Colombia made an impressive start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their opening Group K match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Backed by a crowd of 80,824 spectators, Néstor Lorenzo’s side combined possession, attacking quality and clinical finishing to overcome a spirited Uzbekistan team. Goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed all three points, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’s only goal.

While the scoreline reflected Colombia’s superiority, the statistics behind the game further highlighted why the South Americans deserved the victory.

Colombia Dominated Possession and Territory

One of the biggest differences between the two teams was Colombia’s control of the ball. Lorenzo’s men enjoyed 61 per cent possession and completed 445 of their 520 passes, compared to Uzbekistan’s 242 completed passes from 318 attempts.

The South Americans also spent more time in dangerous attacking areas. They recorded 56 final-third entries and 27 touches inside the opposition penalty box, while Uzbekistan managed just five touches in Colombia’s area.

The first half particularly belonged to Colombia. They controlled 72 per cent possession before the break and completed over 300 passes, constantly forcing Uzbekistan onto the defensive.

Better Chances, Better Finishing

Although Uzbekistan remained competitive throughout the match, Colombia created far more dangerous opportunities.

The South Americans attempted 15 shots compared to Uzbekistan’s eight and generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.61 against their opponents’ 1.14.

More importantly, Colombia created four big chances during the game, while Uzbekistan managed only one.

Ten of Colombia’s 15 shots came from inside the penalty area, showing their ability to penetrate Uzbekistan’s defence. In contrast, Uzbekistan produced only four efforts from inside the box.

The difference in finishing proved decisive. Colombia converted three of their four big chances, while Uzbekistan could not make the most of their limited opportunities.

Uzbekistan’s Brief Fightback

Fabio Cannavaro’s side showed plenty of character after the interval.

After trailing 1-0 at half-time following Daniel Muñoz’s 41st-minute opener, Uzbekistan improved significantly in the second half. They struck the woodwork twice and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised with their first shot on target.

For a brief period, momentum appeared to be shifting.

However, Colombia responded like an experienced World Cup side. Just five minutes after conceding, Luis Díaz restored the lead with a composed finish following excellent work from Gustavo Puerta.

The quick response effectively ended Uzbekistan’s momentum and allowed Colombia to regain control.

Luis Díaz Delivered When It Mattered

Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz was undoubtedly the star of the match.

The Colombian forward received an 8.5 Sofascore rating after producing both a goal and an assist.

Díaz supplied the pass for Muñoz’s opening goal before scoring the crucial second goal that put Colombia back in front after Uzbekistan’s equaliser.

His overall contribution went beyond goals.

The winger completed 19 of his 24 passes, created one big chance, delivered two key passes, won eight duels and drew five fouls. He also recorded a team-high expected assists (xA) figure of 0.65 and carried the ball nearly 180 metres throughout the contest.

His performance combined creativity, direct running and end product, making him the clear standout player on the pitch.

Strong Support Cast

While Díaz grabbed the headlines, several teammates also played key roles in the victory.

Daniel Muñoz not only opened the scoring but also completed 33 of his 39 passes and registered three interceptions from right-back.

Substitute Jaminton Campaz made a major impact after coming on. He scored Colombia’s third goal deep into stoppage time and earned a 7.7 match rating.

In midfield, Jefferson Lerma completed 61 passes and added five ball recoveries, helping Colombia maintain control in key moments.

At the back, Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí combined for 142 accurate passes, providing a solid foundation for Colombia’s build-up play.

Defensive Efficiency Made the Difference

Although Uzbekistan won more aerial duels and enjoyed greater success in one-on-one dribbles, Colombia’s defensive structure remained organised.

Uzbekistan were forced into making 26 clearances as they spent long periods defending. The Central Asian side also committed costly mistakes, including an error that directly contributed to a Colombian goal.

Goalkeeping statistics further highlighted the gap between both teams. Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas recorded a positive goals-prevented figure despite being beaten once, while Uzbekistan finished with a negative goals-prevented rating of minus 1.70.

A Statement Victory

The final scoreline reflected Colombia’s overall dominance.

They controlled possession, created more chances, completed more passes and showed greater composure in front of goal.

While Uzbekistan produced encouraging moments, especially during their second-half spell, Colombia consistently looked the more dangerous side and deserved their 3-1 victory.

