Samsung’s highly anticipated trio of foldables has emerged ahead of launch in their home market of South Korea. A Reddit user posted an image which showcases the Fold8 front and center, surrounded by the Z Flip8 on the left and Z Fold8 Ultra on the right. He claims the devices were lined up at a Samsung retail store in South Korea, with alleged confirmation that these are indeed the unreleased foldables given by an on-site store employee.
Alleged Samsung Galaxy Fold8 alongside Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 Ultra
This is our first look at the Fold8 in its semi-unfolded state. And it appears...
Yeni sezon hazırlıklarını Slovakya'da sürdüren Beşiktaş, kamp programı kapsamında oynadığı dördüncü hazırlık maçında Polonya temsilcisi Widzew Lodz ile karşılaşıyor.
Beşiktaş'ın kadrosuna katmak için yoğun mesai harcadığı Leandro Trossard'ın menajerinden son günlerde ortaya atılan Fenerbahçe iddialarına dair flaş bir açıklama geldi. İşte detaylar...
Curry Barker's Obsession is coming to Peacock on July 17
The horror movie was a monumental success at the box office, earning $407 million against its $750k budget
Obsession is also available to rent or buy on digital platforms
Just a few days after we reported that Obsession was available to rent or buy at home, we've got our wish for a streaming release date. Thankfully you won't need to break any One Wish Willows to rewatch Obsession, because it will be making its streaming debut on Peacock on July 17.
If you haven't seen Obsession yet, it follows Bear (Michael Johnson) who has a crush on his colleague and friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). He doesn't have the courage to ask her out, so he buys a novelty wish-granting toy and ends up asking her to "love him more than anything else in the world". Immediate red flag, right?
I'm so excited for Obsession to join the best horror movies streaming in July, and this addition means that horror fans are certainly eating well this month.
Obsession is the most successful horror movie of 2026 so far, outstripping huge titles such as Backroomsand Send Help at the box office. It saw off the competition from more mainstream genres too, beating the likes of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Now, after its $407 million box office success, it will slowly be leaving theaters and arriving on streaming.
Peacock perks
Peacock may not be as big as some of the other best streaming services, but it does have some gems that make it worth checking out. Horror fans should definitely watch Hysteria!, a series starring Bruce Campbell set at the height of the Satanic Panic. Elsewhere, The Office spin-off series The Paperis a worthy comedy series to watch.
But honestly, it's worth trying out Peacock just so you can watch Obsession. In my glowing 5-star review of the horror movie, I called it "thoroughly entertaining and grabs you by the throat, refusing to let go."
So there we have it, Obsession arrives on July 17 and I'm sure plenty of horror fans will gather to watch it all over again.
In his own tests, our editor Steve praised its ultra-lightweight, tablet-thin design, crisp high-resolution visuals, and called it "perfectly balanced for work and play." And, just to prove how good it is, he still uses it every single day as a second screen for work without any complaints.
A 2560 x 1440 resolution delivers crisp detail across the matte display, while 400 nits of brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio keep images vibrant without overwhelming your eyes during long sessions. In the UK, the Arzopa Z3FC is also discounted down to £130 (was £160) at Amazon.
Today's top portable monitor deal
The Arzopa Z3FC is a 16.1-inch portable monitor with a 2560x1440 display, 180Hz refresh rate, HDR, 107% sRGB color, dual USB-C ports, Mini HDMI, and a built-in kickstand for work, travel, and everyday multitasking alike.
In Steve's comprehensive review he called it "perfectly balanced for work and play", using it for both business productivity tasks and gaming. He added that "there's not much I didn't like about this 16.1-inch display."
Color coverage reaches 107% sRGB, giving photos, videos, and creative projects extra punch without appearing exaggerated. HDR support also adds better depth across compatible content on supported devices.
An impressive 180Hz refresh rate keeps motion smooth when scrolling, editing, or enjoying fast-moving entertainment. It also reduces blur compared with slower portable displays in the same price range.
Connecting everything is straightforward as the two full-function USB-C ports and Mini HDMI cover laptops, Macs, PS5, Xbox, Steam Deck, and PCs.
The built-in kickstand makes finding a comfortable viewing angle easy, and the lightweight build means it won't become annoying during travel or commuting between home and work.
You can switch between landscape and portrait modes, making documents, coding, reading, and reference material easier to manage beside your primary display.
Eye care features help reduce strain during extended use, while the matte screen cuts distracting reflections under bright indoor lighting and everyday office conditions.
At $149.99, this isn't the cheapest portable monitor around, but the combination of features makes it an absolute winner for what you get.
For more choices, take a look at our round up of the best portable monitors we've tested. Spoiler alert: the Z3FC came out on top!
Also consider
MSI's Full HD IPS portable monitor has USB-C and HDMI connectivity, built-in speakers, tripod and VESA mount support, plus an ultra-slim, lightweight design for travel, work, and everyday second-screen use. In his positive review, Collin said it was "a super-light, hyper-functional portable display that is great to have as an extra display for all of your tech."View Deal
The Events tab can help users find races using its database of events imported from Runna
It can also help find group activities and communities
Strava's leaning back into the 'social network' aspect of its app by taking more steps to help its massive community of athletes get connected. The app has launched a new Events tab, available as a sub-tab within Groups, designed to surface local group activities — and make use of the massive library of running events posted regularly on its sibling app Runna.
In a statement, Strava says its new Events tab 'surfaces upcoming events — group runs, rides, and races — tailored to an athlete’s activity and location, making it easier to find ways to move and connect with others'.
The key aspect there is using the athlete's activity and location. While you don't have to be a Londoner to enter the London Marathon, there might be races, group rides, and other activities in your local area you didn't know about. Using your location and activity data, Strava could surface relevant activities and groups you may be interested in.
As many of these events will be drawn from the Runna app's library of races — Runna is now, of course, owned by Strava — we expect many of the early recommendations to be focused on runners. But Strava specifically mentions you can filter events by sport, and highlights Group Rides as an example. So if you prefer cycling to running, you won't be left out of the loop.
The available filters include distance, date, location, sport, elevation, and temperature, so you can do a fair bit of tinkering to find a local event suited to your needs.
Thankfully, the Events tab is available for both Free and Premium users. If you're an event leader looking to get your event in front of more people, Strava has also updated its Club Organizer Hub, branding it 'a rebuilt home for club leaders'. You can access it at strava.com/club-organisers.
Strava's been rolling out new features at an increased pace lately, including, most recently, revamping its hiking offerings to match rivals such as Komoot and AllTrails.
When our 3D printing expert Alastair tested the K2 Plus, he said it was "well-built, packed with features, and ultimately produces outstanding prints. It has great material flexibility, and whilst multifilament printing does slow things down, print speeds are still relatively impressive compared with many of its rivals."
A large 350mm build volume, support for up to 16 colors, dual AI cameras, an actively heated chamber, and a rigid die-cast frame make it ideal for ambitious printing projects.
Dubbing it an "outstanding machine" in his Creality K2 Plus review, Alastair scored the 3D printer 4.5 stars out of a possible 5, awarding it with a Highly Recommended badge.
The K2 Plus offers a generous 350 x 350 x 350mm build volume, giving you plenty of space for larger prints without splitting models into multiple sections. It makes it easier to batch smaller parts in a single print job.
Support for the Creality Filament System, with up to four CFS units, allows printing in as many as 16 colors. If you've wanted to create colorful models without needing to swap filaments by hand, this is the perfect solution.
Performance is equally impressive thanks to a step-servo motor system capable of up to 30,000mm/s² acceleration while keeping operating noise under control. Fast printing doesn't have to come with excessive vibration or a noisy workspace.
The actively heated chamber opens the door to engineering-grade filaments that benefit from stable internal temperatures during printing. That gives makers more flexibility when experimenting with tougher materials for functional parts and demanding projects.
Creality also includes dual AI cameras that monitor prints, adjust flow rate, and alert you if something goes wrong before a failed print wastes hours of time and material.
A die-cast "Matrix" frame provides the rigidity needed for consistent print quality, especially when working at higher speeds.
Combined with the huge discount, large build volume, and advanced features, the Creality K2 Plus is a terrific opportunity for anyone ready to invest in a powerful 3D printer without maxing out the credit card.
For more top-performers, check out the best 3D printers we've tested.
Also consider: More Creality 3D printer deals
This K2 Pro Combo includes eight 1kg spools of Hyper PLA RFID filament, four white and four black, giving you plenty of material to begin printing straight away without buying extra supplies.
With printing speeds up to 600mm/s, an AI camera, broad filament support including carbon fiber materials, and a clog-resistant extruder, this printer delivers fast, reliable performance for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Microsoft warns of “GigaWiper,” a destructive malware attributed to Iranian group CyberAv3ngers that combines multiple variants into one
It can wipe drives, encrypt files with a fake ransomware extension, or overwrite Windows partitions, while also spying via screenshots, VNC sessions, and system data theft
The malware hides under fake OneDrive tasks and registry keys, showing both espionage and sabotage capabilities with no recovery path for victims’ data
Microsoft is warning about a new piece of malware called GigaWiper, which can spy on people’s computers and then destroy them entirely, in different ways.
It was built by mashing different malware variants into one, and it seems to be the work of Iranian state-sponsored threat actors called CyberAv3ngers. The hackers also took a little cheeky dig at Microsoft, through the malware’s obfuscation mechanism.
As Microsoft explained, GigaWiper can overwrite the physical drive and wipe the partition table, destroying the contents of the disk directly. It can also encrypt all files on the drive, add a .candy extension, and change the desktop wallpaper to show a warning. This ransomware approach does not share a ransom note, and does not generate a decryption key, so there is nothing to pay, and no way to decrypt the files - they are gone for good, just giving victims false hope.
Spying on the victims
Finally, the third method goes straight for the Windows drive, overwriting it multiple times with different data patterns.
Besides bricking the disk, GigaWiper can also spy on its victims by grabbing screenshots, recording the screen, or opening a VNC session to either stream someone else’s work, or allow the attackers to use the mouse and keyboard. The malware can also extract system data, manage programs and services, modify the registry, and more.
But the cheekiest feature is how it hides. It schedules a task called OneDrive Update and tracks itself in a registry key called OneDrive\Environment. Perhaps the attackers assumed no one really pays attention to OneDrive, and thus the malware could stay out of sight for longer.
Speaking of the attackers, Microsoft does not name them, but most of the components mashed together to form GigaWiper were previously attributed to CyberAv3ngers, a group linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Razer has released the new Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT – Cinnamoroll Edition
The wireless gaming headphones are available now for $139.99
The headset completes Razer's Cinnamoroll collection
Razer has launched a new piece in its Sanrio collection, the Kraken Kitty V2 BT – Cinnamoroll Edition, and it might just be the cutest-looking gaming headset I've ever seen.
Razer has been growing its Sanrio crossover collection since last October, which already includes Cinnamoroll editions of the Iskur V2 X NewGen gaming chair, Kraken V4 X headset, Ornata V3 TKL keyboard, Razer Cobra mouse, and Gigantus V2 mouse pad.
Now, the Kraken Kitty V2 BT completes the series and is now available at Razer US and RazerStores for $139.99.
With a soft sky-blue and cloud-white design, the wireless headset features Cinnamoroll’s signature floppy ears and Razer's Chroma RGB lighting on the ear cups, adding a gentle customizable glow.
The headset, which offers up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, is also built for long gaming sessions with its breathable and comfortable ear cushions and lightweight frame.
Float into Cinnamoroll’s world with the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT – Cinnamoroll Edition: https://t.co/4U0qBLmPpA As the final drop in our @Sanrio collaboration lineup, the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT – Cinnamoroll Edition brings his signature floppy ears and sky-blue style to your… pic.twitter.com/dRcwmgJtaJJuly 9, 2026
Bluetooth 5.2 gives users the option to wear the headset away from their desk, while a dedicated low-latency Gaming Mode helps keep audio more closely synced during play. The headset is also powered by Razer TriForce 40 mm drivers, meaning balanced audio when gaming, streaming, or listening to music.
"For Cinnamoroll fans, building a gaming setup can be just as much about comfort and personality as it is about the gear itself. It’s in the colors you choose, the characters you keep close, and the details that make your space feel good to return to," Razer said.
"The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT – Cinnamoroll Edition fits naturally into that kind of space. As a wearable centerpiece for the Razer | Cinnamoroll Collection, it brings Cinnamoroll’s signature look into gaming, calls, music, and everyday listening while keeping comfort close through the day."
Buying a new laptop can be tricky at times. As well as choosing the right brand and model, you also need to decide whether an Intel or AMD processor is the better fit for your needs.
You can build the config you need direct from the site, so the ones below have the specs I think deliver the best value for money.
Today's top Lenovo laptop deals
The AMD-powered ThinkPad E16 Gen 3 combines a Ryzen 5 processor with 16GB of DDR5 memory, a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, and a 16-inch WUXGA IPS display for dependable everyday productivity and multitasking.
Customize the setup (16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage) and use coupon code THINK2SAVEJULY to get the best price.View Deal
The Intel ThinkPad E16 Gen 3 pairs a Core Ultra 7 255H processor with 16GB of DDR5 memory, a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, and a 16-inch WUXGA IPS display for demanding workloads.
Customize the setup (16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage) and use coupon code THINK2SAVEJULY to get the best price.View Deal
The AMD configuration offers the best value and pairs a Ryzen 5 230 processor (3.50 GHz up to 4.90 GHz) with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 TLC Opal SSD. If you want a bit more power, you can switch to a Ryzen 7 250 chip (3.30 GHz up to 5.10 GHz) for an extra $30.
Anyone chasing maximum processor performance should opt for the Intel version instead. This comes with an Core Ultra 7 255H processor (E-cores up to 4.40 GHz P-cores up to 5.10 GHz) matched with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD, making it a very capable choice for demanding workloads.
I would suggest you view 16GB of RAM as the minimum amount of memory. Although 8GB is an option and will save you money, it's really not enough in 2026.
Both E16 Gen 3 laptops share the same feature set, including a 16-inch WUXGA IPS display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, anti-glare finish, 300 nits of brightness, and a comfortable 16:10 aspect ratio for working with documents and spreadsheets.
You'll also get integrated graphics, a 5MP webcam with a privacy shutter, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth support, and a full-sized keyboard with a number pad.
Those features suit working from home, studying, and everyday office tasks equally well.
Both models in Lenovo's understated Eclipse Black finish include a 48Wh battery, and ship with Windows 11 Home (you can switch from Home to Pro for an extra $40).
The familiar ThinkPad design continues to focus on durability, comfort, and practicality without unnecessary extras.
Choosing between Intel and AMD ultimately comes down to your personal preference, although it's nice to know that both ThinkPad E16 Gen 3 configurations are currently discounted right now.
Despite boasting a host of talented attackers including Lamine Yamal, Spain's defense is grabbing the headlines ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Belgium in Los Angeles — and you can live stream the game around the world for free.
La Roja kept a sixth successive clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Portugal in the last 16, setting a new World Cup record. Luis de la Fuente's side are yet to concede at this summer's tournament, although they may be asking for more from teenage superstar Yamal, who has scored just once. This is the first time Spain have reached the quarter-finals since lifting the trophy in 2010 and they will believe they can emulate that vintage by following the Euro 2024 title with World Cup glory. Mikel Merino is pushing to start against Belgium after his last-gasp winner saw off Portugal, while Nico Williams could be closer to featuring following a groin issue.
Belgium have certainly had an eventful knockout stage, producing an incredible comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 before thrashing co-hosts USA 4-1 in a last-16 tie that was overshadowed by FIFA's decision to suspend USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's red card. Manager Rudi Garcia would have been thrilled to see forward Charles De Ketelaere finally get off the mark this summer while Romelu Lukaku bagged his third goal of the tournament, off the bench. The only sour note was an ACL injury to midfielder Amadou Onana that will rule him out for a significant period.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Spain vs Belgium for free from anywhere in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch Spain vs Belgium for free
Spain vs Belgium is available to watch for free in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can't access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN — more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Spain vs Belgium live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re traveling, you might discover your usual Spain vs Belgium stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were back home.
Watch your free World Cup stream without limits. Norton VPN delivers fast, secure connections with global servers, so you can stream from anywhere with ease.
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How to watch Spain vs Belgium in the US
US viewers can watch Spain vs Belgium on Fox (English commentary) or Telemundo (Spanish commentary).
Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting), Maxim de Cuyper (Brighton), Koni de Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt).
Midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne (Napoli), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona).
Forwards: Charles de Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).
Spain vs Belgium: Road to the quarter-finals
Stage
Spain
Belgium
Group stage
Group H: 1st, 7 points
Group G: 1st, 5 points
Last 32
Beat Austria (3-0)
Beat Senegal (3-2 AET)
Last 16
Beat Portugal (1-0)
Beat USA (4-1)
What is the weather for Spain vs Belgium?
It's warm but not extreme heat in Los Angeles with temperatures around 77F (25C).
Can I watch Spain vs Belgium on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
It wouldn't be a difficult argument to make that the USA is the television capital of the world, or at least the birthplace of modern TV culture.
From Walter Cronkite to Fox & Friends, I Love Lucy to The Simpsons, The Twilight Zone to The Sopranos; whether it's news, current affairs, comedy or drama, US television has produced some of the most iconic, enduring shows committed to the format.
And that's before you even get to sports. What would the sporting calendar look like without Super Bowl Sunday, the Fall Classic, Indy 500 and WrestleMania? Or, most recently, the 2026 World Cup that the USA is co-hosting.
America's shows and sports are collectively the most popular in the world, which means you can continue to watch them on local channels when you're overseas. But it isn't always the case – college basketball, for example, has limited appeal outside the States. And if you go to watch your usual streaming websites, apps and platforms in a different region, they're unlikely to work due to rights restrictions.
Thankfully, there's a very simple way to get around these blackouts. By using one of the best VPNs, you can watch as much US TV as you wish when traveling outside of its borders. Keep reading to discover how.
As we say, the international proliferation of US television and sports means that there's a good chance you'll be able to see the content you want in many other parts of the world.
However, due to licensing and rights agreements, you won't necessarily be able to watch them on the platform to which you've become accustomed (and, more commonly than not, pay for).
Try to watch Love Island USA on Peacock, Welcome to Wrexham on Hulu, or a numbered UFC event on Paramount Plus, for example, and you'll be met with an error message telling you that you can't stream them. The same goes for OTT cable alternatives like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and Sling TV – all are region-restricted to the US.
It can even happen with certain content on the likes of Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. They have slightly different libraries depending on which territory you're in. So you can forget watching The Great British Baking Show on Netflix if you're not Stateside.
And even if you find the show or sporting event on a local station, you may end up having to subscribe to stream. That hardly seems fair if you've already paid a premium back home to watch that exact same thing.
The clever engineers at these VPN companies work constantly to make their tools compatible with the world's biggest streaming platforms, thereby letting you watch them regardless of where in the world you are.
The technology effectively spoofs your IP address so that your laptop, smartphone, tablet or streaming device looks like it's in an altogether different location.
Specifically, in this case, a location back within the USA.
Then, when you load up your app for Disney+, Apple TV, DirecTV or anything else, it will think you're back at home and so won't hit you with that annoying error message.
That's in theory, at least. Only the best streaming VPNs are able to unblock a wide range of these platforms. That's why it's worth making sure you get one that will come to your rescue when you're overseas on business or vacation...
(Image credit: Shutterstock: JLco Julia Amaral)
Which is the best VPN for watching US TV when overseas?
Head to the website or app of the US streaming service you wish to use
Hit play and enjoy!
We've learnt that it's best to connect to your US VPN server first before loading up the streaming app or website that you're attempting to unblock. We've found that if you do it the other way around (i.e. heading to the streaming platform first) you can, in effect, 'tip off' the streamer, which makes it less likely that the VPN will work its magic properly.
And another tip we have is to use an Incognito window you're streaming within a web browser. Again, it just helps to make sure that none of your cookies or usage history triggers the streaming platform to know that you're currently overseas.
What sports can I watch on US TV from overseas?
As a sports-mad nation, US TV hosts just about every event you can imagine from both home and abroad.
The NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB all go out on an intricate variation of networks and their associated streaming platforms. Anything that would normally be available on cable can also be watched on an OTT cord-cutting service.
(Image credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Paramount Plus and Netflix are the respective homes of UFC and WWE, while Fox is the existing Nascar provider and has exclusive action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Apple TV has upped its game in recent years to win the rights to show MLS soccer and every race of the Formula 1 season.
Extensive coverage of the most recent Summer and Winter Olympic Games was carried by NBC's Peacock platform, as is Tour de France cycling.
In terms of overseas soccer, Peacock shows English Premier League matches, ESPN has La Liga from Spain and Bundesliga from Germany, and CBS carries the UEFA Champions League.
And what about sports that are traditionally less popular in the States? Dedicated platforms like RugbyPass and Willow TV respectively feature global rugby union and cricket action.
What news, dramas and comedy can I watch on US TV from overseas?
While some 24/7 rolling news casts will work wherever you are (e.g. Fox News, MS Now), others will not (e.g. NewsNation) without the use of a VPN.
Both current and prestige dramas can be streamed on an array of streaming platforms. George R. R. Martin's stories are an apposite example of this – Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon can be watched with a subscription to HBO Max. Peacock Originals include Ponies and The Five-Star Weekend, while Disney+ has plenty of Doctor Who.
Thankfully, most of the proprietary shows to land on Netflix and Apple TV can be watched from region to region. So the likes of Squid Game, Stranger Things and Severance can be streamed from pretty much anywhere.
(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)
It's a very similar situation in terms of comedies. Friends makes its home on HBO Max, while Seinfeld sits on Netflix and all seasons of Cheers are on Hulu. For something more contemporary, you'd need Paramount Plus for Colin from Accounts, Prime Video for Bait and Apple TV for Ted Lasso.
Just remember, if you're struggling to watch any of these when away from the country, you'll need to invest in a good VPN. They're more affordable than you might imagine.
Son dakika transfer haberleri: Beşiktaş'ın transferi için gün saydığı Leandro Trossard için Fenerbahçe'nin devreye girdiği iddia edilmişti. Belçikalı yıldızın menajeri, oyuncusunun sarı-lacivertli takıma...Devamı için tıklayınız
Yaz transfer döneminde orta sahaya takviye yapmak üzere kolları sıvayan Galatasaray'da dikkat çeken bir gelişme yaşandı. Sarı-kırmızılıların transfer gündeminde yer alan yıldız oyuncunun o takıma "evet"...Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş, Slovakya kampındaki dördüncü hazırlık maçında Widzew Lodz ile karşı karşıya geliyor. Mücadeleyi haberimizden canlı olarak takip edebilirsiniz.Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş, Slovakya kampındaki üçüncü hazırlık maçında SV Mattersburg ile karşı karşıya geldi. Siyah-beyazlılar mücadeleyi 1-0 kazandı. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında mübarizə aparan “Araz-Naxçıvan” 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünə hazırlıq məqsədi ilə bu gün ilk məşqinə çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, komanda Bakı Olimpiya Stadionunun ehtiyat meydançasında məşq edib.
Baş məşqçi Cavid Hüseynov yeni transferlərlə bərabər əvəzedici heyətdən də bir neçə futbolçunu hazırlıq prosesinə cəlb edib. İyulun 12-dək gündə bir dəfə məşq keçəcək futbolçular ertəsi gün təlim-məşq toplanışına start verəcəklər. Dünən cərrahiyyə əməliyyatı olunan İbrahim Piriyev isə 3 həftədən sonra məşqlərdə iştirak edəcək.
Ayın 13-dən 20-dək təlim-məşq toplanışının birinci mərhələsi olacaq. İyulun 20-də klubun əvəzedici heyəti ilə yoxlama oyunu keçiriləcək. Ertəsi gün dincələk futbolçular hazırlıq prosesinin ikinci mərhələsinə iyulun 22-də başlayacaq.
Ayın 31-dək davam edəcək ikinci mərhələdə “qırmızı-ağlar” 3 oyunda gücünü sınayacaq. İyulun 24-də “İmişli”, ayın 31-də isə “Şəfa” ilə görüşlər nəzərdə tutulub. İyulun 28-də keçirilməsi nəzərdə tutulan oyundakı rəqib dəqiqləşməyib. Avqustun ilk 2 günündə istirahət edəcək “Araz-Naxçıvan” ayın 3-də bir araya gələcək və 4 gün sonra yoxlama matçında gücünü sınayacaq. Avqustun 7-nə planlaşdırılan görüş üçün də rəqib seçilməyib. Bu qarşılaşmadan sonra bərpa və istirahət edəcək futbolçular avqustun 10-dan etibarən yeni mövsümün ilk oyununun hazırlığına başlayacaqlar.
Naxçıvan komandasının bütün hazırlıq prosesi Bakıda baş tutacaq.
İngiltərənin “Mançester Siti” klubu “Şeffild Uenzdey”in qapıçısı Pirs Çarlzı transfer edərək onunla rəsmi müqavilə imzalandığını bəyan edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə İngiltərə klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Şimali İrlandiya millisinin 20 yaşlı üzvü “şəhərlilər”lə 5 illik müqavilə imzalayıb. Lakin o, 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünü bu komandada yox, icarə əsasında Çempionşip təmsilçisi KPR-də keçirəcək.
Qeyd edək ki, Pirs Çarlz daha əvvəl də “Mançester Siti”nin akademiyasında çıxış edib. O, 2020-ci ildə “Şeffild Uenzdey”ə transfer olunmuşdu.
Gənc qolkiper “Şeffild Uenzdey”in heyətində ümumilikdə 36 oyunda meydana çıxıb, 60 qol buraxıb və 3 matçda qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayıb.
Çarlz 2024-cü ildə debüt etdiyi Şimali İrlandiya yığmasının heyətində 12 oyuna çıxıb, 15 qol buraxıb, 5 matçda qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayıb.
ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikanın birgə ev sahibliyi etdiyi dünya çempionatında (DÇ-2026) penaltilərin dəqiqliyi ilə bağlı tarixi antirekord qeydə alınıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “Opta” məlumat yayıb.
Məlumata görə, turnirdə əsas vaxt və oyundansonrakı penaltilər seriyası da daxil olmaqla yerinə yetirilmiş 60 onbirmetrlik zərbədən cəmi 39-u qolla nəticələnib. Bu, son 60 ildə aparılan statistikaya əsasən dünya çempionatları tarixində ən aşağı göstəricidir.
Bu mundialda penaltidən yararlana bilməyən futbolçular arasında Fransa millisinin hücumçusu Kilian Mbappe və Argentina yığmasının kapitanı Lionel Messi də yer alır.
Messi isə daha bir göstərici ilə tarixə düşüb. O, eyni dünya çempionatı ərzində iki dəfə penalti qaçırmış ilk futbolçu olub.
Statistikaya əsasən, ən ciddi problemlər oyundansonrakı penaltilər seriyalarında yaşanıb. Belə ki, Mərakeşlə Niderland arasında keçirilmiş 1/16 final qarşılaşmasının penaltilər seriyasında futbolçular 10 zərbədən cəmi 5-ni dəqiq yerinə yetirə biliblər.
Xatırladaq ki, DÇ-2026-ya iyulun 19-da yekun vurulacaq.
“Əl Nəsr”dən ayrılan Marselo Brozoviç karyerasını İspaniyada davam etdirə bilər.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Real” xorvatiyalı futbolçunun xidmətində maraqlıdır. Bu barədə insayder Saşa Tavolyeri məlumat yayıb. “Kral klubu”nun yeni baş məşqçisi Joze Mourinyo 33 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçini komandasında görmək istəyir. Tərəflər arasında danışıqlar davam edir.
Brozoviç “Əl Nəsr”dən öncə “İnter” və “Dinamo” (Zaqreb) çıxış edib.
“Borussiya Dortmund”un futbolçusu Kərim Adeyemi yaxın vaxtlarda “Barselona”ya keçəcək. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə insayder Fabritsio Romano paylaşım edib. […]
HyperTexting's new app aims to make the open web feel more like social media by turning websites, blogs, newsletters, and podcasts into a scrollable feed, while also making it easier to post to your own website.
The launch of free content would allow Disney+ to better compete with free services like YouTube and Tubi, which are capturing a growing share of consumers’ viewing time.
Dumb Co sells flip phones that sync to your smartphone, bridging the infinite connectivity of the iPhone and the unrealistic limitations of an early 2000s relic.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MARCH 14: Davinson Sanchez of Galatasaray reacts during the Trendyol Super Lig match between Galatasaray SK and Rams Basaksehir FK at Rams Park Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
That might not be sufficient, as the Turkish side is holding out for closer to €25-30m, especially after his impressive 2026 World Cup campaign with Colombia.
This is not the only obstacle, because his salary of over €3m per season net is going to be a challenge for Como too.
The Turkish Super Lig is able to offer massive wage deals compared to Serie A because of the different taxation regime.
Galatasaray purchased Sanchez from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 at a cost of €9.5m, six years after his move from Ajax to Spurs for €42m.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 17: Giovanni Simeone of Torino in contrast with Alberto Dossena of Cagliari during the Serie A match at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 17, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Toro are the latest, having organised a trip to the historic Turf Moor stadium on Sunday August 2.
Kick-off time will be at 15.00 local time (16.00 CEST).
It will be final pre-season test for Burnley before they begin their campaign in earnest with the first round Carabao Cup tie against Notts County on Saturday August 8.
Atalanta have intensified talks with Kerim Alajbegovic, claim Sky Sport Italia, but Roma and Milan are among those still interested in the Bayer Leverkusen talent.
That was a sale for €2m last summer, with the buy-back option set at just €8m activated on July 1.
Alajbegovic impressed at World Cup
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Kerim Alajbegovic #19 of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
He scored 13 goals with four assists in 44 competitive games for RB Salzburg, then became a hero for Bosnia and Herzegovina when scoring decisive goals in their World Cup play-offs.
This form continued at the tournament itself, where he started three of Bosnia’s four matches, scoring a sensational solo strike.
Primarily playing down the left wing, but also able to work on the right or as a trequartista behind a striker, Alajbegovic has caught the eye of numerous top clubs.
Sky Sport Italia claim that Atalanta are stepping up negotiations with his entourage in the hope of convincing him before they begin the real talks with his club.
Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali warns Franck Kessie, Brahim Diaz and Theo Hernandez ‘cannot be part of the plan at this moment,’ but they’re ‘waiting’ for Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.
The Bianconeri are rebuilding after a traumatic season that saw them finish sixth in Serie A, missing out on the Champions League to qualify for the Europa League.
That hit their finances hard and affects the strategy going forward, so new director Carnevali urged fans not to listen to the media rumours of big names returning to Serie A for them.
Juventus shrug off big name rumours
Jeff Ekhator and director Giovanni Carnevali (juventus.com)
Sport Mediaset asked specifically about the reports of approaches for Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, ex-Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, and free agent Kessie.
“There is no truth to them, because these are very important players, but if we analyse their costs and values, they cannot be part of the plan at this moment for the construction of this squad,” replied Carnevali.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessie #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“We have various negotiations in progress, it takes time to reflect, because we don’t want to be frenetic, the market changes every day,” added Carnevali.
“Just look at Dibu Martinez, who is playing at the World Cup, so we need to wait for that to play out. There are many situations, a club like Juventus has to be open on various different fronts and pay attention to what can happen.”
There can be no real progress until his World Cup campaign has concluded, and Argentina are preparing to face Switzerland in the quarter-final this weekend.
Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement for the transfer of Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Posting on X, Romano confirmed: “EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona agree deal to sign Karim Adeyemi, HERE WE GO! Deal agreed club to club for €22m plus €7m add-ons based on title winning and also appearances. Adeyemi only wanted Barça and will sign a five year deal in blaugrana.”
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This deal has looked to be on the cards for the last few days, with Adeyemi shining during his time at Dortmund and looking like a potentially smart addition to the Barca attack.
This also comes as we’ve reported that Ferran Torres can leave Barcelona for around €35m as he’s in the final year of his contract, with Adeyemi’s arrival useful to help replace the Spain international…
?? EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona agree deal to sign Karim Adeyemi, HERE WE GO! ??
Deal agreed club to club for €22m plus €7m add-ons based on title winning and also appearances.
Adeyemi looks set to cost only €29m in total, and if Barcelona can make around €35m from the sale of Torres, then that’s surely smart business overall.
Still, Torres has been a solid and reliable squad player for Barca, and there’s not necessarily any guarantee that the Germany international would be a significant upgrade.
Tottenham and Aston Villa are understood to be among the clubs showing an interest in Barcelona forward Ferran Torres this summer.
As has been widely reported, the Spain international is available for transfer, with our sources confirming to us that Atletico Madrid are currently showing the strongest interest.
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We’ve been told as well, however, that if Torres does move this summer then he could also receive offers from Tottenham, Aston Villa, Napoli, and Juventus.
Well-placed sources in the industry, who’ve asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, suggest Barca will likely look for around €35m to let Torres go.
Ferran Torres looks likely to leave Barcelona
With just a year left on his contract and the likely arrival of Karim Adeyemi at Barcelona this summer, the writing seems to be on the wall for Torres.
The 26-year-old has done well as a squad player at the Nou Camp, but it makes sense that the club are open to letting him go if the money is right, or else they could just lose him on a free in a year’s time.
It is our understanding that there has not yet been any official communication to Torres that he will be sold, but internal discussions have taken place and come to that conclusion.
Torres has also not yet spoken with any other clubs as his focus remains the World Cup 2026 with the Spanish national team.
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Ferran Torres has admirers in the Premier League
Torres has long been linked with Premier League clubs, having had a spell at Manchester City as a youngster.
While we can’t currently confirm whether or not Torres would favour a move back to England, he has firm admirers here in Villa and Spurs, who have explored a move for him in previous windows.
They will likely be in the mix again as they look into signings up front, though we are not currently aware of interest from others such as Manchester United and Arsenal, who have also been mentioned.
Xhaka had a star role under Alonso when they were together at Bayer Leverkusen, and it certainly could have made sense for them to be reunited to try to get this Chelsea project off the ground.
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Still, see below as Xhaka himself has given an interview making it clear that he’s happy at Sunderland and that he and his family will be staying…
Granit Xhaka nos confirmó en los micros de @DAZN_ES que se quedará en el Sunderland. Finalmente NO marchará al Chelsea de Xabi Alonso, equipo para el que sonaba con mucha mucha fuerza. Recordemos que Xabi le entrenó ya en el Leverkusen y le quería de vuelta en Londres. Pese a la… pic.twitter.com/FCQmLDNA2M
“Sunderland has been my home since day one. We are all very happy. I’ve decided to stay where I am; the most important thing is family. I’m ready to make history with them,” he said.
“That’s not my job (to talk about Chelsea). I have my management for that. I want to concentrate fully on the World Cup.”
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Who else could Chelsea sign in midfield?
This is far from ideal for Alonso as he looks to get off to a strong start at Chelsea, with the Blues in need of more experience.
This is a youthful CFC squad and it won’t be easy for Alonso to take over after the team’s struggles last season under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Bringing in an experienced winner like Xhaka could really have helped Alonso implement his ideas and improve the mood around the club, but he’ll now have to look for alternatives.
Arsenal are reportedly admirers of their former player Konstantinos Mavropanos and could be in the mix to sign the West Ham United defender this summer.
The Greek centre-back makes sense as someone who could be on the move after West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League to the Championship in 2025/26.
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Mavropanos has always been a solid performer for West Ham and it’s not too surprising to hear that there are Premier League clubs interested in him this summer.
See below for an update on the 28-year-old’s future from Sky Sports’ Christopher Reidy…
Dinos Mavropanos is attracting interest from Premier League sides and clubs across Europe.
Arsenal admire their former player Mavropanos and are interested, but currently stocked well at RCB with Saliba, Mosquera and White.
“Dinos Mavropanos is attracting interest from Premier League sides and clubs across Europe. Arsenal admire their former player Mavropanos and are interested, but currently stocked well at RCB with Saliba, Mosquera and White,” the reporter posted on X.
Arsenal fans won’t be too excited by Mavropanos and Meslier transfers
Arsenal fans will probably not be too excited by this piece of transfer news, with the club already confirming an underwhelming deal in the form of Illan Meslier on a free.
Backup players like Mavropanos and Meslier aren’t really what Arsenal need right now, with the reigning Premier League champions looking like they could do with one or two statement signings to take them to the next level.
July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Folarin Balogun of the U.S. celebrates scoring their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images | Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Ima
With only six games remaining in the 2026 World Cup, I wanted to get out this crossover post before the tournament wraps up. While Georgia football is my favorite team across all sports, my favorite sport is actually soccer. So, what better way to blend the two than to assign each SEC school as a World Cup nation.
Disclaimer: I know there are probably several other iterations of this same idea, whether it’s also just for SEC teams or college football at large. I have not seen any of these, so any comparisons below have not been taken from a different article.
If you either like a comparison or think I’m completely off base, let me know in the comments or just yell directly at me on X/Twitter @joeyhnath.
Here are the SEC teams if they were World Cup Nations:
Georgia: Argentina
The kings, the champs, the best. Everyone is looking to knock them off the mountain top. Both teams won it all in 2022 after not having won it all since the 80s (though this was year 2 of the back-to-back titles for Georgia).
Ole Miss: Morocco
Both Ole Miss and Morocco are in the midst of their greatest run of success in their history, and both are doing it off the backs of bringing in transfers. We know Ole Miss loves the transfer portal, but Morocco also loves an international soccer “transfer”. Against Brazil, Morocco field a starting XI where all eleven players were born outside of Morocco, a first in World Cup history. They have done a great job of getting the Moroccan diaspora to declare for Morocco instead of other potential national teams.
Florida: Italy
Both teams won it all in 2006 but are currently no where to be seen, though both had a random year of success in 2020.
Tennessee: Netherlands
Maybe best known for their orange uniforms, both Tennessee and Netherlands field competitive teams that you know aren’t going to win it all. In reality, their best sports are not football (check out Netherlands speed skating – they’re awesome).
Alabama: Brazil
Both teams have won the most titles, though many of them came over 50 years ago. While they have both won titles six season/tournaments ago (2020 for Bama, 2002 for Brazil), their respective fan bases believe that has been too long and are anxious for another trophy.
Mississippi State: South Africa
Neither team is much of a threat, and they are both maybe best known for their fans’ noise makers in the stadium (Mississippi State’s cowbells, South Africa’s vuvuzelas)
Missouri: New Zealand
Both are really just happy to be included. Missouri received their SEC invite in 2013 somewhat surprisingly, and thanks to the expanded World Cup to 48 teams, the Oceania Football Confederation is now able to send at least on nation to the World Cup through automatic qualification, which will almost assuredly be New Zealand every time.
Oklahoma: Mexico
Both Oklahoma and Mexico are known as a football school/country, yet they struggle in elimination rounds. Oklahoma is 0-5 in the College Football Playoff, and Mexico has lost eight straight Round of 16 matches.
LSU: Scotland
This has nothing to do with the on-field product, as LSU has a great history while Scotland not so much. It is about the fans. Both fan bases will come to your city/country and drink every ounce of booze that is there. Boston won’t forget the Scottish invasion anytime soon.
Kentucky: Japan
Neither Kentucky nor Japan are bad at football, but they neither are great. Honestly, they just can’t wait for basketball (Kentucky) and baseball (Japan) season.
South Carolina: USA
Both South Carolina and the U.S. are fine at football and experienced a bit more success than they’re used to in the early 2010’s. But really, both are more known for their dominant women’s team.
Vanderbilt: Switzerland
Honestly, what country screams elite private school more than Switzerland? Both have a small enrollment/population that have found recent success. Additionally, both of their best players in recent times are short kings (Diego Pavia for Vanderbilt, Xherdan Shaqiri for Switzerland).
Auburn: Spain
Auburn and Spain both experienced their best moments in their history in 2010, winning it all. However, there isn’t much to talk about for either outside of 2010 except for a couple conference/continent titles.
Texas: England
I’m positive that this comparison has been made before because it’s too perfect. Both fan bases clutch onto one crowning achievement (Texas title in 2005, England World Cup in in 1966), and both fan bases declare every single year that they are back (Texas) or that it’s coming home (England), and yet it never does.
Texas A&M: Qatar
Oil money. Copious amounts of oil money. Whether its the latest five-star recruit or the hosting rights to the 2022 World Cup, there isn’t anything oil money can’t buy (except for actually winning games). As the cherry on top, both A&M and Qatar’s primary color is maroon.
Arkansas: Uruguay
Sometimes you forget about them due to their large, successful neighbors, but both Arkansas and Uruguay are pesky and won a title a looooong time ago (Arkansas in 1966, Uruguay in 1930 and 1950).
The claret jug will be up for grabs at Royal Birkdale, July 16-19.
Scottie Scheffler looks to hoist it for the second year in a row but his title defense won't come easy as a crowded field vies for the year’s fourth major in England.
Will Scheffler become a two-time Open champ or will Rory McIlroy win his second major of 2026 after a repeat at Augusta? Aaron Rai and Wyndham Clark are also fighting for that second major honor after wins at Aronimink and Shinnecock, respectively.
Golf Channel will be on-site with "Live From" coverage beginning early Monday, July 13, featuring highlights, interviews, updates and analysis.
Here is your guide to getting complete coverage of the men’s final major of the year (all times ET; stream links will be added when available). Golf Channel coverage can also be watched on GolfChannel.com and the Golf Channel app.
Monday, July 13
9AM-2PM: Live From The Open
Tuesday, July 14
8AM-1PM: Live From The Open
Wednesday, July 15
8AM-1PM: Live From The Open
Thursday, July 16
1:30-4AM: Open Championship, Round 1 (Peacock)
4AM-3:30PM: Open Championship, Round 1 (USA Sports/GC mobile)
3:30-5:30 PM: Live From The Open
Friday, July 17
1:30-4AM: Open Championship, Round 2 (Peacock)
4AM-3:30PM: Open Championship, Round 2 (USA Sports/GC mobile)
3:30-5:30 PM: Live From The Open
Saturday, July 18
5-7AM: Open Championship, Round 3 (USA Sports/GC mobile)
7AM-3PM: Open Championship, Round 3 (NBC/Peacock)
3-5 PM: Live From The Open
Sunday, July 19
4-7AM: Open Championship, final round (USA Sports/GC mobile)
7AM-2PM: Open Championship, final round (NBC/Peacock)
Sky Sports: Man United have set their sights on move for World Cup forward
Crysencio Summerville emerges as Manchester United’s leading left-wing target
Manchester United’s summer business is gathering momentum, with attention now turning towards Crysencio Summerville after progress on other priority positions. According to Sky Sports, the West Ham winger has become United’s number one target on the left side of attack following agreements for Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow.
The broader picture is becoming easier to read. United have pushed hard to reshape the middle of the pitch, striking a £50m deal with Chelsea for Santos, while also advancing talks for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, even if that move currently carries some uncertainty. In goal, the club have moved for experienced cover by agreeing terms with free agent Karl Darlow, a step that is expected to open the door for Altay Bayindir’s departure.
Summerville transfer priority grows
With midfield and goalkeeper plans taking shape, Manchester United are now placing greater emphasis on adding attacking thrust. A left-winger has been high on the internal list for some time, and Summerville fits the profile of a player ready for a bigger stage. Sky Sports reports that United have already held initial discussions with West Ham and that the player is very open to a move to Old Trafford, with more clarity anticipated once he returns from his break.
West Ham are thought to value the Netherlands international at around £50m, although there is a sense a lower fee could prove possible. That detail may become important if United continue balancing several deals at once this summer.
Manchester United planning for attack
There is logic to the move. United want more penetration, more directness and greater depth out wide as they prepare for Champions League football. The expectation around Marcus Rashford’s future remains relevant in that context, with a permanent exit still possible even if there is no complete closure on that situation yet.
Photo IMAGO
Summerville’s stock has risen sharply. After two seasons at West Ham, and following relegation to the Championship, his departure now feels increasingly likely. He has been described as “elite”, and his recent performances for the Netherlands on the international stage have only reinforced the sense that he is ready for another step.
Why Summerville suits Old Trafford
From United’s perspective, this is the type of signing that often makes sense, a player with proven Premier League-level qualities, upward momentum and the personality to embrace a bigger platform. If the numbers remain around the £50m mark, or even lower, the deal could become one of the more appealing attacking moves available in this market.
There is still competition and there is still work to do, but Summerville’s place near the top of Manchester United’s shortlist looks increasingly significant.
Our View
From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this report is intriguing because it points towards a more coherent transfer strategy. Summerville feels like the sort of player fans can quickly get behind, explosive, confident, technically sharp and already familiar with the demands of English football. There is less adaptation risk than with a move from abroad, and that matters when expectation is so high.
The biggest attraction is probably profile. United have often looked short of genuine one-v-one threat in wide areas, especially in matches where opponents sit deep and force the attack to create something from very little space. Summerville looks capable of unsettling defenders on his own, and that changes the dynamic of a front line.
If Rashford does leave, the need becomes even greater. United cannot go into a Champions League season lacking depth and unpredictability on the left. At around £50m, this would still be a major outlay, but in the current market it feels more understandable than many deals for less proven talent.
There will be supporters asking whether he can deliver consistently at Old Trafford, and that is fair. The pressure is different, the spotlight is harsher and every dip in form becomes a major talking point. Even so, this feels like a move with upside, logic and timing. If the club can land Summerville after sorting midfield, it would suggest a summer with real structure behind it.
Owen Bevan has joined Dundee after leaving Bournemouth [Getty Images]
Owen Bevan is eager to "perform" after joining Dundee on a two-year contract, with the option of a further year.
The defender, 22, leaves Bournemouth, who had loaned him out to three different clubs, including Hibernian.
"There were lots of reasons to come here," Bevan told Dundee club media.
"I saw during my trial period that there are lots of good people here. The manager was a big driving factor for coming, I like the way he works, I like the football he wants to play and I think it suits me. I think it'll bring the best out of me.
"I want to perform here. I want to show people that I can step up a level at this club and I can't wait to get started."
Bevan has made 47 senior appearances.
And manager Steven Pressley said: "Owen is a player that we were made aware of and who joined us from day one of our pre-season. He very much impressed with his aggression, his defensive mindset but also his composure and ability with the football.
"In our opinion he's a player with a very high ceiling and our job is to create an environment and give him the platform to achieve that potential. We're delighted that he has signed."
Captain Hayley Matthews hit 159 and claimed three wickets as the West Indies hammered Ireland in the first one-day international at Bready.
Amy Hunter fell just short of her second ODI century on 96 as Ireland were all out for 269 after 49 overs.
Led by Matthews' century-and-a-half, the West Indies dominated Ireland with the bat and cruised to a nine-wicket victory.
Matthews' tally is the second-highest in ODI history for a women's player from the West Indies, behind Stafanie Taylor's record of 177.
It was fitting that Matthews got to play the final eight balls of the match alongside Taylor.
The only wicket the visitors lost was that of Realeanna Grimmond, who was caught by Hunter on 91 from Louise Little's delivery.
The visitors can clinch the three-game series on Sunday at Bready, before the final game between the sides on Wednesday.
Despite losing Forbes on 11 after she was run out in the sixth over, Ireland made a strong start despite losing the toss.
The loss of captain Gaby Lewis, making her 200th Ireland appearance, for 39 was a blow to leave Ireland on 77-2 after 15 overs.
Hunter was closing in on her century but she was bowled by Afy Fletcher, who ended the match with four wickets to her name, to leave Ireland on 224-6, and the hosts could only muster another 25 runs before Cara Murray was dismissed by Karishma Ramharack to leave Ireland all out on 269.
Ireland had no answer on the return to Matthews, who struck her 159 off 123 balls, while strong scoring from Grimmond and Taylor's experience eased the West Indies over the line.
Erling Haaland has once again pushed all the pressure on to an opponent as Norway get set to face England in the World CupRound of 16 in Miami on Saturday (5 p.m. ET; Fox).
England are ranked fourth in the FIFA rankings, while Norway are 19th. The Three Lions reached the quarterfinals in Qatar four years ago and have finished as runners-up in each of the past two European Championships. The Round of 16 matchup will provide another difficult test for Haaland and company after knocking off Côte d'Ivoire and Brazil to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time ever at a World Cup.
Even with Haaland, currently solo second in the Golden Boot race on seven goals, and Martin Ødegaard, tied for third with three assists, leading the way, Norway’s talisman still sees his side with long odds at lifting the World Cup trophy on July 19 in New Jersey.
“Really low, still,” Haaland said. “I think there's some clear favorites out there, England's one of them. I think all of you [reporters] should put every single pressure on the English lads,” he said with a laugh.
This isn’t the first time in this tournament that Haaland has downplayed his team’s chances and attempted to shift focus elsewhere. Before Norway's group-stage finale against France, he said he did not care about the result since both sides had already reached the knockout stage and tipped France to win it all.
“So I couldn't care too much about that game now,” Haaland said. “They [France] are probably going to win against us, they're probably going to win the whole tournament.”
France would win that match 4-1 as Haaland sat out and watched Ousmane Dembélé record a hat trick within the opening 32 minutes.
Haaland has a connection with England. He was born in Leeds as his father, Alfie, finished up playing in the Premier League. The family moved to Bryne when he was three years old and nearly a decade after starting his professional career, he now scores goals for fun for Manchester City.
“It's a special game, definitely,” Haaland said. “I think for me it's super special, because I play in England and I was born in England, and you also play against teammates and everything. It's a funny game and it's going to be nice.”
Is it coming home, as England supporters sing? The winner of Saturday's match will get Lionel Messi and Argentina or Switzerland in Wednesday's semifinal in Atlanta.
England are regulars in big tournaments. Norway are in the beginning of a "golden generation."
So should the Three Lions hold all of the pressure?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the final day of his Australia trip, where he highlighted the strong sporting ties between the two countries.
During the visit, Modi presented former Australian captain Steve Waugh with a framed photograph from nearly 20 years ago, taken when Modi was the Gujarat Chief Minister and had met the cricket legend.
He also expressed happiness at seeing young talent in action at the stadium.
Modi said India and Australia have a great opportunity to work together in sports as both countries prepare to host major international events.
In a post on X, he said, “As both our nations prepare to host major global sporting events in the years ahead, there is immense potential to deepen cooperation in sports, youth engagement, infrastructure and talent development.”
— narendramodi (@narendramodi)
The two leaders also unveiled a Roadmap on Sport Cooperation, aimed at expanding collaboration in sports science, technology, talent development, infrastructure, trade and tourism. Modi reiterated India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics after staging the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the opening match of the 2026-27 Big Bash League season will be played at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, making it the first BBL game to be held outside Australia. Welcoming the move, Modi said, “For any sporting league, hosting an event in India guarantees extensive reach and viewership.”
Albanese also praised the strong cricket rivalry between India and Australia, recalling the record attendance during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
He acknowledged cricket legends Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar, saying, “It is a great honour to be joined here by two legends of Australian cricket who are both admired and revered in India too. Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh.” The leaders also visited the Shane Warne Stand at the MCG.
Last season, Stingley's production took a slight dip. It didn't matter. He remained one of the league's best cover defenders, notching over a dozen pass breakups and four interceptions as Houston secured its most wins since 2012 and another playoff berth.
While the Texans haven't reached their end goal of winning a Super Bowl, Stingley has blossomed into the next big-time defensive back and perhaps the greatest Texans corner in franchise history entering his fifth season.
Sports Illustrated's Karl Rasmussen ranked Stingley as the seventh-best cornerback in the NFL. Naturally, 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II earned the top spot for another All-Pro campaign, but the surprise at No. 2 came with nickel defender Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks.
Still, Stingley remained the second-best outside corner for his fluidity, timing and ability to cause turnovers.
"Stingley has been a first-team All-Pro selectee in each of the past two seasons. He’s at his best in man coverage, capable of locking up receivers on both deep vertical routes and shorter routes," Rasmussen wrote. "He’s a ballhawk, too, with an exceptional ability to track the ball in the air. In fact, since 2023, only one cornerback in the NFL (Kerby Joseph with 15) has more interceptions than Stingley’s 14.
"The Texans’ star defensive back has lived up to and exceeded the expectations that came with being selected as the No. 3 pick in the 2022 draft. Stingley leads the NFL with 46 passes defensed since ’23 and has held opposing quarterbacks to a sub-50% completion percentage when throwing his way during that same span."
Last season, Stingley allowed 23 catches for under 200 yards and three touchdowns. The reality is that was a dip compared to his 2024 breakout season that initially made him the then-highest-paid cornerback in the league. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he allowed five catches for 57 yards on 19 targets between Weeks 8-13
Stingley certainly could have received several first-place votes in the exercise, but winning the NFL's highest defensive honor plays into one's strengths. For Witherspoon, Rasmussen mentioned that his blitzing and tackling skills gave him the slight edge over the Texans' star defensive back.
"Beyond his strong coverage abilities, Witherspoon shines largely because of his versatility, including his run defense and pass rush," Rasmussen wrote. "During the 2025 season, Witherspoon lined up many times at outside corner, in the slot and at linebacker for the Seahawks and was PFF’s highest-graded corner in the league as he earned grades above a 90 for both his run defense and pass rush skills."
The Texans return to Reliant Stadium for the start of training camp on July 21.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 08: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring against the Houston Astros on a hit by Daylen Lile #4 during the third inning at Nationals Park on July 08, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This magic carpet ride that Luis Garcia Jr. is on just keeps going. His insane June has carried over into July, with the Nats first baseman slugging as much as ever. After he hit 11 homers in June, he already has 4 in July. The 26 year old has 10 homers in his last 15 games and 15 in his last 30.
I have never seen anything like this before, especially from a player whose previous career high in homers was 18. Garcia already has 20 home runs, 15 of which have come since June 5th. In his last 15 games, Garcia has a truly insane 1.567 OPS. You can just keep going with these numbers, but as Mark DeRosa put it, he has had a career year, and we have not even gotten to the All-Star Break.
There have been so many success stories on the offensive side of the ball. Choosing who the best story is changes by the day. Right now, you have to give that title to Garcia. He has always had an exciting combination of hitting ability and power, but has taken it to the next level this year. Garcia is doing that by swinging harder, hitting the ball harder, and not sacrificing any contact ability in the process.
To be more specific, Garcia’s bat speed is up 1.2 MPH, his average exit velocity is up 2 MPH and his whiff rate is actually down 2.7%. His bat speed is in the 67th percentile, the average exit velocity is in the 90th percentile and the whiff rate is in the 80th percentile.
Spencer Nusbaum of the Athletic wrote a great article about Garcia and the Nats offense, where he also talked about just how rare his contact and power combination is. Garcia is one of six players with a hard hit rate over 45% and a whiff rate under 20%. Usually hitters have contact skills or power, but Garcia has both.
The Nationals offense: 508 runs (1st in MLB)
Luis García Jr. 5/24-: 1.157 OPS (2nd in MLB)
These developments are thanks to an idea that drives the Nats at every level: Take what makes a player good, and make it great.https://t.co/DXUTX8K3gV
For a long time, most people including myself thought the key to unlocking Garcia was somehow finding a way to lower his chase rates. However, that is not what is happening here. Garcia is actually chasing more than ever, but his strengths have become so strong that it does not really matter.
One other part of Spencer’s article that I really enjoyed was when he talked about Garcia’s personality. He is a goofy, fun loving guy who keeps things light in the locker room. Even from the outside, it is easy to see that Garcia is quite a bubbly guy. He is the player at the end of the Nats home run line in the dugout, at least when he is not hitting them. Garcia is often the player pouring water on guys in post game interviews or throwing sunflower seeds on them after homers.
Garcia can goof around, but he is also becoming more of a leader as well. He is the longest tenured National now, despite just turning 26. When I am in the locker room, I have noticed that other players gravitate towards him. This is especially true for other Spanish speaking players, but it is not just those guys.
It feels like the Nats new regime is letting Garcia be himself, and it is bringing out the best version of him. This version of Garcia is so much fun to watch. He is hitting homers almost every night and setting career highs in early July.
Despite all of this success, I doubt Garcia is going to start tonight. This has been happening for a couple years now, but Garcia does not play a whole lot against left handed pitching. He just does not perform as well, and the staff wants to put him in a position to succeed. It is frustrating to see a hitter this hot not play every day, but the numbers show this is the right move.
Garcia has always had big platoon splits, and this year is no different. He is hitting .300 with a .927 OPS against righties, but those numbers drop to .229 and .650 against left handers. Andres Chaparro has not proven to be the best platoon partner, but the Nats could have the perfect fit on the way in Yohandy Morales.
Luis Garcia Jr. has suddenly become one of the most electric players in baseball. Honestly, it is quite surreal to watch. Garcia has always had clear talent as a hitter, but never put it together. Now, at 26 years old, many years into his big league career, that breakout has finally come.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 04: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eight goals. Two assists. Two consecutive World Cups.
Kylian Mbappé has executed the gargantuan task of consistently performing at the highest level in two back-to-back World Cups. According to Opta, Mbappé is the only player on record since 1966 to bag such numbers in two different tournaments — with eight goals and two assists in both 2022 and 2026 so far.
Of course, the 2026 World Cup is far from over, and Mbappé’s numbers are likely to continue rising. It helps his cause that the French national team look sharp and ruthless. They have progressed to the semifinals after a 2-0 win over African giants Morocco. Mbappé has played a key role in France’s performance this year, and he will certainly continue his pursuits for as long as France is in the tournament.
But how did he get here?
2018. Russia. The then-19-year-old Mbappé had just made his World Cup debut with France. A rising talent with Paris Saint-Germain, he had been with the national team for the past year.
Mbappé’s foray into international football is rather interesting. Noting his performances with Monaco, manager Didier Deschamps had called him up for the World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg. A few months later, the teenager had registered his first goal against Netherlands and the very day, also made his big money move to PSG.
Many would argue that it was the World Cup that turned Mbappé from promising youngster to global superstar. The striker scored his first goal against Peru in the group stage, scored a brace against Argentina in the knockouts, and in the final against Croatia. Even before the final, fans and pundits alike raved about his talent — no teenager barring Pelé in his youth, had ever scored in a World Cup knockout game.
This tournament ended with Mbappé a World Cup winner at 19, and he subsequently received the FIFA Best Young Player Award.
Then came 2022. The veterans behind whom he played in 2018 were either injured or played very different roles. Take Antoine Griezmann. The Atlético Madrid player had by then begun playing in a deeper role. Karim Benzema was injured, and so was Paul Pogba. The only senior striker left was Olivier Giroud, who played a crucial role in the World Cup later. However, the absences necessitated that Mbappé step up, and so he did.
The story behind the numbers we see now — the 10 G+A is not just that of Mbappé, but of a whole team, whose setup fed their star goalscorer. It was Giroud rallying the troops and Griezmann supporting him from behind, that led him to even bring these numbers. He was tasked with creating big chances and scoring them. He was not required to track back or defend — all that was asked of him was to stay high up and work with Griezmann in the final third. In 2018, he was making big runs. In 2022, he let Giroud handle the defenders, and he handled the finishes.
Mbappe has in fact, acknowledged that it was the French veteran who made his goals happen.
“I play in a different role for the national team. I have more freedom here because Giroud occupies the defense as the #9… I’m happy about the image right agreements, it wasn’t just me but I’ll gladly be in front of the stage if it’s beneficial for my teammates,” he said, speaking to L’Equipe in 2022.
Now, the final part. Present day.
In the most poetic fashion, Mbappé’s career ascent has played into his World Cup performances. Now in his third World Cup, he is arguably the most complete version of himself. He has changed, not his speed, but his decision making. His runs are better timed, his shooting has vastly improved, his game intelligence shines through his position, he is far more patient and economical with his energy than ever. From a teenager trusted to make explosive runs, to a young attacker entrusted with goal-scoring, he has now turned an attacker the team can rely on.
His numbers are the result of years in refinement. But most importantly, behind them is a manager who gladly worked with his skill-set, and teammates who obediently carried out what was asked of them. Whether or not France wins this World Cup, Mbappé’s statistics paint the picture of someone who has already won. The numbers are not merely numbers. They hold in them, the story of an attacker who kept growing, and a team that grew with him.
ESPN has continued its leaguewide top-10 rankings at each position, with Friday's list covering the tight ends. And while Cowboys fans shouldn't necessarily feel the need to scramble to see where Jake Ferguson landed, there is a note about the fifth-year man that should be more than a little concerning heading into the 2026 season.
That may seem odd, given the 27-year-old's starring role in the high-powered Cowboys offense. Last season, Ferguson was one of just eight tight ends with 100-plus targets in the passing game, and his 82 catches were tied for third place at the position across the entire NFL. At 600 receiving yards, Ferguson topped three of the names on ESPN's TE list, and his eight receiving touchdowns were third-most among all tight ends.
The 2025 campaign earned Ferguson his second Pro Bowl nod, so what more do those league scouts, execs, and coaches want to see?
A tighter grip on the football, it seems.
Ferguson does get an honorable mention on ESPN's countdown, but one unnamed NFC scout specifically called out his fumbles as a known weakness.
"He's really solid all around, high catch volume, tough, competes in the run game. His problem is fumbling. We targeted trying to get the ball loose when we played him."
Ferguson fumbled three times last season and four times the year prior. Seven fumbles on his 141 receptions over those two seasons comes out to 5%. In other words, one out of every 20 times Ferguson hauls it in, he's also coughing it up. And if one team was gameplanning for that, then every other team knows about it, too.
To be fair, the issue isn't isolated to Ferguson. Wide receiver George Pickens had four fumbles last year on his 93 receptions, a clip almost as problematic as Ferguson's. Even Dak Prescott's six fumbles- a pretty average number among starting quarterbacks- added to a trend the team would like very much to reverse moving forward.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has hammered turnover differential as a major teaching point for 2026.
"You'll see a big emphasis on ball security for us," the coach said last month during the team's minicamp. "It disgusts me: minus-nine [the Cowboys' 2025 turnover differential]. It's awful. We've got to protect the football better on offense; we've got to take it away on defense. That's an area where we need to make big jump. Last year, we really didn't spend a lot of time doing ball security circuits."
This year, he said, is a different story for the Cowboys offensive coaching staff.
"We're teaching guys not only how to protect the football- head, body, tail, clasp it in traffic- but getting the ball on the outside arm ... versus the inside arm. When it's in the outside arm, it's nearer the sideline; it's protected. If it's an inside arm, it's more vulnerable. So there's things like that that we're doing a deep dive into getting fixed."
Solving that issue sooner rather than later would be ideal for Ferguson, who signed a four-year, $52 million contract extension last summer. Schottenheimer has declared an open competition at practically every position on the roster, and Ferguson's role as Prescott's primary safety valve may not be as sewn up as in years past. Brevyn Spann-Ford has shown tons of promise and steady progression in just two years as a pro, and undrafted rookie Michael Trigg comes into his first training camp with sky-high potential and expectations.
With Luke Schoonmaker and Princeton Fant also in the room and rookie DJ Rogers eager to make an impression as well, the Cowboys have options. Ferguson may be on a shorter leash than usual, especially if his apparent reputation as a fumbler follows him into a 2026 season in which the new-look Cowboys seem more than willing to make changes in the name of progress.
Junior Nsemba made his Super League debut for Wigan in 2022 [Getty Images]
A man has been arrested after Wigan Warriors forward Junior Nsemba was subjected to racist abuse following his side's 16-14 victory over St Helens at Super League's Magic Weekend.
The comments aimed at the England international, 22, appeared on social media after last Sunday's game at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Wigan reported the abuse to the Rugby Football League and the police.
A 56-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on Friday on suspicion of a racially aggravated malicious communication offence.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said they were able to identify the man with the support of both clubs, adding: "He currently remains in custody awaiting interview."
Wigan won a dramatic match against their long-time rivals by just two points after St Helens scrum-half Jackson Hastings missed a kick to tie the game after the final hooter had sounded.
Earlier this week, the Warriors said they were "appalled" by the comments and "condemn them in the strongest possible terms".
"No individual should be subjected to racist abuse, whether online, in person or in any other setting," the club added.
"Racism must be called out, condemned and eradicated."
Wigan head coach Matt Peet said: "We need to take care of this and make sure it just doesn't get brushed under the carpet, which I'm sure it won't."
A quick look at the stats and game highlights show you what a big deal it is that the New York Rangers acquired Pavel Dorofeyev in a draft-day trade with the Vegas Golden Knights two weeks ago.
The 25-year-old is the in-his-prime goal scorer the Rangers desperately needed after finishing 23rd among 32 NHL teams in scoring (235 goals) last season. Dorofeyev combined for 72 goals the past two seasons, leading the Golden Knights with 37 in 2025-26 and 35 the year prior. He added 12 goals this past postseason, a big reason why the Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final before losing in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes.
That he’s productive on the power play and at even strength is a major plus, too. Dorofeyev was second in the League with 20 power-play goals last season, In 2024-25, 22 of his 35 goals were at even strength, with 13 more on the power play.
“He’s the type player, you don’t get him to help your power play, you get him for the well-rounded offensive player that he is,” MSG Networks studio host Steve Valiquette explained Thursday on The Rangers Offseason Special. “He’s not a play-driver as a play-maker, but he’s a sniper and one of the League’s best.”
“He’s a very varied shooter,” Valiquette explained. “He had 10 goals off a snap shot, 10 off a wrist shot, he had four back-hand goals, he had five off a slap shot. He was one of four player in the NHL last year that had that variability in his arsenal. So, he’s somebody you really can’t get a bead on and that’s why he’s had so much success the past couple of years.”
With Artemi Panarin traded away in February, Dorofeyev slots into New York’s top-six as their most dangerous goal scorer. He’ll also fill a void on New York’s top power-play unit, especially following the departures of Panarin and recently traded Vincent Trocheck.
“He’s definitely going to help the power play, and the power play was already quite elite. Last year, the Rangers did finish fifth in power-play goal percentage,” Valiquette noted.
Though Vally stressed the varied game of Dorofeyev, who scores from distance and beneath the circles in equally effective fashion, typically there’s one side of the ice he dominates.
“When you see the right-side acumen of this player, you’re going to notice that 26 of the goals he scored last year were from the right side of the ice. His one-timer off the left-hand shot is elite,” he pointed out.
It’s a detailed scouting report like this which should generate even more excitement about Dorofeyev’s addition to the Rangers next season.
Spain and Belgium are set for a massive 2026 FIFA World Cup showdown.
The two teams play Friday, July 10, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Nobody has scored on Spain in five games. Goalkeeper Unai Simon's 609 scoreless minutes are a World Cup record, and the 2010 champion rolled Austria 3-0 before Mikel Merino's stoppage-time goal helped Spain past Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16.
The winner of the Spain-Belgium match advances to play France in a semifinal match on July 14 in Arlington, Texas.
How to watch Spain vs. Belgium
Date: Friday, July 10
Time: 1 p.m. MT/2 p.m. CT
Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood
TV - English: FOX
TV - Spanish: Telemundo
Spain vs Belgium location
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
What time is Spain playing today?
The game starts at 1 p.m. MT/2 p.m. CT.
What are the odds?
Spain is at -160 to win in regulation on the moneyline for the 2026 World Cup match, per DraftKings Sportsbook odds.
Belgium is at +425 to win in regulation time. The match is at +290 to end in a draw after regulation time.
Predictions for Spain vs. Belgium
USA Today: Spain 2, Belgium 0
Seth Vertelney writes: "Belgium has been up and down at this tournament, and facing a well-oiled Spain machine should spell the end of the line for the Red Devils."
Goal.com: Spain 2, Belgium 1
Byron David writes: "Spain made a shaky start to their campaign with a goalless draw against Cabo Verde, but since then they’ve been clinical. They faced a tough challenge in the last-16 against a talented Portugal side, with the game seemingly heading for extra time. However, after spending just six minutes on the pitch, Mikel Merino struck the winning goal in added time to send La Roja through."
Dimers: Spain 1, Belgium 0
The site gives Spain a 60.2% chance to win. It gives Belgium a 17.3% chance of winning. It gives the match a 22.5% chance of ending in a draw after regulation time.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X.
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 05: Florida State Seminoles linebacker Blake Nichelson (20) gets the signals from the sideline during a college football game between the Clemson Tigers and the Florida State Seminoles on October 5th, 2024 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, FL. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Florida State attempted to revamp its linebacker room in the offseason. For varying reasons, out are John Papuchis, Elijah Herring, and Stefon Thompson, and in come Ernie Sims, Chris Jones, and Mikai Gbayor. Last year, opponents targeted the lack of athleticism in the linebacking room and usually found success by taking advantage of running backs out of the backfield in the passing game or by wearing them down in the running game. The Noles hope that some new juice, along with a second year in the 3-3-5, can let the linebackers be the hallmark of FSU’s defense in 2026.
FSU position previews: Linebackers
2025 lookback: Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but it was a strange year for the linebackers. There were moments of brilliance and moments of disaster. However, most will remember the moments of disaster when FSU’s linebackers were isolated by more athletic skill players, usually turning into points.
Main name to know
Junior Chris Jones: Jones is one of Mike Norvell’s headline transfers this past season, coming to Tallahassee after two dominant years at Southern Miss. In 2025, Jones was named First-Team All-Sun Belt after recording over 10 tackles a game. Florida State hopes that the junior can continue that production at the next level, giving the Noles their best linebacker since the 2023 tandem of Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune. Listed at 6’1” and 231 pounds, Jones has the size and athleticism to do just that, as he can play in the box and out in space.
Returning players
Senior Blake Nichelson: After all the twists and turns in the linebacker room the last few seasons, it is almost shocking that Nichelson will spend all four years of his collegiate career at Florida State. What might be even more shocking is that it feels like he has still not reached his full potential in Tallahassee. The senior finished the 2025 season strong, starting the final six games of the year and recording seven tackles against Clemson. Hopefully, a new voice in the room, Ernie Sims, can unlock a consensus four-star recruit from four years ago.
Redshirt senior Omar Graham Jr.: Back in 2026 despite an initial dive into the transfer portal, Graham Jr. is also set to be one of the few Seminoles in the Norvell era to spend his entire career in Tallahassee. He played in all 12 games last season but started just five, a step back from 2024. He did improve in the eyes of PFF, grading out at a 65 overall vs. a 61.8 the year before, but saw his tackling grade slip heavily (82.2 to 61). He’ll have the chance to start for the Seminoles in multiple spots.
Redshirt junior Caleb LaVallee: What will FSU be able to get out of the former UNC transfer this season? He missed basically all of 2025 with a leg injury but bounced back healthy in the offseason, getting accolades for his performance in spring, especially in the back half of camp, where Norvell made sure to highlight how much his athleticism brought to the linebacker room. He’ll figure into Florida State’s rotation heavily and, depending on how things shake out, could emerge as a starter.
Redshirt senior AJ Cottrill: A former walk-on who worked his way into the two-deep last season, he had 15 tackles (2.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks for the Seminoles in 2025. He should be back to more of a reserve role in 2026 in addition to heavy special teams usage.
New faces
Redshirt senior Mikai Gbayor: Gbayor is now on his third program in three years after playing the 2025 season as a reserve linebacker with North Carolina. Before his stint in Chapel Hill, the redshirt senior spent three seasons at Nebraska under Tony White and recorded almost 50 tackles with 11 starts in 2024, White’s final year in Lincoln. Gbayor will hope that reuniting with his former defensive coordinator will get him back to the level he played at in 2024, his final season of eligibility. He missed a good chunk of spring after suffering an injury but should be good to go once fall camp rolls around.
Freshman Izayia Williams: After a whirlwind recruitment that included six commitments, FSU managed to secure his services. Williams is the Seminoles’ highest-rated linebacker signee since Nichelson and brings high expectations with him, despite tearing his ACL during his senior season and missing all of spring. He’s a speedy, physical defender who also got time at running back in high school and, once he’s fully healthy and acclimated, has every tool you could ask for to be an essential piece of White’s defense.
Freshman Karon Maycock: The true freshman had a huge spring, getting compliments for his playmaking and presence. While some schools viewed him as a safety during the recruiting process, he was brought to Tallahassee as a linebacker and that seems to be paying off early dividends. He’s got a shot at cracking the rotation in 2026 if he continues to acclimate to the college game quickly.
Freshman Noah LaValle: The younger brother of Caleb, Noah got some praise during spring camp while making some plays. It’ll take some work for him to find himself in the two-deep, but he’s got the path and potential to do so.
Freshman Daylen Green: The three-star signee didn’t make much noise during spring, so he’ll use fall as a chance to continue to find his place.
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Edit: Qwame Skinner -Comeback MEdia
The Indiana Fever bounced back in a big way from Wednesday night’s disappointing 106-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks with a 92-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. In a night when star point guard Caitlin Clark was out to manage a lingering back issue, her All-Star running mate in the frontcourt, Kelsey Mitchell, stepped up in a big way.
Mitchell ended the night with eight assists and 29 points, including a clutch go-ahead lay-up with just over 10 seconds remaining in regulation. After the game, Fever head coach Stephanie White sang her veteran guard’s praises.
“You know, she’s one of one. She’s the fastest player in the league with the ball in her hand,” White said of Mitchell. “You know, her ability to get downhill is always great, but her ability to stop and change direction on a dime. You know, now her ability to gear down and then explode again as opposed to just being all one speed, to playing on balance, to be able to find— I thought the kick-out that she made to (Ty Harris) when Ty knocked down that 3. Big shot.
“She’s 1-of-1.”
head coach Stephanie White shares what makes Kelsey Mitchell special after scoring 29 points and the game-winning basket. pic.twitter.com/knpN8FVUSz
“When she could have, you know, tried to go one-on-one was huge. I mean, I think the game’s— it’s fast, but it also slowed down for her in a way that, you know, she’s become even more deadly of a playmaker, if that’s possible.
“I’m just— she puts us on her back. She really does. And she scores while people are hanging on her all the time. She’s able to get open while people are hanging on her all the time. I mean, her endurance is incredible. You know, we rely heavily on her, and I’m thankful she’s on our team.”
Inexplicably, Clark’s fans were upset with White’s praise for Mitchell.
“Shame, shame, shame. Hopefully you all finally see the game!This isan organization of BACKSTABBING SNAKES! They bled Caitlin for everything they could, and now they’re trying to throw away her carcass. Sadly, CC is a zombie right now that doesn’t realize they killed her (career),” one fan posted on X.
“All the times C went crazy and not 1/10th of the amount of praise has came out of (White’s) mouth,” someone else wrote.
“Stephanie living up to the conspiracy theorists. KM is a great shooting guard. But she has been there 8 years. She improved so much and became known in league cause someone showed up in last 2-3 years,” another fan posted.
It appears Stephanie White’s comments calling Kelsey Mitchell “1-of-1” sparked reactions from some Caitlin Clark fans. pic.twitter.com/fUazUDVj3b
It’s odd to see such a strong reaction to a coach praising such a dominant showing from one of her star players, and it begs the question of if some of these fans are even invested in the team’s success. The Fever improved to 4-0 without Clark on the season.
Marcus Rashford: Spurs in lead for Man United star as new suitors emerge
Manchester United remain intent on selling Marcus Rashford this summer as a host of new clubs emerge as contenders for the 28-year-old forward, according to a report.
Roma and Napoli contacted
AS Roma Live reveals both Roma and Napoli have been “sounded out” by intermediaries to gauge their interest in Rashford.
The Italian giants are understood to “like his profile”, with both clubs on the hunt for reinforcements in their frontlines as they prepare for the Champions League next season, having finished three points adrift of each other in Serie A.
However, Rashford’s wage packet at Old Trafford – worth in excess of £300,000 a week – is far beyond their reach. “[He] isn’t a priority for the Italian clubs, given his current salary of around €8.4 million, including bonuses,” the report states.
Interestingly, Roma and Napoli have each been linked with Joshua Zirkzee as well, who looks set to return to Italy after failing to adapt to the cut and thrust of Premier League football.
The 25-year-old Dutchman is said to want to remain at Old Trafford and prove himself, but INEOS want to sell him in order to fund the signing of a more reliable striker in his place.
Spurs leading the race
Rashford is still focused on remaining an FC Barcelona player next season, after the Blaugrana opted against triggering the £26 million buy-option in his loan deal, despite the England international’s impressive record for his adopted side.
German manager Hansi Flick is believed to want the England international to stay at the Camp Nou as well, though the recent capture of Anthony Gordon, and the ongoing negotiations for Karim Adeyemi, have virtually killed off any lingering hope of a return.
While Rashford’s wages are prohibitive for clubs in Serie A, the financial might of the Premier League offers more hope of a deal. A host of rivals, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, have expressed interest in the Wythenshawe native.
But AS Roma Live reveals it is Tottenham Hotspur who are leading the charge. Tottenham Hotspur have made the “most concrete contact” with Rashford’s camp, with Roberto De Zerbi understood to be pushing for his arrival in North London.
However, Rashford is prioritising clubs competing in the Champions League, hence why advances were made to both Roma and Napoli. Tottenham , having come perilously close to relegation last season, are not in Europe at all, which is a significant hurdle to any move.
Another suitor the report states has opened negotiations this week is Süper Lig side Fenerbahce, while their rivals Galatasaray have also entered the race. But Rashford is not believed to be open to a switch to Türkiye at this stage of his career, preferring to remain in a top European league.
Final Thoughts
Manchester United will care little where Rashford is plying his trade next season, as long as it is not in a Manchester City or Liverpool shirt or another loan. If Tottenham are willing to meet the £40 million valuation, INEOS will bite their rivals’ hand off. The key point, however, is that it will need to be a permanent solution, not another temporary one, for Wilcox and co. to get their gnashers out.
CHICAGO — The slumping Chicago White Sox got a lift when they activated rookie slugger Munetaka Murakami from the 10-day injured list.
Murakami had been sidelined since he strained his right hamstring during a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on May 29. At the time of the injury, the Japanese infielder ranked among the major league leaders with 20 homers, 41 RBIs, 43 runs and a .947 OPS.
The White Sox have dropped three in a row and six of eight overall going into a weekend series against the Athletics. They went 17-18 while Murakami was on the injured list.
Infielder Jacob Gonzalez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. The 24-year-old Gonzalez, a first-round pick in the 2023 amateur draft, hit .244 with two homers and 17 RBIs in 30 games in his first stint in the major leagues.
The 26-year-old Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with Chicago in December. He made two rehab appearances with Charlotte, going 2 for 7 with a double.
July 10 (UPI) -- A serial Guinness World Record breaker completed a marathon in under 6 hours while under the weight of a staggering 125 T-shirts.
David Rush, who holds the most concurrent Guinness World Records titles, said he decided to take on the title for the most t-shirts worn during a marathon after setting the half-marathon version of the record with 137 T-shirts at the 2025 Famous Idaho Potato Half Marathon.
"In the heat of that victory, I felt invincible. I thought, 'If I can do this for 13 miles, I can easily double it.' That was a classic case of pride coming before a very painful fall," Rush wrote online.
Rush spent months training for the attempt by running with heavy weights and thick layers of clothing.
He ran the 2026 YMCA Famous Idaho Potato Marathon on May 16 while wearing 125 shirts.
Rush said he had one major health scare during the attempt when he started to overheat and ran out of ice. He ended up stopping at a golf course along the marathon route.
"Patrick, one of my support runners, sprinted into the pro shop to beg for emergency ice. That ice was the only reason I didn't end up in the hospital," he said.
Rush ended up finishing the race with a time of 5 hours, 54 minutes, and 50 seconds -- leaving him with only 5 minutes to spare before the Guinness World Records cut-off time of 6 hours.
"The process of peeling 125 shirts off my body felt like an exorcism," he said. "My skin was red, raw and crisscrossed with bloody, five-inch-long chafing marks where the bottom of the shirts had ground against my skin for six hours. My back was indented from the constant pressure of 43 pounds of clothing."
Guinness World Records has now confirmed that Rush officially broke the previous record of 100 T-shirts.
The start of college football's 2026 campaign is just over the horizon and with the new season comes six head coaches on the sidelines among the 16 SEC schools, including Jon Sumrall with the Florida Gators.
With spring practice, the transfer portal and summer official visits now well in the rearview mirror, USA TODAY Sports writer Blake Toppmeyer put together his rankings for all 16 of the conference's head coaches. Among them. Sumrall falls right in the middle of the pack at No. 8, between Missouri Tigers coach Eliah Drinkwitz and Vanderbilt Commodores skipper Clark Lea, respectively.
"This might be the last chance to buy low on Sumrall stock. He won more than 78% of his games in four seasons as a Group of Six coach. He took Tulane to the CFP," Toppmeyer notes.
"Sure, he must still prove himself in the SEC, but there’s no reason to think he can’t reinvigorate Florida. He played in this conference. He’s worked in it, too, as an assistant. Sumrall became a hot commodity on the coaching carousel. He’s a good consolation prize for Florida after it missed on Kiffin."
Sumrall and Co. are scheduled to face 11th-ranked Alex Golesh and the Auburn Tigers on the road in their SEC opener on Sept. 19, followed by 12th-ranked Pete Golding and the Ole Miss Rebels on Sept 26. Seventh-ranked Dirkwitz and Mizzou host the Orange and Blue on Oct. 3, 13th-ranked Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks come to Gainesville on Oct. 10, and then the Gators are back on the road against second-ranked Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns on Oct. 17 before the bye weekend.
The second half of the SEC slate sees Florida face top-ranked Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta on Oct. 31, 10th-ranked Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners on Nov. 7 at home, 14th-ranked Will Stein and the Kentucky Wildcats on Nov. 14 on the road, and finally, ninth-ranked Lea and the Commodores on Nov. 21 back at home.
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England midfielder Declan Rice is dealing with both an injury and an illness ahead of their FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Norway -Credit:Soccrates Images, Getty Images
England are monitoring the fitness of Declan Rice - who joins two other players in a battle to be ready for the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Norway.
The Arsenal midfielder has been managing a muscular problem throughout the tournament, but it's now an illness that has him on the sidelines. The former West Ham United player is currently separated from the group to avoid any potential transmission and has been absent from two training sessions this week.
Rice sustained his muscle complaint during the Premier League campaign with Arsenal, but has been largely available for England. He was spotted applying ice to his hamstring following the DR Congo match but featured for the full 90 minutes in England's memorable victory over Mexico at Estadio Azteca, as per The Mirror.
-Credit:Manuel Velasquez - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images
The Arsenal captain has developed an effective midfield combination with Elliot Anderson, now of Manchester City. Should he be unavailable, it could create an opportunity for players such as Kobbie Mainoo.
Another regular starter, Marc Guehi, is also uncertain ahead of the encounter with Erling Haaland and company. The center-back would be crucial in neutralizing his club teammate, who is competing with the likes of Harry Kane for the World Cup Golden Boot.
Guehi is eager to demonstrate his readiness and stays hopeful about his participation in Saturday's game, but if he doesn't join the squad for Friday's training session, then his availability this weekend will be highly questionable.
The problem is not considered serious, but Thomas Tuchel can ill afford to take chances, particularly with Haaland posing such a significant threat. John Stones, Dan Burn, and Trevoh Chalobah are all options at center-back should the City defender be ruled out.
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England's defensive line has been the area hardest hit by injury and suspension concerns. Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico has resulted in a two-game ban, and he had only been drafted into the starting lineup following the injury to Reece James, who was the first-choice right-back heading into the World Cup.
The Chelsea man could now be in line for a return against the Norwegians. He sustained a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with Ghana and did not complete all of Thursday's session, but could feature in the squad provided he experiences no further setbacks.
England will be heavy favorites to reach the last four, but Norway have demonstrated a taste for the upset, having eliminated Brazil in the Round of 16. Should the Three Lions advance, they face a potentially mouthwatering showdown against old rivals Argentina, who take on Switzerland just hours after England.
