A group of British Olympians and Paralympians support a bid for the North of England to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s. UK Sport is studying the possibility, looking at costs, benefits, and the chances of a successful bid.
Key Facts
Famous athletes like Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Jason Kenny back the Northern Games bid.
The athletes praise the North's world-class sports venues and passion for sport.
UK Sport is carrying out an initial study to assess hosting the Games in the North in the 2040s.
The bid would use a multi-city model, spreading the Games across different locations.
Northern political leaders have also supported keeping any future Olympic bid focused in the North.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness highlighted the Games' potential to unite and inspire communities.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized the idea of excluding London from hosting the Games.
The athletes believe the Northern Games could bring renewal and confidence to the whole UK.
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Lionel Messi scored two goals to set a new World Cup record with 18 goals, helping Argentina win 2-0 against Austria. With this win, Argentina, the defending champion, moved on to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Key Facts
Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals in the match against Austria.
He missed an early penalty but later scored two goals to break the scoring record.
The match took place in Arlington, Texas, at AT&T Stadium.
Messi tied then surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who had 16 World Cup goals.
Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the current tournament.
Argentina has won eight straight World Cup games, including this one.
The crowd was mostly pro-Argentina, many wearing Messi’s No. 10 jersey.
Austria can still advance if they win their next game against Algeria.
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Argentina won 2-0 against Austria in a World Cup 2026 match held in Texas. Lionel Messi scored twice, breaking the record for the most goals in World Cup history with 17 goals, helping Argentina move on to the last 16 stage.
Key Facts
Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Arlington, Texas.
Lionel Messi scored both goals for Argentina.
Messi’s second goal set a new World Cup record with 17 total goals.
This victory means Argentina has won their first two matches at World Cup 2026.
Argentina has secured a spot in the tournament’s last 16 round.
Messi missed a penalty early in the match but later scored a powerful goal in the 38th minute.
Argentina’s defense was strong, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was rarely tested.
Messi scored the final goal during stoppage time on a counter-attack.
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France is playing Iraq in an important World Cup 2026 match in Philadelphia. Bad weather with thunderstorms may delay the game's start due to U.S. safety rules about lightning.
Key Facts
France and Iraq are competing in Group I of the World Cup 2026.
France won their first match 3-1 against Senegal and can reach the knockout stage with another win.
Iraq lost their first game and needs points to stay in the tournament.
The match is at Philadelphia Stadium.
Severe thunderstorms near the stadium have delayed the opening of the gates for fans.
Fans near the stadium have been told to find shelter while officials watch the weather.
U.S. safety rules require a 30-minute lightning-free period within 13 kilometers before the game can start.
France is considered one of the favorites to win the tournament.
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Lionel Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal for Argentina, breaking the previous scoring record during a match against Austria. This made him the top all-time World Cup scorer, and he has now scored in six consecutive World Cup games.
Key Facts
Messi scored his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal in the 38th minute against Austria.
The goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in the match.
He missed a penalty kick earlier in the game but still managed to break the record.
Messi has scored in six straight World Cup matches, a feat matched only by two other players.
He previously tied the record of 16 goals held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
The match took place in Arlington, Texas, at a packed stadium with over 70,000 fans.
Messi turned 39 years old two days after the game.
Miroslav Klose expected Messi to break the record this tournament due to more games and strong teams like Argentina.
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Manchester City is close to appointing Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year contract. The club has agreed to pay Chelsea a compensation amount exceeding £10 million because Maresca was under contract with Chelsea until 2029 before leaving earlier this year.
Key Facts
Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City after ten years as manager.
Enzo Maresca, who managed Chelsea until January 2024, is the leading candidate to replace Guardiola.
Manchester City and Chelsea agreed on a compensation deal worth more than £10 million for Maresca.
Maresca’s new deal with Manchester City is expected to last three years.
Some City players have not yet met Maresca, causing uncertainty about their futures.
Manchester City is actively pursuing transfers to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.
The club’s pre-season training starts in mid-July for players not involved in the World Cup.
The club offers a strong project for players, aiming to win trophies and enter a new era.
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Jaylen Brown, a star player for the Boston Celtics and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, may be traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA Draft. Brown responded to critics on social media, saying their negativity motivates him and hinted he is ready for whatever comes next.
Key Facts
Jaylen Brown is the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and a key player for the Boston Celtics.
There are strong rumors that Brown could be traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The trade talks may involve only the Celtics and Bucks, unlike other rumors involving a third team.
Brown addressed social media negativity, saying it fuels his motivation.
