Giannis Antetokounmpo will not participate in Greece's upcoming World Cup qualifying games, opting instead to prepare for the NBA season. His absence is for personal season preparation and not due to any directive from the Miami Heat.

Celtic has submitted an initial £6 million offer to sign Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, an Egypt international who impressed during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and in La Liga.

The National Sports Commission in Nigeria has defended its N6.44 billion budget for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, clarifying the allocation despite the national team's failure to qualify.

The Iroegbu brothers are fueling Nigeria’s D’Tigers' winning streak at the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, as the team makes a strong start in their bid for a spot at the 2027 tournament in Doha, Qatar.

DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa stated he was proud of his team's performance following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Serbian national basketball team is scheduled to face Switzerland on July 2nd in Fribourg as part of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Fans can watch the match live at a specified time and channel.

Nigeria's national basketball team, the D'Tigers, has unveiled its squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, led by newly appointed head coach David Fizdale.

Celtics forward Hugo Gonzalez is reportedly set to join the Spanish national team for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, playing alongside Willy Hernangomez.

Tunisia, Haiti, and Türkiye have become the first national teams to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Four players from Gonzaga University have been listed in Canada’s pool for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. This highlights the strong connection between the Canadian basketball program and Gonzaga.

Seneweb reports on the Algerian national football team's squad selection for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, noting the inclusion of Mahrez and the absence of Bounedjah and Kebbal. The article details the team's composition for the crucial matches.

Kenya is set to begin its campaign for a return to the global showpiece by playing Mali in a pre-qualifier tournament for the 2028 Cricket World Cup.

NBA star Nikola Jokic is confirmed to play for Serbia this summer in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Boston Celtics center Luka Garza will be available to the coach of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the upcoming World Cup qualification matches. This strengthens the Bosnian team for their games against Serbia.

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has announced the national team squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, including several Premier League players and explaining notable absences.

Luka Dončić will not be representing Slovenia in this summer's World Cup qualifiers. The article clarifies that his absence is not due to an injury.

The qualifying squad for Senegal's Lionesses women's basketball team for the 2026 World Cup has been announced. Coach Cheikh Sarr justified his selections, notably without Cierra Dillard.

With only six places remaining for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this article explains the tiebreaker rules for UEFA and FIFA playoff matches.

Defender Ibañez celebrated his return to the Brazilian National Team after an absence of about three years, having last been called up in September 2023 for World Cup qualifiers.

Serbian basketball players lost to the Turkish national team in the fourth-round match of Group C of the World Cup qualifiers in Qatar in 2027, with a score of 94:86 (28:21, 20:23, 28:19, 18:23).

Luka Doncic and Jaxson Hayes are both confirmed to miss Slovenia's upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta is reportedly set to represent his Portuguese National Team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifier window games in Europe this summer.

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi discussed the Leopards' performance in the World Cup qualifiers and his future with his club, Le Havre.

Gilas Pilipinas faces a challenging path in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, battling tough Middle East teams as they aim for their fourth consecutive FIBA World Cup appearance.

76ers player VJ Edgecombe and Team Canada's Dillon Brooks delivered impressive performances in recent FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Both players showcased their skills on the international stage.

NBA MVP Nikola Jokic drew attention for his changed appearance while leading Serbia in their FIBA World Cup qualifiers game against Switzerland.

Coach Sébastien Desabre expresses elation over DR Congo's scoring prowess and historic progression in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Future Gonzaga teammates Mario Saint-Supery and Izan Almansa are expected to represent Spain in upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying games against Denmark and Georgia.

Curaçao has made history in the World Cup qualifiers, while Ecuador's progress has stalled. Germany also secured a significant victory, overcoming past World Cup challenges.

Amad Diallo scored a late goal to give Ivory Coast a victory over Ecuador, marking Africa's first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Scottish footballer Claire Emslie returned to competitive play just five months after giving birth and is now aiming to participate in next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Senegal's U17 women's team has successfully eliminated Cameroon in the qualifiers for the U17 Women's World Cup.

Boston Celtics center Luka Garza is set to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, bringing his talent to Europe for international competition.

Haiti's national football team is being hosted by Stockton University as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 Men's World Cup qualifiers. The team's presence offers insights into their journey towards the global tournament.