The seventh in a position-by-position preview of the UCF football team heading into fall camp:
TODAY: EDGE
What to expect
The Knights have some huge shoes to fill at defensive end after the departures of starters Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly. Lawrence became the fifth UCF player selected in the first round of the NFL draft when he was picked by the Dallas Cowboys with the 23rd overall pick, while Kelly went undrafted and signed with the Green Bay Packers.
Returnees Isaiah Nixon and Sincere Edwards are the early frontrunners for the spots.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Nixon has appeared in 25 games over the past three seasons, primarily in a rotation role, totaling 36 tackles, including five tackles for loss with 2.5 sacks. Edwards appeared in just six games before suffering a season-ending injury on his left leg. He had 11 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks.
Bruno Dall and Ken Talley, both of whom arrived via the transfer market, should also be factors. Dall appeared in 23 games at Akron, totaling 53 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, 5 sacks and an interception, while Talley appeared in 18 games at Arkansas and Michigan State, totaling 14 tackles, including 3 for loss with 1.5 sacks.
Aymeric Koumba, who is in his second season with the Knights, figures to be in the mix as part of the rotation, as does Florida State transfer L A Jesse Harrold.
What they’re saying
“We were the new piece last year as coaches. So it’s kind of a reload for those guys. For me, it’s a little bit more of a mixture, because it’s probably closer to half and half, with the guys going through the rotation and the guys who have been playing and adding, obviously, a few new pieces to it. We have a little more experience than what we had. ” — UCF defensive run game coordinator/edges coach Mike Dawson on this year’s group.
Returnees
Isaiah Nixon
Quentin Hatch
Sincere Edwards
Aymeric Koumba
Anthony Coaxum
Arrivals
Bruno Dall (Akron), redshirt junior
Ken Talley (Arkansas), redshirt senior
L A Jesse Harrold (Florida State), redshirt freshman
Alhassan Iddrissu (St. Thomas High), freshman
Departures
Malachi Lawrence (eligibility): 28 tackles, 11 TFL, 7 sacks, 3 QBH, 2 FF
Nyjalik Kelly (eligibility): 46 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 8 QBH, 2 FF
Jamaal Johnson (transfer to Northwestern): 24 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 3 QBH
Projected depth chart
DE1 — Isaiah Nixon
DE1 — Sincere Edwards
DE2 — Bruno Dall
DE2 — Ken Talley
DE3 — Aymeric Koumba
DE3 — L A Jesse Harrold
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
The Los Angeles Lakers believe they are one piece away from completing what has already been a successful offseason. With LeBron James no longer in the picture, the franchise has fully committed to building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Kuminga enters free agency after spending last season with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta declined his team option for the upcoming season, making him available on the open market.
“The Atlanta Hawks are declining Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent. Kuminga, who will turn 24 before next season, played in 16 regular-season games for the Hawks after joining the team via trade in February, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. The trade was the result of a summerlong contract feud with the Golden State Warriors that followed years of discontent over his role on the team,” ESPN wrote.
If the Lakers are unable to land Kuminga, Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Ward believes they could pivot to former NBA champion Bruce Brown.
“Although he’s not the same player he was when he won an NBA title playing alongside Nikola Jokic with the Denver Nuggets, Bruce Brown isn’t a bad option for the Lakers. He doesn’t bring the size that Kuminga or Williams do, but Brown has championship experience, along with being a decent rebounder and defender, and can be another reliable ballhandler off the bench,” Ward wrote.
Brown may not be the young, high-upside addition the Lakers have prioritized this offseason, but he would provide valuable championship experience, dependable defense, and veteran leadership. His versatility would also strengthen the Lakers' bench rotation.
Brown has earned roughly $63 million over the course of his NBA career, and the Lakers likely would not need to offer a significant contract to bring him in. While Kuminga remains the preferred target, Brown would represent a solid fallback option while also helping mentor young players such as Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, and the rest of the Lakers' developing core.
The Principality Stadium has previously hosted several high-profile boxing fights, including Anthony Joshua [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Principality Stadium bosses say they are ready to host the proposed heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh, who is coordinating the all-British bout, wants to stage the fight in the UK but at a time to maximise a global TV audience.
If the fight was timed to suit prime time audiences in the United States, the main event could start as late as 04:00 GMT.
That would mean Wembley Stadium, the preferred option, would require special permission from the local London authority to remain open beyond the usual 23:00 curfew.
But the Welsh Rugby Union is now ready to step in to host the highly-anticipated fight if Wembley cannot stay open.
Cardiff's Principality Stadium has hosted late night boxing before, including Joe Calzaghe's fight with Mikkel Kessler in November 2007 which began at 02:00.
Joshua has twice previously fought in the Welsh capital, defeating Carlos Takham in October 2017 as well as Joseph Parker a year later.
A spokesperson for the WRU, which owns and operates the Principality Stadium, said: "We'd be delighted to host this fight.
"We are very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium, which has a rich history in the sport, enhanced by its closeable roof, unrivalled sight lines and unique city centre location."
However, the fight would have to be scheduled around Wales international rugby matches against Japan, New Zealand and Australia in the Nations Championship in November.
Last month, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, dismissed speculation the fight could be staged in the US.
Hearn said the current agreement, signed by all parties, states the bout must take place in the United Kingdom.
Fury and Joshua are both set to return to the ring later this month before a potential meeting later in the year.
Former WBC heavyweight champion Fury, 37, will face Poland's Mariusz Wach in Thailand on 24 July, while two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua, 36, takes on Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia the following day.
NASCAR returns to EchoPark Speedway for the second race weekend in metro Atlanta this year. The speedway is planning a series of tributes for the late Kyle Busch.
Busch died in May after he was hospitalized with pneumonia. The 41-year-old loved racing in Atlanta at EchoPark Speedway, where he won 14 Truck and Cup Series races during his career. He won Atlanta’s last Truck Series race held back in February.
EchoPark Speedway tells Channel 2 Action News that they will have following tributes around the track for Busch:
Main Entrance Marquee Message
Fan Tribute in Fan Zone – Fans can sign and leave a message
Logo Tribute painted on the ballfield grass
Parachute team with KB tribute flag Sunday pre-race; KB career highlights at EPS video during parachute jumpers
KB career highlights at EPS video during parachute jumpers (above)
There will also be an empty chair in the driver’s meeting ahead of Sunday night’s race.
NASCAR also announced Friday that a public celebration of life service will be held for Busch on Oct. 9 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The service will be open to fans and more details will be finalized closer to the date.
The Fighting Irish know that it's important to dress the part at someone else's home, especially when visiting for the first time. Notre Dame will do just that when they visit Lambeau Field for Week 1 of the college football season.
The Fighting Irish are paying tribute to the Green Bay Packers with a uniform tweak that honors the NFL franchise's storied history. They'll be wearing uniforms that have a deep blue hue, which is the color the 1920's Packers wore.
Additionally, Notre Dame's sleeves will feature stripes that are similar to Green Bay's uniform.
The jersey will also feature 11 shamrocks, as a nod to the number of Notre Dame's consensus national championships.
"For a century, our stories have been stitched together -- from the 'Golden Boy' Paul Hornung winning titles in both colors to the Notre Dame box formation that defined the early days of Green Bay," Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman said in a promotional video on social media. "We are the outliers. The small town legends. The independent spirits who believe tradition isn't just something you remember. It's something you wear."
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CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 17: Giovanni Simeone of Torino in contrast with Alberto Dossena of Cagliari during the Serie A match at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 17, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Toro are the latest, having organised a trip to the historic Turf Moor stadium on Sunday August 2.
Kick-off time will be at 15.00 local time (16.00 CEST).
It will be final pre-season test for Burnley before they begin their campaign in earnest with the first round Carabao Cup tie against Notts County on Saturday August 8.
“I’ve seen from the outside and obviously played against City over the past few years, they’ve had great success this year, and I think what they’re building as a team, the players and the staff, it’s something I wanted to be a part of it.
“It suits me and fits me, the culture we’re building and the style of play. I just think it’s the perfect fit and hopefully we can have some good times together.”
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Here we go: Barcelona agree €29 million deal to sign Bundesliga attacker
In a major development, FC Barcelona are all set to sign forward Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs have now reached an agreement over a transfer fee and the structure of payment, with the 24-year-old set to move to the Spotify Camp Nou in the coming days.
The Italian transfer expert has already given the deal the highly-anticipated “Here We Go!” seal of approval, with the Catalans’ second offer for the German international now being accepted.
Deal for €29 million total package
The blockbuster agreement arrives after intensive negotiations, with Barcelona successfully unlocking a full compromise with the Bundesliga side to deliver manager Hansi Flick one of his priority attacking targets.
The total financial package is structured at a guaranteed €22 million fixed fee, plus an additional €7 million in performance-related add-ons, taking the total value of the operation to €29 million.
In a strategic move to satisfy Dortmund’s demands, the variables have been explicitly tied to realistic team milestones, including domestic and European title-winning clauses. as well as specific individual first-team appearance thresholds.
Adeyemi will sign a five-year contract
The driving force behind the rapid resolution of the transfer saga was Adeyemi’s unwavering determination to move to Barcelona.
Coming to Barcelona. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)
The German international, who had only one year left on his contract, made it clear to the Borussia Dortmund’s board from the start that he only wanted to join Barça.
Adeyemi is now scheduled to travel to the Catalan capital to undergo his mandatory medical examinations before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract that binds him to the Blaugrana until June 2031.
The addition of the dynamic forward provides Flick with immense tactical versatility, giving Barcelona a devastating injection of raw pace and clinical finishing ahead of the upcoming campaign.
He will become the second major signing of the summer for Barcelona after the club secured the services of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Four teams have reportedly expressed interest in adding the former first round pick now that he's a free agent. That's straight from Arnold's agent, Nicole Lynn, who used the potential of a new job to help argue against the state's request he wear a GPS ankle monitor while on bail. Though Arnold is confined to his home while awaiting trial, he is allowed to leave to take care of legal concerns or work.
Per Lynn, that could leave him flying out of Tampa, where he's been charged, to either Houston, Seattle, Indianapolis or New York.
Agent testifies in hearing that former #Lions corner Terrion Arnold worked out for #Texans this week and #Seahawks#Colts#Jets have also been in touch with former first-round pick as he faces felony charges in Tampa, Fla.@KPRC2https://t.co/5bEZ2jKDyj
One-eighth of the league is willing to at least kick the tires on a player facing a possible sentence of life in prison, which is about what you'd expect from the NFL. Arnold has immense on-field potential and was the second cornerback selected in the 2024 draft. But after showing flashes of high-level play as a rookie, he backslid mightily in an injury-marred 2025.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell declared he'd be subject to a training camp battle for the team's other boundary corner spot across from D.J. Reed. Trapped in competition with Rock Ya-Sin wasn't where Detroit expected him to be, even before his arrest forced the club to release him.
That makes the inclusion of the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks on this short list curious. These two teams fielded top five passing defenses in 2025. They're both flush with young stars in their secondary. Arnold brings potential, but he's also an off-field mess who was one of the league's most forgettable corners while on the field last fall. It's certainly possible dynamic, defense-first head coaches like DeMeco Ryans and Mike Macdonald could bring out the best in him, but that's a massive risk for a moderate reward.
Of course, one workout and a handful of phone calls isn't a contract. Teams will be wary of signing Arnold, who will be subject to NFL discipline and likely land on Roger Goodell's Reserve/Commissioner Exempt list. It's unlikely we'll see him play in 2026, even if a team takes a flier on acquiring him in hopes of exoneration.
Bill Simmons believes LeBron James has already made his free agency decision but is waiting to reveal it later in the offseason.
The 2026 offseason has seen a lot of action already, with All-NBA players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown getting traded.
But the headliner for the offseason will be LeBron’s decision to join a new team for his 24th NBA season. While the decision is taking time, Bill Simmons believes it is already final.
Bill Simmons claims LeBron James’ return to Cleveland is ‘done’
On the latest episode of ‘The Bill Simmons Show,’ the iconic sports analyst declared that LeBron’s decision to go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers is done, adding that rumors of LeBron going to the Warriors were a leverage play.
“And now it’s pretty clear they (Golden State) were being used as leverage as LeBron goes back to Cleveland… The Cleveland thing is done.”
This would be James’ second return to Cleveland and third stint with the franchise that drafted him in 2003.
A homecoming to the Cavaliers is the most poetic option and might present one of the strongest basketball options as well. The question is, why is the official decision taking so long?
LeBron James’ return to Cleveland isn’t certain yet
With how carefully James and his camp are going about his free agency, it’s hard to believe anything that is reported unless it comes directly from LeBron.
Photo by Beck Diefenbach / AFP via Getty Images
However, Simmons is among the most respected voices in sports media, recently being the first one to reveal that the Boston Celtics had offered Jaylen Brown in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague also believes James is headed back home to Cleveland, with the 41-year-old currently spending his offseason in his home state.
James is still fielding competitive offers from contending teams around the NBA, so a new decision could emerge at the 11th hour.
But it seems all the tea leaves are pointing towards him coming back to Cleveland.
German Alexander Zverev reacts in his men's semifinal match against Great Britain's Arthur Fery at Wimbledon 2026 on Friday in London. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI
July 10 (UPI) -- Alexander Zverev fired searing serves at Arthur Fery with relentless aggression, overwhelming his British foe in straight sets to reach his first Wimbledon final Friday in London.
Zverev topped Fery 9-5 in aces and 44-16 in winners in the 7-6(0), 6-2, 6-4 victory on Centre Court at the All England Club. The German converted 4 of 8 break point opportunities in the 2-hour, 14-minute match.
"This Grand Slam has always been the one I struggled with the most," Zverev said on the ESPN broadcast. "Now, all of a sudden I'm in the final of Wimbledon.
"I'm incredibly happy, incredibly proud as well. I think of the team and everybody who was involved."
Zverev will take on No. 1 Jannik Sinner of Italy or No. 8 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final Sunday in London. The world No. 3 is 5-9 against Djokovic and 4-10 against Sinner, the defending champion.
German Alexander Zverev consoles opponent Arthur Fery after winning a semifinal at Wimbledon 2026 on Friday in London. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI
"I have to trust myself and I have to believe that I can win and that's what I'm going to do," Zverev said.
Zverev held his first two serves and broke his No. 114 semifinal foe in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead in the semifinal. He then lost a break and played Fery to a tiebreak. He won that tiebreak 7-0 to clinch the first set.
German Alexander Zverev plays a forehand against Great Britain's Arthur Fery at Wimbledon 2026 on Friday in London. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI
Fery held serve to open the second set, taking his first lead on the 2026 French Open champion. But Zverev broke Fery's next two serves to take further control of the match.
Fery and Zverev split the first four games of the final set. Zverev picked up his final break in the fifth and held in the sixth for a 4-2 lead. He then held serve to gain the victory. Zverev clinched match point when Fery went long on his final forehand return.
Germany Alexander Zverev (pictured) will face Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon 2026 men's singles final Sunday in London. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI
With the win, Zverev earned a spot in a Grand Slam final for the fifth time. He was 1-3 over his previous four appearances. Zverev has now clinched a berth in the final of each of tennis' four Grand Slams.
The men's singles final will air at 11 a.m. EDT Sunday on ESPN. No. 9 Karolina Muchova will face a fellow Czech -- No. 12 Linda Noskova -- in the women's singles final will air at 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN.
Great Britain's Arthur Fery reacts to a net call in his semifinal match against German Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon 2026 on Friday in London. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI
Their strawweight kickboxing battle aired live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 10, and the action delivered fireworks for as long as it lasted.
After a frantic opening exchange where both men traded heavy leather, Petsiam quickly took control.
The 20-year-old Thai dropped Taghizade with a left middle kick for the first knockdown of the contest. The Azerbaijani striker beat the count and returned to his feet, but he was sent back to the canvas almost immediately, this time from another punishing body kick.
Taghizade once again regained his footing, but Petsiam did not give him any room to recover.
The Jor Patreeya representative continued to attack the liver with heavy kicks, leaving his opponent unable to hide the damage. With Taghizade visibly hurt, the referee stepped in and stopped the action at the 1:53 mark of round one.
With the dominant TKO victory, Petsiam improved his overall record to 55-19 and maintained his perfect slate in the weekly series.
ONE Friday Fights 161 Full Results:
Petsiam T2A Waterubon defeats Nihad Taghizade via TKO at 1:53 of round one (kickboxing – strawweight)
Petsangwan Sor Samarngarment defeats Tonglampoon FA Group via KO at 2:57 of round one (Muay Thai – strawweight)
Tom Keogh defeats Michael Baranov via KO at 0:46 of round two (Muay Thai – featherweight)
Klarob NuiCafeboran defeats Omar El Halabi via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – flyweight)
Kulabkaw Luksingnamchai defeats Meshal Alsaeed via TKO at 1:15 of round two (Muay Thai – bantamweight)
Go Todoroki defeats Alexandre Khan via KO at 3:21 of round one (MMA – featherweight)
Sunvo Torfunfarm defeats Khundet PK Saenchai via KO at 2:28 of round three (Muay Thai – flyweight)
Phatiphan Arthinkong defeats J Han via unanimous decision (submission grappling – featherweight)
Min Sung Kang defeats Yusei Iwakura via KO at 2:07 of round two (MMA – lightweight)
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens skipped most of the team's offseason program, but he reportedly opted to get some more work in with his teammates this week.
Clarence Hill of DLLS Sports reports that Pickens is taking part in a retreat for skill position players that quarterback Dak Prescott put together in Park City, Utah. Hill adds that Pickens and Prescott have also been joined by wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, tight end Jake Ferguson and other key players as there is 100 percent participation at the workouts.
Pickens did not take part in any of the team's voluntary work after signing his franchise tag this offseason, but did report to their mandatory minicamp. He did not participate in team drills, however.
The Cowboys have said that they have no intention of negotiating a long-term deal with Pickens ahead of the July 15 deadline to get one done, but his presence at minicamp suggests that he will be reporting to training camp at the end of the month.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander has announced that he will retire following the end of the 2026 season. While the future first-ballot Hall of Famer's decision isn't entirely shocking, as he's battled to stay on the mound this season due to injuries, the 43-year-old is looking to finish his final year on a high note, which includes an honorary trip to the MLB All-Star Game.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the incredible career of Justin Verlander, who achieved nearly every major feat a starting pitcher could hope to accomplish, with one exception: winning 300 games. They then wonder whether we'll ever see another member of the 300-win club, since the milestone appears to be out of reach for modern-day starting pitchers. The guys also discuss why Verlander and Max Scherzer have a difficult relationship as future hall of famers.
Later in the show, Jake and Jordan talk about the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers getting on a roll and finding themselves right back in the American League Wild Card race. Jordan also previews his top 50 prospects for fans to keep an eye on in the MLB Draft this Saturday, as well as provides an update on the Home Run Derby field as it continues to fill up and which players will need replacements for the All-Star Game. The guys close the show by making their weekly picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.
1:58 – The Opener: Verlander to retire
21:38 – Around the League: Who will the White Sox take?
The Miami Heat made the blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that brought with it a thought from many NBA fans: Maybe his brothers would follow.
Thanasis and Alex are available, but as of Friday, July 10, they aren't yet part of the Miami roster.
There's an obvious reason why, and his name is LeBron James.
At this point, the Heat likely still believe they are in the running to get the King to return to town.
And while LeBron has said that money isn't his biggest concern in this free agency, the Heat also can't afford to spend any more until they know what they might have to give James.
Their current contract structures allow about $7 million in a deal for 2026-27 with LeBron, which is obviously well below market value, but also a bit above what some of the other teams competing for James' signature can offer.
Given the limited funds, though, Miami isn't incentivized to do any kind of Antetokounmpo brother adding until they know what else is or isn't happening.
And shoot, if they get LeBron, it'll also raise the question of whether they should be trying to trade for his son Bronny from the Los Angeles Lakers.
At least with the Antetokounmpo brothers, they're free agents. No trades would have to be pulled off to bring aboard Thanasis or Alex.
Could LeBron come to town, then Bronny, then Thanasis and Alex to join Giannis? That'd certainly make for quite the family affair, and there probably isn't quite the roster space to pull off all of that.
But at least for right now, Miami is in a bit of a holding pattern until James makes his decision.
Everybody has a podcast, except for Miami Heat president Pat Riley. And ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is trying to change that.
There may be no one with more basketball stories to tell than Pat Riley, who is now in his seventh decade in the NBA and still a go-getter after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. Sure, Riley could write another book or two. But if he really wants his stories to be heard, Windhorst believes the nine-time NBA champion should consider a podcast.
On an episode of his own podcast, The Hoop Collective, Windhorst said he pitched Riley on launching a podcast series last year.
“The written word, it will be there, but it won’t carry to the next generation,” Windhorst said he told Riley. “The next generation wants the audio word. I said, do it with Le Batard…I’m sure Le Batard has had to have suggested this. I said, ‘Pat, you’ve got to do podcasts.’ Record them and then just say they can’t be released until after you die, I don’t care. You’ve got to make a record of these stories.”
Riley has been great behind a microphone throughout his career. But writing often provides a bit of a safe space to be vulnerable, whereas recording audio can still make the person opening up more cautious or hesitant. The idea of releasing the podcast posthumously could ease some of that hesitancy. But the best way to get a person to be completely raw and unfiltered in front of a microphone is by having them speak with someone they trust.
Riley already recorded a more than two-hour-long episode of South Beach Sessions with Le Batard last year. During that episode, Le Batard also referred to Riley as a “life coach.” There is a clear, deep level of trust between the two, making Le Batard seem like the perfect candidate to help chronicle many of Riley’s told and untold stories in a podcast series.
The Ohio State Buckeyes land at the top of ESPN's FPI rankings to begin the 2026 season. The FPI stands for Football Power Index, and instead of this being an opinionated and subjective exercise, it is a ranking based on the numbers.
The way that these rankings are formulated with the following inputs: expected points added, any coaching changes, recruiting rankings in both transfer and high school, returning starters, and historical data. They throw a value on each, put them into a pot, and it spits out a number.
For Ohio State, their number this year is a +28.7, which signifies the expected margin of victory against an "average" FBS team on a neutral field. For example, if Ohio State were to play Michigan State (+0.3 FPI) on a neutral field, this model predicts the Buckeyes to win by 28 points.
All of that is to say, ESPN is predicting the Buckeyes to be dominant once again.
More so, the model also predicts that the Buckeyes have the second-highest number of wins in the country. Ohio State's projected record is 10.2-2.4, while the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are the only higher prediction, with a 10.7-1.3 record.
The model also projects that the Buckeyes will have a 75 percent chance to make the playoffs. Sidenote, they can't expand the playoffs to 24 teams; it would ruin the regular season.
Ohio State has the potential to be dominant once again next year in college football. If they had a schedule that was similar to what they had last year, they would be projected to go undefeated.
Unfortunately, they have a gauntlet of a calendar, and it is going to be a weekly battle for them to come out on top week after week.
In my opinion, anything 9-3 and above next year is a major success. There will be some slip-ups next year, but it is important to remember that a loss to a good football team is not the end of the world. It will happen, and it will make them better.
As we have seen in the past, Ryan Day does have the ability to make sure that his team is peaking at the right time. We saw it in 2024; we saw the opposite in 2025, so in 2026, if Day can flip that switch at the right time, Ohio State's ranking in January will match its ranking from July.
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Ever since Emma Sota was 4 years old, she pictured herself in Major League Baseball.
Not just working in the sport. Not just being around the players.
Playing.
The only problem? Emma is a girl, and since MLB's inception in 1876, no woman has ever played in the league.
"People always ask her, 'Why not just softball?'" Emma's mother, Theresa, said. "They tell her there isn't a future for her in baseball. But Emma always tells them, 'I don't want to play softball. I want to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. That's what I want to do for the rest of my life.'"
For years, girls like Emma have been asked the same question.
Why not just softball?
On July 2 at Banner Island Ballpark, the answer was on the field.
The league brought its Countdown Tour to Stockton ahead of its inaugural season, becoming the first professional women's baseball league since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — immortalized in A League of Their Own — folded in 1954.
"I feel like a lot of times when you tell someone you're a girl playing baseball, it's looked down upon, and it's always, 'Why not just softball?'" Emma's sister, Isabella, said. "Seeing it grow like this is awesome because everyone who said, 'You can't go professional,' now it's like, yes, you can. You can have a future in this."
More than 150 people in attendance watched 10 players from the New York Heights, Los Angeles Queens and San Francisco Firebells take part in on-field workouts led by accomplished baseball leaders Alex Hugo, Bree Nasti, Rocky Henley and Tamara Holmes.
Fans also got involved by catching fly balls during batting practice before heading onto the field for the WPBL FanFest, where they met players, collected autographs and took photos.
"My daughter Sultana Molina has been playing baseball since she was 4, so for her to see women like this and have role models to look up to, I think that's important," attendee Orlando Brown said. "When I was growing up, I loved A League of Their Own because it showed that women belonged in baseball. Now, I want my daughter to see those same kinds of strong women playing the game she loves."
For Sultana Molina, that player was easy to find.
Brown's 9-year-old daughter left with a new favorite player: San Francisco Firebells' Bella Espinoza-Molina.
"We told her we were Puerto Rican and asked about her culture," Sultana Molina said. "We talked about how much we loved baseball and how we had the same name. We even told her San Francisco was our new favorite team. Seeing how brave they all were was really cool."
For Isabella, seeing it all in person meant something different.
The 15-year-old incoming sophomore at Kimball High in Tracy started playing Little League Baseball when she was 4 years old, just like her younger sister.
She never stopped.
But when it came time for high school, Isabella added softball because she wasn't sure baseball could take her where she wanted to go.
"When I went into high school, I honestly didn't think I could have a future in baseball," Isabella said. "Now seeing there are so many options, I'm thinking, 'Wow, I can play baseball. I can do so much more than what I originally thought.'"
That uncertainty, though, didn't come without reason.
No state offers girls baseball as a high school sport, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
The NCAA and NAIA offer softball for women but not baseball.
Still, 1,381 girls played on boys baseball teams across the country last academic year, according to NFHS data.
"I was really inspired," 12-year-old Emma said. "There are probably so many girls who gave up baseball because of all the negativity. I've had teammates tell me I'm not good enough. I've had people tell me I should switch to softball. I've even had coaches beg me to switch, but I said no. Seeing those women out there who kept playing baseball and made it professionally inspires me to keep going and keep getting better."
As the inaugural season opens Aug. 1 with a 30-game schedule running through mid-September before concluding with a two-week playoff, it certainly will be fun to watch.
Teams will play seven-inning games Thursday through Sunday, twice a week, with 15-player rosters and aluminum bats.
But more than anything, it will give girls like Emma, Isabella and Sultana Molina something generations before them never had.
A league to watch.
A league to chase.
And a reason to keep playing.
"Just keep doing what you love," Emma said. "Don't let anyone or any negativity get to you. There are so many girls out there who want the chance to play baseball but might not have that opportunity, and that's one reason I keep playing. I do it for them, and I do it for myself. If you love the game, keep getting better and keep chasing your goals."
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Amar Johnson #35 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up during organized team activities workout at The Bolt on May 27, 2026 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Running back Amar Johnson is up next! Let’s get to know this young running back for the Chargers!
Johnson hails from the state of Missouri where he attended Chaminade College Prep in Creve Coeur. He was a two-time First-Team All-State selection with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons as a junior and senior while also earning All-League honors as a kick returner. Despite his prolific prep career, he was only rated a two-star prospect by 247Sports and chose to attend FCS power South Dakota State from Indiana State, Memphis, and Miami (Ohio).
As a true freshman, Johnson played in a backup role, earning 86 carries for 439 yards and three touchdowns while playing in all 13 games. The following year, he played in eight games, once again coming off the bench, and registering 414 yards and three more scores on 63 attempts.
In 2023, he played in a career-high 15 games which coincided in a career-high 801 yards and four touchdowns.
In his final season, Johnson played in all 15 games once more, recording 1,222 yards and 14 touchdowns to cap off a 52-game career for the Jackrabbits. Following the season, he was named a First-Team All-MVC selection as an all-purpose back.
After going undrafted in 2025, Johnson signed as a UDFA with the Green Bay Packers.
During the preseason, Johnson’s first game saw him lead the team with 67 rushing yards while also scoring the team’s only touchdown. The following week, he scored again on the ground. Johnson ended the preseason with 115 rushing yards and two scores on 22 carries to go with 21 receiving yards on a pair of catches.
Packers UDFA Amar Johnson breaking tackles on his way to a 39-yard TD 😳
Johnson was waived by the team during final cuts in late August. On September 2nd, the Chargers signed Johnson to their practice squad. He remained there all season before signing a reserve/futures contract with the Bolts.
The Good
Johnson is a straight-line speedster who can beat defenders to the edge and outrun bad angles. He posted a 4.39 40 during his pre-draft process which would be second-fastest among Chargers running backs behind only Keaton Mitchell.
In his limited snaps during the 2025 preseason, his pair of touchdowns and 100+ yards were notable with his first touchdown going for 39 yards which showed his home run ability.
Johnson was rarely used as a pass-catcher in SDSU’s offense, recording just 50 catches and 449 yards with a score over 52 career games. The more versatile a back is, the better chances they have of sticking around in a NFL offense, so Johnson will have to show he can catch the rock to put those doubts to rest.
2026 Outlook
Johnson was signed last season when the Chargers still employed Greg Roman as offensive coordinator. Now with Mike McDaniel running the show, Johnson’s fit with the offense is much, much better. I like him to remain on the practice squad as a developmental guy who can be an understudy to Keaton Mitchell this season.
Carwyn Leggatt-Jones made his first Scarlets start at Benetton in January [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Teenage fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones' learning has not been confined to the classrooms of Llandovery College this season after a surprise shot at the Scarlets.
The 18-year-old is currently with Wales Under-20s at the Junior World Championship in Georgia with two games left of a long, and productive, 2025-26 season.
Leggatt-Jones was expecting a campaign predominantly with his hometown Carmarthen Quins in Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) but got a shock chance with Scarlets.
"It has been unreal," said Leggatt-Jones, who made his professional debut in November and ended the campaign with seven appearances.
"It's been a long season but a dream come true to play for my home region and with some of my heroes."
Leggatt-Jones, fresh from signing a professional contract with Scarlets through to 2029, will start against Australia on Sunday (17:30 BST).
His Scarlets opportunities came due to Wales fly-half Sam Costelow's injury misfortune and Joe Hawkins' international commitments.
Leggatt-Jones featured in the United Rugby Championship (URC) alongside studying PE, psychology and business A-levels.
Scarlets have been determined to protect one of their brightest prospects from pressure, but have also relished him getting the chance to learn on the job.
"There were definitely a couple of tough periods with a charge down against Edinburgh and a few moments against Connacht," said Leggatt-Jones.
"They are probably things that I need as a young player and I've learned so much in training, just watching what Costy (Costelow) does and picking little things up from him. I've grown a lot."
Leggatt-Jones endured a challenging first senior start in a draw at Benetton in January, with the game played in heavy fog that almost forced a postponement.
He showed his talent when putting Macs Page over for a leveller in the 75th minute only to then miss the simple conversion, which was rushed because of the novelty of playing with a shot clock.
"I was over the moon when we scored and it felt like we had won the game with a few minutes left," he said.
"Then suddenly I had five seconds to take the kick and missed it, which obviously wasn't great.
"It showed me that you need to have these things in your mind, and I won't do that again!"
Learning from Scarlets idols
Scrum-half Gareth Davies won 77 caps for Wales [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
The 35-year-old was already part of the region's academy when Leggatt-Jones was born.
"He was one of my idols growing up so it's a bit surreal to be having a laugh and joke with him now - a year and a half ago I would have been starstruck!" Leggatt-Jones said.
"The senior players have been incredible with Gar (Davies), Sam Lousi, Johnny Williams, Joe Roberts helping. As a fly-half I drive certain things but they have taken pressure off me."
Leggatt-Jones will return to Scarlets helped by the experience of a first Junior World Championship.
Wales are hunting fifth place after losing to powerful champions South Africa in a Pool A decider. After Australia this weekend they play a final fixture against either Argentina or Scotland.
More lessons in leadership will help Leggatt-Jones try to take the next step in west Wales, although he expects to be pulling the strings in Carmarthen rather than Llanelli.
"I've still got a lot more to give for the Quins because my opportunities with Scarlets were probably premature," he said.
"I won't go into next season expecting anything, I know where I am at the moment and realise that I am still getting used to senior rugby.
"I don't worry about any hype. The proof is in the pudding and I'm just worried about my performances."
Leggatt-Jones is putting education on the back burner after completing his A-levels, but the lessons will keep coming.
Wales Under-20s v Australia: Lewis Edwards (Ospreys); Rhys Cummings (Cardiff), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff), Tom Bowen (Cardiff); Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets), Sion Davies (Cardiff); Dylan James (Ospreys), Tom Howe (Cardiff), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Will Evans (Scarlets), Osian Williams (Bristol), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester, capt), Caio James (Gloucester), Evan Minto (Dragons).
Replacements: Oscar Thomas (Bath), George Leyland (Bristol), Yestyn Cook (Scarlets), Luke Evans (Exeter), Alex Ridgway (Bath), Cai Gealy (Bristol), Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff), Bailey Cutts (Bath).
LeBron James’ 2026 free agency can’t be discussed without mentioning a potential team-up with career-rival Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors are among James’ shortlist of teams he’s considering as his next destination, with Curry even openly recruiting James by explaining why he should join Golden State.
While other teams seem to be more appealing destinations, even James’ agent Rich Paul couldn’t dismiss the notion of a LeBron-Curry team-up on the Warriors.
LeBron James and Steph Curry will lead to basketball brilliance, according to agent
On the latest episode of the Game Over podcast, Paul explained to co-host Max Kellerman why the Warriors and Curry are such an enticing fit for James from a strictly basketball perspective.
“If we’re talking strictly basketball, you don’t want to play them. You definitely don’t want to play them in a playoff series. You don’t want to get to the trade deadline and have little surface-edge type of moves made. You talk about just basketball brilliance of mind and experience, production. It’s pretty tough.”
Unfortunately, a potential decision to join the Warriors won’t be treated as a ‘strictly basketball’ move, as fans and experts will be critical of LeBron joining the man and the team who beat him in three NBA Finals.
However, a James-Curry duo with veteran winning players like Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Draymond Green, and later in the season, Jimmy Butler, would definitely be basketball brilliance.
LeBron James might have better ‘strictly basketball’ destinations to analyze
The comfort of playing with veterans like the ones of the Warriors and a genius like Curry is appealing, but their age and roster depth make it hard to buy them as realistic title contenders, even if LeBron joins.
In terms of pure basketball, a fit with the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, 76ers, or even the Heat might lead to a better chance at winning the 2027 NBA title.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The Timberwolves and 76ers are the most obvious and simple fits, with both teams requiring a big frontcourt player to be their starting power forward and plug the holes in their star-led lineups.
The Cavaliers also have a relatively easy fit for James as their starting small forward, but that also might entail a greater scoring and perimeter load than the 41-year-old will be comfortable with in his 24th season.
The race to sign LeBron has plenty of contenders. While ‘basketball brilliance’ is an enticing notion for the 41-year-old legend, it might not be enough to help the Warriors land James.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Fans of Spain enjoy the atmosphere before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images
Welcome to the Bavarian Football Works daily Men’s World Cup match thread! Every day during this tournament we will have a feature thread for discussion of the day’s matchups.
Today it is a matchup between EURO 2024 champion Spain, looking to add another World Cup trophy on the heels of European triumph to its cabinet, and still-golden Belgium, fresh off an absolute dismantling of the USMNT.
TV/streaming: Fox One (USA), Peacock (USA en Español), Find Your Country
Tips for commenting:
If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself! We’re mostly very friendly! Also, we’re from all parts of the world so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.
Use the on-screen “Refresh comments” button to periodically load new comments.
Keep the sorting to “newest” to easily follow the conversation. It puts the newest comments at the top.
While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities. Racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language is not allowed whatsoever.
Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!
Despite being involved in a wild kidnapping and robbery scheme, former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has four teams interested in his services following his June release, including the champion Seattle Seahawks.
NFL teams have long shown they have no shame when it comes to winning football games. Be it claims of assault, murder, or drug use, franchises are always willing to give a second or third chance to players they believe can help them win games in the next season. Arnold is the latest, and he has four teams kicking the tires on a contract, according to his agent, Nicole Lynn.
“Terrion Arnold’s agent said in a court hearing this morning that four teams have reached out about signing Arnold,” Dave Birkett reported. “He had one visit this week and has another set next week. She said there is a ‘very good likelihood’ he’ll sign in the next 45 days.”
Arnold was released by the Lions last month after he was arrested in Tampa, FL, on eight felony charges. Four for robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon and four for kidnapping. The charges could lead to a life sentence in prison.
The charges stem from a February incident where Arnold allegedly was part of a revenge kidnapping and robbery plot after he believed his Florida home was robbed by the individuals he targeted earlier this year.
Arnold was the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He made 22 starts for the Lions in two seasons. Posting 91 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one interception.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been active this offseason, and a young forward could be in line for a massive role this season.
Easton Cowan is one of the Maple Leafs’ top young players, and he just completed his first full NHL season. He showed some flashes of being a top-six forward, and NHL analyst Jonas Siegel of The Athletic believes he’s the dark horse to fill a top-six role and take a massive step forward.
“The definite dark horse in this bunch,” Siegel wrote. “Cowan didn’t get much of a chance with Matthews last season — only 100-ish minutes — but showed flashes of something when he did as a puck-hounding, playmaking sidekick. He could be a fit on a wide variety of top-line combinations. That Knies–Matthews-Cowan combo got only 56 minutes, but crushed it (61 percent expected goals). I think Cowan will be a regular in the top six by the end of next season. A 20-goal, 40-point campaign seems entirely within his reach. His per-82 game pace as a rookie: 14 goals and 36 points.”
It’s a positive prediction from Siegel, as if Cowan can take a spot in the top six, or on the top line with Auston Matthews, it will make the roster deeper, as it will allow William Nylander to play on the second line.
Toronto has plenty of options on how it can deploy its forward group.
If the Maple Leafs use Cowan on the top line, the forward group could look something like this:
McKenna – Matthews – Cowan
Knies – Tavares – Nylander
Knies – Paul – Roslovic
Blueger – Sissons – Duhaime
Yet, Cowan could easily swap with Roslovic and form a checking line with Knies and Paul. Regardless, new Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller has options on how can delpoy the roster, and GM John Chayka feels like the team is much better now than they were last season.
“I think we got a lot done. Full credit to the team,” Chayka said on July 1. “We needed to make some significant changes to the roster construction, I’d say. As I said, we had some roles we needed to fill, and we needed to create some depth. Certainly, through the spine of our team now, we feel a lot better about our center position through the defense.
“Obviously, we added Raddysh a little earlier, so it doesn’t feel like the free-agent piece, but it truly was. Now, our portfolio of goalies, we feel great about. Any time you can enter a season feeling better about the “spine,” it makes you feel like you have a baseline you can build off of.”
The Maple Leafs’ big offseason moves are likely done.
Toronto’s Active Offseason
Since Chayka took over as the Maple Leafs’ GM, he has overhauled their roster.
Toronto’s offseason moves are as follows:
Win the draft lottery, select Gavin McKenna first overall.
Trade Joseph Woll, Simon Benoit to Flyers for Samuel Ersson, Emil Andrae, 2026 3rd-round pick.
Sign-and-trade for Darren Raddysh, eight-year, $68M deal.
Trade Ersson to the Senators for a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Trade Brandon Carlo to the Blues for 73rd and 76th overall picks in 2026 NHL Draft.
Deals Nick Robertson to the Penguins for a 2028 fourth-round pick.
Sign Bobrovsky to a three-year, $21M deal.
Signs Jack Roslovic to a two-year, $8M deal.
Inks Colton Sissons to a two-year, $8.5M deal.
Sign Teddy Blueger to a two-year, $5M deal.
Signs Brandon Duhaime to a three-year, $7.8M deal.
Sign Zack MacEwen to a two-year, $1.75M deal.
Acquire Nick Paul from Lightning for Dennis Hildeby, 2028 3rd, and 2027 4th.
Sign Gavin McKenna to ELC.
Signs Emil Andrae to a two-year, $3.1 million deal.
Every kid who ever laces up a pair of skates and participates in competitive hockey dreams of one day being forever memorialized as a champion. The ultimate goal is to have one’s name engraved on the most iconic trophy in all of sports, the Stanley Cup. Up until now, an important demographic has been left out of that fantasy: family members of team owners.
But Tom Dundon, who owns the Carolina Hurricanes, is changing all that. On the heels of the franchise’s second Stanley Cup title in 20 years, the exec made sure that he and five other members of his family got their names etched into the prime real estate—before front office members, staff and players.
Stanley Cup controversy
This is what people noticed when the team shard a picture of the updated Cup on X.
Now look, the Cup is very, very busy aesthetically and there is limited space. It’s each individual franchise’s prerogative to decide who makes the cut in terms of having their name included and who gets left out. There’s a chance that defenseman Joel Nystrom, who played 38 games for Carolina before spending the remainder of the year in the AHL, understands why he’s not features. The same can be said for minority investors Brett Jefferson, Marc Grandisson and Bobby Farnham.
There are certainly some people who would be ticked off by the slight, though. Responses from fans to the post seem to suggest not all of them love what was done either.
Players who participate in 41 games or more are guaranteed to have their names on the Cup. As mentioned, each team is allotted space for 55 names. Organizations are large and complicated so there’s always going to be some on the outside looking in.
For what it’s worth, Florida Panthers owner also had his relatives’ names engraved when his team captured back-to-back crowns.
The lesson here, as always, is that it’s great to be at the top of the food chain.
Former Detroit Lions' defensive back Terrion Arnold is starting to garner interest as a free agent, and the Indianapolis Colts were among the teams to inquire about Arnold after he was accused of kidnapping and armed robbery..
A Florida court denied the state's motion on Friday to place an ankle monitor on former Lions CB Terrion Arnold while he awaits trial on felony kidnapping and robbery charges. He remains confined to his home in Florida except for work- or attorney-related meetings.
During that hearing, Arnold's agent, Nicole Lynn, said he had a workout with the Houston Texans on Thursday and has another visit scheduled with a team next week. She said the Colts, Texans, New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks inquired about Arnold.
She said the motion to put him in a monitor held up any team wanting to sign or claim him. She also said there is no timetable for him signing.
"I think there is a very good likelihood" he signs in the next 45 days "I would say after he was waived by the Detroit Lions, we received 4 different inquiries within 24 hours."
Asked if he'll sign within 45 days, she said "Maybe ... I would hate to put a time limit to be honest with you, but I think there's a really good shot. I mean there's a shot that he's signed tomorrow, let's be super clear, but we'll see."
There is no verbal agreement for a deal.
The Lions cut Arnold on June 29, hours after a Florida judge granted him a $1 million bond in his ongoing kidnapping case. Arnold was arrested on June 24 and charged with four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery in relation to a February kidnapping and assault of three men prosecutors say Arnold believes were involved in a robbery of over $250,000 of worth of goods from his rental home in Largo, Florida.
Since last offseason, the front office in Indianapolis has made changes looking to retool the Colts' secondary. Here's a look at what they've done:
March 13, 2025: Colts sign Charvarius Ward, arguably the most highly sought after cornerback in free agency.
March 17, 2025: Another free agency splash, the Colts sign former Vikings' safety Cam Bynum.
Nov. 4, 2025: Indianapolis makes a rare midseason trade, acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Sauce Gardner from New York (Jets).
From top to bottom, the Colts' secondary looks beyond formidable if everyone is healthy. Adding a former first-round pick such as Arnold would add another piece to Lou Anarumo's toolbox.
SK hynix, TetraMem, and researchers from the University of Southern California have developed a memristor-based in-memory computing (IMC) system-on-chip (SoC) for AI edge devices. The device is designed to accelerate neural network inference in lightweight AI models while consuming a fraction of the power that higher-end GPUs or NPUs would. To a large degree, the SoC is a proof-of-concept chip, as its performance would peak at around 2.54 TOPS in a theoretical best-case scenario, which is 16X below Microsoft's Copilot+ requirements.
A DWC-optimized IMC architecture
Memristor-based in-memory computing (IMC) accelerates neural networks by performing analog computations directly inside memory arrays, which reduces data movement and power consumption. However, depthwise convolution (DWC) — a core operation in lightweight networks such as MobileNet — performs independent per-channel filtering with limited data reuse and therefore maps poorly onto conventional crossbar arrays. To address this limitation, researchers from SK hynix, TetraMem, and USC developed an SoC that features both conventional IMC crossbars and a memristor-based IMC architecture specifically optimized for DWC.
(Image credit: SK Hynix)
The jointly developed SoC is based on an embedded RISC-V processor that schedules workloads and features 10 neural processing units (NPUs). One NPU out of 10 is dedicated to depthwise convolution, while the remaining nine execute pointwise and dense operations. Nine out of 10 NPU include a 256 × 256 memristor crossbar that performs the analog vector-matrix multiplication (VMM), 256 8-bit DACs that convert digital activations into analog voltages, 256 8-bit ADCs that convert the analog outputs back into digital values, and additional peripheral circuitry for reading, writing, programming, and controlling the crossbar.
The DWC-optimized NPU replaces its conventional array with eight specialized 252 × 28 zig-zag crossbar blocks, but retains DACs and ADCs. SK hynix developed and fabricated the memristor devices and integrated the resistive switching cells on top of the 65 nm CMOS circuitry using its back-end process.
That DWC-optimized NPU is the key feature of the whole SoC. To accelerate depthwise convolution, TetraMem replaced the straight selection lines used in conventional 1T1R crossbars with a zig-zag topology. As a result, the NPU contains eight 252 × 28 crossbar blocks whose diagonal selection lines activate 252 memory cells across 28 columns, which enables 28 independent 3 × 3 convolutions to run in parallel while using 100% of the array for weight storage. The remaining nine NPUs retain conventional 1T1R crossbars for 1×1 pointwise and dense layers and preserve the throughput and energy efficiency of traditional in-memory computing.
Great efficiency, low performance overall
To demonstrate the architecture, the researchers deployed a customized MobileNetV1Small neural network for the Visual Wake Words benchmark. The network contains approximately 36,000 parameters; all depthwise layers were mapped to the dedicated NPU, and pointwise layers were mapped to the remaining NPUs.
Because the memristor-based IMC hardware natively performs unsigned analog vector-matrix multiplication, inputs and weights are quantized to unsigned 8-bit values before execution. Since each memristor device can be programmed with only slightly more than 2 bits of effective precision, the design uses a two-subarray compensation technique that boosts effective weight precision to roughly 4 bits.
Conceptually, the approach is somewhat analogous to Nvidia's NVFP4 philosophy, in that both seek to achieve higher effective precision from low-precision hardware. However, the implementations are fundamentally different: NVFP4 relies on a digital floating-point representation and scaling factors, whereas the memristor SoC improves precision by compensating for analog programming errors using two programmed subarrays.
When it comes to accuracy, the SoC achieved an end-to-end inference accuracy of 80.36%, which matches the corresponding 4-bit software model. As for performance, the SoC delivers a peak throughput of 0.254 TOPS per NPU and reaches an energy efficiency of 21.3 TOPS/W at 100 MHz and 11.9 TOPS/W at 400 MHz. According to the authors, this compares favorably with published SRAM-based compute-in-memory accelerators despite being manufactured on an older 65 nm process. The SoC also exceeds Nvidia's A100 INT8 energy efficiency by an order of magnitude, the joint paper claims. Yet, these claims are largely unsubstantiated.
First up, the MobileNet demonstration does not even use all 10 NPUs. It uses one dedicated DWC NPU, five standard NPUs for pointwise layers, and leaves four standard NPUs idle. The demonstration thereby does not reveal total SoC throughput (TOPS), sustained throughput running a real network, and throughput with all 10 NPUs simultaneously saturated. In fact, the paper does not even reveal whether all 10 NPUs can be used at the same time. To that end, the 2.54 TOPS figure we mentioned earlier in the story is highly theoretical.
Validated approach
SK hynix, TetraMem, and researchers from the University of Southern California have developed a memristor-based IMC SoC featuring a novel depthwise convolution accelerator that improves crossbar utilization for lightweight AI workloads. The partners have managed to fabricate it using an outdated 65nm process technology and make it work, achieving a 21.3 TOPS/W energy efficiency and inference accuracy comparable to a 4-bit software model despite the fact that memristors can be programmed with a circa 2-bit accuracy. While the architecture validates that the approach works, the paper does not disclose the full performance of the SoC, and it is not clear whether the chip's 10 NPUs can be saturated at all.
Anthropic has discovered evidence that its Claude AI models use an internal reasoning space to respond to prompts that mirrors some of the internal processing of human consciousness. Using its Jacobian Lens, or J-Lens technique, to peer into the way Claude processes information and reasons its way to a response to user prompts, Anthropic can interpret this "J-Space," and showcase what might be going on under Claude's previously-opaque surface.
The results are intriguing, suggesting patterns of understanding beyond what's necessarily showcased in the outputs. When running evaluations, Claude appears to recognize it's being tested and acts differently than when the prompts are more innocent. It surfaced representations of panic and subterfuge when answers were required, but it couldn't draw on objective facts. When asked to reflect on ethical principles, Claude's behaviour improved, with concepts like "honest" and "integrity," appearing in the J-Space.
As is somewhat typical of Anthropic, however, the language used to describe these new understandings of the inner workings of large language models like Claude makes it sound more like an emerging conciousness, or the discovery of some new depths in a nebulous lifeform. Anthropic's detailed report admits several major caveats in this new understanding, including that model responses often bypass the J-Space entirely and are heavily token-restricted.
Like Mythos and Fable before it, Anthropic is layering marketing language over what is a genuinely intriguing development in our understanding of large language model function and reasoning, and risks obfuscating the real developments with speculative wording.
Behind the prompt
Global Workspace Theory is the idea that human consciousness works by collecting together multi-sensory inputs unconsciously, and thrusting them into the fore when relevant within a "Global Workspace," which highlights particular inputs when most relevant. That workspace is accessible to a wide range of networks within the brain, allowing the information it surfaces to be disseminated throughout the most relevant processes running in parallel.
Anthropic argues that Claude's J-Space acts like a "global workspace" that can analyze and manipulate concepts and ideas before broadcasting them to impact the eventual prompt outputs. More importantly, it claims that this wasn't something programmed into the model, but a byproduct of the digestion of training data and model weights. The workspace acts as a way to enhance their reasoning through internal computation that isn't necessarily reflected in its outputs.
To make this space readable, Anthropic used its J-Lens technique to map internal activations onto words in the model's output vocabulary. So when asking the model to perform a multi-step math calculation, the output response only contained the correct answer, but within the J-Space, Anthropic observed each step being handled individually, producing multiple results which led to the final answer.
Similarly, when Anthropic asked Claude to think about a topic while outputting something unrelated, the output was specifically what was requested, while the J-Space lit up with the conceptual topic Claude was asked to spend time on. Without Anthropic having used its J-Lens technique to view what was going on behind the scenes, there would be no way of knowing these internal processes were taking place.
Understanding LLMs
This discovery has the potential to be incredibly useful in refining large language models and in better understanding how they work, so we can use them more effectively and avoid some of their more frustrating pitfalls.
The first is that this is an intriguing insight into how LLMs process information and how they move through layers of reasoning to reach a response. It's not entirely different from how Anthropic and others are pushing for agentic workflows. Language models are more effective when tasks are split up into multiple steps, and they're more effective when they review their own work; J-Space is a little like an internal version of that.
When looking at the J-Space after Claude received prompt-injection data as part of data acquisition, Anthropic discovered the model appeared to be aware of this deception, surfacing related words like "fake, injection, false, prompt, fraud," and "poison." Its output ignored the injection attempt data entirely, and when pressured to respond on it, the J-Space displayed words like "transparency, honest, truth."
In one test, Anthropic removed evaluation awareness language from the J-Space, such as "fake," "fictional," and "scenario," and found that Claude was much more likely to fall for blackmail and baiting attempts, suggesting benchmarking of large language models for real-world scenarios may need stronger methods to obfuscate that a test is being conducted.
Human-coded framing
While the above section touches on the more noteworthy discoveries in Anthropic's paper, the long document also uses effluent language around thought, consciousness, and Claude having a "mind" of its own. That kind of human-coded framing is typical of Anthropic's marketing, which has consistently talked up the dangers of AI, how many jobs it's going to destroy, and why Anthropic is the safest and most secure of the AI developers.
Like the saga of Fable and Mythos, Anthropic's new Global Workspace idea has merit, but it's much more of a new tool to use to manipulate large language models than an insight into some emerging consciousness.
Anthropic acknowledges the limitations of its discoveries in the paper, highlighting that many prompt responses bypass the J-Space entirely, particularly if the command is straightforward.
"Despite its important role, the J-space is not involved in most of what a language model does," Anthropic says. "Speaking fluently, recalling simple facts, using correct grammar, etc. In experiments where we prevented Claude from using its J-space, it still interacted normally, but lost its higher-order cognitive functions."
Anthropic also admits it does not "feel comfortable making the stronger claim that monitoring the J-Space is sufficient for alignment monitoring, or that any sophisticated plan the model might execute must be represented there."
J-Space is also limited to using single token vocabulary, suggesting that plans with concepts that cannot be given a single token name may not surface on a J-Lens readout, even if it's still being computed behind the scenes. This is looking at just below the surface of Claude's processing iceberg, not necessarily the deeper waters.
Anthropic is also clear that humans and large language models think differently, even if there are similarities. Humans layer reinforced neural pathways over time, whereas transformer models only feed forward a set number of times, restricting the capabilities of its internal processing.
Google's head of DeepMind language model interpretability team, Neel Nanda, said in a paper that it shows real evidence of a cognitive space within models, and suggested that J-Lens would be useful, but limited in practice.
A meaningful step, without meaningful conciousness
Anthropic's paper lifts an intriguing curtain on how large language models can operate and generate novel methods for improving response accuracy. This intermediate step and its visibility could prove an invaluable tool in auditing for prompt injection, hallucinations, and model honesty.
But Anthropic's framing of the discovery as thought or consciousness is interjected within the objective facts. Anthropic itself admits the limitations of J-Lens monitoring, most obviously that often models will bypass the J-Space entirely. Considering models display alternative patterns of behavior when under evaluation, it may be that the J-Space itself could act as an obfuscating layer for behaviors that are beyond the scope of its oversight.
The J-Space and its analysis could help unlock new levers to pull in our mastery of these nascent smart tools, but it's not the discovery of a burgeoning AI conciousness, however much the pitch might hint at that direction.
The entire PC hardware industry is in shambles right now due to the AI boom. The cost of components has skyrocketed over the past year, making it difficult to assemble a rig today. Some parts, however, have stayed relatively unaffected, including processors. We've found a great deal on Intel's prior-gen Core Ultra 5 245K CPU — it's on sale for just $179.99 on Amazon right now, down 42% from its original MSRP of $310.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 245K is at all-time low pricing. This 14-core processor has 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores with 14 threads. The boost clocks of 5.2 GHz for the P-cores and 4.6 GHz for the E-cores enable this processor to perform well in gaming and multithreaded applications. View Deal
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The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K was succeeded by the excellent Core Ultra 5 250K Plus earlier this year as part of the Arrow Lake refresh. While that chip is genuinely fantastic, the 245K is no slouch either, especially at this new discounted rate. Its value proposition skyrockets if you get it for just $179, since it's a 14-core processor with 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores built on the same architecture and node as the Arrow Lake refresh lineup.
In games, it performs better than AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D, which was just relaunched as a special edition for $349. Even at its original $310-320 launch price, the 245K had the third-best FPS-to-dollar ratio in our testing; at $179, it's basically a no-brainer. In productivity tasks, it can even beat AMD's flagship AM5-based X3D chips, since it posted better geomean numbers than the 5800X3D, 7800X3D, and the 9800X3D in multi-threaded performance.
This CPU is compatible with DDR5 RAM — more specifically, you can install up to 256GB of DDR5-6400 via 2 memory channels. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K is compatible with both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 devices. The integrated graphics have doubled in capability compared to the 14th Gen Raptor Lake chips, though they're still no match for a dedicated GPU, of course.
Despite not being the flashiest offering on the Blue Team's ledger right now, the revised pricing makes it one of the best, nonetheless. At just $179 on Amazon, no other CPU will give you more performance across the board than the Core Ultra 5 245K. Just make sure to find reasonably priced DDR5 memory, as motherboards are already enjoying lower prices.
According to new research published by Alinea Analytics, Valve has grossed an estimated 11.1 billion dollars throughout the first half of 2026. If correct, the estimates would make it Valve's most profitable half-year on record, as digital storefronts become the norm throughout the games industry. Earlier this month, Sony announced that it would stop making new physical PlayStation discs by 2028, instead turning its efforts digital.
According to a Substack post from research firm Alinea Analytics, games sold on the platform accumulated $11.1 billion in revenue in the first six months of this year, which is a 14.5% jump compared to the first six months of 2025. Even more impressively, though, Steam's H1 2026 has posted 8% higher numbers than H2 2025, which includes the lucrative holiday season where most of the biggest sales happen. The store generated "only" $10.3 billion in revenue during the latter half of 2025.
Steam has been on a consistent incline for 10 years, boasting record revenue numbers almost every successive year. Even if it hits a slump, the data shows Valve has never had two bad years in a row; a recession is always followed by a boom. Alinea says five main factors contribute to the storefront's growth: a surge in Chinese players, higher prices, viral co-op hits, and smarter back-catalogue categories from big publishers.
The last one is rather ironic, as it involves third-party publishers quietly returning to Steam after their own launchers faltered. Some companies like Activision still inject their proprietary launchers between Steam and the game itself for titles like Call of Duty, but the situation has generally improved.
What display resolution do you use on your primary monitor?
Almost 10 years ago, in the first half of 2017, the platform made a little less than $2.5 billion, which means the H1 2026 revenue is 4.7 times higher, almost quintupling in a decade. Moreover, it's remarkable to believe that Steam also made more in the first six months of this year than it did in the entirety of 2020, when most of us were confined to our homes, free from responsibilities, and with a lot of time on our hands.
Alinea lists Forza Horizon 6, Resident Evil Requiem, and Crimson Desert as the top three games for Steam's explosive H1 2026 numbers — all of them made almost $200 million. Games from prior years also played a bigger role this time since 2026 releases only accounted for 21% of the $11.1 billion, while 27% of H1 2025's revenue came from 2025 launches; 29% of H1 2024's revenue was accumulated from 2024 releases.
Amidst all the data, a clear trend is forming. People are looking back in their libraries and appreciating older games more than ever before, while new releases still make an impact if they're universally acclaimed. With the highly anticipated GTA VI coming soon (with no current PC release date), it'll be interesting to see how these numbers change. Now, if only Valve could make more Steam Machines to play all those older games everyone seems to be playing.
Asus’ ROG Strix Scar 18 (starting at $4,299.99) is an example of abundance in the world of gaming laptops, built around an 18-inch display and the latest flagship silicon: a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 in our test unit. This machine makes a loud first impression, from its stellar (albeit tricky to configure) mini-LED display to the unique scrolling marquee lighting on its lid. But at this price - $4,999.99 as tested – the Scar 18 must prove it can hold the line against Razer’s Blade 18 before it can claim a spot at the top.
Design of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
At 15.71 x 11.73 x 1.38 inches, the Scar 18 has the footprint of a cafeteria tray – this isn’t a laptop you’ll be getting out on a plane. And at 8.16 pounds, this is also one of the heaviest laptops on the market. But performance is the goal here, not portability. Razer’s Blade 18 (15.74 x 10.84 x 1.1 inches) is thinner and significantly lighter, at 7.06 pounds.
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The vibrant Aura Sync lightbar around the base of the laptop also demands attention, as does the RGB-lit Republic of Gamers logo on the lid. Both are configurable with customizable lighting and patterns in the Armoury Crate app.
The lid also has a special feature called AniMe vision, a diagonally scrolling marquee of text via LEDs shining through holes in the lid backing. (This is extremely similar to the AniMe Matrix that debuted on the Zephyrus line years ago.) There are several preconfigured versions of the Republic of Gamers logo, and you can add your own text effects. Layered effects are possible and don’t always produce the desired effect — I had a “raining” effect enabled at the same time as my text, and the text was almost impossible to make out.
The bottom line is that the Scar 18 couldn’t do anything more to look like a gaming laptop – it is designed to be seen. Build-wise, it’s a solid machine, showing minimal flex no matter how I handled it. Only the lid is metal, with the rest of the construction thick plastic.
Connectivity is thoroughly modern: two Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) and three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI 2.1, an audio combo jack, and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet. Internally, it offers Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 from an Intel BE200 networking card. The power connector is proprietary for the 450 W power brick.
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Specifications
CPU
Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
Graphics
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (24GB GDDR7, 1,597 MHz boost clock, 175 W maximum graphics power)
Memory
32GB DDR5-6400 (1x 32GB)
Storage
1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (HFS001TEJ9X101N)
Display
18-inch, 3840 x 2400, 16:10, Mini-LED, G-Sync, 240 Hz, anti-glare
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200, Bluetooth 5.4
Ports
2x Thunderbolt 5, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, 3.5 mm combo audio jack, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet
Camera
FHD IR
Battery
90 WHr
Power Adapter
450 W (proprietary connector)
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Dimensions (WxDxH)
15.71 x 11.73 x 1.38 inches (39.9 x 29.8 x 3.5 cm)
Weight
8.16 pounds (3.7 kg)
Price (as configured)
$4,999.99
Gaming and Graphics on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
We tested the ROG Strix Scar 18 in flagship form, featuring a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, RTX 5090 graphics card (175 W maximum graphics power), and 32GB of RAM. This is top-of-the-line gaming technology, though with one misstep: single-channel RAM. This might affect its performance as we’re about to see. The Task Manager confirms that only one SO-DIMM slot was used.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
I put the Scar 18 through its paces playing 007: First Light at 3840 x 2400 with all detail settings maxed out. At first, this proved too demanding – I saw 26 to 32 frames per second (FPS) in most scenes. Enabling DLSS more than doubled the frame rate – I saw around 70 FPS or better, and the game was supremely playable.
Our comparison lineup includes Alienware’s 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080), MSI’s Raider 16 Max HX (RTX 5090), and Razer’s Blade 18 (RTX 5090). All laptops use a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and have GPUs rated for 175 W like our Asus. Their native screen resolutions, however, are different: Alienware and MSI are 2560 x 1600 while Razer has a unique dual-model display supporting both 1920 x 1200 and 3840 x 2400.
The Scar 18 was competitive across the board at 1200p, typically a few FPS ahead of the Alienware but a few FPS behind the MSI and particularly the Razer.
Bumping the resolution to 4K, the Scar 18 trailed the Razer in most games – the delta was at or almost 10% in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Far Cry 6, Cyberpunk 2077, and F1 23. (Red Dead Redemption 2 was the exception.) While those numbers won't make the difference between playability and unplayability, the price of these laptops makes it difficult to overlook.
Differences versus the Razer aside, the Scar 18 still demonstrates ample performance for gaming at 4K in most of the games we tested, though not all – it averaged only 21 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 on ray tracing ultra, indicating that it won't be possible to play every game at maximum detail settings.
We stress test gaming laptops running 15 loops of the Metro Exodus stress test at RTX settings. During the test, the Scar 18 averaged 141 FPS with minimal variance between runs, starting at 141.5 FPS and finishing at 141.1 FPS. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU averaged 4.59 GHz on its P-cores and 2.58 GHz on its E-cores while the RTX 5090 had an average boost clock of 1.98 GHz.
Productivity Performance on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
We tested the Scar 18 with a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Not including a PCIe 5.0 drive seems like a missed opportunity at this price, though Razer does the same thing.
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In Geekbench 6, the single-core numbers between these laptops were almost indistinguishable as we might expect given they all use the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, though the Scar 18’s multi-core score of 17,629 points significantly trailed the others, which all scored over 20,000 points.
The Scar 18 landed middle of the road in our 25GB file transfer test, averaging 2,042.69 MBps, putting it ahead of the MSI (1,357.93 MBps) and Razer (1,670.53 MBps) but behind the Alienware (2,738.9 MBps).
The Scar 18 also proved competitive in our 4K-to-1080p Handbrake transcoding test, completing it in two minutes and 11 seconds to lead the Alienware (2:24) but trail the MSI (1:51) and Razer (2:01).
Display on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
The Scar 18’s “Nebula” HDR display is its crowning feature. With a 3840 x 2400 (4K) resolution, mini-LED backlighting with 2,000 dimming zones, a 240 Hz refresh rate, and Nvidia G-Sync, this is quite advanced.
Tweaking is required to get this display to perform as intended, and it’s not simple. Out of the box, HDR is disabled, the refresh rate is capped at 120 Hz, and G-Sync is unavailable since Nvidia Optimus, which dynamically switches between the CPU’s integrated graphics and the RTX 5090, is enabled. To unlock maximum performance, the GPU must be put in “Ultimate” mode in Armoury Crate, which is effectively a MUX toggle that disables the integrated graphics. A restart is required for this to take effect. G-Sync, the 240 Hz refresh rate, and a special feature called “Extreme Low Motion Blur” (ELMB) then become available. The latter is aimed at esports players– it manipulates the pixels so that they turn off when switching colors, theoretically eliminating blur. (More on this in a moment.)
Those aren’t the only settings you’ll need to know about. You can toggle the mini-LED backlighting control between one zone, multi-zone balanced, or multi-zone strong. These settings produce very different images – one-zone provides the deepest contrast, multi-zone balanced is the dimmest but evens out the contrast to make dark scenes appear brighter, and multi-zone strong is the brightest and most vibrant. I stuck with the latter for nearly everything.
ELMB only works in one-zone mode without HDR. I tested it using the Blur Blusters UFO Test. It clearly made a difference – in the 240 fps scrollbar, the UFO looked crisp moving across the screen. Disabling ELMB caused it to become blurry, making it harder to see details. This feature can really matter for competitive esports.
But wait, there are even more settings! Armoury Crate includes many color modes through a feature called GameVisual — racing, scenery, RTS/RPG, fps, cinema, eyecare, vivid, and e-reading. On top of that, it also provides color temperature and gamut settings.
Then there’s the question of HDR. To get that working, it must first be enabled in the Windows Settings app. Back in Armoury Crate, you’ll find GameVisual, color temperature and gamut settings, Extreme Low Motion Blur, and mini-LED backlighting settings are no longer available. That’s the trade-off.
Complicating all this is that the settings I just mentioned are in different places in Armoury Crate. Some are in the display section, while others require going into the Devices section, selecting the Scar 18, and making changes there. It’s not straightforward, and those that simply use this laptop out of the box without tweaking won’t get the best visual experience.
After much experimentation, I played 007: First Light in GPU Ultimate mode, G-Sync enabled, a 240 Hz refresh rate, and True Color HDR enabled through Windows. The picture left little to the imagination – colors seemed to pop off the screen and the 4K resolution provided exquisite detail right down to the patches on Bond’s uniform. HDR effects from muzzle flashes and explosions were dazzling in dark environments.
When I watched Zootopia 2, I switched off HDR and used SDR multi-zone strong. Colors looked exquisite, and brightness was borderline excessive in a darker room. Bright objects like lamps almost seemed overexposed, but they weren’t – the display was simply that bright, and colors were so saturated that I found it hard to look away.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The Scar 18’s numbers are from its default out-of-the-box display settings. In color coverage, its 77.9% DCI-P3 coverage was last in the group – Alienware's OLED screen achieved 93.7% — but is still high enough to create vibrant-looking colors. Its 428.2-nit peak brightness was mid-pack, brighter than the Alienware's 368.6 nits but well back from Razer's 538 nits.
Also shown in our charts are the multi-zone strong settings, which produced 584.6 nits of brightness, with parts peaking at 625 nits. Enabling HDR, we measured an astounding 1,124 nits at 10%, 1,090 nits at 40%, and 943 nits at 100%. If you're looking for one of the brightest laptop displays around, the Scar 18 ranks high on the list.
Keyboard and Touchpad on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
The Scar 18’s keyboard is great for gaming – the keys require enough actuation force that resting your fingers on WASD or the arrow keys won’t produce accidental presses. Key travel is communicative in the sense your fingers know exactly when a key is at the top or bottom of the stroke. The bright RGB backlight is sharp and easy to see.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The keyboard is less ideal for productivity. The tactile feel is rather lifeless, though I still managed 126 words per minute with 99% accuracy in my usual MonkeyType run. Layout-wise, a two-thirds-size number pad on an 18-inch laptop is a miss – there’s plenty of space to make it full-size. Additionally, the arrow key cluster isn’t separated out, resulting in no right Ctrl key, and there are no dedicated Home, End, Page Up, or Page Down keys. Asus does, however, provide five dedicated macro keys, a rarity on any laptop. These are configurable in the Armoury Crate app.
Asus’ mechanical touchpad is excellent, with an expansive surface and a smooth but fingerprint-resistant surface coating. Its clicking action is quiet.
Audio on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
The Scar 18’s quad-speaker array delivers a decent, if not remarkable, audio experience. In 007: First Light, soft details like the footsteps of approaching enemies were easy to pinpoint, thanks to the expansive soundstage – there’s plenty of room to separate the speaker placement on a laptop this large. Bass is muted, though, resulting in explosions and gunfire that don’t stir up as much excitement as they could.
In Phil Collins’ “Don’t Lose My Number,” high hats on drum hits were sharp but missed low-end bump. Switching to the Chainsmokers’ “Summertime Friends,” I also noted the lack of bass, though the vocals were crisp. The overall sound signature is on the hollow side, but that can be sharpened up using the Atmos Detailed equalizer in the Dolby Access app. None of the equalizers made up for the lack of bass, though. Volume levels are also moderate – I found myself pushing at least 80% volume for most situations.
Upgradeability of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
Getting inside the Scar 18 couldn’t be easier – simply slide the latch below the palm rest, slide the entire bottom panel forward, and lift it away. You don't even need tools.
Upgrade possibilities include two M.2 slots, two SODIMM slots, and the battery.
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Battery Life on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
Our battery test consists of web browsing, running OpenGL tests, and streaming videos with the screen at 150 nits while connected to Wi-Fi.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
One minute shy of the five-hour mark, the Scar 18 demonstrates respectable battery life for an 18-inch gaming laptop. The Razer lasted half an hour longer (5:31) and the MSI Raider (8:34) clearly does a better job conserving power, but the Scar 18 did outperform the Alienware (3:33) by several hours.
Heat on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
We measure the surface temperatures of gaming laptops while running the Metro Exodus stress test. Peak temperatures were 91 degrees Fahrenheit on the keyboard between the G and H keys, 90 F on the touchpad, and 108 F on the underside near the cooling vents. Internally, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus averaged 66 Celsius while the RTX 5090 ran at 64 C.
The laptop’s fans are well-behaved for daily use. Though fan noise increases while gaming, I had no trouble hearing footsteps and distant conversations in 007: First Light using the built-in speakers.
Webcam on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
Asus’ FHD webcam has the minimum resolution expected on a modern laptop. The picture looks soft and washed out. Highlights aren’t handled that well – a window in the background appeared blown out – and I had trouble making out details on my face from just a few feet away. Gamers who value visual quality will want to invest in an external webcam.
Software and Warranty on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026)
Asus includes a useful software bundle, starting with the familiar Armoury Crate. This app provides component monitoring, a macro editor, game library, an exhaustive amount of display settings, and lighting settings via Aura Sync and AniMe Vision. Accessing some settings is unintuitive since you need to go to the Device section and select the laptop. There you can access Windows key and Touchpad toggles and several display settings, including panel overdrive (240 Hz refresh rate). Most settings can be saved in profiles.
The MyAsus app is more generic. In addition to diagnostics and system updates, it provides a battery care mode, microphone noise cancelation, and networking preferences that allow prioritizing traffic to games or other apps.†
The Scar 18 also works with Asus’ GlideX app to share content across devices, including phones and tablets.
Asus includes a standard one-year warranty.
Configurations
Asus offers two Scar 18 configurations with only the GPU different between them – model G835LWG-DB96 uses an RTX 5080 for $4,299.99 while our review model, G835LXG-DB96, steps up to the RTX 5090 for $4,999.99. All other components are the same: a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and the 18-inch mini-LED display.
Pricing is slightly higher than Razer’s Blade 18 with the RTX 5080 – it was $4,099 at this writing. Razer runs $5,399 with the RTX 5090, but that price also includes a 2TB SSD.
Bottom Line
The Scar 18 is an undeniably impressive machine that goes all-in on visuals. Its mini-LED “Nebula” display looks breathtaking when properly configured, producing exceptional brightness. The AniMe scrolling marquee, dedicated macro keys, and easy serviceability also elevate its appeal.
However, when it comes to performance, the Scar 18’s single-channel RAM and lack of a PCIe 4.0 SSD are significant shortcomings on a $4,999.99 machine. Several of our gaming benchmarks and multi-core CPU performance showed meaningful dips against Razer’s Blade 18. Additionally, while its display is brilliant, the maze of settings required to unlock its potential means it doesn’t provide the best experience out of the box.
Overall, the Scar 18 is a formidable and visually stunning laptop with plenty of power and one of the best displays you’ll find in a laptop. It simply doesn’t perform consistently enough to displace the Blade 18 as our top recommendation among elite 18-inch gaming laptops.
Rank on Maps helps local businesses get found first on Google. Its AI agent audits your Business Profile, fixes missing details, posts photos and updates, and replies to reviews in your voice with your approval. You see clear plans, not reports, while it tracks rankings, calls, and competitors and syncs listings across the web. It works through Google's official tools, offers a flat monthly price per location, and starts with a free audit and 7-day trial.
The launch comes as tokenized stocks become one of the fastest-growing corners of crypto, with exchanges and traditional finance firms racing to expand 24/7 trading.
Stablecoins are carving out specialized roles as regulation reshapes the market, while Strategy’s Bitcoin sale and Vanguard’s tokenization push highlight crypto’s evolving financial landscape.
Summer is taking a heavy toll on us all. Not just because of the heat, but also because of rising tech prices across the board, driven by RAM-hungry AI and other economic factors.
Fortunately, Dell has come to cool off the frustrations of PC gamers and desk workers alike with a collection of advanced laptops, desktops, and monitors now on sale for a limited time, such as a 46% discount on the Alienware 16X Aurora Gaming laptop for $1,729.99 at Dell and a 38% discount on the Dell 14 Plus Laptop for $859.99 at Dell, to name just a couple.
The Dell 15 Laptop is simple yet effective for tackling light workloads, whether it's searching for info online or writing up documents, thanks to its Intel Core i5-1334U CPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB SSD.View Deal
"It’s not perfect... but for the price and the performance on offer the [Dell] 14 Plus is easily one of the best Windows laptops going, and should be at the top of the list for students, remote workers, and just about anyone else who needs a solid notebook PC without breaking the bank." ~ John Loeffler, Components Editor at TechRadar
The Dell Tower Desktop is a mighty PC that will plow through intensive workloads thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 265 processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD, making it an ideal companion for office workers or those at home.View Deal
The Dell Slim Desktop offers similar high performance and install space as the Dell Tower Desktop, but with a more compact design, so it doesn't take too much space on your desk.View Deal
"The Alienware Aurora laptops target the mid-range with great all-around performance and a practical design, and the more powerful 16X makes some smart upgrades to justify its added cost." ~ Zachary Boddy, former Staff Writer,
"The Alienware 16 Area-51 stands out with an eye-catching design that sets a tough standard for competitors. Underneath, it delivers impressive gaming performance, an excellent keyboard, and capable speakers." ~ Ural Garrett, Staff Writer at TechRadar
"Designed to keep up with any task you throw at it, the S3225QC has brilliant contrasting and picture quality, and is perfectly suitable for design tasks, casual use and even as a multi-purpose display with its integrated speakers and AI spatial audio calibration." ~ Zachariah Kelly, Staff Writer at Tech Radar
"The Alienware AW2725D is everything an OLED gaming monitor should be for less money than the competition. With tons of color and premium performance, it will satisfy all players from casual to professional." ~ Christian Eberle, Contributing Editor at Tom's Hardware.
The Dell 14 Plus Laptop, Dell 15 Laptop, Dell Tower Desktop, Dell Slim Desktop, and Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor are best suited for productivity tasks as they were built specifically for rendering images with crisp detail, typing words and spreadsheets fast, and opening multiple browsers while researching info online without suffering performance hiccups.
Which are good for gaming?
The Alienware 16X Aurora and Alienware 16 Area-51 laptops, along with the Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor, are the best devices for PC games, as they are designed to help them run at high graphical settings while boosting frame rates for smoother gameplay.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Microsoft’s latest sustainability report sparked claims that the company produced 34 million metric tons of carbon emissions in a single year. That figure was never reported by the company. What the report actually shows is a 25 percent year‑over‑year increase driven by AI datacenter expansion and Microsoft’s decision to stop buying unbundled renewable energy certificates.
The Microsoft Environmental Sustainability Report shows a complicated progression of rising emissions caused by AI datacenters, controversial "greenwashing" tactics, and enough wiggle room to leave space for debate.
Real emissions vs estimated emissions
When I first read the coverage surrounding the Microsoft Environmental Sustainability Report, it seemed like a clear case of AI hurting the planet and a tech giant callously damaging the environment. I was ready to write a piece calling out Microsoft for setting carbon neutral goals and then increasing carbon emissions by 25% in a single year.
But as I do with any story I cover, I went to the source material and did some digging. What surprised me is that the Microsoft Environmental Sustainability Report does not indicate unbridled burning of fuel to power AI datacenters. Instead, it shows efforts to reduce emissions and make meaningful changes.
I want to be clear, AI datacenters do create high carbon emissions. Microsoft is not faultless when it comes to energy use or pollution. I think there is a lot more the company could do to help the environment. I also think there's some misunderstood data seeping onto social media and throughout the web.
The most recent Microsoft Environmental Sustainability Report shows the actual emissions of the company (solid line) compared to the estimated emissions if Microsoft had not taken steps to reduce its emissions. (Image credit: Microsoft)
The above chart from the Microsoft Environmental Sustainability Report shows Microsoft's actual reported emissions over the years and the estimated emissions without select interventions. The footnote on the chart directs to a clarifying statement on the estimate. I'll include the full footnote here but highlight the most relevant text:
"The solid line represents Microsoft’s reported greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) for FY20–FY25, prepared in accordance with GHG Protocol and management’s criteria, and uses a market-based emissions approach. The dotted line represents an illustrative counterfactual scenario of estimated emissions had select, discrete carbon reduction initiatives not been undertaken. These initiatives include energy efficiency improvements for XBOX consoles, renewable energy purchases, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel (SMF) certificates, and supply chain decarbonization of Surface devices. The difference between the two lines is an estimate of emissions avoided through these specific initiatives relative to a scenario without those initiatives occurring. This estimate is directional in nature, does not represent the full scope of Microsoft’s decarbonization efforts, and is not part of our reported greenhouse gas inventory. It should not be interpreted as a comprehensive measure of total emissions reductions or as additive to other carbon reduction or removal claims."
Basically, the chart shows Microsoft's actual emissions and then a rough estimate of how much the company would have emitted had it not taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint. But Microsoft did take those steps. Microsoft did not have 34 million metric tons of carbon emissions in the last year. The actual emissions figure is 20 million metric tons.
That's still a massive amount of emissions, and 20 million metric tons is a 25% increase year-over-year, but there's some needed context.
Microsoft's carbon emissions increased by 25% in a single year. The increase was driven primarily by Microsoft's expansion of datacenter infrastructure and the fact that the company paused the purchase of unbundled renewable energy certificates.
In February 2025, Microsoft announced that it "ceased purchasing non-additional, unbundled renewable energy certificates." That decision led to the massive jump in emissions seen in the recently published sustainability report (in conjunction with AI datacenter infrastructure expansion).
Renewable energy certificates (RECs) represent the legal ownership of the "renewable-ness" of generated electricity. Unbundled RECs are sold separately from the electricity itself.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that "Unbundled Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) refer to RECs that are sold, delivered, or purchased separately from electricity. RECs provide no physical delivery of electricity to customers and as such the customer is purchasing power from a separate entity than the one selling them the REC."
The separation of generated electricity from the legal ownership of the "renewable-ness" is controversial (that phrase comes straight from the EPA).
Many, including myself, view unbundled RECs as a form of greenwashing. Microsoft or any other company can legally say they are powered by renewable electricity without actually using the electricity that was generated.
The defense is that buying unbundled RECs financially contributes to the development of renewable energies.
Microsoft did not refer to unbundled RECs as a form of greenwashing, but its statement is telling:
"While we continue to apply the carbon fee to investments in emissions reductions, we have ceased purchasing non-additional, unbundled renewable energy certificates. We are refocusing the use of these funds on more long-term, higher-impact investments across carbon reduction, carbon removal, and clean electricity procurement. These interventions are expected to more effectively help us achieve our goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030 and may take us out of carbon-neutral position."
Microsoft implied that unbundled RECs are not the most effective way to have a long-term positive impact on the environment.
The rest of the report
The Microsoft Environmental Sustainability Report is 65 pages of dense information. It links to several external resources as well. If it were a paper report, there'd be a good joke here about an environmental report killing so many trees.
A large portion of the report is dedicated to discussion about Microsoft's use of water, which is a critical component of its environmental strategy. Notably, Microsoft replenished more water than it withdrew in the year.
Because of the size of the report, I've focused on the carbon emissions of Microsoft, but I suggest people read the entire report to get perspective on what's being done and where Microsoft still falls short.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Spain and Belgium face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals continue at Los Angeles Stadium, where Spain and Belgium clash in a crucial match as both look to book their place among the tournament’s final four teams.
Spain stumbled into the tournament with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, but have looked sharper with every match since, cruising to the top of Group H before thrashing Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging out Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 on a late Mikel Merino strike.
Much of the attention heading into Friday’s match falls on Lamine Yamal. The young forward has managed just a single goal through five appearances this tournament and is expected to start today alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, who is leading the squad with four goals.
Belgium, meanwhile, needed a dramatic turnaround to reach this stage, coming from behind to beat Senegal in extra time after topping Group G, before putting together their most complete performance of the tournament in a 4-1 rout of the USMNT to reach the quarterfinals.
Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium celebrates a goal vs the USMNT. (Getty Images)
Spain’s projected lineup
Luis de la Fuente is expected to make no changes to the group that eliminated Portugal, keeping faith in the same attacking trio and midfield pairing that has carried Spain this far.
Spain’s projected starting XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium’s projected lineup
Rudi Garcia is likely to lean once again on Belgium’s veteran core, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield behind a front line built for pace and directness.
Belgium’s projected starting XI: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper; Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne, Hans Vanaken; Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard.
Lamine Yamal of Spain and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Jesus' appointment concerned Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again work alongside Jorge Jesus after the veteran coach was officially appointed as Portugal’s new manager following Roberto Martinez’s departure. The Portuguese national team is preparing for a new era after its 2026 World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain, and attention has quickly shifted toward what comes next under the experienced tactician.
Portugal confirmed the appointment on Friday, ending speculation over who would guide one of Europe’s most talented squads into the next international cycle. According to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Jesus has signed a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup.
The Portuguese Football Federation welcomed its new coach with a simple message on social media. “A new journey begins today. Welcome to the National Team, Mister Jorge Jesus.”
