Juventus

Juventus

Japan have beaten Germany, Brazil, England and Spain since 2022, but may struggle to sustain a genuine title push. Previous World Cup appearances: 7 Best performance: Last 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) First appearance: 1998 (France) Top goal scorer: Keisuke Honda (4) Most appearances: Yuto Nagatomo (15) Player to watch: Takefusa Kubo FIFA world ranking: 18th Fixtures: Netherlands (June 14, Dallas, US), Tunisia (June 20, Monterrey, Mexico), Sweden (June 25, Dallas, US)

The hosts dominated much of the contest and finally broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Joao Felix delivered an inviting cross following a corner and Sadio Mane rose highest to power a header into the net for 1-0. Al Nassr had already created several chances before the opener. Ronaldo headed over from close range, Mane was denied by goalkeeper Kewin, while Felix and Coman both tested the Damac defence during a lively first half.

Fabrizio Corona, who once ran a stable of paparazzi photographers, is the founder of a website that claimed the Italian prime minister was in a romantic relationship with Manlio Messina. Mr Corona is accused of digitally altering photos to make the pair look like a couple. The allegations of an affair came in October, 2023, a month after Ms Meloni had broken up with her partner, the father of her young daughter.

Cristiano Ronaldo heads to the 2026 World Cup knowing it could be his final chance to lift football's biggest prize. At 41, the Portugal icon remains the central figure for his country as they prepare for a seventh consecutive tournament appearance in North America. Ronaldo has already won multiple major honours during his career, including the European Championship and UEFA Nations League with Portugal, but the World Cup remains the one major trophy missing from his collection.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar called up for World Cup 2026 as Carlo Ancelotti turns to forward for first time. Neymar has made Brazil's World Cup squad, a selection many local analysts and former footballers deemed unlikely only days ago. The 34-year-old is Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer with 79, but has struggled to return to top fitness since he tore his left ACL in October 2023.

Tunisia manager Sabri Lamouchi has left midfielder Ferjani Sassi - who has 101 caps - out of the country's squad for the World Cup. Sassi, 34, has been omitted along with defender Yassine Meriah, who has made 95 appearances for Tunisia. Former Cardiff City and Nottingham Forest boss Lamouchi, who took over as Tunisia boss in January, left both players out of his squad for two friendlies against Haiti and Canada in his first two games in charge earlier this year.

Paris St-Germain wrapped up the Ligue 1 title for a fifth straight year as Inter Milan won the Coppa Italia to take the double in Italy. PSG - Champions League holders and finalists - needed just a point for their 14th title overall and wrapped up the division by beating second-placed Lens 2-0.

Veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat has made a surprise return as head coach of Curacao national football team just one month before the country's historic World Cup debut. Advocaat stepped down from the role in February after guiding Curacao to their first-ever World Cup qualification last November, citing concerns over his daughter's health. However, following improvements in her condition, reports in the Netherlands suggested the 78-year-old was open to returning, and Curacao Football Federation president Gilbert Martina confirmed the appointment on Tuesday.

Working alongside the World Anti-Doping Agency, evidence was uncovered of urine swapping and advance warning of drug tests being given to players. No firm proof was uncovered of attempts to mask the use of performance-enhancing substances but World Rugby did find evidence that urine sample substitutions had taken place to conceal non-performance-enhancing substances such as cannabis and tramadol.

Udinese have called on Italian football authorities to act after their English striker Keinan Davis said he was subjected to racist abuse in Saturday's 2-0 Serie A win at Cagliari. The incident was alleged to have happened in the closing stages of the match when the 28-year-old was involved in a physical confrontation with several players from the opposition.

“I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up,” Suarez told reporters as quoted by Spain's EFE news agency. “At the time, I stepped aside to make way for the younger generation. I said something I shouldn't have said. I have already apologised to those I needed to apologise to.”