bbc

Ko Seok-hyeon (right) emerged from the same path as Oban Elliott in Dana White's contender series

South Korea's Ko Seok-hyeon beat Welshman Oban Elliott via a unanimous 30-27 decision at the UFC Fight Night in Baku, Azerbaijan on Saturday.

Ko – making his UFC debut – produced a dominant display featuring several submissions throughout the three rounds, with the 31-year keeping Elliott grounded for long periods.

Elliott, nicknamed 'The Welsh Gangster', has now suffered his first defeat since making his UFC debut in February 2024.

He was originally set to fight on 31 May at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas against Ramiz Brahimaj.

That bout was cancelled because of visa issues, but the UFC moved swiftly to keep the 27-year-old active, rescheduling him for this weekend's card.

The Welshman entered the contest with a 3-0 UFC record thanks to a knockout win over Bassil Hafez at UFC 309 in November and unanimous decision victories over Preston Parsons and Val Woodburn.

Elliott trained across Europe with some of the sport's elite fighters to prepare for the bout.

But it was not sufficient against the opponent known as 'The Korean Tyson', who came into his UFC debut with an impressive 11-2 record.

Watch every Born to Brawl episode

Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Glenn Irwin began the third BSB round at Snetterton in second place in the championship standings

Glenn Irwin suffered fractures to his hip socket and pelvis after crashing during a free practice session at the third round of the British Superbike Championship at Snetterton on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland rider came off his Hager PBM Ducati at Turn Nine during FP3 and the session was subsequently red-flagged.

After initially being taken to the circuit medical centre for x-rays on his hip and right leg, the 35-year-old was then transported to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for further scans and assessment.

A statement issued by BSB race organisers later on Saturday explained the extent of his injuries.

"Following a CT scan at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Glenn Irwin has been found to have fractures to his hip socket and pelvis. He is in stable condition," they revealed.

"Glenn will be reviewed tomorrow by the specialist team to decide an ongoing management plan."

Irwin was ruled out of Saturday's opening BSB race of the weekend, which was won by series leader, Yamaha rider Bradley Ray.

Ray took his fifth win of the season, with defending champion Kyle Ryde second, Honda Racing's Tommy Bridewell completing the podium positions and Leon Haslam fourth.

Ray now leads the championship standings with 104 points, followed by Ryde on 82, Haslam on 77 and Irwin on 74.

Irwin's brother Andrew crashed out on lap four of the weekend opener while challenging for a top-12 spot.

Two further races are scheduled for Sunday.

Glenn Irwin had secured four podium finishes from the first five races of the season at Oulton Park and Donington to occupy second in the series ahead of this weekend's action.

From Carrickfergus in county Antrim, is an 11-time Superbike race winner at the North West 200 international road races, but called it quits on that branch of the sport before this year's event.

Meanwhile, Dubliner Jack Kennedy won the 10-lap Supersport sprint race for Honda Racing on Saturday, from Donegal's Rhys Irwin, with Fermanagh native Lee Johnston fifth.

Dumbarton joked about fielding a squad of trialists on social media

Scottish League 2 side Dumbarton's pre-season friendlies with Stenhousemuir and Stirling Albion created a stir on social media – because every single player in their squad was a trialist.

After a challenging few months off the pitch for the Sons and players being on holiday, manager Stevie Farrell was forced to bring in different players for a mini-tournament in Stenhousemuir.

"The team news is in," Dumbarton posted on X before kick-off in their first match.

"Trialist between the sticks. Trialist and Trialist in the centre of the park. Trialist leads the line."

Before their match later on Saturday against Stirling Albion, Dumbarton said: "All change for the clash with the Binos as Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist and Trialist come in for Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist and Trialist.

"Trialist, Trialist, Trialist and Trialist make up the bench."

A deal was struckfor Dumbarton to exit administration earlier this month by dissolving its holding company and creating a new company wholly owned by Canadian businessman Mario Lapointe.

