Iran held a state funeral service Saturday for around 60 people, including its military commanders, killed in its war with Israel, after Tehran's top diplomat condemned Donald Trump's comments on supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as "unacceptable".The proceedings started at 8:00 am local time (0430 GMT) in the capital Tehran as government offices and many businesses were closed on Saturday for the occasion."The ceremony to honour the martyrs has officially started," state TV said, showing footage of thousands of people donning black clothes, waving Iranian flags and holding pictures of the slain military commanders.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with other senior government officials and military commanders -- including Esmail Qaani, head of the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Revolutionary Guards -- attended the event.Senior advisor to Iran's supreme leader, Ali Shamkhani, who was targeted and wounded during the war, also took part in the ceremony, using a walking cane, state TV showed.Images also displayed mock-ups of Iranian ballistic missiles as well as coffins draped in Iranian flags and bearing portraits of the deceased commanders in uniform near Enghelab (Revolution) Square in central Tehran, where the march began.<h2>Commanders, scientists to be buried</h2>A patriotic eulogy blared from loudspeakers as the procession set out across the sprawling metropolis toward Azadi (Freedom) Square, 11 kilometres (seven miles) away."Boom boom Tel Aviv," read one banner, referring to Iranian missiles fired at Israel during the conflict in retaliation for its attacks on Iran.Among the dead is Mohammad Bagheri, a major general in Iran's Revolutionary Guards and the second-in-command of the armed forces after the Iranian leader.He will be buried alongside his wife and daughter, a journalist for a local media outlet, all killed in an Israeli attack.Nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, also killed in the attacks, will be buried with his wife.Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami, who was killed on the first day of the war, will also be laid to rest after Saturday's ceremony -- which will also honour at least 30 other top commanders.Of the 60 people who are to be laid to rest after the ceremony, four are children and four are women.<h2>No sanction relief</h2>The United States had carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites last weekend, joining its ally Israel's bombardments of Iran's nuclear programme in the 12-day conflict launched on June 13.Both Israel and Iran claimed victory in the war that ended with a ceasefire, with Iranian leader Khamenei downplaying the US strikes as having done "nothing significant". &nbsp;In a tirade on his Truth Social platform, Trump blasted Tehran Friday for claiming to have won the war.He also claimed to have known "EXACTLY where he (Khamenei) was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces... terminate his life"."I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'" the US leader said.Trump added he had been working in recent days on the possible removal of sanctions against Iran, one of Tehran's main demands."But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more," Trump said.Hitting back at Trump Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the Republican president's comments on Khamenei."If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei," Araghchi posted on social media platform X."The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults."The Israeli strikes on Iran killed at least 627 civilians, Tehran's health ministry said. Iran's attacks on Israel killed 28 people, according to Israeli figures.<h2>‘Imminent threat’</h2>During his first term in office, Trump pulled out in 2018 of a landmark nuclear deal -- negotiated by former US president Barack Obama.The deal that Trump had abandoned aimed to make it practically impossible for Iran to build an atomic bomb, while at the same time allowing it to pursue a civil nuclear programme.Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is only for civilian purposes, stepped up its activities after Trump withdrew from the agreement.After the US strikes, Trump said negotiations for a new deal were set to begin next week.But Tehran denied a resumption, and leader Khamenei said Trump had "exaggerated events in unusual ways", rejecting US claims Iran's nuclear programme had been set back by decades.Israel had claimed it had "thwarted Iran's nuclear project" during the 12-day war.But its foreign minister reiterated Friday the world was obliged to stop Tehran from developing an atomic bomb."The international community now has an obligation to prevent, through any effective means, the world's most extreme regime from obtaining the most dangerous weapon," Gideon Saar wrote on X.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.

The proceedings started at 8:00 am local time (0430 GMT) in the capital Tehran as government offices and many businesses were closed on Saturday for the occasion.

Iran held a state funeral service Saturday for around 60 people, including its military commanders, killed in its war with Israel, after Tehran's top diplomat condemned Donald Trump's comments on supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as "unacceptable". The proceedings started at 8:00 am local time (0430 GMT) in the capital Tehran as government offices and many businesses were closed on Saturday for the occasion. "The ceremony to honour the martyrs has officially started," state TV said, showing footage of thousands of people donning black clothes, waving Iranian flags and holding pictures of the slain military commanders. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with other senior government officials and military commanders -- including Esmail Qaani, head of the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Revolutionary Guards -- attended the event. Senior advisor to Iran's supreme leader, Ali Shamkhani, who was targeted and wounded during the war, also took part in the ceremony, using a walking cane, state TV showed. Images also displayed mock-ups of Iranian ballistic missiles as well as coffins draped in Iranian flags and bearing portraits of the deceased commanders in uniform near Enghelab (Revolution) Square in central Tehran, where the march began. Commanders, scientists to be buried A patriotic eulogy blared from loudspeakers as the procession set out across the sprawling metropolis toward Azadi (Freedom) Square, 11 kilometres (seven miles) away. "Boom boom Tel Aviv," read one banner, referring to Iranian missiles fired at Israel during the conflict in retaliation for its attacks on Iran. Among the dead is Mohammad Bagheri, a major general in Iran's Revolutionary Guards and the second-in-command of the armed forces after the Iranian leader. He will be buried alongside his wife and daughter, a journalist for a local media outlet, all killed in an Israeli attack. Nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, also killed in the attacks, will be buried with his wife. Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami, who was killed on the first day of the war, will also be laid to rest after Saturday's ceremony -- which will also honour at least 30 other top commanders. Of the 60 people who are to be laid to rest after the ceremony, four are children and four are women. No sanction relief The United States had carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites last weekend, joining its ally Israel's bombardments of Iran's nuclear programme in the 12-day conflict launched on June 13. Both Israel and Iran claimed victory in the war that ended with a ceasefire, with Iranian leader Khamenei downplaying the US strikes as having done "nothing significant". In a tirade on his Truth Social platform, Trump blasted Tehran Friday for claiming to have won the war. He also claimed to have known "EXACTLY where he (Khamenei) was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces... terminate his life". "I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'" the US leader said. Trump added he had been working in recent days on the possible removal of sanctions against Iran, one of Tehran's main demands. "But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more," Trump said. Hitting back at Trump Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the Republican president's comments on Khamenei. "If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei," Araghchi posted on social media platform X. "The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults." The Israeli strikes on Iran killed at least 627 civilians, Tehran's health ministry said. Iran's attacks on Israel killed 28 people, according to Israeli figures. ‘Imminent threat’ During his first term in office, Trump pulled out in 2018 of a landmark nuclear deal -- negotiated by former US president Barack Obama. The deal that Trump had abandoned aimed to make it practically impossible for Iran to build an atomic bomb, while at the same time allowing it to pursue a civil nuclear programme. Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is only for civilian purposes, stepped up its activities after Trump withdrew from the agreement. After the US strikes, Trump said negotiations for a new deal were set to begin next week. But Tehran denied a resumption, and leader Khamenei said Trump had "exaggerated events in unusual ways", rejecting US claims Iran's nuclear programme had been set back by decades. Israel had claimed it had "thwarted Iran's nuclear project" during the 12-day war. But its foreign minister reiterated Friday the world was obliged to stop Tehran from developing an atomic bomb. "The international community now has an obligation to prevent, through any effective means, the world's most extreme regime from obtaining the most dangerous weapon," Gideon Saar wrote on X. 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.

The proceedings started at 8:00 am local time (0430 GMT) in the capital Tehran as government offices and many businesses were closed on Saturday for the occasion.

