Wednesday, 21 October 2026
AFRICA: GHANA SECURES QUALIFICATION FOR 2026 BEACH SOCCER AFCON | AFTER THRILLING 7-4 WIN OVER NIGERIA
Ghana's national beach soccer team, the Black Sharks, have booked their ticket to the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal after securing a commanding 7-4 victory over arch-rivals Nigeria in the final round of qualifiers.
The result crowns a remarkable qualification campaign for the Sharks, who showed grit, flair and clinical finishing to overcome one of the continent's traditional powerhouses and return to Africa's biggest beach soccer stage.
After a tightly contested first leg, the Black Sharks went into the decisive clash knowing only a win would guarantee qualification.
From the first whistle, Ghana set the tone. Playing with pace and confidence, the team pressed high and moved the ball quickly, forcing Nigeria onto the back foot. The Sharks raced into an early lead and managed the game superbly, responding every time Nigeria threatened a comeback.
The 7-4 scoreline reflects Ghana's attacking intent and improved defensive organisation -- an area the technical team had prioritised in the build-up to the qualifiers.
Qualification for Senegal 2026 marks a significant milestone for beach soccer in Ghana.
The Black Sharks last featured at the AFCON in 2024 and have since been rebuilding, investing in grassroots development, regional leagues and regular camping aimed at staging a comeback onto the continental stage once more.
The win over Nigeria is not just about qualification; it is a statement that Ghana is ready to compete with the best on the continent.
For Ghana, qualification offers a chance to test itself against the continent's elite, including defending champions Senegal, former champions Egypt and Morocco, with qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup also at stake.
- Ghanaian Tumes
3 WORLD SERIES LESSONS FROM BREWERS' REFULAR SEASON MATCHUP WITH RAYS
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| Mar 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) watches his two-run home run off of Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez (28) during the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect |
For a decent projection of the 2026 World Series matchup, the natural first place to look is at how the Brewers and Rays matched up in the regular season. And thankfully for Milwaukee, the results point in their favor. The Brew Crew won two of their three regular-season games against the Rays, all in America's Dairyland, by a nine-run margin — Milwaukee scored 16 runs to Tampa Bay's seven.
Granted, this was so long ago that both teams look completely different by now. They haven't faced each other since early April, and the Rays have undergone a major transformation since that fateful World Series preview. Their bullpen has pulled itself together, and offensively, this team has found a rhythm that will be hard to stymie.
Nonetheless, there are still details to pull from that series that'll surely reflect on this year's World Series matchup and hopefully give us a sign of what's to come.
1. Brewers need to ride the hot hands of William Contreras and Jake Bauers to beat the Rays.
The NLCS MVP, Jake Bauers, began his emergence as Milwaukee's breakout offensive hero with an electric series against the Rays, hitting three balls and scoring three runs, including a home run, in 10 at-bats versus Tampa Bay. The same could be said for star catcher William Contreras, who rocked four hits, including a home run for two RBIs in 12 chances in that series.
It's only right for Bauers and Contreras to finish their season the same way they started it — cooking at the plate against the Rays, with all the confidence in the world and the support of Milwaukee behind them. It's almost certainly a recipe for offensive success.
2. Brice Turang can change the narrative of his playoffs facing Tampa Bay in the World Series.
It hasn't been an easy postseason run for one of the best second basemen in baseball, despite showing his chops defensively as an elite fielder in a vital position. But offensively, Turang has struggled in the postseason, batting just .222 for six hits in 27 plate appearances. But if he can channel some of what worked for him in the regular season against Tampa Bay, when he hit three balls in eight at-bats for four RBIs and three walks, he can wipe the slate clean and start anew.
3. If history repeats itself, Milwaukee's pitchers don't need to be perfect to win against the Rays.
These weren't the best games for the Brewers' bullpen, allowing multiple runs in every game and seven in the series. But Milwaukee's steadfast defense and consistent strikeout potential kept them in every game, every inning, limiting Tampa Bay's explosive innings that helped them get to this point in the postseason.
Starters Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson allowed a combined eight hits in 11 innings, but only three earned runs in total. And frankly, they should both be far more confident and prepared for this outing than they were in their first go-around against the Rays. So if they can channel some of that same energy, the Brewers have a serious shot at winning their first World Series in franchise history.
