Football

• As the final round of group matches for the 2026 World Cup begins, Argentina has emerged as the favorite to win the trophy with a 31% probability. • Other top contenders include Spain at 13%, France at 11%, and England at 9%, though England's quarterfinal chances vary from 30% to 50% depending on their group ranking. • Despite their lead, Argentina faces a 41% chance of elimination by opponents such as Cape Verde, Australia, Belgium, Paraguay, Colombia, or Portugal.

Some worry choosing James Purnell, former Demon Eyes teammate, would show Labour struggling for new talentThe most powerful football team in the country is getting back together.Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint James Purnell as his chief of staff should he become prime minister will reunite not only two old friends and former Labour ministers but two of the linchpins of the famous Demon Eyes team set up in the late 1990s. Continue reading...

• Arsenal and Manchester United are both tracking Alex Scott, with the Gunners also pursuing Leicester City's Jeremy Monga. • Real Madrid is reportedly interested in Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, 25, as a potential replacement should Vinicius Jr leave the club. • Manchester United is expected to make an official bid for 21-year-old West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes in the coming days.

• Argentina advanced to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages after defeating Austria 2-0 in their opening match on Monday. • Lionel Messi scored both goals in the victory, setting a new all-time record for the most goals scored in World Cup history with 17. • Despite widespread criticism from fans, players, and staff, FIFA has confirmed that hydration breaks will be implemented in every game this summer.

• Transfer rumors link Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and Crysencio Summerville to Paris St-Germain, while Manchester United reportedly have no interest in selling Benjamin Sesko. • Juventus has reportedly added Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, and former Manchester City defender John Stones, 32, to their summer transfer targets. • These potential moves signal a period of significant squad restructuring for several top European clubs as they seek to strengthen their rosters.

• Several high-profile transfer rumors have emerged, including Morgan Rogers' interest in Arsenal and Marcus Rashford's willingness to accept a pay cut to join Tottenham. • Tottenham is also reportedly confident in signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, while both Spurs and Bayern Munich are targeting Juventus defender Bremer. • In a surprise move, Barcelona has reportedly approached 32-year-old Harry Kane to gauge his interest in leaving Bayern Munich for Spain.

• Transfer rumors link Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, while Paris St-Germain has reportedly entered the race to sign Crysencio Summerville. • Manchester United is said to have no interest in selling Benjamin Sesko at this time. • Juventus has added Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (33) and former Manchester City defender John Stones (32) to their summer transfer targets.

• Juventus has set a €30m (£26m) asking price for 26-year-old Canadian forward Jonathan David. • PSG is seeking €40m (£35m) for Randal Kolo Muani, who is reportedly keen on a move to Juventus. • Juventus is also considering a potential transfer for 30-year-old Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth.