Sports
Spain fine-tune World Cup ambitions against Iraq in A Coruna
Spain’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in earnest Thursday when the reigning European champions host Iraq in a friendly at Estadio Municipal de Riazor in A Coruña, the first of two final tune-up matches before heading to North America.
Ranked second in the world behind France, Spain arrive at the tournament carrying heightened expectations after a dominant run under coach Luis de la Fuente.
La Roja are among the leading contenders to lift football’s most coveted trophy and are aiming to capture their first World Cup title since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
That success has not been followed by similar achievements on the global stage.
Spain exited in the group phase in 2014 and suffered consecutive round-of-16 eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Yet the current generation appears poised to challenge for the title after winning Euro 2024 and cruising through World Cup qualifying unbeaten with five wins and one draw, finishing ahead of Türkiye, Georgia and Bulgaria.
Consistency has become Spain’s hallmark. Over the last 27 months, De la Fuente’s side have lost just once in 28 international matches across all competitions, posting 22 victories and five draws. Their only setback came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, where they fell to Portugal in a penalty shootout.
Thursday’s match also offers Spain one final opportunity to play in front of home supporters before departing for Mexico, where they will face Peru in their last warm-up fixture. Spain are unbeaten in their previous 16 home internationals and will be eager to continue that streak after being held to a scoreless draw by Egypt in March.
For Iraq, the match represents another important step in a remarkable journey back to football’s biggest stage. The Lions of Mesopotamia have qualified for only their second World Cup and their first since 1986, when they lost all three group-stage matches in Mexico.
Their qualification campaign was a lengthy one, requiring them to navigate three AFC qualifying rounds before defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in April to secure a place in the tournament.
Since Australian coach Graham Arnold took charge, Iraq have shown signs of progress, winning nine of their last 14 matches while recording two draws and three defeats. Although they closed 2025 with losses to Algeria and Jordan at the Arab Cup, they responded with victories over Bolivia and Andorra, defeating the latter 1-0 in their most recent outing.
The challenge awaiting Iraq in North America is formidable. They have been drawn into Group I alongside top-ranked France, African powerhouse Senegal and Norway, led by prolific striker Erling Haaland. Iraq will open their campaign against Norway on June 16.
History offers little encouragement. The only previous meeting between Spain and Iraq came at the 2009 Confederations Cup, where Spain secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from David Villa. While Thursday’s encounter carries no competitive stakes, Iraq enter as clear underdogs against one of the tournament favorites.
Spain may rotate several key players as De la Fuente manages workloads ahead of the World Cup. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal remains doubtful with a hamstring issue, while Nico Williams and Mikel Merino are also recovering from injuries.
Goalkeeper David Raya, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Paris Saint-Germain star Fabian Ruiz were involved in last weekend’s Champions League final and could be rested. If so, Unai Simon is expected to start in goal.
Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill, the only uncapped player in the Spanish squad, could make his senior international debut. The 22-year-old is competing for a starting role alongside Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte in central defense.
Captain Rodri is available but is unlikely to play the full match as Spain carefully manages his fitness. Midfielders Gavi and Pedri, along with attacking options Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, are also expected to feature.
Iraq captain Jalal Hassan could earn his 101st international appearance in goal and may be shielded by a defensive line featuring Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim and Merchas Doski.
In midfield, former Manchester United prospect Zidane Iqbal is battling for a starting place alongside Amir Al-Ammari, Aimar Sher and Kevin Yakob. Up front, Iraq will look to experienced striker Aymen Hussein, who has scored 33 goals in 93 appearances for his country, with Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi expected to provide support.
L’Etape Marmaris by Tour de France will bring one of the world’s most recognized amateur cycling series to the southwestern Turkish coast on June 6-7, 2026, turning the resort district of Marmaris into a two-day showcase of endurance racing, tourism, and international sport.
Organized under the umbrella of the Amaury Sport Organisation, the event is part of the global L’Etape Series, which allows everyday cyclists to experience race conditions modeled on the Tour de France with professional-grade organization, full road closures, timing systems, and race support.
