Football

Spain’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been clouded by fresh concerns over teenage star Lamine Yamal, following a significant injury setback at FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old winger has been ruled out for the remainder of Barcelona's season after sustaining a hamstring injury, raising questions about his readiness for football's biggest tournament. However, both club and country remain optimistic that he will recover in time to feature in the competition across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A festive atmosphere filled Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026, as fireworks lit up the sky following victories by New Zealand's women's team and South Africa's men's team on the final day of the Hong Kong Sevens. The stadium is set to host another major sporting event later this year, with Manchester City scheduled to face Inter Milan in a pre-season friendly on August 1. The match will mark the opening fixture of City's Asian tour ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Arsenal secured a dramatic 1–0 away victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz after a decisive impact from substitutes. For much of the match at Estádio José Alvalade, Arsenal struggled to break down Sporting’s defensive block and looked likely to settle for a stalemate. However, the late introduction of Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz transformed the game. In stoppage time, Martinelli delivered a precise cross that Havertz converted from close range, giving Arsenal a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has been named Footballer of the Year at the 72nd Annual Milliyet Sports Awards. The Milliyet Sports Award is considered one of the most celebrated honours in Turkey. Osimhen played a key role in Galatasaray’s domestic double last season.

 FIFA has released the 48-team line-up for the 2026 World Cup tournament. This follows the completion of the European and intercontinental play-offs on Tuesday/Wednesday. The final six teams to book their spots are Congo DR, Iraq, Sweden, Czech Republic, Turkiye and Bosnia & Herzogovina.

On March 18, 2026, Liverpool defeated the Turkish champions 4-0 at Anfield, completing a 4-1 aggregate to go to the quarterfinals, ending Galatasaray's Champions League dreams. Victor Osimhen, the great striker for Galatasaray, suffered a fractured right forearm in an aerial collision with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté early in the first half, which made the loss worse. The 27-year-old Nigerian showed perseverance by playing for a short while despite having a bandaged arm, but as the agony increased at halftime, he was replaced. Following a hospital evaluation, Galatasaray confirmed the fracture and declared that surgery would come after more testing.