Pulisic double leads US to 6-0 rout of Haiti in Pochettino’s farewell tour
The Guardian
US take 5-0 lead in Nations League quarter-final
Hall, 18, scores again as Pochettino prepares for exit
Pulisic goes into fourth on all-time US scoring list
When Mauricio Pochettino named his US roster for the November window, few could have expected that the games would double as his brief lame-duck era. A week of camp instead brought constant media coverage, efficient negotiations and questions about the future of the national team. Come Wednesday, his day job will take him far from the federation’s headquarters in Fayetteville, Georgia, as he hopes to make sense of Manchester United.
Saturday finally allowed Pochettino and his players to get on with the intended purpose of this window, and they took to the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals with aplomb. The US opened their two-leg series against Haiti with a dominant 6-0 victory in front of a considerably pro-Haitian crowd in Miami. Auston Trusty provided the first half’s only goal before Julian Hall, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun contributed to the eventual rout.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 7:18 pm
Andreeva beats Pegula to reach WTA Finals title match and secure world No 2 ranking
The Guardian
Russian teen beats American 6-3, 6-4 at Indian Wells
French Open champion, 19, remains unbeaten at event
Andreeva to face Noskova or Svitolina in Sunday’s final
French Open champion Mirra Andreeva beat American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday to reach the WTA Finals championship match in Indian Wells, California.
With the semi-final win, the 19-year-old Russian – who won her maiden major at Roland Garros this year – is assured of rising from third to second in the world rankings.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 5:16 pm
Here Manchester United go again, taking the Two Ronnies route to hiring a new boss | Jonathan Wilson
The Guardian
Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival feels like yet another appointment that would have been better made a few years ago
Magnusson: And your time starts ... now! What is paleontology? Smithers: Yes, absolutely correct. Magnusson: What’s the name of the directory that lists members of the peerage? Smithers: A study of old fossils. Magnusson: Correct. Who are Len Murray and Sir Geoffrey Howe? Smithers: Burke’s. Magnusson: Correct. What is the difference between a donkey and an ass? Smithers: One’s a trade union leader, the other’s a member of the Cabinet …
One of the Two Ronnies’ most celebrated sketches involves a Mastermind contestant whose specialist subject is answering the previous question. History repeats itself: the first time as comedy, the second time as Manchester United, who seem continually to be answering not the question of who would be the best available manager now, but who might have been the best available manager a few years ago.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 5:16 pm
Georgia football recruit Marcellus Young Casario dies at 18 after medical emergency
The Guardian
Canadian lineman died Friday after medical incident
Three-star prospect committed to Georgia in June
High school postpones game as coach pays tribute
Marcellus Young Casario, an 18-year-old Canadian high school football player who had committed to Georgia, died Friday following what his school described as a medical emergency.
Casario, a senior defensive lineman at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in northeast Georgia, was taken to hospital after an incident Friday morning. The school announced his death later that day but did not identify him until Saturday. No further details about the circumstances were released.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 4:00 pm
Declan Rice accepts he had an ‘average World Cup’ as England gear up for Spain showdown
The Guardian
Midfielder needed a break ‘to come back stronger’
James Trafford selected to start in goal for England
Declan Rice has admitted he had an “average” World Cup at the end of a gruelling season and needed time out during the international window in September and October in order to return stronger.
The Arsenal midfielder believes the break has served its purpose, having produced starring performances against Bayern Munich and Liverpool in recent weeks. He is now ready to hit his best level for England in Sunday’s Nations League showdown against Spain at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 3:49 pm
Clara Luvanga strikes as Washington Spirit beat Utah to reach third straight NWSL final
The Guardian
Tanzanian scores second-half winner in 2-1 victory
Spirit reach fifth NWSL final and third in succession
Washington will chase second title at home ground
Clara Luvanga scored her second goal of the postseason in the 57th minute, capitalizing on an errant pass as the Washington Spirit reached their fifth NWSL Championship and third straight with a 2-1 semi-final victory over the Utah Royals on Saturday.
Luvanga raced on to Nuria Rábano’s ill-advised ball after it rolled past Utah center-back Tatumn Milazzo, then chipped it delicately over the advancing goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn for the winner.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 3:49 pm
Clinical Norway dent Wales’ Nations League top-tier hopes with victory in Oslo
The Guardian
Home side avenge October defeat in Cardiff
Wales bottom of Group A4 with one game left
Wales suffered a 3-1 defeat to Norway in Oslo to dent their hopes of staying in the top tier of the Nations League.
Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup struck in the space of nine second-half minutes as Norway turned the screw.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 2:46 pm
Norway v Wales: Nations League – live
The Guardian
Updates from 5pm (GMT) kick-off at the Ullevaal Stadion
Get in touch: email Scott and follow us on BlueSky
Presented for your pleasure. To read at your leisure.
This isn’t a meeting of two teams in form. Norway have lost their last three games, perhaps a wee bit emotionally spent following their glorious antics at the World Cup (and their quarter-final defeat to England makes it four losses in the last five). Wales have lost four of their last five as well, winning just one of their last eight … though that victory was over Norway last month. So there is hope; just not too much of it.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 11:33 am
Mauricio Pochettino asked the US to believe in his project. Did he believe in it himself?
The Guardian
The coach’s tenure with the USMNT brought a whiplash of highs and lows. He met some goals but also left many with the impression he never truly bought in
It did not take US men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino very long to take his first big swing.
He’d just taken the reins of the program after a disastrous performance at the 2024 Copa América cost his predecessor his job, with the first home World Cup in three decades looming on the horizon. The federation introduced him in New York City, on the 24th floor of a building overlooking the Hudson River. In short order, he was asked about the culture surrounding the program. In his answer, he invoked the four-time World Cup champion US women.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 9:33 am
Blue Jays’ Anthony Santander apologizes for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts
The Guardian
Toronto outfielder deleted posts after backlash
Santander says content fell short of his beliefs
Blue Jays have not announced disciplinary action
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized Friday for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts, saying the content had caused hurt and did not reflect his beliefs.
In a statement posted to his Instagram story, Santander said reflection and conversations with people he trusts had made him realize he should have been more thoughtful about what he shared and the responsibility that comes with having a public platform.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 8:16 am
Chelsea v Manchester City: Women’s Super League – live
The Guardian
Updates from 1.30pm (GMT) kick-off at Stamford Bridge
Get in touch: email Simon and follow us on BlueSky
Essential pre-match reading: here’s Suzanne Wrack’s preview of Chelsea v Manchester City:
There was a time when the games between the top three – traditionally Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal – were title-deciders. Where every point taken off a title rival was key. Such was the gap in investment and quality between those teams and the rest of the Women’s Super League, it was extremely rare that points would be dropped to teams outside that elite clique.
But when Chelsea welcome the title holders and current league leaders to Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime the three points isn’t the most important takeaway. Instead, based on the state of play, it’s the momentum, confidence, belief and bragging rights that are critical.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 8:02 am
Pochettino to Manchester United latest, WSL and Nations League buildup – matchday live
The Guardian
All the latest news from around the footballing world
Get in touch: contact our matchday live writers on email
Among the 20 managers with more than 290 matches in the Premier League, only the five “big beasts” of Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have better points-per-game averages than Mauricio Pochettino. He is an elite manager…
Michael Carrick released a statement yesterday following his Manchester United departure.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 5:46 am
Portugal did the extraordinary with Cristiano Ronaldo. Can they do it without him?
The Guardian
The captain, the talisman, the brand: former teammates and experts discuss Portugal entering a new era after 23 years
There are days football fans hope will never come. For Portugal, this is one of them. For 23 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been more than the country’s greatest footballer; he has been its defining sporting figure, a symbol of national pride and constant presence in the lives of supporters. After 234 appearances and 146 goals, the No 7 brought that chapter to a close and on Saturday night the team will play their first game without him.
The national side are losing more than a great footballer; they are also losing one of the world’s biggest brands. Daniel Sá, the executive director of the Portuguese institute of marketing administration, believes Portugal require reinvention to attract at least some of the millions of viewers who tuned in because of CR7.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 2:44 am
FAA ground stop sends NBA, NHL and college teams scrambling ahead of weekend
The Guardian
Nationwide flight shutdown disrupts team travel in US
Mississippi v Oklahoma football game moved to Sunday
Cavaliers face tight turnaround after Miami travel delay
The Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to ground all flights nationwide for several hours on Friday threw the US sports world into disarray, leaving NBA, NHL and college teams scrambling to reach their destinations in time for a packed weekend of games.
