The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway following a festive opening day of action in Mexico City. Host nation Mexico kicked off their tournament configuration in perfect fashion, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of a energetic home crowd at the Estadio Azteca.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete opening day analysis.

On the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Dan and Will react to El Tri’s winning start and analyze what the result means for the early outlook of Group A. They review the spectacular stadium atmosphere before shifting focus to the group’s other opening fixture, which saw South Korea secure a win against Czechia.

The guys also look ahead to the next slate of matchups on the tournament schedule. The preview tracks team expectations, potential breakout stars, and tactical setups.

You can stream the entire tournament breakdown right now. Check out the Opening Matchday Preview on Spotify to get fully up to speed on all the early storylines as the group stage gets rolling.

Day two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought the remaining North American co-hosts onto the pitch for their highly anticipated opening matches. The tournament’s initial games have officially wrapped up for the host nations, leaving fans with two entirely different performances to digest.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete day two match analysis.

On the latest episode of The 90th Minute, hosts Dan Riccio and Blake Price dive straight into Canada’s opening-day frustrations against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Canadian squad struggled to establish a rhythm early on and ultimately suffered from a costly inability to finish their clinical scoring chances.

In sharp contrast, the United States Men’s National Team experienced a much smoother start to their tournament run. The Americans showed no issues in front of the net, executing a dominant tactical game plan that completely smothered Paraguay to lock down a crucial opening victory.

The hosts break down the major talking points from both matches, providing structural analysis of the formations and individual player performances. The episode serves as a direct recap of how these early results shake up the expectations for both co-hosts moving forward in the group stage.

You can stream the full tactical review right now. Check out The 90th Minute Day 2 Breakdown on Spotify to get the complete breakdown of the action before the next round of group stage matches kicks off.

Richarlison’s absence from Brazil’s FIFA World Cup squad has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the tournament, with Carlo Ancelotti opting for a different direction as the five-time world champion prepares to chase a long-awaited sixth title. The decision has surprised many supporters, especially given the forward’s history with the Selecao and his memorable performances on soccer’s biggest stage.

Brazil arrives in North America carrying enormous expectations despite a turbulent road to qualification. Under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, the national team hopes to end a 24-year wait for a World Cup triumph, but the Italian coach has already shown he is willing to make difficult decisions in pursuit of that goal.

The Selecao remains the most successful national team in World Cup history, having lifted the trophy in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. However, despite regularly entering tournaments among the favorites, Brazil has not reached a World Cup final since defeating Germany in Yokohama in 2002.

Recent tournaments have brought disappointment. Quarterfinal exits in 2018 and 2022 extended the drought, while memories of the devastating 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany in 2014 continue to linger.

Ancelotti, the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup, believes he has assembled a squad capable of competing with the best. Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Italian expressed confidence in his players: “I have a very talented squad. I’m convinced we’re going to have a great World Cup.”

Why Richarlison was left out

After Ancelotti completed his 26-man roster, the reason for Richarlison’s absence became clear. The Brazil coach chose to prioritize younger attacking options and players he believes better fit the team’s tactical direction. Emerging talents such as Endrick and Rayan earned places in the squad, while veteran star Neymar was also included despite concerns over his fitness.

The decision marked a significant change for a player who was once considered one of Brazil’s most important attackers. Richarlison was the Selecao’s leading scorer at the 2022 World Cup and produced one of the tournament’s most memorable moments with his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Serbia.

However, several reports suggested that his international performances after Qatar failed to reach the same level, while competition for attacking places became increasingly fierce. Ancelotti ultimately decided that other forwards offered greater tactical flexibility and longer-term potential.

Competition for World Cup spot reached new levels

Brazil’s attacking depth made selection one of the toughest tasks facing Ancelotti. The squad features established stars such as Vinícius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, and Neymar, while younger players like Endrick have continued to strengthen their case through impressive club performances. With only a limited number of places available, several recognizable names were destined to miss out.

Richarlison found himself on the wrong side of that battle despite a respectable campaign at club level. While he remained a dangerous attacking presence, reports indicated that the coaching staff believed Brazil’s future would benefit from giving opportunities to younger forwards who could develop into key figures over the coming years.

The decision was particularly notable because of Richarlison’s relationship with Ancelotti. The pair previously worked together successfully at Everton, leading some observers to expect the striker would receive a place in the squad.

For over a decade, major international tournaments followed a familiar script for Swiss football fans. Switzerland would find themselves in a tight spot, and Xherdan Shaqiri would appear out of nowhere to unleash a moment of pure, left-footed magic.

From his stunning hat-trick against Honduras in 2014 to his breathtaking bicycle kick against Poland in 2016, the stocky playmaker was the definition of a big-game player. Even at Euro 2024, his brilliant curler against Scotland proved he still had that elite tournament spark.

Yet, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes center stage across North America, the familiar number 23 is noticeably absent from the Rossocrociati roster.

The omission has left many casual fans tuning into the tournament wondering why one of the most clutch players in modern World Cup history isn’t on the pitch. The answer does not lie in a sudden injury or a controversial managerial bust-up with Murat Yakin.

Instead, it comes down to a definitive personal choice made right after his last major tournament cycle.

When did Shaqiri leave the Swiss national team?

Xherdan Shaqiri is not playing in the 2026 World Cup because he officially retired from international soccer in July 2024.

Following Switzerland’s dramatic penalty shootout heartbreak against England in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, Shaqiri decided it was the perfect moment to step away. At 32 years old, having represented his country for 14 unforgettable years, he chose to prioritize the final chapters of his club career.

Taking to social media to announce his departure, Shaqiri expressed profound gratitude to the fans, stating that his memories with the national team would remain forever.

His international retirement closed one of the most successful individual chapters in Swiss sports history. He concluded his career with the Nati as their third-most capped player with 125 appearances and their fourth-highest goalscorer with 32 goals.

Where is Shaqiri playing club soccer now?

While he is no longer wearing the white and red of Switzerland, Shaqiri has remained highly active at the club level.

Shortly after his international retirement, he parted ways with MLS side Chicago Fire. He then made an emotional return to his boyhood club, FC Basel, in the Swiss Super League.

Playing domestically has allowed him to manage his physical workload away from the grueling demands of the international calendar. It keeps him sharp for domestic competition without the added burden of intense, cross-continental travel.

Switzerland enters the 2026 tournament as one of the most tactically disciplined sides in international soccer. Currently ranked 19th globally, the Swiss have built a reputation as a difficult opponent. They have reached the knockout stages in three consecutive global tournaments.

Following the retirements of veterans like Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer, captain Granit Xhaka now leads a roster that blends experienced leadership with emerging talent. Drawn into Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, expectations are high for a deep run.

This World Cup 2026 team preview breaks down the Switzerland tactical analysis, coaching philosophy, squad depth, and group-stage outlook ahead of the summer competition.

Team profile

How Switzerland play

When evaluating international soccer teams 2026, the Switzerland formation stands out for its structural discipline and collective defensive solidity. Murat Yakin prefers a compact system that prioritizes closing down central spaces and frustrating opponents. During their recent qualifying campaign, the team showcased an elite defensive shape, conceding just two goals overall.

In possession, the system flows through the midfield, where Granit Xhaka dictates the tempo with a high volume of accurate passes. The team transitions efficiently from defense to attack. They utilize the pace of wide players like Dan Ndoye and Rubén Vargas to exploit open space on the counter.

While they lack a traditional, high-scoring center forward, the attacking burden is shared across the roster. Eight different players found the net during qualifying, highlighting their adaptable approach in the final third. They also average an impressive 5.33 shots on target per match, proving they consistently test opposing goalkeepers.

Murat Yakin: The coach behind Switzerland

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin took charge of the national side in 2021 and brings extensive experience to the touchline. Before stepping onto the international stage, he managed several top clubs in his native country, winning the domestic Manager of the Year award twice.

Yakin emphasizes defensive organization and tactical flexibility. Under his leadership, the team recorded 20 clean sheets over his first 57 matches. This highlights a coaching philosophy built on making his squad incredibly difficult to break down.

Despite facing criticism during a difficult 2024 Nations League campaign, he successfully guided the team through a dominant qualification cycle. His calm leadership and proven ability to organize a resolute defense will be crucial factors this summer.

Key player: Granit Xhaka

When discussing Switzerland key players, Granit Xhaka remains the undeniable heartbeat of the midfield. Now 33 years old and playing for Sunderland, the captain provides invaluable experience and tactical intelligence.

Xhaka controls the pace of matches with his exceptional passing range, consistently finding teammates in dangerous attacking areas. During the 2024 European Championship, he recorded a team-high 69.0 accurate passes per 90 minutes and created the most scoring chances for his side.

Off the ball, his relentless work rate and positional awareness help disrupt opposing counter-attacks and shield the defensive line. If Xhaka were to miss time due to injury, the team would instantly lose its primary orchestrator and defensive anchor.

Switzerland’s road to the 2026 World Cup

The Swiss secured their spot in the 2026 tournament by putting together an unbeaten run through UEFA Qualifying Group B. After a winless Nations League campaign, they registered four victories and two draws to finish at the top of the table with 14 points.

A dominant 4-0 victory over Kosovo set the tone early in the cycle. The defense proved nearly impenetrable, conceding just two goals across six matches. Meanwhile, the attack produced 14 goals, led by Breel Embolo, who tallied four times.

This commanding qualification run demonstrated their defensive consistency and collective resilience. It proved they are well-prepared for the challenges of the upcoming showcase.

Switzerland’s 2026 World Cup group stage outlook

Drawn into Group B, the Swiss face a highly favorable path to the knockout rounds. They will compete against co-host Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Canada presents the most challenging matchup, primarily due to their home-field advantage and athletic attacking options. However, the Swiss boast significantly more experience on the international stage. The games against Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina offer favorable opportunities to secure vital points, as both opponents have struggled against top-tier European competition.

Securing the top spot in the group is a realistic and essential expectation. Finishing first would likely help them avoid a major tournament favorite in the opening knockout round. Readers looking to follow every match involving the national team can also check our complete Switzerland TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information.

Switzerland squad for 2026 World Cup

Final word on Switzerland

The Swiss national team enters the summer with a proven track record of navigating the group stage among all FIFA World Cup 2026 teams. Their elite defensive structure and the midfield leadership of Granit Xhaka serve as the foundation for their success.

While the lack of a world-class center forward remains a minor concern, their collective attacking approach has proven effective. Given their favorable group draw, advancing to the knockout rounds is the minimum expectation. If their defense holds firm, they possess the discipline required to make a deep run.

Brazil and Morocco begin their journey in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in what promises to be one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament’s opening stage. Vinicius Junior is expected to start as one of the forwards for the South American side.

The match will be played this Saturday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and will be officiated by Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic. It is the opening match of Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti, who will face each other later on Saturday.

After one year in charge of Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti will face his first major international challenge. He was hired as the highest-paid coach among all national teams in the world precisely to reach this moment, with the goal of guiding Brazil to their first World Cup title in 24 years.

To achieve that, the Italian manager will look to maximize the strengths of his two biggest stars, Vinicius and Raphinha, on the wings, supported by the quality and experience of players such as Casemiro and Marquinhos in defensive roles.

But the challenge will be far from easy, as Morocco are determined to replicate — and even improve on — their run at Qatar 2022, where they reached the semifinals. To do so, they will rely on several stars from that squad, alongside young talents who have emerged in recent years, such as Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz.

Projected Brazil lineup

After experimenting with several options in recent weeks, Carlo Ancelotti appears to have abandoned the idea of playing with four forwards and will instead reinforce the midfield to give his side greater control of possession, with Lucas Paqueta joining Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.

With that in mind, Brazil’s projected lineup is: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alex Sandro; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta; Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior.

Projected Morocco lineup

Morocco suffered a major setback over the past week when two of their top players were ruled out of the World Cup: winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd were sidelined with injuries and replaced in the squad by Amine Sbai and Marwane Saadane.

With that in mind, Morocco’s projected lineup is: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Sofyan Amrabat, Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi.

As one of the returning FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, Qatar enters the tournament with a clear mission to erase the memories of their disappointing host campaign four years ago.

The Maroon have evolved significantly, earning their spot in North America on merit rather than automatic qualification. After securing two Asian Cup titles since 2019, they arrive as a respected side within their confederation.

Currently ranked 55th globally, the team faces a compelling 2026 World Cup group stage against Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This preview explores the tactical approach under their high-profile coach, highlights the key players to watch, and breaks down their squad depth as they aim to secure their first-ever points on the global stage.

Team profile

How Qatar play

Qatar’s tactical analysis reveals a team trying to blend possession-based principles with rapid counter-attacking transitions.

Operating primarily in a Qatar formation of 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, the squad aims to control the tempo through a technically proficient midfield. This approach relies on patient build-up play before exploiting wide areas with speed.

While they demonstrated offensive capability during qualifying, their defensive structure remains a pressing concern. The team conceded an average of 1.56 goals per game during the Asian qualifiers. This highlights vulnerabilities that elite international soccer teams 2026 will likely target.

During their 2022 campaign, the side averaged just 43% possession and a meager 6.67 shots per match. To improve upon those numbers in North America, the midfield must bypass high-pressing opponents more effectively.

This tactical setup offers transition threats, but their defensive fragility could severely limit their chances of progressing past the group stage.

Julen Lopetegui: The coach behind Qatar

Julen Lopetegui took charge of the national team in May 2025 with a mandate to navigate the qualification process.

The Qatar coach brings extensive high-level experience, having previously managed top European clubs including Real Madrid, Porto, and Sevilla, where he captured a Europa League title.

His international managerial career is largely remembered for his dramatic dismissal from the Spain job just days before the 2018 tournament. Consequently, he views this upcoming summer as an opportunity for personal redemption on the global stage.

Known for organizing disciplined defensive units, his recent tenures have shown mixed results. His leadership and tactical adjustments will be heavily tested as he attempts to guide the squad through a demanding group stage.

Key player: Almoez Ali

Almoez Ali remains the focal point of the attack and sits firmly among Qatar key players heading into the tournament.

As the all-time leading scorer for The Maroon with 60 goals in over 126 appearances, the Al-Duhail forward is essential to their offensive system. Ali is a versatile attacker who thrives on intelligent movement. He often drops deep or drifts wide to create space for his attacking partner, Akram Afif.

However, he can become isolated against physically dominant center-backs, as seen when he managed zero shots and just 20 touches against the Netherlands in 2022.

If Ali is sidelined or neutralized, the team lacks a proven clinical edge in the final third, making his form absolutely critical to their scoring hopes.

Qatar’s road to the 2026 tournament

The journey through the AFC qualifiers tested the resilience of the squad. They dominated the second round with five victories and a massive +15 goal differential.

The third round proved much more difficult, resulting in a fourth-place finish that forced them into the playoffs. Relying heavily on Almoez Ali, who netted 12 goals during the cycle, and Akram Afif’s 11 assists, they eventually secured their spot.

A tense 0-0 draw against Oman and a decisive 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates on October 14, 2025, booked their ticket to North America. This rollercoaster campaign showed their offensive firepower but also exposed defensive inconsistencies that must be addressed.

Qatar’s 2026 tournament group stage outlook

Placed in Group B, the squad faces a demanding path against Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the clear outsiders in this group, their primary objective will be securing enough points to potentially advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Switzerland presents the most difficult tactical challenge with their tournament pedigree, while co-hosts Canada will have massive home support. The matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina might offer the most realistic opportunity to secure a historic result, though the European side brings immense confidence from their own playoff success.

Readers looking to follow every match involving the team can also check our complete Qatar TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information.
Qualification will require flawless defensive execution and capitalizing on limited counter-attacking chances against superior opposition.

Qatar 2026 World Cup squad

Final word on Qatar

Entering the global competition as heavy underdogs, this World Cup 2026 team preview highlights the massive challenge ahead for The Maroon.

Their offensive transition play, led by Almoez Ali, provides a genuine strength that opponents must respect. However, their defensive fragility against high-caliber opposition remains a significant hurdle.

A realistic expectation is fighting for a single result in the group stage. Progressing to the knockout rounds would require a monumental overachievement and a dramatic defensive improvement from their qualifying campaign.

Fenerbahçe'de sağ kanat adayları arasında Borussia Dortmund forması giyen Karim Adeyemi tekrar ilk sıraya yükseldi. Alman ekibinin bonservis beklentisi hala çok yüksek... Fakat rakamı düşürmek zorundalar...

Fenerbahçe, Nene'ye iyi bir teklif gelmesi halinde oyuncuyu satmayı planlıyor. Sonrasında ise sağ kanat bölgesine takviye yapılacak. Sarı-Lacivertliler'in listesinde çok sayıda alternatif bulunuyor. Ve şu anda Karim Adeyemi'nin tekrar 1 numaralı aday haline geldiği öğrenildi.

SON SENESİNE GİRDİ

Borussia Dortmund'da problemler yaşayan 24 yaşındaki futbolcu, ayrılmak istiyor. Alman ekibinin bonservis beklentisi hala 30 milyon euro civarında... Fakat bu rakamın düşmesi bekleniyor. Çünkü Karim Adeyemi'nin sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2027'de tamamlanacak. Yani mukavelesinin son senesine girmiş durumda... Haftalar ilerledikçe mecburen fiyat kıracaklar...

KANARYA YALNIZ DEĞİL

Alman futbolcuya Fenerbahçe'nin dışında PSG ve Aston Villa'nın da bir ilgisi mevcut... Ancak her iki takımın da öncelikli hedefi Karim Adeyemi değil... Sadece alternatifler arasında bulunuyor. Fenerbahçe'nin oyuncunun temsilcisiyle kişisel şartlar konusunda kısa süre içinde görüşmesi bekleniyor.

Sporting Başkanı Varandas'ın "Luis Suárez transferi ve Benfica ile gizli ittifak" iddialarına yanıt veren Porto Başkanı André Villas-Boas, suçlamaları "absürt bir yaratıcılık" olarak nitelendirdi.

Portekiz futbolunda Sporting ve Porto başkanları arasında "Luis Suarez" ve "hakem şikesi" tartışması patlak verdi. Sporting Başkanı Frederico Varandas’ın, Porto’nun forvet oyuncusu Luis Suarez'i Fenerbahçe üzerinden takımdan ayırmaya çalıştığı ve hakem kararları için Benfica ile gizli anlaşma yaptığı iddialarına Porto Başkanı Andre Villas-Boas’tan sert yanıt geldi.

Monçao'da konuşan Villas-Boas, iddiaları "absürt bir yaratıcılık gösterisi" olarak nitelendirerek şu başlıklarla tepki gösterdi:

"Sporting’in oyuncularıyla işimiz olmaz. Oyuncu transferlerine komplo kurmaktan çok daha önemli işlerimiz var.

Bahsedilen müdahaleye kesinlikle katılmıyorum, bu talihsiz yorumlar bardağı taşıran son damladır.

Dört yıl aradan sonra büyük emekle kazandığımız şampiyonluğu ve liderliği bir daha asla bırakmak istemiyoruz."

Luis Suarez'in adı, Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi'nin kampanyasında da geçmişti. Safi golcü oyuncunun transferini bitirdiğini iddia etmişti.

Galatasaray, 26. şampiyonluğunu Belçika'da coşkuyla kutlarken; Başkan Dursun Özbek "27. şampiyonluğa hazırlanıyoruz" mesajı verdi. Kutlamalara ise bir taraftarın Özbek'e yaptığı "Camavinga" seslenişi damga vurdu.

Galatasaray, 26. şampiyonluğunu Belçika'da Brüksel'de kutladı.

"HEPİNİZE SELAM GETİRDİM"

Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek, şampiyonluğun kutlandığı alanda, "Değerli Galatasaraylılar, hepinize merhaba. Hepinize İstanbul'dan, Galatasaray'dan büyük selamlar getirdim." dedi.

Sözlerine devam eden Özbek, "26. şampiyonluğumuza kavuştuk. 4 sene üst üste şampiyon oluyoruz. Bunda sizlerin payı çok büyük. İnşallah birlik ve beraberliğimiz ile birlikte sevgi iklimiyle şampiyonluklarımız devam edecek. 27. şampiyonluğumuza hazırlanıyoruz." sözlerini sarf etti.

"MUAZZAM BİR SEVGİ"

Dursun Özbek, "Bu birlik ve beraberliğimiz sürdüğü sürece inşallah daha nice şampiyonluklarda birlikte olacağız. Bana ve arkadaşlarıma gösterdiğiniz ilgi ve bizi kabul ediş şeklinizden dolayı teşekkür ediyorum. İnşallah seneye de burada olacağız şampiyonluğumuzu kutlamak için." sözlerini sarf etti.

Dursun Özbek, "Gerçekten muazzam bir karşılama, muazzam bir Galatasaray sevgisi." dedi.