Iran holds mass funeral for military leaders killed in Israeli strikes

Sri Lanka completed a thumping innings and 78-run victory over Bangladesh before lunch on day four of the second Test in Colombo on Saturday, wrapping up the two-match series 1-0. Resuming the day on a precarious 115 for six, the visitors still trailed by 97 runs and needed a minor miracle to avoid an innings defeat. But any hopes of a rearguard were dashed almost immediately.&nbsp;Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, under the pump after a wicketless outing in the first innings, struck gold with the fifth ball of the morning as Litton Das edged behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis for 14. With that scalp, the last recognised batter was back in the hut and Bangladesh's house of cards came tumbling down soon after.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-aus-hazlewood-routs-west-indies-as-australia-crush-host-to-win-first-test-in-barbados-alex-carey-1751091641737">WI vs AUS: Hazlewood routs West Indies as Australia crush host to win first Test</a>&nbsp;It was a clinical all-round performance by Sri Lanka, who walked away with crucial World Test Championship points in the process.&nbsp;The two sides will now shift focus to the limited-overs leg of the tour, with three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals to follow.&nbsp;In the second Test, none of the visiting batters managed to cross fifty –- a far cry from their first Test showing in Galle which ended in a draw on June 21 when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto secured twin centuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bangladesh had won the toss on a docile pitch but squandered the advantage, bundled out for 247.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sri Lanka replied in commanding fashion, piling on 458 to take a hefty 211-run first-innings lead.&nbsp;The foundation was laid by a masterclass from opener Pathum Nissanka, who crafted a fluent 158 –- his second successive century in the series -- while Dinesh Chandimal chipped in with a polished 93.&nbsp;&nbsp;The pair added 194 runs for the second wicket, putting the game firmly in Sri Lanka's control.&nbsp;Bangladesh threatened briefly when the second new ball brought them three quick wickets, but Kusal Mendis steadied the ship with a counterattacking 84, ensuring the hosts didn't let the momentum slip.&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.

It was a clinical all-round performance by Sri Lanka, who walked away with crucial World Test Championship points in the process.

Sri Lanka completed a thumping innings and 78-run victory over Bangladesh before lunch on day four of the second Test in Colombo on Saturday, wrapping up the two-match series 1-0. Resuming the day on a precarious 115 for six, the visitors still trailed by 97 runs and needed a minor miracle to avoid an innings defeat. But any hopes of a rearguard were dashed almost immediately. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, under the pump after a wicketless outing in the first innings, struck gold with the fifth ball of the morning as Litton Das edged behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis for 14. With that scalp, the last recognised batter was back in the hut and Bangladesh's house of cards came tumbling down soon after. Also read | WI vs AUS: Hazlewood routs West Indies as Australia crush host to win first Test It was a clinical all-round performance by Sri Lanka, who walked away with crucial World Test Championship points in the process. The two sides will now shift focus to the limited-overs leg of the tour, with three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals to follow. In the second Test, none of the visiting batters managed to cross fifty –- a far cry from their first Test showing in Galle which ended in a draw on June 21 when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto secured twin centuries. Bangladesh had won the toss on a docile pitch but squandered the advantage, bundled out for 247. Sri Lanka replied in commanding fashion, piling on 458 to take a hefty 211-run first-innings lead. The foundation was laid by a masterclass from opener Pathum Nissanka, who crafted a fluent 158 –- his second successive century in the series -- while Dinesh Chandimal chipped in with a polished 93. The pair added 194 runs for the second wicket, putting the game firmly in Sri Lanka's control. Bangladesh threatened briefly when the second new ball brought them three quick wickets, but Kusal Mendis steadied the ship with a counterattacking 84, ensuring the hosts didn't let the momentum slip. 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.

It was a clinical all-round performance by Sri Lanka, who walked away with crucial World Test Championship points in the process.

SL vs BAN, 2nd Test: Prabath Jayasuriya on song in Sri Lanka’s series win over Bangladesh

Australia's vaunted pace attack demolished West Indies' fragile batting, routing the hosts for just 141 off 33.4 overs to complete a comprehensive 159-run victory in the final over of the third day of the first Test at Kensington Oval on Friday. Josh Hazlewood was the chief destroyer with figures of 5-43 as the tourists dominated the day with both ball and bat. Half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster and Travis Head were the fulcrum of a recovery from 65-4 late on day two to a final second innings total of 310 at tea the next day.&nbsp;Shamar Joseph led the West Indies bowling effort with five wickets at the cost of 87 runs for a match haul of 9-133.&nbsp;Any winning target in excess of 200 was always going to be challenging on this two-paced surface.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/-they-ruined-our-19th-november-rohit-recalls-motivation-behind-whirlwind-92-vs-australia-in-t20-wc-2024-1751036760339">'They ruined our 19th November,' Rohit recalls motivation behind whirlwind 92 vs Australia in T20 WC 2024</a>&nbsp;As it transpired, the West Indies never looked up to the task from the moment former captain Kraigg Brathwaite fell to Mitchell Starc in the first over.&nbsp;Hazlewood then took centre stage. His metronomic accuracy accounted for John Campbell and debutant Brandon King off successive balls, before adding the wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.&nbsp;Chase's Australian counterpart, Pat Cummins, removed first innings top-scorer Shai Hope and insult was added to considerable injury when substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne ran out Alzarri Joseph with a direct hit to the striker's end from mid-off.<h3>'Hitting the right areas'&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;Hazlewood returned to the attack to prise out Jomel Warrican but Shamar Joseph entertained with 44 off 22 balls before falling to off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who then dismissed Jayden Seales first ball to complete victory with two days to spare. Justin Greaves was left unbeaten on 38.&nbsp;"It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient," said Hazlewood in identifying the tactics to capitalise on the challenging surface.&nbsp;&nbsp;"There are a few cracks there on a good length and just short of a length which kept the batters guessing about going forward or back with a few skidding through as we saw."&nbsp;Australia's intent was clear at the start of the day as Head and Webster transformed the consolidation of the previous evening to controlled aggression in a partnership of 102 for the fifth wicket.&nbsp;Head was trapped lbw for 61 by Shamar Joseph 20 minutes before lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the course of the first session could have been very different had Greaves held on to another straightforward catch at second slip off Alzarri Joseph when the left-hander was on 22.&nbsp;It was the seventh chance put down by the West Indies slip cordon in the match, a poor display in one of the fundamental aspects of the game which began on day one when four catches were shelled.&nbsp;With a clear intent on aggression on a pitch becoming increasingly two-paced, the Australians progressed at almost a run-a-minute after lunch despite wickets falling at regular intervals.&nbsp;Carey, who top-scored with 65, built on the platform laid by Head and Webster (63), who fell caught behind off the persevering Shamar Joseph.&nbsp;The right-armer also accounted for Starc and wrapped up the innings when last man Hazlewood was bowled off the inside edge to give the Guyanese pacer his fourth five-wicket haul and third against Australia.&nbsp;By then though, the task already looked beyond the West Indies, which was confirmed two balls before stumps.&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.

Australia take 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series against West Indies. 

