Uzbekistan, Jordan Qualify For Their First-Ever World Cup, South Korea Through

Uzbekistan and Jordan will now face South Korea, who has always been a participant in the tournament, in the following year. On Thursday, the two countries made history by qualifying for their first World Cup.

Uzbekistan, one of Asia’s fastest-growing national teams, drew 0-0 with the UAE in Abu Dhabi to move into Group A, but top spot is still in play after qualified Iran lost to Qatar 1-0 in Doha.

Iran leads Uzbekistan by two points going into the final set of matches for the third round on Tuesday.

The top two teams from each of the three Asian groups advance to the World Cup, while those who finish third and fourth, which are Qatar and the UAE, will enter a fourth round of qualifying.

South Korea defeated Iraq 2-0 in Basra to secure their place in an 11th&nbsp, straight World Cup.

Ronaldo defeats Germany’s jinx in the Nations League Final, read more.

On June 5, 2025, South Korea’s No. 13 Midfielder, No. 13 Kim Jing-yu, celebrates with his teammates after scoring the team’s first goal in the Iraq-South Korea match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier at Basra International Stadium in Basra. Hussein FALEH/AFP (Photo)

With the victory, Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu, who had earlier won 3-0 against Oman earlier on Thursday, who had ultimately proved sufficient to make their participation at the expanded 48-team showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, claim top spot.

King Abdullah II of Jordan congratulated the team on social media.

His team, which includes stars and cadres of whom we are proud, well-deserved this historic distinction, he wrote on X.

“Our sincere supporters and supporters deserve special thanks.”

The 2023 Asian Cup runners-up etched their name in the record books with Ali Olwin’s hat-trick.

After a VAR review, Ali Al Hamadi’s foul on Cho Yu-min was upgraded to a red card midway through the first half, which reduced Iraq to 10 men.

Oman and Palestine are still able to advance to the fourth round of qualifying, leaving Iraq third in Group B. Oman will host Palestine on Tuesday while Iraq will face Jordan in Amman, where Palestine defeated Kuwait 2-0 in Ardhiya.

Saudi Arabia and Australia will square off on Tuesday for the second-place spot in Group C.

Following their last-gasp victory in Perth against group leaders Japan, Australia are still in the lead&nbsp.

In the 90th minute, Aziz Behich rifled into the corner in front of more than 57, 000 fans, giving Tony Popovic’s side a crucial victory in the end.

“We know there is room to improve and room to grow, but we’ve done something special tonight,” Popovic said of his team’s prolonged dominance of an experimental Japan side.

With a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Riffa, Saudi Arabia made sure the race for second place would end in secrecy. Herve Renard’s men are still three points adrift of second-placed Australia thanks to goals in either half from Musab Al Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al Obud.

To overtake the Socceroos, the Saudis will need to win by five goals in Jeddah.

In his September replacement, Popovic, said: “We all contributed to getting us to this point. We want to travel to Saudi Arabia to finish the project.

With a 1-0 victory over China, Patrick Kluivert’s country kept their hopes alive for the first World Cup since 1945.

So far, Indonesia is fourth overall, one point behind Saudi. The only goal was scored by Ole Romeny, who had just passed a VAR check that had left China rooted to the bottom of the group and had put an end to their hopes of winning a second World Cup with his controversial penalty just before halftime.

Sabalenka Downs Swiatek As Gauff Ends Boisson’s French Open Run

After the American defeated French hero Lois Boisson, Adrienne Sabalenka put an end to Iga Swiatek’s French Open dominance with a devastating third-set victory over Coco Gauff on Thursday.

With a 7-6 (7-1) 4-6, 6-0 victory in her first clay-court Grand Slam final, the Belarusian snapped Swiatek’s winning streak to reach her 26th match.

After defeating Swiatek in a decisive set at the French Open, Sabalenka declared, “Iga is the toughest opponent, especially on the clay and at Roland Garros.”

“I’m pleased that I received this victory,” he said.

In the second semi-final against Court Philippe Chatrier, world number two Gauff defeated 361st-ranked wildcard Boisson 6-1, 6-2 to put an end to his dream run.

In their head-to-head competition, Gauff and Sabalenka are at 5- 5 overall, and they have won one of their two matches at major tournaments.