- Dylan Carter
F1 US GRAND PRIX: ALL SPECIAL LIVERIES REVEALED
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| Haas US GP special livery © Haas |
A number of teams will use special liveries at the US GP
A number of teams will run special one-off liveries this weekend at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
The US Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar at the Circuit of the Americas in 2012, with the series last racing in the country in 2007 at Indianapolis before that.
The annual US Grand Prix at COTA has become one of the biggest events on the calendar, particularly since Liberty Media took over ownership of F1 in 2017.
With so much attention on the US Grand Prix now, teams lean into the event with special livery designs. Here are all of the ones confirmed so far.
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| Haas US GP special livery © Haas |
Haas - Godzilla promotion
The Haas F1 team is one of two American outfits competing at COTA this year.
It will run a one-off livery for the event, though with a theme that has absolutely nothing to do with its home race.
Partnering once again to promote Godzilla Minus Zero, the squad ditches its usual red, white and black colour scheme for a more blue-dominated design.
The livery also features Godzilla on the engine cover. It’s the second time this season Haas has used a Godzilla design, having done so at the Japanese Grand Prix.
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| Mercedes US GP livery © Mercedes |
Mercedes - MANUFAKTUR
Mercedes has been hot on special liveries lately, running a mint green design at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as a nod to its title partner Petronas.
For this weekend’s US Grand Prix, the Silver Arrows will tweak its design, rather than overhaul it in the same way Haas has done.
To mark its MANUFAKTUR cross-brand car customisation programme, Mercedes will add dashes of blue to its livery for the COTA race.
George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who could win the championship this weekend, will also sport new race suit designs to go along with the livery.
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| Cadillac US GP livery © F1 |
Cadillac - American West
Cadillac will be making its second visit to its native US this season at the United States Grand Prix, following the Miami round earlier this season.
While Miami was still a home round, this weekend is Cadillac’s first official US Grand Prix as a manufacturer on the F1 grid.
And to mark the occasion, the team is sporting a design inspired by the American West.
The usual white and black colour scheme has been accentuated by embroidery-inspired patterns to resemble stitched clothing.
- Lewis Duncan
FERRARI'S 2026 AUSTIN GRAND PRIX SUITS INSPIRED BY ULTRAMAN π₯
For the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Ferrari has prepared a special white-heavy race suit for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, featuring significantly more white than the team's traditional kit, white racing shoes, and text on the suits that points to a one-off HP special livery for the SF-26 at Circuit of the Americas with Ultraman inspired suits.
Ultraman is a Japanese science fiction media franchise created by Eiji Tsuburaya and produced by Tsuburaya Productions that launched in 1966 with the live-action television series Ultra Q and Ultraman.
Key Franchise Details
• Core Concept: Giant alien superheroes from Nebula M78 (the "Land of Light") protect Earth from giant monsters (kaiju) and alien invaders.
• Original Hero: The first Ultraman bonded with human host Shin Hayata of the Science Special Search Party (SSSP), transforming using a device called the Beta Capsule.
• Signature Abilities: The Spacium Beam, an energy blast formed by crossing the arms in a plus/minus configuration.
• Major Formats: Spans decades of television shows (such as Ultra Seven, Ultraman Taro, and Ultraman Z), films, and modern media like the Ultraman Manga and Netflix 3DCG Anime Adaptation
Ultraman spirit will be with Ferrari at Circuit of the Americas π₯
AUTOPSY ATTRIBUTED HYRON ANDREWS' DEATH TO TORN ARTERY - LIONS
South Africa rugby player Hyron Andrews died of natural causes with the cause of death found to be caused by an aortic dissection, an autopsy has found.
Andrews, 31, died on Friday on the eve of the Lions' Champions Cup match with La Rochelle in France. Reports said he was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at the team's hotel.
An autopsy has since been carried out, with his club the Lions saying "Hyron's death was found to be caused by an aortic dissection. This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm."
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| Hyron Andrews. Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images for Sale Sharks |
Andrews' body remains in France awaiting repatriation.
"The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy and, in whose care Hyron's body currently remains, described the cause of death as "a tear in the aorta [due to natural causes,] which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart"," the Lions' statement continued.
The statement added: "The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins."
Andrews spent two and a half seasons at Sale Sharks and joined the Lions ahead of the 2026-27 season. His team played the match on Saturday just a day after he died in his honour.
