Joe Joyce will return to action against an unbeaten heavyweight on July 11, entering his first fight under the tutelage of head coach SugarHill Steward.

The 40-year-old has not fought since April 2025, back when he gave a strong account of himself before losing a unanimous decision to Filip Hrgovic. Joyce had been set to face fellow veteran Dillian Whyte, only to take on former world title challenger Hrgovic in a gruelling 10-round contest when Whyte pulled out due to injury.

Prior to that, the ‘Juggernaut’ had been dropped and unanimously outpointed by Derek Chisora, which followed his 10th-round finish over Kash Ali in 2024.

Hoping to return to the win column, Joyce is now gearing up to face Russia’s Artem Suslenkov on the undercard of Murat Gassiev vs Tony Yoka at Moscow’s VTB Arena.

Having also linked up with notable trainer Steward, who is best known for his work with Tyson Fury, Joyce said that he looks forward to facing the 30-year-old on away soil.

“I’ve spent the last year preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring. I’m excited for the opportunity to travel to Russia and challenge for the WBA continental heavyweight title on July 11.

“Thank you to IBA Pro for the opportunity. My team and I are locked in and Moscow should get ready for a big performance.”

Suslenkov boasts a professional record of 14-0 (9 KOs) and most notably defeated Michael Hunter via an eight-round unanimous decision in an IBA Pro match in 2024.

The 6ft 1in heavyweight has also previously outpointed Christian Hammer and comes off back-to-back stoppages over Agron Smakici and Artur Mann.

For Joyce, meanwhile, there is clearly a desire to remain in the sport, even after many called for him to retire following consecutive stoppage defeats to Zhilei Zhang in 2023.

Group C promises to be one of the most intriguing groups at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history, enter the tournament seeking a first title since 2002 under legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti. Standing in their way are Morocco, who stunned the football world with their run to the semi-finals in 2022, Scotland, returning to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, and Haiti, who are appearing at the finals for the first time since 1974.

Brazil remain favourites to top the group, but Morocco have established themselves among the strongest teams outside Europe and South America. Scotland arrive with growing belief after topping their qualifying group, while Haiti will be eager to embrace the biggest stage in international football. With contrasting styles and compelling storylines, Group C could provide some of the tournament’s most entertaining matches.

FIFA WC 2026 Group C: Teams

• 
  Brazil
• 
  Morocco
• 
  Scotland
• 
  Haiti

FIFA WC 2026 Group C: Team analysis

Brazil

Brazil arrive in North America carrying the weight of expectation that accompanies every World Cup campaign. The Seleção remain the only nation to have appeared at every edition of the tournament and continue their pursuit of a sixth world title.

Carlo Ancelotti becomes the first non-Brazilian coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup and faces the challenge of ending a 24-year wait for football’s biggest prize. While qualifying was not as dominant as many expected, the squad remains packed with world-class talent.

Vinicius Junior is now the attacking leader of the team, while Neymar’s inclusion adds experience and star power. Marquinhos, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes provide leadership through the spine of the side, while exciting youngsters such as Endrick and Rayan offer fresh energy. On paper, Brazil possess the strongest squad in the group and should have enough quality to finish top.

Brazil full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Alisson, Wesley, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Alex Sandro, Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Weverton, Danilo Luiz, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Douglas Santos, Fabinho, Danilo Santos, Endrick, Lucas Paqueta, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Ederson, Roger Ibanez, Igor Thiago, Rayan.

Morocco

Morocco are no longer viewed as outsiders on the world stage. Their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago transformed perceptions of African football, and they enter the 2026 tournament with genuine ambitions of another deep run.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi inherited a side that won all eight of its qualification matches and blends established stars with exciting young talent. Captain Achraf Hakimi remains one of the world’s best full-backs, while Brahim Diaz provides creativity and attacking flair. The midfield pairing of Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi continues to provide balance and control.

Morocco’s defensive organisation and tactical discipline make them extremely difficult to break down. They will expect to challenge Brazil for top spot and should be confident of reaching the knockout stage.

Morocco full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Nayef Aguerd, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Chemsdine Talbi, Azzedine Ounahi, Soufiane Rahimi, Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Munir Mohamedi, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Issa Diop, Samir El Mourabet, Gessime Yassine, Abde Ezzalzouli, Chadi Riad, Youssef Belammari, Ayoub El Kaabi, Ayoube Amaimouni, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Redouane Halhal, Anass Salah Eddine.

