Switzerland forward Breel Embolo has been blocked from travelling to the United States with his World Cup squad after his electronic travel authorisation was suddenly placed under review on Tuesday.

The Swiss football federation confirmed the striker was unable to board the team’s scheduled flight to Los Angeles.

His travel permit had been approved until Tuesday morning before authorities unexpectedly flagged the document for further assessment.

“We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and join the squad then,” the federation stated.

A team spokesperson noted that the goalscorer had previously been granted entry to the US without any complications.

Opening fixtures approach

The national side are currently finalising their preparations for the upcoming tournament in North America.

They have been drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.

Their opening fixture will see them face the Canadians in Toronto on 12 June.

South Africa face similar disruption

The Swiss frontman is not the only participant to encounter administrative hurdles ahead of the global showcase.

South Africa were forced to delay their departure to the US from Sunday to Monday due to unresolved visa complications.

Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Sports Minister, took to social media to describe the situation as an embarrassing administrative error from team officials.

The South African Football Association held an emergency meeting over the weekend to resolve the disruption with assistance from foreign ministries.

Return to the global stage

This recent visa debacle follows previous scrutiny of the African nation’s management during their qualification campaign.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena previously featured in a match against Lesotho despite serving a suspension, which led to a forfeited victory.

Despite that deduction, the team successfully navigated their group to qualify for their first finals appearance since hosting the event in 2010.

They will begin their Group A campaign against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on 11 June, before facing the Czech Republic and South Korea.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva is on the verge of agreeing a deal to manage Benfica following the impending expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage this month.

The 48-year-old has been offered a new deal by the Premier League side but has so far refrained from committing his future to the London club.

Formal confirmation regarding his departure from the English capital is yet to be announced.

However, negotiations between the Portuguese tactician and the Lisbon giants have advanced significantly in recent days.

Return to Portugal looms for experienced coach

An agreement is now understood to be firmly within reach for the former Everton and Watford manager.

A move to the Estádio da Luz would mark a high-profile return to his homeland, where he previously enjoyed domestic cup success.

Fulham now face the daunting prospect of searching for a new leader ahead of the upcoming top-flight campaign.

Co-hosts Mexico will open the 2026 World Cup against South Africa on 11 June, kicking off a competitive Group A that also features South Korea and the Czech Republic.

The curtain-raiser at the Mexico City Stadium will be a direct repeat of the opening fixture from the 2010 tournament.

Javier Aguirre’s side will be looking to capitalise on strong home support across their group stage campaign.

Matches for this pool are scheduled to take place across multiple venues in Mexico and the United States.

Familiar foes meet again

Bafana Bafana famously drew 1-1 with the Central American nation when they hosted the global spectacle 16 years prior.

The African representatives will face a stern test against a highly experienced squad this time around.

Prominent names such as AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez and Fulham veteran Raul Jimenez feature in a seasoned Mexican frontline.

Fenerbahce midfielder Edson Alvarez is expected to provide essential defensive solidity for the tournament hosts.

Group A schedule and venues

Following the opening clash, the home nation will travel to the Estadio Chivas to face South Korea on 19 June.

Their final group stage encounter sees them return to the capital to take on the Czech Republic six days later.

Meanwhile, the South African camp must navigate a transatlantic trip to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their second fixture against the European qualifiers.

The crucial opening fixtures in Group A include:

The final round of matches on 25 June will decide who progresses to the knockout stages of the competition.

Squad composition

Domestic-based talent dominates the South African selection, heavily featuring players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Burnley forward Lyle Foster offers crucial English Premier League experience to their attacking options.

Conversely, the co-hosts boast a strong contingent plying their trade in Europe’s top divisions alongside Liga MX regulars.

Both nations will be eager to establish early momentum as they aim for a deep run in the expanded tournament.

Oliver Glasner has published a heartfelt farewell letter to Crystal Palace supporters after stepping down as manager following their historic Europa Conference League triumph.