The Celtics won the 2024 NBA championship, with Brown leading when teammate Jayson Tatum was mostly injured.
Brown once said the past season was his favorite, raising questions since it was his championship year.
NBA insiders suggest Brown might not want to stay long with the Bucks if traded there.
The trade is expected to happen before the NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York.
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Golf fans at the U.S. Open on Long Island were criticized for their behavior after some fans were removed for heckling the winner, Wyndham Clark. A golf reporter suggested that the area should not host future major golf tournaments due to the unruly crowd, while Clark said he accepted being booed as part of his underdog role.
Key Facts
Some golf fans were kicked out of the U.S. Open for shouting negative remarks at Wyndham Clark.
Clark won the tournament despite the tough crowd.
Scottie Scheffler, Clark’s playing partner, said the fans were sometimes too loud and distracting.
Golf reporter Eamon Lynch said Long Island should not host future major golf events because of fan behavior.
Lynch recommended following Augusta National’s rules, which include no phone use and strict spectator conduct.
Clark mentioned that being booed was rare but he embraced it as part of being an underdog.
The PGA of America plans to hold the PGA Championship at Bethpage in 2033 but Lynch argued it should not happen.
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Lionel Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal, setting a new all-time record during Argentina’s match against Austria. However, commentator Peter Schmeichel argued the goal should have been disallowed due to a foul that led to a penalty earlier in the game.
Key Facts
Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal in the 38th minute against Austria.
This goal made Messi the all-time top scorer in World Cup history.
Peter Schmeichel criticized referee Amin Mohamed Omar for allowing the goal.
Schmeichel said a foul on Austria should have called for a free kick, not a penalty.
The disputed foul occurred when Argentine player Alexis Mac Allister tripped an Austrian player.
Messi previously scored a hat trick in Argentina’s opening win against Algeria.
Messi has scored in six consecutive World Cups, a first in tournament history.
He is tied with Diego Maradona for the most assists in World Cup history, with eight.
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The United States men's soccer team started the 2026 World Cup strongly, winning their first two games and securing a spot in the Round of 32. Soccer legend Landon Donovan said the team did what was expected but warned that their next game is mainly for practice and keeping players healthy.
Key Facts
The US team won their first two World Cup matches: 4-1 against Paraguay and 2-0 against Australia.
These wins secured the US team first place in Group D and a spot in the Round of 32 early.
Landon Donovan said beating Paraguay and Australia was expected but winning so easily was surprising.
The US faces Turkey next, a team already eliminated, so the game is mainly for maintaining form and avoiding injuries.
Donovan is considered the greatest US men's soccer player, with many records and three World Cups played.
The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
The tournament has expanded to 48 teams, and the US will likely face a third-place team in the next round.
The upcoming game will be held at SoFi Stadium in the US.
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Lionel Messi has become the top scorer in World Cup history by scoring his 18th goal during Argentina's recent match. At 38 years old, he continues to perform at a very high level and is a strong candidate to win the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer.
Key Facts
Messi scored a goal against Austria in the World Cup, making him the all-time top goal scorer with 18 goals.
He has now scored in six World Cup matches in a row, a record matched only by two others.
Messi has provided almost as many assists (passes leading to a goal) as the best in World Cup history, tying with Maradona.
The 38-year-old plays for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer in the United States.
Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022, scoring seven goals in that tournament.
Experts say Messi's success comes from his passion, physical care like diet and sleep, and mental strength.
Other famous athletes like tennis player Novak Djokovic also compete at a high level in their late 30s.
Younger stars like Kylian Mbappe face high competition from Messi to become top players in the tournament.
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Lionel Messi broke the record for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cup history by scoring his 17th goal during Argentina’s match against Austria. This goal came during his sixth tournament, making him the first player to score in six consecutive World Cups.
Key Facts
Messi scored his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal in a Group J game versus Austria.
He had tied the previous record of 16 goals held by Miroslav Klose by scoring three goals against Algeria earlier in the tournament.
Messi is 38 years old and this is his sixth World Cup, starting in 2006.
He has scored 121 goals in 201 matches for Argentina.
Messi is one of three players to score in six successive World Cups.
Argentina hopes to win back-to-back World Cups, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.
Messi’s father is recovering from a health issue, and Messi missed a penalty in the Austria game.
Messi inspires his teammates despite injuries and personal challenges.
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Fans have been advised not to travel to Philadelphia Stadium for the France vs. Iraq World Cup game due to bad weather with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected. The stadium gates will open late, and the match may be delayed if lightning is detected nearby.
