Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he approved on Wednesday a major gas export deal with Egypt worth nearly $35 billion."Today, I approved the largest gas deal in Israel's history. The deal is worth 112 billion shekels ($34.7 billion). Of this total, 58 billion shekels ($18 billion) will go to the state coffers," Netanyahu said during a televised address."The agreement is with the American company Chevron, with Israeli partners who will supply gas to Egypt," Netanyahu added.Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who was present during the address, said it was the "largest export deal in the state's history".Netanyahu said the money would "strengthen education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and the future of the next generations"."This deal greatly strengthens Israel's status as a regional energy power, and it contributes to stability in our region," he added.Israeli firm NewMed Energy announced in August the signing of a $35 billion deal to provide Egypt with natural gas.The deal would increase the total volume of gas supplied to Egypt to 130 billion cubic metres, according to a report published by the firm.In a statement issued late on Wednesday, NewMed Energy said it had received "approval to export gas to Egypt, enabling the execution of a deal estimated at roughly $35 billion"."This is a historic day for the natural gas sector, one that guarantees continued investment in Israel and creates regulatory stability for years to come," NewMed CEO Yossi Abu was quoted as saying in the statement.

Israeli firm NewMed Energy announced in August the signing of a $35 billion deal to provide Egypt with natural gas. The deal would increase the total volume of gas supplied to Egypt to 130 billion cubic metres, according to a report published by the firm.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he approved on Wednesday a major gas export deal with Egypt worth nearly $35 billion. "Today, I approved the largest gas deal in Israel's history. The deal is worth 112 billion shekels ($34.7 billion). Of this total, 58 billion shekels ($18 billion) will go to the state coffers," Netanyahu said during a televised address. "The agreement is with the American company Chevron, with Israeli partners who will supply gas to Egypt," Netanyahu added. Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who was present during the address, said it was the "largest export deal in the state's history". Netanyahu said the money would "strengthen education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and the future of the next generations". "This deal greatly strengthens Israel's status as a regional energy power, and it contributes to stability in our region," he added. Israeli firm NewMed Energy announced in August the signing of a $35 billion deal to provide Egypt with natural gas. The deal would increase the total volume of gas supplied to Egypt to 130 billion cubic metres, according to a report published by the firm. In a statement issued late on Wednesday, NewMed Energy said it had received "approval to export gas to Egypt, enabling the execution of a deal estimated at roughly $35 billion". "This is a historic day for the natural gas sector, one that guarantees continued investment in Israel and creates regulatory stability for years to come," NewMed CEO Yossi Abu was quoted as saying in the statement.

Israeli firm NewMed Energy announced in August the signing of a $35 billion deal to provide Egypt with natural gas. The deal would increase the total volume of gas supplied to Egypt to 130 billion cubic metres, according to a report published by the firm.

Netanyahu approves $35bn gas deal with Egypt. Details here

Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecution of Donald Trump on Wednesday, telling lawmakers the US president had engaged in a "criminal scheme" to overturn the results of the 2020 election.Smith's testimony to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee was being held behind closed doors, but several US media outlets obtained excerpts of his prepared remarks."The decision to bring charges against President Trump was mine, but the basis for those charges rests entirely with President Trump and his actions," Smith was quoted as telling the panel."Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and to prevent the lawful transfer of power," Smith said."If asked whether to prosecute a former president based on the same facts today, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or Democrat," he added.Smith had requested that his deposition be delivered in public, but the Republican majority on the House Judiciary Committee declined his request.Trump was accused by Smith of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and plotting to overturn the results of the White House race he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.Neither case came to trial and Smith -- in line with a Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president -- dropped them both after Trump won the November 2024 presidential election.Smith declined to speak to reporters as he arrived for the deposition before the committee, which is examining his decision to bring the two criminal cases against Trump.<h2>- 'Unprecedented retribution campaign' -</h2>Lanny Breuer, Smith's lawyer, said the former special counsel, in testifying, was "showing tremendous courage in light of the remarkable and unprecedented retribution campaign against him by this administration and this White House.""Jack Smith, a career prosecutor, conducted this investigation based on the facts and based on the law and nothing more," Breuer told reporters.Since taking office for the second time, Trump has urged the Justice Department to bring cases against Smith and a number of other perceived political opponents.Cases brought against Trump foes James Comey, a former FBI director, and New York Attorney General Letitia James collapsed last month after a judge ruled that the prosecutor who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed.Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has criticized the decision by the Republicans on the oversight panel not to allow Smith to testify publicly."What are our colleagues so afraid of, that they won't let the American people hear directly from the special counsel?" Raskin said."The American people deserve to hear the full unvarnished truth about special counsel Smith's years-long effort to investigate and prosecute the crimes committed by Donald Trump and his co-conspirators," he said.

Trump was accused by Smith of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and plotting to overturn the results of the White House race he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecution of Donald Trump on Wednesday, telling lawmakers the US president had engaged in a "criminal scheme" to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Smith's testimony to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee was being held behind closed doors, but several US media outlets obtained excerpts of his prepared remarks. "The decision to bring charges against President Trump was mine, but the basis for those charges rests entirely with President Trump and his actions," Smith was quoted as telling the panel. "Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and to prevent the lawful transfer of power," Smith said. "If asked whether to prosecute a former president based on the same facts today, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or Democrat," he added. Smith had requested that his deposition be delivered in public, but the Republican majority on the House Judiciary Committee declined his request. Trump was accused by Smith of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and plotting to overturn the results of the White House race he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Neither case came to trial and Smith -- in line with a Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president -- dropped them both after Trump won the November 2024 presidential election. Smith declined to speak to reporters as he arrived for the deposition before the committee, which is examining his decision to bring the two criminal cases against Trump. - 'Unprecedented retribution campaign' - Lanny Breuer, Smith's lawyer, said the former special counsel, in testifying, was "showing tremendous courage in light of the remarkable and unprecedented retribution campaign against him by this administration and this White House." "Jack Smith, a career prosecutor, conducted this investigation based on the facts and based on the law and nothing more," Breuer told reporters. Since taking office for the second time, Trump has urged the Justice Department to bring cases against Smith and a number of other perceived political opponents. Cases brought against Trump foes James Comey, a former FBI director, and New York Attorney General Letitia James collapsed last month after a judge ruled that the prosecutor who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed. Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has criticized the decision by the Republicans on the oversight panel not to allow Smith to testify publicly. "What are our colleagues so afraid of, that they won't let the American people hear directly from the special counsel?" Raskin said. "The American people deserve to hear the full unvarnished truth about special counsel Smith's years-long effort to investigate and prosecute the crimes committed by Donald Trump and his co-conspirators," he said.

