What the Trump travel ban means for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games
GENEVA: US President Donald Trump often says the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are among the events he is most excited about in his second term.
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UAE President’s Cup returns with €100,000 purse on Sweden’s national day
Abu Dhabi: The storied UAE President’s Cup series for purebred Arabian horses makes a landmark stop in Sweden today, bringing the richest Arabian horse race in Scandinavian history to the heart of Stockholm.
Rakan Alireza: From Jeddah’s waters to Milan’s Olympic slopes
JEDDAH: Cross-country skier Rakan Alireza has made history as the first Saudi athlete to compete in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He is now focused on leaving an even bigger mark on the sport.
Jordanians bask in glory of World Cup qualification
AMMAN: Huge celebrations erupted in Jordan after the national team qualified for the 2026 World Cup, earning a spot in the tournament for the first time following a decisive 3-0 victory against Oman.
Haliburton’s last-second shot lifts Pacers over Thunder in NBA Finals
OKLAHOMA CITY: Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton sank the game-winning basket in the final second to give the Pacers a stunning 111-110 fightback victory over Oklahoma City in Thursday’s opening game of the NBA Finals.
Brazil held in Ancelotti debut, Paraguay move closer to qualifying
MONTEVIDEO: Carlo Ancelotti’s debut as coach of Brazil ended in a goalless draw in Ecuador in South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
Bengaluru offer cash help after deadly India cricket stampede
BENGALURU: Royal Challengers Bengaluru said Thursday they stood “united” with fans as the Indian Premier League champions announced financial aid to families of those crushed to death during their title celebrations.
Swiatek faces Sabalenka as Boisson eyes ‘dream’ French Open final
PARIS: Iga Swiatek puts her bid for a fourth straight French Open title on the line against world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday, before surprise French hero Lois Boisson aims to continue her fairytale run against Coco Gauff in the second semifinal.The biggest rivalry in the current women’s game will get its first instalment since last August in Cincinnati when the reigning Roland Garros champion goes up against the top seed.It will be only their second ever meeting at a Grand Slam tournament and their first since a three-set win for Swiatek in the 2022 US Open semifinals en route to the title.Swiatek holds an 8-4 winning record against Sabalenka, but came into the tournament under a cloud after a disappointing clay-court season and without even a final appearance since lifting the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen 12 months ago.But the Pole is on a remarkable 26-match winning streak in the French Open and could become the first woman to win four straight titles at Roland Garros since Suzanne Lenglen 102 years ago.“I don’t know if she elevates my game,” she said of Sabalenka.“But for sure our rivalry is pushing both of us, I think, but it’s not only about the level of tennis.