SportsLine's Matt Severance shares his best MLB home run props picks for Friday, June 12

South African fans were distraught after their team's loss [Reuters]The normal display of African unity in the early stages of a football World Cup was notably absent from social media as many fans from across the continent backed Mexico in the tournament's opening match against South Africa.The memes were light-hearted - including sombreros, mariachi bands and tacos - but they pointed to a dark underbelly. The banter reflected anger over the reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa.A poor South African performance on the pitch led to a 2-0 defeat against the World Cup co-hosts.As the final whistle blew, social media lit up with a flood of mocking posts. But some South Africans pushed back, praising the spirit of their team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana.South Africa is one of 10 African teams at this year's expanded World Cup, with the US and Canada co-hosting along with Mexico.Ahead of Thursday's match, some African football fans justified their support for Mexico by linking it to the current tensions in South Africa over migration."You want people to cheer for you when you play soccer just because we're African?" one X user asked citing reports of mistreatment of migrants."We're supporting Mexico so that South Africa can go back home early to protect their jobs," another user posted, playing on the unfounded accusation that foreigners were responsible for South Africa's high unemployment rate."I hope South Africa is not blaming African migrants for the 20 defeat and two red cards in the match against Mexico," posted Ahmednasir Abdullahi, a prominent Kenyan lawyer.Others shared memes playfully embracing Mexican culture for the day, changing their profile pictures to Mexican flags and adopting Spanish-sounding names, under the caption "Mexico versus xenophobia".Daniel Kaniki, a Congolese football supporter who was at a fan park in the US city of Atlanta told the BBC: "Africa is like one country and if one is chasing others, we are not a family any more. That's why I'm supporting Mexico today."Though not everyone agreed.Ghanaian Vanlare Quist, was also at the fan park and said he was rooting for South Africa, adding that he was "a proud African" and blamed the anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa on a few individuals.In South Sudan, fans at public viewing centres in the the capital, Juba, were also backing Bafana Bafana. People there have a strong affinity to South Africa, linking their fight for independence from Sudan to the struggle against white-minority rule in South Africa."It was unfortunate that on social media we saw some African countries supporting Mexico and even wearing Mexico jerseys. As South Sudanese, we are behind South Africa and will continue to support South Africa - because they are representing Africa. So, all African countries must support South Africa during this World Cup," 23-year-old student George Kenyi Charles Rehan told the BBC in Juba.South Africa still has two more matches to go to prove their mettle [AFP via Getty Images]In a statement, the South African government commended Bafana Bafana for their "spirited performance", adding that while the final score was not what the nation had hoped for, the team "represented South Africa with unity, determination, and a sense of pride on the world's biggest stage".South Africans on social media were robust in their response to the trolling."We qualified for the World Cup alone without your support and whether we win or lose we will remain South Africans who love their country. And illegal immigrants will still leave our country whether you hate us or not," one posted on social media. Another said: "They can support Mexico all they want we are not backing down. Come to South Africa legally."In South Africa, migrants from elsewhere in Africa have been the targets of violence and intimidation in recent weeks.Anti-migrant groups have set a deadline of 30 June for foreign nationals living in the country illegally to leave.President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against people taking the law into their own hands saying that "only authorised government officials can act against violations of our law". But he also stated that South Africans' concerns "deserve to be heard, and they deserve to be addressed". On Wednesday, Nigeria became the latest African country to repatriate some of its citizens from South Africa.Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi have already carried out evacuations, saying that they were taking the anti-migrant threats seriously. Many people from other parts of Africa moved to South Africa around the time white-minority rule ended in 1994, hoping for a better life.But with South Africa facing an unemployment rate of more than 30%, anti-migrant sentiments have risen, with protest marches being held in major cities and people facing xenophobic attacks.Additional reporting by Celestine Karoney in Atlanta and Nichola Mandil in Juba You may also be interested in: 'We have to prioritise South Africans': Anti-migrant movement blocks foreigners from healthcareSouth Africa police investigate killing of two Mozambican men The king's speech - and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried[Getty Images/BBC]Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Focus on AfricaThis Is Africa