Trump was accused by Smith of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and plotting to overturn the results of the White House race he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

Ex-special counsel defends Trump prosecution in House appearance

The winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money as part of a record financial contribution for the tournament from FIFA, world football's governing body, announced on Wednesday. The total World Cup prize fund of $655 million (558.5 million euros) represents an increase of almost 50 per cent from the $440 million distributed to teams taking part in the last tournament in Qatar in 2022. However, next year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 -- will be the first to feature 48 teams, a 50 per cent increase from the 32 teams last time.&nbsp;The Argentine Football Association received $42 million in prize money after Lionel Messi inspired them to glory three years ago, when they won on penalties in the final against France.&nbsp;France received $30 million for their run to the final. This time, the beaten finalists will pocket $33 million, with the third-place finishers collecting $29 million and the other defeated semi-finalists getting $27 million.&nbsp;Teams eliminated in the group phase will receive $9 million, while all 48 participating nations will get an additional $1.5 million to cover "preparation costs".&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-tennis-league-hawks-and-eagles-dominate-opening-day-in-thrilling-contest-1765990536802">World Tennis League: Hawks and Eagles dominate opening day in thrilling contest</a>&nbsp;On Tuesday, organisers unveiled a new cut-price ticket category after a wave of criticism from fans over pricing for the 2026 tournament.&nbsp;FIFA said it had created a limited number of tickets priced at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final.&nbsp;It said the plan was "designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament".&nbsp;Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week called prices "extortionate" and "astronomical", responded to the move by saying FIFA was offering too little.&nbsp;It described the creation of the new ticket category as "nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash" and claimed few fans would benefit.&nbsp;"Based on the allocations publicly available, this would mean that at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the $60 prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before," the group said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Next year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 -- will be the first to feature 48 teams, a 50 per cent increase from the 32 teams last time.

The winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money as part of a record financial contribution for the tournament from FIFA, world football's governing body, announced on Wednesday. The total World Cup prize fund of $655 million (558.5 million euros) represents an increase of almost 50 per cent from the $440 million distributed to teams taking part in the last tournament in Qatar in 2022. However, next year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 -- will be the first to feature 48 teams, a 50 per cent increase from the 32 teams last time. The Argentine Football Association received $42 million in prize money after Lionel Messi inspired them to glory three years ago, when they won on penalties in the final against France. France received $30 million for their run to the final. This time, the beaten finalists will pocket $33 million, with the third-place finishers collecting $29 million and the other defeated semi-finalists getting $27 million. Teams eliminated in the group phase will receive $9 million, while all 48 participating nations will get an additional $1.5 million to cover "preparation costs". Also read | World Tennis League: Hawks and Eagles dominate opening day in thrilling contest On Tuesday, organisers unveiled a new cut-price ticket category after a wave of criticism from fans over pricing for the 2026 tournament. FIFA said it had created a limited number of tickets priced at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. It said the plan was "designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament". Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week called prices "extortionate" and "astronomical", responded to the move by saying FIFA was offering too little. It described the creation of the new ticket category as "nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash" and claimed few fans would benefit. "Based on the allocations publicly available, this would mean that at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the $60 prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before," the group said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Next year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 -- will be the first to feature 48 teams, a 50 per cent increase from the 32 teams last time.

How much cash prize would the winner of 2026 FIFA World Cup get? FIFA drops details

Men's tennis world number one Carlos Alcaraz announced on Wednesday that he is splitting from his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, after seven hugely successful years together, with assistant coach Samuel Lopez taking over. Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams among his 24 tour-level titles under the guidance of fellow Spaniard Ferrero, including this year's French and US Opens. Alcaraz, 22, ends this year as world number one, having claimed eight tournaments during the season, including his dramatic victory over Jannik Sinner in Paris.&nbsp;"It is very difficult to write this post," Alcaraz said on social media with photos of the pair hugging. "After more than seven years together, 'Juanki' and I have decided to end our story together as coach and player.&nbsp;"Thank you for making the dreams of a child become reality," Alcaraz added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Es muy difícil para mí escribir este post… Tras más de siete años juntos, Juanki y yo hemos decidido poner fin a nuestra etapa juntos como entrenador y jugador. Gracias por haber hecho de sueños de niño, realidades. Empezamos este camino cuando apenas era un chaval, y durante… <a href="https://t.co/D4GSxYsZUY">pic.twitter.com/D4GSxYsZUY</a>&mdash; Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) <a href="https://twitter.com/carlosalcaraz/status/2001262529159250122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alcaraz began working with 45-year-old Ferrero, a former world number one, in August 2018, when he was a teenager. As a player, Ferrero won the 2003 French Open and was runner-up in New York later in the year before becoming a coach, working alongside Alexander Zverev in 2017.&nbsp;Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in 2022 before clinching Wimbledon and the French Open, to mark a change in men's tennis following years of dominance by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. His first success at New York sent the then 19-year-old to the top of the world rankings for the first time, becoming the second youngest man to do so, behind Lew Hoad in 1953.<h3>‘Nostalgia’</h3>&nbsp;Alcaraz has never made it further than the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, with the main draw of the first Grand Slam of next year starting on January 18.&nbsp;"We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time you've been by my side on an incredible ride, on and off the court," Alcaraz said. "And I've enjoyed every step with you immensely.&nbsp;"Now change is coming for both of us, new adventures and new projects.&nbsp;"I'm at peace knowing we left everything out there, that we gave everything for one another," he added.&nbsp;The Ferrero tennis academy said Lopez will step up to take over as coach.&nbsp;"Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero go their separate ways, with Samuel Lopez continuing as head coach," the academy based in Alicante, Spain said on X. "Endlessly grateful for the unforgettable points, emotions, and moments that defined the 2025 season," it added.&nbsp;Lopez, 55, took on his current role with Alcaraz in 2024. Ferrero and Lopez won the 2025 ATP coach of the year award, having also secured the title three years earlier.&nbsp;"Today, a very important chapter of my life comes to an end," Ferrero said on Instagram. "I close it with nostalgia, but also with pride and excitement for what may come next.&nbsp;"I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again," he added.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Carlos Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams among his 24 tour-level titles under the guidance of fellow Spaniard Ferrero, including this year's French and US Opens.