With Luis Díaz leading the attack and the team showing balance across all areas of the pitch, Colombia have sent an early warning to the rest of Group K that they could be one of the teams to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 U.S. Open begins bright and early Thursday morning as 156 players begin their quest for one of the most coveted titles in golf on one of the sport’s most iconic courses. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club will present a tremendous test for the field, and the man who emerges victorious will have more than earned his title as U.S. Open champion. 

The USGA has assembled a number of marquee groups that will grab plenty of attention from the first tee onward. However, a fog delay started at 7:05 a.m. ET on Thursday, pushing tee times back two hours as they were unable to resume play until 9:05 a.m., setting up an extremely long first round that will extend into Friday morning. Follow the action throughout Round 1 with U.S. Open leaderboard live coverage and updates on Thursday.

The first of those featured groups to go off will include the last man to win a U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Brooks Koepka, as he’s paired alongside two other heavy-hitting Americans in Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup, going off the 1st tee at 9:30 a.m. On the other side of the course, at 9:52 a.m., the European Ryder Cup team will be well represented in a group featuring Rory McIlroy (aiming for his first U.S. Open win in 15 years), Ludvig Åberg and Tommy Fleetwood teeing off on No. 10. 

Last year’s U.S. Open winner, J.J. Spaun, will play alongside the reigning U.S. Amateur champ Mason Howell and the world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, as he begins his quest for the career grand slam at 10:14 a.m. off No. 1. 

Headlining the afternoon wave will be a 3:25 p.m. tee time featuring Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick going off No. 10. Going off the No. 1 at 3:47 p.m. will be Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele. The final featured group of the first round will see Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm tee off the 10th at 4:09 p.m. 

Check out the complete updated U.S. Open tee times and groupings for Thursday’s first round at Shinnecock Hills, and don’t miss CBS Sports’ 2026 U.S. Open TV schedule and coverage guide so you do not miss a moment all week.

All times Eastern

2026 U.S. Open tee times, Thursday pairings 

No. 1 tee

6:35 a.m. — James Nicholas, Taylor Montgomery, Caleb Surratt
6:46 a.m. — Ethan Fang (a), Jayden Schaper, Jackson Suber
6:57 a.m. — Chase Kyes (a), Matthew Jordan, Alejandro Tosti
9:08 a.m. — Carl Yuan, Brandon Wu, Jimmy Stanger
9:19 a.m. — Padraig Harrington, Miles Russell (a), Cameron Smith
9:30 a.m. — Brooks Koepka, Cameron Young, Chris Gotterup
9:41 a.m. — Daniel Berger, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler
9:52 a.m. — Patrick Reed, Andrew Novak, Kurt Kitayama
10:03 a.m. — Harris English, Adam Scott, Nick Taylor
10:14 a.m. — Mason Howell (a), Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun
10:25 a.m. — Sahith Theegala, Jackson Koivun (a), Michael Kim
10:36 a.m. — J.B. Holmes, Filippo Celli, Jackson Ormond (a)
10:47 a.m. — Jake Peacock, Vaughn Harber (a), Kaito Onishi
2:30 p.m. — Niklas Norgaard, Rocco Paolo Repetto Taylor, Sudarshan Yellamaraju
2:41 p.m. — Laurie Canter, John Parry, Bryan Lee (a)
2:52 p.m. — Chris Kirk, Max McGreevy, Jake Knapp
3:03 p.m. — Harry Hall, Michael Brennan, Andrew Putnam
3:14 p.m. — Davis Thompson, Preston Stout (a), David Puig
3:25 p.m. — Ryo Hisatsune, Corey Conners, Ryan Fox
3:36 p.m. — Ryan Gerard, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin
3:47 p.m. — Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, Xander Schauffele
3:58 p.m. — Nicolai Højgaard, Nicolas Echavarria, Robert MacIntyre
4:09 p.m. — J.T. Poston, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel
4:20 p.m. — Arni Sveinsson (a), Taihei Sato, Marcelo Rozo
4:31 p.m. — Nick Hardy, Cole Hammer, Jack Schoenberger
4:42 p.m. — Marek Fleming (a), TK Kim, Giuseppe Puebla (a)

