Sports - Thursday, June 11, 2026

Forty years after the World Cup was last in Mexico, the tournament returned Thursday, and Mexico celebrated with an emotional win over South Africa.

There was a star-studded opening ceremony, and some sporadic clashes between police and protesters around the Azteca stadium.

Prosecutors cite ChatGPT messages as key evidence Gabriella Perpetuo died of blunt force injuries Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been indicted on a murder charge in the death of his partner . A grand jury in Hamilton County returned an indictment on Tuesday. Prosecutors dismissed a tampering with evidence charge to focus solely on the more serious allegation, Hamilton County district attorney Coty Wamp said. Continue reading...

Key midfielder Scott McTominay travelled with a doctor as a precaution prior to Scotland's World Cup opener.

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Mark Pougatch acknowledged the controversies surrounding the tournament, while capturing the excitement of football fans Don’t mention the war. Mark Pougatch mentioned it, right at the start of ITV’s World Cup coverage, but I think he got away with it. He also, to his credit, highlighted the outrageous ticket prices , as well as the disgraceful treatment of the teams, fans and officials who now find themselves persona non grata in the US. Even Donald J Trump, the first (and quite possibly last) holder of the Fifa Peace Prize , got a mention. Pougatch also gave a visibly emotional Ian Wright the chance to suggest that the US has “no idea of the spirit of the game”. All unexpectedly and encouragingly feisty. Of course, it was no Gary Lineker, railing against the hosts’ human rights record while launching the BBC’s coverage of Qatar 2022. But Lineker is a corporation ghost now – no longer at the Beeb but podcasting for Netflix . The BBC have, on the grounds of cost, opted to present this World Cup from an austerity bunker in Salford . The Telegraph derided this as a “work from home” operation. ITV are already having some fun with it too. Continue reading...

Three players were sent off in the World Cup opener as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. Are we about to see a World Cup littered with red cards?

According to Reid, despite being half of one of the most anticipated weddings in recent memory, Kelce is focused on training camp.

Mexico City played host to this year’s first game as an emotionally charged Azteca witnessed Shakira’s big return Mexicans have waited 40 years to witness a World Cup in their own country and the pride felt from becoming the first nation to stage three tournaments has been easy to sense in the city all week. Those fortunate enough to have secured tickets were not going to miss out. Despite road closures and multiple protests from striking teachers and families of the country’s 130,000 disappeared making travel challenging, all 83,000 seats at the Azteca were filled 90 minutes before kick-off, with Fifa’s fears of being forced to delay proceedings proving unfounded. Continue reading...

A number of clubs are rising -- and falling -- throughout the rest of our list.