After 23 matches, a 25-hour journey, a rejected request for postponement and the complications of playing amid a war that has taken its toll, Iraq have made the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
A 2-1 playoff win over Bolivia in Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on Tuesdaysaw wild celebrations in Iraq.
The Iraq team, led by Australian coach Graham Arnold, arrived in Mexico last week after an arduous three-day journey, with some players forced to make parts of the journey overland thanks to the shutdown of air traffic in the region as a result of the US-Israel war with Iran.
Arnold had asked for the match to be postponed due to the logistical difficulties but was happy to see his team overcome the challenges. “Delighted for the players, very good boys, very happy for the 46 million Iraqis,” he said.
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‘Let’s shock the world’
“Hopefully it will help change the perception of Iraq and the football in Iraq. Doing something in the World Cup nobody expects us to do. Let’s shock the world.”
More than 100 Iraqis have died in the war but the country took to the streets after the final whistle blew, with a two day national holiday announced.
“Despite the dire economic situation and the war, our national team won,” fan Ali al-Muhandis told news agency AFP. “We in Iraq excel in exceptional circumstances. We are living through a war that has nothing to do with us, because it’s between Iran, America and Israel.”
This morning FIFA announced that: “The line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been completed with six teams clinching the remaining places among the 48 that will make the upcoming tournament in North America the most inclusive ever.”
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Iran protests and position cast real World Cup doubt
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the Iranian national team’s 5-0 win over Costa Rica in Turkey on Tuesday in which Iranian players held pictures of children killed in US and Israeli strikes on the country during the national anthem, the second such protest in their March international friendlies. In the first, the players wore black armbands held children’s rucksacks to commemorate the victims of a strike on a primary school in Iran on the first day of the war.
Iranian national team players made reference to war before both of their March internationalsImage: Orhan Cicek/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said at halftime. “That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.” He then added: “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine.”
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It seems unlikely that Washington and Tehran feel the same. US President Donald Trump, the recipient of FIFA’S new Peace Prize last year, said last month that Iran should not travel “for their own life and safety”. Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, has also previously said that “under no circumstances can we participate” while a statement from the team’s Instagram account said: “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
FIFA’s reluctance to wrangle with a potential Iranian boycott leaves the question of who would replace them open. The organization’s laws state that: “A nominated alternate, often the direct runner-up from the relevant qualifying playoff or highest-ranked non-qualified team from that confederation””should qualify, which may end up being the United Arab Emirates, given Iraq’s win. But nothing is certain.
Bosnia, DR Congo jubilant as Italy miss out again
Things are a little clearer for the other five playoff winners on Tuesday. In Europe, Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina all won through. The latter beat Italy on penalties to condemn the Azzuri to a third consecutive missed World Cup and spark wild scenes in Sarajevo and elsewhere in the country.
“What can I say? We saw everything after that last penalty. Great pride,” defender Nikola Katic said. “I’ve never cried after a game, I’m 29 years old, and now the tears have started.”
There were similar feelings as the DR Congo punched their World Cup ticket for the first time in 1974, when they were known as Zaire.
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The 48-team tournament has drawn criticism for expanding the tournament in an already packed football calendar and diluting quality but has given opportunities to those beyond the normal qualifiers. Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will all make their tournament debuts later this year.
May 11, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Coby Mayo (16) connects on a three-run home run during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Orioles want to make more out of the current three-game series after winning the opener against the visiting New York Yankees.
Maybe there will be more drama Tuesday night.
The Orioles won for just the fourth time in 12 games when Coby Mayo’s three-run homer in the seventh inning sparked a 3-2 victory on Monday. The blast completed a surprising turnaround, as Baltimore trailed 2-0 and didn’t have a hit until that inning.
New York took its fourth straight loss. The Yankees fell for the fifth time in six games since beginning May with a five-game winning streak that included a four-game wipeout of Baltimore.
Now the Orioles are feeling better.
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“It feels like I’ve been in that spot a lot over the last three seasons since I’ve been up here and haven’t come through much, as much as I wanted to,” Mayo said. “That was a spot where when I did come through, all that emotion came out and it just felt really good.”
The outcome provided the Orioles with a jolt of confidence. They were stymied by Ryan Weathers, but he exited after a single, a groundout and a walk in the seventh, and reliever Brent Headrick was taken deep by Mayo, the first batter he faced.
If the Yankees fall on Tuesday, they would match their longest losing streak of the season, a five-game skid from April 8-12.
“We’ve got to get some guys unlocked,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “We’ve got a handful of guys that are scuffling. We’ve got to get a little bit more competitive up and down the lineup as we hit this little rough patch.”
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Will Warren (4-1, 3.46 ERA) will start for the Yankees on Tuesday. He held the Orioles to two runs, one earned, in 6 1/3 innings for a home victory on May 1, striking out nine and walking one. Pete Alonso tagged him for a solo homer. Warren’s only outing since then resulted in a loss to the Texas Rangers, when he allowed six runs in four innings on Wednesday.
The right-hander has struck out 53 and walked 11 in 41 2/3 innings this season.
Warren went 1-2 with 4.95 ERA in four matchups with Baltimore last year, giving up four home runs in those outings.
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The Orioles hadn’t announced their Tuesday pitching plans, but they are expected to have left-hander Trevor Rogers (2-3, 4.75 ERA) back from the injured list and available for a start any day now. Rogers hasn’t pitched in the majors since April 25. In four career outings vs. the Yankees, he is 1-1 with a 4.60 ERA.
Baltimore catcher Samuel Basallo was scratched from the lineup on Monday, when he was set to be the designated hitter, because of a sore left knee. A day earlier, he was involved in a collision at home plate but held onto the ball for an out against the Athletics.
The Orioles made a move involving the pitching staff on Monday, calling up left-hander Josh Walker from Triple-A Norfolk and optioning right-hander Trey Gibson to Norfolk.
New York slugger Aaron Judge has reached base against the Orioles in 27 consecutive games after hitting a sixth-inning double in the series opener.
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The Yankees didn’t have shortstop Jose Caballero, who is batting .259 with 13 stolen bases, in the starting lineup on Monday because of a finger injury sustained a day earlier in Milwaukee. The plan was to have him evaluated by a specialist Tuesday in New York, though he was used as a ninth-inning pinch runner and caught stealing to end the Monday game.
“He’s as tough as they come, but he had a little hard time when he went to throw (on Monday),” Boone said. “He’s been such a good performer for us here to start the year, both sides of the ball. He’s been a key part of our team to this point.”
Max Schuemann was New York’s shortstop in Caballero’s absence.
Belfast’s Lewis Crocker will defend his IBF world welterweight title against Australian Liam Paro in Brisbane on 24 June.
The contest will take place at the Pat Rafter Arena, with the date and venue having been confirmed on Wednesday.
Crocker hopes that a victory over Paro would help open the door to a unification bout with another belt-holder in the division.
The 29-year-old won the title with a split decision verdict over Paddy Donovan at Belfast’s Windsor Park in September and his team had hoped to stage the defence against mandatory challenger Paro in his home city.
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However, with no agreement reached between the parties, the matter was resolved by a purse bid with No Limit outbidding Crocker’s promoter Matchroom by $27,000 (£20,000).
Paul Heyman appeared on the latest edition of WWE RAW alongside Austin Theory, Bron Breakker, and Logan Paul of The Vision. He kicked off the show and was at ringside for their six-man tag team match against Joe Hendry and the Street Profits.
Heyman, unfortunately, watched his clients lose the match after interference from Seth Rollins. After the show, he uploaded a picture of the Empire State Building on his X/Twitter account, claiming that the building was lit up dark green in his honor, since he was wearing a suit of the same color on RAW.
Thanks for the submission!
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“Just landed back home a moment ago. The rumors are true. The Empire State Building is lit up dark green tonight in honor of my custom green suit on WWE RAW tonight. King of New York ( … and everywhere else)!” he wrote.
Real Reason why Jacob Fatu lost at Backlash – Check Here!
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It seems clear that Paul Heyman will have his hands full throughout the summer, as the feud between the two sides will continue following the tag team match on RAW.
Paul Heyman’s clients were booked in a title match for an upcoming WWE event
Angelo Dawkins rolled Austin Theory up for the pinfall during the six-man tag team match on RAW this past week. However, it wasn’t without shenanigans as Paul Heyman’s former client, Seth Rollins, interfered in the match, distracting Theory enough for Dawkins to get the victory for his side.
After pinning one-half of the World Tag Team Champions, the Street Profits will finally get a shot at the championship at an upcoming WWE special event.
Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV is just two weeks away, and one of the first matches added to the card is a World Tag Team Championship match where Logan Paul and Austin Theory will defend their titles against Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.
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The Street Profits have been featured regularly on RAW since their return, and have given Paul and Theory a tough time. Now, it remains to be seen whether they can end their title reign to send them on the back foot and gain a strong footing in the tag team division on RAW.
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Shortly after James and the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer was asked if he planned to keep playing basketball next year.
“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” James told reporters. “… When the time comes, you guys will know.”
James said he plans to take time with his family before officially coming to a decision.
