Kane Claims the Ballon d’Or as World Cup Selection Calls Land

Kane gets football’s top individual prize, and the Kangaroos make big changes before Townsville. Here’s your evening catch-up.

Kane is Ballon d’Or winner
Harry Kane is the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal at the London ceremony. He scored 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England last season, and he’s the first Englishman to win since Michael Owen. Yamal took a different line, saying Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí deserved the prize. If you’re a Bayern fan, the FC Bayern Munich Fleece Blanket is on sale for $53.20, down from $56 (shop here).

Walsh returns for the Kangaroos
Reece Walsh is back at fullback for Saturday’s World Cup match against the Cook Islands in Townsville. James Tedesco drops to the bench. Cameron Munster comes in at five-eighth in place of Sam Walker and partners Tom Dearden in the halves. Isaah Yeo will captain the side, Ethan Strange is set for his Test debut, and Bradman Best keeps his centre spot ahead of Latrell Mitchell.

Jillaroos lose Robinson
Winger Julia Robinson is out of the tournament with a dislocated wrist and ligament damage from the 78-0 win over England. Sheridan Gallagher, a former Young Matildas captain, joins the squad in her place, so she could end up representing Australia at World Cups in two codes. Jesse Southwell starts at five-eighth against Wales in Sydney on Sunday.

Kiwis load up for Fiji
After resting several players for the 82-16 rout of the Cook Islands, Stacey Jones has recalled Dane Gagai, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali’i, Briton Nikora and Naufahu Whyte. The Kiwis play Fiji at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday at 2:30pm local time.

Carrick still in charge, for now
Michael Carrick took Manchester United training on Tuesday. The club still hasn’t said anything about his future after the 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth. United have gone eight games without a win, and Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the names being linked. Next up is Chelsea away on Saturday. Loyal Red Devils can keep the colours flying with the Manchester United FC Bar Scarf for $36 (shop here).

Cosgrove banned
Football Australia has given Auckland FC striker Sam Cosgrove a two-game ban, with one game suspended, and a $2,000 fine. The penalty follows an interaction with a journalist at a pre-match press conference. He misses this weekend’s trip to Brisbane Roar and can return against Wellington Phoenix on 7 November. Auckland won’t appeal.

Bostock eyeing the exit?
Reports say Jack Bostock has told the Dolphins he plans to leave when his contract ends after 2027. The club hasn’t confirmed it, and his first club, St George Illawarra, is said to be interested.

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