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USA striker Patrick Agyemang has been ruled out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to a serious Achilles tendon injury. The 25-year-old player, who has been a key figure for English club Derby County, suffered the injury during a match in the English second-tier football league.The injury occurred when Agyemang landed awkwardly while bringing the ball down on his chest and collapsed to the grass. He was visibly emotional as he was taken away on a stretcher, his right leg strapped. Derby County confirmed the injury in a statement, saying the club will provide Agyemang with the highest level of medical care and rehabilitation throughout his recovery.Agyemang's absence is a significant blow to the USA national team, which will be co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico. The team will face Paraguay, Australia, and Turkiye in Group D. USA coach Mauricio Pochettino must name his World Cup squad by June 1.Agyemang has been an important player for the USA national team, scoring six goals in 14 caps. His recent performances had raised hopes for a strong showing in the World Cup. However, with this injury, his focus will now shift to recovery and rehabilitation.

Who: FC Barcelona vs. Atletico MadridWhat: UEFA Champions League quarter‑final, first legWhere: Camp Nou, Barcelona, SpainWhen: Wednesday, 21:00 CET (19:00 GMT)How to follow: Live text commentary starts at 16:00 GMT on Al Jazeera Sport. The Spanish giants are set to clash again after a grueling schedule that has seen them meet five times in just two months, including three matches within a ten‑day span. Barcelona entered the encounter fresh from a dramatic 2‑1 victory over Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, a win that pushed them seven points clear at the top of the table. Robert Lewandowski netted a late winner after Marcus Rashford had equalised, while Atletico midfielder Nico González received a second yellow card just before halftime, leaving the visitors with ten men. With the league title largely secured, Diego Simeone opted to rotate his squad for Wednesday’s match, focusing his energy on the European tie. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick echoed the sentiment, noting that players typically give “5‑10 % more” in Champions League fixtures. Both managers highlighted the importance of the upcoming game. Flick described the fixture as “very difficult” and urged his side to take it “step by step, match by match.” Midfielder Dani Olmo called the tie “all or nothing,” stressing the need to avoid a repeat of their recent Copa del Rey disappointment. Simeone praised Barcelona as “the best attacking team in Europe,” while Atletico forward Ademola Lookman warned that the clash would be “special” and demanded thorough preparation. How the clubs reached the quarter‑finals Barcelona earned their spot with a commanding 7‑2 aggregate win over Newcastle United, highlighted by a fourth‑minute strike from Raphinha and a second‑half surge that saw Lewandowski score a brace. Atletico advanced after a 7‑5 aggregate triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, despite a 3‑2 loss in the second leg. Their early dominance in the first leg, a 5‑2 home win, set the foundation for progression. Head‑to‑head snapshot Across 250 meetings, Barcelona have claimed 115 victories, Atletico 78, with 57 draws. The most recent ten encounters feature a mix of league and cup results, the latest being Barcelona’s 2‑1 La Liga win on Saturday. Team news and predicted line‑ups Barcelona injuries: Raphinha, Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen are sidelined. Ronald Araujo is expected to start after missing the weekend match. Predicted XI: Joan Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsi, Martín, Cancelo; Eric Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski. Atletico injuries: Pablo Barrios out with a thigh problem; José Giménez and Johnny Cardoso are doubtful. Jan Oblak, Marc Pubil and Rodrigo Mendoza have returned to training and could feature. Predicted XI: Jan Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Baena; Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman; Álvarez. The stage is set for a high‑stakes European duel, with both sides eager to translate domestic form into continental success.

In a powerful display of dissent, hundreds of women took to the streets of Havana, Cuba's capital, to protest the de facto oil blockade imposed by the United States. The demonstration, which took place on what would have been the 96th birthday of Vilma Espin, a leader in the Cuban Revolution, saw protesters carrying banners and signs with the slogan 'Tumba el bloqueo' or 'Tear down the blockade'. The protesters are demanding an end to the US campaign that they say has caused widespread suffering and economic hardship.The protest was led by top officials in Cuba's communist government, including Deputy Prime Minister Ines Maria Chapman and Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal. Vidal denounced the US campaign as a form of collective punishment, stating that 'This policy of abuse has to stop. The Cuban people don't deserve this. It's the most comprehensive, all-encompassing, and longest-running system of coercive measures ever imposed against an entire country.'The US blockade has had a significant impact on Cuba's energy supply, with the country suffering at least two island-wide blackouts in the last month. The blockade has also led to food spoilage, water pumps ceasing to function, and medical patients going untreated. Russia has announced plans to send a second oil tanker to Cuba in defiance of the US blockade.The protest comes as the US and Cuba are in negotiations to lift the recent oil blockade. Deputy Foreign Minister Vidal stated that the talks are in a 'very preliminary' phase. The US blockade has been in place since the 1960s, but the current 'maximum pressure' campaign began under US President Donald Trump in his first term as president.