Men's tennis world number one Carlos Alcaraz announced on Wednesday that he is splitting from his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, after seven hugely successful years together, with assistant coach Samuel Lopez taking over. Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams among his 24 tour-level titles under the guidance of fellow Spaniard Ferrero, including this year's French and US Opens. Alcaraz, 22, ends this year as world number one, having claimed eight tournaments during the season, including his dramatic victory over Jannik Sinner in Paris. "It is very difficult to write this post," Alcaraz said on social media with photos of the pair hugging. "After more than seven years together, 'Juanki' and I have decided to end our story together as coach and player. "Thank you for making the dreams of a child become reality," Alcaraz added.

Carlos Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams among his 24 tour-level titles under the guidance of fellow Spaniard Ferrero, including this year's French and US Opens.

Tennis: World number one Carlos Alcaraz splits up with long-time coach Ferrero

An emotional Alex Carey called his 106 on home soil in front of family and friends in the third Ashes Test a "special moment" on Wednesday, with the century coming just months after his father died. The 34-year-old, who produced a wicketkeeping masterclass during the second Test in Brisbane, showed his prowess with the bat to steer Australia to 326-8 at stumps on day one against England.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was his third Test century, his first in an Ashes series, and an innings to savour with his friends and family watching. Carey punched the air and looked to the heavens when he reached the milestone as his wife, Eloise, sobbed in the stands. It was the first time Carey had reached three figures since his father Gordon died after a battle with leukaemia in September, and he called it a "special moment".&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-alex-carey-usman-khawaja-shine-as-australia-recover-after-poor-start-on-day-1-of-adelaide-test-1765955100108">Ashes: Carey, Khawaja shine as Australia recover after poor start on Day 1 of Adelaide Test</a>&nbsp;"Probably won't go into too much depth thinking through the reasons why, I'll probably get emotional, but yeah, it was great," he said. "Dad played the biggest role probably in my cricket, coached me all the way through as dads want to do," he added.&nbsp;"Sort of let me go once I got into my older teenage years, but would always shoot a message and (say) put the reverse sweep away and keep hard on me."&nbsp;Carey's 106 off 143 balls hauled Australia out of trouble after losing two quick wickets in the first over after lunch, then Usman Khawaja departed for a gritty 82. He shared in partnerships with Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to get the hosts back on track as they target an unassailable 3-0 series lead.&nbsp;"Really a little bit of a sticky situation there straight after lunch," he said. "So, to form a partnership with Uzzie (Khawaja), and I guess keep us in the mix (was special).&nbsp;"Would love to have scored more runs and be there a bit longer. But to be able to take the helmet off and look up to the heavens, it was a really nice moment."&nbsp;Khawaja was parachuted in at the last moment when Steve Smith pulled out with illness just before the toss. He came in at four after being overlooked as opener in favour of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, with many fearing it spelt the end of his career. But Carey said Khawaja still had plenty to give the team.&nbsp;"I still think he's got so much to give to this group," he said. “We saw again today, he played really well.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The 34-year-old, who produced a wicketkeeping masterclass during the second Test in Brisbane, showed his prowess with the bat to steer Australia to 326-8 at stumps on day one against England. 

An emotional Alex Carey called his 106 on home soil in front of family and friends in the third Ashes Test a "special moment" on Wednesday, with the century coming just months after his father died. The 34-year-old, who produced a wicketkeeping masterclass during the second Test in Brisbane, showed his prowess with the bat to steer Australia to 326-8 at stumps on day one against England. It was his third Test century, his first in an Ashes series, and an innings to savour with his friends and family watching. Carey punched the air and looked to the heavens when he reached the milestone as his wife, Eloise, sobbed in the stands. It was the first time Carey had reached three figures since his father Gordon died after a battle with leukaemia in September, and he called it a "special moment". Also read | Ashes: Carey, Khawaja shine as Australia recover after poor start on Day 1 of Adelaide Test "Probably won't go into too much depth thinking through the reasons why, I'll probably get emotional, but yeah, it was great," he said. "Dad played the biggest role probably in my cricket, coached me all the way through as dads want to do," he added. "Sort of let me go once I got into my older teenage years, but would always shoot a message and (say) put the reverse sweep away and keep hard on me." Carey's 106 off 143 balls hauled Australia out of trouble after losing two quick wickets in the first over after lunch, then Usman Khawaja departed for a gritty 82. He shared in partnerships with Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to get the hosts back on track as they target an unassailable 3-0 series lead. "Really a little bit of a sticky situation there straight after lunch," he said. "So, to form a partnership with Uzzie (Khawaja), and I guess keep us in the mix (was special). "Would love to have scored more runs and be there a bit longer. But to be able to take the helmet off and look up to the heavens, it was a really nice moment." Khawaja was parachuted in at the last moment when Steve Smith pulled out with illness just before the toss. He came in at four after being overlooked as opener in favour of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, with many fearing it spelt the end of his career. But Carey said Khawaja still had plenty to give the team. "I still think he's got so much to give to this group," he said. “We saw again today, he played really well.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The 34-year-old, who produced a wicketkeeping masterclass during the second Test in Brisbane, showed his prowess with the bat to steer Australia to 326-8 at stumps on day one against England.&nbsp;

Adelaide Test: Emotional Carey dedicates maiden Ashes hundred to late father

Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford scored late for Barcelona in a 2-0 win over third-tier side Guadalajara on Tuesday to seal a place in the Spanish Copa del Rey last 16.&nbsp;In their opening game of the tournament, last season's winners Barcelona faced more resistance than expected from the home side, with both goals coming in the last fifteen minutes.&nbsp;Dane Christensen broke through for the Catalans after 77 minutes with England's Rashford adding the second after 90 minutes to send the La Liga leaders into the next round.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Real Mallorca suffered the only upset on Tuesday with their 1-0 elimination by second-tier Deportivo de La Coruna.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Elche won 1-0 away to second-tier Eibar while Valencia triumphed 2-0 away to Sporting Gijón and Real Sociedad overcame third-tier Eldense 2-1 with a goal in the 90+6 minute.&nbsp;Real Madrid enter the fray on Wednesday, visiting third-division Talavera.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In their opening game of the tournament, last season's winners Barcelona faced more resistance than expected from the home side, with both goals coming in the last fifteen minutes.

Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford scored late for Barcelona in a 2-0 win over third-tier side Guadalajara on Tuesday to seal a place in the Spanish Copa del Rey last 16. In their opening game of the tournament, last season's winners Barcelona faced more resistance than expected from the home side, with both goals coming in the last fifteen minutes. Dane Christensen broke through for the Catalans after 77 minutes with England's Rashford adding the second after 90 minutes to send the La Liga leaders into the next round. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Real Mallorca suffered the only upset on Tuesday with their 1-0 elimination by second-tier Deportivo de La Coruna. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Elche won 1-0 away to second-tier Eibar while Valencia triumphed 2-0 away to Sporting Gijón and Real Sociedad overcame third-tier Eldense 2-1 with a goal in the 90+6 minute. Real Madrid enter the fray on Wednesday, visiting third-division Talavera. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In their opening game of the tournament, last season's winners Barcelona faced more resistance than expected from the home side, with both goals coming in the last fifteen minutes.

Copa del Rey: Andreas Christensen, Marcus Rashford send Barcelona into last 16

World Cup organisers unveiled a new cut-price ticket category on Tuesday after a backlash by fans over pricing for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.&nbsp;Football's global governing body FIFA said in a statement that it had created a limited number of "Supporter Entry Tier" fixed at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final.&nbsp;It said the plan was "designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament".&nbsp;FIFA said that the $60 (51 euro) tickets would be reserved for fans of qualified teams and would make up 10 percent of each national federation's allotment.&nbsp;Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week called prices "extortionate" and "astronomical", responded by saying the FIFA was offering too little.&nbsp;"While we welcome FIFA's seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough," FSE said in a statement on Tuesday.&nbsp;Last week, FSE said ticket prices were almost five times higher than in 2022 in Qatar, describing FIFA's pricing for 2026 as a "monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup".&nbsp;"If a supporter were to follow their team from the first match to the final it would cost them a minimum of $6,900," it said at the time, adding that World Cup organisers had promised tickets priced from $21 in a bid document released in 2018.<h2>Appeasement tactic</h2>On Tuesday, FSE said FIFA's partial ticketing U-turn exposed flaws in how prices for next year's tournament had been set.&nbsp;"For the moment we are looking at the FIFA announcement as nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash," FSE said.&nbsp;"This shows that FIFA's ticketing policy is not set in stone, was decided in a rush, and without proper consultation -- including with FIFA's own member associations.&nbsp;"Based on the allocations publicly available, this would mean that at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the 60 US dollar prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The organisation also criticised the failure to make provisions for supporters with disabilities or their companions.&nbsp;Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed FSE, stating that FIFA's cheaper ticket category did not go far enough.&nbsp;"I welcome FIFA's announcement of some lower priced supporters tickets," Starmer wrote on X.&nbsp;"But as someone who used to save up for England tickets, I encourage FIFA to do more to make tickets more affordable so that the World Cup doesn't lose touch with the genuine supporters who make the game so special."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Announcing the $60 tickets on Tuesday, FIFA said that national federations "are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams".&nbsp;FIFA also said that if fans bought tickets for games in the knockout rounds only to find their team eliminated at an earlier stage, they "will have the administrative fee waived when refunds are processed."&nbsp;It added that it was making the announcement "amid extraordinary global demand for tickets" with 20 million requests already submitted.&nbsp;The draw for tickets of all prices in the first round of sales will take place on Tuesday, January 13.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Football's global governing body FIFA said in a statement that it had created a limited number of "Supporter Entry Tier" fixed at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final.

World Cup organisers unveiled a new cut-price ticket category on Tuesday after a backlash by fans over pricing for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Football's global governing body FIFA said in a statement that it had created a limited number of "Supporter Entry Tier" fixed at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. It said the plan was "designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament". FIFA said that the $60 (51 euro) tickets would be reserved for fans of qualified teams and would make up 10 percent of each national federation's allotment. Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week called prices "extortionate" and "astronomical", responded by saying the FIFA was offering too little. "While we welcome FIFA's seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough," FSE said in a statement on Tuesday. Last week, FSE said ticket prices were almost five times higher than in 2022 in Qatar, describing FIFA's pricing for 2026 as a "monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup". "If a supporter were to follow their team from the first match to the final it would cost them a minimum of $6,900," it said at the time, adding that World Cup organisers had promised tickets priced from $21 in a bid document released in 2018. Appeasement tactic On Tuesday, FSE said FIFA's partial ticketing U-turn exposed flaws in how prices for next year's tournament had been set. "For the moment we are looking at the FIFA announcement as nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash," FSE said. "This shows that FIFA's ticketing policy is not set in stone, was decided in a rush, and without proper consultation -- including with FIFA's own member associations. "Based on the allocations publicly available, this would mean that at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the 60 US dollar prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before." ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes The organisation also criticised the failure to make provisions for supporters with disabilities or their companions. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed FSE, stating that FIFA's cheaper ticket category did not go far enough. "I welcome FIFA's announcement of some lower priced supporters tickets," Starmer wrote on X. "But as someone who used to save up for England tickets, I encourage FIFA to do more to make tickets more affordable so that the World Cup doesn't lose touch with the genuine supporters who make the game so special." ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Announcing the $60 tickets on Tuesday, FIFA said that national federations "are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams". FIFA also said that if fans bought tickets for games in the knockout rounds only to find their team eliminated at an earlier stage, they "will have the administrative fee waived when refunds are processed." It added that it was making the announcement "amid extraordinary global demand for tickets" with 20 million requests already submitted. The draw for tickets of all prices in the first round of sales will take place on Tuesday, January 13. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Football's global governing body FIFA said in a statement that it had created a limited number of "Supporter Entry Tier" fixed at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final.

