Ousmane Dembele scored a brilliant first-half hat-trick as France defeated Norway 4-1 to finish top of Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain forward found the net three times in just 32 minutes, recording the second-fastest hat-trick from the start of a men’s World Cup match. It was also the first…
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he is vacating all of his world titles but insists he is not retiring from professional boxing. The 39-year-old Ukrainian made the announcement on Friday, saying he wants to free up the belts for the next generation of contenders while preparing for what he described as his “last…
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold Refinery and two of its top executives. This came over allegations that the company smuggled gold from rebel-controlled parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sanctions, announced on Thursday, also target the refinery’s chairman, Jean Malic Kalima, and general manager, Bosco Kayobotsi. According to…
Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 53 civilians after dismantling a terrorist roadblock mounted by suspected JAS/ISWAP fighters along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation was carried out on Wednesday by soldiers of Sector 2, 135 Special Forces Battalion. According to the military, troops stationed at Dutse…
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has paused its evacuation plan for more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a commercial cargo ship. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez announced the decision on Thursday, saying the agency would not resume the operation until it receives stronger assurances that ships…
Australia secured a place in the World Cup Round of 32 after playing out a goalless draw with Paraguay in San Francisco. The Socceroos only needed a point to finish as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay’s fourth point of the tournament leaves them in a strong position to qualify as one of the best third-placed…
Turkey claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States, scoring with the final kick of the match despite already being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup. The hosts took the lead after just three minutes when Celtic defender Auston Trusty fired home from an unmarked position at a corner. Turkey responded through Arda Guler,…
The Netherlands finished top of Group F after defeating Tunisia 3-1, booking a Round of 32 clash with Morocco at the FIFA World Cup. The Dutch made a flying start, taking the lead in the third minute when Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri accidentally turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net. Just four minutes later,…
Anthony Elanga’s brilliant second-half strike earned Sweden a 1-1 draw against Japan. Sweden booked their place in the World Cup Round of 32 after fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw against Japan in their final Group F match. Japan took the lead in the 56th minute when Daizen Maeda finished a well-worked move involving…
Ecuador fought back from an early goal down to beat Germany 2-1 and book a place in the World Cup Round of 32. Ecuador secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany on Wednesday to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage. After failing to score in their opening two group matches, the South Americans produced…
