Russia has carried out a wave of ballistic missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens, officials say.

Four people were killed in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, and an elderly woman died in the capital Kyiv. There were two more fatalities in Zaporizhzhia in the south and one in Sumy in the north-east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the raid on Kyiv was “one of the most massive ballistic attacks” since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022.

Late on Sunday, Ukraine’s navy said five people were killed when a Turkish-owned civilian cargo ship with grain was hit by Russian missiles in the Black Sea. Russia has not commented.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it had hit three Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, and three oil depots in the southern Stavropol region. Zelensky said they were targets that “finance Russian aggression”.

A number of areas in the Kyiv region were hit overnight. The Ukrainian military said air defences in the capital had shot down 18 out of 41 missiles. The systems also intercepted 108 drones.

Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov said a postal terminal in the city suburbs had been attacked, with four men aged between 24 and 62 killed. Several of the injured were in a serious condition.

In a Telegram message, Zelensky said in the past week Russia had “used about 1,450 strike drones, more than 1,640 guided bombs and 99 missiles of various types against Ukraine”.

Zelensky also posted on Telegram about Ukrainian strikes.

“SBU [security service] units hit three oil depots in the Stavropol region simultaneously, while units of our Armed Forces struck another fuel-sector facility in the same region,” he said.

“Precise hits on three Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tankers were recorded in the Black Sea. I thank every one of our units that is helping to spread the realisation within Russia that this war must be brought to an end.”

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which carries Kazakhstan’s Caspian oil to Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, said its terminal had been hit.

It said two tankers were damaged, prompting oil loading operations to be suspended. There were no injuries or oil spills.

Stavropol’s governor said a drone attack had caused a fire in an industrial park.

The latest strikes on Kyiv involved a range of Russian weapons systems, including Iskander and hypersonic Zircon missiles, as well as 125 drones, the Ukrainian air force said.

On Sunday Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said both residential and non-residential buildings had been damaged, including a supermarket and a dormitory.

Firefighters have been battling blazes at two warehouses. Ukraine’s emergencies ministry said a logistics hub in Bucha district near Kyiv had been hit, with two people injured.

The overnight strikes came after Ukraine sent drones to destroy two warehouses belonging to Russia’s biggest online retailer, Wildberries, killing eight people and causing major fires.

Tom Cruise led the superstars arriving early for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

The Top Gun star, 64, flashed a giddy grin as he sauntered through the stadium ahead of his special appearance at the closing ceremony.

Cruise kept his look casual in a black tee and jeans as he posed for selfies with queuing fans, while flanked by bodyguards.

The actor will be sure to mingle with his close friends David and Victoria Beckham, who have been fixtures at the tournament, as well as Argentina legend Lionel Messi, who is playing in his second consecutive World Cup final. 

For the first time in history, FIFA has controversially decided to add a halftime show to the biggest game in global soccer.

Billions of fans will tune into Sunday’s game as Messi and Co bid to secure a second successive World Cup triumph. This year, however, Messi will be forced to share the stage with the likes of Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber as soccer is given a slice of the Super Bowl treatment.

The Top Gun star, 64, flashed a giddy grin as he sauntered through the stadium ahead of his special appearance at the closing ceremony

As well as a halftime show, the World Cup final will also include a closing ceremony that will feature performances and appearances from Post Malone, Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, influencer IShowSpeed, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn and actress Julia Garner were also in attendance for the FIFA Gold Carpet event ahead of the final. 

Cruise’s specific role is unclear, with FIFA describing it only as a ‘special appearance.’ But soccer chiefs say the ceremony will pay tribute to all 48 nations from the tournament.

World Cup final day got off to a chaotic start at MetLife Stadium with fans forced to wait for hours outside of the venue amid reports of technological glitches scanning tickets and security staff unsure of how to manage the crowds.

Organizers this week urged fans lucky enough to have a ticket to arrive up to four hours before the start of the game at the 80,000-seater stadium in New Jersey, a short drive outside of Manhattan, for Sunday’s showdown between Spain and Argentina. 

As the build-up to the game expected to be watched by billions around the world ramped up, fans were waiting for over four hours to have their tickets scanned in order to enter the stadium for the showpiece game. 

The attendance of President Donald Trump meant that airport-style security measures were also being enforced for everyone making their way inside of the venue.

But the delays were compounded amid reports of glitches in FIFA’s ticket-scanning system, meaning those who were fortunate enough to be at the front of the long lines still faced frustrating delays.

Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation

Javier Bardem was supporting his home country as he attended the FIFA Gold Carpet before the final

Julia Garner was in attendance to support close pal Madonna ahead of her halftime show

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Lindsey Vonn looked stylish as she posed up ahead of the game

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario attended with wife Celina Locks

England icon John Terry and Argentina legend Diego Simeone were in attendance

Daily Mail also witnessed tensions simmering between fans, media members and security staff, with officials on the ground telling anyone who complained: ‘Take it up with FIFA’. 

The game is set to be the most expensive to attend in the history of sport – on Sunday morning, the cheapest ticket available on most resale websites was starting at around $7,000.

FIFA encouraged fans to arrive early in order to participate in the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before the game itself kicks off. 

But it is standard procedure for fans to arrive early for additional security checks whenever Trump attends a sporting event – and he has made it to plenty in his second term as President, ranging from the Ryder Cup to the Super Bowl.

Post Malone performed ahead of the final 

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Cruise kept his look casual in a black tee and jeans as he posed for selfies with queuing fans, while flanked by bodyguards

The star looked excited ahead of the final 

The actor will be sure to mingle with his close friends David and Victoria Beckham , who have been fixtures at the tournament, as well as Argentina legend Lionel Messi , who is playing in his second consecutive World Cup final

Extra security checks were in place ahead of the attendance of President Trump for the game

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Man of the hour and Argentina captain Lionel Messi winked at fans as he arrived for the final 

Even on the live television coverage, the stadium was bare with a little over an hour until that closing ceremony began. 

Soccer greats such as Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo, former England captain John Terry and former Argentina player Diego Simeone all appeared carefree as they entered the stadium in good time before the game. 

There were plenty of fans who were determined not to let the chaos ruin their day, too. Thousands of Argentina fans have made the journey to the stadium for what will likely be star man Lionel Messi’s last ever appearance in a World Cup at the age of 39.

Argentina are narrow underdogs against Spain, the European champions, despite being the holders after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. 

Trump is expected to hand the World Cup trophy over to the winning team after the game. 

Popular streamer IShowSpeed kickstarted the World Cup final blockbuster with a surprise appearance in the FIFA closing ceremony following a morning of chaos in the buildup to the football extravaganza. 

Defending champions Argentina bid to secure a second successive World Cup triumph in a showdown against Spain in front of 80,000 clamoring fans, including President Donald Trump, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. 

Yet, even before the first kick of the game, the spectators inside the stadium, as well as the billions watching from home, were treated to an eye-catching spectacle, designed to pay tribute to all of the competing 48 nations from the tournament.

A bevy of Hollywood’s finest had been billed as performers with Tom Cruise expected to headline the event, which took place 90 minutes ahead of kickoff.

However, it was YouTuber IShowSpeed who stole the show. The content creator – who has over 58 million subscribers on YouTube and streamed multiple matches – stunned fans by launching into song.

He had been listed as a performer but he surprised viewers when he began performing an original song, Champions, which was on the official 2026 World Cup album, amid a colorful array of backup dancers in neon tracksuits. 

The streamer surprised viewers when he began performing an original song, Champions

Post Malone replaced IShowSpeed in the spotlight as he performed his 2018 hit Sunflower with Swae Lee.  

The American singer and rapper pulled aside his denim jacket to unveil a t-shirt that read: ‘I just hope both teams have fun.’ The shirt’s message was a nod to Elmo’s now-viral tweet ahead of the NBA Finals that left New Yorkers furious. 

However, fans were left underwhelmed at the bizarre display with many bemoaning the lack of creativity while others questioned why a content creator was given the honor of performing on the world’s biggest stage. 

‘Such an underwhelming closing ceremony. Zero creativity just artists singing,’ one wrote on X. 

‘The lip syncing for these closing ceremony performances is horrific,’ another shared. 

‘ishowspeed was so random,’ said a third, while another baffled viewer branded it ‘unreal scenes.’

‘Imagine telling someone a few years ago that ishowspeed is gonna perform at the world cup,’ added a fifth. 

 Cruise had been expected to be the main attraction and fans were left confused to see IShowSpeed dominating their screens rather than the legendary actor.  

The Mission Impossible star has been spotted in the stands throughout the tournament and performed a stunt at the Paris Olympics‘ closing ceremony 

His specific role was initially unclear, with FIFA merely teasing it as a ‘special appearance’. 

