The U.S. men’s national team arguably had its best win ever at a World Cup, with striker Folarin Balogun becoming a standout performer in the tournament so far.
Mexico opened the tournament with a strong showing against South Africa, starting the 2026 World Cup with a win on home turf.
South Korea beat out Czechia on Thursday, while early matches featured Netherlands over Switzerland, with Patrick Brandner and Artnautović making it 3-1 in their game.
Japan’s two goal scorers, Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada, emerged as top performers of the first weekend alongside the USMNT’s Balogun.
The tournament has been prolific in goals, with 74 goals scored so far and 23 of the first 24 matches having at least one goal scored.
The opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca got off to a glittering start, with Shakira featured alongside Burna and Bocelli, sending fans into the stadium.
The Parade of Nations was enhanced by salma Hayek Pinault donning a striking scarlet Gucci suit adorned with a Boucheron brooch in Mexico.
Lionel Messi produced the individual highlight of the opening week, scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick as Argentina kicked off their title defence.
The U.S. men’s national team arguably had its best win ever at a World Cup, with striker Folarin Balogun becoming a standout performer in the tournament so far.
Mexico opened the tournament with a strong showing against South Africa, starting the 2026 World Cup with a win on home turf.
South Korea beat out Czechia on Thursday, while early matches featured Netherlands over Switzerland, with Patrick Brandner and Artnautović making it 3-1 in their game.
Japan’s two goal scorers, Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada, emerged as top performers of the first weekend alongside the USMNT’s Balogun.
The tournament has been prolific in goals, with 74 goals scored so far and 23 of the first 24 matches having at least one goal scored.
The opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca got off to a glittering start, with Shakira featured alongside Burna and Bocelli, sending fans into the stadium.
The Parade of Nations was enhanced by salma Hayek Pinault donning a striking scarlet Gucci suit adorned with a Boucheron brooch in Mexico.
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Tottenham get green light to open bid for Osimhen
Tottenham are pushing to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray as new manager Roberto De Zerbi makes him a key summer target. Reports say Spurs have been given sporting approval to open talks for the 27-year-old, and personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle once a fee is agreed. The London club’s opening approach is believed to be in the £50 million to £55 million bracket, but Galatasaray are holding out for about £65 million. Osimhen remains contracted to Galatasaray until 2029, and the Turkish club are said to value him much higher because of his goal-scoring record and importance to the squad. Earlier reports also indicated that Osimhen would be open to a Premier League move, strengthening speculation around Tottenham’s interest.
Veekee James defends always being with husband at outings
Fashion designer Veekee James has responded to criticism over her husband, Femi Atere, frequently accompanying her to public functions. She says their marriage means they share one life and sees nothing wrong with appearing together. Veekee made the remarks in a Snapchat video after a social media user questioned why Atere is often seen with her and suggested that he has no life of his own. She replied that marriage is about unity, saying, “His life is my life,” and adding that she also does not have a life of her own. The fashion entrepreneur used a padlock-and-key analogy to describe how closely connected she and her husband are. She also dismissed the idea that married couples should live separate social lives, insisting that people who “don’t know what marriage is” are the ones criticising her choice. Veekee said the […]
Jude Okoye denies $1.2m royalty diversion claim, says Mr P avoiding court
The former P-Square manager said the claims by his younger brother Peter Okoye are false and should be left for the court to decide. In a video released on Sunday, Jude said royalty payments and financial distributions were made according to existing agreements and were properly documented. He also rejected claims that Peter was removed as a signatory to company bank accounts or denied access to royalty records. Jude said the matter had already been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and is currently before a competent court. He added that bank documents, financial records and digital evidence have been submitted to the court, urging the public to ignore social media speculation. The dispute comes amid a fresh round of public exchanges between the brothers over royalty payments and the management of the P-Square catalogue. Jude said he […]
Iran denies negotiating with US after Trump announces talks
Tehran rejected Trump’s claim that talks were set to begin as part of efforts to end the conflict, saying no negotiations are currently taking place with Washington. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the country is “not currently negotiating with the United States,” adding that Iran’s talks are instead with Oman over passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The denial came after Trump said he had postponed further strikes to allow diplomacy to continue and claimed new discussions would start Monday. The exchange came amid a war that Reuters described as being in its sixth month, with tensions also affecting oil markets after Trump’s remarks. Iran’s response suggests there is still a gap between Washington’s public claims and Tehran’s position on the status of talks.
