Karolos Grohmann

FIFA’s Arsene Wenger said mandatory hydration breaks at the World Cup did not affect match outcomes but confirmed they will be reviewed after the tournament. Coaches offered mixed reactions, with some arguing the breaks disrupted momentum and were unnecessary in cooler or covered venues. Others acknowledged their value in extreme heat. FIFA plans a full post‑tournament analysis before deciding whether the rule will continue in future competitions.

The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee after determining it no longer includes organizations from Russian‑occupied Ukrainian territories. Russian officials welcomed the move as progress toward full reinstatement for athletes, while the UK government condemned the decision due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and past doping violations. The IOC stated it will continue monitoring Russian activities and has not yet decided whether Russia may use its flag, colors or anthem at future Games, potentially shaping its participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee removed Nordic combined from the 2030 Winter Olympics due to consistently low popularity and limited global reach. The exclusion ends the sport’s presence in every Winter Games since 1924 and halts hopes for a women’s debut. FIS leadership and athletes expressed strong disappointment. Snowboard’s parallel giant slalom was retained, and freeride events and a new figure skating team format were added to the 2030 programme.

The International Olympic Committee removed Nordic combined from the 2030 Winter Olympics due to persistently low popularity indicators, limited global participation, and lack of medal diversity. The move follows earlier concerns raised in 2022 and comes after the rejection of a women’s event for 2026. Sport officials and athletes voiced disappointment, though the IOC indicated potential reconsideration for 2034. Snowboard’s parallel giant slalom was retained, and freeride skiing, freeride snowboarding and synchro figure skating were added to the 2030 programme.

The IOC has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee after confirming it no longer includes regional bodies from Russian‑occupied areas of Ukraine. The ROC has pledged not to conduct activities in those territories, and the IOC will continue monitoring compliance. A decision on whether Russia may use its flag or anthem at future Games remains pending, though the move was welcomed by Russia’s sports minister.

Paraguay eliminated Germany from the World Cup after a 4-3 penalty shoot‑out win following a disallowed extra‑time goal for Germany. Germany dominated possession but fell behind to Julio Enciso’s header before Kai Havertz equalised. A controversial VAR decision overturned Jonathan Tah’s extra‑time goal, and misses from Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah sealed Germany’s exit. The result intensifies pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann and marks Paraguay’s biggest World Cup success, sending them to the last 16.

Carlos Queiroz expresses confidence ahead of Ghana’s World Cup match against England, citing national support and his experience with English football as advantages. Both teams enter the Group L match with three points, with England leading on goal difference. Queiroz stresses Ghana’s focus on securing qualification while promising an entertaining and memorable contest.

Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after tearing ankle ligaments during the team’s win over Ivory Coast. Coach Julian Nagelsmann cannot call up a replacement but remains confident in his remaining options. Germany have already secured first place in their group and advanced to the knockout stage, with their final group match against Ecuador still to come.

Germany’s World Cup squad lost defender Nico Schlotterbeck for the remainder of the tournament after he tore the medial collateral ligament in his left ankle during the win over Ivory Coast. Coach Julian Nagelsmann voiced disappointment but backed the remaining defensive options while praising Schlotterbeck’s choice to stay with the team. Germany secured first place in their group with a comeback victory led by two late goals from Deniz Undav and will next face Ecuador.

Bayern Munich prepare for the home second leg of their Champions League semi-final against PSG after a 5–4 first‑leg defeat, with coach Vincent Kompany urging strong fan support and maintaining confidence in the team’s prolific attack. Bayern have set domestic scoring records, with Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz each surpassing key Champions League contribution milestones. Despite conceding five goals, Kompany insists the team can overturn the deficit in Munich. Beyond Europe, Bayern also look ahead to the German Cup final against Stuttgart.

