Middlesex remain hopeful their captain can play again this season, despite being classified as an overseas player.

A small village cricket club in Nottinghamshire will play at Lord's after reaching the final.

BBC Sport looks at five key talking points before the weekend's Championship, League One and League Two action.

The first covered courts in the Scottish Borders are being built near the new Galashiels Academy.

Shock Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery returns to the Grand Slam stage when he faces Italy's Lorenzo Musetti at the US Open.

<h1 data-section-id="1f7608g" data-start="0" data-end="79"><br></h1><p data-start="81" data-end="293"><span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline">Southampton F.C.</span> have been drawn into controversy after reports emerged that the club could face serious disciplinary action over alleged spying incidents linked to the Championship playoffs.</p><p data-start="295" data-end="552">The allegations, which have become one of the biggest football stories in England, centre around claims that individuals connected to Southampton were involved in monitoring an opponent’s private training sessions ahead of a crucial playoff fixture.</p><p data-start="554" data-end="752">English football authorities are understood to have opened investigations into the matter, with concerns growing over whether the incident breached league integrity and fair competition regulations.</p><p data-start="754" data-end="1040">Reports in England suggest potential punishments could range from financial penalties to more severe sporting sanctions if wrongdoing is established. The possibility of Southampton facing restrictions related to the playoff campaign has intensified debate across the football community.</p><p data-start="1042" data-end="1233">The club has yet to make a detailed public statement regarding the accusations, but sources close to the situation indicate Southampton strongly deny intentionally breaking competition rules.</p><p data-start="1235" data-end="1546">The controversy comes at a difficult moment for the club, who have been attempting to secure an immediate return to the <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline">Premier League</span> after relegation. On the pitch, Southampton had built momentum during the latter stages of the season and were viewed as strong contenders for promotion.</p><p data-start="1548" data-end="1721">However, the off-field allegations now threaten to overshadow their campaign and place additional pressure on both players and management ahead of decisive playoff fixtures.</p><p data-start="1723" data-end="1935">The incident has also reignited wider discussions about ethics and competitive behaviour in modern football, particularly as clubs increasingly use advanced scouting and data analysis to gain tactical advantages.</p><p> </p><p data-start="1937" data-end="2087">League officials are expected to review evidence and testimonies over the coming days before deciding whether formal charges or sanctions will follow.</p>

<p data-start="154" data-end="422">After four years of anticipation, the <strong data-start="192" data-end="215">2026 FIFA World Cup</strong> begins today the first-ever <strong data-start="306" data-end="328">48-team tournament</strong> spread across <strong data-start="343" data-end="383">Mexico, the United States and Canada</strong>. <span class="" data-state="closed"></span></p><p data-start="424" data-end="583">For the next five weeks, the world's attention will be fixed on North America as 48 nations battle through 104 matches in pursuit of football's greatest prize.</p><p data-start="585" data-end="775">The tournament is the biggest expansion in World Cup history, providing opportunities for new nations to compete while increasing the drama from the group stage through to the final.</p><p data-start="777" data-end="1012">Today's game begins in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in the opening fixture before South Korea and Czechia complete the first round of Group A matches later in Guadalajara. <span class="" data-state="closed"></span></p><p data-start="1014" data-end="1300">Several storylines are already capturing global attention. Lionel Messi begins another World Cup campaign as defending champion Argentina seek to retain their title, while Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance on football's biggest stage.</p><p data-start="1302" data-end="1483">The tournament will also feature debutants eager to make history, alongside established giants including Brazil, France, Germany and Spain, all hoping to lift the trophy on July 19.</p><p data-start="1485" data-end="1645"><br></p>

