Mexico ends a 40-year knockout drought, beats Ecuador to advance in World Cup

South Africa and Canada are both competing in the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.South Africa coach Hugo Broos smiles a lot and snarls a little as he prepares for the biggest match of his 38-year career as a tactician.Having reached the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time, Bafana Bafana (The Boys) face Canada on Sunday in Los Angeles in the first last-32 fixture.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4VIDEO: World Cup Day 16: Spain advance to last-32; Cape Verde makes historylist 2 of 4Sabalenka defends Wimbledon prize protest, says it’s for struggling playerslist 3 of 4Cape Verde becomes tiniest nation to make World Cup knockoutslist 4 of 4FIFA World Cup Day 17: Six games as teams fight for the Round of 32end of listThe joy of the 74-year-old Belgian grandfather stems from succeeding where various coaches, including renowned Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira, failed.A 1-0 midweek victory over higher-ranked South Korea, through a goal from winger Thapelo Maseko, earned South Africa second place in Group A and qualification for the knockout stage.It was a triumphant end to a mini-league campaign that began badly two weeks ago when Bafana performed poorly in a 2-0 loss to joint hosts Mexico.A slight improvement in a 1-1 draw with Czechia, courtesy of a late Teboho Mokoena penalty, left many South Africans pessimistic before facing the Koreans.But the team prevailed, displaying passion largely lacking in the earlier matches. More clinical finishing would have produced a wider winning margin in Mexico.Recalling the victory over Korea, Broos told the news agency AFP that the team he has coached since 2021 “believed in itself”.“It was a hugely emotional moment – getting past the group stage for the first time,” said Broos, who guided Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.“We were not good against Mexico and a little better against the Czechs. That meant we had to defeat Korea. There was enormous pressure on us, but we made it.“We are ready for the Canadians. My team will fight for 90 minutes, and longer if necessary. Let us hope for another good result.”Should South Africa eliminate Canada, who are 22 places higher in the world rankings, they will face the Netherlands or Morocco in a last-16 tie.But amid the happiness after first-round exits from the 1998, 2002 and 2010 World Cups, Broos was angry at some criticism following the Mexico loss.“There was a lot of criticism from current and former coaches and players and some supporters. They must know that I do things my way.“I do not read social media trash. I never listen to people who think they are important. It would be better for them to shut up.“Someone suggested a statue should be erected by South Africans in my honour. I told them to make it of wood so it burns quickly when we fail.”After the 2010 World Cup, South Africa endured a decade of underachievement, often failing to qualify for the AFCON and missing three consecutive World Cup tournaments.When Broos took charge in 2021, Bafana were attracting crowds of fewer than 200. Before departing for the 2026 World Cup, they drew 50,000 supporters to a warm-up match.After finishing third at the 2024 AFCON and winning a 2026 World Cup qualifying group including Nigeria, Bafana slumped.They made a last-16 exit from the 2025 AFCON and, before overcoming South Korea, went seven matches without winning.Broos partly blamed the early AFCON departure from Morocco on allegations before the African tournament that he was a racist and sexist.Angry at the late arrival of centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi for training, Broos said the player “would enter my hotel room as a black and leave as a white”.A South African Football Association official defended Broos, telling AFP that “it was an unfortunate choice of words concerning a tongue-lashing in a country with a troubled racial background”.Broos, who was part of the Belgium squad that reached the 1986 World Cup semifinals in Mexico, was a

Shafali Verma’s half-century helps the 50-over world champions reach the target inside 17 overs at Old Trafford.India beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Manchester to bolster their hopes of a semifinal place at the Women’s T20 World Cup.Chasing a modest target of 137 at Old Trafford, opener Shafali Verma struck 53 from 34 balls as India reached their target inside 17 overs on Thursday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Bangladesh will not play T20 World Cup games in India over safety concernslist 2 of 4Australia captain, women’s cricket great Alyssa Healy to retirelist 3 of 4India now sets the terms of global cricketlist 4 of 4How India-Pakistan cricket relations went from bad to worse – a timelineend of listSouth Africa, meanwhile, capitalised on a maiden T20 international century from Tazmin Brits to overwhelm the Netherlands by 88 runs.That means India and South Africa are now effectively involved in a shootout for the second semifinal spot behind unbeaten Group A leaders Australia.They both have six points, two