Scotland

Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and will be determined to finally end their long-standing struggle at major tournaments. No Scotland side has ever progressed beyond the opening stage of a World Cup, making this group a major opportunity to create history.

Steve Clarke has overseen a significant improvement in the national team’s fortunes and guided Scotland to the top of their qualifying group for the first time since 1982. Captain Andy Robertson provides leadership from the back, while Scott McTominay has emerged as the team’s most influential player in recent years.

John McGinn, Che Adams and Lewis Ferguson add experience and quality throughout the squad. Scotland may not possess the depth of Brazil or Morocco, but their organisation, work rate and belief make them dangerous opponents.

Haiti

Haiti’s qualification represents one of the feel-good stories of the tournament. The Caribbean nation return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years after finishing ahead of Costa Rica and Honduras during qualification.

Duckens Nazon played a crucial role in securing qualification and remains Haiti’s most experienced attacking threat. The squad has also been strengthened through the recruitment of players from the Haitian diaspora, including Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Wilson Isidor.

Although Haiti enter the tournament as the underdogs of Group C, they have already exceeded expectations by reaching the finals. Their pace, enthusiasm and attacking approach could make them difficult opponents, particularly if bigger nations underestimate them.

Haiti full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Johny Placide, Carlens Arcus, Keeto Thermoncy, Ricardo Ade, Hannes Delcroix, Carl Sainte, Derrick Etienne Jr, Martin Experience, Duckens Nazon, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Louicius Deedson, Alexandre Pierre, Duke Lacroix, Leverton Pierre, Ruben Providence, Lenny Joseph, Danley Jean-Jacques, Wilson Isidor, Yassin Fortune, Frantzdy Pierrot, Josue Casimir, Jean-Kevin Duverne, Josue Duverger, Wilguens Paugain, Dominique Simon, Woodensky Pierre.

FIFA WC 2026 Group C: Players to watch out for

Brazil – Vinicius Junior

The Real Madrid superstar enters the tournament as Brazil’s most important attacking player. His pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal make him one of the most dangerous forwards in world football.

Morocco – Achraf Hakimi

Morocco’s captain remains the driving force behind the team. Equally effective in attack and defence, Hakimi’s leadership and quality will be vital to Morocco’s ambitions.

Scotland – Scott McTominay

McTominay has become Scotland’s talisman, consistently delivering important goals and performances. His energy, leadership and ability to influence matches from midfield make him the key man for Steve Clarke’s side.

Haiti – Duckens Nazon

The striker was instrumental during qualification and remains Haiti’s primary source of goals. His experience and finishing ability will be crucial if Haiti are to spring a surprise.

FIFA WC 2026 Group C: Final standings prediction

Brazil possess too much quality and depth not to finish top of Group C. Ancelotti’s side may still be searching for consistency, but they remain one of the most talented squads in the tournament.

Morocco appear best placed to join them in the knockout stage after building on the success of recent years and establishing themselves among the strongest teams outside the traditional football powers. Scotland should remain competitive throughout the group stage and could still challenge for qualification, while Haiti’s primary objective will be to gain valuable experience and potentially claim a memorable result.

Predicted standings

• 
  Brazil
• 
  Morocco
• 
  Scotland
• 
  Haiti

The T20I squads named for the Ireland and England series along with the Asian Games mark an unmissable change for Indian cricket. Shreyas Iyer is the new captain, while the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been picked as well. The selection is one with a clear eye on the future, and the BCCI selectors have set their sights on the 2028 T20 World Cup. One name, however, that was missing from the squads was Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar.

Apart from leading RCB to the title, Patidar brought out a power-hitting avatar of himself as the No. 4 batter. In fact, apart from Heinrich Klaasen, no other No. 4 batter had as much impact as Patidar. He scored 501 in 15 matches at an average of 41.75.

India great Harbhajan Singh was ‘sad’ that Patidar was not picked. “Sad no Rajat Patidar in the Indian squad. What else does he need to do? Scored 501 runs, strike rate almost 200. Unfair @rrjjt_01 Easily the best middle order in India. Proper striker with good technique,” Harbhajan Singh wrote on X.

