Sports

The Thursday Times’ Sports section captures the thrill, drama, and stories behind the game. With in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews, and global coverage, The Thursday Times brings readers closer to the athletes, teams, and moments that shape the world of sports, celebrating victories and exploring the challenges that define each competition.

Argentina stun England with dramatic late comeback to reach World Cup Final

Argentina scored twice in the final minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback over England in Atlanta and advance to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
Football

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the 2026 World Cup final, scoring in the 22nd and 58th minutes behind a clean sheet from Unai Simón. France had more shots but no way through. Spain play the final on 19 July.
Football

Argentina survive Egypt scare to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Goals in the 79th, 83rd and 90th minutes completed a stunning comeback. Messi and Argentina are in the quarter-finals.
Football

Norway stun Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals

Norway stunned Brazil 2-0 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with goals in the 79th and 90th minutes. Norway dominated with 67% possession. Haaland and Odegaard starred. Brazil are out.
Football

Mbappé double drives France past Senegal in World Cup opener

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup Group I opener, with Bradley Barcola also on target after Senegal missed big first-half chances.
Football

PSG win the Champions League, defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties

PSG are back-to-back Champions League champions after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties in Budapest. Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead before Dembele equalised. Neither side could find a winner in 120 minutes. PSG held their nerve in the shootout. The Thursday Times reports.
Football

RedBird begins AC Milan reset after Champions League failure

AC Milan have confirmed the immediate departures of Giorgio Furlani, Igli Tare, Massimiliano Allegri and Geoffrey Moncada as RedBird begins a major reset after a failed season.
Football

Cristiano Ronaldo wins his first Saudi Pro League Title with Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr beat Damac 4-1 on the final day of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season to win the title by two points over Al Hilal. The 41-year-old reached 973 career goals and ended a six-year wait for a major club trophy. Portugal and the World Cup are next.
Football

ٹی ٹوئنٹی ورلڈ کپ 2026 میں پاک بھارت ٹاکرا؛ کس کا پلڑا بھاری ہے اور کون بازی مارے گا؟

ٹی ٹوئنٹی ورلڈ کپ 2026 میں پاک بھارت ٹاکرا؛ اب تک کس کا پلڑا بھاری رہا، کون سے کھلاڑیوں نے نمایاں کارکردگی کا مظاہرہ کیا اور ناقص کارکردگی دکھانے والوں میں سرِفہرست جگہ بنانے والے کون ہیں؟
Cricket

ٹی ٹوئنٹی ورلڈ کپ؛ پاکستان کا اصولی فیصلہ، بنگلہ دیشی مؤقف کی حمایت اور کرکٹ میں دوہرے معیار کے خلاف واضح پیغام

ٹی ٹوئنٹی ورلڈ کپ میں شرکت اور بھارت کے خلاف میچ کا بائیکاٹ؛ بنگلہ دیشی مؤقف کی حمایت میں پاکستان کا قومی وقار، اصولی مؤقف اور کھلاڑیوں کی سلامتی کے پیشِ نظر فیصلہ عالمی کرکٹ میں عدم مساوات اور دوہرے معیار کے خلاف واضح پیغام ہے۔
Cricket

পাকিস্তান টি-টোয়েন্টি বিশ্বকাপ ২০২৬-এ অংশগ্রহণের ঘোষণা দিল, তবে ভারতের বিপক্ষে ম্যাচ খেলবে না

পাকিস্তান টি-টোয়েন্টি বিশ্বকাপ ২০২৬-এ অংশ নেবে, তবে জাতীয় দল ১৫ ফেব্রুয়ারি ভারতের বিপক্ষে নির্ধারিত ম্যাচে অংশগ্রহণ করবে না। বাংলাদেশের অংশগ্রহণে অস্বীকৃতির পর পাকিস্তান এই সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছে জাতীয় স্বার্থ, খেলোয়াড়দের নিরাপত্তা এবং নীতিগত অবস্থানের ভিত্তিতে।
Cricket

Pakistan enters T20 world cup 2026 but will not play India

Pakistan has confirmed its participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, but the national team will not take the field against India on 15 February, with officials citing national interest, player safety and a principled position after Bangladesh declined to participate.
Cricket

Football Association of Ireland (FAI) votes to call on UEFA to ban Israel from European football

In Dublin, the Football Association of Ireland voted to call on UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association from all European competitions, citing clubs operating in occupied territories and alleged failures to enforce anti-racism rules. The motion passed with strong support and mirrors UEFA’s earlier stance on Russia.
Football

Ronaldo to stay in Saudi Arabia with fresh two-year Al-Nassr contract

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to extend his contract with Al-Nassr after weeks of speculation about his future, as the club simultaneously works to sign Casemiro and find a new manager following Pioli’s exit.
Football