Global Photos: Floating Pitch, War, Protests, Fire
A visual journey across the globe on Friday 16 January 2026: a sinking Jakarta's football pitch, Ukraine's frontline, and global protests. See the day's most powerful images.
A visual journey across the globe on Friday 16 January 2026: a sinking Jakarta's football pitch, Ukraine's frontline, and global protests. See the day's most powerful images.
Merton Council will build a new £14.7m sports hall at Morden Leisure Centre to tackle a severe shortage of venues, after local sports club membership doubled since 2019.
After 15 years of loving but struggling with football, a journalist in her mid-30s hires a coach to see if she can finally improve. Discover the mental and physical hurdles of learning a sport as an adult.
Japan Airlines has been crowned the world's best for economy class seats by SKYTRAX for the sixth consecutive year. Discover the secrets behind their spacious 34-inch pitch and passenger-friendly design.
Protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Jakarta, condemning the US military strike in Venezuela. The Guardian seeks reactions from Venezuelans and neighbouring nations.
Discover which football grounds are just a stone's throw from airport runways, from Gibraltar's Victoria Stadium to Belfast's Oval. Plus, the goal not caught on camera and the longest substitution chain.
Once dominant, Scandinavian clubs now lag behind Europe's elite. We analyse the financial and structural gaps, and ask if Nordic women's football can ever compete again.
Nigeria finished the Africa Cup of Nations group stage with a perfect record, beating a 10-man Uganda 3-1. Tanzania also progressed to the last 16 after a dramatic draw with Tunisia.
The ICC has rated the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch 'unsatisfactory' after England's two-day Ashes win. The decision could cost Cricket Australia millions. Read the full report.
Analysis of the two-day Ashes Test at the MCG reveals poor batting, not the pitch, was the primary culprit. Geoff Lemon argues players owe curator an apology.
Ben Stokes hails England's first Ashes Test win in Australia since 2011, but a two-day finish at the MCG sparks a major controversy over the pitch. Read the full story.
Former Ashes stars blast the MCG pitch after a record Boxing Day crowd witnesses both teams bowled out in under 76 overs. Read the full reaction here.
Australia name a pace-heavy squad for the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG, leaving spinner Todd Murphy out. Stand-in captain Steve Smith cites a 'seam-friendly' pitch. Read the full team news and analysis.
A two-year-old girl died after a piranha attack in the Amazon. The tragic incident occurred after she fell through a hole in her family's floating home. Read the full story.
UK scientists are releasing biological agents like South American weevils to combat invasive plants such as floating pennywort and Japanese knotweed, aiming to protect native wildlife.
Blackburn Rovers' Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park for the second time this season. Get the full roundup of Saturday's action.
The new Independent Football Regulator will begin investigating unsuitable club owners from 12 December, with powers to remove them. New era for football governance begins.
Ahead of Friday's World Cup 2026 draw, we analyse the toughest possible groups for England, Scotland, USA and Australia, and identify a potential 'group of death'. Read the full analysis.
The Guardian's Football Weekly and Women's Football Weekly podcasts have both been honoured at the Football Supporters' Association Awards. Discover the details of this prestigious double victory.
Join our live football matchday coverage for all the pre-game build-up, breaking news, and major stories. Share your team's plans and predictions with us now!
A new UN report reveals over 80% of people now live in cities, with Jakarta becoming the world's most populous. Explore the costs and opportunities of rapid global urbanisation.
Jakarta bans dog meat trade to combat rabies, sparking debate between animal rights groups and traditional consumers who fear it will drive the practice underground.
Australia secured an eight-wicket victory in the first Ashes Test in under two days. The Perth pitch received the ICC's highest 'very good' rating, deflecting blame from the surface.
Vålerenga calls for anti-doping changes after player ingested banned substance from rubber crumb pitch. Landmark case highlights environmental risks in sport.
The tragic death of 18-year-old goalkeeper Cheikh Touré exposes a growing crisis of fake agents scamming young African footballers with false promises of professional contracts.
From Idrissa Gueye's slap to Lee Bowyer's brawl, we explore the shocking history of players attacking their own teammates during matches. Discover the most infamous on-pitch fights.
Jakarta, Indonesia, is now the world's largest city with 42 million people. Discover how this new megacity compares to London and the global urban shift. Read more.
FIFA's World Cup playoff draw revealed challenging paths for UK nations as Wales face Bosnia, Northern Ireland meet Italy, and Republic of Ireland take on Czech Republic. Follow the road to North America.
Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland discover their World Cup play-off opponents. Find out the fixtures and paths to North America 2026.
Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland discover their paths to the 2026 World Cup. The draw sets up potential home finals and tough away trips. Read the full analysis.