Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
South African international midfielder Jayden Adams, 25, who featured in the 2023 FIFA World Cup, has died. His body was discovered in Cape Town on Saturday morning. Police have launched an investigation.
Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-final with a 2-1 victory over injury-depleted Belgium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal. They will face France in the last four.
Penang authorities are escalating enforcement efforts against unlicensed betting operations as the FIFA World Cup progresses toward its climax, having detained 31 individuals across the state so far.
Argentina and Switzerland renew their World Cup rivalry after 12 years, meeting in the knockout stage with vastly different circumstances. The defending champions face a resurgent Swiss side seeking their first quarter-final appearance since 1954.
FIFA's refereeing chief has rebuffed Egypt's claims of unfair officiating in Argentina's disputed 3-2 World Cup knockout win, asserting that match officials operated independently and VAR decisions were correctly applied.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi has rejected suggestions that his team should celebrate reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, insisting the only acceptable outcome is winning the tournament ahead of Thursday's match against France.
FIFA's refereeing chief has publicly backed Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, whose controversial red card decision drew criticism from US President Donald Trump during the World Cup.
Moroccan defender Issa Diop, who previously refused to switch from France, now faces his former nation and star striker Kylian Mbappé in a World Cup quarter-final, adding intrigue to Thursday's clash.
Nigerian-born striker Folarin Balogun, who gained US citizenship by birth, has become the unexpected focal point of America's birthright citizenship debate after President Trump intervened to help overturn his World Cup red card.
UEFA has strongly condemned FIFA's decision to suspend American striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card ban, arguing the move compromises sporting integrity after US President Donald Trump lobbied for a review.
Controversial comments by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia about Senegal have reignited debate over racially coded language in football coverage, with academics and players highlighting how commentary often attributes Black players' abilities to athleticism rather than tactical intelligence.
FIFA has suspended an automatic red card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun following intervention by President Trump, prompting fierce criticism from European football associations over political interference in tournament integrity.
Malaysian police have arrested 34 individuals following a dawn raid on an illegal betting call centre operating from a commercial venue in Kuala Lumpur's Taman Wahyu area, dismantling what authorities describe as an unlicensed entertainment establishment.
Chinese football fans have taken to social media to criticize Paraguay's aggressive tactics during their World Cup round-of-16 loss to France, with many wishing that renowned Chinese referee Ma Ning had officiated the match instead.
The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup drew 4.6 million fans across 72 group-stage matches, surpassing the 1994 US tournament by over one million spectators. The event also set records for goals and food consumption at stadiums.
Morocco's head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has declared his team a legitimate World Cup powerhouse rather than a surprise package, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada that propels them into the quarterfinals.
England take on Mexico at the historic Estadio Azteca in a World Cup last-16 clash, while Norway's Erling Haaland attempts to upset Brazil in New Jersey. The winners advance to Miami quarter-finals.
The US Embassy in Mexico City has cautioned American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance during Sunday's World Cup knockout match between Mexico and England, citing historical safety concerns at public viewing events.
The United States enters a World Cup knockout clash against Belgium in Seattle with surging confidence, having exceeded initial tournament expectations through impressive group-stage performances.
Morocco eliminated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16 on Saturday, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice. The North Africans advanced to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament.
Three people died from asphyxiation in Mexico City following celebrations of Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador that secured their World Cup round-of-16 spot.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is keen to provide an inspiring performance for young fans watching the World Cup knockout match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, scheduled for an early afternoon kickoff in Atlanta.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into StubHub following widespread complaints from World Cup attendees whose tickets were never delivered despite prior purchase through the resale platform.
Toronto health authorities are cautioning spectators attending the Portugal-Croatia World Cup round of 32 match to take precautions against extreme heat, with temperatures expected to feel like 40°C due to humidity.
England narrowly escaped World Cup embarrassment when Harry Kane struck twice in the second half to overturn a deficit against the Democratic Republic of Congo, winning 2-1 in the round of 32 and advancing to face Mexico.
Portugal will face Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday, with the match coinciding with the anniversary of forward Diogo Jota's death exactly one year ago. The team has woven commemorations throughout their campaign.
FIFA's social media monitoring uncovered a dramatic 13-fold increase in online abuse during the World Cup group stage, with racial harassment accounting for 11% of detected offensive posts—a worrying trend for football governance.
Three Netherlands players who missed penalties in their World Cup loss to Morocco have been subjected to racist abuse on social media, prompting the Dutch football association to file a formal complaint with authorities.
A Penang magistrate's court has rejected a police remand application for four suspects, including a woman, who were detained over illicit World Cup football betting activities, marking a setback in the investigation.
Brazil secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the World Cup round of 32 when Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time in Houston, advancing the five-time champions to face either Côte d'Ivoire or Norway in the last 16.
France enters its World Cup knockout encounter against Sweden as overwhelming favourites, having dominated the group stage with clinical attacking football. Yet coach Didier Deschamps recognises vulnerabilities on the left flank that require adjustment.