No. 10 tee

6:35 a.m. — Chandler Phillips, Harry Higgs, Hamilton Coleman (a)
6:46 a.m. — Nathan Kimsey, Jackson Herrington (a), Cooper Dossey
6:57 a.m. — Peter Uihlein, Eric Lee (a), Samuel Stevens
9:08 a.m. — Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Ben Silverman, Emiliano Grillo
9:19 a.m. — Patrick Rodgers, Keith Mitchell, Graeme McDowell
9:30 a.m. — Sungjae Im, Lucas Herbert, Kristoffer Reitan
9:41 a.m. — Sam Burns, Tyrrell Hatton, Si Woo Kim
9:52 a.m. — Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood
10:03 a.m. — Alex Noren, Maverick McNealy, Sepp Straka
10:14 a.m. — Max Greyserman, Brian Harman, Jacob Bridgeman
10:25 a.m. — Alex Fitzpatrick, Tom Kim, Ben James
10:36 a.m. — Brandon Holtz (a), Ryuichi Oiwa, Dylan Wu
10:47 a.m. — Greyson Leach, Logan Reilly (a), Robbie Higgins
2:30 p.m. — William Mouw, Ryder Cowan (a), Hennie Du Plessis
2:41 p.m. — Adrien Saddier, Jackson Van Paris, Ugo Coussaud
2:52 p.m. — Neal Shipley, Matti Schmid, Bud Cauley
3:03 p.m. — Pierceson Coody, Zac Blair, Kevin Roy
3:14 p.m. — Aaron Rai, Collin Morikawa, Jason Day
3:25 p.m. — Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick
3:36 p.m. — Dustin Johnson, Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland
3:47 p.m. — Joaquin Niemann, Alex Smalley, Shane Lowry
3:58 p.m. — Akshay Bhatia, Carlos Ortiz, Min Woo Lee
4:09 p.m. — Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm
4:20 p.m. — Ben Kohles, Johnny Keefer, Matt McCarty
4:31 p.m. — Angel Hidalgo, Mateo Pulcini (a), Spencer Tibbits
4:42 p.m. — Matthew Robles (a), Jake Sollon, Manav Shah

Glenn Phillips slammed his first Test century for New Zealand against England on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at The Oval on Thursday. Archer’s duel with Phillips on Wednesday night was the highlight of the first day. Archer’s barrage of bouncers landed Phillips frequently on his back, along with blows to a finger and two to the shoulder. But by the time Archer reappeared on Thursday, Phillips was on 97. Maybe fittingly, Phillips hit two runs and a single off Archer to reach his first Test hundred. Archer gave Phillips a congratulatory tap on the back.

Before that, however, Phillips faced Archer with goggles on! 

Jofra Archer unleashed a huge, deadly bouncer at Glenn Phillips in the 2nd Test against New Zealand

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– Look at Phillips’ reaction pic.twitter.com/3cldPx2SG5

— T-Celebs (@t_celebs) June 18, 2026

New Zealand was bowled out for 391 after resuming on 291-7, and Phillips was the last man out for an even 100 on a warm, sunny morning. The Black Caps would have thought 350 a bonus with their tail exposed and the new ball imminent.

But England’s own valid hopes of quickly cleaning up the tail were undermined by overdoing the short balls and not having its most potent weapon, Jofra Archer. His eight overs in a row of venom bowled at the end of Wednesday were exhilarating but probably also taxing in his first Test since December.

England’s leading strike bowler didn’t appear until close to lunch, the 19th over of the morning. He collected New Zealand’s ninth wicket, and the innings was over moments later.

Thanks to England’s misplaced short-ball tactic, Phillips and tailender Kyle Jamieson cashed in.

They scored 74 runs together in 12 overs in the first hour, and New Zealand flew past 350.

Jamieson was dropped on 15 by Ben Duckett, who was looking into the sun with his sunglasses on his cap, and New Zealand’s tallest ever cricketer at 2.07 metres (6-foot-8) was hit twice on his helmet.

From 6 overnight, Jamieson hit six more boundaries, a couple of them exquisite cover drives. He was out for 41 off 48 balls, his highest Test score in six years. He was bowled by part-time spinner Jacob Bethell, who took a team-leading three wickets.

Jamieson’s exit ended an entertaining partnership of 87 from 96 balls with Phillips.

Phillips had resumed on 49 and brought up 50 off the day’s second delivery with a top edge over the wicketkeeper. Without Archer to duck at, Phillips punished the wayward balls of Sonny Baker and Josh Tongue.

Bethell’s spin was effective after just five overs with the new ball.

Phillips passed his previous highest Test score of 87 against Bangladesh in 2023 and comfortably racked up his hundred off 133 balls with 18 boundaries, following two centuries each in one-day internationals and Twenty20s.

Then Matt Henry fell to Archer, and Phillips holed out to deep midwicket.

With AP inputs

Featured Video Of The Day

IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season

South Africa came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday. The Czechs made the brighter start and took the lead after just six minutes when Michal Sadilek found space inside the penalty area to convert Alexandr Sojka’s pass. 

Bafana Bafana gradually grew into the contest and created a series of chances after the break. Evidence Makgopa forced a fine save from goalkeeper Matej Kovar with a powerful header, while Hugo Broos’ substitutions injected fresh energy into the attack.

The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when substitute Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball inside the box. Mokoena stepped up and calmly sent his penalty low into the corner one minute later to level the score. South Africa pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the Czech Republic held firm as the two sides settled for a point apiece.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Trainer Enver Jusufovic has revealed that New York Lustre has a limited number of races left before her retirement to the breeding barn.

Her next scheduled race is on Saturday in the Brian Beattie Handicap, a 1100-metre event at Flemington.

Following this, New York Lustre is slated to compete in two Group 3 races: the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) on July 11 and the Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) two weeks later, both at Caulfield. Last year, she finished second and fourth respectively in these races.

Jusufovic mentioned that New York Lustre has been booked to visit Tentyris, a successful Group 1 winning sprinter, for the upcoming breeding season.

The mare has a perfect record from two starts on the Flemington straight, including her last-start win in the Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes (1100m) in the spring.

This campaign, Jusufovic has taken New York Lustre to Adelaide twice. She began with a third in the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville, followed by a fourth in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) on May 9.

“She was probably in the wrong part of the track on the inside last time,” Jusufovic said. “There were probably a few hard luck stories, but if there was speed from the gates drawn inside, I think she would have got into a lot more favourable position and not have been hemmed in there on the fence and pushed to the slower going. Group 1 races, you need everything to go your way to win, and in the end, she was only three-quarters-of-a-length off the winner. After Saturday she’ll go to the Sir John Monash and the Bletchingly and then she’ll go off to stud as she’s already booked to go to Tentyris.”

New York Lustre has won six of her 16 starts, and Jusufovic admitted it would be a sad occasion when the nearly seven-year-old mare departs his stable.

“I think she’s still improving actually, and it will be sad to see her retired,” Jusufovic stated. “But (owner) Mike Howard is a breeder, and unfortunately for me, the breeding barn beckons. Hopefully, in time, we’ll see some of the offspring come through my stable.”

With her racing career drawing to a close, New York Lustre is being prepared for her final runs before heading to stud. Get involved with the racing betting markets for upcoming events at online bookmakers.

New York Knicks superstar guard Jalen Brunson is the toast of New York City right now after guiding his team to an NBA title, the franchise’s first in more than 50 years.

During Thursday’s championship parade, Brunson called out all of his and his team’s haters during a celebratory speech.

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“There’s a lot of people who have a lot of opinions, but when you prove ’em wrong, you really don’t have to say [expletive] to them,” Brunson told the crowd to roaring cheers. “Nah. They don’t deserve it.”

It’s hard not to imagine Brunson is calling out Las Vegas Aces coach and former San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon here, who infamously doubted Brunson was good enough to lead an NBA team to a title as a “1A” talent.

Brunson seemed to shade Hammon after Saturday’s title win, and Thursday’s speech seemed to be his latest dig.

Some NSFW language to follow.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a turning point for African football. With the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, the African continent is enjoying unprecedented representation on soccer’s biggest stage.

Ten African nations qualified for this year’s World Cup: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde.

In last week’s opening match against Mexico — one of three host nations alongside the United States and Canada — South Africa faced a huge challenge in front of one of the tournament’s loudest crowds.

Though Mexico secured a 2–0 victory, Bafana Bafana, the nickname of South Africa’s national football team, meaning “The Boys” in isiZulu, worked hard to move beyond their 2010 World Cup legacy. 

The 2010 tournament in South Africa — the first World Cup hosted on the African continent — remains historic, despite the country becoming the first host nation to exit in the group stage.

Not all Africans rallied behind South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opening match last Thursday, though. Many backed Mexico amid lingering resentment over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Cote d’Ivoire coach Emerse Fae said, “We came here with ambitions, with high hopes,” after the Elephants’ dramatic 1–0 win over Ecuador.

Striker Sebastien Haller, one of the most important figures in the Elephants’ squad, who’s known for his strength, aerial ability and finishing, played a key role in Cote d’Ivoire’s triumph in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco have transformed from outsiders into genuine contenders after their historic 2022 semi-final run. With players like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, the Atlas Lions made a statement in their first 2026 World Cup match against Brazil on Saturday, earning a 1–1 draw.

