Australia 1-1 Switzerland: World Cup 2026 warm-up – as it happened Minute-by-minute: The Socceroos wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a draw against world No 19 Switzerland in San Diego
Tete Yengi scores on debut as Socceroos sign off before World Cup with Switzerland draw Australia held world No 19 Switzerland to a 1-1 draw in their final hit-out before the World Cup kicks off
USA 1-2 Germany: World Cup 2026 warm-up – as it happened Minute-by-minute report: The United States fell to Germany at Soldier Field in their final match before the World Cup. Bryan Graham was watching
US show fight and hunger, but lose final World Cup prep match 2-1 to Germany Antonee Robinson scored the Americans’ only goal off a thunderbolt volley, but the teams’ fight and physicality left reason for optimism
Peter V’landys plays kingmaker of Australian TV with NRL broadcast deal A perfect storm has propelled the NRL towards an outcome few thought possible – and one which is likely to be felt beyond sport
‘Let’s go with the heart’: Zohran Mamdani thinks this African team will win the World Cup The New York City mayor sat down with the Guardian and, using the World Cup Bracketology game, made a historic prediction for this summer
If this is Messi’s last World Cup, could he eclipse Maradona and win it twice? After living in the Argentina idol’s shadow, the 39-year-old star of Qatar is still capable of a final glorious chapter
World Cup 2026 news as England, Scotland and USA gear up for friendlies: matchday live – as it happened News and buildup from a busy day of pre-World Cup friendlies brought to you by our team of writers
Construction worker backs Epsom Derby winner thanks to ‘spooky’ time capsule tip A construction manager backed Derby winner Christmas Day after a note found in a 1960s time capsule urged bets on a horse ‘associated with Santa Claus’
Behold one of cricket’s great mysteries: the abysmal steam-treated Lord’s pitch Move to replant the playing surface by 2028 is latest effort to repair the embarrassment caused by its variable bounce
Christmas Day wins the Derby but favourite ruled non-runner – as it happened The Derby was won by Christmas Day but the big talking point after racing was the decision to rule the favourite a non-runner
Lionesses have no reason to panic despite the humiliation in Spain England’s heaviest defeat for decades does not signal the end for Sarina Wiegman’s European champions
England v New Zealand: first men’s cricket Test, day three abandoned after rain – as it happened Just 58 legal deliveries were possible as rain pushed England’s march to victory into fourth day at Lord’s.
Robinson strikes twice but rain halts England’s charge against New Zealand Ravindra and Mitchell fall to Robinson in the 9.4 overs possible at a soggy Lord’s as New Zealand slump to 55 for 5 in their second innings
Exeter power past Saracens to book playoff semi-final spot as McCall era comes to an end Exeter Chiefs defeated Saracens 32-12 that gave them a trip to Bath in the Prem semi-final