Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
HUMBLE ACADEMY BEGINNINGS | SAN SEBASTIAN
🚨They all started from the Academy, From an amateur youth club in San Sebastián to leading the Premier League Bigs. 🤯
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Xabi Alonso (Chelsea), and Andoni Iraola (Liverpool) all grew up playing together at Antiguoko. 😳
Three of England’s 'Big Six' will soon be managed by the same childhood teammates. 🔙👦🏻
The Basque coaching revolution is officially here. 🇪🇸🔥
AUDIO LEAKED OF REAL MADRID PRESIDENT ACCUSING BUSINESS RIVALS OF ASSASSINATION PLOT
Audio has been leaked of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez accusing one of his business rivals of a plot to assassinate him, seven years ago. Amid the elections, Catalan radio station RAC1 have got hold of the audio from seven years ago, and released to the public.
Perez is currently in a battle for power with Enrique Riquelme for the Real Madrid Presidency, the first contested elections in 20 years since Perez stepped down in 2006. The mud-slinging is in full flow, with Perez this week accusing Riquelme of being more interested in getting famous and getting rich from Real Madrid. The vote will take place this Sunday, with Perez widely expected to win a landslide vote.
Perez accuses business rival of assassination plot
During the press conference where Perez called elections, he challenged Riquelme to run against him, albeit without mentioning him by name. He has also insinuated that long-term business rival Ignacio Sanchez Galan, who is President of Iberdrola and an associate of Riquelme, is behind the presidential challenge. RAC1 have released audio from 2019, in which he accuses Sanchez of contracting former Spanish spy and whistleblower Jose Manuel Villarejo of a plot to assassinate him. The audio comes from a 2019 testimony that Perez gave to the court during a case against his construction company ACS, and Perez accuses Sanchez and Galan of conspiring against him.
“There are three things they have repeatedly told me. One, that the best thing is to make me disappear with an accident or a virus. I didn’t know they could make you disappear with a virus. Another thing they say is that they have to find the accounts that Florentino Perez has outside Spain and that they would pay a lot of money for that. And the other is to invent a child, and sell the story to the press.”
He later goes on to deny that he has any offshore bank accounts, and the case, brought by Castor, was dismissed.
Perez involved in election process
Perez is currently engaged during the election process, where he has promised to bring in signings, and is expected to appoint Jose Mourinho as his new manager. He has also promised a referendum on plans to sell off 5% of the club to an investor, changing the ownership model of the club. Riquelme is campaigning on an opposition to this idea, and promising that there will be an improved experience for club members when they go to the stadium.
- Ruairidh Barlow
FULL FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 CALENDER: ALL 104 GAMES AND DATES
Football fans are able to map out the entire tournament calendar as the biggest edition of the global showpiece takes shape.
The countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 is well underway, with football fans able to map out the entire tournament calendar as the biggest edition of the global showpiece takes shape.
For the first time in history, the World Cup will be hosted by three countries – United States, Canada and Mexico – while the competition will also expand from 32 to 48 teams.
The expanded format means the tournament will feature a record 104 matches played over 39 days, making it the largest World Cup ever staged.
TOURNAMENT OPENER
South Africa are set to feature in the tournament opener, taking on hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June.
The fixture has drawn comparisons to Bafana Bafana’s memorable opening match against Mexico at the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the most famous goals in South African football history.
EXPANDED TOURNAMENT FORMAT
The 2026 edition introduces a new format featuring 12 groups of four teams.
The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to a newly introduced Round of 32.
From there, the tournament progresses through the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
The expansion means teams reaching the final will have to navigate an additional knockout round compared to previous World Cups.
PACKED FOOTBALL CALENDAR
The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with football taking place almost every day.
There will be only five match-free days throughout the competition – 8 July, 12 July, 13 July, 16 July and 17 July.
The group stage concludes at the end of June before the Round of 32 begins immediately, ensuring a packed schedule for supporters across the globe.