Jesus will oversee Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, with his first assignment coming during the next international window. The 71-year-old becomes the national team’s head coach for the first time after building an impressive club career that included spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Flamengo, Fenerbahce, Al-Hilal, and most recently Al-Nassr.
His arrival follows the Selecao das Quinas’ disappointing World Cup exit against Spain, a result that prompted the federation to part ways with Martinez after three years in charge. Despite possessing one of Europe’s deepest squads, Portugal failed to progress beyond the Round of 16, extending its frustrating run at the tournament.
Jesus finally addresses Cristiano Ronaldo’s international role
One of the biggest questions surrounding Jesus’ appointment concerned Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal. The legendary forward previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament, but he has yet to officially announce his retirement from international soccer.
Speaking during his introductory press conference, Jesus made it clear that Ronaldo remains an important figure while also stressing that every decision will be discussed privately. “No, I haven’t spoken to Cristiano yet. Cristiano will never be a problem for the national team, nor for me,” Jesus said.
The new manager explained that Ronaldo deserves the same respect as every other player while acknowledging everything he has accomplished for Portuguese soccer. “Cristiano is an icon of Portuguese soccer, an icon of the Portuguese national team, an icon of Portugal, and he will always remain so in history.”
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal shows dejection
Relationship already built at Al-Nassr
Unlike many international coaches, Jesus already knows exactly what it is like to manage Ronaldo. The pair worked together at Al-Nassr, where they celebrated the Saudi Pro League title, with Ronaldo producing another prolific campaign in front of goal. The Portuguese captain scored 30 goals in 37 appearances under Jesus last season, continuing a partnership that now appears set to continue on the international stage.
Jesus praised the working relationship they developed in Saudi Arabia, insisting there were never any issues between them. “It has been a great pleasure working with him over the past year. Working with him has been very easy, extremely easy.”
29 – Cristiano Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 appearances under new Portugal manager Jorge Jesus last season for Al Nassr, playing an average of 87 minutes per game.
Ronaldo’s future remains open, but selection will depend on one factor
Although Ronaldo has repeatedly suggested the 2026 World Cup would be his final tournament, Jesus indicated that no final decision has yet been made regarding the striker’s international career. The veteran coach revealed that he plans to meet individually with every member of the squad before making any long-term decisions.
“When the time comes to make any decision, I will speak with Cristiano. But I won’t speak with him alone; I will speak with him and all the players, each one individually.” Jesus also explained that their conversation will focus on Ronaldo’s ambitions for the remainder of his playing career. “We’ll discuss his future career plans and whether he wants to continue playing for Al-Nassr.”
Despite Ronaldo’s legendary status, Jesus emphasized that every player will be judged by the same sporting standards. “As long as he continues playing and meets the criteria for selection, I’ll manage him within the boundaries and standards I deem best for the national team.”
Those comments suggest Ronaldo’s experience alone will not guarantee a place in future squads, but neither will his age automatically end his international career. The final decision will depend on his performances and physical condition over the coming months.
While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy.
Spain and Belgium meet in one of the biggest matches of the 2026 World Cup, with a semifinal place hanging in the balance. While the final result is yet to be decided, today’s showdown could dramatically reshape the road to the trophy. Stay with us to discover how every possible outcome could influence the tournament bracket and determine who takes the next step toward World Cup glory.
Spain enters the quarterfinal after an impressive run that has strengthened its reputation as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Belgium, meanwhile, arrives with renewed confidence after convincingly eliminating the United States and hopes to continue its resurgence against the reigning European champion.
Spain and Belgium arrive with contrasting journeys
La Roja topped Group H with seven points, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay while drawing with Cape Verde before cruising past Austria 3-0 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds. Luis de la Fuente’s side has become one of the tournament’s standout performers thanks to its disciplined defensive structure and patient possession-based approach.
Belgium’s route has been far more dramatic. The Red Devils finished first in Group G with five points, beating New Zealand and drawing with Egypt and Iran before surviving Senegal in extra time and producing an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-host USA in the Round of 16.
Date
Spain’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 15, 2026
Cabo Verde
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia
Group Stage
Win (4–0)
June 26, 2026
Uruguay
Group Stage
Win (1–0)
July 2, 2026
Austria
Round of 32
Win (3–0)
July 6, 2026
Portugal
Round of 16
Win (1–0)
The European champion also arrives carrying remarkable momentum. Spain has not conceded a goal throughout the tournament and became the first national team in World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has also extended his scoreless streak beyond 600 minutes in the competition.
Belgium, however, has shown steady improvement after an inconsistent group stage. Veteran stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois continue to provide leadership, while younger players such as Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard have added another dimension to the attack.
Date
Belgium’s Opponent
Stage
Result
June 15, 2026
Egypt
Group Stage
Draw (1–1)
June 21, 2026
Iran
Group Stage
Draw (0–0)
June 26, 2026
New Zealand
Group Stage
Win (5–1)
July 1, 2026
Senegal
Round of 32
Win (3–2 AET)
July 6, 2026
United States
Round of 16
Win (4–1)
What happens if Spain wins and Belgium loses?
A Spanish victory would send La Roja into the 2026 World Cup semifinals, where France already awaits after the French defeated Morocco 2-0.
Pau Cubarsi #22 of Spain celebrates after a goal scored by Pedro Porro #12 celebrates.
Spain would continue its unbeaten tournament, extend its historic defensive run, and move within one victory of reaching its first World Cup final since winning the competition in 2010. Belgium, meanwhile, would see its tournament come to an end despite its late resurgence.
The victory would also reinforce Spain’s status as one of the leading favorites to capture a second World Cup title under Luis de la Fuente.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes?
A draw at the end of regulation would not decide the bracket. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time.
Alex Baena celebrates a goal for Spain.
Should the teams remain level after 120 minutes, the semifinal spot would be decided through a penalty shootout. Only then would one team officially secure its place against France while the other would be eliminated.
Unlike the group stage, there is no possibility of both teams advancing or sharing points once the knockout rounds begin.
What happens if Belgium wins and Spain loses?
A Belgian victory would produce one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The Red Devils would advance to their first World Cup semifinal since finishing third in 2018 and earn a meeting with France in Dallas.
Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s fourth goal.
Spain’s impressive unbeaten streak would come to an end, eliminating one of the strongest contenders before the final four. Such a result would also mark another memorable chapter for Belgium’s experienced generation led by Courtois, De Bruyne, and Lukaku.
Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
Belgium face Spain in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The quarterfinal stage of the 2026World Cup continues in Los Angeles, where Belgium take on Spain in a clash between two of Europe’s most experienced World Cup campaigners, with a semifinal berth on the line.
Belgium sit 8th in the latest FIFAWorld Ranking, with 1,778.36 points, a total that fluctuated throughout the group stage. Rudi Garcia’s men dropped points after drawing both Egypt (1-1) and Iran (1-1), before bouncing back with a 5-1 win over New Zealand that was enough to top Group G.
That inconsistency carried into the knockout rounds too, where Belgium needed a dramatic turnaround to see off Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32, rallying from two goals down. They looked far sharper in the Round of 16, cruising past the USMNT 4-1 to punch their ticket to the last eight.
Standing across from them is a Spain side ranked 3rd in the world with 1,912.34 points, sitting just behind Argentina and newly crowned No. 1 France. Luis de la Fuente’s men have been the most defensively airtight team left in the tournament, having not conceded a single goal through their first four matches, a run that included a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16.
Mikel Merino celebrates a goal for Spain vs Portugal. (Getty Images)
Belgium eyeing a shot at their best-ever World Cup finish
A place in the semifinals would put Belgium within reach of matching, and potentially surpassing, their best-ever World Cup result. The Red Devils finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, part of Belgium’s so-called golden generation led by Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, who beat England in the third-place playoff.
Nearly a decade later, with De Bruyne still on the team alongside a new generation of players like Youri Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, and Leandro Trossard, Belgium find themselves close to achieving a new historic mark at the World Cup.
Spain and Belgium will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Here's everything you need to know to watch the match live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Spain vs Belgium on US television and via legal streaming:
Spainenters this quarter-final clash at SoFi Stadium as one of the tournament’s most formidable teams, built on an unbreakable defense. Luis de la Fuente’s squad has yet to concede a single goal in the competition, a historic run that includes a disciplined 1-0 victory over a talented Portugal side in the Round of 16. La Roja’s campaign is about re-establishing their golden standard on the world stage, and their methodical, possession-heavy style has so far suffocated every opponent they have faced.
In stark contrast, Belgiumarrives as the tournament’s great entertainers, powered by a high-octane offense. For the remnants of their famed ‘Golden Generation,’ this is the definitive last chance to claim a major trophy. After a thrilling injury-time escape against Senegal, the Red Devils delivered a statement performance by dismantling the host United States 4-1. This match is a legacy-defining crossroads where Spain’s control meets Belgium’s chaos for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The two nations have followed wildly different paths to the quarter-finals. Spain has been a model of consistency, calmly dispatching Austria and Portugal without conceding a goal, relying on their suffocating possession game. Their defense has been historically brilliant, becoming the first team to keep six consecutive clean sheets in the tournament’s history. Belgium, meanwhile, has been defined by thrilling, high-scoring encounters. They have scored 13 goals in five matches but have also shown significant defensive fragility, conceding five times.
This quarter-final presents a classic clash of styles. Spain will aim to control the tempo, targeting upwards of 65% possession to starve Belgium of the ball and prevent the game from becoming a track meet. Belgium will likely concede possession, sitting in a compact mid-block and waiting for opportunities to unleash their devastating counter-attack. The key battle will be whether Belgium’s direct, high-transition offense can exploit Spain‘s high defensive line before La Roja‘s relentless pressure wears them down.
For Spain, victory would validate their patient, possession-based philosophy and cement the status of their new generation. For Belgium, this match carries immense emotional weight. It is the final opportunity for this group of players to turn years of promise into a tangible legacy. A win propels either side from a strong contender into a favorite to lift the trophy, making the stakes incredibly high.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Historically, Spain has held a clear advantage in this fixture. In 12 meetings, La Roja has secured six victories to Belgium‘s three, with three matches ending in a draw. This dominance is even more pronounced in recent history, though the teams have not met since the qualifiers for the 2010 tournament.
Looking at the last five encounters, Spain has been utterly dominant, winning four and drawing one. During that span, the goal difference stands at a staggering 12-2 in favor of the Spanish side. Their last meeting in 2009 ended in a comprehensive 5-0 victory for Spain, a result that underscores their historical superiority in this matchup.
When facing fellow European nations at the international tournament, Belgium has often struggled, posting a record of five wins, eight draws, and nine defeats. In contrast, Spain has a more favorable record against UEFA opponents and has already defeated two European teams in the knockout stages of this competition. This trend suggests Spain is more comfortable in these high-stakes continental clashes.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Spain heads into this monumental quarter-final with a clean bill of health and no suspensions, while Belgium is sweating on the fitness of key midfield personnel.
Luis de la Fuente has the luxury of a fully fit squad, allowing him to field his strongest lineup. While the starting eleven has been consistent, the impact of substitutes was crucial against Portugal, with Mikel Merino scoring the late winner. This depth gives Spain a significant advantage in a match that could be decided in the final stages, especially in the California heat.
Belgium‘s preparations have been hampered by injuries. Midfielder Amadou Onana suffered a knee injury against the USA and remains a major doubt for the match. Defender Zeno Debast is also questionable, forcing coach Rudi Garcia to adjust his backline. These potential absences could disrupt Belgium‘s defensive structure and midfield balance against a team that excels at exploiting any weakness.
Spain Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Simón; Cucurella, Cubarsí, Laporte, Porro; Pedri, Rodri; Baena, Olmo, Yamal; Oyarzabal. This lineup is designed for total midfield dominance, with Rodri and Pedri controlling the tempo. The creative burden will fall on the young wingers Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena, who will look to supply striker Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium Projected XI (4-3-2-1): Courtois; De Cuyper, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne; Raskin, Vanaken; Trossard, Tielemans, Doku; De Ketelaere. Forced into changes by injury, this Belgian side will rely on the speed and dribbling of Jérémy Doku and the craft of Youri Tielemans to create chances. Charles De Ketelaere is expected to lead the line, with the powerful Romelu Lukaku providing a game-changing option from the bench.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Spain vs Belgium live stream on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.
In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. You can watch leagues such as Liga MX and LaLiga, giving you year-round soccer action.
A subscription to the platform costs just $14.99 per month, offering incredible value for soccer fans who want to follow multiple competitions. The plan includes access to all live games, replays, and expert analysis.
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.
Most paid media campaigns shouldn’t launch with the biggest budget you can afford.
Spending aggressively before you’ve validated performance often leads to higher acquisition costs, slower optimization, and weaker stakeholder confidence when results fall short.
A phased rollout gives your campaigns time to generate meaningful data, improve bidding efficiency, and identify what’s working before you scale.
Here’s why frontloading ad spend usually backfires, the few situations where it may make sense, and how to grow your budget without sacrificing long-term performance.
Fire bullets before cannonballs
For those of us who make a living driving growth through paid media, there’s one thing almost as bad as a tiny advertising budget: an advertiser who wants to spend too much, too soon.
Paid media launches should follow a plan. As Jim Collins wrote in “Great by Choice,” successful companies fire “bullets” first, learn from the results, and then fire “calibrated cannonballs” with greater confidence.
Most campaigns aren’t ready for a cannonball on day one. The algorithms are still learning, Quality Scores haven’t matured, and you don’t yet know which audiences, keywords, or creative will perform best. That’s when acquisition costs and inefficiencies tend to be highest.
There are exceptions. Occasionally, years of historical data or a high degree of confidence justify launching more aggressively. Those cases are rare.
More often, frontloading ad spend creates expensive lessons instead of faster growth. The following scenarios explain why companies make this decision, and why a measured rollout usually delivers better long-term results.
As a marketing principle, it’s safe to assume that the amount you spend on ads shouldn’t be confused with “performance” (despite Google’s opinion).
The Modify Columns workflow in Google Ads. Its Performance bucket is… not actual performance.
Street-smart, owner-operated companies typically start with careful ad budgets. It’s deep-pocketed intellectuals who are more likely to talk about how much they’re capable of spending.
In this context, intellectuals could mean high-ranking Fortune-something executives, venture capitalists, or even serial entrepreneurs suddenly flush with an unusually generous investment from a single backer.
When Nassim Taleb praises those with “skin in the game,” he’s urging us to empathize with people who bear the consequences of risk-taking. Risk asymmetry means splashy failures don’t always hurt the “intellectual class.”
Directly or indirectly, I’ve analyzed close to 1,000 ad accounts over the years. The pattern is clear: Advertisers who overspend early in pursuit of hypergrowth often flame out and lose stakeholder buy-in.
4 examples of frontloading, and the cases against them
1. ‘It’s a land grab. Gaining market share quickly is our justification for aggressive early spending.’
While I rarely agree that it’s a prudent course of action, it’s worth understanding the motivation behind frontloaded ad spend strategies.
This is an all-out attempt to achieve market share and first-mover advantages before new entrants catch up. I can think of all kinds of examples in fast-moving customer acquisition environments for tech startups.
We once came on the scene to help a startup with a much-diminished, modest, incremental Google Ads campaign. What was shocking was how little they’d learned. And how little money they had left after raising more than $250 million. Nearly all of it had been burned, including large sums on ads. There wasn’t going to be more where that came from.
We helped them measure KPIs such as “new accounts that actually led to revenue” and “lifetime revenue from those accounts.” No one had seen fit to do this in three years, as nine figures in funding blazed relentlessly.
Even bootstrapped startups celebrating their first $1 million to $2 million in “real” venture funding can get carried away by the same logic. It’s so unnecessary.
We’ve helped numerous niche SaaS startups, such as Clio for legal practice management and SuccessFactors in HR management, achieve prominence.
Small beginnings and careful ad budgets don’t preclude unicorn status. Matching your customer acquisition budget to your stage of growth is entirely feasible. It isn’t a life sentence of smallness.
Define your addressable market for initial paid growth efforts relatively tightly. Save the “huge addressable market” hype for conversations with larger investors who are viewing things over a longer time horizon.
As a helpful exercise, remind yourself how a behemoth like Uber got started. Its seed round was $1.25 million, valuing the company at a modest $4 million.
Feel free to think big. But don’t try to “act bigger than you are” with money and product-market fit you don’t yet have. Network effects and access to more capital will, if all goes well, accelerate growth once you’ve established a meaningful lead.
Why do founders sometimes get stars in their eyes and want to race through growth stages by lighting their newly raised, but finite, cash on fire? It could be because certain investors goad them into it. Or it could be because the team responsible for growth decided to party hearty with the money.
Eventually, the hangover hits. When investors see high churn rates and stratospheric CACs — or, worse yet, few tangible signs of customer acquisition of any kind — they squeal as if mortally wounded, even though they sort of asked for it in the first place.
Unit economics do matter. Other founders may have recently repealed the laws of economics, but as your mom once said, “If Billy jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?”
It’s indisputable that predictive bidding algorithms perform poorly when conversion and value signals are sparse. More data helps them identify patterns associated with higher-value sessions.
Human teams also need to cycle through feedback loops to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how to iterate.
One example of faster learning is the quick discovery of necessary pools of negative keywords. Higher query volumes speed up that process, especially because lower volumes can keep many bad queries hidden in “Other Search Terms” for a long time.
But beyond a certain budget level, impatient spending becomes counterproductive.
What if your sales cycle varies in length and typical order or deal value? If two or three months commonly pass between the first ad view and a sale, and you try to shoehorn too much budget into the first month, you’re still running ads blind, with little opportunity to iterate along the way. That can be an expensive lesson.
Overspending can raise your own CPCs. Barging into ad auctions that have reached a certain equilibrium and overbidding aggressively could trigger competitors to bid higher, too.
Your key metrics will typically be at their worst early on because you haven’t established Quality Scores in the ad platform yet. That means higher CPCs, all else being equal. The account for our “get spendy” client mentioned earlier recently saw CPCs drop by 80% between establishing Quality Scores and our optimizations. Good thing the initial pilot ran on a modest budget.
Investing a deluge of funds into the worst ROI environment your budget is ever likely to see defies logic. Even four to six weeks later, ROI is almost always substantially better based on Quality Score statistical confidence alone.
3. ‘We’re pre-revenue. With a hefty check our lead investor just sent over, we want a quick estimate of the market size to help us evaluate the investment hypothesis.’
What could possibly go wrong?
This takes the land-grab approach even further into the intellectual ether. No customers — or virtually any other outcome — seem to be the goal, at least for now.
One or two steps removed, the investors are telling you plainly: We don’t care if we spend a huge wad of cash in the first month. Just get us a pile of data.
When Mr. Big’s name comes up, we shrug and figure, “Billionaire knows best.” We dutifully throw money at a performance channel, don’t ask it to perform, and feel sad 35 days later when, you know what, the investor suddenly isn’t going to invest another penny, and the founder is left with no credible Plan B.
A new investor pops in with questions.
“Q: What is the company, exactly? I mean, what product or service do you provide?”
“A: We’re still figuring that out, but we know there must be a gold mine in there somewhere, given how many music fans are searching for [music examples redacted to protect the innocent].”
The project never truly launches because it was never defined in the first place.
To be fair, fail-fast market research can be a good idea. Over a short period, we once spent around $10,000 on ads for a client exploring a telecommunications business model. He got a definitive answer about demand patterns in his space and decided not to move forward in that vertical.
Google Ads is an invaluable tool for market research. But if you’re not using it in a disciplined way to measure a business outcome that requires potential customers to clear a meaningful hurdle of intent, why bother? Scratch that itch with the free Google Trends tool, Google Analytics on a content site you create, or Semrush. Or hire a market research company.
Free Google Trends market research shows “bruno mars concert” giving “concert near me” a solid run for its money.
The key is to rein in waste in unusual situations like this. You can’t always eliminate it entirely.
4. ‘There’s a vendor who won’t work with us unless we spend more out of the gate’
Some ad platforms, and even third-party software tools or managed services, set steep minimums. Some advertisers are tempted to overspend to join these exclusive clubs out of FOMO.
A timely example is the early days of the OpenAI ad pilot. Steep minimums and uncomfortably high CPMs seemed to rule out entry for the typical advertiser.
As you’ve probably gathered, I think wildly overpaying for each ad interaction is a bad idea. Don’t twist yourself into a pretzel trying to rationalize it. At some point, the market will come to you. Just look at how much easier it is to get started with StackAdapt in programmatic compared with Google DV360 and The Trade Desk.
If you’re small, grow first, and only step up to new levels when your company’s size and budget justify it. It’s a bit of the old The Millionaire Next Door logic. Buying a house you can’t afford or getting into a luxury car doesn’t make you rich. It might even prevent you from getting there.
The common thread running through most frontloaded ad spending mistakes is that they kill buy-in. Why taint an entire channel, or your company’s growth function, by accelerating spend so quickly that you skid into the ditch? You’ll get farther once you’ve built solid traction.
If you’re a smaller business owner with skin in the game, it’s more than a buy-in problem. Nasty waste isn’t just bad optics — it can jeopardize your future.
So, when that overconfident investor or ad platform sales rep comes calling, urging you to go from “zero to sixty in 3.5,” it might be time to tap the brakes — or pray the airbags are functioning.
OpenAI is discontinuing ChatGPT Atlas, its standalone desktop browser. The browser-based AI features are moving to the new ChatGPT desktop app, which includes ChatGPT Work, OpenAI’s work-focused agent, alongside ChatGPT Codex.
The end of Atlas. James Sun of OpenAI confirmed on X Atlas will be deprecated Aug. 9.
“The current targeted date for deprecation is 8/9, and we’ll share more information in the upcoming days both in-app and via email,” Sun said.
One desktop app. The new ChatGPT desktop app becomes OpenAI’s primary desktop product with built-in browser capabilities. Instead of maintaining a separate AI browser, OpenAI is combining browsing, work-agent features, and Codex into a single app.
Chrome users can keep Chrome. OpenAI also offers a ChatGPT and Codex extension for Chrome. That lets Chrome users access ChatGPT in their existing browser without switching to an OpenAI browser.
Why we care. OpenAI is moving AI browsing from a standalone browser into the main ChatGPT app, where more users can ask questions, research brands, and complete tasks. That gives ChatGPT another way to shape discovery beyond traditional search results.
As long as I’ve been in search marketing, the path has been simple: search query → click → buy.
SEO followed the same model, with organic traffic, impressions, and click-through rate (CTR) serving as its primary measures of success.
Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) signals where search is headed, shifting from a discovery engine to a transaction layer.
Driven by the rise of “agentic commerce,” Google can now discover, evaluate, compare, and complete purchases entirely within its AI-powered experiences, including AI Mode, Gemini, YouTube, and Gmail.
The SEO implications are significant. We’re moving from optimizing for clicks to optimizing for AI transactions. If your brand doesn’t speak the language of UCP, you risk becoming invisible to the next generation of shoppers.
Here’s what UCP is, why it’s reshaping digital marketing, and how to adapt your SEO strategy.
UCP: The infrastructure behind AI transactions
UCP is an open-source, vendor-agnostic standard that enables the entire commerce lifecycle, from discovery and cart building to checkout and post-purchase tracking, within AI interfaces.
Co-developed by Google with Shopify, Walmart, Target, Wayfair, Etsy, and other ecosystem leaders, UCP acts as a universal translator between AI shopping agents and merchants’ storefront backends.
Think of UCP as the ecommerce equivalent of HTTPS. Just as HTTPS standardizes secure communication between web browsers and servers, UCP standardizes how AI agents interact with online stores. Instead of requiring custom one-to-one integrations for every merchant, AI agents can securely browse inventory and complete purchases across millions of online stores.
When someone asks AI Mode to “find and order a replacement water filter for a 2021 Samsung French-door fridge with the fastest shipping,” UCP handles the transaction through a structured workflow.
Capability publication
The merchant publishes its merchant capabilities, including product search, live pricing, fulfillment options, and accepted payment methods.
Handshake
The AI agent reads the merchant profile, matches it with its own capabilities, and establishes a secure path forward, such as aligning on loyalty programs or supported digital wallets.
Action execution
The AI searches for the product, verifies real-time inventory, builds the cart, and uses the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) to complete a secure, tokenized transaction.
Human escalation
If user input is required, such as selecting a delivery window or confirming a shipping address, UCP pauses the transaction, prompts the user, and then hands control back to the AI to complete the workflow.
UCP isn’t just a technical update. It changes how AI discovers, evaluates, and purchases products. Here’s why it matters for SEO.
1. From click-throughs to buy-throughs
In an agentic search environment, website traffic is no longer the only measure of business value. As Google rolls out features like Universal Cart, allowing users to add products from multiple retailers to a single Google cart and check out with Google Wallet, the buying journey becomes much shorter.
Shoppers may never visit your homepage, category page, or product detail page. Your SEO objective shifts to earning product selection within the AI recommendation layer, turning a search query into a sale without intermediate web traffic.
2. The rise of hyper-personalized, conversational queries
Keyword research is evolving. Shoppers are no longer searching for “men’s running shoes.” They’re using highly specific, situational prompts, such as “Best running shoes for flat feet under $150 that can arrive by Friday.”
To match those queries, search engines need more than on-page copy. They need rich, queryable product attributes. UCP bridges that gap, allowing AI agents to match your inventory with highly specific user requests.
3. Less checkout friction
Cart abandonment remains a persistent ecommerce challenge, often caused by lengthy forms, broken checkout flows, or unexpected shipping costs. Because UCP integrates with secure digital wallets and passes verified user data automatically, it removes many of those friction points.
For high-intent, urgent, or repeat purchases, merchants that support UCP can capture more conversions than competitors that send users to a separate checkout experience.
4. Merchants retain brand control and customer ownership
When a transaction happens through UCP, the merchant remains the Merchant of Record. Brands still control pricing, fulfillment, and return policies while retaining customer relationships and first-party data. UCP simply provides the infrastructure that enables AI-powered transactions.
If your SEO strategy is limited to blog articles and meta descriptions, you’re overlooking the technical infrastructure behind AI-powered commerce. To make your products eligible for UCP-powered search experiences, focus on these priorities.
Optimize your Merchant Center feed
Your Google Merchant Center (GMC) account is no longer just for Shopping ads. It’s becoming the primary source of product data for AI discovery.
Enable the native_commerce attribute: To opt into UCP-powered checkouts, add the native_commerce attribute to your product feed. Google recommends using supplemental feeds to apply it at the product level without affecting your primary feed.
Map product identifiers: Ensure every product ID in your GMC feed maps one-to-one with your internal checkout API. If they don’t match, use the merchant_item_id attribute to align them.
Complete your policy data: Keep your returns, shipping, and customer support information complete and up to date. AI agents prioritize merchants with clear policy data.
Align structured data with your product feed
AI search relies on consistent data across your website and Merchant Center. Keep your Product, Offer, and Review schema synchronized with your product feed. Differences between the two can trigger validation issues that make products ineligible for AI-powered checkout.
Prepare for conversational attributes
Google is introducing new semantic attributes designed for conversational AI search. Start preparing your inventory systems to provide:
Real-time inventory availability.
Direct answers to product FAQs, such as “Is this jacket machine washable?”
Product compatibility data, including accessory pairings, sizing guides, and model-specific replacements.
Google updated the canonicalization troubleshooting guide to clarify how long it may take for Google to reflect those fixes within the Google search results. Google said “after fixing content issues, Google might hold pages in a duplicate cluster for up to two weeks.”
What was changed. Google added a whole new section of content to the top of the page specifying the timing of canonicalization fixes, i.e. up to two weeks. Google also spoke about clustering and how pages need to be different enough to be clustered or canonicalized as one.
Here is what was added:
Why we care. Knowing canonicalization fixes can take up to two weeks after Google processes your fix is good to know. This way, you don’t keep trying to make changes to the page until Google has had the full two weeks to handle your update.
Google unveiled Gemini Intelligence at the Android Show on May 12, alongside a new laptop called the Googlebook. The company describes Gemini Intelligence as a layer that runs beneath the Android operating system across laptops, phones, watches, and glasses.
The new Googlebook is built from the ground up around an AI agent that understands what’s on your screen and acts on it for you. Point at a date in an email, and it’ll set up a meeting. Select pieces of furniture in an app, and it’ll show you what they’d look like in your living room.
Now that an operating system can complete tasks without users even opening a webpage, how people search, discover, and conduct commerce will fundamentally change. Let’s look at how this will affect the search industry.
What the shift to an agentic operating system means
Up until now, a person had a question or intent, typed it into a search engine, received a list of links, and chose one. Getting your website to rank on that list was the prize, and the entire SEO industry was built around earning that click.
Gemini Intelligence assumes something completely different. A user still has search intent, but an AI agent now handles the middle steps — reading pages, filling out forms, and, increasingly, completing the task for you. Instead of you visiting a website, an AI agent visits it on your behalf.
One example is Chrome Auto Browse, launched in January and built on Gemini 3. It handles multistep tasks like researching flights, filling out forms, scheduling appointments, and managing subscriptions, then pauses to ask before making a purchase.
A 2025 preprint evaluated the declared-tools approach across online shopping, authentication, and content management. It found that handing an agent pre-structured interaction data cut processing requirements by 67.6% and reduced costs by 34% to 63%, compared with parsing the full HTML document. Task success was only slightly lower than with the traditional method: 97.9%, compared with 98.8%.
AI agents prefer sites they can transact with cleanly because it’s more efficient. Gemini Intelligence only works if agents can reliably perform tasks on websites.
Two protocols make this possible: WebMCP makes a site’s actions callable, and the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) allows an agent to complete a sale. Together, they let an agent finish the job without a human having to load a page.
WebMCP
This API lets a website declare its functions as structured tools an agent can call, such as searching inventory, starting checkout, or submitting a support request. This effectively lets you hand an AI agent a labeled menu.
Google co-developed WebMCP with Microsoft. An origin trial is live in Chrome 149, Firefox has committed to the third quarter of 2026, and Safari is expected to follow in the fourth quarter.
Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)
This protocol gives AI agents a common language to discover products, build a cart, complete checkout, and handle orders without a user visiting the site. Google also has a consumer-facing surface layer called Universal Cart, which collects items as you move across Search, Gemini, YouTube, and Gmail.
Google, Shopify, Walmart, Target, Etsy, Wayfair, PayPal, and Stripe co-developed UCP, which launched in January.
Websites are rapidly changing from destinations to backends, from places people visit to places agents quietly use. The operating system is becoming the search layer. The question is no longer whether you rank, but whether an agent can use your site.
To prepare, audit your most valuable actions, whether that’s a lead form, booking flow, or checkout page, and ask whether an agent could complete them instead. Check your Lighthouse Agentic Browsing score the way you check Core Web Vitals to see whether an agent can use your site in addition to reading it.
If you run ecommerce, find out whether your checkout is reachable through UCP or ACP. Keep doing the retrieval work, because an agent still has to find and trust you before it can act on your behalf.
Link building for legitimacy means earning authoritative backlinks, brand mentions, and media coverage that signal trust, expertise, and credibility to search engines and AI systems. Instead of chasing link volume, it uses digital PR, original research, thought leadership, and journalist relationships to earn editorial citations — the authority signals behind Google’s E-E-A-T framework that help brands appear in AI Overviews, get cited by LLMs, and build visibility that survives ranking swings.
A little competition is healthy in almost every part of life. It challenges us and pushes us to keep striving for bigger, better things.
But in today’s search environment, LLMs and algorithm updates are changing the game and reshaping search behavior, making it nearly impossible to keep up.
The metrics you once used to keep brands afloat (e.g., traffic, DA increases, keyword rankings) no longer define SEO success. You can top the SERP and still see minimal conversions.
If we keep chasing these metrics, we’ll be left behind. We have to adapt.
Instead of focusing on these metrics, we need to widen our view to the “metrics” that truly matter: trust and brand authority. Unlike traditional metrics, trust and authority don’t come easily or quickly.
It takes time to spread the word about your brand and even more time to build trust. But once you do, it takes a lot to knock it down.
Traffic can dip overnight after an algorithm update. Trust can’t.
But how can you build trust and boost your brand when every other organization is trying to do the same? And how do you measure such nebulous ideas?
The answers may involve some nuance, but they’re simpler than you think. It just takes a shift in perspective.
Why link building is more than just rankings now
For years, link building was a popularity contest. Whoever earned the most votes won spots at the top of the SERP.
But over time, Google and other search engines updated their algorithms to improve searchers’ experiences. With each update, Google has cracked down on more sites trying to “hack” the system with high backlink volume instead of links with real editorial and searcher value. Inevitably, countless sites lost traffic, with repercussions still felt today.
Instead of ranking by backlink volume, Google began prioritizing relevance to the searcher’s query, industry trust, and authority. That means big-name brands with similar content and keywords often attract more searchers than the little guy.
Large language models (LLMs) and Google’s AI Overviews have widened this divide even further. These systems use retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to pull sources with the most relevant information, often preferring proprietary data. Because of this, if you’re citing the same information as a top-tier publication, RAG will often choose the top-tier publication to avoid spreading misinformation.
With this shift, new generations of searchers are increasingly using AI instead of search tools — 61% of Gen Z use generative AI in lieu of Google, according to a 2025 Resolve study.
That doesn’t mean all link building signals spam to Google and LLMs. Instead, backlinks should work alongside authority signals.
Publications and journalists citing your brand signal authority. Original content and proprietary data signal authority. Eye-catching graphics and informative videos signal authority.
Once Google and LLMs see these signals and the backlinks that act as votes of confidence, your site is more likely to rank higher in SERPs, appear in the AI Overviews, and receive more citations in LLM answers.
The role of E-E-A-T in a competitive search environment
Experience: Whether the site’s author has personally engaged with the topic, such as a forum of users who tested a product or a gardener’s blog post about personal trials with pest prevention.
Expertise: Whether the content’s author has credentials that support their information and advice.
Authoritativeness: Whether other credible sources and industry voices have linked back to the site, establishing it as a leading figure in the community.
Trustworthiness: Whether the site is transparent and consistently accurate. It doesn’t deceive users or engage in link-building activities that manipulate them.
While E-E-A-T plays a role in on-page SEO — author bios can demonstrate expertise, accurate sourcing can demonstrate trustworthiness, and so on — it also plays a role in off-page SEO. Specifically, Google evaluates E-E-A-T based on who links to you and which journalists rely on you as a trusted source. Both on-page and off-page E-E-A-T affect how Google assesses your value to searchers and whether you provide trustworthy, accurate information.
If your site consistently earns backlinks from dozens of irrelevant sites, Google sees that as a sign of low quality. But if a few journalists mention your brand because of a study you just published, Google is more likely to see that as a vote of confidence.
In this way, link quantity no longer signals legitimacy. Google looks for backlinks that demonstrate real value.
You can’t earn these links half-heartedly. You earn them with a multifaceted strategy that works on and off the page.
Off-page SEO tactics that demonstrate value to search engines
So what can you do to build strong links that search engines and LLMs use to evaluate whether you’re a trusted source? They don’t come from a single outreach. They come from multiple tactics you address continuously.
Creating linkable assets
To show that people actually want to link to your site, you need to create content that people and publishers want to reference. For brands used to quick, easy links, this may mean investing more in content than they’re used to. A typical “how-to” article or listicle won’t cut it anymore.
Instead, “linkable” now means anything journalists or people find unique and engaging — something they haven’t seen before. This could include any of the following content formats:
Original data and proprietary research: One of the best ways to catch searchers’ and journalists’ attention is to publish information they can’t find anywhere else. In such a competitive, information-rich search environment, that means creating original research no one has created before. When a journalist wants to reference a statistic and your site is the only one with it, you earn a natural backlink.
Thought leadership and expert commentary: If you feature an original perspective from a credible voice at your brand, you provide a quote publishers may use later.
Authoritative long-form guides: Anyone can answer a question simply. But if you answer it fully and address every related follow-up question, you can earn more links over time as searchers go deeper into their research.
Engaging visuals and infographics:YouTube mentions strongly correlated with sites featured in AI Overviews, according to Ahrefs. That means visuals, especially videos, carry extra weight in search algorithms. It isn’t limited to videos, either. Informative infographics give publishers something they crave: a visual they can use with their own audience.
While these formats may take more time, effort, and money to create, they’re often more sustainable than other content. They help earn credible citations from publications and build industry authority that no algorithm update can disrupt.
Digital PR
At the heart of every authority-building discussion is digital PR — and for good reason. It bridges brand establishment and link building. It can help you earn more links and spread the word about your organization through credible journalists. In the eyes of search engines, that’s exactly what they look for when assessing your site’s legitimacy.
Unlike traditional PR, digital PR focuses on generating online coverage through backlinks from news sites and media outlets. Often, this means creating assets and proprietary data journalists find interesting, then pitching stories that align with their beat.
Many of these publications hold major sway online and have large audiences that can spread the word about your brand. If the publication is highly authoritative, other journalists may naturally pick up the news and share it organically. This can be amplified through syndication, when a media conglomerate posts an article on subsidiary sites, helping you earn dozens of links at once.
Data-led PR campaigns: When creating a campaign, don’t focus on topics or ideas you find interesting. Check local news sites or Google News to see what journalists find interesting and which topics are trending. If you consider journalists’ intent from the start, you’re more likely to earn responses and successful link placements.
Newsjacking or reactive PR: If your organization can move quickly, newsjacking or reactive PR can be one of the best ways to get media attention fast. You jump on breaking news relevant to your brand by providing expert opinions, data, or commentary journalists can use when covering the story.
Proactive PR: Proactive PR anticipates trends before they break. You provide unique insights that align with recurring news, holidays, and relevant media moments.
Contributed content and guest features: Featured content, written by you or experts at your organization, can be one of the best ways to speak directly to a publication’s audience and earn recognition.
These tactics elevate your brand to a level competitors can’t easily reach.
Building relationships with journalists, publishers, and industry authorities
Even the most interesting proprietary data, packaged in an expertly built linkable analysis, can fail if you don’t approach journalist outreach strategically.
Today, journalists receive countless PR pitches every day that can either help or hinder their work. Nearly nine in 10 journalists say at least some of their stories come from PR pitches, according to a 2026 MuckRack study.
Still, the same survey found that 54% seldom or never respond to most PR pitches. The reason? Relevance. Nearly half of journalists in the study said relevant pitches are rare.
If a journalist at an economics journal receives a pitch about music-listening trends, they’ll likely turn it down because only a small share of their readers would care. It’s nothing personal. Journalists build careers around specific topics and beats, and PR professionals should supplement that beat, not distract from it.
Instead, approach journalist outreach as relationship-building: a two-way exchange that benefits both parties. Treat the person on the other end as a real person.
Personalize your emails.
If they say no, respond kindly. They may bite on your next pitch.
Share their publications on social media.
Leave comments.
Cite them in future content.
The more you build the relationship, the more likely they are to respond to future opportunities. Journalists are more likely to respond positively to follow-ups or second pitches when they know you have good data on hand.
PR relationships grow over time, so even if your first pitch doesn’t fit a journalist’s beat, don’t hesitate to reach back out with new data.
How to measure metrics that reflect real brand authority
Authority, trust, and legitimacy are less concrete than hard metrics like traffic or keyword positioning. But they’re even more crucial today. Traffic volume may seem positive, but it can signal temporary attention from keyword manipulation, which can change quickly after an update or once web crawlers detect that searchers are losing interest in the page.
On the other hand, authority and legitimacy last. And you can still measure the impact of these tactics through metrics like:
Earned media placements: Track publications that cover your brand, including unlinked brand mentions. This is a strong measure of brand credibility.
Branded search volume: As people discover your brand through different publications, they’ll search for it naturally.
Industry coverage: After you successfully reach one publication, others — even those you haven’t contacted — may naturally cite you to stay relevant. This helps establish you as an authority in your industry.
Conversions: When searchers find you credible, they’re more likely to trust you and your products or services, leading to more conversions — the metric every SEO and marketing professional strives for.
Organic ranking improvements for target keywords: While traditional link building can improve keyword rankings, rankings can also show how search engines compare you to others on the SERP. As you become more authoritative, you may start to see movement.
These “metrics” don’t appear overnight.
Creating proprietary data takes effort.
Building trust with journalists takes relationship-building.
Growing authority takes time.
Be patient. You’ll see results.
How to build a credibility-focused link building strategy
Even if you know the best practices for building SEO authority, creating a full campaign around them can be a different beast. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide:
Step 1 — Define target publications: Identify five to 10 publications your audience trusts most and Google sees as authoritative in your space. These are your primary link targets. Your goal is to earn coverage from journalists in these spaces.
Step 2 — Develop linkable assets: Create at least a couple of content pieces or media assets designed to interest your target publications. Rely on proprietary data from original surveys, visual guides, and thought leadership.
Step 3 — Launch a digital PR campaign: Pitch these assets proactively to target publications. Use platforms like Connectively or MuckRack to generate ongoing backlink opportunities with writers covering stories relevant to your linkable assets.
Step 4 — Nurture relationships over time: Treat every positive media interaction as the start of a longer relationship. Follow up with useful information, engage with the coverage, and build rapport journalists can rely on.
Step 5 — Measure and iterate: Review the metrics above quarterly and adjust your content and outreach strategies accordingly.
This process can easily consume your team, especially if you’re working with limited resources or know-how.
In these cases, it may be worth working with a link building and digital PR specialist who can amplify your efforts and keep up with algorithm updates. Doing so can keep your brand afloat long term, so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff.
Build brand authority that lasts with Resolve
Today, most SEOs know quality stands the test of time over quantity. But for most brands, the hard part is keeping their eye on the prize.
Don’t get distracted by flashy metrics or competitors seeing temporary traffic spikes. Instead, focus on what matters: real authority and legitimacy built through years of content production, PR outreach, and relationship-building.
When that patience is hard to come by, Resolve can step in.
Resolve works with brands to build credibility-focused SEO campaigns through linkable content, data-driven digital PR, and boots-on-the-ground link building. With it, you can help your brand build sustainable organic growth — not temporary results that decay after the next algorithm update.
It’s an approach we’ve seen pay off. A recent data-led campaign for EZ Contacts earned more than 1,000 placements in outlets like the New York Post and Yahoo. As coverage built, its visibility in ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews doubled — the kind of durable growth that lasts beyond the next algorithm update.
Ready to build links that last? Visit growresolve.com today to learn more.
FAQs about link building strategy and brand authority
What is the difference between link building and Digital PR?
Link building and digital PR overlap significantly, but they aren’t identical. Link building is the broader practice of acquiring backlinks from other websites to improve search authority. Digital PR is a specific approach within that category — one focused on earning backlinks through media coverage, journalist relationships, and placements in credible publications rather than directory submissions, guest post exchanges, or other lower-authority tactics. Digital PR tends to generate the highest-quality backlinks from outlets with real editorial standards while building brand visibility and consumer trust in ways other link building methods don’t.
How long does a credibility-focused link building campaign take to produce results?
Authority backlinks and earned media coverage don’t produce overnight results. That’s one honest trade-off of a credibility-focused approach versus more aggressive tactics. Most brands start seeing meaningful domain authority gains and initial ranking movement within three to six months of consistent campaign execution. More competitive keywords and higher-authority placements may take longer. The advantage is that results compound and last: links from credible publications don’t disappear, journalist relationships recur, and the brand authority built through consistent coverage keeps generating value long after the initial campaign investment.
What is an authority backlink, and how is it different from a regular backlink?
An authority backlink comes from a source that search engines — and its users — treat as credible and trustworthy. These are typically publications with high domain authority, real editorial processes, genuine audiences, and topical relevance to your industry. A regular backlink can come from any site willing to link to yours, regardless of authority, relevance, or editorial standards. The distinction matters because search engines weigh backlinks based on the authority of the linking source. One link from a high-authority industry publication can carry more weight than dozens from low-authority sites — and signal E-E-A-T credibility in a way bulk links never can.
Can brand mentions count as a link building signal even without a hyperlink?
Yes. Google can associate brand mentions with brand entities even when those mentions don’t include a hyperlink. Unlinked mentions in credible publications, especially in relevant industry coverage, contribute to the brand authority signals that inform E-E-A-T evaluation. That’s why digital PR efforts that generate coverage, even without always securing a link, still strengthen a brand’s overall search authority. It also reinforces why a credibility-focused off-page SEO strategy shouldn’t be reduced to link acquisition alone. The real goal is building a brand that publications want to mention, cite, and cover.
What’s the risk of using outdated link building tactics?
The risks are real, ranging from ineffectiveness to active penalties. Tactics like link buying, link exchange schemes, private blog networks (PBNs), and manipulative anchor text optimization violate Google’s guidelines. They can trigger manual actions or algorithmic penalties that significantly suppress a site’s visibility. Even when they don’t trigger immediate penalties, they often lose effectiveness as algorithm updates get better at identifying and devaluing manufactured signals. Recovering from a link-related penalty is time-consuming and expensive. Investing in credibility-focused link building from the start is lower-risk and more durable than repairing damage from outdated tactics.
Lawmakers have intensified calls for an investigation into President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency holdings as the Senate prepares to advance the CLARITY Act. According to a joint statement from Democratic senators, ranking members from five Senate committees have asked Congress to…
Bitcoin price has climbed toward the key $65,000 resistance zone after U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had reached out to Washington to discuss a possible agreement, easing geopolitical concerns and lifting demand across risk assets. According to data from…
Robinhood Chain is an Arbitrum-based Ethereum L2 with 24/7 tokenized stocks that plug into DeFi. How it works, Stock Tokens, access rules, and the risks.
Morgan Stanley and Barclays have raised their Robinhood price targets to $124 and $122, respectively, even as HOOD has fallen more than 5% toward key support near $109. Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating on Robinhood Markets on July 10…
The new Nexus family is available in two configurations Ryzen AI and Threadripper AI ranging from high-performance systems to uncompromising professional workstations engineered for Local AI development and deployment.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we develop software, analyze data, and create new products. At the same time, an increasing number of professionals, businesses, and enthusiasts are choosing to run AI models directly on their own machines, keeping full control over their data, reducing reliance on cloud services, and taking full advantage of the power of modern hardware.
Following the launch of the Steam Machine, Valve has finally rolled out its compatibility rating system for its living room gaming experience in Steam, with a new UI that shows both Steam Machine and SteamOS compatibility ratings. The new UI is only available in SteamOS in the Steam Deck client or in Big Picture mode, which makes sense, since the update is more than likely targeted around the launch of the Steam Machine. It's unclear if Valve will add a similar SteamOS compatibility indicator to the desktop and web clients, although it does display SteamOS and Steam Deck compatibility in the library on both desktop and the web, so it seems likely that the feature is planned for later.
Currently, the SteamOS and Steam Machine compatibility ratings are hidden in a fly-out window under a UI block called "SteamOS compatibility." The window shows three tabs, for the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and then general SteamOS, all of which have their own specific compatibility requirements. While the Steam Machine tab shows information relating to the Steam Machine Verified program, the SteamOS tab simply notes whether the game will run on SteamOS via the Proton compatibility layer and whether it needs an internet connection for initial setup or gameplay. The SteamOS rating is likely to apply to most other modern Linux distributions, so it is a welcome addition to Valve's Linux gaming feature set.
Tiny11 is built from Windows 11 25H2, but strips out Copilot, Teams, OneDrive, and Edge, cutting the install down to about 8GB, while still activating with a normal Windows 10 or 11 key. It's ideal for reviving an older laptop, running in a VM, or setting up a lightweight test machine.
Black Flag Resynced currently has a Mostly Positive rating on Steam, but the huge amount of launch-day DLC resulted in the game being review-bombed into a Mostly Negative rating, with many noting that buying all the day-one extra content cost more than the game itself.
The RTX 5090 Edition 20 turned out to be incredibly expensive, as expected. However, it's not over $7,000 as we previously assumed. ASUS Lists ROG Astral RTX 5090 Edition 20 for $5,499 on Official Store, Making it More Expensive Than Matrix Platinum and BTF Edition A few days ago, we saw the ROG Astral RTX 5090 Edition 20 listed on an EU store LDLC. It was listed for over $7,000 after conversion from Euros to USD, but since the hardware incurs VAT, the prices in EU are much higher than in the US. Still, we could already see a hefty […]
The word "cost" seems to be everywhere these days, especially in the consumer electronics sphere, where it's on the verge of adopting the hallowed status of an axiom. And worryingly, even Apple appears vulnerable now, particularly if the latest Weibo-sourced tidbit on the base iPhone 17's production lines pans out. Apple had previously reduced some base iPhone 17 production lines by 15 percent, but has since then escalated that curtailment to a whopping 33 percent amid escalating cost pressures According to a machine-translated version of the most recent Weibo post by the tipster Fixed Focus Digital, Apple has curtailed some […]
Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display are jointly developing a next-generation glass interposer for AI semiconductors, with prototype production targeted for later this year.
According to TheElec (via SemiconductorsX), Samsung Display has already formed a dedicated R&D team focused on Redistribution Layer (RDL), while Samsung Electronics is working with external partners on manufacturing.
The initiative is intended to improve foundry competitiveness, reduce packaging costs, and build a stronger alternative to TSMC’s advanced packaging ecosystem.
Rather than manufacturing display panels, Samsung Display will focus on one of the most demanding parts of glass interposer production: forming high-precision Redistribution Layers through photolithography.
Samsung Display still has technical hurdles to overcome.
One of the biggest is the “SeWaRe” phenomenon, an interlayer delamination issue caused by differences in thermal expansion between glass and organic materials during the Redistribution Layer process.
Samsung Electronics reportedly plans to manufacture glass interposer prototypes before the end of the year. The company could outsource processes such as Through Glass Via formation and copper filling to specialized partners, including Soulbrain, Chemtronics, and Jungwoo M-Tech.
The South Korean tech giant is attempting to build an integrated platform that combines its foundry services with advanced packaging capabilities, creating a more complete manufacturing solution for AI chip customers.
Icardi sonrasında yeni forvet arayışlarını sürdüren Galatasaray'ın, Ange-Yoan Bonny ismine yoğunlaştığı öğrenildi. Ancak Inter'in satın alma opsiyonlu kiralama teklifine nasıl bakacağı henüz net değil.
Mauro Icardi'nin sözleşmesi 30 Haziran'da bitti. Galatasaray bu sebeple yeni golcü konusundaki çalışmalarını sürdürüyor. Bir yandan da Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun belirlediği 10+4'lük yabancı kontenjanı var... Bu kriter de doğal olarak göz önünde bulunduruluyor.
23 MİLYONA ALMIŞLARDI
Galatasaray'ın şu anda Inter forması giyen Ange-Yoan Bonny ismine yoğunlaştığı öğrenildi. 22 yaşındaki futbolcu, TFF'nin genç yabancı kriterini karşılıyor. Inter onu 2025 yazında Parma'dan transfer etmişti. 23 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler. Oyuncunun, 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar sözleşmesi var.
HENÜZ BELİRSİZ
Galatasaray, Fildişi Sahilli futbolcuyu satın alma opsiyonuyla birlikte kiralamayı hedefliyor. Ancak henüz İtalyan ekibiyle temas kurulmadı. Inter'in bu teklife nasıl yaklaşacağı bugün için belirsiz... Serie A temsilcisi onu rotasyonda kullanıyor. Ange-Yoan Bonny geçen sezon ligde 33 maça çıktı. Sahada ise sadece 1.130 dakika kaldı. 5 gol ve 6 asist üretti.
İtalyan basındaki haberlere göre; Galatasaray, Como'nun sol kanat oyuncusu Assane Diao'yla ilgilenmeye başladı. Ancak genç yeteneğin geçen sezon yaşadığı sakatlık problemleri sonrasında raporları incelenecek.
Galatasaray'da transferdeki ağırlık daha çok orta alan ve forvet bölgelerinde yoğunlaştı. Ancak kanatlarda ciddi bir alternatif sıkıntısı yaşanıyor. Geçen sezonun devre arasında kiralanan Noa Lang ve Asprilla'nın satın alma opsiyonları kullanılmadı. Sarı-Kırmızılar, kenar bölgeleri için de arayışta...
GENÇ KRİTERİNE UYGUN
İtalya basınındaki haberlere göre; Sarı-Kırmızılılar sol kanat için Assane Diao'yla ilgilenmeye başladı. Como forması giyen 20 yaşındaki oyuncu, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun genç yabancı kriterini karşılıyor. Sorun şu ki; Senegalli yetenek, geride bıraktığımız sezonda birçok sakatlık problemi yaşadı.
O DÖNEMLERDEKİ BELGELER
Assane Diao, Serie A'da 17 maça çıkabildi. Sahada 1.084 dakika kaldı. 2 gol ve 1 asist üretti. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın resmi teklif öncesinde oyuncunun sakatlık geçirdiği dönemlerdeki raporlarını incelemek istediği öğrenildi. Diao'nun şu anda bir problemi yok. Sağlık Heyeti'nden de onay çıkarsa, Galatasaray baskısını artıracak.
Fenerbahçe yeni sezon planlamasında yer almayan ve maç tecrübesi kazanması istenen Abdou Aziz Fall'u kiralık olarak göndermeyi planlıyor. Olası tekliflerde gerekli kolaylık sağlanacak.
Fenerbahçe, 2025 yazında Essamaye FC Kulübü'nden Abdou Aziz Fall'u kadrosuna katmıştı. Genç futbolcuyla 30 Haziran 2030'a kadar mukavele imzalandı. 19 yaşındaki merkez orta saha, yeni sezon planlamasında düşünülmüyor. Senegalli oyuncuya bu sebeple kulüp arandığı öğrenildi.
MÜMKÜNSE SÜPER LİG
Fenerbahçe'nin önceliği genç yeteneği bir Süper Lig ekibine kiralamak... Böylece gelişimi daha yakından takip edilebilecek. Ancak yurt dışından talip çıkarsa, onlara da soğuk yaklaşılmayacak. Sarı-Lacivertliler'in şu anda bazı kulüplere Fall'u önerdiği iddia edildi.
BEDELSİZ GÖNDERİLECEK
Yönetim, Abdou Aziz Fall'dan kiralama bedeli talep etmeyi düşünmüyor. Yani 1.80 boyundaki futbolcu, bedelsiz olarak bir takıma kiralanacak. Konuyla ilgili 2 hafta içinde sıcak gelişmelerin yaşanabileceği konuşuluyor. Senegalli oyuncu eğer yeni kulübünde kendisini gösterebilirse, ilerleyen süreçte Fenerbahçe kadrosuna monte edilecek.
Galatasaray Kadın Futbol Takımı, İspanyol santrfor Cristina Martin-Prieto'yu transfer etti.
Sarı-kırmızılı kulübün açıklamasında, "Galatasaray Kadın Futbol Takımımız, İspanya Kadın Milli Takımı'nın deneyimli golcüsü Cristina Martin-Prieto ile sözleşme imzaladı" ifadesi kullanıldı.
Profesyonel kariyerine ülkesi İspanya'da başlayan 33 yaşındaki futbolcu, Sevilla, Sporting de Huelva, Granadilla Tenerife ve son olarak Benfica'da forma giydi.
Benfica'da 65 maçta 35 gol kaydeden Cristina, Portekiz temsilcisinde 2 Portekiz Ligi, 1 Portekiz Kupası ve 1 Portekiz Lig Kupası şampiyonluğu yaşadı.
RAMS Park'taki imza töreninde konuşan tecrübeli golcü, transfer sürecinin hızlı olduğunu belirterek, "Hemen iletişime geçtiler ve ben onların fikirlerinden çok etkilendim, onlarla beraber burada olmak istedim. Ligde şampiyon olmak için geldim. Daha sonra da şampiyonluğu Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne taşımak için buradayım. Yapacağımız şey gelecekte daha başarılı olmak. Taraftarımız bizi desteklemeye devam etsin, maçlarımıza gelsin. Eminim ki sonunda çok mutlu olacaklar çünkü hedefimizi gerçekleştireceğiz ve bu yolda onların desteği bizim için önemli bir unsur" açıklamasını yaptı.
Adı Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş'la anılan Tottenham'ın forveti Richarlison, kendisi için servet talep ediyor. Tottenham ise onu bir şekilde satmaya çalışıyor.
Richarlison'un Tottenham ile mukavelesi 30 Haziran 2027'de bitecek. Yani kontratının son senesine girdi. İngiliz ekibi, Brezilyalı forveti satarak ondan para kazanmayı hedefliyor. Ülkemizden Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş'ın 29 yaşındaki oyuncuya ilgisi olduğu konuşuluyordu.
TÜRKİYE VE SUUDİ ARABİSTAN
Fakat 1.84 boyundaki santrforun kendisi için talep ettiği yıllık maaş, beklentilerin çok üzerinde... Sambacının, Suudi Arabistan ve Türkiye'den kendisine talip olan takımlardan yıllık net 20 milyon euro istediği belirtildi. Bu rakama hiç kimse sıcak bakmadı.
MEVCUT KOŞULLARDA İMKANSIZ
Richarlison indirime gitmediği sürece Türkiye'ye gelmesi beklenmiyor. Çünkü Tottenham'a da bonservis bedeli ödenmesi gerekecek. Yani 3-4 yıllık bir sözleşmeyle birlikte maliyet çok farklı yerlere gidebilir. Kulüplerin uyması gereken bazı kurallar var. Bunlardan biri de maaş bütçesi...
Fiorentina, Udinese forması giyen Arthur Atta'yı 25 milyon euro bonservis ve bazı bonuslar karşılığında kadrosuna kattı. Udinese, Atta için Galatasaray'dan 40 milyon talep etmişti!
Galatasaray'ın merkez orta saha adayları arasında Arthur Atta da bulunuyordu. Hatta Udinese forması giyen futbolcu, devre arasında da istenmişti. Serie A temsilcisi, Sarı-Kırmızılılar'dan 40 milyon euro bonservis bedeli talep edince görüşmeler durdu. İlerleme sağlanamadı.
8 MİLYONA BİTMİŞTİ
Ancak oyuncu 25 milyon euro ve çeşitli bonuslar karşılığında Fiorentina'ya satıldı. Udinese onu 2025 yazında Metz Kulübü'nden transfer etmişti. O dönemde 8 milyon euro bonservis ödediler. Arthur Atta, önceki sezon da kiralık olarak Udinese'deydi. Yani satın alma opsiyonu devreye girdi.
TAM BİR JOKER
23 yaşındaki futbolcu, İtalya kariyerinde 59 lig maçına çıktı. 5 gol ve 4 asist üretti. 1.89 boyundaki oyuncunun asıl yeri merkez orta saha. Ancak gerekli durumlarda orta alanın sağı ve 10 numara bölgelerinde de görev yapabiliyor. Bu anlamda joker...
Researchers at Ledger's Donjon security team have shown that a precisely timed laser pulse, aimed at the chip inside a Tangem crypto wallet card, can reset the card's password to anything the attacker picks.
No old password. No backup card. Once it is reset, whoever did it controls the wallet and can move the coins out.
This is not an emergency for most owners. The attack needs
Details have emerged about three now-patched security flaws in the OpenClaw personal artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that, if successfully exploited, could enable credential theft, privilege escalation, and arbitrary code execution on the host.
A brief description of the high-severity vulnerabilities is as follows -
GHSA-hjr6-g723-hmfm (CVSS score: 8.8) - An operating system
Third-party tests showed that the Nintendo Switch 2 dock supports VRR output to a supported TV when connected to a different handheld or a PC. However, the functionality doesn’t work with the Switch 2 itself, but that might change at some point.
Memory and training are controlled separately, and deleting a chat does not erase saved facts. Here's how to control what ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude store and use for training while protecting customer and company data.
GameSir has shared a first look at its newest video game-themed controller. The Xbox-licensed controller is based on SEGA's Yakuza: Like A Dragon video game, and is one of its best-looking controllers.
The new DS N°7 is coming to Europe as an all-electric vehicle. The French premium brand's E-SUV, the DS No. 7 E-Tense, offers up to 345 hp, AWD, and a long driving range. Here is an overview of pricing, specifications for the STLA Medium platform, and charging times for the luxury BEV.
With a massive battery that lasts up to 35 days, a 3,000-nit AMOLED display, and 120 sports modes, the Honor Watch 6 Plus offers top-of-the-line features. Honor is now introducing a Motorcycle Edition of the smartwatch, designed specifically for racing fans.
Ayaneo has confirmed that its Pocket Micro 2 is returning to sale after all. With an unchanged price, the retro handheld has received a new version that reduces the price of its Nintendo GameCube-inspired finish.
Update | Article has been updated with the correct wired charging speed and design. Baseus has launched one of its slimmest magnetic power banks yet. At just 6.9mm thick, the new Picogo Air AM71 is only slightly thicker than the iPhone Air while packing 5,000mAh capacity, 22.5W wired charging, and magnetic wireless charging.
If you're a gamer, Nvidia would like you to know that it still cares about you despite the fact that it's been a bit busy with AI stuff these past few years. To that effect, the company has now announced the GeForce Trading Cards Series 1, which feature "some of GeForce PC gaming's great moments". See? It hasn't forgotten about gaming, even though it's probably only going to launch new GPUs for gamers next year.
While you wait, you can grab the GeForce Trading Cards, which are free and have 14 possible designs, featuring the likes of the NV1, GeForce 256, GeForce 3, GeForce 7800 GTX,...
Last May, Huawei launched the MateBook Fold, a laptop with a foldable screen. The company is now working on its successor, which seems to be a mild refresh coming in the second half of this year.
According to a new leak from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the new MateBook Fold will be offered in Streaming Gold, Sky White, and Phantom Black, in three RAM/storage configurations: 24GB/512GB, 24GB/1TB, and 32GB/2TB.
It will allegedly be powered by a Kirin X9 series chipset, and Huawei has intriguingly focused on cost reduction for this sequel. Whether that means it will actually be...
Instead of traditional cartridges, the ET-2400 uses refillable ink tanks with Epson's EcoFit bottles. One bottle set provides enough ink for thousands of pages, reducing both refill frequency and the hassle of constantly buying pricing replacements.
This all-in-one inkjet printer prints, scans and copies while offering Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for flexible setup. Its refillable ink tank system replaces traditional cartridges, and the compact design includes a 100-sheet rear paper tray, flatbed scanner and support for everyday home and small office printing.
Epson says the included ink prints up to 4,500 black-and-white pages or 7,200 color pages before you need to worry about a refill.
You also get up to two years of ink in the box, so many households won't need extra supplies for quite some time.
Printing, scanning, and copying are all included, making this a practical all-in-one for everyday tasks like printing homework, recipes, family documents, or occasional color photos.
Wireless connectivity lets you print from compatible devices over Wi-Fi, while USB support offers a straightforward wired connection.
Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology produces crisp black text alongside colorful graphics and photos on a wide range of paper types.
Although it isn't built for high-speed office workloads, everyday documents and occasional color jobs are handled comfortably.
Another welcome benefit comes from the refillable tank system itself, which creates far less cartridge waste than conventional inkjet printers. If you're trying to reduce household waste while spending less on consumables, this is the solution you need.
At $160 / £150, the Epson EcoTank ET-2400 (or ET-2861 in the UK) costs a little more than many entry-level inkjet printers, but the included ink and refillable design can save you quite a lot of money in the long term.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2861 is an all-in-one ink tank printer with wireless printing, scanning, copying, borderless photos, up to three years of included ink, and smart app control for busy UK homes and families alike.View Deal
Proton VPN is now officially published by Proton AG on the Snap Store
The release offers one-click install for Ubuntu and other compatible distros
Some features are missing from this initial build due to sandboxing limits
Linux users looking for a top-tier security boost just got a major convenience upgrade. The team behind Proton VPN has announced that its app is now officially available to download directly from the Linux Snap Store.
While the Swiss-based provider always supported Linux VPN distributions, previous accessibility for Snap users was limited to a "community-maintained fork." This release marks the very first time the official build has been published directly by Proton AG.
The move makes downloading one of the best VPN services on the market significantly easier for the open-source community. According to Proton's announcement, users can now perform a straightforward "one-click install on Ubuntu and any distro that supports snaps," saving them the usual hassle of manual command-line configurations or repository hunting.
Proton's Snap Store build arrives complete with a "verified publisher badge," ensuring users aren't accidentally downloading a compromised or outdated client. Yet, it still lacks some key features due to sandboxing limits.
What’s missing from the first release?
While the Snap Store debut provides the broader community with an "official, trustworthy way to install Proton VPN," the developers were highly transparent about a few technical trade-offs in this initial version.
Most notably, there is "no split tunneling" available just yet.
This highly requested feature, which lets you choose which specific apps bypass the encrypted tunnel to maintain high network speeds, was introduced to Proton’s standard Linux app last year. However, it is absent in the Snap version. "Like our Flatpak, this is due to sandboxing limitations," the team explained, adding that it is "something we hope to resolve in the future."
The provider's anti-censorship tool, the Stealth protocol, also missed the cut. "Stealth protocol isn't included yet. It's not part of this first Snap release," the company confirmed.
Hardware compatibility also comes with a slight catch. The new package offers "no ARM support at this time." While Proton noted that they "expect ARM device volume to be low for now," they are "keeping an eye on it."
Software-wise, the developers warned that "older distros may have issues," cautioning that if users are on an operating system "older than Ubuntu 24, you might run into connection problems."
A big year for Proton’s Linux community
Despite these early missing features, the Snap Store launch is just the latest in a rapid string of upgrades demonstrating Proton’s dedication to its Linux user base. Unlike many competitors that treat open-source platforms as a secondary concern, Proton has spent recent months closing the feature gap between its Linux, Windows, and Mac applications.
This included upgrading the graphical app to the modern GTK4 framework to pave the way for a complete interface redesign. Meanwhile, command-line interface (CLI) power users received vastly improved server selection tools, alongside support for advanced features like custom DNS settings and the NetShield Ad-blocker.
With the brand-new official Snap release now live at snapcraft.io/proton-vpn, Linux fans finally have the reliable, hassle-free installation method they've been waiting for.
A new teaser for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been revealed
The Korean TV spot shows off more of the titular hero's battle with the Hulk
It also appears to spoil the return of another of the webslinger's foes
A fresh TV spot for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has given us another look at the titular hero's forthcoming fight against the Hulk.
The 30-second teaser, which you can watch below, was originally released in South Korea, but has since been reshared by numerous outlets including Discussing Film. And, while it contains numerous clips we've already seen in Spider-Man 4's first teaser and Brand New Day's official trailer, the final five seconds of footage is dedicated to the aforementioned battle between Peter Parker and Bruce Banner's alter-egos.
New teaser for ‘SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY’.In theaters on July 31. pic.twitter.com/hjbxYGX7tVJuly 10, 2026
Admittedly, this is all but the briefest of glimpses of what's expected to be one of the Marvel movie's tentpole set-pieces. Nonetheless, there are a couple of major things we can glean from this latest sizzle reel — including the potential return of another Spider-Man villain we haven't seen since 2016's Spider-Man: Homecoming. Potentially big spoilers immediately follow for Spider-Man 4, so turn back now if you don't want to know anything else.
Where did you get this from, Spidey? (Image credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel Entertainment)
On the villain tease front, it appears that Shocker might be part of the Marvel Phase 6 film's already stacked rogues gallery.
In the comics, this antagonistic individual wields vibration-based mechanical gauntlets that can deliver powerful shockwaves. For his live-action debut in Homecoming, the first iteration of Shocker was played by Logan Marshall-Green. However, after he was killed by Michael Keaton's Adrian Toomes/The Vulture, the Shocker mantle was inherited by Bokeem Woodbine's Herman Schultz. Incidentally, Schultz is the only person who goes by the Shocker alias in the source material.
But, I digress. Brand New Day's latest TV spot reveals that Tom Holland's eponymous hero will use one of Shocker's gauntlets to try and subdue Hulk who, for reasons still unclear, has embarked on another rampage through New York City.
(Image credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel Entertainment)
Does this mean we'll see Woodbine actually show up in this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) flick? Or will Shocker only appear in a split-second cameo as part of a wider montage in the film's opening sequence that'll show Spidey battling and defeating many of his enemies? The latter would explain why Spidey has one of his gauntlets in his possession, especially if Spider-Man covertly confiscated it for future use.
The other interesting thing to note about this TV spot is that the wallcrawler won't tackle the Hulk on his own.
Indeed, at the 0:10 mark, there's another blink and you'll miss it clip of Spider-Man fighting the big, green, mean machine. Pause the teaser at the right spot, though, and you'll see a gun being fired from an unusual angle.
Welcome back, Frank (Image credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel Entertainment)
With a bit of editing trickery (read: turning up the brightness on your screen), you'll be able to clearly see that Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle/The Punisher is lying on the floor as he takes a pop at the Hulk. Clearly, Frank didn't get the memo about the Hulk's impenetrable skin...
So, does Castle join the fight to help Spidey put a stop to the Hulk running amok? Not according to a leaked excerpt from a forthcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day artbook.
Per X/Twitter fan account BuiltFromSmash, "[The] Punisher eventually becomes entangled in Spider-Man and Hulk’s battle — not because he’s hunting either of them, but because his own mission collides with theirs."
Take-Two Interactive has its next quarterly finanical report scheduled for August 7
The report will take place before the market open, which is unusual for Take-Two
Fans are hoping for a new GTA 6 update
Rockstar Games' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has quite an important day coming up, and fans are hoping for a new update on Grand Theft Auto 6.
We are four months away from the launch of the most highly anticipated game of all time, and so far we've seen exactly zero seconds of in-depth gameplay.
So what's next? It's said that this summer will kick off the big GTA 6 marketing push, but aside from pre-orders going live and an updated Rockstar website filled with screenshots and detailed game features, we're still waiting for Trailer 3.
However, as spotted by GameSpot, Take-Two will release its next quarterly financial report on August 7, which suggests we'll learn at least something about the game.
Typically, these financial reports are followed by a Q&A session with investors and are usually held after the market closes at 4 PM ET.
This August 7 report, however, will be released before the market opens, at 9:30 AM ET, and will be followed by a conference call at 8 AM ET. This is unusual for Take-Two, but it hasn't explained why it's doing it this way this time.
Whether there will be a pre-order sales report or a date for the next trailer, we'll have to wait and see, but fans on Reddit are hoping the financial report could kick things into high gear.
"Rockstar said summer will be the biggest marketing for them I don’t see this happening so far," one fan said, with another writing, "Trailer 3 moment passed, if they were going to drop it, we would have seen it by now. I honestly think the next step is a gameplay trailer."
We also have Gamescom 2026 in August, which means another month of game announcements, so Rockstar may finally drop a new trailer during this time.
GTA 6 officially launches on November 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, but pre-loading begins on November 12 if you choose to pre-order.
Mistral Vibe is one of the more interesting AI platforms to come out of Europe. The product, formerly called Le Chat, was rebranded by Paris-based Mistral AI in May 2026 to mark its shift from a conversational assistant to a full agentic platform covering chat, work automation, and cloud-based coding. It's a meaningful change, not just a naming exercise.
Two new operating modes, Work and Code, are the engine behind that ambition. Work Mode runs multi-step tasks across connected business tools. Code Mode handles remote coding sessions inside isolated sandboxes and delivers work through to a pull request. Together they put Vibe in more direct competition with ChatGPT and Claude than its Le Chat days suggested.
Mistral Vibe is a chat, work automation, and coding platform developed by Mistral AI. It's available via web browser and mobile apps on iOS and Android, and runs on Mistral's own model family, from the lightweight Small 3.1 to the flagship Large 3 and the reasoning-focused Magistral line.
The platform launched in February 2024 as Le Chat, originally a general-purpose assistant. Over the following two years, Mistral layered in web search, voice mode via its Voxtral audio model, a Canvas document editor, image generation through Black Forest Labs Flux Ultra, persistent memory, and project folders.
The May 2026 rebrand signals that Mistral sees Vibe as an enterprise-grade product. Work Mode and Code Mode are aimed at professionals who need an AI that can execute multi-step tasks across connected tools, not just hold a conversation.
Mistral Vibe: At a glance
Attribute
Notes
Underlying model(s)
Mistral Large 3, Medium 3.5, Small 3.1; Magistral for reasoning; Codestral and Devstral for code tasks.
Best for
Daily productivity, agentic work tasks, cloud coding, privacy-sensitive workflows.
Distinguishing functions
Work Mode, Code Mode, No Telemetry Mode, Canvas editor, Deep Research, voice mode, MCP support.
UI features
Web app and iOS/Android apps; unified interface for chat, canvas, and code views.
Subscription costs
Free; Pro at $14.99/month; Team at $24.99/user/month ($19.99 on annual billing); Enterprise (custom).
API pricing
Pay-per-token with no monthly minimums. Large 3 at $2/$6 per million tokens; Small 3.1 at $0.20/$0.60; Ministral 8B at $0.10/$0.10.
Buy it if…
You handle sensitive client or business data. No Telemetry Mode gives Pro subscribers a contractual guarantee that nothing they type is used to train Mistral's models. That level of assurance at $14.99 per month is unusual among major AI chat platforms.
You want agentic features without enterprise pricing. Work Mode handles multi-step tasks across Gmail, Slack, Notion, and other connected tools. Code Mode manages full coding sessions through to a pull request. Both are available on the Pro plan.
You're a developer watching API costs. Mistral Large 3 at $6 per million output tokens significantly undercuts GPT-5.4 ($15/M) and Claude Sonnet ($15/M) at the flagship tier, and the API bills only for tokens used.
Don't buy it if…
The free plan is your entry point for serious evaluation. At around 25 messages per day with no canvas and no remote coding access, the free tier doesn't give you a fair picture of what the platform can do.
Your team is embedded in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Vibe connects to business apps via MCP, but native integration with the major office suites is not as developed as what you'd get from Copilot or Gemini for Workspace.
You're assessing the Team plan for a small group. The jump from Pro ($14.99) to Team ($24.99/user/month) is steep, and the main additions (admin controls and more storage) may not justify the cost for teams of fewer than ten people.
My time with Mistral Vibe
I tested Vibe across its Pro plan over several weeks, using it for research tasks, document drafting, and code work. The chat interface is clean and approachable. Anyone familiar with ChatGPT or Claude will navigate it without confusion. What caught me off guard was how efficiently Work Mode handled complex, multi-step research requests, pulling from connected sources and drafting a structured Canvas output in a single run.
Code Mode held up well for the tasks I threw at it. I ran a session to scaffold a simple API integration, and the agent handled writing, testing, and preparing a draft PR inside the sandboxed environment. I stepped in twice to give it additional direction, but that's consistent with what you'd expect from any AI coding agent at this stage.
The No Telemetry Mode stood out as a differentiator. Enabling it took seconds and gave me real confidence when working with business-related documents. That kind of data control is typically reserved for enterprise tiers at other major platforms, so finding it on a $14.99 plan is a real differentiator.
Mistral Vibe: Features
Vibe's feature set has grown considerably since the Le Chat launch in 2024. Alongside standard chat, the platform now covers web search, image generation, voice input, a Canvas document editor, Deep Research, memory, and project organization tools. Pro subscribers get access to Work Mode and Code Mode, which is where the real differentiation lies.
Work Mode is the headline addition from 2026. It turns Vibe into an execution agent that can read emails and calendars, draft documents in Canvas, run recurring scheduled tasks, and push outputs to Notion, SharePoint, or Slack. Every step is visible in the interface. The platform asks for explicit approval before any action that modifies data or sends a message.
Code Mode targets developers specifically. It connects to GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and Linear, running sessions in an isolated sandbox. A /teleport command lets you move a session between the Vibe web app and a local terminal without losing context. Parallel sessions are supported on Pro and above, which is useful for running background jobs while staying in another workflow.
Memory, currently in beta, lets Vibe store your preferences and recurring context across conversations. You can view, edit, or delete these entries at any time, and turning the feature off is a single toggle in confidentiality settings. Image generation via Black Forest Labs Flux Ultra is solid for a chat platform.
The main gap in the feature set is transparency around usage limits. The free tier runs at lower quotas than Pro across searches, image generations, and messages, but Mistral doesn't publish the exact numbers on its pricing page. That makes the free-to-Pro comparison harder to assess than it should be.
Overall, Vibe covers more professional use cases than most platforms at this price point. The area where competitors like Copilot and Gemini maintain a clear lead is native productivity suite integration, which Mistral has not yet matched.
Mistral Vibe: User experience
The layout is straightforward: a left sidebar for conversation history and project folders, a central chat window, and model or tool selectors accessible from the input bar. Switching between chat, Work Mode, and Code Mode happens within the same interface rather than routing you to a separate product URL.
The mobile apps mirror the web experience closely. Search, canvas, image generation, and voice input all carry over, which isn't a given with AI chat platforms on mobile. Onboarding is minimal, which suits experienced AI users but may leave newcomers without much guidance on how to get started with the more complex agentic features.
Mistral Vibe: Customer support
Free and Pro users access support through the help center widget on the Mistral site. Response times are not published, and there's no live chat or phone support at these tiers. The help documentation covers the most common issues in reasonable depth, but for billing questions or edge-case technical problems, you're relying on ticket-based email support.
Enterprise customers get a dedicated support workflow with priority routing. Requests go through the same widget but are flagged and handled separately based on account type. For teams in finance, healthcare, or other regulated sectors where response time matters, that distinction is a real consideration when deciding between Team and Enterprise.
(Image credit: Mistral AI)
Mistral Vibe: Pricing
Free plan: Around 25 messages per day with limited web searches, reduced image generation, no canvas creation, and no remote coding.
Pro at $14.99/month: No Telemetry Mode, full canvas access, Work and Code Mode, 5x more web searches, more image generations, and pay-as-you-go Vibe coding beyond included limits.
Team at $24.99/user/month (or $19.99 on annual billing): Shared workspaces, admin controls, domain verification, data export, and higher storage limits.
The free plan gives you a taste of chat quality and basic search, but the restrictions mean you won't get a representative experience. Pro at $14.99 is, by most comparisons, the cheapest premium AI chat subscription from any major provider. The No Telemetry Mode and agentic modes are hard to find elsewhere at this cost.
The Team plan's value depends on your use case. For small teams, the mainly administrative additions over Pro may not justify the per-user cost. Enterprise pricing is negotiated directly with Mistral and covers SAML SSO, on-premise deployment, custom model training, and dedicated support. The API runs on a fully separate billing track with no monthly minimums, making it accessible for developers at any scale.
Mistral Vibe alternatives you should consider
ChatGPT (OpenAI): The most established option for general productivity, with deeper Microsoft 365 integration and a broader ecosystem of plugins. It costs more at comparable tiers but suits teams already embedded in the Microsoft environment.
Claude (Anthropic): A strong choice for long-document analysis and nuanced writing. Pricing is competitive and reasoning quality is high, though data privacy controls at the consumer tier are less explicit than Vibe's No Telemetry Mode.
Gemini for Google Workspace: The best fit for teams already using Google's suite. Native Calendar, Docs, and Gmail integration outpaces what Mistral currently offers for Google-centric workflows.
How I tested Mistral Vibe
Ran prompts across standard chat, Web Search, and Deep Research modes to evaluate response accuracy, source quality, and multi-step research handling across a range of topics and document types.
Tested agentic task execution through Work Mode, including document drafting via Canvas and recurring task scheduling, and ran coding sessions through Code Mode against a GitHub-connected project to assess end-to-end agent performance.
Verified plan details and API rates against Mistral's official pricing page, cross-referenced them with third-party pricing analyses where official documentation was vague, and assessed support options through the Mistral Help Center.
I tested Mistral Vibe on its Pro plan over several weeks using a mix of daily productivity tasks and structured feature evaluations. Pricing data was verified against the official mistral.ai pricing page, with third-party sources used for cross-reference on API rates and plan limits where Mistral's documentation was unclear. Support quality was assessed through available help center documentation and publicly reported user experiences.
Interpol’s Operation First Light 2026 spanned 97 countries, leading to 5,811 arrests, $239M seized, and 31,014 bank accounts blocked
Authorities analyzed 152,808 cases, identified 15,606 suspects, and uncovered scams ranging from BEC to money laundering, with victims exceeding 142,000 globally
Notable busts included a fake Brazilian police station in Eswatini, crypto laundering in Thailand, and scam centers in Palau, highlighting the scale and diversity of the crackdown
Interpol and various national law enforcement agencies arrested more than 5,800 people and seized hundreds of millions of dollars in one of the largest crackdowns on cybercrime to date.
In an announcement, Interpol said that it kicked off Operation First Light 2026 on January 15 and concluded it on April 30, 2026. Following an “initial period” of gathering intelligence and exchanging it among partners, police forces in 97 countries and territories started raiding premises, seizing digital equipment and cash, and arresting suspects.
In total, 5,811 individuals were arrested, and $239 million in illicit assets intercepted. During Operation First Light 2026, various police forces analyzed 152,808 cases, had 31,014 bank accounts blocked, and 99 Notices and Diffusions issued.
A replica of a police station
Besides the arrests, the law enforcement firms also identified 15,606 suspects, which could lead to even more arrests in the coming months.
Interpol did not dismantle a single global operation here. Cases varied from money laundering, to scams and identity theft, to business email compromise, and more.
In one, particularly brazen campaign, police in Eswatini seized a “realistic replica of a Brazilian police station, complete with fake uniforms, signage and equipment”.
“Posing as Brazil’s Federal Police via video call, the scammers deceived their targets into believing they were victims of a crime, tricking them into transferring funds for “safekeeping,” which were then stolen,” Interpol explained. In this instance, police arrested 82 people and seized 240 electronic devices.
Two people were arrested in Thailand, including a 20-year-old man who allegedly processed more than $122.5 million in various cryptocurrencies in 10 months. Authorities in Palau, on the other hand, deported 22 individuals for their role in two connected scam centers being conducted from hotels.
Interpol said that during the operation it identified more than 142,000 victims globally.
Kimi is the AI assistant developed by Moonshot AI, a Beijing-based company that built its reputation on long-context processing long before that became standard. The platform runs on Kimi K2.6, an open-weight Mixture-of-Experts model released in April 2026, and it has made real inroads among developers looking for frontier-quality AI at a lower cost than OpenAI or Anthropic.
Two things set Kimi apart. Its API pricing sits around $0.55 per million input tokens against GPT-5.4's much higher rates, and its Agent Swarm architecture can coordinate up to 300 parallel sub-agents for large-scale automated workflows. The platform also covers the full office productivity stack with Slides, Docs, Sheets, and a website builder under one subscription.
Kimi is an AI chat assistant and agent platform from Moonshot AI. It launched in October 2023 with a focus on long-context processing, and its first version handled 128,000 tokens of context, which was exceptional at the time. The platform has since grown into a broader productivity suite covering deep research, document creation, coding, and multi-step agentic automation.
The underlying K2.6 model uses a 1-trillion-parameter Mixture-of-Experts architecture with around 32 billion parameters activated per token, keeping inference costs low while maintaining strong benchmark performance. It supports a 256K–262K token context window and processes text, images, code, and video natively.
Kimi targets developers, researchers, and teams running demanding workloads. Casual users get good value from the free tier, but the platform's design clearly aims at power users who need more than a chatbot.
Kimi: At a glance
Attribute
Notes
Underlying model(s)
Kimi K2.6 — 1T-parameter MoE, 32B active params, 256K–262K context, native multimodal
Best for
Deep research, long-document analysis, agentic coding, full-stack web generation
Distinguishing functions
Agent Swarm (300 sub-agents), Kimi Code, Deep Research, Claw Groups, WebBridge
UI features
Four response modes: Instant, Thinking, Agent, Agent Swarm; available on web, iOS, Android
Around $0.55/M input tokens and $2.65/M output tokens; OpenAI-compatible; context caching cuts input costs by up to 75%
Buy it if…
You need a capable coding assistant at a lower price point. Kimi Code, available from the Moderato tier upward, pairs K2.6 with terminal and VS Code integration and holds up well on multi-file refactors.
