David Tindall

Arsenal are reportedly moving closer to signing Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães after Eddie Howe’s departure. Newcastle are considering FC Porto’s Victor Froholdt as a replacement, alongside Hugo Larsson and Danilo, while Lewis Hall, Joelinton and Ivan Toney are also linked with potential moves. Liverpool are interested in Bournemouth defender James Hill, and Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister face transfer speculation. Atlético Madrid have revived interest in Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, while Chelsea are seeking buyers for Benoît Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Axel Disasi in a combined deal worth around £90 million.

Lucas Herbert leads The Open at Royal Birkdale after matching the record-low score in a men's major with a 62. Sam Burns also shot 62, while Jackson Suber, Cameron Young and Ryan Gerard remained among the main challengers. Bryson DeChambeau initially moved into outright second with a 66, but The R&A later imposed a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole, dropping him to a tie for fifth. Jon Rahm received only a warning after throwing his club, and several prominent players, including Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose and Viktor Hovland, missed the cut, which fell at +1.

The Guardian’s live blog follows the buildup to England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Marc Guéhi, Declan Rice and Reece James expected to be available while Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are unavailable. Attention also centres on Harry Kane confirming a round of golf with Donald Trump. The coverage examines Norway’s football culture and youth-development model, the extreme heat and possible weather delays in Miami, England’s extensive travel schedule, and previews Argentina v Switzerland. The blog also reports Jayden Adams’s death at 25, Ken Bates’s death at 94, Jürgen Klopp’s agreement in principle to become Germany manager, Alejandro Garnacho’s expected Chelsea departure and several transfer developments.

France defeated Morocco to reach the World Cup semi-finals, but the result was followed by violent disorder on London’s Edgware Road: one police officer was hospitalised with head injuries and four people were arrested. Spain and Belgium prepared for their quarter-final, with Spain’s disciplined defence contrasted with Belgium’s attacking threat. Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as manager after Roberto Martínez’s departure, a move portrayed as good news for Cristiano Ronaldo. The live coverage also reported Michael Edwards’s resignation from Fenway Sports Group’s Liverpool football operation, Arsenal’s signing of Ona Batlle from Barcelona, several domestic transfers, and Kylian Mbappé’s expected fitness for France’s semi-final.

Egypt questioned the fairness of its 3-2 last-16 defeat by Argentina after VAR disallowed Mostafa Ziko’s goal, prompting a complaint to FIFA. Switzerland reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years by beating Colombia on penalties, while France prepared to face Morocco and England faced injury concerns ahead of Norway. Jordan Henderson underwent surgery but returned to England’s camp to support the team. The live coverage also reported major transfers, including Chelsea’s signing of Geovany Quenda and Manchester United’s agreement for Andrey Santos, FIFA investigations into alleged racist abuse of IShowSpeed, Uefa’s opposition to Russia’s return to international football, and Roberto Martínez’s departure from Portugal.

France advanced past Paraguay in a physical last‑16 match, while Morocco defeated co‑hosts Canada to reach the quarter‑finals. England and Mexico prepared for a high‑altitude clash in Mexico City, with players and coaches downplaying concerns over conditions. Kylian Mbappé moved level with Lionel Messi atop the Golden Boot standings, and reactions from managers and players highlighted contrasting styles and tensions from the previous matches. Coverage also looked ahead to upcoming fixtures, including Brazil v Norway and Belgium v the United States, as the tournament’s knockout phase intensified.

England faced a hostile reception on arrival in Mexico City ahead of their last-16 match, with security tightened following disturbances earlier in the week. Fifa maintained the original kickoff time despite weather concerns, drawing objections from both teams. Coverage highlighted Cape Verde’s near-upset against Argentina, Brazil’s evolving squad under Carlo Ancelotti, Norway’s resurgence, and Germany’s coaching transition as Jürgen Klopp entered talks to replace Julian Nagelsmann. Additional updates included reactions from players, assessments of altitude challenges, and broader reflections on African teams’ performances as the knockout stage began.