Transportation officials cited “extraordinary circumstances” caused by communications issues at regional air traffic control centers for the stoppage. Some teams were left searching for hotel rooms, others rescheduled flights, leagues adjusted start times and several college football programs took the unusual step of chartering buses rather than waiting for the ground stop to end.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 2:44 am
‘United is broken’: Guardian readers react to Michael Carrick’s sacking
The Guardian
Emotions are running high after the confirmation of Michael Carrick’s dismissal at Old Trafford. Here are some views from our readers
“As a United fan who was around for the early 90s seeing Carrick go is a sad end to a horrible situation. He was the only likable thing about the club … I took my eight-year-old lad to Old Trafford for the Brighton game in the FA Cup in January and I’ve never experienced a more toxic atmosphere at a football ground. The fans deserve better … Better owners, better attitudes, better standards. Nothing will change with the setup of the club today and we are in this macabre holding pattern of failure, hope, anger and disappointment” – Chris
“Wilcox, [Berada] and [Jim] Ratcliffe should have fired themselves. They are the common denominator of all this failure. [Mauricio] Pochettino will last 12 months if he’s lucky” – Deb
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 1:11 am
USA hammer Denmark 14-0 with record 85 shots to reach women’s hockey worlds semi-finals
The Guardian
Americans set tournament record with 85 shots on goal
Harvey and Winn score twice each in 14-0 rout
Canada edge Czechs 3-2 to set up Sweden semi-final
Defending champions the United States marched into the semi-finals of the women’s ice hockey world championship with a crushing 14-0 victory over hosts Denmark on Friday.
The Americans stormed out of the blocks, racing into a 5-0 lead inside eight minutes before stretching their advantage to 10-0 by the end of the second period in the first-ever meeting between the teams.
Continue reading...November 14th 2026, 1:11 am
Scotland v North Macedonia: Nations League – live
The Guardian
Nations League updates from 7.45pm GMT kick-off
Live scores | Follow us on BlueSky | And email Scott
3 min: Robertson is into the action quickly. He crosses from the left. The ball’s deflected and sent on a strange arc towards the top-left corner, but Musliu heads away so keeper Dimitrievski doesn’t have to deal with an awkward bounce. Adams was lurking, too.
2 min: The Hampden Roar segues into a chant in honour of Andy Robertson, who is now officially joint top of Scotland’s all-time record appearances list. Other than that, there’s not been any early action to react to, never mind sing about.
Continue reading...November 13th 2026, 4:40 pm
Branding it like Beckham: how Jude Bellingham is future-proofing his fame
The Guardian
From Calvin Klein to British Vogue, the Real Madrid man is leading the way when it comes to football’s foray into fashion. But is he playing it safe?
This Sunday, Jude Bellingham will line up with his England teammates for a match against Spain. But the footballer has been hitting the headlines way beyond the pitch recently – thanks to fronting a Calvin Klein underwear ad released this month, and becoming the first footballer to appear solo on the cover of British Vogue.
It’s a savvy move for the 23-year-old, future-proofing himself as a power player both on and off the pitch. This is a roadmap carved out by David Beckham, who since retiring in 2013 has become a brand and personality that transcends sport. Beckham – together with his wife, Victoria – became a billionaire this year.
Continue reading...November 13th 2026, 4:40 pm
Tearful Pochettino says United job was ‘difficult to turn down’ in USMNT farewell
The Guardian
Coach was ‘transparent’ in dealings with club, federation
Pochettino had signed deal to stay with US through 2030
There were always going to be tears at Mauricio Pochettino’s news conference at US Soccer’s national training center on Friday. It was only a matter of when. Pochettino is famously emotional, and nobody in attendance had to wait long for the waterworks – they came during his introductory remarks, as he thanked the US Soccer executives flanking him for the opportunity to guide the US men. He grew emotional again as he addressed his impending departure for Manchester United, one announced just hours earlier.
“I think [the decision was],” Pochettino said, pausing to compose himself, “one of the most difficult decisions of our careers. Thank you guys. Thank you so much.”
Continue reading...November 13th 2026, 4:40 pm
It’s Happy Harry Kane day as England’s finest seizes his moment in style | Barney Ronay
The Guardian
The Ballon d’Or validated the forward’s career and he extended his incredible record for England with yet another goal on his 126th appearance
Happy Harry Kane day! And many happy Harry returns. There is a process in clinical psychology known as semantic satiation. Subjects are asked to repeat a word or phrase so many times that it loses any kind of meaning. Suddenly “daffodils” is just an absurd, empty set of sounds. So it was in the buildup to Harry Kane’s record-breaking 126th cap, at the end of Harry Kane Ballon d’Or fortnight, as Harry Kane’s England were led out by top scorer Harry Kane, climax to a week of Harry Kane tributes, Harry Kane montages, 26-page Harry Kane … wait. Where were we?
This was that kind of occasion from start to finish, a night where you expected to look up from your desk mid-match to see Kane’s head looming helpfully over your shoulder, to enter the Wembley toilets at half-time and find him silently offering you a breath mint and a scented tissue.
Continue reading...November 13th 2026, 10:41 am
NFL quarterbacks are under more pressure than ever from rushers. Why?
The Guardian
Despite all the advantages offenses have secured over the years, defenses are better at pressuring the QB than any other time in recent history
The Baltimore Ravens are preparing to start their fourth quarterback this year, Jacoby Brissett, against the beleaguered Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, because of injuries to Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano. That puts them dangerously close to the NFL record of five within a single season (a record shared by the 1984 Bears and 2023 Browns when excluding the 1987 strike season).
Jackson, Huntley and Fagnano were all injured after taking hits in games. And if it seems like quarterbacks are taking punishment more often this year, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Through nine weeks, quarterbacks have been hit on 15.1% of their dropbacks, the most we’ve seen since 2006, when hits were first logged in official box scores.
Continue reading...November 13th 2026, 10:41 am
Pochettino bids tearful farewell to USA after Manchester United appointment; Carrick thanks fans: fo
The Guardian
Pochettino speaks in emotional press conference
Barney Ronay was at Wembley on Thursday night to celebrate Happy Harry Kane day.
“And as the teams lined up there was a surprise appearance from the real star of this stage, the Ballon d’Or itself, wreathed in event glamour and star-flash. Kane drew the ballon from its stone in Arthurian fashion, then held it a little sheepishly in one hand. Prince William walked out and gave him a massive framed shirt, which seemed weird in the moment, like the chief area sales manager presenting the prize from the Christmas raffle. Has Prince William ever been asked to carry anything before?”
Continue reading...November 13th 2026, 10:41 am
Pochettino’s Chelsea maelstrom the best yardstick for what lies ahead at United
The Guardian
Argentinian oversaw high-scoring games in his one Chelsea season and Opta predicts his Manchester United side will move upfield quicker than that team
Among the 20 managers with more than 290 matches in the Premier League, only the five “big beasts” of Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have better points-per-game averages than Mauricio Pochettino. He is an elite manager.
Pochettino took over Southampton midway through their first season back in the top flight (2012-13) after the club spent seven years in the lower leagues. In his only full campaign, they finished eighth. He led Tottenham to second in 2016-17, third in the seasons either side, and reached the 2019 Champions League final. His presence lifted those clubs.
Continue reading...November 13th 2026, 2:25 am
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong and Astros’ Yordan Alvarez unanimously win MVP awards
The Guardian
Cubs star Crow-Armstrong hits 45 homers and steals 41
Astros slugger Alvarez wins AL honor after .316 season
Both players earn first MVP awards in unanimous votes
Pete Crow-Armstrong was unanimously named the National League’s Most Valuable Player on Thursday after the Chicago Cubs center fielder produced a spectacular all-around season.
