Author: AFP

Brazil star Neymar said he feels like a “kid” ahead of what will be the fourth and “final” FIFA World Cup, which could yet risk being derailed by a nagging calf injury.

The 34-year-old is a doubt for the start of Brazil’s World Cup campaign and is expected to miss their tournament opener against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday.

But Brazil’s all-time record scorer is said to be “recovering well” and will hope to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the United States.

The five-time champions play Haiti on June 19 and face Scotland five days later in their final Group C match.

“Even though it’s my fourth World Cup, it’s a different feeling because of everything involved and, obviously, because it’s the final one,” Neymar said in a preview of the feature-length documentary “Vai, Brasil” (Go, Brazil), due to be released on Wednesday.

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Neymar has been an integral part of Brazil’s last three World Cup campaigns but there was some surprise at his inclusion this time as injuries have prevented him from playing for his country at all since 2023.

“I’m here feeling like a kid, like an 18-year-old going to his first World Cup,” said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.

“I’m very proud, very happy to be here. I’m going to enjoy every second, every moment of this World Cup and I hope it will be special as well,” he added.

Neymar made his World Cup debut on home soil in 2014 but was sidelined by injury when Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals. They were knocked out in the quarter-finals at the past two tournaments.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday called protests by teachers ahead of this week’s launch of the FIFA World Cup 2026 a “provocation.”

The left-leaning leader called the decision by the teachers’ union to camp out near Mexico City’s central fan zone “unexplainable” and a “provocation — as if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico.'”

Sheinbaum said Thursday’s opening game between Mexico and South Africa “is guaranteed” despite planned protests.

Teachers called for a mass demonstration across Mexico City that will also include families of so-called “disappeared” people, who are alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by the authorities or criminal gangs.

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The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week to demand a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law — which the government considers unfeasible.

On June 1, police dispersed protesting teachers with rubber bullets and teargas at metal barricades near the fan zone in the Zocalo square.

“They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that’s not true,” Sheinbaum said of the protests.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will kick off in Mexico on 12 June with the opening match scheduled between Mexico and South Africa.

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Mosaddek Hossain hit a career-best 86 not out, and Nahid Rana took four wickets as Bangladesh trounced Australia by 86 runs in the rain-hit opening one-day international on Tuesday to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

It was only Bangladesh’s second-ever ODI victory against Australia, following their famous 2005 upset in Cardiff.

Mosaddek capped a fine all-round performance, bagging two wickets to walk away with the man-of-the-match award.

Chasing 285, Australia were reeling at 191-9 in 42.2 overs, still needing 93 runs off 46 balls with one wicket in hand, when a fierce thunderstorm forced the players off the field at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladesh were declared winners via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method.

Cameron Green top-scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 52 off 66 balls but found little support as Bangladesh’s pace attack ran riot.

Taskin Ahmed struck on the first ball, bowling opener Matt Short for a duck.

Mustafizur Rahman then removed Marnus Labuschagne for just one off the second ball of the second over to leave Australia reeling at 2-2.

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Cooper Connolly (35) survived a reprieve when Tanzid Hasan put down a chance at second slip off Mustafizur, and the opener steadied the innings briefly before being castled by an arm ball from Mosaddek.

Captain Josh Inglis fell for 19, edging a short ball from Rana to the keeper, while Alex Carey was bounced out by Rana for 47 as he attempted to rebuild alongside Green.

Australia’s lower order, including Matthew Renshaw, debutant Liam Scott and Xavier Bartlett, offered little resistance, leaving Green stranded at the crease.

Earlier, Mosaddek laid the platform with his 70-ball knock on his return to international cricket after four years, hitting seven fours and three sixes.

Bangladesh also benefited from six dropped catches by a sloppy Australia, four of them off Mosaddek.

Opener Tanzid Hasan and number three Najmul Hossain Shanto made vital contributions, with the left-handed pair hitting half-centuries.

Tanzid struck 54 off 44 balls before Nathan Ellis removed him in his second spell.

Shanto, continuing his rich vein of form, made 67 off 86 before a soft dismissal ended his innings.

The pair put on 96 runs for the second wicket off 91 balls after Australia struck early, with Ellis accounting for Saif Hassan (5) who edged to second slip where Labuschagne took a simple catch.

Australia threatened to seize control when Renshaw’s part-time off-spin proved surprisingly effective, removing Litton Das (7) with a return catch before also accounting for Shanto.