That means the club is still awaiting approval from the Scottish FA and SPFL about whether they can register new signings and continue to play in League 2, having been relegated last term following a 15-point deduction.

Manager Farrell said in the build-up to the game he would also be fielding trialists and younger players because of the handful of contracted senior players being on holiday.

"Amazing day for the Trialist family," one X user replied to the club as football fans joked about the team news.

Dumbarton lost both games 2-0, so 'Trialist' failed to get on the scoresheet.

Leigh secured a 10th Super League win of the season in Perpignan

Tries:Pangai Junior, MakinsonGoals:Makinson 2

Tries:Niu, Brand, Ofahengaue, ArmstrongGoals:O'Brien 5

Joe Ofahengaue and David Armstrong scored late tries as Leigh Leopards beat Catalans Dragons 26-12 to go third in Super League.

Catalans had come from 12-0 down to level through tries from Tevita Pangai Junior and Tommy Makinson but fell to a sixth consecutive league defeat.

Tesi Niu and Keanan Brand had both crossed to help give Leigh a half-time lead.

Leigh ran away with the game when Pangai Junior was sent to the sin-bin for a late tackle, but Gareth O'Brien's performance with the boot was crucial as he scored a penalty before full-time to add to his four conversions.

Victory lifts Leigh a point above Leeds, wholost at St Helens on Friday,in the race for the play-offs.

Lowly Huddersfield beat out-of-sorts Warrington

Makinson missed the chance to put the Dragons in front when he missed the target with a penalty from inside 30 metres.

Instead it was Leigh who went in front when Niu ran in following a wonderful catch and pass from Lachlan Lam which allowed Armstrong to break through the defence and create the opportunity on the left.

Lam was involved again as Leigh added a second six minutes from the break when he found Brand in the right corner for an easy touch down.

On the stroke of half-time, Pangai Junior bulldozed his way through the defence under the posts to get the Dragons back into the game, with Makinson making no mistake with his kick.

Catalans started the second half with real purpose and levelled when Oliver Partington, Luke Keary and Sam Tomkins were involved in a swift move which was finished by Makinson, who converted his own score.

Makinson then missed what looked to be a straightforward penalty to take the lead, and it proved pivotal 10 minutes later when Pangai Junior was sent to the bin for a late tackle.

O'Brien's kick from the resulting penalty hit the post and Lam reacted first, setting in motion a move which eventually saw Ofahengaue cross the line.

Moments later, Armstrong ran clear to secure the win in the corner before O'Brien made sure by adding the conversion and then a penalty as the hooter sounded for full-time.

Catalans Dragons interim head coach Joel Tomkins:

"It was a big improvement for us, obviously we're not happy with the result, but I wasn't happy with large elements of the game.

"Our effort and attitude was good, our application at times during the game we need to improve on though.

"We made some dumb decisions in both attack and defence, but we asked for a better attitude and more effort this week and I certainly think that we got that.

"There is a lot for us to work on, we will take the positives, but I am not happy with the performance."

"It's a difficult challenge to come here and get the two points and we made it tough for ourselves at times, but we hung in there and showed resilience and we found a way to win.

"There were defining moments in that game where it could have gone either way, but we seem to be winning those big moments right now which is a big part of being where we are on the league ladder.

"It's still early days and every club in that top six now has to play each other so everyone's in a similar situation.

"But it's in our hands now. We're in a position we've probably never been in before as a club, close to the top of the competition.

"We want to set our sights above and those big decisive games will come in the next six to eight matches. We're looking forward to it."

Catalans Dragons:Tomkins, Makinson, Laguerre, Darrelatour, Cotric, Keary, Rouge, Satae, Da Costa, Maria, Romano, Seguier, Partington

Interchanges:Pangai Juniorr, Bousquet, Sironen, Dezaria

Leigh Leopards:Armstrong, McIntosh, Niu, Hanley, Brand, O'Brien, Lam, Ofahengaue, Ipape, Mulhern, Halton, Trout, Liu

Interchanges:Tuitavake, Davis, O'Neill, McNamara

Everton manager David Moyes will lead the club into their new stadium in 2025-26

On 11 January, David Moyes was appointed Everton manager for a second spell following the sacking of Sean Dyche, with the club one point above the relegation zone. They ended the campaign in 13th place, 23 points clear of the bottom three.