Crow-Armstrong joined Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez as a first-time MVP winner. Alvarez was the unanimous American League winner after making a run at the Triple Crown, batting a career-high .316 with 42 home runs and 106 RBIs for the AL West champions.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 11:55 pm
Fitness, Fernandes and a back four: how next head coach can reignite Manchester United | Will Unwin
The Guardian
Michael Carrick’s replacement must find solutions on the pitch and pressure the hierarchy to accept a share of blame
One of the final images of Michael Carrick’s time in charge will be of him standing in the rain on the Old Trafford touchline watching his side succumb to Bournemouth, while his sullen captain sat unused on the bench. Bruno Fernandes was dropped after calling out his head coach’s tactics, although Carrick said it was for football reasons. It was the second combustible television interview in as many Champions League games after Lisandro Martínez pointed the finger at the director of football, Jason Wilcox, for failing to provide a squad suitable for fighting on all fronts.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 11:55 pm
Gauff saves three set points to beat Kostyuk and keep WTA Finals hopes alive
The Guardian
American saves three set points in second-set rally
Gauff wins six straight games to seal 6-4, 7-5 victory
World No 4 needs Noskova help to reach last four
Coco Gauff clawed out a 6-4, 7-5 round-robin victory over Marta Kostyuk on Thursday to keep her WTA Finals hopes alive in Indian Wells, California.
The world No 4 still needs help to reach the semi-finals of the elite season-ending event. If fifth-ranked compatriot Jessica Pegula beats Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in Thursday’s final group match, Pegula will advance instead. Noskova has already qualified.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 11:55 pm
Washington Commanders keep their season alive with last-gasp win over New York Giants
The Guardian
Washington Commanders 24-21 New York Giants
Stefon Diggs’s TD seals win in final minute
Jayden Daniels threw his third touchdown pass of the game, a 32-yarder to Stefon Diggs with 57 seconds left, and the Commanders rallied to defeat the New York Giants 24-21 on Thursday night in what was essentially a must-win game for Washington.
Daniels’ connection with Diggs in the final minute came after the quarterback had thrown his first two interceptions of the season to end the previous two drives. He was 23 of 33 for 249 yards and also had TD throws to Ben Sinnott and Antonio Williams.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 11:55 pm
How will the USMNT replace Mauricio Pochettino? There’s no clear answer
The Guardian
The USMNT head coach is on the verge of sealing a move to Manchester United, but it’s hard to know who could be in the chair next
Even before the 2026 World Cup, the US Soccer Federation projected an air of confidence in its ability to, someday, replace Mauricio Pochettino.
“We have a process of, on a regular basis, always reviewing sort of succession planning for all of our key roles at US Soccer,” JT Batson, the federation CEO, told ESPN in April. “We’re ready when anything happens, whether it’s CFO, whether it’s a head coach or anything in between.”
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 5:25 pm
Harry Kane spot on to seal England win over Croatia on his record-breaking night
The Guardian
It was an historic occasion for Harry Kane, the one when he made his 126th England appearance and overtook Peter Shilton as the nation’s most capped men’s player. And for much of the night, it felt as though the desire to celebrate him, certainly beforehand, was the main thing. The actual football in this Nations League tie felt like a sideshow.
England had demolished Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka last month; it was Croatia’s heaviest ever defeat. It was a different story here. England were casual, lacking cut and thrust and there was an overall flatness to the Wembley atmosphere. Croatia were never likely to be humbled again and they sensed redemption when Petar Sucic capitalised upon a defensive aberration from Jarell Quansah to equalise for 1-1 just before the hour.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 5:25 pm
Michael Carrick was just the latest fall guy for Manchester United’s dysfunctional hierarchy | Jamie
The Guardian
Disastrous decisions and confused appointments have been a constant theme at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013
For a window into the alarming dysfunction at Manchester United that Michael Carrick failed to manage and caused his sacking, consider the case of Eddie Howe, initially a favourite to succeed the 45-year-old before Mauricio Pochettino’s emergence as the chosen one.
The former Newcastle manager had been Jason Wilcox’s choice to take over from Carrick. Howe was also the favoured candidate of Dan Ashworth, Wilcox’s predecessor as United’s director of football, to follow Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman’s sacking in October 2024. Except Wilcox disagreed and Sir Jim Ratcliffe went with Wilcox’s man, Ruben Amorim, and that December Ashworth departed only five months after joining.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 5:25 pm
Finland bars Russian athletes from entering country over Ukraine war
The Guardian
Russians ‘have no business’ in country, says minister
Skating and cross-country skiing first to be affected
Finland says it will restrict entry to the country for Russian athletes because of the war in Ukraine, potentially affecting a number of winter sports. The move follows a backlash in Finland to Russia being reinstated for the ice hockey world championships.
“As long as Russia’s war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business in Finland,” said Elina Valtonen, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. “Their entry into the country would be a threat to Finland’s international relations. The same is true of other short-term work under visas that is not essential to Finland’s national interests.”
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 1:59 pm
Harry Kane wins record 126th England cap, pulling clear of Peter Shilton
The Guardian
Kane gets England men’s record cap against Croatia
Striker starts Nations League game on record 91 goals
Harry Kane has broken the England men’s appearance record after being selected to start the Nations League match against Croatia at Wembley. The striker drew level with Peter Shilton last month and has gone clear with 126 caps.
Kane, who made his debut in March 2015, took his international goals tally to 91 by scoring six times in four games in late September and early October. England’s next-highest scorer, Wayne Rooney, is a distant second with 53 goals.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 1:59 pm
Steph Curry’s defense of Ayesha exposes the ugly double standards of sports’ manosphere | Andrew Law
The Guardian
The Warriors superstar’s forceful defense of his wife over an on-screen kiss has exposed the ugly double standards and fragile masculinity of sports’ manosphere
If Steph Curry is leading with his full government name, know that he means business. In a 90-second video released on Wednesday, from the Instagram account of “Wardell Curry”, he put the internet trolls who have been attacking his wife for years on notice. “Usually the noise doesn’t bother me, doesn’t bother Ayesha,” the four-time NBA champion and Paris Olympic knockout artist said. “But when you’re trying to step on the accomplishments of my wife, and feel the need to have to jump in and give an opinion on something that you really don’t know about, [it] kind of speaks to the bigger conversation on how you view women in this world and what they’re allowed and what they’re not allowed to do.”
Posterity will remember this as the NBA’s Oscar slap moment, but without the unnecessary violence. A bizarre turn in the parasocial compact when the restless fanboys pressured a superstar into publicly defending his wife. On this occasion, Curry had to defend his wife for the heinous crime of being the leading lady in a Christmas romcom: a Hallmark knockoff called Second Chance Holiday in which Ayesha Curry plays a dating expert with bad holiday luck and shares a kiss with a man who is not Wardell Stephen Curry II – her husband of 15 years and father to their four children. That apparently was a bridge too far for some of Curry’s former NBA peers.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 1:59 pm
Dan Hicks, NBC’s voice of golf and Olympic swimming, dies at age of 64 after acute illness
The Guardian
Death announced by wife, ESPN’s Hannah Storm
Hicks had a 35-year career in broadcasting
Sportscaster Dan Hicks, who was the voice of golf, Olympic swimming and Notre Dame football during a 35-year career at NBC Sports, has died, his family and NBC announced Thursday. He was 64.
Hicks died late Wednesday in Connecticut. He died of an acute illness, according to his wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 1:59 pm
Pochettino expected to lead US in Nations League games before Manchester United move
The Guardian
USMNT coach agreed framework of a deal with United
United have made contact with US federation
Balogun: ‘I’d like to keep things the way they are’
Mauricio Pochettino will lead the US men’s national team through the remainder of this international window, a source with direct knowledge of US Soccer’s plans told the Guardian on Thursday.
Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick, who was sacked as Manchester United manager on Thursday. The Guardian previously reported that the framework of a deal had been agreed between Pochettino and United. The Athletic was first to report news of Pochettino’s plans for the upcoming US matches.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 1:59 pm
Lewis Hamilton says ‘Israel’s genocide in Gaza is appalling’ after Rafah visit
The Guardian
F1 driver urges Israel to let aid into Gaza
Trip involved tour of facilities with aid workers
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton said on Wednesday that Israel must allow aid trucks into Gaza, a day after he visited the Rafah border crossing in Egypt.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, arrived in El Arish on Tuesday, where he was briefed on how aid is prepared and coordinated before it is sent into Gaza, as he toured the Rafah crossing and the Egyptian Red Crescent’s aid warehouses.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 1:59 pm
Smart ejected for punching Bassey as Warriors lose Curry to injury in defeat to Rockets
The Guardian
Kerr admits concern is ‘high’ for Curry’s injury
Bassey says Smart guilty of ‘fake toughness’
Kevin Durant scored 20 points, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson added 19 and the Houston Rockets snapped Golden State’s eight-game winning streak with a 115-108 victory on Wednesday night.
