Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to carry Switzerland’s hopes at the 2026 World Cup across North America as manager Murat Yakin aims to build upon recent major tournament successes.
The upcoming tournament will represent a sixth consecutive World Cup appearance for the Swiss national side, and their 13th overall.
Having reached the quarter-finals on three previous occasions, the European outfit are determined to progress even deeper into the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At the heart of their ambitions is the 33-year-old midfielder, who has accumulated 143 caps and is widely regarded as one of the most tactically astute players his nation has ever produced.
Yakin overcomes early touchline doubts
While the veteran playmaker remains the focal point on the pitch, the man guiding them from the dugout has endured a tumultuous journey to secure his position.
Yakin took the reins from Vladimir Petkovic in 2021, an appointment that raised eyebrows given he was managing a mid-table side in the Swiss second tier at the time.
Despite initial reservations, the former Basel coach successfully navigated his squad through the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, notably finishing above European champions Italy.
Swiss football expert Craig King highlighted the steadying influence the manager had during his early tenure.
He came in and he kind of steadied the team a bit in that campaign.Craig King
Mental blocks and major breakthroughs
The path to recent international tournaments has not always been straightforward, with the squad inexplicably struggling during what appeared to be an easy European Championship qualifying group.
Defensive frailties against lower-ranked opposition led to intense scrutiny regarding the manager’s future, as his side repeatedly conceded late goals against the likes of Andorra and Belarus.
However, the Swiss federation retained their faith, and they were rewarded with a stellar showing at the subsequent summer tournament.
King noted that the squad consistently defies expectations when the pressure is highest on the global stage.
At the Euros they played really, really well, beat Germany in the group stage and took England all the way.Craig King
With an increasingly dangerous attacking system now complementing their established resilience, the Swiss look primed to be a formidable opponent when the 2026 World Cup begins.
A supercomputer has predicted the top 10 for the 2026 Masters at Augusta National, forecasting that defending champion Rory McIlroy will fail to retain his Green Jacket.
The prestigious event marks the beginning of the major championship season in elite golf.
Players will compete for the iconic prize and a lifetime exemption to the historic Georgia tournament.
Northern Irishman McIlroy finally completed his career Grand Slam at the venue last year.
The European Ryder Cup star defeated Englishman Justin Rose on the first extra hole of a dramatic play-off.
However, artificial intelligence suggests the defending champion will not secure back-to-back titles.
Augusta specialists tipped to contend
Breakout American star Chris Gotterup is projected to finish in 10th place on four under par.
The emerging talent recently secured impressive victories at both the Sony Open and Phoenix Open.
Veteran Rose is expected to secure ninth position by utilising his extensive course knowledge.
The former US Open champion has previously finished as runner-up at the major on three separate occasions.
American Xander Schauffele is predicted to share a final score of five under par.
The Olympic gold medallist boasts a stellar record at the venue, missing the cut just once in eight appearances.
Fleetwood and Morikawa in the mix
World number four Tommy Fleetwood is forecast to finish in seventh place on seven under par.
The popular Southport native broke his PGA Tour drought last season but has traditionally struggled at this specific venue.
Meanwhile, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa is projected to finish one shot ahead in sixth.
The Californian has been described by the predictive model as the most consistent iron player of the current campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero holds a transfer release clause of up to £53m, his father has confirmed amid intense speculation over the defender’s future.
The Argentine international has been heavily linked with a departure from north London following a turbulent Premier League campaign.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side currently languish in 17th place, sitting just one point above the relegation zone ahead of next weekend’s crucial fixture against Sunderland.
Should the struggling outfit suffer relegation, the 27-year-old World Cup winner is widely expected to seek a lucrative move elsewhere.
Atletico Madrid lead European interest
Victor Romero recently clarified the financial parameters required to pry the aggressive centre-back away from his current employers.
“He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause,” Victor Romero explained.
“The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m].”
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly monitoring the situation closely ahead of the upcoming summer window.
Manager Diego Simeone is believed to be a long-standing admirer of his compatriot’s uncompromising defensive style.
Despite occasional injury setbacks, the former Atalanta man has remained productive this term, registering six goals and four assists across 31 appearances in all competitions.
Emotional return to Argentina mooted
Alongside European heavyweights, a sensational return to boyhood side Club Atletico Belgrano has also been touted in the South American press.
The player’s father openly admitted he would relish seeing his son wear the sky blue shirt once again.
