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Emotional Palestinian Team Plays Australia at Kuwait in FIFA World Cup Qualifying 

Makram Daboub (2-R), head coach of Palestine, sings the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers soccer match between Lebanon and Palestine in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 16 November 2023. (EPA)
Makram Daboub (2-R), head coach of Palestine, sings the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers soccer match between Lebanon and Palestine in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 16 November 2023. (EPA)
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Emotional Palestinian Team Plays Australia at Kuwait in FIFA World Cup Qualifying 

Makram Daboub (2-R), head coach of Palestine, sings the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers soccer match between Lebanon and Palestine in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 16 November 2023. (EPA)
Makram Daboub (2-R), head coach of Palestine, sings the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers soccer match between Lebanon and Palestine in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 16 November 2023. (EPA)

An emotional Palestinian team will play Australia on Tuesday at the neutral venue of Kuwait after its World Cup qualifier was moved from the West Bank due to continuing conflict in the region.

Authorities in Kuwait are expecting a big crowd at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium with passionate support for the Palestinians, a team that has never appeared at the World Cup.

“We’re very sympathetic for everyone with what’s going on,” Australia coach Graham Arnold said of the Gaza conflict. “But again, it’s a game of football and that brings a lot of joy to everybody.”

Australia can take a big step towards the final round of qualification for soccer's 2026 World Cup if it defeats the Palestinians. After beating Bangladesh 7-0 in the opening game, the Socceroos would take control of Group I with another victory against a Palestinian team that drew 0-0 against Lebanon.

Palestinian coach Makram Daboub has been unable to call all his usual squad as three of his players were unable to get out of Gaza to report for a training camp in Jordan. Those that have made it are, the Tunisian said, struggling to focus.

“The players are in the hotel or on the bus most of the time following the news on their phones and communicating with their families,” Daboub said. “They are in a constant state of anxiety with the continued aggression and war in Palestine.”

Despite the concerns, Daboub was happy with the performance against Lebanon. “We should have won the game but it is a good point for us. We know that Australia is a strong team and we need to focus on that as best we can.”

South Korea has a much shorter journey to take on rival China in Shenzhen. Both teams won opening games in Group C with South Korea, aiming for an 11th successive World Cup appearance, beating Singapore 5-0 and China, going for a second, winning 2-1 in Thailand.

Coach Aleksandar Jankovic is expecting a tough test against South Korea, a team that China has only defeated twice in 36 past meetings. “We will be facing a world-class team. South Korea is a top team, not only in terms of Asian football, but in terms of world football, in terms of individual quality, team stability and confidence,” the Serbian said.

There were concerns over Son Heung-min who appeared to be injured late in the win over Singapore but the Tottenham Hotspur star played until the end.

“Everyone plays with some bumps and bruises,” Son, the Korean captain, said. “Playing for the national team is a tremendous honor that I’ve always dreamed about. And we have to create our own path to the World Cup. I can’t just give up just because I am hurt.”

Japan travels to Saudi Arabia to meet Syria after defeating Myanmar 5-0 for a seventh successive win that starts the campaign to reach an eighth successive World Cup. Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu still wants his team, without injured English Premier League star Kaoru Mitoma, to be more clinical.

“We have to be able to create more opportunities and reduce the amount of times we find ourselves in difficulty,” Moriyasu said.

Elsewhere India is looking to follow its 1-0 win over Kuwait with a home win against Asian champion Qatar. Saudi Arabia travels to Jordan and Iran visits Uzbekistan.

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France to Edge Out Spain for World Cup Glory, Economists Say

France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe reacts ahead of a training session at the French Football Federation's (FFF) training ground in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris on June 6, 2026, as part of the team's preparation for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (AFP)
France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe reacts ahead of a training session at the French Football Federation's (FFF) training ground in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris on June 6, 2026, as part of the team's preparation for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (AFP)
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France to Edge Out Spain for World Cup Glory, Economists Say

France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe reacts ahead of a training session at the French Football Federation's (FFF) training ground in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris on June 6, 2026, as part of the team's preparation for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (AFP)
France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe reacts ahead of a training session at the French Football Federation's (FFF) training ground in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris on June 6, 2026, as part of the team's preparation for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (AFP)

France will ‌beat Spain to lift the World Cup trophy on July 19 and five-time winners Brazil are expected to be the biggest flops, according to a Reuters survey of economists who said football was still harder to call than inflation.

For 160 respondents from nearly every continent, this poll conducted once every four years is a welcome break from their macroeconomic forecasting in an era of wars, energy shocks and revived "transitory" versus persistent inflation debates.

Their brief this time is the biggest World Cup yet - a 48-team tournament spanning 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico - the first staged across three countries.

Les Bleus drew 35% of the vote in the May 11-June 5 poll to add a third star to their badge, edging Spain on 31% - a result that would return Europe to the pinnacle of international football.

France's Didier Deschamps would become the first coach since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1938 to win two World Cups - and the only one ‌to do so ‌after also lifting the trophy as a player in 1998.