 The content creator performed at MetLife Stadium amid a neon swarm of dancers 

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IShowSpeed, who boasts over 58 million subscribers on YouTube, dressed in an all-white suit

The closing ceremony took place 90 minutes before kickoff between Spain and Argentina 

Tony winner and Pussycat Dolls alum Nicole Scherzinger was also slated to make an appearance, joined by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini, the Italian singer who helped open the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Meanwhile, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson has been granted the honor of performing the US national anthem.

‘Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament,’ Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup’s chief operating officer, had said before the tournament. 

This year’s showstopper is bigger and better than ever with the star-studded event also boasting the first-ever World Cup halftime show, featuring the likes of Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber. 

The ceremony took place following a morning of chaos in New York and New Jersey as thousands of fans descended on the Big Apple region for the final. 

Those lucky enough to have clinched a ticket – or forked out $10,000 for one – were urged to arrive up to four hours before the start of the game at the 80,000-seater stadium, a short drive outside of Manhattan.

FIFA encouraged fans to arrive early in order to participate in the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before the game itself kicks off.

But it has become standard procedure for fans to arrive even earlier for additional security checks whenever Trump attends a sporting event – lest they risk missing kickoff.

The Mission Impossible actor is pictured arriving at MetLife Stadium on Sunday morning 

Argentina fans arrive at MetLife Stadium before Sunday’s hugely anticipated final vs Spain 

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Trump has made it to plenty in his second term as President, ranging from the Ryder Cup to the Super Bowl, and his attendance often means lengthy delays for fans with airport-style security measures enforced for everyone making their way inside of the venue.

Delays on Sunday, however, were compounded amid reports of glitches in FIFA’s ticket-scanning system, meaning those who were fortunate enough to be at the front of the long lines still faced frustrating delays.

Daily Mail also witnessed tensions simmering between fans, media members and security staff, with officials on the ground telling anyone who complained: ‘Take it up with FIFA’.

But those members of security staff also appeared to be confused over how to manage the thousands of people arriving for the game.

There were multiple instances of organizers on the ground misdirecting people over where they should begin lining up to enter the stadium with over three hours to go until the start of the game.

Media members also faced extra checks from the secret service given the need to bring laptops and filming equipment inside of the stadium. DHS police and state police were also seen at the venue.

This all played out as other fans decided to leave it late to get to the stadium. With four hours to go until the game began, many supporters were still at Penn Station in Manhattan waiting to board a train into New Jersey and towards the stadium.

The game is set to be the most expensive to attend in the history of sport – on Sunday morning, the cheapest ticket available on most resale websites was starting at around $7,000.

Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation

There weren’t quite as many issues for the VIP guests, though. Cruise was pictured sauntering into the venue – renamed as ‘New York/New Jersey Stadium’ for the tournament – ahead of his anticipated appearance in the closing ceremony.

Soccer greats such as Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo, former England captain John Terry and former Argentina player Diego Simeone all appeared carefree as they entered the stadium in good time before the game.

Lionel Messi and Co are hoping to seal back-to-back titles after winning the tournament in Qatar four years ago, while Spain have not won the World Cup since 2010.

At the end of the match, a new stage will be erected on the pitch to see either Messi or Rodri lift the World Cup for their country.

It is expected that Trump will be granted the honor of handing the trophy over to the victorious team. 

The President carried out the same duties during the Club World Cup final, which also took place at MetLife Stadium. 

He left the winning Chelsea stars, including Cole Palmer and Reece James, stunned when he remained on the stage throughout their celebrations. 

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Organisers stress that it is not a bereavement support group or a stand-up comedy course but a safe and welcoming space where participants can explore storytelling, humour, poetry, and spoken word.

Open to anyone affected by bereavement, relationship breakdown, illness, redundancy, or another major life change, the sessions aim to help people build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others who have shared similar experiences.

Participants will also hear from guest comedians who will share their own experiences of loss and wellbeing challenges and will end with an informal showcase for family and friends.

Workshops will take place on Wednesday mornings at Markland Hill Racquets Club from September 23 to November 4 with limited places.

To apply, email maura@thefeatherfixer.co.uk or talk to anyone at The Bereavement Cafe.

“Concentrate!” A stern face, intense look and arms across the chest. A one-word order for primary-aged daughters. It’s the start of a tennis lesson, and the children have already clocked two hours of practice with their dad beforehand.

It doesn’t stop there. The stories of unkind adult behaviour at youth sport events are endless, and alarmingly persistent. As a tennis coach and an academic researching sport, I’ve heard of – or witnessed myself – shouting, belittling, blaming, name calling and cheating. Even full-blown fist fights at under-eight events.