FIFA announces $60 World Cup tickets after pricing backlash

Donald Trump’s top national security officials were grilled by lawmakers on Tuesday (Dec 16) over US military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, operations that have triggered concerns about an expanding use of force close to Venezuela. Briefings to the House and Senate, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took place amid growing unease in Congress over the president’s widening operations in waters off Latin America, as lawmakers consider steps to rein in Trump’s authority to act without legislative approval.&nbsp;US officials say the operations target narcotics bound for American shores.&nbsp;Critics counter that the campaign -- which has destroyed at least 26 boats and killed at least 95 people, according to US military figures -- is legally ambiguous and strategically unclear.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/your-political-opinions-online-could-cost-you-us-visa-trump-administration-expands-screening-for-h-1b-and-h-4-visas-1765900690172">Your political opinions online could cost you US visa: Trump administration expands screening for H-1B and H-4 visas</a>&nbsp;The classified sessions preceded a possible Senate vote on resolutions aimed at restricting Trump from launching military action against Venezuela without congressional consent.&nbsp;But Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters as he left the room that the officials had offered nothing new.&nbsp;"The administration came to this briefing empty handed... and if they can't be transparent on this, how can you trust their transparency on all the other issues swirling about in the Caribbean?" Schumer said.&nbsp;The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike.&nbsp;Lawmakers from both parties have demanded answers on the legal basis for that attack and why Congress has been denied full access to video footage, which so far has been shown only to a handful of senior lawmakers.&nbsp;Schumer has warned that secrecy -- combined with the presence of US troops and a carrier group in the region -- risked dragging the country into another open-ended conflict.He told reporters he reiterated the demand for every senator to be given access to the complete, unedited tape of the September 2 strike but was rebuffed.&nbsp;Rubio and Hegseth defended the "highly successful mission" as they left the briefing, and said the Pentagon would allow the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to view the video alongside the commander who ordered them, Admiral Frank Bradley.&nbsp;"But, in keeping with longstanding... Department of Defense policy, we're not going to release a top secret, full, unedited video of that to the general public," Hegseth added.&nbsp;Beyond the boat strikes, the administration has ratcheted up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro -- deepening sanctions, deploying warships and aircraft near his coastline and seizing an oil tanker linked to Caracas.<h2>Maduro's days are numbered: Trump</h2>Trump has declared that Maduro's "days are numbered" and pointedly refused to rule out a US ground invasion.&nbsp;Legal experts say the case highlights a central tension in Trump's approach -- that treating drug trafficking as an act of war may violate international law.&nbsp;This week, Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl -- which is stocked and administered by hospitals -- as a "weapon of mass destruction," an escalation supporters say reflects the gravity of the opioid crisis.&nbsp;Specialists note, however, that most of the intercepted boats were believed to be carrying cocaine, not fentanyl.&nbsp;Despite mounting scrutiny, the campaign shows no sign of slowing.&nbsp;On Monday, the Pentagon said it had carried out fresh strikes against alleged drug boats in the Pacific, killing eight people described as "narco-terrorists."&nbsp;The Senate briefing also follows last week's dramatic US seizure of an oil tanker accused of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan fuel in a network linked to Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-event-fiasco-cm-mamata-banerjee-assumes-charge-of-west-bengal-sports-after-minister-s-resignation-mamta-messi-india-tour-1765905241623">Messi event fiasco: CM Mamata Banerjee assumes charge of West Bengal sports after minister’s resignation</a>&nbsp;Republican senator and staunch Trump ally Lindsey Graham said as he emerged from his briefing that the video was the least of his concerns, asserting that the September 2 strike was lawful.&nbsp;"Most Americans want to know what's going to happen next. I want to know what's going to happen next. Is it the policy to take Maduro down? It should be, if it's not. And if he goes, what's going to happen next?"

The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike.

Donald Trump’s top national security officials were grilled by lawmakers on Tuesday (Dec 16) over US military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, operations that have triggered concerns about an expanding use of force close to Venezuela. Briefings to the House and Senate, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took place amid growing unease in Congress over the president’s widening operations in waters off Latin America, as lawmakers consider steps to rein in Trump’s authority to act without legislative approval. US officials say the operations target narcotics bound for American shores. Critics counter that the campaign -- which has destroyed at least 26 boats and killed at least 95 people, according to US military figures -- is legally ambiguous and strategically unclear. Also Read: Your political opinions online could cost you US visa: Trump administration expands screening for H-1B and H-4 visas The classified sessions preceded a possible Senate vote on resolutions aimed at restricting Trump from launching military action against Venezuela without congressional consent. But Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters as he left the room that the officials had offered nothing new. "The administration came to this briefing empty handed... and if they can't be transparent on this, how can you trust their transparency on all the other issues swirling about in the Caribbean?" Schumer said. The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike. Lawmakers from both parties have demanded answers on the legal basis for that attack and why Congress has been denied full access to video footage, which so far has been shown only to a handful of senior lawmakers. Schumer has warned that secrecy -- combined with the presence of US troops and a carrier group in the region -- risked dragging the country into another open-ended conflict. He told reporters he reiterated the demand for every senator to be given access to the complete, unedited tape of the September 2 strike but was rebuffed. Rubio and Hegseth defended the "highly successful mission" as they left the briefing, and said the Pentagon would allow the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to view the video alongside the commander who ordered them, Admiral Frank Bradley. "But, in keeping with longstanding... Department of Defense policy, we're not going to release a top secret, full, unedited video of that to the general public," Hegseth added. Beyond the boat strikes, the administration has ratcheted up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro -- deepening sanctions, deploying warships and aircraft near his coastline and seizing an oil tanker linked to Caracas. Maduro's days are numbered: Trump Trump has declared that Maduro's "days are numbered" and pointedly refused to rule out a US ground invasion. Legal experts say the case highlights a central tension in Trump's approach -- that treating drug trafficking as an act of war may violate international law. This week, Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl -- which is stocked and administered by hospitals -- as a "weapon of mass destruction," an escalation supporters say reflects the gravity of the opioid crisis. Specialists note, however, that most of the intercepted boats were believed to be carrying cocaine, not fentanyl. Despite mounting scrutiny, the campaign shows no sign of slowing. On Monday, the Pentagon said it had carried out fresh strikes against alleged drug boats in the Pacific, killing eight people described as "narco-terrorists." The Senate briefing also follows last week's dramatic US seizure of an oil tanker accused of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan fuel in a network linked to Iran. Also Read: Messi event fiasco: CM Mamata Banerjee assumes charge of West Bengal sports after minister’s resignation Republican senator and staunch Trump ally Lindsey Graham said as he emerged from his briefing that the video was the least of his concerns, asserting that the September 2 strike was lawful. "Most Americans want to know what's going to happen next. I want to know what's going to happen next. Is it the policy to take Maduro down? It should be, if it's not. And if he goes, what's going to happen next?"