- Tom Hamilton
JOSHUA KIMMICH STATEMENT RELEASED AFYER SUFFERING TRAGIC LOSS HOURS BEFORE ARSENAL CLASH
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| EPA |
Bayern Munich have released a statement confirming the devastating news hours before the Champions League fixture.
Bayern Munich have released a statement confirming that Joshua Kimmich will not play against Arsenal due to a death in the immediate family.
German champions Bayern Munich host Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but they will be without a key player in Kimmich due to a personal tragedy.
Various reports have confirmed that the midfielder's father, Berthold, has passed away at the age of 57, with Bayern releasing a statement confirming the tragic news.
Bayern Munich release statement after Joshua Kimmich's dad passes away
Ahead of the Champions League clash with Arsenal, Kimmich missed training for personal reasons, which Bayern have now confirmed to be a death in his immediate family.
"Due to a death in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal London," Bayern wrote in a club statement.
"On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from.
"In deep sympathy, the entire FC Bayern stands by Joshua Kimmich's side."
Later reports from various outlets have revealed the death to be Kimmich's father, who he is said to have been very close to.
The news comes just one week after Ateltico Madrid captain Koke was forced to miss their Champions League meeting with Manchester United following the sudden death of his mother, Ana Merodio Borja.
Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise ruled out with Vincent Kompany a doubt
The devastating news means Bayern Munich will be without two key players for the Arsenal clash with Michael Olise also absent due to a one-match ban after he was sent off against Viking in their Champions League opener.
Manager Vincent Kompany could also miss the match after it emerged that a virus has left him in pain when he walks.
Speaking about the illness,, Kompany's assistant coach Aaron Danks said on Tuesday: "It has affected his legs, yes. He has had pain in his legs.
"The most important thing for him now is to rest and I don't know if he will be ready tomorrow or in two or three days' time.
"Getting him to rest is hard. He's a leader. But it's a virus and it's really important that he rests.
"He is at home at the moment but I am in constant communication with him and he will be involved tomorrow, whether that's at the Allianz or not I don't know at the moment."
- Ben McCrum
MAN UNITED MAKE LISANDRO MARTINEZ TRANSFER DECISION AFTER HITTING OUT AT CLUB CHIEFS
After Lisandro Martinez publicly lambasted Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox, the club has reportedly made a decision about his future
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| Lisandro Martinez's future at Manchester United has reportedly become clearer(Image: Aidan Hunter/Action Plus/Shutterstock) |
Lisandro Martinez will leave Manchester United next summer, according to reports. Martinez, 28, found himself in the headlines when he publicly lambasted United director of football Jason Wilcox.
He specifically earmarked Wilcox after United's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Martinez blasted him and the club for not signing enough players last summer, saying "I expect more from our technical director" in a jaw-dropping post-match interview.
Martinez was fined by the club before issuing a public apology for the interview. He also held clear the air talks with Wilcox, club CEO Omar Barrada and United manager Michael Carrick.
He is now expected to leave next year. According to the Daily Mail, it's unlikely the 2022 World Cup winner will sign a new contract before his current deal expires in September 2027.
United will be reluctant to let him leave as a free agent, so the club are expected to trigger a 12-month extension in his deal so they can extract a transfer fee next summer.
United are expected to overhaul their defence, in the same way they invested in their attacking line in 2025 and their midfield this year.
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| Martinez blasted Wilcox after United lost to Atletico(Image: AFP via Getty Images) |
There is also uncertainty regarding the futures of club stalwarts Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire. The latter is in a similar position to Martinez, in that his deal expires next summer and the club hold an extension clause in his deal.
The same cannot be said for Shaw, as there is no such clause in his deal, which is also set to expire next summer. United had been in the market for a new left-back and were linked with Newcastle United defender and England international Lewis Hall.
United tested the waters but Newcastle rebuffed any approach from the Reds, insisting Hall was not going anywhere. In regard to central defenders, United do still have Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played since November 30 last year due to a recurring back injury which eventually required surgery.
The Dutchman has been in the squad for United's last two matches, and it's understood the club still see him as a big figure in the dressing room. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are both seen as long-term options, but are raw and inexperienced.
