Sports quiz of the week: heat, animals, money and a big week at the World Cup

Jack Draper, Merlin the Duck, Alice Capsey Composite: Getty Images, ReutersView image in fullscreenJack Draper, Merlin the Duck, Alice Capsey Composite: Getty Images, ReutersSports quiz of the weekSportSports quiz of the week: heat, animals, money and a big week at the World CupHave you followed the news in football, cricket, tennis, rugby, golf, athletics and cycling?Jess MallaghanFri 26 Jun 2026 13.38 BSTSharePrefer the Guardian on Google1.Merlin the duck has become Mexico’s unofficial mascot during the World Cup, but why did he not attend their game against Czechia in Mexico City?The duck was spotted protesting against hydration breaksHe bit the Mexican president Animals are not permitted inside stadiumsHis owner was sold a fake ticket Reveal2.Three players have now appeared in six World Cups. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and … Luka ModricManuel NeuerEdin DzekoGuillermo Ochoa Reveal3.World Cup winner Ronaldinho has come out of retirement after a decade to sign for a club in which county? ItalyBrazilUnited StatesSaudi ArabiaReveal4.Which rugby player scored two tries in the Prem final as Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs to win the title?George HendyHenry PollockFin SmithGeorge FurbankReveal5.Jack Draper has returned from a series of injuries in time to play at Wimbledon. Who is his coach?Andy MurrayVenus Williams Tim Henman Greg Rusedski Reveal6.Serena Williams is in the draw for the women’s singles at Wimbledon. When was her first appearance?1998200020022004Reveal7.Saracens and Trailfinders meet in the Women’s Premiership rugby final this weekend. Who has been the top points scorer in the league this season? Zoe Harrison Emma Sing Mia VennerMay CampbellReveal8.England have reached the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals. Alice Capsey has been one of the team’s stars in the tournament. What did she do before becoming a professional cricket?She was a professional footballerShe worked on her parents' dairy farmShe was in the pop group Fifth HarmonyShe was...