Australia, New Zealand Resume Soccer Ashes Rivalry in Friendly

The Australian Socceroos are entering a new phase under coach Tony Popovic, focusing on preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a squad featuring several young and uncapped players, including standout talents Nestory Irankunda and Adrian Segečić, as they face New Zealand in a friendly that revives their Soccer Ashes rivalry. In rugby, the 2025 Rugby Championship features a key match between Australia and Argentina in Townsville, highlighting a balanced competition among Southern Hemisphere teams and serving as an important event ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Meanwhile, the Women’s Rugby World Cup showcases England’s Red Roses as a dominant force, boasting a 29-game unbeaten streak, an impressive average winning margin of 39 points, and holding the world number one ranking by a significant margin, underlining their status as the best team in world rugby. Additionally, Canada’s rugby team is set to face Scotland in a decisive Pool B match, with both teams tied on points, and the outcome will impact their quarter-final paths in the tournament. The ongoing international rugby and soccer fixtures illustrate the intense competition and shifting dynamics in both sports as teams gear up for major upcoming World Cups.