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Morocco parts ways with coach Regragui before World Cup, Ouahbi appointed

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Morocco parted company with coach Walid Regragui on Thursday, three months before the World Cup, with the country’s football federation naming Mohamed Ouahbi as his replacement.

Regragui leaves despite having led the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations at the beginning of this year.

“I leave my post with loyalty, gratitude, and the certainty that I have served my country,” he declared during a ceremony broadcast live on television, confirming weeks of persistent rumours that he was on his way out.

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Ouahbi, 49, is promoted to the role having overseen Morocco’s triumph at the Under-20 World Cup in October, with the federation describing the move as “a strategic transition” in the run-up to the World Cup in North America in June and July.

“It’s a desire not to waste time and to take a different direction,” a source close to the Moroccan Federation told AFP.

“By appointing Mohamed Ouahbi and welcoming top-tier reinforcements, we are raising our standards and our demands,” the source said.

Morocco will be in Group C at the World Cup along with five-time winners Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

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They begin their campaign against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City on June 13 and will be hoping to make a big impression at the tournament before co-hosting the 2030 edition with Spain and Portugal.

“Our ambition is to consolidate our place among the best nations in a sustainable way and to perform well from this summer, as well as in 2030,” the leader of the Moroccan federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, said recently.

Read moreFIFA’s ex-chief Sepp Blatter joins calls to boycott World Cup over Trump policies

Regragui was hailed in 2022 after Morocco became the first African nation in World Cup history to reach the semi-finals, beating Spain and Portugal along the way.

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However, Regragui likely paid the ultimate price for the manner in which Morocco lost the recent AFCON final to Senegal.

His team were beaten 1-0 after extra-time at the end of a match marred by the Senegal team’s decision to walk off the pitch in protest at the award of a controversial late penalty to the hosts.

The penalty award with the game goalless sparked trouble in the crowd involving Senegal fans, 18 of whom were jailed following the disruption.

Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz eventually took the penalty after a long delay but his kick was saved and Senegal went on to win the game.

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep: All-Rookie Team highlights the best prospect pickups for redraft leagues

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Unless you play in a dynasty league, you’re most interested in the prospects who can help you right now

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Russell Wilson escalates Sean Payton feud, weighs NFL future

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Russell Wilson and Sean Payton spent just one NFL season together, but tension lingered after a rocky year.

And it appears the tension that built up from that tumultuous stretch continues to linger.

Wilson’s interview on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, recorded before last month’s Super Bowl between Seattle and New England, recently resurfaced. 

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In the interview, Wilson doubled down on his October comment labeling Payton “classless,” saying he felt slighted by his former coach’s remarks.

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Russell Wilson and Sean Payton talk

Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos talks to quarterback Russell Wilson on the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Aug. 11, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

“[When] you’ve been on the same side or this and that, and I got the same amount of rings as you got, meaning Sean, right?” said Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks as Payton did coaching for the New Orleans Saints. 

“I got a lot of respect for him as a play-caller, this and that, but to take a shot, I don’t like. I don’t think it’s necessary, you know, I mean, especially when I’m not even on your own team anymore. So, for me, there’s a point in time where you have to, I’ve realized, I’ve stayed quiet for so long. There’s a there’s a time and place where I’m not.

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“I know who I am as a competitor, as a warrior, as a champion, too, and, you know, I’ve beaten Sean, too. You know, like we’ve been on the same place and the same thing. And so, it’s not a matter of disrespect. Just don’t disrespect me.”

Russell Wilson and Sean Payton speak on field

Sean Payton and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos during an a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High Nov. 19, 2023, in Denver, Colo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

After a rocky one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, Wilson joined the New York Giants last offseason. However, he was relegated to a backup role after just three games.

Rookie Jaxson Dart quickly showed promise once he had the chance to start, but his season was briefly derailed by injury. Jameis Winston — not Wilson — stepped in for Dart in a handful of games. Dart threw three touchdowns in a Week 7 matchup with the Broncos, nearly pulling off an upset in what was eventually a close loss.

After the game, Payton said Dart provided a “spark” to the Giants’ offense.

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“I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago, and I said, ‘We were hoping that that change would have happened long after our game,’” Payton said.

Russell Wilson attempts to throw

The New York Giants’ Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of a game Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.  (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Payton also said the Broncos would have faced less of a challenge had Wilson been under center.

“Classless … but not surprised,” Wilson responded in a social media post. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later though the media.”

