Players stress importance of unity and describe how war affects their preparations for the tournament
JAPAN confirmed their place as the current dominant force in international baseball, winning the 2023 World Baseball Classic final against the United States in Miami on Tuesday night.
The final was a fitting end to the tournament which had proved extremely popular around the world, drawing TV viewers in their millions and creating some memorable sporting stories.
It also witnessed a historic semifinal clash between the United States and Cuba in Miami, during which there were anti-Cuba protests while members of the Cuban party were targets of hostility.
Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON
JAMES NALTON writes how at the heart of the big apple, the beautiful game exists as something more community-oriented, which could benefit hugely under mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani
Singer Nezza’s rendition of the US national anthem in Spanish has ignited important conversation around arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, writes LESLIE AMBRIZ