“It’s a bombshell that keeps getting bigger, and I hope it’s true,” he added.
“As a Belgrano fan and father, what more could I want? But I don’t know anything, but in football, anything can happen.”
New Spurs boss De Zerbi will desperately need his star defender focused as he attempts to steer the club to top-flight safety over the coming weeks.
Manchester United are preparing for a significant summer rebuild as they seek to appoint a permanent manager and close the gap on their Premier League rivals.
The Old Trafford club find themselves in a surprisingly strong position following the departure of Ruben Amorim in January.
Interim manager Michael Carrick has successfully stabilised the team, putting them on course for a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League.
However, a considerable points gap remains between the Red Devils and current title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City.
Managerial uncertainty requires swift resolution
Securing a permanent head coach is the immediate priority for the club’s hierarchy ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The former England midfielder is the current frontrunner for the role after impressing the squad and steadying domestic results.
A swift appointment is required to ensure valuable time is not lost during the crucial pre-season preparation period.
Contract extensions and essential squad departures
Retaining key personnel is also essential, with Bruno Fernandes identified as a primary candidate for a new long-term deal.
The 31-year-old playmaker has been instrumental this season, with his current contract running until 2027 alongside an option for a further year.
Fresh terms for experienced defender Harry Maguire and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo are also under consideration by the board.
Conversely, the 20-time English champions must reduce their wage bill and generate funds through player sales to ensure financial sustainability.
A return to elite European competition will undoubtedly boost revenues, but extensive squad restructuring remains inevitable over the coming months.
American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has become only the third woman in history to win Australia’s prestigious Stawell Gift from the back of the field, overcoming a handicap of up to 10 metres.
The Olympic 100m silver medallist raced from the ‘scratch’ mark in the unique handicap event, meaning she was required to run the full 120 metres and overtake every other competitor.
Competing on an uphill grass track, the 26-year-old clocked a remarkable 13.08 seconds in the final to record the fastest women’s time in the 148-year history of the competition.
She narrowly edged out 19-year-old Australian Charlotte Nielsen, who had begun with a nine-metre head-start, to claim the £20,900 prize pot.
Record-breaking run follows semi-final scare
The former 100m world champion almost missed out on the showpiece entirely after easing up too early before the finish line in her semi-final race.
However, the lightning-fast athlete made no such mistake in the decisive heat, later revealing she knew victory was secured well before the conclusion.
“I think I realised I was going to win right past 90 metres,” she told Australian broadcaster Seven Network.
“This is one of the most exciting, fun and entertaining track meets I’ve ever ran in, not even just that, but the love, the true love and support for track and field, unbeatable.”
Coleman misses out as Komolafe takes men’s title
The historic three-day competition, held in the rural town of Stawell, featured more than 700 athletes competing for a share of the £81,000 total prize fund.
Fellow American sprinter Christian Coleman, who is the reigning indoor 60m world record holder, also contested the men’s event but failed to reach the final.
The 28-year-old former men’s 100m world champion was eliminated in the semi-finals after finishing fifth in a time of 12.48 seconds.
Instead, 21-year-old Australian Olufemi Komolafe secured the men’s title, crossing the line in 11.93 seconds from a five-metre starting mark.
Historic pedigree attracts global stars
The iconic Stawell track has a rich history of drawing global superstars to its unique grass surface.
Jamaican great Asafa Powell, Britain’s Linford Christie and home favourite Cathy Freeman are among the elite champions to have competed at the festival since its inception in 1878.
Stephen Curry scored 29 points on his return from a 27-game absence but missed a buzzer-beating shot as the Golden State Warriors suffered a 117-116 defeat by the Houston Rockets in San Francisco on Sunday.
The veteran guard volunteered to come off the bench to manage his minutes, ending an extended spell on the sidelines caused by a persistent knee issue.
He replaced his brother, Seth Curry, late in the first quarter to a standing ovation from the home crowd.
“First run was rough. Second run was great.” – Stephen Curry
Finding a rhythm
Despite an initial travel violation, the talismanic playmaker quickly found his stride during the second quarter.
Head coach Steve Kerr extended his star player’s minutes in the second half, allowing him to score 22 points across the final two quarters.
The returning point guard orchestrated a dramatic late rally to overturn a 10-point deficit in the final five minutes.
He lined up a potential game-winning 30-footer at the buzzer, but the jump shot fell agonisingly long.