Australia's vaunted pace attack demolished West Indies' fragile batting, routing the hosts for just 141 off 33.4 overs to complete a comprehensive 159-run victory in the final over of the third day of the first Test at Kensington Oval on Friday. Josh Hazlewood was the chief destroyer with figures of 5-43 as the tourists dominated the day with both ball and bat. Half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster and Travis Head were the fulcrum of a recovery from 65-4 late on day two to a final second innings total of 310 at tea the next day. Shamar Joseph led the West Indies bowling effort with five wickets at the cost of 87 runs for a match haul of 9-133. Any winning target in excess of 200 was always going to be challenging on this two-paced surface. Also read | 'They ruined our 19th November,' Rohit recalls motivation behind whirlwind 92 vs Australia in T20 WC 2024 As it transpired, the West Indies never looked up to the task from the moment former captain Kraigg Brathwaite fell to Mitchell Starc in the first over. Hazlewood then took centre stage. His metronomic accuracy accounted for John Campbell and debutant Brandon King off successive balls, before adding the wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty. Chase's Australian counterpart, Pat Cummins, removed first innings top-scorer Shai Hope and insult was added to considerable injury when substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne ran out Alzarri Joseph with a direct hit to the striker's end from mid-off. 'Hitting the right areas' Hazlewood returned to the attack to prise out Jomel Warrican but Shamar Joseph entertained with 44 off 22 balls before falling to off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who then dismissed Jayden Seales first ball to complete victory with two days to spare. Justin Greaves was left unbeaten on 38. "It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient," said Hazlewood in identifying the tactics to capitalise on the challenging surface. "There are a few cracks there on a good length and just short of a length which kept the batters guessing about going forward or back with a few skidding through as we saw." Australia's intent was clear at the start of the day as Head and Webster transformed the consolidation of the previous evening to controlled aggression in a partnership of 102 for the fifth wicket. Head was trapped lbw for 61 by Shamar Joseph 20 minutes before lunch. However, the course of the first session could have been very different had Greaves held on to another straightforward catch at second slip off Alzarri Joseph when the left-hander was on 22. It was the seventh chance put down by the West Indies slip cordon in the match, a poor display in one of the fundamental aspects of the game which began on day one when four catches were shelled. With a clear intent on aggression on a pitch becoming increasingly two-paced, the Australians progressed at almost a run-a-minute after lunch despite wickets falling at regular intervals. Carey, who top-scored with 65, built on the platform laid by Head and Webster (63), who fell caught behind off the persevering Shamar Joseph. The right-armer also accounted for Starc and wrapped up the innings when last man Hazlewood was bowled off the inside edge to give the Guyanese pacer his fourth five-wicket haul and third against Australia. By then though, the task already looked beyond the West Indies, which was confirmed two balls before stumps. 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.

Australia take 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series against West Indies.&nbsp;

WI vs AUS: Hazlewood routs West Indies as Australia crush host to win first Test

President Donald Trump said Friday he is calling off trade negotiations with Canada in retaliation for taxes impacting US tech firms, adding that Ottawa will learn of their new tariff rate within a week.Trump was referring to Canada's digital services tax, which was enacted last year and forecast to bring in Can$5.9 billion (US$4.2 billion) over five years.While the measure is not new, US service providers will be "on the hook for a multi-billion dollar payment in Canada" come June 30, noted the Computer &amp; Communications Industry Association recently.The three per cent tax applies to large or multinational companies such as Alphabet, Amazon and Meta that provide digital services to Canadians, and Washington has previously requested dispute settlement talks over the matter."Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform Friday.Canada may have been spared some of Trump's sweeping duties, but it faces a separate tariff regime.Trump has also imposed steep levies on imports of steel, aluminum and autos.Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa will adjust its 25 percent counter tariffs on US steel and aluminum -- in response to a doubling of US levies on the metals to 50 percent -- if a bilateral trade deal was not reached in 30 days."We will continue to conduct these complex negotiations in the best interest of Canadians," Carney said Friday, adding that he had not spoken to Trump on the day.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that Washington had hoped Carney's government would halt the tax "as a sign of goodwill."He now expects US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to start a probe to determine the harm stemming from Canada's digital tax.<h2>China progress&nbsp;</h2>Trump's salvo targeting Canada came shortly after Washington and Beijing confirmed finalizing a framework to move forward on trade.A priority for Washington in talks with Beijing had been ensuring the supply of the rare earths essential for products including electric vehicles, hard drives and national defense equipment.China, which dominates global production of the elements, began requiring export licences in early April, a move widely viewed as a response to Trump's blistering tariffs.Both sides agreed after talks in Geneva in May to temporarily lower steep tit-for-tat duties on each other's products.China also committed to easing some non-tariff countermeasures but US officials later accused Beijing of violating the pact and slow-walking export license approvals for rare earths.They eventually agreed on a framework to move forward with their Geneva consensus, following talks in London this month.A White House official told AFP on Thursday that the Trump administration and China had "agreed to an additional understanding for a framework to implement the Geneva agreement."This clarification came after the US president told an event that Washington had inked a deal relating to trade with China, without providing details.Under the deal, China "will review and approve applications for the export control items that meet the requirements in accordance with the law," China's commerce ministry said."The US side will correspondingly cancel a series of restrictive measures against China," it added.<h2>Upcoming deals?</h2>Dozens of economies, although not China, face a July 9 deadline for steeper duties to kick in -- rising from a current 10 percent.It remains to be seen if countries will successfully reach agreements to avoid them before the deadline.On talks with the European Union, for example, Trump told an event at the White House on Friday: "We have the cards. We have the cards far more than they do."But Bessent said Washington could wrap up its agenda for trade deals by September, indicating more agreements could be concluded, although talks were likely to extend past July.Bessent told Fox Business there are 18 key partners Washington is focused on pacts with."If we can ink 10 or 12 of the important 18, there are another important 20 relationships, then I think we could have trade wrapped up by Labor Day," Bessent said, referring to the US holiday on September 1.Wall Street's major indexes finished at fresh records as markets cheered progress in US-China trade while shrugging off concerns about Canada.&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.

"Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform Friday.

President Donald Trump said Friday he is calling off trade negotiations with Canada in retaliation for taxes impacting US tech firms, adding that Ottawa will learn of their new tariff rate within a week. Trump was referring to Canada's digital services tax, which was enacted last year and forecast to bring in Can$5.9 billion (US$4.2 billion) over five years. While the measure is not new, US service providers will be "on the hook for a multi-billion dollar payment in Canada" come June 30, noted the Computer & Communications Industry Association recently. The three per cent tax applies to large or multinational companies such as Alphabet, Amazon and Meta that provide digital services to Canadians, and Washington has previously requested dispute settlement talks over the matter. "Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform Friday. Canada may have been spared some of Trump's sweeping duties, but it faces a separate tariff regime. Trump has also imposed steep levies on imports of steel, aluminum and autos. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa will adjust its 25 percent counter tariffs on US steel and aluminum -- in response to a doubling of US levies on the metals to 50 percent -- if a bilateral trade deal was not reached in 30 days. "We will continue to conduct these complex negotiations in the best interest of Canadians," Carney said Friday, adding that he had not spoken to Trump on the day. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that Washington had hoped Carney's government would halt the tax "as a sign of goodwill." He now expects US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to start a probe to determine the harm stemming from Canada's digital tax. China progress Trump's salvo targeting Canada came shortly after Washington and Beijing confirmed finalizing a framework to move forward on trade. A priority for Washington in talks with Beijing had been ensuring the supply of the rare earths essential for products including electric vehicles, hard drives and national defense equipment. China, which dominates global production of the elements, began requiring export licences in early April, a move widely viewed as a response to Trump's blistering tariffs. Both sides agreed after talks in Geneva in May to temporarily lower steep tit-for-tat duties on each other's products. China also committed to easing some non-tariff countermeasures but US officials later accused Beijing of violating the pact and slow-walking export license approvals for rare earths. They eventually agreed on a framework to move forward with their Geneva consensus, following talks in London this month. A White House official told AFP on Thursday that the Trump administration and China had "agreed to an additional understanding for a framework to implement the Geneva agreement." This clarification came after the US president told an event that Washington had inked a deal relating to trade with China, without providing details. Under the deal, China "will review and approve applications for the export control items that meet the requirements in accordance with the law," China's commerce ministry said. "The US side will correspondingly cancel a series of restrictive measures against China," it added. Upcoming deals? Dozens of economies, although not China, face a July 9 deadline for steeper duties to kick in -- rising from a current 10 percent. It remains to be seen if countries will successfully reach agreements to avoid them before the deadline. On talks with the European Union, for example, Trump told an event at the White House on Friday: "We have the cards. We have the cards far more than they do." But Bessent said Washington could wrap up its agenda for trade deals by September, indicating more agreements could be concluded, although talks were likely to extend past July. Bessent told Fox Business there are 18 key partners Washington is focused on pacts with. "If we can ink 10 or 12 of the important 18, there are another important 20 relationships, then I think we could have trade wrapped up by Labor Day," Bessent said, referring to the US holiday on September 1. Wall Street's major indexes finished at fresh records as markets cheered progress in US-China trade while shrugging off concerns about Canada. 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.

"Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform Friday.

Trump ends trade negotiations with Canada in retaliation for tech tax

Lyon will be able to play in Europe next season if they win their appeal against relegation to the French second division, the club said on Friday. On Tuesday, French football's financial watchdog (DNCG) demoted the club. &nbsp;Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and qualified for the Europa League, said at once they would appeal.&nbsp;On Friday, they said that UEFA -- the governing body of European football -- was prepared to accept them into continental competition. "Olympique Lyonnais completed the financial sustainability procedure and signed an agreement with the UEFA Club Financial Control Body," the club said on their web site. "The club could therefore participate in next season's Europa League, subject to a favorable outcome of the appeal of the DNCG decision."&nbsp;After the DNCG initially ruled in November that Lyon would be relegated at the the end of the season, UEFA began monitoring the club. On May 5, UEFA fined Lyon 200,000 euros ($234,400) for unpaid bills to other clubs, to employees, and to the tax and social security authorities.&nbsp;After the DNCG ruling confirmed its initial decision, the club said they had met "all of its demands". &nbsp;While they were unable to convince the French watchdog, UEFA has ruled Lyon could play in Europe. &nbsp;Lyon will have seven days to appeal from the date they are officially notified of the DNCG's ruling. The club said Friday they had not yet received the notification.&nbsp;Earlier, seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon said on Tuesday they would appeal their relegation to the second-tier by French football's financial watchdog. At a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince the regulator (DNCG) to lift the restrictions it had put on the club in November.&nbsp;"Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, meeting all of its demands with equity investments exceeding the amounts requested," the club said in a statement." &nbsp;After the meeting, Lyon's president John Textor said he remained confident of avoiding the drop to Ligue 2 for next season, where the club has not played since 1989."Our liquidity situation has improved considerably," he 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 WION audience.

Lyon can compete in Europe if they overturn relegation: Club

Lyon will be able to play in Europe next season if they win their appeal against relegation to the French second division, the club said on Friday. On Tuesday, French football's financial watchdog (DNCG) demoted the club. Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and qualified for the Europa League, said at once they would appeal. On Friday, they said that UEFA -- the governing body of European football -- was prepared to accept them into continental competition. "Olympique Lyonnais completed the financial sustainability procedure and signed an agreement with the UEFA Club Financial Control Body," the club said on their web site. "The club could therefore participate in next season's Europa League, subject to a favorable outcome of the appeal of the DNCG decision." After the DNCG initially ruled in November that Lyon would be relegated at the the end of the season, UEFA began monitoring the club. On May 5, UEFA fined Lyon 200,000 euros ($234,400) for unpaid bills to other clubs, to employees, and to the tax and social security authorities. After the DNCG ruling confirmed its initial decision, the club said they had met "all of its demands". While they were unable to convince the French watchdog, UEFA has ruled Lyon could play in Europe. Lyon will have seven days to appeal from the date they are officially notified of the DNCG's ruling. The club said Friday they had not yet received the notification. Earlier, seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon said on Tuesday they would appeal their relegation to the second-tier by French football's financial watchdog. At a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince the regulator (DNCG) to lift the restrictions it had put on the club in November. "Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, meeting all of its demands with equity investments exceeding the amounts requested," the club said in a statement." After the meeting, Lyon's president John Textor said he remained confident of avoiding the drop to Ligue 2 for next season, where the club has not played since 1989. "Our liquidity situation has improved considerably," he 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 WION audience.

On Friday, they said that UEFA -- the governing body of European football -- was prepared to accept them into continental competition

Lando Norris bounced back from his Canadian catastrophe to top the times ahead of team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri as McLaren reeled off a commanding 1-2 in second practice on Friday at the Austrian Grand Prix. &nbsp;Norris, who sat out the first session at the Red Bull Ring, clocked a best lap in one minute and 4.580 seconds to beat Piastri by 0.157 seconds with four-time champion Max Verstappen third fastest for Red Bull, adrift by 0.318 seconds.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Norris, it was a relief to move on from his collision with team-mate Piastri in Montreal where he retired pointless, admitting he had "made a fool of myself". Lance Stroll was fourth for Aston Martin ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, George Russell of Mercedes, who won last year and two weeks ago in Canada, and Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull.&nbsp;Gabriel Bortoleto was eighth for Sauber ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, struggling in his updated Ferrari.&nbsp;After much paddock speculation linking Verstappen with a move to Mercedes, the session began with Colapinto and Ocon leading the way in near-perfect conditions at the picturesque, and historic, circuit set in the Styrian Alps.&nbsp;Russell, fastest in the morning, was soon on top again, but it was the McLarens of Piastri and Norris that proved they had found more pace amid the rising temperatures, with the air at 26 degrees Celsius and track at 34.&nbsp; &nbsp;Having missed the morning session, when Irish reserve driver Alex Dunne proved his huge potential by finishing fourth, Norris swept to the top after 10 minutes shortly before Leclerc, also back after sitting out the first practice, ran off at Turn Six and his Ferrari team-mate Hamilton reported he had "no pace" in his updated car.&nbsp;&nbsp;Norris stayed on top, trimming his time, before switching to softs with ‘papaya’ team-mate Piastri slotting in second. Stroll was third, four-tenths adrift ahead of the chasing pack including 'man of the moment' Russell.&nbsp;"He has been part of our programme for 10 years," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff of Russell.<h2>Mercedes confirm Max talks</h2>"He’s always performed to expectations and continues to do so. "These kind of contract discussions end up accelerated in the media, but it’s normal business. Contracts discussions are not held in Town Halls. All is going to plan."&nbsp;Wolff confirmed he was in contact with Verstappen, but suggested it was not in his mind to replace Russell and stressed that he was also very happy also with Antonelli. Thus most seasoned observers regarded the speculation as merely exploratory.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Dutchman is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but with release clauses – that may relate to a possible exit by adviser Helmut Marko amid claims that he could be replaced by four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. &nbsp;On track, Verstappen delayed his entry by 12 minutes and worked his way into contention, but with 15 minutes remaining he was adrift of the two McLarens by three-tenths with Mercedes and Ferrari struggling to keep pace.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was another session of few incidents with Tsunoda and Oliver Bearman having brushes with gravel traps and Nico Hulkeberg ran off at Turn One, but few dramas although Hamilton was called to see the stewards for accidentally impeding Antonelli.&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.

Formula 1: Lando Norris leads McLaren 1-2 in Austrian GP practice

Lando Norris bounced back from his Canadian catastrophe to top the times ahead of team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri as McLaren reeled off a commanding 1-2 in second practice on Friday at the Austrian Grand Prix. Norris, who sat out the first session at the Red Bull Ring, clocked a best lap in one minute and 4.580 seconds to beat Piastri by 0.157 seconds with four-time champion Max Verstappen third fastest for Red Bull, adrift by 0.318 seconds. For Norris, it was a relief to move on from his collision with team-mate Piastri in Montreal where he retired pointless, admitting he had "made a fool of myself". Lance Stroll was fourth for Aston Martin ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, George Russell of Mercedes, who won last year and two weeks ago in Canada, and Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull. Gabriel Bortoleto was eighth for Sauber ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, struggling in his updated Ferrari. After much paddock speculation linking Verstappen with a move to Mercedes, the session began with Colapinto and Ocon leading the way in near-perfect conditions at the picturesque, and historic, circuit set in the Styrian Alps. Russell, fastest in the morning, was soon on top again, but it was the McLarens of Piastri and Norris that proved they had found more pace amid the rising temperatures, with the air at 26 degrees Celsius and track at 34. Having missed the morning session, when Irish reserve driver Alex Dunne proved his huge potential by finishing fourth, Norris swept to the top after 10 minutes shortly before Leclerc, also back after sitting out the first practice, ran off at Turn Six and his Ferrari team-mate Hamilton reported he had "no pace" in his updated car. Norris stayed on top, trimming his time, before switching to softs with ‘papaya’ team-mate Piastri slotting in second. Stroll was third, four-tenths adrift ahead of the chasing pack including 'man of the moment' Russell. "He has been part of our programme for 10 years," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff of Russell. Mercedes confirm Max talks "He’s always performed to expectations and continues to do so. "These kind of contract discussions end up accelerated in the media, but it’s normal business. Contracts discussions are not held in Town Halls. All is going to plan." Wolff confirmed he was in contact with Verstappen, but suggested it was not in his mind to replace Russell and stressed that he was also very happy also with Antonelli. Thus most seasoned observers regarded the speculation as merely exploratory. The Dutchman is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but with release clauses – that may relate to a possible exit by adviser Helmut Marko amid claims that he could be replaced by four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. On track, Verstappen delayed his entry by 12 minutes and worked his way into contention, but with 15 minutes remaining he was adrift of the two McLarens by three-tenths with Mercedes and Ferrari struggling to keep pace. It was another session of few incidents with Tsunoda and Oliver Bearman having brushes with gravel traps and Nico Hulkeberg ran off at Turn One, but few dramas although Hamilton was called to see the stewards for accidentally impeding Antonelli. 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.