Held in Marmaris, the event marks the second Turkish destination in the series after Istanbul, underscoring the country’s growing profile in international cycling tourism. The race is organized in collaboration with Turkish event partner 78 Event and supported by Marmaris Municipality, with promotion expected across roughly 90 countries.
The weekend action will be centered at 19 Mayıs Gençlik Meydanı in central Marmaris, beginning on Saturday, June 6, with a community-focused public ride. The 6.6-kilometer non-competitive loop starts at 11:00 and is open to all ages and abilities. The flat course winds through central Marmaris streets, designed to encourage participation and promote cycling as a family-friendly activity.
Registration for the public ride is available through hadikaydol.com, with organizers positioning the event as an accessible entry point into the broader cycling weekend.
The main competitive race follows on Sunday, June 7, running from 08:00 to 12:30. Riders will choose between two mountainous routes: a long course of roughly 96.7 to 97 kilometers with up to 2,000 meters of elevation gain, and a shorter 65.8 to 66-kilometer alternative, both classified as demanding mountain profiles.
The routes stretch beyond Marmaris into some of the region’s most scenic and challenging terrain, passing through İçmeler, Turunç, Osmaniye, Bayır, Söğüt, Selimiye, Turgut, Orhaniye, and Hisarönü. The course also features sections near Amos Ancient City, combining steep climbs, technical descents, forest roads, and sweeping Aegean coastal views.
Organizers say the design aims to test endurance and racecraft while highlighting the natural and historical landscape of Muğla’s coastline. Full road closures will be in place during race hours, with authorities urging residents and visitors to plan ahead due to suspended vehicle access along the route.
The event will follow ASO’s international standards, including chip timing, feed zones, medical coverage, mechanical support, and marshaled safety systems. Category-based prizes will be awarded across age groups and genders, with additional sponsor draws expected.
With a participant cap of around 2,500 riders, the Marmaris edition is expected to draw both domestic and international cyclists, adding a significant tourism boost to the region’s hotel, marina, and hospitality sectors.
The Turkish national team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to start the final phase of its preparations for the 2026 tournament, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
A special charter flight carrying head coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after departing from Istanbul.
Also traveling with the delegation were Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and members of the federation’s executive board.
The team was welcomed upon arrival by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, and Miami Consul General Resul Şahinol before making the short journey to its hotel in the Miami area.
Dozens of Turkish supporters gathered outside the hotel, greeting the players with flags, chants and songs as excitement continued to build ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Hacıosmanoğlu said the transatlantic trip had gone smoothly as the squad settled into its temporary base in South Florida.
Türkiye will complete its final tune-up for the World Cup with a friendly against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 6. The match will serve as Montella’s last opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.
Following the Venezuela fixture, the team will relocate to Mesa, Arizona, on June 7, where it will establish its official World Cup base camp at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The sprawling training complex will provide Türkiye with modern facilities, recovery areas and training pitches as the squad prepares for the demands of a tournament spread across North America.
A community event scheduled for June 8 will give local supporters and members of the Turkish-American community an opportunity to meet players and watch portions of training as anticipation continues to grow.
Türkiye enter the World Cup in Group D alongside co-host United States, Australia and Paraguay. The group presents a challenging path, but one many Turkish supporters believe can be navigated by a squad that blends established European stars with one of the country’s most promising generations in years.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are expected to lead Türkiye’s bid to reach the knockout rounds under Montella.
The campaign begins against Australia at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 14, a match that could prove decisive in shaping the group’s early standings. Türkiye will then face Paraguay before closing the group stage against the United States.
The Turkish national team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to start the final phase of its preparations for the 2026 tournament, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
A special charter flight carrying head coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after departing from Istanbul.
Also traveling with the delegation were Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and members of the federation’s executive board.
The team was welcomed upon arrival by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, and Miami Consul General Resul Şahinol before making the short journey to its hotel in the Miami area.
Dozens of Turkish supporters gathered outside the hotel, greeting the players with flags, chants and songs as excitement continued to build ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Hacıosmanoğlu said the transatlantic trip had gone smoothly as the squad settled into its temporary base in South Florida.
Türkiye will complete its final tune-up for the World Cup with a friendly against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 6. The match will serve as Montella’s last opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.