Bayern Munich may start 16-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Prescott in their Champions League match against Atalanta if Jonas Urbig is not cleared after a concussion. Coach Vincent Kompany expressed full confidence in the young player as the club faces a severe goalkeeping shortage with Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich also unavailable. Despite holding a strong aggregate lead, Bayern aim to maintain momentum as the winner will advance to face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

Germany will skip the Parade of Nations at the Milano Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony to show solidarity with Ukraine after Russia and Belarus were allowed to return to competition. At least eight other teams plan similar boycotts, reflecting widespread discomfort over the inclusion of athletes from the two countries following the invasion of Ukraine. German athletes will still appear in pre‑recorded segments, while the Games are expected to feature more than 600 competitors, including ten from Russia and Belarus after the suspension of their committees was lifted in 2025.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry will investigate Gianni Infantino’s participation in a Board of Peace meeting with Donald Trump, saying she was unaware he appeared as an IOC member at the politically linked event. Infantino showcased a collaboration between Fifa and the Board of Peace involving football infrastructure projects in Gaza. Coventry emphasized IOC rules requiring political neutrality and said the organisation would review the situation. The meeting comes as Trump maintains ties with Infantino ahead of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Ukraine will boycott official participation at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics in response to the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Ukrainian athletes will still participate, but no officials will attend ceremonies or events. The ruling follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport decision that overturned wider bans, allowing Russian representation at major events for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine. The IPC has allocated six athlete slots to Russia and four to Belarus, signaling a broader reinstatement of Russia’s sporting identity ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics exhausted the supply of 10,000 free condoms well before the event’s end, continuing a tradition aimed at promoting safe sexual practices that began in 1988 to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. IOC spokesman Mark Adams noted the unusually rapid depletion, while athletes such as Donovan Carrillo and Mialitiana Clerc expressed surprise at how quickly supplies disappeared.

Athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics exhausted the full supply of 10,000 free condoms within the first week, continuing a longstanding Olympic tradition intended to promote safe sex. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams and several athletes commented on the unexpected speed of consumption. Comparisons were drawn with previous Games, including the Commonwealth Games, which distributed far greater quantities, and the Tokyo Olympics, where Covid-19 restrictions limited use despite large supplies. The practice, dating back to 1988, remains tied to HIV and AIDS awareness efforts.

Lindsey Vonn sustained a severe leg fracture during a Winter Olympics downhill attempt while already competing with a torn ACL, leading to two surgeries in Italy to stabilize the injury. The crash has prompted renewed debate over who determines an athlete’s fitness to compete, with the International Ski Federation president asserting that the decision rests with the athlete. Vonn has received broad support from the sports community, including messages from Rafa Nadal.

Lindsey Vonn underwent two operations in Italy after suffering a severe leg fracture during a downhill race at the Winter Olympics, an injury compounded by a pre‑existing torn ACL. Italian surgeons led the procedures with support from her personal doctor. Debate emerged over athlete fitness decisions, with International Ski Federation President Johan Eliasch emphasising personal responsibility. Former skier Sebastien Amiez suggested Vonn’s competitive drive contributed to her return before fully recovering. The U.S. delegation is expected to provide further updates as messages of support continue to arrive.

US Olympic athletes pushed back after Donald Trump called skier Hunter Hess a “real loser” for expressing conflicted feelings about representing the United States. Snowboarder Chloe Kim and teammate Maddie Mastro defended athletes’ right to speak on political and social issues, while Gus Kenworthy also drew criticism for an anti‑ICE post. The backlash added to wider tensions at the Milano Cortina Games, including protests over ICE presence and boos directed at Vice President JD Vance.

Chloe Kim defended the right of U.S. athletes to speak openly after Donald Trump attacked skier Hunter Hess for expressing discomfort about representing the country at the Milano Cortina Olympics. Her comments, supported by teammate Maddie Mastro, highlighted concerns about political tensions and events at home, including backlash against ICE following recent fatal shootings. The controversy has intensified debate over athlete expression during the Games, with figures such as Gus Kenworthy and JD Vance also drawn into the broader political climate.

Winter Olympics organizers launched an investigation after multiple athletes reported their medals broke shortly after being awarded, with similar durability concerns previously raised following the Paris 2024 Games. Several medalists from the USA, Germany and Sweden described medals detaching from ribbons or showing damage, prompting officials to examine manufacturing quality.