Norris, who sat out the first session at the Red Bull Ring, clocked a best lap in one minute and 4.580 seconds to beat Piastri by 0.157 seconds with four-time champion Max Verstappen third fastest for Red Bull, adrift by 0.318 seconds

Wimbledon is guaranteed to be picture-perfect when it gets underway next week, but the courts will never look the same again after the demise of line judges. For the first time in the tournament's storied 148-year history, the men and women stationed at the back of the courts, calling "out" and "fault", will be missing. The Grand Slam announced in October that it was scrapping its smartly dressed officials in favour of electronic line-calling (ELC) from 2025, following the general trend in tennis.&nbsp;The Australian Open and the US Open have already gone down this route, leaving the French Open as the only one of the four Grand Slams still to use humans in the role.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-draft-2025-surprise-overall-fifth-utah-jazz-pick-ace-bailey-going-to-push-my-teammates-1750956051379">NBA Draft 2025: Surprise Utah Jazz pick Ace Bailey ‘going to push my teammates’</a>&nbsp;Wimbledon is cherished for its traditions, from the white kit worn by players to the strawberries and cream served to fans and the sumptuous flowers that colour the grounds.&nbsp;But the All England Club must balance that unique heritage with innovation.&nbsp;Tournament director Jamie Baker emphasised the point in an interview with AFP this week.&nbsp;"We are very much plugged into the wider tennis ecosystem, the wider tennis industry, on everything that we do," said the former professional player. "And this was something that we've been talking about for many years, because we could see the way that it was going.&nbsp;&nbsp;"And as you would imagine, for us, balancing the tradition with innovation is really a thing that we look at in pretty much every single decision we make."&nbsp;Baker emphasises that Wimbledon is careful to protect its heritage, including the "untouchable" white clothing rule, which he says is observed more strictly now than two decades ago.<h2>Competition integrity</h2>&nbsp;But the former British number two said the integrity of the competition was the most important element.&nbsp;"First and foremost for us here, we've got to get the competition aspects right, he said. "That's such an important part of everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;"And player expectation now, across the professional game at the highest level, is that the lines will be called in this way."&nbsp;&nbsp;Baker believes the people who will least notice the change are the players, who are so used to the technology.&nbsp;The decision to switch to live ELC, which builds on existing ball-tracking and line-calling technology, was made following extensive testing at last year's Championships.&nbsp;Since 2007, Hawk-Eye has assisted officials at Wimbledon on certain courts, with players able to challenge a number of calls.&nbsp;Its introduction added a new element for spectators.&nbsp;There was a buzz of excitement when the umpire signalled a video replay of a line judge's decision, followed by rhythmic clapping as it was shown on the big screen.&nbsp;More than 450 cameras have been installed at Wimbledon and at the qualifying tournament in nearby Roehampton this year, with machines making the decisions previously made by humans.&nbsp;But around 80 former officials will be employed as match assistants, with two on each court offering support to the umpire, while they will also provide back-up should the electronic system fail.&nbsp;So does the demise of line judges remove a bit of Wimbledon's magic?&nbsp;Baker thinks the opposite.&nbsp;"I think that's a massive positive move for us in terms of the actual look and feel of the court and the recognisable Wimbledon brand, which is green grass courts, players wearing white tennis clothes -- it's instantly recognisable," he said. "So the more emphasis that's on that, the better. But also, just if you get back to the very nature of the sport itself, it's gladiatorial, it's one-on-one, everything that happens on the stage should be focused around that."&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 Grand Slam announced in October that it was scrapping its smartly dressed officials in favour of electronic line-calling (ELC) from 2025, following the general trend in tennis.

Wimbledon is guaranteed to be picture-perfect when it gets underway next week, but the courts will never look the same again after the demise of line judges. For the first time in the tournament's storied 148-year history, the men and women stationed at the back of the courts, calling "out" and "fault", will be missing. The Grand Slam announced in October that it was scrapping its smartly dressed officials in favour of electronic line-calling (ELC) from 2025, following the general trend in tennis. The Australian Open and the US Open have already gone down this route, leaving the French Open as the only one of the four Grand Slams still to use humans in the role. Also read | NBA Draft 2025: Surprise Utah Jazz pick Ace Bailey ‘going to push my teammates’ Wimbledon is cherished for its traditions, from the white kit worn by players to the strawberries and cream served to fans and the sumptuous flowers that colour the grounds. But the All England Club must balance that unique heritage with innovation. Tournament director Jamie Baker emphasised the point in an interview with AFP this week. "We are very much plugged into the wider tennis ecosystem, the wider tennis industry, on everything that we do," said the former professional player. "And this was something that we've been talking about for many years, because we could see the way that it was going. "And as you would imagine, for us, balancing the tradition with innovation is really a thing that we look at in pretty much every single decision we make." Baker emphasises that Wimbledon is careful to protect its heritage, including the "untouchable" white clothing rule, which he says is observed more strictly now than two decades ago. Competition integrity But the former British number two said the integrity of the competition was the most important element. "First and foremost for us here, we've got to get the competition aspects right, he said. "That's such an important part of everything. "And player expectation now, across the professional game at the highest level, is that the lines will be called in this way." Baker believes the people who will least notice the change are the players, who are so used to the technology. The decision to switch to live ELC, which builds on existing ball-tracking and line-calling technology, was made following extensive testing at last year's Championships. Since 2007, Hawk-Eye has assisted officials at Wimbledon on certain courts, with players able to challenge a number of calls. Its introduction added a new element for spectators. There was a buzz of excitement when the umpire signalled a video replay of a line judge's decision, followed by rhythmic clapping as it was shown on the big screen. More than 450 cameras have been installed at Wimbledon and at the qualifying tournament in nearby Roehampton this year, with machines making the decisions previously made by humans. But around 80 former officials will be employed as match assistants, with two on each court offering support to the umpire, while they will also provide back-up should the electronic system fail. So does the demise of line judges remove a bit of Wimbledon's magic? Baker thinks the opposite. "I think that's a massive positive move for us in terms of the actual look and feel of the court and the recognisable Wimbledon brand, which is green grass courts, players wearing white tennis clothes -- it's instantly recognisable," he said. "So the more emphasis that's on that, the better. But also, just if you get back to the very nature of the sport itself, it's gladiatorial, it's one-on-one, everything that happens on the stage should be focused around that." 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 Grand Slam announced in October that it was scrapping its smartly dressed officials in favour of electronic line-calling (ELC) from 2025, following the general trend in tennis.