The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike.

US lawmakers grill Trump officials over alleged drug boat strikes

Paris Saint-Germain were ordered to pay their former forward Kylian Mbappe up to 61 million euros ($71.8 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses by a French labour court on Tuesday. France captain Mbappe, who left PSG in June 2024 to join Real Madrid, had been claiming over 260 million euros in total from his former club. PSG in turn had demanded Mbappe pay them 440 million euros. Mbappe, 26, also claimed the Parisian club applied the wrong French legal classification to his contract, but that was rejected by the court.&nbsp;The labour court said the final figure of between 60 million and 61 million euros was made up of 55 million euros in unpaid salary and around six million euros in holiday payments. Qatari-owned PSG did not immediately say if they intend to appeal.&nbsp;Lawyers for Mbappe said in a statement they "noted with satisfaction the decision given by the labour court".&nbsp;"It re-establishes a simple truth -- even in the professional football industry, labour laws apply to everyone," the lawyers added in a statement.&nbsp;The French club had said they were basing the figure they were claiming in part on a botched 300m-euro transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal which Mbappe refused in June 2023.&nbsp;Mbappe left for Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expired the following summer.He insisted he made no agreement in 2023 to waive any payment from the club.&nbsp;Mbappe initially filed a complaint in June over the way he was treated by PSG at the start of the 2023-24 season.&nbsp;Mbappe argues that he was sidelined by PSG and made to train with players the club were trying to offload after refusing to agree a new contract.&nbsp;It is a widespread practice that in France prompted the players' union to lodge a complaint last year.Mbappe was not invited to take part in PSG's 2023 pre-season tour of Asia and missed the first game of that season but was later recalled to the team after holding talks with the club.&nbsp;After seven seasons with PSG he joined Real Madrid where he earns a reported annual salary of 30m euros.&nbsp;Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 games for PSG but the club won the Champions League for the first time last season following his departure.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

France captain Mbappe left PSG in June 2024 to join Real Madrid. He had been claiming over 260 million euros in total from his former club, while PSG had demanded Mbappe pay them 440 million euros. 

Paris Saint-Germain were ordered to pay their former forward Kylian Mbappe up to 61 million euros ($71.8 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses by a French labour court on Tuesday. France captain Mbappe, who left PSG in June 2024 to join Real Madrid, had been claiming over 260 million euros in total from his former club. PSG in turn had demanded Mbappe pay them 440 million euros. Mbappe, 26, also claimed the Parisian club applied the wrong French legal classification to his contract, but that was rejected by the court. The labour court said the final figure of between 60 million and 61 million euros was made up of 55 million euros in unpaid salary and around six million euros in holiday payments. Qatari-owned PSG did not immediately say if they intend to appeal. Lawyers for Mbappe said in a statement they "noted with satisfaction the decision given by the labour court". "It re-establishes a simple truth -- even in the professional football industry, labour laws apply to everyone," the lawyers added in a statement. The French club had said they were basing the figure they were claiming in part on a botched 300m-euro transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal which Mbappe refused in June 2023. Mbappe left for Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expired the following summer. He insisted he made no agreement in 2023 to waive any payment from the club. Mbappe initially filed a complaint in June over the way he was treated by PSG at the start of the 2023-24 season. Mbappe argues that he was sidelined by PSG and made to train with players the club were trying to offload after refusing to agree a new contract. It is a widespread practice that in France prompted the players' union to lodge a complaint last year. Mbappe was not invited to take part in PSG's 2023 pre-season tour of Asia and missed the first game of that season but was later recalled to the team after holding talks with the club. After seven seasons with PSG he joined Real Madrid where he earns a reported annual salary of 30m euros. Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 games for PSG but the club won the Champions League for the first time last season following his departure. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

France captain Mbappe left PSG in June 2024 to join Real Madrid. He had been claiming over 260 million euros in total from his former club, while PSG had demanded Mbappe pay them 440 million euros.&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain ordered to pay around $70 million to Kylian Mbappe in wage dispute

