分类： sports

KINGSTON, Jamaica — One of Jamaica’s fastest rising sprint stars, Olympic and World Championship silver medalist Kishane Thompson, will not compete in the men’s 100-meter event at the upcoming Jamaican National Championships, the mandatory qualifying event for the country’s global junior and senior athletic teams, multiple sources close to the event have confirmed.

The annual national trials, a staple on Jamaica’s athletic calendar, is scheduled to run from Thursday, June 18 through Sunday, June 21, with spots on two major international teams up for grabs this year. Athletes across all age groups are competing for a place on Jamaica’s roster for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to kick off in Glasgow, Scotland on July 23, as well as the World Under-20 Athletics Championship, which will take place in Eugene, Oregon from August 5 to 9.

When reached for comment on Thompson’s absence from the official 100m entry list, Paul Francis, head coach of the elite MVP Track & Field Club that trains Thompson, declined to share any details on the sprinter’s status, offering only a brief “no comment” to reporters.

Thompson is not the only high-profile sprinter missing from this year’s competition line-up. Bryan Levell, the 2025 World Athletics Championship bronze medalist in the 200m, is also absent from both the 100m and 200m entry rosters. Despite the two star absences, the open sprint fields still boast a deep pool of elite Jamaican talent, including reigning world champion Oblique Seville, Ackeem Blake, Kadrian Goldson, Rohan Watson, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, Sachin Dennis, and Deandre Daley. Up-and-coming teenage sprinter Gary Card, one of Jamaica’s most hyped young sprint prospects, will also compete in the open 100m event.

In a surprising, exciting development for Jamaican athletics, little-known U.S.-based sprinter Justin Stewart has entered both the under-20 men’s 100m and 200m events. Though largely unknown to Jamaican track fans, Stewart comes from legendary sprinting stock: he is the son of two former Jamaican Olympians, 100m star Raymond Stewart and sprinter Beverley McDonald.

While Stewart holds eligibility to compete internationally for the United States, where he currently trains and resides, he has made the decision to represent his parents’ home country of Jamaica. Ahead of his national trials debut, Stewart has already posted impressive personal best times of 10.07 seconds in the 100m and 20.36 seconds in the 200m, giving Jamaican fans and selectors plenty to be excited about when he takes the track next week. He will face off against a field of top young Jamaican sprinters including Riquelme Reid, Sanjay Seymore, Malike Nugent, Johan-Ramaldo Smythe, Nyron Wade, Tyrece Foreman, Deequan Maragh and Jamal Stephenson.

In a lopsided final match played Saturday at St Catherine’s Chedwin Park, Garvey Maceo High School secured the Jamaican rural area Under-14 cricket championship with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Tacky High School.

Tacky High won the toss and elected to bat first, but the team quickly collapsed under relentless bowling pressure from Garvey Maceo’s attack. The side was bowled out entirely in just 20.5 overs for a meager total of 24 runs, the lowest possible competitive score that left their top-order batters struggling to find any rhythm. The highest individual contribution from Tacky High came from number-eight batter Nickoli Mighty, who managed only five runs across 31 balls before being dismissed.

The bowling duo of Garvey Maceo tore through Tacky’s batting line-up with unrivaled precision. Captain Andino Edwards delivered a career-defining spell, taking seven wickets while conceding only 10 runs, and his partner Najai Wright collected the remaining three wickets for just 10 runs of his own, completing a perfect 10-wicket split for the pair.

Chasing the tiny target of 25 runs to claim the title, Garvey Maceo cruised to victory in just 11 overs, finishing at 26 runs for the loss of one wicket. Opening batter Jeremiah Johnson anchored the run chase unbeaten on 15 runs to seal the win. Dominic Gayle recorded Tacky High’s only wicket of the innings, finishing with figures of 1 wicket for 4 runs across his two overs.

Despite Tacky High’s disappointing final performance, the team dominated the competition’s individual batting leaderboard throughout the tournament. Daniel Wolliston claimed the title of top run-scorer, notching 301 runs across seven innings for an average of 60.20. In fact, Tacky High claimed the top five spots on the tournament batting rankings: Draven Walker placed second with 240 runs, followed by Akeem Palmer with 205, Dominic Gayle with 172, and Leonardo Silvera with 163. The highest-ranked batter outside of Tacky High was Garvey Maceo captain Andino Edwards, who accumulated 121 runs across five innings.

