances.

At 41, Ronaldo will be heading to his record sixth World Cup, but there are concerns in some quarters that his presence will prevent Roberto Martinez’s strong side from flourishing.

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With his full squad available following the arrival of the four players who won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, Martinez started midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves alongside Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal will leave on Friday to set up a base camp in Palm Beach, Florida. They open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston against the Democratic Republic of Congo, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.

READ: FIFA forces Haiti to change World Cup 2026 jersey

Haiti have been forced to change their jersey design just days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Scotland after the governing body banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts.

An illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the Haitian flag had been embedded on the shirts worn by the players in two warm-up friendlies in Florida.

Colombian manufacturer Saeta said on Wednesday that they have modified the kit to meet FIFA’s regulations.

“The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future and was not intended as a political statement,” Saeta said in a statement posted on Instagram.

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“During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design.

“While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.”

Haiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland in Boston on Saturday.

The Caribbean minnows, ranked 83rd in the world, then face the might of five-time winners Brazil and African champions Morocco in Group C.

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Haiti’s qualification is one of the most inspiring tales of the tournament.

Despite a backdrop of domestic chaos, with the impoverished nation grappling with gang violence that meant they were unable to play home qualifiers in the country, they have reached their second World Cup in their history.

“We know people might have a bad image of our country, that it has lots of problems, but this will do the country, the people, my family so much good,” star midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde told AFP.

READ: FIFA boss Infantino comments on Somali referee’s deportation

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday described as “unfortunate” the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States of America for the World Cup 2026.

“It is unfortunate as well what happened to… Omar, the referee from Somalia. But again, we don’t control everything,” Infantino said at a press conference on the eve of the tournament.

“We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces, we are a sports organisation,” he added.

Artan, voted Africa’s top men’s referee last year, insisted he had the correct visa to enter the United States, but he was turned back at Miami International Airport and then put on a flight back to Turkey over the weekend.

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A US State Department official said the referee was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations”, therefore “making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States”.

Artan would have been the first match official from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup finals.

Infantino was asked by a British reporter if he felt FIFA had “lost control” of its own tournament because of the case of Artan and also Washington’s decision to refuse visas for 15 members of the Iran team’s support staff.

“In 2035, I think, we hope, the women’s World Cup will be in the UK. Would you find it normal that FIFA would dictate to the British government who to let into the country and who not to let in the country? I don’t know, maybe you find it normal?” Infantino asked.

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Gianni Infantino called on the media to “chill and relax,” clarifying later that he did not mean to imply that FIFA was not doing anything about issues such as visas.

“When I say chill, I don’t mean to chill and do nothing, I mean to trust us that we are working behind the scenes, trying to understand,” he said.

“Our world is a very aggressive world; security rules above everything.”

The FIFA president stated that the governing body successfully brought Iran to the USA for the mega-event, despite the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

“It has been successful to bring Iran to play in America, I don’t know who would’ve managed to do that … we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, and we try our best,” he stated.

READ: World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Pakistan time, date, performer list

Michael Vaughan has backed Ben Stokes to retain the England captaincy despite being investigated for breaking the team’s curfew.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced they were looking into Stokes’ involvement in a nightclub incident on Monday morning following England’s win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

England team-mate Gus Atkinson and Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa were also involved. Media reports on Tuesday suggested Stokes may resign as Test skipper.

The second Test against New Zealand at the Oval gets underway in a week’s time.

But former England captain Vaughan said Stokes had sufficient “credit in the bank” to avoid being sacked.

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“Yes, Ben Stokes broke a curfew,” Vaughan wrote in the Daily Telegraph. “Yes, he made a mistake. But is that a sacking offence as England’s Test captain? I do not think som” he added.

“Stokes has a lot of credit in the bank for all he has done for England as captain and all-rounder. There is no way that those making the big decisions at the England and Wales Cricket Board have the same credit in the bank.”

“I do not see how you can tell Stokes he is not captain anymore just for going over the curfew by a couple of hours after a win.”

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“A short suspension would be fine, but this is not a big enough incident over which to lose the captaincy,” Vaughan concluded.

It is the latest controversy concerning the England team after the tour of Australia where the side faced allegations of a drinking culture during a 4-1 Ashes series loss.

Earlier, England announced the squad for the second New Zealand Test, leaving out Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, with Joe Root named as interim captain.

England Squad for Second Test

Joe Root (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

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