Following the Venezuela fixture, the team will relocate to Mesa, Arizona, on June 7, where it will establish its official World Cup base camp at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The sprawling training complex will provide Türkiye with modern facilities, recovery areas and training pitches as the squad prepares for the demands of a tournament spread across North America.
A community event scheduled for June 8 will give local supporters and members of the Turkish-American community an opportunity to meet players and watch portions of training as anticipation continues to grow.
Türkiye enter the World Cup in Group D alongside co-host United States, Australia and Paraguay. The group presents a challenging path, but one many Turkish supporters believe can be navigated by a squad that blends established European stars with one of the country’s most promising generations in years.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are expected to lead Türkiye’s bid to reach the knockout rounds under Montella.
The campaign begins against Australia at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 14, a match that could prove decisive in shaping the group’s early standings. Türkiye will then face Paraguay before closing the group stage against the United States.
Ticket prices for the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden in 27 years are climbing again, with the cheapest entry for Game 3 on June 8 back above $4,000 on the secondary market.
Ticket tracking service TicketData told Field Level Media that prices for Game 2 briefly “came back down to reality” within 48 hours after surging in the immediate aftermath of the Knicks clinching their Finals berth last week. However, over the past three days, prices have risen 20 percent as supply remains extremely limited.
As of Monday night, the lowest available ticket for Game 3 was listed at $3,789, while the most expensive listing for the series is $5,322 for a potential Game 6 in New York on June 16.
By contrast, ticket prices for games in San Antonio are down nearly 50 percent from where they were after the Spurs eliminated Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. The get-in price for Game 1 on Wednesday night has dropped 62 percent over the past three days, while Game 2 on Friday night is down 49 percent.
TicketData said a contributing factor is that fewer Knicks fans are likely to travel than initially expected because of the cost of flights from New York-area airports to San Antonio. That could change if the series goes the distance, with the get-in price for a potential Game 7 in San Antonio still holding at $3,863.
If ticket prices for games at MSG hold, they would be more expensive than each of the past two Super Bowls, which had day-of-game get-in prices of $3,251 in 2025 and $2,002 this year. The average Super Bowl get-in price since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has been $3,914, according to TicketData.
The company said the Knicks’ focus on ensuring their season-ticket holders are fans and not professional resellers has contributed to the limited supply on the secondary market. There is also wide appeal for the matchup against the Spurs and rising superstar Victor Wembanyama.
Outside of the World Cup and the Stanley Cup Final, the next most expensive sporting event through the end of the year is currently UFC 329. The card featuring the return of Conor McGregor against Max Holloway has a get-in price of $1,432.
Robert Lewandowski’s future is emerging as one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer storylines, with Fenerbahçe among the clubs attempting to lure the veteran striker as he approaches the end of his contract with Barcelona.
The Polish star, who turns 38 in August, is officially a free agent after a below-average 2025-26 season and Fenerbahçe have already opened discussions with his representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers to Istanbul.
While no agreement has been reached, the Turkish giants are closely monitoring developments and are eager to move to the front of the queue after Lewandowski bid farewell to Barcelona, bringing his four-year chapter with the Catalan club to an end.
Barcelona chapter
Lewandowski arrived at Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022 in a deal worth around 50 million euros ($58.2 million) and quickly justified the investment.
Over four seasons in Catalonia, he remained one of the club’s most reliable attacking weapons, combining elite finishing with the experience and leadership expected from a player who has spent more than a decade among world football’s most feared forwards.
Despite his continued productivity, Barcelona ultimately decided against extending his stay under existing financial terms. Reports suggested the club were willing to offer only a short-term extension accompanied by a reduced salary and a diminished role in the squad.
Those conditions reportedly failed to convince Lewandowski’s camp, and the two sides ultimately decided to part ways once his contract expires on June 30.
Even in the twilight of his career, the striker continues to deliver goals at a high level, reinforcing the belief among potential suitors that he still has plenty to offer at the top of the game.
Fenerbahçe eye statement signing
For Fenerbahçe, the pursuit represents far more than a routine transfer.