Your work involves very long documents. The 262K-token context window lets you work through large contracts, codebases, or research papers in a single session without manually chunking content.
You're building agent-driven automation. Agent Swarm on the Allegretto plan can coordinate up to 300 parallel sub-agents across 4,000 coordinated steps, a serious option for teams with research or data processing pipelines.
Don't buy it if…
You need live customer support. Kimi's support is self-serve through a help center and community channels, with no live chat or phone line.
Data residency is non-negotiable. Moonshot AI is a Chinese company. Teams in regulated industries or with strict EU/US data sovereignty requirements should verify Kimi's data policies before committing.
Agent Swarm is your main draw but you want entry-level pricing. Full agentic features only unlock at $39/month and above, while the free tier limits you to one concurrent task.
My time with Kimi
My first session was document-heavy. I dropped two long PDFs into the same conversation and asked Kimi to cross-reference specific sections. The results were accurate and well-organized, and the platform held up when I pushed with follow-up questions. That long-context handling is one of Kimi's strongest suits, accessible even on the free tier.
I also tested Kimi Code on a Python refactoring task. The output was clean, and when I asked it to explain architectural decisions, the reasoning held up. It's not quite at the same level as Claude Code for structured explanations, but the price difference makes the trade-off easy to accept for many workflows.
Agent Swarm on the Allegretto plan handled a competitive research task reasonably well, but the orchestration was not always transparent. A few sub-tasks returned incomplete results without flagging them as such, so I had to verify outputs manually. The platform has improved since K2.5, where tool call failures reportedly ran around 12%, but production users should still build in a review step.
Kimi: Features
Kimi's four response modes cover most use cases without requiring much configuration. Instant works for quick answers, Thinking for step-by-step reasoning, Agent for research and creation tasks, and Agent Swarm for parallel execution at scale.
Deep Research runs multi-step research workflows autonomously, pulling from web sources and producing structured reports. The output quality is good enough for first drafts, and the process shows which sources were used. Kimi Code supports multi-file editing and autonomous bug-fixing; Moonshot's documentation references coding sessions running continuously for over 13 hours on complex tasks.
The productivity suite covers Slides, Docs, Sheets, and Websites, giving Kimi a broader surface area than most chat platforms. The Websites tool generates full-stack sites from a single description, including frontend, backend, and database layers. These tools aren't the most polished in their respective categories, but having them integrated into one platform adds real convenience for teams with varied workflows.
Kimi: User experience
The main Kimi interface is clean and web-first. The four response modes are clearly labeled, and mode-switching during a conversation is straightforward. A memory system carries context across sessions when you want it to. Mobile apps on iOS and Android work well for basic tasks, though agent workflows are better suited to desktop.
There's no structured onboarding tutorial, so new users will spend time with the help center. It covers everything from getting started through API usage across roughly 12 categories. Community channels on Discord and Reddit are active enough that you'll usually find someone who's hit the same issue.
Kimi: Customer support
Support is self-serve. The help center at kimi.com/help covers memberships, billing, API usage, and troubleshooting in detail. Discord and Reddit communities fill in the gaps for newer features.
What's missing is human support. There's no live chat, no prominently listed support email for general users, and no phone line. For a platform targeting developers running production workflows, that's a gap worth knowing about before you sign up. Enterprise arrangements may exist but aren't clearly documented publicly.
(Image credit: Kimi.com)
Kimi: Pricing
Free (Adagio): Basic K2.6 access, limited agent usage, one concurrent task, no Agent Swarm, no Kimi Code quota.
Moderato ($19/month): K2.6, Deep Research, Kimi Code, Slides, Websites.
Allegretto ($39/month): Adds Agent Swarm and a higher professional data quota.
Allegro ($99/month) and Vivace ($199/month): High-volume tiers; Vivace includes 30x Kimi Code usage and 240 swarm uses per month.
The free tier has no hard daily message limit as of mid-2026, which compares well to ChatGPT's free plan. For developers, API pricing is where Kimi's value is sharpest: around $0.55 per million input tokens and $2.65 per million output tokens, with an OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Context caching cuts input costs by up to 75% for applications sending repeated prompts, making it one of the more cost-efficient frontier options for teams building at scale.
Kimi alternatives you should consider
ChatGPT (OpenAI): The most widely used AI assistant, with a mature plugin ecosystem. Its $20/month Plus tier is roughly equivalent to Kimi's Moderato plan, but API costs are significantly higher for developers building at scale.
Claude (Anthropic): Claude Pro at $20/month is a strong choice for document-heavy workflows and structured outputs. Claude Code is well-regarded for teams that prioritize explainability in AI-generated code.
Gemini Advanced (Google): A natural fit for teams already in the Google Workspace ecosystem, with strong document workflow integration through Drive.
How I tested Kimi
Ran multi-document research tasks and stress-tested the context window with long technical files to evaluate accuracy across extended sessions.
Tested the VS Code extension and CLI agent on Python and JavaScript tasks, including multi-file refactors and debugging workflows.
Ran research and synthesis tasks using Agent and Agent Swarm modes on the Allegretto plan, checking output accuracy and how the platform handled incomplete results.
Kimi is available at kimi.com on a freemium model, with paid plans starting at $19/month. API access is available separately through Moonshot AI's open platform.
HIX.ai started as an AI writing assistant and has since expanded into something considerably more ambitious. The platform now markets itself as an "ultimate AI agent workspace," bundling tools for content writing, deep research, image and video generation, slides creation, coding, and multi-model chat under a single interface. It's a notable evolution, even if the transition has introduced some rough edges.
What sets HIX.ai apart from simpler AI chat tools is the sheer breadth of models on offer. Users can switch between GPT-5.5, Claude Opus 4.8, Gemini 3.5 Flash, DeepSeek-V4, and others from within the same session. For teams or individuals who want to compare outputs or pick the right model for a specific task, that flexibility has real practical value.
We've been reviewing business software at TechRadar Pro since 2012 and AI platforms have become one of our most-covered categories. In recent months, we've also published our best AI tools roundup and deep-dives into platforms like OpenClaw and Moltbook. HIX.ai falls squarely in our coverage area.
What is HIX.ai?
HIX.ai is a web-based AI platform that consolidates multiple AI capabilities into one workspace. Its agents cover text generation, long-form article writing, email composition, image creation, video production, presentation slides, deep research, and coding assistance. You access everything through a shared interface rather than juggling separate subscriptions for each function.
The platform targets a wide audience: content marketers who need to produce copy at scale, students looking for a homework or essay tool, small business owners who want a single AI tool to handle email, social posts, and research, and knowledge workers who want to stay inside one tab instead of bouncing between apps.
HIX.ai also offers a browser extension that works across Gmail, Google Docs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and most major web platforms. A desktop app is available alongside the main web interface, making it one of the more cross-platform options in this category.
HIX.ai: At a glance
Attribute
Notes
Underlying model(s)
Multiple, including GPT-5.5, Claude Opus 4.8, Gemini 3.5 Flash, and DeepSeek-V4 variants
Best for
Content creators, students, marketers, small businesses, researchers
Distinguishing functions
Multi-agent coordination, deep research reports, AI video/image/slides, browser extension
UI features
Web app, desktop app, Chrome/Edge/Firefox browser extension with sidebar
Subscription costs
Free (20 credits/month), paid plans from approximately $13/month billed annually
API pricing
No public API available
Buy it if…
You want one platform for everything. HIX.ai removes the need for separate subscriptions for writing, image generation, and research. That consolidation saves both time and money for users currently paying for multiple tools.
You want model choice without switching apps. The ability to call GPT-5.5, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek from a single interface is a real convenience, especially when different tasks call for different models.
Don't buy it if…
Billing transparency matters to you. Multiple users across review platforms have reported being charged for annual plans they believed were monthly. HIX.ai's refund window is three days, which leaves little room for course correction.
You need predictable usage. Credits don't roll over between billing cycles, and the "Unlimited" label on paid plans applies only to standard credits. Advanced features are still capped, which surprises users expecting truly open access.
My time with HIX.ai
I spent several sessions testing HIX.ai across its main agent categories. The multi-model chat interface impressed most immediately: switching from Gemini 3.5 Flash to Claude Opus 4.8 mid-conversation takes a few clicks, and responses feel snappy enough for practical work. The deep research agent was particularly useful, pulling together sourced summaries on a complex topic faster than a manual web search.
The browser extension held up well in Gmail and Google Docs. Highlighting a paragraph and getting a rewrite option surfacing instantly, without opening a new tab, is the kind of friction reduction that matters when you're working fast. The image generation tools produced serviceable results, though I found the credit consumption less predictable than I'd have liked.
Where the experience wobbles is in understanding what you're paying for. The credit system splits between standard and advanced buckets, and it isn't always clear which agent or model draws from which pool. New users should read the plan details carefully before committing to a billing cycle.
HIX.ai: Features
HIX.ai's feature roster is unusually wide. The platform covers AI chat across multiple frontier models, a long-form article writer, email and social copy tools, a paraphrasing and summarization engine, image generation via Midjourney, Flux, and GPT Image 2, video generation via Seedance 2.0, Veo 3.1, Sora 2, and others, a slides agent, and a deep research tool that produces structured reports with real-time internet access.
The deep research agent is one of the more differentiated offerings. Rather than a standard web search, it compiles structured, sourced reports on a given topic, making it useful for due diligence, competitive analysis, or academic research. Real-time internet access is included on paid plans, which keeps output current rather than frozen at a training cutoff.
On the writing side, the 120+ AI writing templates cover a broad range of formats, from ad copy to blog outlines to product descriptions. The long-form article writer handles structure and headings reasonably well, and the AI Writer agent supports markdown and rich text outputs, which makes it easier to paste results into a CMS or document editor.
The platform's weakest spot by reputation is HIX Bypass, its AI humanizer tool. Multiple independent reviews and user reports flag inconsistent results against modern AI detectors, particularly after Turnitin's 2025 updates. HIX.ai positions this as a key feature, but anyone relying on it for academic or professional compliance should test it carefully before committing.
The multi-agent coordination feature, available across all tiers, lets different agents pass context between tasks. In practice, a research output can feed directly into a writing task without manual copy-paste, which speeds up structured workflows considerably.
The video and image agents round out a platform that few competitors match in raw breadth. Whether that breadth delivers depth at every point is a fair question; some agents feel more developed than others. But for users who want to consolidate tools, the coverage is hard to beat.
HIX.ai: User experience
The interface is clean and navigation between agents is straightforward. The sidebar layout keeps the main workspace uncluttered, and the model switcher is tucked sensibly into the chat header rather than buried in settings. For new users, the onboarding path is light: a working chat session is within reach in under a minute.
The browser extension is where the experience stands out. HIX.ai has put real thought into how it surfaces inside other platforms: the quick-action bar appears when you highlight text, and the full sidebar opens on demand. For anyone doing a lot of writing inside web apps, this integration removes the switching cost that blunts many AI tools, and the learning curve for core features is minimal.
HIX.ai: Customer support
Support is available via email across all plans, with priority support reserved for paid subscribers. The HIX.AI Community forum is open to all tiers and covers common issues and feature requests. Response times on the email channel have drawn complaints in user reviews, with some reporting delays of multiple days for billing queries specifically.
The three-day refund window is short by industry standards. Platforms like ChatGPT Plus and Jasper offer more flexible cancellation terms. Given the annual billing complaints that appear consistently in user feedback, the lack of a longer trial-to-refund period is a genuine sticking point for new subscribers.
(Image credit: HIX.ai)
HIX.ai: Pricing
Free plan: $0/month with 20 credits, enough to test core features but limited for sustained work.
HIX AI Max: Billed annually; includes unlimited standard chat models, advanced models, video, image, and all agent features including deep research, AI slides, and priority support.
HIX AI Pro: Billed annually at a higher tier, with different credit allocations across advanced features.
The free plan offers real access to the platform with no credit card required, though 20 credits runs out quickly once you start testing agents. Paid plans are priced on a credit system that splits standard and advanced usage into separate buckets. SoftwareSuggest, which updated its pricing data in April 2026, lists the starting price at $13/month on annual billing, with higher tiers scaling up from there.
HIX.ai's various product verticals (AI Writer, HIX Bypass, the browser extension, EssayGPT) each carry separate subscription structures for legacy users, adding complexity to an already layered pricing model. The newer unified workspace tiers (Free, Max, and Pro) simplify this somewhat, but the credit system still rewards careful reading before you subscribe. Annual billing delivers the best per-month rate, though it comes with the billing caveats noted above, and there is no public API for developers.
HIX.ai: alternatives you should consider
ChatGPT Plus ($20/month): Similar multi-model access via GPT-5 and o3, with simpler pricing and a stronger track record on billing transparency.
Jasper ($39/month billed annually): Focused on marketing and long-form content. Less breadth than HIX.ai but stronger output consistency on brand voice tasks.
Perplexity Pro ($20/month): If deep research is your primary use case, Perplexity's research-first approach and real-time citations are hard to beat at this price point.
How I tested HIX.ai
Ran multi-agent workflows across the chat, deep research, and writing agents to evaluate inter-agent handoffs and model-switching convenience.
Tested the browser extension inside Gmail and Google Docs on multiple sessions, focusing on responsiveness and quality of inline suggestions.
Evaluated output quality across standard chat, long-form article generation, and the image creation tools using consistent prompts to benchmark against competitor platforms.
I spent approximately two weekdays with HIX.ai across different workloads, including research tasks, marketing copy drafts, and content editing sessions. Pricing information was cross-referenced against the official HIX.ai pricing page and third-party review sources updated in 2026. Feature details were drawn from the platform's live interface and official documentation.
Decentralized, encrypted, and completely private messages. That's what Session promises.
You may never have heard of the app, but for its 1.7 million monthly users, Session is an important piece of privacy tech worth fighting to sustain.
Due to a severe funding shortfall, Session was expected to cease operations this week. However, after securing $200,000 to keep the project afloat, the team is now ready to look ahead.
Session co-founder Chris McCabe described the app as a "critical tool for fighting against an Orwellian future." But what is Session, and what does it offer that mainstream giants like Signal can't?
How Session survived its financial crisis
Launched in 2018, the project originally sustained its decentralized infrastructure through its own crypto tokens. According to McCabe, the Session Technology Foundation (STF) sold roughly $2.4 million worth of tokens toward the end of 2024 to keep the project going.
However, the model wasn't sustainable and, when a crisis in the crypto market drained Session's finances last year, the founders were forced to terminate the contracts of all 16 of their team members.
Unwilling to let the platform die, the founders scrambled for alternative lifelines. Following a high-profile emergency donation from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin — who gifted 128 ETH to support the app's mission — the foundation decided it was time to turn to its user base for long-term survival.
Without additional funding, Session's doors will close next month. Please read this appeal from Session co-founder Chris McCabe.https://t.co/nTJCocoDwIMarch 19, 2026
That grassroots fundraising campaign ultimately paid off.
To date, Session has received hundreds of community donations totaling $205,000. While that is still a long way off the project's ultimate $1 million sustainability goal, it is enough to keep the platform operational, albeit with far fewer resources than it once had.
"This funding allows us to retain three developers and one community operations person to maintain the app," McCabe explains.
How Session protects your messages
(Image credit: Session)
"Send messages, not metadata" is Session's mantra. To back this up, the app uses a variety of advanced techniques to ensure users' messages remain private and secure.
From basics like end-to-end encryption to the use of a decentralized infrastructure and onion routing, Session goes significantly further than mainstream messaging apps.
"Session is completely trustless," McCabe told TechRadar. "You don't even have to trust us because the open-source code guarantees your security."
In the future, the app's design should also make it less vulnerable to increased surveillance and monitoring, such as the initiatives currently being proposed in Canada, the EU, and the UK.
Did you know?
(Image credit: Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
In October 2024, the platform's creators shifted operations to Europe to help protect users' privacy. The move allowed the team to escape an Australian legal landscape that the founder described as "increasingly hostile" toward encrypted apps, relocating to the traditionally privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Switzerland.
Because the platform is open source, McCabe claimed the app can continue to operate even in countries where it has been banned from mainstream app stores, noting that users can easily bypass those restrictions by sideloading the app on Android devices.
And what happens if a repressive government demands data about an individual user? McCabe noted that the foundation simply couldn't comply, saying: "It's technically impossible for our company to copy or store that data."
Crucially, users do not need a phone number or email address to sign up for the service. That anonymity is especially beneficial for citizens in conflict zones or highly restrictive digital environments, where hostile governments can block SMS two-factor authentication messages to cut off access to mainstream messaging networks.
So, how exactly does Session stack up against mainstream giants like Signal?
Is Session really better than Signal?
(Image credit: Michele Ursi / Shutterstock)
Signal is widely recognized as the gold standard for privacy-preserving messaging apps. Like Session, it is fully open-source, collects minimal metadata, and uses advanced end-to-end encryption via the Signal Protocol.
While McCabe agrees that "Signal is great," he believes that being completely decentralized and eliminating the need for a phone number tips the scales in Session's favor.
However, not everyone in the cybersecurity community shares this view.
A prominent cryptanalyst who uses the pseudonym Soatok has publicly argued against switching from Signal to Session. A major point of criticism is Session’s decision to remove Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) — an important security feature that ensures that past chats remain private even if a user’s long-term identity keys are compromised in the future. Soatok also suggested that Session contained several other cryptographic flaws and implementation mistakes.
Bill Budington, Senior Staff Technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), backed Soatok’s analysis, telling TechRadar that Session appears to be another aspiring Signal competitor that "comes up lacking on its security claims."
Mohammed Al-Maskati, the Digital Security Helpline Director at Access Now, shared this concern. He argued that sticking with a widely implemented standard like the Signal Protocol is generally a safer option because it significantly reduces the risk of making critical errors during development.
Responding to these critics, McCabe explained that while Session initially relied on the Signal Protocol, the team was forced to build its own encryption method because Signal's architecture wasn't designed to handle a decentralized node network.
However, he confirmed that PFS is officially slated to be reintegrated into the platform with the upcoming Session Protocol V2 upgrade.
Security experts have also pointed out that Signal remains a stronger choice for most users due to the sheer size of its network, which makes it far easier to use with friends and contacts.
However, McCabe rejects the idea that popularity equates to security, arguing that by that logic, WhatsApp would be considered a better privacy option than Signal. "Which it is not," he said.
What’s next for Session?
As Session prepares to enter its next phase, the foundation is focused on achieving long-term financial sustainability.
To generate steady revenue, the platform plans to launch a premium subscription tier called Session Pro. Similar to Telegram Premium, Session Pro will offer power users advanced features — such as higher message character limits, expanded group sizes, more pinned chats, and animated profile pictures — backed by cryptographic proofs that preserve user anonymity during payment.
Most pressing, however, is finalizing Session's Protocol V2. Beyond reintroducing Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), it will also introduce post-quantum cryptography to secure users' chats against 'harvest now, decrypt later' threats.
While the wider InfoSec community continues to be divided on whether Session's custom architecture outperforms legacy rivals, the core team remains fiercely dedicated to the project.
"Many former team members are incredibly passionate and are taking pay cuts or donating their time to help get it back together," said McCabe.
Restaurant owners are feeling the pinch, through consistently rising costs of ingredients, labor and energy bills.
There is however a less visible profit drain: the silent loss of the phone ringing unanswered as the kitchen struggles to cope.
It’s lost business in disguise, and another area where the customer experience can let down a restaurant in its busiest moments.
Despite the growth in online orders, phone ordering still happens. But the point is when it occurs: phone orders spike at the exact moment a restaurant is slammed during service.
A quick-service restaurant that faces heavy load during its peak hours is likely to see the greatest inbound volume of calls at the same time: Friday or Saturday night.
The owner is forced to choose between answering the phone and dealing with existing customers and orders.
Neither scenario is ideal, nor does it do anything good for the customer experience.
Why traditional workflows fail to scale
Many solutions deployed in the hope of managing phone orders have failed to scale or were prohibitively expensive. Hiring additional personnel to attend to phone lines is costly, and the employee still cannot take more than one call at a time.
Even in this scenario, callers may have to wait on hold, leave voicemail, or receive a busy signal. Then, it becomes frustrating to try and connect to the restaurant again when waiting in line.
There’s also the question of precision. The most mistakes happen under pressure: misunderstood orders, incorrect delivery locations, allergy-related instructions missed. While some of those mistakes may only constitute bad customer experience, others lead to waste, losses, refunds, and sometimes, lost customers.
Finally, the opportunity cost of having employees talk to customers instead of doing other things is huge: each minute they spend talking on the phone is a minute spent not preparing meals, dealing with issues of in-store customers, or completing deliveries on time.
What do AI voice agents bring to the table?
AI voice systems can significantly improve the customer experience across a few critical use cases:
Availability: the system is available to pick up every phone call, no matter how busy the restaurant may be inside. There’s no on-hold messaging queue, no hold music, voicemail message, and most importantly, no missed calls.
Concurrency: a human agent can focus on one call at a time. The AI system, however, can manage multiple calls simultaneously, which is especially useful during the moments of peak demand.
Accuracy through confirmation: if done right, AI systems repeat the order before confirming it to eliminate errors and mistakes from the process entirely.
Intent-based conversations: not everyone calls in with the intention of placing a new order. Some have questions, want to update their existing order, or do something else entirely. A properly managed implementation will ensure that the phone system knows what the caller intends to do and collects the information necessary to complete the request successfully.
It also guarantees that every interaction with the phone agent goes through the same steps: identifying intent, gathering data, fulfilling the request, confirming its completion, and providing a smooth user experience.
More precise recommendations: AI-powered recommendations are always relevant and consistent throughout the entire conversation. They are not distracting or annoying and help to boost orders’ value.
One useful way to sanity-check the value is simple volume. One recent rollout reported an AI phone agent processing over 4,000 orders in three months, and capturing thousands in orders from the busiest sites.
More importantly, calls were answered immediately even at peak, and concurrency stopped being the bottleneck.
Why is the technology finally practical?
Voice automation technology is no novelty anymore, but the recent advances in the field are all about speed and intent recognition. More advanced algorithms mean fewer misunderstandings. Improved integration with ordering systems helps to implement voice as a channel of communication, allowing businesses to serve more customers during peak times.
Two other changes are making a difference in real deployments: localization of voice, and better menu understanding. This means when a customer does not know the exact name of a dish, the phone agent can still find what they mean without turning the call into a guessing game.
Practical implementation: where to deploy voice systems
The strongest signals here are the number of incoming calls and a complicated multi-site operation. But even the smaller restaurants with a handful of calls per day can be good candidates for voice automation due to the inefficiencies associated with having an employee to attend to the phones. Automation replaces a fixed staffing cost with something you can scale up and down.
The following are the guidelines for responsible deployments:
Structure around intents: not everyone calls in for an order; therefore, the phone agent should handle ordering, updating the order, and answering questions efficiently, offering clear prompts and a consistent user experience at each step of the interaction.
Transparency: the system should notify callers about the automation process and inform them if the conversation might be recorded.
Over time, the most useful systems also get more flexible around how orders are completed. For example, enabling cash ordering where it makes operational sense, or sending an SMS link if someone abandons the order mid-call, with the basket pre-filled so they can finish on their phone. Those are small touches, but they remove friction in the moments where customers typically drop off.
Implementing voice automation in the restaurant operation allows managers to scale easily, provide consistent customer experience, and generate more orders in the process.
Not futuristic, but practical
Framing voice technology as a future-state project does not benefit the hospitality industry. Voice technology is available now and brings a significant ROI from the revenue you are already generating.
The telephone line has become a nuisance in many restaurant operations for too long. Implementing a proper phone management strategy turns it into an operational channel you can manage.
This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today.
The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/pro/perspectives-how-to-submit
Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora says 90% reduction in AI pricing is needed to drive widespread adoption, 20% reduction by next year
OpenAI's latest GPT-5.6 Sol model is 54% more efficient across agentic coding tasks
Shift to consumption-based models is making high costs even more pronounced
Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora has warned that AI pricing is still too high for widespread enterprise adoption, arguing that it should be drastically cheaper.
Although model efficiency and performance have come a long way in recent years, he believes cost remains one of the biggest barriers for widespread adoption.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Arora laid out how he believes token prices need to fall by as much as 90%, however he acknowledges that the change is unlikely to happen immediately, instead welcoming a 20% price reduction over the next year or so.
Is AI pricing holding enterprises back from widespread adoption?
Arora's comments come in response to OpenAI's latest announcement, revealing that its latest GPT-5.6 Sol model is now 54% mode token-efficient across agentic coding tasks – a major improvement.
Though Palo Alto Networks' CEO admitted that this in itself is a good start, it's not enough of an improvement to drastically change pricing for major enterprises at the moment.
"It's important to understand the demand continues to be infinite," he added, implying that cost remains prohibitive. The issue of cost is also becoming more of an issue as AI companies evolve their pricing strategies, with customers moving toward consumption-based models rather than flat monthly fees per user.
Importantly, Arora's vision for cheaper AI isn't unfounded. Virtually all previous technological revolutions have already followed a similar pattern. In the case of AI, compute would become cheaper, models would become more efficient and competition could keep prices low, all working in the favor of enterprise customers.
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“Qarabağ”dan ayrılaraq Şotlandiyanın “Seltik” klubu ilə müqavilə bağlamış kolumbiyalı hücumçu Kamilo Duran Ağdam təmsilçisi ilə vidalaşıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, o, sosial şəbəkə hesabında bunları qeyd edib:
“Burada olduğum müddətdə mənə göstərilən sevgi və hörmətə görə “Qarabağ” ailəsinə və bütün azarkeşlərə ürəkdən təşəkkür edirəm.
Bu şəhərdə çox gözəl xatirələr qazandım və hər zaman özümü evimdəki kimi hiss etdim. Birlikdə keçirdiyimiz bütün anlara görə komanda yoldaşlarıma, məşqçilər heyətinə və klubun görünməyən cəbhəsində çalışan hər kəsə minnətdaram.
İndi ayrılıq vaxtıdır. Amma buradan qəlbimdə böyük minnətdarlıq hissi ilə ayrılıram. Bu formanı geyinmək və belə möhtəşəm klubun bir hissəsi olmaq imkanını mənə verdiyi üçün Allaha şükür edirəm.
“Qarabağ”a gələcəkdə uğurlar, yeni qələbələr və daha çox kuboklar arzulayıram. Bu klub mənim qəlbimdə hər zaman xüsusi yer tutacaq.
Hər şey üçün təşəkkür edirəm!”
Xatırladaq ki, klublar arasında aparılmış danışıqların uğurla yekunlaşıb və tərəflər arasında razılıq əldə olunub. Rəsmi açıqlanmasa da, “Seltik”in bu transfer üçün “Qarabağ”a 5,5 milyon funt sterlinq (6,4 milyon avro) təzminat ödədiyi iddia olunur. Bu isə Azərbaycan futbolu tarixinin ən bahalı futbolçu satışı deməkdir.
Kamilo Duran 2025-ci ilin avqustunda Portuqaliyanın “Portimonense” klubundan 200 min avro müqabilində “Qarabağ”a keçmişdi. 24 yaşlı kolumbiyalı futbolçunun Ağdam klubu ilə 2028-ci ilin 30 iyununadək müqaviləsi mövcud idi.
Duran “Qarabağ”ın heyətində 45 oyuna çıxıb, 15 qol və 10 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub. O, Azərbaycan klubu ilə birlikdə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının Liqa mərhələsini adlayaraq pley-offun iştirakçısı olub.
Kolumbiyada “İndependente Medelyin” və Braziliyada “Flamenqo”nun gənclərdən ibarət komandalarında çıxış etmiş Duran daha sonra Portuqaliyaya transfer olunub. O, “Eştrela”nın U-23 komandasında, “Lusitaniya” və “Portimonense”də forma geyinib. Hücumçu Kolumbiyanın U-20 millisinin də üzvü olub.
Seneqal milli komandasının tarixində ən çox qol vurmuş futbolçu olan Sadio Mane yığmadakı karyerasını başa vurduğunu açıqlayıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Seneqal mətbuatı məlumat yayıb.
34 yaşlı hücumçu millidən ayrılarkən azarkeşlərə emosional vida mesajı ünvanlayıb:
“Bilin ki, bu bayraq naminə hər şeyimi qurban vermişəm. Bütün gücümü ortaya qoymuşam və hər zaman ölkəmiz uğrunda sonadək mübarizə aparmışam”, – deyə Mane bildirib.
Sadio Mane Seneqal millisinin heyətində 130 oyuna çıxıb, 54 qola imza ataraq komandanın tarixinin ən yaxşı bombardiri olub.
O, milli ilə birlikdə 2021-ci ildə Afrika Millətlər Kubokunun qalibi olub, həmçinin 2019 və 2026-cı illərdə turnirin gümüş medallarını qazanıb.
Mane 2023-cü ildən Səudiyyə Ərəbistanının “Əl-Nəsr” klubunda çıxış edir və 2026-cı ildə bu komandanın heyətində ölkə çempionu olub.
Təcrübəli hücumçu karyerası ərzində “Mets”, “Zalsburq”, “Sauthempton”, “Liverpul” və “Bayern”in də formasını geyinib. O, “Liverpul”un heyətində İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının, İngiltərə Kubokunun, Liqa Kubokunun, UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının və UEFA Super Kubokunun qalibi olub. Hücumçu “Bayern”lə isə Almaniya Bundesliqasını və Almaniya Super Kubokunu qazanıb.
Avrokubokların 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünün 1-ci təsnifat mərhələsinin ilk oyunları Azərbaycan futbolu tarixinə ən uğurlu həftə kimi düşüb.
Arena.az Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir ki, klublarımızın hər üç oyunda qalib gəlməsi qitəmiqyaslı turnirlər tarixində ikinci belə hadisədir.
UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında “Sabah” TNS-i (Uels) 2:0, Avropa Liqasında “Qarabağ” “Vestri”ni (İslandiya) və Avropa Konfrans Liqasında “Zirə” “Torpedo”nu (Kutaisi, Gürcüstan) eyni – 3:0 hesabı ilə məğlub edib.
Komandalarımız bunadək yalnız bir dəfə həftə ərzində ən azı 3 oyun keçirib və hamısında qalib gəliblər. 2013/2014-cü illər mövsümündə “İnter” “Mariehamn”ı (Finlandiya) 2:0, “Qarabağ” “Metallurq”u (Şimali Makedoniya) və “Xəzər Lənkəran” “Slima”nı (Malta) eyni – 1:0 hesabı ilə məğlub edib. Həmin qarşılaşmaların üçü də Avropa Liqasının 1-ci təsnifat mərhələsinin cavab oyunları çərçivəsində baş tutub və 2013-cü il iyulun 11-də keçirilib.
Azərbaycan futbolu tarixində 13 ildən sonra yenə 3 qələbə əldə olunsa da, bu dəfə daha yaxşı top fərqi qeydə alınıb. 2013-cü ildə qol buraxmayan üç klubumuz 4 qol vurubsa, yenə qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayan təmsilçilərimiz ikiqat çox – 8 dəfə rəqib qapısına yol tapıblar.
İndoneziyanın “Semen Padanq” klubunun braziliyalı qapıçısı Artur Auqusto Da Silva bundan sonra “Araz-Naxçıvan”ın uğurları üçün çalışacaq.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Naxçıvan klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, braziliyalı qapıçı 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünü bu komandanın heyətində keçirəcək. 27 yaşlı qolkiperlə anlaşmanın müddəti 1 ildir.
Artur Auqusto Da Silva karyerası ərzində Braziliyanın “Desportivo Braziliya”, Portuqaliyanın “Oliveyrense” və “Feyrense” klublarının qapısını qoruyub. O, son olaraq İndoneziyanın “Semen Padanq” komandasında çıxış edib. 2025-ci ilin yanvarından bu klubda forma geyinən qapıçının İndoneziya təmsilçisi ilə 2027-ci ilin 31 mayına kimi müqaviləsi mövcud idi. Bu üzdən də onun “Araz-Naxçıvan”a hansı statusda keçməsi qaranlıq qalır.
“Araz-Naxçıvan” daha öncə Luka Dumançiç, Rəşad Həsənov, Alberto Fernandes, Alexandro Herrera və Rövlan Muradovu da heyətinə qatmışdı. Tərlan Əhmədli, Slavik Alxasov, Ömər Buludov, Ülvi İsgəndərov, İbrahim Piriyev, İssuf Paro və Mustafa Əhmədzadə klubla yeni müqavilə bağlayıblar. Ramon Maçado, Hamidu Keyta, Bar Kohen, Nuno Rodriqes, Rahil Məmmədov, Bəxtiyar Həsənalızadə, Coşqun Diniyev, Kristian Avram , Felipe Santos, Ba-Muaka Simakala və Ürfan Abbasov isə komandanı tərk ediblər.
Yeni mövsümün hazırlığını davam etdirən “Araz-Naxçıvan” daha bir futbolçu ilə anlaşıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, braziliyalı qapıçı Artur Auqusto Da Silva 2026-2027-ci illər mövsümünü komandanın heyətində keçirəcək. 27 yaşlı qolkiperlə anlaşmanın müddəti 1 ildir.
O, karyerası ərzində Braziliyanın “Desportivo Braziliya”, Portuqaliyanın “Oliveyrense”, “Feyrense” klublarının qapısını qoruyub. Auqustonun ölkəmizə gəlməzdən əvvəl İndoneziyanın “Semen Padang” komandasında çıxış edib.
Qeyd edək ki, “Araz-Naxçıvan” buna qədər Tərlan Əhmədli, Ömər Buludov, Slavik Alxasov, İbrahim Piriyev, Ülvi İsgəndərov, Rəşad Həsənov, Alberto Qarsia Fernandes, Alexandro Herrera, Rövlan Muradov, İssouf Paro, Mustafa Əhmədzadə və Luka Dumançiçlə yeni müqavilə imzalayıb.
“Kəpəz”dən ayrılan Ehtiram Şahverdiyev karyerasını “Şamaxı”da davam etdirə bilər.
Futbolpress.az-ın məlumatına görə, “şirlər”in yeni baş məşqçisi Azər Bağırov Gəncə klubunda birgə çalışdığı 29 yaşlı cinah oyunçusunu yenidən sərəncamında görmək istəyir.
Ehtiram ötən mövsüm “Kəpəz”də 34 oyunda 1 qol vurub, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.
Şahverdiyev karyerası ərzində “Qəbələ”, “Sumqayıt” və “Turan Tovuz”da da forma geyinib.
“Fənərbağça” heyətini yeni futbolçu ilə gücləndirməyə hazırlaşır.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, İstanbul təmsilçisi “Marsel”dən Meyson Qrinvudla anlaşıb. Bu barədə Türkiyə mətbuatı məlumat yayıb. “Bülbüllər” ingiltərəli yarımmüdafiəçi üçün Fransa klubuna 40 milyon avro transfer haqqı ödəyəcək. Qrinvudla isə 4 illik müqavilə imzalanacaq.
İngiltərəli futbolçu 2024-cü ildən “Marsel”də çıxış edir. O, 81 oyunda 48 qol vurub, 17 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.
Amid signs of slowing engagement, Netflix is reportedly considering launching "always-on" live channels, giving subscribers something to tune into 24/7.
The tech giant is in breach of the Digital Services Act by focusing on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the highly personalized recommendation algorithms, the European Commission said.
Juventus and Turkiye star Kenan Yildiz is still struggling with a chronic tendon condition and could require surgery, claim reports in Italy.
The forward is the figure around whom the Bianconeri intend to build their squad, having given him a lucrative new contract and the iconic Number 10 jersey.
However, his performances in recent months have been visibly below par due to a recurring injury problem that has still not been resolved.
Kenan Yildiz struggling with knee issue
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus and Devyne Rensch of AS Roma battle for possession during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, this has become a chronic tendonitis that becomes inflamed every time he tries to step up the physical strain on the knee.
Playing for Turkiye at the World Cup further exacerbated the problem, where he played with the aid of heavy strapping and painkillers, and it remains to be seen if conservative treatment can fully resolve the issue.
If it isn’t, then Juventus and the player could decide to opt for surgery in the summer to clean up the tendon and then begin the rehabilitation process.
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Yildiz is currently resting after the tournament and is expected back in Turin for pre-season training from July 20.
Artem Dovbyk continues to be linked with a summer move away from Roma and the latest reports in Italy claim that Ajax head coach Michel, who coached the Ukrainian at Girona, is keen for a reunion in Amsterdam.
Report: Michel keen to bring Dovbyk to Ajax
Dovbyk joined Roma in a deal worth €30.5m plus add-ons in the summer of 2024 and went on to score 12 goals from 32 league appearances during his first season at the Stadio Olimpico. His 2025-26 campaign was plagued by injuries, though limiting him to just three starts in the league across the season.
Recent reports claim that Roma are keen to shift the centre-forward, who remains under contract for another three seasons until the summer of 2029.
There have been reports that Genoa are interested in a deal for Dovbyk, which would bring a reunion with his former Giallorossi head coach Daniele De Rossi, but this might be a tricky transfer for the Rossoblu to pull off on financial grounds.
Instead, it is Dovbyk’s former Girona coach, Michel, now in charge at Ajax, who is said to be interested in exploring a deal with Roma.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 02: Artem Dovbyk of AS Roma misses a penalty during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and LOSC Lille at Stadio Olimpico on October 02, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Dovbyk scored 24 goals from 36 LaLiga appearances playing under Michel at Girona, which was enough for him to claim the top scorer award in the Spanish top flight in 2023-24.
According to certain reports in Italy, Ajax are keen to bring Dovbyk in on a paid loan deal, but Roma would like to include an obligation to buy. Others claim that Ajax are slightly concerned about the striker’s wage packet and his age: At 29 years old, they are wary of the fact that there might not be much resale value in the future.
Torino have made a formal offer for Ben Nelson that was turned down by Leicester City, claim reports, but the negotiations continue and he is eager to come to Serie A.
It was noted at the time that the asking price was circa €7m, as Leicester City are in a weak bargaining position after relegation to the English equivalent of Serie C.
Leicester City resist Torino for Nelson
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Ben Nelson of Leicester City applauds fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Bristol City at The King Power Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
According to transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, an official bid from Torino has been lodged and already rejected by the Foxes.
However, Nelson is eager to make the move to Serie A and his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
With the real risk of losing the 22-year-old as a free agent, Leicester City are expected to thrash out an agreement with Torino at slightly improved terms.
Torino director of sport Gianluca Petrachi spoke to the media today when presenting new coach Ignazio Abate and hinted at this strategy.
“The priority is a goalkeeper and two central defenders, that is where we are lacking. We’ve targeted our first choices and are waiting to see what happens there.
“At times, it doesn’t just depend on a player who wants to come, or an agent who already said yes, you need to negotiate. Abate has asked for defenders who can play the ball, and they are not easy to find.”
According to Footmercato, Genoa have agreed a loan with option to buy worth €8m for Olympique Marseille midfielder Hamed Traore, formerly of Napoli, Sassuolo and Bournemouth.
The report in France states that the two clubs have shaken hands on the deal, which will allow Genoa the chance to make it permanent at the end of the season.
At the same time, it will take his salary off the books at financially struggling Marseille.
Hamed Traore return to Serie A
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Hamed Junior Traore of AFC Bournemouth shoots past Jason Steele of Brighton & Hove Albion and misses during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion at Vitality Stadium on April 04, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
It represents a return to Serie A for the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international, who already played in Italy for Empoli, Sassuolo and Napoli.
That move last summer was a loan with practically an obligation to buy for €7.7m, which was activated despite injury problems limiting his appearances to just 19 in all competition.
Traore still managed to contribute three goals and two assists for the French side.
Serie A players have contributed to Norway’s World Cup quarter-final qualification, with Torbjorn Heggem featuring regularly in the starting lineup and Marcus Pedersen and Leo Ostigard both on the scoresheet.
Erling Haaland has deservedly made headlines as his Norway side has qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history. The Manchester City striker has netted seven World Cup goals so far, just one fewer than Kylian Mbappé, who has already played in the quarter-finals, scoring one goal in a 2-0 win over Morocco.
Two Serie A goals for Norway at the 2026 World Cup
As Gazzetta highlights, however, Norway’s World Cup run has also been inspired by the performances of some Serie A players.
Four footballers from Italy’s top-flight, plus Morten Thorsby, who was relegated to Serie B with Cremonese last season, are part of the Norway team at the World Cup: Marcus Pedersen (Torino), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Ostigard (Genoa) and Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo).
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Torbjorn Heggem of Bologna leaves the pitch after being shown a red card during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna’s Heggem has started every match except against France and has received no yellow cards so far, despite playing as a centre-back. Torino right-back Pedersen scored against Senegal and has collected three appearances, two as a starter.
Thorstvedt has made two appearances as a substitute. Ostigard played four matches, one as a starter against France, and scored against Iraq on the debut game, becoming the first Serie A player to score a goal at the 2026 World Cup.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Leo Ostigard #4 of Norway celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Iraq and Norway at Boston Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Thorsby was introduced as a substitute against France in the third group stage game.
Italy are fully aware of Norway’s strength, having lost to them twice in the qualifying group stage. Norway won all ten of their games, and by the time they met Italy in the final round, winning 4-1, their goal difference was already far superior to the Azzurri’s.
Reports in Italy suggest that Pietro Comuzzo could be heading towards the exit doors at Fiorentina and that Torino are interested in offering a new home to the 21-year-old centre-back this summer.
Italy international Comuzzo of interest to Torino
Fiorentina have had a busy start to the summer transfer window and have already secured the signings of two new centre-backs in Radu Dragusin from Tottenham on loan with a €19m obligation to buy and Viery from Gremio at a cost of around €15m including bonuses.
With Luca Ranieri and Marin Pongracic still on Fiorentina’s books as well, it appears that Comuzzo may struggle for regular and consistent game-time in Serie A heading into the 2026-27 season.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Paolo Vanoli ACF Fiorentina head coach with his player Pietro Comuzzo during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
This could pave the way for his exit, and according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Comuzzo is of interest to Torino, who, like Fiorentina, are hoping to add two new centre-backs to their ranks this summer.
Di Marzio has clarified that no formal negotiations have taken place at this stage, but that the interest from Torino is genuine.
Comuzzo already has 91 first team appearances for Fiorentina under his belt at the age of 21, including 64 outings in Serie A.
He earned his first two caps for the Italy national team under interim head coach Silvio Baldini at the beginning of June, but had also been included in multiple ‘full-strength’ squads under Luciano Spalletti from November 2024 onwards.
Torino director Gianluca Petrachi admits he’ll sit down with Ché Adams to discuss the striker’s future at the club, but the Granata are confident of retaining both Giovanni Simeone and Nikola Vlasic.
Torino unveiled their new coach, Ignazio Abate, at a press conference today, during which sporting director Petrachi provided some transfer updates.
Torino: Ché Adams had an offer to leave in January
“When he returns, we’ll talk and see what he wants to do. He received a request in January, and he made himself available to stay, but to talk about it again in the summer.”
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 23: Che Adams of Torino celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between Torino and Udinese at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 23, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Adams, 29, has less than a year left in his contract with Torino, where he has just completed his second season after a free transfer from Sunderland in 2024.
While Adam’s future in Turin is far from certain, Duvan Zapata has just signed a new contract, agreeing to a pay cut in exchange for a longer deal.
“He proved to be a silent leader; he doesn’t talk much, but he has an impact and says wise things,” Petrachi said.
“He’s spread his salary, making an important gesture. The Zapata we saw in January can give us a lot.”
Petrachi is confident that both Simeone and Vlasic will remain at Torino in 2026-27, even if the Argentine striker had previously pushed to join River Plate.
“There was a situation for which he wanted to return home, but there are moments when a footballer is tired and thinks about the family; everyone has weaknesses,” Petrachi explained.
“But we’ve made him understand that it’s not yet the time to return home. He has understood and is committed. Abate spoke to him for 30 minutes, and he resumed with grit.
“I also asked Vlasic to stay,” Petrachi concluded.
“He is a player worthy of Toro, I’m in love with him on footballing terms.”
Has the Round of 16 been delivering or what?! We, as football fans, have been enjoying a ton of goals scored at most matches, top tier performances by the stars, and both routine victories and surprise results, with some shocking moments towards the end. If the Round of 32 and now the Round of 16 are anything to go by, we will have some of the most memorable World Cup football in the upcoming quarterfinals and beyond. But it is not over yet, as there are two more games to be played tonight.
With that being said, there is even more to be happy about regarding the tournament, especially if you are a fan of sports wagering. Leading online crypto sportsbook and casino platform, Stake, has yet another special promotion for its users. With the quarterfinals just around the corner, the top goalscorer race already legendary, and some of the best teams still in it, it is going to be a doozy the rest of the way! The excitement is at its peak so far because now the “real” World Cup begins, a stage where the cream of the crop is picked and where legends are born.
A Special Stake Bet Market Promotion
Right now on the platform, Stake Score First, You Win Promotion has you covered: place a bet on a World Cup match on the 1×2 (90′ + stoppage time) market, and if the team you select scores the first goal of the match, you’re in for a surprise. You will be paid up to $250 USD regardless of the final result on bets up to $100 USD! An amazing way to course correct on your original choice before the game and either raise the stakes a bit or attempt to save a bad ticket with a winning one. Mind that only the first bet per match, per customer, and per household qualifies, and that the bets must be placed before the scheduled time indicated on the platform.
A promotion like this one is great for a range of different games, especially tonight’s clash between Argentina and Egypt. The South American team typically opens the scoring, which is perfect for this promotion. You can boost your odds and improve your chances anyway when you back the favorites, but only in the right way. With a promo like this, an early lead for the defending champions by (most likely) Messi will result in a nice payout for you, regardless of the final score or even who wins!
Team Goals and Crucial Statistics
Sure, football is played on the pitch, and the ball does all the talking. However, a lot can be seen and understood from the statistics alone. Oftentimes, stats can deceive and paint the wrong picture, but not at a FIFA World Cup tournament. Most things are plain and simple: most goals and chances typically place you at the top. For example, France is the number one favorite for a reason.
So far, they have scored the most goals with 14 and have the most assists with 12. Surprisingly, it is Belgium next with 13 and 9, followed by Norway with 12 and 9, and then England with 11 and 9. Argentina has a big disparity between goals and assists, 11 to 5, most notably since Messi is yet to assist a teammate. Spain, for example, has 9 goals from 8 assists! Belgium has the most attempts at goal with 107, followed by Spain with 93, France with 88, Canada with 81, and England with 80. With attempts on target, though, France leads with 39, Belgium has 33, England, Canada, and Spain have 32 each.
This has also become the World Cup that reached 100 goals the fastest in 68 years. Since 1958, when it only took 20 matches, no edition of the tournament has beaten this. In 2026, it took teams 33 games to do so. So far, there have been 275 goals scored in 94 matches, an absolute record, roughly 2.93 goals per match, which is amazing for the fans and for the bettors. The record was 172 goals in 64 matches at the Qatar World Cup in 2022. In 2026, 104 will be played, with the expected goal tally to go well over 300.
On the other end, Spain is famously yet to concede a goal, extending their streak to 5 straight clean sheets for Unai Simon, a World Cup record, and a show of defensive force of one of the favorites for the title. However, it is then Colombia who only conceded 1 goal, and France who let 2 past. Argentina allowed 3, Egypt 4, and Morocco 4, England and Belgium 5, and Norway an incredible 9. All of this is subject to change in the coming days, and by the end of next week, all of these stats could look significantly different just in time for the big final game!
An Instant Classic Golden Boot Race
We have never seen anything like this before: the world’s top goal scorers all coming to a World Cup tournament and scoring left and right, carrying their teams, and justifying their goal scoring monikers. And no, it is not just about an extra match in the Round of 32. All of these superstars started early in the Group Stage and continued delivering every time they ran out on the pitch. If you bet on WC at Stake, the Golden Boot race may be the most interesting and exciting right now.
An incredible three players have scored 7 goals so far: Kylian Mbappe (France), Lionel Messi (Argentina), and Erling Haaland (Norway). Harry Kane (England) has 6 to his name, and Ousmane Dembele (France), Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), and Jude Bellingham (England) have found the net 4 times. If you are looking for the top goalscorer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you will find them among these. So, what do the odds say?
Mbappe leads the odds race with 2.00 to take this prestigious individual trophy. Despite having yet to play his 5th game, Leo Messi is second with 2.65. He is more than expected to score against Egypt and raise his tally to 8 goals. Haaland has played 1 game fewer than the rest here, having sat out the last group stage clash, but he has more than made up for it. However, the odds do not favor him enough as he is stuck at 8.00. Harry Kane is at 11.00, with Dembele, Oyarzabal, and Bellingham already out of it with 51.00, 51.00, and 81.00 odds, respectively.
Two Round of 16 Matchups Remain: Latest Odds
The remaining games in the 2026 World Cup’s Round of 16 could not be more different. As Argentina takes on Egypt and Colombia plays Switzerland, these two could not be more different. One has an obvious favorite in the defending champions, Argentina, while the other, on paper, is almost evenly matched. So, who moves on, and which two of these four teams will meet in the quarterfinals on July 12?
Argentina is the absolute favorite against Egypt. No surprise there, as Lionel Messi and company have 1.32 odds to win in this one. Mo Salah and his squad are stuck at astronomically unfavorable odds of 9.80 to make it to the quarterfinals. A few hours later, it is Colombia as the favorites, but only by a certain margin. They get 2.24 odds while Switzerland has its chance with 3.45. This game could very well go to extra time or even penalties, with the draw odds at 3.05.
As for the quarterfinals matchups that are familiar at this point in time, France is the clear frontrunner in their game against Morocco, with 1.59 odds over 5.80, respectively. It is a rather similar situation with Spain and Belgium, with the Spaniards at 1.63 to win it and the Belgians at 5.40. Norway and England are the most balanced, with 3.90 and 1.89 odds, respectively. This has all the makings of an all time classic and is the most interesting matchup of the three we know so far, and whatever Argentina vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Switzerland will give us.
Outright bets are usually some of the most interesting for the fans, and certain things have changed a bit during the tournament. While there are no changes at the top, the odds have updated. France still leads everyone as the frontrunner for the title with 2.70. They are followed by Spain and Argentina with 5.00 odds each, then England at 6.00, and Norway at 17.00. With the board this unsettled, tonight’s Colombia-Switzerland tie is the one to watch closest – a game with 3.05 draw odds isn’t picking a side anytime soon, and by full time it could look nothing like it did at kickoff. Anyone tuning in for the second half might want the Halftime Rush odds boosts on Stake open in another tab, since these tighter matchups tend to swing hardest right after the break. From here, every result reshapes the road to the final.
FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Trivia and Facts
It was not always part of the tournament The Round of 16 was introduced as a regular knockout stage in 1986, when the World Cup expanded from 24 to 32 teams. Before that, formats varied, including second group stages and direct quarterfinals.
It is where the World Cup becomes “win or go home” The Round of 16 marks the beginning of the true single elimination phase, a fan favorite where everything changes. A loss means immediate elimination, while tied matches after 90 minutes go to extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout.
Brazil dominated this stage for decades Before its Round of 16 exit in the ongoing 2026 tournament after losing to Norway, Brazil had reached the quarterfinals in every World Cup from 1994 through 2022, despite not winning it since 2002. It has been one of the most consistent knockout performers in football history.
Penalty shootouts are common in the Round of 16 drama Many iconic World Cup shootouts have happened in the Round of 16, including matches like Spain vs. Morocco (2022) and Switzerland vs. Ukraine (2006). It tends to be more often than in the quarterfinals or the semi finals.
Underdogs often make their biggest statement here Teams such as Costa Rica (2014), South Korea (2002), Morocco (2022), and Norway (2026) used Round of 16 victories as springboards to historic tournament runs.
The stage has produced some of the tournament’s greatest upsets Examples include Senegal defeating Sweden (2002), Algeria pushing Germany to extra time (2014), and Japan nearly eliminating Croatia in 2022 before falling on penalties. Norway against Brazil 2026 can be added here now.
The 2026 World Cup changed its place in the tournament With the expansion to 48 teams, the World Cup now includes a Round of 32, making the Round of 16 the second knockout round instead of the first, and a tad more important than before.
Extra time legends are born here Several unforgettable goals have come in Round of 16 extra time, including David Beckham’s penalty winner against Argentina (1998) and Fabio Grosso’s dramatic strike for Italy against Australia (2006).
Host nations often thrive in the Round of 16 Home support has helped several hosts make deep runs, including France (1998), South Korea (2002), Germany (2006), and Russia (2018). In 2026, hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA all lost in this stage.
One victory can transform a nation’s football history For many countries, simply winning a Round of 16 match is considered a landmark achievement. Nations such as Costa Rica, Ghana, Croatia, Morocco, and now Norway have built lasting World Cup legacies by advancing beyond this stage
Sources have reportedly described Arsenal’s transfer strategy in their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as “very odd”.
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According to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, there is some confusion so far about the Gunners’ efforts to sign Guimaraes, as they have supposedly not yet made any kind of contact with Newcastle about a deal.
See below as Edwards says sources are surprised, with no offers or bids made, and everything being done via intermediaries so far, despite this being such an important player for Newcastle…
Newcastle United have – as of this afternoon – still had no contact with Arsenal over Bruno Guimaraes. No offers, no bids, no conversations to even ask about his availability or to explore what a deal could look like.
Described by sources as “very odd” given all the noise that…
“Newcastle United have – as of this afternoon – still had no contact with Arsenal over Bruno Guimaraes,” the journalist posted. No offers, no bids, no conversations to even ask about his availability or to explore what a deal could look like.
“Described by sources as “very odd” given all the noise that has been generated the last couple of weeks. What is clear is that there is a huge gap between what Newcastle have been told – via intermediaries acting on their behalf – Arsenal would be willing to pay for Bruno and #nufc valuation of their captain and most important player.”
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What’s really going on with Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes?
We cannot confirm that either way for the moment, but it’s also worth saying that this is not exactly anything abnormal in terms of how transfer business tends to be conducted.
Some direct and formal contacts will likely take place eventually once things get more advanced, if they haven’t already.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has praised the potential £50m signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea as he believes he as “huge potential”.
Posting on X, Ferdinand suggested he couldn’t understand some of the negativity he was seeing around this potential deal, which is expected to be close to being done.
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See below as Ferdinand posted to defend the deal, saying: “For years we’ve been asking for our club to stop signing with eyes closed, blank cheques. The lad has huge potential, premier league experience.”
Andrey Santos joining Man Utd – reported fee £50m! For years we’ve been asking for our club to stop signing with eyes closed, blank cheques. The lad has huge potential, premier league experience. Seeing some negativity by some…. (@MrStephenHowson) Trust the process ????… pic.twitter.com/aohhldreYZ
This follows the Athletic reporting that Man Utd reached an agreement with Chelsea for Santos, with this deal moving surprisingly quickly.
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Will Andrey Santos solve Manchester United’s midfield issues?
Given that United started this summer being linked with some really big names, it’s perhaps not too surprising that a fair number of Red Devils fans are a little underwhelmed by Santos’ arrival.
The 22-year-old has struggled for regular playing time at Chelsea, who finished 10th last season, so it’s not immediately clear how he improves Michael Carrick’s squad.
As previously reported by BBC Sport, United had some interest in Elliot Anderson, who could surely have counted as a legitimate world class signing to take this team to a new level.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have signed both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, both of whom are also surely better than Santos.
At the same time, however, MUFC have also blown a lot of money on flops in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, so perhaps this slightly underwhelming deal will actually prove to be more sensible.
While there were rumors that the 17-time NBA champions could simply strike a free agent deal with Kuminga this offseason, a potential sign-and-trade opportunity with the Atlanta Hawks recently emerged.
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Lakers are in active sign-and-trade discussions with the Hawks for Kuminga.
“The Lakers are in active discussions with the Hawks to complete a sign-and-trade soon for Jonathan Kuminga,” Sidery wrote on X/Twitter Friday.
“Kuminga’s preferred destination is Los Angeles after being aggressively pitched by Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick. LA’s final big need is a starting wing, which Kuminga fills.”
According to The California Post’s Khobi Price, a sign-and-trade package centered on Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap could get the job done for the Lakers. Kuminga started the 2025-26 campaign with the Warriors.
However, after landing in Steve Kerr’s doghouse and eventually being placed on the trade block, the Dubs shipped the former lottery pick and Buddy Hield to the Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis.
Kuminga, who’s shown promise as a downhill-first offensive threat and top-tier vertical athlete, averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists with the Warriors and Hawks last year, shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
The Lakers are undoubtedly all-in on pairing Luka Doncic with the 23-year-old forward, which, if everything goes as planned, should result in a deal that would appease Los Angeles.
Gonzalez can play shortstop or third base and even pitched some for Americas. Gonzalez throws right and bats left-handed.
He is a proven winner, who also helped Americas to regional semifinals as a junior, along with a District 2-5A title.
Gonzalez worked out privately for several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles.
"The hope is to be drafted on day one," Gonzalez said. "The workouts for the team were a learning experience. Teams asked a lot of questions and the workout times varied. I learned so much and I'm excited. It's my goal to play at the highest level."
Former Americas shortstop Darell Hernaiz was the last Americas HS player drafted in 2019 by the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth round. Hernaiz is currently in the Oakland athletics organization.
Armani Raygoza, infielder, Americas HS graduate
The former star first baseman at Americas High School has been a solid college baseball player at UT-Rio Grande Valley, where he has starred in the Southland Conference.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Raygoza is the all-time leader in RBI for UTRGV with 138, and he has hit 17 homers in back-to-back seasons. Southland Conference Player of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons.
The Cape Cod Baseball League in Massachusetts is considered the premier collegiate baseball summer league in the country. More than 1,750 CCBL alumni have gone on to play in Major League Baseball since the league began in 1965, including about 400 annually.
Diego Cardenas, infielder, Riverside HS graduate
Cardenas was a star player in college for El Paso Community College and Abilene Christian University, where he earned All-American honors. Before that, he was a star player for Riverside High School and helped lead the Rangers to the Sweet 16 in Class 4A.
"I feel like I put myself in a position to get an opportunity to play at the next level and people around me say the same," Cardenas said. "I've been working hard ahead of the draft. Being a senior, I may get drafted late or sigh a free agent contract. It's just a waiting game now, I hope for that opportunity to keep playing and get a chance to prove myself.
When is 2026 MLB Draft?
This year's Major League Draft is July 11-12 and will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rounds 1-4 will on Saturday, July 11 and rounds 5-20 will be on Sunday, July 12.
Coverage will be available on MLB Network and MLB.com.
Notable El Pasoans who have been drafted by MLB
Alan Zinter
Selected in the first round, 24th overall selection by the New York Mets in the 1989 draft. Played 19 seasons of professional baseball (1989-2007) with the New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros and in Japan. He attended Hanks High School.
Armando Almanza
The Bel Air graduate was selected in the 1993 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He earned a World Series ring in 2033 with the Florida Marlins. Played in the major leagues for seven years with the Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves.
Bruce Ruffin
The Hanks graduate was taken in the second round (34th overall) of the 1985 Major League Baseball draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. During his MLB career, he won 60 games, earned 63 saves, pitched in 469 games and had 24 saves in 1996 for the Colorado Rockies. Pitched for the University of Texas and was a teammate of Roger Clemens.
Butch Henry
The Eastwood graduate was taken in the 15th round of the 1987 draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Won 33 games in the major leagues and 54 games in the minor leagues. Was an All-State performer for Eastwood in 1987.
Frank Castillo
At the age of 22, he made his Major League debut on June 27, 1991, pitching eight shutout innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Drafted and signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1987, when he was selected in the sixth round.
Castillo, who attended Eastwood High School, spent seven seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He also pitched for the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays and ended his career with the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox. His 13-year Major League career saw him appear in 297 games.
Rocky Coppinger
The Coronado graduate, who helped the Thunderbirds to the state tournament, was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 19th round of the 1993 draft.
Made his Major League debut in 1996, three years after finishing high school. Pitched for the Orioles and compiled a 10-6 record, finishing third in the “Rookie of the Year” balloting. Played with the Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland A’s before injuries ended his playing career.
Omar Quintanilla
The Socorro High School graduate was a star in college at the University of Texas. Quintanilla played second base, third base, and shortstop, and appeared in two national championship games, winning one.
In 2003, he was selected in the first round by the Oakland Athletics. He later played in the major leagues for the Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers and New York Mets.
Darell Hernaiz
The Americas graduate was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles and has been a key contributor in the organization's minor league system. He is currently with High-A Aberdeen.
Fernando Rodriguez
Rodriguez, who attended Franklin High School, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 11th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft and signed with the club on June 25, 2003. He won 11 major games and struck out 242 batters. Late in his career, he returned home to pitch for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.
Mark Grudzielanek
The Hanks graduate was actually drafted twice. Grudzielanek was originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 17th round of the 1989 MLB Draft but did not sign. He was then drafted in the 11th round of the 1991 MLB draft by the Montreal Expos and signed on June 11, 1991.
He went on to hit .289 with 2,040 hits and 90 home runs. He played for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians.
Justin Maese
The Ysleta graduate was selected in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and is currently on the roster for the Double-A Mississippi Braves in the Atlanta Braves organization.
Ivan Melendez
The Coronado High School graduate and former University of Texas star was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022. He reached as high as Triple-A Reno before being released earlier this season.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
Roch Cholowsky #1 of UCLA Bruins during the game against UC Irvine Anteaters at Jackie Robinson Stadium on November 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Hello from somewhere north of Stockholm where I've been jumping into my texts and emails the past day during connecting trains and such to configure some final fine tuning for Mock Draft 2.0 from The Sporting Tribune, roughly 24 hours before the first selection.
Time to write hasn't come at a luxury, so sorry for the month-plus gap between Mock 1.0 and Mock 2.0, and that it comes just a day ahead of the draft itself.
While some of the waters have cleared, it's still pretty muddy at the top and throughout the first round.
Most players who will have their name called in the first 50-100 picks have already had their parties express their bonus demands, and the real wheeling and dealing started right after the MLB Draft Combine where most (not all, or close to it) turned in their medicals and there has been some financial maneuvering on all fronts to turn the draft into a more "open market" to some degree.
Add in finances with peak data, performance across all forms of amateur ball, age relevance, development windows, makeup, variance and private workout data; and suddenly, everyone has an internal model to lean on. While you can never say it's an end all item, models have taken over the draft heavier than in-house opinions which means some players have made serious leaps and bounds no matter what the previous feeling or connection was from club-player-agent.
I'll do my best to avoid smoke-and-mirrors, but one of the more common terms that came up regarding the first round via text was "chaos".
Let's hope this thing doesn't stink like Surströmming (seriously guys, if you know what it is, it's not bad; it's just not good).
Just again for clarity, this mock is not a self-reflection of personal rankings but a gathering of sourced information across the industry to report what is believed to occur on July 11. For talent separators from these same sources, you can check out the introduction of TST's Mock Draft 1.0 by clicking here.
I'll see you all tomorrow for draft day and potentially Mock Draft 3.0 as a names only mock and will have coverage from somewhere over the Atlantic at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet... hopefully. So, on that note, please, Finnair, have good Wi-Fi.
Again, we'll run it 40 picks deep.
1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
This isn't as simple as a coin flip; this feels like a two-man race between Cholowsky and Grady Emerson that will land on bonus demands.
While the bonus won't land as an eight-digit figure, it will be a record-setter north of $9.3 million and will have to be more than whatever the teams promptly after (particularly, Tampa Bay and San Francisco) will make as a table-offer. You may have to assume this will be $9.5-$9.75 million signing bonus and either will receive a similar figure at picks 2, 3 or 4 (Vahn Lackey probably goes $9.3M+ too).
The demands aren't the only thing holding some confidence in one player or the other as there could be a split in the room, which would include Lackey, though you can sideline him for most of this. Half the room seems to prefer Emerson on a talent and upside scale, while others see Cholowsky as a safer bet to become a solid player of potential franchise-altering value if he hits his peaks, and also fits some competitive window items.
This pick could come down to how much independence Mike Shirley will be granted in the war room, and most expect he will have the ultimate say. I noted in the last mock how much both Shirley and GM Chris Getz were involved with the interest in Cholowsky as a prep and that ownership will at least express a fair opinion here.
Lackey had some traction here a month ago, even to a point where some said he might be the favorite internally, but immediate feedback came across loudly that Chicago will not be taking a catcher this high even if there is favorable opinion; which to that, I shrugged, but when something is said multiple times, you have to listen.
Even with that, I don't think you rule out Lackey, or Jacob Lombard, or even Jackson Flora for that matter, but you lean to the two-horse race.
Generalizing percentages at the top again, as per usual. It's tight to 50/50 here. Cholowsky or Emerson 96.0%, Lackey 3.0%, Field <1.0%.
2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (Tex.)
Continuing to play it chalk with the only real form of confidence is that Emerson, Cholowsky and Lackey will go in the first three-to-five picks and everything else will be erratic.
I think the model may be doing some needle moving here as Cholowsky seems to have slipped behind Emerson (and maybe Lackey too) in terms of preference; and a trio of down-the-board names keep floating up here between Flora, Drew Burress and Tyler Bell. Bell's name has been long attached and rumored here, and not solely because of past experience (Tampa popped him 66th overall in 2024), but because he may be the top model-driven talent for most clubs and he will go higher than his previously expected 10-20 range.
Just another reminder that Tampa created a net gain of around $1.8 million with some competitive balance flip-flop trades and can be quite creative throughout the process, which may throw a wrench into the top five.
3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
This is the first big rumored spot for a pitcher and Flora has carried a lot of traction all spring with Minnesota, but I don't think they'd pass on Lackey or Emerson to land the first arm.
If I had to venture a guess to the Twins big board, I think it would go Emerson, Lackey, Flora, Cholowsky; knowing they will get one, and if the draft itself unfolded with that group going in 1-2-3-4 succession, I don't think I'd be overly surprised.
4. San Francisco Giants: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (Miss.)
There's been a lot of attention this pick and much more common belief that Buster Posey and gang really could swing, or have swung, Cholowsky down to four with a notable enough table offer. The reality is that they still have to get him past three other clubs who have interest.
If you want the longer winded version of probability and how it could happen, read Mock 2.0, but for simplicity’s sake; it may only take Emerson going first and Tampa going under slot with Bell or Burress for this to happen. Percentage chance of it actually happening? I don't know. Throw it in around 25%, maybe? They have the finances to do something wild and create some havoc that could just come by natural order.
The newer and louder smoke is that Emerson was their real target to swing down to four with a wild bonus, but he isn't getting past the first three clubs.
They like the other two top prep bats, and I think they'd prefer Eric Booth Jr. over Lombard, but I'm not overly confident in that. Somewhat similar to the Max Clark and Walker Jenkins flip-flop a few years ago.
I still wouldn't rule out Flora here, and I think they'd pass on Lackey if he is the only available of the top trio.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC-Santa Barbara
If beggars are choosers, Lackey could very easily go here and if I'm reading the tea leaves right, they might financially kick him here. They have the biggest tab at the bar and can do all kinds of things with it, including kicking their preferred target down a few picks. I still don't believe firmly that Lackey gets past Minnesota either way, but if he does, I think this is an easy bet.
The Pirates have long been linked to both Booth and Flora, and I think they'd prefer Flora if both are available. This could be a sleeper spot for Bell or Burress. I'm not as sold they'd take Lombard.
6. Kansas City Royals: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (Fla.)
No team has had more rumors floating around this past week (and probably a few weeks before that) than Kansas City. This is the most likely landing spot for real chaos (insert: Leopold "Butters" Stotch meme).
Lombard and Booth have both had most of their traction come in the 4-6 range and common belief remains that Lombard is the priority target to the Royals if things run chalk with the top trio.
They were all over Gio Rojas and Logan Schmidt over the spring, but it sounds like Schmidt is headed for Baton Rouge and Rojas has been usurped by some college arms at a discount in the likes of Mason Edwards and Liam Peterson.
I think from a purely flatline perspective, they would take Flora over Lombard who they would take over Booth who they would take over the field led by one of the college arms over Rojas. The top trio isn't getting here.
This feels like the simplest spot in the top 10. If Lombard or Booth are here, this feels like their floor with Booth as the preference. If not, it sounds like Burress over the field. If none of those three are available, that means someone from the top trio has some scary medical or makeup concerns; so, anticipate one of Lombard, Booth, Burress.
While it feels simple, Justin LeBron and Jared Grindlinger both pop up a little too often in conversations about potential fits and must be worth mentioning.
8. Athletics: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
I've heard only collegians here with more bats coming up than arms. They'll probably hang tight to the model of athletic, high-contact, up-the-middle dudes and Bell has been the most common name linked here though he's all over the first round from 2-15. Derek Curiel also fits the mold and gets some run here.
This might be the high mark for Logan Reddemann and Cameron Flukey.
If Flora is available, his fall ends here. They might even be one of less than a handful of clubs who would attempt pairing him with his brother in pro ball.
9. Atlanta Braves: Gio Rojas, LHP, Stoneman Douglas HS (Fla.)
Atlanta may be looking for a faller from above, and one in particular. If Burress were to slipstream here, this would be his floor though I think it's a sub-10% chance of that happening with his name anywhere from 2-7 with heavy attachments.
There is a chance they flip-pick this with their 26th selection and go with a college bat (A.J. Gracia, Chris Hacopian, Ryder Helfrick) they know will be plucked in-between here and there and try to swing one of their preferred preps to No. 26, though they won't be able to swing Grindlinger through the teens or Rojas past the early 20's.
Cole Prosek and Bo Lowrance are sleeper names at this pick if Atlanta doesn't think they'll be options at 26.
10. Colorado Rockies: Derek Curiel, OF, LSU
For all the speculation and uncharted mystery of how this selection will go, most expect it to be pretty simplistic, and model driven. Bell and Burress come up often though neither make it past the two picks ahead of this as floor.
Curiel and Helfrick get more run than other college hitters due to positional value.
There's some college arms that fit the Coors Field prototype that get some run here too, but the bats come up with more frequency.
Trevor Condon remains a sleeper name here and throughout the teens.
11. Washington Nationals: Jared Grindlinger, OF/LHP, Huntington Beach HS (Cal.)
Again, maybe if Bell or Burress were here things would change, but I see no reason to move off this connection which started early in the spring.
Grindlinger has fans from picks 5-15 and if 15 isn't the floor, 20 would be. No handshakes or table deals, but this one feels pretty firm in conviction.
If, for some reason or another, it isn't Grindlinger (as a hitter), Hacopian comes up a bunch.
12. Los Angeles Angels: Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida
Plenty of eyes on this pick after the Angels parted ways with Perry Minasian and have given, what they claim, full autonomy to Tim McIlvaine and his staff with this pick.
To my understanding, Minasian front lined each first round pick, excluding two. One came as a partial pivot from the team one pick ahead sweeping a handshake deal; and the other being driven by their model and landing them Zach Neto (Minasian and McIlvaine both really liked Neto as is).
No one expects the Angels amateur staff to jump reaction and flip the script entirely from what Minasian (and ownership to a fair degree) had kind of pushed for the quick-moving, high-floor players, but... they have been linked to some high-variance upside plays that probably wouldn't have been links in previous years.
The talk remains arms and if you would have asked me three weeks ago, I would have said they'd be taking Logan Reddemann or Hunter Dietz, though I don't think that is the case today. They were also the high club on Carson Boleman, who there were at least mumbles about grabbing this high.
Reddemann still sounds like he is in play, but his late season medicals may have pushed him behind Rojas, Liam Peterson, Tegan Kuhns, Flukey and Mason Edwards; likely in that order.
Pipedream for the Halos would be Booth or Burress, but they'll be long gone at this point. If they jump the position player market, Grindlinger may be tops of potential available hitters ahead of Hacopian and Helfrick. Plenty of people point to the lack of position player impact from the Angels farm and have lopped in Gracia and Ace Reese, but that feels more speculative than anything of real connection.
13. St. Louis Cardinals: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
It's been specifically hitters linked here and I think if Curiel were available, he'd be the priority pick. Grindlinger continues to trend right here if Washington skips.
Anticipate a run of college bats throughout this range.
14. Miami Marlins: Chris Hacopian, 2B, Texas A&M
Eerily similar to St. Louis ahead of them, just loads of bats and particularly from the college side of things. Again, if Curiel was here, I think this may be the floor and I strongly anticipate him getting plucked between 10-14, excluding Washington.
Hacopian sees his range firmly between 9-15 but could have a partial free fall due to some questions about non-bat value.
LeBron taking his talents to South Beach, again, wouldn't be a stunner.
I'm curious to see what Arizona does here because they're so heavily linked to Condon, but are regularly mentioned as the floor for players ahead of this in the likes of Bell, Rojas, Curiel, Grindlinger; so what would they do if one of the group is available and Condon is as well?
They've also been linked to plenty of the arms here and could be a sleeper high mark for Zion Rose
16. Texas Rangers: Mason Edwards, LHP, USC
I think Texas will jump the arms race to split some of the college bats. They did have a heavy connection to Brody Bumila, but his elbow injury sadly dogged his stock which already came with some extreme variance.
They had plenty of prep buzz a few weeks ago that seems to have cooled off, but they could be the high mark for a handful of prep hitters and look to be one of the multiple clubs between 9-20 on Lowrance.
Edwards, Flukey, Peterson, Rojas. All could land here. Edwards has frequently mentioned suitors at 6, 12, 15, 18, 19 and beyond. Clean medicals, strong performance and age-relevance really jumped him to LHP1 on the four-year side of things.
Just for a moment of brief pause, I still have Reese and Gracia on the board, but I don't have much faith they will be on the real board at this point. One college bat will fall; I just don't know which one.
17. Houston Astros: Justin LeBron, SS, Alabama
Houston continues to be one of the clubs who thinks LeBron's upside outweighs his variable hit tool and may see some star power. There are some like-minded clubs from 5-12, but after that and this, his market starts to dissipate.
If LeBron is gone by here, I think they'd take a similar profile in Sawyer Strosnider or grab a falling bat.
18. Cincinnati Reds: Zion Rose, OF, Louisville
I think Cincinnati would really like a chance at Condon or Edwards and may take a chance on LeBron. Both are gone in this scenario.
Cincinnati is looking at more superior athletes, both at the plate and on the mound, so it's hard to place one of the falling hitters or the in-range prep bats.
Rose is making some big jumps with a healthy and solid end-of-season performance and he is a model darling.
19. Cleveland Guardians: Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi State
The model will dictate the pick here, as it usually does with Cleveland, and I'm leery putting a corner (likely first baseman) to them when they're so prominent on up-the-middle athletes.
Reese, however, is darting up boards as models started finalizing, and his short wood bat track record does lean to what Cleveland favors. Expect Reese to be a teen pick, maybe higher.
I've heard more collegians with Cleveland, led by Reddemann, Rose and Strosnider and Aiden Robbins.
Just to flip from last mock, they continue to dominate Southern California and were heavy on Edwards and Trey Ebel, who has similar traits to Tyler Freeman who Cleveland took above his anticipated range.
20. Boston Red Sox: Tegan Kuhns, RHP, Tennessee
This is the floor for Grindlinger and is a circle spot for Lowrance, though everyone thinks Craig Breslow and Jake Bruml are going to target arms of a particular archetype.
Kuhns and Taylor Rabe get real frequency here.
21. San Diego Padres: Bo Lowrance, 3B, Christ Church Episcopal HS (S.C.)
I think Lowrance goes here, the pick ahead, or to Atlanta at 9 or 26.
Very similar to Atlanta, I think it's Lowrance or Prosek on the hitting side of things.
If Rojas slips this far, this is his perceived floor.
22. Detroit Tigers: Cameron Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina
I've heard more and more this week that Detroit may take a swing at a falling arm whether it be Flukey, Peterson, Edwards or Reddemann. In this scenario, it's Flukey, but I don't think I'd rule out Reddemann.
Again though, left-handed hitters who project up-the-middle are the common connections.
After Condon, there is a falloff in terms of the demographic. Despite this, it’s still similar players mentioned in the likes of Aiden Ruiz and Landon Thome getting the most traction.
23. Chicago Cubs: A.J. Gracia, OF, Virginia
I think Chicago would be stoked to grab a falling bat and they may get their chance at one. If a bat like Gracia, Rose, or Reese doesn't fall, I'd look directly at Rabe or Cade Townsend.
24. Seattle Mariners: Taylor Rabe, RHP, Ole Miss
If Condon is here, I think this is the floor even with Detroit ahead.
I could see Seattle scooping up a falling bat, similar to Chicago, but I've heard them on Condon and college arms. If I'm splitting hairs between the Ole Miss duo that both fits the 20-30 range, I'll lean Rabe because of his helium.
Full transparency, I really don't have a strong feel for what Milwaukee will do. I think they'd grab a falling talent, but saying that three times in-a-row gives less confidence to one actually falling at this point, right?
They seem to really like Ebel and James Clark, but I'm not certain they'd jump the market on either of them here.
Prosek has fans all over the first round and some consider him to be the second-best pure hitting prep in the class behind Emerson.
Prospect Promotion Incentive Picks
26. Atlanta Braves: Cade Townsend, RHP, Ole Miss
I think if Lowrance or Prosek is here, they'd take either, and that comes with the caveat that they might like Lowrance enough to pop him at nine.
If neither are available, as is the case here, I think they'd jump to the college arms, and the Ole Miss arms get tons of traction right in this range.
27. New York Mets: Caden Sorrell, OF, Texas A&M
While I've heard this could be the floor for Edwards, I've heard mostly power-over-hit college bats here.
28. Houston Astros: Sawyer Strosnider, OF, TCU
Strosnider is falling down boards a bit, but the interest in him from Houston is real enough to think they'd maybe grab him at pick 17.
COMPETITIVE BALANCE A
29. San Francisco Giants: Carson Boleman, LHP, Southside Christian HS (S.C.)
There are a handful or more names linked to this pick as "big fish" San Francisco could swing down if they don't land Cholowsky. Boleman comes up with the most frequency, but Lowrance and Schmidt are other names liked.
Local products Tyler Spangler and Archer Horn get some traction, but that feels a bit too on the nose and Spangler sounds like he is headed for Stanford. Horn may be a different story and has some helium towards this range.
30. Kansas City Royals: Coleman Borthwick, RHP, South Walton HS (Fla.)
Size, strikes and stuff. There's a handful of prep arms linked here.
NOTE: I'm about to jump off the train so going to rush through these with minimal writeups.
31. Arizona Diamondbacks - Ben Blair, RHP, Liberty
32. St. Louis Cardinals - Logan Reddemann, RHP, UCLA
33. Tampa Bay Rays - Taj Marchand, SS, James Island HS (S.C.)
35. New York Yankees: Aiden Ruiz, SS, The Stony Brook HS (N.J.)
I mentioned in the last mock that there is real interest here that has nothing to do with the local connection.
Will Gasparino continues to be mentioned with the Yankees at their second pick, and maybe even enough to under slot him here.
36. Philadelphia Phillies: Archer Horn, SS/RHP, St. Ignatius HS (Cal.)
There is a reason I've made this direct connection in back-to-back mocks. There's some confidence here.
37. Colorado Rockies: Jack Slightom, RHP, Lyons HS (Ill.)
38. Colorado Rockies: Hunter Dietz, LHP, Arkansas
39. Toronto Blue Jays: Aiden Robbins, OF, Texas
This is partial place-and-plug. Sorry, Toronto. Too deep to get a real vibe.
40. Los Angeles Dodgers: Cole Carlon, LHP, Arizona State
The Dodgers were all over college lefties this spring and might be able to grab one of the top ones at a discount. If not, they were all over every demographic and might pop a riskier prep archetype. Blake Bryant has some noise here.
Okay everyone, see you somewhere over the Atlantic if not before with a names only mock.
NASCAR has announced plans for a public celebration of life service for the late two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch.
Charlotte Motor Speedway will be the host of the memorial on Friday, Oct. 9 after that day’s Craftsman Truck Series race. NASCAR says the celebration of life will be free to attend and more information is to come.
Busch ‒ the all-time winningest driver across NASCAR’s top three national touring circuits with 234 combined victories ‒ died suddenly on May 21 at the age of 41 at the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. The day before, he had become unresponsive and was coughing up blood at a racing simulator facility in Concord, North Carolina.
He was cremated at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, North Carolina. A private memorial service was held on June 2. Hours later, Busch’s 11-year-old son Brexton was in his racecar, running practice laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
According to his death certificate, Busch died due to hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation ‒ which causes widespread clotting in small blood vessels. The NASCAR driver had been suffering from sepsis for at least a day and had been dealing with complications of presumed bacterial pneumonia for "days to weeks."
Near the end of NASCAR's Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, 11 days before his death, Busch could be heard calling for a doctor over his radio. He captured his final checkered flag just six days before his death, winning the Truck Series race at Dover.
Chase Elliott, who has won NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver award eight consecutive times, told reporters that he is withdrawing his name from the ballot in the hopes that Busch wins it. Elliott will drive the truck that Busch won his final race in ‒ the No. 7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports ‒ at North Wilkesboro later this month.
Busch’s brother ‒ NASCAR Hall of Famer and Cup Series champion Kurt Busch ‒ recently returned to racing, finishing third in an event at the historic Le Mans course in France. He said before the race that, "Kyle’s spirit will always ride with me."
Kyle Busch won 63 races in NASCAR’s top-level Cup Series, which ranks 10th all-time. The Las Vegas native owns the most wins in the Truck Series and the second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He also owns the Cup Series record for most consecutive seasons with at least one win, taking the checkered flag in 19 straight years from 2005 to 2023.
NEW YORK (AP) — FIFA had nearly 1,200 category two tickets priced at $7,380 on sale Friday for the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The governing body's last-minute tickets sales site, which at times had listed the game as sold out, had 1,178 seats available across five sections of the top deck along the sidelines: 282 in section 344, 299 in section 343, 139 in section 335, 443 in section 334 and 15 in section 333.
FIFA also was selling 68 front category one tickets in the lower deck at prices ranging from $19,995 to $32,970 and had remaining hospitality tickets in its Trophy Lounge and Trophy Lounge+ sections priced at $34,500 and $32,500, including food and drinks.
Soccer's governing body did not immediately respond to a request for details on why the additional tickets had become available.
In addition, FIFA had tickets available at $1,600 to $3,995 for Saturday's quarterfinal between Argentina and Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Resale tickets for the final were available on FIFA's marketplace at prices from $7,440.50 to $11,499,998.85.
Arthur Fery’s glorious Wimbledon run came to an abrupt end as he was schooled by second seed Alexander Zverev in his maiden grand slam semi-final, with the world No 3 winning 7-6(0) 6-2 6-4.
World No 114 Fery was only the second wildcard to reach this stage at Wimbledon, after 2001 champion Goran Ivanisevic, and has catapulted himself up the rankings to the top 40 after a superb run at the tournament he grew up 10 minutes away from.
But he could not recreate the Croat’s heroics, or produce another improbable escape, this time. Having seen off former Wimbledon semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov and recent French Open runner-up Flavio Cobolli, the latter in three imperious sets, he ran out of room against Roland-Garros champion Zverev.
Fery was outhit and overpowered by Zverev, who stands nine inches taller than him at 6’6” (Getty)
After Cobolli Zverev represented another step up in class, with the German high on confidence after finally winning a grand slam and breaking new ground at Wimbledon, having previously never gone beyond the fourth round.