BAFANA BAFANA’S GROUP FIXTURES
South Africa’s World Cup campaign begins against Mexico before they face the Czech Republic in Atlanta on 18 June.
Bafana Bafana will then complete their group-stage commitments against South Korea in Monterrey on 24 June.
Coach Hugo Broos will be hoping to guide South Africa into the knockout stages for the first time.
WORLD CUP FINAL
The tournament concludes on 19 July, when the final will crown the new world champions after more than a month of football spread across North America.
With 48 nations, 104 matches and three host countries, FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to be the largest and most commercially significant World Cup in the history of the sport.
WORLD CUP KEY DATES OF ROUNDS
Group stage: June 11-27
Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 9-11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-place playoff: July 18
Final: July 19
FULL FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SCHEDULE
All times SA
MATCHDAY 1 – JUNE 11-18
Thursday, June 11
Group A: Mexico vs South Africa, Mexico City, Mexico – 21:00
Friday, June 12
Group A: South Korea vs Czech Republic, Guadalajara, Mexico – 04:00
Group B: Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, Toronto, Canada – 21:00
Saturday, June 13
Group D: USA vs Paraguay, Los Angeles, USA – 02:00
Group B: Qatar vs Switzerland, Santa Clara (San Francisco), USA – 21:00
Sunday, June 14
Group C: Brazil vs Morocco, New Jersey, USA – 00:00
Group C: Haiti vs Scotland, Foxborough (Boston), USA – 03:00
Group D: Australia vs Turkey, Vancouver, Canada – 06:00
Group E: Germany vs Curaçao, Houston, USA – 19:00
Group F: Netherlands vs Japan, Arlington (Dallas), USA – 22:00
Monday, June 15
Group E: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, Philadelphia, USA – 01:00
Group F: Sweden vs Tunisia, Guadalupe (Monterrey), Mexico – 04:00
Group H: Spain vs Cape Verde, Atlanta, USA – 18:00
Group G: Belgium vs Egypt, Seattle, USA – 21:00
Tuesday, June 16
Group H: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, Miami, USA – 00:00
Group G: Iran vs New Zealand, Los Angeles, USA – 03:00
Group I: France vs Senegal, New Jersey, USA – 21:00
Wednesday, June 17
Group I: Iraq vs Norway, Foxborough (Boston), USA – 00:00
Group J: Argentina vs Algeria, Kansas City, USA – 03:00
Group J: Austria vs Jordan, Santa Clara (San Francisco), USA – 06:00
Group K: Portugal vs DR Congo, Houston, USA – 19:00
Group L: England vs Croatia, Arlington (Dallas), USA – 22:00
Thursday, June 18
Group L: Ghana vs Panama, Toronto, Canada – 01:00
Group K: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, Mexico City, Mexico – 04:00
MATCHDAY 2 – JUNE 18–24
Thursday, June 18
Group A: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Atlanta, USA – 18:00
Group B: Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, Los Angeles, USA – 21:00
Friday, June 19
Group B: Canada vs Qatar, Vancouver, Canada – 00:00
Group A: Mexico vs South Korea, Guadalajara, Mexico – 03:00
Group D: USA vs Australia, Seattle, USA – 21:00
Saturday, June 20
Group C: Scotland vs Morocco, Foxborough (Boston), USA – 00:00
Group C: Brazil vs Haiti, Philadelphia, USA – 03:00
Group D: Turkey vs Paraguay, Santa Clara (San Francisco), USA – 06:00
Group F: Netherlands vs Sweden, Houston, USA – 19:00
Group E: Germany vs Ivory Coast, Toronto, Canada – 22:00
Sunday, June 21
Group E: Ecuador vs Curaçao, Kansas City, USA – 02:00
Group F: Tunisia vs Japan, Guadalupe (Monterrey), Mexico – 06:00
Group H: Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Atlanta, USA – 18:00