Winter Olympics organisers opened an investigation after several athletes reported their gold, silver and bronze medals cracking, chipping or breaking shortly after receiving them. Breezy Johnson, Justus Strelow and Ebba Andersson were among those whose medals were damaged, prompting calls for a contingency plan. The issue follows similar complaints from the Paris 2024 Games, where skateboarder Nyjah Huston said his bronze medal deteriorated within days. Officials are examining the cause as athletes seek more durable awards.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics face significant budget overruns, rising from an estimated $1.3 billion to more than $1.7 billion, alongside $3.5 billion in additional public infrastructure costs. CEO Andrea Varnier acknowledged severe financial strain, tight deadlines, and contentious decisions, including the construction of a new sliding centre opposed by the IOC. Key venues such as the sliding centre and Santagiulia ice hockey stadium were completed at the last moment, yet organisers expect them to perform well and provide long-term community benefits.

Greenpeace is pressuring organisers of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics to drop Italian oil company Eni as a sponsor, arguing that its fossil fuel operations worsen climate change and threaten snow-dependent sports. Eni defends its emissions goals and investment in energy transition, while Greenpeace and ReCommon pursue a climate case against the company. Rising temperatures in the Alps have already forced ski resort closures and increased reliance on artificial snow. Greenpeace urges the IOC to follow the precedent of banning tobacco sponsorship, but the committee highlights its focus on reducing environmental impact and working with partners involved in energy transition. Eni disputes Greenpeace’s emissions-based claims about glacier melt.

Casey Wasserman apologized for email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell after their release in newly published Jeffrey Epstein files, stressing he never had personal or business ties with Epstein and regretted corresponding with Maxwell before her crimes were known. Maxwell remains imprisoned for sex trafficking, while Wasserman continues to lead preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Casey Wasserman apologized for early-2000s email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell after their release by the US Justice Department, while denying any personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He acknowledged taking part in a 2002 humanitarian trip on Epstein’s plane and expressed regret over any association with Maxwell or Epstein. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, while Epstein died in jail in 2019. Wasserman continues to serve as chairman of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Games.

Construction of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics sliding centre and ice hockey stadium remains unfinished with 16 days left before delivery, though IOC executive Christophe Dubi says both venues will be ready. The sites, including the new sliding centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, are undergoing intensive daily work by 1600 workers. The Games open on 6 February in Milan and will feature cauldrons honouring Leonardo da Vinci.

The International Olympic Committee has not yet established formal communication with President Trump or the White House regarding preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to IOC President Kirsty Coventry. She emphasized that the IOC avoids commenting on geopolitics and focuses on ensuring participation from all national committees. Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Coventry noted that FIFA has maintained closer ties with Trump, but she expects relations with the U.S. government to strengthen as the 2028 Games approach.

Several key venues for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, including the Cortina sliding centre and Milan’s Santagiulia ice hockey arena, remain unfinished just 16 days before delivery deadlines. IOC executive Christophe Dubi stated that while major systems are in place, significant finishing work is still required but expressed confidence both venues will be ready. Construction crews are working intensively to complete the projects ahead of the Games, which begin on 6 February with an opening ceremony at San Siro. Two Olympic cauldrons will honour Leonardo da Vinci.

Ticket sales for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have reached nearly 70 percent, with organisers hoping the torch relay will spur further purchases, especially for the Paralympics. Over one million Olympic tickets and 255,000 Paralympic tickets have been issued, though Paralympic sales are lagging. Venue preparations continue under tight timelines, including adjustments to Milan’s ice hockey rink, which stakeholders have now agreed meets standards. An ice hockey test event moved to January will include spectators. IOC leadership reports confidence in overall progress as the Games approach.

Spain reached the Davis Cup semi-finals by defeating the Czech Republic in a 2-1 comeback despite the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, with Jaume Munar and the doubles team of Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez securing key wins. Germany also advanced after overcoming Argentina in a tense doubles decider, while Italy set up a semi-final meeting with Belgium as they pursue a third consecutive title.