On the bowling side, Edwards topped the tournament’s wicket-taking charts with 18 total wickets, outperforming his own teammate Wright, who finished second with 16 wickets. For his combined leadership, match-winning performance in the final, and top tournament bowling figures, Edwards was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player.

In a post-match interview, Edwards shared his surprise at how easily the final victory came together. “I think we would have got more challenge because all season we were hearing about Tacky, but we are grateful for the win and grateful for the performance,” he said.

The championship win adds another accolade to Garvey Maceo High’s historic season, as the school already secured the rural Under-16 cricket title earlier in the campaign. Now, the school will prepare for two all-island finals against Kingston College, the urban area champions across both the Under-14 and Under-16 age groups. A official date for the upcoming cross-region title clashes has yet to be announced.

ARLINGTON, Texas — In a high-octane opening match of the 2026 World Cup that delivered end-to-end drama, Harry Kane scored two first-half goals, and late strikes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured a dramatic 4-2 win for England over Croatia at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, kicking off England’s long-awaited bid for a first World Cup title since 1966.

The clash was a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, where Croatia eliminated England 2-1 after extra time, adding an extra layer of intensity to the encounter between two top European sides. In front of 70,000 fans packed into the Dallas Cowboys’ climate-controlled domed stadium, Thomas Tuchel’s England side got off to a nervy start before the game exploded into action in the 12th minute.

A pivotal turning point came when Croatia captain Luka Modric fouled England winger Noni Madueke inside the penalty area, giving Kane a chance to put his side ahead. The Tottenham talisman’s first penalty was saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, but referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake after VAR review found Livakovic had stepped off his goal line ahead of the kick – a decision that drew scrutiny after the English media highlighted Turpin’s past altercation with Tuchel, which included a red card for the England manager during a Champions League match.

Kane kept his composure on his second attempt, again aiming for Livakovic’s left side, but this time buried the shot with clinical precision to open the scoring. England controlled large swathes of the game after the opening goal, with Bellingham – deployed in the number 10 role ahead of youngster Morgan Rogers – carving out multiple chances, forcing Livakovic into a critical save early on. Even the mandatory drinks break was met with boos from the crowd, who had gathered in the air-conditioned stadium far from Texas’ blistering summer heat and were eager to keep the action flowing.

Croatia drew level in the 36th minute, capitalizing on an uncharacteristic England turnover in midfield. Petar Sucic danced past England defender John Stones with clever footwork before teeing up 23-year-old Martin Baturina, who fired a first-time shot past Jordan Pickford to level the score at 1-1.

The equalizer only lasted six minutes. A Declan Rice corner found an unmarked Kane at the near post, and the England captain nodded home his second of the half. The goal brought Kane’s total World Cup tally to 10, pulling him level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer. In a frantic end to the first half, another lapse in England’s defense allowed Croatia striker Petar Musa to slot home from close range in first-half stoppage time, sending the two sides into the break tied 2-2.

The second half picked up exactly where the first left off, with Bellingham breaking down the right flank unmarked just two minutes after the restart, rolling a calm finish into the far corner to restore England’s lead. Tuchel’s side piled on the pressure after the go-ahead goal, with Kane, substitute Nico O’Reilly and Bellingham all missing clear chances to extend the lead.

As England sat back to protect their advantage in the final 15 minutes, Croatia carved out several good opportunities to level again, but substitute Marcus Rashford put the result beyond doubt five minutes from full time, tapping home to seal the 4-2 win and three crucial opening points for England.

The result keeps England on track in their group stage campaign, while Croatia will need to bounce back in their upcoming matches to advance from the group. For Tuchel, who has openly stated that lifting the World Cup trophy is his only goal for the tournament, the dramatic opening win offers a promising, if imperfect, start to his side’s title run.