Group G: Belgium vs Iran, Los Angeles, USA – 21:00
Monday, June 22
Group H: Uruguay vs Cape Verde, Miami, USA – 00:00
Group G: New Zealand vs Egypt, Vancouver, Canada – 03:00
Group J: Argentina vs Austria, Arlington (Dallas), USA – 19:00
Group I: France vs Iraq, Philadelphia, USA – 23:00
Tuesday, June 23
Group I: Norway vs Senegal, Toronto, Canada – 02:00
Group J: Jordan vs Algeria, Santa Clara (San Francisco), USA – 05:00
Group K: Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Houston, USA – 19:00
Group L: England vs Ghana, Foxborough (Boston), USA – 22:00
Wednesday, June 24
Group L: Panama vs Croatia, Foxborough (Boston), USA – 01:00
Group K: Colombia vs DR Congo, Guadalajara, Mexico – 04:00
MATCHDAY 3 – JUNE 24-28
Wednesday, June 24
Group B: Switzerland vs Canada, Vancouver, Canada – 21:00
Group B: Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar, Seattle, USA – 21:00
Thursday, June 25
Group C: Morocco vs Haiti, Atlanta, USA – 00:00
Group C: Scotland vs Brazil, Miami, USA – 00:00
Group A: Czech Republic vs Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico – 03:00
Group A: South Africa vs South Korea, Guadalupe (Monterrey), Mexico – 03:00
Group E: Curaçao vs Ivory Coast, Philadelphia, USA – 22:00
Group E: Ecuador vs Germany, New Jersey, USA – 22:00
Friday, June 26
Group F: Japan vs Sweden, Arlington (Dallas), USA – 01:00
Group F: Tunisia vs Netherlands, Kansas City, USA – 01:00
Group D: Turkey vs USA, Los Angeles, USA – 04:00
Group D: Paraguay vs Australia, Santa Clara (San Francisco), USA – 04:00
Group I: Norway vs France, Foxborough (Boston), USA – 21:00
Group I: Senegal vs Iraq, Toronto, Canada – 21:00
Saturday, June 27
Group H: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia, Houston, USA – 02:00
Group H: Uruguay vs Spain, Guadalajara, Mexico – 02:00
Group G: New Zealand vs Belgium, Vancouver, Canada – 05:00
Group G: Egypt vs Iran, Seattle, USA – 05:00
Group L: Panama vs England, New Jersey, USA – 23:00
Group L: Croatia vs Ghana, Philadelphia, USA – 23:00
Sunday, June 28
Group K: Colombia vs Portugal, Miami, USA – 01:30
Group K: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Atlanta, USA – 01:30
Group J: Algeria vs Austria, Kansas City, USA – 04:00
Group J: Jordan vs Argentina, Arlington (Dallas), USA – 04:00
ROUND OF 32 – JUNE 28 TO JULY 3
Sunday, June 28
Group A Runners-up vs Group B Runners-up (Match 73) Los Angeles, USA – 21:00
Monday, June 29
Group C Winners vs Group F Runners-up (Match 76) Houston, USA – 19:00
Group E Winners vs Best 3rd Place (Match 74) Boston, USA – 22:30
Tuesday, June 30
Group F Winners vs Group C Runners-up (Match 75) Monterrey, Mexico – 03:00
Group E Runners-up vs Group I Runners-up (Match 78) Dallas, USA – 19:00
Group I Winners vs Best 3rd Place (Match 77) New York City, USA – 23:00
Wednesday, July 1
Group A Winners vs Best 3rd Place (Match 79) Mexico City, Mexico – 03:00
Group L Winners vs Best 3rd Place (Match 80) Atlanta, USA – 18:00
Group G Winners vs Best 3rd Place (Match 82) Seattle, USA – 22:00
Thursday, July 2
Group D Winners vs Best 3rd Place (Match 81) San Francisco, USA – 02:00
Group H Winners vs Group J Runners-up (Match 84) Los Angeles, USA – 21:00
Friday, July 3
Group K Runners-up vs Group L Runners-up (Match 83) Toronto, Canada – 01:00
Group B Winners vs Best 3rd Place(Match 85) Vancouver, Canada – 05:00
Group J Winners vs Group H Runners-up(Match 88) Dallas, USA – 20:00
Saturday, July 4
Group D Runners-up vs Group G Runners-up (Match 86) Miami, USA – 00:00
Group K Winners vs Best 3rd Place (Match 87) Vancouver, Canada – 02:30
ROUND OF 16 – JULY 4-7
