Herald section
The latest sport reporting from The Belfast Herald.
South Africa secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Rwanda 3-0, marking their first appearance since hosting the 2010 tournament despite a three-point deduction for an ineligible player.
Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th, defeats cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the Shanghai Masters final to claim his first ATP title and become the lowest-ranked winner in Masters 1000 history. He is the first player from Monaco to win a Masters 1000 event.
The NFL announced plans to establish professional flag football leagues for men and women in 2026, ahead of the sport's debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The Brisbane Lions defeated the Geelong Cats by 47 points in the 2025 AFL grand final, securing their second consecutive premiership and fifth overall.
A'ja Wilson earns a record fourth WNBA Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first player to win the honor consecutively. She led the league in scoring, blocks and rebounding during a 16-game winning streak.
Axelle Berthoumieu received a 12-match suspension for biting Aoife Wafer during France's 18-13 win over Ireland in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, while Manaé Feleu was banned for three matches for a dangerous tackle.
The final stage of the Vuelta a España was suspended in Madrid after pro-Palestinian protests disrupted the race on Paseo del Prado, leading to clashes with police and the cancellation of the podium ceremony.
Bartosz Zmarzlik secured a record-equalling sixth Speedway Grand Prix World Championship title at Vojens, Denmark, on 13 September 2025, finishing second in the final to claim the crown by one point.