But Mosaddek steadied the innings, first adding 75 with Towhid Hridoy, before late partnerships of 20 with Tanvir Islam and 45 with Taskin to ensure a competitive total.

Ellis was the pick of the Australia bowlers with 3-38, while Scott and Renshaw claimed two wickets each.

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Somalia has defended its referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals.

In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over Artan’s denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was “not possible to achieve a positive outcome”.

Artan, an award-winning referee, was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport.

A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said he was denied entry following a routine inspection.

He was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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Somali reaffirmed “its unwavering support” for Artan, adding it “has full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally.”

“Artan represents the very best of Somali talent,” reads the statement.

FIFA confirmed to AFP that Artan will not be participating in the World Cup set to start on Thursday.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

A source at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) told AFP on Tuesday that the continental body could not intervene, but added: “We certainly feel sorry for Artan.”

Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

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Diogo Jota’s widow said in a letter to Scotland captain Andy Robertson that she is sure her late husband will be in his “heart” when he leads the side out for their opening match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

Jota and Robertson became close friends during their time at Liverpool before the former’s spell there was cruelly cut short when he died, aged 28, in a car crash last July.

Robertson, who ended a trophy-laden nine-year spell with Liverpool when he signed for Tottenham Hotspur last Friday, had paid tribute to Jota after the Scots secured their place at the finals for the first time since 1998.

“We spoke so much about going to the World Cup because he missed the last one with Portugal and I did with Scotland,” Robertson said last November after the play-off win over Denmark.

“I know he’ll be smiling over me today.”

Rute Cardoso, the mother of Jota’s three children, said in her letter, which FIFA published along with a video of Robertson reading it, that his words that night had touched her deeply.

“When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified for the World Cup, after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch,” wrote Cardoso, who married Jota days before he died alongside his brother Andre Silva.

“By achieving that moment and securing your place at the World Cup, you won’t be going alone.

“You’ll be taking his dream with you, too. And when you step onto the pitch, I know it won’t just be you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.

“So today, I want to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting him.

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“Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful.

“That’s how we do it here at home, too. Every day. He would be, and is, incredibly proud of you.

“Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him.”

Robertson said Cardoso’s letter would stay with him for a “very long time”.

“I’ll carry him in my heart, and I know he’ll be with me come the first game, come the second game, come the third game and hopefully beyond that,” said Robertson.

“He’s always there. The memories are always something that we bring up and sometimes laugh, sometimes cry.

“And that will be no different, especially going into a tournament which is full of emotion. I know he’ll be right at the front of my mind.

“I’m not only just playing for me. I’m playing for both of us.”

Robertson will hope to honour the memory of Jota by becoming the first Scotland skipper to lead the side into the knock-out stages of the finals at the ninth attempt.

The Scots open their campaign against Haiti on June 13 in Boston, followed by tougher dates with African champions Morocco, also in Boston on June 19, and five-time winners Brazil on June 24 in Miami.

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Spain gave a taste of what makes them one of the FIFA World Cup 2026 favourites with a 3-1 win over Peru on Monday in their final friendly before the showpiece kicks off.

The European champions were missing Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as he recovers from injury but still had too much for a Peru side who did not qualify.

The 18-year-old Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams are expected to be available for Spain’s World Cup opener against debutants Cape Verde on June 15.

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Luis de la Fuente’s team took the lead after just two minutes in Puebla, Mexico, when Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal rifled into the top corner from outside the box.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri doubled Spain’s lead on 32 minutes, and a Pedro Gallese own goal eight minutes after half-time made it 3-0 when the goalkeeper flapped a cross into his own net.

Jairo Velez scored a consolation after 66 minutes in front of a crowd of 46,000.

READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry

MIAMI: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being denied entry into the United States of America (USA), ending what would have been a historic appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

Artan had been selected among the match officials for the World Cup and was set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at the prestigious event.

However, his participation was brought to an abrupt halt after US authorities refused him admission despite him holding a valid visa.

According to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Artan arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday but was found inadmissible following a vetting process.

The agency confirmed the decision in a statement on Monday but did not disclose the specific reasons behind it.

The development has sparked fresh debate over US immigration policies ahead of the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Concerns had previously been raised regarding travel restrictions affecting citizens from several countries, including Somalia.

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Following discussions with American authorities, FIFA confirmed that Artan would not be able to take part in the tournament.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the governing body said in a statement.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

Artan is regarded as one of Somalia’s most accomplished football officials and had earned widespread recognition for becoming the first referee from the East African nation to receive a World Cup appointment.