Saturday, July 4
Winner Match 73 vs Winner Match 75 (Match 90) – Houston, USA – 19:00
Winner Match 74 vs Winner Match 77 (Match 89) – Philadelphia, USA – 23:00
Sunday, July 5
Winner Match 76 vs Winner Match 78 (Match 91) – New York City, USA – 22:00
Monday, July 6
Winner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80 (Match 92) – Mexico City, Mexico – 02:00
Winner Match 83 vs Winner Match 84 (Match 93) – Dallas, USA – 21:00
Tuesday, July 7
Winner Match 81 vs Winner Match 82 (Match 94) – Seattle, USA – 02:00
Winner Match 86 vs Winner Match 88 (Match 95) – Atlanta, USA – 18:00
Winner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87 (Match 96) – Vancouver, Canada – 22:00
QUARTER-FINALS – JULY 9-11
Thursday, July 9
Winner Match 89 vs Winner Match 90 (Match 97) – Boston, USA – 22:00
Friday, July 10
Winner Match 93 vs Winner Match 94 (Match 98) – Los Angeles, USA – 21:00
Saturday, July 11
Winner Match 95 vs Winner Match 96 (Match 99) – Miami, USA – 23:00
Sunday, July 12
Winner Match 91 vs Winner Match 92 (Match 100) – Kansas City, USA – 03:00
SEMI-FINALS – JULY 14-15
Tuesday, July 14
Winner Match 97 vs Winner Match 98 (Match 101) – Dallas, USA – 21:00
Wednesday, July 15
Winner Match 99 vs Winner 100 (Match 102) – Atlanta, USA – 21:00
THIRD-PLACE PLAYOFF
Saturday, July 18
Loser Match 101 vs Loser Match 102 (Match 103) – Miami, USA – 23:00
FINAL
Sunday, July 19
Winner Match 101 vs Winner Match 102 (Match 104) – New York, USA – 21:00
- Garrin Lambley
Monday, 1 June 2026
SERENA WILLIAMS SET FOR COMPETITIVE RETURN TO LONDON'S QUEEN'S CLUB AT 44
The 23-time Grand Slam champion last played on the WTA Tour in September 2022, when she retired from professional tennis after a third-round loss at the US Open
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| Serena Williams of the United States gestures to the crowd after a match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia on day five of the 2022 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center. Reuters |
Tennis great Serena Williams will make her long-anticipated competitive comeback to tennis at the age of 44 on grass at Queen's Club in London this month as a wildcard entry into the doubles draw, the club said in a statement on Monday.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion last played on the WTA Tour in September 2022, when she retired from professional tennis after a third-round loss at the US Open.
"Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I'm excited to be back competing on one of the sport's most iconic stages," Williams was quoted as saying.
Williams had re-entered the sport's anti-doping pool last year, spurring rumours of her return. The rumours persisted after she playfully dodged questions about coming back in an interview on NBC.
Novak Djokovic said in March that Williams could target Wimbledon for her comeback, while her former coach Rick Macci said she was "going all out" in training to get ready for a return to the sport she dominated for two decades along with her sister Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam winner.
Venus, 15 months older than Serena, is still playing and competed at the Australian Open in January as a wildcard.
- Reuters
FRENCH OPEN HANDS ADOLFO DANIEL VALLEJO LARGEST FINE IN HISTORY FOR SEXIST REMARKS ABOUT FEMALE UMPIRE
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo has been handed a whopping 65,000 euros (£56,250) fine after sexist comments he made after losing a thrilling five-set battle against 17-year-old Frenchman Moise Kouame at the French Open.