On day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament’s semifinal match against Poland on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025, winner Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka (R) cheers Poland’s Aryna Sabalenka (R) on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF/AFP)

Before Swiatek hit back to level the match, Sabalenka edged a topsy-turvy first set that featured eight serve breaks in a tie-break.

The third set ended up being a complete anti-climax, with only six points being won by Swiatek, who made 12 unforced errors in the process.

“I’m happy I found my job,” he said. The 27-year-old Sabalenka remarked that the serve was a little easier. What can I say, 6-0, is a perfect score for something?

After winning the US Open and the Australian Open consecutively in 2023 and 2024, Sabalenka wants to win a fourth Grand Slam title, first one on hard courts.

Since winning the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen a year ago, Swiatek hasn’t yet reached a WTA final.

She showed signs of revival on the Paris clay, where she has been a force since winning the French Open in 2020 as a teenager, but her game was lost in the decisive set, allowing her to suffer her third successive defeat.

Swiatek expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to play in so many top tournaments here, saying, “I love playing here.”

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates her victory over Iga Swiatek of Poland on day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)

In total, Sabalenka has won five of its previous six meetings.

The pair, who have been the most popular women’s tennis players for the past few years, have met in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since Swiatek won in the 2022 US Open semi-finals to win the title.

When Sabalenka takes on Gauff, who she lost in the US Open final in 2023, Sabalenka will be the favorite to win the trophy.

Swiatek will drop to seventh place in the world rankings next week as a result of her bid to win four consecutive French Opens.

Gauff is too strong,

On day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament hosted by US Coco Gauff and France’s Lois Boisson on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025, the US celebrated her victory over France’s Lois Boisson. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)

In the previous two rounds, third-seeded Jessica Pegula and world number six Mirra Andreeva had beaten Boisson, but Gauff’s test turned out to be insufficient.

A second seed’s brutal opening set kept the home crowd at bay.

In the second set, Boisson briefly woke up the French fans by breaking them in, only to immediately concede it.

Gauff successfully advanced to the second French Open final after only 69 minutes on the court.

In her on-court interview, Gauff remarked to the crowd, “I was thinking my name when you guys were chanting her name.

“I’m going to enjoy this one for now and then get ready for the final tomorrow,” I remarked. “Obviously there is still a lot to do.

The 21-year-old will believe she can finally win the tournament where she has reached at least the quarter-finals in five straight years despite being emotionally defeated by Swiatek in the 2022 final.

Boisson made 33 errors in total, making her only previous appearance in the Open era after Mary Pierce.

The 22-year-old admitted to being “really disappointed” today because she “often wanted to go further than this semi-final,” adding “obviously I’m going to take the time to digest this.”

She will climb into the world’s top 70 next week and has added 690, 000 euros ($789, 536) to her previous career prize money of $148, 009.

Ronaldo Breaks Germany Jinx As Portugal Reach Nations League Final

In the Champions League final, Cristiano Ronaldo broke his bad reputation against the Germans by winning 2-1 over Germany on Wednesday in Munich.

Ronaldo’s 138th international goal in the 68th minute sealed his longest winning streak against any nation since winning. It was his longest ever goal in opposition to any nation without a victory.

Three minutes after halftime, Florian Wirtz, who had a stuttering opening half, started and cleverly advanced through the middle before heading in the opener.

Portugal’s players, including #03 Ruben Dias (L), react following the UEFA Nations League semi-final football game between Germany and Portugal in Munich, southern Germany, on June 4, 2025. (Photo by Alexandra BEIER/AFP)

With only 45 minutes left, Portugal’s Francisco Conceicao ran 35 meters to score a brilliant solo goal that levelled things up.

Ronaldo, who had missed two excellent chances, was given the final chance to turn in a Nuno Mendes pass from close range.

Read more about Chelsea beating Chelsea at Everton and signing Ipswich striker Delap.

In the same location, Portugal, the reigning champion of the Nations League, will square off against either France or Spain in the final on Sunday.