Captain Ben Stokes has demanded England "show a bit of dog" in the must-win third Ashes Test against Australia on Wednesday after "raw" conversations following heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane. The tourists have crashed to consecutive eight-wicket losses and must snap a 17-match winless streak in Australia at Adelaide Oval to keep the five-match series alive. They have made one change with Josh Tongue replacing fellow quick Gus Atkinson, while off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks kept his place ahead of Shoaib Bashir.&nbsp;Stokes said after the Gabba defeat that Australia was "no place for weak men" and admitted to hard dressing-room discussions in the aftermath.&nbsp;"What's been said has been said," Stokes told reporters. “I've done all the talking over the last two days that I needed to. All that stuff's done now, so it's about what gets seen out on the field in Adelaide this week.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-pat-cummins-nathan-lyon-return-to-playing-xi-for-adelaide-test-as-australia-make-two-changes-usman-khawaja-1765857903582">Ashes: Cummins, Lyon return to playing XI for Adelaide Test; Khawaja left out</a>&nbsp;Stokes was called "the most competitive person I've ever come across" by former England captain Alastair Cook last week, and the 34-year-old all-rounder wants to see more fight from his team.&nbsp;"It's just about trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in, understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team," said Stokes. “Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me. You're giving yourself the best possible chance if you've got a bit of dog in you.”&nbsp;Asked how the team had responded to his demands, Stokes replied: "It goes one or two ways, and the response that the whole group has shown as a collective has been exactly what I wanted.&nbsp;"And we're going into this week with full understanding of what we need to do. I think the team is very, very understanding of some of the bits that I've raised in the dressing room."&nbsp;Stokes cited England's battling third Test win against India at Lord's in July as an example of the grit he wanted to see, the hosts having won by 22 runs deep into day five after a time-wasting row.&nbsp;"That's exactly what I'm on about," he said. "We were probably in a situation where we would have to be absolutely perfect to win that game, and we were.&nbsp;“The attitude and the mentality towards that specific situation is what gave us the best chance of winning that game.”<h3>No excuses</h3>&nbsp;Since arriving in Australia, England have been under intense media scrutiny and faced hostile crowds at Perth and Brisbane.&nbsp;Just five of the players used so far had previously played an Ashes series in Australia, and Stokes acknowledged it had been confronting for the newcomers.&nbsp;"Honestly, I think so," he said. "Now I feel everyone has experienced that and probably at its highest level, so we all know what it's going to be like.&nbsp;"So for the next three games there isn't going to be any of that 'I didn't expect this' or 'it's the first time I've had this'."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Stokes said after the Gabba defeat that Australia was "no place for weak men" and admitted to hard dressing-room discussions in the aftermath.

Captain Ben Stokes has demanded England "show a bit of dog" in the must-win third Ashes Test against Australia on Wednesday after "raw" conversations following heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane. The tourists have crashed to consecutive eight-wicket losses and must snap a 17-match winless streak in Australia at Adelaide Oval to keep the five-match series alive. They have made one change with Josh Tongue replacing fellow quick Gus Atkinson, while off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks kept his place ahead of Shoaib Bashir. Stokes said after the Gabba defeat that Australia was "no place for weak men" and admitted to hard dressing-room discussions in the aftermath. "What's been said has been said," Stokes told reporters. “I've done all the talking over the last two days that I needed to. All that stuff's done now, so it's about what gets seen out on the field in Adelaide this week.” Also read | Ashes: Cummins, Lyon return to playing XI for Adelaide Test; Khawaja left out Stokes was called "the most competitive person I've ever come across" by former England captain Alastair Cook last week, and the 34-year-old all-rounder wants to see more fight from his team. "It's just about trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in, understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team," said Stokes. “Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me. You're giving yourself the best possible chance if you've got a bit of dog in you.” Asked how the team had responded to his demands, Stokes replied: "It goes one or two ways, and the response that the whole group has shown as a collective has been exactly what I wanted. "And we're going into this week with full understanding of what we need to do. I think the team is very, very understanding of some of the bits that I've raised in the dressing room." Stokes cited England's battling third Test win against India at Lord's in July as an example of the grit he wanted to see, the hosts having won by 22 runs deep into day five after a time-wasting row. "That's exactly what I'm on about," he said. "We were probably in a situation where we would have to be absolutely perfect to win that game, and we were. “The attitude and the mentality towards that specific situation is what gave us the best chance of winning that game.” No excuses Since arriving in Australia, England have been under intense media scrutiny and faced hostile crowds at Perth and Brisbane. Just five of the players used so far had previously played an Ashes series in Australia, and Stokes acknowledged it had been confronting for the newcomers. "Honestly, I think so," he said. "Now I feel everyone has experienced that and probably at its highest level, so we all know what it's going to be like. "So for the next three games there isn't going to be any of that 'I didn't expect this' or 'it's the first time I've had this'." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Stokes said after the Gabba defeat that Australia was "no place for weak men" and admitted to hard dressing-room discussions in the aftermath.

Ashes: Ben Stokes tells England players to ‘show a bit of dog’ in Adelaide Test

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his side had inspired the Old Trafford crowd in a pulsating 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, but must be more ruthless to turn draws into victories. Three times United led the Cherries on Monday in arguably the best offensive performance of Amorim's reign in charge. Matheus Cunha netted just his second goal for the club, Bruno Fernandes curled in a brilliant free-kick, and Amad Diallo signed off for the Africa Cup of Nations with the opening goal. But United's defensive frailties without the experienced duo of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt were exposed as they failed to win for the third consecutive home game.&nbsp;The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 at Old Trafford by 10-man Everton last month and also blew the lead in a 1-1 draw against struggling West Ham. Amorim, though, turned his frustration on the wasted chances during a dominant first half.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-lionel-messi-gets-india-vs-usa-t20-world-cup-ticket-and-jersey-from-icc-chair-jay-shah-in-new-delhi-1765800373741">WATCH – Lionel Messi gets India vs USA T20 World Cup ticket and jersey from ICC Chair Jay Shah in New Delhi</a>&nbsp;"We are really disappointed. Crazy game. It might look like we lost the two points in the second half, but I think we lost them in the first half," said the Portuguese coach. "We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result.&nbsp;"In the end, we deserved more. It was a fun game for everyone at home.&nbsp;"People, especially at Old Trafford, want to win, but they want to be inspired to see a team play good football. We did that well in certain moments.&nbsp;"It was a good performance, but we need to be more clinical because we created so many chances."&nbsp;A point edges United up to sixth in the Premier League, just two points off the top four.&nbsp;Amorim's men could be in a far stronger position had they seen out multiple games they were leading this season. But they also had goalkeeper Senne Lammens to thank for extending a remarkable record of not losing a home league match they were winning at half-time since 1984, as he made two stoppage-time saves from David Brooks.&nbsp;"Lammens did really well. There were opportunities for both sides, but we created more," added Amorim. "We need to find ways of closing the games because this happened many times.&nbsp;“That's part of the process. We try to do things the best we can, but in some moments it's not enough.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

