MEDAL TABLE | DAY 4 | COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2026 | GLASGOW

 

MADELEINE MCCANN'S BROTHER SEAN, 21, COMPLETING FOR SCOTLAND IN COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Games, which take place in Glasgow from this Thursday until 2 August 2026, will mark Sean McCann's Commonwealth debut for Scotland

(Image: Getty Images for Commonwealth Sport)

Madeleine McCann’s brother will take part in the Commonwealth Games after being selected to swim for Scotland. Sean McCann is getting ready to step out onto the global stage this week when the Games begin in Glasgow.

Madeleine was three when she went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in southern Portugal on May 3 2007, shortly before her birthday. Sean and his twin sister Amelie were just two when their older sister disappeared.

According to Scottish Swimming, Sean will compete in the freestyle disciplines as he looks to qualify for Team GB and swim at the LA Olympics in 2028. The 21-year-old began competing aged eight and previously raced for Scotland at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023 in the 400m and 1500m freestyle.

Speaking about his competitive journey a few years ago on the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust website, he revealed: “I started competitive sport when I was eight, joining Charnwood triathlon club. It was here that I discovered my passion for swimming and I joined Loughborough Town swimming club to increase the number of swim sessions I did per week.

"At the age of 10, I was selected to swim at City of Leicester and I have since gone on to win multiple county titles as well as becoming regional and National champion in my age group. In order to have achieved this, I have had to remain extremely dedicated, getting up at 4am multiple mornings each week to train, since the age of 11.

"I train nine times a week in the pool, as well as three gym sessions, totalling over 20 hours of training per week. I’m aiming to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and also the 2028 Olympics in LA.”

It is not known if his parents Kate and Gerry McCann will be in attendance at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre during the 11-day event, which begins on Thursday, July 23.

Mr and Mrs McCann criticised a true-crime drama about their daughter’s disappearance back in May, saying the programme was made without their consultation or consent.

Kate and Gerry said they 'had no involvement whatsoever' in the making of Channel 5’s 'Under Suspicion: Kate McCann', which depicts Madeleine’s mother being treated as a suspect during the investigation into her disappearance in May 2007.

In a statement released on the day the show aired, Kate and Gerry raised concerns over the 'negative impact' such programmes have on their family as they continue to grieve Madeleine’s disappearance 19 years on.

Kate McCann, the mother of the missing British girl Madeleine, carries her son Sean after piking him up from the local nursery at the Ocean Club holiday resort on May 22, 2007 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. (Image: Getty Images)

“Thank you to everyone who has offered support & kindness this month,” they wrote on the Find Madeleine Campaign website. “May is never the easiest. We usually start to feel a bit ‘lighter’ at this stage of the month.

“We are disappointed however, knowing that a Channel 5 ‘docu-drama’ will air tonight. We have not given, or been asked for, our consent and have had no involvement whatsoever in its making.

“We fail to see how it will help. Programmes like this, always have a negative impact on our family.”

The Metropolitan Police’s probe into the 2007 disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine has been active since 2011. German authorities identified Christian Brueckner as the prime suspect in Madeleine’s case back in 2022.

Gerry (L) and Kate McCann (R) leave their home in Rothley, Leicestershire in central England with daughter Amelie and son Sean, 12 September 2007. (Image: Getty Images)

However, Brueckner has never been charged over Madeleine’s disappearance and has previously denied any involvement. Speaking in December, dad Gerry, from Glasgow, said the hope of finding her after all this time is 'slim', but not 'extinguished'.

“Madeleine’s been missing for 18 years, and the bottom line is, we still don’t know what’s happened to her,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Gerry added: “I don’t even mean ‘convincing’ evidence – there is no evidence to say she’s dead.

“Now we fully understand she may be dead, it may even be probable, but we don’t know that. I’d love to find her alive, but we need to find out what happened and bring whoever’s responsible to justice, and other children and people are at risk while that perpetrator is free.”

- Connor O'Neill

RUGBY 🏉 WORLD RANKINGS

 

NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 2026 | RUGBY 🏉

 

SCOTLAND SEEK A NEW HEAD COACH AS STEVE CLARKE RESIGNS IN WAKE OF WORLD CUP EXIT

Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments. Photo: PA

Scotland are looking for a new head coach after Steve Clarke stepped down from his post following their exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The Scots mustered three points from nine in Group C to end up behind Brazil and Morocco, with a minus three goal difference, but it was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams who move through to the last 32 of the competition.

Soon after Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday night confirmed Scotland’s wait for a first qualification from the group stages of a major tournament would continue, a statement on the national team’s official Twitter account read: “Scotland men’s head coach Steve Clarke has stepped down from his role.

“Our most successful national team head coach has called time on his seven years in charge following our participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments and it was the national team’s first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998.

