Sports

College Basketball Is Not Dead

Nostalgists worried that giving players more rights would ruin the game. This year’s NCAA tournament is proving them wrong.

Messi, mascots, tickets and Trump: 48 questions for the 48-team World Cup

After Tuesday’s playoff matches decided the final six spots, the tournament field is set. We answered 48 questions as the countdown to 11 June begins

‘An unacceptable disgrace’: anger and sadness as Italy miss out on World Cup again

“Let’s just leave it be,” said Valentino del Duca. The restaurant worker from Rome was in no mood to talk about football after the Italian national team delivered another agonising blow, missing out on qualification for the World Cup finals for the third time in a row.

Lamine Yamal furious with Spain fans over anti-Muslim chants against Egypt

Police investigate chants heard at Barcelona friendly

Why Bach’s music is indestructible, whether on the mandolin, modern piano

The German composer, born 341 years ago, dominates the classical charts and concert platforms, especially at this time of year. Here’s to his life-giving zombie music!

Graham Potter and Sweden revel in second chances to seize World Cup place

Manager and team had hit rock bottom, but together they found redemption and are heading to North America

On the plane or the sofa? How England’s 2026 World Cup squad is shaping up

Only half of the 26 places appear nailed-on and some players benefited from missing the Uruguay and Japan games

Motsepe at a crossroads as Afcon row and Wafcon cancellation put reputations at risk

With controversy stalking football on the continent, the Caf president has a huge challenge on his hands

Manchester United wage bill revealed as half that of WSL rivals Arsenal last season

Skinner’s side spent £5.88m while Arsenal spent £11.3m

Has a football club won the title with a better goal difference than points tally?

Plus: qualifying for the World Cup with no more than two wins, a 20-0 victory and scratching a 34-year itch

Iraq Hold Off Bolivia to Claim Final World Cup Place

Graham Arnold’s team defeat La Verde 2-1 to qualify

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy: World Cup playoff goes to penalties

One shiny bronze centesimo di lira for the thoughts of Federico Dimarco and Guglielmo Vicario, caught on camera celebrating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s victory over Wales. “If Italy are afraid to play in Wales, something isn’t right,” Edin Džeko wondered aloud, before the game. Well, one of the behemoths of the World Cup will be missing for the third time in a row. Something isn’t right, that much is clear.