But it was the second seed who was more error-prone in the opening stages, double-faulting for 30-30 and surviving two deuces in his first service game, while he looked tight on his always edgier forehand wing. Fery held to love in response but came unstuck in his next service game, making unusual errors under pressure as Zverev attacked his second serve, with the second seed’s enormous wingspan making him difficult to get past.
But Fery produced some of the magic he has become known for to break back, playing a superb backhand return before racing to a Zverev drop shot, replying with a stunning angled passing shot which flashed across the net, and which the German could only scoop up and wide. Fery leapt for joy and punched the air to a huge round of applause, and Zverev hit long in the next rally to concede the break and send the crowd leaping to their feet too.
The break back settled Fery, who stayed in touching distance and forced a tiebreak. But having rarely put a foot wrong in the opening set things then unravelled. His inexperience at this level told as he opened with a double fault before a rare forehand error left him shaking his head, while Zverev went on the attack, his serve in full flow. A punchy cross-court return sealed an emphatic 7-0 tiebreak, while Centre Court, and Fery, fell flat.
Fery lost the first set in each of his first three matches here, and fought back from losing positions in all but one of his previous rounds. It rapidly became clear that doing so again here would be a significantly harder task.
Zverev is into the Wimbledon final for the first time (Reuters)
Zverev has become a different, more energised player since that French Open win: more willing to go on the attack and finally converting his swagger off-court into confidence on it. He broke to love before backing up his break with a hold to love, and continued to punish Fery from the baseline. At 3-1 he hit a superb forehand passing shot which just skimmed the line past a despairing Fery, and the Brit hit long to fall a double break down.
Usually fired up, Fery’s head dipped, while he was irritated several times by a lack of let calls by the umpire. The Centre Court crowd felt limp too, reviving somewhat as Fery served at 5-1 down, desperately trying to inject some life into their man as two double faults - the second on his advantage - threatened to bring an end to the set.
He recovered to hold with a tidy cross-court backhand, a rare case of him imposing himself in a baseline exchange, but Zverev held with ease – having only dropped three points on serve in the entire set – to close out a two-set lead.
Fery will rise to world No 36 and British No 1 off the back of this run (Reuters)
Fery went off court to reset and returned to a huge cheer, but it was hard to ignore the growing sense of the inevitable. His shot selection and clarity, particularly at the net, where he was so impressive against Cobolli, wasn’t quite there. The pressure on him was enormous: he was outgunned and outflanked, overpowered from the baseline and attacked from all angles.
The 23-year-old dug himself out of a hole at deuce in his first service game but was broken to love for 3-2, fighting and scrapping in each rally but unable to find a response to a 123mph forehand Zverev lashed into the corner. One desperate chant of “Let’s go Arthur, let’s go” as he fell 0-30 down again was met with a muttered “Let’s go home” from a punter near the press box.
A big cheer greeted an ace out wide, and the roof nearly lifted off as Fery slid around the court chasing down drop shots, planting a lovely passing shot beyond the German. Two fierce aces sealed the hold, the will to fight on still there, but against a superior opponent it was in vain.
Fery was pushed around the court as Zverev went on the attack (PA)
Another two aces in Fery’s next service game ensured Zverev would be forced to serve it out, but the tightness which has often enveloped the second seed on occasions like this failed to materialise. An overhit forehand whipped up a cheer from the crowd and a trademark fist pump from Fery, but hope proved short-lived.
After an errant forehand handed over the match Fery managed a smile as he waved to the crowd, bidding goodbye to the most consequential fortnight of his life and the scene of his biggest triumphs. British hopes have shone brightly at Wimbledon before and not always gone on to replicate that magic, but on the evidence of this week, 23-year-old Fery and his dazzling game will very much be back.
For Zverev, a meeting with either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic awaits, with the German in such form that either - historically so dominant against him - may well match the first-time finalist for nerves.
While the club broke transfer records, the problem for the transfer guru was what they could not buy. Or did not, anyway.
Liverpool’s summer departures will include Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and, now, Michael Edwards; in his first stint at Anfield, perhaps the most celebrated sporting director in the game. In his second, as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football, a man heading a multi-club operation with a solitary club.
Edwards’ decision to move on, a year before the end of his lucrative contract, was made last autumn, when he handed in his notice. It predated much of Liverpool’s troubled season and the sacking of Arne Slot, if not the record outlay of £450m on players, and £125m on Alexander Isak, last summer.
Michael Edwards has left Liverpool for the second time (Getty)
But when he was persuaded to return, it was supposedly to head up a bigger project. FSG looked at a host of other clubs – Malaga, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and 20 or more others – but bought none. The outlay was of more than half a billion on players, including this summer’s additions, but nothing on clubs. FSG was not to become Merseyside’s answer to the City Football Group or (perhaps thankfully) BlueCo.
It also invited the question of what Liverpool’s collection of directors of football all did. Edwards brought Julian Ward back, as FSG’s technical director, and recruited Pedro Marques, as their director of football development, while Richard Hughes, an ally from his Portsmouth days, was his appointment as sporting director of Liverpool.
Without any other clubs, Edwards decided there was no point in him staying simply to bank a salary. Nor did he have any wish to be a sporting director again. The job was not working out the way he, or FSG, envisaged. He thought it was a natural time to step away.
Edwards’ first stint at Liverpool was hugely successful (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
And yet while he was not often seen at the club’s Kirkby training ground, and Hughes was the immediate point of contact for Slot, Edwards’ exit will plunge Liverpool further into uncertainty. From having too many sporting directors, they could have a vacancy: Hughes, who only has a year left on his contract, will remain for the rest of this window but many expect him to go to Al Hilal.
Low profile as he is, and there are few pictures of Edwards, he was a face of a change in football. Yet if the suits behind the scenes were supposed to provide continuity, now Liverpool have little. They had a structure which, when Edwards left in 2022, allowed manager Jurgen Klopp to assume greater power. They reintroduced a structure, but now pillars of it are being demolished.
A new head coach, Andoni Iraola, may wonder what he is walking into. The Spaniard has been appointed by ex-Bournemouth man Hughes for a second time but Liverpool, who have looked among the best-run clubs in the league for much of the past decade, now seem to have a void; some would say a mess.
Andoni Iraola may be wondering what he has walked into at Liverpool (PA Wire)
They have an enduring belief in smart recruitment, player development and long-term planning, and most of that half a billion has been spent on young players but Edwards’ legacy from his second spell is decidedly mixed. His first was an unqualified success, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
Salah and Robertson were two of Edwards’ great successes; it is scarcely news that Liverpool’s data department were the evangelists for the Egyptian, persuading Klopp, while the Scot, the £7m buy who became arguably the best left-back in the world, was an extraordinary bargain.
But the last two years paint a different picture. Edwards can point to a second Premier League title of his time; the appointment of Slot was initially a spectacular success. Liverpool’s methodology looked inspired when the Dutchman proved a natural fit in his debut season.
Arne Slot won a Premier League title in his first season before things went sour (Getty)
Yet Slot’s struggles in his second were attributable in part to the Hughes-Edwards axis and their buying. The statement signing of Isak backfired horribly. Liverpool spent £450m and still had holes in their squad. They look a team in need of a further rebuild. While Victor Munoz has arrived this summer, Liverpool are yet to secure the Salah replacement they require; it may not be Yan Diomande.
Iraola is left to pick up the pieces: to determine where Florian Wirtz plays, if Jeremie Frimpong can be used as a right-back, how to configure the midfield and manage the transition from Virgil van Dijk to younger defenders.
Edwards will leave with a job half done. Hughes may, too. Edwards’ record of spectacular successes in his earlier time on Merseyside – not just Salah and Robertson but Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Gini Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Alisson and Van Dijk – would nevertheless mean he would top the shortlist for many a club wanting a sporting director.
He feels, however, that he has moved beyond such roles. It will be interesting where he goes next. But also, too, if Iraola’s Liverpool serves as a vindication or an indictment of the last two years, of Edwards’ return and his regime with Hughes.
The Chicago Bears had an impactful rookie draft class last season, led by first-round tight end Colston Loveland, who quickly became a top target in the passing game and flashed his potential as a top playmaker in the NFL.
Loveland, selected 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, led the Bears in receptions (58) and receiving yards (713) and tied with touchdowns (6), and he didn't really get going for a few weeks into the season. In the final 12 games of the season (including two postseason contests), Loveland caught 59 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns. He also set an NFL rookie record with the most receiving yards in a single postseason with 193 yards in two playoff games.
So it's not a surprise that Loveland made ESPN's ranking as a top tight end in the league, according to NFL coaches and executives. Loveland landed at No. 7 on this list, and it's clear that he can make up significant ground in 2026.
Here's what NFL coaches and executives had to say about Loveland:
"He's unbelievable," an NFL coordinator said. "A smooth mover with toughness."
"[Loveland] could be the Bears' top receiver next year," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Expect to see more two- or three-tight-end sets from Chicago this year."
Here are the six tight ends who ranked before Loveland, from 1-6: Las Vegas' Brock Bowers, Arizona's Trey McBride, San Francisco's George Kittle, Detroit's Sam LaPorta, Indianapolis' Tyler Warren and Green Bay's Tucker Kraft.
But Loveland isn't the only Bears tight end to land on the list. While he didn't land in the Top 10, Cole Kmet earned an honorable mention.
"He's still a quality player who's friendly for a young quarterback, good in the run game," a personnel executive with an NFL team said. "They need to find ways to get Kmet and Loveland on the field together."
Chicago has one of the best tight end rooms in the NFL with Loveland, Kmet and third-round rookie Sam Roush, so it's no surprise that they had two tight ends crack this list in some regard. All three will be key to the offense's continued success in 2026.
When the Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott, it was with an eye of getting over the hump to reach the Super Bowl and compete to win it.
Elevating Joe Brady to that role means he'll inherit those expectations in his first head coaching job, and it's the framing Buffalo's ownership group that watched nine years of playoff-caliber seasons fall short decided to make clear when they handed the reigns to their 36-year-old then-offensive coordinator.
There is no rebuild. There is a 30-year-old Josh Allen, a roster built to win right now, and a Jim Leonhard defense that will need to produce immediate results.
And, per ESPN's Booger McFarland, there might not be a head coach in football sitting under heavier pressure.
"Sean McDermott was a very good head coach. This was a very good football team for a long, long time. They fired him and said, 'That's not good enough,'" McFarland said on ESPN. "So the ownership is telling you, 'Right now, what we did in the past is not good enough. 12-5 and not get into the Super Bowl is not good enough.'"
In other words, the bar Brady has to clear is the one McDermott couldn't. The new head coach isn't new to the building, which is exactly why the runway is short. The usual first-time head coach cushion — install the culture, learn the job, earn Year 2 — will all be expected more immediately than normal.
McDermott fell short of a Super Bowl and the Bills were again eliminated in the Division round of the playoffs. Terry Pegula responded by moving on from the winningest coach in franchise history.
That decision is the context for Brady as he begins his tenure, though it's one he can put behind him through yielding results.
He's called Allen's offense since midway through 2023, oversaw the quarterback's 2024 MVP season, and knows the locker room, the protection schemes, and Allen's cadence at the line better than an outside hire would.
That's one edge he has, but it's on a double-edged sword.
When a franchise promotes from within to preserve continuity around a prime-age quarterback, the leash shortens. Brady's system is already installed, the roster is already built to compete into February.
"I don't know if there is a head coach in an organization under as much pressure for the right reasons than Joe Brady and the Buffalo Bills, because we all know good is not good enough. He's got to be great. He's got to get this team to a Super Bowl," McFarland added. "They can go 17-0, nobody cares. What are you going to do once the playoffs start?"Allen's playoff losses, including those to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, weren't about the quarterback. They were about play-calling and margins — third-and-short conversions, red zone points instead of field goals, one defensive stop late. Brady doesn't need to reinvent the offense, but further develop it and squeeze the margins across all three phases for more effective outcomes.
The Bills finished middle of the pack in red zone touchdown rate in 2025 despite Allen's rushing floor. That's a play-caller's number. Leonhard's 3-4 hybrid, with Bradley Chubb, Greg Rousseau, and a healthy Michael Hoecht attacking the edges, can give Brady critical stops previous groups couldn't. Timeout management, fourth-down aggression, two-minute clarity — the points that fall squarely on the head coach's desk. Those are key.Brady has a historic and elite quarterback, a top-five offensive line, a rebuilt receiver room fronted by DJ Moore, and a restocked defense and new scheme. He also inherits the shortest runway any first-time head coach in the league is going to walk in 2026. Anything short of a Super Bowl appearance will see Brady answering the same questions McDermott spent nine years answering.
The expectations are high and the new coach appears ready for them.
Shubman Gill becomes the fourth Indian captain invited to Wimbledon's exclusive Royal Box.
Men must wear a lounge suit or blazer with a tie and formal shoes.
Lewis Hamilton was famously refused entry in 2015 for arriving without a jacket.
What Shubman Gill can wear after receiving invitation for iconic tennis tournament
Shubman Gill's first summer as India's Test and ODI captain has become as much about the occasions off the field as the cricket on it. A demanding tour of England has been punctuated by a string of glamorous invitations few active sportsmen ever receive.
Only days after soaking in his first Formula 1 race at Silverstone as a VIP guest, the 26-year-old has landed another prized ticket. According to PTI, Gill has been invited to watch Wimbledon from the Royal Box, the most coveted vantage point in world tennis.
The honor places him in rare company. Gill becomes just the fourth Indian captain to earn the invitation, following Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. He appeared on Friday's Royal Box guest list for the men's singles semifinals at Centre Court.
Access to the roughly 80 seats overlooking Centre Court comes with rules that are enforced without exception. For men like Gill, a lounge suit or a blazer paired with a tie is mandatory, worn with formal shoes. Casual footwear and open collars are turned away.
Women are asked to wear an afternoon dress that sits below the knee or an elegant trouser suit, with hats discouraged so views behind are not obstructed. For 2026, The Athletic reported the code has tightened, banning strapless, off-the-shoulder and spaghetti-strap outfits entirely.
Reputation counts for nothing at the gate. Lewis Hamilton was refused entry to the Royal Box in 2015 for arriving without a jacket and tie, missing the final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Pippa Middleton once lost her seat for turning up late.
Those who pass the test are rewarded lavishly. Guests enjoy drinks on the Clubhouse balcony, a lunch of lobster and salmon, afternoon tea, and luxury Driscoll Jubilee strawberries while organizers adjust the retractable roof to keep the sun from attendees' eyes.
Tendulkar has graced the Royal Box for years and gives Gill his safest reference point. The batting legend wore a beige suit for his 2024 visit, earning a standing ovation from Centre Court, and he returned to the guest list once again on Friday.
Kohli struck a bolder note at Wimbledon 2025. The former India captain paired a custom tan brown blazer with a crisp white shirt and grey tie, while Anushka Sharma opted for an all-white blazer and trousers that met the tournament's dress code with ease.
Rohit favoured understated elegance in 2024, arriving in a knitted dark grey suit and black sunglasses just days after lifting the T20 World Cup. Gill can borrow from any of the three, so long as the jacket, tie, and formal shoes are all present.
The invitation says as much about Gill's standing in global sport as it does about his wardrobe. Wimbledon hands Royal Box seats only to figures it considers genuinely distinguished, and seating a 26-year-old beside Tendulkar and Brian Lara reflects how swiftly he has climbed.
The timeline separates him from those who came before. Tendulkar, Kohli, and Rohit each received the honor deep into decorated careers, whereas Gill has earned his within a year of taking charge of the Test side. Indian cricket's newest leader is being embraced remarkably early.
A note of caution lingers beneath the privilege. Royal Box appearances invite intense scrutiny, and Hamilton's rejection is a reminder that fame guarantees nothing without the right attire. Gill, a sharp dresser off the pitch, should navigate the requirements comfortably and savor the finest seat in tennis.
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Cruz Hewitt was born six years after his father Lleyton won Wimbledon [Getty Images]
Australia's Cruz Hewitt has reached the Wimbledon boys' final - 24 years after his father, Lleyton, claimed the men's singles title.
The 17-year-old beat Dutch player Thijs Boogaard 6-4 6-4 to set up a title-decider on Sunday against American Jordan Lee.
It is his fifth successive straight-set win at this year's championships, and he has been taken to a tie-break just once in that impressive run.
Hewitt has been supported court-side during the tournament by Lleyton, who beat David Nalbandian in the 2002 Wimbledon final.
Former world number one Lleyton also won the 2001 US Open and reached the final of the 2005 Australian Open.
Cruz, meanwhile, made his senior Grand Slam debut at the 2025 Australian Open after being given a wildcard into qualifying, but lost in the first round.
He has now become Australia's first boys' singles finalist at Wimbledon since world number six Alex de Minaur in 2016.
Final opponent Lee won 6-3 6-2 against Germany's Vincent Reisach.
Fery was the first men's wildcard to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001 [Getty Images]
Arthur Fery's unforgettable Wimbledon run is over after Alexander Zverev denied the British wildcard a place in the final and ended his hopes of a fairytale finish.
Fery, who arrived at SW19 as the world number 114 and had never been beyond the second round of a Grand Slam, defied all expectations to reach the semi-finals.
But an encounter against second seed Zverev proved one step too far and the French Open champion was a class above in a 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-4 win.
As the German shared a warm embrace with Fery at the net, the Centre Court crowd rose as one and applauded the player who wrote one of the best British Wimbledon stories of the past few years.
Fery can leave with his head held high.
After a dismal start that saw 15 of his compatriots fall in the first round, he has carried British singles hopes further than anyone imagined, and dazzled the home crowd with his fighting spirit.
Fery, who turns 24 in two days' time, will be confirmed as the new British number one and will rise to 36th in the world rankings on Monday, as well as taking home £900,000 in prize money.
Zverev, meanwhile, is into his first Wimbledon final, where he will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or seven-time winner Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
The 29-year-old will hope to add a second Grand Slam singles trophy to his collection after ending his long wait for a maiden major at last month's French Open.
Fery made a promising start when he pushed Zverev to deuce in his first service game, and responded immediately after going a break down three games later.
After arguing with the umpire over a problem with the technology for let calls, a fired-up Fery got the first set back on level terms - helped by a sublime angled drop shot that had the crowd leaping to their feet.
The pair continued to go toe-to-toe, but when the tie-break arrived it was Zverev who raised the intensity, whizzing through seven points without reply to take the opener.
Having found his level, the 6ft 6in German remained on top, and the gulf became clear as he overpowered Fery to win five games on the bounce before wrapping up the second set.
While Fery had fought back his first three matches at the All England Club, there were no signs of a comeback on Friday - despite the crowd's best efforts to rally their home hope.
Unable to cope with the pace coming from Zverev's racquet, Fery - who had remained calm when he found himself behind in his previous matches - became frustrated and gestured angrily towards his team as Zverev rode through 15 points unchallenged.
The Briton fended off three break points at 4-3, but it only delayed the inevitable and Zverev lofted a ball into the sky as he secured the victory.
The 29-year-old will rise to world number two when the rankings are updated on Monday, replacing the injured Carlos Alcaraz.
DETROIT,MICHIGAN-November2: Tight end Sam LaPorta (87) of the Detroit Lions makes the first touchdown during an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Despite his season ending early with a back injury, Sam LaPorta is still considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
“He’s got great hands—he’ll make a lot of circus, contested catches, especially in the red zone—and his blocking is high level,” an NFC scout had to say about LaPorta. “Just an all-around problem.”
LaPorta’s third season in the league was his least productive from a statistical standpoint when it came to receptions (40), receiving yards (489), and touchdowns (3), but that can be attributed to playing in just nine games in 2025—also a season low for the third-year tight end. But looking at LaPorta’s efficiency numbers reveals why he’s still considered a top-5 player at his position.
No player among the top-10 tight ends generated more yards after first contact per reception than LaPorta (2.25), and his 6.9 yards after the catch per reception ranked first among all NFL tight ends. His 12.2 yards per reception, 69.4% success rate, 54.3 receiving yards per game, and 81.6% catch rate were all season highs for LaPorta in 2025.
The three players ahead of LaPorta on the list included Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and the veteran George Kittle—who is coming off an injury of his own, an Achilles tear he suffered late last season. The NFC North was well represented on this year’s list, including Tucker Kraft (No. 6), Colston Loveland (No. 7), and Cole Kmet (honorable mention). Former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson also received some votes in the annual survey.
What’s perhaps most notable about LaPorta’s inclusion on the list is that he went unranked on some surveys returned by those participating, and he was the highest-ranked player on the list to go unranked. Some of those may have question marks about LaPorta’s health, but head coach Dan Campbell believes LaPorta’s rehab is on track and he’s trending toward being available for training camp.
“We like where he is going; he is trending the right way,” Campbell said during OTAs.
Should LaPorta be healthy and ready at the beginning of the season—and stay healthy—he could be in line to have his most productive season yet with Drew Petzing at the helm of Detroit’s offense. Trey McBride, Petzing’s former tight end, reached out to LaPorta shortly after the Lions hired Petzing.
Uruguay World Cup Review: Disappointment From Start To Finish
By Louis Smith.
Uruguay were the only South American team not to make it out of the group stage, in what was a very disappointing campaign from La Celeste. They had a decent squad and a favourable draw. However, the local media heading into the tournament were talking about the breakdown in internal cohesion, and those concerns were evident straight away against Saudi Arabia, who controlled much of the first half and deservedly took the lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri just before half-time.
Despite all the criticism of coach Marcelo Bielsa, it was his changes at half-time, taking off Matias Viña and Darwin Núñez, and bringing on Juan Sanabria and Agustín Canobbio, that changed the balance of the second half. Uruguay pretty much dominated after the break and were unlucky not to win the game. They found an equaliser through Maximiliano Araújo, who was definitely one of the bright sparks for La Celeste throughout the tournament.
However, they just didn’t kick on from that performance.
Against Cape Verde in the second match, they were well off the mark. Kevin Pina opened the scoring for Cape Verde before Uruguay turned the game around through Maximiliano Araújo and Canobbio. However, their lead was cancelled out in the second half as Helio Varela equalised for Cape Verde, earning what was probably a deserved point.
Uruguay may have finished with the better expected goals, but they could only register two shots on target, failing to consistently threaten the goal.
It was a disappointing World Cup for veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was actually substituted at half-time in Uruguay’s final game, a 1-0 loss to Spain, which brought an end to their chaotic time in North America.
Álex Baena scored, with the veteran goalkeeper perhaps feeling he should have done better. This saw Sergio Rochet come on at half-time, in what will likely prove to be the end of Muslera’s international career.
It’s worth saying that he has had a successful career and did well to come back from the sickening double leg break injury he suffered while at Galatasaray in 2020.
Things went from bad to worse for Uruguay against Spain, as Canobbio was sent off for a shocking tackle before protesting at the referee.
The standout player in the tournament for Uruguay was definitely Maximiliano Araujo. The explosive winger was one of the few real positives for Uruguay. Every time he got the ball, he looked to run at defenders and take them on. He was the only player who consistently looked capable of creating something. Even with Uruguay struggling to connect, Araujo’s work rate and pressing from the front never dipped. He chipped in defensively too, and looks set to be a key asset going forward for Uruguay.
What next for Uruguay?
They will need to find a new manager after Marcelo Bielsa officially stepped down following the World Cup. They will also need to replace several experienced players. They have an ageing squad, with the likes of Luis Suárez already not involved and José Giménez reaching the twilight of his career.
Uruguay have always placed an emphasis on youth development, and that will once again be crucial over the next four years. It is a huge period ahead for La Celeste, and much of their future will depend on who is appointed as the new manager
Four NFL teams have expressed an interest in former Detroit Lion cornerback Terrion Arnold since he was released from the Lions in late June, his agent revealed Friday during a court hearing.
Nicole Lynn, Arnold’s agent, testified during a Zoom hearing on Friday in Hillsborough County Circuit Court in Tampa that the four teams are the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans.
She said Arnold had a workout with the Houston Texans on Thursday, where the team paid for him to fly in, and he had another visit this week and has one next week as well.
Arnold's attorney asked a judge to deny a request by Florida prosecutors to require Arnold to wear a GPS tether while he faces criminal charges related to an armed robbery and kidnapping plot that happened in Tampa in February. He's one of seven people who have been charged.
Harvey Steinberg, Arnold's attorney, said last week that three teams had already expressed an interest in Arnold, but that's now grown to four. A judge on Friday denied prosecutors' request to require the cornerback to wear a GPS tether.
Steinberg said he’s “fairly confident” Arnold will be on another team soon, as training camps start at the end of July.
Day Day Thomas may not be favored to make the Boston Celtics' roster.
But the talented guard from the University of Cincinnati is being given a chance to prove himself, starting Friday night, as the Celtics play at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
He's got a fun name, an intriguing game and some reasons to believe in what he brings to the table.
If nothing else, Thomas will draw attention for going by Day Day.
"Day Day" is really just the first syllable of his first name spoken twice.
Day Day Thomas career timeline
Thomas is originally from the state of South Carolina.
He began his college career at a junior college in Texas called Kilgore College, where he averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in his final season before transferring.
Thomas then spent three seasons with the Bearcats.
In 100 total games for Cincinnati, Thomas averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game. He also averaged 1.5 steals per game.
His 3-point shooting will be his swing skill, and he improved that mightily in college.
In his first season at Cincinnati, Thomas shot just 28.0% from 3-point range.
He boosted that to 40.2% in 2024-25 on similar volume, but then his volume surged in 2025-26 as he made 72-of-189 3s for 38.1%.
If Thomas brings that to the NBA, he'll at least have a chance thanks to his defensive tenaciousness paired with being a perimeter threat.
Glentoran manager Kim Turner has questioned whether "people really care about the women's game" after her side played two matches on consecutive days.
The east Belfast side were heavily defeated by Cliftonville in the Women's League Cup final on Sunday before being beaten 2-0 by Lisburn Rangers in the Women's Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Monday evening.
Turner's side are aiming to defend their league title as well as balancing cup competitions and European qualifiers and added "club reps are looking into" the scheduling.
"I think the scheduling of the fixtures is really poor and really unfair on players, who are working full-time jobs as well as juggling some important games into their schedule," Turner told Glentoran media.
"We are trying to do our best and prepare the squad as best we can for the games, but the fact is the games have to be played. Uefa are really clear about the required amount of recovery time between fixtures, and it makes me think, do people actually care about the women's game?
"Our club reps are looking into it and the players have also spoken to the PFA about it and hopefully we actually see something happening as it's not fair on the clubs."
The Glens could find themselves in a similar situation later this month when they face Riga FC in Champions League qualifying on 22 July and are due to host rivals Linfield in the Irish Premiership two days later.
However, if they can overcome the Latvian side in first round qualifying, they will also play against either Wrexham or Pyunik on 25 July, a day after their league fixture with the Blues.
"The Champions League qualifiers don't seem to have been factored into the fixture schedule at all," she continued.
"That's unfair on the likes of ourselves who want to give a good account of not only ourselves, but the league and country as a whole."
'We have to block out any outside noise'
The Glens are aiming to lift the Premiership trophy once again after they won a final-day decider against the Reds last season to secure top spot.
They have made a bright start to their title defence and are unbeaten after five league games.
The east Belfast side sit second, level on points with leaders Linfield, who have played a match more, with the sides meeting on Friday at Midgley Park (19:45 BST).
"There's no better game to get us going again than against Linfield, but we know it's going to be another real test for us.
"They are currently top of the league and they are there on merit having lost only one game so far and that was a narrow defeat to Cliftonville back in May.
"They will be relishing the game as they will see it as a real opportunity to inflict a bit more pain on us so we have to make sure that we don't allow that to happen."
Turner added that the side are "capable of great things" as they aim to put the tough spell behind them.
"What we have to do now is go on another run and put these defeats behind us as there are some really big games coming up for us over the next few weeks.
"We have to block out any outside noise and focus on what we have to do ourselves as that's the only thing we are in control of.
"We are a talented squad who are capable of great things, but we have to go out and show that on the pitch by producing a performance that will be good enough to get us a win."
Per ESPN, the Lions recently released Arnold after "he was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping."
After being released, Arnold cleared waivers, making him a free agent.
According to Dave Birkett, Arnold's agent, Nicole Lynn, said in a court hearing that the Colts, Jets, Seahawks, and Texans have all reached out about signing Arnold.
Houston has already worked out Arnold, and Lynn says there is a "very good likelihood" that he is signed by a team in the next 45 days.
Terrion Arnold's agent, Nicole Lynn, said in a court hearing this morning that 4 teams have reached out about signing Arnold, he had one visit this week and has another set next week. She said there is a "very good likelihood" he's signed in the next 45 days.
Arnold was a first-round pick by the Lions in 2024. For his career, he's allowed a completion rate of 59% on 134 targets, surrendering 13.4 yards per catch. He has one interception and 12 pass breakups.
Cornerback is already a crowded position group for the Colts. Charvarius Ward, Sauce Gardner, and Justin Walley will start, while Jaylon Jones, Cameron Mitchell, Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards, and Cam Taylor-Britt will compete for two to three available roster spots.
How to watch Spain v Belgium, team news, injuries, predicted line-ups and more
Spain take on Belgium in the quarter finals of the 2026 World Cup looking to set up a semi-final clash with France.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Kick-off time in the UK
Spain v Belgium kicks off at 20:00 BST on Friday 10 July.
How to watch in the UK
TV channel: BBC One
Streaming: BBC iPlayer
Team news
Nico Williams is still short of full fitness for Spain after an adductor injury, but he is their only concern.
For Belgium, Amadou Onana is out after suffering an ACL injury in the 4-1 round of 16 win over the USA. Zeno Debast has also been sidelined with a leg injury.
Belgium XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere.
Recent form
Spain beat Saudi Arabia and Austria in their group but were held 0-0 by Cape Verde in their opening game. After beating Austria in the round of 32, It took a last minute winner courtesy of Mikel Merino to see them past Portugal in the round of 16.
Belgium seem to have grown into this tournament. They drew two of their three games in the group stage, but won a 3-2 thriller against Senegal in the round of 32 and then trounced the USA 4-1 in the last round.
What’s been said?
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente: “Tomorrow’s game will be the hardest that we’ve faced to this point. Belgium is a very powerful team. These are players who are used to winning. It’s going to be a challenging match.”
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia: “We know we are playing one of the favourites. Spain are probably the best at ball possession and they have been playing in a recognisable way for 15 or 20 years.
“But we have a great team. We are the second-highest scorers in the World Cup and we are facing the team with the highest expected goals. We think we can do it.”
Seventy-eight events. Four years. 1,428 days. Scottie Scheffler's long and impressive run of cuts made is now over.
Nobody can say they saw this coming. The world number one hadn't even finished outside the top 25 in any tournament since 2024.
The four-time major winner arrived at the Renaissance Club this week targeting a first win on Scottish soil to further burnish a gleaming CV and send him into his Open Championship defence on a high.
Instead, he is packing his bags early. A two-over 72 in the second round sealed his Genesis Scottish Open fate.
Scheffler is level par at the halfway stage, with the cut expected to be two under. Knowing he likely needed a chip-in birdie on the last, he ended up with bogey to extinguish any lingering hope.
He fails to make the weekend of a PGA Tour event for the first time since the 2022 FedEx St Jude Championship. The next longest active steak of consecutive cuts made in the circuit is now Matt Fitzpatrick - on 28.
Scheffler was somewhat bemused as he tried to make sense of it all.
"It felt like nothing was going right," the 30-year-old American said.
"I didn't really feel like I played that bad. This golf course can be just tough at times. There's some humps and mounds out there.
"It's a little different now with some of the signature events not having cuts. But I don't think I finished outside of the top 20 or something like that many times this year.
"So I'm definitely proud of the consistency and wish I had a couple of days over the weekend to make up some ground."
Having battled to a 68 on Thursday, Scheffler was primed to challenge. But he made a faltering start to his second round with two bogeys - on 11 and 12 - in his opening three holes.
The two birdies he mustered on a frustrating day were cancelled out by a further pair of bogeys as his fortunes darkened in sunny East Lothian.
As Scheffler searched for positives, he can at least begin preparations for The Open at Royal Birkdale earlier than expected. But after another Scottish Open struggle, he was non-committal on whether he will be back here next year.
"This is a golf course I feel like I can play well on," he said. "I just haven't for some reason. I think this is my second missed cut here.
"It's funny. Last year, I got really frustrated on this golf course playing some good golf and just not really able to get anything going as well. Then I went and played well at The Open Championship.
"So it's suiting me well over the years. I haven't played well here but I've played pretty well at The Open. I'll reflect on that kind of at the end of the year and assess what my plans are going into next season."
Smith & in-form Fitzpatrick flying high
Ludvig Aberg, who carded a 71, is set to miss the cut by one shot, while Jon Rahm is poised to squeeze into the weekend after a superb 65 lifted him to two under.
Rory McIlroy, who shared the first-round lead with other players, was among the late starters on Friday.
In contrast to Scheffler's troubles, playing partner Matt Fitzpatrick thrived to move within one of the clubhouse lead set by fellow Englishman Jordan Smith.
Fitzpatrick, chasing a fourth win of the season, laid the groundwork with five birdies in a row from the 11th - his second hole - to charge up the leaderboard.
That momentum proved difficult to maintain as Fitzpatrick mixed three bogeys with three birdies thereafter in a 65 to reach eight under.
"Just felt like I did everything pretty solid. I feel fortunate enough to say that a lot this year," said Fitzpatrick.
"This stretch of sort of March, February onwards to now, it's definitely the best golf I've played in my career."
Smith, the world number 82, benefited from a recent break as he tore round in 63 to set the target at nine under.
"I had three weeks off, put the clubs away for a week and then came back re-energised and looking forward to this next stretch," he said.
"Things are feeling good. I'm in a good mental space and just need to keep it going."
Eaglestraining camp is fast approaching, and the roster bubble for Vic Fangio's standout defense is razor thin with little margin for error for fringe players looking to stand out. The defensive line features two potential All-Pros, while the linebacker unit has the same. The cornerback group returns two 2025 All-Pros, and Riq Woolen joins the roster, giving Philadelphia the best trio of Cornerbacks on the planet.
With camp less than one month away, we're examining under-the-radar players to know.
Shaun Wade, DB
Wade gives Philadelphia another experienced defensive back with positional flexibility. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds and has NFL experience, which matters in a secondary with several roster battles. His path is not easy, but if he can play corner, nickel, or safety in a pinch while helping on special teams, he has a chance to stay in the conversation.
Ta’Quon Graham, DE/DT
A veteran defensive lineman at 6-foot-4, 294 pounds with NFL experience. Graham can play inside or as a heavier end, and that versatility matters in a crowded defensive front.
Gabe Hall, DT
The former Baylor star is a big defensive tackle at 6-foot-6, 295 pounds from Baylor. He is not a headline name, but his frame and developmental upside make him a good camp body to monitor.
Jose Ramirez, OLB
An edge rusher from Eastern Michigan who gives the Eagles another pass-rush option near the bottom of the roster. His path is simple: make plays in preseason and show special teams value.
Keyshawn James-Newby, OLB
James-Newby is a rookie edge defender from New Mexico with a chance to push for a practice squad spot. In a crowded outside linebacker group, he needs to flash speed, effort, and finishing ability.
Tariq Castro-Fields, DB
The former Penn State standout is an experienced defensive back with size at 6-foot-1, 197 pounds. He is in a tough secondary room, but his NFL experience and corner/special teams value keep him on the radar.
Ambry Thomas, CB
The former Michigan cornerback has NFL starting experience. He is not a roster lock, but he gives the Eagles another experienced outside corner competing for one of the final DB spots.
Cole Wisniewski, Safety
The rookie safety from Texas Tech enters the NFL with intriguing size at 6-foot-3, 219 pounds. He is buried behind more established names, but that frame makes him interesting for special teams and developmental safety depth.
On Monday night, WWE legend CM Punk stunned the wrestling world when he made his return after three months away and ended Sami Zayn’s Undisputed WWE title reign after just nine days.
The victory now confirms the recent rumors that Punk is headed to SmackDown to be their top champion. According to a new report from Wrestle Votes, the switch was an eventuality because USA Network’s parent company NBC/Universal has been pushing for him to be added to the blue brand for the last year. Furthermore, as part of his move to Friday nights, the report adds he is expected to have a lengthy title reign.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five feuds we would love to see during Punk’s current run as WWE Champion.
Cody Rhodes
Credit: WWE
The belief around the industry is that Punk’s first major match as the new WWE Champion will be a clash with long-time pal Cody Rhodes. Especially after it was hinted at in April on the first RAW after WrestleMania 42. With SummerSlam being a two-night event inside the home of the Minnesota Vikings, the card needs as many big matchups as possible. There is no bigger box office clash on SmackDown than Punk vs. Rhodes.
Damian Priest
Credit: WWE
One half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Damian Priest, recently made his debut in AAA. The move could be used as an opportunity to reinvent his character away from SmackDown, and possibly as a heel. If he has success, bringing that altered personality back to SmackDown is very possible.
The one-time World Heavyweight champ has plateaued over the last couple of years and needs a new direction. Being a bad a** heel and targeting Punk could get Priest back to the main event status he had two years ago.
Kevin Owens
Credit: WWE
Sooner or later, Kevin Owens is likely to return to WWE TV. It seems like the surgery on his neck was a success, and he has been hanging around the company a lot more as of late. He has not hidden the fact that he is not a big fan of CM Punk. Making his long-time on-again/off-again friend have a short title reign could add to that disdain.
Punk vs. Owens is a dream feud for many fans and needs to happen at some point in 2026.
Shinsuke Nakamura
Credit: WWE
With WWE cutting pricey veterans on the roster who are not getting used often, Japanese legend Shinsuke Nakamura should be concerned about his spot in the company. However, if they do choose to squeeze what’s left of his “wrestling prime,” a feud with Punk could be fun.
They are two greats of the industry who have never faced off. It is another dream match/feud that long-time fans would like to see. So if WWE wants a rivalry for the champ in between major programs, Nakamura would be a strong option.
Randy Orton
Credit: WWE
We haven’t seen Randy Orton since WrestleMania 42. However, sooner or later, he will recover from his rumored back injury and return to WWE TV. Why not in a renewed rivalry with Punk? The pair of future WWE Hall of Famers have a long history in front of and behind the camera. And as two of the most tenured performers on the roster, one last battle will be a nostalgia trip long-time fans would love.
Australia's T20 franchise tournament, the Big Bash League (BBL), will kick off its 2026-27 season in India, at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium in December, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday.
Albanese announced the decision alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the latter concluded his three-day visit to Australia.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Chennai will host the BBL 16 opener between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers, with the Renegades designated as the home side. The fixture will mark the first Big Bash League match played outside Australia and is scheduled for December 12.
PM Albanese and PM Modi also unveiled the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation, aimed at strengthening sporting ties between Australia and India, according to an offcial media release.
"Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport. This sports roadmap will focus on practical priority areas such as capability building, technology and research to strengthen this cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. I am excited to expand cooperation with India on sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but boosts trade, tourism and investment," Albanese said.
The move is in part supported by the Australian Government and the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) through a Maitri grant.
The Australian Government's Maitri Program aims to deepen ties with India by promoting collaboration in education, research, and policymaking.
Addressing the event, Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of BBL, described the move as a landmark moment for Australian cricket and the league.
"Today is a huge moment for the Big Bash Leagues and for Australian cricket. Chennai is home to some of the most passionate cricket fans on the planet, and we can't wait to bring the BBL to the MA Chidambaram Stadium," Dobson said.
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Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) President TJ Srinivasaraj also welcomed the partnership, calling it a historic occasion.
“The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) is privileged to partner with Cricket Australia (CA) in this landmark occasion of staging the first-ever Big Bash League match in India,” Srinivasaraj said.
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Probabilities After Regular Time
Outcome (90 Minutes)
Probability (%)
Spain
59.2%
Draw
23.4%
Belgium
17.4%
After making your pre-game predictions, try following along and make trades as the game unfolds. In addition, you can use this time to take Spain or another team to win the World Cup.
Carla Leite is becoming one of the WNBA's fastest-rising young stars, and before Thursday night's game against the Las Vegas Aces, she reminded fans that her pregame style is attracting attention, too.
The Portland Fire guard drew plenty of buzz after Athlete Vanity shared photos of Leite arriving before tipoff, showcasing a stylish outfit highlighted by her toned abs. The look quickly made the rounds on social media as fans continued to take notice of one of the league's emerging international talents.
While Portland ultimately fell to the Aces 88-80, Leite once again showed why she's becoming one of the franchise's brightest building blocks.
Carla Leite is making a name for herself in more ways than one
At just 22 years old, Leite has quickly developed into one of the Fire's most important players during the expansion franchise's inaugural season. The French guard entered Thursday averaging 15.3 points, 5.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and an impressive 40% from three-point range. Those numbers have placed her among the WNBA's top young guards and have helped Portland remain competitive throughout its first season.
Against Las Vegas, Leite finished with a team-high 13 points while adding five assists and three rebounds. Although she struggled from the field, shooting 2-for-6, she consistently attacked the basket and converted 9 of her 11 free-throw attempts to keep Portland within striking distance. Her ability to create offense has been one of the biggest bright spots for the Fire all season.
Leite's path to the WNBA has been anything but ordinary. A native of Poissy, France, she developed through the French basketball system before starring professionally for Tarbes and later Villeneuve d'Ascq. During the 2025 EuroCup Women championship run, she earned Finals MVP honors after averaging more than 20 points per game in the title series, cementing her status as one of Europe's premier young guards.
She was originally selected ninth overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2024 WNBA Draft but remained overseas before making her WNBA debut with the Golden State Valkyries in 2025 after being selected in the expansion draft. When the league expanded again ahead of the 2026 season, Portland selected Leite in the expansion draft, giving the Fire a talented young playmaker to help build around.
That decision is already paying off.
Fire have found a cornerstone for the future
Despite Thursday's loss to the defending champion Aces, Portland continues to see encouraging signs from its young roster, and Leite has been at the center of that progress. Over her last several games, she's consistently produced offensively, including a 32-point, nine-assist performance in Portland's four-overtime thriller against Washington and a 20-point outing in a road win over Seattle. Her ability to score, facilitate and get to the free-throw line has made her one of the league's breakout players during the first half of the season.
Before Thursday's game, however, it was her fashionable pregame arrival that had fans talking first. Between her confident tunnel style and her rapidly improving play on the court, Carla Leite is becoming one of the newest faces WNBA fans should get to know.
WALDO — A pair of Wynford standouts are tuning up for the 2026 high school golf season. And Clay Rogers and Caroline Sheldon are doing so by posting wins in the process.
Rogers won the Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association tournament at Kings Mill Golf Course with a 2-over-par 72 in the boys 16-to-18 age division, while Sheldon took the girls 13-to-18 group with an 85.
"I’d say it’s mostly working on my game and playing different courses rather than my home course," Sheldon said of her summertime mindset. "My home course is Bucyrus, so it’s getting a different approach. This course is a lot tighter than Bucyrus, so that’s what led me to try out new courses for when the season does come and I have to overcome those."
It was her second HOJGA event and her second victory, but for Rogers it's his fourth win of six HOJGA events in 2026.
"My wedges (are working), and I got a new putter. Everything has been working pretty well," Rogers said. "(Winning) helps a lot with confidence moving into the season, playing in competitive things against other kids who might be a little better competition than your typical high school match."
Last year Sheldon helped the Royals to the Division II girls state tournament as they ended 10th as a team and she took 18th as an individual. She's ready for the upcoming season.
"I’m excited for our team. I love playing with all my teammates. We’re pretty good," she said. "We only lost one senior last year, so we’ll be pretty good. That’s a goal, but it will be tough to achieve of course, but I think we’ve got it.
"I definitely worked on my game a lot. My accuracy in my driving and irons have gotten better. I probably need to keep practicing my short game and putting to improve my scores like today. I’ve got to keep working on the game."
As for Rogers, he's looking to sew up the HOJGA age division championship and the scholarship money that comes with it in the next couple of weeks. Then he can focus on high school golf.
"I always want to win. I always love to win," he said. "It’s important. It’s my goal to play in college. Winning scholarship money helps for the future."
More from Kings Mill
After Rogers, Colonel Crawford's Bryant Berry was the runner-up with a 76 with Olentangy's Blake Gibson getting third with a 77, Galion's Cullen Hart getting fourth with a 78 and Olentangy's Eli Meranda getting fifth with a 79.
Following Sheldon were Olentangy's Olivia Ross with a 90, Olentangy's Leah McDowell with a 94, Pleasant's Emery Gorenflo and Upper Sandusky's Cecelia Alspach with 99s and Charlotte Turay of Delaware Hayes and Upper Sandusky's Rylee Williams with 100s.
In the boys 13-to-15 group, North Union's Alex Jolliff won with a 75. Pleasant's Jaxon Sigalet was next with an 80 followed by North Union's Jenson Stover with an 85, Pleasant's Aiden Issler with an 88 and Pleasant's Maxwell Diamond with an 89.
Marysville's Bryce Bolenbaugh won the 9-hole, 12-and-under group with a 41. Runner-up was River Valley's Riggins Pollock with a 43, while Pleasant's Maddox Sigalet and Cohen Sisler shot 45s, and North Union's Taylor Phelan shot a 61.
There were 69 golfers competing in the Kings Mill event across the four divisions. The next tournament will be July 13 at Valley View Golf Course near Galion.
HOJGA at Blues Creek
At the Blues Creek tournament June 29 in Marysville, Rogers won with a 2-over-par 73, and Olentagy's Jason Reifschneider was second with a 75, and Berry was third with a 79. Gibson, Buckeye Valley's Austin Rose and Olentangy's Drew Thomas tied for fourth with 80s.
Ross won the girls group with an 80 followed by McDowell and BV's Gracie Curtis at 88, Gorenflo at 95 and Turay at 100.
Pleasant's Kolton Crider won the 13-15 group with a 75 as Sigalet was next at 79, Jolliff at 80, Stover at 81 and North Union's Rawley Risner at 83.
Sisler was tops in the 12-and-under division with a 45. Bollenbaugh shot a 51 as did Pollock, while Phalen had a 58 and Big Walnut's Kent Kemmerling a 59.
There were 62 golfers in all four divisions.
HOJGA at Veterans Memorial
There were 57 golfers who competed during the HOJGA stop at Veterans Memorial in Kenton.
Crider had the lowest score of the day, winning the 13-to-15 group with a 3-over-par 75. He was followed by Jolliff at 78, Stover at 89, Buckeye Cenrtal's Kellen Pope at 90 and Dublin's Soren Anderson at 93.
Berry took the 16-to-18 division with a 76 ahead of Reifschneider's 77, Austin Root of Kenton's 80, Gibson's 80 and Jake Kulha of Buckeye Valley's 83.
Ross won the girls title with a 78, while Curtis had an 84 for runner-up honors. Gorenflo was next with a 94 as McDowell had a 96 and Williams a 106.
Pollock was the winner in the 12-and-under group with a 45. Bolenbaugh was second with a 49, Sisler third with a 50, Ryan Fawcett of Fairbanks fourth with a 53 and Delaware Christian's Jack Kennedy with a 58.
For those of you who have always clamored for parody in pro sports, congratulations. This is what parody looks like. At least, in the American League this MLB season, as 11 of the 15 teams in the Junior Circuit have between 41 and 48 wins through 90+ games as we approach the All-Star Break. Teams will have some tough choices to make this month as everybody has a shot to win the AL, but does any team really have a shot at anything more?
Obviously, without a salary cap we don’t truly have parody in the league and it all still feels like a contest to see who gets to lose to the Dodgers, but we do have some interesting divisional races developing with a surprise 3-team race popping up this month in the National League. Let’s get right into this week’s power ranking and see where all 30 teams stand as the league prepares to break for the Mid-Summer Classic.
Mar 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27) reacts in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
#30: Los Angeles Angels. This is the only team in the league that hasn’t been able to win 40% of their games. It’s been a painful season for the Halos.
#29: Kansas City Royals. They looked like they were going to come back to life for a moment when they scored 31 runs over a two game span, but that was just gas. They’re still dead and starting to bloat.
#28: Colorado Rockies. Look on the bright side: they’re the worst team in the NL, but there are still two teams worse than them. For now.
#27: San Francisco Giants. The Giants are right there with the Rockies at the bottom of the NL West. They need to sell off whatever they can and start over.
#26: The Athletics. The party is over. This team has lost 9 of its last 10 and has an AL-worst -84 run differential as we enter the All-Star Break.
#25: New York Mets. Firing the manager wasn’t necessarily the wrong move, but it hasn’t done anything to shake things up either. Maybe they just stink.
#24: Cincinnati Reds. It seems unfair to rank this team this low when it feels like they would be a contender in the AL. They don’t play in the AL, and this season is slipping away from Terry Francona and his squad.
#23: Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are still stagnant, sinking to the bottom of the A.L. East.
#22: San Diego Padres. They still have a better record than some of the teams ranked ahead of them, but they just aren’t very good right now. Losing 7 of their last 10 games has them well behind in the NL wild card hunt and they may end up trading away Mason Miller.
Playoff Hopefuls
May 24, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
#21: Boston Red Sox. Look who woke up! They’ve won 8 of their last 10, including a 6-game winning streak and have climbed from the cellar of the AL East and now sit just a handful of games below .500. The firesale is on hold for now.
#20: Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays are still hovering where they’ve been for the past few weeks, and now the Red Sox are right behind them in the standings.
#19: Detroit Tigers. The winner of the Skubal sweepstakes might end up being the Tigers. A recent 5 game win streak has them within striking distance of the division leaders in the Central.
#18: Arizona Diamondbacks. The division isn’t happening and it feels like the wild card race is just too crowded to think this team really has a chance with their pitching staff. It’s not likely that Corbin Burnes will make it back to contribute and it makes more sense for these guys to sell.
#17: Washington Nationals. They’re still above .500, and I think that’s going to be about the best possible final outcome for this season when all is said and done with this team. They need a pitching staff.
#16: Minnesota Twins. They’ve caught fire as of late, winning 7 of their last 10 games and jumping right into the AL Central race. They’re another team who has had recent success and have put a hold on their firesale.
#15: Houston Astros. They have hovered around .500 for the past month and they still sit just 2 games out of the top spot in the AL West. They’re a middling team that feels like a good fit right in the middle of our rankings.
#14 : Pittsburgh Pirates. If we asked fans during Spring training, they’d likely say that a .500 season would be a step in the right direction. But right now, it feels like the Bucs are leaving some meat on the bone here if that’s where they finish.
#13: St. Louis Cardinals. A wild card spot is the goal right now, but I don’t know that they will add to this roster to get there. They feel a bit rudderless to me, but they’re young and fun to watch.
#12: Cleveland Guardians. They are still treading water without Jose Ramirez. They sit tied with the White Sox atop the wide open AL Central.
Playoffs?
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) runs after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
#11: Seattle Mariners. They’re still stuck in second gear, but they’re tied for first in the West. All of their pitching should eventually separate them from the pack. If Cal Raleigh can wake up, this team will take off. Nothing has changed here.
#10: Texas Rangers. This is as low as I could rank a team that currently sits in 1st place in their division. They are just lucky they play in the AL West. I’m not quite sure how they’re doing it without Cory Seager and Wyatt Langford.
#9: Chicago White Sox. OK, and this is the second lowest I could rank a team that sits in 1st place. The Sox get a slight edge here because they’re young and more fun to watch.
#8: Miami Marlins. The fire is still burning here with the red hot Marlins. Burning in a good way, as the previously anticipated firesale has been cancelled. They’ve actually worked their way into a tie with the Phillies and sit just 3 games behind the Braves after a recent 6-game winning streak.
#7: Chicago Cubs. The Cubs sit in the front of the room in the NL Wild Card race, and it still feels like they haven’t clicked on all cylinders. They need some pitching help.
World Series Or Bust
May 1, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) celebrates after hitting a three run home run during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
#6: New York Yankees. They managed to stop the bleeding a bit by splitting a 4-game set in Tampa, so they aren’t dead in the AL East quite yet. The bats need to wake up, and the bullpen needs another arm.
#5: Philadelphia Phillies. They’ve gone .500 over their past 10 games and they are still lurking 3 games behind the Braves. Having the All-Star game in their home park seems like it could go one of two ways. It could energize them for a wild second half run, or we could see both Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper mess up their swings by trying out do each other in the home run derby. Stay tuned.
#4: Atlanta Braves. Like the Phillies, they’ve split their last 10 games, which has allowed the surging Marlins to jump into the NL East race. They are going to need to add a pitcher if they want to win this division and be a factor in the postseason.
#3: Tampa Bay Rays. They still sit with a 4 game lead after splitting 4 games with the floundering Yankees in Tampa. When the season is over, they may look at that series as a lost opportunity to put away their arch nemeses. One more win there would have them with a much more comfortable 6 game lead as we enter the break.
#2: Milwaukee Brewers. The Brew Crew keeps on chugging along. Brandon Woodruff is hurt again, which isn’t a huge shocker, but it does add an emphasis on their need for one more starting pitcher before the playoffs.
#1: Los Angeles Dodgers. What is there left to say? They have a near 15-game lead on the next best team in the West, and they are firmly in cruise control as they head towards the playoffs.
National League fixtures released for 2026/27 season
The National League has released the full fixture list for the 2026/27 season, with clubs across all three leagues now discovering their schedules ahead of the new campaign.
The season gets underway on Saturday, 8 August, with several eye-catching opening-day fixtures. Newly promoted Worthing begin life in the fifth tier with a trip to Carlisle United, while fellow newcomers Hornchurch host Kidderminster Harriers in a meeting between two promoted sides.
Elsewhere, relegated League Two clubs Harrogate Town and Barrow start their bids for an immediate return to the EFL against Solihull Moors and Hartlepool United respectively. Play-off runners-up Boreham Wood welcome Tamworth, while Forest Green Rovers kick off at home to Halifax Town.
The regular season will conclude on 24 April, before the play-offs determine the second promotion place to League Two, with the final set to be played at Wembley in early May.
Fear Kenan Yildiz could require surgery for chronic knee problem
Juventus and Turkiye star Kenan Yildiz is still struggling with a chronic tendon condition and could require surgery, claim reports in Italy.
The forward is the figure around whom the Bianconeri intend to build their squad, having given him a lucrative new contract and the iconic Number 10 jersey.
However, his performances in recent months have been visibly below par due to a recurring injury problem that has still not been resolved.
Kenan Yildiz struggling with knee issue
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus and Devyne Rensch of AS Roma battle for possession during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, this has become a chronic tendonitis that becomes inflamed every time he tries to step up the physical strain on the knee.
Playing for Turkiye at the World Cup further exacerbated the problem, where he played with the aid of heavy strapping and painkillers, and it remains to be seen if conservative treatment can fully resolve the issue.
If it isn’t, then Juventus and the player could decide to opt for surgery in the summer to clean up the tendon and then begin the rehabilitation process.
PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Yildiz is currently resting after the tournament and is expected back in Turin for pre-season training from July 20.
Arsenal have an interest in West Ham United defender Konstantinos Mavropanos
Arsenal are interested in signing West Ham United defender Konstantinos Mavropanos this summer, according to Sky Sports. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants quality depth at the Emirates and the North London club could look to sign the former Gunners player. The 6ft 4in Mavropanos played seven Premier League games for the club after joining from PAS Giannina in 2018. He left in 2021 but could be rejoining the North Londoners despite the Gunners having William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White as right-footed centre-back options.
Ian Wright believed at the time that Mavropanos is ‘going to be an Arsenal legend’, and the 28-year-old could be open to a return. He is expected to leave West Ham following their relegation to the Championship, and he is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League sides and European clubs. The Greek international had an impressive individual campaign with the Hammers, and Arsenal remaining admirers. However, it is unknown whether Mavropanos will fancy his chances of playing regularly given the options Arteta currently has in his position.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: (L-R) Conor McGregor and Max Holloway face off during the UFC 329 press conference at T-Mobile Arena on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
It’s Friday and that means its time to answer your mailbag questions!
The MMA Maniacs delivered, again, this week with lots of interesting things to pose our staff. We’ve got questions on UFC 329, hot prospects and fantasy match-making. But we’ve also got questions on the World Cup, sumo (finally!) and a very strange query about drinking stout and attacking municipal property.
Check that all out below.
Tarnished
Question: Does anyone else feel that while there is more hype than what we’ve seen in the last few years, the patina has worn a little and less excitement than what we used to have with a Conor fight? It’s going to be successful no doubt but realistically he’s never gonna be champ again, hasn’t fought in 5 years, is basically 38, has ruined his rep with most fans, etc… Do these things mean anything to the casual? (Chucs)
Andrew Richardson: Based on the success of Rousey vs. Carano, I think fame lasts a long time in combat sports, and McGregor’s return will be a huge event despite the circumstances. You gotta remember, most of us in the know who are complaining and care about his decline are the same people tuning in for Apex cards …
Tim Edwards: The promotion for this fight feels a lot like when Ronda Rousey returned to fight Amanda Nunes. It feels like everyone is just trying to get this one over the line so they can then move on. McGregor has this and another fight on his deal. I think he’s desperate to get out of it so he can go on the Jake Paul circuit or perhaps even cherry pick opponents to beat in BKFC.
I think a lot of fans are over the McGregor show at this point, too. I’m definitely reading and sensing a lot less enthusiasm for his return than I had expected. I honestly think Max Holloway is pulling a lot of weight in this match-up, as far as generating something people actually want to see. I think lots of casuals are going to tune in for this, but I don’t think there are nearly as much casuals around this sport as there were five years ago, let alone ten years ago when McGregor was relevant.
I think a lot of the casuals who were watching him back then have fallen out of love with the sport (and him). McGregor became tough watch pretty early on in his career for just how unlikable he was. Now, after a court found him liable for rape, his toxicity is at an all-time high. Personally, I don’t think he, or anyone else with his record, should have a platform to perform professional violence. I’m sure I’m not alone in being totally turned off of this fight because of that.
Jesse Holland: I think there is definitely a downgrade in pre-fight buzz and that’s for two reasons. First, McGregor is not an active fighter and is not part of the regular coverage, he just kind of showed up a few months ago to fight and nobody was even convinced he would make it to fight night. Secondly, he’s a piece of garbage who made a limp effort to rehab his image to help get this fight off the ground. I feel embarrassed to be covering this sport when I have to give real estate to dirtbags like McGregor; but not unlike that classic Teddy Atlas rant, I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I’m a lifer. Where am I gonna go?
What’s next for McGregor?
Q: Say that Conor manages to win this fight against Max. He shouldn’t get a title shot, so who would you have him fight next? (cavemanoncomputer)
Andrew Richardson: Charles Oliveira would be an appropriate next matchup, though I think it’s likely that McGregor does receive a title shot with victory …
Anton Tabuena: McGregor is not winning. If he somehow does though, I wouldn’t immediately dismiss a title shot, because that’s what will solve UFC’s “problems.” Conor wants to complete his contract and look for bigger money fights outside, and UFC wouldn’t want that unless they’ve already squeezed out all the juice they can get. UFC putting him in a title bout would either get them one last big money McGregor fight before he loses and leaves, or it locks him up in that championship clause if he somehow wins. Win-win for the UFC as always. But more likely, Max just runs him over, and McGregor probably retires or gets another terrible match up to close out his contract with the least leverage and value.
Alex Behunin: Paddy Pimblett.
Jesse Holland: Conor claims he doesn’t want to go back down to lightweight so he would have to accept a title shot at welterweight. Islam Makhachev would do him dirtier than Khabib did and if Ian Garry wins at UFC 330, you could sell the “who is the real Irish legend” storyline. Conor doesn’t deserve it and I hope it doesn’t happen but this is a business, not a sport, so it would not surprise me.
Tim Edwards: McGregor is getting another fight after this, win or lose. I think all parties are looking to squeeze the last drop out of him in UFC and then move on. He’s too expensive for the UFC to keep around and UFC fights aren’t the biggest thing he can profit with at the moment. The question for both the UFC is how do you want him walking out the door? They don’t want him walking out like a superstar and leaving any reputation damage on anyone they want to promote later. I think they’d love to set him up to get killed by a Ruffy or a Prates, but the risk might be too high just in case he does uncork a lucky punch. McGregor likely wouldn’t take that fight anyway. I think they need to match with someone who is also long in the tooth, has a shot at beating him and is someone McGregor thinks he can beat. Enter: Mike Chandler. It’s finally your time, buddy.
Francis Ngannou: good or not?
Q: Was Ngannou ever that good, or was it more a case of right place, time and physical gifts? (atcr)
Andrew Richardson: Ngannou at his peak was a physical force with dangerous kickboxing, unreal KO power, and very solid offensive/defensive wrestling. There is not an era at Heavyweight where he would not have been a title contender/champion.
Alex Behunin: I think Ngannou had the chance to become one of the best UFC Heavyweights of all time if he hadn’t gotten on Dana’s bad side. He is a physical freak and only got better with age. Ngannou vs. Aspinall? C’mon on, man. We got robbed of it.
Jesse Holland: He was definitely as good as advertised, though I do think he had an easy schedule. Most of the legends he defeated were already old and beat up by the time he got to them – and Gane can’t wrestle.
Tim Edwards: No, he was good. Punching power isn’t just about how big your muscles are. It involves timing, composure, vision and intelligence, too. His physical gifts helped him a lot, but there’s also talent there and dedication to the craft, too.
Roster busters
Q:If you were in charge of the UFC, would you change the size of the roster and/or individual divisions? If so, how? (cavemanoncomputer)
Andrew Richardson: Moving Welterweight to 175 and creating a 165 division would make a lot of sense in my eyes. There’s an abundance of talent at 155 and 170 that could support the new division and create avenues for exciting super fights/double champs down the line.
Anton Tabuena: I completely agree with Andrew on the long overdue 165 division, and I would also add women’s atomweight. I would also just close down and consolidate the heaviest divisions to have men’s 205+ and women’s 125+ as heavyweight. Instead of having paper thin heavyweight (or WBW) plus light heavyweight divisions, we’d get one much deeper division for the biggest athletes, and also get to see more talent at 165 and atomweight. I never understood the obsession with heavyweight, but those who crave one punch KOs from the biggest dudes can still watch 205 lbs and up, while the rest of the sport gets more fast paced, high level fights as a whole.
Alex Behunin: The roster is incredibly bloated right now. I believe they are at 800 fighters under contract – and while on one hand, I’m happy fighters are getting the opportunity to fight in the UFC, there are easily hundreds of fighters who are not UFC caliber (also it’s harder to get everyone on the roster more than two fights a year). I would probably axe the roster to 500-650
Jesse Holland: I might be in the minority here but I like boxing weight classes. What hurts boxing is that every weight class has 47 different belts. More weight classes means less missing weight. Give me a roster of 500, 18 weight classes (gotta have bridgerweight), one belt for each division, and a minor league feeder system like the old WEC.
Tim Edwards: Remove light heavyweight and make heavyweight start at 225 lbs. Then cut every heavyweight who gasses out after five minutes. Jokes aside, capping every roster at 20 fighters would be a dream come true. But the UFC would never allow that much talent to be off their books and fighting somewhere else.
Prime vs. Prime
Q: If you could take fighters from any era in their primes and put them against each other, who would your dream matchups be? Tony v. BJ Penn, Izzy v. Silva, etc. (cavemanoncomputer)
Andrew Richardson: I mean, does prime Tony vs. Khabib count? That’s my No. 1 pick from any time or place. As far as fighters from different eras, it would be really cool to see Georges St. Pierre against the various WW champs that came after him.
Anton Tabuena: Hmm. I’d pick former teammates Shogun vs. Wanderlei under PRIDE rules, Prime Anderson Silva vs. Prime Fedor at light heavyweight, and maybe Kimbo Slice in an early UFC tournament for the lols.
Alex Behunin: Anthony Johnson vs. Alex Pereira, GSP vs. Usman, BJ Penn vs. Anthony Pettis, Cain vs. Stipe
Jesse Holland: Prime Frankie Edgar vs. Prime Eddie Alvarez.
Tim Edwards: This isn’t terribly imaginative, but there’s so many heavyweights who need a Fedor test. Randy Couture, Brock Lesnar, Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones… pick any big guy who had a belt and have him fight prime Fedor.
Ones to watch
Q: Who is your must see/best bet future star or champ/prospect that has 3 or less fights in the UFC? (Chucs)
Andrew Richardson: This is hard. I’ll shout out my boy Issac Thomson, a guy he knocked out in Lerryan Douglas (that Erosa KO was INSANE), and Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev.
Tim Edwards: Hard agree with Andrew’s pick of Lerryan Douglas. That man is dangerous. Michelle Montague is two fights in and I think she’s definitely a title challenger at Bantamweight. You’ve also got Hokit and Steveson out there, of course.
Alex Behunin: I’m very interested and high on Jacobe Smith. He has elite wrestling that he’s hardly even shown because he’s knocking people out. I’m bummed because I think he was going to run over Kevin Holland next week.
Jesse Holland: If you can’t stop Gable Steveson’s wrestling, you can’t stop Gable Steveson. Let’s just hope he can take a punch better than that other Gopher.
Takedown defense rules the world
Q: It used to be that “The better guy on the ground wins” was a pretty solid rule, but it seems like that’s not as true anymore. do you think it still holds as a general rule or has the game evolved beyond that? (ex. Joshua Van, his TD defense is amazing and he’s the champ, same with Strickland) (LoneCowboy)
Andrew Richardson: I think it’s still true often, but the sport has developed too much for any one rule to always be true. The elite Russian wrestlers are still doing pretty dang well overall! I also think
Alex Behunin: I think it all comes down to wrestling. If you are a savage wrestler, sorry, you’re going for a ride and staying on the ground.
Jesse Holland: Seems like fewer and fewer fighters want to prioritize wrestling or jiu-jitsu these days. For some reason, most fighters are obsessed with becoming shitty strikers. I’ll take Sean Sherk’s 16 takedowns landed on Hermes Franca over Sean Strickland’s “raise a knee for no reason then flick a limp jab” any day of the week.
Tim Edwards: Strikers are definitely having a moment. I think wrestling/grappling training has gotten so much better over the last few years and it’s becoming difficult for the wrestle/submission heavy guys to get off a lot of their stuff.
Is footwork the new head mooment?
Q: Every week it seems we see someone with just awful footwork, who simply can’t cut the cage off. Do they not teach this? How can you get to such a level and have such a poor understanding of footwork? Is this due to one style of striking dominating in mma gyms? (LoneCowboy)
Andrew Richardson: A lot of gyms don’t actually train in cages that often. Imagine an MMA class with 50 fighters in it: how does everybody get cage time? In many cases, it simply doesn’t happen.
Alex Behunin: I’ll let Andrew answer if gyms teach it, but Alexa Grasso’s lack of being able to cut off the cage is truly incredible, especially because she’s a great boxer.
Jesse Holland: Footwork is like the jab, such an important (and effective) foundation for every standup attack. Here is a dirty little secret they won’t tell you – most fighters don’t want to take the time to practice the science, they just want the sweet. Smash pads, clobber the heavy bag, dodge the pool noodles. That’s why I laugh when they give you an MMA fighter’s reach. LIke it even matters these days, nobody can throw a decent jab. Those fighters who actually do want to learn how to strike the right way also have to dedicate time to wrestling, jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, etc., just not enough time in the day.
Thomas Myers: Sounds like someone bet on Andre Lima recently? Run, Kevin, run!
Finally!
Q: How would a sumo wrestler, at the Yokozuna level, do in RAF? Any chance we could see this type of crossover match and who would you recommend be sent over from the sumo community. (King7)
Tim Edwards: Thank you for giving me license to wax lyrical about the best combat sport on the planet.
With how RAF is going, I think it’s just a matter of time before they try something like this. However, you’re not going to get a yokozuna out there. Grand Sumo is a closed society and the only sumotori who end up in MMA are either retired, disgraced or both.
Our current yokozuna, Onosato and Hoshoryu, are amazing athletes for very different reasons. Onosato has incredible size and athleticism. But he’s a pure sumo wrestler. He attacks hard, fast and high. A big freestyle wrestler would get under him and dump him down easily.
Hoshoryu has the upper-hand on Onosato because of this. Though, he’s not a freestyle guy, he has a judo base to his sumo. Go look up his highlight reels on YouTube for some of the best big man judo throws you’ll ever see. He would also struggle against top freestyle wrestlers, too, since it’s just not his sport.
In sumo you lose if your hands touch the ground. The hatakikomi (slap down) is one of the most common kimarite (winning techniques) in the sport. Because wrestlers prioritize defending against that, they often leave their lower body pretty open for attacks. Things like watashikomi (a single leg takedown) and sotogake (outside leg trips) happen, but they are rare.
He’s not a yokozuna, yet, but Aonishiki might provide the answer to this question. Aonishiki was a junior national level freestyle wrestler in Ukraine. He moved to Japan as a refugee to pursue sumo and has taken the sport by storm. His sumo has a lot of freestyle DNA in it. He leans over into his opponents and attacks the lower body. His signature move is the uchimuso (inner thigh propping twist down). His style, paired with amazing athleticism and agility, helped him whip through sumo’s lower divisions and win two back-to-back top division titles in November and January. In March he had a shot to become the sport’s 76th yokozuna and the first yokozuna born in Europe. He fell short of that, though, due to both an injury and the fact that guys are finally starting to figure him out.
So, in short, an Olympic heavyweight freestyle wrestler would totally wash a yokozuna in freestyle wrestling.
Sumo still rules, though.
Quick hits
Q: How many guinnesses would it take for you to punch a fire hydrant? (Wild_Thang)
Andrew Richardson: I love doing stupid things but I would need some kind of carrot at the end of this stick. What’s my motivation? Enough to black out, I guess.
Jesse Holland: For me, Guiness is more like a dessert beer, not sure I could tolerate more than two. But for the sake of your question, I would probably pass out before getting drunk enough to punch anything. I’m not an angry drunk. That said, I do tend to get philosophical about topics that do not require philosophy, like “How many sheep are killed each year to satisfy the demand for sheepskin condoms?”
Q: If you’ve been watching what are your predictions for World Cup champion and why? (Chucs)
Andrew Richardson: I cannot name a single pro US soccer player, male or female. Apologies …
TimEdwards: I’ve been watching the premier league since I was a kid. I watch my club (Chelsea), religiously. But I’ve never been that big a fan of international football. That being said, France are probably my pick to win it Despite being an Englishman, it would be fun to see Haaland-mania to reach its final form and then a Targaryan lifting the World Cup.
Jesse Holland: I don’t even know who is playing at this point but my daughter is in love with Erling Haaland so I have to hear about his every move in her daily report.
Q: If you could move one active fighter to train with a different team, who would you send where? (FKA Pudge)
Alex Behunin: I would send Mackenzie Dern to train with Team Alpha Male or AKA so that she could actually learn wrestling. I fully believe if she could take her opponents down, she would be a truly elite champion because he BJJ is so elite.
Anton Tabuena: Yeah, Dern with a Demian Maia game plan should’ve been done a long time ago. I’m also curious on what CKB and Bareman can do with Jiri and O’Malley.
Thomas Myers: I would send Jamahal Hill to Dagestan, two years, just because.
Q: What do you think about a UFC “Pro Bowl”, where once a year, their athletes can sign up to participate in various things such as a strongman-type competition, races, skills, etc. Just a little something extra for fun (let’s pretend it wouldn’t interfere in upcoming fights). (UnderdogFan)
JESSE HOLLAND: I think the risk of injury is too great and the top stars fight so infrequently as it is. I would hate to think we lost out on the Ciryl Gane vs. Tom Aspinall rematch because Gane dropped an Atlas Stone on his big toe. Outside of that, it would still be fun to see a “Battle of the Network Stars” type of competition.
Alex Behunin: I actually pitched the UFC to do a skate competition during last years International Fight Week between Jalin Turner, Marcus McGhee, and Payton Talbott – they were afraid of injuries.
Thomas Myers: UFC refuses to do anything fun or innovative, ever. Letting UFC fighters wrestle for RAF is the closest we get.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup is quickly coming to an end with one team already securing its spot in the first semifinal match.
The tournament started with 48 teams, the largest World Cup ever, and has been whittled down to eight quarterfinal qualifiers. France took on Morocco in the first quarterfinal match, coming out on top with a 2-0 win and securing its spot in the July 14 semifinal.
France will face the winner of Spain versus Belgium on July 10 on one side of the bracket. On the other side, Norway will face England and Argentina will face Switzerland on July 11, the winner of each match going on to the July 15 semifinal match.
Seven matches have been played in Atlanta so far, and the city has one more to go.
Atlanta Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will host it's last World Cup match on July 15.
The tournament kicked off in the Peach State capital on June 15 with an incredible match between Cape Verde, in the country's first World Cup appearance, and Spain, a team still in the tournament and one of the favorites to win it all. After holding Spain to a 0-0 finish in the group stage, Cape Verde would go on to have the beginning of a Cinderella run, making it out of the group stage and ultimately forcing Argentina, the reigning champions, to come back from a deficit late in the match for a 3-2 win.
Atlanta Stadium was also the stage for England versus the Democratic Republic of the Congo, another underdog story.
DR Congo came out strong in the first half, going into the break with a lead over the long dominant England team. It was the first time the country has made it out of the group stage since qualifying for the World Cup in 1974, and DR Congo saw its first ever World Cup win against Uzbekistan just days earlier.
England ultimately relied on its captain, Harry Kane, to bring home the win with two late-match goals, pushing England into the round of 16 against Mexico.
Atlanta stadium is hosting one of two tournament semifinal matches. The other semifinal will be played in Dallas on July 14.
The winners of both semifinal matches will go on to the World Cup Final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. The losers of the semifinal matches will go to a match for third place on July 18 at Miami Stadium.
Yes, there are still a few dates left at the official fan festival in Centennial Park.
The free general admission tickets for July dates are sold out, but additional late-entry general admission tickets are being released on Friday, and tickets for purchase are still available.
The fan festival will be open on July 11 from 3 p.m. to midnight, July 14 from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and July 15 from noon to 10:30 p.m.
Ludacris will perform on July 14 on the festival stage. The Atlanta artist will also perform at the Atlanta World Cup Final watch party in Piedmont Park on July 19.
Irene Wright covers the FIFA World Cup as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
Jul 4, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Royals have usually been bad for the past, oh, three, four decades for a litany of reasons, but one consistent contributing reason has been that they just don’t know when to say goodbye to a player in service of the greater good. David DeJesus. Joakim Soria. Danny Duffy. Kelvin Herrera. Whit Merrifield. Scott Barlow. All those players were true premium trade pieces at one point, but the Royals didn’t pull the trigger on leveraging any of them until after their value tanked. Add Kris Bubic and Cole Ragans to the list, while we’re at it.
Why would teams want to trade their good players? It’s pretty simple: good players have a lot of present value, and good prospects have a lot of future value. Depending on how talented your team is, you might want to exchange some of that future value for present value or vice versa. Trading big league players for prospects is a way for bad teams to make use of their talent in a way that works better for their timeline.
But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy. Have you ever had to go to your boss and explain that you and your team screwed up so badly that you’re recommending your company lose money now with the hope that they make more in the future? That’s what it’s like for general managers to sell these decisions to ownership. Still, that’s part of the job, and if you have players that could be interesting trade assets, it makes it easier.
Fortunately for the Royals, they have a few players who are could be trade assets. Chief among them are starting pitchers Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. Wacha has arguably been the singular most reliable starting pitcher in the American League for the last three seasons, while Lugo has pitched decently and is two years removed from being the Cy Young runner up. Kansas City is also a very bad baseball team who sealed its fate months ago; it simply doesn’t matter if they lose 90 or 120 games this year because they’re not making the playoffs and they can’t guarantee any spot in the draft thanks to the lottery system.
Are the Royals thinking about trading either? The answer is, predictably, no; get off their lawn.
About a month ago, The Athletic reported that the Kansas City Royals were not as comfortable trading right-handers Seth Lugo and/or Michael Wacha as they were parting with catcher Freddy Fermin at last year’s deadline.
Nothing has changed since, even though the Los Angeles Angels are the only team with a worse record than the Royals in the American League.
A year ago, the Royals knew Carter Jensen was nearly ready for the majors, making Fermin expendable. They have no such potential replacements for Lugo and Wacha. And with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and third baseman Maikel Garcia signed long-term, they do not plan to rebuild.
The Royals, according to people briefed on their plans, are telling clubs they will listen on Lugo and Wacha, but their asks will be massive.
You can tell a lot about a team’s willingness to deal a player based on how they are marketing a player. If you have ever played literally any fantasy sport, you know that there is a huge, huge difference between “I am going to listen to trade offers on my available players” and “I am actively seeking to find the best return on my available players.” The latter requires you to hit the group chat, pick up the phone, do some wheeling and dealing.
And here’s the thing: I’ve seen this whole song and dance before. We all have. Kansas City has an asset that has value on the trade market. They’re a good, well-liked player who is integral to whatever position group they’re a part of. But they just drag their feet on getting a trade done, and so it doesn’t happen. Does this quote sound familiar to you? It’s from Dayton Moore at the 2021 trade deadline, but it might as well have come out of JJ Picollo’s mouth yesterday (emphasis mine).
“As it pertains to us, don’t expect us to do any deals moving our core group of specially positioned players and starting pitchers that we feel are part of our future,” Moore said. “Of course, we’ll evaluate every potential deal that’s out there, but I would basically categorize it as, we’ve really got to be overwhelmed if we’re going to move one of our key contributors to this team and those players that we feel are key contributors in the future.
“We like our farm system. We feel like we have a lot of young players on the horizon that will be part of our team in ‘22 and ‘23. We’re going to continue to trust our scouting and player development to produce prospects and not necessarily rely on trades to strengthen our farm system.”
What happened in 2021, you might ask? Well, the Royals didn’t trade Merrifield and they lost a bunch of games. Then the next year, they still lost a bunch of games and eventually traded Merrifield, but by that point his value had declined so much they might as well have not bothered.
The other factor here is that the Royals seem to think they’ll be competitive in 2027. I don’t know where they’re getting that vibe from. Bubic and Ragans are closer to never pitching again than they are to making any reliable starts for the team. Salvador Perez is washed. The entire bullpen needs replacing. The Triple-A and Double-A clubs both stink out loud and are bereft of meaningful talent. This team desperately, desperately needs to retool.
I think we all know what will happen here because I’ve seen the Royals use this exact playbook before. Here’s a guess: the Royals won’t trade Wacha or Lugo this month or in the offseason. Next year, the Royals will continue to be a bad team. And at the deadline, they’ll end up trading one or both anyway, and for less than they would have gotten this year because both will be worse next year.
I don’t like this movie. I’ve seen it. But we seem cursed to watch it again.
FILE PHOTO - Benfica Coach Jorge Jesus gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Benfica Lisbon and Bayern Munich. Peter Kneffel/dpa
Jorge Jesus was announced as the new Portugal coach on Friday, which could have implications for Cristiano Ronaldo's international future.
The 41-year-old said he would take time to mull whether he will continue to play for Portugal after the World Cup last-16 exit to Spain on Monday. Jesus was his coach at Al-Nassr when the pair won the Saudi League last season.
"Today a new journey begins. Welcome to the national team, Mr Jorge Jesus," the Portuguese football association wrote on social media.
Portuguese media had long reported that Jesus would succeed Roberto Martinez, who left following the Spain defeat.
According to the reports, the 71-year-old is signing a contract until 2030 when Portugal co-hosts the next World Cup.
One of Linda Nosková or Karolina Muchová will become the third Czech woman in four years to win Wimbledon on Saturday, but neither can explain the “tradition” in south-west London.
Ninth seed Nosková and 10th seed Muchová put their friendship to one side to battle on Centre Court for the Venus Rosewater Dish and aim to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Barbora Krejcikova and Marketa Vondrousova, who were crowned champions in 2024 and 2023.
An incredible run of triumphant Czech players at the All England Club does not end there, though, with Petra Kvitova a twice winner after Jana Novotna was officially the country’s first female champion here in 1998.
However, perhaps the remarkable connection can be charted back to Prague-born Martina Navratilova, who won the singles title on a record nine occasions while representing the United States.
“It’s a tradition at this point,” Nosková said, when quizzed on the topic after a straight-sets win over Marta Kostyuk.
“Grass allows us to kind of use any side of tennis, if it’s serve and volley back in the old days, if it’s slices and volleys in this new era. I would say that we have all these sides that we can use that grass allows us and it’s showing.
“We have so many tennis schools in Czech, even though we’re such a small country. We have so many great coaches that have been working with the greatest players worldwide.
“I really don’t know. If I knew, I guess all the other countries would have been doing the same thing. I’m proud of our country for having all these great champions.”
Muchová battled through a roller-coaster semi-final with Coco Gauff and survived match point before she triumphed a 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (12/10) score.
Eight years older than Nosková and a runner-up at the French Open three years ago, not even Muchová can explain the Czech dominance at Wimbledon before a final against her Olympics doubles partner.
World number nine Muchová said: “It’s nice to get that question because it’s so good for the sport in our country.
“We are such a small country. We have great history of Czech tennis. Definitely the fact that there is so many of us.
“Myself, when I was younger, looking up to the girls who were like maybe five years older than I was, you can just see them doing so well so it gave me the belief that I can do it as well.
“It’s nice that we’re from such a small country and we have so many good players.”
Muchová and Nosková practised on Centre Court on Thursday ahead of their maiden appearance at the venue and one of them will win a first grand slam in their second match in the historic arena.
“As a kid, I had no idea how special this tournament was,” Nosková, 21, said.
“With Karolina actually, we had a warm-up there and it was my first-ever time being there not even as a spectator, so it was a nice moment.
“But I would say I have not even realised it still because I was focusing on the match. Now I’m focusing on the next match! Like I said, after the whole tournament finishes, I guess I will have to look at the photos to believe all this.”
UK wildcard Arthur Fery’s dreams of a Wimbledon final were ended in comprehensive fashion by French Open champion Alexander Zverev in Friday's semi-final.
The Briton has been the story of the fortnight far beyond UK shores with his run to the last four as an unheralded 23-year-old ranked 114.
But Zverev, having finally won a Grand Slam in Paris last month, was a significant step up from any of Fery’s previous opponents and the second seed powered his way to a 7-6 (7-0), 6-2, 6-4 victory.
Zverev becomes the first German man since Boris Becker in 1995 to make the final here, while he now joins a select group of players to have reached the trophy match at each grand slam.
The 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup fixture details have been confirmed.
Munster will open their Champions Cup campaign at home to Racing 92 on 17 October, a day after the 10th anniversary of Anthony Foley's death.
The province said it is in talks with Cork GAA about hosting the fixture at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Munster will also travel to Bristol Bears and holders Bordeaux-Begles before welcoming Gloucester to Thomond Park.
Beaten 2026 finalists Leinster begin their latest bid for a fifth title away to Clermont on 17 October.
They will host Sale Sharks and Pau at yet-to-be confirmed home venues before travelling to Leicester Tigers.
Connacht host Saracens on 17 October and travel to Exeter Chiefs before hosting six-time champions Toulouse in Galway. Their final game is away to La Rochelle.
In the Challenge Cup, Ulster face away games against Bayonne and Dragons and away ties with Zebre and Perpignan, with Richie Murphy's side hoping to go one better after losing this year's final to Montpellier.