The Warriors played most of the game without Stephen Curry after the star left in the first quarter with right abdominal soreness and didn’t return. He was due to get an MRI on the injury.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 7:59 am
Carrick sacked by Manchester United with team in Premier League relegation zone – live
The Guardian
⚽️ Head coach departs after one win in 11 games
⚽️ Carrick sacked with Pochettino poised to take over
⚽️ Have any thoughts? Email Luke
“After going through the Moyes season,” writes Hugh, “the dross football of Mourinho and Van Gaal, the moments-years of Solskjaer, the Rangnick surgery that never was, the middling Ten Hag, the baffling Amorim, and now a decent man thrust into the meat grinder, this is the first year it’s been genuinely hard to watch Man Utd with any emotion.
“And it’s not because of the football. It’s that the Glazer ownership and Ratcliffe mismanagement has met the Man City revelations, meaning it’s hard to see the point anymore. £1bn taken out of the club while others were illicitly pumping in roughly the same. A club drained of life, hollowed out … I can take crap football, but I can’t take this anymore.”
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 7:59 am
NFL midseason awards: Allen’s brilliance, a Seahawks shocker and a new Super Bowl pick
The Guardian
With the season reaching its halfway point, it’s time to see which teams and players are excelling
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills. Joe Burrow is excelling for the Bengals and is rightly a frontrunner for MVP. He’s stylish, precise and mentally rock-solid, everything a franchise needs. But is he the most thrilling quarterback in the NFL? Right now, Allen is box office each and every week. But it’s not just the entertainment factor: Allen has a weaker supporting cast than Burrow and many of the other MVP contenders – imagine what he could do with Ja’Marr Chase as a teammate – and yet the Bills top the AFC at 7-1 thanks in large part to his passing and hammering runs.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 7:59 am
Pierre Sage sacked by Crystal Palace after 16 games with club bottom of league
The Guardian
Thomas Frank the leading contender to take over
Palace have conceded league-high 24 goals
Pierre Sage has been sacked as Crystal Palace’s manager after 16 games. The Frenchman, appointed in mid-June to replace Oliver Glasner, has gone after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Liverpool left his team bottom of the Premier League.
Thomas Frank, out of work since his dismissal by Spurs in February, has emerged as the main candidate to succeed Sage. He spoke to Palace in the summer and is said to be keen for a new challenge after a successful spell at Brentford.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 7:59 am
Less drama, more listening, but is Kozo Tashima the candidate to topple Infantino?
The Guardian
Japan FA honorary president is hoping a calmer approach that makes fewer unwelcome headlines for Fifa will be welcomed by football
Not many remember Japan’s bid for the 2022 World Cup, when the country finished the race with only two of the final 22 votes. Kozo Tashima was involved then, and now the honorary president of the Japan Football Association is going it alone in the hope of ousting Gianni Infantino.
The 68-year-old Tashima is an unlikely insurgent and an unlikely challenger to Infantino. He is, however, a familiar and respected figure in Asian and global football politics, and ready to take the Fifa presidency out of the headlines into a quieter era.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 7:59 am
Svitolina stays in WTA Finals hunt after remarkable fightback sees off Muchova
The Guardian
Ukrainian wins 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 after eight-minute timeout
Andreeva beats Sabalenka 6-4, 6-0 to top Group B
Elina Svitolina staged a remarkable comeback to beat Karolina Muchova and remain in the hunt for the WTA Finals title.
The Ukrainian appeared to be on her way out of Indian Wells when she was a set down and required an eight-minute medical timeout. But she recovered to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and stay in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals.
Continue reading...November 12th 2026, 7:59 am
Complaint filed to IRS in relation to Fifa head Gianni Infantino’s housekeeper
The Guardian
It calls for inquiry into claims she was on Fifa payroll
Fifa: Infantino personally pays for ‘any domestic staff’
A complaint has been filed to the United States Internal Revenue Service calling for an investigation into claims an individual on the Fifa payroll was working privately as a housekeeper for Gianni Infantino.
If the IRS investigates and finds the claims to be proven then Fifa could lose its tax-exempt status in the US. Fifa has 501(c)(4) status in the country, a category for organisations “created to promote community welfare for charitable, educational or recreational purposes”.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
Former NFL coach Rex Ryan charged after allegedly hitting pedestrians with car in Nashville
The Guardian
Former Jets and Bills coach turned himself in
Ryan faces six misdemeanor charges over incident
Two pedestrians allegedly struck in Nashville
ESPN analyst and former NFL coach Rex Ryan turned himself in to police on Wednesday after allegedly hitting two pedestrians with his car in Nashville and leaving the scene.
Nashville police said on Wednesday that the pedestrians had the right of way while crossing a main street in the city’s downtown last week when Ryan allegedly turned at a red light and drove over their feet.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
Meeting of two lost souls: can Pochettino make it work at Manchester United? | Barney Ronay
The Guardian
Manager has been hurt by experiences at elite clubs but several players at Old Trafford could fit his playing style
Welcome, Mauricio, to the meat grinder. Or rather, welcome back. We’ve been expecting you. There is nothing surprising in the news Manchester United may be on the verge of appointing Mauricio Pochettino. United are always on the verge of appointing Pochettino. This is a club that has spent 13 years hiring and firing the same structurally doomed manager – same shellshocked eyes, same irresolvable macro-problems – and the last eight years almost but not quite doing this to Pochettino.
Well, maybe we’re finally here. Maybe he just needed to be broken enough to make it fit. And who knows, perhaps there is even a kind of accidental synergy here.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
US withdraw from U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns
The Guardian
USSF cites state department advisory about Qatar
Competition set to kick off in eight days
The US men’s national team have pulled out of the Fifa U-17 World Cup, which is due to kick off in Qatar in just over a week. In a letter sent to players explaining the decision, the US Soccer Federation cited safety concerns for players and staff, referring them to the US state department’s travel advisory for Qatar, which encourages citizens to reconsider travel to the country “due to risk of armed conflict” and asks government employees to obtain special authorization to do so.
“Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances … we are no longer able to participate in the tournament,” US Soccer’s letter to players reads. “The wellbeing of our players and staff will always be our top priority.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
Marco Rubio reportedly spent over $1.2m of taxpayer money traveling to son’s football games
The Guardian
Ethics watchdogs question necessity of the US secretary of state flying between DC and Gainesville so often
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, has emerged as a superfan of the University of Florida’s football team, spending more than $1.2m of taxpayers’ money on frequent personal trips to watch them play, a report published on Wednesday claims.
Ethics watchdogs have questioned the necessity of the country’s top diplomat shuttling so often between Washington DC and Gainesville, where his son Anthony has a walk-on role as a running back for the team known as the Gators.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
Top four teams in Fifa rankings set to be kept apart until semi-finals at 2027 Women’s World Cup
The Guardian
Team must win World Cup group to trigger rule
Spain, US, Germany and England currently in top four
The top four ranked teams will be separated until the semi-finals at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, provided they each win their group, after a change to the tournament’s draw procedure was confirmed by Fifa.
Spain, USA, Germany and England are ranked one to four in the world respectively, although USA and England still need to qualify for the tournament. The seedings will be based on the 7 December updated rankings, meaning the standings could change before the draw, which will take place on 11 December in Rio de Janeiro.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
Stephen Curry attacks treatment of women after former players criticize wife Ayesha’s movie kiss
The Guardian
Warriors star defends wife over romantic comedy role
Arenas called Ayesha ‘only blemish’ on Curry family
Four-time NBA champion condemns double standards
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has criticized several ex-professional athletes for questioning his wife Ayesha’s decision to appear in a romantic comedy featuring an on-screen kiss, accusing them of diminishing her accomplishments and perpetuating double standards about women.
