Novak Djokovic arrives at Roland Garros this year facing a familiar opponent, but one that cannot be outmanoeuvred even by the record 24-time Grand Slam champion: time.
With the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America now barely three weeks away, AFP Sport runs the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals (world ranking in brackets):
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said Wednesday that "foreign forces" cannot decide the future of the democratic island, which relies heavily on US security backing to deter a potential Chinese attack.
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Politics
Arminda de la Cruz has a mechanism for coping with both the endless blackouts in Cuba and the looming threat of a US invasion: reggaeton.
May 20, 2026
RECENT NEWS
With record prices for Jackson Pollock, Constantin Brancusi and Mark Rothko, New York's spring auctions are soaring, confirming a trend that began in late 2025: blockbuster sales are back.
May 19, 2026
RECENT NEWS
The United States and Cuba held talks this week on a US offer of $100 million in assistance, which Washington has dangled as an incentive for reforms, a US official said Tuesday.
May 19, 2026
Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-1 on Tuesday to leave Roberto De Zerbi's men in danger of relegation from the Premier League with one game left of the season.
May 19, 2026
Google on Tuesday showed off new plans to turn its famous search bar into an AI assistant that can book restaurants, track news and contact businesses -- just by asking a question.
May 19, 2026
Things to know
Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi and translator Lin King won the International Booker Prize on Tuesday for "Taiwan Travelogue", a playful postcolonial novel with a culinary bent.
May 19, 2026
RECENT NEWS
The Iranian football federation vice-president said Tuesday he was "very confident" in FIFA's protocols as the team prepare to play at the World Cup in the United States.
Google on Tuesday unveiled the design of new smart glasses, returning to a market the tech giant tried -- and failed -- to crack more than a decade ago.
Pep Guardiola said he would speak to Manchester City's hierarchy after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth ended his team's hopes of winning the Premier League.
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice was arrested on Tuesday after testing positive for marijuana in violation of his probation in a multi-injury car crash in Dallas in 2024.
May 19, 2026
Sports
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday after Manchester City were held 1-1 by Bournemouth.
May 19, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Mikel Arteta has silenced his doubters by awakening sleeping giant Arsenal, restoring the Gunners to the top of English football.
Just four years ago, Arsenal were wallowing in recriminations and regret after finishing 24 points behind Premier League champions Manchester City.
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday after Manchester City were held 1-1 by Bournemouth.
Speakers promoting AI are getting booed at universities, voters are rebelling against data centers, and even AI-friendly Trump administration officials are starting to retreat as an artificial intelligence backlash gathers pace across the United States.
May 19, 2026
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- Airbus seeks to cut peripheral expenses due to Mideast war
- France encourages women to report rape in probes of star Bruel
- Guardiola silent on Man City exit reports