Youth sport can grant many health benefits. It can contribute to physical fitness, social development and mental wellbeing. But it’s essential that young players thrive in environments that emphasise play, autonomy and creativity, rather than rigid structures designed and controlled by adults.

So often, youth sports sell a dream. Don’t you want to be the next Novak Djoković or Serena Williams? The next Jude Bellingham or Simone Biles? But this can lead to a toxic culture of relentless training, high-stakes pressure and demanding competition focused on young children, with little evidence of its value.

Hobbies can bring joy, wellbeing and focus to our busy lives, but so many of us don’t have one. If you’re ready to replace scrolling with stitching, or hustle with horticulture, The Hobby Starter Kit (a new series from Quarter Life) will help you get going.

Children are dependent on their parents, with a natural desire to please out of a need for attachment and acceptance. This can become problematic, keeping children in situations and circumstances that harms them, especially when children believe or feel that their worth is closely related to their sporting performance and training compliance. If acceptance and love are conditional, a child’s mental health can be negatively affected.

Young people are particularly driven by internal rewards of enjoyment, curiosity and personal satisfaction during an activity absent from adult control. This means that they are likely to get most enjoyment – and feel most motivated – when they have autonomy over what they’re doing, rather than trying to please a parent.

Youth sport can bring children joy, connection and satisfaction. If you’re a parent of a child who takes part in youth sports, here are some tips to bear in mind.

1. Prioritise mental health

Honour your child’s boundaries. If children don’t want to attend a competition, train multiple times a week or continue with a sport at all, they should be able to say so without fearing negative consequences. No is not a bad word or a problem that needs fixing. On the contrary – no is healthy, and learning to say no is an essential part of growing up.

Validating children’s emotions, feelings and experiences is essential. Comparisons and delusional views are not. Externally imposed targets – when a child’s value seems to be tied to their athletic performance – strip them of their authentic self, undermining their development. Children and adolescents need deliverance from judgment and stress. Released from the worry of not being good enough. Instead, the goal should be consciously raising resilient children.

Research insists on a systemic and a cultural shift in youth sport to focus on children’s mental health. As parents, this means acknowledging, openly communicating and consistently prioritising children’s welfare. Children’s self-worth should not be based on their sporting performance.

2. Always have fun first

Believe in your child’s own path to success. There is a loud, distorted understanding of what guarantees greatness in youth sport.

Monica Seles, a renowned figure in tennis history, won the under-18 Junior Orange Bowl competition at the age of 11. At 16 she became the youngest player to win the French Open and was the world’s number one player by 18. She won a total of eight Grand Slam titles before the age of 20.

Seles started to play tennis at the age of five in unconventional spaces such as parking lots, hitting tennis balls against buildings. Her dad would draw cartoon characters of Tom and Jerry on tennis balls for Monica to hit. She simply wanted to play, not caring or fully understanding how the scoring worked – she was just having fun with her dad.

3. Connect in meaningful ways

Commit to quality time together. Youth sport can improve communication, bonding and overall closeness within families. Involved parents who prioritise fun can help build community around youth sport.

Make taking part in competitive sport a family bonding experience. This could mean choosing music together on the way to a competition, having a snack together afterwards – and conversation during the car ride home that focuses on support, not coaching or criticism.

Focus on creating an environment that values joy, laughter and curiosity. This positive association can encourage a lifelong love for sport. As golfer Padraig Harrington has said, “Whatever they want to do, let them do … and bring them home before they get tired”.

Argentina and Spain are one game away from winning the World Cup but on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, the victorious captain will be forced to wait longer than normal to lift the trophy.

Because, for the first time in history, FIFA has controversially decided to add a halftime show to the biggest game in global soccer.

Billions of fans will tune into Sunday’s game as Lionel Messi and Co bid to secure a second successive World Cup triumph. This year, however, Messi will be forced to share the stage with the likes of Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber as soccer is given a slice of the Super Bowl treatment.

As well as a halftime show, the World Cup final will also include a closing ceremony that will feature performances and appearances from Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, influencer IShowSpeed, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini.

Cruise’s specific role is unclear, with FIFA describing it only as a ‘special appearance.’ But soccer chiefs say the ceremony will pay tribute to all 48 nations from the tournament.

Here, the Daily Mail explains what viewers can expect at halftime.

Madonna is also among the headliners for the controversial show at MetLife Stadium

Donald Trump is set to attend the final and hand over the trophy with Gianni Infantino

WHO IS PERFORMING?

FIFA enlisted the help of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to curate the show and back in May it emerged that Madonna, Shakira and K-pop band BTS would perform. 

