Slow starts at the World Cup: Are they a real concern?
Spain arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites, so a goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde in their opening game came as a surprise.
It was a result that set off alarm bells, but Spain have now reached the World Cup final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2010.
A slow start can quickly change how a team is viewed, but history suggests an early stumble is not always the warning sign it appears to be.
Rounders news: Eldwick overpowered by red-hot Horsforth Hawks Reds
The Sports News Blitz-sponsored Horsforth Hawks Reds rounders team secured a statement win against one of the toughest sides in the league on Wednesday evening.
While England were toiling against Lionel Messi and his Argentina team-mates, the Hawks Reds put on a performance full of power, skill and tactical nous, beating Eldwick All Rounders 22–9.
England player ratings as Argentina end World Cup dream with semi-final comeback
England's World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end as Argentina came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals.
Thomas Tuchel's side looked on course for the final after leading until the closing minutes of normal time, but the holders produced a late turnaround to book their place in another World Cup final.
England impressed for long spells, pressing aggressively and limiting Argentina's attacking threat before the momentum swung in Argentina's favour late in the game.
The 2026 Open: Faldo dismisses DeChambeau’s chances of Royal Birkdale glory
Big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau feels he has a ‘chance’ of lifting the Claret Jug at the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale - but Sir Nick Faldo does not feel he has the right strategy to win.
American DeChambeau is best known for his power and distance off the tee - but links golf demands accuracy and touch over striving to find the fairways.
Bookmakers rate the 32-year-old as a 66/1 chance for glory on Sunday, and he is in confident mood, telling Live At The Range in the build-up: "This is a tough golf course; I like it.
European Athletics introduces new guidelines to protect female athletes from sexualised TV coverage
European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have introduced new broadcasting guidelines aimed at reducing the sexualisation of female athletes during television coverage.
The recommendations encourage broadcasters to focus on athletic performance rather than camera angles or slow-motion replays that unnecessarily draw attention to athletes' bodies.
The move comes after years of complaints from competitors who said certain broadcast images had left them feeling uncomfortable and had even led to online abuse.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Preview, predictions and more ahead of the semi-finals
Following the action-packed quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland, the FIFA World Cup semi-final line-up has been set in stone, with four footballing giants one victory away from the final.
From tactical masterclasses to individual brilliance, the semi-finals promise two of the biggest contests of the tournament, writes Sports News Blitz’s Juliette White.
Football Games To Play Before The World Cup Is Out
With the World Cup only coming around once every four years, it’s a period in time to savour. Once the group games are over, the wait between fixtures in the knockout stages can feel painfully long. Thankfully, there’s a raft of ways to keep that football buzz going, with one of them being to play some football-themed games.
Video games remain the obvious go-to, but plenty of football fans are also exploring football-themed casino games to fill the gaps between matches. With many football and World Cup-themed titles out there, it won’t take long for a player to settle on their favourite online slots game to play throughout the tournament.
ATP 2026: Jannik Sinner takes Wimbledon crown as Brits excel in Challengers
The Wimbledon Championships have long been the highlight of the grass-court tennis calendar, with the court's condition arguably resembling sand more than grass by the final day!
The 2026 edition delivered plenty of drama, with world #1 Jannik Sinner successfully defending his title in the men’s singles.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer and tennis fan AJ Becker takes a closer look at Sinner’s success, as well as the fortunes of British players in simultaneous Challenger events.
Run Fast Racing is modernizing the thoroughbred ownership experience
Run Fast Racing, the celebrity-backed thoroughbred ownership group founded by entrepreneur and entertainment executive Adam Kluger alongside partners Lil Wayne, Rauw Alejandro and Lil Yachty, has launched Direct Pay.
Direct Pay is a feature designed to simplify and modernize the horse-ownership experience by allowing owners to receive cash payouts directly to their bank account when any horse in the stable wins.
UFC 329 analysis: Reaction to Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway; Paddy Pimblett’s win and more
The UFC hosted one of their most-anticipated events of the year on July 12, which produced the biggest gate of all time: UFC 329, at T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas Nevada.