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Despite last season’s struggles and chatter about his football future, Wilson does not appear ready to call it quits in 2026.

“I wanna play a few more years for sure,” he said. “I think, for me, I’ve always had the vision of getting to 40, at least. I think the game is different. Quarterbacks, we get hit. It’s not, you know, we get hit hard, but … there’s certain rules. I mean, back in the day when I started, bro, it was you just get [clobbered]. 

“I mean, so I feel like the game allows you to, you know, live a little longer, I guess. I feel healthy. I feel great. But I think, more than anything else is, do you love the game? Do you love studying? Do you love the passion for it all? Do you love the process? Do you love the practice? Do you love — everybody loves the winning part of it, but it’s process. There’s a journey that you got to be obsessed with. And that part I’m obsessed with.”

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Shawn Porter sees only one winner in Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2: “Not sure he has the energy now”

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Ahead of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao rematching in six months’ time, two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter believes that only one man has what it takes to come out on top.

After years of back and forth, Mayweather and Pacquiao finally went toe-to-toe in 2015, as ‘TBE’ delivered a boxing clinic to control proceedings and become the three-belt unified champion in the 147lb division.

Two fights later, Mayweather hung up the gloves, but he did not stay away from the squared circle. Instead, the Michigan mastermind opted to partake in a series of exhibitions, keeping both his physique and bank account looking extremely healthy.

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However, after nine years away from the professional sport, Mayweather has decided to make a comeback and put his fabled 50-0 record on the line, as he rematches his old foe in a must-see battle at respective ages of 49 and 47 years old.

Speaking to TMZ Sports, Porter admitted that he cannot envisage ‘Pac Man’ being able to level the score, due to his performance when drawing with Mario Barrios back in July.

“Floyd can’t lose and it’s like, Manny, I think he should have handled business against Mario Barrios. I thought that he beat Mario, but he should have handled business. What does that mean? Make this so one-sided that nobody can doubt who won this fight.

“In order to beat Floyd, there is a certain energy that you have to have. I am not sure if Manny can find that energy now and Floyd has just always been him.”

Mayweather-Pacquiao II takes place on Saturday, September 19, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, with the event being available to watch live on Netflix.

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Australia beats Czechia to stay undefeated at World Baseball Classic

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Australia defeated Czechia 5-1 on Friday behind a three-run homer from Chicago White Sox infielder Curtis Mead to remain unbeaten in Pool C in the World Baseball Classic.

Australia is lining up among the favourites from Tokyo to reach the quarterfinals, along with the home team Japan. Japan is the defending champion and many expect a final in Miami on March 17 against the United States.

Mead’s homer in the third put Australia up 3-1 after the Czechs failed to convert a double play early in the inning that eventually gave Mead a chance to bat. Australia added two runs in the ninth, including a solo home run by Alex Hall.

The Czechs took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a sacrifice fly by Vojtech Mensik.

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Josh Hendrickson was the winning pitcher, and Tomas Ondra got the loss.

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Australia improved to 2-0 in Pool C and the Czechs fell to 0-2. Australia reached the quarterfinals three years ago in the last WBC but lost to Cuba 4-3.

The Australians have several players with MLB organizations, including Mead. There’s also Travis Bazzana, the first pick in the 2024 MLB amateur draft, taken by the Cleveland Guardians.

Japan and its superstar Shohei Ohtani play their first game in the WBC later Friday, facing Chinese Taipei, which lost to Australia 3-0 in its opener on Thursday.

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Lens reach French Cup quarter-finals after beating Lyon on penalties

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Lens can still dream of an improbable double. With only four points behind PSG in Ligue 1, Lens are now also two wins away from lifting their first-ever Coupe de France. Pierre Sage’s side beat Lyon on penalties on Thursday in the quarter-finals. They will face Toulouse for a spot in the final, while Strasbourg host Nice in the second semi-final.

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Jets trade Luke Schenn, Logan Stanley to Sabres

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The final horn on Thursday didn’t just cement a 4-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning – it closed the Winnipeg Jets’ final on-ice audition.

With Friday’s NHL trade deadline looming, the players have put in their final pitch to general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.

Now, the fate of the roster is entirely out of their hands.

“At the end of the day, we’re still chasing a playoff spot, and that’s what I’ve tried to keep those guys focused on,” said head coach Scott Arniel. 

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“This is a hard distraction, it’s right in front of us, but the focus is an eight-game homestand and, well, we’re two for two.” 

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That reality set in before puck drop. 