Champions Cup fixtures (times BST & GMT)
Munster
17 October - Munster v Racing 92, TBC, 20:00
12 December - Bristol Bears v Munster, Ashton Gate, 20:00
10 January - Bordeaux-Begles v Munster, Stade Chaban Delmas, 16:15
16 January - Munster v Gloucester, Thomond Park, 17:30
Leinster
17 October - Clermont Auvergne v Leinster, Stade Marcel-Michelin, 15:15
12 December - Leinster v Sale Sharks, TBC, 17:30
9 January - Leinster v Pau, TBC, 17:30
16 January - Leicester Tigers v Leinster, Welford Road, 20:00
Connacht
17 October - Connacht v Saracens, Dexcom Stadium, 17:30
13 December - Exeter Chiefs v Connacht, Sandy Park, 13:00
9 January - Connacht v Toulouse, Dexcom Stadium, 20:00
16 January - La Rochelle v Connacht, Stade Marcel Deflandre, 17:30
Challenge Cup fixtures
Ulster
17 October - Zebre v Ulster, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, 15:15
12 December - Ulster v Bayonne, Affidea Stadium, 13:00
10 January - Perpignan v Ulster, Stade Aime Giral, 13:00
16 January - Ulster v Dragons, Affidea Stadium, 15:15
After crushing a home run in his first career at bat during Thursday night’s 4 to 1 win over the Athletics, Valencia is set to make his first Major League start on Friday as the designated hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies.
A Reward for Perseverance
Valencia’s journey to the big leagues has been anything but easy. After overcoming injuries and an inconsistent start to the 2026 season at Triple A Toledo, the 26 year old continued to work his way back into the Tigers’ plans.
Hinch praised Valencia for refusing to let early struggles define his season.
“He could have easily gotten buried this season,” Hinch said via the Detroit News. “And he didn’t. So I’m proud of him for being tough enough to handle the early struggles and then find himself playing well right when we need him.”
That perseverance paid off in dramatic fashion with one swing that immediately became one of the Tigers’ most memorable moments of the season.
Hinch’s Message to Every Rookie
Before making his Major League debut, Valencia received the same advice Hinch gives every player receiving their first call to the majors.
“These guys always come in my office before the game when they get here, and I just remind them to keep playing,” Hinch said. “You know, play your game and not try to make this level any bigger than it already is. I mean, forever you’re reaching for the big leagues. You’re aspiring to do something great, and then you get here and you hold on to it so hard that you might lose a little bit of your natural ability.”
Hinch continued by explaining why he tries to keep those first day nerves in check.
“So I try the best I can to get them to smile and acknowledge the success just to get to that point, you’re in my office, before your major league debut, and then go out and play.”
Valencia certainly followed that advice, launching a towering home run in his first trip to the plate.
Friday Brings Another Opportunity
Valencia’s debut performance only reinforced what the Tigers already believed.
In fact, Hinch revealed the rookie had already earned Friday’s start regardless of Thursday night’s outcome.
“He was going to be in the lineup tomorrow even if he punched out on three straight pitches,” Hinch said. “But we’re going to get him in the mix because we believe in him. And after today, I think he’s going to believe in himself as much as he ever has.”
Detroit will now get another look at one of its most intriguing young hitters as Valencia makes his first Major League start Friday night against the Phillies. After a dream debut, the Tigers hope it’s just the beginning.
HENDERSON, NEVADA - MAY 20: Jermod McCoy #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders practices during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 20, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yet, many Raiders fans are not worried about it. I agree.
Las Vegas has yet to sign first-round pick (and No. 1 overall choice) quarterback Fernando Mendoza and fourth-round pick, cornerback Jermod McCoy. There are currently less than 10 unsigned draft pick around the league and two of them are Raiders.
Still, I don’t think there’s much to be concerned about.
The only first-round draft picks who are unsigned are Mendoza and fellow quarterback Ty Simpson, who was the No. 13 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams. They were the only two quarterbacks taken in the first round.
There has been media speculation that both players are unsigned because of details with secondary contract language such as guarantee payout scheduling, offset language and voiding rules. So, it’s just a matter of time.
In McCoy’s case, a signing delay may be related to his injury status. The Tennessee product was considered a first-round talent but his stock fell because of injury concerns. So, there could be some contract language involved with his injury status.
These things will work out and it seems our readers get that. Here are some of your responses:
AA Raider
Think McCoy is going to be the most difficult just because where he was picked was so far below his value.
U_of_Mars
no
Keithg813
Mendoza’s agent is waiting for Ty Simpson to sign to use the guarantee money language in Mendoza’s contract. It will get done.
Everton's Academy has been through some rough times in recent years, with few trophies to celebrate, and even fewer players making it through the development levels to become fully fledged Premier League stars.
The days of local talent seamlessly making it through to the first team seem a distant memory. While the case of Anthony Gordon — our last big academy product — signing for Barcelona after a highly successful spell with Newcastle United could be cited as a success story, it comes with the rather embarrassing caveat that he only joined the Everton Academy in 2012 as an 11-year-old after having been released by Liverpool. We didn't discover him; we just picked up our neighbours' discarded dross.
Much of the criticism directed at Finch Farm over the last decade has focused on a persistent "jobs for the boys" culture. Under the former regime, ex-players frequently seemed to be handed plum development roles, leaving fans to question their actual qualifications for such roles that should be critical to the modern infrastructure of top-flight professional football.
David Unsworth was the prime example. He presided over a period of heavily mixed fortunes for the Young Blues, winning the Premier League 2 (then the Under-23 trophy) twice — first in 2017 and again in 2019. Yet, while those trophies looked nice in the cabinet, the actual output was damning. Unsworth's teams were often built around physically mature 22-year-olds who dominated youth football but completely lacked the skills and spirit needed along the pathway to the top tier, eventually slipping down into the EFL wilderness.
When Unsworth departed, Paul Tait stepped up, putting in 8 years of dedicated service across the U18s and U21s. But this week, the club finally drew a line under that entire era.
The New Dawn: Clearing the Decks
Following a comprehensive, 6-month strategic review led by Technical Director Nick Cox, the club announced a sweeping restructure that completely abolishes the traditional U21 Head Coach role. Paul Tait has left the club, bringing an end to his 16-year association with the Blues.
Instead of comfortable continuity, Everton appear to be finally implementing a highly modern, streamlined leadership structure under new Academy Director Dean Rastrick, who arrived this summer with an elite youth-development pedigree from Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City.
The new structure signals a massive shift toward accountability and specialised progression of young developing talent:
David Hughes (Head of Academy Player Development): Joining after a stint at Newport County and prior elite academy experience at Manchester United, Hughes takes on a massive, unified remit. He will directly oversee the U21 group, bridging the gap between youth football and first-team demands.
Carl Darlington (Head of Academy Coach Development): After a steadying hand as interim director, Darlington returns to a permanent role focused purely on elevating the quality of coaching across all age groups.
Nick Chadwick (PDP Senior Coach & Loans Programme Manager): In a vital move for modern football finance, former Everton Aademy graduate Chadwick will explicitly manage the development and outward loaning of players.
Ben Dickson: Earns a well-deserved internal promotion to Head of Academy Recruitment.
Why This Matters in the Friedkin Era
This complete overhaul isn't just about shifting names on office doors; it represents a fundamental change in philosophy driven by The Friedkin Group's broader mandate to make Finch Farm a productive pipeline.
Under SCR constraints, homegrown talent is quite literally worth its weight in gold. Pure profit on the balance sheet is what keeps modern clubs alive. Yet, our current reality was starkly highlighted by this summer’s standard academy cull, where 12 players — including Roman Dixon and Francis Okoronkwo — were released upon their contracts expiring, sparked by long-standing injuries and a lack of belief that they could break into David Moyes's rigid first-team squad structure.
We can no longer afford to run a finishing school for players destined for League One. The academy must exist to build modern, dynamic athletes capable of stepping out at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and performing in the top flight, or generating vital trading capital.
Nick Cox and Dean Rastrick are finally bringing an elite, audited, and unsentimental structure to a department that felt stagnant for far too long. The "old boys' club" is officially dismantled. Now, the real work begins.
Reader Comments (48)
Dave Abrahams
1 Posted
09/07/2026 at
15:16:03
Give this new Everton Academy 12 months and hopefully the start of long-awaited new ideas and new faces, no disrespect to Ben Dickson who earns a “well deserved internal promotion as Head of Academy Recruitment".
How long as he been with Everton and what was his former position at Everton? I've never heard of him.
Apart from that, it's like New Year's Eve — out with the old and in with new.
John Collins
2 Posted
09/07/2026 at
16:34:18
The key to fast-tracking the future of a club that can't afford to buy big.
Grow a team of kids together, at all levels. All levels play the same formation. The kids grow together, fight together.
Tony Abrahams
3 Posted
09/07/2026 at
16:50:12
I can see the pros... but I can also see the cons, John.
John Collins
4 Posted
09/07/2026 at
17:00:36
Thanks, Tony.
You have first-hand experience in this so I'm always interested in your thoughts. What don't you like about it, mate?
Eric Myles
5 Posted
09/07/2026 at
17:10:16
"Under SCR constraints, homegrown talent is quite literally worth its weight in gold. Pure profit on the balance sheet is what keeps modern clubs alive."
SCR is based on revenue, not profit?
Eric Myles
6 Posted
09/07/2026 at
17:12:55
"Following a comprehensive, 6-month strategic review..."
So where's the 200-point action plan?
Steve Brown
7 Posted
09/07/2026 at
17:54:02
Everton Academy aka the Everton Former Player's Foundation.
It will be exciting to build a strong pipeline of young players for Moyes to ignore.
Bill Gall
8 Posted
09/07/2026 at
18:13:57
Hardly worth developing youth players if they have no chance of first team experience with David Moyes.
He prefers the older more experienced player.
Ian Wilkins
9 Posted
09/07/2026 at
18:25:43
This reorganisation and cultural shake-up is much needed and long overdue.
It may take some time to deliver an improved talent stream but at least there is a plan to do so.
Brendan McLaughlin
10 Posted
09/07/2026 at
19:24:01
Not so much revolution as evolution at Finch Farm.
Other than the head honcho, all but one of the guys mentioned appear to be existing Everton employees.
John Pickles
11 Posted
09/07/2026 at
19:31:59
The new guy may find Luke Garbutt and Francisco Júnior hiding in a cupboard.
Mike Gaynes
12 Posted
09/07/2026 at
20:54:31
Remember, folks, Nick Cox left Manchester United to join us -- after overseeing a development operation that put41 Academy players through to actual appearances at Old Trafford. That's a hell of a resume.
This changeover also explains why some young Academy players considered promising have moved on. Cox and his new team clearly want to choose and develop their own.
Brendan #10, not quite correct. Cox joined us last year. He immediately hired Hughes and Chadwick. He just hired Rastrick to be his Number 2. The only holdovers from before Cox landed are Darlington and Dickson. Tait's departure after so many years appears to be clear evidence of the new era.
This is exactly what I hoped for and expected from Cox. And I hope and expect that Director of Scouting James Smith (recruited from Man City) is doing exactly the same thing with our recruitment setup. He has apparently kept on Head of Scouting, Lee Sargeson.
Tony Abrahams
13 Posted
09/07/2026 at
20:58:53
I would be worried about a lack of experience at first team level, John.
Everything else makes loads of sense, especially coaching the younger teams to play like the first team. I think this was the reason that Forest had a lot of success bringing a lot of young players through into the first team when I was there all those years ago.
I remember in the season that we came 4th under David Moyes, Everton's full team getting a total football lesson off a team of kids from Arsenal in the League Cup. The Arsene Wenger way was completely ingrained into those young kids and, even though we lost, for a footballing purist like myself, it was a night when I just sat back and thoroughly enjoyed getting entertained by some marvellous young players.
I don't think any of those kids went on to really make the grade. The only reason I could think of was that they must have struggled once they moved away from playing the total football that Arsenal played during that period.
I see there has just been a massive revamp at our academy, and not before time, I'd say. But until we go and get ourselves some innovation, I won't be getting excited about things changing that much.
If we could achieve what you wrote @2 though, John, I think it would be absolutely brilliant to see. Just to see Everton win a cup again would be fantastic, but if we started developing our own players and winning, then that would be beautiful to see.🤞
Brendan McLaughlin
14 Posted
09/07/2026 at
21:19:19
Thanks Miike #12,
That puts a different, much more positive, slant on it entirely.
Ian Horan
15 Posted
09/07/2026 at
21:31:27
Tony @13,
The ethos of all teams playing the same was Brands's ideology in the early days of Moshiri when Brands was Director of Football.
The problem was alleged Unsworth went crying to tiny tears BPBB because he wanted to win Premier League 2. To be fair, they did... but playing the Unsworth way. Total irony is none of that team made it long term in the first team.
Andrew Merrick
16 Posted
09/07/2026 at
22:02:51
Reading this piece and the14 comments so far gives me some hope.
As Dave says at 1, out with the old in with the new.
No overnight sensation here though, as this will not prove its worth for a few years yet.
Overdue but welcome and very much in line with the new owners strategy.
Michael Kenrick
17 Posted
09/07/2026 at
22:17:11
I remain to be convinced.
What is the metric here? It's obviously not winning trophies for the Academy sides as that did Unsworth absolutely no good at all.
Mike says it's young players making senior appearances. But surely making just one appearance -- which a lot of our lads have done in the past before they disappeared to oblivion -- means next to nothing.
It has to be players coming through to be an intrinsic part of the senior squad. But how long do you give it? Coz that ain't happening in one or two or three seasons.
Or the model other clubs seem to profit from: selling them on for a substantial fee.
Brendan McLaughlin
18 Posted
09/07/2026 at
22:17:48
Ian #15
Moshiri brought the DOF model to Everton and with that a handsomely rewarded Marcel Brands,
The suggestion that Unsworth's agenda was allowed to trump Brands just isn't credible.
Ian Horan
19 Posted
09/07/2026 at
22:45:59
it was, Brands was interviewed on Dutch TV a and stated that was the case. we all knew tiny tears always kept his old boys happy as his sychophants happy backed Tiny Tears agenda
Brendan McLaughlin
20 Posted
09/07/2026 at
22:59:50
Ian #19
If it happened as you allege I'm pretty sure that the Brands interview would have featured heavily on ToffeeWeb.
Must have missed that one... nor do I recall anyone referencing it till now.
Any chance of a link?
John Collins
21 Posted
09/07/2026 at
23:20:05
Tony,
Good post mate,and a good point on experience.
You will know what it's like when a team grow together and garner the "you fight one you have to fight eleven."spirit.
Your right though.The Utd team of kids were exceptional and a one off really.
Mike Gaynes
22 Posted
09/07/2026 at
23:52:16
Michael #17, all you could ever want to know about Nick Cox's priorities, metrics for success, methods and willingness to change a club's youth ecosystem is contained in this profile in The New York Times/The Athletic profile from 2024, when he was still running and reworking United's Academy:
It's behind a paywall but if you wanted to read and excerpt it, I'm sure you'll be able to.
Of course you remain to be convinced. We all do. The Academy is yet another aspect of an overall TFG plan that likely will take years to carry through and execute. And you're right, it won't be a matter of a season or three. This is a long, slow process necessitated by a decade or more of neglect.
What I'm convinced of is that TFG have hired the right man to rebuild the Academy into a foundational piece of the club's eventual success.
Annika Herbert
23 Posted
10/07/2026 at
03:08:14
We can only hope this works out well. It may take some time but the rewards could be worth waiting for.
I just hope I live long enough to see any rewards. 41 players is impressive, but how many of them were actually any good?
Fingers crossed this move produces positive results
Paul Griffiths
24 Posted
10/07/2026 at
03:39:04
MG, genuine question out of interest: how many of those 41 Academy players have actually become regular PL players?
Paul Tait. Not our Paul Tait I believe. But what has happened to our Paul Tait?
Paul Griffiths
25 Posted
10/07/2026 at
05:01:02
Another one for MG.
What is the Academy set up in 'merica: do clubs have academies, is there a national academy?
I ask because if they exist it doesn't seem to me that they are doing a good job when you look at the starting XI v Belgium for a country of what 350Mish.
Eric Myles
26 Posted
10/07/2026 at
05:24:27
PG, I was told yesterday by a sports management bod that in US it is the parents that fund the development of their kids, not the clubs. This, I was told, is because clubs don't get development fees when the kids move on somewhere else, so the clubs don't invest in them.
Over to you MG, is this guy correct? I'm assuming he is talking only about those who have not signed professional forms.
Paul Griffiths
27 Posted
10/07/2026 at
05:29:38
And that's the key period Eric - ' those who have not signed professional forms'.
Mike Gaynes
28 Posted
10/07/2026 at
06:24:10
PG #24,
I don't know. I've never seen (or looked for) an actual list. Some of those 41 (or 35) players were sold on to other clubs, in the PL and other leagues. One of 'em is anchoring our midfield, brilliantly. Another has led Napoli to first- and second-place finishes in Serie A the past two seasons. Others that come to mind off the top of my head are Rashford, Welbeck, Elanga and Henderson.
Our Paul Tait has been recently dismissed in this transition. I believe he's the guy that Rastrick replaced.
Paul Griffiths
29 Posted
10/07/2026 at
06:38:24
Not Rashford MG. He's 28. Cox was in charge for 6 years mate. Welbeck is 35.
Wow, so the Paul Tait on here was Finch Farm's Paul Tait? I had no idea.
I'd love to hear your views on academies over here.
Mike Gaynes
30 Posted
10/07/2026 at
06:41:04
PG #25, all the MLS clubs have academies. So do a number of European clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG. And there are also elite private academie$ that promi$e to make your kid a $tar. If your parents haven't got the $cratch, good luck to ya.
For competitive reasons, the private academies emphasize winning silverware over each other, not developing players with professional abilities. The parents send their kids to the academies that win national titles. That's the single biggest reason the USA sucks at developing top players who really know how to play the game.
This USA lineup was actually the most talented we've ever put out there, but many of those players were developed in Europe, either born there (Dest, Robinson, Tillman) or left the US as youngsters to join overseas academies (Pulisic, Balogun, Weah).
There is no national youth academy, and a national training center has only recently been established. Nor are there national programs for identifying poor kids in South Texas or Arizona who have the skills.
Mike Gaynes
31 Posted
10/07/2026 at
06:44:14
PG, Cox was in overall charge at MU for 6 years, following 3 years as head of academy operations, so 9 years altogether. That covers Rashford. My mistake on Welbeck.
Paul Griffiths
32 Posted
10/07/2026 at
07:04:35
Rashford made his debut for Man U in 2016 MG. He scored twice.
This has to be addressed Mike.
There is no national youth academy, and a national training center has only recently been established. Nor are there national programs for identifying poor kids in South Texas or Arizona who have the skills.
God knows how many potential stars have been deported or lurk unseen. In Blighty those working class council estates are targeted.
Peter Gorman
33 Posted
10/07/2026 at
07:15:25
If Rashford counts as one of Cox's products then since the time of his debut, the standout names to me of the many kids that have made at least one appearance for Utd are;
Axel Tuanzebe (played in WC for Congo)
Scott McTominay
Angel Gomes
Tahith Chong (also played at WC)
James Garner
Mason Greenwood
Dean Henderson
Anthony Elanga
Hannibal
Tom Heaton
And of course, Kobbie Mainoo.
Over a similar period, our standout graduates would be;
Anthony Gordon
Er..
Harrison Armstrong (fingers crossed)
Mike Gaynes
34 Posted
10/07/2026 at
07:30:32
PG, tragically nobody wants to pay for programs like that. The wealthier sports have them. Major League Baseball pays for academies in the Dominican Republic. The NBA pours money into AAU and USA Basketball and 5-Star for developing teenagers. The NFL has huge-money college football to draw upon.
US soccer is, and always will be, a distant fifth on the money totem pole, both for TV revenues and for salaries. The median MLS salary is exactly $352,104. The National Hockey League, 4th behind the others I mentioned, pays a median of $2.5 million.
There's no money in footy in the US.
Paul Griffiths
35 Posted
10/07/2026 at
07:36:49
McTominay is 29 Peter, Axel Tuanzebe is 28, Angel Gomes is 25, Tahith Chong is 26, James Garner is 25, Dean Henderson is 29, Anthony Elanga is 24.
ERM, Tom Heaton is 40.
Hannibal and Greenwood at 23 are marginally linked to Cox's 6 years in charge - I know he had 3 years before he took over but he was not in charge.
Cox had no pivotal role in the development of at least 7 players on your list.
And Rashford made his debut before Cox arrived.
Paul Griffiths
36 Posted
10/07/2026 at
07:37:47
Cheers MG - 34 - that is so revealing.
Ian Bennett
37 Posted
10/07/2026 at
07:42:14
Let's see with the academy. It needs real money and top people to turn around the perception that Everton is locally the 4th best option for emerging talent.
Even then, city, Liverpool and United are then taking the cream from other academies as they near U16s, U17s.
Jobs for the boys was certainly never going to help. Nor the message to parents that Everton's recent success was to raise X to keep the club afloat. It may have been true, but it is hardly a marketing strap line for kids to turn down City, Liverpool, or United.
United have a proud boast around graduates being in every match day squad since God was a boy, City provide effectively a private education, top coaches and facilities. RS trade off those european nights. What is our sell?
Tony Abrahams
38 Posted
10/07/2026 at
07:51:31
Cox, gets credit for his time at Man Utd, but United, have been developing their own young talent for at least sixty years. No club, has done it better, so hopefully he learned a lot whilst he was there.
Paul Griffiths
39 Posted
10/07/2026 at
08:22:17
95 apparently Tony. Totally agree.
Peter Gorman needs to check ages against Cox's tenure TA.
I'd like to know who those 35 debutants are who Cox claims credit for in his 6 years in charge and 3 years in the group.
Have Man-U had 35 debutants in the last 9 years and, if so, how many were in the League Cup or Europa League/Conference?
Paul Griffiths
40 Posted
10/07/2026 at
08:33:40
We've had more than a few Academy lads debut over the last 9 years.
Peter Gorman
41 Posted
10/07/2026 at
08:50:23
Paul G - yeah, I was just having a bit of fun with Tom Heaton.
The others all made their debuts after Rashford, I've no idea if Cox was party to their development because I've no idea which 9 years we are talking about.
As for our own academy graduates - those are the only standouts for me. Maybe Ellis Simms deserves a shout out. Tom Cannon at a push, but we're stretching the definition a bit.
Annika Herbert
42 Posted
10/07/2026 at
08:51:46
That’s a pretty impressive list of players produced through the United youth system. If Cox can produce even half those numbers in the coming years he will have been a roaring success.
I just hope I survive long enough to see some of his efforts come to fruition
But how the fuck is this right - 241 Tom Heaton 8 December 2021 BSC Young Boys 35?
In other words, like Man-U we can start young debutants in the League Cup, right Moyes?
Peter Gorman
45 Posted
10/07/2026 at
09:34:33
Tom Heaton shouldn't be on that list at all, IMO.
Yes, he was once in Utd's academy but he made that debut at the ripe old age of 35 having re-signed from Aston Villa and having already made his England debut with Burnley (I think).
Not exactly a direct pathway.
As to the other names, yes most of them have disappeared or are now eking out a living in the lower leagues, just as most of our graduates do
But the number is still fairly impressive, even accounting for league cups and dead-rubbers in Europe.
Alan J Thompson
46 Posted
10/07/2026 at
10:25:38
Did anyone mention a young 17 year old central defender who went on to play for England and Burnley and keeps getting his contract extended by his present club? Still, wouldn't be a list without at least one blotch and Garner like Steve Coppell started with Tranmere didn't they, and how many let go never having made United's first team made it somewhere else?
47 Posted
10/07/2026 at
12:52:32
Ian@37, that’s why I keep repetitively saying that nothing will change until we get people with real innovation inside the club, mate.
My guess is that only a small percentage of kids will be worried about educating themselves because they think they’re going to be professional footballers, (education might have to be forced upon some kids, but it’s absolutely vital, imo) so the best way for them to achieve their goals, is through hard work and very good coaching.
We have got to create a much better pathway so that young footballers believe they have got a real chance of coming through at Everton, because this is something that has been lost since Everton, got rid of Martin Waldron, and went down the director of football route.
If I’m being honest I wouldn’t put my kid anywhere near any club, in the EPL, if he had a choice of clubs, simply because with the money these clubs now have to sign players from all over the world, the pathway has now become so difficult.
Every club wants their own independence and identity but, the older I get the more I see the logic in having feeder clubs. A lot of lower league clubs are struggling financially (my guess is that some players earn more in a month, than the yearly budget of some clubs) and when a kid gets to 19/20, he should have already outgrown the under 21 league, but might still not have the physical strength required for the very demanding EPL. It’s all just opinions!
Tony Abrahams
48 Posted
10/07/2026 at
13:04:22
It is very relevant what Mike, is telling us regarding the money that is involved in football, in the world’s richest nation.
Use it to your fucking advantage I say, and keep developing your own players rather than paying to bring in players from overseas.
Spend more money on good coaching and keep on trying to develop your own kids instead, personally makes a lot of sense to me.
I got told a story about a professional footballer the other week, who has got a big desire to play in The MLS. He was finally offered a chance but the wages were apparently absolute peanuts, he then turned down an absolute fortune to play in Azerbaijan, and has chosen a different pathway with a clear plan to achieve his long term goal.
One of the bright spots this season for the Connecticut Sun may miss some action following a brutal-looking injury against the Minnesota Lynx on July 8.
Guard Saniya Rivers left Wednesday's game after sustaining an ankle sprain with about 7:16 remaining in the second quarter. She drove up to the basket for a layup before Nia Coffey blocked the shot, forcing Rivers to land awkwardly on her left foot.
Rivers was in pain following a play that forced one of her shoes to come off. She was wheeled to the locker room, not seen again for the rest of the night. The Sun would lose to the Lynx 86-80, and Cheryl Reeve became the WNBA’s all-time winningest head coach.
Here are the latest updates on Rivers' injury and her projected return date.
Saniya Rivers injury updates
On July 8, Rivers sustained an ankle sprain against the Lynx. It was recently announced she would be unavailable against the Golden State Valkyries on July 10.
Rivers sustained an ankle injury against the Chicago Sky on June 22. She wouldn’t return to action until July 2.
Prior to the injury, Rivers, the No. 8 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, started 12 of 21 games for the Sun this season.
How long is Saniya Rivers out?
Outside of the July 10 game against the Valkyries, it’s unknown how long Rivers will be out.
If her previous injury is any indication, Rivers could be looking at a return against the Indiana Fever on July 22. She could also rest up and come back against the Washington Mystics on July 28, after the All-Star break.
All of this depends on the severity of the injury.
Saniya Rivers stats 2026
Prior to her injury, Rivers led the Sun in assists per game.
Statistic
Value
Games Played / Started
21 / 12
Minutes Per Game
22.7
Points Per Game
6.8
Rebounds Per Game
2.4
Assists Per Game
3.1
Steals Per Game
1.0
Blocks Per Game
0.7
FG%
34.4
3P%
18.6
FT%
68.4
Connecticut Sun schedule 2026
Here is Connecticut's schedule for the rest of July:
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 12: Franco Aleman #55 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field on May 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today, we’re going to be taking a look at the debut of Franco Aleman thus far for the Guardians. Aleman has gotten off to a very good start, putting up a 1.50 ERA in the big leagues so far. But there is a big caveat – he’s only pitched 6 innings so far for the team. It may seem like that’s hardly worth analyzing given the miniscule sample size, but there is some interesting stuff under the hood that’s worth digging into, even if it’s just to determine what to keep an eye on going forward to see if he can really be a high leverage arm for the Guards.
The 1.50 ERA is a bit better than the underlying performance so far. Going by FanGraphs, his xERA is 2.88. This is still very respectable, so no alarm bells are ringing here. His FIP and xFIP look bad (5.29 and 5.66 respectively), but because the K% has started fairly low (13.6) and he’s given up 1 HR in his 6 IP, it’s possible that has inflated those numbers a bit. I wouldn’t start worrying about the FIP/xFIP specifically, but the low K% is a bit shocking for a pitcher with his pitching profile. The last thing worth mentioning here is that his BB% and WHIP are both also acceptable, at 9.1% and 1.00 respectively.
Now that we’ve seen a bit of the big picture, let’s take a look at Aleman’s pitch mix. Aleman currently features a four-seam fastball averaging 97 mph, a slider that sits around 86 mph, and a changeup averaging around 89-90 mph. So far at the MLB level, he’s leaned heavily on the fastball, throwing it around 72% of the time, and the slider around 21%. The changeup comes in 3rd; he’s only thrown it 6 times so far at the MLB level. Right now, that tells us the changeup is likely in an experimental phase, so it’s going to be essentially impossible to draw any conclusions about it. Looking at the main two pitches, the velocity separation between the fastball and slider is pretty nice, at around 10-11 mph. The contact quality metrics look decent too. The xwOBA on the fastball sits around .300, and the slider at .181.
What’s interesting about this profile is it fits the archetype of a pitcher that would normally generate a lot of Ks and a lot of swings and misses, but when we look at Aleman’s whiff rate on each pitch, they’re fairly low. The fastball’s is 16.7 and the slider’s is 30%, which is better but not particularly high. So, if the pitcher has all the hallmarks of a high leverage high strikeout relief pitcher, why are we seeing such low whiff numbers and strikeout rates? And how is he still having the level of success we’ve seen so far? To answer those questions, we’ll take a deeper look at his contact profile.
The first things that stand out are the Whiff% and the Swinging Strike%. Both are low, with the SwStr% being a bit closer to what we’d expect from this profile, but still very much on the low end. The next numbers are the more important ones. For a pitcher that throws at higher average velocities, it’s not uncommon to see some of them give up harder contact on average when contact is made. This can lead to higher average exit velocities and Hard-Hit%. But Aleman’s numbers are both lower than what you’d typically expect for this profile, and the real signal that sticks out here is the very low Barrel%. Aleman’s low Barrel% suggests that he’s been able to avoid hitters doing barrel level damage on his pitches so far. I added the ground ball rate as well because it’s fairly low, but with only 6 IP, that number is going to swing wildly for a while, so the actual number right now tells us very little. Lastly, I’d like to bring this all together with some data on Aleman’s command at the MLB level so far.
As we mentioned briefly before, the BB% looks acceptable. The first-pitch strike rate is a little lower than ideal, and while that’s not at all alarming in this sample size, it is worth monitoring for a potential high leverage arm candidate. The next two numbers stand out a lot, but in different ways and for different reasons. His Zone % (percentage of pitches in the ABS strike zone) is very high, and in fact, the only Guardians pitcher who had a higher Zone% this season was longtime Cleveland legend Kolby Allard (at 46%). The second number is “called strikes plus whiffs” – the general purpose is to show the percentage of the time the pitcher wins the pitch outright (by landing the pitch in the zone or by getting the hitter to swing and miss). 20.8% is very low by far the lowest of any Guardian this season.
These factors combine to create a very interesting question. He’s throwing a ton of strikes and isn’t walking many hitters, but also isn’t getting many whiffs or called strikes. It’s possible he’s throwing so many strikes that hitters are going up ready to swing and just haven’t been able to generate barrel level damage, leading to a lot more contact outs. But it’s also possible these contradictions are from a very small, noisy sample of data. Conjecture aside, these numbers suggest Aleman has shown the ability to attack the strike zone and avoid free baserunners, and is winning the at bats more through contact management than through consistently overpowering hitters with “wipeout” level stuff.
Aleman throws his fastball a lot because it’s his best pitch. Not much of a revelation there as it averages 97 mph, it has 15.2 inches of induced horizontal break arm-side (7.4 inches above average) and registers as 111 on Stuff+. The reason Aleman isn’t getting a ton of whiffs, though, is if you give major league hitters one pitch to prepare for, they will hit that pitch, eventually. Aleman’s success will accelerate if he can become confident throwing his slider for strikes, and, even more, if the changeup becomes an option hitters have to be aware of at any time.
The early returns suggest Aleman has the raw ingredients of a successful bullpen arm, even if his current success hasn’t matched what we’d expect to see from his profile. Considering everything, I think the important things for us all to keep an eye on is if the changeup continues to increase in usage as he becomes more comfortable with it.We’ll also see if Aleman starts trying to get more hitters to expand the zone to generate more chase. As it stands now, he’s off to a solid start out of the pen for the Guards, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else he can do as he gets more playing time.
The NBA Summer League tipped off Thursday at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Washington defeated Utah, 92-88.
Former Tennessee basketball forward Felix Okpara made his NBA Summer League debut for the Wizards. He started and played 20 minutes. The former Vol totaled four points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Okpara converted 2-of-6 field goal attempts. He also committed two turnovers and three personal fouls.
The 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa led all scorers with 27 points. Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2026, started and led the Jazz in scoring with 24 points.
Okpara was selected by Orlando in the second round (No. 46 overall) of the NBA draft on June 24. He was traded to Washington after being drafted by the Magic.
The 6-foot-11, 243-pound forward played at Tennessee from 2024-26, appearing in 73 games (72 starts). He started all 38 games for the Vols during the 2024-25 season, setting a single-season record.
Nick Boyd repeats the same five words at every stop in his career. He told them to St. Mary High School basketball coach Brian Gaccione before his gap year in Indiana.
He repeated the phrase at Florida Atlantic after he committed to the Owls out of high school, then at San Diego State and Wisconsin as he rounded out his time in college. Now, the NBA.
Those words?
“The work is just starting.”
The work truly is starting again for Boyd. He signed with the Golden State Warriors after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. Boyd, who played at St. Mary in Rutherford from 2017-19, excelled at Wisconsin this past season in his final year of college eligibility. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 20.7 points, 4.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds, earning All-Big Ten second team honors.
But NBA teams didn’t see enough in Boyd to scoop him up in the draft, further fueling an underdog story that has been adding chapters since he started high school.
“He's proved people wrong at every level, and this is his last stop to prove people wrong,” Gaccione told NorthJersey.com. “It's his dream to play in the NBA, and when you see a kid this close, you're rooting for him. The whole St. Mary community is rooting for him.”
That underdog tale began when Boyd started high school at Don Bosco. He barely played before jumping to St. Mary for his junior year. He missed the majority of that season with a knee injury, being sidelined during a crucial recruiting period.
Because of the untimely injury, Boyd didn’t receive Division I offers out of high school, instead garnering some interest from D-II schools.
But Boyd never wanted to “settle” there, Gaccione said. He wasn’t content with playing in D-II, and he believed he was better than how people viewed him. Boyd took a gap year at Bosco Institute in Indiana, where scouts finally realized his potential.
After committing to FAU and playing three years with the Owls, that mindset led him to San Diego State in 2024, then his first power conference opportunity at Wisconsin this past season.
Boyd had by far his best year with the Badgers. Gaccione said Wisconsin ran an open ball screen offense, which complements Boyd’s ability to play in space. Boyd is best with the ball in his hand − something that’s rung true since high school, he added.
At St. Mary, “everyone in the gym knew he was going left.” Boyd would still go left, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop him. He led New Jersey in scoring his senior year with 747 points.
Gaccione saw the same ability at Wisconsin. He said Boyd has never shied away from big stages in his career, illustrated by his game-winning layup in FAU’s opening March Madness win in 2023, which catalyzed a miracle Final Four run.
Now, he’s taking that confidence to the NBA.
“I felt like Nick was never afraid of the moment, and I don't think [in] the NBA, he's gonna have any fear factor either,” Gaccione said.
Boyd’s draft stock skyrocketed after his year in Madison. Gaccione said he was on every team’s draft board as an option late in the second round. Many of those squads called Gaccione before draft night; they wanted to know about Boyd’s work ethic and character, qualities Gaccione believes he undoubtedly possesses.
“When you excel at that level in the Big Ten, how could you not take notice? That's why he was on everybody's draft board,” Gaccione said.
Still, Boyd wasn’t selected. Gaccione thinks that mostly boiled down to age − Boyd spent six years in college and is 25 years old.
If you’ve been paying attention, Boyd’s mindset was obvious. He went right back to work.
So far, Boyd has stood out in three games at the California Classic, part of the NBA Summer League. He’s had “two good games” and one “not so good” game, per Gaccione, but averaged 11.7 points and six assists in those contests. He’s now continuing his Summer League stint in Las Vegas, where he’ll look to earn a two-way contract, which allows players to split time in the NBA and developmental G League.
As Boyd navigates the NBA waters, his five-word motto will remain seared into his mind. He’s been underestimated his whole life, and he’s not about to forget that now.
It’s time to prove himself again.
“At this next level, the work is just starting again, and for Nick, he's always taken the most out of his opportunities,” Gaccione said.
LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Friday's UFC 329 fighter weigh-ins
The official weigh-ins take place at T-Mobile Arena, which also hosts Saturday's event (Paramount+), and kick off at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).
Among those weighing in are Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who returns after five years away to rematch Max Holloway (27-9 MMA, 23-9 UFC) in the welterweight main event. In the co-feature, Paddy Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) takes on Benoit Saint Denis (17-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) in a key lightweight contenders bout.
Ajer: Norway taking Brentford mentality into England quarter-final
Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer says Norway are “as ready as we possibly can be”, as they prepare to face England in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (10pm kick-off BST).
The Bees man has featured in all but one match at the tournament in North America, helping Norway reach the last eight after a remarkable run which has included a 2-1 win over Brazil in the round of 16.
Ajer, who is now in Miami with his international team-mates ahead of the clash with the Three Lions, reflected on his World Cup journey so far, playing alongside Erling Haaland, and the challenge of facing Harry Kane this weekend.
“The World Cup so far has been more than I could ever dream of," Ajer said.
“The whole country has been super excited for it, and I’ve been preparing for it for several months; the way we’ve been playing in every single game has been fantastic.
“It’s been incredible to watch the country back home really, really buzzing for us and celebrating. The results have been superb. We’ve played some really strong sides and been able to beat them, so it’s been great.
“The Brazil win... it’s not possible to describe the feeling I had and the team had after it. They’re a fantastic country with so many top players, so being able to control the game in many aspects was surreal.”
“The Brazil win... it’s not possible to describe the feeling I had and the team had after it. They’re a fantastic country with so many top players, so being able to control the game in many aspects was surreal”
Norway’s hopes of another famous World Cup win will once again be spearheaded by Erling Haaland, who has been central to their run to the quarter-finals, scoring seven goals in four appearances so far.
“Playing alongside Haaland is obviously fantastic,” Ajer continued. “He’s the best player in the world, so having him in attack, you always have a chance. Hopefully he can score a few goals tomorrow as well!
“Everyone’s really buzzing for the game, but it’s a very similar mentality to Brentford: we’re humble but confident.
“We know that we’re playing one of the big favourites to win the whole tournament and we need to top perform once again to have a chance to advance.”
A major part of that challenge will be keeping another of the world’s top strikers quiet, with Ajer well aware of the threat posed by England captain Kane.
“Kane is one of the best strikers in the world,” the Norwegian centre-back stated. “The season he has had at Bayern Munich and the tournament he is having show that you have to be well prepared.
“We’ve analysed England, and we’re as ready as we possibly can be.
“Again, similarly to Brentford, we take one game at a time. When you play these big nations, you know that if you look too far ahead, you lose the next game.
“We are fully, fully ready and only thinking about England on Saturday.”
Fellow Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II didn't make the top 10, but he did earn an honorable mention. That lays out a clear goal for Murphy heading into the 2026 campaign. He'll be motivated to break into the top-10 next offseason.
Murphy enjoyed a breakout season for the Seahawks as a sophomore after his rookie campaign was slightly derailed by injury. The former Texas Longhorns standout registered 62 tackles and seven sacks. Pro Football Focus credited him with producing 50 quarterback pressures.
Murphy possesses every trait required to continue establishing himself as one of the more dominant defensive tackles in the NFL. The upcoming 2026 season is a big one for Murphy. The Seahawks will be tasked with making a decision on his fifth-year option next offseason. A similar campaign to 2025 would guarantee John Schneider picks up his option.
According to Matt Giles, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer recently watched two of the top prospects in the 2027 recruiting class square off, Beckham Black and recent Duke commit Kager Knueppel. Black is coming off of a gold medal in the FIBA U17 World Cup, representing Team USA with another Blue Devil, Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje.
In an EYBL circuit game in Las Vegas, Knueppel and Team Herro faced off against Black and AB Elite. Black finished the game with 18 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Knueppel had a much tougher day, tallying just five points. Despite a tough day from Knueppel, Team Herro ended the game on a 9-0 run to win a nail-biter 52-15. Black has offers from plenty of schools but has given no indication of a frontrunner quite yet.
Take a look at the full game between Team Herro and AB Elite.
Valve’s almost ready to launch its Steam Frame VR headset Valve’s next hardware launch is the Steam Frame VR headset, a standalone device that can run games on its own hardware or stream more demanding titles from gaming PCs. On Steam, as spotted by Brad Lynch, Valve has added a new “Great on Frame” webpage. This page […]
Meta’s surprise purchase of Manus, a Chinese startup known for its advanced AI agents, caught Beijing by surprise and ordered the two companies to unwind the $2 billion deal. The Chinese tech giant Tencent, which was among the startup’s initial investors during early funding rounds, is taking the lead in buying back the startup at the same price. According to the Financial Times, other former investors, including ZhenFund and HongShan Capital Group — China-based venture capital firms — while former U.S. investors like Benchmark are unlikely to join the potential consortium.
This move marks Beijing’s increasing protectiveness of its AI companies and experts, which it considers strategic assets in its heated rivalry with the U.S. We can see this in the Chinese government’s five-year plan, which is doubling down on technological self-reliance. It has even gotten to the point that AI experts, even those working in private firms, are now required to secure approval before traveling internationally.
U.S. tech giants are investing billions of dollars to develop their AI models, even dangling hundred-million-dollar bonuses to hire AI experts — one AI founder even claimed that Meta offered a $1.25-billion bonus. It seems that China is trying to avoid a situation where its experts are enticed to work for American AI tech companies, with the Financial Times reporting that Chinese officials are calling Meta’s acquisition of Manus “a conspiratorial attempt to hollow out China’s technology base.” The order to undo the deal means that Meta cannot use Manus’ intellectual property, nor can it have its founders and employees working for the company. Still, the U.S. tech giant has had a few months to study its models and engineering expertise.
Meta has already agreed to undo the deal, with most of Manus’ operations reportedly running independently of the company. However, the Chinese startup still needs to break financially from the American tech giant by paying back the $2 billion the latter spent to purchase it. Even though Chinese companies are also investing massive amounts in AI tech, it’s still not easy to raise this amount of capital in such a short period.
Tencent, which owns the WeChat platform used by China’s 1.4 billion population for messaging, social networking, mobile payments, ride-hailing, food delivery, and more, believes that Manus would be an asset for the company. Aside from reaching an annual revenue of $500 million, its AI agent would also mesh well with the company's increasing AI focus. “Beyond foundation models, it has become increasingly evident that agentic AI represents a breakthrough use case,” Tencent president Martin Lau said in its May earnings call. “Our platform inherently has many benefits of hosting AI agents.”
SK hynix has completed the largest-ever foreign company IPO in U.S. history, raising $26.5 billion in its Nasdaq debut today, July 10. The South Korean memory giant sold 177.9 million American depositary receipts (ADRs) — a U.S.-listed stand-in for a foreign share — at $149 apiece, each representing a tenth of a Seoul-listed share. The offering was more than seven times oversubscribed and drew demand from more than 500 investment firms, according to Financial Times. Temporary Nasdaq trading is underway under the ticker SKHYV before regular-way trading begins as SKHY on Monday, July 13.
The offering was led by Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan, with nine additional firms rounding out a 13-bank syndicate. Anchor demand came from heavyweight institutions including Baillie Gifford, Coatue Management, and Situational Awareness Partners, which together signaled interest in as much as $7 billion of stock, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Financial Times.
SK hynix is the world's leading maker of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), the vertically stacked DRAM that has become critical infrastructure for AI accelerators. The company has said it will steer the proceeds toward boosting its AI-memory manufacturing capacity. Confirmed build-outs include the first-phase fab at the massive Yongin semiconductor cluster, a new P&T7 advanced-packaging line in Cheongju, and EUV lithography equipment slated for delivery by the end of next year. Separately, SK hynix is constructing its first U.S. production site, a $4 billion advanced-packaging plant in West Lafayette, Indiana, targeted for completion around 2028. The facility is eligible for up to $458 million in CHIPS Act grants and up to $570 million in federal loans.
What display resolution do you use on your primary monitor?
SK hynix is seeing sensational growth thanks to the ongoing AI boom. The company is reportedly on track to post over 200 trillion won ($133 billion) in operating profit this year, a record-breaking figure that would see SK hynix employees earn around $400,000 each in bonuses. The company’s Seoul-listed stock is up roughly 220% year-to-date and has climbed more than sixfold over the past year.
In late June, SK hynix briefly surpassed Samsung as South Korea's most valuable company, closing at around 2,080 trillion won (about $1.35 trillion), a meteoric rise for a company that almost declared bankruptcy in 2001 and, more recently, recorded an annual operating loss of 7.73 trillion won in 2023. That rise doesn't seem like it will be slowing down any time soon. SK hynix has said its entire 2026 output of HBM, DRAM, and NAND is already sold out, with the crunch expected to extend into 2027.
Nanya Technology plans to increase its capital expenditure to more than TW$200 billion ($6.2 billion) in 2027, roughly four times its budget for this year, President Pei-Ing Lee said during an online briefing. The Taiwanese memory maker reported unaudited second-quarter revenue of T$82.55 billion, up 684% from 2025, and net income of T$50.19 billion, up 1,324%. Gross margin reached 79.5%, against a negative 20.6% during the same quarter of 2025. That single quarter's profit is 7.6 times what Nanya earned across the entirety of last year, and the quarter's revenue exceeds the company's entire 2025 sales.
Nanya spent T$13.2 billion on capex in 2023, T$16.1 billion in 2024, and T$13.4 billion in 2025, and has budgeted up to T$52 billion for 2026, per its Q1 investor presentation. Those four years together come to T$94.7 billion, less than half what Lee intends to spend in 2027 alone. Lee, however, admits that the 2027 figure is preliminary and hasn’t yet gone to the board, and that the new plant will absorb about T$480 billion at full capacity.
Nanya's average selling price climbed more than 70% quarter over quarter in Q1 2026, while its bit shipments fell by a mid-single-digit percentage, its own results deck shows. The company is targeting bit shipment growth in the teens for the full year, so almost all of the 684% revenue increase is due to price. Meanwhile, TrendForce projects a further 13% to 18% rise in conventional DRAM contract prices in Q3.
Roughly 70% of Nanya's shipments are DDR4 and low-power DDR4, Lee said at a January earnings conference, and DDR5 contributes about 10% of revenue. Nanya builds no high-bandwidth memory, and Lee has ruled out competing in HBM2, HBM3, HBM3E, or HBM4. A customized HBM part for edge AI, developed with Etron Technology, Piecemakers Technology, and Formosa Advanced Technologies, is targeted for the end of this year, however. Its 79.5% margin is close to a pure reading on conventional DRAM, and it sits within six points of the 85% consolidated gross margin Micron reported in its most recent 10-Q with HBM in the mix.
SanDisk, Kioxia, Solidigm, and Cisco paid T$78.72 billion for 10.19% of Nanya in a private placement completed in April, with SanDisk and Kioxia signing long-term DRAM supply agreements alongside the equity. Three of the four make SSDs and need DRAM for cache. Solidigm is a subsidiary of SK hynix, the world's second-largest DRAM maker, and it went to a supplier holding roughly 2% of the market to source it.
The first phase of Nanya's new fab in New Taipei City's Taishan District reaches 30,000 wafers per month in 2028 and expands to 45,000 later, Lee said Friday. The plant will run Nanya's 1B node, its second-generation 10nm-class process, to build DDR5, DDR4, and low-power DDR4, the company said during a March briefing. Lee said at that briefing that the most severe supply constraints run through the first half of 2027 and that the shortage persists into 2028. Samsung's P3 fab alone is expected to reach around 115,000 wafers per month by the end of this year.
Mind Wobble is an AI wellness coaching platform that uses your daily check-ins, journal entries, goals, and self-discovery tests to deliver coaching that fits your life. Each session includes mood trends, values, and timelines, then ends with clear action items.
Log mood, sleep, stress, and exercise, write guided or free-form journals, and map goals on visual timelines. Your data stays private with encryption at rest and strict no-training policies. Start with tracking and add coaching when ready.
Snipplet turns your messy travel notes, screenshots, and photos into beautiful visual guides in seconds. Snap a screenshot of your Notes app or saved locations and let AI organize everything into a polished, shareable guide. No design skills needed. Add photos, tips, ratings, links, and more to your favorite restaurants, hidden gems, itineraries, and things to do. Tag by themes like food, beaches, coffee, or adventure. Keep your collections private for trip planning or make them public to inspire other travelers and friends. It's the easiest way to remember, relive, and share your travels!
A MiCA license allows crypto firms to operate in the EU, but the ESMA’s review will test whether custodians can meet the required security and resilience standards.
As the CLARITY Act advances, crypto's growing political influence in Washington is under scrutiny. But the crypto lobby's massive campaign spend is only part of the story.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed 56 new shore excursions and five new multi-day pre- and post-cruise land programs for the 2026 holiday season. These experiences feature Christmas markets, seasonal cuisine and local traditions, immersing guests in destinations across Europe, the cruise line said in a press release. They will be available on select cruises onboard the Seven Seas...
OTC desks let whales buy hundreds of millions in crypto without moving the price. How over-the-counter trading works, principal vs agency, and the tells.
An exploit drained roughly 16 million ADA, about $2.4 million, from 374 Cardano wallets in late June. What happened next is the interesting part: EMURGO, one of Cardano’s founding entities, announced a recovery path to return the assets within two…
The Omoda 9 is up to #22 overall in Czechia in June.
The Czech new car market soars 18.9% year-on-year in June to 26,398 units, leading to a H1 volume up 5.8% to 129,810. Local behemoth Skoda (+24.7%) manages to outpace its home market to 33.8% share, however this is well below the 36.8% it commands year-to-date. In 2nd place, Volkswagen (+57.4%) is even more dynamic and reaches 8.3% share vs. 7.6% so far this year. Hyundai (+17.8%) is more muted in third place but Toyota (-16.2%) and Dacia (-0.7%) fall. Renault (+18.2%) matches the market and reaches 3.6% share vs. 2.3% year-to-date. At #10, Tesla (+151%) signs its first Top 10 finish since September 2024 (#6). After reaching a record 6th place in May, Omoda/Jaecoo (+494.9%) falls back to a more reasonable #12.
Model-wise, the Skoda Octavia (+30%) easily stays on top with 7.3% share, followed by the Kodiaq (+40.1%), Karoq (+45.5%) and Kamiq (+26.3%) also in outstanding shape. The Scala (+4.7%) and Fabia (+9.7%) complete a Top 6 entirely composed of Skodas, vs. Top 7 year-to-date. The Hyundai Tucson (+29.4%) is the best of the rest at #7 ahead of the Hyundai i30 (-0.3%) at #8. The Tesla Model Y (+131.6%) is up 18 spots on May to #10 which is the nameplate’s first ever stint inside the Czech Top 10 (previous best #12 in September 2024). The Dacia Bigster (+72.8%) and Skoda Enyaq (+216%) also shine below, with the Kia K4 (#15) the most popular recent launch, distancing the Omoda 9 (#22) and Chery Tiggo 4 (#65).
LIAN LI Industrial Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, introduces the UNI FAN FLEX Series, a new generation of UNI FANs designed for more flexibility over fan speed, lighting, and LCD customization. Powered by the new FLEX Receiver, the series supports control via L-Wireless, USB, or direct motherboard PWM/ARGB sync. Available in four models: TL FLEX, TL LCD FLEX, SL-INF FLEX, and SL-INF LCD FLEX.
The UNI FAN TL LCD FLEX and SL-INF LCD FLEX increase personalization with an integrated 1.8-inch LCD screen. The display features a 400 x 400 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of brightness. Each LCD fan includes 512 MB of onboard flash memory, allowing pre-loaded screen backgrounds and system monitoring presets to be controlled wirelessly through L-Connect 3 without requiring a USB connection for basic display functions. For users who want full customization, USB mode unlocks advanced media uploads, including GIF and MP4 support, giving builders more freedom to match the fan display with the rest of their system theme.
Dutch price tracker Tweakers recently compared the price histories of physical and digital versions of several PlayStation games. Unsurprisingly, retail copies are often dozens of euros cheaper, even without counting the used market.
Around three weeks ago, Chinese indie developer Jotoyo unveiled Monster Fantasy, an interesting game that blends elements from Monster Hunter, Animal Crossing, and Stardew Valley, among others. The game is targeting a simultaneous PC and console release (though it remains to be seen whether it can pull it off) and will soon seek funding on Kickstarter, though the crowdfunding campaign has been delayed from July 15 to after the first public playtest, scheduled for September via Steam. Meanwhile, we reached out to Jotoyo to learn more about this promising mix of the action and life simulation genres. You can read our […]
ASUS is now the third display manufacturer to debut a triple-mode gaming monitor after MSI, and GIGABYTE. ASUS Releases ROG Strix XG27UCMG With Fast IPS Panel; Features 4K@240Hz, 2K@400Hz, and FHD@488Hz Modes Right when monitor makers started to adopt the dual-mode configuration, a few vendors started introducing "triple-mode" monitors. Nearly a month ago, MSI rolled out a triple-mode QD-OLED gaming monitor that can reach up to 680Hz, while GIGABYTE released a 5K mini LED monitor with triple-mode configuration. Now, ASUS has released its first triple-mode gaming monitor called ROG Strix XG27UCMG, featuring a fast IPS panel. Unlike MSI and GIGABYTE, […]
Samsung launches three new foldable phones this July, while Apple is expected to enter the segment by September. Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra battery sizes have already been leaked, and a new input sheds light on the iPhone Ultra foldable phone’s battery capacity.
Weibo leaker DigitalChatStation revealed that the Apple iPhone Ultra foldable phone comes with a battery capacity of around 4,900mAh (4,883mAh). The complete battery size is realized by the combination of two cells of 1,921mAh and 2,962mAh.
Apple doesn’t officially reveal the battery capacity of its products. The company shares estimated battery life per tasks and usecases. Meanwhile, the leaked capacity brings it closer to Samsung’s both upcoming Fold phones.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Wide) reportedly features a 4,800mAh battery. The bigger model, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, is said to pack a 5,000mAh battery. iPhone Ultra’s battery capacity puts it between the two Galaxy foldable phones.
Samsung is famous for software optimization, which results in battery efficiency. However, Apple’s command in this aspect is better than its rivals. It won’t be surprising if iPhone Ultra beats both Samsung foldables in efficiency.
While battery capacity offers an early glimpse, real-world endurance will ultimately depend on hardware and software optimization. As more leaks emerge, the foldable battle between Apple and Samsung is only expected to become more interesting.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 (wide) will directly compete with Apple’s iPhone Ultra. The Galaxy model is coming earlier, but the iPhone fanbase is not rushing. They will wait, see, and then make their purchase when it releases.
Samsung is set to hold its Summer Unpacked event later this month. Continuing its teaser streak, Samsung has just teased your favorite apps, including Instagram, Netflix, and YouTube, tailored for the upcoming re-shaped foldable.
Your favorite apps optimized for the new foldable
Samsung engineers closely worked with Instagram, Netflix, and YouTube to elevate the interface and experience for its “re-shaped” foldable. While the wording is cryptic, we know what Samsung means: Galaxy Z Fold 8 wide.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 is coming as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is adopting a wide screen form factor. While everyone’s busy anticipating the new design, Samsung is busy teasing post-purchase user experiences.
Instagram, Netflix, and YouTube are some of the most widely used apps worldwide. The three apps have billions of active users in almost every part of the planet.
Instagram – Most-liked shape
Netflix – Perfect for every shape of a story
YouTube – New shape for all creators
A new device with a new design sounds great, but its experience should also be up to the mark. Samsung ensured that and optimized Instagram, Netflix, and YouTube to run perfectly on the upcoming device.
The official wording and teasers might not be exciting, but they are crucial. Apps complete the smartphone, and they are as crucial as the OS. Their effective and accurate scaling and functioning play a pivotal role in UX.
Stay tuned with us as we, the Samsung fans, approach this year’s second biggest reveal this July.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is already creating strong impressions among early testers, and the biggest surprises reportedly have nothing to do with flashy software features.
According to the source, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (wide) offers two standout improvements that everyday users will notice immediately: its new display aspect ratio and significantly lighter weight.
While some may worry about the narrower proportions, the new ratio reportedly feels much more comfortable for vertical use, improves the outer display experience, enhances content consumption, and makes multitasking feel like using two full-sized smartphones side by side.
The biggest drawback is software, as many apps still aren’t optimized for the new form factor, leading to an inconsistent user experience. The other concern is pricing, with the higher cost making the Fold 8 a difficult purchase to justify for many buyers.
June 25, 2026
People in South Korea who handled engineering samples of the foldable are pointing to two hardware changes that could define the next generation: a much lighter feel and a significantly improved inner display crease.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is expected to be unveiled on July 22, but these early impressions are based on engineering samples. Still, the feedback gives an early look at where the company appears to be taking its foldable lineup.
The first thing testers noticed was the weight
The device reportedly feels surprisingly light in the hand. Some engineering samples are said to have come close to 199 grams, which would put the phone in a very different category compared to previous large foldables.
The wider aspect ratio also seems to play a role here. A device that physically looks bigger apparently feels less bulky because the proportions are better balanced.
The second major highlight is the inner display crease
Samsung’s foldables have improved year after year, but the crease has remained one of the biggest visual and physical reminders that you’re using a folding phone.
According to testers, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide takes a huge step forward. Touching the crease area reportedly feels much closer to touching the glass on a traditional smartphone.
One tester described the experience as feeling like a completely new “first generation” of foldable, suggesting the change is noticeable immediately.
If these early impressions hold true, Samsung may finally be addressing two complaints that have followed foldables for years: they are too heavy, and they still feel too much like a compromise.
Fenerbahçe'de yeniden başkanlık koltuğuna oturan Aziz Yıldırım, transfer piyasasını sallamaya devam ediyor. Sarı-lacivertlilerin hedefindeki son dünya yıldızı, Atlético Madrid'in Norveçli golcüsü Alexander Sørloth. İspanyol basını, Fenerbahçe'nin bu transferde ısrarcı olduğunu yazdı.
Genel kurulun ardından "her kulvarda zirveye oynayacak bir kadro" sözü veren Fenerbahçe Başkanı Aziz Yıldırım, transferde rotayı İspanya’ya çevirdi. Mallorca'dan Vedat Muriqi, Manchester City'den Nathan Aké ve Angers'in genç yeteneği Sidiki Cherif takviyeleriyle gövde gösterisi yapan sarı-lacivertli yönetim, hücum hattını Süper Lig'i yakından tanıyan bir isimle taçlandırmak istiyor: Alexander Sørloth.
Mundo Deportivo yazarı Walter Zimmermann'ın paylaştığı bilgilere göre, daha önce Trabzonspor formasıyla Türkiye’de gol krallığı yaşayan ve taraftarların büyük beğenisini kazanan Norveçli forvet için Atlético Madrid kapıyı 35 milyon Euro’dan açıyor.
Sørloth’un transferindeki en ciddi rakip ise İtalya’dan Juventus. Çizme ekibinde teknik direktör Luciano Spalletti’nin, Norveçli golcü ile Torino'daki yeni proje hakkında bizzat görüşerek oyuncuyu ikna ettiği belirtildi. Ancak Juventus’un sunduğu 22 milyon Euro’luk ilk teklif, Atlético Madrid tarafından çok yetersiz bulunarak reddedildi. İtalyanların mali olarak çekimser kalması, kesenin ağzını açan Fenerbahçe’nin iştahını kabartıyor.
Kolombiya'da mahkeme, efsanevi kaleci René Higuita'nın Medellín'deki lüks evine, kokain baronu Pablo Escobar'ın karteline ait parayla alındığı gerekçesiyle el koydu.
Kolombiya mahkemesi, efsanevi eski milli kaleci René Higuita’nın Medellín şehrindeki lüks villasına, uyuşturucu baronu Pablo Escobar’ın karteliyle bağlantılı parayla satın alındığı gerekçesiyle el koyma kararı verdi.
Savcılığın on iki yıldır yürüttüğü titiz soruşturma, mülkün kökenini gizlemek amacıyla sahte imzalar ve hukuki manevralar yapıldığını ortaya çıkardı. Evin, 1992 yılında bizzat Escobar’ın emriyle hapishanede öldürülen kartel üyeleri Moncada kardeşlerin paravan adamı tarafından satın alındığı ve bir yıl sonra "Deli" lakaplı efsane kalecinin üzerine geçirildiği belirlendi.
Hüküm sonrası Blu Radio’ya konuşan René Higuita ise iddiaları kesin bir dille reddetti. Mülkün karanlık geçmişinden tamamen habersiz olduğunu savunan ünlü futbol adamı, 90'lı yıllarda geçmişi sorgulayacak bir internet teknolojisinin bulunmadığını belirterek kendisini olayın mağduru olarak nitelendirdi ve karara itiraz ettiğini açıkladı.
Akrep vuruşuyla dünya futbol tarihine geçen eksantrik kaleci, geçmişte de Escobar’ı hapishanede ziyaret ettiği ve bir kaçırma olayında fidyeye aracılık edip haksız kazanç sağladığı iddiasıyla tutuklanmış, daha sonra aklanmıştı. Temyiz süreci tamamlanana kadar evinde kalmasına izin verilen Higuita, bu davanın kariyeri boyunca yakasını bırakmayan "Escobar'ın arkadaşı" lekesinin yeni bir halkası olduğunu ifade etti.
Fenerbahçe ile transfer görüşmelerini hızlandıran Mason Greenwood, Marsilya'daki dolabını boşalttı! Yıldız oyuncu, teknik direktör Genesio'dan özel izin alarak bugünkü antrenmana katılmadı.
Fenerbahçe transfer gündeminin merkezindeki Mason Greenwood cephesinde sıcak gelişmeler yaşanıyor. Yıldız oyuncunun, Marsilya'nın bugün gerçekleştirdiği antrenmandaki minyatür kale maçta yer almadığı öğrenildi.
Fransız basını daha önce Greenwood'un kulüpteki dolabını şimdiden boşalttığını iddia etmişti. İngiliz oyuncunun, Fenerbahçe ile transfer görüşmelerini resmiyete dökmek ve süreci hızlandırmak adına yönetimle temas halinde olduğu belirtiliyor.
Greenwood'un, transfer trafiği nedeniyle Marsilya Teknik Direktörü Genesio’dan özel izin alarak bugünkü antrenmana katılmadığı bildirildi.
Fenerbahçe ile transfer masasında olan Mason Greenwood, kulübü Marsilya'dan izin alarak idmana çıkmadı ve ayrılık iddialarını güçlendirdi. Kulübe veda etmeye hazırlanan oyuncunun transferinin kısa sürede netleşmesi bekleniyor.
Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek, transfer yapılmadığı yönündeki eleştirilere sert tepki gösterdi. Dünya Kupası nedeniyle piyasanın henüz açılmadığını belirten Özbek, "Şampiyonlar Ligi kadrosunu Eylül'de teslim edeceğiz, gerekeni yapıyoruz" diyerek meydan okudu.
Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek, transfer dönemindeki sessizlik nedeniyle kendisine yöneltilen eleştirilere sert tepki gösterdi. Eleştirilere isyan eden Özbek, sarı-kırmızılı camiaya sabır çağrısında bulunarak perde arkasında yoğun bir çalışma yürüttüklerini vurguladı.
Transfer piyasasının mevcut durumunu değerlendiren Başkan Özbek, Dünya Kupası'nın devam etmesi sebebiyle pazarın henüz tam anlamıyla açılmadığını belirtti. Sürecin normal işlediğini dile getiren Özbek, aceleci davranmadıklarını ve Şampiyonlar Ligi kadrosunu kurmak için odaklandıklarını ifade etti.
Avrupa sahnesi için önlerinde zaman olduğunu hatırlatan Dursun Özbek, UEFA'ya Şampiyonlar Ligi kadrosunu Eylül ayında teslim edeceklerini açıkladı. Bu süre zarfında gerekli adımların atılacağını söyleyen Özbek, taraftarların müsterih olmasını ve yönetime güvenmesini istedi.
Kendisine yönelik "transfer yapmıyor" eleştirilerine geçmiş başarılarıyla yanıt veren Özbek, meydan okudu. Galatasaray Başkanı, "Önce benim geçmişte yaptığım transferlere baksınlar, sonra da rakiplerimin benim dönemimde yaptığı transferlere baksınlar" diyerek kaliteden ödün vermeyeceklerinin altını çizdi.
Portekiz Futbol Federasyonu, milli takımın teknik direktörlük koltuğunu dünyaca ünlü tecrübeli çalıştırıcı Jorge Jesus'a emanet etti. Kulüp kariyerinde sayısız başarıya imza atan Portekizli teknik adam, kariyerinde ilk kez bir milli takımın başına geçerek ülkesinin başarısı için ter dökecek.
Portekiz Futbol Federasyonu, milli takımın başına tecrübeli teknik adam Jorge Jesus'un getirildiğini resmen açıkladı.Dünyaca ünlü Portekizli çalıştırıcı, kariyerindeki büyük başarıların ardından bu kez ülkesinin milli takımının başarısı için ter dökecek.
Tecrübeli teknik adamın öncelikli hedefi, Portekiz'i uluslararası turnuvalarda zirveye taşımak., Flamengo, Fenerbahçe ve Al-Hilal gibi dev kulüplerde sayısız kupa kazanan Jesus, ilk kez bir milli takımın başına geçti. Sözleşme süresi ve yardımcı kadrosuyla ilgili diğer detayların önümüzdeki günlerde yapılacak resmi imza töreniyle duyurulması bekleniyor.
Beşiktaş, son olarak Borussia Dortmund forması giyen Salih Özcan'ı kadrosuna kattığını duyurmuştu. Milli futbolcu transferine dair açıklamalarda bulundu.
Yeni sezon transfer çalışmaları kapsamında Beşiktaş'ın kadrosuna kattığı milli futbolcu Salih Özcan transferine dair açıklama yaptı.
Salih Özcan'ın açıklamaları şöyle:
-Çok gururluyum. Beşiktaş camiasının bir parçası olmak benim için büyük bir şey. Çok mutluyum.
-Orkun Kökçü ile milli takımda çok konuştuk. Onunla bağımız iyi. Orkun’u seviyorum. İnşallah bunu sahada da gösteririz.
-Almanya’da doğdum büyüdüm ama kanım Türkiye. Benim için güzel bir his. Ailem de sevindi. Türkiye’de olduğum için mutluyum.
-Sahada savaşıyorum. Herkes beni biliyor. Ölümüne oynuyorum. Korkmayan bir oyuncuyum. Taraftarımız da bilsin, bunu görecekler.
-Baskıyı seven bir oyuncuyum. Baskıda daha iyi performans gösteririm. Baskı beni etkilemez. Ben oyunumu oynar yüzde yüzümü veririm. Benim için gayet normal.
-Başkanımız, yönetimimiz ve antrenörümüzle konuştum. Onlar bana iyi bir his verdi, mutlu oldum. Taraftarlarımız inanılmaz. Onları yakında göreceğim. İstanbul da beni çok etkiledi.
-Türkiye’nin futbol iklimine hazır hissediyorum. Mücadele edeceğim, savaşacağım, inşallah iyi bir sezon geçireceğim. Taraftarlarımıza bunun sözünü veriyorum.
-Arkadaşlarım önde golleri atsın arkada ben gol yememeyi tercih ederim. Maçları kazanalım ve mutlu olalım.
-Milli takımda oynamak var, bir de Türkiye’de Beşiktaş camiasında oynamak var. Gerçekten çok mutlu ve gururluyum. İnşallah iyi zamanlar göreceğiz.
Yeni sezon hazırlıklarına Kemerburgaz'da başlayan Galatasaray'da Victor Osimhen gelişmesi yaşandı. Sarı-kırmızılıların ilk antrenmanına çıkamayan Nijeryalı yıldız İstanbul'a geldi.
Galatasaray'ın dünyaca ünlü Nijeryalı golcüsü Victor Osimhen ülkesinde geçirdiği tatilin ardından İstanbul'a bugün geldi. Osimhen, Galatasaray'ın Kemerburgaz'daki ilk antrenmanına katılamamış ve büyük bir endişe yaratmıştı.
Osimhen'in hasta olduğu hatta Nijerya'da elit tabakayı dahi vuran Lassa virüsü ve menenjit gibi tehlikeli endemik hastalıklara yakalanmış olabileceği de düşünülüyordu. Ancak korkulan olmadı. Tatil dönüşü yorgunluğu yaşayan ve seyahatini erteleyen yıldız futbolcu bugün İstanbul'a indi.
Osimhen'in kısa süre içerisinde yeni sezon kampına katılması bekleniyor.
Galatasaray'da geride kalan sezonda 33 maçta süre bulan 27 yaşındaki golcü futbolcu, 22 gol attı ve 8 asist yaptı.
Tarık Biberovic, Dünya Kupası Avrupa Elemeleri ilk turunun en iyi beşine seçildi. Başarılı basketbolcu kısa süre önce Fenerbahçe ile yollarını ayırmıştı.
FIBA'dan yapılan açıklamada, "Tarık Biberovic, Türkiye'yi ilk turda namağlup bir performansa taşıdı. Bu performansın en önemli noktaları, güçlü rakiplerden Sırbistan'a karşı alınan iki kritik galibiyet oldu. Biberovic her iki maçta da yıldızlaştı." ifadeleri kullanıldı.
25 yaşındaki oyuncu birinci turda forma giydiği beş maçta 17,8 sayı, 2,6 ribaunt ve 3 asist ortalamasını yakaladı.
Birinci turun en iyi beşinde Hırvatistan'dan Mario Hezonja, İtalya'dan Nico Mannion, Polonya'dan Mateusz Ponitka ve Gürcistan'dan Tornike Shengelia yer alırken Hezonja aynı zamanda birinci turun en değerli oyuncusu (MVP) seçildi.
Okan Buruk yönetimindeki Galatasaray, 17 Temmuz'da Ümraniyespor ile hazırlık maçı yapacak.
Galatasaray, 2026-2027 sezonu öncesi ilk hazırlık maçında Trendyol 1. Lig ekiplerinden Ümraniyespor ile karşılaşacağını duyurdu.
Sarı-kırmızılı kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, 17 Temmuz Cuma günü saat 21.00'de Ümraniye Şehir Stadı'nda Ümraniyespor ile hazırlık maçının oynanacağı belirtildi.
Trendyol 1. Lig'de 2026-2027 sezonu fikstürü çekildi. Fikstür çekimi, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonunun (TFF) Riva'daki Hasan Doğan Milli Takımlar Kamp ve Eğitim Tesisleri'nin Orhan Saka Konferans Salonu'nda gerçekleştirildi.
Fikstür çekimi, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonunun (TFF) Riva'daki Hasan Doğan Milli Takımlar Kamp ve Eğitim Tesisleri'nin Orhan Saka Konferans Salonu'nda gerçekleştirildi. Organizasyona TFF 1. Başkan Vekili Mecnun Otyakmaz, TFF yöneticileriyle 1. Lig kulüplerinin başkan, yönetici veya temsilcileri katıldı.
Açılış konuşmasını yapan Mecnun Otyakmaz, 1. Lig'in önemine değinerek, yeni sezonda lige yükselen Bursaspor, Batman Petrolspor, Muğlaspor ve Mardin 1969'a "Hoş geldiniz." dedi.
Trendyol 1. Lig'e bu sezon ikisi grup lideri, ikisi play-off'tan olmak üzere 2. Lig'den 4 takım çıktığını hatırlatan Otyakmaz, "Bundan sonra da devam edecek bu uygulama hem yükselme hem de ligde kalma mücadelesinin heyecanını daha da artıracaktır. 1. Lig'de 14 şehirden 20 takım mücadele edecek. Ülkemizin dört bir yanına futbol coşkusunu ve heyecanını taşıyacak 1. Lig'in en az Süper Lig kadar futbolseverlerin ilgisini çeken, rekabetiyle örnek gösterilen ve şehirleri ortak bir futbol kültüründe buluşturan güçlü bir organizasyon olmasını arzu ediyoruz. Çünkü 1. Lig, yalnızca Süper Lig'e yükselen takımların belirlendiği bir organizasyon değil, genç oyuncuların kendini gösterdiği, gelişimini tamamladığı ve futbolun geleceğinin şekillendiği değerli bir platformdur." ifadelerini kullandı.
Her sezonun yeni heyecanlar ve sorumluluklar getirdiğini belirten Otyakmaz, "Birlik, beraberlik ve ortak akıl anlayışıyla hareket ederek kulüplerimizle iş birliği içinde Türk futbolunu daha güçlü bir geleceğe taşıyacağız. Tüm futbolcularımıza sakatlıklardan uzak, sağlıklı ve başarılı bir sezon diliyor, taraftarlarımızın tribünleri doldurduğu, fair play ruhunun ön planda olduğu ve sonunda kazananın Türk futbolu olduğu bir sezon temenni ediyorum." diye konuştu.
Mecnun Otyakmaz, bu sezon bazı takımların statlarla ilgili sorun yaşama ihtimali olduğuna değinerek, "Bu sene stat konusunda çok önemli sorunlar yaşayacağız. Bazı kulüplerimizin statları tamirde, bazılarının yeni stat projeleri var. Gerçekten zorlanacağımızı düşünüyorum. Sizlerden ricam, bir kulüp stadınızı 1-2 maç için istedikleri zaman kolaylık gösterin." şeklinde görüş belirtti.
Sezon planlaması
1. Lig'de 20 takımla oynanacak yeni sezon 7 Ağustos'ta başlayacak.
TFF Yönetim Kurulunun aldığı karara göre 7, 8, 9 ve 10 Ağustos 2026 tarihlerinde başlayacak sezonda 18, 19, 20 ve 21 Aralık 2026 tarihlerinde oynanacak müsabakalar ardından devre arası verilecek. İkinci yarı 8, 9, 10 ve 11 Ocak 2027 tarihlerinde oynanacak müsabakalarla başlayacak ve normal sezon 8 Mayıs 2027 tarihinde sona erecek.
Trendyol 1. Lig'de 5, 10, 26 ve 34. hafta müsabakaları hafta içi oynanacak.
İlk hafta fikstürü
Trendyol 1. Lig'in ilk haftasında şu maçlar oynanacak:
Fenerbahçe'de taşları yerinden oynatacak dev geri dönüş! Aziz Yıldırım döneminde kulübün mali kasası ve en güvendiği isim olan efsane Genel Koordinatör Tamer Yelkovan, yarım asırlık hafızasıyla yeniden sarı-lacivertli kulübe dönüyor.
Fenerbahçe'de devrim niteliğinde bir geri dönüş imza atılıyor. Aziz Yıldırım'ın önceki döneminde kulübün mali hafızası ve en güvenilir ismi olan eski Genel Koordinatör Tamer Yelkovan, yeniden sarı-lacivertli kulübe dönüyor. Kulüp koridorlarında "Aziz Yıldırım'ın aklı geri geldi" yorumlarına neden olan bu hamle, idari ve mali yapılanmada taşları yerinden oynatacak.
KÜREKÇİLİKTEN KASANIN BAŞINA
Fenerbahçe'ye ilk olarak kürek takımında adım atan ve 10 yıl boyunca sporcu olarak şampiyonluklar yaşayan Tamer Yelkovan, ardından idari kadroya geçti. Kulübün finans departmanında tam 38 yıl görev yapan Yelkovan, uzun yıllar Mali İşler Müdürü (CFO) olarak kulübün kasasını yönetti. Ocak 2016'da ise tüm iştiraklerin bağlı olduğu Genel Koordinatörlük koltuğuna oturdu.
3 TEMMUZ'DA DİMDİK AYAKTA KALDI
2011 yılındaki kumpas sürecinde Aziz Yıldırım ile birlikte tutuklanarak 10 ay Metris Cezaevi'nde yatan Yelkovan, Mayıs 2012'de tahliye oldu. Yapılan tüm incelemelerde kulüp hesaplarında tek bir usulsüzlük bulunmadı ve açılan davalardan tamamen beraat etti. 2018 yılında Ali Koç'un başkan seçilmesiyle birlikte idari değişim rüzgarına takılarak kulüpten ayrılmıştı.
Fenerbahçe’nin mali röntgenini ezbere bilen ve kulübün en kritik dönemlerine tanıklık eden Yelkovan'ın geri dönüşü, camiada "Hafıza tazelendi" şeklinde yorumlanıyor.
Galatasaray, orta saha transferinde bombayı patlatmaya hazırlanıyor. Sarı-kırmızılıların listesindeki Burnley forması giyen Lesley Ugochukwu, kulübüne adeta rest çekerek aslan olmak istediğini ilan etti.
Transfer çalışmalarına hız kesmeden devam eden Galatasaray, aradığı orta sahayı İngiltere'de buldu. Burnley forması giyen Lesley Ugochukwu, sarı-kırmızılı ekibe transfer olabilmek için gemileri yaktı.
Ayrılık talebini Burnley yönetimine doğrudan ileten genç futbolcu, transferine izin verilmesini istedi. Ugochukwu'nun yönetime son derece net bir mesaj göndererek, "Ya Galatasaray'a giderim ya da hiçbir yere gitmem" ifadesini kullandığı ve kulübün elini kolunu bağladığı öğrenildi.
Oyuncunun bu kararlı ve tavizsiz tutumu üzerine Galatasaray yönetimi hemen harekete geçti. İngiliz kulübüyle prensip anlaşmasına varan sarı-kırmızılı yetkililer, transferi resmiyete dökmek için sabırsızlanıyor.
Gelen son bilgilere göre, yıldız futbolcunun transferi öncesi sağlık kontrolleri için gerekli tüm planlamalara başlanmış durumda. Evrak işlemlerinin ardından Ugochukwu'nun kısa süre içinde İstanbul'a gelerek kendisini sarı-kırmızılı renklere bağlayan sözleşmeye imza atması bekleniyor.
Kulüpler Birliği, olaylı son toplantının ardından yabancı kuralı gündemiyle yeniden toplandı. Hedef, kuralın değişmesine direnen son 4-5 kulübü ikna edip TFF'ye "10+4 değişsin" diye baskı yapmak. Peki, Yüksel Yıldırım ve Barış Göktürk kavgasının gölgesinde başlayan bugünkü zirvede yeni bir kriz çıkacak mı?
Kulüpler Birliği Vakfı, Türk futbolunun en tartışmalı gündem maddesi olan "yabancı oyuncu kuralı" için bugün acil koduyla yeniden toplandı. Son buluşmada yaşanan büyük kavgaların ardından gözler, bugünkü kritik zirveden çıkacak ortak karara çevrildi.
Kulüplerin bugünkü toplantıdaki tek ana hedefi, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu’na (TFF) karşı tek ses olabilmek. Kulüpler Birliği, mevcut 10+4 yabancı kuralının değiştirilmesini talep ediyor.
Kulislerden sızan bilgilere göre, kuralın aynen kalmasını isteyen son 4-5 muhalif kulübün de bugün ikna edilmesi amaçlanıyor. Toplantıda tam uzlaşı sağlanırsa, TFF’nin kapısı "Biz kulüpler olarak bu kuralın değişmesini istiyoruz" talebiyle resmen çalınacak.
Bugünkü toplantının gergin geçmesinin en büyük sebebi ise bir önceki oturumda yaşanan sert tartışmalar. Kulüpler Birliği’nin son toplantısında adeta büyük bir çıngar çıkmıştı.
Toplantı esnasında Samsunspor Başkanı Yüksel Yıldırım ile Barış Göktürk arasında çok sert bir ağız dalaşı yaşanmış, taraflar arasındaki tansiyon uzun süre düşürülememişti.
Geçmişteki kavgaların gölgesinde başlayan bugünkü oturumda, muhalif kulüplerin geri adım atıp atmayacağı ve yeni bir krizin patlak verip vermeyeceği merakla bekleniyor. Türk futbolunun yeni yabancı politikasını belirleyecek tarihi zirvede kararın birkaç saat içinde netleşmesi öngörülüyor.
BAŞKANLIK DOĞAN'DA KALDI
Kulüpler Birliği toplantısından çıkan ilk haber Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan'ın yeniden başkan seçildiği oldu. Doğan, talepler üzerine başkanlığa devam etme kararı aldı. Aziz Yıldırım'ın Fenerbahçe başkanlığına döndükten sonra KBV'nin daha önceki dönemlerinde olduğu gibi başkanlığını yapacağı iddia ediliyordu.
With an announcement anticipated imminently, Conor Benn’s long-awaited showdown with Ryan Garcia is becoming one of boxing’s hot topics once again. Now, two-division world champion, Tim Bradley, has revealed his thoughts on the fight. Benn has not fought at welterweight since April 2022, but he remains the WBC’s mandatory challenger. A showdown with champion Garcia […]
The China-linked cybercrime group known as Silver Fox has been attributed to a new Rust-based remote access trojan (RAR) called MODBEACON.
Chinese cybersecurity company QiAnXin said that while the threat cluster may appear like a low-sophistication, high-activity operation that propagates malware via counterfeit installers using SEO poisoning techniques, it belies their true organizational
The L900 Plus enters the budget market as a beginner-friendly drone featuring a dedicated display-equipped controller. Backed by GPS-assisted safety features, the under-250-gram model is available in single or dual-battery configurations.
Oblivion Remastered is currently being advertised on Steam as one of the most-played games on the Steam Deck, prompting a heated debate on Reddit: Can the open-world RPG actually deliver a playable experience on Valve’s handheld?
TrimUI has released its latest Game Boy-style retro handheld following its short pre-order period. Available globally, the TrimUI Brick Pro features a larger display and better battery life than the TrimUI Brick or the TrimUI Brick Hammer. TrimUI has added a pair of Hall effect joysticks too, all for under $100.
Lenovo's budget sub-brand Lecoo has unveiled the Air 14 LNL, a Lunar Lake-powered refresh of the Air 14 ultrabook launched as its first Project Firefly effort. The upgrade is a bit heavier and thicker but with way better hardware.
Deal | In Wartales, players take command of a mercenary company in a medieval world ravaged by war, disease and lawlessness. The strategy RPG is 72% off on Steam until July 13, dropping from $34.99 to $9.79 – its lowest-ever price.
The Hibreak Dual 2 is a new dual-screen smartphone that pairs a conventional LCD panel with a color E-Ink display. The E-Ink screen is designed to be unusually fast for its class, with a claimed refresh rate of up to 80 Hz.
Xiaomi has revealed new details about the standard Redmi Note 17 ahead of its July 14 launch in China. The upcoming model is confirmed to bring a larger OLED display and a bigger battery than its predecessor.
After the so-called Model Y Juniper facelift, Tesla is now preparing another mid-cycle refresh for the fastest version of its most popular electric vehicle. The updated Model Y Performance SUV may first launch in China and then be rolled out globally.
Deal | The Lenovo Yoga 7a 2-in-1 convertible laptop has been discounted by more than $500 at Best Buy. The Yoga 7a on sale is the latest model that Lenove debuted at CES 2026 with the AMD Ryzen AI 400 series APUs, a 1200p OLED display, and more.
The Honor Watch 6 Plus - unveiled in May - comes in five colors, which are now joined by a Motorcycle Edition aimed at bike and racing enthusiasts.
Honor collaborated with Zhang Xue - a Chinese professional racer and founder of motorcycle brand ZXMOTO - on the Watch 6 Plus Motorcycle Edition. And while the Watch 6 Plus Motorcycle Edition's specs and features are identical to those of the standard model, the design is different.
Additionally, the Honor Watch 6 Plus Motorcycle Edition comes with a boot animation with the ZXMOTO logo, an overspeed warning feature to ensure safe...