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Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty pointed to the fans filling up Sutter Health Park before the Athletics took on the New York Yankees in a recent series, including several wearing jerseys with Sacramento on the front.A region that has often been considered minor league in comparison to bigger California markets like the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego is relishing its role as a way station for the vagabond As and hopes one day to have a Major League Baseball team to call its own to go along with the NBAs Kings.It would mean everything, McCarty said. I think weve always fancied ourselves as a big league city. Having a team here in Sacramento would mean a lot to our city, bring a lot of economic groups to both sides of the river.The region is making what it has dubbed the Sacramento Pitch to be considered for expansion, announcing late last month a commitment of $1 billion in public funding and nearly $800 million more in private investment to the effort. There are still major parts missing in the plan. Most notably, the search for a lead investor to own the team has just started with several candidates expressing interest. There's also uncertainty about if and when MLB plans to expand, and where Sacramento stands on the list of possible candidates.What we have is just only one major league team here. So we have definitely room for having another team," West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero said. We have a strong media market, the population is growing. We have a good economic growth here as well. We have the potential to develop a strong market for a Major League Baseball team here."Sacramento has one major team in US's 20th biggest marketSacramento is the 20th biggest television market in the country and is the largest with only one team in either MLB, the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS and WNBA. There are about 2.7 million people in the metropolitan area that is still viewed by some as an offshoot of the more glamorous San Francisco Bay area.The region is getting a trial run as a major league city as the temporary home of the As, who are playing their second of three planned seasons in West Sacramento after leaving Oakland and waiting for their new stadium to be built in Las Vegas. The A's are set to play one more season here before the move, and the team is already playing two series this week in the Las Vegas area.Attendance has risen from 9,487 fans per game last season to 10,820 through 28 home dates this season, with 12 announced sellouts in a ballpark that can fit a little more than 12,000 fans a game. But local officials are confident a full-time team would have even more support at a new stadium built right next door to the existing Triple-A park.From our perspective, landing Major League Baseball is really a market demonstration statement about who we are, said Barry Broome, the President and CEO of Greater Sacramento Economic Council. We do love baseball. Everybody deep down inside prays well get a phone call from (A's owner) John Fisher and he says, Psych, Im staying.' No one wants to admit they pray for that every day. But we love the Athletics. Itd be awesome, but we didnt. Theyre going to Vegas, so we have to bring in our own team which is fine with us. Sacramento has $1.8 billion in commitments for a new stadiumThe group in Sacramento has raised $800 million in land near the current minor league ballpark and private investment and has access to $1 billion in public funding that comes mostly from property taxes in the area.While economists have expressed doubts about the value of public investment into stadiums and McCarty himself voted against funding Sacramento's NBA arena when he was on the city council, he believes this plan makes more sense. That was more of an impact on the general fund, he said of the plan that led to building Golden 1 Center that opened in downtown Sacramento in 2016. This one I think is the fairest deal for taxpayers and partners to do big projects that we have on the books.There's no timeline yet for MLB expansionMLB's first priority is negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the union. Commissioner Rob Manfred said last week that MLB has told interested cities that a decision on whether to expand won't come until the CBA is complete. Among the other cities vying for a team if it does happen are Charlotte, North Carolina; Montreal; Nashville, Tennessee; Portland, Oregon; and Salt Lake City. Sacramento's biggest competition would likely be the other cities out West.I think the size and scope of the market is really our key advantage, Broome said. Weve also demonstrated we have a turnkey stadium deal now. That can happen under the mayor and the city managers signature. We dont have to pass a bond or anything like that. It took us four months to raise $800 million. I think people underestimate Sacramento. Theres a lot of money in this town. There is a lot economic power in this town. We can do this.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

If youve watched a soccer match featuring Lionel Messi over the past few years, theres a good chance youve noticed another familiar face on the sidelines.Yassine Cheuko has become a social media sensation thanks to his role as Messis personal bodyguard. Known for his intense focus, quick reactions, and constant presence near the soccer superstar, Cheuko has attracted millions of views online as fans marvel at the unique job of protecting one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.While many know him as Messis bodyguard, theres much more to Cheukos story.Before becoming a viral figure, Cheuko built a career in security and protection. His combination of physical fitness, discipline, and situational awareness helped prepare him for one of the most high-profile security roles in sports. Today, his work requires constant attention and the ability to anticipate potential issues before they happen.In recent years, videos have spread across social media with many viewers joking that hes become almost as recognizable as some of the players on the field. His speed and awareness during matches have earned praise from soccer fans around the world.So whats one thing he adds into his physical fitness routine? He swears by Yerba Madres Yerba Mate, a traditional South American herbal tea brewed from the naturally caffeinated, nutrient-rich leaves of the holly tree. Watch as Lauren Kelly chats with Yassine all about his unique career, viral fame, and life protecting one of the most recognizable people on the planet.

Football fans are absolutely fuming after discovering that neither the BBC nor ITV will be showing traditional highlights programmes during this summer's World Cup.The tournament kicked off on Thursday evening with Mexico claiming victory against South Africa at the legendary Azteca Stadium, with ITV broadcasting the match and opening ceremony live.But viewers quickly realised something was missing there's no Match of the Day-style show to help them catch up on the action.While both broadcasters have made clips available on their websites, there won't be any TV highlights packages throughout the entire competition, leaving supporters reliant on the internet to see what they've missed from North America's overnight fixtures.The reaction on social media has been swift and brutal.One viewer, @phildampier, took to X to ask: "Have I got this right? The #BBC and #ITV don't have a morning or afternoon #MOTD style highlights show of #FIFA #WorldCup games we've missed through the night? Diabolical."Another frustrated fan, @ilgrandetoro, wrote: "So there's no highlights shows on either ITV or BBC for the World Cup? That's a bit s*** considering the vast majority of games are overnight."Some pointed out the inconsistency, with @botbforum noting that broadcasters manage to provide highlights coverage for the Olympics, questioning why the World Cup should be any different.Not everyone was sympathetic to the complaints, though.Some viewers suggested it was time to embrace modern technology rather than clinging to traditional TV schedules.@GavinRossPhoto responded: "I know it's hard to believe but there was this thing called the internet invented a few years ago. It allows you to watch TV and highlights of things, like football for example, almost instantly."Others were equally blunt, with @TheVivCross asking: "You do know YouTube is a thing? Who the hell watches the BBC or ITV for highlights any more?"And @mag_tom posed the question: "Can you imagine waiting to watch a highlight TV show in 2026 when YouTube exists?"But those defending the online-only approach were met with some sharp pushback.@dragon35666 made a fair point: "People saying about YouTube and stuff miss the point. Those sort of videos would tell the result before you click the video. We want a mini MOTD where we don't know what happened going in."And @phildampier fired back at critics with a reminder about accessibility: "You do realise 20 per cent of people in the UK don't use the internet don't you but everyone with a TV has to buy a licence?"It's a valid concern millions of licence fee payers are essentially being told to find their own way to catch up on the biggest football tournament on the planet.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Substitute Cyle Larin equalises for Canada against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Toronto Stadium at the 2026 World Cup.

Nach Mexikos Sieg jubelt auch der zweite Gastgeber der WM 2026 - obwohl er nicht gewonnen hat. Joker Cyle Larin sorgte gegen Bosnien-Herzegowina fr ein fr Kanada historisches Remis.[mehr]