After recent years of points deductions and relegation battles, there is hope that the return of Moyes, new owners and the move to a new 52,888-seater stadium can lead to a brighter future for the Toffees.

With the feeling of a fresh new start across all aspects of the club, BBC Sport looks at the lessons that must be learned this summer as they prepare to begin life at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Everton are currently navigating their first summer transfer window under the ownership of the Friedkin Group, who bought the club forin excess of £400m in December.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire estimates that Everton will havebetween £50m-100m to spend in this summer transfer window– a dramatic increase in contrast to the past four seasons when the club has essentially spent nothing, totalling £85.5m of profit from player trading.

Such frugality has been a consequence of reckless financial planning that led to Profit and Sustainability Regulation (PSR) breaches,two points deductionsand narrow escapes from relegation.

Everton must now learn from past mistakes in terms of getting value for money.

The near nine-year ownership of Farhad Moshiri, who bought a majority shareholding in 2016, was marred by a scattergun transfer policy and merry-go-round of seven permanent managers which saw Everton splurge money on inflated fees and huge contracts.

Abdoulaye Doucoure's decision to reject a new deal in May means that eight players signed for at least £20m during Moshiri's reign have now left for nothing, effectively writing off £188m in transfer fees.

Should out-of-contract defender Michael Keane, signed from Burnley for an initial £25m in 2017, also depart this summer, that figure will climb well past £200m.

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes it's something that "must improve" going forward.

"It's not ideal when you're paying for a player and getting no return," he said.

"It's been a difficult 10 years with regards to bringing players in and moving them on for a profit, but that's an awful lot of money to spend on players to see them walk away."

Jean-Philippe Gbamin played just six Premier League games for Everton after joining in a £25m deal from Mainz in 2019

Of the big money signings who left for nothing, midfielder Doucoure was arguably the best value, making 149 Premier League appearances andscoring the goal that ensured Everton's Premier League survival in 2023.

The other end of this particular spectrum is more congested, including the injury-plagued Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who made just two league starts after joining from Mainz for £25m before leaving for the French second tier four years later.

Yannick Bolasie, who cost £25m from Crystal Palace, scored two Premier League goals before being loaned out four times and then leaving for free.

Cenk Tosun scored five goals in 14 games after joining for £27m but then made 14 starts in the subsequent four seasons as he was loaned out to Palace and Besiktas.

The theme is clear: when Everton have had larger sums of money available, they have often spent it poorly, a failing that cannot be repeated if the Toffees are to build towards the European football that Moyeshas said he craves.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is yet to sign a new deal with his current contract set to expire in July

There have been transfer successes since the more chaotic days of Moshiri's ownership.

Jake O'Brien and Iliman Ndiaye, both signed last summer for initial fees of under £17m, have been prudent investments – although both purchases had to be funded by the£50m sale of Belgium international Amadou Onanato Aston Villa.

Everton's ability to recruit effectively, and Moyes' savviness in the transfer market, will be tested by the necessity to overhaul an entire squad, with 12 players, including 10 from the first team, out of contract this summer.

Captain Seamus Coleman and midfielder Idrissa Gueye are in negotiations to extend their current deals, although striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could yet leave the club, along with Keane.

Ashley Young and Doucoure have already confirmed their departures, along with back-up goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia, while loanees Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja have returned to their parent clubs.

Everton confirmed thepermanent signing of Carlos Alcarazfor £12.5m in May but major gaps still exist in terms of goals, creativity and depth.

Osman, who made 437 appearances for the club between 2003 and 2016, believes that the exodus provides an opportunity for a "fresh start".