Key Facts
The France vs. Iraq match is the 42nd game of the 2026 World Cup.
The game is scheduled to start at 17:00 local time (22:00 BST).
Bad weather, including heavy rain and lightning, is forecast for the area.
Stadium gates will open later than planned because of the weather.
Fans outside the area are asked not to travel to the stadium.
If lightning comes within eight miles, the game will pause for 30 minutes and fans will be moved to safe places.
There is no official announcement yet about a delay in the game’s start time.
The game is being held at Lincoln Financial Field, also called Philadelphia Stadium.
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Julián Álvarez, a soccer forward, told ESPN that he wants to leave Atlético Madrid this summer. Several top European soccer clubs are interested in signing him.
Key Facts
Julián Álvarez currently plays for Atlético Madrid.
He told ESPN he plans to leave the club this summer.
Álvarez plays as a forward, a key attacking position.
Multiple top European soccer clubs want to sign him.
The transfer could happen during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Álvarez believes leaving Atlético Madrid is best for everyone involved.
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Marketa Vondrousova, a former Wimbledon tennis champion, was suspended for four years because she refused to take an anti-doping test. This decision has sparked debate in the tennis community.
Key Facts
Marketa Vondrousova is a former Wimbledon champion.
She was suspended from tennis for four years.
The suspension was for refusing to take an anti-doping test.
Anti-doping tests check athletes for banned substances to ensure fair play.
The suspension started on Monday.
The decision has caused controversy and discussion among players and fans.
Refusing a doping test is treated as a serious offense in sports.
The suspension means Vondrousova cannot play professional tennis during this time.
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The Dallas Mavericks have hired Dusty May as their new head coach after firing Jason Kidd. Former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson recommended the team consider trading up in the NBA Draft to pick Darius Acuff Jr., a player he believes has potential similar to current Maverick Jalen Brunson.
Key Facts
The Dallas Mavericks recently hired Dusty May, who coached college basketball at Michigan, as their new head coach.
The Mavericks fired Jason Kidd following five seasons as head coach.
Avery Johnson, a former Mavericks coach and NBA champion, suggested the team trade up in the NBA Draft.
Johnson believes Darius Acuff Jr. could be the next Jalen Brunson, a key player for the Mavericks.
Acuff is a top NBA draft prospect after a strong freshman season at Arkansas, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game.
Acuff shoots well, with about 48% field goals and 44% from three-point range.
ESPN projects Acuff as the 7th pick by the Sacramento Kings, but teams like the Clippers and Nets may pick before them and could want him.
Adding Acuff could give the Mavericks a strong playmaker and improve their backcourt alongside young player Cooper Flagg.
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Tim Howard, a former goalkeeper for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT), said he does not believe the U.S. team can win the 2026 World Cup. Despite the team’s strong start in the tournament, Howard says it would be nearly impossible for them to win four consecutive knockout games to claim the title.
Key Facts
Tim Howard was the USMNT goalkeeper from 2002 to 2017.
Howard said the U.S. cannot win the World Cup because they must play the best game ever in four straight knockout matches.
The USMNT is currently competing in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup.
The U.S. won their first two games, beating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0.
The U.S. has not advanced beyond the Round of 16 since 2002.
The team’s best World Cup finish was third place in 1930.
Forward Folarin Balogun has scored two goals and helped create another.
The USMNT’s next group game is against Turkiye on Thursday, with the first knockout match scheduled for July 1.
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Lionel Messi scored his 17th goal in World Cup tournaments, making him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. This happened during Argentina’s match against Austria.
Key Facts
Lionel Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal.
This goal set a new record for the most goals scored in World Cup history.
The goal was scored in a match between Argentina and Austria.
The news was reported recently, within the last hour.
The article was initially restricted to users in the UK.
The news is part of ongoing coverage of the World Cup.
Messi plays for the Argentina national soccer team.
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The Boston Celtics are likely to trade player Jaylen Brown, even if they do not acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in return. Celtics insiders believe the team needs to improve to compete with stronger teams and may move Brown to another team if the Giannis deal does not happen.
Key Facts
The Celtics and Miami Heat are the main teams trying to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Boston's offer for Giannis centers around Jaylen Brown.
Miami's offer includes Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and a 2026 draft pick.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst says the Celtics might trade Brown even without getting Giannis.
Jaylen Brown is a five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game last season.
Other teams interested in Brown include the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Atlanta Hawks.
A trade decision is expected before the first round of the 2026 NBA draft on Tuesday night.
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