Indonesia barred Israeli gymnasts from competing in a Jakarta world championship based on its policy of not recognising Israel before Palestinian independence. The International Olympic Committee urged sports federations to exclude Indonesia from hosting major events and suspended discussions on its 2036 Olympic bid, seeking assurances that all athletes can compete regardless of nationality. Minister Erick Thohir said the decision aimed to maintain public order and accepted that the country would face consequences, while the IOC moves to revise qualification principles to guarantee equal access for all athletes.

Indonesia defends its refusal to grant visas to Israeli gymnasts, prompting the International Olympic Committee to suspend discussions on a potential Olympic bid and call for international sporting bodies to avoid hosting events in the country. The IOC demands assurances that all athletes can compete regardless of nationality. Indonesia maintains the decision aligns with its policy toward Israel and is intended to preserve public order, acknowledging that it will be barred from hosting Olympic‑related events as long as the ban continues.

The IOC suspended discussions on Indonesia’s 2036 Olympic bid and urged sports federations to avoid hosting events there after the country denied visas to Israeli gymnasts for a world championship in Jakarta. The committee demanded assurances that all athletes be allowed to compete in future events and plans to adjust qualification rules to guarantee universal access. It also ordered meetings with Indonesian and gymnastics officials. Indonesia, which lacks diplomatic ties with Israel, acted amid domestic opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, effectively ending its chances of hosting the Games.

Italy plans to ask the United Nations to endorse a global ceasefire for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, invoking the ancient Olympic truce tradition. Antonio Tajani emphasized support for peace efforts, including a US plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. The article outlines ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, noting high casualties and divergent international responses, including recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by several Western nations.

Personal details of 194 Church of England abuse survivors were exposed in an email sent by Kennedys Law, which manages the Church’s redress scheme. Survivor group The House of Survivors said the breach undermined efforts to improve safeguarding. The Church called the incident deeply regrettable and acknowledged the distress caused. The UK privacy regulator is assessing the breach, while a lawyer for victims urged compensation, noting that anonymity protections were compromised.

Iga Swiatek advanced to the Bad Homburg Open final with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win over Jasmine Paolini, maintaining her unbeaten record against the Italian and demonstrating strong form ahead of Wimbledon. She controlled the match with aggressive play and consistent breaks of serve, sealing victory on her third match point. Swiatek will face either Jessica Pegula or Linda Noskova in the final after opting for focused training over additional grass-court tournaments earlier in the season.

Iga Swiatek advanced to the French Open semi-finals after defeating Elina Svitolina in straight sets, extending her tournament winning streak to 26 matches. The victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who beat Zheng Qinwen to reach the final four. Swiatek aims to secure a fourth consecutive French Open title, with both players entering the match in strong form.

Ousmane Dembele presented Paris Saint-Germain’s newly won Champions League trophy to a cheering crowd at the French Open, continuing celebrations after the team’s record 5–0 victory over Inter Milan. Dembele, named Champions League player of the season, addressed spectators as PSG leadership looked on. The appearance came shortly before French wildcard Lois Boisson upset Jessica Pegula to reach the tournament’s last eight. PSG’s win marks only the second time a French club has claimed the European Cup since Marseille in 1993.

Multiple Olympic champion Gary Hall Jr received replica medals from IOC president Thomas Bach after losing his originals in the Los Angeles wildfires. Hall expressed gratitude and reflected on solidarity following the destruction of his home and possessions. The wildfires caused extensive damage and loss of life in the Los Angeles area, marking one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

RB Leipzig forced a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich with a stoppage‑time equaliser, delaying Bayern’s chance to secure the Bundesliga title. Bayern recovered from a two‑goal deficit to lead late in the match, despite missing suspended top scorer Harry Kane, before Yussuf Poulsen’s late goal denied them victory. The result keeps Bayern poised to clinch the championship depending on Leverkusen’s next match, while Leipzig remain in contention for a Champions League place.

Jelena Ostapenko defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to win the Stuttgart clay-court title, her first clay victory since 2017. Sabalenka struggled with her serve and fell short in her fourth Stuttgart final, while Ostapenko’s aggressive baseline play secured a dominant second set. The win marks a strong lead-up for Ostapenko ahead of the French Open.