If he does decide to return, the next question for James is whether or not it will be with the Lakers.
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After spending the past eight seasons with L.A., James is currently not under contract for next season.
But at 41, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer proved this season that he can still be a force in the league.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 5.4 rebounds while playing 33.2 minutes per game in the regular season.
Then, with Lakers superstar Luka Doncic out for the entirety of the Lakers’ post-season run due to injury, James took his game to another level.
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The four-time NBA champ led the Lakers in total points and assists in the playoffs, and helped the team to a surprising upset of the Houston Rockets in Round 1.
So, despite being swept by the defending champs in Round 2, James is still proud of what he accomplished in his 23rd season.
“I left everything I could out on the floor,” James said. “I’m not looking at my year as a disappointment, that’s for damn sure.”
Aug 12, 1978; Denver, CO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) in action against the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Mile High Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK
Former Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who led Denver to its first Super Bowl appearance and is a member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor, died at home at 83 on Saturday, the team announced.
Joining the Broncos in 1977, the former Cal star guided the team to Super Bowl XII, a 27-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Morton was named the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year after posting a 12-2 record and 1,929 passing yards with 14 touchdowns that season. Finishing his career with the Broncos in 1981, he was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame in 1988.
Morton spent nine-plus seasons (1965-74) with the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him No. 5 overall in the 1965 NFL Draft, then played parts of three seasons with the New York Giants (1974-76) before joining the Broncos.
Morton trails only Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and John Elway in Broncos’ passing yards with 11,895. Morton ranks third with 74 passing touchdowns and second in game-winning drives to Elway with 14.
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Over his 18-year NFL career, Morton finished 81-62-1 with 2,053 completions for 27,908 yards and 183 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 627 yards and 12 scores.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the Western Conference Finals after beating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 to complete a 4-0 series sweep.
Unlike the earlier games in the series, this play was much closer. The Lakers kept fighting throughout the night and even took a late lead in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City still found a way to close it out.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, while Ajay Mitchell added 28, and 10 in the final quarter. With the game tied late, Chet Holmgren delivered a huge dunk with 32 seconds left to put OKC back in front.
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“We’ve done our job so far,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win. “We’ve gone out there, executed, played at a high level and won eight tough games.”
The Lakers had their chances late. LeBron James finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds, but missed a driving shot in the closing moments that could have given Los Angeles the lead.
After the game, LeBron admitted he still does not know what comes next for his career.
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“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” he said. “I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family.”
Austin Reaves scored 27 points for the Lakers, while Rui Hachimura added 25 in a strong effort.
Still, the Thunder continued their dominance over Los Angeles this season, going 8-0 against the Lakers across the regular season and playoffs combined.
Oklahoma City now moves on to the Western Conference Finals, looking every bit like a serious championship favourite.
NEW DELHI: Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has come out in support of fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat amid her dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over returning to competitive wrestling after retirement.Vinesh recently tried to compete at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda despite the federation declaring her ineligible.
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Vinesh Phogat breaks silence on WFI notice
The WFI said wrestlers must serve a mandatory six-month notice period before making a comeback under anti-doping rules. However, Vinesh, who became a mother 10 months ago, has challenged the decision and refused to step away.Sakshi said she usually avoids political matters because Vinesh is now a Congress MLA, but she felt the issue was bigger than politics.In a video shared on social media, Sakshi pointed out that many countries around the world relax rules to help women athletes continue their careers after motherhood.“But our federation has come up with rules to stop Vinesh from making a comeback,” Sakshi said.She appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the WFI to give Vinesh a fair opportunity.“I would request the Prime Minister, the Sports Minister and the WFI to take Vinesh’s trial so that she can also win medals for the country and be an example for women by winning medals after becoming a mother,” she added.Vinesh had retired after a heartbreaking disqualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she missed the weight limit by just 100 grams before the final. Later, she entered politics and became an MLA from Haryana’s Julana constituency.
Aaron Rodgers didn’t make it back to Pittsburgh after all.
After reports surfaced this past Friday that Rodgers was expected to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in preparation for a return to the team he played for last year, many were hopeful the months-long wait was over.
However, during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN this Monday, Adam Schefter said neither the Steelers nor his agent were aware of any such meeting being on the schedule.
Aaron Rodgers of the Steelers stands during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 4, 2026.(Michael Owens/Getty Images)
But then, there were the reports about where Rodgers is in the world, with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporting that he was in the Steel City, though he wasn’t scheduled to visit with the team. A report from 93.7 The Fan added on, saying he was in town for golf.
