Mexico prevailed with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez in a match they finished with 10 men after captain Cesar Montes was sent off, though they were rarely troubled.

Japan captain Wataru Endo was ruled out of the World Cup with injury and announced his international retirement on Thursday, three days before his team's opener against the Netherlands.

What can be expected from the Nigar Sultana Joty-led side at this World Cup? Will it be another tournament of participation, or can they finally take a meaningful step forward?

Taskin Ahmed and company are now savouring the pride of dismantling Australia on tracks with pace and bounce, sealing a five-wicket win in the second and penultimate One-Day International to clinch the series 2-0.

The 2026 World Cup got off to a glittering start at Estadio Azteca yesterday.

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.

After two seasons without major silverware, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez activated the nuclear option.

Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract on Thursday, turning back to the Portuguese tactician who once delivered them a record-breaking LaLiga triumph but has not won a league title since leaving the Spanish capital.

Long queues wrapped around the Azteca as fans faced a long wait to enter the first stadium to host matches across three World Cups. Inside, thousands sang ahead of kickoff.

The three teams are tied on 16 points from 10 matches.

"Chill, relax" was Gianni Infantino's message on Wednesday as the FIFA president sought to defuse concerns over visa issues that have clouded the buildup to the World Cup, saying soccer's governing body could not dictate immigration decisions to host nations.

New systems will assist with offside decisions, create 3D player models, support match analysis and help protect participants from online abuse

Coach Javier Aguirre drew on memories of Mexico's last home World Cup on Wednesday as he prepared to lead the hosts into the tournament opener against South Africa, four decades after taking the field as a player at the Estadio Azteca.

Pace bowler Robiul Haque has earned his maiden Test call-up following impressive performances in first-class cricket.

Selectors confirmed that Saif Hassan had asked to step down as vice-captain, paving the way for Hridoy to become Litton Das's deputy.

The minister said the government has increased allowances for athletes in an effort to promote sports as a viable profession. Currently, 300 athletes receive sports allowances

Player and club numbers: 1,248 players from 449 clubs in 71 countries. 357 players have previous World Cup experience; 891 are debutants.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out an expected wall of sound on Thursday when they take on co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener.

Hundreds of protesters returned to an area near Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on Wednesday night, hours before the opening ceremony of the World Cup was due to take place.