Tennis' oldest Slam Wimbledon prepares for life without line judges as new season beckons

Vinicius Junior scored one goal and made another with a touch of class as Real Madrid sealed their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a 3-0 win over Salzburg on Thursday. The Brazil star opened the scoring after a superb defence-splitting pass by Jude Bellingham on 40 minutes and then set up Federico Valverde for the all-important second goal in first-half stoppage time. Gonzalo Garcia wrapped up the win late on with his second goal of the tournament, and the result means Xabi Alonso's team end the first round of FIFA's new tournament unbeaten.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-city-hammer-juventus-to-maintain-unbeaten-run-at-fifa-club-world-cup-1750993579043">Manchester City hammer Juventus to maintain unbeaten run at Club World Cup</a>&nbsp;They go through to the knockout stage as Group H winners on seven points, setting up a last-16 tie against Juventus in Miami on Tuesday.&nbsp;Salzburg go out as Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia progress in second place behind Real after defeating already eliminated Pachuca of Mexico 2-0 in Nashville.&nbsp;They play Manchester City in the last 16.&nbsp;Madrid are adjusting in the United States to life under new coach Alonso and were again without top scorer Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman thus far not having played at the Club World Cup as he recovers from illness.&nbsp;But there was still plenty of star appeal for the 64,811 fans who filled Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia almost to capacity -- they reserved their loudest cheers for Bellingham, and spirits were not dampened by wet, fresh conditions as the blistering heatwave of recent days suddenly lifted.<h2>Alonso opts for back three</h2>&nbsp;Alonso opted, as during his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, for a back three with Aurelien Tchouameni in between Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia played as wing-backs.&nbsp;Real won 5-1 when the teams met in the Champions League in January, with Vinicius scoring twice, and the Brazilian was again heavily involved in putting the Austrian team to the sword here.&nbsp;He was denied by goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky when clean through on 20 minutes, but made up for that by getting the breakthrough as the interval approached.&nbsp;The goal owed much to a fantastic pass by Bellingham, which found Vinicius in between the two Salzburg centre-backs. He held off two chasing defenders and scored with an early left-foot shot low into the corner.&nbsp;It was the 22nd goal of the season in all competitions and one that delighted those backing Real in the crowd.&nbsp;Petar Ratkov had a chance for Salzburg after Arda Guler was dispossessed just outside his own area, but Real scored again to make it 2-0 almost on the half-time whistle.&nbsp;When a rather aimless pass forward by Guler was deflected by Salzburg's Mamady Diambou, Vinicius pounced on the loose ball and continued into the area before producing a clever back-heel to set up Valverde for the goal.&nbsp;Salzburg now needed a favour from Al Hilal to stay in the competition, although they did continue to make a fight of it and had chances to reduce the deficit in the second half.&nbsp;Nevertheless, they were picked off on the counter as Madrid got their third with six minutes of the 90 remaining.&nbsp;A ball forward by Alexander-Arnold should have been cut out by Joane Gadou, but the young defender's touch was intercepted by Gonzalo Garcia, and the young forward ran through before clipping a shot beyond the goalkeeper.&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 Brazil star opened the scoring after a superb defence-splitting pass by Jude Bellingham on 40 minutes and then set up Federico Valverde for the all-important second goal in first-half stoppage time.

Vinicius Junior scored one goal and made another with a touch of class as Real Madrid sealed their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a 3-0 win over Salzburg on Thursday. The Brazil star opened the scoring after a superb defence-splitting pass by Jude Bellingham on 40 minutes and then set up Federico Valverde for the all-important second goal in first-half stoppage time. Gonzalo Garcia wrapped up the win late on with his second goal of the tournament, and the result means Xabi Alonso's team end the first round of FIFA's new tournament unbeaten. Also read | Manchester City hammer Juventus to maintain unbeaten run at Club World Cup They go through to the knockout stage as Group H winners on seven points, setting up a last-16 tie against Juventus in Miami on Tuesday. Salzburg go out as Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia progress in second place behind Real after defeating already eliminated Pachuca of Mexico 2-0 in Nashville. They play Manchester City in the last 16. Madrid are adjusting in the United States to life under new coach Alonso and were again without top scorer Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman thus far not having played at the Club World Cup as he recovers from illness. But there was still plenty of star appeal for the 64,811 fans who filled Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia almost to capacity -- they reserved their loudest cheers for Bellingham, and spirits were not dampened by wet, fresh conditions as the blistering heatwave of recent days suddenly lifted. Alonso opts for back three Alonso opted, as during his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, for a back three with Aurelien Tchouameni in between Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia played as wing-backs. Real won 5-1 when the teams met in the Champions League in January, with Vinicius scoring twice, and the Brazilian was again heavily involved in putting the Austrian team to the sword here. He was denied by goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky when clean through on 20 minutes, but made up for that by getting the breakthrough as the interval approached. The goal owed much to a fantastic pass by Bellingham, which found Vinicius in between the two Salzburg centre-backs. He held off two chasing defenders and scored with an early left-foot shot low into the corner. It was the 22nd goal of the season in all competitions and one that delighted those backing Real in the crowd. Petar Ratkov had a chance for Salzburg after Arda Guler was dispossessed just outside his own area, but Real scored again to make it 2-0 almost on the half-time whistle. When a rather aimless pass forward by Guler was deflected by Salzburg's Mamady Diambou, Vinicius pounced on the loose ball and continued into the area before producing a clever back-heel to set up Valverde for the goal. Salzburg now needed a favour from Al Hilal to stay in the competition, although they did continue to make a fight of it and had chances to reduce the deficit in the second half. Nevertheless, they were picked off on the counter as Madrid got their third with six minutes of the 90 remaining. A ball forward by Alexander-Arnold should have been cut out by Joane Gadou, but the young defender's touch was intercepted by Gonzalo Garcia, and the young forward ran through before clipping a shot beyond the goalkeeper. 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 Brazil star opened the scoring after a superb defence-splitting pass by Jude Bellingham on 40 minutes and then set up Federico Valverde for the all-important second goal in first-half stoppage time.

Vinicius on scoresheet as Real Madrid advance to Club World Cup last 16

Manchester City turned on the style to seal top spot in Group G at the Club World Cup with an emphatic 5-2 win over Juventus on Thursday.&nbsp;The third straight victory for Pep Guardiola's side increases the chances of City avoiding a meeting with Real Madrid in the last 16 -- a fate that may now await Juventus.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-signs-contract-extension-with-al-nassr-to-stay-with-saudi-club-for-two-more-seasons-1750960027392">Cristiano Ronaldo signs contract extension with Al Nassr, to stay with Saudi club for two more seasons</a>&nbsp;City and Juve will not know their opponent until the final pair of games in Group H conclude later on Friday.&nbsp;A positive day for City saw 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri make his first start since rupturing his ACL in September, and Guardiola's side, featuring several new faces, look significantly improved on the team which struggled to finish 13 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool last season.&nbsp;City were on top from the outset, with a Bernardo Silva header forcing Juve keeper Michele Di Gregorio to save with his feet in the fifth minute.&nbsp;Four minutes later, Guardiola's new-look side had the lead when, after a characteristic, patient build-up, Rayan Ait-Nouri split the Juve defence with a superb pass which Jeremy Doku collected and dispatched into the far corner.&nbsp;Juve were gifted an equaliser when City's Brazilian keeper Ederson's pass out was intercepted by Teun Koopmeiners, who marched into the box and confidently fired home.&nbsp;Juve returned the gift, though in the 26th minute, when French defender Pierre Kalulu, under no pressure, turned a low cross from Matheus Nunes into his own net.&nbsp;A short but intense downpour just before half-time cooled the stadium down, and Guardiola introduced his prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland at the break, and it took just seven minutes for him to find the scoresheet.<h2>Rodri return</h2>&nbsp;Tijjani Reijnders fed Matheus Nunes, whose low cross found an unmarked Haaland in the middle, and while it wasn't the cleanest of finishes from close range, the striker celebrated his 300th career goal.&nbsp;Rodri left the field in the 66th minute to applause as Ilkay Gundogan took over his role in the centre of midfield, but City continued to over-run the Turin side.&nbsp;Haaland latched on to a long ball from Ederson and looked for fellow sub Phil Foden in the middle, but put his cross beyond the England man only for Savinho to recover it and set up Foden for a simple conversion.&nbsp;Savinho then made it 5-1 when, after a Haaland shot was saved by De Gregorio's feet, the Brazilian met the loose ball with a thundering drive which flew in off the underside of the bar.&nbsp;Juventus had created little but restored a little pride when Kenan Yildiz produced a lovely touch and clever pass to set Dusan Vlahovic free, and the Serbian beat Ederson from the edge of the box.&nbsp;"It has been a long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed, and we are happy to beat a top side," Guardiola said afterwards. "This is just one game, but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. The belief always comes from your performances, not your past," added Guardiola, who was delighted to have Rodri back at the heart of his team.&nbsp;"We have missed him a lot. He knows exactly what he has to do with the ball, and his personality. I didn't expect him to play as many minutes. He will be ready for the next one. Everybody gave an incredible performance," he said.&nbsp;For Juventus, it was a mauling that they will need to quickly recover from before their last 16 game.&nbsp;"They have much stronger players than us, and I'm not going to look for excuses," said Croatian coach Igor Tudor. "We suffered. We weren't able to steal the ball, we were deep, and we didn't play well with the ball. We paid for everything, we had to be perfect, but they always arrived first to the ball," he added.&nbsp;"This defeat does not put anything into perspective, we played against the best team in the world. I have nothing to reproach my players for, we'll take this blow, now we'll rest and move on".&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.