His absence represents a significant disappointment both personally and for Somali football, which viewed his selection as a landmark achievement on the global stage.

At the time of reporting, Somalia’s embassy in Washington had not publicly commented on the matter.

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Ben Stokes’ position as England cricket captain was in jeopardy on Monday after officials announced he was being investigated for a nightclub incident reportedly involving a Saracens rugby player.

Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaking team rules in the early hours of Monday morning following England’s win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

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

If Stokes is stripped of the captaincy, vice-captain Harry Brook, already the skipper of England’s white-ball teams, could lead the hosts in next week’s second Test across London at the Oval.

This would represent a remarkable reversal for Brook, who was fined and censured for late-night drinking and clashing with a nightclub bouncer before captaining England in a one-day international in Wellington in October.

“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand,” the governing body said in a statement issued Monday.

“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.

“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.”

Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported players from Saracens, who compete in English rugby union’s top-flight Prem, were also present for the London club’s end-of-season party.

Saracens subsequently issued a statement confirming an academy player had been involved in an incident in the early hours of Monday.

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“We are aware of an incident involving an academy player connected to Saracens,” it said.

“The club is currently establishing the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once this process is complete, the matter will be reviewed and addressed appropriately. We will make no further comment at this time.”

Stokes led England as they thrashed New Zealand by 115 runs on Sunday with more than a day to spare in their first Test match since their Ashes humiliation, Surrey paceman Atkinson helping finish things off with a second-innings haul of 5-30.

Brook’s clash in Wellington led England to impose a midnight curfew on all players and staff, which is understood to still be in place.

During the Australia tour, the England squad’s conduct during a mid-series break in the coastal town of Noosa came under particular scrutiny, with a video of opening batsman Ben Duckett in an apparent state of intoxication posted on social media.

England director of cricket Rob Key, who investigated the squad’s behaviour in Noosa, denied the team had a drinking culture, as did head coach Brendon McCullum.

Following the conclusion of the Ashes, details of the incident involving Brook in October were revealed. Brook claimed to have been alone at the nightclub in Wellington, only for it to emerge he was alongside team-mates Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue.

The midnight curfew was first imposed for England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and the T20 World Cup that followed, both when Brook was captain.

In 2017, Ben Stokes was involved in an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol, southwest England, that led to him being charged with affray.

He subsequently missed the Ashes tour of 2017/18 before he was found not guilty of the charge following a trial at Bristol Crown Court in August 2018.

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Roger Federer will play in a US Open one-night exhibition event that also includes long-time rivals Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick, the US Tennis Association said on Monday.

The 44-year-old retired Swiss superstar, who won five of his 20 Grand Slam singles titles in New York, will play in “Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York” on August 25 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Federer last played in the US Open in 2019, reaching the quarter-finals. He won at Flushing Meadows from 2004 through 2008, the only man or woman to capture five consecutive singles titles on the New York hardcourts.

“The US Open has always been one of the most special tournaments for me,” Federer said in a statement.

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“So many unforgettable moments of my career happened in New York, and Arthur Ashe Stadium is a place that means a great deal to me.

“I’ve missed being part of that atmosphere and feeling the incredible energy that the fans bring every year. To return to Arthur Ashe and share the evening with Andy, Andre and John makes it even more meaningful.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating those memories, seeing the fans again, and enjoying a very special night together.”

The event comes four days before Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.

READ: Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber ruled out of World Cup 2026

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been replaced in the Netherlands squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 by Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida, the Dutch football federation (KNVB) announced on Monday.

Premier League winner Timber, 24, has suffered a groin issue to add to Ronald Koeman’s injury list before their final pre-tournament friendly against Uzbekistan on Monday.

Attacker Xavi Simons, as well as centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij, have already been ruled out of the tournament.

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“In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan,” the KNVB said.

“Ronald Koeman has called up Lutsharel Geertruida as Timber’s replacement,” it added.

Koeman’s side begin their campaign against Japan on Sunday before facing Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

Netherlands squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland).

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Nathan Ake (Man City), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland).

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Tijjani Reijnders (Man City), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Mats Weiffer (Brighton).

Forwards: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Roma), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Noa Lang (Galatasaray/Napoli), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Wout Weghorst (Ajax), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham).

Manager: Ronald Koeman

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