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NEW JERSEY, June 17 — France launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their Group I opener at New York Stadium, New Jersey. Despite being pushed hard by the African side, Didier Deschamps' men showed their quality in the second half, with captain Kylian Mbappé leading the charge by scoring twice to secure all three points. Senegal looked the more threatening side during the opening period and came close to taking the lead when Nicolas Jackson struck the post. Moments later, Ismaïla Sarr squandered a golden opportunity after failing to convert Sadio Mané's low cross from close range. France eventually found the breakthrough through Mbappé, who responded positively after a controversial VAR review denied him a penalty. Bradley Barcola then doubled Les Bleus' advantage with a superb chipped finish that left the Senegal goalkeeper helpless. The Lions of Teranga reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time when rising star Ibrahim Mbaye found the net. However, any hopes of a late comeback were quickly extinguished as Mbappé struck again moments later to complete his brace and seal a comfortable 3-1 win. The match also marked a historic night for the French captain. His two goals took his international tally to 58, surpassing Olivier Giroud's previous record of 57 goals to become France's all-time leading scorer. Mbappé further cemented his place in French football history by becoming the country's highest scorer in World Cup history with 14 goals, overtaking the legendary Just Fontaine's tally of 13. The 27-year-old now stands just two goals shy of equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16 goals. Although Senegal suffered defeat, Mbaye achieved a milestone of his own by becoming the youngest African player ever to score at a World Cup, finding the net at the age of 18 years and 143 days. France's victory also carried symbolic significance, erasing memories of their disastrous 2002 World Cup campaign when the defending champions suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the tournament opener before crashing out in the group stage. Les Bleus will next face Iraq on June 22, while Senegal will look to revive their qualification hopes when they take on Norway. -- MINUTESMY

France Begin World Cup Campaign with Convincing Win Over Senegal

NEW JERSEY, June 17 — France launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their Group I opener at New York Stadium, .... read more

ISTANBUL, JUNE 16 -- FIFA said on Monday that it found no evidence of a breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official Shaun Evans made a hand signal before a recent World Cup match, Anadolu Ajansi reported. "FIFA's Independent Disciplinary Committee can confirm that after examining the matter involving Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officer Shaun Evans, it found no evidence of a breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," the organisation said. Evans, an Australian official, was seen on the broadcast of Germany's match against Curacao on Sunday making the "OK" hand sign, a gesture associated with white supremacy and classified as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League in 2019. Evans strongly denied any malicious intent, describing the move as an "unconscious and unintentional reflex". He expressed regret over the perception that arose following the gesture, but stressed that he did not make the symbol "knowingly or intentionally", which first gained attention after it was used by attackers in the Christchurch mosque incident in 2019 that killed 51 Muslims. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

World Cup: Referee hand signal controversy, no evidence of disciplinary code violation – FIFA

ISTANBUL, JUNE 16 — FIFA said on Monday that it found no evidence of a breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official Shaun Evans made .... read more

GUANGZHOU, China, June 15 -- The world's most anticipated football spectacle is now in full swing. On the pitch, players sprint, turn and score with everything they have, constantly pushing the limits of athletic performance. This relentless competitive spirit perfectly mirrors the core of a great automobile. Riding the wave of this global celebration, Chinese automaker GAC has made a distinctive deep dive. We partner with top clubs including Australia's Sydney FC, Mexico's Toluca FC, Brazil's CR Flamengo and Colombia's Millonarios FC, bringing the pace of the game and a champion's mentality to every model, and creating a powerful resonance between football passion and product strength.    In terms of speed and power, the GAC EMPOW is powered by the Mega Wave 2.0TGDI engine, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.95 seconds — like a striker's lightning burst, bringing the excitement of the pitch to everyday driving. For precise control, the AION i60 comes standard with an electric power steering system, L2 driver assistance and full-speed adaptive cruise control, delivering effortless handling and midfield maestro-like command.    On range and reliability, the AION V features Magazine Battery 2.0 technology and a CLTC combined range of over 600 km, eliminating range anxiety. Its rigorously tested dependability ensures steady performance, just like a player running nonstop throughout the match. For safety, the GAC S7 is equipped with 10 airbags and whole-vehicle torsional rigidity of 35,000 N•m/deg, mirroring a team's coordinated defense to provide 360° protection for all occupants. Meanwhile, the HYPTEC HT is equipped with Bosch's latest-generation Intelligent Integrated Brake System (IPB), inheriting the calm resilience of a core player under pressure to master complex road conditions and emergencies. As the football festival reaches its climax, GAC invites you to share this passionate journey through automobiles. This summer of football, let the game reveal GAC's commitment to quality and unshakable confidence. For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social. -- PRNewswire -- Source: GAC  