Bieber was recently added to the lineup, while Burna Boy will join Shakira on stage and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel is also down to perform.

Coldplay will have their moment in the spotlight, too. Martin and Co will perform alongside the PS22 Chorus, an award-winning group of fifth graders from an elementary school in New York. Also among the lineup? Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.

‘For the first time ever, football, music and social impact will come together as the greatest show on Earth reaches its pinnacle,’ FIFA said.

‘[The] Halftime Show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.’

FIFA provided a glimpse of what to expect at last year’s Club World Cup Final, when Martin put together another halftime show for Chelsea’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.

That took place up in the stands of MetLife Stadium but, 12 months on, Madonna and Co are expected to perform on the field.

Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Cruise will headline the World Cup closing ceremony on Sunday

Twelve months ago, FIFA hosted a halftime show during the Club World Cup final at MetLife

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

We shall see. The performance is expected to be wrapped up in 11 minutes but there has yet to be official confirmation about how long the entire circus will take.

Recently, however, reports claimed that soccer chiefs are hoping the show will last around 20 minutes. That is despite the sport’s lawmakers stating that halftime should not ‘exceed 15 minutes’ – unless ‘altered… with the referee’s permission.’

On Sunday, Messi and Co look set to spend longer than normal in the locker room before returning for the second half. 

That has raised concerns over injuries, while questions remain about how the process of erecting and dismantling the stage will affect the field.

Twelve months ago, at the Club World Cup final, halftime lasted nearly 25 minutes – despite the performance taking just 10 minutes.

Unlike last year, however, a stage will need to be put up and taken down on the field of MetLife Stadium. FIFA is also more squeezed for time than the NFL.

At the Super Bowl, halftime is typically extended to around half an hour – from 13 minutes in the regular season – to make room for the musical performance.

BTS, seen here in Mexico City, became the first K-pop group to receive a Grammy nomination

Bad Bunny performed the halftime show at Super Bowl LX between the Patriots and Seahawks

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CONMEBOL put on a halftime show for the final of the 2024 Copa America in Miami. That performance, which also featured Shakira, saw Argentina and Colombia players wait 26 minutes before starting the second half. 

World Cup games are already longer than normal thanks to FIFA’s controversial hydration breaks in each half.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT IT?

Well, it is fair to say that Infantino’s decision to introduce a halftime show has been divisive and controversial.

The show’s executive producer, Guy Carrington, recently told The Hollywood Reporter: ‘We’ve spent months and months preparing this, developing it and working with all of the artists… it’s a carefully-curated performance that’s going to be spectacular.’

The FIFA president, meanwhile, said the artists will ‘play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide.’

Infantino added: ‘As the world unites for the most significant football match in history… this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.’

But the verdict of Robert Smith of The Cure was rather less effusive. ‘Please just f*** off,’ he said about the halftime show.

It’s one of Cambridge’s most beautiful places to walk amongst greenery and wildlife

Cambridgeshire is a county full of beauty spots that its residents can experience first hand. There are lots of nature reserves with flowers, greenery and wildlife bursting at the seams.

And with the beautiful weather we have so far had in summer, these make for the perfect places to walk. One beauty spot in Cambridge with “crystal clear waters” and where a famous poet once bathed is a must-visit.

This is Byron’s Pool Nature Reserve. There is a local legend that the famous English poet Lord Byron, where the reserve gets its namesake from, bathed in a weir pool in the reserve. This was during his university days at Trinity College during the 1800s.

It seemed to be the place for poets to go, as it’s also believed Rupert Brooke, another poet that studied in Cambridge, also bathed in the reserve waters.

The site is set over 4.5 hectares. It was once part of the Trumpington Hall estate, until Cambridge City Council acquired the nature reserve in 1949. It was officially declared a nature reserve in 2005.

The reserve is mainly a wooded area, but there are still a number of small ponds to discover and it also runs along the riverbank. It’s also home to lots of wildlife.

At this time of year, there will be purple and white-letter hairstreak butterflies fluttering around. The reserve is an easy place to walk around, with the paths being flat and also accessible for wheelchair users.

There are also platforms if people wish to canoe or fish. If anyone wishes to head to Byron’s Pool, it’s around an hour walk from Cambridge city centre.

To get there quicker, people can catch the A bus towards Trumpington for seven stops, and then walk 13 minutes.

Argentina, the reigning world champions, came from behind to beat England in the semi-final, keeping alive the dream of becoming only the third nation ever to win back-to-back World Cups, following the Italy team of 1934 and 1938, and their fierce South America rivals Brazil who achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962.