He claimed it was unsuitable for a female umpire, in this instance Ana Carvalho, to be officiating the match. He stated this due to the partisan crowd passionately supporting Kouame as he looked to continue his progress in front of his home support.
Female umpires have been officiating men's tennis matches at Grand Slam level since 2007, almost two decades now. Vallejo would have been very annoyed after he ended up losing an absolute thrilling match of tennis
.After going two sets down, the Paraguayan mustered up what seemed to be a hugely impressive comeback as Kouame started to struggle. He was 5-2 up in the fifth and had the chance to serve it out but Kouame struck back. The tiebreak was also ridiculously tense and tight, but Vallejo would come the wrong side of a 10-8 deficit.
Afterwards, he told clay about his displeasure of the crowd not being under control. "This sort of match needs to be umpired by a man; it’s very difficult for a woman to do it," he said. “It has to be refereed by a man because it is a very heavy crowd, and you need a lot of strength to go against the crowd."
A lot of backlash came from this and Vallejo responded, apologising on social media. “I want to clarify that my comments were not meant in the way they have been understood. I have respect for the umpire and for the job they do, after a 5 hours battle I was very heated and with a lot of emotions, I apologise,” he wrote.
“I also want to clarify that I didn’t blame the loss on her; she did a good job throughout the whole match. I will learn and get better with this. I also have great respect for Roland-Garros, the French Tennis Federation, and everyone involved in tennis.”
Vallejo handed huge fine
This apology has not got him out of the woods. Deemed sexist, Roland Garros’ tournament director, Amélie Mauresmo, confirmed that he would be fined by the French Tennis Federation a large 65,000 euros. This is a large chunk of his earnings from the tournament, collecting 130,000 euros for reaching the second round.
“A financial penalty was imposed, amounting to approximately 65,000 euros—roughly half of his prize money,” Mauresmo said. "As far as we’re concerned, the situation is very clear: this kind of remark is unacceptable. Neither for the tournament nor for the Federation.”
It is a sorry end to Vallejo's Grand Slam debut. A rapid rise into the top 80 has seen him automatically qualify for the tournament, getting the better of Cameron Norrie in the first round after the Brit had to retire. He was not able to repeat the fate against Kouame as he now reaps the punishment for his comments made after the match.
- Lucas Michael
FORMER NHL STAR CLAUDE LEMIEUX DIED BY SUICIDE, POLICE SAY
Claude Lemieux, who won the Stanley Cup four times during a memorable NHL career, has died, the NHL Alumni Association announced Thursday. He was 60.
Lemieux died by suicide, according to authorities.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said that deputies responded just after 3 a.m. to the scene of an apparent suicide at a furniture store showroom in Lake Park, Florida. The sheriff's office said the victim was believed to be Lemieux and said he was found in a rear warehouse by one of his sons.
Just three days before, Lemieux was the Montreal Canadiens' torch bearer before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at Bell Centre.
"Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said. "A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day."
Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Lemieux was selected by the Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL draft. He played 1,215 games in the NHL, scoring 786 points (379 goals, 407 assists). Lemieux played primarily with the Canadiens (seven years), New Jersey Devils (six years, in two different stints) and Colorado Avalanche (five years) before making stops with Phoenix, Dallas and San Jose near the end of his career.
President Donald Trump, in a post on social media, called Lemieux a "true Legend of the Game and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen."
Lemieux was known for elevating his game in the playoffs, with 0.68 career points per game in 234 postseason games. He won the Stanley Cup four times in his career with the Canadiens (1986), Devils (1995 and 2000) and Avalanche (1996). He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995 with a playoff-best 13 goals in 20 games.