TRANSFER ÇAĞRISI

Galatasaraylı heyet, daha sonra şampiyonluğun kutlandığı alandan Manneken Pis'e doğru yürüdü. Galatasaraylı bir taraftar, yürüyüş esnasında Dursun Özbek'e transfer çağrısında bulundu. Söz konusu taraftarlar, Real Madrid forması giyen ve Galatasaray'ın gündeminde yer alan Eduardo Camavinga için Dursun Özbek, "Başkanım Camavinga." diye seslendi.

Dursun Özbek'in bu anlardaki keyifli anları dikkat çekti.

Galatasaray'ın sol kanat adayları arasında Club Brugge forması giyen Christos Tzolis de bulunuyor. Arsenal konuyla ilgili ön çalışma yaptı. Belçika ekibinin belirlediği taban fiyat 40 milyon euro...

Galatasaray, Napoli'den kiralanan Noa Lang'ın 30 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonunu kullanmadı. Sarı-Kırmızılılar sol kanatta alternatifler üzerinde duruyor. Aslan'ın listesindeki isimlerden biri de Christos Tzolis... 24 yaşındaki Yunan futbolcunun, Club Brugge ile 30 Haziran 2029'a kadar sözleşmesi var.

Sarı-Kırmızılılar, 1.79 boyundaki futbolcu konusunda yalnız değil... Christos Tzolis'le şu kulüpler de ilgileniyor:

Arsenal

Aston Villa

Juventus

Manchester United

Roma

Premier Lig'in son şampiyonu Arsenal'in konuyla ilgili ön çalışma yaptığı öğrenildi. Ada basınındaki haberlere göre; Club Brugge en az 40 milyon euro bekliyor.

Belçika ekibi, Yunan yıldızı 2024 yazında Düsseldorf Kulübü'nden transfer etmişti. O dönemde 6.5 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler. Christos Tzolis, geride bıraktığımız sezonda Brugge ile 52 resmi maça çıktı. 22 gol ve 29 asist üretti. Arsenal'in listesinde farklı isimler de var. Ancak onların yaptığı ön çalışma, Galatasaray açısından da faydalı oldu! Cim-Bom, bu transferi bitirmek istiyorsa en az 40 milyon euroyu masaya koymalı...

Samsunspor Başkanı Yüksel Yıldırım, 36 yaşındaki Enner Valencia'yı transfer edecekleri yönündeki söylentilere tepki göstererek, "Samsunspor, emekli sandığı kulübü değil" dedi.

Kadrosunda Marius Mouandilmadji, Cherif Ndiaye ve Fatih Kaya gibi santrforlar bulunan Samsunspor’un ismi, eski Fenerbahçeli Enner Valencia ile anılmaya başladı.

Sosyal medyada çıkan haberlere kendisine ait hesaplardan tepki gösteren Başkan Yüksel Yıldırım, Samsunspor’un yaşlı futbolcularla ilgilenmediğini sert bir şekilde dile getirdi.

Kulüp olarak yaşlı futbolcu transferi politikaları olmadıklarının altını çizen Yüksel Yıldırım, "Yalan haber yapmak sizlere yakışmıyor. Samsunspor taraftarını böyle saçma sapan haberlerle kandıracağınızı zannediyorsanız yanılıyorsunuz. Bizim futbol vizyonumuzda bu yaştaki oyuncular asla transfer gibi işlerimiz olamaz. Burası emekli sandığı kulübü değil. Başka Kulüpler için yapın bu haberleri" diye konuştu.

Karadeniz temsilcisinin 34 futbolcudan oluşan kadrosunun şu andaki yaş ortalaması ise 25 olarak dikkat çekiyor.

Galatasaray'da geleceği merak konusu olan deneyimli orta saha oyuncusu Mario Lemina için Güney Amerika'dan ciddi bir transfer iddiası gündeme geldi.

Brezilyalı gazeteci Marco Geves’in iddiasına göre; Atletico Mineiro, orta saha takviyesi için Galatasaray'la sözleşmesi sona eren ve Okan Buruk'un istemediği Mario Lemina’yı listesine aldı.

Kadrosuna iki merkez orta saha katmak isteyen Brezilya kulübünün, Gabonlu yıldızın şartlarını yakından takip ettiği belirtildi.

TFF'nin yabancı kuralı ve Galatasaray'ın yeni sezon planlaması nedeniyle geleceği belirsizliğini koruyan 32 yaşındaki deneyimli oyuncu, geride kalan sezonda sarı-kırmızılı formayla 41 maçta 3 gol ve 2 asistlik performans sergiledi.

Real Madrid şu anda Inter'le genç forvet Endrick'in satışı için pazarlık yapıyor. Anlaşmanın, "zorunlu satın alma maddesi" içeren kiralama şeklinde gerçekleşmesi bekleniyor. Dünya devinin, bu hamle sonrasında Osimhen konusunda gaza basabileceği öğrenildi.

Real Madrid, takımda fazla şans bulamayan Brezilyalı forvet Endrick'i devre arasında Lyon'a kiralamıştı. 19 yaşındaki sambacı, Fransa Ligi'nde 16 maça çıktı. Sahada 1.224 dakika kaldı. 5 gol ve 7 asist üretti. Bu iyi performansa rağmen Madrid onu gelecek sezon planlamasında kesinlikle düşünmüyor.

Şu anda Inter'le Endrick konusunda pazarlık yapılıyor. İtalya şampiyonu, "35 milyon euroluk zorunlu satın alma maddesi" içeren kiralama formülünü masaya koydu. Real Madrid ise buradaki rakamın 45 milyon euroya yükseltilmesini istiyor. Taraflar arasındaki temaslar sürüyor.

Real Madrid'in, Endrick'in ayrılığının resmileşmesinin ardından Galatasaray'a Osimhen için teklif sunabileceği belirtildi. Bilindiği üzere yeni sezonda Madrid'i Jose Mourinho çalıştıracak. Galatasaray cephesi, Nijeryalı yıldızın satış listesinde olmadığını söylemişti. Sadece oyuncu ayrılmak isterse teklifler değerlendirilecek. Ve Cim-Bom'un bonservis beklentisi kesinlikle çok yüksek olacak.

Sosyal medyanın diline düşen "Suriye Milli Takımı" yalanı gerçeğe dönüştü; Gabriel Sara boynuna takılan Suriye bayrağıyla neye uğradığını şaşırdı.

Galatasaray’ın şampiyonluk kutlamalarına dair GS Youtube Katıl kanalında yayınlanan perde arkası görüntüleri, sosyal medyada adeta bir kahkaha tufanına yol açtı. Kutlamaların en absürt ve eğlenceli anı, sarı-kırmızılıların Brezilyalı yıldızı Gabriel Sara’nın başına gelenler oldu.

Geçtiğimiz dönemlerde sosyal medyada uydurma bir iddia ortaya atılmış, Gabriel Sara’nın "Suriye asıllı olduğu ve Suriye Milli Takımı’ndan davet aldığı" yönünde asılsız bir dedikodu dolaşıma sokulmuştu. Futbol severlerin mizah konusu yaptığı bu "fake" haber, şampiyonluk kutlamalarında adeta gerçeğe dönüştü!

?? Şampiyonluk kutlamalarında Gabriel Sara'ya Suriye bayrağı takıldığı anlar. (GS Youtube Katıl) pic.twitter.com/zqewUdooC0

Saha içindeki coşkulu kutlamalar sırasında, bu sosyal medya geyiğine gönderme yapmak isteyen bir kişi, Gabriel Sara’nın yanına yaklaşarak boynuna bir Suriye bayrağı taktı.

Çevredeki taraftarların ve takım arkadaşlarının kahkahalarla izlediği o ilginç dakikalar, GS Youtube Katıl izleyicilerini gülmekten kırıp geçirdi.

Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox said Anthropic's Mythos AI model found no further "serious bugs" in the privacy protocol following the patching of a previously discovered forgery bug.

Braziliyalı futbolçu Vinisius Junior “Real”la yeni müqavilə danışıqları haqda açıqlama verib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, hücumçu insayder Fabrizio Romanonun sorğusuna cavab olaraq bunları deyib:

“Bütün diqqətim Braziliya millisindədir. İndi bu haqda danışmaq istəmirəm. “Real”la dünya çempionatından sonra görüşəcəyik”.

25 yaşlı futbolçu başa çatan mövsümdə La Liqada 36 oyunda 16 qol vurub.

Source

Juventus have already agreed personal terms with Emiliano Martinez on a three-year contract worth €5 million net per season, with Luciano Spalletti keen to welcome the Argentine goalkeeper once the World Cup concludes. However, formal talks with Aston Villa have yet to properly begin.

According to Tuttosport, outgoing CEO Damien Comolli never directly contacted Villa, instead attempting to fast-track an agreement solely with the player.

New CEO Giovanni Carnevali will now take charge of negotiations from this point.

Aston Villa open to Martinez sale but compensation fee remains key sticking point

Villa have privately accepted that Martinez’s time at the club has run its course, they have already approached Parma over Zion Suzuki as a replacement.

The two clubs’ ownership groups enjoy a good relationship, but neither wants to lose out financially.
Juventus know a compensation fee will be required, while Villa are aware that demanding €20 million for a goalkeeper turning 34 in three months is unrealistic.

A middle ground is expected once the two boards formally reconnect, with Carnevali due to begin work imminently.

Martinez himself is relaxed about the timeline, focused on the World Cup rather than the negotiations.

Alberto Aquilani has given his first interview as Sassuolo head coach, describing his return to the club where he spent six months as a player in 2017 as both an honour and an emotional moment, ahead of his Serie A managerial debut.

The former Roma and Liverpool midfielder left Catanzaro to take up the role, and was reflective about what the club represents to him personally.

“It is a pleasure and an honour to be back here,” Aquilani said, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport.

“There is emotion, because it is a place where I was happy. It is a place that gave me important values, and today I have confirmation that those values are part of this great family, so I am very happy.”

Aquilani relishes Berardi reunion ahead of Serie A managerial debut

On working with Domenico Berardi, a former teammate during his playing days at the club, Aquilani admitted the dynamic would take some adjustment.

“Meeting him again in this role feels a little strange, because I had the chance to play with him and appreciate his incredible qualities,” he said. “He has been here for many years and has always driven this team towards important targets. For me it will be an honour to coach him.”

On the challenge of Serie A itself, Aquilani was candid about what the opportunity means.

“It is the ambition of all of us who try to do this job, as it was as a player,” he said.

“I know it is a difficult league, but I feel ready to face it with this team and this club. To the fans, it is a pleasure to see them again, I wish them all the best and I assure them that from me and my staff we will give everything within our power so that Sassuolo can have the satisfactions they deserve.”

Alexandre Pato has spoken movingly about his enduring emotional connection to Milan, a club where he experienced some of the most significant seasons of his career before injuries gradually curtailed his time in Italy.

Speaking to Sky Sport, via MilanNews24, the Brazilian forward, once one of the most exciting young talents in world football before a series of physical setbacks limited his consistency, was candid about how deeply the club’s results still affect him to this day.

Pato hopes for Champions League return as Milan look to bounce back from difficult season

“When they lose it affects me a lot, because I care so much,” Pato said.

“For me it was not just a club, it was love. I am in love with Milan as if I were in love with my son, so I always hope they can grow a lot. Okay, this year went badly, it was not what they expected, but you can learn from this moment and still have the opportunity to do better and also return to the Champions League. I wish the best to Ibra, to everyone, and hope they can reach the Champions League next year.”

The comments reflect a relationship between Pato and the Rossoneri that has remained intact despite a spell defined as much by flashes of brilliance as by the recurring injury problems that prevented him from fulfilling his full potential at San Siro.

Arsenal transfer target Christos Tzolis has recently been filmed saying it would be a privilege to be approached by the Gunners.

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The Greece international has impressed at current club Club Brugge and this has led to recent interest from Arsenal, as reported by numerous sources.

David Ornstein of the Athletic has claimed that Arsenal are exploring a move for Tzolis, while an old video has now emerged from X account @arsenalbarclays with Tzolis saying he hopes Arsenal come in for him and that he’d be honoured to play for the north London giants…

Exclusive interview: Christos Tzolis speaking about supporting Arsenal against PSG before the Champions League final and Joining Arsenal in the summer.

"I hope that Arsenal come for me. If Arsenal come, it would be a privilege for any player to play for them." pic.twitter.com/yfqf5W5IKt

— Don Draper (@arsenalbarclays) June 13, 2026

After backing Arsenal before their Champions League final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, the 24-year-old also added: “I hope that Arsenal come for me. If Arsenal come, it would be a privilege for any player to play for them.”

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Do Arsenal need Christos Tzolis?

Tzolis is perhaps not the name most Arsenal fans were expecting to be linked with this summer, but he’s impressed in his time in the Belgian league, and looks like he could at the very least be a good squad player.

That seems to be the role Arsenal have in mind for him, with Ornstein’s report in the Athletic mentioning that the pursuit of Tzolis won’t impact other potential deals such as Morgan Rogers.

In the season just gone, Mikel Arteta rotated between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on that left-hand side, so if both players leave then it could make sense to sign a big name like Rogers to be first choice, and someone like Tzolis as a rotation option.

More Stories / Latest News

Christos Tzolis has sent clear transfer message: “I hope that Arsenal come for me”

Jun 13 2026, 16:16

Tottenham presented with intriguing 115-goal striker option ahead of crucial window

Jun 13 2026, 16:00

Man United could use key transfer advantage to land 23-year-old La Liga star

Jun 13 2026, 15:40

All in all, this looks like a very decent deal on the cheap, and we scored it 17/25 – a high medium, with our Transfer Fit rating system.

The post Christos Tzolis has sent clear transfer message: “I hope that Arsenal come for me” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur has been offered the opportunity to sign Santiago Gimenez from AC Milan.

The 25-year-old striker has had a very disappointing season with the Italian club, and he has failed to score in the league. He has been offered to the north London club, and his agent is hoping to secure a big move for his client, according to Calciomercato.

Milan is unlikely to stand in his way given his performances. It will be interesting to see whether Tottenham is prepared to gamble on him. They need more quality in the attacking unit, and they need to sign a quality striker this summer.

Gimenez has previously shown his quality in the Netherlands, and he could be an asset for Tottenham if he manages to recapture his form and confidence. The opportunity to move to England will be exciting for him. He scored 65 goals in 105 matches for Feyenoord. In total, he has 115 goals at the club level.

The Mexican international will be aiming for a fresh start. He is currently away with his country at the World Cup, and he will look to make his mark in the premier tournament. It could certainly help him secure a big move in the summer.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham is prepared to pay up for him. He could be available for a reasonable fee, given his recent performances.

Dominic Solanke has not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and he needs more support in the attack. Randal Kolo Muani was on loan at Tottenham last season, but he has now left the club. Investing in a reliable striker will be a priority for Tottenham this summer. It remains to be seen who they end up with.

The post Tottenham presented with intriguing 115-goal striker option ahead of crucial window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Marc Casado has been linked with a move away from Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder was not a regular starter for the Spanish champions last season and played just over 1,300 minutes in all competitions. He will be looking to sort out his future quickly so that he can focus on his football once again, and multiple clubs are monitoring him.

Man United could have an advantage in the Marc Casado race

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are interested in the Spanish defensive midfielder, and they could look to make a move for him. The report claims that Manchester United have very close ties with his agent, Jorge Mendes, and that could help them get the deal done.

Atletico Madrid and clubs from Saudi Arabia are also keen on the players.

More Stories / Latest News

Christos Tzolis has sent clear transfer message: “I hope that Arsenal come for me”

Jun 13 2026, 16:16

Tottenham presented with intriguing 115-goal striker option ahead of crucial window

Jun 13 2026, 16:00

Man United could use key transfer advantage to land 23-year-old La Liga star

Jun 13 2026, 15:40

Casado would be a handy option

It is no secret that Manchester United need a quality defensive midfielder. They will need to replace Casemiro, who has left the club. Casado could be an excellent option for them. He’s a young player with a lot of potential, and they could groom him into a future star.

He will help win the ball back for them in the middle of the park and protect the back four as well. The opportunity to move to England will be exciting for him, especially if Manchester United is willing to give him regular game time. He is at the stage of his career when he wants to play every week. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can convince the player and Barcelona to agree to the move.

Manchester United have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they need quality players at their disposal if they want to do well in Europe next year. The 23-year-old Spanish failure could prove to be a very useful option for them.

The post Man United could use key transfer advantage to land 23-year-old La Liga star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Serie A side Milan have faced some problems in hiring a new manager and a new sporting director. But once again, things are looking bright for the Rossoneri.

This is because Daniele Longo has reported about good progress in the hunt for Matthias Jaissle.

The Al-Ahli boss had a meeting with Gerry Cardinale in London and this turned out to be quite promising. From the very first contacts that took place over Zoom, there has been optimism that he could be the next Milan manager.

This is also helped by how the German is willing to give up a big part of his huge €11 million salary. The only drawback is his release clause of €6 million.

Cardinale is not keen on paying the amo, with Ruben Amorim also waiting in the wings.

Deal not done yet

This, for now, feels like another attempt from Milan to send the feelers about hiring a new manager. They have been in this loop before, where they touch base with many individuals and after promising signs, deals fall through.

In this case, the release clause seems to be holding things up. Saudi clubs are usually in no need for financial impetus and it would be unlikely if they accept a lower fee to let Jaissle depart.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

Kenneth Simon II is coming home.

The four-star linebacker from Nashville (Tenn.) Brentwood Academy flipped his commitment from Alabama to Tennessee on Saturday, giving Josh Heupel and the Vols a major in-state recruiting win and adding the No. 138 prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking to the class.

For Simon, whose family ties to Tennessee run deep with his father playing there, the decision wasn’t sparked by an official visit or a hard sell from the coaching staff. Instead, a return trip to Knoxville with longtime friends reminded him where he truly belonged.

“My brother had a baseball tournament in Knoxville last weekend, and Kesean Bowman was on his official visit and invited me over,” Simon said. “Being around him and those guys just brought me back to the realization that my family’s here. The dudes I’ve known since I was 11 or 12 years old, they’re all right here. They know more than football. They know Kenny personally.”

The weekend planted the seed, but the decision wasn’t immediate.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

Simon returned home, talked it over with his parents and spent the next week thinking through every aspect of his future before reopening communication with Tennessee.

“When I have something on my mind, it’s hard for me not to think about it,” he said. “I thought about it pretty much every second of every day this week. After that, we opened things back up with Tennessee, and even talking to the coaches again, it all just felt natural.”

Relationships with Heupel, linebackers coach William Inge, Jim Knowles and the rest of the staff quickly picked up where they had left off.

“They reached out, and it didn’t feel like we’d been apart. It was just natural,” Simon said. “It was easy. Those guys know me. It is just like when I was on campus last weekend. The relationships run deep with the people at Tennessee.”

Decommitting from Alabama was not an easy decision, but Simon believed he had to make the choice that best fit him and his family.

“It was definitely hard,” he said. “You build relationships with people. Those are real with Alabama. But at the end of the day this is the business side of football, and I had to do what was best for me and my family.”

Ultimately, Tennessee’s pull proved impossible to ignore.

Simon spent much of his childhood in Knoxville and grew up dreaming of wearing orange. The idea of running through Neyland Stadium alongside close friends and longtime teammates became too powerful to pass up.

“Sixteen and a half years of my life has been spent in Knoxville,” he said. “I’ve been around Tennessee since I was a baby. Growing up, I always said I wanted to play at Tennessee. To be able to achieve that dream means a lot.”

He also believes the experience will be different because of the relationships waiting for him on campus.

“Imagine making a play and coming back to the sideline with guys that aren’t just your teammates—they’re your brothers,” Simon said. “That’s what makes this special.”

George Russell bounced back from the disappointments of the past few races to take pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

Russell edged out Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari by just 0.064 seconds as runaway championship leader Kimi Antonelli could manage only third place in the other Mercedes.

McLaren's Lando Norris took fourth from Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, while Hamilton's team-mate Charles Leclerc crashed on his first lap in the final session and will start 10th.

Norris' team-mate Oscar Piastri was seventh, from Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson and Audi's Nico Hulkenberg.

Russell said it was "nice to feel the groove again", having failed to score points in the past two grands prix.

He fell 68 points behind Antonelli after a difficult race in Monaco was ruined by an unjust penalty for speeding in the pit lane but has looked the man to beat all weekend in Spain.

But Hamilton came oh so close to doing so as Ferrari's upgrades for this race paid off, allowing him to take his first grand prix front-row start since the 2024 British Grand Prix.

Briton Russell said: "The last few races haven't been on our side but I came into the race with a clean slate and job done.

"It's going to be an interesting race tomorrow, Lewis did an amazing job to get up there, we thought the fight was with ourselves and McLaren and Lewis was very fast in that session."

Hamilton had been on the back foot all weekend after missing the first practice session to allow development driver Dino Beganovic a run.

