Sports
Aktürkoğlu eyes World Cup, urges Turkish revival after US win
Kerem Aktürkoğlu stood under the dim lights of Pratt & Whitney Stadium, sweat still clinging to his brow, yet his eyes shimmered with something beyond the friendly win over the U.S. – a vision of Türkiye at the 2026 World Cup.
After scoring in Türkiye’s 2-1 comeback win against the United States in a testy friendly, the Benfica winger didn’t sugarcoat the performance. “We didn’t start well,” he said. “A little hesitant, maybe tired – but we adapted, found our rhythm, and pulled through.”
Kerem acknowledged the jet lag, long season and punishing schedule that left the team physically worn ahead of the match. “It wasn’t a beautiful performance,” he admitted, “but the result gives us a mental lift ahead of the Mexico game. We want to end this camp with full confidence.”
Not just a dream, a duty
With Türkiye’s last World Cup appearance dating back to 2002, the hunger runs deep. And for this generation, most of whom were either toddlers or not yet born then – it’s personal.
“Our only goal is the World Cup,” said Kerem with quiet conviction. “We’re not thinking about anything else. We believe this generation deserves to be there. We owe it to ourselves and to our people.”
Quoting Turkish FA President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu’s bold claim that Türkiye will qualify directly, Kerem doubled down. “He believes in us. So do we. It’s time to end the drought.”
But for Kerem, qualifying is only part of the mission. “Just getting there isn’t enough. We want to make an impact.”
More than goals
Though he found the net in Hartford, Kerem insists his role goes beyond the scoreboard. “Scoring, assisting – yes, they’re big for attackers. But even when I don’t score, I want to give everything to the team.”
Adaptability has become his trademark, thriving in any position the coach places him. “Wherever the coach needs me, I’ll give it my all. Thankfully, the goals are coming too.”
Focus shifts to Mexico
With another major test looming against Mexico on June 11, Kerem stressed the importance of improvement over results. “Mexico’s a strong side. It won’t be easy. But it’s not just about winning – it’s about playing better, building chemistry, and getting mentally ready for the qualifiers.”
Deniz Öncü scribed his name into Turkish motorsport history Sunday with a thrilling wire-to-wire win at MotorLand Aragon, becoming the first Turk to claim victory in a Moto2 World Championship race.
Racing for Red Bull KTM Ajo, the 21-year-old snatched the lead in the dying meters from Brazil’s Diogo Moreira, crossing the line just 0.003 seconds ahead – the closest margin in modern Moto2 history.
It was a battle of nerves, tires, and timing across 19 laps, and Öncü played it perfectly.
Race for ages
Moreira, on pole after a record-setting qualifying lap, led early, but Öncü wasted no time. Launching from third, he dove past Barry Baltus into Turn 1 and took the lead by Turn 8.
The race exploded into chaos on Lap 1 when Daniel Holgado crashed at Turn 12, collecting teammate David Alonso, both promising rookies out early.
Baltus temporarily led after Öncü ran wide at Turn 3 on Lap 2, but it was championship contender Aron Canet who stormed to the front by Lap 6. A tight lead group of Canet, Öncü, Baltus, and Moreira began to break away.
Öncü found another gear on Laps 13 and 14, setting consecutive fastest laps to reclaim the lead.
Moreira clawed back on the final lap, overtook Öncü at Turn 5, and seemed set for glory – until Öncü unleashed a stunning exit from the final corner to win by the width of a tire.
Baltus finished third, 3.2 seconds adrift.
Tears on podium
As the Istiklal Marşı (the Turkish National Anthem) echoed through Aragon, a teary-eyed Öncü stood on the podium, soaking in a moment years in the making. “I’m from Türkiye,” he said emotionally. “Kenan and Toprak are the best teachers in the world. I gave everything. My rival passed me, but I didn’t quit.”
Öncü paid tribute to his mentors – Kenan Sofuoğlu, five-time Supersport champion, and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, reigning WorldSBK ace. Both have helped shape his journey from Moto3 upstart to Moto2 trailblazer.
The Türkiye Motorcycle Federation called the victory a “historic success,” and Turkish media exploded with pride. Social media lit up with posts lauding Öncü’s grit, precision, and national symbolism.
Shaking up standings
Öncü’s 25-point haul boosts him to seventh in the championship with 62 points.
The title fight is heating up: Manuel Gonzalez and Aron Canet are tied at 118 points. Gonzalez charged from 18th to ninth after a qualifying crash; Canet faded to sixth.
Moreira’s runner-up finish places him third overall with 90 points, just ahead of Baltus (89). Joe Roberts (82 points) sits fifth after a P7 finish. Senna Agius and Filip Salač, finishing fourth and fifth respectively, remain dark horses.