The trailblazing coach departs Selhurst Park as the most successful manager in the club’s history following a transformative two-year tenure.

He famously guided the Eagles to their first major silverware with an FA Cup victory last season.

That domestic success was followed by European glory, culminating in a dramatic final victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig last Wednesday.

A historic era ends at Selhurst Park

The Austrian tactician originally informed chairman Steve Parish of his intention to leave in October.

He opted against signing a contract extension to ensure a seamless transition at the end of the current campaign.

Addressing the fanbase directly, the departing boss expressed immense gratitude for his time in south London.

“It’s hard to explain how I feel leaving Crystal Palace after the last two years, but I have to say what a privilege it’s been working for the football club.”
“It’s a period that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Building a unique bond

The history-making manager arrived as an unknown quantity to many but quickly forged a deep connection with the loyal supporters.

“As I said last weekend, I arrived at Selhurst Park as a stranger, but now I feel like a South Londoner.”
“Palace really is unique, with a distinct energy rooted within the community and family at the core.”

While securing the Community Shield and Conference League trophies cemented his legacy, he emphasised that silverware was secondary to the unity forged at the club.

Changing the mindset

“What I’m most proud of is being part of a team that we’ve built together and the bond between players, backroom staff, Steve and the board, and most importantly you, the supporters.”

The historic European final in Germany provided a fitting conclusion to a golden chapter in the capital.

“We had the perfect ending in Leipzig; it was a game that showed just what this group have become.”
“A team that refuses to give in and backs each other every step of the way.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder face unprecedented financial decisions this summer following their dramatic Game 7 playoff defeat to the San Antonio Spurs, with ballooning player salaries threatening to trigger a massive luxury tax bill.

A back-and-forth Western Conference finals series culminated in heartbreak for the top seeds on Saturday night.

Following the loss, star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about his potential involvement in future roster construction.

“I will give zero input.”

“I will let Sam Presti, the greatest GM ever, do his job.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Presti’s proven track record

Such unwavering player trust reflects the unique stability enjoyed by the franchise under their long-serving general manager.

Presti is currently completing his 19th season at the helm, having originally taken charge of the Seattle SuperSonics at the age of 31.

Through astute drafting and shrewd trades, the executive has constructed two separate championship-calibre squads in one of the NBA’s smallest markets.

This latest iteration achieved elite status rapidly, becoming just the sixth team since 1983 to secure the number one seed in three consecutive campaigns.

Their most recent playoff run was ultimately hampered by an injury to crucial forward Jalen Williams, severely impacting their chances of reaching another NBA Finals.

Rising costs of a budding dynasty

Sustained success on the basketball court inevitably leads to escalating financial commitments off it.

Ownership now faces a critical juncture regarding how much they are willing to spend to keep this optimised roster intact.

Lucrative contract extensions for 2022 lottery picks Williams and Chet Holmgren are set to take effect during the 2026-27 season.

The highly-rated duo will both see their annual salaries rocket to $41.5m, firmly establishing them as cornerstones of the franchise.

Looming roster decisions

Immediate uncertainties also surround several key supporting players heading into the offseason.

Isaiah Hartenstein, an instrumental addition to their recent championship-winning campaign, holds a team option worth $28.5m for next year.

Meanwhile, long-serving defensive specialist Luguentz Dort carries an $18.2m team option of his own.

The overall team payroll sat at a highly manageable $186.7m this year, keeping the organisation safely below the tax threshold for a sixth straight season.

However, projected salaries for the upcoming campaign currently sit at an eye-watering $250.5m before any free agency moves are even considered.

Surpassing the NBA’s punitive second apron would trigger a severe luxury tax penalty estimated at more than $200m.

Former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish has announced he is undergoing treatment for cancer following an accidental post on social media.

The 75-year-old confirmed the news online, noting that the medical care he is receiving is progressing well.

He admitted the disclosure was entirely unintentional, blaming his technological struggles for the public update.

“Ideally, this would have remained private because that’s the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand.”