And Ghana, yet to play their first match against Panama, hopes a new generation around midfielder Mohammed Kudus can restore the Black Stars’ reputation.

Drama in Tunisia first match

Further opening matches brought more drama: Egypt drew 1–1 with Belgium, with all eyes once again on forward and team captain Mohamed Salah.

Tunisia suffered a difficult start, losing 5–1 to Sweden.

“This is football, and results decide everything,” said Sabri Lamouchi, Tunisia’s head coach, after the match. The defeat led to his immediate dismissal, making him the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after only one match.

Meanwhile, Cape Verde delivered what many soccer fans describe as one of the tournament’s highlights when veteran goalkeeper Vozinha stopped European champions Spain, even though an expensive travel bond stopped his mother from attending.

“All of us, we are happy because we work a lot to be here. We deserve to be here,” said Vozinha. In the hours following the match, his Instagram following skyrocketed from 50,000 to over 6 million.

France vs. Senegal: the Francophone derby

Tuesday’s heated clash between France and Senegal, which France won 3–1, carried a deeper historical meaning: Senegal was a French colony until gaining independence in 1960, and the relationship between the two countries remains complex.

France remains one of Senegal’s key economic partners, with close links in areas such as infrastructure, investment, energy and business, while migration between the two countries has created large Senegalese communities in France.

Senegal players such as Kalidou Koulibaly, born in France to Senegalese parents, and Edouard Mendy, who also has Senegalese heritage and grew up in France, reflect the shared history between the two countries.

Others, like Sadio Mane, built their careers internationally while representing Senegal’s identity and football ambitions. 

And many of France’s biggest football stars, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise, have African roots.

Ousmane Sonko, speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly and former prime minister, summarized it this way: “Whichever team wins, it is Africa that will have beaten Africa.”

Back after 50 years: DR Congo’s Leopards

Meeting Portugal in their first match on Wednesday, the DR Congo’s Leopards are back for the first time since the 1974 World Cup, led by a new generation including stars such as Yoane Wissa.

The team attracted attention even before playing a single match, with one of the tournament’s most distinctive arrival looks: tailored suits featuring leopard patterns, paired with matching leopard-inspired bags. The outfits were designed by Alvin Mak, a Congolese designer.

DR Congo’s probably also has the most famous football supporter: Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, better known as “Lumumba,” became instantly recognizable through his distinctive appearance.

Lumumba wore a bright blue, red and yellow suit matching the colors of the Congolese flag, combined with a hairstyle and glasses that closely resembled Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of independent Congo.

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His unique matchday ritual, standing almost motionless during games, reminds many of the Lumumba statue in Kinshasa. Mboladinga says his silent presence is a way of supporting the team itself. “I remain still to give strength to the team, to give energy to the players,” he told The Associated Press.

While African teams are celebrating their biggest-ever presence at the World Cup, the tournament has also highlighted wider issues beyond the pitch.

The US State Department fully or partially suspended the issuance of travel visas to 39 countries, including Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.

Somali referee Omar Artan was set to make history as the first official from his country to referee at a men’s World Cup. However, he was denied entry to the United States because of his supposed links to “suspected members of terror organizations,” the Trump administration said.

A spokesperson for the governing body FIFA told the German press agency dpa that Artan, the 2025 African referee of the year, would receive his full tournament fee despite not officiating any matches.

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That, however, does not shrink the excitement surrounding the tournament — and the passion with which fans support their teams, even from afar.

Somali referee denied US entry before World Cup debut

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Edited by: Keith Walker

New York City is set to erupt in a classic ticker-tape parade Thursday, celebrating the Knicks’ long-awaited NBA championship, a victory that has finally ended a 53-year drought and electrified generations of fans.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has predicted the event could be one of the largest in the city’s storied history and viewing areas were already full three hours before start time as thousands of jubilant fans flooded into the city hours before the procession.

Frustrated fans were heard chanting “Let us in!” after the New York Police Department announced that all viewing pens were full. “No one else will be allowed in the viewing area,” the NYPD said at around 7:30 a.m., long before the parade was scheduled to start at 10 a.m.

The sheer scale of anticipation underscores the significance of this moment for New Yorkers.