The four-time NBA champion posted a 90-second video on Instagram on Wednesday in response to comments by former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young, as well as former NFL players Emmanuel Acho and LeSean McCoy, following the release of Ayesha Curry’s new film, Second Chance Holiday.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
Danny Kelly, football broadcaster and renowned editor, dies aged 69
The Guardian
Danny Baker pays tribute to the ‘funniest man I knew’
Kelly was former editor of the NME and Q magazines
The journalist and broadcaster Danny Kelly, who helped define coverage of music and football in the UK for a generation, has died at the age of 69.
Kelly edited the NME and Q magazine, and launched the Football 365 website before going on to be a presenter and pundit on the BBC and TalkSport. He had been receiving treatment for oesophageal cancer.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:14 pm
Pochettino’s Manchester United interest is as natural as it is disruptive to the US
The Guardian
The former Tottenham manager is always going to be a subject of interest, but United’s job carries a rare power
As Mauricio Pochettino left the podium to close his final press conference of the last international window, he offered an ambiguous farewell.
“See you next …” Pochettino began as he headed to the tunnels of Allianz Field in Saint Paul, before cutting his sentence short. Then, a bit of a sing-song: “See you next, see you next.”
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:11 am
Izzy Neale, ‘dearly loved’ Australian apprentice jockey, dies after fall at regional track
The Guardian
Twenty-two-year-old suffered severe injuries at race on Sunday
‘Words are not enough,’ says trainer Richard Freedman
Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died following a fall at a regional racecourse.
Neale suffered severe injuries when her mount Marnoo fell entering the home straight in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup in NSW.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:11 am
Bone broth, sweets ban and acupuncture: Harry Kane’s road to record England cap
The Guardian
Obsessive attention to detail is helping striker to reach new heights – and a 126th international appearance on Thursday
It was Harry Kane’s dirty little secret. Something the England captain got up to after matches. He felt he deserved the indulgence. Yes, it can be revealed, Kane loved to reward himself after a gruelling 90 minutes with a bag of sweets. “I do like a Haribo,” he said with a smile after the Nations League win against Czechia in Prague at the end of September.
No more. At the beginning of last season, Kane took the decision to cut out the naughty treats. After a while, he noticed a difference. He felt sharper; able to sprint more, make a greater number of accelerations. Was it down to this latest entry on the list of personal sacrifices? Or was it a consequence of his broader health regime, the scope of which is mind-blowing?
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:11 am
Jaylen Brown gives former teammate Jayson Tatum frosty greeting as Celtics beat 76ers
The Guardian
Players’ relationship has been under intense scrutiny
Paul George scores 36 points in 123-101 victory
Tatum appears to ignore former teammate before game
Jayson Tatum scored 21 points and outplayed his former Boston teammate, Jaylen Brown, and Paul George scored 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, leading the Celtics past the 76ers 123-101 on Tuesday night.
Brown ran into early foul trouble and scored only 13 points in his first game against Boston since the 2024 NBA Finals MVP was traded over the summer to the Sixers. He also had four turnovers. His head-to-head showdown with Tatum was one of the more anticipated early-season matchups with both players refusing to say much about their frosty relationship.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:11 am
Is No 10 still the best, or No 41? The myths and maths of Premier League shirt numbers
The Guardian
While No 9s still score the most goals and No 1s try to stop them, trends have changed since the introduction of squad numbers in the early 1990s
How much is a shirt number worth? It costs £8 if you want two digits added to the back of Arsenal’s 2026-27 home shirt, whereas Manchester City add on £16 for customisation, whether you want a name as well as a number or not.
That is cheap compared to what baseball players decide among themselves. Juan Soto bought Brett Baty a $92,000 (£69,000) car in exchange for getting his preferred number (22) when he joined the New York Mets last year. But that’s baseball, where they allow players to wear ‘0’. Anything goes.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:11 am
NFL trade deadline winners and losers: Vikings go full dadcore with Kirk Cousins in Super Bowl quest
The Guardian
Teams with championship aspirations tooled up at the deadline. Most, but not all of them, have improved their chances
After what happened Monday night, the Minnesota Vikings had to do this. In a dispiriting loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Vikings saw their tremendous defense go to waste, as Carson Wentz completed eight of 25 passes for 81 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and a passer rating of 8.9. It was one of the worst quarterback performances in recent history, and it continued a run of recent QB futility for the Vikings, from JJ McCarthy to Kyler Murray to Wentz. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is out-scheming every other coach in the league with his laboratory of blitzes and coverages. But it’s starting to matter less and less, because opposing offenses know they can wait that defense out when there’s no juice on the other side of the ball. The Vikings rank first in scoring defense (116 points allowed), but they’re 27th in points scored (146).
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 11:11 am
Manchester United close on Mauricio Pochettino deal before settling Carrick’s fate
The Guardian
Pochettino wants to leave USA role for United
United board meeting scheduled for Wednesday
Manchester United are closing in on agreeing a deal for Mauricio Pochettino to become their head coach if Michael Carrick is sacked in line with the recommendation from Jason Wilcox, the director of football, and Omar Berrada, the chief executive, to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Pochettino is the US men’s national team head coach but wants the United job if, as expected, Carrick is removed.
Continue reading...November 11th 2026, 5:11 am
Mauricio Pochettino interested in leaving USMNT job for Manchester United
The Guardian
Coach’s contract has release clause of about $10m
United expected to sack Michael Carrick after awful start
US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino is interested in a move to Manchester United, multiple sources told the Guardian, with those same sources characterizing the interest as mutual.
United are expected to sack their head coach, Michael Carrick, after a disastrous start to their season which leaves them at risk of relegation from the Premier League, their worst opening to a campaign in four decades.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 10:11 pm
Noskova beats Gauff to reach WTA Finals semi-finals as Pegula stays alive
The Guardian
Czech defeats Gauff 6-3, 6-3 to reach last four
Pegula eliminates Kostyuk with straight-sets victory
Gauff and Pegula remain in contention for final berth
Linda Noskova secured her place in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Coco Gauff on Tuesday, while Jessica Pegula knocked Marta Kostyuk out of the season-ending tournament with a straight-sets win.
The Czech, who beat Kostyuk in her opening match, has won both encounters without dropping a set and is assured of advancing to the knockout stage. Gauff and Pegula are both 1-1, with the final round-robin matches on Thursday set to determine who joins Noskova in the last four.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 10:11 pm
F1 presses ahead with plan to hold season finale in Middle East despite safety concerns
The Guardian
Imola stood down as back-up plan to finish the year
Qatar and Abu Dhabi races set to go ahead as planned
Imola has been stood down as a back-up plan for the Formula One season finale as the sport pushes ahead with its scheduled Middle East races.
The Italian venue, 20 miles from Bologna, was lined up to replace Abu Dhabi as the final race amid concern over the ongoing conflict in the region.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 10:11 pm
Firing a manager is often more about maintaining the illusion of control
The Guardian
In an era of advanced analytics, deciding when to move on from a manager still seems to come down to vibes rather than logic
He just had to go.
His position had become untenable.
Leander Schaerlaeckens is the author of The Long Game: U.S. Men’s Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts, which is out now. He teaches at Marist University.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 10:11 pm
Jordon Hudson files lawsuit over shirtless video of Belichick that helped disclose romance
The Guardian
Age-gap relationship generated intense scrutiny
Hudson says clip invaded her privacy
Jordon Hudson is suing two Airbnb hosts over a Ring doorbell camera video of a bare-chested Bill Belichick. Hudson says that the 2023 clip invaded her privacy by prompting public disclosure of her relationship with the former New England Patriots head coach.
Hudson, who went on to become a public presence by Belichick’s side, says in the lawsuit that the pair were keeping their romantic relationship private when they stayed at the Boston-area rental in the summer of 2023. However, the doorbell video – which showed a shirtless Belichick stepping out of the home – emerged that fall and soon made the rounds in the media.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 10:11 pm
Fujino’s double sparks WCL comeback win for Manchester City against Inter
The Guardian
On a very satisfying night for Manchester City, perhaps the most pleasing element was that they did not even need to call on Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw.
While giving their talismanic striker some precious rest, Manchester City’s European campaign finally came roaring into life as they put four goals past Inter to record their first Women’s Champions League victory of the season and greatly improve their prospects of reaching the knockout stages.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 10:11 pm
NFL trade deadline: Kirk Cousins returns to Vikings as Raiders hand starting job to Fernando Mendoza
The Guardian
Minnesota acquire veteran quarterback for 2027 pick
Cousins returns to Vikings after six seasons with team
No 1 pick Mendoza set to make first NFL start
Kirk Cousins is heading back to Minnesota.