behind the Australians and two ahead of Bangladesh, who still have a slim mathematical chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, with their last pool match against South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday.India have the better run rate but face the daunting task of toppling Australia in their game on Sunday, which is also at Lord’s.The Indians will likely need to improve their fielding against six-time champions Australia after dropping four catches on Thursday, although Bangladesh were too weak to capitalise as they slumped to 136-8.Spin again provided the bulk of India’s wickets, with Radha Yadav taking 3-28 and Shree Charani 2-21.South Africa were never in danger once Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put on 121 for the first wicket.When Wolvaardt departed for 45, Brits continued to cane the Dutch bowlers with Annerie Dercksen, who made 37 not out off 16 balls.Brits finished with 114 not out from 69 balls with 15 fours and three sixes as South Africa finished on 208-1.The Dutch also made a good start with openers Phebe Molkenboer (41) and Sanya Khurana (36) adding 58 for the first wicket. Sterre Kalis kept the momentum going with a 28-ball 26, but once those three were gone, the innings folded.Medium-pacer Ayabonga Khaka was the most successful of the bowlers with 3-19 while slow left-armer Chloe Tryon took 2-16 from her four overs.

USA beat Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles as each of the three World Cup cohosts have now staged a game at 2026 edition.The United States could scarcely have scripted a better start to their World Cup as a Folarin Balogun brace and Gio Reyna curler fired the co-hosts to a 4-1 drubbing of Paraguay in front of Hollywood royalty in Los Angeles.The hosts took the lead in the tournament’s first game on US soil within seven minutes thanks to an own goal, and by the end of an utterly dominant half the home fans were in dreamland, their side up by three.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Thomas Partey denied entry into Canada, will miss Ghana’s World Cup openerlist 2 of 4Palestine football chief says he wasn’t granted US visa to attend World Cuplist 3 of 4Late equaliser earns Canada a draw against Bosnia in World Cup openerlist 4 of 4World Cup fans express excitement and share their predictionsend of listTom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton were among a sold-out 70,492 crowd as the US – co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada – piled wave after wave of attacks on the South Americans, with Reyna polishing off the win late in stoppage time after Mauricio had pulled one back.The win and emphatic scoreline puts the US in a favourable position already to progress from Group D, which also contains Australia and Turkiye.The night’s only potential sour note was the half-time withdrawal of Christian Pulisic, the US attacking talisman who is carrying the hopes of the nation as they attempt a deep run into the World Cup knockouts for the first time since their quarter-final appearance in 2002.Paraguay could not have been more obliging guests from kickoff. In the seventh minute, Weston McKennie picked up the ball in the centre circle and drove up field, finding Pulisic.Pulisic darted between two defenders and returned the ball to McKennie, whose pass to striker Balogun was bundled into his own net by a hapless Damian Bobadilla.The stadium erupted, and a US onslaught began.The hosts oozed confidence. Both McKennie and Tillman played backheel through balls into the area, while captain Tim Ream sprayed out passes from the heart of defence.USA midfielder Giovanni Reyna scores his team’s fourth goal [Valerie MACON/AFP]Balogun had a goal ruled out in the 28th minute. He had strayed offside, as had Pulisic in the build-up.But the Monaco striker had the ball in the net again three minutes later, thanks to a superb ball down the left flank by Antonee Robinson to Pulisic, whose cross to Balogun took a slight fortuitous deflection.The US added a third on the cusp of half-time. Tillman found Balogun down the right, who evaded Omar Alderete’s challenge, skipped inside Gustavo Gomez and curled his shot perfectly into the top left corner.It could have been four or five, with Chris Richards – returning from injury – flashing a header barely an inch wide. The US had 75 percent possession in the first half.Now without the dangerous Pulisic, the hosts sat back slightly in the second half.Paraguay finally offered a threat. Their dangerous forward Julio Enciso, who started despite a hamstring injury, picked up the ball on the edge of the area and fed in Brazil-born substitute Mauricio, who pulled one back.Reyna scored a superb fourth with the outside of his right foot that curled just inside the far post.The game had been preceded by a Tinseltown-style opening ceremony. Katy Perry delivered the headline performance, accompanied by singers Future, Tyla, Anitta and K-pop star Lisa.Performers danced around a giant World Cup trophy beneath enormous “FIFA” letters in the gold favoured by US President Donald Trump – who did not attend, instead wishing the team luck via phone before kickoff.

