Two-time Commonwealth Games champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu will lead India’s weightlifting team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which begins on July 23 in Glasgow.Mirabai, who has won three Commonwealth Games medals — two gold and one silver — will compete in the women’s 48kg category.She will be joined by Bindyarani Devi in the women’s 58kg category and Harjinder Kaur in the women’s 69kg category. Both lifters won silver medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.In the men’s team, Lovepreet Singh, who won bronze in Birmingham in 2022, will compete in the +110kg category. The squad also includes Commonwealth Games debutants Rishikanta Singh (60kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Dilbag Singh (94kg).The weightlifting competition will be held from July 26 to 30 at SEC Armadillo.The Indian team will leave for Birmingham on Sunday for a conditioning camp before travelling to Glasgow on July 23.India has enjoyed strong results in weightlifting at recent Commonwealth Games. The country finished on top of the weightlifting medal table in both 2018 and 2022.India won nine medals, including five gold, at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 Birmingham Games, the team won 10 medals, including three gold. India team:Women: Mirabai Chanu (48kg), Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Harjinder Kaur (69kg), Sanjana (77kg), Martina Devi (+86kg).Men: Rishikanta Singh (60kg), M Raja (65kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg), Dilabg Singh (94kg), Lovepreet Singh (+110kg).

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke knew exactly what to expect from Ismael Saibari.

“He’s fast, he’s powerful and he showed against Brazil that he knows how to take chances,” he told reporters ahead of the World Cup Group C meeting between Scotland and Morocco in Boston last week.

A week earlier, Saibari had put the Atlas Lions ahead against Brazil with a brilliant chip over goalkeeper, Alisson. Scotland were warned but it didn’t make any difference as, less than two minutes into the game, Saibari again raced clear of the defense and fired an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

A few days later, Saibari was on the scoresheet again when he stroked Achraf Hakimi’scutback into the net against Haiti. It was his 12th goal for Morocco in his 33nd international appearance, and it made him the first African player to score in all three group stage games at a World Cup.

Ismael Saibari: from Eindhoven to Munich

In the round of 32 on Monday night, Saibari will again lead the line for Morocco against a country with which he has an intimate relationship: the Netherlands, where he has scored 42 goals in 142 appearances for PSV Eindhoven since 2020.

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Last season, he was voted player of the season in the Dutch top-flight, the Eredivisie, after scoring 15 league goals as PSV won a 27th league title.

He also scored three goals in last season’s Champions League, including a long-range strike against Bayern Munich in January. PSV would go on to lose 1-2 but Saibari had caught the attention of Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany who, according to German newspaper SportBild, immediately made contact the player.

Sports Life – Football Powerhouse Morrocco

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A few months later and the German champions have reportedly already agreed to pay PSV up to €55 million ($62.85 million) for the 25-year-old, beating off interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

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Saibari is set to undergo a medical while still at the World Cup, where is he demonstrating his abilities to a global audience – but who is Saibari the person?

Saibari: three nationalities, five languages

Born in Terrassa, near Barcelona, to Moroccan parents, the young Ismael moved to Belgium aged six as his mum and dad looked to start anew following the 2007 financial crash.

It was in Willebroek, in between Brussels and Antwerp, that the young footballer learned Flemish, French and English in addition to Arabic and Spanish, and obtained Belgian citizenship in addition to that of Morocco and Spain.

The regular changes of scenery have made Saibari an important cultural and linguistic conduit in the dressing rooms of the various clubs he has played for.

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“I’ve moved around a lot in my life, so I know how hard it is to adapt to new surroundings,” he told Dutch football magazine Voetbal International. “So, if I can help, I try to. I have the experience and I speak a lot of languages. I often function as an interpreter in meetings because I can speak to the younger players in their mother tongue.”

“He is very sociable – sometimes too sociable,” said PSV head coach Peter Bosz. “Even when he should be relaxing, he’s visiting friends. Because he’s just very friendly.”