Take to the Pitch, Feel GAC’s Power: Where Cars and Football Create the Perfect Synergy

GUANGZHOU, China, June 15 — The world’s most anticipated football spectacle is now in full swing. On the pitch, players sprint, turn and score with everything they have, constantly pushing .... read more

BUKIT MERTAJAM, JUNE 15 -- The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has agreed to increase the Community Sports Fund (DSK) allocation for Penang after the state became one of the earliest and fastest to fully utilize the RM800,000 funds channeled this year. Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) will submit an application to obtain the additional allocation. "Penang is among the earliest and fastest to complete the DSK. JBSN will submit an application and I agree for Penang to receive additional funds." "I request youth organisations to use the funds as best as possible, move to the grassroots level and ensure that programmes continue to be implemented," he said when officiating the National Youth Day 2026 celebration at the Penang level on Sunday night. Also present was the state Youth, Sports and Health Committee Chairman, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen. Mohammed Taufiq said that DSK does not just support sports activities and efforts to produce more athletes, but also serves as a platform to connect young people with the local community. He said that KBS also channeled a Sports Matching Grant for Window 1 and Window 2 totaling RM500,000 as well as assistance to the 2026 Youth Organisation of RM106,000 to Penang. According to him, the allocation is among the government's investments to expand access to community sports activities, empower youth organisations, promote healthy lifestyles and increase young people's participation in youth development and sports programmes. "I want youth organisations in Penang to actively apply for SejaTi MADANI funds after the Prime Minister approved an allocation of RM250 million for the benefit of youth organisations nationwide. "Youth development programs need to be implemented continuously and not just once so that they can have a high impact and direct benefits for the group concerned," he said. -- BERNAMA

KBS agrees to increase allocation for Penang Community Sports Fund

BUKIT MERTAJAM, JUNE 15 — The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has agreed to increase the Community Sports Fund (DSK) allocation for Penang after the state became one of .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 -- Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya football team has climbed to 136th place in the latest world rankings issued by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). In the latest update today, the national team has collected 1,086.22 points, moving up two places from their previous position of 138th in the world. The rise was driven by results involving other teams, including India and Latvia, as Malaysia did not play during the international window. Thailand remains Southeast Asia’s top-ranked team at 94th, ahead of Vietnam (99), Indonesia (118), the Philippines (135) and Singapore (148). Japan holds its position as Asia’s top-ranked side at 18th in the world, followed by Iran in 20th and South Korea in 25th. -- BERNAMA

Harimau Malaya Up To 136th In FIFA World Rankings After Two-place Rise

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya football team has climbed to 136th place in the latest world rankings issued by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). In .... read more

ISTANBUL, June 13 -- Mexico claimed an easy 2-0 victory on Thursday in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament, placing Mexico in an early lead in the 10th minute. Mexico dominated the rest of the half with 10 shots, with two on target, while South Africa struggled to create chances. South African Teboho Mokoena got the first yellow card of the tournament, followed shortly thereafter by Mexican Brian Gutierrez. Shortly after the second half started, South African Yaya Sithole denied Gutierrez a clear goalscoring opportunity and was sent off with the first red card of the tournament, leaving Bafana Bafana with only 10 players on the pitch. Sithole's red card was the first in a World Cup opening match since Bolivian Marco Etcheverry’s against Germany in 1994. Subbing in at minute 66, Gilberto Mora, at age 17 years and 239 days, became the youngest player to represent Mexico in the World Cup. Mexico doubled the lead with veteran striker Raul Jimenez’s header in the 67th minute. South Africa went down to 9 players when Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct in the 85th minute, the first time this had happened since Portugal and the Netherlands both had two players dismissed against each other in the 2006 round of 16. Mexican Cesar Montes got a straight red card for denying South African Khuliso Mudau a goalscoring opportunity dropping Mexico to 10 players. In the end, Mexico rose to the top of the leaderboard of Group A, while South Africa are at the bottom. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Mexico Wins Easily Against South Africa In Opening Match Of 2026 World Cup