"This is where we build from," said the 44-year-old. "Everton have had so many managers over the years and so many different styles of player who play different systems. David Moyes knows what Everton are."

Leon Osman played for David Moyes at Everton between 2003 and 2013

Patience may be required for any rebuild as the Friedkin Group continues to navigate the implications of PSR.

The club'smost recent accounts for 2023-24,externalshow a loss of £53.2m, a reduction of £36m on the previous year, while revenue rose by 9% to £187m – an encouraging picture although one that means that money must still be spent wisely.

Osman, who was given his Everton debut by Moyes in 2003, believes that Everton must retain key players such as Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford, while recruiting more leaders to bolster a rapidly thinning squad.

"A Moyes dressing room is hard, demanding," he said. "Having spoke to a couple of the squad, they love the clarity and what he's asking of them.

"A manager has to ask for that level and he always did that when I played for him. You also look at O'Brien, who has excelled at right-back when people thought he couldn't do it. We need to make sure these people stay on the pitch."

The failed pursuit of new Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who was spoken to by Moyes, shows that centre-forward – and more goals in the team – is a priority, along with a right-back, right-winger and central midfielder. Departures, though, mean that recruitment is needed in almost every position to provide squad depth.

The club arereportedly interested,externalin Villareal striker Thierno Barry, who is currently playing for France in the European Under-21 Championship.

Everton have taken steps to streamline their process, moving away from a director-of-football model following the departure of Kevin Thelwell to a sports leadership team headed bynew chief executive Angus Kinnear.

He has said that Everton will utilise experts in data and analytics, football operations, recruitment, talent ID and player trading as part of the club's evolving approach.

Kinnear has also already met with supporters group the Fan Advisory Board – a far removal from the previous regime when former manager Dyche described communicating with then-owner Moshiri by "Whatsapp and the odd phone call".

Osman has backed the new structure to succeed and added: "It's time to get behind the new hierarchy and I expect they would lean into Moyes' experience as much as they can. I trust David Moyes more than anyone."

Ian McLauchlan, pictured with Princess Anne, served Scottish Rugby as a player and board member for 50 years and went on two successful Lions tours

Former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lions great Ian McLauchlan has died at the age of 83.

McLauchlan led his country 19 times in his 43 caps and played his last Test against New Zealand at Murrayfield in November 1979.

A prop known for his fearsome scrummaging despite weighing only 14st 6lb on his debut in 1969, McLauchlan earned the nickname 'Mighty Mouse' and was part of successful Lions tours to New Zealand and South Africa in 1971 and 1974.

He was one of only five players to start all eight Test matches on those tours, and scored a crucial try in the first Test in Dunedin in June 1971 as the Lions won 9-3.

"He was some character and some player," his former Scotland and Lions team-mate Andy Irvinetold Scottish Rugby.,external

"He was smaller than most props he came up against but I never saw anyone get the better of him.

"He was so tough, almost indestructible. What a fantastic career he had for Scotland, and the Lions. It's very, very sad."

McLauchlan served as Scottish Rugby's president from 2010-2012 and stepped away from the board in 2019, giving 50 years of service from his debut as a player.

In 2013, he was inducted to Scottish Rugby's Hall of Fame and in 2017 he was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

Scottish Rugby said it was "immensely saddened" to learn of his death on Friday.

Marketa Vondrousova has won just two of her six appearances in WTA finals

Marketa Vondrousova beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Berlin Open to reach her first final since winning the 2023 Wimbledon title.

Vondrousova, who has been working her way back from shoulder surgery and is ranked 164th in the world, came through 6-2 6-4 and will play Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu in Sunday's showpiece in Germany.

"I didn't play for a long time. I am just happy to be back healthy and so grateful to play these matches," Czech Vondrousova said on the WTA Tour website.

"When I saw the field here, I was like, 'OK, let's just try to win the first round' and then, you know, now this is happening."

