Soufiane El Bakkali continued his strong season form with a controlled win in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Stockholm Diamond League meeting on June 7.
The Moroccan Olympic and world champion clocked 8:10.40, holding off Kenya’s Edmund Serem (8:12.27) and Abraham Kibiwot (8:12.75) in a tightly contested finish at the BAUHAUS-Galan meeting. Morocco’s Salah Eddine Ben Yazide finished fourth in 8:13.02, while compatriot Abderrafia Bouassel did not complete the race. The victory marks El Bakkali’s second Diamond League win in two weeks, following his earlier triumph in Rabat as he continues to lead the steeplechase circuit.
Hamzah Sheeraz has been called out by WBO #9 contender Milorad Zizic, who says he is ready to face the British world champion in a “war” on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s return in Jeddah on July 25. Sheeraz, who won the WBO super-middleweight title last month, is expected to make his first defence on the card, although his opponent has yet to be confirmed.
Zizic has positioned himself as a leading candidate, saying the fight would mean “everything” to him as he targets a historic world title for Montenegro. The 39-year-old, known for his knockout power, insisted Sheeraz has never faced a puncher like him, while describing the potential bout as a “war from the first bell”. Sheeraz is currently unbeaten, with several WBO-ranked contenders still under consideration for the Jeddah event.
England are set to play a one-off Test against Bangladesh in late May 2026 as part of their Ashes preparation, with the fixture potentially staged at Lord’s.
The venue remains undecided and is linked to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) plans for the World Test Championship final, which is also scheduled for London next month under its agreement with the ICC. Lord’s has hosted recent finals, but The Oval is being considered due to concerns over pitch conditions, adding further uncertainty to the summer schedule.
England’s arrangement with the MCC guarantees Lord’s two Tests per season, meaning it would host Bangladesh if it is not selected for the WTC final. The scheduling could see a heavy London focus next summer, with wider debate over regional fixture distribution as England also prepare for the Ashes series against Australia.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has confirmed its continued support for head coach Vincenzo Montella after Turkey’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite criticism following a winless group stage campaign.
Turkey’s return to the tournament for the first time in 24 years ended after defeats to Australia and Paraguay sealed elimination before their final group match against the United States.
TFF president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu dismissed speculation over Montella’s future, stressing that stability and continuity remain central to the federation’s long-term plan.
“We will stand by both the coach and the players,” he said, adding that short-term reactions would undermine long-term development.
Turkey now turn their attention to Euro 2028 qualification as the federation maintains its backing for the current squad and coaching setup.