East Rutherford, United States – In a landmark opening Group I FIFA World Cup fixture at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, French captain Kylian Mbappe cemented his place in his nation’s football history, striking twice to secure a 3-1 victory over Senegal and overtake Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading international goalscorer. The Real Madrid superstar now boasts an impressive 58 goals from 99 caps for Les Bleus, a milestone that earned glowing praise from head coach Didier Deschamps in the post-match press conference.

Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018, pushed back against ongoing criticism of the 24-year-old forward, framing him as a generational talent that can turn the tide of any match in a single moment. “There are still critics out there who question his impact, but make no mistake: he is an extraordinary player,” Deschamps told reporters. “Not every play went his way on Tuesday, but we all know he can win a game out of nothing with one flash of brilliance. As captain, he contributes so much to this squad both on and off the pitch, despite unfair claims that he is selfish.”

The match got off to a rocky start for the two-time World Cup champions, who looked disjointed and unconvincing in the first half. Deschamps admitted his side wasted multiple promising opportunities and were fortunate to go into the break level, avoiding falling behind against a sharp, well-organized Senegal side. A tactical shift early in the second half turned the tide of the game, when Deschamps moved Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise from the right flank into a central midfield role.

The adjustment immediately unlocked France’s attacking threat, with Olise’s close control and incisive passing linking the midfield to the front line far more effectively. “The second half was a massive improvement after that switch,” Deschamps explained. “Michael tied our entire attack together. The more he gets on the ball, the more dangerous we become, because he consistently finds our strikers in dangerous positions.”

It was Mbappe who broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, slotting home the opening goal to put France ahead. Young winger Bradley Barcola extended Les Bleus’ lead just minutes later, before Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back to keep the African side in the game. Mbappe put the result beyond doubt late in the match with his second, sealing the 3-1 win and writing his name into the French record books.

Deschamps noted that the milestone carries extra weight for Mbappe, who had failed to find the net in France’s pre-tournament warm-up friendlies. “I’m genuinely so happy for him. Breaking the record at a World Cup makes this achievement even more special, it has far greater impact than it would anywhere else,” the coach said.

Deschamps had previously warned his squad against complacency coming into the match against Senegal, a test he always expected to be demanding. With three points on the board in their opening fixture, France now enter their remaining Group I matches against Iraq and Norway in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage. “Getting that first win against a very good Senegal side was huge for us,” Deschamps added. “We had our difficulties, we were wasteful at times, but three points is what matters, and that first win was critical given how competitive our group is. We’re all looking forward to what comes next.”

France will face their next group stage opponent Iraq in Philadelphia next Monday, as they continue their bid for a third World Cup title.

Across Jamaica’s Corporate Area, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ignited a nationwide wave of football passion, transforming ordinary public spaces into packed hubs of excitement where the roar of cheering fans, the clink of beer mugs, and a sea of national team jerseys from across the globe have become the new norm. As the tournament enters its most anticipated phases, local hospitality and entertainment venues have opened their doors to hundreds of avid supporters, who gather to share the thrill of every match alongside like-minded fans. With dozens of successful watch parties already held in the opening weeks of the competition, event organizers across the country confirm that crowd sizes and energy levels are only set to rise as the tournament progresses toward its final stages.

One of the most popular gathering spots for fans is Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records (UBT&R), where thousands of football enthusiasts have already turned out to catch the tournament’s biggest headline match-ups. Jizelle Cowan, Marketing Manager at UBT&R, noted that the venue has lived up to its reputation for delivering premium sporting viewing experiences, with nonstop energy from kickoff to the final whistle. “Our patrons have come to expect top-tier event experiences for every major sport we host, and this World Cup has been no exception,” Cowan explained. She highlighted that Brazil’s opening group stage match drew an especially large, passionate crowd, with an electric atmosphere that captured the unrivaled excitement that only a World Cup can bring. “We saw a fantastic turnout for the Brazil fixture on Saturday, and we’re only expecting crowds to grow as knockout rounds approach,” Cowan added. “We’re committed to airing every high-demand match, so we encourage patrons to follow our social media channels for the latest schedule updates.”

