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Good afternoon!

It's a huge weekend for Aussie sport, and the Socceroos have got it off to a great start.

Australia is through to the World Cup knockout stage after drawing in the final group match against Paraguay.

They now face the Group G runner-up at 4am AEST next Saturday in Dallas.

On the other end of this weekend, Australia faces India late on Sunday night in a decisive Women's T20 World Cup group match.

Here's what to keep an eye on.

Friday’s headlines

Here’s what’s making news today…

FIFA has confirmed fans can bring rainbow flags to the Egypt v Iran World Cup match, despite objections from both teams. Seattle’s organisers designated the Group G game as the city’s Pride Match before the draw paired two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, prompting protests from their football federations. Back in December, Egypt’s Football Association objected to the designation and the Iran Football Federation requested FIFA prevent any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ+ community. However, FIFA said the Pride events are run locally rather than by the global body. Egypt will face Iran on Saturday.

(Getty)

🏉 Former AFL umpire Michael Pell has been ordered to stand trial over allegations he leaked confidential Brownlow Medal voting information as part of a $300,000 betting scheme. Police allege Pell shared voting details from games he umpired with his brother and two friends, who then placed a series of successful bets linked to the 2021 and 2022 Brownlow Medal counts. The magistrate told the court: “He knew his position and that he was acting corruptly in divulging that information.” He rejected arguments that the charges should be struck out, and all three men have pleaded not guilty. The case returns to court on 24 July.

(AAP)

🏈 NFL player Terrion Arnold has been arrested in Florida and is facing eight felony charges linked to an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery in February. Police allege Arnold was the “primary conspirator", coordinating and directing the assault after more than $US200,000 ($AU290,000) in cash and property was allegedly stolen from an Airbnb he had rented. Investigators say the incident was streamed live. The 23-year-old was a first‑round draft pick in 2024 and has played 24 games for Detroit. He denies the allegations. EAG Sports Management CEO Denise White said: “There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations… The government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons.” The case carries a potential life sentence penalty if he is convicted.

(Getty)

🏆 The International Olympic Committee has announced grants of $US10,000 ($AU15,000) to all Olympians. The grants would first be open to nearly 2,900 athletes who competed at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. They'll include Australian Winter Olympics stars like Cooper Woods, Josie Baff and Jakara Anthony, who struck gold in Milan-Cortina. Around 11,000 athletes, who are due to compete in 2028 at Los Angeles, can also apply for grants if they meet integrity criteria. Olympian Anna Meares, who will lead Australia’s contingent at the LA Games, said the announcement “will impact thousands going forward and positively change lives beyond the podium.”

(Getty)

Recommendation of the day

If you're watching sport at home, your TV size actually matters

Samsung has told us Australians buy more big-screen TVs than any other country in the southern hemisphere – which is unsurprising for a sports-mad nation. For some, that stadium footy feel sometimes just doesn’t land on a 40 inch TV. With half of Aussies watching sport with friends and family, big screens ensure everyone has a front row view of the action.

Footy, football, cricket, tennis, ice hockey! Whatever you want to watch – bigger is better.

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TDA’s top three

Sport to keep an eye on this weekend…

Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia v India

Talking points: Australia will meet India on Sunday in a decisive final group match, with the unbeaten Australians already through to the semi-finals and India needing a win to stay alive. Australia have won all four matches convincingly and carry a strong net run rate. India arrive under pressure after a mixed group stage but gained confidence from a five-wicket chase against Bangladesh, led by Shafali Verma’s rapid fifty. The stakes are clear: if India lose , they go home. A sold-out Lord’s Cricket Ground adds another chapter to a rivalry that has shaped recent global tournaments.
How to watch: The match starts at 11:30pm on Sunday (AEST). You can watch it on Prime Video.