The live World Cup 2026 coverage reports that Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany coach after the team’s early elimination, while Jürgen Klopp is fundamentally willing to discuss taking over. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is unhappy with his limited role but remains professional, fit and influential before the match against Norway. Other updates include police criticism of extended pub opening hours for England’s game, the Dutch Football Association referring racist abuse to prosecutors, disputes over Canada playing knockout matches outside its co-host country, tournament officiating technology, and a range of transfer developments.

The Netherlands’ prospects of winning the 2026 World Cup have improved after the team topped a difficult-looking group with seven points and 10 goals. German mathematician Joachim Klement’s model, which combines economic, demographic and football-related factors with luck, predicted the Netherlands and had correctly identified the previous three World Cup winners. The team’s strong start has given that forecast renewed credibility, although doubts remain about the Dutch defence, striker quality and recent decline in football reputation. The newsletter also previews the day’s World Cup matches, highlights a qualification-permutations misunderstanding involving Anthony Elanga, and promotes Football Daily games and live events.

Wyndham Clark leads the US Open by four shots after a seven-under halfway score at Shinnecock Hills. Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele and Sam Stevens are tied for second at three under, while Rory McIlroy is level par and seven shots behind Clark. Several major contenders, including Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm, Adam Scott and Brooks Koepka, missed the cut. Clark’s advantage gives him a strong opportunity, but the difficult course and the chasing pack leave the tournament open going into the final 36 holes.

Wyndham Clark finished the rain-affected opening day of the 2026 US Open four shots clear at six under par, although he must complete two holes on Friday. Matt Fitzpatrick and Dustin Johnson were among the leading challengers, while Rory McIlroy opened with a one-under 69 and Scottie Scheffler shot 72. Amateur Ryder Cowan impressed with a 68, tying the lowest amateur score recorded at Shinnecock Hills. Play was repeatedly delayed by rain and darkness, Jason Day withdrew with a back injury, and many players remained within striking distance as the first round carried over.

The live coverage follows developments at the 2026 World Cup, including Iran’s arrival in Los Angeles amid protests, visa difficulties and concerns that the surrounding conflict undermines FIFA’s message of peace. FIFA’s discrimination monitor, the Fare network, urges the removal of Australian VAR official Shaun Evans after he appeared to make a gesture resembling a far-right white-power symbol. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin faces criticism from several national associations over reportedly calling some expanded-tournament matches “uninteresting.” UK police warn that 114 people subject to football banning orders still have not surrendered their passports. The blog also previews the day’s fixtures, reports on tournament results and travel issues, and covers team news involving England, Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Scotland, Norway and Australia.

The live blog follows the second day of the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts Canada and the United States prepare to begin their campaigns, while Mexico celebrate a winning opening match. It covers concerns about empty seats and high ticket prices, including debate over whether unsold tickets were linked to Ireland’s failed qualification bid. Scotland receive a fitness boost with Scott McTominay returning to training, while other updates include Japan’s Wataru Endo retiring from international duty, the PFA maintaining legal action against FIFA, and clashes outside Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. The coverage also previews Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina and USA v Paraguay, discusses broadcasting and advertising practices, and reports wider football news including Kenny Jackett’s death, Beth Mead’s move to Manchester City and Tony Popovic’s contract extension with Australia.

A Guardian live blog tracks World Cup 2026 developments, led by a dispute between Scotland and Norway after Scotland cancelled a behind-closed-doors training match because of injury concerns. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken called the decision and communication unprofessional, while the Scottish FA and Steve Clarke defended it. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite reportedly holding a valid visa, raising concerns about the impact of travel restrictions on FIFA’s officiating plans. Other updates include Christian Eriksen’s recovery, Divock Origi’s retirement, Newcastle’s planned signing of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, Vitalii Mykolenko’s Everton contract extension, the release of Palestinian player Rand Halawani after detention, and Ofcom’s warning about online abuse during the tournament. Spain remains hopeful that Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz will be fit for the opening match, while a University of Reading simulation ranks Argentina as the tournament’s most likely winner.