To elevate the match-day experience for visitors, UBT&R has launched a full slate of World Cup-exclusive promotions and offerings. Fans can purchase custom branded beer mugs, take advantage of discounted drink bucket specials, and enter prize giveaways through a partnership with leading local brewery Red Stripe. The venue has also rolled out a new limited-edition food menu, headlined by a signature sharing platter inspired by the World Cup’s three host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

For fans seeking a one-of-a-kind open-air viewing experience, Caymanas Park—home to Jamaica’s largest outdoor screen—has been converted into a sprawling World Cup tailgate destination by Supreme Ventures Limited. Chloleen Daley-Muschett, Assistant Vice-President of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at Supreme Ventures Limited, explained what sets the venue’s watch party series apart from other offerings across the island. “Our tailgate format gives fans full control over their experience,” Daley-Muschett shared. “You can drive right into the infield with your group, set up your own chairs, and bring your preferred food and drinks to enjoy while you watch the match on our massive screen.” For visitors who prefer not to bring their own refreshments, the venue has partnered with local vendors including Wisynco, Rum-Bar, and Kingston Jerk to keep a wide range of food and drink options available throughout every event.

To keep energy high beyond 90 minutes of football, organizers have added extra entertainment elements that run before kickoff, during match breaks, and after the final whistle. “We have live music running throughout the entire event, from pre-game build-up to post-match wrap-up,” Daley-Muschett told the Jamaica Observer. “After our opening Brazil match, the vibe was so good that crowds lingered for hours after the final whistle, playing dominoes and keeping the celebration going.”

The World Cup buzz extends far beyond these major venues, with popular spots across Jamaica—including 100, Island Vibes, Summit, Lucky Play Lottery Store, and Timber Lounge in Portmore—drawing consistent crowds of fans eager to cheer on their favorite teams in lively, communal settings. Even small community bars and local chill spots have reported steady, decent turnout throughout the tournament so far. Adding a new twist to the viewing experience, Palace Amusement has also joined the 2026 World Cup frenzy, screening selected high-profile matches at its Carib 5 and Sunshine Palace cinema locations.

With the group stage already delivering a string of unexpected, memorable moments and the high-stakes knockout rounds still on the horizon, organizers across Jamaica are gearing up for even larger crowds, bigger celebrations, and more unforgettable nights of world-class football as the tournament unfolds.

In a tense, rain-soaked opening Group H World Cup clash held in Toronto, Canada on Wednesday, Ghana snatched a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Panama that sent the city’s large Ghanaian supporter base into wild celebrations.

The match got off to an early promising start for Panama, when striker Cecilio Waterman fired off a second-minute test on goal that was only just deflected away by Ghana’s sprawling goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. What followed after that early chance devolved into a gritty, attritional first half, with Ghana failing to register a single shot on target through the opening 45 minutes, as both sides struggled to break down stubborn defensive lines.

Steady rainfall soaked the Toronto Stadium pitch for the entirety of the second half, but the game opened up into a far more attacking contest. In the 60th minute, Panama’s Cristian Martinez came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock, lashing a hard shot that clipped the side-netting – drawing a huge roar of near-elation from the thousands of Panamanian fans packed into the stands of the 43,000-capacity venue. Even a mid-second-half hydration break held in the pouring rain drew loud boos from the crowd, restless for more action after a slow start to the game.

As the clock ticked down, the fixture looked all but certain to end in a goalless draw. That all changed in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when Caleb Yirenkyi scrambled the ball over the line to secure the dramatic winning goal for the Black Stars. The strike sent thousands of Ghanaian supporters based in Canada’s largest city into a frenzy, and put Ghana atop its group after the opening round of fixtures.

The victory marks a landmark moment for Ghana’s veteran head coach Carlos Queiroz, who only took charge of the national side a few months ahead of this World Cup. With Wednesday’s appearance, Queiroz became just the second head coach in World Cup history to lead a side at five consecutive men’s World Cup tournaments, following previous stints at the 2010 World Cup with Portugal and the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments with Iran.

Ghana’s opening win came despite a key absence: star midfielder Thomas Partey of Spanish club Villarreal was denied entry to Canada for the tournament due to an ongoing rape trial he faces in the United Kingdom, ruling him out of the squad for the clash.