Sweden's national football team will look to maintain their perfect record in Group F at the FIFA World Cup when they face the Netherlands on Saturday. A positive result would confirm their place in the round of 16. Japan are also in action, chasing their first victory of the tournament.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup produced one of football's most politically charged moments, but the 2025 tournament has eclipsed it: for the first time in World Cup history, the host nation is actively at war with one of the participating teams. The United States, which began bombing Iran in late February, is hosting a tournament that includes the Iranian national team — a situation without precedent in the sport's history. Iran's participation remained uncertain for an extended period following the outbreak of hostilities, and the Trump administration has continued to complicate the team's situation as much as possible, even as Iran ultimately qualified and arrived to compete. Despite the extraordinary political backdrop, the two nations are set to play each other in the group stage, recreating — under far more tense circumstances — the famous Iran-USA match from the 1998 World Cup in France, which was widely remembered for a rare gesture of sportsmanship and mutual respect between players from two deeply hostile nations. The 1998 encounter between Iran and the United States came at a time of deep diplomatic estrangement between the two countries, yet the match was notable for its display of goodwill on the pitch, standing as a symbol that sport could momentarily transcend geopolitical conflict. Whether the 2025 edition can produce a similar moment — against the backdrop of an active military conflict — remains to be seen, but the match is already being watched closely by audiences worldwide.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has opened up about a difficult personal period following his career-defining playoff performance with the Vegas Golden Knights. Marner, who spent his first season with Vegas, reached the later rounds of the NHL playoffs for the first time in his career — a milestone that had eluded him during his long tenure with Toronto. His performance was so impressive that when journalists cast votes for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player of the NHL playoffs, some gave their votes to Marner despite the award ultimately being contested among Carolina Hurricanes players. Marner finished the playoff run with 29 points, underlining his impact on the team. The Slovak-covered story highlights Marner's admission that he endured dark personal periods during this stretch, saying that focusing on hockey was difficult at times. Now re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Marner appears to have turned a corner both personally and professionally, returning to the franchise where he spent the bulk of his NHL career with renewed confidence after finally experiencing deep playoff success.
Lionel Messi and Jonathan David share the lead in the top scorers' standings at the FIFA World Cup after seven matchdays, each having netted three goals in the tournament so far.
Mexico became the first team to advance from their group after defeating South Korea 1-0. Mexico will conclude their group stage campaign on Thursday, June 25, at 3:00 a.m. Central European Summer Time with a match against the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné was carried off the field on a stretcher and taken to hospital during a FIFA Club World Cup group stage match in Vancouver, with surgery expected. The 24-year-old, who plays for Italian club Sassuolo, suffered the injury in the 51st minute of a Group B match following a challenge by Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo.
Canada defeated Qatar 6-0 in a commanding performance, with the outcome all but decided before halftime. The Canadians raced to a two-goal lead within the first 30 minutes, with goals from Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. David went on to complete a hat-trick, scoring three goals in the match.
Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League Group B match. The Swiss side dominated from the start, pressing high up the pitch and creating problems for their opponents. Switzerland's Ndoye had the first clear chance in the 10th minute, shooting toward the near post but hitting only the side netting, before the Swiss went on to secure a commanding victory.
Cristian Chivu has signed a new contract with Inter Milan, extending his role as the club's coach until 2028. Chivu, a former Romanian international defender who spent several years at Inter as a player, has been working within the club's coaching setup and will now continue in his managerial capacity at the Italian football giant for the coming years.
Liverpool have completed the signing of Spanish international winger Muñoz from Spanish club Osasuna for €40 million. The player is currently representing Spain at the FIFA World Cup, being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will join the English Premier League club following the tournament. Liverpool, one of England's most decorated football clubs, add the Spanish international to their squad as part of their summer transfer activity.
The Czech Republic were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in the second round of Group A action in Atlanta. The Czechs, who had taken the lead, were pegged back in the 83rd minute when Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty kick to earn South Africa a point.
The field for the Slovak Darts Open tournament is now complete after four players advanced through qualifying rounds. Dudek, Sliacky, Holub, and Varaljay secured their spots in the main draw of the darts competition, rounding out the list of participants for the event.
Austrian footballer Stefan Posch will continue competing at the international tournament despite suffering a broken jaw. Posch sustained the injury during a collision with Odeh Al-Fakhouri in Austria's opening Group J match against Jordan, a game Austria won 3-1. The defender's decision to remain with the squad despite the fracture underscores his commitment to the tournament.
Jorge Messi, 68, the father of football star Lionel Messi, is recovering from unspecified health problems, his family announced Thursday. No further details about the nature of his condition were disclosed.
FC Spartak Trnava, a top-flight Slovak football club known as the 'White Angels,' has announced the signing of Dutch player Wildeboer. The player has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year, becoming the club's latest addition to their squad.
The Washington Capitals have signed head coach Spencer Carbery to a new long-term contract, securing the 44-year-old behind the bench for the foreseeable future. Carbery has led the NHL franchise since May 2023. Among the players under his guidance is Slovak defenseman Martin Fehérváry, who plays a regular role on the Capitals' blue line.
Cristiano Ronaldo's performances at the FIFA World Cup have drawn sharp criticism from media outlets, with commentators describing the Portuguese star as 'an empty shell without a soul' and calling on football fans to finally acknowledge Lionel Messi as the sport's greatest player. The renewed debate comes as a statistical comparison of top strikers at the tournament highlighted a contrast in the two icons' contributions, fueling the long-running rivalry between supporters of both players. The Ronaldo-versus-Messi debate has divided football fans for nearly two decades, with both players having dominated the sport and accumulated record-breaking individual awards. World Cup performances are often cited as the defining measure in the argument, with Messi's Argentina and Ronaldo's Portugal among the most closely watched teams in the competition.
Slovakia's longest cable car is set to launch the summer tourist and cycling season, offering visitors access to mountain trails and routes in the region. Local guides will present area trails to help tourists and cyclists explore the surrounding landscape. The cable car serves as a key gateway for outdoor recreation in the area, drawing both domestic and international visitors during the warmer months.
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an unwanted milestone, going without a goal at a major international tournament since scoring a penalty against Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — his last goal at a major international competition to date.
Ibrahima Konaté has signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid, the Spanish football giants confirmed. The defender had been playing for English Premier League club Liverpool since 2021 but was unable to agree on a contract extension with the club, making him available as a free agent. Real Madrid, one of the most decorated clubs in world football, secured his signature as he moves from Anfield to the Santiago Bernabéu.