ISTANBUL, June 12 — Mexico claimed an easy 2-0 victory on Thursday in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Julian Quinones .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 13 -- Honorary President of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin has been entrusted with the position of head of delegation and representative to the President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, for several venues of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Hamidin said he was entrusted by Infantino to ensure the smooth organisation and conduct of all matches in two cities, namely Los Angeles and San Francisco, in line with his role as a FIFA Council Member.    "I am one of the FIFA Council Members. So, this edition involves 16 distant locations and that is why I was appointed as the head of the delegation and the FIFA President's representative responsible for Los Angeles and San Francisco." "My duties include monitoring the smooth running of the matches at both venues starting from the group stage. After that, until the quarter-finals, I will be based in Los Angeles. I will also be involved until the semi-finals and finals," he said when met recently. The 2026 FIFA World Cup competition opened early this morning with the opening match of Group A between hosts Mexico and South Africa which took place at 3 am Malaysian time. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest edition in its history with the participation of 48 teams. -- BERNAMA

Hamidin given responsibility at the 2026 World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 12 — Honorary President of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin has been entrusted with the position of head of delegation and .... read more

Muhammad Shah Firdaus wins elite keirin gold, denies Azizulhasni’s formidable challenge

NILAI, Jun 10 — Johor cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom denied a great challenge from track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang to win the men’s elite keirin event at .... read more

LONDON: Serena Williams hit a serve at 193 kilometers per hour and celebrated her comeback to tennis with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 first-round doubles victory with Victoria Mboko after defeating Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe at the HSBC Championships in London, reported PA Media/dpa. Williams, 44, is 25 years older than Mboko, who is 19. The American star has not played competitively for 1,376 days since her last appearance at the 2022 US Open.     She chose Mboko, the recipient of the 2025 WTA Newcomer of the Year award, in part because the Canadian teenager reminded her of herself, Williams explained on Sunday. Her comeback, which she said was sparked by the thought of "why not?", also gave Williams the opportunity to perform in front of Olympia and Adira, her two daughters from her marriage to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian. Both of his children were present at the Andy Murray Arena, where the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion looked set to bring good luck after rain affected much of Monday's action. The weather did cause a slight delay earlier as British number one Emma Raducanu opened her grass court season with a win over Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova. However, the weather improved when Williams, Mboko and their opponents entered the ring at around 5.45pm and were greeted with thunderous applause from the standing ovation. The cheers echoed again as Williams helped the pair earn two early points to win the first game before breaking their opponent's serve in the next. In windy conditions in west London, she recorded the fastest serve of the opening set at 181 kilometres per hour on her first service game, which the North American pair also won. Williams and Mboko lost serve for the first time in the seventh game of the first set, but a  double backhand  featuring a big smile from the American helped them lead 5-4 before Williams produced the fastest serve of the set -- 193 kilometers per hour -- two games later. The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion and Mboko, who won her first WTA title as a wildcard in Montreal last year, were getting closer as they won the first set in  a tie-break . They led by a set and a  break  after the third game of the second set, which also saw the first video review challenge of the match requested by Melichar-Martinez, but without a final decision. Mboko secured  the pair's second break point  as they edged closer to victory before Williams hit two convincing service aces to secure two winning points. Although Williams said before the match that she was not too focused on the result because she had won many titles throughout her career, she clearly looked happy after securing her first victory since returning to action. -- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa

Back in action, Serena Williams won at Queen’s

LONDON: Serena Williams hit a serve at 193 kilometers per hour and celebrated her comeback to tennis with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 first-round doubles victory with Victoria Mboko after defeating .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 -- The highly anticipated friendly between English Premier League giants Chelsea FC and Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in Johor has been brought forward by two days to Aug 9. Event organiser TEG Sport said in a statement today that the fixture, originally scheduled for Aug 11, had been rescheduled following a mutual agreement between the two clubs. It said the match will still kick off at 8 pm Malaysian time at the 34,000-capacity Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri. "The decision to bring the fixture forward was made by mutual agreement between both clubs. "Both clubs have embraced the revised schedule, recognising that the earlier date provides each side with additional time to prepare for the season ahead," it added. TEG Sport also confirmed that all tickets purchased for the original date will remain valid for the rescheduled match, with ticket holders not required to exchange or update their tickets. The fixture will serve as a crucial pre-season preparation for Chelsea ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign, while offering JDT a monumental test against top-tier European opposition on home soil. Chelsea are the current FIFA Club World Cup holders and the only club to have won every major trophy in the modern era while JDT have established an era of dominance in Malaysian football, winning 12 consecutive Malaysian Super League titles alongside multiple Malaysia Cup and Malaysia FA Cup victories, as well as the AFC Cup on the continental stage. -- BERNAMA

Chelsea-JDT Friendly Brought Forward To Aug 9

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The highly anticipated friendly between English Premier League giants Chelsea FC and Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in Johor has been brought .... read more

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