Bayern Munich took a slender lead into the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid after a thrilling 2-1 win at the Bernabeu. Harry Kane and Luis Diaz scored the goals for the German champions, while Kylian Mbappe netted a late consolation for Real Madrid.The match lived up to its billing as a European classic, with both teams creating numerous chances. Bayern dominated the first half, with Konrad Laimer's rasping effort narrowly missing the target. The German champions should have taken the lead through Dayot Upamecano, but he fluffed his lines from point-blank range.Bayern's opening goal came through slick combination play, with Gnabry exchanging a one-two with Kane and pushing the ball in behind for Diaz to stroke home past Andriy Lunin in the 41st minute. Kane doubled Bayern's lead less than a minute into the second half, fizzing a curling effort into the bottom corner.Mbappe kept Real Madrid in the tie with a 74th-minute goal, smashing home off the crossbar after a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite the late goal, Bayern take a narrow lead into the second leg.Harry Kane told TNT Sports that he was delighted with the victory, saying: 'We played some really good stuff today, for sure. Some areas we could have done better as well, maybe the final ball and the final finish, we had some good chances there.'Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger lamented his side's defensive errors, saying: 'We came out after half-time and screwed up again; both goals we conceded were gifts.'

Bayern Munich survived a fierce Real Madrid comeback to win 2‑1 in the Champions League first‑leg at the Bernabéu, marking their first victory in Madrid in 24 years. The decisive moments came from Luis Díaz and Harry Kane, who scored before halftime.The opening goal arrived when Díaz finished a swift Bayern attack, followed shortly by Kane’s volley that doubled the lead. Real Madrid rallied when Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit with a strike sixteen minutes from time, sparking a frantic final period.Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, at 40, made nine crucial saves, including a low dive to deny Mbappé and a fingertip stop on Vinícius Júnior. Despite a flurry of chances – the match featured 39 shots – Bayern’s defence held firm.Real Madrid’s efforts were hampered by the suspension of Aurélien Tchouaméni and the inability to convert several clear opportunities, such as a chance for Vinícius that hit the side‑netting after Neuer’s intervention.Post‑match, Bayern captain Vincent Kompany praised his side’s fearlessness, while former Real defender Álvaro Arbeloa warned that Madrid would return to Munich with renewed determination.The result sets up a high‑stakes second leg at the Allianz Arena, where Bayern will look to capitalize on their historic win, and Real Madrid will aim to overturn the deficit.

The highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich is set to kick off at 8pm. This is their 29th meeting and 14th two-legged tie, both UEFA records, and all have taken place in the European Cup or Champions League.In eight of the previous 13 ties, the winner went all the way that season. However, it's noted that Bayern Munich are favorites, having finished second in the league phase, seven places ahead of Real Madrid, and are leading in the Bundesliga title.Real Madrid, on the other hand, lost to Mallorca at the weekend and are seven points behind Barcelona in La Liga. Despite this, form and logic often take a backseat when Real Madrid plays in the Champions League.Harry Kane, who was doubtful for the game, has been confirmed to start for Bayern Munich.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two giant teams, with anything possible.

Amid growing international focus on the Iran‑Israel conflict, Israel is pressing ahead with a systematic annexation of the West Bank, centred on the contentious E1 settlement project. The plan envisions the construction of 3,400 new homes on Palestinian land, a move designed to split the territory and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly condemned the annexation drive, labeling the E1 scheme illegal. Although the war in Iran and Israel’s military actions in southern Lebanon have delayed the release of construction tenders, officials confirm that the tenders will be issued on 1 June. Criticism from the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy has so far failed to deter the Israeli government, which appears accustomed to rhetorical rebukes without concrete repercussions. As former EU officials note, the Union has yet to leverage its economic and diplomatic weight to stop the settlement expansion. The British Prime Minister has reaffirmed the stance of the International Court of Justice, declaring the 1967 occupation of Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank unlawful. This follows the United Kingdom’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine last year, alongside France, Canada and Australia. Given its historic ties and recent diplomatic recognitions, the UK is uniquely positioned to galvanise European and Commonwealth partners. Experts propose a three‑pronged approach: first, issue a clear warning that any contractor involved in designing, building or financing the E1 settlement jeopardises its commercial interests with the UK; second, impose a comprehensive ban on UK trade in goods, services and investment linked to the settlements; and third, suspend the trade concessions granted under the UK‑Israel trade and partnership agreement for breaching its human‑rights provisions. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer is urged to embed these measures within a broader strategy to strengthen European cooperation, champion equal rights, and secure mutual security for Israelis and Palestinians. Without enforceable consequences, the illegal settlement programme is likely to expand, heightening the risk of further violence. Vincent Fean – former consul‑general in JerusalemDavid Hannay – former UN ambassadorAnn Grant – former high commissioner to South AfricaEmyr Jones Parry – former UN ambassadorDavid Manning – former US ambassadorDavid Richmond – former FCO director generalPeter Westmacott – former US ambassadorJeremy Greenstock – former UN ambassadorFrances Guy – former Lebanon ambassadorPeter Millett – former Jordan ambassadorDerek Plumbly – former Egypt ambassadorEdward Clay – former Kenya high commissionerTony Brenton – former Russia ambassadorWilliam Patey – former Afghanistan ambassadorColin Budd – former Netherlands ambassadorAnthony Cary – former Canada high commissionerAlan Charlton – former Brazil ambassadorEdward Chaplin – former Iraq and Jordan ambassadorPeter Collecott – former Brazil ambassadorRichard Dalton – former Iran ambassadorMichael Hone – former Iceland ambassadorNicholas Hopton – former Iran ambassadorPeter Jenkins – former UN (Vienna) ambassadorRupert Joy – former EU ambassador to MoroccoRobin Kealy – former Tunisia ambassadorRobin Lamb – former Bahrain ambassadorAnthony Layden – former Morocco ambassadorRichard Makepeace – former UAE ambassadorMark Matthews – former Chad ambassadorRichard Northern – former Libya ambassadorChristopher Segar – former Iraq ambassadorAdrian Sindall – former Syria ambassador