Jibril Rajoub is in Mexico awaiting a US visa to attend the World Cup 2026.The head of the Palestinian Football Association says he is waiting in Mexico City for permission to enter the United States to attend the FIFA World Cup with other federation heads.Jibril Rajoub attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, but he has now joined several people accredited to attend the World Cup who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the US.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Activists form human Palestine flag at World Cup opener in Mexico Citylist 2 of 2Israel football dispute to ‘heat up’ after protest in Ireland-Qatar matchend of list“I don’t believe that it’s fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend,” the veteran Palestinian political figure told The Associated Press news agency.The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, but FIFA typically invites the heads of football associations from around the world to the event every four years, which it frames as a celebration of global unity.“Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last year.The US, however, has refused entry to delegates from several countries, including a referee from Somalia and a photographer travelling with Iraq’s team.Infantino said this week that FIFA had been trying to resolve visa issues but could not overrule the US government.“We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” he told reporters on Wednesday.Visa dispute revives long-running football tensionsThe US Department of State had no immediate comment on Rajoub’s visa, but last year implemented new restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, including on anyone who had been employed by the Palestinian Authority.It revoked a visa to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to the United Nations General Assembly last September.Rajoub and other Palestinian football officials have long argued that Israel violates statutes by allowing teams from settlements in the occupied West Bank to play in Israel’s national league.They have pushed FIFA to sanction Israel, highlighting restrictions on the movement of Palestinian players and how Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has damaged or destroyed 80 percent of sports facilities and killed at least 565 players there, according to the association.Last month, Rajoub refused to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation at Infantino’s behest because he said the gesture would not heal wounds but instead whitewash Israel’s actions.Rajoub pointed out that when Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, it did not implement comparable visa restrictions for people who were invited to the tournament.

3 hours agoHelen BushbyCulture reporter PA MediaPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined the art world in paying tribute to David Hockney, one of the UK's most important and popular artists, who has died at the age of 88.Sir Keir said he was "saddened" to hear of the death of "one of Britain's most celebrated artists".Artist Dame Tracey Emin said she felt privileged to have known Hockney, adding: "A great artist and a wonderful man, who with the power of art changed the perception of Britishness. A proud chain-smoking homosexual, who flew the flag higher than any other British artist."Over his seven-decade career, Hockney was famous for his vibrant and innovative artworks, including landscapes of his native Yorkshire, sun-drenched paintings of Los Angeles swimming pools, and iPad portraits of his friends and family.A Downing Street spokesman added that the artist's "vivid, instantly recognisable work influenced generations of artists, and the prime minister's thoughts are with his friends and family". Alex Farquharson, director of the Tate Britain gallery, described Hockney as an "immensely important figure" and "an endlessly inventive artist, with a unique vision of the world".Farquharson remembered Hockney as someone who was "always completely and courageously himself, both in his work and in life"."He taught us about the joy of looking, seeing things the rest of us failed to notice - his witty and sharp observations a constant presence within his work and in person," he continued."The loss to the art world is immense: David's passing brings to a close an extraordinary body of work characterised by reinvention.Farquharson also praised "his astonishing talent, his love for art and life, and his profound and unconventional insights", adding: "His work continues to influence our culture, far beyond the art world."Hockney was also a major figure in global art. The Pompidou Centre in Paris, which staged two landmark exhibitions, described him as "unquestionably one of the major figures of contemporary art".It added that the works he leaves behind remain "dazzling, alive and eternal".ReutersHockney painted vast, vibrant landscapes including the Grand CanyonAnnouncing his death on Friday, Hockney's representatives said: "The celebrated British artist