Sports

Mexico end World Cup knockout drought with last-32 win over Ecuador in Azteca cauldron

They were held up by an electric storm but, after it had cleared, Mexico simply kept the lightning bolts coming. El Tri have broken a hex that had gnawed at the nation’s football psyche for years, winning a World Cup knockout game for the first time since 1986, and the head turner will be the manner in which it happened. Javier Aguirre’s players cut Ecuador apart in a stunning first-half performance that rocked a pulsating Estadio Azteca to its foundations and laid a marker for the round of 16. Thudding finishes from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sent them clear and they could manage their way through the remainder, resting legs for their next assignment here on Sunday.

‘I thought of her as a volcano’: the triumphant art and very troubling death of Ana Mendieta

Her shocking performances and stunning images made Mendieta the talk of the art world in the 1970s and 80s. Then she fell from a New York apartment block in 1985 – and her husband was charged with murder. As a major exhibition comes to London, her friends discuss her genius and their search for answers

‘There are holes in England’: DR Congo ready to produce World Cup shock

Former DRC defender Gabriel Zakuani is better placed than most to have a view on Wednesday’s game, and feels it won’t be as straightforward as some think

DR Congo manager’s tactics may provide tougher challenge for England than Opta stats suggest

Despite the chances of victory in normal time being 73.9%, Sébastien Desabre has changed his approach for stronger teams such as England

Kylian Mbappé at the double as France swat aside Sweden in World Cup masterclass

When people form memories of the World Cup, it’s matches like this that do it. France once again won comprehensively, and against decent opposition, but the quality of their attacking play, and the sheer beauty of their goals, were difficult to fully appreciate in the moment. It’s the sort of thing that only comes into true focus upon reflection.

Belgium’s leaders backed to disprove ‘has beens’ tag in Senegal challenge

Rudi Garcia railed against criticism of his side, who face Senegal in the last 32 with a spring in their step after the 5-1 hammering of New Zealand

‘Don’t start to doubt’: Tuchel warns England to be patient against defensive DR Congo

Coach accepts expectation that his side must win last-32 tie

LeBron James to Leave Lakers and Play Elsewhere in 24th NBA Season, His Agent Confirms

Updated on: June 30, 2026 / 4:18 PM PDT / CBS LA

Tennis has moved on but Serena devotion at sporting vigil is still at a high

Williams’s comeback at Wimbledon elicits disbelief and reverence among fans during her defeat by Maya Joint

Alyssa Thomas calls out WNBA after receiving death threats, racial abuse from Caitlin Clark foul incident

Thomas blasts commissioner for silence on player safety

Katie Swan glides past Begu but Boulter joins early British exodus at Wimbledon

Katie Boulter beaten 6-4, 6-2 by qualifier Tyra Grant

Ronald Koeman resigns as Netherlands head coach after World Cup loss to Morocco

‘We fell short. Responsibility rests with me’ he says