In a lengthy open letter to supporters on the Scottish Football Association’s website, the 62-year-old said: “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now.

“They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer.

“Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, thanked Clarke for his “record-breaking contribution”.

He said: “While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge.

“From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.

“We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.”

It is understood that the former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock boss had told his squad of his decision at their hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, which has been their base during the tournament, before the announcement of his departure.

It is not yet clear if Clarke, his backroom staff and players will fly home on Sunday or Monday.

Nevertheless, the Scottish FA are looking for a new boss ahead of the Nations League campaign which begins in September.

Scotland were beaten by Brazil in their final group game (Martin Rickett/PA).

There were eyebrows raised last month when the former St Mirren, Chelsea and Scotland defender signed a new contract which would have taken him through to 2030.

And there has been widespread criticism of Clarke after Scotland failed again to reach the knockout stages after finishing bottom of their group at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

The Scots started the campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti then lost 1-0 to Morocco, both in at Boston Stadium.

A 3-0 defeat by Brazil in Miami in their final Group C fixture last Wednesday night left Clarke’s side needing a series of favours from other teams, which they did not get, with Croatia’s win over Ghana in Philadelphia sealing the Scots’ fate.

- Ronnie Esplin, Press Association

TARTAN ARMY TAKES OVER MIAMI AHEAD OF SCOTLAND VS. BRAZIL

Scotland fans have descended on Miami, Florida, for what could be a historic World Cup match against Brazil on Wednesday.

Steve Clarke's side currently sit third in Group C after a 1-0 win and defeat against Haiti and Morocco.

If all goes well, Scotland has a chance at qualifying for the knockout stage at the World Cup for the first time ever, following eight previous group-stage exits.

They could even qualify with a loss, but would need to wait until all the group games finish on June 27 to know their fate.

Tartan Army cheers on Scotland at a boat party in Miami
Credit: ITV News

Defender and captain Andy Robertson admitted that Brazil will be a tough game, but remained positive, telling reporters: "We are in control of our own destiny."

He's certainly got backing from fans, as thousands of Tartan Army members travelled to Miami for the game.

Fans from both teams were seen drinking, dancing on Ocean Drive, and wishing each other luck. Some even played five-a-sides and other street football games.

“Everywhere they go, people fall in love with them,” Robertson said.

Andy Robertson and his team have been training in preparation for their match against Brazil
Credit: AP

"Come tomorrow night. If we manage to beat Brazil ... I'm sure maybe a couple of beers will be drunk by the Tartan Army. That's for sure," he added.

The Tartan Army certainly won over the hearts of people in Boston, where their previous games were held, as they marched through the city playing bagpipes and chanting the new unofficial 'No Scotland, No Party' anthem.

Back on home turf, faithfuls will be watching at fan zones across Scotland including the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow and The Pitt in Edinburgh. The game will kick off at 11pm UK time.

First Minister John Swinney said he has faith that the team can make history and that they "have the chance to make themselves legends tonight".

Both teams kick off at 11pm UK time and the game will be available to watch on BBC 1.

- itvX

STEVE CLARKE PRESS CONFERENCE | SCOTLAND VS.. BRAZIL | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: SAIBARI SCORES FASTEST GOAL OF THIS EDITION AS MOROCCO BEAT SCOTLAND 1-0

 

Massachusetts [US], June 20 (ANI): Morocco secured a clinical 1-0 victory over Scotland at Boston Stadium, with Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive goal as the Atlas Lions maintained control to claim a crucial Group C win.

Morocco completed 601 passes against Scotland, the most by an African team in a FIFA World Cup match on record since 1966, as per OptaJoe's X handle.

Morocco struck early through Saibari, who broke past the Scottish defence, controlled a precise pass from Brahim Diaz, and fired a powerful finish into the roof of the net beyond goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

The strike proved to be the fastest goal of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 and also Morocco's quickest ever at the global tournament, helping them move to four points and temporarily top Group C ahead of Brazil's fixture in Philadelphia.

After the interval, both sides created chances in an open contest. Saibari nearly doubled the lead but saw his deflected effort crash off the crossbar after a sharp move initiated by Bilal El Khannouss.

Morocco came close again when El Khannouss almost converted a near-post corner from Achraf Hakimi, only for Gunn to deny him once more.

In the closing stages, Scotland pushed hard for an equaliser, with John McGinn, Ben Gannon-Doak and Scott McTominay leading repeated attacks. However, Morocco held firm under pressure to secure all three points and complete a vital win.

During the clash, Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari etched his name into the record books after scoring the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, finding the net just 70 seconds.

Saibari struck after only one minute and 10 seconds, surpassing the previous fastest goal of the tournament scored by Czechia's Michal Sadilek, who had netted after five minutes and seven seconds against South Africa earlier in the competition.