City and Juve will not know their opponent until the final pair of games in Group H conclude later on Friday.

Manchester City turned on the style to seal top spot in Group G at the Club World Cup with an emphatic 5-2 win over Juventus on Thursday. The third straight victory for Pep Guardiola's side increases the chances of City avoiding a meeting with Real Madrid in the last 16 -- a fate that may now await Juventus. Also read | Cristiano Ronaldo signs contract extension with Al Nassr, to stay with Saudi club for two more seasons City and Juve will not know their opponent until the final pair of games in Group H conclude later on Friday. A positive day for City saw 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri make his first start since rupturing his ACL in September, and Guardiola's side, featuring several new faces, look significantly improved on the team which struggled to finish 13 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool last season. City were on top from the outset, with a Bernardo Silva header forcing Juve keeper Michele Di Gregorio to save with his feet in the fifth minute. Four minutes later, Guardiola's new-look side had the lead when, after a characteristic, patient build-up, Rayan Ait-Nouri split the Juve defence with a superb pass which Jeremy Doku collected and dispatched into the far corner. Juve were gifted an equaliser when City's Brazilian keeper Ederson's pass out was intercepted by Teun Koopmeiners, who marched into the box and confidently fired home. Juve returned the gift, though in the 26th minute, when French defender Pierre Kalulu, under no pressure, turned a low cross from Matheus Nunes into his own net. A short but intense downpour just before half-time cooled the stadium down, and Guardiola introduced his prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland at the break, and it took just seven minutes for him to find the scoresheet. Rodri return Tijjani Reijnders fed Matheus Nunes, whose low cross found an unmarked Haaland in the middle, and while it wasn't the cleanest of finishes from close range, the striker celebrated his 300th career goal. Rodri left the field in the 66th minute to applause as Ilkay Gundogan took over his role in the centre of midfield, but City continued to over-run the Turin side. Haaland latched on to a long ball from Ederson and looked for fellow sub Phil Foden in the middle, but put his cross beyond the England man only for Savinho to recover it and set up Foden for a simple conversion. Savinho then made it 5-1 when, after a Haaland shot was saved by De Gregorio's feet, the Brazilian met the loose ball with a thundering drive which flew in off the underside of the bar. Juventus had created little but restored a little pride when Kenan Yildiz produced a lovely touch and clever pass to set Dusan Vlahovic free, and the Serbian beat Ederson from the edge of the box. "It has been a long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed, and we are happy to beat a top side," Guardiola said afterwards. "This is just one game, but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. The belief always comes from your performances, not your past," added Guardiola, who was delighted to have Rodri back at the heart of his team. "We have missed him a lot. He knows exactly what he has to do with the ball, and his personality. I didn't expect him to play as many minutes. He will be ready for the next one. Everybody gave an incredible performance," he said. For Juventus, it was a mauling that they will need to quickly recover from before their last 16 game. "They have much stronger players than us, and I'm not going to look for excuses," said Croatian coach Igor Tudor. "We suffered. We weren't able to steal the ball, we were deep, and we didn't play well with the ball. We paid for everything, we had to be perfect, but they always arrived first to the ball," he added. "This defeat does not put anything into perspective, we played against the best team in the world. I have nothing to reproach my players for, we'll take this blow, now we'll rest and move on". 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.

City and Juve will not know their opponent until the final pair of games in Group H conclude later on Friday.

Manchester City hammer Juventus to maintain unbeaten run at Club World Cup

West Indies' pace attack again exposed the vulnerability of the Australian top-order batting as the tourists stuttered to 92 for four in their second innings at stumps on the second day of the first Test at Kensington Oval on Thursday.&nbsp;Trailing on first innings by just ten runs after the Caribbean side were dismissed at tea for 190 in reply to the Aussies' first innings total of 180, the match is balanced on a knife's edge as Australia lead by 82 runs with six wickets in hand.&nbsp;Another eventful day when ten wickets fell after 14 tumbled on day one also featured contentious television umpiring decisions which left the West Indies feeling aggrieved.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ing-vs-eng-ashwin-wants-india-to-extend-batting-but-not-by-runs-after-headingley-defeat-1750946924999">IND vs ENG: Ashwin wants India to extend batting but 'not by runs' after Headingley defeat</a>&nbsp;Travis Head, so often the counter-attacking star for the men from Down Under in all formats of the game, will carry the battle into the third morning with all-rounder Beau Webster after all four West Indies bowlers used in the second innings so far claimed a wicket each.&nbsp;Wicketless in the first innings, Alzarri Joseph was first to strike in the long final session when he trapped Usman Khawaja lbw.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shamar Joseph, who set the tone for the bowling effort at the start of the Test the day before, had to endure Sam Konstas being dropped twice in the same over in the slips before the opener's tortuous innings ended 20 minutes later when he played on to the same bowler.&nbsp;Jayden Seales added to his five-wicket haul the day before by removing Josh Inglis for the second time in the match when the right-hander was bowled offering no shot.&nbsp;Australia's continuing experiment with Cameron Green at number three then suffered another setback when he wafted at medium-pacer Justin Greaves to be taken at first slip.&nbsp;Earlier, West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope held the home side's innings together with a 67-run stand after they had slipped to 72 for five early on the second morning when debutant Brandon King was bowled for 26 shouldering arms to seamer Josh Hazlewood.&nbsp;<h2>Controversial dismissals</h2>&nbsp;However Chase, in his 50th Test and playing his first match in the traditional format for more than two years, was ruled leg-before to Australian counterpart Pat Cummins for 44 just after lunch by television official Adrian Holdstock even though the available television replays suggested the tall right-hander had edged the ball onto his pads.&nbsp;Holdstock was again the focus of attention when Hope, on 48, appeared to have been cleanly caught down the leg-side by a diving wicketkeeper Alex Carey to give Webster his second wicket.&nbsp;Hope seemed equally convinced as he was almost in the players' pavilion as repeated replays of the dismissal gave a strong indication that the ball had touched the ground as Carey attempted to complete the catch. Holdstock nevertheless upheld the dismissal.&nbsp;Alzarri Joseph contributed an unbeaten 23 but the innings folded swiftly thereafter with Mitchell Starc finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the innings with three for 65.&nbsp;"We can only ask the questions," was Starc's deadpan reply to his opinion on the dismissals of Chase and Hope. &nbsp;"That's what we have the technology for. The questions have to be asked in that direction, not at the players."&nbsp;On the state of the match, Starc felt the nature of the pitch is keeping the contest close.&nbsp;"Throughout the two days it's shown that if you bowl in the right areas there are enough chances (created)," he said. "Even when the ball got older or was changed it still did some sideways stuff so the bowlers have been in the game throughout so far and that is likely to continue tomorrow."&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.