"I was easily 0.4-0.5secs off in final practice," he said. "I was thinking: 'Where am I going to get that pace?' I left the track between P3 and Q1, went back to my motorhome, and then Q1 I was first.

"These guys did a great lap, congrats for George but we're in a good position to fight for tomorrow so we have a race."

Antonelli said: "It has been a little bit of a difficult weekend for me, didn't really have the feeling in the car."

Norris was 0.322secs off the pace, and only 0.02secs quicker than Verstappen, who himself was just 0.056secs ahead of Hadjar.

Norris' session, like Hamilton's, was compromised by losing his first run because he was on a lap on his first set of tyres when Leclerc crashed to cause a red-flag stoppage.

• How to follow Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on the BBC
• Barcelona GP Preview: Can Russell Bounce Back?
• Andrew Benson Q&A: Send us your questions

Serie A side Juventus have been pushing for a goalkeeper signing and they have made some progress in a move for Emi Martinez.

Tuttomercatoweb’s Niccolo Ceccarini has reported that they are continuing to push for the Argentine, having spoken to his entourage.

This has led to some progress, as personal terms have been agreed with the player. He has agreed to sign a four-year deal, with Aston Villa proving to be the only problem in the deal. Their demands have proved a bit difficult to meet, which is making Juve consider some alternatives as they don’t want to be caught off-guard.

As a result, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Atletico’s Jan Oblak are also options. 

Things not promising yet

Even if the player is keen on the move to Juve, the Old Lady have been struggling to meet Aston Villa’s demands.

It feels like this could be unlikely to change, as Martinez still has a long-term deal in Birmingham. Juve would have to pay a significant amount to afford him but that will be difficult due to their failure to qualify for the Champions League. This can hinge on Martinez’s own demands too.

If he pushes for a transfer, things can get easier. But for now, that push isn’t quite there.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

Nolan Buckman

*Note: Name links to official Purdue Bio.

Bio

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 5’11”

Weight:  195

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

High School: Brebeuf Jesuit

Recruiting Class: 2023

Eligibility Remaining: 2 Seasons

High School Recruiting Rankings: Not Rated (preferred walk on)

High School

• Senior Season Stats
  • QB: 22/59 – 317 Yards – 1 TD
  • WR: 53 receptions – 462 Yards – 5 TDs
• Career Stats
  • QB: 254/469 – 3611 Yards – 42 Tds – 15 Ints
  • WR: 66 receptions – 571 Yards – 5 Tds

High School Highlights

College Career

2023 – 2025

Has yet to appear in a game, but was Academic All-Big Ten in 2024 and 2025

2026 – Season Outlook

Deep Reserve / Potential Special Teams Contributor

Thoughts

One interesting thing about doing these articles is coming across a player like Nolan. The current reserve slot receiver had a wild high school career. He threw for 3311 yards and 41 touchdowns as a junior and then only attempted 59 passes as a senior, with 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions, before returning to the wide receiver position, where he played as a sophomore. I’d love to know how that happened. I have no evidence, but my theory is that he banged up his shoulder. I’m not sure I’ve seen a high school QB who threw for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns get moved to slot receiver. If you have any insight into this mystery, please let me know in the comments.

As far as his Purdue career goes, he’s the type of player every roster needs, even if he never leaves the bench. The former preferred walk-on shows up to practice, kicks ass in the classroom, and will go pro in something other than football. He could probably drop down a level and play, but it appears this you man is a student-athlete and not an athlete who is forced to be a student.

I have no idea whether he will make any impact on the field, but don’t underestimate the value of having solid program guys in practice and on the scout team. It’s hard to keep developmental prospects around, and having guys like Nolan on the roster helps with continuity and leadership.

NASCAR isn’t waiting until Sunday to react to the weather.

With forecasts showing the potential for rain and thunderstorms later in the day, NASCAR announced Saturday that the start time for Sunday’s Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway has been moved up by one hour.

The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com will now begin at 1 p.m. ET, giving officials a larger window to complete the 160-lap event before weather potentially becomes a factor.

The move comes less than 24 hours before the green flag is scheduled to wave and underscores just how closely NASCAR is monitoring conditions heading into one of the most important race weekends of the summer.

NASCAR Takes Action Before Race Day

Rather than waiting to see how the forecast develops on Sunday morning, NASCAR elected to make the adjustment in advance.

Forecasts for Long Pond, Pennsylvania, continue to show the possibility of showers and thunderstorms developing later in the afternoon. By moving the start time forward, NASCAR improves its chances of completing the full race distance before weather arrives.

The decision impacts Sunday’s Cup Series race only.

While weather-related schedule changes are not uncommon in NASCAR, they typically occur much closer to race time. Making the move on Saturday provides teams, fans, broadcasters, and track officials additional time to adjust plans before race day.

It’s also a sign NASCAR believes the weather threat is significant enough to warrant proactive action.

For fans attending the race, the earlier start means gates, travel plans, and race-day schedules may need slight adjustments. For teams, it creates a clearer picture heading into Sunday’s event.

Weather Adds Another Variable at the ‘Tricky Triangle’

Pocono Raceway already presents one of the toughest challenges on the NASCAR schedule.

Known as the “Tricky Triangle,” the 2.5-mile speedway features three distinctly different corners, forcing teams to compromise on setup more than at nearly any other track. Strategy, track position, fuel mileage, and tire management often play major roles in determining the winner.

Now weather has entered the equation as well.

Sunday’s race arrives at a critical point in the regular season, with playoff positions becoming increasingly important as drivers chase victories and valuable points before the postseason begins.

An earlier start could help ensure the race runs uninterrupted, but teams will still be keeping a close eye on the forecast throughout the weekend.

For now, NASCAR has made its move.

The sanctioning body saw enough concern in Sunday’s weather outlook to adjust one of the weekend’s biggest events before race day even arrived.

When Dusty May was hired to succeed Juwan Howard as the Michigan basketball head coach, he promised that Crisler Center would be full and that the team would contend and be exciting. Coming off an 8-24 campaign in 2022-23, it felt like a bold promise that would take time to deliver upon, even with May's confidence at the time. However, he didn't just deliver, he succeeded where no Wolverines basketball coach had other than Steve Fisher in an interim status.

May's maize and blue won the national championship this past season, defying self-made lofty expectations. And while that was his own expectation, it changed things for him in ways he didn't think of, he told Brad Galli.

"It certainly changed the day-to-day even more than I ever dreamed or anticipated," May said. "We're still adjusting to the demands outside of coaching on our time, our family's time. But they're all good problems. These are first-world problems. But at some point, we'll have to really circle the wagons and get back to coaching our team."

The Wolverines lose a lot of talent from that national championship team and will be working with four new starters this upcoming season, with Elliot Cadeau being the sole holdover. Sixth man Trey McKenney will now enter the starting lineup, and there are three transfers -- JP Estrella, Moustapha Thiam, and Jalen Reed -- who will supplement with Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., and Nimari Burnett all departing.

May feels like this upcoming team will have what it takes to contend, but it's going to take some work -- even with other talented players such as former five-star Brandon McCoy Jr. -- joining the fold.

"Well, the challenge of putting the team together and also figuring out what our weaknesses are going to be and what are going to be the issues, so we can address them in the summer when things aren't quite as stressful as they are during the year," May said. "We're going to be a lot younger than we were last year, so our teaching is going to be different. We're going to have to adjust our practice schedule and our weightlifting input, but it's exciting to have a different type of challenge.

"We have a lot of talent coming in. We have guys who are very capable of doing what the last group did as individuals, and so now it'll just be a matter of them doing it and doing it as well together."

Even with the change of being the defending national champion, it doesn't change how May approaches the game.

The way he looks at it, everything has to remain the same, in that it requires attention to detail, embracing the minutiae of the quotidian, and going to work. These Wolverines cannot rest on their laurels if they want what they want, and May says that the goals remain the same, even with the accomplishments of the 2025-26 campaign.

"I get frustrated that you hear so many people talk about being process-oriented, and then you watch them, how they move, and you listen to what they say, and very little of it is process-oriented," May said. "And we take a lot of pride in that of doing good work, of getting to the next thing. And so I think just naturally being programmed to always be looking forward and not really ever look into the rear view, except for what you can learn from the past.

"And so it's not necessarily always a great attribute, but it's how we do what we do. It's just it's always looking towards the next thing and preparing for that. And obviously, when you're in that moment, the next big thing would be the Final Four in Detroit."

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Dusty May eyes repeat after Michigan title win

With the Cleveland Browns having their mandatory minicamp earlier this week, the biggest decision for head coach Todd Monken this season is who his starting quarterback will be for the 2026 season. The decision could certainly impact the team’s odds of having a positive win-loss record during the season, but on the same note, the organization has stockpiled draft picks for the 2027 season onward, presumably to find their quarterback of the future.

In my opinion, regardless of who Monken chooses, if the quarterback performs terribly, it’s not going to be treated as a negative reflection on him, and rather a reflection on the organization needing to cleanse themselves of the past. Nonetheless, we polled fans on when the decision to name either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders as the team’s starting quarterback should be made: after minicamp (which would be now), or sometime during training camp.

69% of fans voted that they want Monken to make the decision during training camp, which would give him a much greater amount of time to evaluate the position. I understand that sentiment, and certainly won’t disagree with it. On the same note, though, I am pretty tired as a Browns fan of seeing a quarterback competition year after year. Last year was perhaps the most frustrating of all, with the constant debates about Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders.

Monken was asked if he was disappointed to not have his quarterback named by now, like he originally aspired to have prior to training camp. Here was his response:

“I don’t see it that way. It would be if I didn’t think either one of them were capable of starting. It would feel different if I didn’t feel like their progression hadn’t gotten to this point where I think they both can start and play winning football. I’m convinced of it. And I’d say it if I didn’t. I mean, I can’t decide now because I think both have earned the opportunity to continue to compete once we put the pads on.”

Indeed — let’s see what happens once the pads are on. The team has not yet announced when tickets will be available for training camp, but we’ll keep you posted on all the dates, and will also be starting our position-by-position training camp previews soon.

The Browns are still heavy underdogs to capture the AFC North, at 22/1 compared to the other teams, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The quarterback situation remains largely to blame for that.

Arizona Cardinals legend and Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald recently lost his father. Larry Fitzgerald Sr. died earlier this month.

Fitzgerald Jr. is honoring his father with a scholarship — the Larry Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund, partnered with the National Association of Black Journalists. He announced it via social media.

View this post on Instagram

In the caption, he wrote:

My father would have turned 72 this week, and this is a note I never thought I’d write.

To everyone who has shared kind messages and words of encouragement, thank you. Your stories, memories, and moments with him, some that I didn’t even know about, have meant more than I can put into words. I appreciate each one and am grateful you took the time to share them.

My father was a special person for so many reasons. Beyond being an incredible father, husband, and member of the community, he was a celebrated journalist for nearly fifty years.  He took tremendous pride in his profession and in serving the Minnesota community. 

To keep his light and legacy alive, we have partnered with the National Association of Black Journalists, an organization that was dear to my father’s heart, to launch the Larry Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund. The fund will support current @nabjofficial student members who are pursuing journalism or communications degrees with an emphasis in sports.

If you are interested in donating, please visit the link in my bio. 

My deepest gratitude to everyone honoring his memory.

This is typical Fitzgerald. He was great on the field and legendary off the field. He tirelessly worked in the community and continues to do so with his foundation and other organizations. He was a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for good reason.

Here is the link to his scholarship fund, if you wish to donate.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Larry Fitzgerald honoring late father with scholarship fund

Alberto Aquilani has given his first interview as Sassuolo head coach, describing his return to the club where he spent six months as a player in 2017 as both an honour and an emotional moment, ahead of his Serie A managerial debut.

The former Roma and Liverpool midfielder left Catanzaro to take up the role, and was reflective about what the club represents to him personally.

“It is a pleasure and an honour to be back here,” Aquilani said, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport.

“There is emotion, because it is a place where I was happy. It is a place that gave me important values, and today I have confirmation that those values are part of this great family, so I am very happy.”

Alberto Aquilani signs his contract with Sassuolo on June 12, 2026 (via www.sassuolocalcio.it)

Aquilani relishes Berardi reunion ahead of Serie A managerial debut

On working with Domenico Berardi, a former teammate during his playing days at the club, Aquilani admitted the dynamic would take some adjustment.

“Meeting him again in this role feels a little strange, because I had the chance to play with him and appreciate his incredible qualities,” he said. “He has been here for many years and has always driven this team towards important targets. For me it will be an honour to coach him.”

On the challenge of Serie A itself, Aquilani was candid about what the opportunity means.

“It is the ambition of all of us who try to do this job, as it was as a player,” he said.

“I know it is a difficult league, but I feel ready to face it with this team and this club. To the fans, it is a pleasure to see them again, I wish them all the best and I assure them that from me and my staff we will give everything within our power so that Sassuolo can have the satisfactions they deserve.”

Three-star offensive tackle Dontae Perkins has been on campus in Lubbock twice already this month.

After another visit back, he’s ready to lock in his commitment.

Perkins committed to the Red Raiders on Saturday during his official visit.

The in-state offensive line prospect from Spring (Texas) Westfield landed an offer after working out for the Texas Tech coaching staff last week.

[$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage]

The Red Raiders quickly vaulted into the driver’s seat with the three-star prospect.

He’s excited to call Lubbock home.

“It was huge,” Perkins said of the offer. “I came out and competed at the camp last week and earned myself a scholarship to one of the greatest schools in the country. They are leading. I love the community out there in Lubbock, and also the coaching staff is great.”

More from Rivals on the Red Raiders’ recruiting weekend to come.

Lewis Hamilton revealed he left the circuit ahead of his best-ever qualifying for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on Saturday.

The 41-year-old, who has finished second on the podium in the last two rounds in Canada and Monaco, was within 0.064 seconds of pole position in Barcelona.

Mercedes’ George Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate, pipped the seven-time world champion to top spot with F1 world championship leader Kimi Antonelli in third place – the first time this season the Italian won’t start a grand prix on the front row.

Yet in his post-session interview, Hamilton divulged that he went back to his off-site motorhome in between final practice and qualifying, setting him up for a first-ever front row start in Ferrari red.

”It feels great to be up there with them [Mercedes drivers],” Hamilton said. “I left the track between P3 and qualifying, I went back to my motorhome, came back and was then first [in Q1].

“These guys did a great lap, congrats to George, but we’re in a good position to fight for tomorrow.

“All weekend we’ve been four-tenths off these guys – for us to be a tenth off, shows the hard work that’s been done. Big thank you to everyone back in Maranello, hopefully we can keep up with these guys tomorrow for once.”

While Hamilton was satisfied with his afternoon’s work, his teammate Charles Leclerc – quicker than the Brit in practice – crashed out at the start of Q3 in what seemed like a driver error.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris will start fourth on the grid with Max Verstappen in fifth.

For Russell, it was a much-needed pole position. The Brit trails his teammate by 68 points after a tough month or two.

“It’s been a great weekend so far, feel like my old self again,” he said. “The last few races haven’t been on our side, but clean slate this weekend, felt good and great to be on pole.

“It’s going to be an interesting race tomorrow, Lewis did an amazing job to get up there. We thought the fight was with us and McLaren. We’ll have a fight on our hands.”

The Barcelona-Catalunya GP starts at 2pm BST.

Michigan State football fans got some huge news on Saturday morning, as they successfully landed a commitment from 4-star offensive lineman Caleb Johnson. This is a massive win for the Spartans, who were able to steal Johnson away from Big Ten rivals like Iowa, Indiana and Illinois.

Johnson immediately becomes MSU's highest-rated commit for the 2027 recruiting class, and could spark an avalanche for the Spartans in the 2027 class. Johnson is the No. 11-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2027 class and the No. 245-ranked player overall by the 247Sports composite rankings. He is also the No. 3-ranked player in the state of Indiana, which makes it quite a feat that the Spartans were able to steal him away from the Hoosiers.

This is easily one of the biggest wins of the Pat Fitzgerald era and shows that MSU can still recruit at a high level.

COMMITTED 🟢⚪️!!!@MSU_Football@coachfitz51@CoachTabacca@CoachJohnson64@CoachBGasser@MalikGill5@greinerzd68@Bryan_Ault@LemmingReport@KyleNeddenriep@SWiltfong_@AllenTrieu@IndianaPrepspic.twitter.com/LwV0RHpLmQ

— Caleb Johnson 4 ⭐️ (@CTJohnson27) June 13, 2026

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State football lands big commitment from 4-star Caleb Johnson

The tension built steadily over a two and a half day window. That’s how long we had to wait to see the Cincinnati Reds blow a game on Friday night in a way so uniquely their own after the last time they blew a game in a way so uniquely their own.

There’s blowing a late 2-run lead only to then serve up a walk-off homer to a guy who forgot to hit homers all year. There’s doing that with a newly-promoted starting pitcher on in a relief role in the Bottom of the 9th inning, doing so in the most packed-house road stadium he’ll ever see.

Then, there’s simply dropping the ball. That’s what happened on Friday night in Great American Ball Park, and it happened to the guy who’s perhaps the best defender the Reds have on the field most nights.

Blake Dunn’s 9th inning foible got most all of the headlines from last night’s 5-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, because that’s the easy way to do it. It was the oh no play in a big spot, and that’s when the 2-2 score on the scoreboard changed.

But the way the Cincinnati Reds lost on Friday night cannot at all be simply defined by that drop.

They walked 9 times on the night and scored just twice. Nine times.

They forced the opposing starter to throw 40 pitches in a single inning…and still managed to not score a single run that inning. Meanwhile, the guy on their roster who’d faced that starter more than anyone else (and was 5 for 10 with a walk and a double against him) didn’t even get put in the starting lineup to face him.

As a team, they own the 12th most PA on the season with runners in scoring position. Their collective 81 wRC+ in those situations is the worst among all MLB clubs. Their .295 wOBA in those positions is the worst among the 30 teams, too.

Today, they’re going to willingly roll out a starting pitcher whose last three outings have seen him throw just 7.1 IP combined. In that time he has walked 13 batters and allowed 11 earned runs.

The bullpen blew the game in San Diego when Fernando Tatis, Jr.’s bat woke up. Lack of any sort of timely hitting and a horror show bit of defense at the worst of times last them last night’s game. So often with this bruised and broken starting rotation, it’s been the starting pitching that’s put this team in a hole from the very beginning of games.

That’s just about every facet of the game right there. Add in keeping Nate Lowe on the bench last night despite his history against Eduardo Rodriguez, and you get to add managing to the list, too.

The Cincinnati Reds are simply running out of ways they can lose games this year. That they’re in last place again cannot come as any surprise.

Emma Raducanu admitted she was “in awe” after the “insane” interruption of the King’s birthday flypast briefly delayed her quarter-final victory at the HSBC Championships.

The British number one will play American Iva Jovic later on Saturday after beating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5 at Queen’s.

Croatian lucky loser Donna Vekic meanwhile reached the final with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 victory over Briton Katie Boulter.

Boulter secured the biggest victory of her career by ranking when she knocked out the tournament’s top seed, Kazakhstani world number two Elena Rybakina, on Friday. But she could not recreate quite the same magic on Saturday as she went out in one hour and six minutes.

Raducanu was up 40-0 and serving in the fifth game when the first set was paused for the Trooping the Colour spectacle, as a series of aircraft thundered directly over centre court capped off by the Red Arrows, much to the initial bafflement, then amusement, of the 2021 US Open winner.

“It was insane,” Raducanu told the BBC after the delay of around five minutes. “I couldn’t play with that. I was distracted and in awe of what was going on, and I think the crowd loved it, too.

“For me, I remember when I was younger watching them fly over, but to be watching them from this view at the Queen’s Club, I think it was a fun moment with the crowd and I really enjoyed the interaction.”

She eventually secured the first set and was a break up in the second, leading 3-1, when she slipped behind the baseline, initially carrying on but, after Rakhimova reduced the deficit to one game, called for a medical time out.

Raducanu returned with significant strapping on her left thigh, which was removed after Rakhimova took a 4-3 second-set lead.

“I think right now it’s a mix of adrenaline, but it was tough to take that fall. I feel like I was in a pretty good spot in the match, and on grass these things can happen,” said Raducanu, when asked about her injury on court after finally booking her place in the last four.

Raducanu has matched her best WTA Tour-level result on grass, the semi-final at Nottingham in 2024, and her semi-final run at Washington 2025, her career-best result at a WTA 500 event.

The weather-plagued second edition of the women’s tournament at Queen’s means Raducanu is forced to play twice on Saturday, after her last-eight encounter was postponed from Friday evening – a day also impacted by Thursday’s full-day washout.

“Obviously it’s not easy to double up and play two matches,” Raducanu told the BBC. “It’s not something I’ve done before."

The USMNT opened its World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday night at SoFi Stadium, scoring three times in the opening half for the first time in program history.