Argentina, reigning champions and top ‌of ⁠the current FIFA ⁠world rankings, Portugal and England rounded out the top five choices.

"After the disappointment of the 2022 final, France looks well equipped to go one better this time," said Cathal Kennedy, senior economist at RBC and based in London.

"The squad retains a number of members of the team that reached the final who are now reaching the peak of their careers, complemented by the emergence of some members of the Paris St Germain side."

"Added to that, they should have a well-rested Kylian Mbappe to call on for the tournament."

Mbappe, who just finished another prolific season at Real Madrid, was the poll’s pick for both the Golden Ball, awarded ⁠to the tournament’s best player, and the Golden Boot for top scorer.

He only just ‌pipped England captain Harry Kane, the European Golden Shoe winner after a ‌career-best 61-goal season with Bayern Munich.

There's likely another milestone within reach for both. Mbappe and Kane, on 12 and eight World Cup ‌goals respectively, are among those chasing German great Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16, along with Lionel Messi on ‌13.

BASIC INSTINCT

There were the dreamers. Two respondents picked Japan, one Mexico and one Morocco - any of which would make for a World Cup fairytale - among the 8% who said loyalty had guided their choices. An overwhelming 73% said they went with gut feeling.

"As with any model, the forecast was adjusted with a heavy dose of gut feel!" quipped Shannon Bold, senior economist at the Bureau of Economic Research ‌in Johannesburg.

Around 20% relied on data and models for their predictions. "The macroeconomists sat around together and created a house view," said Claudio Govender at RMB.

But for Brazil, the ⁠poll view was bleak.

Even Carlo ⁠Ancelotti’s arrival as coach has failed to lift confidence, with nearly a third picking the Selecao - quarter-final losers to Croatia in 2022 - as the biggest football powerhouse likely to disappoint, followed by England and Germany.

Norway, powered by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, may supply the drama - picked by 21% as the underdogs most likely to surprise, ahead of Japan on 15%.

The search for breakout stars was wide open. Respondents scattered their votes across 46 names, but Spain’s 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal topped the list.

France’s Mike Maignan, Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez and Spain’s Unai Simon were among the favorites for the Golden Glove, awarded to the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

COSTLY CUP

Off the pitch, organizers face a daunting logistical test as millions of fans prepare to descend on North America, with affordability already a flashpoint. Expensive tickets, accommodation and cross-country travel have raised fears this could be the costliest World Cup yet for fans.

So much for the break from inflation.

Over 60% said 2026 inflation was still easier to forecast than football’s biggest prize - though recent years have made that a low bar.

"We know when the World Cup is going to end,” said Ozan Can Turkmen at Türkiye's Sekerbank. “On the other hand, the energy supply crisis..."

Sports

Denmark’s Eriksen ‘Doing Well’ After Collapsing During Friendly

Denmark's Christian Eriksen between Ukraine's Tsygankov (L) and Ruslan Malinovskyi during the international soccer friendly match Denmark against Ukraine at Odense Stadium, in Odense, Denmark, 07 June 2026. (EPA)
Denmark's Christian Eriksen between Ukraine's Tsygankov (L) and Ruslan Malinovskyi during the international soccer friendly match Denmark against Ukraine at Odense Stadium, in Odense, Denmark, 07 June 2026. (EPA)
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Denmark’s Eriksen ‘Doing Well’ After Collapsing During Friendly

Denmark's Christian Eriksen between Ukraine's Tsygankov (L) and Ruslan Malinovskyi during the international soccer friendly match Denmark against Ukraine at Odense Stadium, in Odense, Denmark, 07 June 2026. (EPA)
Denmark's Christian Eriksen between Ukraine's Tsygankov (L) and Ruslan Malinovskyi during the international soccer friendly match Denmark against Ukraine at Odense Stadium, in Odense, Denmark, 07 June 2026. (EPA)

Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine but was later able to walk off the field, five years after suffering a cardiac arrest during the European Championship.

The 34-year-old former Manchester United midfielder, who has a type of pacemaker, fell to the ground in the 64th minute of the match in Odense on Sunday.

Medical staff rushed onto the pitch while players from both teams gathered around him to shield the scene from television or smartphone cameras.

The referee called off the match with Denmark leading 2-1 and Eriksen was subsequently taken to hospital, having been shielded by both sets of players as he walked off the pitch.

"Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances," the Danish football association wrote on social media.

Eriksen has worn a type of pacemaker since he collapsed during the group stage game against Finland at Euro 2020, which was played in 2021.

That led to him spending more than six months away from football.

Denmark's team doctor Morten Boesen said Eriksen was "doing well".

"As I see it, the pacemaker responded as it should," he said.

"He was briefly unconscious, but regained consciousness very quickly, and we were quickly in contact with him.

"He will now undergo further examinations at the hospital to determine what caused the incident.

"We are in ongoing contact with him and the doctors at the hospital.

"But Christian is doing well and he asked me to send his regards to all the players and tell them that he was OK."