Either way, the decision still lingers whether Rodgers will suit up for the Steelers, but the storied franchise gave themselves some insurance if the four-time MVP quarterback decides he wants to potentially play elsewhere.
The Steelers used an unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers last month, which allows Pittsburgh the right to match any offer Rodgers may get from another team.
Despite doubt from some camps on Rodgers’ potential return, Schefter noted his belief he will be in the Steelers’ depth chart come training camp. The Steelers have their OTAs scheduled to begin next Monday.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 4, 2026.(Getty Images)
With Rodgers at the helm this past season, the Steelers went 10-7, even earning a playoff berth after Baltimore Ravens rookie Tyler Loop’s now-infamous game-winning field goal did not get through the uprights. The Steelers ended up losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, extending the team’s playoff winless streak to eight straight seasons, including three consecutive campaigns.
Rodgers, who’s slated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he decides to call it quits for his career, threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions in 16 games for Pittsburgh in 2025.
The Steelers also revamped their team for this season, as Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ old head coach with the Green Bay Packers, takes over for Mike Tomlin, whose generational run in Pittsburgh ended after 19 seasons (2007-25). While D.K. Metcalf and Rodgers built chemistry this past season, the Steelers also added veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, while adding Alabama’s Germie Bernard in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after being sacked during the wild-card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 12, 2026.(Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
And while Kenneth Gainwell is gone after a solid performance with Pittsburgh, Rico Dowdle comes into the fold to work alongside Jaylen Warren at running back.
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Yet, the biggest question in football still remains: will Rodgers be a part of these new-look Steelers in 2026?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formed an interim committee and appointed former captain Tamim Iqbal as its head. Addressing the controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026, Tamim admitted that the situation was mishandled by the previous BCB administration and expressed disappointment over how the country lost its place in the tournament.While India celebrated a historic third T20 World Cup title, Bangladesh endured one of the darkest chapters in its cricketing history after being left out of the competition. The controversy began when Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad amid rising religious tensions in Bangladesh. Concerned about player safety, the BCB requested the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka. However, with the tournament schedule already finalised, the ICC declined the proposal due to logistical complications, ultimately leading to Bangladesh’s exclusion.
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Speaking to The Indian Express, Tamim criticised the handling of the issue by the former BCB administration and felt there was still enough room for dialogue and compromise.“I was probably the first person to speak out when the T20 World Cup issue happened. The way it was handled by the previous BCB administration was not right. The ICC was lenient and there was room to find a solution. We should have found it,” Tamim said.The former Bangladesh skipper also reflected emotionally on Bangladesh’s cricketing journey and what World Cup qualification means to the country. He recalled the celebrations after Bangladesh secured qualification for the 1999 World Cup by winning the ICC Trophy in 1997.“People celebrated on the streets. That victory inspired an entire generation to take up cricket. Everyone wanted to become Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Khaled Mashud or Akram Khan. And then we gave away a World Cup opportunity without even proper discussions. There may be players in that squad who might never get another chance to play a World Cup, and that hurt me deeply,” he added.Tamim also spoke about Bangladesh’s relationship with the BCCI, insisting that ties between the two boards remain healthy. He revealed that he shares a strong personal bond with current BCCI president Mithun Manhas, having played alongside him in the IPL and domestic leagues.“I know Mithun Manhas very well. We played together in the IPL and he has visited Bangladesh many times for Dhaka league cricket. I haven’t met him officially in this role yet, but we share a very good rapport,” Tamim said.He further assured that Bangladesh remains a safe destination for international cricket and hoped India would tour the country again soon.“The security situation in Bangladesh is absolutely fine at the moment. There is no threat, especially for the Indian cricket team. Whenever India tours Bangladesh, the stadiums are packed because people love that rivalry. I personally believe there are no real issues between BCB and BCCI anymore, and a bilateral series in Bangladesh would be a great step forward,” he concluded.
Nigerian defender Enyinnaya Kazie will leave Stellenbosch FC at the end of the season after reaching the end of his contract.
The versatile right wing-back is expected to make his final appearance for the club in their last league match of the campaign against Marumo Gallants F.C. on May 23.
Kazie joined Stellenbosch from Rivers United F.C. in November 2024 and quickly settled into the team. The Nigerian defender became a regular starter and impressed with his consistent displays on both ends of the pitch.
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The 24-year-old featured in 35 matches across all competitions this season and scored two goals during an outstanding campaign for the South African side.
His strong performances have reportedly attracted interest from clubs outside South Africa, with Kazie now looking forward to continuing his career abroad after the expiration of his deal.
His exit is expected to be a big loss for Stellenbosch, considering the important role he played within a short period at the club.
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