Despite Arniel stating earlier in the day that the team’s injured reserve list was too crowded to afford resting any pending unrestricted free agents, the script flipped by the evening. 

A couple hours after the game, they were dealt to the Buffalo Sabres for defenceman Jacob Bryson, forward Isak Rosen, a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a second-round selection next year. 

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It was a stark reminder of how quickly situations can evolve during deadline week.

“When you’re sitting out two guys that have been teammates the last few years, it’s hard,” Arniel said. “It’s easy for people to just say trade that guy, trade this guy, move this guy. Well, there’s some human aspect to it of family and kids, friendships — all of those things.”

For those players navigating the rumour mill, leaning on teammates with experience in these types of situations has helped.

Veteran forward Gustav Nyquist, who has been traded three times in his career, served as a sounding board for Stanley in recent days.

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“I mean, listen, it’s hard. This week’s hard,” Nyquist said. “He’s been here for a while … it’s part of the business. So we’ve had talks, but I think he’s been handling it great.”

For a group that’s become accustomed in recent years to adding players for a playoff push, this season’s impending deadline carries a decidedly different weight to it. 

With the Jets (25-26-10) still several points out of a playoff spot, creating the outside expectation that the organization will pivot to being sellers, the room is trying to balance the human toll with the task at hand.

“Obviously, yeah, it’s different circumstances than the last couple,” Jets captain Adam Lowry said before the game. “Obviously, this year we’re on the outside looking in. But I think the biggest thing is guys in this locker room want to support the guys where there’s a lot of uncertainty.”

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The business side of hockey is never more apparent than in the final hours ahead of the deadline. Friendships built over years are suddenly put on hold, replaced by the harsh reality that several players may have worn a Winnipeg sweater for the final time.

“From a personal side, it’s tough,” Lowry added. “You have guys uprooting their families. There’s a lot of things that go on behind the scenes. It’s not just the player getting traded, it’s the family.”

The NHL trade deadline arrives at 3 p.m. ET. Cheveldayoff is expected to be busy working the phones, armed with a clear mandate to accumulate draft capital and future assets.

Winnipeg’s list of pending unrestricted free agents is crowded. 

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It includes defenceman Colin Miller, alongside forwards Nyquist, Tanner Pearson, Cole Koepke and veteran Jonathan Toews, who controls his own destiny with a full no-move clause.

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Venus Williams silent on Serena comeback rumors

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Questions about a possible return for Serena Williams continue to circulate around the BNP Paribas Open, but Venus Williams is not revealing anything.

After her three-set loss to Diane Parry in Indian Wells, Venus was asked whether fans might see the famous Williams sisters team up again in doubles this season.

Her response was short and direct.

  • Venus Williams Indian Wells Return ends in first RoundVenus Williams Indian Wells Return ends in first Round

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“I think you should definitely ask her that.”

Speculation around Serena’s future has grown after the 23-time Grand Slam champion re-entered the anti-doping testing pool last summer, making her eligible to return to competition. Serena stepped away from tennis in 2022, saying she had “evolved” away from the sport.

While Venus did not confirm anything about a comeback, she has previously spoken about how much she enjoys seeing her sister play.

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Speaking last year at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, she said:
“I’m her biggest fan. She can take six months off and she clocks it clean. You can’t teach that kind of talent. She’s just so good.

“The only thing that would make this better is if she was here. We always did everything together, so of course I miss her. But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.”

Serena herself has remained quiet about a potential return, though she has posted training clips on social media, including recent practice sessions with fellow American Alycia Parks.

For now, the rumors remain just that.

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TV channels for every FA Cup fifth-round tie this weekend and how to watch online

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All eight matches of this weekend’s FA Cup fifth round will be available to watch on TV as teams bid to reach the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Two of the ties – the all-Premier League clash between Wolves and Liverpool and the blockbuster meeting of Wrexham and Chelsea – will be shown on the BBC, with every game live on TNT Sports and Discovery+.

(Getty Images)

The FA Cup quarter-final draw is expected to take place on Monday, before West Ham face Brentford. Other ties includes League One’s Mansfield Town hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal and Newcastle facing Manchester City at St James’ Park.

Here’s everything you need to know

FA Cup fifth-round TV schedule

Friday 6 March

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20:00: Wolves v Liverpool, live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, BBC One and iPlayer

Saturday 7 March

12:15: Mansfield Town v Arsenal, live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

17:45: Wrexham v Chelsea, live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+, BBC One and iPlayer

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20:00: Newcastle United v Man City, live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

Sunday 8 March

12:00: Fulham v Southampton, live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+

13:30: Port Vale v Sunderland, live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

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16:30: Leeds United v Norwich City, live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

Monday 9 March

19:30: West Ham United v Brentford on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

When is the FA Cup fifth-round draw?