Sir Kenny Dalglish

The Scottish icon requested that his family’s privacy be respected during this period of recovery.

Anfield career and lasting legacy

He also expressed immense gratitude to his medical staff, praising their incredible care and discretion.

Dalglish is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the Merseyside club’s history.

Signed in 1977 to replace Kevin Keegan, the prolific forward made 515 appearances and scored 172 goals.

During his illustrious playing days, he helped secure six league titles, four League Cups, and an FA Cup.

Outpouring of public support

The former Celtic striker later transitioned into a player-manager role between 1985 and 1990.

He subsequently returned for a second managerial stint at Anfield during the 2011-12 season.

Following the unexpected announcement, his son Paul shared a brief message of support online.

Liverpool Football Club also released a statement underlining their unwavering backing for their former talisman.

“The support, best wishes and love of everyone at Liverpool FC are, and will be, with Sir Kenny and his family.”

Liverpool FC

Juventus are exploring summer moves for Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez and Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario after being rebuffed in their pursuit of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

The Turin outfit have prioritised signing a new number one ahead of the upcoming Serie A campaign.

Initial plans to launch an ambitious bid for Alisson were quickly abandoned after Liverpool made it clear they intend to keep the Brazilian international.

Martinez emerges as prime target

Focus has now shifted to Villa Park, where Martinez is highly regarded for possessing the commanding personality desired by the Juventus hierarchy.

The 33-year-old was heavily linked with Manchester United last summer but opted to remain in the West Midlands, subsequently guiding his team to Europa League glory last month.

It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa will entertain offers for the Argentine World Cup winner, who currently has three years remaining on his contract.

Vicario offers alternative option

Should a move for Martinez fail to materialise, the Italian giants are simultaneously monitoring Vicario’s situation in north London.

The Tottenham shot-stopper’s future has been the subject of intense speculation recently, drawing interest from several clubs including Serie A champions Inter Milan.

His domestic campaign ended prematurely due to injury, allowing deputy Antonin Kinsky to impress between the posts during his absence.

Kolo Muani return on the cards

Alongside their defensive rebuild, Juventus are also engaged in negotiations to secure the return of Paris St-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.

The France forward endured a dismal loan spell at Tottenham last season, which ultimately cost him a place in his national squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite an initial gap in valuation between the two clubs, there is growing optimism in Italy that an agreement can be reached for the Parisian attacker.

He previously spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan in Turin and had hoped to make the move permanent last summer before a deal collapsed.

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been appointed as the new head coach of Sydney Thunder on a two-year contract ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League season.

The 48-year-old replaces his compatriot Trevor Bayliss, who departed the franchise after a five-year tenure at the helm.

Bayliss led the Sydney-based outfit during a difficult transitional period, with the team finishing bottom of the table in both the 2023-24 and 2025-26 campaigns.

Balancing dual coaching roles

Taking charge of a BBL franchise for the first time marks another significant step in the Ashes hero’s burgeoning coaching career.

He will combine his new responsibilities in Australia with his ongoing role as head coach of the England Lions.

The Lancashire legend previously guided the Lions on a recent tour of Australia and managed the Northern Superchargers during two seasons of The Hundred.

‘Something really big to build on’

In his new position, the former fast bowler inherits a squad featuring established international stars like David Warner and English wicketkeeper Sam Billings.

“I can’t wait to get over there and get started, I’m looking at this with a lot of optimism,” said Flintoff.

“You look at the franchise, you look at the players, you look at the support, and I think there’s something really big to build on.”

The new boss emphasised the importance of creating a positive environment where veteran campaigners and emerging talents like teenage batter Sam Konstas can flourish.

“I want our players to connect with the people that come and see us and I want them to enjoy playing cricket, however, all that is underpinned by hard work.”

A crucial appointment for Thunder

Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland described the acquisition of the English cricket icon as an enormous moment for both the club and the wider tournament.

The franchise will be hoping their new leader can inspire an immediate reversal of fortunes when the new domestic season gets under way.