David Hockney, one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday."The statement added that his "enduring legacy reflects his underlying enthusiasm for life, his outstanding sense of humour, his immense generosity, and his investigative curiosity encapsulated by his signature phrase: Love Life". The Tate said they would continue to work with Hockney's team to stage two planned projects next year.One is a major exhibition at Tate Britain, spanning seven decades of his work, and the other is a multimedia installation in Tate Modern's Turbine Hall bringing his celebrated designs for opera sets to life.The Tate said its Hockney exhibition in 2017 was the most visited in Tate Britain's history.Getty ImagesHockney was famed for painting scenes of Californian swimming pools in the 1960s and 70s'British art has lost a giant'Tracy Brabin, the mayor of West Yorkshire, called Hockney "quite simply one of Yorkshire's finest"."A Bradford boy who changed the art world forever. But words alone don't do David justice. His work, those pioneering pieces that burst onto the scene with vivid colour, changed the trajectory of modern art, and will continue to inspire generations to come," she posted on X.London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the artist "a true icon and revolutionary of British art who never stopped reinventing his work," saying his "vivid paintings of our changing seasons helped me see the beauty and fragility of our natural world - and why it must be protected".Dominic James Bilton, co-leader of the Queer British Art Network told the BBC: "We've lost one of those people w

Just nowWill Grant,BBC's Mexico, Central America and Cuba correspondent,Kwasi Gyamfi AsieduandNardine SaadReutersThe 2026 World Cup has begun in Mexico City with an opening ceremony filled with colour, culture and a performance by global music star Shakira.Thousands of fans arrived at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City with a real sense of excitement and anticipation to watch the World Cup on their home turf for the first time in 40 years.It's been a complicated build-up, from the renovations of the airport and Azteca stadium, to protests around the event, and the cartel violence seen in Mexico only months ago.On Thursday, those issues appear to have been pushed to the side as football takes centre stage in Mexico.ReutersGlobal superstar Shakira performs in the opening ceremony in Mexico CityJavier Pérez came with his family for the opener and told the BBC that the excitement now outweighs any hassles experienced up to this point. "We were lucky to get hospitality tickets and it's a unique experience. I have never been to a World Cup before so to bring my family is wonderful," he said. "I just want Mexico to get off on the right foot, win today and score a load of goals! And then we'll see how far we can go!"Will Grant / BBCJavier Pérez and his family in front of the Azteca stadiumGetty ImagesMexico is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside the US and Canada, with those North American teams hosting their own opening ceremonies on Friday.Today, the focus is on Mexico's festivities. Ahead of the co-hosts match against South Africa, fans in the stadium were treated to musical performances from Shakira, Colombia's J Balvin, Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Latin music star Danny Ocean and Fher Olvera."Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico," a performer announced to start the tournament."Mexico receives you with smiles from our heart. We are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations. The trophy is not defined by one player or nation but by all."Performers wore indigenous clothing, while others were dressed in all gold and held giant golden footballs above their heads.A packed stadium of fans dressed in their own colourful outfits, many wearing Mexico's team colours.Getty ImagesTyla sings the South African national anthem ReutersReutersTyla sings South African national anthemOpera superstar Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop Demon Hunters singer Ejae performed the tournament's official anthem DNA, which was officially released on Wednesday. Mexican singer Fernández, who is the son of veteran crooner Vicente Fernández, sang the Mexican national anthem in unison with many of the 80,000 fans. Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed her nation's anthem.Tyla, whose hits include the song Water and the Fifa song Game Time, will return to the World Cup stage on Friday to take part in the US opening ceremony in Los Angeles alongside Katy Perry, Future, Lisa and Anitta.Fifa has tapped a bevy of global artists for the ceremonies, several of whom are featured on the 18-song Official Fifa World Cup 2026 Album.Getty ImagesColombian singer and producer J Balvin performs during the opening ceremonyReutersReutersAFP via Getty ImagesAFP via Getty ImagesAndrea Bocelli and EjaeAFP via Getty ImagesAdditional reporting from Elizabeth Conway, BBC Sport at the Azteca Stadium.

