Category: Sports

Mexico striker Raul Jimenez drew attention during his side’s 2-0 victory over South Africa in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, not only for his goal but also for the distinctive protective headband he continues to wear on the pitch.

The experienced forward played a key role in Mexico’s winning start to the tournament, yet many fans were left wondering about the purpose of the headgear that has become a permanent part of his appearance over the past five years.

The answer lies in one of the most frightening incidents in recent football history.

In November 2020, while representing Wolverhampton Wanderers in a Premier League clash against Arsenal, Jimenez suffered a devastating head injury following a collision with Arsenal defender David Luiz.

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The impact left the Mexican international unconscious on the field and required immediate medical attention. He was rushed to hospital in London, where doctors diagnosed a fractured skull in an incident that threatened not only his football career but also his life.

The severity of the injury forced Jimenez into a lengthy rehabilitation process. After months of treatment and recovery, the striker eventually returned to competitive action in August 2021, completing a remarkable comeback from a potentially career-ending setback.

Since his return, Jimenez has worn a specially designed protective headband during matches as a precautionary measure.

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The custom-made device is medically approved and has been tailored specifically for the former Wolves striker. It features breathable elastic material combined with strategically placed padding and protective composite layers designed to reduce the force of impacts.

The headgear serves two important functions. It helps absorb and distribute the energy generated during collisions or headers, while also providing protection and stability around the area affected by surgery.

Despite its protective features, the design allows Jimenez to compete without compromising comfort, mobility or performance.

READ: Thibaut Courtois likely to retire after FIFA World Cup 2026

SEATTLE: Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that the ongoing FIFA World Cup could be his final major tournament in international football, while leaving a small window open for a possible extension to his national team career.

The 34-year-old Real Madrid shot-stopper, who has earned 109 caps since his debut in 2011, spoke candidly about his future on Thursday as Belgium prepared for their Group G opener against Egypt in Seattle.

Courtois acknowledged that the likelihood of him stepping away from international duty after the tournament is higher than continuing beyond it.

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“I don’t know if we should be talking about the future right now, but the chances are greater that I won’t continue after this tournament than that I will,” he said.

The goalkeeper, however, insisted that he still feels physically capable of playing at the highest level for a few more years, while also stressing the importance of managing his workload.

“I still want to play for a few more years. And then you have to take care of your body. My family is here because this could be my last tournament,” Courtois added.

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Despite his comments, the Belgian vice-captain made it clear that his final decision will depend on both personal reflection and the overall experience at the World Cup.

“If we have a good World Cup, of course. And continuing to feel the good atmosphere within the group. Afterwards, I’ll need to have an internal discussion with the coach, Vincent Mannaert, and the doctors,” he said.

Courtois also reflected on the physical toll of international football, pointing to earlier periods where he was occasionally rested during Belgium duty under former coach Domenico Tedesco, which influenced his current thinking about longevity.

READ: From Messi to Mbappe: Records on the line at FIFA World Cup 2026

KINGSTON: Skipper Shai Hope produced a composed unbeaten half-century to lead West Indies to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Sabina Park on Thursday.

Chasing 148 for victory, the hosts completed the target comfortably in 19.2 overs, losing just three wickets as they took a 1–0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka, after opting to bat first, were restricted to 147-9 despite a fighting half-century from Kamindu Mendis. The visitors struggled to build momentum as West Indies’ bowlers maintained control throughout the innings.

Kamindu top-scored with 51 off 39 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes to register his fourth T20I fifty. However, his innings ended in unfortunate fashion when he was run out, with Shai Hope involved in the fielding effort.

Sri Lanka’s batting effort also featured contributions from captain Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka. Kusal made 36 off 23 deliveries, hitting two fours and three sixes before falling to Shamar Joseph, while Shanaka added 22 off 23 balls.

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For the West Indies, Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph were the standout bowlers, both picking up three wickets each, while Roston Chase chipped in with one wicket.

In response, West Indies got off to a strong start through Brandon King, who smashed 37 off 22 deliveries, including three sixes, to set the tone for the chase.

Shimron Hetmyer added a quick 17 off nine balls, while Roston Chase and Rovman Powell also made useful contributions to keep the scoreboard moving.