The parade itself marks a historic first. Despite the Knicks securing two championships in the 1970s, the city did not host a ticker-tape celebration for either win. Then-Mayor John Lindsay, citing financial and other concerns, opted for more subdued tributes, including a reception at the mayoral mansion in 1970 and a packed ceremony outside City Hall in 1973. This time, however, the city is pulling out all the stops.

“There will be performances, there will be New Yorkers, there will be the team and there will be history,” Mayor Mamdani declared Monday, setting the stage for a monumental celebration.

The festivities are set to kick off near Battery Park, with the parade winding its way up Broadway through the iconic “Canyon of Heroes,” a route flanked by towering skyscrapers.

The procession is slated to culminate at City Hall, where the team will receive another traditional honor: keys to the city. Knicks legends Walt “Clyde” Frazier, a member of the 1970s championship teams, and Patrick Ewing are expected to join the parade, according to an anonymous source familiar with the plans. Mike Breen, the Knicks’ play-by-play announcer for MSG Network, is set to emcee the City Hall ceremony.

Adding to the star power, Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys, known for her collaboration with Jay-Z on the New York anthem “Empire State of Mind,” has been tapped to perform. “How could I not?” Keys remarked Wednesday in a social media video, featuring her on a call with Knicks forward OG Anunoby.

The emotional resonance of the victory was palpable among fans. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, a devoted Knicks supporter, was seen beaming in Knicks gear outside City Hall early Thursday. He described the championship as a moment of “generational catharsis” for his family, particularly his father, after years of frustration.

“I remember calling him right after we won — because he’s out of the city now — and he said, ‘I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders,’” Myrie recounted. “And as he said that, I got so emotional and felt it. I think all of us have memories like that, and that’s why today’s so special.”

Ensuring public safety, police plan to deploy 10,000 officers for the event. This extensive security presence follows some chaotic street celebrations and isolated incidents of violence during the Knicks’ playoff run to victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

“We want people to enjoy this moment,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated at a planning meeting Wednesday, “but public safety comes first.”

In anticipation of the aftermath, approximately 650 sanitation workers have been assigned to clean up what could amount to tens of thousands of pounds of debris, drawing on lessons from past large-scale events.

Ticker-tape parades, named for the narrow strips of paper once used by telegraph-era “stock ticker” machines, originated in the late 19th century when New York brokerage firm workers would toss the paper from their office windows, creating a swirling spectacle.

Historically, New York has hosted such parades for a variety of occasions, from honoring foreign leaders to celebrating feats in aviation, war, sports, and space travel, particularly up to the mid-1960s.

The Knicks’ celebration marks the city’s 210th ticker-tape parade, following a similar event for the WNBA’s New York Liberty in 2024.

Frank Warren has shared his reaction after Tyson Fury revealed that a ‘big announcement’ with Dana White was imminent.

Warren has spent several years as the promoter of Fury, helping to guide him back towards the world heavyweight title during an epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder, before title defences in UK stadium fights against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.

Fury’s last few fights have been facilitated by Turki Alalshikh, and that will be the case again later this year when ‘The Gypsy King’ is set for a long-awaited showdown against countryman Anthony Joshua.

A new twist emerged this week when Fury appeared at the UFC White House event and teased potentially signing with Zuffa Boxing chief White, despite Eddie Hearn claiming that the contract for the Joshua bout states that White can’t be the promoter for the fight.

It has also been recently reported that Las Vegas is the current frontrunner to host the fight, causing anger amongst UK fight fans.

Warren has now spoken to TalkSport about all of the recent drama, insisting that is still involved with Fury and that nothing has been decided yet in terms of where the fight will take place.

“Tyson hasn’t signed for anybody. At the moment in time, I have my arrangement with him which I’m very comfortable with, and we have a business relationship which has worked very well and continues to work well. I have no problems whatsoever.

“The last few fights have been promoter by [Turki], that’s where the money has come from to promote the shows, nothing has changed. Life goes on as normal.

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“We don’t know yet [where it will be]. Nothing has been decided yet. It would be lovely to be in Britain, it’s where it should be, it’s two Brits.”

Before their match-up later in the year, Joshua must first overcome Kristian Prenga in July, while Fury is also set to compete in August, with full details on that bout expected soon.

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From the show

World Cup Debrief

Reading time
1 min

The Three Lions began their World Cup campaign with an upbeat win against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel’s tactics saw them get ahead and win 4-2 after the two sides were level at halftime. Meanwhile Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in the latest upset of a team considered to be among the favourites to win the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t get a shot on target and questions are being raised over how much time he should be given in games.