The early breakthrough underlined Morocco's positive start to the match and highlighted Saibari's growing influence on the international stage.

The goal also saw Saibari achieve another significant milestone. He became only the second African player to score in each of his first two FIFA World Cup appearances, joining Egypt's Mohamed Salah in the exclusive list.

In addition, the strike is now the fastest goal ever scored by Morocco at a FIFA World Cup and the second-fastest goal scored by an African nation in the tournament's history. The record for the fastest World Cup goal by an African player remains with Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, who scored against the Czech Republic during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Ismael Saibari's early effort has now become the quickest goal of the ongoing edition of the World Cup, highlighting his immediate impact in the high-profile clash.

However, the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history remains unchanged. Turkey's Hakan Sukur still holds that record, having scored just 11 seconds into a match against South Korea in 2002. Sukur had capitalised on a defensive lapse straight from kickoff to slot home and create a milestone that continues to stand as the quickest strike in World Cup history. 

- ANI

CÔTE D'IVOIRE | LAST 3 GAMES

 

RANKING THE BEST KITS AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP INCLUDING SOUTH AFRICA'S GENERATIONAL AWAY SHIRT

Many teams have unveiled their new home and away kits for the 2026 World Cup, but a handful stand out amongst the rest.

Can you believe it? We are just 80 days away from witnessing the opening match at this summer's World Cup, an event that will be welcomed by kit-lovers all over the world.

The tournament will get underway on June 11 as co-hosts Mexico welcome South Africa to the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Mexico will wear a shirt that pays homage to one of their most iconic jerseys, the 1998 World Cup design worn in France, while South Africa are expected to don their viral green and gold striped kit.

Inspired by the kit they wore on home soil at the 2010 World Cup, the kit that features traditional patterns and stripes could be a fan favourite at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Someone on social media described the design as a masterpiece, while another commented: "The best national jersey I've seen".

Adidas home kits for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

Adidas away kits for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Getty

Most of those taking part in the 48-team tournament have been introduced to their new-look kit, with the likes of Adidas and Nike launching their designs to the wider public in recent months.

So, which kits stand out amongst the rest?

SPORTbible have decided to pick out some of our favourites ahead of this summer's showpiece event, and before you mention it, yes, we enjoy the classic Adidas trefoil logo, but who doesn't?

Scotland – Away

Blending heritage with a contemporary aesthetic, Scotland have returned to scarlet red – last used in the 1980s – for this summer's World Cup.

The design draws on some of Scotland’s most iconic away kits, with its vertical purple pinstripes "adding depth and detail to create a dynamic look that stands out on the international stage."

Sometimes, simple is best. SPORTbible rating: 9/10

Scotland's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

South Africa – Away

Inspired by the kit they wore on home soil at the 2010 World Cup, South Africa might just scrape the award for best kit at this year's World Cup.

The updated design pays tribute to South Africa's 12 official languages, which is described by Adidas as "a powerful reflection of the nation's diversity, unity, and shared love for football."

Moreover, the subtle graphic elements woven into the fabric symbolise "the many voices that rise together in stadiums across the country and around the world."

Everything about this kit is sublime. From the dark green and gold colour combination to its stripes and traditional patterns, it really is a thing of beauty. SPORTbible rating: 10/10.

South Africa's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

Chile – Away

Chile's vibrant away kit for this summer's World Cup pays homage to the Desierto Florido, a rare natural phenomenon that occasionally transforms the Atacama Desert into a colourful bloom.

A recurring theme in this list is Adidas and its wonderful retro trefoil logo. For the first time in 36 years, the classic logo has returned to the international football stage, and we couldn't be happier about it.

The classic Originals look injects a 90's vibe to proceedings and this kit, with its striking floral graphic and earthy crackle design, is a joy to behold. SPORTbible rating: 9/10

South Africa's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

Costa Rica – Away

Inspired by the colourful toucan, a bird that symbolises social connection, this all-over blue and fuchsia design embodies the spirit of Costa Rica's friendly and joyful culture. One thing is for sure, it will stand out on match day.

The pastel pinks and blues are wonderful. Not everyone's cup of tea but we're a big fan. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10

Costa Rica's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

Germany – Home

Like so many of the other shirts at this summer's tournament, Germany has paid homage to some of the nation’s most iconic jerseys in years gone by, with its diamond shape and chevron detailing.

For us, long-sleeved shirts are a winner. A timeless classic which will be the last Adidas release before Nike take over. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10

Germany's home kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

Curacao – Away

Another contender for the best kit at this summer's World Cup. The Curacao away kit celebrates the capital city, Willemstad, and the colourful buildings that reside in its Punda and Otrobanda districts.

A colourful tribute to Curacao's distinctive architecture, the shirt is predominantly pastel yellow, with bold pink, turquoise, and orange stripes, as well as blue details on its sleeves and cuffs.