Sabalenka saved two break points in the opening game but was broken in her second service game and again to trail 5-2 in the first set.

The three-time Grand Slam champion sealed a break at the first time of asking to lead 2-0 in the second but Vondrousova hit back immediately.

A tense scrap ensued with the set staying on serve until 25-year-old Vondrousova broke for 5-4 and then served out the match.

Wang beat 2021 Berlin Open champion Liudmila Samsonova 6-4 6-1 in the other semi-final to reach her first WTA singles final.

"This week has been a dream for me," Wang said. "Coming into every match, I wasn't expecting anything, it was really just to enjoy the stage."

Daniil Medvedev (right) is in his first final since Indian Wells in March 2024

In another of the grass-court events leading up to Wimbledon, Daniil Medvedev held off a fightback from world number three Alexander Zverev to win 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 and reach Sunday's Halle Open final.

It will be a first final in 15 months for Medvedev, who will take on world number 45 Alexander Bublik after the Kazakh beat eighth seed Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.

After taking the opening set against Zverev on a tie-break, world number 11 Medvedev wasted three match points in the second set, and required three hours and one minute to get the job done.

"I am happy with my level, I played great," Medvedev said.

"I would have loved to finish on the match points [in the second set]. The first one I went for it and missed it.

"The second one I went a bit slower to wait for a mistake and he made a great point. I am happy to win in the end."

As was the case during his quarter-final victory on Friday, Medvedev needed treatment for a nosebleed at 4-4 in the opening set.

The Russian has lost five ATP finals in succession, with his last triumph coming at the Italian Open in May 2023.

Live scores, results and order of play

Get tennis news sent straight to your phone

James Doyle was unshipped by Lazzat after the finishing line

French runner Lazzat ran free down the track after holding off Satono Reve to deny Japan a first triumph at Royal Ascot.

James Doyle was victorious aboard the 9-2 winner, trained by Jerome Reynier.

The jockey and winning owners Wathnan Racing, who also had the third-placed horse Flora Of Bermuda, were celebrating a double on the day after the earlier victory of Humidity in the Chesham Stakes.

Favourite Satono Reve was bidding to become the first Japanese-trained winner at the meeting after 12 previous attempts but was beaten by half a length.

As Doyle celebrated after the line, Lazzat unshipped his jockey and ran loose around the Ascot course before being caught.

Reynier was happier with Doyle than fellow jockey Flavien Prat, having describedhis effort on Facteur Cheval,external- who faded to finish sixth in Wednesday's Prince of Wales's Stakes – as "perhaps the worst ride given to one of my horses".

"James knew he was never going to get beaten. He listened exactly to what we said to him," said the trainer.

"He's a funny character, that is why he is Lazzat and he is our champion."

Lazzat (left) was the first French-trained winner at the 2025 Ascot meeting

'50 years of work' – Cercene in shock 33-1 Ascot win

Royal Ascot 2025 – Race times, schedule, coverage

In pictures: Day four at Royal Ascot

The 28-1 chance Get It, trained by George Baker, just landed the Wokingham Handicap as 52-year-old jockey Seamie Heffernan edged out fast-finishing favourite More Thunder.

Rebel's Romance won the Hardwicke Stakes to give Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby his first victory at Royal Ascot since 2022.

It was an eighth top-level Group One victory for the horse, ridden by William Buick.

"He was the horse we needed. I'm just glad to get one on the board in the end," said Appleby.

Appleby's 6-4 favourite Treanmor had earlier finished fifth behind Humidity and Rebel's Romance was his last Ascot runner of the week.

Oisin Murphy got up on the line with Quai De Bethune in the Golden Gates Stakes to beat Seraph Gabriel and deliver trainer Andrew Balding a Saturday double.

Murphy's fifth victory put him second behind the week's leading jockey Ryan Moore.

Moore claimed his seventh triumph on 4-5 favourite Sober – trained by Willie Mullins – who is likely to head to the Melbourne Cup in November after landing the Queen Alexandra Stakes.