He played one game for the Sharks in the 2008-09 season, having last played in the 2002-03 season with Dallas. In between, Lemieux was featured on the Spike TV show "Pros Vs. Joes" and the CBC reality competition figure skating show "Battle of the Blades."
Lemieux was one of the NHL's most antagonistic players, known for getting under the skin of other teams' star players. His play would frequently cross the line of legality, as Lemieux earned 1,777 penalty minutes in his career as well as the ire of opposing fans.
There was never more heat on Lemieux than in 1996 with the Avalanche, when he checked Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper from behind in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals. Draper suffered a concussion and needed reconstructive surgery on his face. Lemieux was suspended for two playoff games. This led to an epic line brawl between the teams on March 26, 1997. This would eventually be covered in ESPN's series "Unrivaled" in 2022.
After his retirement, Lemieux became an NHLPA-certified agent, representing players such as Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen.
Lemieux appeared before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at Bell Centre, carrying the Canadiens' pregame torch to "light up" the arena before their game against Carolina.
"He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time. Memorial service details to follow," wrote the NHL Alumni Association.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
- Greg Wyshynski
EMIRATES GBR NARROWLY MISSES OUT ON WIN AT NEW YORK SAIL GRAND PRIX
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| Image: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP |
Emirates GBR narrowly missed out on a win at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix after the closest of battles with Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos in the event final.
The Brits were just three seconds behind the Aussies as they crossed the line on the Hudson River, in what was the most thrilling finishes of the 2026 Season so far. As the two teams rounded the last mark practically neck and neck, both protested that the other team did not leave enough room, but the umpires concluded that no penalties were necessary.
Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher MBE said he was “proud” of the team’s performance, but it was “bittersweet” that they didn’t get the win.
“It was a great battle with the Aussies in that final race,” Fletcher said.
“We were surprised they didn’t get a penalty but when you leave it in the hands of the umpires it’s always 50/50.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling to not be standing on top of the podium but we’ve got to be proud of our performance this weekend.
“It was a fantastic day for the team and we felt like we were getting ourselves back on form after a tricky couple of events, especially looking at Rio which was similar conditions and configurations today where we really struggled. I’m really proud of how the team came out firing and there’s certainly more gains to come.”
Emirates GBR launched into action on Sunday after welcoming star (wars) power onto the F50 race boat on Saturday, with Ewan McGregor joining the team for a Sixth Sailor Experience. McGregor and his childhood friend Eric Strickland friends stepped aboard the 50ft foiling catamaran, which reaches speeds of 100km/h, as part of their preparation for an upcoming transatlantic sailing adventure, which will be documented in the series True Wind. The documentary is being directed by David Alexanian and ELIXIR FILMS, the team previously behind the acclaimed Long Way Round, Long Way Down, Long Way Up and Long Way Home series.
Emirates GBR kicked off the day’s action on Sunday with a race win after nailing the start and extending their lead to sail their own race and cross the finish line with a 150m advantage. The second race didn’t go as smoothly for the Brits as they were shut out at the start line which meant they began at the back of the fleet in 11th place. But the team persevered and kept pushing to make their way through the pack and come out with a sixth-place finish.
The third and final fleet race of the day started with a major collision between Red Bull Italy, Mubadala Brazil and the U.S SailGP Team on the start line. The incident occurred as Italy approached the start line early and turned in a bid to not get an early start penalty. The United States were deemed to be the boat required to keep clear and was disqualified by the umpires, the team also received a seven-point penalty, while Italy received a four-point penalty.
Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills OBE described the conditions on the Hudson as “hectic” and “super challenging”.
“We were at the top end of conditions for the 27.5m wing a lot of times today,” Mills said.
“We had the same situation in Rio as well so we took a lot of learnings from then and put them into practice today. We felt like we got our speed back today, so to get in that final and have such a good race with the Aussies was amazing. Our goal for this event was to get that feeling back, and it was just an unbelievably good race – so bring on Canada.”
