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      Steve Luckings

      Steve Luckings

      Sports Editor
      Location
      Abu Dhabi
      Steve is one of the of The National “originals”, arriving in Abu Dhabi in January 2008 to help launch the paper three months later. He has held a number of positions including online editor, page editor, senior sports editor and now sports editor. Steve has more than 15 years’ experience across a variety of media platforms. He writes comment and analysis on everything from football to rugby to boxing and is a regular guest on The National’s sport podcasts.
      Follow on XLinkedInMail

      Articles

      Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei waves he walks on the pitch at Los Angeles Stadium. AFP
      Play01:29
      Iran are 'most oppressed' team in tournament, as Fifa boss visits dressing room

      Several Iranian officials forced to watch game against New Zealand on TV in Mexico after being denied entry to US

      World Cup 2026June 16, 2026
      New Zealand's Elijah Just scores the second of his two goals against Iran. Reuters
      Play01:29
      Iran fight back twice to claim draw against New Zealand

      Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi on target as Iran take their place at 48-team World Cup

      World Cup 2026June 16, 2026
      Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi could only watch as his players fell to a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. AFP
      Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi rues errors after 'painful' Sweden defeat

      Individual mistakes punished as Tunisia get Group F campaign off to worst possible start

      World Cup 2026June 15, 2026
      Joe Rogan interviews Justin Gaethje after the American beat Ilia Topuria to win the UFC lightweight championship. Photo: Zuffa LLC
      Play00:43
      UFC Freedom 250: Gaethje wins title in Trump's White House spectacle

      American finally secured undisputed lightweight gold as US leader hosted first professional sporting event at presidential residence

      Combat SportsJune 15, 2026
      Sweden's Yasin Ayari celebrates scoring their first goal against Tunisia. Reuters
      Sweden put Tunisia to the sword in World Cup opener

      Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres also on the scoresheet as Tunisia lose 5-1 in Monterrey

      World Cup 2026June 15, 2026
      Qatar's Akram Afif is a two-time Asian Player of the Year. Getty Images
      Qatar keen to put 2022 pain behind them against Switzerland

      Julen Lopetegui's squad are back-to-back Asian champions while Swiss are unbeaten in competitive matches since late 2024

      World Cup 2026June 12, 2026
      Julian Quinones celebrates scoring the opening goal for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup in their win over South Africa. AFP
      Quinones carries Saudi Pro League form into World Cup with opening goal

      Al Qadsiah striker outscored Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025/26 season and got the first of Mexico's two goals against nine-man South Africa

      World Cup 2026June 12, 2026
      Fares Ghedjemis scored on his international debut for Algeria in a 7-0 win over Guatemala. Getty Images
      Fares Ghedjemis: From the French fourth tier to World Cup 2026 with Algeria

      Rejected, overlooked and forced to climb through the lower tiers of French football, winger refused to let setbacks define him

      World Cup 2026June 10, 2026
      FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) speaks after US President Donald Trump (L) announced the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in December 2025, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 22 August 2025. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming to North America next summer will be the first World Cup with three host countries in the U. S. , Canada and Mexico, and it will be the first to feature a 48-team field. EPA / ANNABELLE GORDON / POOL
      Play01:29
      Is World Cup 2026 the most political tournament in football history?

      The line between football and geopolitics is impossible to separate at this tournament

      World Cup 2026June 10, 2026
      Salem Al Dawsari, right, is Saudi Arabia's talisman and has won 106 caps. AFP
      Salah, Al Dawsari, Mahrez, Afif and the 100 cappers at the 2026 World Cup

      Regional teams will have plenty of experience to call on in North America

      World Cup 2026June 07, 2026
      Mohamed Amoura scored 10 goals for Algeria in their World Cup qualifying group. Getty Images
      Play01:30
      Amoura's ascent, Petkovic's calming influence: Algeria World Cup talking points

      A team with fond memories on the global stage return after 12-year absence

      SportJune 06, 2026
      Jordan's forward Mousa Al-Tamari (L) runs with his teammates during a training session at the Nashama Training Centre in Amman on May 24, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)
      Play01:34
      Jordan's Al Tamari carries nation's World Cup hopes against Messi and Co

      Jamal Sellami's preparations ahead of historic first finals have been dogged by injuries to key players

      FootballJune 05, 2026
      Andoni Iraola applauds the fans after his final game in charge at Bournemouth. AFP
      Andoni Iraola 'excited to start' after being appointed new Liverpool manager

      Spaniard signs two-year deal after leaving his role at Premier League rivals Bournemouth

      FootballJune 05, 2026
      AUSTIN, TEXAS - JUNE 01: Mohammed Al-Owais of the Saudi Arabia men's team arrives for FIFA 2026 World Cup at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on June 01, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Jack Gorman / Getty Images / AFP (Photo by Jack Gorman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
      Camera9
      Saudi Arabia arrive in Austin to begin 2026 World Cup preparations

      Green Falcons take on Uruguay in their Group H opener on June 15

      FootballJune 02, 2026
      Magomed Ankalaev is the top-ranked light heavyweight in the UFC. Chris Whiteoak / The National
      Ankalaev v Rountree to headline UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi

      Former light heavyweight champ Ankalaev returns to the octagon for the first time since dropping his title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320

      Combat SportsJune 01, 2026
      More Articles

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