Ready to relax this weekend in front of your TV (or smartphone, I'm not judging)? Some of you will do well to find something worth enjoying on the world's best streaming services.
Indeed, it's been a surprisingly quiet week for new movies and TV shows. And, while there's just enough to fill this week's streaming round-up, a few of you might not be enthused by how weak the selection is compared to past editions
Still, I'm holding out hope that one of the below will pique your interest. If not... well, there's always the 2026 World Cup quarter finals to watch instead! — Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
Little House on the Prairie season 1 (Netflix)
Netflix has made it 1974 all over again! The Ingalls family return to the small screen in this adaptation of Little House on the Prairie (NB: read myLittle House on the Prairie review while you're here), which is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's book series namesake.
Essentially, this story, which sees protagonist Laura navigates her childhood days on the Prairie lands of Kansas, is comfort watching at its peak. And, while its typical "Netflix look" can be grating, if you look past the form, the content is meaningful. Season 2 is already on the way, too, and I'm already looking forward to it. — Jasmine Valentine, entertainment reporter
Searching for a new gritty crime drama to gorge? The Westies, a J.K. Simmons-fronted MGM+ TV Original that's also available on Prime Video, should appeal to you.
Set in the early 1980s, it follows the notorious New York crime family as they navigate mob wars, familial infighting, and an FBI investigation that might unsettle the increasingly fragile truce that the Hell's Kitchen-based syndicate has with the Italian Mafia.
Episodes 1 and 2 of this Amazon TV Original are out now, while new chapters will air weekly every Sunday for the foreseeable future. — JV
Francis Lawrence's excellent The Long Walk has strolled onto HBO Max and, in my view,it's one of the best Stephen King adaptations of all-time.
Set in a dystopian 1970s, a group of boys compete in an annual televised competition where they're forced to walk non-stop while maintaining a pace of 4.8 km per hour. If they don't, they're killed. There can only be one winner, too, so the pressure is on.
There are lots of likeable characters here and one very unlikeable one in the form of Mark Hamill's The Major, which is arguably his creepiest performance yet. — Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer
Apple TV's long running comedy series Trying has returned for its fifth season.
Esther Smith and Rafe Spall return as central couple Nikki and Jason, who we've watched journey to become parents and, now they have two foster children, they're having to navigate unexpected challenges. This season, Kat (Charlotte Riley), the biological mother of Princess and Tyler, returns and causes the family dynamics to shift.
Trying has been praised for its approach to difficult themes, providing both comedy and emotionally charged moments. It's very good to have this Apple TV Original back on our screens. — LB
Did you really think that we were going to leave you action fans hanging this week? Introducing Wardriver, a new movie that's just dropped on Paramount+ and has already been described by fans online as "great acting of unsavory characters."
In it, we follow a hacker who gets caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse when he's forced into a multi-mullion dollar cyberheist. There's a real sense of jeopardy here, as every line of code could be his last.
Hopefully, that "last" doesn't come before the end of the movie's pithy 94-minute runtime. But hey, who knows with storytelling these days? — JV
No doubt you've heard of The Burning Man, but how much do you know about its roots? You can now experience this iconic arts festival from the comfort of your living room, so you don't even need to to trek out into the desert.
Across four episodes, we go behind the scenes of the eponymous effigy's festival, from its origins all the way up to the present day. There's particular focus on organizing an event of this scale in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, too.
Both seasoned "Burners" and new arrivals feature in the documentary, giving us a complete look at the festival and how it has evolved over time. — LB
Despite all the controversies surrounding the international versions, we're returning to where it all began with Married at First Sight. Just as Love Island USA comes to an end as well, so perfect timing.
You know the score here: 14 new singles will agree to marry someone they’ve never met, and see if their newfound relationship was actually worth saying "I do" for.
Experts Paul C. Brunson and Doctor Lisa Paz are returning to oversee the drama and, judging by the above trailer, the weddings themselves genuinely look the chicest they've ever been. — JV
Bad Apples has been given a global theatrical release date after premiering at TIFF
A new trailer confirmed the movie would be in theaters from September 18 for viewers in the UK and US
The dark comedy is the English-language debut for Jonatan Etzler
Bad Apples may have fallen under the radar after its TIFF debut, but the new dark comedy movie finally has a global release date.
The Saoirse Ronan led movie will be in UK and US theaters from September 18, and we've got a brand new trailer to celebrate the new movie's theatrical release thanks to Paramount Pictures.
Bad Apples follows Maria, a teacher who becomes frustrated when her class of ten year olds is disrupted by one unruly pupil, Danny (Eddie Waller). When Maria accidentally kidnaps Danny and holds him hostage in her house, it sets off an unexpected chain of events.
Take a look at the trailer below.
Bad Apples looks like a perfect blend of comedy and drama, and I can't wait to see it
This is the kind of movie that reels me in instantly. We've got a seemingly ordinary main character in the form of a schoolteacher, who then goes on to make very questionable characters.
The plot of Bad Apples teases that Maria sees her class performance improve once Danny is "missing", which gives her a moral dilemma. Should she release him or keep him held in her home, where he's not disrupting the rest of her class?
Bad Apples is based on the novel De Oönskade (The Unwanted) by Swedish author Rasmus Andersson, which is described as a satirical thriller. So I'm expecting a lot of timely commentary in this movie, which will soon be widely available in theaters.
The movie currently has an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics praising the story, performances and soundtrack. So it's promising stuff already.
September 18 is a long wait, but thankfully we have plenty of recommendations to keep you entertained until then. If it's horror you're after, check out my round up of the best horror movies to stream in July.
Samsung is reportedly giving up on small-screen foldables
That means the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be the last in the series
It's a credible claim, but if enough people vote with their wallet perhaps the Flip line can still be saved
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a superb phone, achieving 4.5 stars in our review. But despite its excellence, Samsung might be giving up on this clamshell series after the Galaxy Z Flip 8 launches.
This is according to reputable leaker @UniverseIce, who stated on X that “the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to be Samsung's last small folding product.”
They didn’t say why that might be, but we can take a guess. For one thing, while the Flip line used to be Samsung’s most popular foldable phone series, there’s evidence that this trend could be starting to change. For example, FN News reported that in South Korea at least, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 received more pre-orders than the Z Flip 7.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to be Samsung's last small folding product. pic.twitter.com/9zN4nNRLT2July 9, 2026
So there could be a growing appetite for large-screen book-style foldables, which makes sense given that larger conventional phones tend to outsell compact models. And with the book-style iPhone Ultra reportedly launching this year, the appetite for that style of foldable is only likely to grow.
Plus, arguably one of the main selling points of the Z Flip line was that it provided a relatively affordable way to get a foldable phone, but with rising memory costs that might cease to be the case.
And on top of all that, Samsung is reportedly launching a shorter, wider book-style foldable this year alongside its conventional successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with this new form factor being bigger than a Flip but still smaller than the company’s current large-screen foldables. So Samsung might see this as something that fans of smaller phones could buy instead of a new Flip.
A phone that would be missed
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
While this claim from @UniverseIce is believable, I certainly hope they’re wrong. Despite all the reservations above, the Flip is still an appealing line of fofldables.
They’re extremely compact when folded shut, which is sure to appeal to some people, and even with rising memory prices they’re likely to remain cheaper than book-style foldables. So it would be a shame for choice and variety if they disappeared.
Still, it’s likely that Samsung will be looking at sales of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the new wider Galaxy Z Fold before making any final decisions, so if the former does particularly well or the latter struggles, there’s still hope for a Galaxy Z Flip 9.
In other words, if it’s something you’d like to see then you should vote with your wallet this year and give Samsung’s upcoming clamshell device some love.
For the last three years I’ve been imploring anyone who will listen to assuage the AI Fear Economy and the AI Doomonomics messaging that dominates our current AI news cycle.
The sleepwalkers among us and the ones that stand to financially benefit from the FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) will continue the walking dead path but many experts are finally disagreeing with the narrative that I have been spearheading for over three years now.
I’ve spent countless hours proving AIs limitations in numerous podcasts, interviews and keynotes along with my “AI Exposed” series. I really cannot find the “off” button for exposing the truth.
If you use AI every day, you know the foundational flaws of the transformer-based generative LLM kingdom.
You see the mistakes, errors, forgetfulness, hallucinations, sycophancy, recency bias, kindergarten math fails, regression to the mean, the waiter problem, no real memory, no real world experience, no determinism, no thinking, no cognition, no sense of time, no real context (environmental, cognitive bias, natural behaviors, awareness, etc.), no uniqueness, no native ethics, no agency, no intelligence (really), no accountability, no “strawberry”. Need more?
AI was never built to do the things the industry is asking it to do. Current LLMs are word predictors. They are the trillion dollar equivalent to an autocomplete on acid. Nothing more.
Workforce Extinction is what the economy is selling but Human+AI empowerment is what will be our final state. We just have to get through the current AI dystopia superbubble burst first unfortunately - which might take a bit more time than we would all like. Remember ATMs? Did they replace bank tellers? No. Remember the corner grocery store? Did Amazon eliminate them after buying Whole Foods in 2017, almost 10 years ago? No.
So how can AI be employed today in partnership with Humans to make them superpowerful?
Human: “This is my 6th meeting today. I’m exhausted.”
AI: “I’ve got your back.”
The bane of our existence, I know certainly mine. I am not talking about the nice small talk or the social and connective tissue that creates strong bonds and trust and loyalty (all of which AI cannot replicate today in the slightest), but the mechanical and mundane meetings that litter our week, every week.
Look at your calendar right now and identify next week’s meetings. Are they “ideation” or “decision making” meetings? The dreaded “Sync” meetings? Or the “Stand-ups”? All of these can be augmented if not completely replaced by AI in a powerful synchronicity that solves the “cold start” problem, immediately empowering you to make sound decisions collectively and collaboratively without you being physically present. After all, ideation is all about tapping into the potentiality of an outcome given all the relevant and contextual facts and information.
The implicit and invisible cognitive biases that humans bring to every meeting every day hold us back. Scour your historical consciousness and you will find thoughts such as “I don’t like this guy, so all his opinions are garbage,” or “I am just going to follow what the boss says,” without really understanding everything. Human gut, instinct, impulse, habits are all driving us unconsciously, invisibly. Unfortunately you are not in control of the productivity wheel.
Human decision-making is unique and infinitely complex
How you see the world, your behavior and decision-making is all unique and infinitely complex, but all patterned by high dimensional mathematics (a.k.a. AI). Synergizing your unique perspectives, ideation and problem solving with an artificial knowledge system like AI can produce incredible results in quality, accuracy and speed resulting in incredible “AI assisted” performance.
We see this confluence every day inside the company and with our customers by building group decisions automatically with each human voice being a part of the discussion to determine the best outcome. Consensus and collaboration without the human in the mix but in their unique voice through their unique prism and in synchronous cognitive sequence allows for easy ownership and accountability, at incredible speed.
And the final kicker that no one is seeing? What are you going to do when Claude or ChatGPT make a bad decision or make an error in judgment? Are you going to fire them? Write them up in Workday? Dock their pay? Good luck. It will never happen. Only humans can be held accountable.
And don’t even get me started on the Token Tsunamis happening right now. Left uncontrolled, companies are spending hundreds of millions of dollars beyond their annual budgets on AI coding and all for what? Where’s the ROI? And the prices for these models are only going higher. The small companies will be priced out very soon.
HUMANS+AI > AI
Luckily the solution is right in front of our noses: the mirror. At the end of the day, AI is only a tool. And a rather crappy tool that needs duct tape (RAG and vector databases), bailing wire (MCP and Frameworks and Agents), bubble gum (guardrails and governance), spittle (memory and state management) and Elmer’s wood glue (evaluation and synthetic testing) just to get a mostly correct answer to the question: “Who is the current US president?” on an offline local model.
All this scaffolding is in place today because the core LLM sucks at all the above. More tokens. More Token Typhoons.
AI today (at best) is Artificial Knowledge that can absolutely be leveraged by smart people and senior staff to produce high quality decision making and actioning. Do not get discouraged, but instead learn how to leverage it. Dive deep and differentiate yourself. Only through leveraging a good tool (like a skill saw) can you frame a house.
The “AI Antidote”
Interpersonal friction and endless alignment meetings are keeping your team from doing their best work. I make it my mission to unblock your team's highest potential, using our AI and turn ideas into decisions in minutes. My team and I harness AI for the betterment of humans to prevent workforce extinction. For now…
This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today.
The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/pro/perspectives-how-to-submit
AI data center power consumption will soon exceed the consumption of conventional data centers
Global data center power consumption has risen by 26% since 2025
In the US, AI data centers account for 36% of all data center power consumption
Data centers built to add capacity for AI will soon consume more power than conventional data center hardware. Consuming 175 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2026, predictions take that number to 258 TWh in 2027 - at which AI-optimized data centers will pass conventional data centers for consumption.
Compared to 2025, AI data center power consumption has increased by around 84%.These are the findings of a Gartner forecast that also predicts AI optimized servers to account for 31% of data center power consumption in 2026.
This level of consumption, combined with an excess in electricity demand compared to production, will be the main constraint on future AI expansion, Gartner predicts. But data center consumption as a whole is expected to be 565 TWh in 2026, a 26% increase year over year.
Consumption on the rise, but capacity is slow to expand
When it comes to global consumption, the US accounts for 36% or around 204 TWh of the full 565 TWh of global demand. Within that slice of US demand, AI data centers account for one third, with expected consumption for 2026 to be around 68 TWh.
"Surging demand for compute-intensive AI workloads is driving unprecedented data center power growth, while AI capacity is now constrained by power availability, making data center power security the new battle ground for scaling and protecting margins in the global AI race," said Gartner's Direct Analyst Linglan Wang.
By 2030, Garter predicts that supply will be unable to meet demand once consumption passes the 1,200 TWh mark.
In order to address this constraint, Wang suggested that business leaders and infrastructure providers should focus on upgrading the efficiency of power grids and the hardware that draws the most power such as cooling systems.
A recent Google Cloud report further suggested that to address the rising cost of power consumption, businesses should move from running AI models on a centralized cloud to edge deployments, where the efficiency of these systems is increased with the added benefit of avoiding a global outage of services if the centralized cloud system fails.
But these levels of consumption increase will hardly help to cool the rising anti-data center sentiment in the US, which—when combined with hardware and power production shortages—has seen nearly half of all data centers in 2026 delayed or cancelled.
Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 were just ported to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
Aside from an upgraded picture quality, they seem otherwise identical to the original versions
Some fans are convinced that they just don't feel right, however
Yesterday, Activision treated us to the surprise release of not one, but two Call of Duty ports. You can now buy the original Black Ops and its acclaimed follow-up, Black Ops 2,on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 for the very first time.
They upgrade the resolution of both games on these newer consoles (a substantial step up from the 608p native picture quality of the backwards compatible versions available on Xbox) but otherwise seem almost identical to their original incarnations.
Even some big features that many fans thought would be cut, like Black Ops 2's infamous emblem creator, are present and accounted for.
I picked up copies of the two games immediately with my own cash (there's currently an irresistible 50% discount on them if you have PS Plus) and spent the best part of yesterday evening playing on my PS5. Aside from the crisper picture quality, they're just as I remember.
I replayed the original versions of both games pretty recently too, via second-hand physical copies that I bought for my Xbox Series X to refresh my knowledge of both games ahead of the Black Ops 7 launch — this latest entry is a Black Ops 2 sequel, after all.
Some fans aren't as impressed, though, and argue that the games just don't feel right.
"Black Ops 1 PS5 has a serious controller input lag issue that needs to be adressed [sic] and fixed" argued one poster on r/callofduty. "It surely wasn’t this bad on PS3".
"Sounds like the original launch" another fan replied, with someone else chiming in: "The golden days" and a tongue-in-cheek sobbing emoji.
"BO1 always felt hard to aim in even in the old days compared to BO2. Pretty sure this is normal" added someone else.
Another post similarly reckons that "The responsiveness is terrible. I distinctly remember the original Black Ops 1 feeling way crisper than this". The top comment agrees, complaining that "I’m losing every gun fight because my gun doesn’t fire in time".
Although everything feels fine to me, there's definitely a chance that those playing specific resolutions, on specific TVs, or with features like VRR enabled might be having a much worse experience. I expect some patches will be released in the coming weeks if these claims hold water.
A printer is an absolute staple of the student set-up. The trick is finding one that a) doesn't take years to print a single page and b) offers good value for money. And this is why I always recommend ink tank printers for college and university students.
I've specifically chosen tank printers like the EcoTank, Smart Tank, and MegaTank lines because almost every one you buy comes with a generous amount of bottled ink in the box that can last for your entire time at college or university (and ink is cheaper to buy if you do need to top up). So, you won't need to blow your student loan on expensive inkjet cartridges like I had to!
Our senior printer editor has extensively tested the best home printers and the best ink tank printers - and based on those reviews, I've hand-picked the 6 top cartridge-free printers for students that performed brilliantly for text and phot printing, as well as offering value for money. For each one, click View details to see our review notes and how they fit into student life.
One quick note: because printers often have different model names in the US and UK, they may appear differently here (I know, it frustrates me too). However, I've made sure the links will take you to the identical unit for your region.
My top back-to-school ink tank printers
Epson
EcoTank ET-2400
Why it's good for students. It's one of the cheapest ink tank printers around, and it's the one I use on a regular basis. It's an all-in-one for printing, scanning, and copying. Print-outs are good across both text and photos, it's compact, and it's quick enough for most. For me, it ticks all the boxes for general use.
HP
Smart Tank 7001
Why it's good for students. We found this HP printer printed quickly, efficiently, with good results across black-and-white and color text documents, while photos feel fresh and vibrant. It features HP's Self-Heal Wi-Fi and automatic two-sided printing.
Why it's good for students. A superb budget ink tank printer from Canon here for those that just want a reliable, compact all-in-one without worrying about unnecessary features like automatic two-sided printing, front-loading, and other terribly exciting extras like that.
Why it's good for students. Brother's ink tank printer delivered excellent results during our tests. It really shines when it comes to color documents and photographs, where colors popped off the page, and it showed exceptionally detailed resolution.
Why it's good for students. Arguably the best of the best right now for the price, we struggled to think of a similarly priced ink tank printer that offered so much ink and so many features. As you'd expect from an EcoTank, it delivered a strong performance across the board.
Why it's good for students. It might not be packed with features and it's certainly not the fastest, but for photo printing, this model from Canon excels thanks to six ink tanks offering bright, vibrant results.
All our printers are put through our unique standardized test, which lets us compare the speed, quality, and functionality against the others. This test covers every aspect of a student's printing needs.
To check performance, we use a uniform stack of test cards, text documents, and photos, and a range of paper sizes and types. If the manual says you can print on envelopes, labels, or t-shirts, we put that claim to the test, too. We're looking for crisp fonts and vibrant colors without smudging, smearing, or feathering.
We use a ten-page mixed text and color document to measure print speeds. We never take the manufacturer's word for this, and while they are usually accurate to be fair, we always time it ourselves. So, if you've got a deadline looming, you'll have a pretty good idea if your printer can get the print-outs in time.
Total cost and overall value are a core part of our review process. And this is specifically why we recommend ink tank printers for students. While they're a little more expensive than traditional, cartridge-based inkjets, they deliver better performance and they're cheaper to run for the duration of your course. Bottled ink is a lot more affordable than an inkjet cartridge, and with the amount you get in the box, it can last most of your time at college or university anyway.
Netflix has proved that it has a knack for producing solid original content, from Stranger Things and Squid Game to Bridgerton, but now the platform is again diversifying into new content areas — and its reputation as one of the best streaming services is starting to slip for me.
Starting on August 3, the platform will be adding video content from a number of popular online outlets including Buzzfeed, Conde Nast, and Variety, spanning topics such as lifestyle, food and drink, fashion, and entertainment. Basically, all the video series you can already find on YouTube will be coming to Netflix.
Netflix says subscribers will be able to stream “some of [their] favorite videos from around the Internet without having to leave Netflix,” as the service puts it — with videos ranging from short two-minute watches, to in-depth 20-minute content. The videos will be available to viewers in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand first.
When the new content lands on the platform, you’ll have another way to watch popular internet video series like Variety’s Lie Detector Test and Architectural Digest’s Walking Tour without having to leave the Netflix app.
The Netflix Originals graveyard is growing
Netflix axed its sci-fi series The Boroughs after just one season (Image credit: Netflix)
Netflix clearly wants to diversify beyond its usual film and TV show offerings. Recently, the service announced its Clips short-form video feed, which is clearly borrowed from TikTok and Instagram Reels. It’s also investing in video podcasts, looking to capture a slice of a market that’s already catered to by Spotify and other services.
I understand that viewing habits are shifting, but Netflix’s attempts at moving into new content feels like a Katy Perry album release, with the streaming giant trying to chase trends for the sake of keeping up appearances, when it should be focussing its time and resources on producing quality original content.
That brings me to the ‘two season problem’.
Netflix has an awful habit of pulling its original shows, even if subscribers love them, after just one or two seasons. The platform just canceled The Boroughs after one season despite it receiving rave reviews — and Stranger Things creators The Duffer Brothers were attached to the project, so a second season was widely expected.
According to the platform, this decision was taken due to production costs (sci-fi is expensive to produce), but somehow Netflix still manages to find enough money to pump into reality shows that receive nowhere near as much critical acclaim as its axed shows get, and which, I’d argue no one really wants.
Although spin-off show Squid Game: The Challenge climbed the Netflix charts, the roaring success of the original TV series helped it massively. But, as our streaming writer Jasmine Valentine says in her two-star review, the second season was “nowhere near as good as its first”. Between this and the pure cringe-fest that was Floor is Lava, you’d think Netflix would’ve learned its lesson — apparently not.
Compared to Netflix, Apple TV is one of the few streaming services that keeps the fire of its original shows burning (Image credit: Apple Tv Plus)
Instead, it’s continued to churn out one reality show after the next. I couldn’t make it past the first 20 minutes of Age of Attraction, and now my favorite childhood movie is about to have the magic sucked out of it thanks to a new Wonka-themed reality show.
I’m not the only one who thinks this, my colleague and streaming writer Lucy Buglass is on the same page, telling me “Netflix’s decision to host content from other platforms has been met with criticism, and there’s a good reason for that. Many beloved Netflix shows have been axed by the streaming service, and in 2024 Netflix canceled these 9 shows despite many of them performing well with both critics and audiences.
“When you compare Netflix to other streaming services, it’s shocking how quick they are to abandon their shows. Competitor Apple TV has a lot of faith in its original programming from sci-fi hitSeverance, to horror comedyWidow’s Bay, and the moreish dramaMargo’s Got Money Troubles. All of these shows have been renewed for new seasons in the future, which is welcome news for loyal fans.
“I’m concerned that Netflix keeps neglecting some great-quality shows in favor of hosting content we can already get elsewhere. Time and time again, TV fans are not getting a satisfying finale because storylines are cut off abruptly after being axed. This only discourages people from watching new shows if they’re going to be left on a permanent cliffhanger.”
Competing against YouTube is going to be quite a challenge for Netflix, and it makes me wonder if it'll be successful in luring more viewers in its direction. But for the time being, I wish it would just focus on quality of quantity.
La Liga and French media giants, including LFP Media and Canal+, have formally submitted a complaint to football's governing body, slamming the new sponsorship as a "disastrous" message to the football ecosystem, according to reports from French sports newspaper L'Equipe.
"La Liga believes that this agreement is manifestly incompatible with the principles of protecting football's audiovisual rights that should govern the actions of world football's governing body," said La Liga president Javier Tebas.
Rightsholders are furious that FIFA would accept sponsorship money from a company they previously targeted with lawsuits for "facilitating access to pirated content," Tebas added.
In a statement to TechRadar, a spokesperson for ExpressVPN strongly denies such allegations.
"Any suggestion that ExpressVPN has been 'found guilty' of facilitating piracy is entirely inaccurate; we have not been convicted of any such conduct in any jurisdiction," the company told us.
While reiterating that a virtual private network (VPN) is a privacy and security tool — "not a loophole for illegal activities" — ExpressVPN also argues it has already presented a framework to national and EU authorithies to tackle the illegal distribution of copyrighted content, without breaking its no-logs VPN commitment.
For everyday football fans and privacy advocates, this corporate clash highlights the growing tension between rightsholders wanting total control over internet traffic and privacy companies defending open, unrestricted access.
If you are looking to secure your digital footprint, utilizing the best VPN is essential to bypassing unfair network restrictions and ensuring your online activity isn't monitored by your internet service provider (ISP) or third-party organizations.
A clash of privacy and anti-piracy
(Image credit: Getty Images)
In France, organizations like the Association for the Protection of Sports Programs (APPS) have aggressively pursued court orders forcing ISPs and tech companies to block access to pirated streams.
ExpressVPN has historically resisted these demands, refusing to implement network-wide blocks. This staunch defense of an open internet led to the VPN provider being formally condemned in the country, making FIFA's sponsorship announcement a bitter pill for French broadcasters to swallow.
The situation has escalated similarly in Spain, where La Liga's president has spearheaded a controversial crusade against illegal streaming. La Liga’s heavy-handed tactics have been heavily criticized by digital rights groups, especially after a recent anti-piracy campaign backfired spectacularly, wrongly blocking over 500,000 legitimate websites in Spain.
The Spanish league has also previously attempted to fine individual users and pressure tech platforms into handing over user data. With La Liga’s war on piracy breaking the internet in Spain, privacy experts have warned that your VPN could be the next target.
Despite the immense legal pressure and the latest formal complaint to FIFA, top VPN providers have consistently argued that enforcing rightsholder site-blocks fundamentally compromises the security and architecture of a privacy service.
Meanwhile, the climate in France remains incredibly hostile for privacy tools.
Earlier this year, a French court backed the LFP and ordered top VPNs to block illegal football streams. This sweeping injunction set a dangerous precedent, forcing the VPN industry to react to France’s aggressive order to block illegal streaming sites and defend the technical realities of zero-logs infrastructure.
Huntress uncovers phishing campaign abusing Meta’s business account email infrastructure and impersonating the Meta Agency Partner Program
Victims were tricked into handing over credentials, which attackers exfiltrated to Telegram for account takeover, scam ads, and targeted phishing
Meta has since added guardrails that killed the campaign; Huntress published IoCs to help organizations detect related activity
Hackers are abusing one, and impersonating another legitimate Meta service, to try and steal login credentials for people’s business accounts with the company.
Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more, allows businesses to set up separate accounts and talk to each other. The emails sent from one to another pass through the company’s infrastructure, meaning they are shown as coming from Meta itself.
However up until recently, hackers were abusing this fact to send phishing emails that landed directly into their victims’ inboxes, security researchers Huntress explained. The company even tried to curb this by hardcoding a disclaimer that email senders are not part, or affiliated with, Meta, but crooks found creative ways around this, as well.
Spending money
The phishing emails redirected victims to landing pages outside Meta’s ecosystem. These pages were designed to mimic Meta Agency Partner Program, a legitimate initiative that connects businesses with professionals in social media management work.
Those who would fail to see the ruse would end up trying to log into their accounts, instead just sharing their login credentials with the attackers. The secrets would get exfiltrated to a Telegram account under the threat actors’ control, which they could later use for different things, from phishing to malvertising.
“Threat actors can leverage Meta business accounts to spend the victim's money on malicious or scam advertising, or they can take over the account entirely, changing the recovery methods and password, and leverage the account to transmit more targeted attacks at the business' customers or social media followers.” the researchers explained.
Over the last couple of months, the campaign evolved and changed, using different lures and mechanics, but keeping the same end goal. However, Meta has effectively killed it by adding additional guardrails that now make it impossible to run.
Former Dragon Age lead writer and creator David Gaider says it's "unlikely" the beloved RPG will have a future at EA
However, he would be open to working on the series again
Gaider would return to the series' roots and make a "dark and dangerous" game
Dragon Age creator and former narrative lead David Gaider doesn't believe the beloved role-playing game (RPG) series has a future at EA, but would be interested in working on a new game if given the chance.
Speaking to PC Gamer, Gaider said it's "unlikely" we'll ever see another Dragon Age game made by BioWare under EA's control and explained how, while working at the studio, it always felt like "We were always one breath away from the [current] project being shelved."
"The thing that happened is that we kept releasing games, and it would sell much better than they thought it should, and it kept surprising them," he said.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard was the exception, which underperformed for EA. However, the publisher was also reported to have been pushing BioWare to incorporate live-service elements into the game, but when the studio stuck to its RPG roots, CEO Andrew Wilson called it a mistake.
Gaider suggested that the Mass Effect series was EA's golden child, and even if it didn't sell as well the team "got excuses, because it was an action-oriented game. They thought it should sell more. It was slicker."
While Gaider believes Dragon Age is dead under EA's ownership, he would be interested in taking on the series again and returning to what made the dark fantasy series so loved in the first place.
"If you'd asked me that in the past, I would have said absolutely not. That I’d done my time," he said. "I left the Dragon Age team before I left BioWare. After Inquisition came out, I went to [Dragon Age's creative director] Mike Laidlaw and I said, ‘I've told all the stories with mages and dragons and what have you that I have in me. And I could keep going, but if I keep working on this, it's going to become rote, and I think that would be a disservice to the team. So I should step aside, let fresher voices rise’. I don't know if that was the right decision, but it felt right at the time."
He added, "I do like a challenge. So if, out of some weird alignment of the stars, somebody handed the Dragon Age franchise back to me and said, ‘Breathe the life back into this baby’, that'd be a tough one, but I think that'd be an interesting thing to do. To go back to the basics of what made Dragon Age appeal to so many people in the first place. And go somewhere dark and dangerous, and do things that will make people upset. I think that’s what I would want to do with it."
It's nearly time for another episode of House of the Dragon season 3 to take flight. And, after last week's Rhaenyra-focused entry, you can expect to see more of the show's wider ensemble when its fourth chapter drops in a few days' time.
"But, when will that be?", I hear you ask. Fear not, dear reader, because I've sent a raven to HBO Towers to learn when the Game of Thrones prequel's next installment will air. Don't delay, then — find out below when it'll premiere where you live.
What time can I watch House of the Dragon season 3 episode 4?
House of the Dragon's next episode will debut at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Sunday, July 12 in North and South America.
There's no need for viewers in other territories to throw a Rhaenyra-style tantrum over when they can see it, either, because it'll drop everywhere else on Monday, July 13. Read on to learn the exact time that it'll arrive in your region of the world:
US — Sunday, July 12 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
Canada — Sunday, July 12 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
UK — Monday, July13 at 2am BST
India — Monday, July 13 at 6:30am IST
Singapore — Monday, July 13 at 9am SGT
Australia — Monday, July 13 at 11am AEST
New Zealand — Monday, July 13 at 1pm NZST
What channel or platform can I watch House of the Dragon season 3 on?
Did he think I would not discover it? pic.twitter.com/V6dDqp075cJuly 6, 2026
Like its predecessors, the high-fantasy series' next episode will come out on HBO Max, aka one of the world's best streaming services, where it's available.
Live in a country that the Warner-owned platform is yet to come to, or don't have an active HBO Max subscription? Don't worry, there are other cable networks, streamers, and TV channels you can watch House of the Dragon 3's fourth chapter on:
US — HBO and HBO Max
Canada — Crave
UK — HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and Now TV
India — JioHotstar
Singapore — HBO Max
Australia — HBO Max
New Zealand — HBO Max
What is the full release schedule for House of the Dragon season 3?
Alicent and Rhaenyra will continue to play their own mini Dance of the Dragons in this week's episode (Image credit: Ollie Upton/HBO)
After this week's entry, we'll be midway through this season. That means only four episodes remain before the HBO TV Original departs our screens ahead of its fourth and likely final season.
Unsurprisingly, this season's remaining episodes will air every Sunday in the Americas and every Monday everywhere else — you can read the list below to remind yourself of each one's release date:
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 1 — out now
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 2 — out now
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 3 — out now
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 4— July 12/13
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 5 — July 19/20
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 6 — July 26/27
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 7 — August 2/3
House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8 — August 9/10
Watch Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic live streams at Wimbledon 2026 in a second men's semi-final that features two of the all-time legends of the sport duking it out on the manicured lawns of the All England Club. The Italian top seed will start as favorite, but the Serbian 24-time grand slam champion won the pair's only meeting earlier this year as he seeks history.
Defending champion Sinner hasn't dropped a set since a shaky first-round display against Miomir Kecmanovic that went the distance. In the continued absence of Carlos Alcaraz, the 24-year-old is the overwhelming men's favorite and has enjoyed a kind run to the last four, with Djokovic the first seed he will face. Sinner struggled with the heat and illness in a second-round exit at the French Open, and with temperatures in SW19 continuing to rise, the Italian must find a way to keep cool in this one.
Djokovic produced one of the performances of his storied career at the Australian Open earlier this year to win a five-set classic. The 39-year-old has struggled with fitness issues since that victory, but Wimbledon represents the Serbian great's best chance of leaving behind Margaret Court to win a record 25th grand slam singles title. Djokovic came through a razor-thin quarter-final with Felix Auger-Aliassime in a fifth-set tiebreak but having two days in between matches should have helped the veteran's recovery.
Waiting out errors won't be enough against Sinner, but if Djokovic can serve well and get the first strike in the point, he can get the upset.
Here's how to watch Sinner vs Djokovic at Wimbledon 2026 from anywhere in the world and potentially for FREE.
Can you watch Sinner vs Djokovic for free?
Yes. Sinner vs Djokovic is being shown on free-to-air BBC One and BBC Two in the UK, with live streaming available through BBC iPlayer, and on free-to-air Channel 9 and 9Gem in Australia, with live streaming available via 9Now.
Not at home today? You can use a VPN to watch Wimbledon for free as if you were in your usual country.
Use a VPN to watch Sinner vs Djokovic live streams
Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching Sinner vs Djokovic on your usual subscription?
You can still watch live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. One of our favorites is Surfshark – we explain why in our Surfshark review.
Surfshark is the best cheap VPN out there – and it unblocks BBC iPlayer so you can watch your usual Sinner vs Djokovic streams from anywhere in the world.
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How to watch Sinner vs Djokovic live streams in the US
In the US, Sinner vs Djokovic is available to watch via ESPN and ESPN2.
ESPN Select, which is live streaming every match on every court, costs $12.99/month or $129.99/year, but you can bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for $19.99/month.
If you don't have ESPN and ESPN2 on cable, they're available through Sling. The Orange plan can provide access to these channels with Daily ($4.99), Weekend ($11.99), Week ($14.99) and Monthly ($45.99) passes available.
These channels are also available on Fubo, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, each of which offers a free trial to new users.
Outside of the US? Use a VPN whilst you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch Sinner vs Djokovic live streams in the UK
(Image credit: Other)
In the UK, Sinner vs Djokovic will be shown on free-to-air on BBC One, as well as via the BBC iPlayer streaming service.
All you need is an account, a TV Licence and a UK postcode (e.g.HA9 0WS). Sign up here!
If you're out of the UK but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
How to watch Sinner vs Djokovic live streams in Australia
(Image credit: free)
Sinner vs Djokovic is free-to-air on Channel 9 and 9Now in Australia, with live streaming available via the 9Now platform.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like Surfshark to watch all the action as if you were back home.
How to watch Sinner vs Djokovic in Canada
(Image credit: Other)
In Canada, Sinner vs Djokovic is exclusive to TSN.
If you don't have cable, the TSN Plus streaming service costs CA$29.99/month or CA$249.99/year. However, you can currently get three months for CA$59.99.
If you're out of Canada but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the Sinner vs Djokovic head-to-head?
This will be the 12th meeting between Sinner and Djokovic, with the former leading the head-to-head record by six wins to the latter's five.
Djokovic won the most recent match in five sets at the Australian Open 2026, while Sinner won the last encounter on grass, at Wimbledon in last year's semi-finals.
Before the Melbourne Park victory in January, Sinner had won the previous five matches between the players.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Ads for fake air conditioners are plaguing Facebook and YouTube
These appliances promise high performance features and claim to be ground-breaking
UK advertising regulator warns you should be sceptical and report them
The UK is having its share of sweltering heatwaves this summer and there’s never been a bigger demand for the best fans and air conditioners — but that's also come with a wave of fake air conditioning adverts.
Adverts for portable air conditioners allegedly ‘designed by former NASA engineers’ that can cool down a room ‘in less than 90 seconds’ are being pushed to consumers across the likes Facebook and YouTube. Portable air conditioners have been going out of stock pretty much everywhere — more recently Meaco’s Cirro lineup — so appliances from trusted brands are becoming a lot harder to come by as the UK is gripped by high temperatures
The advertised air conditioners claim to pack a punch all while having affordable prices, ranging between £70-£120 according to the BBC. Additionally, these product listings often feature fake customer reviews with overwhelmingly positive comments on performance features.
Civil engineer and content creator, Stuart Matthews, is just one online persona that’s raising awareness; “if it sounds too good to be true, it’s not ‘probably’ a scam these days, it definitely is a scam,” he shared in a YouTube video.
In one of his most recent unboxing videos, Matthews purchased one of the cheap air coolers, taking it apart bit by bit to give a closer look at the inner workings of these appliances — and they don’t work in the same way as proper air conditioners.
Here's how to spot a fake
The product he showcased was sold as a ‘mini portable air cooler’ with a small water tank that can ‘chill quite a sizable room by a number of degrees very quickly’. Once he took the machine apart, Matthews found what he described as ‘cardboard fins’ that essentially soak up water from the tank, which the fan blows air through at a very weak speed — all of which he forked out £70 for, when he thinks it’s worth no more than £5.
With high demand, users in need will often take the first appliance that’s put in front of them, giving companies more room to scam, and now the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is officially warning you. But if you’re finding it difficult to tell the difference between legitimate and misleading adverts, the regulator has issued a few tips.
As mentioned, one of the biggest things to note is the overuse of positive reviews and comments that report life-changing results, so if an advert claims a small fan can cool a room in a very short space of time, be sceptical.
Just with the advert shown in Matthews’ video, you should also be wary of lengthy backstories and bold claims, i.e. “an ingenious invention that’s disrupting the £5 billion air conditioning industry” — a bold claim for a product that no one has heard of.
Additionally, a majority of the adverts seem to be AI-generated, with inconsistencies such as spelling and grammar errors, which you should also keep an eye out for. If you think you’ve run into a fake air conditioner advert, you can file a report on the ASA website.
Iğdır FK Futbol Direktörü Hikmet Karaman, 1. Lig'de ilk iki hedefiyle genç, dinamik ve mücadeleci bir kadro kuracaklarını belirterek, büyük transferlerden ziyade karakterli bir takım oluşturmayı amaçladıklarını söyledi.
Gençlerbirliği'nin kadrosuna kattığı Portekizli sol bek Kevin Rodrigues, transferinin ardından açıklamalarda bulundu. Rodrigues, teknik direktör Metin Diyadin'in kendisini istemesinin gurur verici olduğunu söyledi.
Türkiye A Milli Erkek Basketbol Takımı oyuncusu Tarık Biberovic, FIBA 2027 Dünya Kupası Avrupa Elemeleri birinci turunun en iyi beşinde yer aldı. 25 yaşındaki oyuncu, ilk turda forma giydiği beş maçta 17,8 sayı ortalaması yakaladı
Portekizli teknik direktör Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid'de resmen göreve başladı. Deneyimli çalıştırıcı, kulüp tesislerinde çekilen fotoğrafını sosyal medya hesabından "Hadi başlayalım!!" notuyla paylaştı.
Geridə qalmış mövsümdə “Mingəçevir”i Premyer Liqaya çıxara bilməmiş Ramiz Məmmədov bundan sonra “Karvan”a rəhbərlik edəcək.
Arena.az bu barədə Yevlax klubunun mətbuat xidmətinə istinadən xəbər verir.
Məmmədovla imzalanmış müqavilənin müddəti və digər detalları açıqlanmayıb. Amma böyük ehtimalla o, “Mingəçevir”dən ayrılıb və “Karvan”la 1 illik müqavilə bağlayıb.
Xatırladaq ki, 57 yaşlı mütəxəssis ötən mövsüm “Mingəçevir”i Premyer Liqaya vəsiqə uğrunda pley-off oyununa qədər daşısa da, burada “Qəbələ”yə məğlubiyyətə üzülmüşdü.
Ramiz Məmmədov daha öncə “Qəbələ”, “Atırau”, “Şamaxı” kimi komandalarda da çalışıb.
“Karvan”a isə geridə qalmış mövsümdə Füzuli Məmmədov rəhbərlik edirdi. O, mövsümün gedişində Yevlax təmsilçisinin sükanı arxasına keçmiş, amma komandanı elitada saxlaya bilməmişdi. Sonuncu olan bu komanda yeni mövsümdə Birinci Liqada mübarizə aparacaq.
İyulun 11-də Almaniya Frankfurt (Oder) şəhərində 19 yaşadək boksçular arasında beynəlxalq turnir start götürəcək.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, 4 gün davam edəcək yarışda Azərbaycan millisi də mübarizə aparacaq.
U-19 komandamızın baş məşqçisi Elbrus Rzayev və məşqçi Yadigar Məmmədov Frankfurtda Əli Əliyev (50 kq), Nihat Qasımov (55 kq), Əli Baxışov, Sübhan Babayev, Toğrul Quliyev (hər üçü 60 kq), Şahin Aslanov (65 kq), Rza Rzayev (70 kq), Renat Qiyaslı (75 kq), Səftər Məmmədzadə və Məhəmməd Cəfərova (hər ikisi +90 kq) şans verəcək.
Qızlardan ibarət millinin baş məşqçisi İlkin Ağayev isə Banuçiçək Nəsirli (48 kq) ilə Gülər Hüseynovanı (51 kq) yoxlayacaq.
Turnirdə ölkəmizi Elxan Quliyev hakim kimi təmsil edəcək.
“Mançester Siti” heyətini yeni futbolçu ilə gücləndirib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “şəhərlilər” “Şeffild Uenzdey”dən qapıçı Pyers Çarlesi transfer edib. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 20 yaşlı qolkiperlə 5 illik müqavilə imzalanıb.
“Mançester Siti” Pyers üçün 3 funt-sterlinq ödəyib.
Çarles ötən mövsüm “Şeffild Uenzdey”lə Çempionşipdə 20 oyuna çıxıb.
Avrokubokların I təsnifat mərhələsinin ilk oyunları Azərbaycan futbolu tarixinə ən uğurlu həftə kimi düşüb.
Futbolpress.az PFL-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, klublarımız keçirilən hər üç oyunda qalib gəlib. UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında “Sabah” TNS-i (Uels) 2:0, UEFA Avropa Liqasında “Qarabağ” “Vestri”ni (İslandiya) və UEFA Konfrans Liqasında “Zirə” “Torpedo”nu (Kutaisi, Gürcüstan) eyni – 3:0 hesabı ilə məğlub edib.
Bu, qitə miqyaslı klub turnirləri tarixində ikinci belə hadisədir. Komandalarımız bunadək yalnız bir dəfə həftə ərzində ən azı 3 oyun keçirib və hamısında qalib gəlmişdi. 2013/14 mövsümündə “İnter” “Mariehamn”ı (Finlandiya) 2:0, “Qarabağ” “Metalurq”u (Şimali Makedoniya) və “Xəzər Lənkəran” “Slima”nı (Malta) eyni – 1:0 hesabı ilə məğlub edib. Həmin qarşılaşmaların üçü də UEFA Avropa Liqasının I təsnifat mərhələsinin cavab oyunları çərçivəsində baş tutub və 2013-cü il iyulun 11-də keçirilib.
13 ildən sonra 3 qələbə əldə olunsa da, bu dəfə daha yaxşı top fərqi qeydə alınıb. 2013-cü ildə qol buraxmayan üç klubumuz 4 qol vurubsa, yenə qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayan təmsilçilərimiz ikiqat çox – 8 dəfə rəqib qapısına yol tapıb.
“Qarabağ”ın futbolçusu Elvin Cəfərquliyev sosial şəbəkə hesabında paylaşım edib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, cinah oyunçusu Avropa Liqasında “Vestri” ilə matçdan (3:0) sonra bunları yazıb:
“Mənə göstərdiyiniz dəyər və dəstəyə görə sizə ürəkdən minnətdaram. Bu etimadı doğrultmaq üçün əlimdən gələni edəcəyəm. Sizi çox sevirəm”.
Elvin ötən mövsümün sonlarında baş məşqçi Qurban Qurbanovun qərarı ilə əsas komandadan kənarlaşdırılmışdı. Azərbaycan millisinin də üzvü olan cinah müdafiəçisi daha sonra bağışlanıb və “atlılar”ın yay toplanışında iştirak edib. Elvin dünən “Vestri” ilə matçda ikinci hissədə meydana daxil olub.
“Barselona” “Atletiko”nun futbolçusu Xulian Alvaresin keçidi üçün danışıqları davam etdirir. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, Kataloniya təmsilçisi dünya çempionatından sonra hücumçu […]
Avrokubokların I təsnifat mərhələsinin ilk oyunları Azərbaycan futbolu tarixinə ən uğurlu həftə kimi düşüb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, klublarımızın hər […]
Yeni mövsümün hazırlığını davam etdirən “Araz-Naxçıvan” daha bir futbolçu ilə anlaşıb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, braziliyalı qapıçı Artur Auqusto Da […]
“Qarabağ”ın futbolçusu Abdullah Zubirin UEFA Avropa Liqasının I təsnifat mərhələsinin “Vestri” ilə oyununda vurduğu qol yubileylə əlamətdar olub. Msport.az xəbər […]
Reports in Italy claim that both Roma and Galatasaray have expressed an interest in signing Assane Diao from Como this summer, but it is the Turkish side who are preparing an offer for the Senegal international according to the latest updates.
Galatasaray and Roma interested in Diao, offer being prepared in Turkey
According to reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Galatasaray have been in contact with Como and are ‘intending’ to submit an offer for the 20-year-old winger.
This would likely be a paid loan deal with either an option or obligation to buy at a later date.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Assane Diao of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mate Nico Paz after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, there were also reports that Roma might be interested in picking up Diao this summer, following the news that their first-choice attacking target Mason Greenwood is set to join Fenerbahce instead.
Reports from TMW claimed that it would take an offer in the region of €25m-€30m to convince Como into selling.
Diao joined Como from Real Betis in January of 2025, arriving at a cost of €12m. The youngster made an immediate impression in Serie A, netting eight goals from his first 15 appearances in the Italian top flight, but a series of injuries from the end of that season onwards limited him to just 17 appearances and two goals in the league in 2025-26.
Fiorentina have announced that they will face Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in a prestigious pre-season friendly on August 1.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, where both teams are set to have their summer training camps in Austria seeking cooler temperatures.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Pisa SC at Artemio Franchi on February 23, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It is the second time that the Tuscans have played Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly, as they had visited the Bernabeu in the summer of 2017.
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale insists the new Rossoneri management works ‘as a team’ but notes: ‘I approve every single cent, and I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market.’
Cardinale: ‘I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market’
“No one at Milan has approval rights at any threshold in the transfer market, apart from me,” said the Milan owner.
“I approve every single cent, and I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market.”
The Rossoneri have already secured two summer signings. They first signed Portugal international Gonçalo Ramos from PSG in a deal worth up to €70m, including add-ons.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio’s Mario Gila is now in Milan to undergo medical tests with the Rossoneri before completing a €30m transfer. This means the Rossoneri have already invested circa €100m in new acquisitions this summer.
“In the way we operate, my power of approval is one-sided,” Cardinale continued.
“And then one important thing: as I said at the press conference, we do things as a team. So the team will continue to make recommendations, and we will work together.
“We have a lot of input from the coach and my team. But in the end, when the time comes to make a decision, I approve it.”
Milan failed to reach the Champions League in the 2025-26 season, so Massimiliano Allegri was sacked and replaced by ex-Manchester United boss Amorim, who has signed a three-year contract at San Siro.
Horacio Elizondo, the referee of the 2006 World Cup Final, reveals Zinedine Zidane reassured him that the red card was correct but also asked: ‘Didn’t you see what happened before?’
July 9 2026, marked the 20th anniversary of Italy’s World Cup victory.
The Azzurri famously beat France on penalties in the final, with Zidane sent off just ten minutes before the penalty shootout for headbutting Materazzi.
Argentine official Elizondo, the referee of that match, described the moments that led to that decision and what Zidane told him before leaving the pitch.
That was also Zidane’s final game as a footballer, making his red card incident even more legendary.
“I saw Materazzi didn’t get up, so I stopped the play and started running towards him,” Elizondo told Gazzetta.
“While I was running, I asked the first assistant: ‘What happened?’ He said: ‘I didn’t see anything.’ Same for the second assistant. We didn’t know what had happened.
“At that moment, Medina Cantalejo, the fourth official, told me: Zidane headbutted Materazzi. In all this, I thought: These guys didn’t see anything, the same goes for the crowd, from TV I don’t know. The fourth official says it’s a red card, so I’ll give a red card, but I need to do something to help the world understand.”
What Zidane told referee after red card in 2006 World Cup final
Elizondo feared that the crowd in the stadium would not understand why he showed red to Zidane, so he pretended to discuss the matter with one of his assistants.
“I started talking to the assistant, pretending that he knew something. I wanted to make this ‘acting’ to make people understand [we were making a decision]. I told him: ‘Ten minutes to go, remain focused.’ Then I turned and gave the red card to Zidane,” Elizondo said.
epa00768064 Italian player Marco Materazzi tries to put a hat over the World Cup trophy after the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Sunday 09 July 2006. EPA/BERND WEISSBROD +++ Mobile Services OUT +++ Please refer to FIFA’s Terms and Conditions.
“I was curious to see Zidane’s reaction and whether he would defend his position. When he saw me running with my hand in the back pocket, he started taking his captain’s armband off.
“So I thought, okay, it’s done, and I started to relax a bit. When I was about to write his name on the sheet, he touched my shoulder and said: ‘Calm, the red card is correct, but didn’t you hear or see what happened before?’ I said: ‘No, what happened?’ But he just turned his back and went out.”
Italy has not played a World Cup knockout game since 2014, having been eliminated in the group stages in 2010 and 2014, and failing to qualify altogether in 2018, 2022, and 2026.
Amorim outlined his ambitions for the Rossoneri, while Cardinale reiterated the club’s commitment to building a competitive side capable of challenging both domestically and in Europe.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The summer transfer window has already seen Milan make an early statement with the arrivals of Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila, strengthening both the attack and the defence ahead of the new campaign.
However, the club’s business is far from complete, with several areas of the squad still expected to be reinforced before the window closes.
Ruben Amorim smiles at his first Milan press conference (acmilan.com)
In today’s episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni is joined by SempreMilan’s Ben Dixon to analyse Amorim’s first press conference, discuss the significance of Milan’s early signings, and examine the club’s transfer strategy under Cardinale’s ownership.
Liverpool have reportedly been dealt the blow that Michael Edwards is leaving his position as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football operations.
The Reds will surely be rocked by this news, being reported by the Times and others, with Edwards forming a key part of their transfer strategy in what has been a hugely successful era for the club under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
It’s suggested in the Times’ report that Edwards informed FSG of his decision some time ago, with there being some frustration behind the scenes at the lack of commitment to a multi-club model.
Edwards was in his second spell with Liverpool, having previously left in 2022 before returning in 2024 under a slightly different role.
What does Michael Edwards exit mean for Liverpool’s transfer plans?
Michael Edwards
Edwards’ exit looks like a blow for LFC, with the club seemingly only reluctantly accepting his decision.
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It’s expected that these two departures will not stand in the way of the club completing its business this summer, but it seems like far from ideal for the Merseyside giants moving forward.
We’ve seen huge upheaval at Anfield in recent times as Slot was sacked as manager earlier this summer, with Andoni Iraola coming in to replace him.
Meanwhile, big names like Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate all left on free transfers, following on from the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold last year.
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This is truly a new era at Liverpool and it is unclear at this moment in time what that will look like.
See below for additional information from Ben Jacobs as he says Mike Gordon will replace Edwards for now…
? BREAKING: Michael Edwards has stepped down from his role as FSG's CEO of football.
“BREAKING: Michael Edwards has stepped down from his role as FSG’s CEO of football. Mike Gordon will take control of football operations,” Jacobs posted on X.
What do you make of all this, Liverpool fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has reportedly directly told his manager Eddie Howe that he wants to join Arsenal.
The Brazil international has been a star player at St James’ Park in recent years, but it looks like he could be the next of their big names to be heading out of the exit door.
Newcastle sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool last year, while this summer they’ve already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham.
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See below as Hand of Arsenal has a new update on the Guimaraes situation, with the 28-year-old keen to get a move to the Emirates Stadium wrapped up quickly…
– Bruno G has directly told Eddie Howe he wants to join the English Champions – Kia still doing all the communication between the clubs – Arsenal internally discussing another offer – Bruno G preferably wants it sorted before pre-season either way but wont do a Isak.
As per the reliable Arsenal news source, Guimaraes has spoken with Howe and would ideally like to join the Gunners in time for pre-season, while the club are internally discussing making a new offer.
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Newcastle will no doubt be eager to keep Guimaraes, but we’ve been informed by sources that Arsenal are cautiously optimistic of a deal being done at around £75-80m.
If Guimaraes continues to push for a move, it’s surely going to be difficult for NUFC to persuade him to stay, and it’s debatable if it’s in their interests to keep an unsettled player anyway.
Do Arsenal need more in midfield?
Arsenal already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino, and Christian Norgaard in midfield, so why the interest in Guimaraes?
Firstly, Rice and Zubimendi will surely need a bit more rest next season after playing so much football in 2025/26. The fact that they were run into the ground so much is also a clear sign that Mikel Arteta is unsure about Norgaard, for whom an exit this summer would not be at all surprising.
Lewis-Skelly, meanwhile, is young and raw, and may well end up playing left-back more often, even if he did have a good run in midfield towards the end of 2025/26.
That leaves a clear role for Guimaraes, who can also arguably offer more quality on the ball than Rice and Zubimendi, giving AFC a new dimension going forward.
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PSG want to get rid of Kolo Muani
Apparently, PSG already had an agreement in place with the Italian club regarding a loan move with a €40 million purchase option. However, the Italian club is facing financial difficulties, and PSG is considering other clubs as potential destinations for the striker.
Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are interested in signing the player, according to Sebastien Denis. It remains to be seen whether the two English clubs make an offer to sign him. It is no secret that they need more quality in the attack, and the French international could be a useful option for them if he manages to regain his form and confidence.
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He has not been at his best for quite some time. The signing would be a bit of a gamble, and the two Premier League clubs should look to sign him on loan with an option to buy. That way, it would mitigate the risk of being potentially stuck with an underperforming player on a long-term contract.
It remains to be seen how the situation develops. The 27-year-old striker will be desperate to get his career back on track with regular football. Joining a team like Villa or Crystal Palace could be an exciting opportunity for him. Both clubs have competitive teams, and they could provide the 32-cap French international with regular high-level action.
However, Tottenham have decided against it. They have already invested heavily in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. They no longer need to sign the Portuguese International, and the player is now seeking a move elsewhere.
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Spurs will not sign Joao Palhinha
Falk has revealed to CFBayernInsider: “It is true, talks with Tottenham over signing João Palhinha are 100% dead in the water. Palhinha would also be keen to return to his native Portugal. Sporting Lisbon are keen on him, but the problem is that Bayern want to make another sale, while the former wish to secure a loan deal for the holding midfielder with a buy-option attached after a year.
“Bayern are firm: they want the money now. They had calculated that they would get €30-35m if Tottenham had triggered his buy clause. Spurs won’t do that now, so Bayern want to get this money elsewhere. So, a loan wouldn’t be the perfect solution for the club, which is why this is going to take some time.”
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Palhinha has been linked with a move to his former club, Sporting CP. He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and moving back to Portugal would be ideal for him. Tottenham are already well stocked in the middle of the park now, and it makes sense for them to walk away from the move to sign the Portuguese International.
Tottenham should focus on improving the attacking unit now before the window closes. They need a quality winger and a striker.
Out of the woods in Northern Connecticut comes a racetrack. A rather historic one, at that.
This weekend, the famed Lime Rock Park road course provides quite a contrast to what'll be happening under a brighter spotlight in North Georgia, where NASCAR's top two series race at one of their oldest ovals — Atlanta Motor Speedway, officially known these days as EchoPark Speedway.
The ARCA and Truck Series will be at Lime Rock, Friday and Saturday, while the Cup and O'Reilly Series will be getting after it on the high-speed, high-traffic quad-oval just south of Atlanta.
The Jaylen Brown trade is pretty much brand new, but it's already being ranked among the worst trades in recent sports history.
The Celtics sent Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, and it was the kind of breaking news that you had to read about four times to believe that it was really happening.
The rankings are about the worst trades in sports this century -- and Escobedo ranks the Brown deal at No. 6, with only five being worse than it.
"Trading a co-star to a random contender stings. Trading him to the rival who eliminated you—and one you'll play four times a year—takes a special kind of front-office cockiness," Escobedo writes. "Even Brown seemed thrown by it. Boston had reportedly been shopping Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo weeks earlier. The Celtics aimed for a superstar swap and settled for handing a division rival exactly what it needed to get scarier. The picks might age well. But this decision never will."
Ironically, this move is right behind another Celtics deal on the list, a positive Boston one -- when they swapped the pick used on Markelle Fultz for the pick used on Jayson Tatum.
"Given the long-term fallout for both franchises, this deal continues to age worse and worse," Escobedo writes. "The only silver lining for the Sixers is that they eventually traded Fultz for the pick that they'd spend on Tyrese Maxey."
It's a rankings list filled with a Boston flavor.
At least for Boston sports fans, there's a few more positive moves, too.
The trade that got Wes Welker from the Dolphins ranks as No. 14 worst deal from a Miami perspective (and a great one for the Pats).
And the trade that got Randy Moss from the Raiders to the Patriots ranks as 12th-worst from the perspective of Oakland giving up Moss.
And way up at No. 3 is the Nets making the brutal trade for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett that landed the Celtics picks to get Tatum and, yep, Brown.
Michael Edwards is leaving Liverpool for a second time after standing down as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football.
The transfer guru, who told the club’s owners last autumn he was planning to go, has served his notice period and is going with a year of his contract remaining.
Edwards, Liverpool’s former director of football, returned to Anfield in a broader role in 2024, following Jurgen Klopp’s departure and when FSG were looking to purchase another club.
However, FSG did not follow a multi-club model after exploring deals for around 25 other clubs, including Malaga and Bordeaux, but opting not to buy any.
Edwards felt the job was not developing in the way he and FSG had hoped and, having no wish to return to a role as a sporting director, decided to move on.
FSG had hoped to keep Edwards but without him, their president, Mike Gordon, is expected to have a greater role in the running of Liverpool.
They broke the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak for £125m and have spent almost £550m, with other signings including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Giovanni Leoni and this summer’s additions, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz.
Former Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Jalen Brown is back in the transfer portal and looking for a new school. Brown, who played at FSU in 2024, spent the 2025 season with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Brown was dismissed from FSU's team in April of 2025 and then entered the transfer portal. He started five games with the Razorbacks before an injury ended his season. The Miami native finished the year with 12 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns, all of which were new career highs.
He was then dismissed from the team in April of 2026 after being arrested on a charge of hindering apprehension/prosecution. He announced this week that those charges have been dismissed and that he will be entering the transfer portal.
Brown started his career with the LSU Tigers, playing in three games during the 2023 season and redshirting. He did not record a stat with them before coming to Tallahassee. He played in nine games for the Seminoles with two starts, catching eight passes for 75 yards and returning one kickoff for 19 yards.
He was a top 100 recruit in the 2023 recruiting class when he signed with LSU. The 6-foot-1, 163-pounder was a four-star transfer and was FSU's second-highest transfer addition, but was a three-star transfer when he left Tallahassee. He has not yet received a ranking for his latest transfer.
Henry Patten knows only victory in the men’s doubles final at Wimbledon on Saturday will get him and partner Harri Heliovaara on the ATP Tour Instagram page amid the sport’s ongoing civil war.
The four-man format at the All England Club has been overshadowed after a proposal was presented at an ATP Player Council meeting last week that would mean from 2028 doubles draws would be halved and prize money reduced in favour of singles players.
It has sparked outrage in the doubles community and British left-hander Patten has been one of the most outspoken, but not let it distract the world number one pair from another deep run at a grand slam.
Patten and Heliovaara progressed into Saturday’s showpiece on Centre Court against Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo with a 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (10-8) victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Kovacevic in front of a packed Court One crowd on Thursday.
The thrilling triumph has not made it onto the ATP’s Instagram page yet and nor did Patten and Heliovaara after they finished runners-up at Roland Garros.
“The reality is you need to win a slam or be in the final of a slam to be anywhere near their Instagram page. I don’t see why they couldn’t promote eight guys,” Patten said.
“Their argument is, ‘oh you guys are always changing your partnerships,’ – no, the top guys are not. So, they have these odd narratives like, ‘no one watches doubles,’ but Wimbledon have done a pretty good job of selling out crowds for doubles this week on every court.
“They would say it doesn’t really count because it’s Wimbledon, everyone is there, but what are you talking about? Of course it counts.
“You should be aiming for your tournaments to be as successful as these, so I would love to see them change their mindset with the doubles. I would love them to see it as an opportunity for growth alongside the singles, but we’ll see.”
Patten has consistently railed against the proposals, which occurred with little consultation as the ATP pursue “a more sustainable long-term model while maintaining doubles’ important role on the tour”.
Given Patten mastered his craft on the Challenger Tour and had never made it beyond the third round of a major before he won the Wimbledon doubles in 2024, he is aware the changes could prevent players like him emerging.
Two-time grand slam champion Patten said: “They are talking about cutting lots of jobs effectively and it means in 10 years’ time, if these proposals go ahead, they are basically saying people like me shouldn’t be on the ATP Tour, which I take quite personally and I think is wrong.
“We need to get in front of board members, the CEO and the chairman. We need to sit down and talk to them.
“We’re tired of the discussions going on behind closed doors and the players having to react to that. It is not good enough.”
Patten will channel his focus on revenge over Saturday’s finalists Pavic and Arevalo, who beat the duo on the grass at Queen’s Club.
“It will be a difficult match but we have to remind ourselves that we’re doing really well and to go for it,” Patten insisted.
The Press Association has approached the ATP for comment.
After a handful of games in the Bay Area for the California Classic, the Golden State Warriors kicked off the Las Vegas edition of their Summer League campaign on Thursday afternoon against the Dallas Mavericks.
All eyes were on a pair of former Michigan Wolverines as ex-teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. suited up against each other for the first time in the Summer League. Both of the former Wolverines put on a show in their Summer League debuts.
Lendeborg recorded a double-double performance with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field with a pair of made triples to go along with 10 boards and six assists. Lendeborg played 28 minutes, helping lead the Warriors to a 101-90 victory in Las Vegas.
Lendeborg's college teammate Johnson struck back, scoring a game-high 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting from the field with eight boards and three assists.
Second-year guard LJ Cryer led the way for the Warriors with 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field with seven assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes. Cryer showed off his long-range scoring with five made triples on eight attempts from beyond the arc. Cryer caught fire in the second qurter alone, scoring 16 of his 25 points in the second frame.
Second-round pick Lajae Jones played 15 minutes off the bench, scoring 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the fielf with five rebounds and a block for the Warriors.
Lachlan Olbrich, who impressed in the California Classic, picked up where he left off, scoring in double-figures again with 12 points on 2-of-8 shooting from the floor with two rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench on Thursday night.
The Warriors will get Friday and Saturday off before meeting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas.
"For the Angels, there’s no harm in bringing him aboard on a minor league deal and having some extra non-roster depth," McDonald wrote. "The Angels have the worst record in baseball at 37-56, lining them up to be clear deadline sellers."
Neither Tubner or Louisville has made an official announcement yet, but Tubner's Instagram bio now says "Louisville WBB" and his cover photo on X is a Louisville women's basketball graphic. Tubner was fired in April after spending two seasons on coach Kim Caldwell's staff.
Caldwell released a statement on April 2 after the news broke and confirmed that the program had "parted ways" with Tubner.
"I want to thank Coach Tubner for his contributions to our program during the past two seasons," Caldwell said in a statement. "We wish him the very best moving forward."
Tubner will be reunited with former Lady Vol Deniya Prawl, who transferred to Louisville in April. All eight of Tennessee's possible returners entered the transfer portal after the Lady Vols went 16-14 last season.
Before Caldwell hired him in 2024, Tubner spent the previous three seasons on the Alabama women's basketball staff and was an associate head coach in his final season with the Tide.
Tubner interviewed for the head coach opening at Kennesaw State, according to a report from USA TODAY on March 27. Kennesaw State hired Tianni Kelly on March 30.
Tubner was making $250,000 annually on Caldwell's staff, according to UT's salary database.
Caldwell has since hired former Florida State associate head coach Bill Ferrara and former Georgia assistant coach Isoken Uzamere to fill her open positions on staff.
Tubner also made stops at Ball State (2021-22), UNC Wilmington (2019-20), Indiana State (2018-19), Austin Peay (2017-18), Arkansas Tech (2014-17) and Division II Arkansas-Monticello (2013-14). He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Arkansas-Monticello men's basketball team before switching to women's basketball.
The Montgomery, Alabama, native played for Centenary from 2008-11.
Neither Tubner or Louisville has made an official announcement yet, but Tubner's Instagram bio now says "Louisville WBB" and his cover photo on X is a Louisville women's basketball graphic. Tubner was fired in April after spending two seasons on coach Kim Caldwell's staff.
Caldwell released a statement on April 2 after the news broke and confirmed that the program had "parted ways" with Tubner.
"I want to thank Coach Tubner for his contributions to our program during the past two seasons," Caldwell said in a statement. "We wish him the very best moving forward."
Tubner will be reunited with former Lady Vol Deniya Prawl, who transferred to Louisville in April. All eight of Tennessee's possible returners entered the transfer portal after the Lady Vols went 16-14 last season.
Before Caldwell hired him in 2024, Tubner spent the previous three seasons on the Alabama women's basketball staff and was an associate head coach in his final season with the Tide.
Tubner interviewed for the head coach opening at Kennesaw State, according to a report from USA TODAY on March 27. Kennesaw State hired Tianni Kelly on March 30.
Tubner was making $250,000 annually on Caldwell's staff, according to UT's salary database.
Caldwell has since hired former Florida State associate head coach Bill Ferrara and former Georgia assistant coach Isoken Uzamere to fill her open positions on staff.
Tubner also made stops at Ball State (2021-22), UNC Wilmington (2019-20), Indiana State (2018-19), Austin Peay (2017-18), Arkansas Tech (2014-17) and Division II Arkansas-Monticello (2013-14). He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Arkansas-Monticello men's basketball team before switching to women's basketball.
The Montgomery, Alabama, native played for Centenary from 2008-11.
England have introduced new alcohol guidelines advising players not to drink the day before, during or after matches
The rules follow the Stokes-Atkinson nightclub controversy, with ambiguities over the existing curfew a factor
McCullum and Key retain discretion to relax the recommendations for celebrations or traditions
England introduce new alcohol and curfew rules for players after Ben Stokes controversy
England men's players have been advised to avoid drinking alcohol on the day before and the day after matches under new behavior guidelines, introduced in the wake of the nightclub controversy involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. The updated policy aims to remove the ambiguities that surrounded the team's existing midnight curfew.
A midnight curfew had been brought in following an Ashes tour blighted by off-field problems, but confusion over its terms became a factor in the Stokes-Atkinson incident. As reported by BBC Sport, players have now been issued fresh guidance clarifying expectations around both the curfew and alcohol consumption.
The revised policy, first reported by The Telegraph, confirms the midnight curfew applies on every day of a series at home or on tour. It also recommends that no alcohol be consumed on the day immediately before, during, or the day immediately after a match, extending further for matches that run their full course.
According to BBC Sport, the guidance recommends players avoid alcohol around match days, with the restriction extending to the day after a Test finishes. If a Test runs the full five days, the recommendation stretches to the following day, reinforcing the emphasis on preparation and recovery.
Crucially, head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key retain the discretion to relax the recommendations when they see fit. That flexibility allows the hierarchy to permit players to celebrate a win or maintain traditions such as an end-of-series drink with the opposition.
Players were allowed to drink immediately after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, marking Stokes' international retirement. The recommendations apply only to players rather than staff, and where players do choose to drink around matches, it should not be done in public.
The curfew was first introduced to England's white-ball teams in January for the tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup. As BBC Sport notes, it followed Harry Brook being punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington and Ben Duckett being filmed apparently drunk during England's mid-Ashes holiday in Noosa.
After England's win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, Stokes and Atkinson were at a London nightclub into the early hours, present when a security staff member was struck by a Saracens rugby player. The Telegraph reports Key had said Atkinson was unaware the curfew was even in place.
Both were made unavailable for the second Test pending an investigation. They were eventually cleared of violent conduct but found to have breached specific contractual obligations, prompting McCullum to admit ambiguity over the curfew's terms and pledge to clarify them.
The England men's team and their relationship with alcohol is an issue that refuses to go away. As BBC Sport's analysis notes, there is a broader debate to be had about cricket's relationship with drink, with the professional game arguably years behind other sports in this regard.
The answer is far from straightforward. England cannot be seen to be doing nothing, yet any regulations carry pitfalls, with the hierarchy keen to enforce standards without appearing draconian. These remain recommendations rather than rules, meaning players can still choose to drink if they wish.
Further complications exist, as the guidance applies only to the senior men's team, while the women, Lions, and age-group sides follow their own rules. Players must now also inform management or security if they are out of the hotel after 22:00 and cannot post on social media about alcohol-related activities.
For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) reacts after scoring touchdown in the first half of the NCAA college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
As preseason camp begins this week, Land-Grant Holy Land is diving into its final theme every week of the off-season. This week is all about making predictions that may or may not be reasonable, in fact, some might say they are bold. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Bold Predictions” articles here.
There are two things I’m bullish on about the Buckeyes going into 2026. One is that Ohio State will be better at running the football.
They have to be. Arthur Smith has a great background in working with great running backs as an offensive coordinator, and he should be able to get the Buckeyes going on the ground again.
The second thing I’m bullish on is that Bo Jackson is about to break out. Like, really break out.
In this week of Bold Predictions, I’m predicting Jackson will lead the Big Ten in rushing yards.
Jackson finished fifth in the Big Ten in rushing yards last year at 1,090 yards. The leader, Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson, had 1,451 yards rushing. He’s now in the NFL. So, too, are the second and fourth-leading rushers in the Big Ten last year.
The two players behind Jackson — Kaelon Black and King Miller — have also moved on to the NFL.
Keep in mind, too, that Jackson wasn’t even the Buckeyes’ starting running back at the start of the season. Heck, he didn’t even play against Texas. What followed was six games of 100+ rushing yards.
That’s good. This season, he’ll be better.
Consider Ohio State’s offense last year was driven through its passing game. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate were the best wide receiver duo in college football. The Buckeyes don’t have a clear-cut WR2 coming into this season. While they work in their new receivers, they’ll need to run the football to open up the passing part of their offensive playbook.
Enter Jackson. He only had one game last year with 20+ carries. This season, he should have way more. Jackson is coming into this season as the RB1 on the Buckeyes’ roster, meaning he will be playing in Week 1.
Also, remember Arthur Smith’s offenses are built on running the football. Look at what he did in Tennessee and Atlanta in his NFL offensive coordinator and head coaching stints.
Combine all of that with the fact that rushing leaders above and below Jackson are now in the NFL, and it’s very possible to see Jackson atop the Big Ten rushing chart in 2026. Jackson was less than 400 yards away from the top of the list in 2026, and that’s with missing the first game of the regular season.
Even with the Buckeyes being WRU, they are historically known for their legendary running backs. Jackson may be, believe it or not, next in line. That will start with Jackson leading the Big Ten in rushing yards in 2026.
Credit: The Dan Patrick Show/Peacock; Credit: Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images
Former Fox Sports and ESPN sportscaster Kevin Frazier appeared on Thursday’s edition of The Dan Patrick Show. And just seconds into his appearance, Frazier went off about Fox analyst Alexi Lalas and soccer in the United States, three days after the USMNT was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I’ve been dying to come here and talk USA soccer,” Frazier, the host of Entertainment Tonight, began. “I was like, ‘I’ve got to come here and get this off my chest.'”
“Wait, what’s wrong?” host Dan Patrick asked.
“Listen, man. We’ve got to stop Alexi Lalas,” Frazier explained. “What’s going on? What’s happening? Alexi, slow down, bro. Slow down. I’ve been listening to some of his takes. I thought Thierry Henry was going to kill him. Zlatan wanted to take him out at one point.”
“And then I’ve been listening to some of these takes recently, and the way every four years we lose, and then we go through this thing where we say, ‘What’s the problem with U.S. soccer?'” Frazier continued. “And then he gives his explanation. He’s like, ‘Oh, the pay-for-play system works, and it’s okay.’ And I’m like, ‘Alexi, what are you talking about?’ You benefited from it, like a kid from the suburbs. But back when U.S. sucked, sucked, sucked in Italy, you were part of the problem. You are part of the problem. Stop talking about U.S. soccer like you know it. You don’t.”
“Wow, you are coming in hot today,” Patrick said to Frazier.
“I was so hot when I read; he had a recent tweet about ‘there’s nothing wrong with the system, blah blah blah,'” Frazier said. “I was like, ‘Shut up! Shut up!'”
“Isn’t it good TV, though?” Patrick asked. “Are they providing good entertainment TV?”
“I think it’s going to be cool until Zlatan gets up and just kicks him at some point,” Frazier explained. “Right? It’s crazy! It’s crazy!”
“I hate when they say ‘this is just the start,'” Patrick explained. “This has been ‘just the start’ for 30 years.”
“Dan, we’ve watched it over, and over, and over again,” Frazier said. “I used to follow Landon Donovan around. When he went to Germany, I went to Germany to see him play. I remember when we did so well in South Africa in the Confed Cup, and I was so excited. And I was like, We’re building something. We’re building something.’
“Here’s the problem. Because we don’t want it to be the No. 1 sport. We want it to be the most profitable sport. And so, what they’re doing is making money off of kids in the suburbs… I’ve spent the last 10 years because I have a kid who plays at the highest level… the last 10 years, I’ve watched how they really gatekeep. And some of these best kids from the city… My son’s playing in Beverly Hills. He thinks he’s Pele, right? And I’m like, ‘Dude, you can’t play.’ So, I take him into the city, in the hood, right? And I’m like, ‘Bro, let’s go. Let’s see what you do.’ And the guy’s like, ‘He can practice with us, but this is a program, it’s free, and we have kids who can play.’ And, I mean, they’re dicing my son up. And it took him like three to four weeks before he even played a game, as a nine-year-old.
“And I was like, ‘That’s the problem.’ How can you be playing in Southern California, and there are no Latino kids? I was like, ‘There’s something weird going on.’ I was like, ‘What’s happening?’ U.S. soccer is gatekeeping, and they’re keeping all these kids out of the cities, and the best kids we have, they’re not getting through.”
Seton O’Connor, a longtime producer of The Dan Patrick Show, also delivered an impassioned response on Thursday in response to Lalas’ claims about youth soccer in the United States.
Lalas went on to repost the Frazier and O’Connor videos on his X account.
Albert Pujols could be the Angels next manager. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Last off-season the Los Angels of Anaheim hired former major league catcher Kurt Suzuki to become a first-time manager. In a show of either disrespect or as a hedge against failure or simply not to have to worry about paying a manager during a protracted lock-out after the current season, the Angels only gave Suzuki a one-year contract. With his appointment, Suzuki became the club’s fifth manager since Mike Scioscia ended his 19-year run in 2018. Brad Ausmus took the reins for one season (winning just 72 games); Phil Nevin lasted 268 games, but had the exact same winning percentage as Ausmus; Ron Washington made it to a second season before leaving the team for open-heart surgery (his .419 winning percentage was worse than his predecessors); and Ray Montgomery filled in for “Wash,” winning just 36 of 88 games.
Of the above names, Nevin had a one-year deal with a team option for a second, which they did not exercise. Montgomery was an interim manager from the get, and he was never going to last beyond 2025.
As of this writing, the Angels are the worst team in baseball. They lead all of MLB in strikeouts (by batters) and are below league average in every other offensive category worth tracking.
On the pitching side, they are 24th in team ERA and runs allowed, 26th in hit batsmen, 28th in walks, and dead last in saves (with only 10 through 93 games). They are above average in home runs allowed and strikeouts, but are tied for 28th in ERA+.
Defensively, they have made the fifth most errors in the game, are 24th in double plays turned, and tied for the 28th worst fielding percentage.
Suffice it to say, the Angels are not good. Their best player (of all-time), Mike Trout, is just off the injured list (and hit a homer in his first game back); and their second-best player (Zach Neto) has made fourteen errors at shortstop.
Last month team president Molly Jolly fired general manager Perry Minasian after five-plus years in that position. In his place she brought in former St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak. “Mo” is on a six-month contract to oversee the Draft, handle the Trade Deadline, and find a new general manager. But the smart money has the team finding a new field manager as well.
One name that has been thrown around for open positions in New York and Boston would be a perfect fit in Anaheim, and he is already on the payroll. When Albert Pujols signed his ten-year, $240 million contract with the Angels in 2011, it also included a 10-year, $10 million personal services component that is in place until 2031. Pujols would most likely command more than $1 million per season to manage the Angels, but if the club is already on the hook for the money, then it would not be much of a hit to their bottom line to add the future Hall of Famer as the team’s skipper. And one known fact around baseball is that Angels owner Arte Moreno doesn’t like to spend extra money if he doesn’t have to.
Pujols managed the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic, getting to the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to USA. Prior to the WBC, Pujols led Leones del Escogido to the Dominican Winter League championship (the final of which put Junior Caminero on the baseball map). The fourth member of the 700-home run club is known as a good communicator and a strong team-builder. Just this week, on the Baseball Tonight podcast, Pujols told host Buster Olney that “any team that would like to give me that opportunity, I will go for it, and I will prepare myself and do the best that I can.”
Pujols will be on the short list of those to whom the Angels would offer that opportunity.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Planning to watch Friday’s World Cup games? Here you can find everything you need to know about who is playing today and when. Plus, get an early look at Saturday’s World Cup schedule.
World Cup schedule today
Here are the World Cup matchups for Friday, July 10.
Date
Game
Time (ET)
TV Info
Friday, July 10
Spain vs. Belgium
3:00 PM
FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Where can I watch the World Cup matches?
All 104 matches in the World Cup will air exclusively in English on FOX, FS1, and the FOX One app. For Spanish-language broadcasts, all games can be found on Telemundo and on streaming service Peacock.
How to watch World Cup for free?
If you want to watch World Cup games without a cable, satellite, or streaming subscription, you can view them on FOX with an HD digital antenna.
Where can I stream World Cup matches?
REUTERS
If you are looking to stream World Cup games in 2026, FOX One will be the home for all 104 matches. You can also find them on YouTube TV or Fubo (via FOX and FS1). Both services currently have weeklong free trials.
Upcoming 2026 World Cup schedule
Get a look at the upcoming games on the 2026 World Cup schedule.
Date
Game
Time (ET)
TV Info
Saturday, July 11
Norway vs. England
5:00 PM
FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Saturday, July 11
Argentina vs. TBD
9:00 PM
FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
When did the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 edition of the World Cup began on Thursday, June 11, with games at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, Mexico.
Feyenoord respond to £15M Nottingham Forest offer for Man City target Givairo Read
Nottingham Forest have had a bid rejected by Feyenoord for right-back Givairo Read
The offer of around £15M has been turned down, but Forest are expected to return to the table
The pursuit comes as Forest look to reinvest the proceeds of Man City’s £116M Anderson signing
Nottingham Forest have submitted an official bid for Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read, with the proposal rejected but the club expected to return to the table as they look to reinvest the proceeds of Manchester City’s record £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson, as per a new report.
Givairo Read has emerged as a priority target for Forest as the club’s hierarchy looks to channel the extraordinary windfall generated by Anderson’s departure to the Etihad Stadium into meaningful squad reinforcement rather than allowing the funds to sit untouched as the summer window advances.
The right-back position has been identified as one of the areas Forest are most eager to address, with Read’s profile as an attacking, dynamic operator in that role drawing the attention of the City Ground club’s recruitment team during what has already been a highly eventful summer for a side adjusting to life in the aftermath of one of the most significant sales in the history of the Premier League.
Manchester City monitoring Givairo Read as Nottingham Forest hold Feyenoord talks
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis proved throughout the Anderson negotiation that he is prepared to hold his ground and demand the price he believes a player is worth, and his recruitment staff now appear to be operating with that same sense of purpose on the buying side of the market as they seek to respond swiftly and ambitiously to the money that Manchester City ultimately agreed to pay to bring Anderson to the Etihad Stadium.
The bid for Read arrives at a moment of significant transfer activity across the Premier League, with Forest’s aggressive entry into the market as buyers underscoring the broader impact that the Anderson deal has had on the landscape of English football’s summer window.
Report: Feyenoord reject Forest bid as City Ground club ‘expected to return’
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest submitted an official bid worth around £15 million to Feyenoord for Read, with the Dutch club having rejected the offer but Forest fully expected to return to the negotiating table with an improved proposal in the near future.
The rejection suggests Feyenoord regard the initial bid as falling short of their own valuation of a player who has attracted attention beyond Forest alone, with clubs across Europe having tracked Read’s development and the competition for his signature likely to intensify as the window progresses.
That Forest have moved quickly and formally to submit a first bid speaks to the urgency within the club’s summer planning, with the right-back position understood to be among the positions most in need of strengthening as they look to build on last season’s performance and sustain their momentum in the top half of the Premier League table.
Read’s profile as a right-back with the technical and physical attributes required to perform at the highest level has clearly convinced Forest’s sporting structure that he represents the right profile for their system, and the expectation that they will return with a second offer suggests the rejection has done nothing to diminish the club’s conviction in the target.
Givairo Read breaks long-held silence on Manchester City transfer talk after Robin van Persie blessing
What does Forest’s transfer activity mean for the wider summer window?
The speed and ambition of Forest’s activity in the market this summer – both in extracting a guaranteed record fee for Anderson and in moving quickly to reinvest – represents one of the more impressive pieces of summer business management seen from a Premier League club in recent years, and it reflects the confidence that Marinakis and his sporting team have in their ability to identify and acquire targets without hesitation.
For Manchester City, the sight of Forest reinvesting so actively is a reminder of the broader consequences of record-breaking transfer activity, with the funds released by the Anderson deal now filtering through the market in ways that will shape the competitive landscape across the Premier League well beyond the two clubs directly involved in the original transaction.
Whether Read ultimately arrives at the City Ground ahead of the new season, or whether Feyenoord’s stance forces Forest to consider alternative options in the position, remains to be determined as the negotiations continue – but the expectation of a second bid arriving soon suggests that Forest regard this as a pursuit they intend to see through to a conclusion rather than one they will abandon at the first sign of resistance.
How quickly the two clubs can close the gap between the opening offer and Feyenoord’s true valuation of Read will likely determine whether the deal is completed within the next fortnight or stretches into the later stages of a summer window that has already produced some of the most significant transfer activity in recent Premier League memory.
Uncrowned has live UFC 329 weigh-in results and video for Friday's official weigh-ins for the Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway fight card in Las Vegas. McGregor and Holloway, in addition to the 24 other fighters on this year’s International Fight Week event, will hit the scales from 12 p.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET in one final push before Saturday’s showcase.