Ivory Coast has revealed its squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with reports highlighting the inclusion of players like Amad Diallo and Pepe, while others such as Sébastien Haller are noted as absent. The team is expected to rely on key players like Simon Adingra.

The Italian national football team's defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers has led to widespread disappointment and is projected to cause a significant economic loss of €1.5 billion, alongside a fall in GDP and rising unemployment.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has decorated the national football team, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti also applauding their 'fantastic journey' in the World Cup qualifiers.

Italian national team players reportedly reacted to Bosnia and Herzegovina advancing to the play-off final instead of Wales, suggesting BiH would be an easier opponent for a World Cup spot. Their comments have caused a stir.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina handball team secured a 3-1 victory against Kosovo in Priština during their World Cup pre-qualifier return match.

The Slovenian women's national football team is preparing for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers in Brazil, marking their first time in the elite League A, where they will face Germany.

Only two European countries will be absent from the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, having secured automatic places in the tournament as co-hosts.

Six nations have secured their spots in the 2030 FIFA World Cup without needing to go through the traditional qualification process.

FIFA has conveyed a message to Nigeria, acknowledging the country's potential to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup but emphasizing a critical factor for their success.

Kida has called for national support as Nigeria's D’Tigers basketball team begins their FIBA World Cup qualifiers. He emphasized the importance of collective backing for the team's success in the tournament.

Gilas Pilipinas ended the first round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a fourth straight defeat, losing by 43 points to Australia despite efforts from June Mar Fajardo and Mike Phillips.

Nigeria's D'Tigers defeated Tunisia with a score of 84-81 in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. The match was reported by Voice of Nigeria.

Ivory Coast secured a historic victory over Curaçao, propelling their national football team into the next round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Tunisia has recorded its worst African start in history for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, leading to criticism from figures like Ali Abdi towards the national football federation.

Spectators have been banned from Canada's upcoming Cricket World Cup qualifying matches near Toronto, following security concerns raised by one of the participating international teams.

Ghanaian footballers David Accam and Jordan Ayew called on Ghanaians to be positive and supportive of the national team and manager ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They emphasized the importance of unity and backing the current squad.

Algeria has announced its squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, notably including Riyad Mahrez while omitting Baghdad Bounedjah and Hicham Boudaoui.

The Catalan press has reportedly criticized and mocked the Spanish national team's squad selection for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, specifically highlighting the absence of Real Madrid players.

Fred Rutten has resigned from his position as the coach of Curaçao's national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, reportedly due to pressure from players. The team will now seek a new leader for their campaign.

Dick Advocaat was rehired as Curaçao's national football team coach for the World Cup qualifiers, three months after he had reportedly resigned. It was later revealed that he had technically remained in his position throughout that period.

NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo will not participate in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers, a significant development for the Greek national team.

Germany has announced its 23-player squad for the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Austria home and away in mid-April, aiming to maintain their perfect record.

Kosovo's national football team is preparing for a challenging away match against Slovakia, their first opponent in the World Cup qualifiers play-off phase.

Five young Iranian women who passionately follow football try to avoid state punishment with the help of an authority close to the military - all against the backdrop of World Cup qualifiers.