The Vikings have acquired the veteran quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2027 draft, according to multiple reports, including from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 10:11 pm
Bills wear out Vikings’ NFL-leading defense, sloppy Wentz to improve to 7-1
The Guardian
Buffalo Bills 23-6 Minnesota Vikings
Wentz has three turnovers starting for injured Murray
Buffalo have matched their best start since 1993
Josh Allen threw a touchdown pass with 44 seconds left before half-time, James Cook rushed 31 times for 107 yards and a late score, and the Buffalo Bills beat hosts Minnesota 23-6 on Monday night, sending the Vikings deeper into their unrelenting offensive slump.
Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams had interceptions and Tyler Bass made four field goals to stretch his franchise-record streak to 25 straight as the Bills (7-1) matched their best eight-game start since 1993. That season ended with their last of four straight Super Bowl losses.
Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 3:56 am
Ultimate 1-50: the male footballers best associated with each squad number
The Guardian
Who is football’s most legendary No 9? Has there ever been a legendary No 28? And why exactly does Mario Balotelli love wearing No 45 so much? Here’s our list and the stories behind it
The relationship between players and numbers is a long-established one filled with memories and fascinating as well as fun stories behind them. With that in mind, the Guardian has had a go at deciding which male player is best associated with each squad number, from 1-50. Various factors were taken into consideration, including how long a player wore/has worn that number, what they achieved/have achieved in it, why they decided to wear it in the first place and, in some cases, how distinctly it has become associated with them in death. The below list is highly subjective and ultimately a bit of fun, but don’t let that stop you being shocked and furious in equal measure.
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Continue reading...November 10th 2026, 3:56 am
Caroline Harvey hits hat-trick as ruthless USA put 11 past Austria at hockey worlds
The Guardian
Caroline Harvey scores three as unbeaten USA cruise
Hilary Knight extends worlds record to 70 goals
Canada thrash hosts Denmark 10-0 to stay perfect
Caroline Harvey scored a hat trick as defending champions the United States routed Austria 11-1 at the women’s ice hockey world championship on Monday.
Canada followed suit by thrashing hosts Denmark 10-0 to maintain their own perfect record.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 10:40 pm
Manchester’s soulless content machine football clubs sum up post-imperial Britain | Barney Ronay
The Guardian
United and City dominate the news cycle with stories so strange and vast they threaten to consume the rest of the league
In Manchester this weekend it was possible to bookend your Thursday‑to‑Sunday entertainment with two cultural events. First up, a debut screening of the re‑released and uncensored Ken Russell film The Devils at Trafford Odeon. And three days later, three miles down the road, Manchester United versus Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
As expected, one of these events provided a visceral cinematic experience, a deeply disturbing two-hour public meditation on the meaning of faith, blood, fear, power, ritual and the fetishising of objects, climaxing in an orgiastic crowd scene of depraved but undeniably erotic abandon, all acted out on a set in a state of glorious and performative ruin. And the other one was a film with Oliver Reed in it.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 8:40 pm
Felix Nmecha’s faith is forcing Borussia Dortmund into an uncomfortable debate
The Guardian
Midfielder’s spectacular strikes rescued a frustrating day, only for celebrations to reignite dialogue that has followed him through his career
It was just what they needed at just the right time. For a tricky first half and beyond, Elversberg had been a stone in Borussia Dortmund’s shoe, the promoted side not just keeping the home team at bay but keeping them honest, nourishing ambitions of their own. “The fatigue was clearly visible,” said the sporting director, Ole Book, to Sky after a week which had contained Der Klassiker in Munich and a hard-fought Champions League victory over Betis. “We were a bit too focused on managing the game, which was understandable.”
Enter Felix Nmecha. BVB have enjoyed a largely excellent start to the season, are unbeaten and level on points with Bayern Munich at the top; Bayern lead, unsurprisingly, thanks to their superior goal difference. It is a gap which has been widened by Dortmund being far from prolific, a facet which looked as if it might undercut their efforts to roll over their visitors on Saturday, especially in the absence of the injured centre-forward Serhou Guirassy.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
Trump’s pathetic Dana White gambit could not mask his midterm humiliation | Howard Bryant
The Guardian
Trump has long relied on sports to project strength and fuel his culture wars. But after a crushing midterm defeat, even his UFC ally cannot distract from the political fallout
In the wake of being destroyed in the midterm elections, it was only a matter of time before Donald Trump did something outrageous in an attempt to misdirect public attention away from his catastrophic losses. Before the midterms, published reports suggested the possibility of apocalypse, global or domestic – a nuclear strike on Iran, martial law to suspend last week’s, the invalidation of individual races, such as in Alaska – but Trump opted for banality over Armageddon, offering his vacant press secretary opening to Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White.
It was absurd, and widely posited that a confused Trump had erroneously conflated UFC’s White with the Dana White who made more sense, former Heritage Foundation staffer Dana White. Because the public reactions made him look even more lost, confirming the sentiments of recklessness and disorder, utter chaos and buffoonery that led to the Republicans being routed in the midterm elections, the president said his offer to White was all a joke. As a disciple of the notorious McCarthyite Roy Cohn, who taught Trump one of his main political pillars – never apologize or admit wrongdoing. Ever. – Trump should not, of course, be taken at his word.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
Joe Burrow is reviving the Bengals and pulling away in the race for MVP
The Guardian
The quarterback has led Cincinnati to four straight wins with stat lines that put him in the company of Tom Brady. At this rate, the trophy seems his to lose
At the end of the 2021 season, the Cincinnati Bengals came up three points short in Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams. Near the end of the 2022 season, the Bengals came up three points short – a 23-20 score line again in the AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. But from 2023 through 2025, those Bengals had to walk the desert for a while. Between injuries to quarterback Joe Burrow, an offensive line that was problematic at best, and one of the NFL’s worst defenses from year to year, Cincinnati had a combined regular-season record of 24-27, and no playoff appearances.
Now, the new Bengals are 6-2 after their 34-17 shellacking of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid. And Burrow is on a tear we’ve rarely seen from any quarterback. Over the last four weeks, his 16 touchdown passes is the most in a four-game span in Bengals history (which goes back to 1968). He is the second quarterback in pro football history with 16 or more passing touchdowns and two or more rushing touchdowns in any four-game span, putting him up with Tom Brady in 2007 – the season in which the New England Patriots’ offense scored 36.8 points per game, and Brady was at his best. Burrow has been pressured on just 30.2% of his dropbacks this season, as opposed to 33.8% in 2025 and 34.2% in 2024.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
Manchester United weighing up Michael Carrick sacking as Wilcox leads review
The Guardian
Carrick given time after Como and Bournemouth defeats
Recommendation will be made to Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United are deciding whether Michael Carrick should be sacked, with Jason Wilcox, the director of football, leading the review after the head coach was given the Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa games to turn results around.
Wilcox is consulting with Omar Berrada, the chief executive, before a recommendation regarding Carrick is made to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls sporting policy. United are in the Premier League relegation zone and have three victories in 15 games in all competitions.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
Manchester City’s weaknesses under Enzo Maresca are being exposed
The Guardian
After three straight defeats, City’s manager says he will use the international break to reassess. Their problems may go beyond tactics
Enzo Maresca seemed, if not quite baffled by his side’s Saturday defeat to Nottingham Forest, then at least a little put out. After seven straight wins from the start of the season, that’s now three straight defeats, a pattern so unusual that it’s been recorded only once before in top-flight English history, by Sheffield Wednesday in 1904-05. The three defeats were all different, Maresca said, although in all of them City had had more possession and more chances.
In the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa two weeks ago, City had 63% of the ball and had 15 chances to Villa’s eight. In the 1-0 home defeat to Brighton last weekend, they had 62% possession and 21 chances to seven. At the City Ground, it was 79% possession and 12 chances to 11. So Maresca is right in one way: City could look at basic statistics and say they had been unfortunate – although Forest could equally point to the fact that they went into that game third top of the expected goals table but second-bottom of the actual table.