John and Thady Gosden were the leading trainers, with five wins, just beating Aidan O'Brien on second places.

A total of 286,541 spectators attended over the five days, an increase of 13,000 on 2024.

Rebel's Romance clocked up the 18th win of his career

The globetrotting Rebel's Romance added Royal Ascot to an impressive CV which has brought big victories in the United States, Dubai and Hong Kong.

At seven years old, he is oldest winner of the race for more than a century and adds to career earnings of more than £10m.

"We had one shot, one roll of the the dice left and what a partner. He's a dream horse – I'm blessed," said Buick.

"We gel together – he's my best friend."

The 6-4 favourite finished clear of Al Riffa with third place going to Ghostwriter, who was bought by Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing for £2m this week.

In a week when temperatures reached 30C, Humidity was an aptly named winner of the Chesham Stakes.

The 4-1 shot, under James Doyle for trainer Andrew Balding, provided a fourth winner of the week for owners Wathnan Racing.

A brother of 2022 victor Holloway Boy, Humidity was bought by the Emir of Qatar's Wathnan team following a winning Newbury debut in the Cheveley Park Stud colours.

Jockey Kieran Shoemark and trainer Ed Walker celebrated a second victory at the 2025 meeting as 25-1 chance Noble Champion won the Jersey Stakes.

Niko Kovac (right) at the TQL Stadium where temperatures reached 32C

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac said he was "sweating like I've just come out of a sauna" after his side beat Mamelodi Sundowns in 32C heat at the Club World Cup in Cincinnati on Saturday.

Dortmund's substitutes kept out of the heat by watching the first half from the dressing room, then sheltered under umbrellas on the bench for the second.

"Our subs watched the first half from inside the locker room to avoid the blazing sun at TQL Stadium – never seen that before, but in this heat, it absolutely makes sense,"Dortmund posted on X.,external

Kovac had raised concerns about the conditions before the game, which kicked off at noon local time.

"It was tough going for both teams, but the opposition are used to it [in South Africa]," he added afterwards.

Weather concerns have continued to shape the Club World Cup, with a fourth game delayed because of thunderstorms on Friday.

Meanwhile, a heatwave is expected next week.

Bellingham scores first goal for Dortmund in CWC win

Inter Milan snatch CWC win against stubborn Urawa

Kane scores as Bayern are first team to progress at Club World Cup

"Our subs watched the first half from inside the locker room to avoid the blazing sun at TQL Stadium – never seen that before, but in this heat, it absolutely makes sense," Dortmund posted on X

The second half ofBenfica's Group C game against Auckland Citykicked off more than two hours late because of heavy rain and storms in Orlando.

The kick-off for Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan HD in the same city had been delayed for over an hour.

And there were long pauses in the second halves of Palmeiras v Al-Ahly in New Jersey (40 minutes) and Salzburg v Pachuca in Cincinnati (90 minutes).

Campaign group Fossil Free Football say 10 matches are due to be played in the next week with either a major or extreme heat risk, as temperatures could reach 41C.

This comes just a year out from the World Cup which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"Many of the players expecting to compete in 2026 are already getting a taste of what's to come," said Dr Chris Tyler, an environmental physiologist from the University of Roehampton and an authority on heat stress in elite sports.

"Such conditions will be commonplace with many of the fixtures scheduled for before 5pm to maximise TV audiences.

"Extreme heat could become the tournament's most formidable opponent."

A statement from the world governing body read: "Fifa will continue to monitor the weather conditions in coordination with the venue teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved."

The half-time break in Benfica's match against Auckland City ended up lasting about two and a half hours

Fossil Free Football say: "Particular concern is for the fixtures in the no-shade stadium in Charlotte where a heat index of 38C (Real Madrid v Pachuca) and 41C (Benfica v Bayern) is forecast for the next two matches.

"This underlines the dangers facing players and fans at this tournament and in 2026. Fifa have done very little to allay safety concerns."

