Egypt manager Hossam Hassan dedicated his side’s dramatic World Cup victory over Australia to the Palestinian people while waving their national flag on the pitch.
The veteran coach was filmed walking across the turf with the banner following a tense 4-2 penalty shootout win in Friday’s round of 32 clash.
Crowds could be heard chanting in support of Palestine as footage of the powerful moment circulated rapidly across social media platforms.
“My heart and soul are with them.”
Hassan declared that he was dedicating the triumph to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people during an emotional post-match interview.
Historic progress and regional solidarity
The dramatic shootout followed a 1-1 draw in normal time, ensuring the North African nation successfully booked their place in the next knockout stage.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Pharaohs, who are competing in only their fourth appearance at the global tournament.
Despite being revered as a beloved street footballer throughout the 1980s and 90s, the Egyptian head coach is not typically known for political or religious gestures.
Former head of the national Journalists’ Union, Yahia Qalash, praised the public display of regional solidarity.
“It was the most significant scene and a telling scene in an exceptional moment.”
FIFA confirms flag display is permitted
The prominent on-pitch statement arrives amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and mass displacement across Gaza.
According to the territory’s Health Ministry, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict that escalated in October 2023.
Football’s world governing body has quickly clarified that no disciplinary action will be taken against the 57-year-old manager.
Because the Palestine Football Association is a recognised member, their national symbols are entirely permitted under official tournament regulations.
“Flags representing all 211 FIFA Member Associations are permitted at FIFA tournaments, and supporters are welcome to display them in accordance with stadium regulations and the FIFA Stadium Code of Conduct.”
This swift clearance contrasts with previous instances where officials have actively restricted political statements on the international stage.
European teams were infamously barred from wearing anti-discrimination armbands during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while bans on Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag have been upheld at this current tournament.
Paraguay will attempt to secure their second major upset of the 2026 World Cup when they face an imposing France side in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The South American nation arrive in Pennsylvania brimming with confidence after sensationally eliminating Germany on Monday.
However, they now face a monumental challenge against arguably the foremost talent-producing nation in global football.
Manager Gustavo Alfaro has promised a resilient and combative display against Didier Deschamps’ star-studded team.
Echoes of historic heartbreak
This weekend’s fixture stirs poignant memories of the 1998 tournament.
On that occasion, a legendary defensive display almost forced a penalty shootout before Laurent Blanc scored the first golden goal in the competition’s history.
The European heavyweights subsequently went on to lift the trophy on home soil.
Deschamps, who played in that 1998 midfield, now manages a modern squad possessing a far more explosive attacking arsenal.
Overcoming early setbacks
The Guarani suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat by the United States during the opening stages of this tournament.
Key defenders including Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez struggled significantly against a dynamic American frontline.
Yet the squad demonstrated remarkable character to regroup and send the German national team packing in their subsequent fixture.
Alfaro insists his side are driven by an unbreakable national spirit rather than financial superiority.
“We came here to compete, not to search for results. This group of players have overcome adversities and shown that football does not depend on the amount of money that a country has.”
Gustavo Alfaro
The tactician added that his players are determined to represent that fighting spirit on the pitch against the world’s elite.
Real Madrid have categorically denied reports linking them with a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez following recent transfer speculation.
The Spanish giants released an official statement to dismiss claims they are preparing a summer approach for the Argentine international.
Recent rumours suggested the former Benfica man was exploring options away from Stamford Bridge, with his representative Javier Pastore indicating a potential exit.
Madrid reject ‘unfounded’ speculation
Despite the mounting transfer talk, the La Liga club have moved swiftly to distance themselves from the 25-year-old.
In a strongly worded statement, Madrid clarified they have made no effort to secure the midfielder’s services and maintain an excellent relationship with the Blues.
Real Madrid wishes to express its utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez, a great footballer whose career and quality are widely known, as well as for Chelsea FC.
The club added that they categorically deny speculation that is unfounded and does not correspond to reality.
They also noted that the dissemination of false information unnecessarily harms the entities and people involved.
Family content with London life
The official denial follows comments from Fernandez’s partner, Valu Cervantes, who downplayed the urgency of a move away from the English capital.
Speaking to El Chiringuito, Cervantes highlighted their settled life in the UK.
