Global betting revenue for the upcoming World Cup is likely to be "in excess of $50 billion", betting expert Darren Small told AFP, for an event he labelled "the biggest circus in town."
Bordeaux-Begles' Fiji winger Salesi Rayasi says claiming a French Top 14 and Champions Cup double will be a challenge before they head to Toulon in the league on Sunday.
Arsenal seek to finally conquer Europe by wresting the Champions League crown from holders Paris Saint-Germain, who are themselves targeting back-to-back titles in Budapest on Saturday.
- Argentina eye World Cup double ahead of Group J opener
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Sports
After a remarkable 14-year spell in charge capped by one World Cup triumph and another run to the final, Didier Deschamps is hoping to go out on a high as he gets ready to step down as France coach following the upcoming tournament in North America.
May 29, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Victor Wembanyama scored 28 points as the San Antonio Spurs forced a decisive game seven in their thrilling NBA Western Conference finals series against Oklahoma City, leading throughout an emphatic 118-91 win Thursday.
May 29, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Indigenous chief Bepdjo Mekragnotire is once again preparing to lead a group of warriors to chase wildcat gold miners away from his people's territory in Brazil's Amazon rainforest.
May 29, 2026
Asian stock markets surged and oil prices receded on Friday, boosted by optimism that the United States and Iran will reach a deal to end their war that has hobbled global energy supplies.
May 29, 2026
The man accused of helping dozens of people worldwide commit suicide by selling them poison is set to appear in a Canadian court on Friday, where he is expected to plead guilty to 14 crimes.
May 29, 2026
Culture
A Russian influence campaign hijacked hundreds of Bluesky accounts -- many belonging to influential Americans -- to spread propaganda, researchers said, in a striking disinformation tactic that weaponized authentic identities rather than relying on fake accounts.
May 29, 2026
RECENT NEWS
In a crowded Kathmandu restaurant far from Nepal's famed icy peaks, Billi Bierling questions climbers about their ascents, preserving each triumph in the Himalayan Database, mountaineering's revered 60-year-old register of success.
The EU executive is set for much-heralded talks Friday on ramping up Europe's trade defences to shield critical industries from Chinese rivals -- with a growing chorus pressing for a crackdown.
Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has urged his financially stricken team to go out on a high as the Super Rugby club prepare to play their final match, barring a last-minute reprieve.
New Zealand's World Cup-bound Tim Payne said Friday it was "pretty crazy" to have become the country's most followed football account after an influencer identified him as the "least known" player in the competition and called for fans to boost his posts.
May 28, 2026
Boulevard
The United States on Thursday designated two well-known Brazilian crime groups, the so-called Red Command (CV) and First Capital Command (PCC), as terrorist organizations, despite opposition from Brasilia.
May 28, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the World Cup, national coach Lionel Scaloni announced Thursday as he unveiled his 26-man squad.
The United States and Iran closed in on a framework for a ceasefire extension detail Thursday but President Donald Trump has yet to approve any agreement, US officials said.
Serena Williams' reported future doubles partner Victoria Mboko says it is up to the tennis great to announce a potential comeback to the sport next month.
US and Iranian negotiators edged toward a deal to extend their fragile ceasefire for 60 days, but the potential breakthrough was still hanging on President Donald Trump's approval, US sources told AFP on Thursday.
May 28, 2026
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- Nice back Tunisia defender Ali Abdi amid threats for missing play-off
- WHO chief says Ebola 'can be stopped' as he lands in DR Congo
- Artists back out of concerts for US 250th anniversary
- Oil, stocks mixed as US-Iran deal awaits Trump approval
- Israel launches deadly strike near Beirut, widening Lebanon offensive
- AI giant Anthropic reaches near-trillion dollar valuation