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World News / International

Neymar set to miss World Cup opener after calf injury

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Neymar set

SAO PAULO: Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendly matches and is expected to miss the World Cup opener after scans confirmed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Thursday.

CBF team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the 34-year-old forward would require two to three weeks of recovery following medical assessments at the national team camp.

“Neymar reported for duty yesterday here at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade-two calf injury,” Lasmar said. “He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks.”

The doctor did not confirm whether Neymar could be dropped from the squad.

Neymar joined the national squad on Tuesday but missed Wednesday’s training session after complaining of swelling in his right calf. He was later sent for imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresópolis.

Medical scans confirmed a Grade 2 calf strain, which involves a partial tear of muscle fibres and requires rest and rehabilitation, differing from earlier assessments by his club Santos, which had described the issue as simple swelling.

As a result, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracanã and the following match against Egypt in Cleveland. He is also unlikely to feature in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.

Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, are placed in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Ancelotti has already been dealing with several absences, including defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos and forward Gabriel Martinelli, who were unavailable due to Champions League commitments.

Neymar’s recall last week had generated excitement after he had been left out of Ancelotti’s plans during his first year in charge. The forward has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances but has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years.

Brazil will now proceed with their preparations without their star forward.

Iran expects FIFA help on US visas ahead of World Cup

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Iran expects

TEHRAN: Iran Football Federation expects FIFA to facilitate multiple-entry visas for the Iranian national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, federation president Mehdi Taj said on Thursday.

“FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter the United States and return to Mexico,” Taj said in remarks broadcast by Iranian media.

Known as Team Melli, the Iranian squad had initially planned to set up its training base in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. However, the team later shifted its camp to Tijuana, Mexico, which will co-host the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

West Indies announce Test series schedule against Pakistan

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West Indies

ST JOHN’S: Cricket West Indies has announced the schedule for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, confirming fixtures to be played in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Pakistan national cricket team will tour the West Indies in July for a two-Test series, with both matches scheduled in Trinidad.

The first Test will be played from July 25 to 29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, marking the first-ever Test match to be hosted at the venue.

The second and final Test of the series will take place from August 2 to 6 at Queen’s Park Oval.

UN report raises alarm over extreme heat in 2027

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UN report

UNITED NATIONS: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that global average temperatures are likely to remain at record-high levels or increase further between 2026 and 2030, with the possibility of a new hottest year on record in the coming years.

In its latest outlook, the UN weather agency said 11 of the hottest years on record have occurred since 2015, and the trend is expected to continue in the years ahead.

The report said there is a 75% chance that the global average temperature between 2026 and 2030 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels at least temporarily. Scientists say this threshold, set under the Paris Agreement, is critical to limiting dangerous climate change.

The WMO also said there is an 86% probability that at least one year during the 2026–2030 period will surpass 2024 and become the hottest year on record.

The agency noted that an El Niño weather pattern is likely to re-emerge by the end of 2026, potentially pushing global temperatures higher in 2027. El Niño is known to intensify heatwaves, droughts, storms and disrupt global weather systems.

Meanwhile, several European countries are already experiencing extreme heat, with the United Kingdom and France recording multiple temperature highs for May.

The report further warned that the Arctic region could warm at a rate three times faster than the global average over the next five years, accelerating ice melt and raising sea levels.

Experts said that without significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world could face more severe climate crises, including food shortages, water scarcity and natural disasters.

Cooper Connolly replaces injured Mitchell Marsh in Australia ODI squad

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Cooper Connolly

SYDNEY: Australia Captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Australian media reported.

In his place, Cooper Connolly has been included in the Kangaroos squad for the series.

Marsh, who was expected to captain Australia in the ODI series, will miss the tour after sustaining the injury.

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been named captain in Marsh’s absence for the three-match series.

The first ODI between Pakistan and Australia will be played on May 30 in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are scheduled to take place in Lahore.

Australia made the squad change following Marsh’s unavailability as the team prepares for the limited-overs series in Pakistan.

Mitchell Marsh misses Pakistan ODI series due to injury

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Mitchell Marsh

SYDNEY: Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day international series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will take over the captaincy duties for the visiting side during the series.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan national cricket team and Australia is scheduled to begin on May 30 in Rawalpindi, with the remaining matches set for June 2 and June 4 in Lahore.

According to Cricket Australia, Marsh missed the final match for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League due to the injury.

Officials said Marsh will remain in Perth for treatment and further medical assessment, with his availability for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh to be decided later.