Paraguay defender Damián Bobadilla turned a Christian Pulisic-led attack into his own net in the seventh minute, Folarin Balogun converted a Pulisic feed in the 31st minute to make it 2-0, and Balogun added a second just before the break, curling a finish off a Malik Tillman pass, while becoming the first American to find the net twice in a single World Cup game since 1930. Paraguay’s Mauricio got one back in the second half, scoring in the 73rd minute, before substitute Gio Reyna closed out the scoring with a 98th-minute strike.

The night was also the World Cup debut for Fox’s lead broadcast team of John Strong and Stu Holden, who are calling their third consecutive men’s World Cup together. Strong remains one of the most accomplished, least-recognized voices in American sports broadcasting, set to call his fifth World Cup final in any sport this July despite rarely being mentioned alongside names like Joe Buck or Mike Breen.

On the Spanish-language side, Telemundo had Andrés Cantor in the booth alongside Omar Zerón, with Alejandro Berry reporting from the pitch. Cantor’s last World Cup assignment ended with him in tears on air, his call of Argentina’s 2022 final shootout win going viral around the world, and he’s told Awful Announcing before that bilingual broadcasting work like this “is something that keeps me alive.”

Both lead voices were locked in on every goal. Strong had the call for Fox on the own goal, both Balogun strikes, and Reyna’s stoppage-time winner, while Cantor delivered the Telemundo call across the same sequence, though only the Balogun and Reyna goals made it into AA’s clipped highlights below.

USMNT scores first on a Paraguay own goal!

John Strong has the play-by-play call for Fox. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/aha08ZPlSfhttps://t.co/opoNnmKOWu

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2026

BALOGUN MAKES IT 2-0 USMNT!

John Strong with the call for Fox. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/DNxfUbhIfq

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2026

The Andrés Cantor call on Telemundo of Folarin Balogun’s goal to give the USMNT a 2-0 lead over Paraguay. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/LLAxzUdtfUhttps://t.co/nnaljjen4d

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2026

FOLARIN BALOGUN IS GOING OFF! 3-0 USMNT!

John Strong with the play-by-play for Fox. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/VAa9tKc3rLhttps://t.co/nnaljjen4d

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2026

Andrés Cantor with the Telemundo call for Folarin Balogun’s latest goal to make it 3-0 USMNT. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/qKXmJtL61jhttps://t.co/3PX7MwBnYR

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2026

Gio Reyna puts the exclamation point on a USMNT 4-1 win!

John Strong with the call for Fox. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/CmEfMlNEB9

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2026

Andrés Cantor’s call of the Gio Reyna USMNT goal on the Telemundo broadcast. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/t65bXsMLw7https://t.co/RGopkly5Ij

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 13, 2026

The USMNT’s next group match comes against Australia on June 19 in Seattle, with both Fox and Telemundo expected to have their lead broadcast teams back on the call.

The post Listen to all the goal calls of USMNT’s rout of Paraguay appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Since first breaking into the first-team, Juventus star Kenan Yildiz has sparkled in the Serie A. From the get-go, it was clear that he has that special something and it has never quite gone away.

While the attacker did play at the European Championships in 2024, his career was at a different stage. He had just broken into the Bianconeri squad but still managed to make a mark in the tournament.

That was arguably a start. He has now become a central point for club and country and expectations from him have only grown.

In the 2025/26 campaign, he racked up 17 goal contributions in Serie A. He found the net ten times and despite points of inconsistency, he is someone who Juve looked up to whenever they needed a spark around goal. More often than not, he delivered.

The World Cup, therefore, comes a different point of his career. A certain amount of expectation comes with the tournament, especially as Yildiz now already has 28 appearances for Turkey, having found the net five times. He was key during qualifying, scoring three times during the phase.

Classic international tournament player

Beyond the expectations on the youngsters shoulders, there is something about him which screams ‘international tournament player’.

He has that spark in him which can catch teams off-guard during huge occassions. International football is full of systems that rely on game-breaking moments, one hip feint, one dummy that beats a defender and that shot which creeps into the top corner.

Yildiz has that. He has shown it in big games for Juve last season, displaying that he has the feel for the big moment. Turkey would want that and Yildiz is someone who can provide that, with his almost maverick-like skillset in attack.

Timing likely crucial

While expectations are now high in his home country, it comes at a point when it can define his career. He is known as one of the best talents in the game right now and coming up with crucial game-winning moments will hand him that impetus to take the next step in his career.

Beyond the confidence that this would give him, it would be a watershed moment in his career too. When he grows older, it would be something many would look back on and realise that the World Cup was truly a game-changer for his career.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

Lamine Yamal took over from Robert Lewandowski as Barcelona’s primary penalty specialist last season, and the youngster had good success in the role.

Over the course of the season, the Spanish winger stepped up to the penalty spot seven times and scored six out of them.

The one occasion when he missed came against Girona where he narrowly failed to score. Surprisingly, his last-ever involvement in Barcelona’s season and La Liga campaign before he was injured was a penalty against Celta Vigo.

Over the course of the season, he racked up two penalties more than Raphinha and four more than Lewandowski – both of whom have great records from the penalty spot and are specialists in their own right.

A big competitor incoming

Barcelona’s designated penalty taker. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images for Laureus)

As reported by MARCA in a recent update, Barcelona’s new signing Anthony Gordon arrives with a strong record from the penalty spot over the years and could well challenge Yamal’s position as the first-choice penalty specialist.

The former Newcastle United star, after all, is a recognised expert at scoring from the 12-yard mark and had stunning numbers last season for his club.

In just the 2025-26 campaign, the English international stepped up to the penalty spot nine times for Newcastle United. Three of his penalties came in the Premier League, five in the UEFA Champions League, and one in the FA Cup.

Of them, the player converted every single one and thus finished the season with a 100% record for club from the penalty spot.

In fact, Gordon stepped up to take the penalty for England in the team’s recent game against Costa Rica and scored in emphatic style, making it ten out of ten for club and country.

Gordon has an excellent penalty record. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

A great competition on the left

Gordon arrives as a great signing for Hansi Flick’s project as he possesses exactly what the manager demands of all his players – grit, effort, and a strong work-rate.

His attacking numbers, pace, and skill will all come in handy down Barcelona’s left flank next season, but he will compete with Raphinha who is an undisputed starter at the club as matters stand.

Having two players who give their all on the field, Flick will have good depth on the left wing, which is crucial after a season where Raphinha spent a solid chunk injured. The battle between Gordon and Raphinha, needless to say, will be fascinating to follow.

When Jasson Domínguez and Giancarlo Stanton began to take major steps towards their return to the starting lineup this week, people began to wonder how the Yankees were going to solve the roster crunch. Would the struggling Anthony Volpe be returned to Triple-A, handing the shortstop back in its totality to José Caballero? Would Spencer Jones, who only made his debut because of an injury to Domínguez and returned because of an injury to Aaron Judge, make the trek back to Scranton? Maybe it would be Max Schuemann, the utilityman who has hit well in a very small sample size this season? Perhaps the Martian himself would remain in the minors, getting everyday reps in right field, in order that Cody Bellinger could stay in left?

As Joe Torre always said, the baseball gods have a way of making these decisions for us, and in the end, the answer would be, “None of the above.”

During last night’s loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, Trent Grisham pulled up limping on the basepaths and had to be removed from the game. Now, he’s headed to the injured list with a right hamstring strain, swapping places with Domínguez, who is returning from the shelf.

The injury comes at a particularly inopportune time, as Grisham has been really heating up over the last couple of weeks, and the team has needed his bat in the lineup with Judge on the shelf with a stress fracture. Hopefully, Domínguez recaptures his hot start to the season and is able to make up at least some of that difference; for what it’s worth, he was 5-for-18 with two homers and two stolen bases during his five-day rehab assignment.

At the moment, it remains to be seen how the Yankees will line up their outfield in the near future. Last night, the team opted to shift Jones from right to center, rather than move Cody Bellinger, who has arguably been the best defensive left fielder in baseball this season. It’s clear to me that they want to keep Bellinger there if at all possible, as evidenced by the fact that Domínguez spent the last three days in Scranton playing right field, a position he had exactly one game of professional experience at prior to this week. Will the Yankees decide to let him learn the position on the fly, or will they put him back in left field? Only time will tell.

Carolina (2-1) was scheduled to open a two-game series against Texas (1-2) on Saturday at Smith Family Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

The series opener between the Blaze and Volts on Saturday has been rescheduled due to travel issues.

"Two Athletes Unlimited Softball League games have been updated due to team travel issues," the AUSL announced. "The game between the Carolina Blaze and the Texas Volts in Durham, North Carolina, scheduled for Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. ET, has been moved to Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

"The June 14 game between the Oklahoma City Spark and the Chicago Bandits in Rosemont, Illinois, has been moved to a 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT start and will air on ESPN2."

Game 1 is scheduled for June 14 at noon EDT and a series finale will take place June 15 (7 p.m. EDT).

Two former Lady Vols, Aubrey Leach and Karlyn Pickens, are playing for Carolina in 2026.

More: Karlyn Pickens earns first professional win in AUSL debut

More: Aubrey Leach ends opening AUSL series with RBI

Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Blaze-Volts softball game rescheduled in AUSL

Steelers could trade Mason Rudolph for 2 draft picks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have four quarterbacks potentially worthy of a roster spot.

That's one of those situations that screams that a trade is coming.

One of those QBs, Mason Rudolph, could be the candidate.

Aaron Rodgers will start. Will Howard is in his second year. Drew Allar is a rookie. Both youngsters were Pittsburgh draft picks who have some legitimate talent.

Rudolph doesn't fit that bill. He's a veteran, a long-term backup, and the Steelers don't necessarily have a reason to consider him within their long-term plans.

MORE: Chiefs' new contract makes it even harder to release Patrick Mahomes

He wouldn't fetch a ton in a trade, but Bleacher Report's Moe Moton projects that Rudolph would be worth a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick in a trade return.

If the Steelers get that offer, they should probably take it -- unless they really don't think Howard or Allar are equipped to be backups.

The comments out of Pittsburgh suggest they feel good about Howard and Allar, so that could spell an exit on its way for Rudolph. 

"Entering his age-31 term, Rudolph doesn't have much upside," Moton writes. "He's been a backup for most of his career, though the eighth-year veteran helped lead Pittsburgh to the playoffs in 2023, starting in the final three games of that year... Rudolph isn't a full-time starting-caliber signal-caller, but he can lead a respectable offense in short stretches."

MORE: Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson playing a funny game of chicken

The Steelers are probably still going to be searching for their long-term QB answer when this season is done.

It almost certainly won't be Rudolph, though, and so trading him doesn't seem like a bad plan.

More NFL news:

• A.J. Brown and Stefon Diggs have a Patriots, Bills, Drake Maye, Josh Allen link
• Josh Allen called out by a coach with a major losing record
• Lamar Jackson has an obvious reason not to sign right now
• Myles Garrett's Browns career comes to the most Cleveland of endings
• Will they still be called the Chicago Bears if they play in Indiana?

Qualifying at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is officially in the books, and while the grid is locked in, the drivers are opening up about the absolute tightrope they had to walk to secure their positions.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 immediately after the session, Lewis Hamilton shed light on the intense pressure of the final shootouts, exposing a brutal thermal reality that completely eliminates any safety net for the drivers. On this track, you either nail the peak performance of the rubber on lap one, or your session is effectively over.

The Single-Lap Cliff

In modern Formula 1, drivers occasionally rely on a “prep lap” or a mid-session cool-down lap to take a secondary stab at a flying lap on the same set of soft tyres. However, the blistering track temperatures and abrasive track surface in Barcelona have completely eliminated that luxury.

Hamilton explained that the compounding thermal degradation turns a second push lap into an exercise in futility.

“These tyres only last one lap, right?” Hamilton stated bluntly. “So you only have two shots at it in each session. And even if you do a cool-down lap to go again, the car balance is completely off, so it’s not a good reference.”

This one-lap limitation introduces a massive psychological burden during Qualifying. Because the light grey, sun-baked asphalt of the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit naturally triggers severe understeer and sudden rear-end snaps, sliding just a fraction of an inch too wide immediately cooks the surface layer of the tyre. Once that thermal threshold is crossed, the balance of the chassis completely disintegrates.

Hamilton Clambering Out of a Practice Hole

The single-lap window made Hamilton’s eventual qualifying position even more impressive, given the mountain he had to climb during practice.

After sitting out the opening FP1 session on Friday, Hamilton found himself completely at sea during the subsequent representative runs, desperately hunting for compliance from his Ferrari chassis.

“Honestly, this weekend’s been so difficult,” Hamilton admitted. “Missing FP1—not that it’s necessarily an excuse to miss FP1—but I had a few setbacks, so every time I went out in FP2, I was just over a second off, and I just didn’t feel quite comfortable enough.”

The deficit didn’t magically disappear on Saturday morning either, leaving the seven-time World Champion severely doubting where his starting position would be heading into the high-stakes knockout sessions.

“So then I went into FP3 and again, I was easily four tenths, five tenths off, and I was thinking, ‘Jeez, where am I going to get that pace?'” Hamilton revealed.

Ultimately, finding the sweet spot under extreme pressure when the tyres offer exactly 60 seconds of peak performance is what separates the elite on Sunday. Hamilton managed to pull the rabbit out of the hat when it mattered most, but his technical breakdown proves that managing thermal degradation will be the defining battle of the Grand Prix.

We’re back with another shirt from our partners at Breaking T, and it’s another one featuring Milwaukee’s young pitching phenom.

Jacob Misiorowski is coming off back-to-back strong starts against the Nationals and Yankees, spanning 11 1/3 scoreless frames with just two hits and four walks allowed, striking out a whopping 19 batters to put him at 70 for the season. Given that we’re roughly one-fourth of the way into the season, that puts him on track for roughly 260 strikeouts (and, in a best-case scenario, vying for 300 strikeouts) despite being on pace for closer to 180 innings.

The former second-round pick out of Crowder College in Missouri has done so on the back of his electric fastball.

UPDATE: The previous version of the Miz Limit shirt said 104 — not anymore, as he hit 104.5 mph in Friday night’s win over the Phillies en route to a one-hit, 15-strikeout shutout. I think we’ve run out of words for him.

That’s why our friends at Breaking T have created a new “Miz Limit” t-shirt. Plus, use code DAD20 for $20 off $100 now through Father’s Day!

Jacob Misiorowski feels the need for speed in Milwaukee.

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Click here to get a Miz Limit shirt from Breaking T. And be sure to check out their full line of Brewers’ merchandise here.

One of the top players in the Oregon Ducks' incoming freshman class has arrived on campus.

On Friday, 5-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho posted a photo of himself in Eugene on social media, signifying his arrival and enrollment for the start of summer. Iheanacho, one of the top-ranked players in the Ducks' 2026 class, was unable to get enrolled for the spring season, but he will hit the ground running over the next couple of months and work to find his way into the rotation on the offensive line.

5-Star Oregon OL Immanuel Iheanacho (@immanueli24) has arrived in Eugene 👀 🦆

Could be a big contributor this season pic.twitter.com/amQHvhruBB

— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) June 13, 2026

"Nacho" stands at 6-foot-7, 345 pounds, and is rated as the No. 11 overall player in the 2026 class; the No. 1 OT in the nation. At that size and with his skillset, it's not hard to imagine a world where he competes for a rotational role on the OL this year, at the very least. If he's going to crack the starting lineup, there is some serious competition, particularly with fellow true freshman OL Tommy Tofi, who made some waves this spring with his stellar play.

5-star Oregon WR signee Jalen Lott is on his way to Eugene 🦆 pic.twitter.com/4J7V8cZOaH

— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) May 28, 2026

This is the second big addition that the Ducks have made over the last month, with fellow 5-star Jalen Lott, the No. 19 player and No. 3 WR in the class, showing up on campus earlier this month as well.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.   

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks 5-star OT Immanuel Iheanacho arrives in Eugene

Every asset matters to the Boston Celtics as the NBA landscape around them grows more competitive.

With the 2026 NBA Draft approaching, Boston owns picks No. 27 and 40. Both selections, if used, are key opportunities to find low-cost contributors to complement their supermax-contract stars.

The Celtics have several roster questions to address this offseason, with frontcourt depth at the top of the list. Their two most notable pre-draft workouts suggest they are doing their homework on the position.

St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor and UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. are among the most productive big men in this year’s class. As size, physicality, and versatility continue to shape postseason success around the league, both prospects possess traits that could make them intriguing developmental targets for Boston.

Zuby Ejiofor

2025-26 stats: 16.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.1 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 53.6% FG, 30.5% 3PT, 71.8% FT

Offense

Ejiofor earned Big East Player of the Year honors for a reason. His impact on the Red Storm was boundless, leading them in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.

Posting up was Ejiofor’s primary offensive game. He got to the middle of the floor, dissected defenses, and made smart reads. His bully ball can still be used to exploit mismatches, but he’ll need to adjust to a faster-paced connective role rather than a post-centric big.

Ejiofor has already shown capabilities as a downhill scorer. While infrequent, he took other bigs off the dribble occasionally — which Reed experienced firsthand during their matchup in the Big East Championship Game, where Ejiofor drove past him for a sweeping lefty layup.

Ejiofor’s jump shot isn’t deadly, but it was enough to draw defenders out occasionally, and he succeeded in attacking closeouts.

His flashes of putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim are an encouraging sign that he can become a reliable scorer out of pick-and-roll situations where he’s going downhill with momentum.

Ejiofor’s feel for the game is further evidenced in his assist numbers. His 23.0% assist rate ranked fifth among all non-guards in Division I last season. However, much of his top-assist production came from catching the ball in the middle of the floor and then making decisions.

Similar to his scoring, Ejiofor’s ability to make quick reads as a roller could prove crucial for his NBA career. If he can translate his feel and decisiveness into pick-and-roll situations, he could become an effective connective piece who keeps the ball moving while providing rim pressure.

Defense

Ejiofor’s defensive playmaking skills and nonstop motor helped fuel Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors. He finished fourth in Division I in total blocks (79), with 43 steals to complement.

His playmaking was best as a helper, often from the paint, but he can also disrupt the offense on the perimeter. He has a good feel for passing lanes, which he can track down with his 7-foot-1 reach, and can stay with ball-handlers reasonably well for a big man.

His 14.7% defensive rebounding leaves a lot to be desired. Measuring at 6-foot-7.5 without shoes at the combine, Ejiofor is at risk of falling into tweener territory — not big enough to be a true NBA center, but not quite mobile enough to keep up with quick guards and forwards along the perimeter.

Why Should the Celtics Draft Him?

Ejiofor’s motor is reminiscent of what made Boston’s wings so special during the 2025-26 regular season. Getting that type of crashing and disruption from a 245-pound big would give the Celtics another energy punch, and a potential haymaker at that.

With proper development as a short-roll decision maker, and ideally as a jump shooter, Ejiofor could provide Boston with an interesting option as a connective, floor-stretching power forward.

Boston didn’t have the personnel last season to run double-big lineups. Their centers weren’t fluid enough on the perimeter to hold up defensively. As long as Ejiofor’s defensive playmaking translates, he could earn opportunities to build trust on the perimeter, even if he’s not a traditional stopper.

Ejiofor could give the Celtics a high-IQ, motor-driven big man who provides energy and connective playmaking — an archetype that would mesh well with the identity they built last season.

Tarris Reed Jr.

2025-26 stats: 14.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 2.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 60.7% FG, 0.0% 3PT, 61.7% FT

Offense

Reed is a low-to-the-ground bruiser who wins off size, strength, and good positioning.

Reed led the Huskies in scoring off the back of his interior scoring. He lived around the rim, ranking in the 95th percentile for field goal attempts at the rim per 100 possessions.

Much of his scoring came from post-ups and putbacks. He can push defenders of all sizes around, including potential lottery pick Aday Mara, who stands at 7-foot-3, in the National Championship Game.

Reed led the Big East in field goal percentage in large part because most of his looks came from short distances. His scoring touch was spotty at times, which didn’t hurt him in college because he could easily clean up his misses, but he will need to improve at the next level. Whichever team him shouldn’t expect much scoring outside of the paint.

Reed’s scoring may be rim-dependent, but he steps outside as a screener and passer. He can hit backdoor cutters and has moments of short-roll passing, although the sample size is limited. As a wide body, Reed should become a devastating screener if properly utilized.

Defense

Reed is a strong defender inside the arc. He won battles against the likes of Ejiofor, Mara, and Cameron Boozer during UConn’s trip to the National Championship Game.

Similar to his offensive play style, Reed’s defensive impact is rooted in his ability to get into good positions and win through leverage. Reed ranked eighth in block rate in Division I last season (8.4%). He’s not a vertically explosive athlete, but he plays straight up to contest shots without fouling — a skill he developed throughout the 2026 season.