Morocco: Saibari’s ‘choice from the heart’

Before joining PSV Eindhoven in 2020, he represented several Belgian clubs at youth level including Anderlecht and Genk. However, despite an approach from former Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez to play for the Diables Rouges (Red Devils) in 2022, there was only ever one choice for Saibari internationally.

“When such a big name in football contacts you, it was incredible,” he told Dutch newspaper Eindhovens Dagsblad. “But I let him know that I was choosing Morocco. When it comes to the national team, I had to make a choice from the heart rather than a sporting decision.”

Saibari made his debut for the Atlas Lions in September 2023 in a friendly against Burkina Faso and scored his first goals a year later in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho.

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He started every game of Morocco’s AFCON campaign on home soil earlier this year and scored in the quarter-final win over Cameroon (2-0) – but he played a rather less laudable role in the controversy which engulfed the final against Senegal.

Disciplinary issues

Following a tempestuous evening in Rabat, Saibari was suspended for three games and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct after trying to prevent a ballboy from giving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy his towel in the pouring rain.

AFCON 2025 Final: Is the real winner Senegal or Morocco?

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“When I got home, I saw how bad it looked,” he admitted afterwards when asked by PSV Eindhoven’s club media about the incident. “I immediately sent someone from Senegal to apologize for me. And then when I saw Mendy at the airport, I just apologized to his face. There were a lot of emotions, I’d never experienced so many emotions, so it was just the heat of the moment.”

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It wasn’t the first faux-pas in Saibari’s career. As a youth player with Belgian side Anderlecht, he was removed from the first-team squad one day before the start of the 2015-16 season due to being overweight. He called the club’s handling of the matter “disgusting” at the time but later admitted that he had been lazy in his preparations and called the incident one of the biggest disappointments of his career to date.

And last year, he was left out of the Eindhoven squad for a Champions League game away at Arsenal for disciplinary reasons after turning up late for a team meeting. “Everyone is allowed to come late once in a while,” said head coach Bosz. “But this wasn’t the first time. Or even the fifth. I’d had enough.”

Bayern Munich: How will Saibari fit in?

Saibari won’t be able to afford such complacency in Germany, but Bayern coach Kompany – a fellow Belgian polyglot – has proven himself adept at managing young players.

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In Munich, Saibari will be an immediate replacement for – and upgrade on – Senegalese back-up striker Nicolas Jackson, who has returned to parent club Chelsea. But even if he won’t necessarily dislodge Harry Kane from the central striking role, Saibari’s flexibility means he will also provide competition for fellow forwards Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl, Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise.

Until then, though, the focus remains on the Atlas Lions and Monday’s last-32 meeting with the Netherlands in Monterrey, Mexico.

“I think he understands that the priority is currently Morocco,” said national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi – another Belgian-Moroccan who was a youth coach at Anderlecht during Saibari’s time in Brussels, and who knows Kompany “very well.”

“But we’re going to be very proud [of Saibari’s move to Bayern]. We want the best Moroccan players to play for the best clubs.”

Saibari himself said after scoring the only goal of the game against Scotland that it was a “childhood dream to play at the World Cup” with his country, adding: “I think we can go quite far.”

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Edited by: Matt Pearson

Based on his respective experiences against Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia insists that one man represented a more formidable opponent.

In an unexpected turn of events, ‘Tank’ could end up facing WBO champion Haney later this year after pulling out of negotiations with Floyd Schofield.

The Schofield fight would have offered him the chance to reclaim his WBA lightweight title, yet it now seems that Davis could make his ring return at 147lbs.

Taking to social media earlier this week, Haney claimed that ‘Tank’s’ team has reached out with a view to explore their potential welterweight showdown, but stopped short of revealing any specific details.

The 27-year-old comes off a unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr, who he dethroned to become a three-division world champion in November.

This came two fights after his majority decision defeat to Garcia, whose triumph was overturned to a no-contest following his two failed doping tests.

