Australia coach Tony Popovic signed a contract extension ahead of their World Cup opener against Turkey that will take him through to the Asian Cup early next year.

United States star Christian Pulisic said the World Cup co-hosts are "ready to battle" on soccer's biggest stage as they prepare for a potentially bruising opener against Paraguay on Friday.

Government has commended Bafana Bafana for its "spirited performance" in the 2026 Fifa World Cup opener against Mexico on Thursday night.

Auckland Blues coach Vern Cotter is confident his side can upset the Wellington Hurricanes on Saturday and book a spot in the Super Rugby final, but the odds are stacked against them.

Japan captain Wataru Endo was ruled out of the World Cup with injury and announced his international retirement on Thursday, three days before his team's opener against the Netherlands.