Reed moves his feet well within the arc, though his size can make it difficult for him to navigate tight spaces. He’s likely destined for drop coverage, which puts a ceiling on his defensive upside, but is something that can be worked around. As he calibrates to mirror NBA speed, if he can stay disciplined and provide occasional disruption, his floor as a paint anchor should be high.

Why Should the Celtics Draft Him?

Reed epitomizes grown-man strength. He is 264 pounds, and he knows how to use it. That strength, paired with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, gives him the physical tools to thrive in Celtics University.

NBA physicality shouldn’t be an issue for him. Reed can hold his own on the highest stage. The question teams will be asking is: In what role?

Offensive spacing may be tricky with inconsistent finishing and no threat of a jumper. Teams may be best suited to utilize Reed as an off-ball screener who roams near the paint. In college, while he wasn’t a downhill pick-and-roll scorer, he was good about finding open spaces in areas he could work from.

Reed showed the ability to punish smaller defenders in college. As he smooths out his touch and understanding of where to get his looks, he could develop gravity as a screener and interior force — even if it doesn’t come with the same post-up rate that he used in college.

The Celtics lost in the playoffs because they couldn’t handle the 76ers’ physicality. The 270-pound Joel Embiid pushed every Celtics defensive assignment around.

Reed would be the heaviest player on the Celtics’ current roster. Putting Embiid-stopper expectations on him would be unfair, but his density paired with a 7-foot-4 wingspan should make it tough for even the best post scorers to get to their spots.

How They Compare

The pair of First Team All-Big East forces saw one another three times in the 2025-26 season. They exchanged heavy blows as they starred in a set of games NBA scouts have certainly done their due diligence on.

Ejiofor and Reed’s averages in their three matchups during the 2025-26 season

The biggest lesson from their matchups is that Ejiofor will have a hard time holding ground inside against players as big as Reed. Reed single-handedly kept the Huskies in the Big East Championship game with his interior scoring, including a 13-point second half where he bodied Ejiofor a few times.

However, Reed forcing his way to the paint every possession by way of backdown will not be the game plan in the NBA. Ejiofor has stronger self-creation skills and could reach the restricted area in more versatile ways.

Drafting Reed would be a bet on physical tools, size, and interior presence. Selecting Ejiofor would signal confidence in versatility, motor, and feel for the game.

Both prospects were highly productive players for elite Big East programs and possess traits that could translate to the next level. The decision ultimately comes down to what Boston values more: Reed’s overwhelming physical profile or Ejiofor’s more versatile skill set.

The post Celtics Eyeing Pair of Frontcourt Prospects Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft appeared first on The Lead.

The Dallas Mavericks are willing to hear offers on three veterans, but Kyrie Irving remains the line they are not ready to cross.

Dallas is trying to reset the roster around Cooper Flagg without turning every veteran into a distressed asset.

That makes this less about a fire sale and more about which contracts can bring back picks, flexibility or cleaner fits.

Dallas Mavericks size up three veteran exits

In his latest reporting, Marc Stein placed Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at the center of the Mavericks’ trade conversation.

The line that matters: “Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, as we speak, are the veterans that the Mavericks are seen as most open to trading … with Thompson drawing particular notice now that he’s entering the final season of his current contract valued at $17.5 million in 2026-27.”

Thompson is a 36-year-old guard and wing who averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 69 games for Dallas. His $17.46 million expiring salary for 2026-27 is easy to understand for teams needing shooting, with Golden State, Houston, and the Los Angeles Lakers all sensible potential fits if Dallas wants shorter money or draft value.

Gafford is a 27-year-old center who averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 55 games. His current $14.39 million number is followed by a three-year, $54.38 million extension, making Boston, Atlanta, and Indiana logical frontcourt suitors if they want rim protection.

Washington is a 27-year-old power forward who averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 56 games while shooting 32.5 percent from three. His four-year extension starts at nearly $19.8 million in 2026-27 and runs through 2029-30, so Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, or Miami would need to view him as a real two-way playoff piece.

Dallas Mavericks will wait on the Kyrie Irving trade decision

The Irving situation needs more caution because the smoke is real, but Dallas’ stance is still firm. Rival teams have called, Detroit and Minnesota have been linked, and the Rockets have not been positioned as an active suitor.

Masai Ujiri has already pointed to the reason for patience. He wants to see Irving next to Flagg before the Mavericks make a defining call on a 34-year-old guard returning from ACL surgery.

Irving also carries a $39.49 million salary in 2026-27 and a $42.42 million player option for 2027-28, so any serious trade later would be a franchise-shaping decision. Waiting until he plays with Flagg is not passive; it is evidence gathering.

That leaves Thompson, Washington, and Gafford as the cleaner trade names today. Irving is still the bigger headline, but Dallas appears determined to learn what he can be with Flagg before treating him like the next veteran out.

Read more:

The Athletic pinpointed the best offseason moves by every Power Four team in the country, providing a preview for the 2026 college football season.

Among the most notable moves was not a player addition but a personnel piece primed to make a big impact at Florida. Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, a former Gator and national champion in 2006 and 2008, takes over in the trenches and is expected to turn the front into a catalyst for new head coach Jon Sumrall and Florida.

Manny Navarro from The Athletic identified Trautwein as one of his favorite offseason personnel moves.

"If the Gators are going to return to glory, it will need to start up front on both sides of the line of scrimmage," Navarro says. "Trautwein, who coached 35 all-conference offensive linemen and three first-round picks in his time at Penn State and Boston College, has already started to pay dividends on the recruiting trail."

Florida's return to prominence in the SEC will largely depend on Trautwein's ability to establish a dominant front, making him arguably Jon Sumrall's most important hire. Bringing a strong developmental resume to Gainesville, the former First-Team All-SEC offensive tackle has helped groom 35 all-conference linemen and guided three first-round draft picks to the NFL.

Trautwein's impact can already be felt, as he was a key cog in bringing five-star 2027 recruit OL Maxwell Hiller into the fold.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football OL coach Phil Trautwein among best offseason moves

One of the hallmarks of Liverpool’s unfortunate last season was the lack of Alisson Becker guarding the goal. Liverpool fans saw more of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman than they had hoped to while Alisson was out with injuries. Illness and then a hamstring injury made the Brazilian goalkeeper miss several months.

In the aftermath of that season and as the World Cup kicks off with Alisson representing Brazil, he has admitted that some of the games he missed in the spring were to ensure his fitness for the competition.

He spoke to the Brazilian outlet Estadão, stating, “I’m 100%. Missing games for Liverpool was part of the plan to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.”

He added: “Everyone knows I spent a period out before the World Cup, but also very much because of arriving at the World Cup 100%. I said before: the important thing is how we arrive at the World Cup.”

Ouch.

Clearly this would ruffle some feathers for Liverpool fans who knew the team could have used his leadership in defense when the team was crumbling in those final weeks. The fact that he feels comfortable publicly admitting this is another solid indication that he may, in fact, be on his way out this summer. It’s also a further indictment of Arne Slot and his inability to get the players behind his vision by the end. It’s hard to imagine a player under Jürgen Klopp doing this — or if he did, then openly talking about it to a news outlet.

As of now, Alisson has been linked with a move to Juventus, but any big deals will likely not be completed until the World Cup concludes or Brazil is eliminated.

If Alisson does take off for Italy or anywhere else, the question becomes if the Liverpool transfer committee and new boss Andoni Iraola have faith in Mamardashvili to replace Alisson, or if they will be looking elsewhere for a new number 1.

We’ve been cursed with interesting times at Liverpool Football Club this summer, and there’s no way of telling how it will shake out. What do you think of Alisson purposely missing Liverpool games to ensure his fitness for his country?

All signs point towards Manchester United closing in on their second signing of the summer.

The Red Devils have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta on Casemiro’s recommendation, but Michael Carrick wants a complete revamp of the engine room.

At least two more signings are expected, with INEOS focusing on landing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham next.

The pursuit has been far from smooth, due to the Hammers’ exorbitant demands and the entry of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the race.

United are favourites for Mateus Fernandes

The Peoples Person has recently relayed that the 20-time English league champions are preparing to submit their opening offer for the Portuguese ace.

There is growing confidence that an agreement can be struck as early as this month after talks with the West Ham midfielder’s representatives.

The London side are demanding £80 million, which United are unlikely to pay. They are still waiting for the price to drop, and The Guardian have claimed that the transfer race is far from over.

Jose Mourinho, who has recently been announced as Los Blancos’ new boss, is a fan of his compatriot and wants the Spanish giants to go all out to land the 21-year-old.

Real Madrid have not given up hope

“Manchester United are leading the race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. The midfielder also has interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but the strongest early moves have come from United as they look to boost Michael Carrick’s squad.

“West Ham hope to receive £80m for Fernandes, although they may face financial pressure to drop their asking price after their relegation from the Premier League. It is believed United are Fernandes’s likeliest destination if he moves to another English club.

“However, sources have cautioned that there could be a push from Madrid, who have just reappointed José Mourinho as their manager. United will be wary of missing out on Fernandes to their former coach.”

INEOS better move fast

With super agent Jorge Mendes handling matters, one can never discount the former United manager from springing a late surprise.

Hopefully, INEOS will be wary of this and act fast to avoid another hijack after their disappointment with Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.

Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Real Madrid are likely to undergo a squad overhaul this summer, with new manager Jose Mourinho likely to arrive with his own plans for how he wants his team to look in the upcoming season.

One player whose future at the club has been under discussion is Brahim Diaz. However, according to AS, despite interest from clubs such as Juventus, there is growing confidence that Brahim will continue at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.

Both Madrid and the Moroccan attacker share the same vision, and Brahim wants to be part of the long-term project.

However, it has been mentioned earlier that should a significant sale help Mourinho sign a new marquee defender, he would not mind parting ways with Brahim.

Brahim not going anywhere. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Juventus are among the clubs monitoring the situation. The Italian giants would welcome the opportunity to bring Brahim back to Serie A following his successful spell with AC Milan.

Real Madrid already have their answer

The strongest calling card that Real Madrid have is Brahim’s contractual situation.

The Moroccan’s renewal has already been agreed until at least 2030, and should he put pen to paper on a new deal, that would effectively shut down all talk surrounding an exit.

Brahim finished last season strongly and proved his value once again whenever opportunities arrived.

His versatility, ability to operate between the lines and willingness to accept different tactical roles have made him a valuable option within the squad.

World Cup now takes priority

Brahim is now away on international duty with Morocco and is expected to be one of the important players for his nation at the World Cup.

Focused on the World Cup. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

He is unlikely to make any decisions on his future, especially during the tournament, as it would run the risk of distracting him from the main focus.

Brahim has never really been an undisputed starter for Madrid during his time here but has always found a way to stay relevant.

His performances have always been at an acceptable level whenever he has been given an opportunity. Interest from clubs such as Juventus is understandable.

For now, it looks crystal clear that both Brahim Diaz and Real Madrid want to continue together. That said, in football, nothing is certain.

Whatever happens with Brahim, a resolution can be expected only after the World Cup, and it remains to be seen how things pan out.

For most NFL fans, Philadelphia Eagles fans included, there is only one measurement that truly matters. Championships define legacies, and teams that fall short are often remembered more for what they didn't accomplish than for everything they did. That reality makes a recent ranking from Pro Football Focus particularly interesting.

PFF recently released a list of some of the best recent NFL teams, but there's a twist to those that qualify. Said teams had to meet two criteria. They had to play during the past two decades, and they had to come up short in their pursuit of a Super Bowl championship. Unsurprisingly, the 2022 Eagles earned a spot among the league's elite non-champions.

Remembering a special Eagles team

If ever there was a team that was built to win it all, it would be the 2022 Eagles. They landed at No. 5 on Bradley Locker's list. As he states, the Eagles' first Super Bowl run under Nick Sirianni featured a team that was elite in almost all facets.

"The Eagles led the NFL in overall grade with a 93.7 overall mark, including sitting second in offense and first in defense. Further proof of that balance is the team placing no worse than fourth in both offensive and defensive scoring drive rate."

Meanwhile, for those who are interested, the 2007 Patriots—a team that came within four points of completing a perfect season—earned the distinction of topping Locker's list. Locker also noted that the Eagles lacked the volume of elite individual grades found on some of the teams ranked ahead of them. He also pointed out that their point differential, while impressive, wasn't historically dominant when compared to some of the greatest teams of the modern era.

Still, those criticisms feel minor when viewed against the entirety of the season. Few teams seen in Eagles history were as dominant or as explosive, especially on defense.

The pain of Super Bowl LVII has never completely disappeared. For many Eagles fans, the memory of coming so close to a championship remains difficult to revisit. Players often speak about missed opportunities lingering longer than victories, and that team undoubtedly left the field believing it had more to accomplish. Fortunately, history provided some relief.

The Eagles ultimately climbed the mountain two seasons later, capturing a Lombardi Trophy and delivering the championship celebration Philadelphia had been craving. That achievement doesn't erase the disappointment of 2022, but it does provide a valuable perspective.

The 2022 Eagles may not have completed the mission, but that shouldn't prevent them from being remembered for what they were: one of the most complete and dominant teams of their era. The fact that they still rank among the NFL's greatest non-champions serves as a reminder of just how special that season truly was.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: PFF ranking confirms 2022 Eagles’ place among elite NFL teams

If it weren’t for Brandon Aiyuk, a topic of discussion might be whether San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is on the hot seat. Again.

We usually have this discussion during the season at some point, but this year, 2026, it’s the offseason, with speculation about how warm Shanahan’s seat is. It’s pretty simple—there is none.

Why think otherwise? One could guess.

“Anybody that says Kyle Shanahan is on the hot seat, you guys are not the smartest,” Kittle said, via USA Today’s Nick Brinkerhoff. “It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Well, it doesn’t make sense to a lot of people. It never has. There’s, of course, a vocal (minority?) thinking that since the 49ers lost two Super Bowls and they are “just” in contention every year, they should look for someone better. Some of the 49ers’ draft whiffs also seem to throw—well, whatever is needed to argue the 49ers should move on.

Kittle wasn’t the only person over the last few weeks to shoot down the notion (if it ever existed). Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman said even if the 49ers missed the playoffs in 2026, their head coach would be on an iceberg.

“If he somehow was on the hot seat,” Sherman elaborated. “There would be 20 seats in the NFL getting hotter as it got hotter. Because if he ever got fired, so would they.”

Meaning, 20 teams would be trying to hire Shanahan in a heartbeat if he became available.

The simple response to “fire Kyle Shanahan” is “give an alternative.” See above: 20 other teams would fire their coach because their alternative could be Kyle Shanahan. Many of you might remember how the 49ers mutually parted ways with Jim Harbaugh following a disappointing 2014 season, where they posted a crowd-pleasing 8-8 record. They thought they had an alternative—his name was Jim Tomsula, and his result was one of the worst offenses in team history. The 49ers knew they could do better, so they went with Chip Kelly the next year. 2-14 isn’t exactly an improvement.

The current 49ers under Shanahan are criticized as well —most of it is relevant—but it’s usually about how they perform in the Super Bowl or the playoffs—the endings to seasons that were not possible under the two coaches who preceded Shanahan.

And if the 49ers did get rid of Shanahan, there’s still that substation “theory”. If you looked at how the 49ers did in 2026, list a coach that could have done what Shanahan did with that decimated roster.

Yes, sub-.500 seasons, front office dysfunction, rotating door of head coaches—let’s not go back to that.

Football is life for millions of fans around the world, but in two of the co-host nations of the 2026 World Cup, they tend to call it by a different name.

In the US and Canada, it's known as soccer. But why? And does that word annoy other football-loving nations?

"When I was a child in England, the word 'soccer' was perfectly acceptable," Stefan Szymanski says.

The emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, says the debate around "football" versus "soccer" struck him as strange.

"I started asking my friends: 'Do you remember? Maybe it's a false memory. Was it ever a problem?' I began talking to people about it. And the consensus was that in the 1970s there didn't seem to be any issue with that word."

Szymanski's interest turned into research.

He explains that, in its early days, football was a very "posh" sport.

"The people who founded the Football Association in England in 1863 were Oxford graduates who had attended elite public schools," he said.

The game played under Football Association rules became known as "association football", wrote John M Cunningham in the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

The name also helped distinguish it from another popular sport: rugby.

"There were two games: one called rugby football, at that time, and the other called association football," says Szymanski.

Brekker, rugger, soccer

Among wealthy university students in the 1880s and 1890s, there was a habit of shortening words and adding "-er" to the end, creating a kind of slang.

"So instead of saying 'breakfast,' they would say 'brekker'."

Applied to rugby, they would call it "rugger."

So how did the word "soccer" emerge?

There is a theory, Szymanski says - though he cautions that "no-one is entirely sure".

It appears that these inventive students took "soc" from the middle of the word "association" and added "-er," producing "soccer".

"Obviously, no-one knows for certain, but what people are sure about is that it comes from Oxford. There are many documentary sources confirming that it was a word coined by students there."

Soccer spreads to Canada, the US and more

Sports historian Andy Mitchell has pointed to "at least" three examples of "soccer" or "socker" appearing in school magazines in late 1885 in different parts of England.

"My intuition is that 'soccer' and 'rugger' were already being used verbally and had appeared in print earlier that year (1885) in another, as yet unidentified, publication," Mitchell wrote on his blog Scottish Sport History.

Over time, the "socker" variant fell out of use, while "soccer" remained.

The word began travelling to other continents at the same time the sport itself was spreading, and soccer is now often used in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.

In the United States, "football" refers to American football.

"It's all connected," says Szymanski. "The American version evolved from rugby, but it also has elements of soccer."

"They're like close cousins - and that's why American football became popular around the same time the word 'soccer' was coined, in the 1880s and 1890s."

While British newspapers preferred "football", they continued using "soccer" well into the 1980s, according to analysis by Szymanski and his colleague Silke-Maria Weineck.

Over time, however, "football" became the dominant term.

Szymanski said the two terms come up when he teaches classes at university: "Something Americans tend to do is apologise when they use the word 'soccer' and say, 'Sorry, I meant football,' because they think the British are sensitive about it.

"And they're right - some are.

"I think it's very polite of them to apologise, but I tell them: 'It's an English word - feel free to use it.'"

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We continue the countdown to the start of the Arizona Cardinals' regular season. Today, Saturday, June 13, is 92 days away from the Arizona Cardinals' regular-season opener on Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With 92 days until Week 1, let's look back at the 1992 season for the Cardinals.

A look back at the 1992 season for the Cardinals

In Joe Bugel's third year as head coach, things were still not good. They finished 4-12 for the second consecutive season. They lost six of their first seven games and ended the season losing six of seven.

Starting quarterback Timm Rosenbach had missed all of the 1991 season with a knee injury he suffered in training camp. He played three games, injured his shoulder and suffered a concussion, and didn't start again. It ended up being his final NFL season. Chris Chandler started the remaining 13 games.

They had four Pro Bowlers — kick returner Johnny Bailey, punter Rich Camarillo, cornerback Robert Massey and safety Tim McDonald. Camarillo was first-team All-Pro as a punter and McDonald was a second-team All-Pro in his final year with the Cardinals before he left in free agency to join the San Francisco 49ers.

1992 offensive leaders

Chandler started 13 games. He completed 59.3% of his passes for 2,832 yards, 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Running back Johnny Johnson led the team with 734 rushing yards and six touchdowns. It was his final season with the Cardinals before he was traded to the New York Jets.

Ricky Proehl had the most receptions with 60, gaining 744 yards and scoring three times. Randall Hill had 58 receptions and led the team with 861 yards and three scores.

1993 defensive leaders

McDonald led the team with 107 tackles, followed by linebacker Eric Hill with 103. Massey had five interceptions, three returned for touchdowns. He returned two picks for touchdowns in a game.

Ken Harvey and Mike Jones tied for the team lead in sacks with six.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 92 days till Arizona Cardinals' opener: Remembering the 1992 season

Dillon Thieneman wasn't just anointed the starting role opposite fellow safety Coby Bryant. The Chicago Bears' first-round draft pick started with the backups, earning his way into defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's starting lineup. 

One of the quickest ways for Thieneman to establish trust with the coaching staff is to play fast, which the former Oregon safety can do with his 4.35 speed, and do so while correctly finishing his responsibility on a given play. 

“The more reps you get, the faster you can play and the less you have to think," Thieneman said. "With certain defenses, there are strengths that the defense has and then there are weaknesses that the offense will try to target. If you understand those weaknesses, that’s what you can really look out for.”

Dillon Thieneman vs. Makai Lemon, two first-round draft picks.

Lemon runs a nice route and gets Thieneman to open up his hips, but the Bears' safety stays composed, gets his head around and keeps the wide receiver in front of him.

Incomplete pass. pic.twitter.com/SlZoMzu2F2

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) April 24, 2026

Something that stood out from Thieneman's college tape was his constant communication, always talking to his teammates prior to the snap. 