Iran has accused tournament organizers of unfair treatment as the team departs the World Cup after elimination. The squad faced travel restrictions and logistical complications throughout their campaign.
South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a government investigation into the national football team's unexpected World Cup elimination, blaming flawed appointment processes and suggesting the coach selection lacked merit-based criteria.
Hundreds of World Cup fans purchased tickets through resale platform StubHub only to face cancellations hours before matches, leaving them without entry and questioning the reliability of secondary ticket markets during major sporting events.
France claimed top spot in World Cup Group I with a dominant 4-1 victory over Norway, powered by Ousmane Dembele's rapid-fire hat-trick. The winger netted three times in just 25 minutes as Les Bleus prepared for a challenging knockout stage.
Ecuador pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany in their final Group E match, overturning an early deficit to secure a place in the World Cup knockout round despite arriving as underdogs.
France will pursue top spot in World Cup Group I against Norway on Friday to remain based in Boston and avoid lengthy travel disruptions across the United States during the tournament.
Germany's 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira sees no contradiction in brothers representing different countries at international tournaments, viewing it as a natural expression of modern, multicultural football rather than a divisive issue.
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro has taken full responsibility for his team's 5-0 World Cup defeat to Portugal in Houston, insisting the squad remains competitive despite facing near-certain elimination from their maiden tournament.
Penang police have arrested 12 men and confiscated nearly RM9,000 during a statewide crackdown on illegal online betting operations coinciding with the FIFA World Cup tournament.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended back-to-back World Cup matches on Saturday, first watching the Netherlands defeat Sweden 5-1 in Houston, then Curaçao's goalless draw with Ecuador in Kansas City.
Colombia aim to build on their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan when they face DR Congo on Tuesday, seeking to advance to the Round of 32. Nestor Lorenzo's side must tighten their defence after defensive lapses, while DR Congo come in buoyed by their shock 1-1 draw with Portugal.
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The World Cup reached its 100-goal milestone at record-breaking speed when Cody Gakpo netted in the Netherlands' 5-1 demolition of Sweden, with the tournament averaging over three goals per match.
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More than 300 young worshippers participated in a Qiyamullail programme at a Kuala Lumpur mosque before watching a 2026 World Cup match, combining spiritual devotion with football enthusiasm through an integrated faith-based approach.
Three Norwegian players—Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, and Kristian Thorstvedt—compete in the World Cup with personal motivation to exceed their fathers' achievements in the 1994 tournament.
Deniz Undav came off the bench to score twice as Germany mounted a dramatic second-half comeback against Ivory Coast, winning 2-1 in Toronto and advancing to the World Cup knockout stage.
Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey scored twice in a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden, making a compelling case to become the country's lead striker ahead of Memphis Depay.
Qatar's humiliating 6-0 loss to Canada at the World Cup has prompted critical analysis about the limitations of financial investment in building a competitive football programme, challenging the assumption that money alone ensures sporting success.
French football officials have warned supporters to avoid touching Philadelphia's iconic Rocky Balboa statue during World Cup matches, citing a documented curse affecting teams whose fans dress it in their national colours.
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Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has publicly supported captain Achraf Hakimi following a hostile crowd reception at the World Cup, hours after a French court ordered the Paris Saint-Germain defender to stand trial on rape allegations.
The International Sepaktakraw Federation has formally charged five Thai players and three officials following their withdrawal during the World Cup 2026 team final against Malaysia in May, citing refusal to continue competition.
Morocco overpowered Scotland to claim a commanding 1-0 victory courtesy of the World Cup's quickest goal, scored by Ismael Saibari after just 71 seconds. The North Africans now lead Group C with four points.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the national football team's locker room to praise their character following the country's first World Cup finals match victory, highlighted by resilience shown after a player's injury.
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Malaysian police have arrested 58 individuals across the country in a coordinated operation against illegal World Cup betting rings. The nationwide crackdown reflects heightened enforcement efforts during the tournament season.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed alarm bells following their opening World Cup draw with Morocco, viewing Friday's Group C encounter with Haiti as an opportunity to address tactical shortcomings and deliver a more convincing performance.
FIFA announced that over one million spectators attended the opening 16 matches of the World Cup in North America, with stadiums running at 99.34 per cent capacity despite earlier concerns about ticket pricing.
The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a US visa following an emotional public plea about missing her son's outstanding performance against Spain in the World Cup opener.
Ivory Coast has suspended forward Elye Wahi from the World Cup squad set to face Germany in Canada this weekend, following his connection to a sports corruption investigation linked to a French league match.
Iran's World Cup manager has accused organisers of treating his team as the tournament's most restricted side, claiming they were ordered out of Los Angeles hours after their New Zealand match.
Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1, continuing his remarkable streak of scoring in every major competition he has played.
South Korea's national football team has withdrawn from media commitments following allegations that journalists mocked captain Son Heung-min's military service during World Cup preparation, sparking an official rebuke from the federation.