However, the innings was anchored by skipper Shai Hope, who stayed unbeaten on 65 off 54 balls. His innings, featuring five fours and two sixes, ensured there were no late hiccups as West Indies eased past the target.

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two wickets, while Eshan Malinga claimed one, but the total proved insufficient to challenge the home side.

READ: From Messi to Mbappe: Records on the line at FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is set to offer more than just football’s ultimate prize, with several historic records hanging in the balance.

From legendary superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to football powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, France and Germany, numerous milestones could be rewritten over the coming weeks.

Much of the attention will once again be focused on Messi and Ronaldo, who are both on course to become the first players in history to feature in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Having made their World Cup debuts in Germany in 2006, the two icons have continued to extend careers that have already redefined modern football.

Messi enters the tournament holding several World Cup records, including most appearances (26), most minutes played (2,314), and most matches captained (19), with the Argentine expected to add further to those numbers.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has the opportunity to achieve another unprecedented feat. The Portugal captain is already the only player to score in five different World Cup editions and could become the first footballer ever to find the net in six separate tournaments.

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Another long-standing record that could come under serious threat is Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring tally of 16 goals.

Messi arrives in North America with 13 World Cup goals, while France forward Kylian Mbappe has already accumulated 12 despite still being in the early stages of his international career.

Both players remain firmly in contention to surpass the German legend’s mark.

Mbappe could also create history in another category. Having scored in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, the French superstar has the chance to become the first player ever to score in three separate World Cup title matches.

Argentina are also chasing a place among football’s most exclusive groups. The reigning champions could become only the third nation to successfully defend a World Cup title if they lift the trophy once again.

Only Italy, which won consecutive titles in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil, champions in 1958 and 1962, have previously achieved the feat. A successful defence by Argentina would end a 64-year wait for back-to-back world champions.

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Messi could further strengthen his legacy by becoming the player with the most victories in World Cup history.

The current record belongs to Miroslav Klose, who was part of 17 World Cup wins during his international career. Messi sits just one victory behind and needs two more wins to move clear at the top of the all-time list.

In goal, Belgium captain Thibaut Courtois also has a notable target within reach. The goalkeeper currently has seven World Cup clean sheets and is chasing the record of 10 jointly held by England’s Peter Shilton and France’s Fabien Barthez.

Brazil, meanwhile, are aiming to extend their status as the most successful nation in World Cup history. The five-time champions are seeking a record sixth title and will also continue adding to records for most appearances, victories and goals scored at the tournament.

France could join another elite group if they reach the final once more. Having won the World Cup in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2022, Les Bleus would become only the third nation to appear in three consecutive finals after Germany and Brazil.

England and Uruguay are pursuing a history of a different kind as both nations attempt to end lengthy waits for World Cup glory.

If England secure their first title since 1966, they would surpass Italy’s record for the longest gap between World Cup triumphs, ending a 60-year drought. Uruguay, champions in 1950, would break the record even more dramatically by ending a 76-year wait.

READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: South Korea edge Czech Republic to make strong start

ZAPOPAN: Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu emerged as South Korea’s hero with a late winner as the Asian side kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on Friday.

The Koreans dominated large portions of the contest but were repeatedly frustrated in front of goal before Oh came off the bench to seal all three points in the closing stages.

South Korea, led by star forward Son Heung-min, controlled possession and created the better opportunities throughout the first half.

However, a combination of wasteful finishing and resilient Czech defending ensured the teams went into the break level.

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Son came closest to breaking the deadlock before halftime, first firing over the crossbar and later producing a driving run through the Czech defence only to drag his effort wide of the target.

Despite spending much of the opening period on the back foot, the Czech Republic struck first early in the second half. Ladislav Krejci rose highest at the near post to power home a header and give his side a surprise lead against the run of play.

South Korea continued to push forward and eventually found the breakthrough their performance deserved in the 67th minute.

Midfielder Hwang In-beom showed excellent composure inside the box, deceiving the defence with a dummy before delicately lifting the ball beyond goalkeeper Matej Kovar to level the score.

Moments after the equaliser, the Korean head coach introduced Oh Hyeon-gyu in place of Son, a substitution that proved decisive.

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The Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead when the ball found the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out, keeping South Korea firmly in the contest.