It didn't take long for the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to display that trait in a Bears uniform. According to The Bigs' Herb Howard, he noticed Thieneman initiating the defensive calls to his teammates when the defense was in the red zone. 

“The safety’s responsibility is to get their side lined up and then communicate with the other safety on the other side," Thieneman said. "As safeties, you have to take control, be loud, be direct, and make sure everyone else gets lined up.”

Although this happened in a June minicamp practice, it does highlight Thieneman's natural ability to speak up and do so with conviction. Before Thieneman transferred to Oregon for one season, he spent his first two years at Purdue. 

In just one season with the Ducks, Thieneman established himself as a vocal leader for Oregon and displayed a deep understanding of what the team was doing defensively and how opposing offenses wanted to attack the scheme. 

The Bears need that football acumen and instincts to show up in Allen's defense, and the more reps the 21-year-old safety gets with his teammates, the more those traits will appear. 

Bryant has already seen Thieneman's ability to diagnose plays show up practice. 

“That's a special trait," Bryant said. "You can't teach that honestly. That's just knowing football and trusting his ability and like I said, he's been doing a great job, and he continues to make plays.”

With the Bears officially on summer break, the rookie will focus on recovering his body and then shift to making a specific plan that includes his routine and goals he wants to accomplish over the next six weeks before retuning for training camp. 

When Thieneman returns, he then plans to speak with his coaches on how he can earn more first-team reps, so that everyone is one the same page. 

"You have to work to earn your job and work to keep your job," Thieneman said. "There’s always someone coming up trying to replace you or someone trying to keep their job, so you have to fight every day.”

Jets know trade cost of Texans QB Davis Mills originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets can't afford to scoff at any quarterback opportunity.

Their starter in 2026 appears to be Geno Smith. They drafted Cade Klubnik as a project QB. Their future, long-term answer at the position probably isn't on the roster right now.

And while the assumption is that the 2027 first round will hopefully provide that, Davis Mills is a name looming out there that they could consider.

Mills is the Houston Texans' backup QB behind C.J. Stroud, and he could be a trade candidate before he gets to free agency.

MORE: Chiefs' new contract makes it even harder to release Patrick Mahomes

If the Jets felt Mills could be a long-term starter, it could be wise to go after him now.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton wrote in a new article that Mills wouldn't cost a ton to acquire, estimating his trade value as a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick.

Mills doesn't have immense tools, but whenever he has had to fill in for Stroud, he has gotten the job done.

"Last season, Mills filled in for Stroud between Weeks 10 and 12, tossing five touchdown passes and just one interception," Moton writes. "The Texans won in all three of his starts. Mills' recent efficiency and starting experience could draw interest in the trade market if other teams need a fill-in for an injured starter. Clubs may also want to get ahead of his 2027 free-agency bid."

MORE: Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson playing a funny game of chicken

The difference between Smith and Mills is that Smith is a known commodity as a veteran who, under no circumstance, will be the Jets' long-term starter.

Mills is younger and has never gotten a full chance to start. Maybe he isn't the answer, either, but he has a legitimate chance to still seize an opportunity.

There's nothing out there specifically connecting the Jets to the Texans, but this would be a spot worth considering for New York if the chance came along.

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LOS ANGELES — The first time Greg Puga met Kiara Romero was Tuesday on the range at Bel-Air Country Club. The caddie of 27 years at the famous George C. Thomas design has looped on the LPGA for players like Lizette Salas and Ryann O'Toole and been around some of the best female golfers to ever play the game.

It only took him a couple shots to realize Romero was different.

"When I saw her swing and hit, and I'm like, 'are you f-----g kidding me right now?'" Puga recalled. "She just kept hitting it, the sound of the ball, dude, was elite. Elite. She's top five ball strikers that I've ever seen on the women's side."

More: 2026 Curtis Cup live updates: Saturday scores, tee times, where to watch

Romero, the No. 1 amateur in the world and 2023 U.S. Girls' Junior winner, made her Curtis Cup debut this week for the United States in the 44th edition at Bel-Air. Puga, a former USGA champion himself, winning his title at the U.S. Mid-Amateur in 2000, was selected to caddie for one of the 16 competitors on the USA or Great Britain & Ireland teams. On Monday, there was a lottery for selected caddies to find out who they would loop for during the biannual competition. Thanks to a lucky ping pong ball, the pair of USGA champions were group together.

"That's amazing," Puga said. "I mean, I don't know if that's ever been done before. A USGA champion caddying for another USGA champion."

Puga is a legend at Bel-Air, one of the more notable caddies who is more like a local celebrity among members. After Friday's foursomes bout, he stood near the putting green outside the clubhouse as numerous members on the patio and those walking in from the afternoon action stopped to say hello.

His time as a Bel-Air caddie began in 1999. The following year, Puga defeated Wayne Raath, 3 and 1, at The Homestead (Cascades Course) in Hot Springs, Virginia. That earned him a spot in the 2001 Masters, where he played alongside Seve Ballesteros and Steve Stricker. Puga turned professional for a short while in 2005 but regained amateur status and even competed again in the U.S. Mid-Amateur in 2015.

And the entire time, he never stopped looping at Bel-Air.

Back in 2023, Puga was on the bag for Briana Chacon, who won medalist honors at the U.S. Women's Amateur held at the course. Chacon set a U.S. Women's Amateur scoring record in stroke play, finishing at 9-under 131. At the time, Chacon was about to begin her final season at Oregon. One of her incoming teammates that fall? Romero.

"I texted (Chacon) the other day, 'So turns out I'm caddying for Kiara Romero at the Curtis Cup at Bel-Air.' She's like, 'No way, oh my god. You guys are gonna kill it,' you know, whatever.'" Puga said. "She goes, 'I'm gonna text her.'"

In her three years in Eugene, Romero has become the best player in program history. She is a three-time first-team All-American, owns the program record for career scoring average, victories and much more. She's also on the cusp of an LPGA tour card, needing only two more points in the Tour's Elite Amateur Pathway program to earn immediate status.

During a practice round Tuesday, the reserved Romero quietly began a conversation with Puga on the second hole. "Do you still play," Romero asked Puga. "I knew Briana had texted her then," Puga said. Then on the fourth hole, Romero continued: "Who did you play with in the Masters?"

"I said, 'Seve Ballesteros and Steve Stricker.' She goes, 'I don't know those guys,'" Puga said.

Romero was born March 7, 2006, nearly 5 years after Puga played in the Masters.

Their conversations have become more in-depth as the week has gone on, but it's easy for Puga to see why Romero is the best female amateur in the world. She has a killer instinct but does so with a businesslike approach. She doesn't get too high after good shots and won't beat herself up for poor ones.

Last week, Puga was in attendance on Sunday at the U.S. Women's Open, a couple miles away at Riviera, when he noticed an amateur playing her way up the leaderboard. He decided to go follow. That player was Romero, who finished tied for sixth and shared the stage Sunday with eventual winner Nelly Korda.

Come Monday, Romero's name was picked out of a hat. Then the lottery balls were bouncing around, and Puga's name was chosen.

"I knew the name sounded familiar, so I had to look it up," Puga said. "Then I realized who it was. That's amazing."

Romero and partner Asterisk Talley put the first USA point on the board Friday with a stellar four-ball win, but they flamed out in afternoon foursomes. Romero didn't play to the level Puga knows she can, and it's something he saw even before getting to know his player at Bel-Air.

"Can't wait till tomorrow because she's gonna kill it," Puga said Friday after two trips around Bel-Air. "The way she played, me as a golfer, if I played like that, I'd be so pissed off. I would mentally be like, 'Tomorrow I'm gonna go out and just kick ass, like nobody's beating me tomorrow.'

"I have a feeling that's her mentality."

Talley and Romero are once again paired in four-ball, heading out in the anchor match after being in the lead-off spot for both sessions Friday. The duo is starring for the U.S., with a good chance of playing all five sessions as the USA tries to take back the Curtis Cup.

That's exactly what Romero wants, and it's exactly what Puga expects from his fellow USGA champion, even if their titles came 23 years apart.

"This girl's gonna win majors. Believe me, believe me," Puga proclaimed Friday afternoon. "I can guarantee it. The way I've seen women's golf all the time, and this girl, her head on her shoulders. Amazing."

Almost as incredible as the star-studded pairing at Bel-Air.

Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor for Golfweek, focusing on college and amateur golf.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Curtis Cup 2026: Past USGA champ Greg Puga caddying for Kiara Romero

Mac Jones projected trade cost would make 49ers' decision very easy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There are a few backup quarterbacks around the NFL that have some trade value and have popped up in trade rumors this offseason.

But none have been more intriguing than San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones. The former first-rounder would be the ideal QB for a team to trade for if they needed a starting quarterback in 2026 whose also a reclamation project.

The big question is what the 49ers could get for him in a trade. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton gave the 49ers a projected trade cost for Jones that, if the 49ers actually received an offer at that price, their decision of whether to trade Jones or not would be very easy.

49ers' projected trade value for Mac Jones would make for an easy decision

"San Francisco may not get a first-round pick for Jones, but a second-rounder is a reasonable demand for a player who could have a redemption story if given the chance to be a full-time starter," Moton writes. "Estimated trade value: 2027 second-round pick."

If the 49ers received an offer of a 2027 second-round pick for Mac Jones, there should be no question about whether they should accept it or not. Such an offer would be well-worth it for the 49ers.

As good as Jones looked in 2025 in a relief role after Brock Purdy's injury, there is no telling how good he will be moving forward, as his 2025 could've been a fluke.

Landing a second-round pick for Jones, especially one in the 2027 NFL Draft, would be a deal hard to pass on. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan would be making a mistake if they turned down such an offer.

MORE: 49ers voice frustrations over grueling 2026 travel schedule

The best the 49ers could get if they lose Jones in free agency is a third-round pick, which would be at the end of the third round, and isn't even a guarantee.

If a team comes calling, asking for Jones, and offering a second-rounder in 2027, the team is likely desperate, and their draft pick would likely be in the top half of the 2027 NFL Draft.

A second-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft should be accepted by the 49ers for Jones. While it's not very likely that such an offer will come across their table, if it does, Lynch and Shanahan should accept it without hesitation.

There might be concern about who the backup QB would be after trading Jones, but adding a second-rounder is something the 49ers shouldn't pass up, even if it creates a bit of a headache figuring out who Purdy's backup will be in 2026.

More NFL news:

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• Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverage
• Bears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up with DJ Moore traded

Emma Raducanu overcame an injury scare to reach the Queen's semi-finals but Katie Boulter's title bid ended with a straight-sets loss to Donna Vekic.

British number one Raducanu had to go off court for medical treatment in the second set of her quarter-final but came through to beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3 7-5.

Boulter won two matches on Friday, including a superb victory over world number two Elena Rybakina in her quarter-final.

But the 29-year-old, perhaps feeling the effects of her efforts from the previous day, struggled from the start of her semi-final and fell to a disappointing 6-1 6-3 defeat.

Raducanu, 23, will return later on Saturday to face American teenager Iva Jovic for a place in Sunday's final.

She has yet to lose a set in the tournament but now faces the prospect of having to win two matches in a day to continue her excellent run this week.

"It was really tricky, she played some incredible tennis and got a lot of balls back," Raducanu told BBC TV. "It was an up-and-down match and I'm really grateful for the support I had in some tough moments.

"It was tough to take the fall, I was in a good spot in the match and I found it tough to regroup, but I am proud how I did that with the help of you guys here."

• Watch live coverage of Queen's Club semi-finals

Raducanu achieved her first win against a top-20 opponent in over a year by beating Romanian world number 18 Sorana Cirstea on Friday, but was unable to start her quarter-final last night.

Having dropped her serve in the third game against Rakhimova, Raducanu took control of the match after play was interrupted in bizarre circumstances.

Attempting to serve out at 40-0, Raducanu was forced to delay her serve several times because of the noise of military aircraft taking part in the King's Trooping the Colour flypast in central London.

Once the Red Arrows had flown over the west London club, Raducanu wrapped up the service game and powered through the rest of the first set.

After slipping on the grass while changing direction in the fifth game of the second set, Raducanu went off for treatment.

Returning to Andy Murray Arena with her left thigh strapped up, Raducanu lost her serve as she struggled to regain the momentum she had before her fall.

With Raducanu's coaching team loudly encouraging her, the 2021 US Open champion had to dig deep as her opponent sought to take advantage.

The Briton regained her form to break Rakhimova's serve and lead 5-4, but could not seal victory on her serve.

However, she broke the Russian-born Uzbek again and finally clinched her place in the semi-finals with her third match point.

• Live scores, results and order of play
• Get tennis news sent straight to your phone

The FSU baseball program needed to replenish its catcher depth this offseason, and it is doing so through the JUCO ranks. Coy Clements committed to the Seminoles on Saturday, announcing the news on social media.

Clements is coming off a breakout redshirt freshman season at Pearl River Community College, where he helped them win the NJCAA Division II National Championship. He hit a program record 24 home runs to go with a .392 batting average, 10 doubles, and a .844 slugging percentage. His 54 walks were the second most in program history, and his 71 RBI were fifth.

The Hattiesburg, Mississippi, product was named the MACCC Player of the Year and will have three seasons of eligibility with the Seminoles, but he is draft eligible this offseason. He was also named to the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings NJCAA Div. II All-America First Team. He started his career at Southern Miss, redshirting in 2025 before transferring to Pearl City.

Clements struck out just 34 times in 186 at-bats, finishing with a .532 on-base percentage. He scored 63 runs and had a 1.376 OPS. He made two errors behind the plate and allowed seven passed balls, throwing out 14 base stealers in 39 attempts.

FSU lost its top two catchers from last season, with Nathan Cmeyla out of eligibility and Hunter Carns entering the transfer portal. Clements has a shot to be a massive addition for the Seminoles, with an excellent shot to step into a starting role and provide some needed power.

Blessed. Go Noles @FSUBaseballpic.twitter.com/0I7aIQYjsq

— Coy Clements (@coyclements32) June 13, 2026

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Baseball: JUCO catcher Coy Clements commits

Camera company Insta360 launched the Luna Ultra three days ago. On the same day, DJI sued Insta360 in the US for how similar the Luna Ultra is to its upcoming Osmo Pocket 4P. Now, Insta360 has filed two countersuits against DJI in the US, asserting DJI infringed its patents related to gimbal and 360° camera tech. Insta360 says the patents infringed by DJI relate to gimbal stabilization, gimbal directional control, camera smooth stabilization, telemetry overlay, and panoramic video stabilization tech, all incorporated into several DJI products, including the Osmo Pocket series, Ronin/RS...

AMD is expanding Advanced Shader Delivery support across its entire RDNA GPU stack, starting with RDNA 1 and up to RDNA 4. Microsoft Advanced Shader Delivery Lands On All AMD RDNA GPUs, Giving Load Times A Big Boost Microsoft's Advanced Shader Delivery is now being expanded through general availability via the Xbox PC App, and GPUs such as AMD's RDNA series are able to take advantage of ASD in the latest titles. As per Microsoft, they have partnered with AMD to invest in and improve the experience for PC gamers. This partnership expands with the first rollout of Advanced Shader […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amd-brings-advanced-shader-delivery-across-all-rdna-gpus-slashing-game-load-times/

A nine-day Caribbean cruise sounds like nine days. Count the night-before flight and the slog home, though, and your car’s actually parked for eleven.

Leave it in the wrong lot at Newark Liberty, and you’ll spend more on parking than some people spend on the airfare.

The math nobody runs before booking

If you live anywhere in the New York-New Jersey metro area, Newark is probably your airport. It’s the one with direct flights to the Florida and Texas homeports, where most of the big ships actually sail from these days.

So, the catch. On-site parking at EWR runs about $35 a day in the economy lot, and closer to $70 a day for short-term near the terminals (the airport posts its own rates here).

Ten or eleven days of that adds up fast. The economy lot alone crosses $350 before you’ve set foot on the ship. Short-term doubles it.

And that’s assuming you get a spot. Newark is one of the busiest airports in the country, and the close-in lots pack out over summer and the holidays. Which, conveniently, is when everyone cruises.

On-site or off-site?

I’ll just say it: for anything longer than a long weekend, off-site wins. The lots a few minutes out run a free shuttle and charge a sliver of what the garages do. You give up five minutes on a shuttle and get back enough to cover a shore excursion or two.

If you want to price it out, Newark off-site airport parking lots near EWR show their daily rates and shuttle times before you book, so you’re locking in a number instead of crossing your fingers at the gate. Book ahead. It holds your spot, and it usually beats the drive-up rate, which is the sort of thing you tend to learn the hard way exactly once.

The exception is a quick getaway where you’re flying out and back on the same tight schedule. Then maybe the convenience of parking right at the terminal earns its keep. The longer you’re gone, the more lopsided the math gets toward off-site.

Fly in the night before. Seriously.

The most expensive mistake here has nothing to do with parking. It’s booking a flight that lands the morning your ship sails.

Roughly one in five flights shows up late, per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and the ship leaves on schedule whether you made it or not. Miss the all-aboard and you’re booking your own flight to the first port of call, hoping you can beat your own cruise there.

Fly in the day before, and the whole scenario evaporates. You sleep, you reset, and if the airline ships your suitcase to Denver, you’ve got the hours to sort it out.

There’s a fuller case for arriving early that goes well past just dodging delays.

Just remember it puts another day on the car. Factor that into whatever lot you book.

Timing the airport on cruise day

Parking off-site means padding your timeline a little. The shuttle is quick, but “quick” still works out to ten or fifteen minutes once it loads up and swings past the other lots, and security is waiting on the far side of that.

My rule of thumb: take the buffer you’d normally give yourself and add thirty minutes. You’re hauling more luggage than usual, and the cost of missing this particular flight is a lot steeper than a rebooking fee. You’d be watching your cruise sail without you.

First cruise, still learning the moving parts? Run through some first-time cruise tips first. Most embarkation-day meltdowns trace back to small things you could have handled at home.

A note for Cape Liberty cruisers

Quick aside, if you’re sailing out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne instead of flying off somewhere: EWR sits barely ten miles away, about fifteen minutes.

People flying in from out of state will sometimes leave the car near the airport and take a rideshare to the pier after a night at an airport hotel. It often works out cheaper and calmer than parking at the cruise port, which hasn’t gotten any friendlier on price over the years.

For everyone else, the advice fits on a napkin. Decide where the car goes before you book the flight, and actually compare the off-site lots against the airport garages while you’re at it.

Handle that early, and the only real question left on cruise day is which side of the ship you want for the sail-past of the Statue of Liberty.

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As Brazil prepares to begin its pursuit of a record sixth World Cup title, one of the biggest talking points surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is the absence of Joao Pedro. The Chelsea forward enjoyed an outstanding club season and appeared to be firmly in contention for a place on the plane to North America, making his omission one of the most surprising decisions ahead of the tournament.

The Brazilian national team enters the World Cup carrying huge expectations once again. With stars such as Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Endrick included in the squad, attention has inevitably turned to the talented players left behind, with Joao Pedro becoming the most notable name missing from the final roster.

Brazil remains the most successful national team in World Cup history, having lifted the trophy five times in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. The nation has qualified for every edition of the tournament and continues to be viewed as one of the favorites whenever the competition begins.

This year’s campaign carries additional intrigue because it marks the first World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti. The legendary Italian became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup after taking charge in 2025.

Ancelotti inherited a squad packed with attacking talent but also faced several difficult selection decisions. Among the most debated was whether Joao Pedro had done enough to earn a place after an excellent season in England.

Why Joao Pedro was left out

The reason behind Joao Pedro’s absence ultimately came down to Ancelotti’s preference for experience, tactical balance, and specific player profiles within his 26-man squad. Despite the forward’s impressive performances for Chelsea, Ancelotti felt other players offered characteristics better suited to tournament soccer.

The coach later admitted that the decision was not easy: “There are the individual characteristics of the players. Obviously, we were sad for João Pedro, because for the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list.”

Ancelotti also recognized Joao Pedro’s strong campaign but believed alternative options would provide greater balance across the squad: “Unfortunately, with all possible awareness, with all possible respect and with all possible competence, we chose other players. We are sorry for João Pedro.”

Outstanding season was not enough

Joao Pedro’s omission became even more surprising because of what he achieved at club level. After joining Chelsea, the striker enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career.

The 24-year-old scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective attackers. Many observers expected those performances to guarantee him a place at the World Cup.

He had also remained involved with Brazil’s recent squads and appeared to be building a strong case for selection. Instead, Ancelotti chose to place his trust in a mixture of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Players such as Igor Thiago, Endrick, and Rayan were selected, while Joao Pedro, Gabriel Jesus, and Richarlison were left out.