Portugal’s players, including #03 Ruben Dias, react following the UEFA Nations League semi-final football game between Germany and Portugal in Munich, southern Germany, on June 4, 2025. (Photo by Alexandra BEIER/AFP)

Germany, which had only lost one of their previous 17 games, suffers from the loss.

Portugal’s four players were already in the lead when the celebrations and Saturday’s Champions League final came to an end, but Germany was the first to struggle to find rhythm.

Due to a violent storm that caused hailstones to strewn across the turf, the game arrived 10 minutes late.

While Portugal’s pressing Jonathan Tah almost paid off, the defender was insecure in possession, despite Aleksandar Pavlovic’s misplaced passes and several mislaid passes.

Ronaldo almost scored the opening goal six minutes into his first game for Germany since September 2024, but his old La Liga sparring partner Marc-Andre ter Stegen claimed it with his shot. He was greeted by Portuguese cheers and German boos every time he approached the ball.

Wirtz opener, &nbsp

With 18 minutes left, debutant Nick Woltemade had Germany’s best chance in the opening half, but Diogo Costa’s low shot, which was a 1.9-meter-tall striker, was well saved.

When Portugal broke right after halftime, Ronaldo was just inches away from opening the scoring with a clever Nuno Mendes cross that beckoned into the net.

The miss was punished by Germany in less than a minute. Before being laid off for Joshua Kimmich, Wirtz tiptoed down the left to catch three defenders.

The German captain chipped it past the Portugal defense before turning to Wirtz, who skillfully drilled a low header into the bottom right corner.

Germany’s players, including forward #14 Karim Adeyemi, Germany’s defense #04 Jonathan Tah, and Germany’s defense #03 Robin Koch, react following the UEFA Nations League semi-final football game between Germany and Portugal in Munich, southern Germany on June 4, 2025. Tobias SCHWARZ/AFP photo

On the 60-minute mark, Roberto Martinez made three changes, but the difference was in the substitutions’ timing.

Conceicao dropped Robin Gosens with a shimmy close to the half-way line five minutes later before launching a superb curling shot past Ter Stegen in the last seconds.

Ronaldo then scored Portugal’s first goal in his 219th international, cue Ronaldo for his nerveless tap in of a Nuno Mendes pass to make up for his previous errors.

With eight minutes left, Munich-born Karim Adeyemi hit the crossbar, but Germany could not find an equalizer and will need to be content with a third-placed match on Sunday in Stuttgart.

Chelsea Beat Man Utd, Everton To Sign Ipswich Striker Delap

Premier League rivals’ rivals fought back on Wednesday to sign English striker Liam Delap from Ipswich for a reported £30 million ($41 million) fee.

Delap, 22, was unable to stop Ipswich from returning to the Championship after scoring 12 Premier League goals in his sole season at Portman Road.

According to reports, Everton and Manchester United both agreed to fulfill the England under-21 international’s buyout clause.

However, Chelsea has already advanced their attacking options ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States, which will begin later this month. The former Manchester City forward has won the transfer market.

READ MORE: Reijnders’ fee agreement with AC Milan, read more

Delap, who has a six-year contract with Chelsea, said: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.”

“I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies,” I said. “It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop.”

After missing two years, the Blues finished fourth in the Premier League. They will now travel to the Champions League next year.

And last week, Enzo Maresca’s men defeated Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final to win the organization’s inaugural season in charge.

Chelsea finally broke through to reach Premier League champions Liverpool in mid-December, hitting a rocky patch.

They had a strong season, claiming a top-five spot on the final day of the season, but were hindered by their lack of a clinical number nine.

In his final 30 Premier League starts, Nicolas Jackson, a native of Senegal, has scored just 10 goals, and Christopher Nkunku looks set to leave the team after a disappointing two-year spell.

Delap, the son of former Stoke midfielder Rory Delap, started his career at Manchester City but struggled to make it into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded first team.

After being loaned out with Stoke, Preston, and Hull in the second-tier before being signed by Ipswich for up to $ 20 million, they were promoted to the Premier League a year later.

With just 22 points, Delap was one of the Tractor Boys’ few successes during a difficult season that saw them relegated back to the Championship.

In the group stages of the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14, Chelsea will face Flamengo, LAFC, and ES Tunis.