Sad no Rajat Patidar in the indian squad. What else he needs to do ? Scored 501 runs strike rate almost 200 . Unfair 💔 @rrjjt_01 Easily the best middle order in India . Proper striker with good technique

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 6, 2026

The middle-order batter was overlooked even as the selection committee made a plethora of changes to the squad, bringing in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi whilst replacing Suryakumar Yadav as captain with Shreyas Iyer.

When Ajit Agarkar, the chief of the BCCI selection committee, was asked about the decision to snub Patidar, he admitted that not all deserving players can be selected as only 15 members can be named in the squad.

“We discussed a host of players. We think these 15 are deserving. There are a lot of good players in India. There are plenty who are good enough to walk into the team, but the guys playing are doing as well as they can. We think we’ve picked a good squad. There will always be players missing out, but we’ve picked a good squad, and we are happy with this one,” Agarkar said, speaking at a press conference on Saturday.

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Anticipation is building as we draw nearer to the beginning of World Cup 2026.

The tournament gets underway on Thursday, June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa, and ends on July 19 with the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. And you can feel part of the experience with our free sweepstake kit available for download!

This happens to be the largest World Cup ever organised, taking place across three host countries – Mexico, Canada and the USA – and features 48 nations. That means greater opportunities to win – or fall short – depending on which country you select and how you play your own sweepstake.

The Manchester Evening News has got you covered ahead of all the action with a free sweepstake kit, which you can click, download and print to take part in with friends, family and colleagues.

DOWNLOAD WORLD CUP 2026 SWEEPSTAKE KIT HERE

The expanded tournament format will see a whopping 104 fixtures contested over 39 days. There’s certainly no lack of narratives going into the iconic competition, with it representing both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s last dances as they compete for football’s most prized honour.

For England, this summer marks a fresh chapter under Thomas Tuchel, although there’s an increasing sense that it’s now or never for the second golden generation to bring the trophy home for the first time since 1966. The Three Lions face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in a favourable Group L.

Meanwhile, Scotland clinched their first World Cup qualification since 1998 in dramatic circumstances. Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army have been placed in Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.

Will you pull out a heavyweight such as Argentina, France, Germany, Portugal, England, Spain or Brazil – the envy of everyone around you? Or will you be left gutted, drawing the likes of Cape Verde, Iraq, Curacao, Jordan or Uzbekistan?

Whether you find yourself brimming with confidence or cursing your luck, there is no question that participating in a sweepstake will heighten the sense of excitement and investment when the likes of Qatar and Switzerland face off in the tournament’s opening week.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to add Pepe to his backroom staff at Real Madrid once he takes over. The manager’s return has been confirmed following Florentino Pérez’s victory in the club’s presidential election.

According to a report in MARCA, Mourinho is working to finalise his coaching staff. He has set his sights on Pepe as one of the key players to add to the team, to help manage the players.

The defender worked with Mourinho at the club and spent 10 years at the Santiago Bernabéu before leaving in 2017. He won the UEFA Champions League three times in his spell with Los Blancos, with as many La Liga titles and two UEFA Super Cups.

The fans have since started reacting to the news on social media, and many have been sharing memes of what the scene could be in the dressing room.

Real Madrid reportedly has had issues in the dressing room since the exit of Carlo Ancelotti last summer. Reports suggest that Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are not on the same page, while a physical fight between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde sent the Uruguayan to the hospital too.

Benfica confirm Real Madrid will activate Jose Mourinho’s clause

Jose Mourinho has a €15 million clause in his contract and Benfica have confirmed that Real Madrid have informed them about the plans. They released an official statement, announcing that the manager would be making his move back to the Bernabéu if Perez won the elections and said:

“Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD (“Benfica SAD”) hereby informs that the candidacy of President Florentino Pérez for the Real Madrid CF elections has expressed a firm intention to hire coach José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix should he win the elections for the presidency of said club, scheduled for June 7, 2026. If such a scenario occurs, the signing will be executed for the amount of €15,000,000, corresponding to the release clause of the sports employment contract currently in force.”

Mourinho managed 178 matches at Real Madrid, winning 127 times and losing just 23. However, he managed just one La Liga and one Copa del Rey at the club and will be determined to do better in his second stint.

This is not the first time the Portuguese manager has returned to his former club. He moved back to Chelsea in 2013 after leaving them in 2007, while also returning to Benfica, where he managed in 2000 and since last summer.