Back then, Haney was attempting to retain his WBC super-lightweight title while Garcia, after missing weight by over 3lbs, had foregone the opportunity to claim his opponent’s belt.

A vastly different story unfolded against Davis, however, as Garcia was forced to contend with a rehydration limit and ultimately lost their 135lb encounter via a seventh-round stoppage in 2023.

Speaking with PBD Podcast, the American highlighted this rehydration clause as a significant factor against ‘Tank’.

“Haney actually caught me. Gervonta … it wasn’t a hard fight – I was just weak. You guys can pull up a picture of how I looked for the Tank fight and how I looked for the Devin Haney fight.

“I would beat Gervonta Davis worse than I beat Devin Haney – Devin Haney’s a harder [opponent] than Gervonta.”

While the ‘Tank’ fight represents a lucrative opportunity, Haney has already been ordered to defend his WBO title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis.

Rainbow flags in the stands, Pride events across the city, colorful parties in the streets. And right in the middle of it all: a football match between two nations united in their hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community.

Saturday’s World Cup Group G clash between Iran and Egypt in the northwestern US city of Seattle won’t just determine who will progress to the knock-out round; it is also generating significant political controversy in the buildup.

In the first official “Pride Match” in World Cup history, the two competing teams hail from Muslim-majority nations where the LGBTQ+ community faces immense hardship and even criminal prosecution.

Federations criticize FIFA

The fact that this situation has arisen is ultimately a coincidence.

Even before the World Cup group draw in December, and before the specific matchups were known, the local organizing committee in Seattle had designated the game a “Pride Match,” around a festival on the last weekend of June.

But the inclusion of the fixture in the city’s Pride celebrations has not gone down well with the two participating football federations.

A spokesperson for the Iranian national team told The Athletic that they were taking the matter “seriously.” In fact, they take it so seriously that the two opponents even joined forces before the match to stage a renewed protest, just as they had done when the fixture was first announced.

After all, the Iranian federation noted, Egypt and Iran are “two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities,” countries that share “values ​​and beliefs.”

They have urged FIFA to take “the necessary steps” to “ensure that no such ceremonies or promotional activities take place in the stadium.” The aim is to prevent symbols associated with “the movement” — as the federation referred to the LGBTQ+ community — from appearing inside the stadium, including rainbow flags.

For weeks, there has even been talk of a potential boycott or the match being called off. However, experts consider such a drastic reaction unlikely.

The LGBTQ+ community faces intense pressure in both Iran, where the death penalty can be imposed for homosexual acts, and in Egypt, where homosexuality can also lead to criminal prosecution.

FIFA – political stances vary by host

FIFA has remained steadfast so far. In response to an inquiry from The Athletic, the organization stated that the World Cup is an “inclusive event” and that fans of all sexual orientations are “welcome” at the matches.

This demonstrates that the global governing body prefers to align its stance on political messages with the conditions in the host countries rather than adhering to a clear policy of its own.

In Qatar in 2022, the wearing of the “One Love” captain’s armband was banned. Fans displaying certain symbols, such as the rainbow flag, were denied entry to the stadiums.

The situation is different in Canada, Mexico and the United States, who are co-hosting this year’s tournament. According to the stadium code of conduct, “rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity” are permitted.

In Seattle, local organizers insist they will not be deterred by the homophobia and anti-queer sentiment of the Iranian and Egyptian federations.

“Let’s welcome people to Seattle,” Hedda McLendon, a member of the city’s World Cup organizing committee, told the website Outsports. “And let’s show them how proud we are.”

This article was adapted from German.

Elsewhere in sports news, Ecuador pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset over Germany. La Tri snatched victory late on and, with four points from the group stage, are guaranteed a place in the Round of 16 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

It was a different story for Tunisia. The Carthage Eagles crashed out after a third straight defeat, falling 3-1 to the Netherlands. The Dutch top Group F ahead of Japan, who secured second place with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.