A stunning jersey for the country’s first-ever World Cup. SPORTbible rating: 9.5/10

Curacao's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

Germany – Away

For the second time in this list, Germany has been given a mention. And can you blame us? This shirt is a nod to the blue quarter zips worn in 1954, as well as the classic training tops of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Adding to the retro aesthetic, a continuous zigzag pattern of diagonal jagged stripes runs across the fabric, drawing inspiration from classic Adidas shoebox designs.

"I find a Germany jersey in this color unusual – but really good,” said Germany's Florian Wirtz. We agree. SPORTbible rating: 9/10

Germany's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas

Japan – Away

The shirt features 12 vertical stripes over an off-white base, with eleven of those lines representing the players on the field. The red one in the middle? Well, that embodies the red sun of the national flag.

This design is reminiscent of baseball shirts, with the sport being one of the most popular in Japan. Simple, but effective. SPORTbible rating: 8/10

Japan's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas. Image credit: Adidas

France – Away

The only Nike representative on this list. (Sorry, we just love the trefoil logo).

France’s glacier green away kit for the World Cup pays homage to the Statue of Liberty, with its colours mimicking those of the statue, a gift to the US from France in 1886. In fact, this jersey is called "Liberté".

Meanwhile, the copper-colored rooster is another homage to the colour of the Statue of Liberty before its oxidation. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10

France's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Nike

Thoughts on our list? Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: Adidas

- Jack Kenmare

WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS | TOP 15 NATIONS

 

#GUINESSM6N TO BE CROWNED THIS WEEKEND

 

GUNNA AT ENGLAND VS. WALES

 

WORLD RUGBY 🏉 RANKINGS

 

LATEST FIFA WORLD RANKINGS

 

WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS

 

MANU SAMOA V SCOTLAND: SCOTLAND TOO STRONG FOR SAMOA IN AUCKLAND

Manu Samoa lost to Argentina 19-10 in their second pool match at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: Manu Samoa

Scotland have closed out their Pacific tour with a comprehensive victory over Samoa.

The Scots were in an enterprising mood in Auckland, running in seven tries to thoroughly out-class an understrength Samoan side.

It was a healthy spattering of Samoa supporters at Eden Park, with their home ground in Apia undergoing renovations.

Striking after just five minutes, Scotland powered out to a 22-0 lead at halftime with tries to Rory Hutchinson, Kyle Steyn, Arron Reed and Ewan Ashman.

Samoa managed two late consolation tries, but it was all too little too late as Scotland closed out a dominant performance with another copybook rolling maul in the 78th to drive in the final nail.

The result sees Scotland head home with two wins after defeating the Maori All Blacks and a defeat to Fiji.

For Samoa, it was their first hitout since September 2024, and they were also missing a number of frontline players due to NPC commitments.

-RNZ

UEFA CONFIRM QUALIFICATION SYSTEM FOR EURO 2028 COMPETITION

epa10911066 The UEFA Euro trophy is pictured after the UK and Ireland were elected to host the Euro 2028 fooball tournament during the UEFA EURO 2028 and 2032 hosts announcement ceremony at UEFA Headquarters, in Nyon, Switzerland, 10 October 2023. EPA-EFE/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

UEFA have announced the qualifying system to enter the EURO 2028 tournament, with news host nations England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will not be given automatic participation.

As is often to case now, the competition will be hosted not by a single nation, but with a combination of different countries sharing the venues.

Italy and Turkey will be co-hosts for the EURO 2032 tournament.

epa10911065 The UEFA Euro trophy is pictured after Italy and Turkey were elected to host the Euro 2032 fooball tournament during the UEFA EURO 2028 and 2032 hosts announcement ceremony at UEFA Headquarters, in Nyon, Switzerland, 10 October 2023. EPA-EFE/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

Number of EURO 2028 co-hosts poses problem for UEFA

In the case of EURO 2028, it will be England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

As having all four of those given an automatic berth would reduce the options for others, UEFA has confirmed they will all have to come through qualifying.

Italy are vying to be one of the 20 nations qualifying for the competition, with 12 going through as group winners, and eight as the best-placed runners-up.

There are four remaining spots to be assigned, two will go to the two best-ranked host nations who failed to qualify directly.

Another two are assigned via play-offs between the remaining runners-up and the sides who ranked best in the 2026-27 Nations League, but still didn’t qualify as group winners.

This means the number of spots open via the play-offs will depend on how many of the co-host nations qualify.

The qualification schedule should be finalised this autumn.

EURO 2024 was won by Spain.

- Susy Campanale

RUGBY 🏉 | WORLD RANKINGS

 

SPRINGBOKS TROUNCED SCOTLAND | INTERNATIONAL RUGBY 🏉 UNION