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg praised the swift help his team-mate received.

"There was a throw-in and I walked calmly to the touchline. Then I turned around and I saw Christian collapse," he told Danish television station TV2.

"We know very well what that means and the reaction was extremely rapid and respectful."

Denmark coach Brian Riemer, who worked with Eriksen at Brentford, said it had been "an extremely shocking experience for everyone, the staff, the players and the opponents".

He said: "He's someone who counts a lot for me. You're closer to certain players than others and he was one of the ones I got close to at Brentford."

- 'Really awful' -

When Eriksen suffered his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, the match resumed, with Finland winning 1-0.

Eriksen continued his career seven months later at Brentford in the Premier League, having been forced to leave Inter Milan because of Italy's rules against playing with a pacemaker.

He went on to join Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup and League Cup, and now plays for Wolfsburg in Germany, where he has another year to run on his contract.

He also returned to international football, playing for Denmark at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Euro 2024 in Germany.

Denmark have not qualified for the World Cup in North America, which starts next week.

Former Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner said the latest incident had been "really awful" but was relieved Eriksen was conscious.

"The main thing is that he was able to walk off by himself because that makes you think he's doing OK given the circumstances," Bendtner told TV2.

"But these are terrible images that outweigh the rest of the evening.

"It's the second time it's happened and as a friend of Christian's, it's really awful."

Sports

Roland Garros Winner Zverev: Cramps Helped me Shed Mental Weight

07 June 2026, France, Paris: German tennis player Alexander Zverev celebrates his victory with the trophy after defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli during their Men's Singles Final match of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros complex. Photo: Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
07 June 2026, France, Paris: German tennis player Alexander Zverev celebrates his victory with the trophy after defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli during their Men's Singles Final match of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros complex. Photo: Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Roland Garros Winner Zverev: Cramps Helped me Shed Mental Weight

07 June 2026, France, Paris: German tennis player Alexander Zverev celebrates his victory with the trophy after defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli during their Men's Singles Final match of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros complex. Photo: Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
07 June 2026, France, Paris: German tennis player Alexander Zverev celebrates his victory with the trophy after defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli during their Men's Singles Final match of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros complex. Photo: Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Cramping in the fourth set of the French Open final was the best thing that could have happened to Alexander Zverev on Sunday, freeing him from his mental struggles as he went on to secure his first Grand Slam title.

"With Jannik going out, Novak going out, I managed to stay composed. But then today I feel I didn't manage so well. I was nervous but it's also human," Zverev told a press conference after beating Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7(5) 6-1.

The German second seed was the overwhelming favorite for the title after world number one Jannik Sinner was knocked out in the second round and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic exited the tournament in the third, leaving him under immense pressure to win after three defeats in major finals.

Zverev admitted the cramps stemmed from ⁠nervousness but they ⁠ended up being a blessing in disguise.

"The cramps helped me because in the end it helped my mind let go," Reuters quoted him as saying. "That's why I played the fifth set the way I did."

After years of injuries, heartbreak and near-misses, Zverev finally stood on Court Philippe Chatrier as a Grand Slam champion and reflected on the long road that has led him to one of tennis's biggest prizes.

"We've been through so much through injuries, through heartbreak, through losses," an emotional Zverev told his team during the trophy ceremony.

"We've been losers at some moments, but we're Grand Slam ⁠champions now. That's what counts."

The German's triumph completed one of the sport's most arduous journeys to a major title.

Four years after leaving Roland Garros in a wheelchair with seven broken bones in his foot and two years after suffering the agony of being beaten in the Paris final by Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev finally claimed the trophy that had long eluded him.

The 29-year-old paid tribute to the team that had remained by his side through the setbacks, joking that he could not get rid of either his father, who has coached him throughout his career, or his brother Mischa. He also thanked his physical trainer, who has worked with him since 2014.

"I probably have the longest-lasting team and coach on the tour," he said.

Zverev also reserved warm words for Cobolli, whose breakthrough fortnight ended one win short of a dream first Grand Slam title.

"From the bottom of my ⁠heart, I hope you ⁠lift this trophy very soon," Zverev told the Italian. "You're one of the best people on tour."

Cobolli praised Zverev after spending a few minutes trying to digest the five-set loss.

"I'm happy for you but I'm also sad because I was close and I feel it now that you (have) achieved your dream, let me win the next time," the Italian said before his compatriot Adriano Panatta, the last Italian man to win Roland Garros in 1976, handed the Musketeers Cup to Zverev.

"It's been the best week of my life. I always watch Roland Garros on TV, not you Adriano because I wasn't born but it's been a privilege and an honor to have you here. I felt a little pressure on my side, it's always tough to play in front of you."

Cobolli also thanked his blue-clad supporters.

"I wanna say thanks to the blue wall behind me. I cannot look at you otherwise I'll cry," he said.

"I just wanna ask you one thing: so I wanna see all the smiles from you guys because it's been fantastic to be with you. Thank you for coming. My mum is still alive so I'm happy."