Troops exhume remains of community leader allegedly murdered in Imo
The Nigerian Army says the operation, carried out by 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation Udoka and Eastern Sanity II, marks a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal gangs in the South-East. Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said Chief Anyadu was allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang recently arrested over violent crimes, including the killing of a soldier and theft of service weapons. During interrogation, one suspect confessed to involvement in the community leader’s murder and volunteered to guide troops to the burial site. On 2 August 2026, the suspects led soldiers to a shallow grave within Umudike Forest, described as one of the criminals’ known camps, where the remains of Chief Anyadu were successfully exhumed. The exhumation was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema LGA and representatives of […]
Thugs injure 10 PDP members in Ebonyi, as party seeks security probe
At least 10 members of the Peoples Democratic Party were injured after hoodlums attacked a political gathering in Ikwuator Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The party has called for a security probe into the incident, while the APC has denied involvement. The attack reportedly occurred during a rally organised to welcome former APC member Ifeanyi Nworie into the PDP. Eyewitnesses said the event, first planned for a village square, was disrupted and later moved to Nworie’s private residence, where the assailants allegedly followed and attacked participants. Witnesses said chairs, canopies, a public address system and other property were damaged during the attack. Journalists covering the event were also reportedly assaulted on their way to the venue, with some alleging that their vehicle was targeted and nearly vandalised. The Ebonyi PDP condemned the attack, saying it was […]
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Tottenham get green light to open bid for Osimhen
Tottenham are pushing to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray as new manager Roberto De Zerbi makes him a key summer target. Reports say Spurs have been given sporting approval to open talks for the 27-year-old, and personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle once a fee is agreed. The London club’s opening approach is believed to be in the £50 million to £55 million bracket, but Galatasaray are holding out for about £65 million. Osimhen remains contracted to Galatasaray until 2029, and the Turkish club are said to value him much higher because of his goal-scoring record and importance to the squad. Earlier reports also indicated that Osimhen would be open to a Premier League move, strengthening speculation around Tottenham’s interest.
How many African countries will qualify for Women’s World Cup through WAFCON?
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will decide Africa’s route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.punchng+2 The four semifinalists at WAFCON will qualify automatically for the World Cup. The two losing quarter-finalists with the best tournament records will move on to the FIFA inter-confederation playoffs, where they will try to secure the continent’s remaining spots. That means Africa is guaranteed at least four World Cup teams, and could have as many as six if both playoff representatives qualify. The tournament features 16 teams in four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
World Cup must be kept out of private hands – Chelsea manager Alonso
Alonso backs UEFA’s opposition to FIFA’s plan to create a commercial subsidiary for the World Cup and allow private investors to acquire stakes, warning it could undermine the sport’s authenticity. Speaking in Sydney, where Chelsea are on a pre-season tour, the Spanish World Cup winner said: “I think that football has to be for the people, not in private hands.” He added that fans love the game because it is for everyone, and that some things about the World Cup should stay the same to preserve its emotions and passion. European football’s governing body UEFA has said it is ready to boycott the World Cup over the proposal, arguing the sport “cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return.” FIFA, however, has vowed to press ahead with an “open and democratic” consultation, […]
Commonwealth Games: Amusan storms into 100m hurdles final
Tobi Amusan delivered a commanding run in the opening semifinal, clocking a wind‑assisted 12.19 seconds to top the field and book her place in Thursday’s final. The former world champion finished comfortably ahead of South Africa’s Marione Fourie (12.50s) and Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill (12.69s) in her heat. Although Amusan’s time is the fastest ever recorded in the event at the Commonwealth Games, it will not count as a Games record because it was aided by a +3.8m/s tailwind, above the legal +2.0m/s limit for record purposes. Amusan looked in complete control throughout the race, pulling away from the pack to secure automatic qualification for the final later on Thursday. A victory in the final would add the Commonwealth Games women’s 100m hurdles title to her collection of international honours and further cement her status as one of the world’s leading […]
FIFA issues deadline to members over plan to sell $4 bn stake
FIFA has given member associations until September 19 to support a plan that would sell a stake in its major competitions, with each member reportedly set to receive $40 million if the proposal goes through.supersport+1 According to reports, FIFA wants to create a new company to run its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup, and then sell up to 20 or 21 percent of the business to private investors. The move could generate about $4.2 billion, while a broader funding package tied to the project could rise to $10 billion.reuters+4 FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly told member associations that they must decide by September 19 if they want to benefit from the payout. If approved, the plan would represent one of FIFA’s biggest commercial shifts in recent years and could reshape how the body funds […]
Real Madrid in negotiations to buy Leipzig’s Diomande, source reveals
Real Madrid have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a move for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, according to a source at the German club. The source told AFP that negotiations between both clubs are ongoing, with Real Madrid pushing to complete one of the summer’s biggest transfers. ESPN reported that Madrid expect to finish a deal in the coming hours, while other reports say Leipzig had earlier rejected an opening bid before fresh talks resumed. Diomande, 19, is understood to have given the green light to a move to the Spanish giants, and Madrid are said to have raised their offer to around €120 million including bonuses. Leipzig, however, is reportedly holding out for a fee closer to €130 million, and the German club has also considered keeping him for another season on loan.sports.yahoo+2 The Ivorian winger has attracted interest […]