<h2 data-section-id="119uctu" data-start="86" data-end="189"><span xss="removed">The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for three additional suspects in connection with the deadly robbery attack on a Berekum Chelsea Football Club bus that led to the tragic death of player </span><span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline" xss="removed">Dominic Frimpong</span><span xss="removed">.</span></h2><p data-start="432" data-end="680">The wanted individuals, identified as Dauda, Huefe, and A.T., are believed to be part of a wider criminal network linked to the incident. Their identities were revealed after the alleged gang leader provided information during police interrogation.</p><p data-start="682" data-end="879">This follows the arrest of two suspects, Mohammed Ahmed, 25, believed to be the leader of the gang, and Gideon Bawa, 30, during an intelligence-led operation by the Ashanti Regional Police Command.</p><p data-start="881" data-end="1233">According to a statement issued by DSP Godwin Atsu Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the arrests were made on April 15, 2026, at Atimatim in Kumasi. The operation involved coordinated support from the Police Intelligence Directorate Headquarters, the Anti-Robbery Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Department.</p><p data-start="1235" data-end="1355">Police say the suspects attempted to evade arrest and opened fire on officers during the operation before being subdued.</p><p data-start="1357" data-end="1612">Items retrieved from the suspects include a pistol loaded with two rounds of .32 ammunition, eleven BB cartridges, a locally manufactured weapon, pepper spray, desert boots, mobile phones, and a black pullover believed to have been used during the attack.</p><p data-start="1614" data-end="1934">During interrogation, Mohammed Ahmed allegedly confessed to being involved in the attack on the Berekum Chelsea team bus, as well as other robbery incidents, including operations at Nkawie and an attack on a mobile money vendor at Fufuso. He also named Dauda, Huefe, and A.T. as accomplices who are currently on the run.</p><p data-start="1936" data-end="2088">Ahmed is currently receiving treatment under police guard at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, while Bawa remains in custody assisting investigations.</p><p data-start="2090" data-end="2353">The attack occurred as Berekum Chelsea were returning from a Ghana Premier League fixture against Samartex FC 1996, an incident that shocked the Ghanaian football community and led to widespread calls for improved security for teams travelling across the country.</p><p data-start="2355" data-end="2555">The Ghana Police Service has urged the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects, assuring that all individuals involved will be brought before the law.</p><p> </p><p data-start="2557" data-end="2708">Authorities also praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and commitment, noting that investigations are still ongoing.</p>

<h2 data-section-id="pnvmre" data-start="0" data-end="64"><br></h2><p data-start="66" data-end="250"><span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline">Burnley</span>’s stay in the Premier League has officially come to an end after a 1-0 defeat to <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline">Manchester City</span> confirmed their relegation.</p><p data-start="252" data-end="504">The decisive moment came early in the match when <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline">Erling Haaland</span> found the net, giving City a lead they would not relinquish. While the scoreline remained tight, the result sealed Burnley’s fate with four games still left to play.</p><p data-start="506" data-end="746">It has been a challenging campaign for Burnley, who struggled to build momentum throughout the season. Despite occasional flashes of promise, consistency proved elusive, leaving them rooted near the bottom of the table for much of the year.</p><p> </p><p data-start="748" data-end="1021">Against Manchester City, Burnley showed determination and resilience, refusing to collapse under pressure from one of the league’s strongest sides. They created moments of threat and remained competitive, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge needed to change the outcome.</p>

<p data-start="324" data-end="705">The Portuguese made the perfect start when <strong data-start="367" data-end="381">João Neves</strong> headed home inside six minutes from a Pedro Neto cross, raising expectations of a comfortable afternoon for Roberto Martínez's side. However, despite dominating possession, Portugal failed to build on their early advantage and managed only one shot on target for the rest of the match. <span class="" data-state="closed"></span></p><p data-start="707" data-end="1082">DR Congo gradually grew into the contest and made history just before halftime when <strong data-start="791" data-end="806">Yoane Wissa</strong> headed home from Arthur Masuaku's delivery to score the nation's <strong data-start="872" data-end="906">first-ever FIFA World Cup goal</strong>. The strike also secured DR Congo's <strong data-start="943" data-end="973">first-ever World Cup point</strong>, marking a memorable return to the tournament after a 52-year absence. <span class="" data-state="closed"></span></p><p data-start="1084" data-end="1429">Much of the pre-match attention centered on <strong data-start="1128" data-end="1149">Cristiano Ronaldo</strong>, who became only the second men's player to appear in <strong data-start="1204" data-end="1227">six FIFA World Cups</strong>. However, the Portuguese captain endured a quiet afternoon, missing two close-range opportunities as DR Congo's disciplined defence kept him largely under control. <span class="" data-state="closed"></span></p><p> </p><p data-start="1431" data-end="1876">The Congolese nearly completed an even bigger upset in the second half when <strong data-start="1507" data-end="1525">Cédric Bakambu</strong> struck the post, while Portugal struggled to rediscover the attacking rhythm that made them one of the tournament favourites. Coach Roberto Martínez admitted after the match that his side played with tension after conceding the equaliser and must improve quickly if they are to progress comfortably from Group K.</p>