Arsenal broke a spell of anxiety at the Estádio José Alvalade, edging Sporting CP 1‑0 in the Champions League quarter‑final first leg. Kai Havertz delivered the decisive goal after Gabriel Martinelli’s cross found him unmarked, allowing the German forward to finish past Rui Silva.The match was a grinding affair; Arsenal completed 488 passes but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Early opportunities were limited to set‑piece scrambles and long‑range attempts, with Noni Madueke’s corner rattling the bar and Leandro Trossard’s speculative 40‑yard effort failing to find the net.Arsenal’s breakthrough came in added time of the second half. Substituting Martin Ødegaard in the 70th minute, Arteta introduced Havertz, who slipped into a support‑striker role and, moments later, slotted home the winner. The goal not only secured the lead but also provided a psychological lift as the season’s final weeks loom.Equally pivotal was goalkeeper David Raya’s performance. The Spaniard produced three major saves, including a fingertip parry that kept a Geny Catamo header off the line and a double‑save sequence against Catamo and Luis Suárez. His interventions were described as “nothing will ever get past him,” underscoring the importance of elite goalkeeping in high‑stakes fixtures.Sporting CP pressed in the closing stages, with Ousmane Diomande threading a pass behind Ben White and Maxi Araújo forcing a near‑miss that only Raya’s fingertips prevented. Yet Arsenal’s defensive shape and Raya’s reflexes held firm, allowing the Gunners to head into the second leg with a valuable advantage.Arteta’s side has faced criticism for recent goalkeeping choices, notably starting Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, a decision that backfired after an error led to City’s opener. The contrast with Raya’s composure highlights the impact of recruitment decisions on match outcomes.While the win injects optimism, Arsenal remain nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and must translate this European momentum into domestic consistency. As Arteta cautioned, “don’t panic,” the onus now lies on Havertz to maintain composure and on the squad to capitalize on the platform Raya helped secure.

In a confidential set of proposals, the Football Association (FA) is looking to reshape the Women’s National League (WNL) by admitting four Women’s Super League academy sides into the third tier of the English women’s football pyramid starting in the 2027 season. The plan also introduces a mid‑season split—mirroring the format used in Scotland—intended to create a more compelling competition and generate greater media and fan engagement. Accompanying the structural overhaul is an investment package of about £1 million. This includes a £500,000 grant earmarked for prize money at tiers three and four, and a further £500,000 that the FA hopes to secure through a title‑sponsorship deal. Beyond financial support, the FA intends to enhance legal and medical insurance for clubs using the loan system and to provide limited grants for clubs establishing academies, thereby increasing competitive minutes for emerging talent. The new third‑tier format would expand from 24 to 28 clubs, split evenly between a northern and a southern division (14 teams each). Each region would host two Pro Game Academies (PGAs) operating under a three‑year licence awarded on the basis of academy strength and the proportion of English talent developed. After 13 rounds, the league would divide into three groups: an eight‑team WNL Premier (four clubs from each region) and two regional groups of ten. Academy sides would be excluded from the Premier, while the top two Premier teams would earn promotion to the second‑tier WSL2. The bottom three clubs in each regional group would face relegation, meaning PGAs could also be demoted. Promotion from the fourth tier would involve six clubs, with the runners‑up from the four fourth‑tier divisions contesting playoffs for the final spots. These proposals follow the FA’s decision last year to abandon a previous expansion that would have placed B teams in tier four—a plan that had secured just under 55% support from 144 surveyed clubs. The current blueprint, still pending board approval, does not reference B teams and emphasizes the goal of enhancing competitiveness, better preparing clubs for the WSL, and attracting more fans and media coverage. FA officials stressed that the initiative is being developed in full consultation with leagues, clubs, and other stakeholders, with a focus on sustainable growth, professionalism, and expanded development pathways for young English players. Comparative analysis shows that youth internationals from Spain, the Netherlands, and France typically accrue far more top‑flight minutes in their teens than their English counterparts, underscoring the FA’s urgency to create more high‑level playing opportunities domestically. The Women’s National League, now in its 35th year, currently sees Burnley leading the northern third tier and Watford crowned champions of the southern division.