The headliner of the event saw the return of the biggest star in mixed martial arts, Conor McGregor, take on the surging contender Max Holloway in a long-awaited rematch after the Irishman won via unanimous decision 13 years ago.
Rising superstar Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett took on the relentlessly violent, French ex-soldier Benoit Saint-Denis.
Cricket betting tips: Best bets for England vs India ODI and Major League Cricket
England and India switch gears from T20 cricket to the 50-over format as the first ODI gets underway at Edgbaston on Tuesday, while Major League Cricket reaches its playoff stage with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma picks out the best bets, player markets and value angles.
Liverpool news: New beginnings, high expectations after Andoni Iraola’s first Reds press conference
Andoni Iraola has made his first press appearance in Liverpool red as the Spaniard begins a two-year contract at Anfield. Iraola spoke to the media on Monday, 13 July for the first time since being announced as Liverpool’s new head coach in late May.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Juliette White takes a look at what Iraola had to say.
Soccer news: Paolo Maldini to lead revamp of Italian national team set-up alongside Leonardo
Paolo Maldini has officially been appointed as the new technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and will be joined by former AC Milan team-mate Leonardo as special advisor.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a closer look at Maldini’s appointment and what it means for the FIGC and national set-up moving forward.
Premier League analysis: A detailed look at Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage officially began work at the club on July 6, with the majority of the squad returning from World Cup duty, but how will the Frenchman shape up heading into the new Premier League season?
Coming off the back of a successful Ligue 1 campaign and a historic Coupe de France triumph, Sage joins Palace hoping to mirror that success, particularly in the highly anticipated Europa League, after signing a deal to remain in south London until 2029.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman takes a look at everything you need to know about the new boss, including his tactics, recruitment and career so far.
Padel news: First-ever professional tournament proves Northern Ireland is ready for world-class padel
Northern Ireland has underlined its credentials as an emerging destination for professional padel following the successful staging of its first-ever professional tournament last week.
Almost 1,000 spectators attended the FIP Silver R3 Bullpadel Cup – NI Open at Padel54 in Moira, where world-class players from across Europe competed in the highest level of professional padel ever staged on the island of Ireland.
Manchester United missing out on Mateus Fernandes is a bigger warning sign than it looks
Manchester United’s failure to land Mateus Fernandes has sparked frustration among supporters who feel the club is repeating old mistakes.
Tottenham Hotspur have stepped in and agreed a deal, leaving United once again empty-handed in a key midfield chase.
The situation has quickly become about more than one transfer. It is now being seen as a wider reflection of how the club is being run.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo delves into why this particular miss could carry more weight than it first appears.
The Tactical Evolution of IPL: From Power Hitting to Data-Driven Strategy
IPL strategy now runs on power hitting, matchup bowling, Impact Player depth, live data, and sharper decisions under pressure.
Cricket analysis: Ben Stokes retires - Five of the England star’s greatest Test moments
England captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from Test cricket in typically dramatic fashion during England’s defeat to New Zealand in the final Test match of the series.
The announcement came whilst England were fielding on day four, with Stokes taking a wicket the ball after it was made public.
The modern day great retires with 122 Test caps and is only the second man to score more than 7000 Test runs and take over 250 Test wickets, alongside South Africa’s Jacques Kallis.
A man who isn’t just known for his numbers, Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Hibbert takes a look at five moments from his Test career that have made him one of the greatest all-rounders to play the game.
World Cup 2026, Wimbledon, UFC 329, Tour de France – Your guide to the ultimate sports weekend
This weekend, fans will be glued to their screens as numerous sports collide, from World Cup 2026 and Wimbledon to the UFC and Tour de France.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stan Cheeseman offers a guide to the ultimate sporting extravaganza.
World Cup 2026 quarter-finals betting tips: Jude Bellingham to shine for England again and more
After conquering Mexico’s Azteca fortress, all eyes are now on Miami and England’s quarter-final date with Norway.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the quarter-finals - including the big one on Saturday, July 11 - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.