France face a major test on Friday as Les Bleus take on Norway, with top spot in Group I up for grabs.

Senegal, meanwhile, are out of second chances. After defeats to France and Norway, the Lions of Teranga must beat Iraq convincingly on Friday to keep their hopes alive of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

In Group H, Spain still have work to do. La Roja are not yet through and will look to seal qualification against Uruguay while continuing their impressive rise in the tournament.

Meanwhile, a new chapter begins for Alexia Putellas. After 14 trophy-laden years at Barcelona, where she won it all, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner (2021, 2022) is set to join Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses.

Finally, Sébastien Ogier moved into the lead at the Acropolis Rally in Greece.

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From the show

World Cup Debrief

Reading time
1 min

Despite an unexpected loss against Ecuador, Germany take top spot in group E. Ivory Coast are through to the knockout stage of the competition for the first time in their history. The Netherlands cement their position at the top of group F, thanks to a confident win over Tunisia. Despite being eliminated, Türkiye managed to win against team USA. Japan and Sweden stayed level at 1-1, as did Paraguay and Australia in a goalless game. Finally, France prepare for a clash against Norway later this Friday. 

The struggling New York Mets have dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza, appointing Andy Green as interim manager, as the team languishes with a disappointing 34-47 record at the season’s midpoint.

Owner Steve Cohen‘s significant investment, including baseball’s highest payroll at baseball’s highest payroll at $358 million and being projected to pay an additional $124 million in luxury tax, has failed to translate into success for a franchise without a World Series title since 1986.

Cohen stated, “Our commitment to bringing our fans a championship-caliber team has not changed. There is no sugar-coating it: This season has been a disappointment and our fans deserve better than what we’ve delivered.”

A six-game losing streak has left New York 15 games behind NL East leaders Atlanta and 9 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot. Compounding their woes, key players like Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Clay Holmes, and Jorge Polanco have faced injuries. The team recently traded pitcher David Peterson and may now pivot towards a selloff and future retooling.

Mendoza, who joined the Mets after the 2023 season following 15 seasons with the Yankees, leaves with a 206-199 record. The team failed to reach the playoffs last year and has been one of baseball’s biggest disappointments this season, including a 12-game losing streak in April, their longest since 2002.

President of baseball operations David Stearns, who hired Mendoza and orchestrated significant roster changes including signing Juan Soto and trading Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, acknowledged the difficult decision.

“Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis,” Stearns said. “Carlos’ impact on our players, staff, and culture over the last three seasons has been transformative. Unfortunately, we know we are falling short and change is necessary to move forward.”

Andy Green, a former major league infielder, joined the Mets in 2023 as senior vice president of baseball development. He previously managed the San Diego Padres from 2016-19, compiling a 274-366 record with sub-.500 finishes in all four seasons.

Green, who played four games for the Mets in 2009, becomes the fourth manager under Cohen’s ownership, following Luis Rojas, Buck Showalter, and Mendoza.

Mendoza’s dismissal marks the third managerial change in MLB since the season began, following Alex Cora in Boston and Rob Thomson in Philadelphia.

The race for the Round of 32 enters a decisive phase on June 27 as Groups G, H and I conclude their league-stage campaigns at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While France and Norway have already secured qualification from Group I, the battle for top spot and the remaining knockout scenarios remain alive. 

Group H promises one of the biggest showdowns of the group stage as Spain face Uruguay, while Group G remains completely open with Egypt, Iran and Belgium all still capable of progressing. Every goal could prove decisive as teams fight for direct qualification and valuable third-place positions.

Group I: Who will take top spot?

France and Norway have already booked their places in the Round of 32 after winning their opening two matches, but first place in the group remains undecided. France need only a draw against Norway to finish as group winners, while the Norwegians must win to leapfrog Didier Deschamps’ side.

The second fixture carries huge significance for Senegal and Iraq despite both sitting outside the automatic qualification spots. Victory is essential for either side to keep realistic hopes alive of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. A defeat would almost certainly end their World Cup journey, while even a draw may not be enough given the competition among third-placed teams.