While Öncü isn’t yet in the title hunt, his Aragon win hints at what’s to come – with confidence mounting and the Kalex under him, he’s poised for more fireworks.
Comeback forged in pain
This triumph marks a remarkable rebound for Öncü. After a rocky Moto2 debut in 2024 and a fractured hand that sidelined him for three rounds, he returned stronger. His third-place finish at Aragon last year was a turning point; now, he’s a winner.
The Red Bull KTM Ajo team has backed him fully, pairing him with rookie Collin Veijer and handing him the reins after parting with Celestino Vietti.
Öncü’s aggressive style suits the Kalex chassis, and Aragon proved he can outwit veterans and fellow rising stars alike.
Carlos Alcaraz refused to blink, refused to break, and ultimately refused to lose.
Down two sets and staring down three match points, the 21-year-old Spaniard pulled off a spectacular comeback to outlast top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) in a gladiatorial five-hour, 29-minute showdown – the longest final in Roland Garros history.
The win handed Alcaraz his second straight French Open title and a perfect five-for-five record in Grand Slam finals, underscoring his place as heir to the clay kingdom once ruled by Rafael Nadal.
Rivalry forged in fire
This was no ordinary title defense. It was the first Grand Slam final between two players born in the 2000s – the faces of tennis’ new era clashing under the Paris sun in a match for the ages.
Sinner, riding a 20-match winning streak at the majors and already holding titles from Melbourne and New York, looked poised to complete his surface sweep. He had Alcaraz on the ropes, up two sets and leading 5-3 in the fourth with triple match point in hand.
But clay courts demand more than firepower – they demand resolve. And Alcaraz, equal parts defiant and dazzling, found both.
From the brink, to the top
Trailing by two sets for the first time in a Slam final, Alcaraz clawed his way back.
He broke through in the third, then summoned nerves of steel in the fourth, saving three match points with fearless shot-making to drag the match into another tiebreak. He owned it.
When the decider came, it was a war of attrition. The pair traded early breaks before Alcaraz slammed the door with a 10-2 masterclass in the super tiebreak, sinking to his knees in triumph as the crowd roared.
Marathon with meaning
This final was more than just long – it was layered with legacy. In outlasting Sinner in the longest Roland Garros men’s final since the Open Era began in 1968, Alcaraz etched his name deeper into Parisian lore.
His fifth straight win over Sinner was a testament to grit and growth. The Italian, who broke first and looked in command early, was left ruing missed chances – and a golden shot at his third Grand Slam crown slipping through his fingers.
Post-Nadal, a new king emerges
As the sun sets on Nadal’s clay reign, Alcaraz has made himself the new sheriff on Chatrier. The “Prince of Clay” is no longer just a prodigy – he’s a proven champion.
And if Sunday’s epic is any sign, the future of men’s tennis belongs to him and Sinner. But for now, Paris still bows to Carlos Alcaraz.
Portugal edged Spain 5-3 in a nerve-jangling penalty shootout to clinch the UEFA Nations League title on Sunday, capitalizing on Alvaro Morata’s costly miss from the spot in a final that ended 2-2 after extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the talisman, kept Portugal alive with a 61st-minute equalizer – his record-extending 138th international goal – forcing the game into extra time after Spain had taken a 2-1 lead into the break.
The match began with a flurry of goals. Spain struck first through Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute, slotting home after Portugal failed to clear a dangerous ball from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. But just five minutes later, Portugal hit back. Nuno Mendes blasted a low shot into the far corner, leveling things 1-1.
Spain regained the advantage right before halftime. Pedri threaded a clever pass to Mikel Oyarzabal, who squeezed his shot past Diogo Costa to give La Roja the edge at the interval.
But Ronaldo, who turned 40 this year, wasn’t done yet. The veteran striker pounced on a loose ball just after the hour mark, hammering home the equalizer and sending the match into an edgy extra period. He left the field to a roaring ovation in the 88th minute, sharing an embrace with Portugal coach Roberto Martinez in what felt like a symbolic passing of the torch.
With no winner after 120 minutes, penalties were inevitable. And when Morata stepped up and missed, Portugal seized the moment, converting all five of their kicks to lift the trophy.
Earlier in the day, France secured third place with a 2-0 win over tournament hosts Germany in Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappe, showing his class once again, scored one and assisted the other for Michael Olise after a sluggish first half.
Captain Kylian Mbappe scored one goal and set up another as France defeated hosts Germany 2-0 on Sunday to claim third place in the Nations League.
Mbappe netted his 50th international goal in his 90th appearance just before halftime, then assisted Michael Olise for the clincher in the 84th minute.