Emirates GBR will be back in action at the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 20 – 21 June. The Brits were victorious the last time the championship stopped in Halifax back in 2024, and they will be looking to close the gap between them and the Aussies this time round. The current 2026 Season leaderboard sees Australia first on 55 points, Emirates GBR second on 44 points and United States third on 36 points.
- All At Sea
RUGBY 🏉 LEGEND JOHN KEAR DIES "SUDDENLY"
Rugby league legend John Kear has died "suddenly", a day after commentating on the Challenge Cup final.
Kear, who was 71, was a former England, Wales, and two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach.
- Sky Sports
JAMES MILNER RETIRES AT AGE 40 AFTER LIVERPOOL ICON BREAKS PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
Premier League and England legend James Milner has retired after a 24-year career in the top-flight, playing for Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton
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| James Milner has announced his retirement from football(Image: Getty Images) |
Premier League legend and former England international James Milner has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.
The versatile midfielder left Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season when his contract expired after three years on the south coast. But instead of finding a new club, Milner has decided to call time on his illustrious career just months after breaking the record for most Premier League appearances in February.
Milner played for six teams in England's top flight. The 61-time England international came through at Leeds United before joining Newcastle United and then Aston Villa. He won the Premier League twice, FA Cup and League Cup at Manchester City before winning all there is to win under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
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| James Milner won multiple honours at Liverpool(Image: (JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)) |
Taking to X, Milner shared an emotional statement: "After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career. From making my debut for @leedsunited, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer.
"I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of @officialbhafc qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
"To have gone on to represent @nufc, @astonvilla, @mancity, @liverpoolfc and @officialbhafc — and not forgetting a memorable month at @officialstfc — has been an incredible privilege.
"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved — the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way."
He continued: "To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too — you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
- Cameron Winstanley
HOW BVB STAR FAIRED IN GERMANY'S 4-0 OVER FINLAND
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| Germany - Finland | picture alliance/GettyImages |
Germany's final home game before the 2026 FIFA World Cup resulted in a dominant 4-0 win over Finland in Mainz on Sunday.
Deniz Undav struck a brace whereas Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala also scored apiece as Die Mannschaft were given a cheerful send-off from the home fans.
The four-time champions will now travel to Chicago for their last warmup friendly against the United States before kicking-off their campaign against Curacao on 14 June.
Which BVB stars featured?
Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that Felix Nmecha would start for Germany. Turns out, Nico Schlotterbeck was also in the mix, starting in their four-man backline.
Maximilian Beier and Waldemar Anton were on the bench. But while Beier was subbed in after the break, Anton didn't feature at all.
How did Dortmund player fare?
Now speaking of their performance, Schlotterbeck displayed excellent vision to make one interception and two clearances while also winning two of his three ground duels.
Combining his towering stature with strong physical attributes, the BVB star made sure that Finnish forwards didn't have any time or space to work into.
As for Nmecha, the midfielder was heavily involved in the passing game and registered a 91% completion rate. He also laid one key pass while making two shots in the game.
The 25-year-old was involved in Germany's second goal as his high-press promoted a Finnish defender to make a backward pass that was intercepted by Undav for Wirtz to score.
In the build-up to their third one, Nmecha released Aleksandar Pavlovic on the right to race ahead and set up Undav.
Having made only six appearances for Germany before this, Nmecha displayed tactical intelligence that belied his age and experience.
Naglesmann's intent behind starting him tonight was perhaps to get the player more accustomed to his set-up before the cup and the Dortmund star seemed to thrive in his role.
With that performance, his place in the XI for the tournament might just be confirmed now.
Beier came on for the final 17 minutes but made two attempts, both of which forced Finnish custodian Lukas Hradecky to intervene.
What about Anton?
Naglesmann clearly gave the younger players a chance here and Anton remaining on the bench is in no way a cause for concern for the BVB players.
Having played such a crucial role in Dortmund's defensive backline in 2025-26 season, he is sure to get his moment to shine with Germany too.
- Sachin Bhat
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