This is an extract from Soccer Desk, a newsletter from the Guardian US. Subscribe for free here.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
‘I’m going to tell the truth. Screw this!’ Billie Jean King at 82 on coming out, tearing up tennis –
The Guardian
She was the world No 1, whose fight for equal prize money changed women’s lives. As competitive as ever in her ninth decade, she discusses sexuality, tenacity and what it was like to finally graduate college this year
Every day, Billie Jean King tries to come up with a “gratitude list” in her head, identifying the people who have played a part in making her life so fulfilling. On the day we speak, the list includes her nephew and her wife, Ilana Kloss, who like her is a decorated former tennis player. And, as ever, Susan Williams, who was in King’s fifth grade class at school in Long Beach, California, when she was 11 years old.
“Do you want to play tennis?” Williams asked one day. “What’s tennis?” King responded. She had always been a sporty child, and her parents, unusually for the time, encouraged her athletic ambitions just as much as they did her brother’s (he later became a major league baseball pitcher). Although basketball was a big part of her early childhood, Williams was the first person to tell her about tennis. “She said: ‘You get to run, jump and hit a ball.’ And I went: ‘Oh, three of my favourite things.’”
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
Dianna Russini returns to sports media after Vrabel photo scandal with NFL betting show
The Guardian
Show will stream on platforms of BetUS sportsbook
Ex-Athletic NFL insider had resigned in April
Patriots coach, Russini were pictured at resort
Dianna Russini will return to sports media with a weekly one-hour show focused on the NFL backed by offshore sportsbook BetUS, she announced Monday.
The Russini Report will stream on BetUS TV’s website and X account, accompanied by a weekly analysis column. BetUS has described the program as a “live NFL betting show” that will run through the remainder of the season with game previews, matchup breakdowns and guest interviews.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
College Football Playoff will double in size to 24 teams starting next year
The Guardian
Power Four conference title games to be eliminated
Five teams will auto-qualify with rest picked by panel
The College Football Playoff will double in size to 24 teams beginning next year, bringing an end to a three-decade era of conference title games that were among the marquee events of the season.
College leaders announced the new format Monday, after ESPN agreed to rework its contract to add the 11 new games. Terms were not announced, though ESPN said it was a deal for five years and an additional $1.7bn, on top of the $7.8bn contract that runs through the 2031 season.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 4:26 pm
WSL talking points: Tullis-Joyce takes charge and is Shaw the perfect striker?
The Guardian
The City striker hit a WSL hat-trick for the ninth time while Eva Olid’s United have found defensive stability
Not only did Khadija “Bunny” Shaw score a record-extending ninth WSL hat-trick, she scored a “perfect hat-trick” for the fourth time in the competition, something nobody else has managed more than once. Against West Ham the Jamaica striker opened the scoring with her left foot, headed home her second off the underside of the crossbar and tucked in her third with her right foot late on. It helped her side towards a 5-0 win that opened up a two-point gap at the top of the table and stretched Shaw’s lead in the race to be the top division’s top scorer to a five-goal advantage over her nearest challenger, Océane Hurtré. Can anybody stop her relentless pursuit of another Golden Boot? It would appear not. Tom Garry
Match report: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 6:59 am
Washington Spirit avert scheduling crisis, keep NWSL semi-final at Audi Field; Gotham venue TBD
The Guardian
Game will be played in Saturday noon broadcast window
Shift to Northwest Stadium was reportedly in play
Gotham location TBD amid ‘atrocious’ pitch conditions
The Washington Spirit will play their NWSL semi-final at Audi Field after the club reached a deal to avoid playing a playoff game at Northwest Stadium, home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
The club announced late Sunday night that they will play their semi-final against the Utah Royals on 14 November (Saturday) at noon.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 6:59 am
Ramla Ali wins first world titles at 36 with highly controversial split decision
The Guardian
British-Somali boxer claims first world titles in Texas
Kreps outlands Ali but loses disputed split decision
Baumgardner wins 135lb belt as Dubois feud heats up
Australia’s Nicolson retains junior featherweight title
British-Somali boxer Ramla Ali became a world champion for the first time at the age of 36 on Sunday night after escaping with a highly contentious 10-round split decision over former sparring partner Mikiah Kreps to claim the vacant WBO and IBF women’s junior featherweight titles in Arlington, Texas.
Ali, who grew up in east London after fleeing Somalia’s civil war with her family and went on to become the first boxer to represent the African country at the Olympics, completed her remarkable journey to the top of the 122lb division at College Park Center on her second attempt at a world championship – but only after a controversial verdict rewarding her for a fight that appeared to be largely controlled by her opponent.
Continue reading...November 9th 2026, 6:59 am
Trump says he was ‘only kidding’ about making UFC’s Dana White next press secretary
The Guardian
President says it was ‘just a little fun’ to picture White, UFC boss and Trump’s friend, in briefing room with fighters
Donald Trump said on Sunday that he “was only kidding” when he announced a day earlier that he had offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Speaking to reporters on his way back the White House from his beach club in Florida, Trump explained the premise of his joke, that if the UFC boss, who is a devoted fan of the president, took over the briefing room, flanked by six fighters, reporters “wouldn’t mess around with him so much”.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 8:55 pm
Kyle Larson joins Nascar’s all-time greats with third Cup title in six years
The Guardian
Larson becomes first repeat champion since 2010
Hendrick driver clinches title in opening stage
Ryan Blaney wins season finale at Homestead
Kyle Larson is now a three-time Nascar champion.
Larson clinched his third Cup Series title in six years early in Sunday’s 400-mile season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, becoming the first back-to-back champion since Jimmie Johnson in 2010. Johnson won five consecutive titles beginning in 2006.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 8:55 pm
‘I expect to move forward’: Carrick denies risk of Manchester United sack
The Guardian
‘Is there?’ manager retorts when told of talk over position
Bizarre 4-4 draw with Villa leaves United in bottom three
A tetchy Michael Carrick dismissed a suggestion he could resign as head coach for the good of the team after Sunday’s chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left Manchester United in the relegation zone heading into the international window.
Carrick’s side sit in 18th place with eight points from 10 games and have won only once, in August at home to Ipswich, in the league this season. It is now a club record eight Premier League games without a win.His job remains in the balance due to the dismal run of form.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 8:55 pm
Dorgu rescues point for Manchester United in eight-goal thriller against Aston Villa
The Guardian
Does this late, late comeback draw keep Michael Carrick in his job? He urged United to back up their breathless Roma comeback victory on Tuesday by building momentum and they did, kind of, by avoiding defeat.
Patrick Dorgu’s 96th-minute equaliser went off his head and in. Senne Lammens, up for the corner, knocked into his opposite number, Zion Suzuki, but no foul was given – to Unai Emery’s disquiet, Aston Villa’s manager pointing to this afterwards. This made it 4-4 to follow Joshua Zirkzee’s added-time finish as Villa were somehow pulled back by Carrick’s chaotic unit.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 8:55 pm
NFL roundup: Cowboys stun Colts with late comeback as Bengals roll in Madrid
The Guardian
Williams scores late as Cowboys edge Colts 27-23
Bengals beat Falcons 34-17 in Madrid for fourth straight
Giants win in Philadelphia for first time since 2013
Dak Prescott threw for 335 yards and CeeDee Lamb caught 10 passes for 195 yards before the Dallas defense made the decisive play to help the Cowboys escape Indianapolis with a 27-23 victory on Sunday.
Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs intercepted Daniel Jones with 35 seconds remaining to seal the victory for Dallas.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 8:55 pm
NWSL playoffs: Rodman’s brace leads Spirit rout while Gotham sneak into semi-finals
The Guardian
No 3 seed Washington earn 4-1 win over Portland
Gotham beat Seattle 1-0 amid ‘atrocious’ field conditions
Dates and venues for next round to be determined
Trinity Rodman scored twice and the host Washington Spirit overwhelmed the Portland Thorns 4-1 on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the NWSL playoffs.
The third-seeded Spirit scored twice in two minutes to take a 3-0 lead into half-time against the sixth-seeded Thorns at Audi Field. Washington will face the seventh-seeded Utah Royals in the semi-finals next weekend.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 8:55 pm
Carlos Alcaraz beats error-prone Ben Shelton to win Paris Masters
The Guardian
World No 3 wins 7-6 (5), 7-5
Spaniard claims ninth 1000-level title of his career
Carlos Alcaraz avenged his loss to Ben Shelton in the US Open last eight as he edged the American 7-6 (5), 7-5 to win the Paris Masters on Sunday, clinching his ninth ATP 1000 title.