Barcelona advanced to their first Champions League semi-final in six years with a 5–3 aggregate win despite a 3–1 loss to Borussia Dortmund, who were driven by a Serhou Guirassy hat-trick. Dortmund’s early dominance and Guirassy’s goals raised hopes of an improbable comeback, but Ramy Bensebaini’s own goal halted their momentum. Barcelona held firm in the closing stages as Dortmund faded, securing a place in the last four against either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich.

Boxing was confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a unanimous IOC vote following years of uncertainty tied to governance issues at the International Boxing Association. The IOC recognised World Boxing as the new global governing body, enabling the sport’s reinstatement. IOC president Thomas Bach welcomed the decision, while World Boxing’s leadership highlighted widespread support for reforms. Only athletes whose national federations join World Boxing before the 2028 qualification period will be eligible. The IBA, led by Umar Kremlev, remains suspended over governance, financial and ethical failures.

The IOC president dismissed allegations from the International Boxing Association that two female boxers were improperly allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics, describing the claims as part of a Russian-led disinformation campaign. He said the athletes’ eligibility had long been established and that the dispute stemmed from IBA actions after its recognition was revoked due to governance concerns. Bach also highlighted cyberattacks and other interference attempts linked to Russia. He expressed confidence in preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, praised Donald Trump’s support for the event, and indicated that boxing is likely to be reinstated to the programme following provisional recognition of World Boxing.

Thomas Bach dismissed claims that two female boxers were improperly allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics, attributing the controversy to a Russian disinformation effort. He emphasized that Imane Khelif and Lin Yu‑Ting have long competed as women, including in Tokyo, and said the IOC leaves gender‑eligibility rules to sports federations. Bach made the remarks in Greece ahead of stepping down as IOC president.

The IOC warned national boxing federations that unless they align under a new global body, the sport may be excluded from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. After stripping recognition from the IBA over governance and ethical issues, the IOC oversaw boxing at Paris 2024 and is assessing World Boxing as a possible replacement organization, with a decision expected in 2025. Tensions between the IOC and IBA were further strained by disputes over the eligibility of two female boxers, both of whom ultimately competed and won gold.

Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin faces increasing pressure as the team sits seventh in the Bundesliga and continues to struggle with injuries and poor away form. A recent German Cup defeat has intensified scrutiny, though Sahin emphasises the club’s development over his own position. Dortmund’s mounting injury list has disrupted preparations ahead of their match against in-form RB Leipzig, who remain unbeaten and level on points with Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

Jurgen Klopp defended his decision to become Red Bull’s global head of soccer despite criticism from German fans angered by the company’s ownership model and its influence in football. He said the role suits him at this stage of his career and that he cannot base decisions on public reaction. Klopp’s coaching achievements at Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund were highlighted, and his new advisory role will span Red Bull-owned clubs in Germany, the United States, Brazil and Austria.

Vincent Kompany begins his first Bundesliga season as Bayern Munich manager aiming to restore cohesion and confidence after the club’s disappointing recent campaigns. Former captain Lothar Matthaeus believes Kompany can re‑establish a family atmosphere within the squad. Bayern have strengthened with key signings including Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha and Hiroki Ito, while Bayer Leverkusen, last season’s dominant champions, remain strong under Xabi Alonso. Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart face significant changes following major player departures and arrivals as the Bundesliga season opens.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged global adherence to an Olympic truce ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, highlighting ongoing suffering in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel and Myanmar. After meeting IOC President Thomas Bach, he emphasized the Games as an opportunity for peace and called on nations to “silence the guns.” The Olympics will feature more than 10,500 athletes, including teams from Palestine and neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus.

Salt Lake City secured hosting rights for the 2034 Winter Olympics with overwhelming IOC support, returning the Games to Utah for the first time since 2002. The hosting contract now includes a new termination clause granting the IOC the ability to revoke hosting rights if WADA’s authority or anti‑doping compliance is undermined, a change prompted by controversy over Chinese swimmers’ positive drug tests and subsequent U.S. involvement under the Rodchenkov Act. IOC leadership emphasized that Salt Lake City was not responsible for the dispute, while U.S. officials and local leaders celebrated the successful bid.