A point against Bournemouth edges Manchester United up to sixth in the Premier League, just two points off the top four.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his side had inspired the Old Trafford crowd in a pulsating 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, but must be more ruthless to turn draws into victories. Three times United led the Cherries on Monday in arguably the best offensive performance of Amorim's reign in charge. Matheus Cunha netted just his second goal for the club, Bruno Fernandes curled in a brilliant free-kick, and Amad Diallo signed off for the Africa Cup of Nations with the opening goal. But United's defensive frailties without the experienced duo of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt were exposed as they failed to win for the third consecutive home game. The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 at Old Trafford by 10-man Everton last month and also blew the lead in a 1-1 draw against struggling West Ham. Amorim, though, turned his frustration on the wasted chances during a dominant first half. Also read | WATCH – Lionel Messi gets India vs USA T20 World Cup ticket and jersey from ICC Chair Jay Shah in New Delhi "We are really disappointed. Crazy game. It might look like we lost the two points in the second half, but I think we lost them in the first half," said the Portuguese coach. "We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result. "In the end, we deserved more. It was a fun game for everyone at home. "People, especially at Old Trafford, want to win, but they want to be inspired to see a team play good football. We did that well in certain moments. "It was a good performance, but we need to be more clinical because we created so many chances." A point edges United up to sixth in the Premier League, just two points off the top four. Amorim's men could be in a far stronger position had they seen out multiple games they were leading this season. But they also had goalkeeper Senne Lammens to thank for extending a remarkable record of not losing a home league match they were winning at half-time since 1984, as he made two stoppage-time saves from David Brooks. "Lammens did really well. There were opportunities for both sides, but we created more," added Amorim. "We need to find ways of closing the games because this happened many times. “That's part of the process. We try to do things the best we can, but in some moments it's not enough.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

A point against Bournemouth edges Manchester United up to sixth in the Premier League, just two points off the top four.

‘Crazy game but we are disappointed,’ Amorim after United’s pulsating draw against Bournemouth

Fit-again opener Usman Khawaja was left out of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide starting Wednesday as skipper Pat Cummins and veteran Nathan Lyon were named in an Australia side looking to seal the series. Khawaja, who turns 39 this month, had back spasms and failed to open in the first Test victory against England in Perth, then was ruled out injured for the second in Brisbane. He has since recovered, but selectors opted to stick with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald at the top of the order, leaving the 85-Test veteran's international future in grave doubt.&nbsp;&nbsp;Asked if there was a way back for Khawaja, who has been on a lean run of form, Cummins replied: "Yeah, potentially.&nbsp;"I think the selectors have been quite adamant we're picking a side each week that doesn't necessarily mean it's got to be exactly the same team as the previous week.&nbsp;"We do that with the bowlers, this week obviously Nathan Lyon's coming back in, he missed last week.&nbsp;"One of Uzzie's (Khawaja) great strengths is he has scored runs at the top, he scored runs in the middle," he added. “If we didn't think he'd be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn't be here in the squad. So absolutely, I can see a path back at some point if needed.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-england-make-one-change-to-playing-xi-for-decisive-adelaide-test-josh-tongue-gus-atkinson-1765780399211">Ashes: England make one change to playing XI for decisive Adelaide Test</a>&nbsp;As expected, Cummins returns after missing the first two Tests with a back injury and will lead the attack alongside the outstanding Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Veteran spin king Lyon is also back after being axed in preference for an all-pace attack at the Gabba, with Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser making way.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cummins said he was firing on all cylinders and raring to go.&nbsp;"If I played in Brisbane, I would have probably been on limited-overs, but this week it's just go and play like any other Test match," he said. "It's been fantastic to watch," he added of the series. "I think it's lived up to the hype, captivating every session.&nbsp;"I've loved it and itching to get out there. The boys have been fantastic, Steve (Smith) has led brilliantly, and I feel like I'm coming into a pretty settled and happy side.&nbsp;“Couldn't have gone any better from our point of view.”<h3>Australia XI for the Adelaide Test -</h3>Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Australia have announced their XI for the third Test in Adelaide 👀 Full XI: <a href="https://t.co/Yi0w7ANPFv">https://t.co/Yi0w7ANPFv</a> <a href="https://t.co/xGN43O904y">pic.twitter.com/xGN43O904y</a>&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/2000738536514060524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Usman Khawaja missed selection in the Brisbane Test due to a back spasm but failed to return to the side for the third Test in Adelaide. 

Fit-again opener Usman Khawaja was left out of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide starting Wednesday as skipper Pat Cummins and veteran Nathan Lyon were named in an Australia side looking to seal the series. Khawaja, who turns 39 this month, had back spasms and failed to open in the first Test victory against England in Perth, then was ruled out injured for the second in Brisbane. He has since recovered, but selectors opted to stick with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald at the top of the order, leaving the 85-Test veteran's international future in grave doubt. Asked if there was a way back for Khawaja, who has been on a lean run of form, Cummins replied: "Yeah, potentially. "I think the selectors have been quite adamant we're picking a side each week that doesn't necessarily mean it's got to be exactly the same team as the previous week. "We do that with the bowlers, this week obviously Nathan Lyon's coming back in, he missed last week. "One of Uzzie's (Khawaja) great strengths is he has scored runs at the top, he scored runs in the middle," he added. “If we didn't think he'd be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn't be here in the squad. So absolutely, I can see a path back at some point if needed.” Also read | Ashes: England make one change to playing XI for decisive Adelaide Test As expected, Cummins returns after missing the first two Tests with a back injury and will lead the attack alongside the outstanding Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Veteran spin king Lyon is also back after being axed in preference for an all-pace attack at the Gabba, with Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser making way. Cummins said he was firing on all cylinders and raring to go. "If I played in Brisbane, I would have probably been on limited-overs, but this week it's just go and play like any other Test match," he said. "It's been fantastic to watch," he added of the series. "I think it's lived up to the hype, captivating every session. "I've loved it and itching to get out there. The boys have been fantastic, Steve (Smith) has led brilliantly, and I feel like I'm coming into a pretty settled and happy side. “Couldn't have gone any better from our point of view.” Australia XI for the Adelaide Test - Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

Usman Khawaja missed selection in the Brisbane Test due to a back spasm but failed to return to the side for the third Test in Adelaide.&nbsp;

Ashes: Cummins, Lyon return to playing XI for Adelaide Test; Khawaja left out

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.

Afp