The live blog follows preparations for the 2026 World Cup alongside major football news. Tottenham are set to sign Scotland captain Andy Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool, while former Spurs manager Thomas Frank says he will not rush into a new job. Eight Sports Capital claims to have agreed to buy a 24.99% stake in Tottenham’s parent company. Manchester City chair Khaldoon al-Mubarak says he will address the club’s 134 Premier League financial charges after a verdict and values City Football Group at at least $10bn. Other updates include Newcastle’s agreement for goalkeeper Robin Jaouen, Southampton’s signing of Cyle Larin, Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s contract extension, FIFA’s handling of mistakenly free World Cup tickets, and debate over plastic bottles and social-media abuse at the tournament.

Live coverage of day seven at Roland Garros reports several notable results. Defending women’s champion Coco Gauff was eliminated by 28th seed Anastasia Potapova 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4, while 17-year-old Frenchman Moise Kouame’s impressive run ended with a four-set defeat by Alejandro Tabilo. Aryna Sabalenka beat Daria Kasatkina, Naomi Osaka defeated Jovic, Matteo Berrettini survived Francisco Comesana in a deciding-set tiebreak, and Diane Parry upset Amanda Anisimova. The results open up the women’s draw and highlight several emerging players.

Liverpool dismissed Arne Slot with immediate effect after an end-of-season review of a fifth-place Premier League finish, despite his having delivered the club’s record-equalling 20th league title in his first season. Andoni Iraola is expected to replace him. Debate centers on whether Slot was unfairly blamed for squad issues, injuries, the death of Diogo Jota and recruitment decisions, or whether he had lost the dressing room and supporters. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain prepare for the Champions League final in Budapest, with Arsenal carrying momentum from their league triumph and PSG viewed as the fresher and more dynamic side. Police are investigating clashes between supporters in Budapest before the match.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber and Noni Madueke are fit for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, with only Ben White ruled out. Arteta, Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka stressed Arsenal’s ambition, unity and confidence after winning the Premier League, while PSG manager Luis Enrique, captain Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembélé praised Arsenal and said PSG were at full strength. The live blog also covered Michael Skubala’s appointment as Bristol City manager, Iñigo Pérez’s departure from Rayo Vallecano, Ibrahima Konaté’s expected exit from Liverpool, Steve Clarke’s Scotland contract extension, World Cup preparations and survey findings showing widespread dissatisfaction with VAR.

Scottie Scheffler shot a three-under 67 at Aronimink Golf Club to share the first-round lead in the US PGA Championship with six other players, including Martin Kaymer, Stephan Jaeger, Alex Smalley and Aldrich Potgieter. Difficult course conditions kept scoring tightly bunched, while Rory McIlroy struggled off the tee and carded a four-over 74, leaving him seven shots behind. Shane Lowry produced an eagle and a two-under 68, while Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick remained in contention. Garrick Higgo received a two-shot penalty after missing his tee time.

The Guardian’s football live blog reports that Bournemouth have omitted Álex Jiménez from their squad while investigating alleged social-media exchanges with someone claiming to be 15, and that Maldon & Tiptree co-owners Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow have been charged with human trafficking and rape. Arne Slot expects Liverpool to undergo another, less drastic transition after a poor Premier League season, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson potentially leaving and further recruitment planned; Alexander Isak and Giorgi Mamardashvili may return against Chelsea. Real Madrid fined Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde €500,000 each after a training-ground altercation, while Kylian Mbappé resumed partial training before the clásico. Fifpro welcomed a European labour-rights ruling allowing scrutiny of France’s responsibility for footballers’ working conditions amid concerns over the congested international calendar. Other updates include Alphonso Davies’ hamstring injury before Canada’s World Cup, Arsenal’s preparations after reaching the Champions League final, Crystal Palace’s continued fight for Premier League safety, and title races across England, Spain, Germany and Scotland.