My son was born in England and they go to school there, so I’m very happy. Any team is fine with me. Whichever team it is, I’ll be fine.
When pressed specifically about the prospect of relocating to the Spanish capital, she maintained that all clubs are the same to her.
International focus
Fernandez originally arrived in West London in January 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107m.
The World Cup winner remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032, meaning any potential departure would require complex negotiations.
For now, the player’s immediate focus remains on international duty with Argentina.
The South American side face Egypt in a round of 16 fixture on Tuesday, having secured progression following a dramatic extra-time victory over Cape Verde.
UFC star Max Holloway believes he will defeat returning rival Conor McGregor in Las Vegas on 11 July to set up a blockbuster trilogy bout at Allegiant Stadium in December.
The highly anticipated welterweight clash will take place at the T-Mobile Arena to headline the UFC 329 card.
It marks a significant return for the Irish superstar, who has not competed since suffering a broken leg during a knockout defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021.
With only two fights remaining on his current deal, promotion officials have reportedly discussed scheduling the 35-year-old’s subsequent bout for April 2027.
However, the returning Dubliner has publicly expressed a strong desire to compete much sooner, prompting a bold solution from his upcoming opponent.
Stadium ambitions and contract solutions
The Hawaiian fighter is confident that a spectacular victory next week will force the promotion’s hand into booking an immediate rematch.
“He was talking about some contract stuff, how he doesn’t want to wait a year,” Holloway said.
“I told him, ‘Don’t need to worry, bro. I got you.’ I go out there and get my hand raised in some crazy fashion, poke the bear a little bit more, poke Dana White, and we do Allegiant Stadium in December.”
Overcoming promotional hurdles
The sport’s parent company, TKO, holds an existing agreement to host four annual events at the T-Mobile Arena, which could complicate plans for an alternative Las Vegas venue.
UFC chief executive Dana White has traditionally been reluctant to host stadium shows, though recent promotional moves suggest a softening stance.
The organisation successfully navigated a rare outdoor event at the White House last month, while White was recently involved in promoting a major boxing card at the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium.
Rebuilding momentum after setbacks
Holloway enters the octagon seeking redemption after suffering a comprehensive loss to Charles Oliveira in a BMF title bout this March.
Despite strong recent form that includes victories over top contenders Poirier and Justin Gaethje, the 32-year-old admitted his surprise at securing such a high-profile matchup.
“That’s when things happen, when it’s least expected,” Holloway explained.
“After beating Dustin Poirier I was like, ‘Bro, for sure, something like this should happen with him coming back, right?’ Nope. I got Charles. And after that fight happened, I was like, ‘Well, I’ve got to work my ass back to the title shot,’ and then this happens.”
Meanwhile, his opponent must overcome a prolonged period of octagon inconsistency, having secured just one victory in four UFC appearances since a lucrative 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather.
England are aiming to emulate the historic home successes of the Lionesses and Red Roses when they face Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s on Sunday.
The host nation is just one victory away from securing their own monumental sporting moment in front of a passionate home crowd.
Led by captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, the side hopes to follow in the footsteps of the 2022 football European champions and 2025 rugby World Cup winners.
“Talking about the Lionesses and Red Roses before the tournament, you know we have a chance to be part of that movement of women’s sport in the country,” Sciver-Brunt said.
Formidable opponents stand in the way
Despite the overwhelming optimism, recent history heavily favours the opposition.
The Southern Stars are currently on an eight-match winning streak against the hosts across all formats.
That dominant run includes a devastating 16-0 points-system sweep in the 2025 Ashes series.
It was that bruising encounter 18 months ago which led to serial winner Charlotte Edwards taking over as head coach.
A flawless home record offers hope
Edwards has undeniably improved her squad since that Ashes thrashing, guiding them to an impressive run in this tournament.
History also provides a significant psychological boost for the home side.
The national team has won every single 50-over and 20-over World Cup they have ever hosted.
Previous triumphs on home soil include the inaugural T20 tournament in 2009 alongside ODI victories in 1973, 1993 and 2017.
Overcoming the ultimate mental hurdle
To maintain that perfect home record, they must overcome a grim head-to-head statistic in major tournament deciders.