The club view Lewandowski as a marquee acquisition capable of transforming their attack and elevating their profile both domestically and across Europe. Bringing a player of his stature to the Turkish Süper Lig would send a powerful message about the club’s ambitions ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Interest in the former Bayern Munich star is not new. Fenerbahçe were linked with Lewandowski in late 2025 and reportedly proposed an 18-month contract, an offer that failed to gain traction as the player sought greater long-term security.
Now, with Lewandowski officially available on a free transfer, the Istanbul club have revived their pursuit and are exploring whether circumstances have shifted in their favor.
Election politics
The race to sign Lewandowski has also become intertwined with Fenerbahçe’s presidential election.
Presidential candidate Hakan Safi has reportedly identified the Polish forward as one of the centerpiece targets of his football project, presenting him as part of an ambitious recruitment strategy designed to energize supporters ahead of the vote.
Safi has also been linked with interest in other high-profile forwards, including Serhou Guirassy, as he seeks to showcase a bold vision for the club’s future.
The political dimension has increased attention on the Lewandowski saga, adding pressure on decision-makers to deliver a headline-grabbing signing during a crucial period for the club.
Several options remain on the table
Fenerbahçe are unlikely to have a clear run at the striker.
Major League Soccer remains a realistic destination, with Chicago Fire among the clubs most frequently linked to Lewandowski. Head coach Gregg Berhalter has publicly expressed admiration for the veteran forward, fueling speculation that the American club could make a serious push.
Saudi Pro League sides are also expected to enter the conversation, armed with the financial muscle to offer lucrative contracts.
Meanwhile, several European clubs continue to monitor developments, although some earlier interest appears to have cooled as teams weigh the risks and rewards of signing a player approaching his 38th birthday.
Fenerbahçe’s pitch centers on three key factors: a leading role on the field, a competitive financial package and the opportunity to play in front of one of football’s most passionate fan bases at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Whether that proves enough remains uncertain.
Career-defining final chapter
Lewandowski has consistently prioritized competing at the highest possible level, a stance that reportedly influenced previous decisions to reject interest from Türkiye.
His next move is expected to be shaped by a combination of sporting ambition, family considerations and long-term career planning.
Should he choose Fenerbahçe, the transfer would rank among the most significant signings in recent Turkish football history. The club would gain an elite finisher capable of delivering immediate results while also providing invaluable mentorship to younger attackers.
For Lewandowski, it would represent a fresh challenge in a fiercely competitive football environment where established stars have often extended their careers and continued scoring at an impressive rate.
Türkiye Tuesday announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming the group that will represent the national team at the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Head coach Vincenzo Montella has finalized a balanced roster built on a mix of Europe-based talent and leading players from Türkiye’s top clubs as the team prepares for its first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Standby players
Goalkeeper Muhammed Şengezer, along with Aral Şimşir and Demir Ege Tıknaz, were not included in the final 26.
However, they will still travel to the U.S. as standby options under FIFA regulations that allow injury replacements before a team’s first match, and for goalkeepers throughout the tournament.
Departure and final warm-up
The squad departs at 13:30 local time today for its base camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Before the tournament begins, Türkiye will play its final warm-up match against Venezuela on June 7 at Inter Miami Stadium.
Group D challenge
Türkiye has been drawn in Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay and host nation United States. The group stage fixtures are:
June 14: Australia vs Türkiye, Vancouver
June 20: Türkiye vs Paraguay, San Francisco Bay Area
June 26: Türkiye vs United States, Los Angeles
The 26-man squad
Goalkeepers
Altay Bayındır (Manchester United), Mert Günok (Fenerbahçe), Uğurcan Çakır (Galatasaray)
Defenders
Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Çağlar Söyüncü, Mert Müldür, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, Samet Akaydin, Zeki Çelik
Midfielders
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, İsmail Yüksek, Kaan Ayhan, Orkun Kökçü, Salih Özcan
Forwards and attackers
Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Yunus Akgün, Can Uzun, Deniz Gül, İrfan Can Kahveci, Oğuz Aydın
Türkiye enters the tournament with growing expectations after a strong qualifying campaign and a steady rise under Montella. The squad’s attacking core, led by Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, is seen as the centerpiece of a new generation aiming to push beyond the group stage.
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