Sports News from Friday, August 21st, 2026

George Russell beat McLaren's Lando Norris to pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race on Friday in a strong statement of intent by the Mercedes driver as he seeks to turn around a tough first half of the Formula One season.

England crushed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs to win a one-sided first test at Headingley and launch Joe Root’s second spell as permanent captain in style.

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open due to a persistent right knee injury, the Italian said on Friday, depriving the season's final Grand Slam of one of its biggest contenders.

Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension for his part in a brawl after his team lost to Spain in the World Cup final while teammate Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven games, FIFA announced on Friday.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG cyclist Tadej Pogacar is ready to fulfil a "big dream" by adding a Vuelta a Espana title to his trophy cabinet.

Rory McIlroy shook off last week's difficulties and birdied four of his final six holes to earn a share of the first-round lead at the BMW Championship on Thursday at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis.