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.
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.
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.
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.
From Portugal to Belgium: Spain World Cup Odds in the Quarter-finals
The World Cup quarter-finals are rarely one-dimensional, and Spain vs Belgium is no different.
Spain has seen its way to the quarters through discipline and, more recently, a certain amount of luck, while Belgium has found its attacking edge at just the right time.
It's these contrasting themes that make this particular tie so compelling, as one of the most disciplined teams in the world meets an opponent seemingly primed to strike when the game opens up.
How World Cup football has changed: Then vs now
Football's greatest tournament has come a long way since Uruguay lifted the first World Cup trophy in 1930.
The competition has grown from 13 nations to 48, the way the game is played has been transformed tactically, and even how fans engage, from football betting markets optimised for mobile users to live data feeds on their phones, has shifted beyond recognition.
World Cup 2026 analysis: A thrilling Round of 16 wraps up as nations cement their place in the last eight
As the number of teams remaining in the World Cup knockout stages is halved once again, eight nations, some familiar and some new faces such as Norway, have secured their spots in the quarter-finals.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman looks at the key moments, summarising the quality, controversy and late drama throughout the recent match-ups.
Wimbledon 2026 news: Ten biggest talking points as Sinner, Djokovic advance and Arthur Fery shines
The Wimbledon Championships have long been the highlight of the grass-court tennis calendar, and the 2026 edition has delivered plenty of drama, quality, and shocks in the men’s singles.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer and tennis fan AJ Becker takes a closer look at 10 notable stories from the past nine days at SW19.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Looking at England’s magnificent Mexico win and five of England’s most iconic World Cup victories
Thomas Tuchel’s England reached new heights as they beat Mexico 3-2 on Monday to set up a quarter-final tie against Norway.
Despite being the far better team on paper, many had suggested England would struggle to win against a Mexico side co-hosting the World Cup and playing in their iconic Azteca Stadium, with its extreme conditions and unrelenting atmosphere.
Jude Bellingham put England 2-0 up after a brace in two minutes, but Julian Quinones pulled one back before half-time to give the Mexicans hope.
Despite Jarell Quansah’s red card, when Harry Kane scored a penalty in the second half to make it 3-1 England looked safe, until Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot.
Cricket betting tips: Best bets for England vs India T20I and Major League Cricket
England and India continue their high-octane T20I series at Trent Bridge, while Major League Cricket serves up a blockbuster clash between MI New York and San Francisco Unicorns this week.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays and key betting angles.