Man City Agree Fee With AC Milan For Midfielder Reijnders

According to reports, Manchester City have made their first significant summer transfer signing since moving to AC Milan for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

The deposed Premier League champions will pay 55 million euros ($63 million) for the 26-year-old, who is reportedly signed to a five-year contract, with final details yet to be determined.

City hopes to close the deal on the Netherlands international before the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which begins on June 14th.

READ MORE: ‘Rested’ Pacquiao Relishing Boxing Comeback At 46.

Reijnders made 15 goals for AC Milan in 2024/25 when he left AZ Alkmaar for AC Milan in 2023.

Following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, he will increase Pep Guardiola’s midfield options.

The veteran Belgian international is not anticipated to play in the Club World Cup, with Napoli’s move becoming more and more likely.

Mateo Kovacic, a midfielder who had Achilles injuries, had surgery to have him removed from the competition.

Pep Guardiola’s team endured a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing third in the Premier League and failing to win a trophy for the first time in eight years.

Before the campaign, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said the club “probably should have been more aggressive” in the transfer market.

After winning the competition in Saudi Arabia two years ago, Guardiola’s men will now compete as the expanded 32-team Club World Cup’s defending champions.

On June 18, they begin their campaign against Philadelphia-based Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca.

To accommodate clubs interested in signing players for the Club World Cup, the transfer window is open until June 10. On June 16, it reopens.

‘Rested’ Pacquiao Relishing Boxing Comeback At 46

As he geared up for Mario Barrios’ return to the world welterweight title fight next month, Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday dissayed worries about his 46-year career.

Four years after his last fight ended in a disappointing defeat, the charismatic Filipino boxing icon announced he would fight World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, who won 12 world titles in eight different weight classes during his glittering professional career that started in 1995, claimed that his resumption was fueled by the glamour of championship boxing.

ALSO READ: Swiatek, Sabalenka, and  Swiatek Set Up French Open Semi-Final Clash As Alcaraz Sweeps Through

At a press conference in Los Angeles, Pacquiao stated, “I’m coming back because I miss my boxing.” Particularly in these circumstances, including being interviewed, holding a press conference, attending a training camp, and such.

I overlooked that. However, I’ve had four years of rest in my body, which has been good for me. I return now, too.

After losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, Pacquiao claimed that his decision to retire had left him devastated.

Even when I put on my gloves, Pacquiao said, “I can still fight, I can still feel my body, I can still work hard.”

I was so devastated when I said I had to hang up my gloves four years ago. I was crying, but I was unable to let the tears out of my eyes stop.

Pacquiao, however, revealed that he still had the strength and fitness to fight despite having exercised at home in the Philippines.

I realized that I still have that passion when I’m playing basketball or working out at the gym at home. He said, “I still have that speed and power.”

Low-risk’s comeback, &nbsp

Some boxers worry that Barrios’ return will pose a threat to the Filipino’s safety, as some have done before.

Pacquiao clarified those concerns by saying that his family and loved ones were unwaveringly supportive of his recovery.

“I’m thankful for them for their concern,” Pacquiao told AFP. My family is the one who really worries me, though. My family observed my body condition, how I train, and how I move. Because they can see the old Pacquiao style, they back me.

Due to a WBC rule that allows former champions to request a title fight when coming out of retirement, Pacquiao, who has reunited with veteran trainer Freddie Roach for the next fight, can now contest the title right away.

After passing medical exams, Pacquiao was given a clearance to return to the ring by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, who in a statement to AFP on Tuesday stated that the fighter’s return was “low risk.”

According to Salaiman, “Manny Pacquiao is at no higher risk than any other fighter entering the ring.” For four years, Manny has rested his body. He doesn’t consume alcohol. He doesn’t use drugs. He has cared for himself as a family man. He is therefore at the lowest risk among the various dangers.

Barrios, Pacquiao’s rival, said he would disregard the Filipino’s reputation as one of his most admired fighters.

Barrios said of Pacquiao, “There are nothing but positive things to say about him outside of the ring.” He’s a difficult person to dislike. You can tell, however, that it’s either to kill or to be killed.

You can tell that he’s going to get me out of there if he ever causes me harm. So I just need to enter the area and ensure that my hand is raised when the fight is over.