Another eventful day when ten wickets fell after 14 tumbled on day one also featured contentious television umpiring decisions which left the West Indies feeling aggrieved.

West Indies' pace attack again exposed the vulnerability of the Australian top-order batting as the tourists stuttered to 92 for four in their second innings at stumps on the second day of the first Test at Kensington Oval on Thursday. Trailing on first innings by just ten runs after the Caribbean side were dismissed at tea for 190 in reply to the Aussies' first innings total of 180, the match is balanced on a knife's edge as Australia lead by 82 runs with six wickets in hand. Another eventful day when ten wickets fell after 14 tumbled on day one also featured contentious television umpiring decisions which left the West Indies feeling aggrieved. Also read | IND vs ENG: Ashwin wants India to extend batting but 'not by runs' after Headingley defeat Travis Head, so often the counter-attacking star for the men from Down Under in all formats of the game, will carry the battle into the third morning with all-rounder Beau Webster after all four West Indies bowlers used in the second innings so far claimed a wicket each. Wicketless in the first innings, Alzarri Joseph was first to strike in the long final session when he trapped Usman Khawaja lbw. Shamar Joseph, who set the tone for the bowling effort at the start of the Test the day before, had to endure Sam Konstas being dropped twice in the same over in the slips before the opener's tortuous innings ended 20 minutes later when he played on to the same bowler. Jayden Seales added to his five-wicket haul the day before by removing Josh Inglis for the second time in the match when the right-hander was bowled offering no shot. Australia's continuing experiment with Cameron Green at number three then suffered another setback when he wafted at medium-pacer Justin Greaves to be taken at first slip. Earlier, West Indies captain Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope held the home side's innings together with a 67-run stand after they had slipped to 72 for five early on the second morning when debutant Brandon King was bowled for 26 shouldering arms to seamer Josh Hazlewood. Controversial dismissals However Chase, in his 50th Test and playing his first match in the traditional format for more than two years, was ruled leg-before to Australian counterpart Pat Cummins for 44 just after lunch by television official Adrian Holdstock even though the available television replays suggested the tall right-hander had edged the ball onto his pads. Holdstock was again the focus of attention when Hope, on 48, appeared to have been cleanly caught down the leg-side by a diving wicketkeeper Alex Carey to give Webster his second wicket. Hope seemed equally convinced as he was almost in the players' pavilion as repeated replays of the dismissal gave a strong indication that the ball had touched the ground as Carey attempted to complete the catch. Holdstock nevertheless upheld the dismissal. Alzarri Joseph contributed an unbeaten 23 but the innings folded swiftly thereafter with Mitchell Starc finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the innings with three for 65. "We can only ask the questions," was Starc's deadpan reply to his opinion on the dismissals of Chase and Hope. "That's what we have the technology for. The questions have to be asked in that direction, not at the players." On the state of the match, Starc felt the nature of the pitch is keeping the contest close. "Throughout the two days it's shown that if you bowl in the right areas there are enough chances (created)," he said. "Even when the ball got older or was changed it still did some sideways stuff so the bowlers have been in the game throughout so far and that is likely to continue tomorrow." 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.

Another eventful day when ten wickets fell after 14 tumbled on day one also featured contentious television umpiring decisions which left the West Indies feeling aggrieved.

WI vs AUS: Australia lead by 82 after day 2 as Barbados Test hangs on a knife edge

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty.&nbsp;"The worst would be that the consequence of this is Iran's exit from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore, ultimately, a drift and a collective weakening," Macron told journalists after an EU summit in Brussels.&nbsp;Macron said that in a bid to maintain the treaty -- that is meant to limit the spread of nuclear weapons -- he would speak in the coming days to the five members of the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;Those talks already kicked off with a call with President Donald Trump on Thursday in which Macron said he informed his US counterparts of contacts Paris had with Tehran in "the last few days and hours".&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-damage-is-excessive-and-serious-iran-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-days-after-strikes-on-nuclear-facilities-1750978779062">'Damage is excessive and serious': Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi</a>&nbsp;"Our hope is that there will be a real convergence of views," Macron said, adding that the aim was "that there should be no resumption" of nuclear buildup by Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) in 1970, committing it to declare its nuclear material to the International Atomic Energy Agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;But it has recently begun preparing the grounds for a possible withdrawal from the treaty, accusing the agency of acting as a "partner" in Israel's "war of aggression".&nbsp;American B-2 bombers hit two Iranian nuclear sites with massive GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs last weekend, while a guided missile submarine struck a third site with Tomahawk cruise missiles.Trump himself has called the strikes a "spectacular military success" and repeatedly said they "obliterated" the nuclear sites.&nbsp;But US media revealed a preliminary American intelligence assessment earlier this week that said the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months -- coverage sharply criticised by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty. "The worst would be that the consequence of this is Iran's exit from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore, ultimately, a drift and a collective weakening," Macron told journalists after an EU summit in Brussels. Macron said that in a bid to maintain the treaty -- that is meant to limit the spread of nuclear weapons -- he would speak in the coming days to the five members of the United Nations Security Council. Those talks already kicked off with a call with President Donald Trump on Thursday in which Macron said he informed his US counterparts of contacts Paris had with Tehran in "the last few days and hours". Also read: 'Damage is excessive and serious': Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi "Our hope is that there will be a real convergence of views," Macron said, adding that the aim was "that there should be no resumption" of nuclear buildup by Iran. Iran ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) in 1970, committing it to declare its nuclear material to the International Atomic Energy Agency. But it has recently begun preparing the grounds for a possible withdrawal from the treaty, accusing the agency of acting as a "partner" in Israel's "war of aggression". American B-2 bombers hit two Iranian nuclear sites with massive GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs last weekend, while a guided missile submarine struck a third site with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Trump himself has called the strikes a "spectacular military success" and repeatedly said they "obliterated" the nuclear sites. But US media revealed a preliminary American intelligence assessment earlier this week that said the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months -- coverage sharply criticised by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty.

US strikes 'genuinely effective' says Macron; warns of 'worst-case scenario' if Iran exits global non-proliferation treaty

Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season. "Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027," the club wrote in a post on X. &nbsp; Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: "Al Nassr forever".Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-will-win-wimbledon-2025-alcaraz-sinner-djokovic-in-title-hunt-1750923389681">Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic in title hunt – Who will rule the grass court?</a>"A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together," read the post.The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.Last month, Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again."Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month.The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.Ronaldo's announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal -- on a reported salary of around $104 million a year.Although Ronaldo was the Pro League's top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals.Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo's move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034.For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d'Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom.However, the oil-fuelled Saudi football project has drawn comparisons with the Chinese Super League, which imported players on exorbitant salaries until team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled.But with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, and desperate to re-model itself as a tourism and business magnet before global oil demand falls for good, there is probably more to come from the Pro League.Ronaldo appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he first moved to Riyadh's Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million at the time.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 Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season. "Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027," the club wrote in a post on X. Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: "Al Nassr forever". Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension. Also Read - Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic in title hunt – Who will rule the grass court? "A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together," read the post. The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country. Last month, Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again. "Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month. The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli. Ronaldo's announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal -- on a reported salary of around $104 million a year. Although Ronaldo was the Pro League's top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month. Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals. Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo's move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034. For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d'Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom. However, the oil-fuelled Saudi football project has drawn comparisons with the Chinese Super League, which imported players on exorbitant salaries until team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled. But with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, and desperate to re-model itself as a tourism and business magnet before global oil demand falls for good, there is probably more to come from the Pro League. Ronaldo appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he first moved to Riyadh's Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million at the time. 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 Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Cristiano Ronaldo signs contract extension with Al Nassr, to stay with Saudi club for two more seasons

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