Neymar’s inclusion also changed the picture

Another major factor in the final squad construction was Neymar’s inclusion despite his ongoing fitness concerns. The Santos forward has endured several injury setbacks in recent years, including an ACL rupture and a calf injury before the World Cup.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti decided to keep faith in Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. The coach explained his confidence in Neymar‘s potential impact, saying: “He will be an important player in this World Cup.”

Because Brazil could only take 26 players, every selection carried consequences. Neymar’s presence reduced the number of available attacking spots, increasing competition among forwards and making Joao Pedro one of the unfortunate casualties.

Match Overview

Qatar enters the 2026 tournament aiming to rewrite its narrative on the global stage. After becoming only the second host nation in history to exit at the group stage in 2022, the urgency to secure a statement result is immense. Their opening match against the group favorites presents a monumental challenge, but also a prime opportunity to demonstrate their progress and earn their first-ever point in the competition.

For Switzerland, this match is a must-win to establish dominance in Group B. As a seasoned European side with knockout-stage experience in the last three tournaments, anything less than three points would be a significant setback. The Swiss arrive with a reputation for defensive solidity and tactical discipline, making them overwhelming favorites to kick off their North American campaign with a victory.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The trajectories of these two nations could not be more different. Switzerland is a consistent force in international soccer, having qualified for their sixth consecutive global tournament. Their recent performances, including an unbeaten qualifying campaign and strong showings at Euro 2024 against top-tier teams like Germany and Italy, underscore their high-level experience and quality.

In contrast, this is only Qatar‘s second appearance at the finals. Manager Julen Lopetegui is expected to deploy a pragmatic, defensive strategy, aiming to absorb pressure and frustrate the Swiss attack. The game will likely be a classic clash of styles: Switzerland‘s patient, possession-based buildup against Qatar‘s organized low block and ambition to strike on the counter-attack through key players Almoez Ali and Akram Afif.

The core motivation for Qatar is to achieve a historic milestone by securing their first point. For Switzerland, the objective is clear: win decisively to build momentum and solidify their position as group leaders. The pressure is on Murat Yakin‘s squad to convert their expected dominance into a comfortable result, while Qatar plays with the freedom of the underdog.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

These two nations have never met in a competitive fixture. Their only previous encounter was a friendly match in 2018, where Qatar secured a surprising 1-0 victory in Lugano, thanks to a late goal from Akram Afif. However, the context of a major tournament presents an entirely different dynamic.

Looking at their records against similar opposition, Switzerland has a history of success. In their only previous tournament match against an Asian team, they defeated South Korea 2-0 in 2006. Qatar, meanwhile, struggled in their sole match against a European side in 2022, losing 2-0 to the Netherlands without registering a single shot on target.

The most telling trend is Switzerland‘s formidable defense. They conceded just 0.33 goals per game during their qualifying campaign, a record bettered only by England. Conversely, Qatar scored just one goal across three matches in 2022. This historical data suggests a high probability of a Swiss clean sheet and points toward a game where Qatar may struggle to create scoring opportunities.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both teams approach their opening match with relatively healthy squads, though Switzerland is monitoring the fitness of a couple of key players who are expected to be available.

Qatar‘s manager, Julen Lopetegui, has a full roster to choose from. The squad’s strength lies in its consistency and chemistry, with many players having developed together through the national youth system. The primary challenge will be adapting their game to the pressures of a major tournament away from home soil.

Switzerland has received a major boost with striker Breel Embolo receiving his visa and being cleared to start. While Fabian Rieder and Noah Okafor have dealt with minor injuries leading up to the tournament, both are expected to be available for selection, likely beginning the match on the bench.

Qatar Projected XI (4-3-3): Barsham; Al Brake, Khoukhi, Mendes, Miguel; Al Mannai, Madibo, Boudiaf; Afif, Edmilson, Ali.

This lineup reflects Qatar‘s established core, built on familiarity. The attack will be spearheaded by Almoez Ali, the top scorer in Asian qualifying, with creative support from Akram Afif, who led the confederation in assists. Their ability to connect on the break will be essential to Qatar‘s chances.

Switzerland Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Rodríguez, Akanji, Elvedi, Widmer; Freuler, Xhaka; Aebischer, Manzambi, Vargas; Embolo.

Murat Yakin is set to field a strong, balanced side anchored by the experienced midfield pairing of Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka. Breel Embolo will lead the line, providing a physical and clinical presence up front. The formation is designed to control possession and create chances from multiple angles.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Qatar vs Switzerland match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices.

In addition to this match, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to other major soccer competitions, including Liga MX or LaLiga. You can catch all the action from the top leagues around the world.

The subscription costs $14.99 per month]and includes access to a vast library of live and on-demand content. This plan ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action from the tournament in North America.

SEE MORE: Find out how to watch every match with our World Cup TV schedule.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

Brazil will navigate their 2026 World Cup campaign without one of their brightest generational talents. Chelsea’s young forward, Estevao, was officially left out of the final squad due to a severe muscle injury, denying him what would have been his first-ever appearance on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The 19-year-old winger sustained a severe, Grade 4 rupture of the biceps femoris/hamstring in his thigh during a high-stakes clash against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 18.

Following the initial diagnosis, Chelsea’s medical staff strongly advised the Brazilian forward to undergo surgery to fully repair the damage. However, desperate to keep his World Cup dreams alive, Estevao opted for a conservative, non-surgical rehabilitation treatment in hopes of making a miraculous recovery in time to join the Seleção in North America.

Unfortunately, the gamble did not pay off. By the time manager Carlo Ancelotti finalized his preliminary 55-man tournament roster, Estevao had failed to reach 100% fitness, forcing the Italian tactician to omit him from the squad entirely.

To compensate for the loss of the Chelsea starlet, Ancelotti reinforced his attacking flanks by calling up Barcelona’s Raphinha, Bournemouth’s Ryan, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, and Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Luiz Henrique.

A heavy loss for Ancelotti and Brazil

Estevao’s absence is a huge setback for Ancelotti, who had made the teenager a foundational pillar of his tactical system since taking the reins of the Brazilian national team. Remarkably, the young attacker stands as the top scorer of the Ancelotti era for the Seleção, having netted an impressive five goals in just seven international appearances.

His international form perfectly mirrored his explosive trajectory in England. Since completing his highly anticipated move to London from Palmeiras for an initial £29 million ($36.8 million), Estevao has racked up eight goals and four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, solidifying his reputation as the future of Stamford Bridge.

While Brazil still boasts a star-studded frontline, losing the explosive creativity and clinical finishing of Estevao leaves a massive void as the five-time world champions begin their quest for a historic sixth title.

Brazil embarks on its 2026 World Cup campaign with a singular mission: to secure a historic sixth star for its crest. However, the Seleção will have to navigate the tournament without one of their primary defensive pillars. Real Madrid center-back Eder Militao will not be on the plane to represent his country in North America.

The 28-year-old defender suffered a severe recurrence of a left hamstring injury (biceps femoris) after the surgical scar from a previous injury—originally sustained in December 2025 against Celta Vigo—reopened, forcing him to undergo corrective surgery.

The critical blow occurred on April 21, 2026, during a La Liga match against Alaves. Days after limping off the pitch, Militao traveled to Finland, where he underwent successful surgery. However, with an estimated rehabilitation timeline of five months, his World Cup dreams were prematurely shattered.

Militao was projected to be a foundational piece for Brazil under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. In his absence, the Italian manager will probably lean on Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes as the starting center-backs, with Bremer, Léo Pereira, and Roger Ibañez as backup options.

Militao and a concerning injury history

The world-class defender has faced a deeply frustrating and grueling battle with injuries over the past three seasons with Real Madrid. During the 2023/24 campaign, Militao was limited to just 13 appearances due to a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, that sidelined him from representing Brazil during the entire CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers.

The following year brought even more hardship. The defender was available for just 18 matches after sustaining another major knee injury—a ruptured ACL accompanied by meniscus damage in his right leg in November 2024. The setback forced him to miss the vast majority of Real Madrid’s domestic campaign and their UEFA Champions League run.

Hoping for a fresh start in the 2025/26 season, Militao managed 21 appearances and scored two goals. However, his body broke down once again mid-season. He first suffered a torn muscle fiber in December, and shortly after working his way back onto the pitch, the fatal hamstring recurrence against Alaves put a definitive, heartbreaking end to his season and his 2026 World Cup aspirations.

Errol Spence Jr has been given further motivation to defeat Tim Tszyu, knowing a potentially more lucrative opportunity could be presented to the winner of their upcoming showdown. The two former world champions will square off in Australia on July 25, with Tszyu claiming a home advantage as he looks to re-join the world scene. […]

The post Errol Spence Jr lined up for major all-American fight if he wins comeback against Tszyu appeared first on Boxing News.

Panathinaikos Başkanı Dimitris Giannakopoulos, bir yıl boyunca basketbol salonlarından men edildi.

Yunanistan basın kuruluşu Sport 24'ün haberine göre Yunanistan Basketbol Federasyonu, Giannakopoulos'u Olympiakos ile oynanan final serisinin 4. maçı sırasında sosyal medya hesabı üzerinden yaptığı açıklamalar nedeniyle cezalandırdı.

Haberde men cezasının yanı sıra Giannakopoulos'a 50 bin avro para cezası da verildiği aktarıldı.

Galatasaray'ın Macar futbolcusu Roland Sallai ile Tottenham, Hull City ve Fulham ilgileniyor. Bu 3'lü arasında Fulham Kulübü'nün bir adım öne geçtiği öğrenildi.

Galatasaray, 2024 yazında Freiburg'a 6 milyon euro ödeyerek Roland Sallai'yi kadrosuna katmıştı. Macar yıldızla 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar mukavele yapıldı. 1.83 boyundaki futbolcu, kanat takviyesi olarak geldiği Sarı-Kırmızılı ekipte kendisini ağırlıklı olarak sağ bekte buldu...

DOĞAL OLARAK İLGİ ÇEKTİ

Ve Sallai, savunmada çok iyi performanslar sergiledi. Doğal olarak ilgi çekti. Şu anda Tottenham, Hull City ve Fulham onunla ilgileniyor. Bu 3 İngiliz ekibi arasında Fulham'ın 1 adım öne geçtiği öğrenildi. Fulham, Galatasaray'ın kafasındaki bonservis rakamımı ödemeye hazır gözüküyor.

HİÇ PAZARLIĞA GİRMEDEN

Galatasaray Yönetimi, 29 yaşındaki futbolcudan en az 20 milyon euro civarında bir bonservis geliri bekliyor. Fulham'ın hiçbir pazarlığa girmeden bu rakamı ödemeye hazır olduğu öğrenildi. Çok kısa bir süre içinde konuyla ilgili çarpıcı gelişmeler yaşanabilir.

Fenerbahçe'de 10+4'lük yabancı kontenjanı sebebiyle Musaba'nın ayrılması bekleniyor. Eğer makul bir teklif gelmezse, Hollandalı futbolcu büyük ihtimalle kiralık gönderilecek.

Fenerbahçe kış döneminde Samsunspor'dan Anthony Musaba'yı kadrosuna katmıştı. Karadeniz ekibine 5 milyon euroluk serbest kalma bedeli ödendi (+750 bin Euro KDV). Hollandalı sol kanatla 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar mukavele yapıldı. 1.82 boyundaki futbolcu, Sarı-Lacivertliler'le 17 Süper Lig maçına çıktı.

KRİTERİ KARŞILAMIYOR

Sahada 849 dakika kalan oyuncu, 1 gol ve 4 asist üretti. Ancak mevcut koşullarda önümüzdeki sezon devam etmesi pek beklenmiyor. Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu, yeni sezonda yabancı kontenjanının 10+4 olacağını açıklamıştı. 25 yaşındaki Musaba, "genç" kriterine uymuyor...

ZAMAN GÖSTERECEK

Fenerbahçe Yönetimi'nin sol kanat için genç bir yabancı baktığı öğrenildi. Musaba'ya makul bir teklif gelmemesi halinde oyuncunun kiralanması bekleniyor. TFF'nin 10+4'lük kontenjanda değişikliğe gidip gitmeyeceğini ise zaman gösterecek. Sarı-Lacivertliler, Musaba dışında birçok yabancıyla da yollarını ayırmalı...

Suudilerin 3 yıl için 60 milyon Euro'sunu "Ben parayı sevmem" diyerek reddeden Vlahovic, doğuştan Beşiktaşlı olduğunu 3 yıl için 21 milyon euro düşük maaş talep ederek gösterdi.

Suudilerin yıllık 20 milyon Euro’sunu "paraya tapmıyorum" edasıyla reddeden Dusan Vlahovic, konu Beşiktaş olunca ayaklı merkez bankasına dönüştü. "Doğuştan Beşiktaşlı" edasındaki golcünün transfer şartları bıyık altından gülmsetmeye yetti.

Juventus’un "Fakirleştik, maaşında indirim yap" talebine "Asla" çeken Dusan Vlahovic, İtalya'da sadakat bonuslarıyla birlikte temizinden 12 milyon Euro cukkalıyor.

Kontrat krizi çıkınca Suud kulüpleri (Al-Ahli ve Al-Hilal) hemen kapıda bitti. 3 yıl için tam 60 milyon Euro teklif ettiler. Ama Vlahovic "parayı değil, kariyeri seçiyorum" diyerek bu parayı elinin tersiyle itti.

Tabii bu "paragöz değilim" imajı, Beşiktaş ve Avrupa devlerinin masasına oturana kadardı.

Vlahovic'in Beşiktaş'tan taleperi ise çok ilginç:

Yıllık Maaş: 8 Milyon Euro net.

İmza Parası: 15 Milyon Euro.

Beşiktaş'a 3 Yıllık Faturası: 39 Milyon Euro

Suudilerin 21 milyon Euro'luk teklifini reddederek "Parayı reddeden asil golcü" rolünü oynayan Vlahovic, Beşiktaş’tan 3 yıl için 39 milyon Euro isteyerek 21 milyon euro düşüğüne "doğuştan Beşiktaşlıyım" imajı çizdi.

Kadın Golbol Milli Takımı, Dünya Şampiyonası'nda yarı finale yükseldi.

Türkiye Kadın Golbol Milli Takımı, 2026 Dünya Golbol Şampiyonası çeyrek final karşılaşmasında Brezilya'yı penaltı atışları sonucu yenerek yarı finale yükseldi.

Türkiye Görme Engelliler Spor Federasyonunun açıklamasına göre, Çin'in Hangzhou kentinde düzenlenen organizasyonda milliler, çeyrek finalde Brezilya ile mücadele etti.

Normal süresi ve uzatma bölümü 4-4 biten karşılaşmada ay-yıldızlı ekip, penaltı atışlarında rakibine 3-2 üstünlük sağlayarak yarı finale çıktı.

A Milli Takım, yarı finalde yarın TSİ 14.30'da ev sahibi Çin ile karşılaşacak.

Öte yandan, çeyrek final maçında Çin'e 6-2 yenilen Türkiye Erkek Golbol Milli Takımı, sıralama maçları oynayacak. Milliler, ilk karşılaşmada yarın TSİ 10.00'da Ukrayna ile karşı karşıya gelecek.

The post Internet Computer Nears 300B Transactions—Why Is ICP Price Still Stuck in a Bear Market?  appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Internet Computer has spent the better part of the past two years trading inside a steep descending channel, with every recovery attempt eventually giving way to another lower high. Even today, the ICP price remains stuck near $2.5, a fraction of its previous cycle highs, despite showing signs of stabilizing in recent weeks. Besides, the …

The post Michael Saylor Says 25% of the Mag8 Now Holds Bitcoin On The Balance Sheet appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin is back in the spotlight, but not because of its price. While the world’s largest cryptocurrency traded near $63,975 at press time which is up 1% over the past 24 hours and 8.25% over the last week. A different conversation emerged today following SpaceX’s successful Nasdaq debut. This time, attention shifted toward corporate Bitcoin …

The post AAVE Price Is Up 3% Today — But Traders Are Focused on a Bigger Recovery Story appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

AAVE price may be up 3% today, but the market’s attention is increasingly shifting toward something much larger than a short-term rebound. After quietly absorbing a major recovery cost tied to one of DeFi’s biggest ecosystem incidents this year, Aave is beginning to show signs of resilience at a time when sentiment across the sector …

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Cardano (ADA) price has surprised the market by gaining more than 11% over the past week, even as the ecosystem continues to grapple with recent controversy surrounding its treasury and governance discussions. While the debate has created uncertainty among investors, it has done little to stop buyers from accumulating the token after its sharp decline. …

The post THORChain Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: Will RUNE Price Hit $10? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Story Highlights The live price of the Rune token is . The RUNE price may reach a high of $1.98 in 2026. With a potential surge, the price of THORChain could hit $45.33 by 2030. Built using the Cosmos SDK, THORChain aims to enable seamless swaps across chains. It is designed for users who want …

The post Bittensor (TAO) Price Rebounds 17%—Can Bulls Reclaim the $300 Level Next? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bittensor (TAO) price is recovering after withstanding sustained selling pressure and reclaimed levels around $242 with over 13.5% rise in the past 24 hours. The volume has also increased by more than 91% to reach close to $280 million. The token surged sharply over the past session, reclaiming an important technical level and reigniting speculation …

The post Litecoin Whales Are Buying the Dip — Can LTC Price Reclaim $60? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Litecoin price may not be flashing breakout signals just yet, but on-chain data suggests something important could already be happening behind the scenes. Even as LTC struggles to regain lost momentum, the network’s largest holders have quietly continued adding to their positions, while a new narrative around LiteVM begins attracting fresh market attention. That unusual …

The post Exclusive: SpaceX IPO Is Not Draining Crypto Liquidity, Says Bitunix Analyst  appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

People are getting excited about the SpaceX IPO. Yet some investors are wondering if this big listing will take money away from cryptocurrencies. According to Dean Chen, Analyst at Bitunix Exchange, it’s not that simple. In an exclusive interaction with Coinpedia, Chen said he does not expect the SpaceX IPO to directly impact crypto markets. …

The post Bitcoin Could Face One Final Panic Sell-Off Before the Real Bottom Arrives appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin has fallen 22% from its May peak, more than $12 billion has left the network, and investors have been locking in losses for 25 consecutive days. To many traders, that sounds like a market bottom. But according to crypto analyst Axel Adler Jr., the current market drop may not be the true market bottom. …

The post Official Trump Price Recovers—Is a New Bull Market Beginning or Is the Bearish Trend Still Intact? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

After months of relentless selling, the Official Trump price is finally showing signs of life. The token has bounced sharply from a major support zone around $1.50, attracting fresh buying interest and sparking speculation that the long bearish phase may be coming to an end. Currently, the TRUMP price is trading around $2.14, with trading …

Strategy's recent Bitcoin sale appeared to clash with Saylor's "never sell" mantra, but he says the move reflects how the company's digital credit business works.

“Mançester Siti”nin sabiq futbolçusu Yaya Ture Slovakiya təmsilçisi “Slovan”a baş məşqçi təyin edilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Bratislava klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. “Slovan” məşqçinin təqdimatını edib.

Ture daha əvvəl “Tottenhem”, “Stantard” kimi klublarda çalışıb.

“Slovan” Slovakiya çempionatında 2025/26 mövsümünün qalibi olub.

“Liverpul”un futbolçusu Kodi Qakpo klubu tərk edə bilər.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Tottenhem” niderlandlı hücumçunu transfer etmək istəyir. Bu barədə İngiltərə mətbuatı məlumat yayıb.

London klubu Kodi üçün 70 milyon avro ödəməyə hazırdır.

Qakpo başa çatan mövsümdə 52 oyunda 9 qol vurub.

“Bavariya”nın futbolçusu Leon Qoretska karyerasını ABŞ-də davam etdirə bilər.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Çikaqo Fayr” yarımmüdafiəçinin transferi üçün danışıqlara başlayıb. Bu barədə Almaniya mətbuatı məlumat yayıb.

Qoretskanın adı daha əvvəl “Arsenal” və “Bavariya” ilə hallanıb.

Almaniyalı futbolçunun “Bavariya” ilə müqaviləsi ayın sonunda başa çatır. O, klubdan ayrılacağını açıqlayıb.

Inter president Beppe Marotta has travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu for the legends match between Real Madrid and Inter, with the visit, at the invitation of newly re-elected president Florentino Perez, potentially laying the groundwork for further transfer business between the two clubs beyond the Denzel Dumfries deal.

According to CalcioMercato.it, the relationship between Inter and Madrid has already produced significant movement this summer, with former Nerazzurri coach Mourinho’s return to the dugout and Dumfries’ move imminent from San Siro.

Now attention turns to two Madrid players surplus to requirements, Franco Mastantuono and Eduardo Camavinga, though the situations surrounding each are markedly different.

Camavinga emerges as priority target for Inter & Chivu despite €50m Real Madrid valuation

Mastantuono endured a disappointing first season at the Bernabeu and faces an uphill battle for playing time under Mourinho given the competition for places.