Cricket Australia said Inglis will lead the side in Marsh’s absence as the team prepares for the tour of Pakistan.

Trump summons key Cabinet meeting at Camp David amid rising US-Iran tensions

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Trump summons

WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump has called an important Cabinet meeting at Camp David amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, sparking renewed political debate in Washington.

According to U.S. media reports, the meeting is expected to focus on the ongoing conflict with Iran, the American economy and the government’s crackdown on fraud and corruption-related activities.

However, reports also suggested that severe weather conditions could potentially affect or delay the gathering.

Sources said all Cabinet members are expected to attend, including outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who has recently played a key role in discussions surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran.

During a recent hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard was asked whether she had warned the president about the possible consequences of U.S. actions against Iran, including concerns over a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

She responded cautiously, saying intelligence agencies are not responsible for declaring whether a threat is immediate.

Tensions have intensified following recent U.S. operations involving Iran, while the administration is facing mounting pressure from Congress and other political circles.

Several senators are seeking clarification on the intelligence assessments that formed the basis for decisions related to strikes against Iran.

Political analysts say the Camp David meeting is likely to go beyond military and security concerns and may also address oil prices, inflation, domestic political pressures and public concerns ahead of upcoming midterm elections.

Marco Rubio says Iran deal could take days as US launches fresh strikes

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Marco Rubio

US Sectary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that a possible agreement with Iran could take several more days to finalize, as negotiations continue in Qatar amid rising regional tensions.

Speaking to reporters in the Indian city of Jaipur, Rubio said discussions with Iranian officials were ongoing and both sides were continuing talks over the language and key points of an initial framework document.

Rubio said President Donald Trump wants an agreement but stressed that any deal must serve U.S. interests.

He also emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open because of its critical role in global trade and energy shipments.

Meanwhile, the United States Central Command claimed American forces carried out new strikes in southern Iran targeting missile-launch sites and boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines.

According to U.S. officials, the operations were conducted in defense of American troops and targeted locations reportedly linked to attempts to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, though Iranian authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the U.S. claims.

At the same time, a new round of negotiations between Iranian negotiators and other officials is underway in Doha.

Reports said discussions are focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, an extension of the ceasefire, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles and the release of frozen Iranian funds.

Injustice and ungratefulness lead to loss of blessings, says Hajj sermon

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Injustice and

MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia: The Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Hudhaifi, delivered the annual Hajj sermon at Masjid Namirah, calling on Muslims to worship none but Allah, uphold piety, and fear only Allah.

Addressing millions of pilgrims gathered in the Plain of Arafat, the imam stressed the importance of patience during hardship, saying that Allah has promised great reward for those who remain steadfast.

He said adherence to monotheism (Tawheed) is an essential part of faith and reaffirmed that Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) is the final messenger of Allah.

The sermon emphasized gratitude to Allah, urging believers to make use of His blessings and warning that past nations lost divine favors due to injustice and ingratitude.

The imam also urged Muslims to speak truthfully, avoid falsehood, establish regular prayers, and remain engaged in worship and remembrance of God.

He said the relationship between a believer and Allah is the source of salvation and called on pilgrims to remain united and avoid any form of conflict that could harm the unity of the Muslim community.

Pilgrims were instructed to perform Hajj rituals in the best possible manner, with prayers for forgiveness and acceptance of their deeds.

He further reminded worshippers that Allah alone answers prayers and forgives sins, praying for guidance and mercy for the Muslim world.

Millions of pilgrims listened to the sermon in Arafat, where special prayers were also offered for the Muslim Ummah. After the sermon, Dhuhr and Asr prayers were performed together at Masjid Namirah.

Spain reveal surprise-filled squad for upcoming World Cup

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Spain reveal

MADRID: European champion Spain national football team has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with no players from Real Madrid CF included in the selection.

It marks the first time in Spain’s history that the national team will compete in a World Cup without a single Real Madrid player in the squad.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente built much of his squad around players from FC Barcelona.

Eight Barcelona players were selected, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.

Meanwhile, notable Real Madrid players such as Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal failed to make the final squad.

Explaining the decision, De la Fuente said player selection was based on commitment to the national team rather than club affiliation.

“We only want players who feel proud to represent Spain,” the coach said.

The squad also includes seven players currently playing in the Premier League.

De la Fuente also expressed confidence over the fitness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, saying all players are expected to be fully fit before the tournament begins.