Key match: Norway vs France

Group H: Spain and Uruguay headline a winner-takes-control showdown

Group H remains one of the most unpredictable groups heading into the final round. Spain lead the standings after collecting four points and know that avoiding defeat against Uruguay should be enough to secure qualification.

Uruguay, meanwhile, remain firmly in contention after their entertaining draw with Cape Verde. Marcelo Bielsa’s side need a victory to guarantee progression without relying on other results.

Key match: Uruguay vs Spain

Group G: Three teams chasing two qualification spots

Group G enters its final day with everything still to play for. Egypt currently occupy top spot after taking four points from their opening two matches and require only a draw against Iran to secure qualification.

Iran know victory guarantees progression, while a draw could also be enough depending on the outcome of Belgium’s match.

Belgium remain alive despite an inconsistent campaign. The Red Devils must defeat New Zealand and hope Egypt avoid defeat against Iran to improve their chances of finishing in the top two or securing a strong third-place finish.

New Zealand are the outsiders but still have a mathematical chance. Only a victory over Belgium, combined with favourable results elsewhere, will keep their World Cup dream alive.

Key match: Egypt vs Iran

FIFA World Cup 2026: June 27 matches live streaming and telecast details

Which two teams will feature in the first game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 27?

Norway will take on France in the opening match of the day at 12:30 am IST in the decisive Group I clash.

Which two teams will feature in the second game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 27?

Senegal will face Iraq in the other Group I fixture, also scheduled to kick off at 12:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the third game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 27?

Cape Verde will lock horns with Saudi Arabia in a crucial Group H encounter beginning at 5:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 27?

Uruguay will take on Spain in the other Group H fixture, also starting at 5:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the fifth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 27?

New Zealand will meet Belgium in a vital Group G clash scheduled for 8:30 am IST.

Which two teams will feature in the sixth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 27?

Egypt will face Iran in the other Group G fixture, also kicking off at 8:30 am IST.

Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 27 matches in India?

The broadcast of the June 27 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels for fans in India.

Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 27 matches in India?

The live streaming of the June 27 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the ZEE5 app and website for viewers in India.

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for the transfer of Elliot Anderson to the Elithad Stadium.

England international Jarell Quansah believes Elliot Anderson will “go right to the top” after news of his impending move to Manchester City broke on Thursday night.

City have agreed a £116m fee with Nottingham Forest for Anderson, though reports of him undergoing a medical in New York on Friday are premature. A date for the midfielder’s medical has not yet been set though it is expected to take place following the completion of the World Cup group stage.

The move will see City smash the record fee paid for a British player, and their own club record – eclipsing the £100m they paid for Jack Grealish back in 2021.

Quansah was asked about Anderson’s move ahead of England’s final group stage game against Panama on Saturday, and the Bayer Leverkusen defender claimed the news had done little to disrupt Anderson’s focus as England strive to secure World Cup glory.

“I see a player that’s fully focused on what he wants, and I think at the moment what he wants is to win a World Cup,” the England defender told talkSPORT. “That ultimately is the goal.

“Obviously I’m not in his head or whatnot, but I’m sure he is fully focused on winning the World Cup for England, and you can’t drift too far away from that and he knows that. But he’s a proper focused young lad and he’ll go right to the top, I think.”

Quansah went on to discuss the qualities Anderson will offer at the Etihad, claiming he has been aware of his talent for quite some time following his move to Anderson’s former loan club Bristol Rovers.

“I think he’s a very versatile player as well,” he added. “This season he’s played a deeper role, played in a sort of a six and sometimes an eight, but he’s got probably everything you want as a midfielder, to be honest.

“I remember hearing about him at Bristol Rovers when I went on loan there afterwards and I think he was playing on the wing.

“Knowing he can do that and what he does in training sessions as well, he’s got a lot of attributes that are really good for an England squad and exactly what the manager wants, which is good.”