With ten minutes remaining, Oh timed his run perfectly before calmly slotting home the winner to complete the comeback.

South Korea managed to withstand late Czech pressure and held on for a valuable opening-match victory, with Son collapsing to the turf in celebration after the final whistle.

Earlier in the day, co-hosts Mexico launched their World Cup campaign in style with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca.

READ: Jose Mourinho named Real Madrid coach on three-year deal

Morocco made two injury-enforced changes to their FIFA World Cup squad on Thursday, with winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd ruled out ahead of their tournament opener against Brazil.

Real Betis forward Ezzalzouli picked up a knee injury in a friendly against Norway last weekend. He has been replaced in Morocco’s squad by Amine Sbai of Angers, according to an updated FIFA squad list.

Marseille centre-back Aguerd, who has not played since March after undergoing surgery for a groin issue, makes way for Saudi-based Marwane Saadane.

The Moroccan delegation based in New Jersey declined to comment when contacted by AFP, but team captain Achraf Hakimi posted a message of support for the injured pair.

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“Football can be cruel sometimes. Thanks for what you’ve given the squad since the first day. We’ll continue to fight for you. We love you,” Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Hakimi wrote on social media.

It is a double blow to Morocco’s World Cup hopes, four years after they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of the competition. Both Ezzalzouli and Aguerd were part of the 2022 squad.

Morocco will play five-time world champions Brazil in New Jersey in their opening game on Saturday before facing Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

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However, new coach Mohamed Ouahbi has a lack of experienced defenders at his disposal following the retirement of long-serving captain Romain Saiss and an injury sustained by Adam Masina in the Africa Cup of Nations final in January.

Crystal Palace’s Chadi Riad was included despite limited playing time this season after returning from a lengthy absence in January.

Morocco have also turned to Fulham defender Issa Diop. The 29-year-old opted to represent his mother’s country, having previously played for France at the youth level. He was also eligible for Senegal through his father.

Morocco squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane), Ahmed Tagnaouti (Royal Armed Forces).

Defenders: Noussair ⁠Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Marwane Saadane (Al-Fateh), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Issa Diop (Fulham), Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk).

Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Ayyoub ⁠Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), ​Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV).

Forwards: Amine Sbai (Angers), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), ​Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoub Amaimouni-Echghouyabe (Eintracht Frankfurt).

Manager: Mohamed Ouahbi

READ: Bernardo Silva close to Real Madrid move

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

Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Bernardo Silva, with reports suggesting negotiations are at an advanced stage as the Spanish giants look to rebuild the squad ahead of the new season.

The Portugal international is expected to become Real Madrid’s third major arrival of the transfer window, following moves for defender Ibrahima Konaté and wing-back Denzel Dumfries.

According to Marca, talks between Real Madrid and Bernardo Silva have progressed significantly, with both parties keen to finalise an agreement before Portugal begin their FIFA World Cup campaign on 17 June.

The 31-year-old midfielder is understood to be a key target for new head coach Jose Mourinho, who is seeking experienced additions capable of making an immediate impact.

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Real Madrid are looking to avoid a second consecutive season without major silverware and have prioritised proven performers in the transfer market.

Bernardo Silva would fit a recruitment strategy that has previously seen Real Madrid secure experienced players without significant transfer fees, including David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger.

After nine successful years in the Premier League, the former Manchester City midfielder is reportedly ready for a new challenge closer to home.

The Portuguese playmaker has attracted interest from both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in recent weeks. However, Real Madrid’s swift approach is believed to have placed them in pole position to secure his signature.

A move to the Santiago Bernabéu would also offer Bernardo the opportunity to return to Spanish football while remaining close to Portugal.

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If the transfer is completed, Bernardo Silva would add creativity, technical quality and versatility to Real Madrid’s midfield options.

The former Manchester City star has established himself as one of Europe’s most accomplished midfielders, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League during his time under Pep Guardiola.

The move would also reunite Bernardo with Kylian Mbappé. The pair were teammates at Monaco during the memorable 2016-17 campaign that saw the French club win the Ligue 1 title and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Neither party has officially confirmed an agreement, with reports indicating that the deal is nearing its final stages, and an announcement may arrive before Portugal’s opening World Cup fixture.

READ: Japan captain Wataru Endo out of World Cup, ends international career

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