“Looked great when it left his hands. I was a little nervous seeing that ball in the air.” – Kevin Durant, Rockets forward
Play-in tournament looms
Golden State are now guaranteed to finish with a losing record for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
They currently hold a 36-42 record and are heavily favoured to enter the postseason as the 10th seed in the Western Conference.
The franchise faces a crucial play-in tournament eliminator against either the LA Clippers or Portland Trail Blazers next week.
Kerr expects his leading scorer to rejoin the starting lineup soon, but remains cautious about managing the unpredictable “runner’s knee” condition.
“I don’t think there’s a tougher defender in the league for him to have his first game against than Amen Thompson. Steph looked amazing.” – Steve Kerr, Warriors head coach
The team remains optimistic they can mount a serious playoff push, bolstered by the anticipated return of veteran centre Al Horford from a calf strain.
Justin Rose is aiming to capture his first Green Jacket at the 90th Masters in Augusta this week, a year after suffering play-off heartbreak against Rory McIlroy.
The 45-year-old Englishman boasts an unrivalled pedigree among those still seeking a maiden victory at the iconic Georgia venue.
He watched on last year as his European Ryder Cup team-mate finally completed the career grand slam.
The former US Open champion had matched the lowest total of the week at 11 under par, firing a sparkling final-round 66.
“Augusta was painful, but at the same time I was proud at how I played,” the veteran golfer told BBC Sport.
It was the second time he had endured a sudden-death defeat at the tournament, having previously lost to Sergio Garcia in 2017.
Chasing an historic age milestone
The seasoned professional would become the second-oldest winner in tournament history if he triumphs on Sunday.
Only Jack Nicklaus, who claimed his 18th major title 40 years ago, has donned the Green Jacket later in life.
Despite his advancing years, the former world number one remains a formidable presence in the top 10 of the global rankings.
He statistically played the best golf of anyone during Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup campaign last year.
Recent PGA Tour success fuels belief
The Olympic gold medallist returned to the winner’s circle last August by defeating JJ Spaun in a Memphis play-off.
He followed that impressive feat by romping to a dominant seven-shot victory at Torrey Pines in February.
“Getting back in the winners circle in big events on the PGA Tour is testament that my game is still good enough to compete with the best players,” he said.
“And just knowing that gives me the motivation to continue to work hard and to keep believing in myself.”
Meticulous preparation for Augusta
Following his triumph in San Diego, the European stalwart recovered from two missed cuts to finish tied for 13th at the Players Championship.
This solid display in a demanding environment reflects his renowned resilience and enduring appetite for the sport’s biggest prizes.
“I’m pretty good at gearing up for the weeks I want to play well and I think having that sort of experience to do that,” he explained.
To maximise his chances at the season’s first major, he withdrew from last week’s Texas Open to focus entirely on his Augusta preparations.
“I’d love to find a way to play well every single week. But if I can find a way to hone in on the weeks that I really want to play well, that would be enough for me to chase down some of the goals I have left.”
Former Sporting Lisbon manager Carlos Carvalhal has warned Arsenal that they face a formidable test in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against his old club.
Mikel Arteta’s side head to the Portuguese capital seeking redemption after their quadruple hopes were dashed following successive exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
The north London outfit secured a resounding 5-1 victory during their last visit to the Jose Alvalade Stadium in November 2024, but the upcoming two-legged tie presents a fresh challenge.
A rebuilt Portuguese powerhouse
Since that heavy defeat, current Sporting boss Rui Borges has successfully rebuilt the squad following the high-profile £64m departure of striker Viktor Gyokeres to Tuesday’s opponents.
The Primeira Liga giants possess significant attacking flair, with Carvalhal pinpointing several players who could hurt the Premier League title contenders.
“Sporting are a very dangerous team,” Carvalhal told Portuguese television.
“They will give Arsenal a lot of problems.”
Key tactical battles and missing personnel
The 60-year-old tactician highlighted the dynamic threat posed by wing-backs Geny Catamo and Maxi Araujo, noting their ability to exploit wide areas with aggressive forward runs.
However, the suspension of influential club captain Morten Hjulmand serves as a significant defensive boost for the visiting English side.
Despite acknowledging the immense difficulty of the fixture, the Portuguese pundit believes the Gunners possess the ultimate quality required to lift the prestigious European trophy.
“If you ask me whether Arsenal are favourites to win the Champions League then I think, yes, maybe they can do it,” Carvalhal added.
“But this will be a hard tie for them, it will be difficult to break Sporting even at home.”