Cricket's IPL 2026 is set to begin, with Virat Kohli centre stage as a key player in the team that won their first IPL title in 2025. Meanwhile, soccer's minnows Curaçao and Cape Verde are preparing for their debut World Cup campaigns, while the Los Angeles Dodgers begin their title defence as favourites to complete a rare Major League Baseball three-peat. Formula One is also heating up in Japan, with Ilia Malinin seeking redemption and the leading men of curling are advancing towards the world championships. The Buffalo Sabres are looking to maintain their lead in the NHL's Atlantic Division, while Italy's Marco Bezzecchi is aiming to extend his impressive start to the season at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.