The game between New Zealand part-timers Auckland City and Boca Juniors is also due to take place in 41C in Nashville at a ground with limited cover.

Matches in Philadelphia, New York, Cincinnati and Washington DC will also be played in the anticipated heatwave.

AfterAtletico's 4-0 defeat by Paris St-Germainin 32C in Pasadena, Marcos Llorente said it was "terribly hot" and added "my toes were sore, my nails were hurting… it's incredible".

Fans spoke of having to leave that game because of the heat – and complained about long queues and restrictions of water when arriving at the stadium.

A Fifa statement read: "Fifa's top priority is the health of everyone involved in football, and Fifa's medical experts have been in regular contact with the clubs participating to address heat management and acclimatisation."

The governing body added there will continue to be cooling breaks in the 30th and 75th minute where needed – and that fans are allowed to bring empty clear bottles of up to one litre into stadiums.

Chelsea, who are one of two English teams competing along with Manchester City, beat Los Angeles FC in their opener but thenlost 3-1 to Flamengo on Friday.

"It's not easy because of the temperature," said boss Enzo Maresca. "We're going to try to rotate players."

Fans at several games – including Palmeiras v Al-Ahly – have had to leave their seats and go inside the stadium during storms

As well as the danger posed by the heat to players, staff and supporters, from a scheduling point of view there will be concerns about the delays to games.

Four of the first 21 games faced waits ranging from 40 minutes to two-and-a-half hours for thunder and lightning storms and heavy rain.

Broadcasters will not be happy with the potential for overlapping matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Benfica v Auckland City was due to conclude an hour before Chelsea's match against Flamengo started – but ended up finishing well after the final whistle had been blownin the Blues' defeat.

"This is the longest game of my career," said Benfica coach Bruno Lage. "A special thanks to our fans, who have been here for five hours supporting the team.

"We played as well as we could. The temperature made it very difficult."

Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast

Get football news sent straight to your phone

Pope makes 'terrific' century as England chase down India

First Rothesay Test, Headingley (day two of five)

India 471:Gill 147, Pant 134, Jaiswal 101; Stokes 2-66, Tongue 4-86

England 209-3:Pope 100*, Duckett 62; Bumrah 3-48

Ollie Pope's gutsy century led England's resurgence only for Jasprit Bumrah to give India the crucial wicket of Joe Root late on day two of the first Test.

Pope, preferred to rising star Jacob Bethell at number three, repaid England's faith with 100 not out at Headingley.

The ball after Pope completed his century, Bumrah had Root caught at first slip to leave England 209-3 – all three wickets falling to the pace maestro.

England are 262 adrift of India's 471, a total that should have been much greater.

Despite Rishabh Pant completing a thrilling century, the tourists lost their last seven wickets for 41 runs. Captain Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue claimed four wickets apiece.

Under a brooding sky – play was held up for 40 minutes by rain – England were faced with the threat of Bumrah, who promptly had Zak Crawley caught at first slip.

Bumrah was electrifying, but England dug in through a stand of 122 between Ben Duckett and Pope. Duckett was dropped off Bumrah, Pope edged the same bowler through the slips.

Duckett fell for 62 to Bumrah's second spell, in which Pope was dropped at third slip by Yashasvi Jaiswal on 60.

In the evening sunshine, Root overturned being given lbw. Bumrah was summoned for one more spell. Though he could not prevent Pope's milestone, he snatched the bigger prize of Root.

Incredibly, there was still time for Harry Brook to be caught off a Bumrah no-ball. It was a heart-stopping end to an engrossing day.

'Play on, pontiff' – Pope repays England's faith

Watch Today at the Test on BBC iPlayer

England v India: England weather Bumrah storm as game in the balance

Jaiswal drops Pope's outside edge at third slip

England were flattened on the opening day, forced to chase leather after gifting away the advantage of winning the toss.

Resuming on 359-3, India should have batted England out of the contest and then unleashed Bumrah late on.