The world No 3 controlled the contest from the baseline to become the first Spaniard to win the tournament since David Ferrer in 2012, while Shelton was left frustrated by an erratic forehand.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 1:10 pm
Peschel scores on debut as USA rout Germany 5-0 at women’s hockey worlds
The Guardian
Emma Peschel scores on US debut in Group A win
Americans outscore opponents 12-0 through two games
Sweden bounce back with 4-1 victory over Finland
Emma Peschel celebrated her international debut with a goal as the United States shut out Germany 5-0 at the women’s ice hockey world championship on Sunday.
The 22-year-old defender scored with a wrist shot from the point to make it 2-0 in the opening period of the Group A game.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 1:10 pm
NFL week nine: Jets v Chiefs, Rams v Commanders, Broncos v Panthers and more – updates
The Guardian
Bengals joint-top of AFC North with 34-17 win in Madrid
What do the midterms mean for the NFL? | Email Graham
In more QB news Shadeur Sanders is starting for the Browns and Joe Milton for the Eagles. Happy news if you are starting opposition defenses in fantasy.
Ja’Marr Chase’s touchdown in Madrid means he joins Randy Moss to be the only players in NFL history with at least seven touchdown catches in each of their first six seasons. Not bad company to keep.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 1:10 pm
Le Fée’s penalty stuns Chelsea and breathes life into defiant Sunderland
The Guardian
A lot can change in five-and-half months, but as an early winter chill descended on Wearside this week – both meteorologically and metaphorically – Sunderland were determined that some things should remain the same.
Just as they had beaten Chelsea on the final day of last season in May to ensure European qualification for the first time in 53 years, they did so again on Sunday to lift themselves off the bottom of the Premier League. The real triumph was that a patched-up defence, without the injured Dan Ballard and the banned Omar Alderete, kept Chelsea at enough distance to allow Robin Roefs a tranquil afternoon. Chelsea may be developing into a chaotic must-watch under Xabi Alonso but they were subdued here, and fall out of the top four.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 12:11 pm
São Paulo Grand Prix: Formula One 2026 – live
The Guardian
️ Updates from Interlagos (race due to start 5pm GMT)
️ Email Daniel | Sign up for The Recap
Antonelli doesn’t – unusually for young sports stars – look older than his years. He’s all chuchi-faced and innocent, with a luxuriant head of hair, curls spilling out of his baseball cap. I am not envious, not one bit.
It knows how to rain in Brazil.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 11:25 am
Manchester United v Aston Villa: Premier League – live
The Guardian
⚽️ Premier League updates from 4.30pm GMT
⚽️ Jonathan Wilson: There are few reasons for Emery to leave Villa for United
⚽️ Today’s results | Mail Tim
Sunderland have clung on to beat Chelsea 1-0, which is a great result for them. And yet another embarrassment for Man United. They now have fewer wins than any other team in the Premier League – just the one, against Ipswich, back in August.
A draw today will take them above Sunderland on goal difference, but they’ll still be in the bottom three. To lift them out of the relegation zone, and the league doldrums, only a win will do. If they manage it, they will go roaring up to 16th.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 11:25 am
Russo on target again as double fires under-pressure Arsenal to vital WSL win at Liverpool
The Guardian
Alessia Russo scored twice at Anfield to provide the under-pressure Arsenal head coach, Renée Slegers, with some brief respite but it was another unconvincing display from the north Londoners despite their much-needed 2-1 victory.
The in-form Russo’s double took her recent tally to seven goals in her past four appearances and 10 in her past seven games for club and country, but Liverpool posed plenty of problems for the visitors and were unhappy about a disallowed goal.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 10:55 am
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal: Women’s Super League – live reaction
The Guardian
⚽️ Women’s Super League updates from 12pm GMT
⚽️ Océane Hurtré making waves at Birmingham | Email Emillia
3 min: Endemann looks to send a cross towards the back post from the right but the ball runs behind.
2 min: Arsenal drive forward early and look to pile on the pressure. They move the ball around the edge of the Liverpool box before Baum makes a run to the byline, but the ball runs behind for a goal kick.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 9:11 am
Crystal Palace v Liverpool, Sunderland v Chelsea, and more: Premier League – live
The Guardian
⚽️ Premier League updates from 2pm GMT kick-offs
⚽️ Live scoreboard | Tables | Email Simon
The players are out and action is imminent. There’ll be a minute’s silence before all the games, because it is Remembrance Sunday.
Weather update! It’s sunny in Brighton …
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 9:11 am
Premier League buildup, FA Cup first round, WSL and more – matchday live
The Guardian
⚽ All the news ahead of Sunday’s action
⚽ Sign up to Football Daily | Email Emillia
Rodrigo Muniz rescued a late point for Fulham in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle at Craven Cottage. It came after Jacob Murphy broke the deadlock for the Magpies with a brilliant strike.
How things stand in the Premier League…
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 4:25 am
Another No 1 falls as Notre Dame hold off Miami to shake up college football playoff race
The Guardian
Carr throws for 319 yards and three TDs in 31-24 win
No 4 Irish avenge loss that cost them playoff berth
Miami comeback falls short after disputed late call
CJ Carr threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns as No 4 Notre Dame avenged their most damaging loss of last season, racing to a 21-point lead before holding on to beat top-ranked Miami 31-24 on Saturday night.
Micah Gilbert caught two of Carr’s touchdown passes, Jordan Faison had the other and Nolan James Jr added a rushing score for Notre Dame (8-1, No 11 College Football Playoff), who entered the game knowing another defeat to Miami could derail their national championship hopes.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 4:25 am
Trump says he asked Dana White, UFC boss, to be his new White House press secretary
The Guardian
White says he has meeting with Trump in Washington DC on Monday, without saying whether he will accept the job
Donald Trump has offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the president said in a social media post on Saturday.
Trump described White, who staged a cage-fighting spectacle at the White House to mark the president’s 80th birthday in June, as “a violent Fighter and Warrior”, credentials unlike any ever used to describe previous press secretaries.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 4:25 am
Messi claims second straight Golden Boot as Nashville sets points record on MLS Decision Day
The Guardian
Messi first to win consecutive MLS Golden Boots
Inter Miami surrender 3-0 lead in dramatic draw
Nashville set new league record with 77 points
Lionel Messi won his second consecutive MLS Golden Boot award on Saturday, but Inter Miami squandered a three-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte on the final day of the regular season.
The Argentine superstar failed to score but set up Miami’s first two goals from corners at Nu Stadium as the defending champions secured second place in the Eastern Conference and home-field advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Continue reading...November 8th 2026, 4:25 am
NWSL playoffs: Cooper’s extra-time penalty sends Kansas City through as Utah stun San Diego
The Guardian
Michelle Cooper strikes in extra time to lift Current
Kansas City extend unbeaten home record with 1-0 win
Seventh-seeded Utah Royals upset San Diego Wave
Michelle Cooper converted an extra-time penalty to give the Kansas City Current a 1-0 victory over Angel City on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs.
The fourth-seeded Current will face the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between top-seeded Gotham FC and No 8 Seattle Reign FC in next weekend’s semi-finals.
Continue reading...November 7th 2026, 5:11 pm
There are very few reasons for Unai Emery to leave Aston Villa for Manchester United | Jonathan Wils
The Guardian
Spaniard may feel some of Old Trafford’s allure when he goes there on Sunday but he is right in wanting to stay at the club with brighter prospects
On Sunday afternoon, shortly before 4.30, Unai Emery will leave the tunnel at Old Trafford and walk along the touchline towards the bench. Will he glance around the grand old stadium – faded and leaking though it may be in parts – and think that he could have a part in restoring the club to former glories? Will he look at the home bench and imagine himself sitting there – or perhaps more plausibly, scuttling up and down in front of it – as the first Manchester United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to land a league title?
Perhaps not. Emery is, after all, in “advanced talks” to extend a contract at Villa that already runs to 2029. However frustrating he may find the habitual summer churn, he is good at managing it. He feels the right fit for Villa, and that is arguably the most important factor in determining success. Yet all elite managers share a robust self-belief and there is a paradoxical sense that the worse the situation gets at United, the more appealing the job becomes.
Continue reading...