(LEFT) PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti announces his resignation; while, PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets players from the national team.—Dawn • PM accepts Tariq Bugti’s resignation, Wani named interim president • Outgoing chief imposes two-year ban on captain Ammad Butt before quitting • PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi meets players, hands ‘compensation’ cheques • PSB blames PHF for mismanagement; Bugti alleges board delayed payments • Shake-up follows Australia tour fiasco, when players were left without hotel upon arrival LAHORE / ISLAMABAD: Amid a deepening crisis in Pakistan hockey, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday accepted the resignation of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Hussain Bugti and appointed Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Federal Secretary Mohiy­uddin Ahmed Wani as ad-hoc president of the federation. The premier also accepted the resignations of PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid and Treasurer Shahid Pervaiz Bhandara. Their replacements had not been announced until late Thursday night. The developments came amid controversy over the national team’s tour of Australia for the FIH Pro League, where accommodation arrangements could not be secured on time, forcing players to spend several hours on the road. The team’s overall performance in the Pro League also came under criticism. In addition, PHF elections had been facing delays. Mr Bugti had been appointed by interim prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to hold elections but did not complete the process during his tenure. Similarly, in his tenure, Mr Bugti-led PHF was accused of inaction over alleged corruption, pointed out by the Auditor General of Pakistan. There are more than 100 audit paras related to the PHF, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been probing the matter for over a year. Speaking after his appointment, Mr Wani said the governance mechanism of the PHF would be improved. “In the next six weeks, we will prepare a business plan for the PHF and take steps to run this federation on professional grounds,” he said. He added that IPC would form a working group with all sports boards and education bodies to focus on grassroots development and that international trainers and coaches would also be engaged. “There is no shortage of resources, but the PHF is facing financial management issues. We will work on this,” he said, adding that he would ensure free, fair and transparent elections. “Hockey, being the national game, is close to our hearts and we will take every possible step to bring positive change,” he said. National captain ‘banned’ Earlier on Thursday, before the prime minister’s decision, Mr Bugti announced his resignation, but not before imposing a two-year ban on national captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, citing findings of a committee regarding alleged misconduct. “I received a message (from a certain quarter) and I am resigning from the post as it is not a big issue. Had the prime minister asked me six months earlier, I would have left,” Mr Bugti said, appealing to the prime minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir to constitute an independent committee to probe the entire episode. He said he was ready to face any punishment if found responsible. However, shortly after Mr Bugti’s resignation, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the hockey players, including Ammad Butt and Hanan Shahid. In a message on X, Mr Naqvi said: “I am not becoming Hockey Federation President but we will assist players till this turmoil ends.” Talking to the media after the meeting, Mr Butt said Mr Naqvi directed that a training camp be set up in Lahore from Friday for the World Cup qualifiers to be held in Egypt and that immediate steps be taken to hire foreign coaches. Mr Butt said former Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans had been contacted and might join the team directly in Egypt. On the reported two-year ban, Mr Butt said Mr Naqvi told him there was no ban and that the same team which toured Australia would travel to Egypt. The ban had reportedly been imposed under the PHF constitution, raising questions over the process for its reversal. The PCB later issued a statement confirming Mr Naqvi’s meeting with the players and announcing that cheques of Rs1,000,000 had been distributed to each member of the national team, which took second position in the last six international tournaments. The cricket board said Mr Naqvi had assured full cooperation in streamlining the affairs of the players and confirmed that tickets, hotel accommodation and kits would be arranged for the World Cup qualifying round. Outgoing PHF president Mr Bugti told Dawn that arrangements for the qualifiers had already been made through a grant from the Balochistan government. PSB-PHF blame game Meanwhile, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) issued a statement rejecting allegations levelled by the PHF and placing responsibility for the Australia tour’s mismanagement on the federation. The PSB said it had fulfilled all financial obligations for the FIH Pro League Phase 2 in Hobart and made timely payments. It alleged that the PHF had submitted visa applications late and with incomplete information, delaying the team’s departure from Feb 2 to Feb 5. According to the PSB, it bore Rs27.1 million in air ticket expenses and an additional Rs9.7m burden caused by the visa delays. It said that, at the PHF’s request, an advance of 49,280 Australian dollars was issued for hotel accommodation, along with daily allowances of USD 1,610 per player and USD 3,000 for miscellaneous expenses. The PSB also stated that while the PHF had sought a total grant of Rs350m for the Pro League, the government approved Rs250m, with the remaining amount to be arranged by the federation. It alleged that most of the PSB’s grant had been spent on salaries and foreign tours of PHF officials, prompting the board to stop issuing direct grants. In contrast, Mr Bugti had alleged that the PSB failed to make timely payments for hotel bookings and criticised the formation of a probe committee comprising PSB officials. He also urged the formation of a Pakistan Hockey Board and the transfer of stadium control to the PHF to generate funds. Meanwhile, Hockey legend Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, who had opposed Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League, said the national game deserved special treatment from the government. He criticised the heavy expenditure on the league and said the funds should have been directed towards grassroots development in schools, colleges and districts. Pakistan, a four-time World Cup winner and three-time Olympic champion, has faced a prolonged decline in international hockey over the past 30 years, amid repeated allegations of poor administration and negligence in the PHF officialdom, non-existent planning and upgrading, sheer lack of accountability, nepotism and a high frequency of changes in the federation. Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026