Instead, the tourists offered a route back in with loose dismissals and dropped catches, and England, chiefly Pope, played well enough to grab the opportunity. Their batting was sensible, rather than cavalier, yet the hosts still scored in excess of four an over.

The conditions in which England had to start their innings, ideal for bowling, further highlighted just how good Friday had been for batting. When Bumrah had the ball, every delivery was an event and on another day he could have had an even bigger haul.

For all the talk of the toss and Bumrah's brilliance, England have a foothold in the match. On a sluggish pitch that looks full of runs, the home side may be vindicated in a fourth-innings chase.

For now India retain the upper hand through their lead and the presence of Bumrah. It could turn into a classic.

'Lovely shot!' – Pope hits consecutive fours to end Krishna over

Despite a modest record against India, the most important innings of Pope's Test career – 196 in Hyderabad – downed the same opponents 18 months ago.

Given the debate around his place, the match situation and the threat of Bumrah, this was the best hundred he has made at home. It was the Surrey man's third in successive home Tests and his ninth overall.

Pope's strength, scoring behind square on the off side, was also a vulnerability. He edged Bumrah between third slip and gully on 10, then should have been caught by Jaiswal.

Duckett had 15 when he cut Bumrah to point, the chance spilled by the usually reliable Ravindra Jadeja. Reprieved, Duckett drove through the covers and pulled anything fractionally short.

Batting looked much more straightforward when Bumrah was out of the attack and Duckett fell via an inside edge when he returned. His replacement, Root, was given leg before to Mohammed Siraj on seven, only for the review to show it was missing leg stump.

Bumrah began his third spell. Pope, on 99, inside edged a single and leapt in celebration. Headingley had barely settled when Root was drawn into a poke to first slip and departed for 28.

In the final over, Brook inexplicably tried to pull Bumrah and miscued to mid-wicket. He was saved by umpire Chris Gaffaney raising his arm to signal the third no-ball of the over.

Pant's long road back to recovery after car crash

Given their first-day platform, India had the opportunity to push for 550 or even more. England's anonymous first hour, when Stokes chose to delay his own entry into the attack, gave no clue of the collapse to come.

Pant, resuming on 65, planted off-spinner Shoaib Bashir for six. When he repeated the dose, this time with one hand off the bat, the left-hander reached his second Test ton since a life-threatening car crash in December 2022. Ever the showman, he celebrated with a somersault.

India were in complete control until captain Shubman Gill, who added 20 to move to 147, needlessly clipped Bashir to Tongue at deep mid-wicket. From then on, the visitors fell apart.

When Stokes finally brought himself on in the 12th over of the day, he again looked a threat with pace, a full length and swing. Karun Nair, in his first Test innings for eight years, drove to the flying Pope at short cover for a four-ball duck.

Tongue was poor on day one and ignored until 18 minutes before lunch on day two. He found the same movement as Stokes and got the crucial wicket. Pant, who should have been stumped by Jamie Smith off Bashir, was befuddled into leaving a Tongue in-swinger that trapped him lbw.

The clouds gathered, the floodlights came on and the lower-order did not resist. Shardul Thakur edged Stokes behind, Bumrah edged to second slip off Tongue, who then bowled both Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna. England took the last seven wickets in 68 balls.

'That's a big wicket!' – Tongue dismisses Pant for 134

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Test Match Special:"A really good day for England. There is so much spirit in this side under Stokes. They found a way with the ball and then saw off a tremendous spell from Bumrah.

"If they can keep Bumrah quiet, they win the series."

England opener Ben Duckett:"We are in a good spot and if we win the first session tomorrow we are really in this game.

"I had goosebumps when Pope got his 100. He is such a big part of the dressing room. I can't wait to give him a hug."

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook on TMS:"It was a horrible time to come in and bat but Pope played Bumrah with such control.

"He has looked far less frenetic recently and India need to look at how to bowl against him."

Get cricket news sent straight to your phone