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The draw for the fifth round will likely take place on Monday 9 March, before the match between West Ham and Brentford.

FA Cup remaining match-days

Quarter-finals: From Saturday 4 April 2026

Semi-finals: From Saturday 25 April 2026

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Final: On Saturday 16 May 2026

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F1 2026: Australian Grand Prix practice, qualifying and race times, UK times, plus weather forecast

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With moveable aerodynamics here to stay, each circuit will now display ‘straight mode zones’ on its map, in place of the previous DRS detection points, to indicate when the active wings come into play.

At Albert Park, four DRS zones now become five straight mode zones, with the overtake mode activation and detection points marked at the end of the lap at Turns 13 and 14.

Also on Sunday, to celebrate International Women’s Day, the right-hander of Turn Six will be dedicated to Haas race engineer Laura Mueller and head of race strategy at Red Bull Hannah Schmitz.

German Mueller is the first female race engineer in Formula 1 and is back for a second season working with Frenchman Esteban Ocon.

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Briton Schmitz, meanwhile, has been a key figure in Red Bull’s recent championship successes and her strategy calls have guided the team to many of their wins and podiums.

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How India is preparing for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya | Asian Games 2023

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After a record medal haul at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, India has begun stepping up preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The sports ministry and national federations are focusing on logistics, athlete readiness and infrastructure months ahead of the event.

 


The Games will be held later this year from September 19 to October 4, with thousands of athletes from across Asia expected to compete in dozens of sports.

 

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As part of the build-up, Indian authorities have started introducing new measures, including simulated accommodation setups and detailed operational planning to ensure athletes are fully prepared before they travel to Japan.

 


Replicating container-style accommodation


One of the most unusual aspects of the upcoming Asian Games is the accommodation plan for athletes. Instead of a traditional athletes’ village, organisers have opted for repurposed shipping containers and cruise liners to house participants.

 

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To help athletes get used to this unique arrangement, India has begun installing container-style housing units at Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres in Patiala and Bengaluru. Athletes who qualify for the Games will spend at least one night in these units to familiarise themselves with the compact layout and living conditions.

 

Officials believe this step will help reduce discomfort or distractions during the competition period in Japan. 


Preference for land-based housing


While some participating countries may house athletes aboard a cruise liner docked at a nearby port, India has requested land-based accommodation for its contingent.

 

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This request is particularly important for athletes competing in precision sports such as shooting and archery, where stability, rest and minimal environmental disturbance are crucial before competition.

 


Authorities believe staying on land rather than on a ship will provide a more controlled and predictable environment for athletes.


Review meetings and administrative planning


India’s preparations are also being monitored at the highest level. A review meeting chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was recently held at the SAI headquarters in New Delhi.

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Officials from the sports ministry, SAI and other stakeholders discussed travel logistics, operational readiness, training support and athlete welfare.

 


The meeting focused on ensuring athletes receive full backing in areas such as sports science, medical support, equipment, nutrition and travel arrangements.

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Selection process and contingent size


India is expected to send a large contingent to the Asian Games, with more than 700 athletes across over 40 disciplines likely to participate.

 


The final size of the Indian contingent will be decided by a 15-member review committee scheduled to meet on March 20. The committee includes Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Indian Olympic Association President P. T. Usha, Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav, and Deputy Chef de Mission Achanta Sharath Kamal.

 

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Federations have also been asked to finalise teams early and plan international exposure tours so athletes can compete against strong global opposition before the Games.


Focus on logistics, travel and support staff


Several additional measures are being implemented to streamline preparations.

 


Each National Sports Federation has appointed a nodal officer responsible for studying the Asian Games technical handbook and briefing athletes and coaches about competition regulations. Coordination with Indian embassies abroad is also being strengthened to handle travel and logistical issues.

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The government is also planning to appoint a chief medical officer for the entire contingent, while official kits and equipment are expected to be distributed well before departure to Japan.


India’s performance in the last Asian Games


India heads into the 2026 Asian Games with strong momentum after delivering its best-ever performance at the previous edition in Hangzhou.

 

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The Indian contingent finished with a record 107 medals — including 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze — and secured fourth place in the overall medal standings.

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