France was conditionally selected to host the 2030 Winter Olympics, pending delivery of required state and regional financial guarantees. Emmanuel Macron assured the IOC of national support, pledging that the next government would formalize the commitments. The IOC will sign the host city contract only after all guarantees are submitted. The decision positions France to host the Winter Games six years after the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, with Milan–Cortina d’Ampezzo set to host the 2026 edition.

The International Olympic Committee will vote next month on establishing Olympic Esports Games, aiming to make the event a top global achievement for gamers. The plan follows years of exploring esports, including a 2021 virtual pilot series. Thomas Bach said the new games represent a major step in adapting to the digital era and engaging younger audiences. A separate organisational structure is planned, with a potential host already under consideration during the Paris Olympics session.

The 2027 European Games in Istanbul will act as a major qualification event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aligning with the International Olympic Committee strategy to boost visibility of qualifying competitions. EOC President Spyros Capralos said more sports federations, including gymnastics, are expected to participate. The event aims to attract top athletes and expand its programme, competing with the European Championships. The IOC plans further expansion of its qualifying series for future Games.

Borussia Dortmund expect Marcel Sabitzer and Donyell Malen to return from illness and injury for the Champions League semi-final against Paris St Germain, with Emre Can and Ian Maatsen also available after suspension. Despite recent league struggles, including a heavy loss to RB Leipzig, Dortmund remain optimistic following strong Champions League performances. Coach Edin Terzic expressed confidence in gaining an advantage in the first leg while acknowledging PSG’s strong form in 2024.

Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 8-1 win over Mainz, setting a Bundesliga record for scoring at least twice in eight games during his debut season and equalling Uwe Seeler’s 30-goal debut-season mark. Bayern reduced the gap to leaders Bayer Leverkusen to seven points, with additional goals from Leon Goretzka, Thomas Mueller, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry. Thomas Tuchel praised Kane’s impact as Bayern strengthened their title hopes following recent poor form.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics as neutral athletes without national symbols under IOC conditions that exclude team entries and bar those supporting the war in Ukraine. Ukraine condemned the move as harmful to Olympic principles, while Russian officials criticized the restrictions as discriminatory. Ukraine has not yet decided whether it will participate. World Athletics continues its separate ban on Russian and Belarusian participants due to the invasion and past doping violations.

Harry Kane scored twice in Bayern Munich's 4-2 win over Heidenheim, becoming the first player to score 17 goals in the first 11 Bundesliga matchdays. The England striker’s scoring run continues after recent hat-tricks and strong Champions League performances. Bayern briefly surrendered a two-goal lead before goals from Raphael Guerreiro and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting secured victory. Kane earned praise for his exceptional quality, while coach Thomas Tuchel criticised defensive lapses. Bayern moved to the top of the table ahead of Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern Munich were eliminated from the German Cup after a 2-1 loss to third-tier Saarbrucken, conceding a stoppage‑time winner. Thomas Muller put Bayern ahead before the hosts equalised and later completed a late comeback. Bayern made several squad changes, leaving Harry Kane on the bench, and struggled to convert chances. The upset denies Kane an opportunity for his first major career trophy and adds pressure ahead of Bayern’s upcoming league match against Borussia Dortmund.

Tigst Assefa set a new women’s marathon world record in Berlin with a time of 2:11:53, surpassing Brigid Kosgei’s previous mark by more than two minutes and securing strong prospects for the 2024 Ethiopian Olympic team. Eliud Kipchoge won the men’s race for a fifth time but did not approach his own world record. Several East African athletes placed prominently in both races as Berlin reaffirmed its status as one of the fastest marathon courses.

Jelena Ostapenko won the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham by defeating Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets, marking her first grass title since 2021. Petra Kvitova captured the German Open title with a straight‑sets victory over Donna Vekic, reinforcing her strong form ahead of Wimbledon. Both players highlighted their preparation and confidence as the Grand Slam approaches.