Iran beat Mali in their final competitive match before departing for their Mexico base for the 2026 World Cup.Iran will head off to their World Cup base ⁠this weekend with ⁠a spring in their step after beating Mali 2-0 in a friendly in Turkiye, even if some uncertainty still clouds their ⁠participation in the tournament.Goals from midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi and right back Ramin Rezaeian either side of half-time on Thursday gave Team Melli a record of three wins and ⁠a single loss in their four friendlies this year in the Turkish resort city of Antalya.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Man City threatens legal action against Real Madrid following Haaland claimlist 2 of 4Ivory Coast beats France in World Cup warning to one of the favouriteslist 3 of 4History-making qualifier Chwalinska sets up Andreeva French Open finallist 4 of 4Sabalenka ‘mentally off track’ as French Open exit made her want to ‘quit’end of listThe friendlies are the only competitive football the Iran-based players have contested since the domestic league was suspended in the wake of US and Israel ‌air strikes on the Islamic republic in late February that triggered a regional war.The squad have received visas for Mexico, officials confirmed this week, and will leave Turkiye on Saturday for their tournament base in the border city of Tijuana.Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host the squad after being told that the US authorities did not want Iran staying in their original ⁠base in Arizona throughout the June 11 to July 19 ⁠tournament.The squad have not yet received the visas they will need to get into the US to play their group games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in ⁠Seattle, however.Iranian FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj told Iranian media this week that the US visas were the main concern ⁠for the federation as Iran’s tournament opener against New ⁠Zealand on June 15 approaches.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday there was “no problem” with the Iran squad entering the country, but Washington would not let officials or staff with ties ‌to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accompany them.Both the US and Canada, who are cohosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a “terrorist entity”.Taj was ‌refused ‌entry into Canada for the FIFA Congress in late April because of his links to the elite military force.

Zee will broadcast the 2026 and 2030 World Cups and the 2027 Women’s World Cup among 39 FIFA tournaments until 2034.FIFA has struck a deal with India’s Zee Entertainment to broadcast the World Cup in the country, ending a months-long ⁠⁠standoff over the tournament’s availability in one of the last major markets where rights remained unsold.While the financial terms of the package – signed on Monday – were not disclosed, FIFA reportedly sought about $100m for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments before ‌‌slashing its asking price to $60m.The deal gives Zee a toehold in India’s sports broadcast market, where the Reliance-Disney joint venture JioStar holds rights ranging from the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament to the English Premier League football.It covers 39 FIFA events over eight years through 2034, including ‌‌the ‌‌Women’s World Cup in 2027, according to a joint statement from FIFA and Zee.Shares ⁠⁠of Zee were about 7 percent higher on the day ⁠⁠after the announcement.The agreement came just 10 days before the tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.Last month, experts told Al Jazeera that the kickoff times for the majority of the matches are the biggest concern for Indian broadcasters since many games will be played at odd hours for the Indian audience, with a 10-12 hour time difference between the host cities and the South Asian nation.Only 14 out of the total 104 World Cup games will begin before midnight for fans in India.The final will be held in New Jersey on July 19, beginning at 19:00 GMT, which will be 12:30am on July 20 in India. By comparison, 98.4 percent of matches at the 2018 World Cup started before midnight, and 82.5 percent at the following edition in Qatar.Karan Taurani, executive vice president at investment firm Elara Capital, sees TV as a “struggling” medium in India.“When you have these kinds of sporting events, effectively it is mostly digital that is monetising and raising big money,” Taurani told Al Jazeera. “That is a big reason why no one’s showing interest in the FIFA World Cup.”Taurani explained that cricket leads the sports economy market in India.“Only a small fraction of people who watch the Indian Premier League will watch the FIFA World Cup,” he said, adding that an even smaller fraction tune in past midnight to watch a match.Viacom18 paid ⁠⁠about $60m for rights to the 2022 ⁠⁠World Cup, which was hosted in Qatar in time zones far more favourable for Indian audiences. Most of this year’s matches will be screened late at night in India due to the ‌‌time difference, something that dampened broadcaster appetite and complicated FIFA’s sales efforts.