The win was a welcome rebound after Thursday’s dramatic 5-4 semifinal loss to Spain, while Germany ended their home campaign with back-to-back defeats, following a 2-1 semifinal loss to Portugal.
Florian Wirtz hit the post, the hosts had a penalty call and a goal overturned upon review, but were also wasteful, particularly early on.
The two matches highlighted that Germany lacks the squad depth of other top teams and has significant work ahead to become a major force again in big tournaments.
A much-changed France side was a constant threat on the counterattack after the break, with Marcus Thuram hitting the outside post and German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen making several key saves.
The final between titleholders and Euro 2024 champion, Spain and Portugal, is scheduled for later Sunday in Munich.
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has challenged Donald Trump to live in his home in Ukraine, hoping the president might better grasp the brutal reality of the war before claiming he can end it.
Trump, who returned to the White House in 2024, has repeatedly promised to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict “within 24 hours” if re-elected.
But with no peace in sight, Usyk – a vocal advocate for his war-torn homeland – believes firsthand experience is the only way Trump can truly understand the crisis he seeks to solve.
The 38-year-old has urged the president to join him at his house in Ukraine to see for himself the damage done by the war.
“I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week,” Usyk told BBC Sport on Sunday.
“Only one week. I will give him my house. Live, please, in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night.
“Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rockets. Every night. It’s enough.”
Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a contentious meeting in the Oval Office in February.
Trump reportedly warned Zelenskyy to show more gratitude for America’s help in peace talks before telling him to leave the White House.
Asked if Trump could be convinced to change his opinion, Usyk said: “I don’t know. Maybe he’ll understand, maybe he won’t.”
Usyk, who has won all 23 of his professional bouts, is currently in training camp preparing for a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
But the WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion said the war is never far from his mind.
“I worry about what happens in my country. It’s very bad because Ukrainian people have died,” he said.
“It’s not just military people – children, women, grandmothers and grandfathers, too.”
Victor Osimhen has again turned down Saudi riches, rejecting Al-Hilal’s 90 million euro ($103 million) mega-offer to prioritize his European ambitions, leaving Galatasaray in pole position to land the Nigerian star in a fiercely competitive summer race.
According to transfer news expert, Fabrizio Romano, Napoli and Al-Hilal had agreed to a 75 million euro deal, matching Osimhen’s release clause, but the Super Eagles striker personally refused to join the 2024 Saudi Pro League champions, despite a jaw-dropping offer of 30 million euros per year – roughly 890,000 euros per week over three seasons – plus bonuses.
Al-Hilal had gone all in, with new boss Simone Inzaghi even calling Osimhen directly.
The club, fueled by funds initially earmarked for a failed Mohamed Salah bid, had made Osimhen their top target for December’s FIFA Club World Cup clash against Real Madrid.
But Osimhen wasn’t swayed. For him, money isn’t the goal – Champions League football is.
This isn’t the first time he’s turned down Saudi advances.
In 2023, he rejected a 1.2 million euro-per-week tax-free package from Al-Hilal, and a separate move to Al-Ahli collapsed after Napoli raised the asking price last minute.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has consistently reiterated the striker’s focus on elite European competition.
Galatasaray gain momentum
Galatasaray – where Osimhen has dazzled on loan with 37 goals in 41 appearances – now sees a golden opportunity.
The Turkish champions, fresh off a domestic double, are pushing hard to make the deal permanent. Club president Dursun Özbek has lined up sponsorships to fund a four-year offer worth 26 million euros annually, with 21 million euros fixed and 5 million euros in bonuses.
The proposed transfer fee stands at 60-65 million euros, just shy of Napoli’s demand.
Osimhen has told Özbek he’s willing to stay, moved by the club’s ambition, Champions League status, and unmatched fan support. “The love here is something I’ve never felt,” he said. “This is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Yet Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis remains a tough negotiator.
Even last summer, he dismissed a 140 million euro offer from Al-Hilal and infamously demanded 500 million euros.
For now, he’s holding firm on the 75 million euro clause.
Galatasaray’s ability to bridge the 10-15 million euro gap remains uncertain, especially with another Italian giant, likely Juventus, lurking with a package ready to match Osimhen’s salary demands.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are monitoring the situation, but Napoli’s valuation and financial fair play concerns have cooled their interest.
Chelsea’s pursuit was once intense, with club legends Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel personally calling Osimhen, but the deal fell through on both financial and personal fronts.
Al-Hilal’s failed pursuit reflects a broader challenge for the Saudi Pro League.
Despite attracting big names like Neymar and Ruben Neves, convincing younger stars like Osimhen – and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes – has proven harder. For now, the door to Saudi Arabia remains shut.
But as the Saudi window closes on June 10, the race is wide open.
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