The two nations have contested six World Cup finals previously, with the tourists emerging victorious in every single one.
The Australians emphatically demonstrated their current firepower by thrashing West Indies in Tuesday’s semi-final with seven overs to spare.
The stage is now perfectly set at the home of cricket to see whether this transformed team can finally break their historic hoodoo.
Iga Swiatek hurled her racket in frustration during a tense Wimbledon third-round tie-break against Alexandra Eala on Centre Court.
The Polish third seed allowed her emotions to boil over after falling 4-2 behind in a crucial opening-set breaker.
Despite a determined resistance from the multiple Grand Slam winner, her Filipino opponent held her nerve to secure the tie-break.
BBC commentators shocked by unforced errors
The out-of-character outburst followed a string of surprising mistakes from the usually composed world number three.
“To see three unforced errors in a row like that is quite shocking really from Swiatek as you know she makes so many balls usually,” said former British number one Jo Durie.
“It has really been patchy throughout this set, it’s been that kind of afternoon hasn’t it,” added co-commentator Anne Keothavong.
Eala provides tough grass-court challenge
Eala, who previously eliminated Maya Joint to reach this stage, had clearly disrupted her highly-favoured rival’s rhythm.
Speaking after her second-round victory over Karolina Pliskova, the former French Open champion had predicted a difficult encounter.
“I can assume that on grass it’s even more tricky because of the surface; she’s using her strengths, the change of rhythm and everything,” she admitted prior to the match.
“It will be a good challenge for me because she doesn’t give that rhythm and I will need to be ready for different kinds of shots.”
Manchester City and Arsenal are monitoring 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after a series of standout performances for Morocco at the World Cup.
The teenager has attracted attention from Europe’s elite following an exceptional tournament opener against Brazil.
He comprehensively overshadowed an established Premier League midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes during that fixture.
Premier League giants circle
The 6ft 1in playmaker is now firmly on the radar of reigning English champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already agreed a club-record £116m deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, but could still bolster their squad further.
Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain are also keeping close tabs on the highly-rated prospect.
Anyone who has watched him at Lille knows his level. He is regarded as a top prospect.
Hassan Kachloul, former Morocco international
Against players like Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes, he showed not just quality but personality – a kind of positive arrogance. He had confidence, a great aura and a strong presence on the pitch.
Hassan Kachloul
Rapid rise to the global stage
Born just north of Paris in Senlis, the combative midfielder made his senior debut for the French club aged just 16 years and three days.
He has already amassed 96 senior appearances across domestic and European competitions, underlining his remarkable maturity.
The former French youth international only committed his senior allegiance to the Atlas Lions in May.
It is natural that a player that is having such a good World Cup is being linked with big clubs. However, that makes it a delicate period in his development because he needs to keep his feet on the ground.
Amine el Amri, Moroccan football journalist
Knockout stages beckon
The youngster has featured in three matches so far, proving instrumental in guiding his nation to the last 16.
The north African side will now face Canada on Saturday as they look to replicate their historic run to the 2022 semi-finals in Qatar.
It remains to be seen whether a formal bid will materialise, but his current employers may be forced to sell to the highest bidder if he desires a move.
Former champion Elena Rybakina has been knocked out of Wimbledon in the third round after suffering a shock straight-sets defeat to Elise Mertens on Court One.
The Belgian 25th seed produced a remarkable performance to secure a 7-6 6-1 victory over the heavily favoured second seed.
It represents the biggest upset of the tournament so far in the women’s singles draw.
The 2022 winner had historically dominated this matchup, claiming victory in six of their previous encounters before arriving at the All England Club.
Grass-court struggles continue
This early exit compounds what has been a difficult build-up to the prestigious London tournament for the recent Australian Open victor.
She endured a disappointing preparation, suffering a second-round loss in Berlin to wildcard Alexandra Eala.
That setback was immediately followed by a frustrating quarter-final defeat at the hands of Katie Boulter.
Grand slam momentum stalled
The shock result marks another premature departure from a major championship for the world number two.
After capturing her second grand slam crown against Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne this January, expectations remained incredibly high.
However, she also experienced a surprising second-round defeat at last month’s French Open against unseeded qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Mertens will now advance to the second week at SW19 following the most significant victory of her grass-court season.