(Getty)

F1: Austrian Grand Prix

Talking points: Formula One returns to the Red Bull Ring, one of the fastest and most dramatic circuits on the calendar. Lewis Hamilton arrives fresh off his first Ferrari win and sits 41 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, setting up a compelling title chase. Hamilton will be chasing back-to-back wins as he looks to close the gap to Antonelli, while Mercedes will be aiming to return to the top step of the podium. Max Verstappen, a four-time winner in Austria, looks to rebound in front of the Red Bull home crowd as the team unveils a new upgrade package. George Russell, consistent all season, also looms after winning here in 2024. With scorching temperatures and a track built for overtaking, the weekend is one to keep an eye on.


How to watch: You can watch all the action on Kayo.

(Getty)

Super Rugby W: The Finals Push Begins (Round Four)

Talking points: Super Rugby Women enters a crucial Round Four as teams push for finals spots. The Queensland Reds open the weekend at home in a must-win match against ladder leaders Fijiana Drua, boosted by the return of Sevens star Alysia Lefau Fakaosilea and a reshaped backline led by Akira Kelly at fly-half. The Drua arrive full of confidence after last week’s win over the Brumbies. Later in Perth, the Western Force host the NSW Waratahs fresh off a last-minute victory over the Reds. The Force welcome several changes, while the Waratahs regain fullback Waiaria Ellis and hand Taj Heald her first start of the season.
How to watch: You can watch it all on Stan Sport. Scroll down to our sports schedule for the exact times.

(Getty)

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Looking forward… (All times are AEST)

World Cup (end of the group stage)

Saturday

Who: Norway v France
Time: 5am

Who: Senegal v Iraq
Time: 5am

Who: Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia
Time: 10am

Who: Uruguay v Spain
Time: 10am

Who: Egypt v Iran
Time: 1pm

Who: NZ v Belgium
Time: 1pm

Sunday

Who: Panama v England
Time: 7am

Who: Croatia v Ghana
Time: 7am

Who: Colombia v Portugal
Time: 9.30am

Who: DR Congo v Uzbekistan
Time: 9.30am

Who: Algeria v Austria
Time: 12pm

Who: Jordan v Argentina 
Time: 12pm
Where to watch: SBS On Demand/SBS

Super Netball Prelim Final

Who: Melbourne Vixens v West Coast Fever
Time: 7.30pm Saturday
Where to watch: Kayo (free), Foxtel, Binge

AFL

Friday

Who: Hawks v Giants
Time: 7.40pm*

Saturday

Who: Carlton v WC Eagles
Time: 1.15pm

Who: Collingwood v Richmond
Time: 4.15pm

Who: Port Adelaide v Crows
Time: 7.35pm

Sunday

Who: North Melbourne v Essendon
Time: 3.15pm*

Who: Dockers v Suns
Time: 5.10pm
Where to watch: 7/7Plus*, Kayo, Foxtel

NRL

Friday

Who: Titans v Bulldogs
Time: 6pm

Who: Broncos v Roosters
Time: 8pm*

Saturday

Who: Dolphins v Warriors
Time: 3pm

Who: Cowboys v Panthers
Time: 5.30pm

Who: Sea Eagles v Storm
Time: 7.35pm

Sunday

Who: Raiders v Dragons
Time: 2pm

Who: Knights v Wests Tigers
Time: 4.05pm*
Where to watch: 9/9Now*, Kayo, Foxtel

Super Rugby (Women)

Saturday

Who: Qld Reds v Fijian Drua
Time: 2.05pm

Who: Chiefs v Hurricanes
Time: 3.05pm

Who: Western Force v Waratahs
Time: 4.05pm

Who: Blues v Matatū
Time: 5.05pm
Where to watch: Stan Sport

Women’s T20 World Cup

Who: Australia v India
Time: 11.30pm Sunday
Where to watch: Prime

F1

Who: Can Lewis Hamilton secure back-to-back wins and get closer to Kimi Antonelli at the top of the table? Or will Mercedes be back on top of the podium? 
Time: 11pm Sunday
Where to watch: Kayo

Women’s PGA Championship

Who: The world’s best women’s golfers
Time: 1am and through the weekend
Where to watch: Kayo

TDA asks

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