Martinez was included in United's starting XI for the 1-1 draw away to Leeds United, but he was taken off at half time with an injury. He has been at the club since the summer of 2022, when he arrived from Ajax in a deal worth £57m.
The Argentine has been important for United, albeit his last two campaigns have been disrupted by a cruciate ligament and a calf injury, which saw him miss dozens of matches.
- Patrick Austen-Hardy
PSG STAR HAILED AS THE 'MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER OF ALL TIME' AFTER BARCELONA WIN
Fabian Ruiz scored PSG’s fourth goal in a 4-2 win over Barcelona
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| PSG star hailed ‘most underrated player of all time’ after Barca win Fabian Ruiz (left) celebrates his goal against Barcelona AP |
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been hailed as the “most underrated player of all time” after scoring in the Champions League holders’ statement 4-2 victory over Barcelona.
Ruiz tapped home PSG’s fourth after the French giants were pegged back twice in their win at the Parc des Princes, first by Xavi Espart before Lamine Yamal produced his latest moment of magic to level in the 79th minute.
Vitinha’s strike two minutes later gave PSG the lead once again and it didn’t take much longer for Ruiz to put the game out of sight, finishing Achraf Hakimi’s cross.
“He could be the most underrated player of all time, Fabian Ruiz,” said Joe Cole on TNT Sports. “He’s won everything in the game, Champions League, does his job, and what I would say is they look a stronger side with him in.”
Ruiz came into the season off the back of winning the World Cup with Spain, being an integral figure in midfield alongside Rodri.
PSG winger Desire Doue, who brilliantly fired in the opener in Paris, was delighted with his side’s performance.
“The atmosphere was crazy tonight,” he said. “We did a great job because we won obviously but we’re really happy with the content of the match.
“We did some amazing things, we never quit and when you win against one of the biggest teams in Europe you are really happy so we are really happy tonight. I’m always happy when I can help the team.
“Every game you say that we send a message, I don’t know. We just try and play the best football we can and we did a great job tonight.”
PSG return to action this weekend against Ligue 1 leaders Lyon, who are above them in the table on goal difference.
- Will Castle
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
MIKEL ARTETA COULD MAKE FIVE ARSENAL CHANGES FOR BAYERN MUNICH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASH
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| Myles Lewis-Skelly could be recalled to the Arsenal starting line-up (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) |
Arsenal have won both of the Champions League games they have played this season but on Wednesday face one of the tournament favourites in Bayern Munich.
An away win at Napoli was followed by a 3-0 victory over Lille at Emirates Stadium last week but Mikel Arteta now must try and navigate past the German giants at the Allianz Arena. Speaking after Sunday's 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, Arteta called on his team to be ready.
"I think it depends on the game and the way the opposition wants to play," the Gunners boss said on grinding out results. "Today was a different one to Lille, and will be extremely different to three days’ time against Bayern Munich, which will be 96 minutes man-to-man, and let’s go. But we adapt, learn, and try to make the margins bigger."
Vincent Kompany will want a response from his team after they could only draw to Viking FK last week. The Bundesliga side did smash five goals past Bodo/Glimt on the opening matchday, though, but will be without Michael Olise against Arsenal after he was sent off against Viking.
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| Noni Madueke fired Arsenal to glory against Nottingham Forest |
Bayern have had one extra day of rest as they played on Saturday, with Luis Diaz netting a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig. Arteta may want to freshen things up then and that could start at right-back. Ben White started Sunday's vital win at the City Ground but could take his place on the bench if Jurrien Timber is fancied from the start.
It will be interesting to see if Riccardo Calafiori is also given a rest. The Italian played the whole 90 minutes in Nottingham but Myles Lewis-Skelly could come in at left-back. The Hale Ender impressed against Lille and would offer fresh legs given he did not come off the bench at the weekend.
In midfield, it was Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard from the off in Nottingham. You would think Martin Zubimendi starts, possibly for Guimaraes, as Arteta may want to keep Rice and Odegaard in the team given their experience and quality.
Moving to the front three, Bukayo Saka will most definitely start and Noni Madueke has probably done enough to start on the left given his heroics against Forest. It's a toss up between Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz for the striker role and the Swede may just edge it given he has started the two previous Champions League matches.
Possible Arsenal team to face Bayern Munich (changes from Nottingham Forest in bold): Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.
- Sam Truelove
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