Real Madrid would prefer a loan with an option to buy rather than a permanent sale, preserving their long-term interest in the Argentine.

However, Chivu’s coaching staff are understood to be only lukewarm on the player from a tactical perspective at this stage.

Camavinga represents a far more attractive proposition for Cristian Chivu, who sees the Frenchman’s profile as ideally suited to his midfield requirements, Juventus are also known admirers.

The obstacle here is financial: Real Madrid want at least €50 million for Camavinga, a figure that currently sits outside Inter’s budget for a new midfielder without significant sales first.

Fiorentina are reviving their pursuit of two players with Serie A pedigree currently playing abroad, with sporting director Fabio Paratici targeting both Radu Dragusin and Matteo Ruggeri as he looks to strengthen the defence this summer.

According to Gazzetta, both players are of interest to the Viola as they look to recover from an overall disappointing 25/26 campaign.

Dragusin, a Tottenham centre-back with a background in Serie A, was already a target during the January window when Fiorentina attempted to prise him away from Spurs.

Ruggeri’s Atletico Madrid price tag matches Dragusin valuation as Fiorentina weigh double move

The relationship between the two clubs remains strong given Paratici’s years working in north London before returning to Italy in February, and that connection could prove valuable in any renewed negotiation.

Tottenham’s valuation of around €20 million, however, remains the primary obstacle to a deal being struck.

Ruggeri, a left-back with a long history at Atalanta now playing for Atletico Madrid in Spain, is valued at a similar figure of around €20 million.

Both deals would represent significant outlays for Fiorentina, particularly if pursued simultaneously, but Paratici’s familiarity with both players’ clubs and his existing relationships could prove decisive as the Viola look to overhaul multiple defensive positions ahead of the new season.

Paulo Dybala has cast fresh doubt over his Roma future, speaking to ESPN upon his arrival in Cordoba with comments that contradicted the widely held belief that his contract renewal was close to being finalised.

The Argentine has been one of Roma’s most influential players since arriving on a free transfer, and a new deal had appeared to be little more than a formality in recent weeks.

His comments to the Argentine press, via Gazzetta, however, suggest the situation may be considerably more complicated than previously understood, and will not have gone unnoticed at Trigoria just as Roma finalise their squad planning for a Champions League return.

Dybala refuses to rule out Boca Juniors return amid contract uncertainty

“We will see what happens,” Dybala said.

“These days every team is an option, even Instituto, so that people don’t get angry. I am still a Roma player until the end of the month, so out of respect for the club I will not talk about my future.”

He continued:

“However, I have not yet decided. I don’t know if something will happen, so I cannot say anything that might not happen. Everything is possible, in football you never know.”

Asked specifically about a return to Boca Juniors, Dybala did not close the door. “We will see,” he said.

Marc Cucurella has been linked with a move away from Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish international has now reacted to the potential rumours regarding his future, and he has revealed that he pays very little attention to reports linking him with a move away from Chelsea.

Marc Cucurella has spoken to Xabi Alonso

He has also maintained that he is happy at the London club, and he is confident of succeeding under the newly appointed manager, Xabi Alonso. Cucurella has already spoken to the manager about the upcoming campaign and with other Spanish players who have worked with Alonso.

He said to MARCA: “By reading very little and paying little attention. My agents already know they shouldn’t tell me anything. I’m very happy where I am, and so is my family.

“What’s meant to be will be. Right now, I’m focusing on the World Cup and enjoying this experience, which is my first, and who knows if it will be my last.

“Yes. I’ve spoken with him (Alonso) and he inspired a lot of confidence in me.”

“I’ve also spoken with Grimaldo and Borja, who have worked with him, and they spoke very highly of him. The project seems very interesting.”

More Stories / Latest News

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Jun 13 2026, 16:16

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Jun 13 2026, 16:00

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Jun 13 2026, 15:40

Chelsea must keep Cucurella

The revelation from the defender will come as a major boost for Chelsea. They will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing season, and they need to keep their players.

It appears that the Spanish full-back is ready to continue at Chelsea under the new manager, and it remains to be seen whether he can help bounce back strongly next season. They will be hoping to return to the UEFA Champions League and push for trophies once again.

Chelsea have missed out on European football for the upcoming campaign, and Alonso will be expected to turn things around at Stamford Bridge.

The post Defender reacts to transfer rumours, claims talks with Xabi Alonso has “inspired a lot of confidence” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Pedro Porro is set to sign a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old defender has a contract with the London club until 2028, and the two parties are now set to finalise an agreement which will keep him at the club until 2031. Tottenham would also have the option to extend the deal for a further 12 months.

According to a report from the Athletic, the new deal will make the 26-year-old one of the highest-earning players at the club.

Pedro Porro has been a key player

The Spanish international has been outstanding for Tottenham, and he has been linked with multiple clubs in recent months. He is a key player for them, and keeping him at the club will be an absolute priority for the north London outfit. The fans will be delighted that the player is close to signing a new deal with the club.

Porro has 13 goals and 26 assists in 152 appearances for Spurs.

Tottenham finished 17th in the League table last season, and they will look to bounce back strongly. They need to improve the team during the summer transfer window, but keeping the key players will be just as important.

More Stories / Latest News

Christos Tzolis has sent clear transfer message: “I hope that Arsenal come for me”

Jun 13 2026, 16:16

Tottenham presented with intriguing 115-goal striker option ahead of crucial window

Jun 13 2026, 16:00

Man United could use key transfer advantage to land 23-year-old La Liga star

Jun 13 2026, 15:40

Porro wants Tottenham stay

It is clear that Porro is convinced by the project at Tottenham and wants to stay for the long term. The development will come as a huge boost for the team. It remains to be seen whether the two parties can wrap up the move quickly.

Tottenham need to sign quality players in the summer transfer window to get back on track. A club of their stature should be securing a top four finish and fighting for trophies. Roberto De Zerbi helped them secure safety last season, and the Italian will be hoping to guide them to the top four next season.

The post Tottenham close to agreement with star with 13 goals & 26 assists, will one of their highest earners appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United have been warned about how tough it might be to replace Casemiro, though Michael Owen thinks Mateus Fernandes could be their best option.

The former Man Utd striker says he’s a big fan of Fernandes, who is attracting plenty of interest this summer after impressing for West Ham United in the season just gone.

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The talented young Portugal international has been linked with both United and Arsenal, with the Times recently suggesting that the Red Devils are leading the race for the £80m-rated star’s signature.

Meanwhile, a report today from Sky Sports claimed that MUFC were preparing their opening offer for Fernandes…

Manchester United are preparing to make an opening offer for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes ? pic.twitter.com/hYlw3MMIjO

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 13, 2026

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Fernandes surely has what it takes to shine for a bigger club, but Owen did point out that Casemiro leaves big boots to fill as he departs Old Trafford on a free transfer.

Michael Owen on Mateus Fernandes replacing Casemiro

“Casemiro’s shoes are big shoes to fill aren’t they?” Owen told the Metro. “‘And you know lots of people were writing them off but he had an incredible last two-thirds of the season and big shoes to fill.

“Personally if I was Michael Carrick if I was Manchester United, I’d be getting Fernandes from West Ham. I think he’s very good. I think he’s exactly what they need.

“I think they’re going to probably be gazumped with Elliot Anderson from Man City, but there’s obviously plenty of names. Baleba at Brighton, there’s Scott at Bournemouth and things but if it were me I would be getting Fernandes from West Ham.”

More Stories / Latest News

Christos Tzolis has sent clear transfer message: “I hope that Arsenal come for me”

Jun 13 2026, 16:16

Tottenham presented with intriguing 115-goal striker option ahead of crucial window

Jun 13 2026, 16:00

Man United could use key transfer advantage to land 23-year-old La Liga star

Jun 13 2026, 15:40

Fernandes is still only 21, so it’s a big step up for a young player to be making, but he should end up being partnered by the more experienced Ederson at United.

BBC Sport have already reported on the club reaching an agreement to sign the Atalanta and Brazil midfielder.

The post “Big shoes to fill” – £80m Man United target warned about one aspect of Old Trafford transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

June is Pride Month, which means there are many LGBTQIA+ events to attend across the country. Sports leagues are also joining the celebration, most notably Major League Baseball. 29 of the 30 MLB franchises are hosting Pride Nights.

At Pride events, teams often offer special ticket packages and exclusive swag, such as jerseys and caps. Sometimes proceeds from ticket sales are donated to charity. Every MLB team participates, except the Texas Rangers.

Ken Schultz is a lifelong baseball fan who has written for Baseball Prospectus and now contributes to Outsports. We caught up with Schultz to discuss Pride Month and its importance in sports.

Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Could you tell us about your passion for baseball and your work with Outsports?

Ken Schultz: “It’s always been my favorite, and for the past three years, they’ve given me a weekly baseball column. That’s the area I focus on most. I grew up in the north suburbs of Chicago, in Vernon Hills, about 35 miles north. My dad, a third-generation Cubs fan, passed it on to me at a very young age.

“My first memories of baseball are of going to a game in 1984, when I was five years old, seeing Ryne Sandberg hit a home run and Rick Sutcliffe pitch a shutout for the team that won the division and made the playoffs for the first time in 39 years. So, it was a very auspicious beginning to a lifetime of Cub fandom that led to a whole lot more mental scarring and pain, but it ended up being worth it in 2016.”

How would you describeOutsports?

“It’s an advocacy site for our community in the sports world. What we’re best known for and proudest of is telling the coming-out stories of athletes, whether they’re gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgender. It’s both standing up for our community in the sports world and telling the stories, kind of oral histories of athletes. How and what they went through in their own coming-out processes, and how they were accepted. What was the response to their coming out among their teammates, coaches, and families? It’s a way to hopefully make it easier for queer athletes to see these stories and decide to take the leap and come out themselves.”

29 MLB teams get gay for Pride Night. One stubbornly refuses.https://t.co/wm1bKVNAdu

— Outsports (@outsports) June 6, 2026

How have things changed for the LGBTQIA+ community in sports?

“I would say 10 years ago, the vast majority of teams celebrating Pride and hosting a night to welcome LGBTQ fans to the ballpark would not have existed unless you were in, say, Los Angeles with the Dodgers or the Cubs. So the idea that now 29 out of 30 major league baseball teams, as well as I think 20-ish NBA teams, have a night dedicated to our community, saying not just, ‘Hey, we’ve got a special jersey for you,’ but making the night a message of, ‘Hey, you are welcome here. We appreciate having you as our fan base.’ That, in and of itself, is remarkable progress, especially for someone who grew up a closeted gay kid in Chicago, where, for the vast majority of my life, I would say, other than fan efforts, most teams in my own city would not have acknowledged my existence.”

Why does this matter?

“Another massive reason why Pride Night is important is that getting to go to, for example, Wrigley Field and being surrounded by thousands of people who are just like you, and having that night where the gay community allows itself to embrace sports is also special. And for one night, it feels transformative. It’s like the historical distance between the sports world and the gay community gets lessened. Even if it’s just for a night, it feels like there is this potential for more crossover in the future.”

So, this acceptance is significant? 

“Oh, definitely, yes. And I would say, commercially as well, approaching it from the perspective of how the LGBTQ community, especially the gay community, views sports, especially from the perspective of a gay man. For the most part, many gay men keep sports at a distance because of various traumas and scars we’ve accumulated over the decades, starting as early as gym class and grade school, where sports are often used as a cudgel against our community to portray us as weak or somehow less manly than people who excel at them.”

Talkin’ Gaysball: With his appearance at Atlanta’s Pride social, Strider adds his name to the roster of LGBTQ fans’ favorite players.https://t.co/iakmP2rpn9

— Outsports (@outsports) June 9, 2026

Which teams do the best job during Pride Month?

“The Dodgers are historically the team that throws the biggest Pride Night, with the largest turnouts, and by serving a large LGBTQ community in LA. They have one of the oldest Pride Nights and often do something a little extra on their night to make it special, whether it’s inviting a gay athlete like Tom Daley to throw out the first pitch, as they did a couple of years ago, or, this year, unveiling a display in center field to honor Glenn Burke and Billy Bean, the first two known out gay men in baseball, both of whom played for the Dodgers. The Cubs make a special annual outreach to the community. They have one of the biggest Pride Nights. The Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals throw fantastic ones.”

How cool was it that Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider showed up at a Pride event? 

“Anytime you have an active player on a major league roster who is willing to show up at a Pride event and show that he is actively on the side of our community and welcoming to us, it is a special thing. Unfortunately, that is still rare among baseball players. We do have a handful over the past few years who we know are allies. Liam Hendriks, for example, formerly of the White Sox and Red Sox, would, in negotiating contracts and free agency, be up front and say, ‘Do you have a Pride Night? Because if you don’t, I’m not signing with you.’”

The Texas Rangers still refuse to host a Pride Night. What questions would you ask them and Rob Manfred?

“I would ask, why do you want to be seen as the lone antagonist in this narrative, and what do you get out of that status? Is it arrogance that makes you feel you can do this and that the impact on your gay and LGBTQ community and on Dallas-Fort Worth specifically doesn’t matter to you?

“When it comes to Rob Manfred, honestly, I would ask him a whole lot of questions about how he’s approaching the lockout first. In terms of how he handles Texas, what do they need to do to make you willing to step out and criticize anyone in ownership? How badly do they need to continue fumbling the ball before you call them out on it?”

Last night the Los Angeles Dodgers had their pride night as every player was wearing pride hats.

Blake Treinen was not wearing a pride hat when he entered the ballgame. pic.twitter.com/JMeEKBMJPu

— js9innings (@js9inningsmedia) June 6, 2026

What’s your reaction to the Rangers hosting a Faith and Family event instead?

“That’s expected, especially in a market like Dallas-Fort Worth. A fair number of teams hold Faith and Family Nights throughout the game. I know that a couple of years ago, when the Dodgers had the controversy with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Clayton Kershaw used a request for Faith and Family Night as a weapon against Dodgers Pride, which was certainly not appreciated by the community. So, I’m not surprised the Rangers would emphasize a Faith and Family Night and ignore Pride. But I certainly would like to see a point in the future where, I mean, ¿Por qué no los dos? Why not both?”

How do you respond to players who refuse to participate in Pride Night?

“You’re certainly free to exercise that right. Just know that, in the context of history, you are going to be the villain of this era when it comes to how we examine how teams and players approach LGBTQ fans, the LGBTQ community, and Pride in general.

“The comp I used in the column about Blake Treinen was calling him the Ben Chapman of Pride, and obviously, it’s not a perfect comparison. Ben Chapman, the Phillies manager who famously led racist taunts against Jackie Robinson, is remembered; if he’s remembered in baseball history, it’s specifically for that. Blake Treinen, if you are going to be remembered by baseball history, it’s not going to be for your postseason performance, I’ll tell you that much.”

The post Outsports’ Ken Schultz explains why Pride Nights still matter appeared first on Awful Announcing.

When the second practice hour ahead of the Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix came to a close, there was a different feel around the sport.

After months of dominance from Mercedes, was McLaren truly back in the fight?

Lando Norris topped the second hour of practice, nipping George Russell atop the timing sheets by just 0.009 seconds. Then his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, clocked in third.

Meanwhile Drivers’ Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who slotted in fifth, more than a half-second behind Norris’ pace, conceded after the session that it was not going to be “easy” in Barcelona.

“Definitely George looks very quick, McLaren look very quick as well so it’s not going to be easy,” said Antonelli to the official F1 channel. “We’ll try to understand from tonight’s work and we’ll try to be ready for tomorrow.”

He added: “It’s been a bit tricky, single lap. The window is so small, tyres are overheating quite a lot.

“[I’m] just trying to find the best balance, of course with only one lap it’s difficult, but I think overall there’s still work to do, quite a bit, but I’m quite confident ahead of tomorrow.”

Antonelli sat out the first hour of practice, giving way to Mercedes test driver Fred Vesti for one of the require rookie sessions.

Can Norris convert a strong Friday into pole today? Or will Mercedes fight back in Barcelona? We will find out in a few hours, as qualifying begins at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, and we will be following all the action here live!

F1 qualifying results: Barcelona

Here is the provisional starting grid, which will be filled in throughout the qualifying session:

F1 Barcelona-Catalunya qualifying

Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.

Q1

10:11: Piastri goes fifth, and Norris sixth. The top ten at the moment are: Hamilton, Russell, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, Lindblad, Hadjar, and Bortoleto.

10:10: Quite the first effort from Hamilton, who goes to the top of the pile with a 1:15.625. Only Piastri and Norris have yet to set a time.

10:09: Leclerc slots into P1 with a strong lap, 1:15.964. Antonelli slides into P2, just 0.013 seconds behind him. But then Russell goes fastest, with a 1:15.717.

10:08: Verstappen pumps in a 1:16.352 to move into P2, with Hülkenberg in P2 and Gasly in P3 for the moment.

10:06: Pit lane comes alive as more of the pole contenders roar out, including the Mercedes duo.

10:05: Sainz leads the way after the first initial times come in, with a 1:18.07. Ocon and Bearman are P2 and P3, and interestingly enough, they posted those times on the medium tires. Albon, Bottas, Alonso, and Stroll round out the seven drivers with a posted time.

10:04: As we wait for times to come in, Alex Jacques and David Coulthard on F1TV are having a fascinating discussion about the impact of wind in Barcelona, at the various corners of this track.

10:00: Green light in Barcelona, with 18 minutes on the clock. The six slowest drivers will be eliminated at the end of this segment, with 16 drivers advancing to Q2.

9:59: Bottas, Ocon, and Bearman are the three drivers at the front of the field waiting for the green light.

9:59: Hometown favorite Sainz is one of the first drivers to leave his garage. He is lined up at the end of pit lane as we wait for a green light.

9:57: A reminder that Pirelli went a step softer with the tires this year, wth the C5 as the soft, the C4 as the medium, and the C3 as the hard. That has brought strategy into play for the Grand Prix, and degradation into play for the qualifying hour. Plus, the track temperature is 51 degrees Celsius, which is also leading to some degradation issues.

9:50: About ten minutes until qualifying gets underway.

What happened in FP3?

What happened in FP3?

Mercedes, specifically Russell, responded.

The veteran driver topped the timing sheets ahead of Piastri and Leclerc, setting the stage for what could be an epic qualifying session. As for Antonelli, the Drivers’ Championship leader was seventh, and even received a reprimand for erratic driving after the session.

Here are the full results from FP3:

France vs Senegal | Group I, Matchday 6 | Tuesday 16 June 2026, 20:00 BST

Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford), USA

TV/Streaming (UK): ITV, BBC

Group I: France, Norway, Iraq, Senegal

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What’s at Stake

This is a Group I opener for both nations, meaning every point matters from the off. France, as one of the tournament favourites at 9/2 to lift the trophy, will want to set the tone early and make qualification from a group that also contains Norway and Iraq as comfortable as possible. Senegal, at 100/1 to win the World Cup, know that a result against Les Bleus would transform their own group-stage prospects and give the rest of the group genuine pause. A France win keeps them firmly on course for the knockout rounds; a Senegal upset would be one of the stories of the tournament.

Verdict

France are expected to win this Group I opener at MetLife Stadium, with Kylian Mbappe’s firepower and a defensively organised backline making them substantial favourites at 1/2. The goals market looks more open than the match result, and Over 2.5 Goals at 1/1 is a compelling price given France’s attacking depth and Senegal’s tendency to commit forward in search of a historic result.

France vs Senegal Match Preview

France open their World Cup 2026 campaign carrying the weight of back-to-back final appearances and the expectation of a nation that has come agonisingly close to back-to-back titles. Didier Deschamps, in what is widely understood to be his final tournament in charge, has a squad that blends proven winners with a new generation, and the 16 June fixture against Senegal is not expected to be routine despite France’s status as heavy favourites.

Senegal arrive as unbeaten CAF qualifiers, a side built on European club experience and anchored by some of Africa’s most decorated players. Their best World Cup result remains the quarter-final run of 2002, memorably launched with a victory over the then-holders France. That historical reference is not lost on either camp, and Senegal will draw motivation from it even if the football reality in 2026 looks considerably more one-sided on paper.

The match hinges on whether Senegal can frustrate France in the opening exchanges and keep Mbappe and company at bay long enough to threaten on the counter. France have the quality to win comfortably; Senegal have the nous and the collective spirit to make it uncomfortable. This France vs Senegal World Cup 2026 prediction leans firmly towards the European side, but the margin and the goals market carry genuine intrigue.

Team Form

France last five:

Northern Ireland (H): Won 3-1 (Friendly)Ivory Coast (H): Lost 1-2 (Friendly)Colombia (N): Won 3-1 (Friendly)Brazil (N): Won 2-1 (Friendly)Azerbaijan (A): Won 3-1 (World Cup Qualifying)