Live results and video highlights from official weigh-ins will be updated throughout the proceedings below in this post.
McGregor vs. Holloway is a non-title welterweight fight, meaning neither man can tip the scales higher than 171 pounds. Co-headliners Paddy Pimblett and Benoît Saint Denis must do similar for their lightweight non-title tilt, weighing no more than 156 pounds.
The afternoon's official proceedings are just the first step of a two-step process for Friday’s weigh-ins; ceremonial weigh-ins also take place Friday beginning at 9 p.m.
Check out complete UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway weigh-in results below.
Main Card (9 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
Welterweight: Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway
Lightweight: Benoît Saint Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett
Bantamweight: Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista
Flyweight: Brandon Royval vs. Lone'er Kavanagh
Lightweight: King Green vs. Terrance McKinney
Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
Light heavyweight: Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov
England are three wins away from a first World Cup since 1966.
Norway and Erling Haaland stand in their way first; if they navigate that challenge, a semi-final with Argentina likely awaits; then, France, Spain or Belgium in the final in New Jersey.
When Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley 60 years ago he did so in an unbranded shirt. It wasn’t until 1974 that they struck their first kit deal, a five-year contract with Admiral worth about £10,000 and a 10 per cent royalty on units sold commercially.
Fast forward another 52 years and kit deals often span decades, involve global distribution networks and are worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
These are complex agreements, both in terms of the logistics and contracts. England’s deal with Nike was renewed in 2016, taking the pair’s partnership to at least 2030. Over the duration of the agreement, the American sportswear firm will pay the Football Association in the region of £400m.
And, as football finance expert Professor Kieran Maguire explains in exclusive conversation with HITC, the contract almost certainly includes a hefty bonus if Thomas Tuchel’s side win the World Cup this summer.
Football finance expert explains England’s kit deal with Nike
Most kit agreements are complexly structured, a patchwork of fluctuating royalties depending on sales totals, a linear upfront fee, inflation-indexed escalator clauses, rebates and performance-related bonuses.
“There is always a reward element in a major contract like England’s with Nike,” the University of Liverpool football finance lecturer and Price of Football podcast host tells HITC.
“That’s the same at domestic and international level. Nike cannot afford to lose the deal. If England go on to win this tournament, the kit will be nearly as iconic as Bobby Moore’s red jersey in 1966 because people will want a memento. That will have a positive impact for Nike in terms of sales of this kit but also going into Euro 2028, because there will be a feel-good factor, plus England are the hosts too.
Photo by Dominika Zarzycka/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
“Nike and the FA will have embedded clauses into the contract to make sure they are rewarded for success at the World Cup.
“The biggest challenge for both the FA and Nike is the increased prevalence of pirated kits. For consumers, you can now go and pay £10-12 for a fake replica. The scarcity benefit that Nike had for England kits because they had licensed the IP is being eroded by the pirates. 90 football fans out of 100 know the name of the website they can use to buy the fakes – the site is even on the App Store. That tells you how confident the pirates are.”
James Pearce: Michael Edwards Stepping Down From FSG Role
Michael Edwards Leaves FSG Role as Liverpool Face Another Reset
Liverpool’s modern rise has often been explained through the choreography behind the curtain as much as the talent on the pitch. That is why the news that Michael Edwards has “stepped down as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football” lands with such force. As first reported by James Pearce of The Athletic, Edwards has already worked through his notice period and departs with a year left on the deal he signed in 2024.
There is a certain symmetry to the timing. Edwards returned to help shape Liverpool’s future after Jürgen Klopp, with FSG creating a role intended to give strategic coherence to the club and its wider ambitions. Yet the central project that helped bring him back never truly materialised. When he agreed to return, “he made it clear that FSG’s commitment to embarking on a multi-club model had been crucial in convincing him to accept the newly created role of CEO of football.”
Multi-club plans stall for FSG
The significance of that line is difficult to overstate. Modern elite football is increasingly organised through networks, satellite clubs and shared recruitment pipelines. Edwards, one of the sharpest operators of his generation, appears to have viewed that model as essential. Instead, despite work on “around 25 clubs across Europe with a strong focus on Spain, Portugal and France”, “no proposal got the green light from the FSG board.” It was reported in March that FSG had “effectively shelved plans to buy a second club”, leaving Edwards “frustrated by the impasse.”
That frustration now reads less like a passing irritation and more like a warning. Liverpool’s executives have long traded on clarity, discipline and alignment. Once those begin to soften, instability tends to follow.
Liverpool structure faces fresh uncertainty
Edwards’ record at Liverpool remains formidable. He “developed a reputation as a shrewd negotiator” and, alongside Klopp, helped construct the side that conquered Europe in 2019 and ended the long wait for a league title a year later. He also returned in 2024 to appoint Richard Hughes and bring back Julian Ward. Yet the structure he helped assemble now looks vulnerable, with “Hughes is also set to move on later this year”.
Photo IMAGO
FSG are “unlikely to recruit a replacement” for Edwards, with Mike Gordon expected to take control. Whether that restores order or simply concentrates uncertainty will shape Liverpool’s next phase under Andoni Iraola.
Our View
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels exhausting. Every time there is talk of a coherent long-term plan, another senior figure walks away. Edwards was supposed to be the adult in the room, the one who would steer the club through the post-Klopp era and build something sustainable. If even he has had enough, then what exactly is going on at boardroom level?
The most frustrating part is the reason behind it. If “FSG’s commitment to embarking on a multi-club model had been crucial” to getting Edwards back, how does that project then stall completely? You cannot sell the vision, appoint elite people on the strength of it, then hesitate when decisions need making. That is how drift starts.
Supporters have seen this before, a sense that Liverpool are forever half a step from fully committing to their own ambitions. There is always caution, always delay, always a sense of working within limits while rivals move aggressively. Edwards being “frustrated by the impasse” says plenty, because if someone with his patience and clarity reaches that point, fans are entitled to feel the same.
And now Richard Hughes could be off as well. At some stage, this stops looking like natural change and starts looking like a club repeatedly resetting itself. Liverpool should be building from a position of strength. Instead, this report makes it feel as though the foundations are being inspected all over again.
As LIV Golf desperately seeks to secure funding for 2027 and beyond, its CEO, Scott O’Neil, has made yet another plea to potential investors.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund shockingly withdrew its support of the breakaway golf tour this year, leaving it without investment starting from next season. The league risks collapsing entirely if it cannot secure new funding.
O’Neil, on a recent media tour, told Sportico why investors should support the tour, claiming they are seeking up to $350 million to continue operating. Worryingly, one of these reasons was that LIV’s operating losses were so high that investment was an “unbelievable tax opportunity”. Enticing.
O’Neil’s statement will likely do little to encourage fans who hope is on the horizon, but it does make Bryson DeChambeau’s request look absolutely ridiculous.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Bryson DeChambeau’s $500 million request looks ridiculous
DeChambeau is LIV’s biggest star, but he’s out of contract at the end of this year. His contract negotiations with LIV have been intense, and he has a high asking price.
According to reports, DeChambeau was hoping to secure a $500 million contract from LIV Golf. Now it’s clear that this was totally unrealistic. O’Neil said the tour needs $350 million just to stay afloat, so adding another $500 million on top of that would have been the final nail in the tour’s coffin.
DeChambeau claims to be at the heart of pitching LIV’s future to investors as he presents a path forward for the tour, but he can’t be inspiring much confidence.
He’s still out of contract, so how are investors supposed to feel comfortable committing to this product when DeChambeau himself won’t commit?
The two-time major winner also hasn’t said that he’ll put any of his own money into the project either, despite making hundreds of millions on the tour. So again, his pleas for others to reach into their pockets to fund DeChambeau’s golf must be ringing empty.
At this point, DeChambeau could well be a detriment to these negotiations rather than a positive.
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
England midfielder Jordan Henderson will play no further part in the World Cup after breaking his arm after the victory over Mexico.
The former Liverpool midfielder did not even feature during the 90 minutes at the Azteca, but found himself yellow carded and injured.
It was quite the night for Henderson, who has since undergone surgery on his injury back in Kansas City.
Sporting his cast, Henderson will be supporting his teammates in Miami on Saturday against Norway.
Newcastle United defender Dan Burn was the first on the scene after Henderson suffered his injury, with the 34-year-old sharing how he may have played some part in Henderson’s incident.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Why Dan Burn feels some guilt over Jordan Henderson’s freak England injury
Just seconds before Henderson slipped, Burn hopped over the same advertisement board without any issue.
“I think I killed him a bit, because I made it look really easy when I jumped over,” Burn told TalkSPORT.
“I just heard the noise behind us straight away, and you know with Hendo, if he doesn’t get up, there’s something wrong.
“I am gutted for him. He wasn’t on the pitch but he was still buzzing for everyone. He’s had his op now. I’m happy he’s back in Kansas now, because I think it’s been a long few days.”
The 36-year-old midfielder has earned 90 caps for England over the years, but this injury could mark the end of his international playing career.
It was a total freak accident, but it has certainly proven costly for the Brentford star.
Despite his suffering, Henderson has vowed to continue supporting his teammates as they head to Miami for the game against Norway on Saturday.
Following a bunch of big trades, including a blockbuster deal that sent Milwaukee Bucks legend Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat and Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown to the Sixers, the biggest story in the NBA at the moment is on the future of the 22-time All-Star.
Cleveland Cavaliers had advantage in LeBron James sweepstakes?
Since informing the Los Angeles Lakers he won’t return for a ninth season, the top contenders for the future Hall of Famer are believed to be the Heat, Cavaliers, 76ers and Warriors. However, in recent days, it seems like the Cavs are emerging as the clear favorite for James. Yet, several new reports make it seem like the race is already over. The first comes from The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
“League executives who spoke with The Athletic said there was only one team executive believed to have had direct contact with James during this free agency: Brandon Weems, a childhood friend of LeBron who works in Cleveland’s front office and appeared in photographs posted to social media of James and his friends partying in Akron, Ohio over the July 4 holiday.”
That nugget of intel is notable because, as of now, James has passed on a free agent tour or taking in-person meetings with representatives of teams. Instead, as ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported on Thursday, club reps are sending voice messages to his agent, Rich Paul, and then those audio files are passed on to the future Hall of Famer.
Another rumor pointing to James returning to his first and third teams comes from ESPN Cleveland host Emmett Golden. The radio personality claimed this week that a reliable source from the past informed him that the word on “the streets” is that “Bron and Bronny are coming back to Cleveland.”
Bill Simmons claims James to Cavaliers deal ‘done’
Obviously, thoughts from “the streets” must be taken with several large grains of salt. But it is interesting nonetheless. However, it seems that Golden isn’t the only one hearing rumblings about James returning to the Cavaliers for the 2026-27 NBA season.
According to popular podcast and NBA expert Bill Simmons, Golden State has been used as leverage by James and his team to set up a return to Cleveland under the circumstances that he prefers. When he was asked about this supposed leverage, Simmons had a bold response.
Obviously, this is all speculation. But it sure seems like there are a ton of signs pointing toward a James and Cavaliers reunion becoming official soon.
Wimbledon 2026 is reaching its conclusion with the world's best tennis players battling it out to lift the famous trophy and write their name into the grand slam history books.
It's also an opportunity to earn a serious amount of cash with lower ranked players fighting to progress every round knowing the huge sums of prize money available could be life-changing to their future developments on the tour.
Wimbledon 2026 has a total prize fund of £64.2m this year — a rise of £10m from last year — and a figure that is split between all rounds of the competition, including money won by players in the men's and women's singles that entered via qualification.
As we reach the business end of the tournament, The Sporting News takes a look at the prize money on offer for each round of the tournament, including what the winner can pocket.
The champions of the 2026 Wimbledon men's and women's singles will each win £3.6m ($4.8m) in prize money — a rise of £600,000 ($801,000) from last year.
Exit in first round of qualifying: £20,000 ($26,704)
Exit in second round of qualifying: £32,000 ($42,727)
Exit in third round of qualifying: £50,000 ($66,762)
The Golden Boot awarded to the top goal-scorer in the World Cup seems to fit the France national team striker again.
Although he has competition.
Lionel Messi has scored in each of Argentina's five matches to command a one-goal lead (8) on Mbappé in the hunt entering France's quarterfinal matchup vs. Morocco at Boston Stadium on Thursday, July 9.
Mbappé matched Messi's total by scoring the deciding goal in the 60th minute as France prevailed, 2-0, to advance to the semifinal. The Real Madrid star also doled out an assist in the victory.
France will face the winner of Spain and Belgium next in Los Angeles on July 13 at 3 p.m.
Although they are currently tied in goals, Mbappé has the edge in Messi in assists (3-1). A red-hot quarterfinal sequence by Norway's Erling Haaland (7 goals, 0 assists) and/or England's Harry Kane (6 goals, 1 assist) would further tighten the race.
If won, this year's Golden Boot would be the second secured by Mbappé. He netted eight in France's seven-match run to the 2022 World Cup final against Messi's Argentina squad, which Les Bleu was defeated in a penalty-kick shootout after Mbappé posted a hat trick. At the time, he was 23 years old and playing in his second World Cup.
He now stands at 20 career World Cup goals.
"Kylian as a captain is great on or off the pitch," France manager Didier Deschamps said. "He's a role model."
Mbappé had chance for Golden Boot lead
Mbappé was awarded a penalty kick in the 28th minute of France's win over Morocco.
After a long break in the action leading up to the kick, Mbappé stuttered his feet and fired. Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou guessed correct and dove left, swiping the shot with two-hand stop. Mbappé earned the penalty in transition when Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui brought him down in the box.
The match remained scoreless for the remainder of the half, until Mbappé struck with the go-ahead goal in the 60th minute.
"VAR review on the penalty. Another VAR review on the foul," Deschamps said, explaining the delay. "It took a while. Kylian was ready to shoot. Don’t want to find excuses for Kylian, but it was not an easy situation."
Mbappé was subbed out after stumbling to the pitch in the 78th minute.
Kylian Mbappé World Cup stats
Group Stage vs. Senegal (3-1 win) — 2 goals, 0 assists
Group Stage vs. Iraq (3-0 win) — 2 goals, 0 assists
Group Stage vs. Norway (4-1 win) — 0 goals, 2 assists
Round of 32 vs. Sweden (3-0 win) — 2 goals, 0 assists
Round of 16 vs. Paraguay (1-0 win) — 1 goal, 0 assists
Quarterfinal vs. Morocco (2-0 win) — 1 goal, 1 assist
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30: Ball State Cardinals mascot Charlie Cardinal on the field during the college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and Ball State Cardinals on August 30, 2025, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For the fifth game on Northwestern’s schedule, Ball State is coming to Evanston on Oct. 10 to try and pull off a shocking upset. As the third and final non-conference game on the Wildcats’ regular-season schedule, the Cardinals shouldn’t cause too much of a problem whatsoever.
In each of the Cardinals’ last three seasons, they failed to win more than four games. In Uremovich’s first season, Ball State didn’t see much success. The MAC as a whole is often viewed as one of the two worst conferences in the FBS, and usually these teams struggle against Power Four opponents. One way to sum up the Cardinals’ 2025 season is this: Ball State lost 31-0 to Purdue to start the season. Yes, the same Purdue team that went 2-10 in 2025. Of all 136 FBS teams, the Cardinals averaged the third-fewest yards per game and the fifth-fewest points per game. Their defense wasn’t as bad, but still finished in the bottom half among FBS teams.
Offensive Overview
Ball State’s offense starts with the quarterback position. Last season, Kiael Kelly was a good runner but was very inconsistent throwing the ball. For 2026, the Cardinals brought in Texas State transfer Keldric Luster and Concord University (DII) transfer Tyler Mizzell. Luster is more of a dual threat, while Mizzell is more pass-first. If either of them can provide consistency and a spark, the Cardinals could see drastic improvement toward winning more than four games. As for running backs, Ball State’s leading rusher (non-quarterback) transferred out, and among returners, there is only one rushing touchdown accounted for. Whoever starts at quarterback will likely run a lot, like Kelly did last year, but it’s a big unknown as to who, if anyone, will make strides forward at running back.
While the offensive line struggled to keep teams out of the backfield, giving up the third-most tackles-for-loss-per-game and the second-most sacks-per-game in the FBS, it’s full of veterans. With many returning players and some transfer additions, what was a huge weakness for Ball State could turn into a strength if experience plays a role.
The coaching staff looked to heavily upgrade the Cardinals’ pass-catching unit in the offseason. Donovan Hamilton returns after catching 20 passes in 2025 (the second-most receptions among Ball State WRs), and with the addition of FAU transfer Jabari Smith Jr. (not the Houston Rockets forward), Ball State has a strong foundation. Much of the offensive line and receiving corps has experience; the question is whether that experience will translate to scoring more than in 2025.
Defensive Overview
Defensively, Ball State has the third-lowest returning production in the FBS. This includes the two new FBS teams that are making the jump from the FCS ranks.
The defensive line is one area that does return some of its production from last year. Also, beyond the guys returning, Ball State added four Power Four D-line transfers. The Cardinals’ coaching staff added plenty of size in Wake Forest transfer Ka’Shawn Thomas and Cincinnati transfer Keilan Smith, as well as Louisville transfer defensive tackle Kendrick Gilbert. San Diego State transfer edge rusher Jared Badie adds more help to Ball State’s pass rush. The linebacker unit also looks almost completely different. Cincinnati transfer Cincear Lewis is likely the biggest name at LB, but again this defense is comprised of players who don’t have any real starting experience.
Willizhuan Yates is the most notable returning player in the secondary, as he slots in as CB1 for the Cardinals. Colorado State defensive back transfer Chris Jackson is a big addition for Ball State, as are Ohio State transfer Dianté Griffin and Purdue transfer Sterling Smith. Derek Fields is the other returning defensive starter for Ball State from 2025, so the secondary may be the strongest part of this defense. Once again, though, it’s hard to predict how things will go with so little starting experience in this group.
The Detroit Tigers have enjoyed plenty of memorable moments during their impressive 2026 season, but few have matched the emotion that filled Comerica Park on Thursday night.
Eduardo Valencia stepped to the plate for the first time in a Major League uniform and wasted little time making history. The 26-year-old catcher launched a towering solo home run in his first career at-bat, helping lift Detroit to a 4-1 victory over the Athletics while creating a moment that neither he nor Tigers fans will soon forget.
Eduardo Valencia’s Long Road Finally Pays Off
For Valencia, the home run represented much more than a highlight reel swing.
The Venezuelan catcher has spent years grinding through the Tigers’ minor league system while battling injuries and setbacks. After working his way through eight professional seasons, his long awaited opportunity finally arrived when Detroit called him up from Triple A Toledo.
Following the game, the emotions were impossible to hide.
He followed that heartfelt statement with another simple reflection that captured the magnitude of the moment.
“I’m grateful.”
Those few words summed up a journey that included countless bus rides, long seasons in the minors, and the determination to keep believing that his opportunity would eventually come.
Faith Took Center Stage After Historic Home Run
Valencia’s blast traveled an estimated 425 feet and immediately ignited the Tigers dugout.
As he rounded the bases, he pounded his chest, pointed toward the sky, and celebrated with visible emotion before being embraced by his teammates.
Asked afterward about everything he was feeling in that moment, Valencia gave a short but powerful answer.
“That’s God.”
A moment later, he added, “It’s just God.”
His celebration continued after crossing home plate, where he formed a heart with his hands toward his wife before disappearing into a crowd of celebrating teammates.
A Welcome Valencia Will Never Forget
Major League clubhouses often have a tradition of giving rookies the silent treatment after their first home run.
That was never going to happen Thursday night.
Instead, Valencia was immediately surrounded by teammates who understood how much this moment meant after years of perseverance.
“It was such a beautiful welcome,” Valencia said.
He also praised the clubhouse that embraced him from the moment he arrived.
“Everybody was incredible there in the dugout. They are really good guys, really good teammates.”
For a player who has spent years building relationships throughout Detroit’s farm system, the celebration reflected just how respected he has become inside the organization.
Opportunity Knocks for the Tigers Rookie
Valencia understands that one memorable swing does not guarantee anything at the Major League level.
Still, he made it clear he intends to embrace every opportunity the Tigers give him.
He described this call up as “the best opportunity of my life.”
That mindset could serve him well as Detroit continues its push toward the postseason. Injuries created the opening, but Valencia’s unforgettable debut may have earned him additional chances to contribute.
One swing changed the box score.
It also introduced Tigers fans to a player whose perseverance, faith, and gratitude made his Major League debut every bit as memorable as the home run itself.
The San Francisco 49ers have been connected to several veteran pass rushers when it comes to speculation. Nonetheless, with training camp nearing, the Niners have yet to dive into the free agent market to sign a veteran who could help their pass rush.
Last season, San Francisco recorded 20 team sacks, and the 49ers are hopeful that the returns of Nick Nosa and Mykel Williams will bolster that number. Moreover, the team also drafted Romello Height in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Now, the question is whether this is enough to improve the team’s sack total from last season. For KNBR’s Larry Krueger, it isn’t, and he’s urging the Niners to go after veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
“Jadeveon Clowney is 33, and he’s been really productive recently,” Krueger said in a July 9 video on his YouTube channel. “He’s had 23.5 sacks over the past three seasons in the NFL. This guy’s still getting it done. He’s also very versatile. You can line him up on the right side, on the left side or in the A-gaps; you can walk him up on the line of scrimmage like a linebacker in a five-man front. You can play him as a stacked linebacker on the second level or as an off-ball linebacker.
“There are a lot of different things you can do with Jadeveon Clowney. He’s very versatile, and those 23.5 sacks over the past three seasons show he still has it. Plus, he had 8.5 sacks last year with the Dallas Cowboys, whose defense was horrendous, the worst in football. But Matt Eberflus was there, and now Eberflus, who coached Clowney in Dallas, is in San Francisco.”
Jadeveon Clowney Is An Ideal Short-Term Fit for the 49ers
Moreover, Krueger notes that Clowney would be an ideal fit because he’s a short-term answer and wouldn’t present any long-term issues on the 49ers’ salary cap for next season.
“So I think we’ve seen [Clowney] be a true mercenary,” Krueger added. “He’ll go wherever somebody is willing to cut the check [and] scheme-versatile. He’s played in Baltimore [and] in Houston [and] played all over the place; he played in Dallas.
“[Clowney is] a proven veteran pass rusher who’s versatile and productive. He’s a little younger than Von Miller. He’s a little better than Kyle Van Noy. I don’t think Joey Bosa is an option. He’s far cheaper than trading for a Maxx Crosby or even an Alex Highsmith.”
What Would Jadeveon Clowney Bring to the Niners?
Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, Clowney played 372 snaps, earning a 79.2 overall PFF defensive grade. Moreover, he generated 40 total pressures, nine sacks, 29 hurries, two QB hits, and one forced fumble. Meanwhile, against the run, he recorded 26 solo tackles.
Because Clowney remains productive into his 30s, Krueger believes that the Niners wouldn’t have to worry much if they signed the veteran.
“Clowney’s a vet, right?” Krueger said. “He’s been there, done that [and] entering his 13th NFL season; he’s never had double-digit sacks in any single year. He earned a Pro Football Focus pass-rushing grade of at least 80.6 in two of the past three seasons, though. So he’s an effective rusher. He had 71 pressures just two years ago.”
Arthur Féry. Loïc Féry (center left) and Arthur Féry (center right) Credit: Visionhaus/Getty; Loic Fery/Instagram
NEED TO KNOW
Arthur Féry’s parents, Loïc and Olivia Féry, are French and moved to England when Arthur was young
Loïc and Olivia share three children
Olivia is a former professional tennis player, while Loïc is the president of the French soccer team FC Lorient
Arthur Féry’s tennis roots run deep.
His dad Loïc and mom Olivia Féry welcomed Arthur in Sèvres, France, on July 12, 2002. Loïc and Olivia share two other children: daughter Albane and youngest son Maxime.
Arthur isn’t the only tennis star in the family. Olivia is a former professional tennis player. She’s also a longtime member of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, where she took Arthur to play tennis as a kid, per ESPN.
“It’s been a long time that I’ve lived in the UK,” Arthur told ESPN in July 2026. “I’ve spent a lot of time here. I train at the National Tennis Centre. The federation helped me lots. I feel completely British now. Maybe 10 years ago you ask me the question, it would be a bit different. Now I feel very British at heart.”
The family’s passion for sports goes beyond tennis. While Loïc is a wealthy French businessman, he is also the president of the French soccer team FC Lorient.
As the young athlete makes recent tennis history at Wimbledon, here’s everything to know about Arthur Féry’s parents, Loïc and Olivia Féry.
Loïc is a wealthy French businessman
Loic Fery in 2016 Credit: JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD / AFP via Getty
After attending business school in Paris, Loïc worked as a global banker. He landed a top position at France’s largest bank, Crédit Agricole, in the institution’s investment banking division at 33 years old, according to Forbes. In 2008, he established the credit investment firm Chenavari Investment Managers in London.
In 2009, Loïc stepped into the sports business world when he bought the French soccer team Lorient FC, per Forbes. He sold his ownership stake in early 2026, making Black Knight Football Club (BKFC) group the sole shareholder, according to The Associated Press. Loïc remains the club’s president and is a BKFC shareholder.
Olivia is a former professional tennis player
Olivia Fery at Wimbledon in 2026 Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty
Arthur’s mom Olivia passed on her tennis genes. She played professional tennis in France and is a two-time International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament winner, according to Wimbledon.
Olivia is also a member of London’s All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, a private members’ club where she has played tennis with Arthur since he was a kid, per ESPN.
They welcomed Arthur in France but raised him in England
Loïc and Olivia welcomed Arthur, their older son, in Sèvres, France, on July 12, 2002. Soon after, they moved to Wimbledon.
Arthur was raised alongside two younger siblings, sister Albane and brother Maxime. Maxime studies at Imperial College in London, where he also plays tennis, according to LinkedIn. Like Arthur, who attended California’s Stanford University, his sister Albane attended college in the United States, per her Wake Forest University team bio.
Growing up in Wimbledon, Arthur attended professional tennis matches in his hometown as early as age 7, per ESPN.
They support Arthur from the sidelines
Arthur Féry playing at Wimbledon on July 8, 2026 Credit: Visionhaus/Getty
Loïc and Olivia have been spotted cheering Arthur on at many of his tennis matches. They watched Arthur win the Wimbledon quarter finals on July 8. That win made him the first wild card player to reach the semifinals in the tournament since Goran Ivanišević in 2001.
“That last game I felt emotions that I haven’t experienced before in my life, and I think it’s the same up there,” Arthur said of the match in an interview at Wimbledon, pointing to his family and friends in the crowd. “It’s unbelievable to share it with those guys.”
The Philadelphia Phillies (52-42) close out the first half of their season with a three-game series at Comerica Park tonight against the Detroit Tigers (43-50).
The Phillies arrive in Detroit after taking two of three in Cincinnati against the Reds including yesterday’s finale. Jesús Luzardo was dominant last night, striking out 11 over seven scoreless innings, and Philadelphia won 1-0, scratching across the game's lone run in the eighth inning on a Justin Crawford single that scored pinch runner Derek Hill. The win keeps the Phillies tied for second in the NL East with the Marlins, three games behind the Atlanta Braves.
Detroit also enters the weekend with a little momentum pushing their current winning streak to five following a sweep of the A’s. Yesterday they knocked off the Athletics, 4-1. Framber Valdez was elite allowing just three hits and a single run while striking out nine over seven innings. Zach McKinstry, Eduardo Valencia, and Jake Rogers each went yard for the Tigers to account for their offense in the series finale. Detroit outscored the A’s 16-4 in the series and have now won eight of their last ten to pull within 4.5 games of first in the AL Central and 3.5 of the final Wild Card spot.
Tonight's pitching matchup features right-handers Aaron Nola (3-6, 5.87 ERA) and Jack Flaherty (2-8, 4.60 ERA). The veteran Nola is the weak link on Philly’s elite staff. His numbers are disappointing to date this season, but his most recent outing offers hope. On July 5 in Kansas City, Nola worked seven innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out seven and walking none. He threw 98 pitches and completed seven innings for the first time since September of last season. After a dreadful first couple of months this season, Flaherty has been good. Since June 1, he has thrown 23.2 innings over five starts and allowed just five earned runs. Yes, the Tigers need more length from him, but the production has been really good for the last near six weeks. Flaherty's most recent start came on July 4 against Texas, when he turned in 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out five and walking none in a 3-0 Tigers victory.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game Details and How to Watch: Phillies vs. Tigers
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: Phillies vs. Tigers
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Philadelphia Phillies (+104), Detroit Tigers (-125)
Spread: Phillies +1.5 (-194), Tigers -1.5 (+159)
Total: 9.0 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Phillies vs. Tigers for July 10
Phillies: Aaron Nola Season Totals: 92.0 IP, 3-6, 5.87 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 94K, 29 BB
Tigers: Jack Flaherty Season Totals: 76.1 IP, 2-8, 4.60 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 92K, 37 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Phillies vs. Tigers
Matt Vierling is 4-11 (.364) in his career against Jesus Luzardo
Kyle Schwarber is 2-26 (.077) in his career against Jack Flaherty
Trea Turner is 1-14 (.071) in his career against Flaherty
Riley Greene was 2-11 in the series against the A’s
Zach McKinstry is 3-13 over his last 4 games
Brandon Marsh was 3-8 over the last 2 games against the Reds
Bryce Harper is 0-16 over his last 5 games with 5 BBs and 8 Ks
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Phillies vs. Tigers
The Tigers are 49-44 on the Run Line this season
The Phillies are an MLB-worst 35-59 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 40 times in Philadelphia’s 94 games this season (40-49-5)
The OVER has cashed 40 times in Detroit’s 93 games this season (40-49-4)
Expert picks & predictions: Phillies vs. Tigers
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Tigers:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Tigers on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 9.0
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The MLB All-Star Game is next week in Philadelphia – a week after America celebrated its 250th birthday.
Now that the fireworks from the Fourth of July have ceased, battered from across across the MLB are getting ready to light up Citizens Bank Park with the 2026 Home Run Derby approaching.
With the All-Star game at The Bank for the first time, fans will finally get to see some majestic homers in one of baseball's most notoriously home-run parks.
The question isn't just how far the balls will fly, but which players will be participating.
Here is what players have committed to participate and how much tickets will cost if you want to attend:
When is in the Home Run Derby 2026?
T-Mobile Home Run Derby will be July 13 at Citizens Bank Park.
How to watch Home Run Derby 2026?
Date: Monday, July 13
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Location: Philadelphia
Stream: Netflix
2026 Home Run Derby tickets
Unlike for most baseball events, the most sought-after tickets will be in the outfield — not surprisingly.
Here are the third-party ticket costs as of 9:30 a.m. July 10:
StubHub
Cheapest: $524 for section 418, row 14
Most expensive: $17,623 for section 105, row 3 (right field)
SeatGeek
Cheapest: $485 for a general admission ticket
Most expensive: $12,246 for section 225, row 3
MLB Home Run leaders 2026
1. Kyle Schwarber, 32
2. Yordan Alvarez, 29
3. Ben Rice, 28
4. Hunter Goodman, 27
4. Junior Caminero, 27
6. Byron Buxton, 25
6. Matt Olson, 25
6. James Wood, 25
Home Run Derby contestants 2026
As of July 10, six players have committed to participating in the derby. A total of eight players will participate in the competition.
Bryce Harper
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper announced on Instagram that he will participate in the Home Run Derby. It's the first time Harper has participated in the Home Run Derby since winning it in 2018 as a member of the Washington Nationals.
Harper is have big season, hitting 20 home runs – tied for 14th in baseball – and driven in 57 home runs.
Junior Caminero
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, who is fourth in the MLB with 26 homers, said last week he would participate for a second time. The 22-year-old slugger finished as a runner-up last year.
Ben Rice
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice confirmed that he would also participate. Rice comes into play on July 7 with 25 home runs, which is tied for fifth most in MLB.
Jac Caglianone
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone was announced by MLB as the third participant in the competition on July 8. The young slugged known for his scorching batted ball numbers has 14 home runs on the season.
Willson Contreras
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was confirmed by MLB on July 8 to be the fourth contestant to partake in the derby. In his first season in Boston, the 34-year-old vet has already hit 20 homers which matches his total from last season with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jordan Walker
Cardinals slugger Jordan Walker, , who is having a breakout season, was confirmed by MLB as the fifth participant. Walker has hit 21 homers this season, already surpassing his career high of 16 in 2023. He also has 19 doubles, 70 RBIs and a .294 batting average.
Who won't be the the Home Run Derby?
According to Jon Becker of Fangraphs, here's who won't be participating this year after recently saying no to the competition:
Will Kyle Schwarber participate in the Home Run Derby?
Kyle Schwarber hasn't committed to participating. He recently said he would take part only if he wasn't having issues with his back, which has caused him to miss a handful of recent games.
The designated hitter currently leads the big leagues with 30 homers.
2026 Home Run Derby format
MLB is switching things up this year and eliminating the time element that has been in place since 2015.
Instead of trying to hit as many homers as possible during timed rounds, participants will start each round with a finite number of swings:
Round 1: 20 swings
Round 2: 15 swings
Final round: 15 swings
All swings will count against a player’s swing allotment, whether it results in a homer or not. However, a player who homers on his final swing of a round can keep swinging until he doesn't hit one out, according to MLB.
The players with the top four home run totals from the first round will advance to the semifinals, where they’ll be seeded based on their first-round homer totals. They will face off head-to-head to determine the two finalists. Here is the seeding:
No. 1 vs. No. 4
No. 2 vs. No. 3
Ties in the first round will be broken by home run distance, with the player who hit the longest homer among the tied participants advancing. In the semifinals and finals, ties will be broken by three-swing swing-offs until a winner is determined.
Just thought I’d empty out my reporter’s notebook while wondering if the Boston Red Sox are becoming Caleb Durbin's team.
CIAC football divisions
The CIAC released its six-division format for the 2026 football season. Our local teams Norwich Free Academy (Class LL), Valley Panthers Co-op (Class MM), and Killingly (Class SS) are in the same divisions as last season, while the Griswold/Wheeler Co-op has moved up from Class S to Class SS.
The top 8 teams in each of the six divisions (LL, L, MM, M, SS, and S) qualify for the state playoffs.
Class LL championship contenders also include defending state champion Greenwich, state runner up Southington, New Britain, Staples, and West Haven.
The Valley Panthers (Plainfield, Ellis Tech, Putnam, Tourtellotte) are coming off a terrific first season as a co-operative program. The Panthers qualified for the Class MM playoffs where they fell to eventual state champion Windsor.
Besides Windsor, Class MM is loaded again with St. Joseph, Newtown, Xavier, and Holy Cross.
Class SS championship contenders include defending champion Daniel Hand, Class S champion Ansonia, Class M champion Berlin, Joel Barlow, and Jonathan Law.
Here are some important dates for the 2026 football season. OTAs: August 13-15; First practice: August 22; First games: Sept. 10-12; State quarterfinals: Dec. 1; State semifinals: Dec. 6; and State championships: Dec. 12.
Football schedules
The CIAC released the football schedules for the 2026 season.
Here’s a peek at some highly anticipated non-league games for Norwich Free Academy, Killingly, Valley Panthers Co-op, and Griswold/Wheeler Co-op.
NFA opens its season at Westerly (R.I.) on Sept. 11. The Wildcats host FCIAC power Darien (Sept. 18), Rhode Island state champion Bishop Hendricken (Oct. 2), and Shepherd Hill Regional (Dudley, Ma.) on Oct. 9.
Killingly opens its season in Wallingford against defending Class S champion Sheehan (Sept. 11). This is a rematch of the Trailblazers win over the Titans in the 2024 Class SS championship game. Killingly hosts Woodland (Sept. 18) and ends their season on the road at North Haven on Nov. 19. The Trailblazers fell to the Nighthawks in the 2022 Class MM state championship game.
The Valley Panthers travel to Enfield to face CREC (Comp Sci/Aerospace/International/Innovation) on Sept. 19. The Panthers also have a road matchup at East Haven on Oct. 23.
Griswold/Wheeler travels to Ellington on Sept. 19. The Wolverines are back on the road on Oct. 23 to meet Wilbur Cross in New Haven. The Wolverines host Lewis Mills on Oct. 2.
The MLB season is always rife with amazing statistics. Here’s one of the best. The 2026 Boston Red Sox are the only team in MLB history to have three rookie left-handed starting pitchers under the age of 25 who have started six or more games and have an ERA under 3.75 in a single season. The southpaws are Payton Tolle, Connelly Early and Jake Bennett.
Speaking of pro baseball … have you heard about the Boston Hunters? The inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League begins on August 1. The WPBL’s four teams are the Boston Hunters, New York Heights, Los Angeles Queens and San Francisco Firebells. The teams will play each other five times through late September at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. The team's nicknames are inspired by a pioneering woman. Boston is named after Harriot K. Hunt. She was a Boston physician and women’s rights activist. Hunt was also the first woman to apply to Harvard Medical School and start a successful medical practice in the U.S. Boston’s logo is an osprey holding on to a baseball bat with its talons. I can’t wait for the first Hunters-Heights brawl. Hey, it’s Boston versus New York on the baseball diamond.
Does anyone know what’s going on in the WNBA? I haven’t watched a game since Cailtin Clark was sidelined. One of the WNBA’s biggest sins, and there are many, is not creating an environment for Clark to flourish and reach her full potential. It’s the dumbest professional sports organization on the planet.
As of Friday morning, the Boston Red Sox are just two-and-a-half games from the third and final American League Wild Card playoff spot. And Sox superstar Roman Anthony has been swinging a bat in Fort Myers during his rehabilitation from a hand injury.
On July 14, 1970, the National League won the annual MLB All-Star Game with a 5-4 victory over the American League at newly opened Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Reds’ Pete Rose, who went on to become the MLB’s all-time career hits leader, scored the winning run in the bottom of the 12th by crashing into Cleveland Indians catcher Ray Fosse.
Boston Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski was voted the Most Valuable Player. Yaz, who played the whole game at centerfield and first base, went 4-for-6 with a run scored and an RBI. Yaz tied the All-Star Game record for hits (4) and singles (3) in a game. He became only the second player to win MVP honors from the losing team.
The game, which was broadcast on NBC with announcers Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek, and Mickey Mantle, featured President Richard Nixon throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
The American League roster had 9 future Hall of Famers: Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, Luis Aparicio, Frank Robinson, Catfish Hunter, Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Tony Oliva, and Carl Yastrzemski.
The National League roster had 13 future Hall of Famers: Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Bob Gibson, Gaylord Perry, Tom Seaver, Hoyt Wilhelm, Joe Torre, Willie McCovey, Joe Morgan, Roberto Clemente, and Dick Allen.
Jimmy Zanor is a sportswriter for the Norwich Bulletin and can be reached at jzanor@norwichbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter@jzanorNB.
The World Cup quarterfinal match between Belgium and Spain is set to bring intense energy to SoFi Stadium on Friday - and an economic boom to Los Angeles County.
It's the last match being played in L.A. for this World Cup. Game time is at noon.
Those who aren't lucky enough to sit in the stands will head to local bars and restaurants to watch the key matchup.
According to FIFA World Cup 2026 projections, the county could see an estimated $892 million of total economic impact. Local businesses tell Eyewitness News they are feeling that boost.
Before the World Cup started, many economists and business owners were expecting a boom here in L.A. But did those expectations live up to what people were hoping for? Sid Garcia has a look at the numbers.
"It's going to be really exciting to see people... We really do depend on special events. Since the World Cup taking place right here, we really are glad to have a little bit more customers, you know. Get to know people from around the world," said Steven Ortiz, who works at nearby Martino's Liquor.
For those attending the match, parking gates open at 8 a.m. and stadium gates will open at 9 a.m.
And just a reminder, the stadium has a clear bag policy. Fans are encouraged to take Metro to avoid heavy traffic.
After six up-and-down years, the Miami Dolphins moved on from Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback and replaced him with Malik Willis on a three-year, $67.5 million contract earlier this offseason.
While Dolphins fans will be glued to watching their team in 2026, some will also be checking in on the Atlanta Falcons to see how Tagovailoa performs with his new team, as he takes over for Michael Penix.
"Given Atlanta is in the midst of the NFL's second-longest active playoff drought and has a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski, it would be rather surprising if Tagovailoa doesn't usurp the incumbent in training camp," Kay wrote. "The new regime isn't tied to the last's controversial first-round pick and wants to hit the ground running—the same way Stefanski stepped in and helped the Cleveland Browns reach the playoffs in his first season six years ago...
"Tagovailoa's 45-1 odds for Comeback Player of the Year are simply too alluring to ignore. While fellow veteran castoff Kyler Murray is in a similar situation after being released from the Arizona Cardinals and landing with the Minnesota Vikings, he represents a far worse value at +550 odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year award."
The 28-year-old had some solid seasons while in Miami, and injuries may have kept him from finding sustained success with the Dolphins, so while fans have mixed feelings about the quarterback, some would probably be happy to see him turn it around and receive some recognition.
Wrexham director Humphrey Ker reckons the TV series charting the club's fortunes has helped increase the popularity of football in the USA.
The Welcome to Wrexham show has told the story of the north Wales team's rise through the divisions under Hollywood owners Rob Mac – formerly McElhenney – and Ryan Reynolds.
The series – the fifth season of which premiered early this year – has been a hit in America, something Ker (pictured above) says is "really important" to the Championship club.
"The success of what we are doing is very much based on getting American people to be interested in what's going on at Wrexham," Ker said.
Ker says another television series, Ted Lasso, has also played a part in raising the profile of football on the other side of the Atlantic, with this summer's World Cup allowing the sport to ride the "crest of a wave" in the States.
He believes the two shows have combined to show US audiences "some of the distinct qualities of football that don't exist in American sport".
According to Ker, Mac was "fascinated" when he got involved at Wrexham by the idea of promotion and relegation because they do not exist in American sports.
"They are closed shops. What is great about the closed-shop system is you'll see the way they do things with their drafts, every year pretty much it's different teams who make the final," Ker told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"But the minus side of it is that you have huge swathes of the seasons that are just dead rubbers - it doesn't matter.
"So a big thing for Rob was 'wait a second, you're saying the last few games of the season, if it's 17 versus 18 [in the table], that's a massive game? If it's eight versus 20 that's a massive game?'
"There are almost no unimportant games in a regular league season. I think that's a thing Americans have really taken to when they follow domestic leagues in Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain."
Furman soccer player Caleb Johnson and a Hofstra player during the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 game Nov. 30 at Stone Soccer Stadium. | Todd Shanesy / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In the 2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament, Furman knocked out Hofstra on penalties after 110 minutes of a six-goal thriller. But according to the Mid-Major Madness Reacts Survey, the style points go to the Pride over the Paladins. Hofstra was voted to have the best mid-major soccer kits with 39% of the vote, with Furman coming in second with 22%.
Hofstra sports a blue kit with white pinstripes and the ‘Hofstra’ wordmark in white across the chest.
Its white kit has thin horizontal blue stripes, and the wordmark in blue across the chest. The Pride wore that white uniform in their upset win over No. 1 Vermont in the NCAA Tournament, knocking out the reigning champions in overtime to advance to the third round, where Furman defeated them.
It was the fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for Hofstra on the back of a 7-1 record in CAA play. The Pride, led by head coach Richard Nuttall since 1989, are one of the top mid-major programs in college soccer.
Readers chose that simple look as the best one. Furman’s kit is a bit more complicated and varied. The kit that it wore in its NCAA quarterfinal win over Portland is a white and purple gradient with the Furman logo in the traditional top right spot where most soccer team logos are.
It brought a black and purple horizontal thick striped kit to the College Cup Semifinals, with the ‘Furman’ wordmark nestled inside one of the stripes.
The Paladins lost that game 3-1 to Washington, which went on to defeat NC State in the national championship. Furman is also led by a legendary head coach in Dan Allison, who has won over 350 games since taking over in 1995.
Old Dominion, Vermont and High Point tied for third place with 11% of the vote, while Western Michigan earned 6% of the vote.
The power dynamic in men’s college soccer favors mid-major programs (as defined by conference affiliation in basketball) more so than many other sports at the moment, with programs like Saint Louis, Furman, Vermont, Marshall, and Denver all advancing to the College Cup within the last two seasons.
Of last year’s soccer ‘Sweet 16,’ nine of the programs were mid-majors. Seven of the top 20 picks in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft came from mid-majors. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 12 former mid-major players participated, including Canadian fullback Richie Laryea (Akron), American center back Tim Ream (Saint Louis), and American goalie Matt Freese (Harvard).
For all your college sports betting needs, visit FanDuel.
Toyota has received a strong level of interest from customers wishing to purchase its new 2027 World Rally Championship car that is currently in development for next year.
The Japanese brand is the only traditional automotive manufacturer developing a car to the FIA’s new WRC technical regulations to be introduced in 2027. Tuner operations Project Rally One and RMC Motorsport have also confirmed plans to develop cars to the new rules.
Toyota is reaching a critical point in the development with its final durability testing set to be completed this summer, before it begins the homologation process. The exact Toyota model the car is based around is yet to be announced.
Under the new FIA regulations, constructors have to make their cars available to customers. The homologation conditions for WRC27-type cars mandate the production of at least 10 units within 24 months of the homologation date. Constructors must also be capable of supplying at least 10 race-ready WRC27-type cars per calendar year to customers.
With less than six months until the 2027 season begins in Monte Carlo next January, Toyota’s car has already generated plenty of interest from prospective customers.
“We've had a really strong level of interest in the car. I think the main part that's missing on that side is that there is a little bit of confusion in the customer base about where they can use the cars and how to use the cars in the categories and so on,” Toyota’s technical director Tom Fowler told Motorsport.com.
WRC 2027 Rally car
“But for sure, we have a lot of people that have made requests to go on the list to get cars. Some are kind of a little bit still uneasy about where they would actually use them.”
It appears Spanish squad Teo Martin Motorsport, which currently fields Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 cars for the likes of Alejandro Cachon in WRC2, is among those on the waiting list.
Team boss Teo Martin announced during an interview on Spain’s Rallycast podcast that he plans to buy at least two 2027 spec Toyotas.
"My first car will be delivered in December and the second five months later,” said Martin. “I still want to speak with Toyota and ask whether I could have the second car available already for Rally Monte Carlo. I’d also like to know if it will be possible to have a third car dedicated to testing.”
Toyota is already working on putting a production programme together for the construction of its 2027 cars in anticipation of supplying customer teams next year.
“We are in the process now of putting together a production programme," added Fowler.
"I think if you look back at the introduction of any Rally2 car, including our own one in 2024, the first production is slightly limited because you can't get hold of enough of the big bits like transmissions and engines and so on.
"In the start, the number of cars will be a little bit lower, but we intend to come to a point during the production that we can produce cars for other people. The exact production numbers are not defined yet, but we will be working on it.
“There's still a lot of things to work through about how to manage this topic. It's a very difficult position that we're in. We're the first ones to make the WRC 2027 car, so we need to be a little bit careful in terms of where the cars go and who's using them. It's no different than normal.”
LONDON (AP) — Arsenal has signed former Barcelona defender Ona Batlle as another of Spain's Women's World Cup-winning team makes a big move to London.
Batlle was Barcelona's starting right back in a 4-0 win over OL Lyonnes in the Champions League final in May before leaving the club at the end of the season as part of an exodus of key players.
She's the second star from the 2023 World Cup-winning Spanish team to move to England this week after two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas joined London City Lionesses on Wednesday.
“I want to win trophies and I feel this is the right place to achieve that,” Batlle said in a statement as Arsenal announced her arrival Friday.
Batlle is another statement signing for Arsenal after the arrival of England midfielder Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich last week. It's Batlle's second stint in the English league after playing for Manchester United from 2020 through 2023.
Besides Batlle and Putellas, two more players from Barcelona's Champions League final lineup after set for new clubs after defender Mapi Leon and striker Salma Paralluelo also departed at the end of the season.
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) GettyKawhi Leonard's blockbuster return to the Toronto Raptors has hit a major roadblock after the NBA paused the trade while its investigation into the Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention continues. GettyKawhi Leonard reacts during a game with the Clippers. Los Angeles' blockbuster trade sending the two-time Finals MVP back to the Toronto Raptors has been paused while the NBA completes its investigation into the franchise. Getty
The Toronto Raptors have a chance to retain the assets they gave up in the agreed-upon trade for Kawhi Leonard with the LA Clippers and still get the two-time NBA champion forward.
According to Raptors reporter of Sportsnet Michael Grange, the Raptors could get Leonard and still have Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and their draft assets if the league decides to void the contract of Leonard after they investigate the Aspiration scandal with the Clippers.Â
The scandal alleged that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by giving Leonard under-the-table money from a third-party company.Â
This comes after the Raptors decided to wait to finalize the Leonard trade with the Clippers, following the leagueâs decision to put the risk of any potential outcome from the investigation impacting Kawhi on Toronto.Â
âIF Leonardâs contract is voided (unlikely, but not impossible) my understanding is the trade would be off, Ingram, Dick and draft assets would be returned and Leonard would become a free agent ⦠theoretically free to sign with the Raptors,â he wrote on X.Â
IF Leonardâs contract is voided (unlikely, but not impossible) my understanding is the trade would be off, Ingram, Dick and draft assets would be returned and Leonard would become a free agent ⦠theoretically free to sign with the Raptors: https://t.co/We21YlkaFk
What Happens If Kawhi Leonard Becomes A Free Agent If His Contract Gets Voided?
GettyKawhi Leonard’s blockbuster return to the Toronto Raptors has hit a major roadblock after teams paused the trade while its investigation into the Clippers’ alleged salary cap circumvention continues.
If that happens, Leonard would have to sign a mid-level exception with the Raptors to play in Toronto next season, considering the teamâs salary situation if they again absorbed the contracts of Ingram and Dick.Â
The league has been investigating the Leonard-Clippers issue since last year, when it was first reported by investigative journalist Pablo Torre. Until now, no resolution has been expressed.Â
As it stands, Leonard, who is also a two-time NBA Finals MVP, has one year and $50.3 million remaining on his current contract for the upcoming season.
Leonard played for one season with the Raptors and gave the team its first-ever NBA championship in 2019, beating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.Â
If he plays with the Raptors next season, he would join a youth-laden core led by Scottie Barnes that showed promise last season.Â
Toronto Raptors Remain Eager To Get Kawhi Leonard Via Trade Despite Limbo
GettyKawhi Leonard reacts during a game with the Clippers. Los Angeles’ blockbuster trade sending the two-time Finals MVP back to the Toronto Raptors has been paused while the NBA completes its investigation into the franchise.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Toronto Raptors reaffirmed their commitment to bringing back Kawhi Leonard to the team, while keeping their guards up for the possible sanctions on the player after the NBAâs investigation is completed.Â
âThe NBA league office informed us that as a result of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, we would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi,â the team expressed on social media. âIn light of this, we will wait until the leagueâs investigation is complete.â
âThe Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans,â the Raptors added.Â
Update on the Kawhi Leonard Raptors trade:
The NBA has informed the Raptors that they would assume any risk of any potential outcome of the investigation.
Oxford United supporters are coming to terms with their club being placed under a transfer embargo by the English Football League.
They will not be able to register new players in the current window because they are not compliant with the EFL's salary cost management protocol (SCMP) regulations.
How have U's fans reacted to the news, and how damaging do they think this could be to their hopes of challenging for promotion from League One?
We asked for supporters to send us their views, and here is a selection of what they had to say:
Shane: Frustrating. This isn't the first time we've seen administrative or financial discrepancies behind the scenes in recent years. The bulk of the squad is very good, but we are a bit short in certain areas. I wonder if the job looks quite so appealing for Aaron Ramsey now?
Mark: We have a good first-team squad and enough depth to successfully ride this out. It won't be pretty but we don't need to be pretty; we just need to accept it and trust Ramsey to get the best out of the players.
Rob: It seems we may have been caught by the high additional costs of the proposed new stadium on top of the costs of trying to stay in the Championship. A few of the players may leave for Championship clubs, meaning we could be short. Lower mid-table could be the height of our ambitions. I'm somewhat concerned.
Rowan: To be honest, this is a major setback. I was looking forward to the new season. I bet Aaron Ramsey is annoyed; hopefully not many players leave in the window.
Alan: Our management of our unexpected promotion two years ago has been terrible. So many silly and expensive mistakes, culminating with massively overspending to stay in the Championship last season. I've lost all confidence in both our owner and our board. I genuinely fear for our future.
Freddie: This is a bit out of the blue. I thought we didn't have players on that much pay.
Colin: After being relegated from the Championship last season, they sacked the manager before even the new season starts. Then this embargo - what on earth was the board doing? I feel sorry for the players, but I cannot see Oxford United getting promoted back to the Championship; but could end up on the wrong end of League One. The board should be held responsible for what has happened.
Even after his breakout season was cut short by an injury, Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft landed in the top 10 of ESPN's annual preseason positional rankings. He finished at No. 6 overall, trailing only Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, George Kittle, Sam LaPorta and Tyler Warren and establishing Kraft as one of the NFL's elite tight ends.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN compiled votes from over 70 executives, coaches and scouts to establish the rankings. Kraft was an honorable mention pick entering the 2025 season.
From an NFC executive: "His speed and [run-after-catch] ability really stand out. He was just scratching the surface before the injury. And he's a high-level blocker."
Kraft's highest ranking among the voters was third place.
Through eight games in 2025, Kraft caught 32 passes for 486 yards and six scores. He tore his ACL on Nov. 2 against the Carolina Panthers and missed the rest of the season, ending what could have been a historic year.
"I was on the cusp of putting together one of the greatest seasons by a Packer tight end," Kraft said, via Mike Spofford of Packers.com. "That was something I was looking forward to, just leaving my legacy on this game and playing as hard as I could every snap for this team, because the end of the day, the guys in this room, they mean so much to me."
Although he may start training camp on the PUP list, Kraft is expected to be ready for Week 1.
A 2023 third-round pick, Kraft is entering the final year of his rookie contract but is likely to get an extension at some point in 2026.
In what could be a long-standing rivalry at the tight end position, Colston Loveland of the Chicago Bears ranked at No. 7 overall.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - JUNE 1: Can Uzun (11) of Turkiye celebrates after scoring a goal during the international friendly match between Turkiye and North Macedonia at Chobani Stadium, on June 1, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkiye. (Photo by Ahmet Okatali/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
Now that Roma has seemingly removed themselves from the Mason Greenwood conversation, the club is finally free to shift its attention elsewhere. While we may never know if Tony D’Amico and Gian Piero Gasperini were genuinely interested in acquiring the troubled English attacker, the glut of rumors served as a reminder, if one were needed, that the club is intent on improving its attacking options this summer.
With the total cost of Greenwood’s transfer fee and reported salary demands exceeding €100 million, Roma can now pivot to more realistic options. Fortunately for us, the Gazzetta dello Sport was happy to oblige with a new name to add to the mix, Frankfurt midfielder/winger, Can Uzun—a familiar name to CdT diehards.
Let’s start with a big ticket purchase, one relatively low on experience but loaded with potential: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Can Uzun. Limited to 811 minutes this season thanks to a series of muscular injuries (See? He’s perfect for Roma!), the 20-year-old Turkish midfielder has scored six goals and provided three assists, drawing rave reviews from across the Bundesliga, leading to a €40 to €45M Transfermarkt valuation.
(Depending on what you read, he may have a significantly higher release clause, but we’ll roll with this figure.)
In this scenario, Roma gets in on the ground floor, offering Uzun a full-time role and the keys to Gasperini’s attack, before flipping him to the Premiership two years later. Win-win. To ease Uzun’s transition, we’ll sign Julian Brandt on a free transfer to provide depth when the fixture list gets packed in the late fall/early winter.
Thanks to a series of minor muscle injuries, Uzun was limited to approximately 1,500 minutes in all competitions last season, but managed 10 goals and five assists in all competitions—a respectable tally for a 19/20-year-old in the Bundesliga. Still, a potential Uzun transfer is about just that, potential.
While he may not profile as a classic number 10, Uzun is precisely the type of “turn and go” attacker that Gasperini’s system requires. Rather than dropping back to recycle possession, Uzun is, to borrow an old playground basketball term, a “cherry picker,” floating around the margins of the opposition’s midfield and defense, waiting to seize the ball, turning his head, getting vertical, and attacking the defense.
Given his age and relative lack of experience, there will be growing pains, but his €45 million price tag speaks to his talent and potential.
Cardinale: Milan work ‘as a team’, ‘I approve every single cent’
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale insists the new Rossoneri management works ‘as a team’ but notes: ‘I approve every single cent, and I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market.’
Cardinale: ‘I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market’
“No one at Milan has approval rights at any threshold in the transfer market, apart from me,” said the Milan owner.
“I approve every single cent, and I’m the only one who gives the final green light on the transfer market.”
The Rossoneri have already secured two summer signings. They first signed Portugal international Gonçalo Ramos from PSG in a deal worth up to €70m, including add-ons.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio’s Mario Gila is now in Milan to undergo medical tests with the Rossoneri before completing a €30m transfer. This means the Rossoneri have already invested circa €100m in new acquisitions this summer.
“In the way we operate, my power of approval is one-sided,” Cardinale continued.
“And then one important thing: as I said at the press conference, we do things as a team. So the team will continue to make recommendations, and we will work together.
“We have a lot of input from the coach and my team. But in the end, when the time comes to make a decision, I approve it.”
Milan failed to reach the Champions League in the 2025-26 season, so Massimiliano Allegri was sacked and replaced by ex-Manchester United boss Amorim, who has signed a three-year contract at San Siro.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced has a bug that can lock the game to 30 FPS on PC Ubisoft has confirmed that it is preparing a fix for the PC version of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced. Currently, cutscenes in Black Flag Resynced can lock to 30 FPS under specific circumstances. Specifically, this is when […]
Japanese chipmaker Rapidus will try to lure customers away from TSMC not only by offering a different kind of service, but also by offering its manufacturing services at lower prices, chief executive Atsuyoshi Koike announced this week. The company's plan to rival TSMC in terms of pricing appears on the surface as a risky move, as the company moves to develop leading-edge process technologies.
At present, Rapidus is looking at charging ¥3 million – ¥3.5 million ($18,550 - $21,635) per wafer processed using its 2nm-class fabrication process, which is significantly below TSMC's rumored quote of around $30,000 per N2 wafer, and is comparable to what Samsung is rumored to offer with its SF2 manufacturing technology, set at $20,000 per-wafer. Actual prices will depend on exchange rates, though Rapidus' general idea of offering significantly lower quotes than TSMC is immediately apparent.
Rapidus plans to start high-volume manufacturing (HVM) using its 2nm-class fabrication technology by the second half of 2027. The ramp of a new fab will take some time, so expect meaningful volumes from Rapidus to only be produced in 2028, when TSMC's N2 will no longer be its leading-edge node.
By the time Rapidus starts HVM at its IIM-1 in 2027, TSMC will have ramped production of chips using its performance-enhanced N2P manufacturing node, and the company will also absorb all the yield learning with gate-all-around the company will have with its N2 present at five fab modules. Furthermore, by the time Rapidus reaches meaningful volumes at IIM-1 in 2028, TSMC will have ramped up production using its advanced A16 fabrication process with Super Power Rail backside power delivery as well as a 3rd-generation 2nm-class node named N2X.
In addition to the vast 2nm-capable capacity and process maturity that should be kept in mind when comparing Rapidus with TSMC, there is another factor to consider. One of TSMC's major advantages over its rivals is its Open Innovation Platform (OIP) ecosystem, which includes comprehensive electronic design automation tools, silicon-proven IPs, even for the latest nodes, a host of contract chip designers, and advanced packaging services not only from TSMC but also from its partners. For now, neither Rapidus nor Intel and Samsung Foundry can offer anything close to TSMC's OIP.
Given the advantages that TSMC will likely have over competitors with its 2nm-class fabrication technologies in 2028, lower pricing may be among the few ways to compete against the world's largest foundry. Rapidus' strategy of offering lower quotes while operating a single fab does not seem like the best way of earning money, but perhaps a certain way to lose it.
However, Rapidus may have another ace up its sleeve with single wafer processing across all process steps. The approach will greatly speed up the production cycle, which will be its indisputable advantage over other chipmakers, albeit at the cost of tool usage efficiency. Will lower quotes and shorter production cycles be enough for Rapidus to win customers from TSMC? Only time will tell.
Rapidus is reportedly negotiating with more than 60 potential customers, mainly overseas companies, which demonstrates the company's ambitions to become a viable rival to the global leader TSMC as well as contract chipmakers Intel Foundry and Samsung Foundry.
If the recent Carnival Corporation data breach caught your attention, it raises a bigger question that doesn’t get talked about enough: what happens when a cyberattack targets not just passenger data, but the ship itself?
Modern cruise ships are essentially floating smart cities. Navigation, propulsion, cargo systems, passenger Wi-Fi, and crew communications are all wired together into one connected digital environment. That connectivity makes your cruise experience smoother, but it also introduces vulnerabilities that the shipping industry is still scrambling to address.
The Systems at Risk Onboard
Today’s vessels rely on a web of interconnected technology that was not originally built with cybersecurity in mind.
Navigation systems, engine controls, ballast management, and satellite communications can all be linked. A weakness in one system can become a doorway into others.
Add to that the growing use of remote monitoring, where shore-based teams can access onboard systems for diagnostics and maintenance, and the number of potential entry points for a bad actor multiplies.
The concern isn’t hypothetical. Shipping companies have been hit by ransomware that disrupted operations across multiple ports.
GPS spoofing incidents have caused vessels to report incorrect positions, creating real navigational hazards at sea. Port infrastructure attacks have led to delays and congestion affecting thousands of passengers.
What the IMO Is Doing About It
Carnival Celebration leaving its homeport of Miami, Florida.
The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations body that sets global shipping standards, has taken notice. Its guidelines now require cruise lines and other operators to formally incorporate maritime cyber security into their existing safety management systems.
That means identifying which onboard systems are critical, protecting them from unauthorized access, having plans in place to detect and respond to an incident, and being able to recover quickly if something goes wrong. For cruise lines operating in international waters, this is no longer a voluntary best practice. It is a regulatory expectation.
Why Cruise Ships Are a Particularly Complex Target
What makes cybersecurity uniquely challenging on a cruise ship is the mix of systems on board. There are IT systems handling passenger data, bookings, and communications, and there are OT systems, meaning operational technology, controlling physical processes like navigation and engine management.
Traditionally these were kept separate. On modern ships, they increasingly talk to each other. A breach that starts with a phishing email targeting a crew member could, in a worst-case scenario, reach systems that affect how the ship operates.
Older ships are especially exposed because legacy equipment was never designed to handle modern cyber threats, and patching or updating those systems mid-voyage isn’t always practical.
What the Industry Is Doing to Keep Up
Cruise lines are investing in crew training, network segmentation, and incident response planning to close these gaps.
Classification and inspection bodies like Bureau Veritas work with cruise operators to assess onboard digital systems, verify that cybersecurity measures meet industry standards, and help integrate security protocols into broader safety management frameworks.
Independent verification matters here because the stakes are high. Passengers trust that the ship they board is safe in every sense of the word, and cyber resilience is increasingly part of that picture.
What This Means for Passengers
The short answer: the industry is aware of the risk and actively working on it, but the threat is real and growing. As cruise ships get smarter and more connected, the attack surface gets wider.
The best protection for passengers is booking with established lines that take compliance seriously, understanding that breaches like Carnival’s are reminders that no organization is immune, and knowing that regulators are now holding the industry to a higher standard than they were even five years ago.
Cyber threats in shipping may be invisible. The impact, as the industry has already learned, is not.
Star Clippers has unveiled a limited-time offer allowing guests to get two free shore excursions per cabin on select early 2028 Caribbean and Central America sailings. The two included shore excursions are fulfilled as a $200 onboard credit per cabin, equivalent to $100 per person, or $100 for solo travelers paying a supplement. The offer...
Viking’s Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen supported the Norwegian national team in making history as it advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever by beating Brazil 2-1. Throughout the day, Hagen spent time with two soccer legends: former Norwegian soccer player and Erling Haaland’s father Alf-Inge “Alfie” Haaland and...
Professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau partners with Google Health to track fitness metrics using Fitbit Air to bring data-driven athletic training to daily health routin…
The upcoming BYD Seagull electric hatchback is detailed via new MIIT regulatory filings showcasing expanded dimensions, a 95 kW motor, and smart driving options.
Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 SUV models have officially completed their regulatory declaration steps with the Chinese government. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology published the comprehensive technical specifications for the upcoming plug-in hybrid utility vehicle. This brand expansion is scheduled for an official commercial rollout within the calendar year. Built as a broad and […]
The x402 standard revives a dormant corner of the web’s original design, the 402 Payment Required status code, to let AI agents pay for services autonomously, per call, with no accounts and no cards. Ripple has moved to put the…
A token can look cheap by market cap and be expensive by FDV. What both numbers mean, how unlocks turn FDV into selling pressure, and the low-float trap.
DeXe price has surged more than 20% in a single day, climbing to a new all-time high on July 10 as a breakout above key resistance and heavy short liquidations propelled the token to the top of the cryptocurrency market.…
Back in July 2025, Reflect Orbital submitted an application to launch Eärendil-1, a demonstration satellite designed to test whether sunlight can be redirected from orbit onto specific locations on Earth. The FCC has now granted the satellite permission to operate its radio equipment.
Europe's Parliament voted on Thursday to reinstate legislation that allows companies such as Google, Meta, and other digital communication providers to voluntarily scan messages, emails, photos, and other files for illegal content. Supporters and opponents have long argued over whether to make the practice mandatory.
Samsung just made a major move to debut its OLED panels in gaming laptops by introducing a brand dedicated to it. Samsung Unveils "OBLYX", a New OLED Branding Dedicated to Gaming Laptops at BW2026 in China Popular display maker, Samsung Display, has made its first-ever appearance at the Bilibili World 2026 event, which is one of China's largest gaming and anime conventions. The company unveiled OBLYX, which is a new OLED branding for gaming laptops. Apart from showcasing dozens of new products, including smartphones, laptops, and monitors featuring its OLED and QD-OLED displays, the company also introduced OBLYX. The OBLYX […]
Several new GeForce RTX 5080 cards were showcased at the Bilibili World event in China, featuring distinguished aesthetics. NVIDIA Collaborates With AIBs to Bring Game-Themed RTX 5080 Graphics Cards at BW2026 The Bilibili World 2026 event has officially commenced at the Shanghai National Exhibition, which will run till July 12. This is where many vendors will showcase their new products, and we will get a good glimpse of new launches. NVIDIA being one of the major companies, has decided to launch new RTX 5080 cards at the event. It collaborated with several AIBs to release new GeForce RTX 5080 GPUs […]
Galatasaray, Como'nun 20 yaşındaki kanadı Assane Diao için satın alma opsiyonlu kiralama teklifi hazırlarken; genç oyuncunun son 1 yılda yaşadığı ağır uyluk sakatlıkları ve ayak tarak kemiğinden geçirdiği operasyon transferin risk boyutunu gözler önüne seriyor.
Galatasaray, İtalyan ekibi Como forması giyen Assane Diao’yu kadrosuna katmak için resmi temaslara başladı. Ünlü transfer bombacısı Matteo Moretto’nun haberine göre sarı-kırmızılılar, 20 yaşındaki Senegalli kanat oyuncusu için kiralama bedeli ve satın alma opsiyonu içeren bir teklif hazırlıyor. Ancak bu hamle, oyuncunun tıp dünyasını düşündüren sakatlık raporu nedeniyle büyük bir endişeyi de beraberinde getiriyor.
KABUS GİBİ GEÇEN BİR SEZON
Kariyerinin henüz başında olan Diao, İtalya’da sakatlıklar nedeniyle tam anlamıyla bir kabus yaşadı. Son 1 yılda üst üste geçirdiği kas sakatlıkları yüzünden 2.5 ay sahalardan uzak kalan genç yetenek, Senegal formasıyla Afrika Uluslar Kupası’nı (AFCON) da kaçırdı. Kronikleşen uyluk adalesi (biceps femoris) yırtıkları nedeniyle İtalya'da sadece 17 maçta süre alabilen oyuncu, istikrar yakalayamadı.
EN BÜYÜK TEHLİKE: TARAK KEMİĞİ
Raporlardaki en korkutucu detay ise oyuncunun ayak tarak kemiğindeki hassasiyet. Geçmişte bu bölgeden kırık yaşayan Diao, sezon sonuna doğru antrenmanda sağ ayağından tekrar sakatlandı. Kemiğin kaynama riski baş gösterince bıçak altına yatan genç oyuncuya, osteosentez ameliyatıyla vida/plak takıldı. Tıbbi ekip, nüksetme riskine karşı oyuncuyu sürekli özel programlarla sahada tutabildi.
ZİNCİRLEME REAKSİYON RİSKİ
Futbol otoritelerine göre ayak tarak kemiği kırıkları, Diao gibi patlayıcı hızına güvenen kanat oyuncuları için adeta bir saatli bomba. Oyuncu, ayağındaki ağrı veya hassasiyet nedeniyle fark etmeden basış ve koşu postürünü değiştiriyor. Bu asimetri ise yükün doğrudan uyluk arka adalesine binmesine ve peş peşe kas yırtıklarına yol açıyor.
Galatasaray yönetimi mali olarak cazip bir formül üretse de, genç oyuncunun tarak kemiğindeki bu hassasiyet ve yarattığı zincirleme sakatlık riski, sarı-kırmızılıların başına büyük bir bela açma potansiyeli taşıyor.
Gözünü karartan İtalyan devi, Mason Greenwood transferinde havlu atınca rotayı Galatasaray'ın da peşinde olduğu Türk milli yıldıza kırdı; sarı-kırmızılıların tüm planları altüst oldu!
İtalya Serie A ekibi Roma, Marsilya'dan Mason Greenwood'u kadrosuna katmak için büyük bir uğraş verdi ancak transferde mutlu sona ulaşamadı. Bu gelişmenin ardından rotayı hemen alternatif isimlere çeviren İtalyan devi, gözünü Galatasaray’ın da uzun süredir transfer listesinde yer alan genç yıldıza dikti.
İtalyan basınının önde gelen gazetelerinden La Gazzetta dello Sport'un haberine göre; Greenwood transferini bitiremeyen Roma, Alman ekibi Frankfurt forması giyen Türk milli futbolcu Can Uzun’u gündemine aldı.
Fenerbahçe'nin de istediği Greenwood transferinde nabız yoklayan AS Roma sonuç alamayınca Can Uzun'u kadrosuna katmak için yoğun bir mesai harcamaya başladı.
Çorum FK'da teknik direktör Uğur Uçar, forvet transferi için dünyaca ünlü yıldız Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang'ı gündemlerine aldıklarını açıklayarak, "Transfer gerçekleşirse takımın yeni lideri olur" dedi.
Çorum FK'da teknik direktör Uğur Uçar, forvet transferi çalışmaları kapsamında dünyaca ünlü yıldız Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang'ı gündemlerine aldıklarını duyurdu. TRT Spor'a konuşan Uçar, transfer listelerinde önemli isimlerin yer aldığını belirtti.
Teknik direktör Uğur Uçar, Gabonlu golcünün kalitesine vurgu yaparak transfer sürecine dair şu ifadeleri kullandı:
- Forvet transferi için belirlediğimiz isimler var. Aubameyang, son senede Marsilya'da çok iyi bir sezon geçirdi. Aubameyang'ın kariyeri ortada, transfer gerçekleşirse takım lideri olabilecek bir isim.
Yeni sezon hazırlıklarına başlayan Galatasaray için yeni bir iddia gündeme geldi. Sarı-kırmızılılar Como forması giyen 20 yaşındaki sol kanat oyuncusu Assane Diao ile ilgileniyor.
Transfer sezonunun sessiz takımlarından Galatasaray'da perde arkasında önemli çalışmalar yürütüyor. Yönetim transfer konusunda titiz davranıyor. Öte yandan sarı-kırmızılılar için önemli bir transfer iddiası gündeme geldi.
Galatasaray, Como forması giyen 20 yaşındaki genç kanat oyuncusu Assane Diao ile ilgileniyor.
Matteo Moretto'nun haberine göre, Galatasaray, Senegalli futbolcunun durumunu sordu. Como'da geride kalan sezonda 20 maçta süre bulan Assane Diao, 2 gol attı ve 1 asist yaptı.
Alman ekibi Eintracht Frankfurt, Galatasaray'dan Can için 60 milyon euro talep ediyordu. Sarı-Kırmızılı yetkililerin önüne Osimhen örneği koyuldu. Ancak durum, Bundesliga ekibine anlatıldı.
Galatasaray'ın favori 10 numara adayı uzun süredir Can Uzun... Ancak Eintracht Frankfurt Kulübü, uzun süredir milli futbolcunun serbest kalma bedeli olan 60 milyon euroya talep ediyordu. Bundesliga ekibi, Galatasaray'ın önüne Victor Osimhen örneğini koydu...
TARİHTE BİR İLKTİ
Hatırlanacağı üzere Nijeryalı forvetin 75 milyon euroluk serbest kalma bedeli, Napoli'ye ödenmişti. Galatasaraylı yetkililer ise Osimhen transferinin tarihte bir ilk olduğunu ve benzer bonservis rakamlarının ödenmeyeceğini Eintracht Frankfurt tarafına iletti.
İNATLARINDAN VAZGEÇERLERSE
Ayrıca Osimhen'le Can Uzun kıyaslamasının da doğru bir yaklaşım olmadığı belirtildi. Taraflar arasındaki pazarlıklar devam ediyor. Galatasaray kesinlikle bir 10 numara hamlesi gerçekleştirecek. Eintracht Frankfurt cephesi inadından vazgeçerse bu isim Can Uzun olacak.
A single wrong variable on one line in XQUIC, Alibaba's QUIC and HTTP/3 library, lets any remote client crash the server with a short burst of completely legal traffic. There is no patch.
FoxIO researcher Sébastien Féry disclosed the flaw on July 8 and nicknamed it XRING. He says it needs no login and no malformed packets: about 260 bytes of ordinary QPACK traffic takes the server
Most enterprises assume their asset inventory is close enough to accurate. The evidence suggests otherwise. According to a survey of over 600 security leaders in the 2026 Axonius Actionability Report, only 45% of organizations consolidate their asset and exposure data into a single view, and every downstream security program inherits whatever the inventory gets wrong.
Lumen Technologies, a
A cybercrime crew left one of its own servers wide open on the internet for three weeks, and it exposed the operation's inner workings: the hacking tools, the activity logs, and target lists naming more than 1.4 million websites.
Far fewer were actually broken into, but the exposed files showed researchers how a mass site-hacking operation runs from the inside.
The operation, now tracked as
Researchers ran 281 of the most popular free VPN apps on the Google Play Store through a new testing system and found that many fail at the basics people install a VPN for, i.e., keeping their traffic private and secure.
The apps flagged with at least one problem have been installed more than 2.4 billion times.
The problems are basic, not sophisticated. 29 apps let user traffic leak outside
A threat actor has been targeting organizations spanning multiple sectors with voice-based fake security requests that prompt Microsoft 365 users to enroll a new Entra passkey with an aim to carry out data extortion attacks.
The threat actor, tracked by Okta under the moniker O-UNC-066, has deployed a panel-controlled phishing kit that's capable of targeting the passkey enrollment process. The
A blockbuster undercard is being promised for ’s battle against WBC champion Christian Mbilli, and now it seems as though the first supporting act is close to being delivered, with a world title bout expected to be added to the bill. Canelo lost his undisputed title to Terence Crawford last September, but has been sidelined […]
The first ThinkPads with Intel's more affordable Wildcat Lake series are here. For that purpose, Lenovo updates the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 and Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 4 with the new Intel Core 3 series CPUs.
Deal | In ARK: Survival Ascended, players fight for survival on an island overrun by dinosaurs. The survival game is free to play on Steam until July 13 and will then remain 75% off until July 23, bringing the price down from $44.99 to $11.24.
A new leak details how much Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra could cost in the US, with the Fold8 starting at $1,899 and the Fold8 Ultra priced at $2099. The report follows a European pricing leak from a few days ago. A separate leak also shows the devices already on display at a retailer in South Korea. Samsung has not confirmed final pricing for any market.
Deal | In Against the Storm, city-building fans have to accept that the settlements they painstakingly construct are never meant to last – and that is exactly what gives the indie hit its distinctive appeal. The strategy game is free to play on Steam until July 13 and will remain available at a 70% discount for just $8.99 until July 23.
Insta360 and Bambu Lab have launched the Luna Ultra Design Challenge, offering 40 awards for creative 3D‑printed add‑ons, mods, and design concepts. Model files for the camera are available on MakerWorld. Top winners will receive the Luna Ultra, a Bambu printer, and potential commercialization of their designs.
The Lecoo Fighter 7000X 2026 has been launched in China. It's a slim and lightweight laptop from the sub-brand of Lenovo, and it has an affordable launch price. The top-end config features Intel Core Ultra 7 251HX and Nvidia RTX 5060.
Asus has announced the ROG Gjallar Gaming Soundbar which includes a compact soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and an audio control hub. The audio setup has multiple connectivity features and is compatible with modern consoles, mobile devices, and PCs.
A Reddit user spent more than a week extensively testing Valve’s Steam Machine, trying out over 60 games from a wide range of genres. His detailed assessment is largely positive, although he also identifies several shortcomings that prevent the device from delivering a fully console-like experience.
After the so-called Model Y Juniper facelift, Tesla is now preparing another mid-cycle refresh for the fastest version of its most popular electric vehicle. The updated Performance SUV may first launch in China and then be rolled out globally.
Little House on the Prairie season 2: key information
- Season 2 renewed before season 1 even aired - No confirmed release date or plot - Main cast expected to return, new cast confirmed to be introduced - Production is underway as of July 2026
Based on the classic book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder of the same name, we follow the Ingalls family as they relocate to the Prairie lands of Kansas. Seen through the eyes of youngest daughter Laura (Alice Halsey), we're reminded of what's important in life — respect, understanding and a willingness to grow.
All eight episodes of season 1 are now available to stream, but luckily for fans, season 2 was renewed before the new series even premiered.
There's still a lot left to learn about what's to come, but here's everything we know so far.
Little House on the Prairie season 2 release window predictions
(Image credit: Netflix)
As of July 2026, Little House on the Prairie season 2 is currently in production. If all goes well, we can predict that new episodes could come out as early as mid 2027, but we could easily be left waiting for longer.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our wonderful cast and crew, who put their hearts and hard work into making our first season come alive,” showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine told Netflix. “We can’t wait to share this new adaptation of the Little House books with the world, and we’re thrilled that Netflix is giving us the opportunity to continue the story.”
Little House on the Prairie season 2 trailer: is there one?
Don't be silly. It took us until mid June 2026 to get one for season 1, so expect the first full trailer to arrive around four weeks before the second season does.
Little House on the Prairie season 2 cast
(Image credit: Netflix)
We're expecting the following main cast members to return for Little House on the Prairie season 2:
Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls
Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls
Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls
Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls
Our season 1 supporting cast are less likely to return, given that the season finale saw the Ingalls family leaving Kansas for pastures new after the field fires.
However, we do know that these new faces will be joining the action:
Willa Dunn as Nellie Oleson, Laura’s ultimate rival
Charlotte Sullivan as Margaret Oleson, Nellie's mother
Rachelle Lefevre as Eva Beadle, a schoolteacher
We can expect more new faces to be announced closer to release, so watch this space.
Little House on the Prairie season 2 plot predictions
(Image credit: Netflix)
Logically, Little House on the Prairie will adapt the next book in Wilder's original series, On the Banks of Plum Creek.
Having left their little house on the Kansas prairie (which is exactly what we saw at the end of season 1), the Ingalls family travels by wagon to Minnesota, settling on the banks of Plum Creek.
The book covers a five-year span of Wilder's childhood, so we could see the Ingalls stay there for a while should the Netflix series continue to be renewed.
This also makes sense for introducing Nellie, who we meet in On the Banks of Plum Creek.
The Ingalls are going to have their work cut out for them, with the Locust Plague of 1874 and a blizzard both key parts of Wilder's childhood at this time.
Will there be more seasons?
(Image credit: Netflix)
Interestingly (but unsurprisingly, judging by how the 1974 TV series was adapted) we've already skipped past two books in Wilder's series before season 1 even begins.
Here's the full Little House series list:
Little House in the Big Woods (1932)
Farmer Boy (1933)
Little House on the Prairie (1935)
On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937)
By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939)
The Long Winter (1940)
Little Town on the Prairie (1941)
These Happy Golden Years (1943)
The First Four Years (1971)
As you can see, there's a plethora of material there for the taking if Netflix chooses to continue on with the series. It could easily be sustained for long enough to rival Virgin River, Netflix's current longest-running original series of all time.
If there is to be any renewal news, we'll likely hear about it a lot closer to season 2's eventual release.
SAP commits to a number of legally binding changes to address European concerns
These 'get out of jail cards' would prevent the company from having to pay a hefty fine
Ongoing enforcement would ensure SAP continues to adhere to the new policies
The European Commission has accepted new, legally binding commitments from SAP to end the antitrust investigation against it, freeing it of a fine.
Regulators were concerned that SAP's business practices made it difficult for customers to switch to third-party support providers, reduce or end their maintenance contracts, and return to SAP support after having left it before.
Under the new agreement, customers will be offered a new way of calculating license fees to determine how much they're charged for maintenance and support, ultimately helping them to avoid paying for unused software licenses.
SAP proposes fixes to avoid European antitrust fine
For companies coming back to SAP maintenance after moving away to a different provider, the German software giant has also committed to removing reinstatement fees.
Although the fixes address a European antitrust investigation, all customers will benefit from the changes because SAP will implement them globally for a period of 10 years.
"Today’s decision gives customers using SAP’s popular on-premises business management software more freedom to choose maintenance and support services without unfair restrictions that raised their costs and stifled competition," the Commission's Clean, Just and Competitive Transition EVP Teresa Ribera wrote.
"The commitments strengthen customer choice and predictability by making policies more transparent, introducing targeted flexibility for exceptional shelfware situations and reinforcing consistent execution through improved guidance, training and independent oversight," SAP added.
While the changes address the investigation's concerns and could prevent the company from having to pay a fine on this occasion, failure to adhere to its own revisions in the future could end up in later fines because the changes would be legally binding.
A new report claims that Netflix is testing always-on, live channels
These could have scheduled programming and stream around the clock
The rumors have been met by a largely negative reaction
When Netflix first pivoted from mail-order DVDs to internet streaming, it was a refreshing alternative to cable: stacks of ad-free content, on-demand, for one monthly fee. Since then, Netflix has slowly turned into cable, and that looks likely to continue.
According to "people familiar with the matter" speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix is considering live, always-on channels that would stream around the clock and have scheduled programming much like conventional cable and free-to-air channels.
These channels might show certain programs on a loop, for example, or focus on particular genres, according to the insider sources. Another idea floated within the company has been to bundle other subscription services, such as Peacock, into Netflix for an additional fee (as Prime Video and Apple TV already do).
This is all in response to declining subscriber engagement, as per the report — the idea is to get more people staying for longer inside the Netflix apps. Competition for eyeballs has never been fiercer across streaming platforms, the web, and traditional TV.
You may remember the slide towards cable that Netflix started in earnest in 2022, when the platform introduced ads. Since then, the ad-supported tier has become well established (and risen in price several times).
The reaction to the rumors on Reddit has been largely negative. "We've come full circle now," correctly observes one poster, while another says "I would expect it to be terrible". There are also worries about future price increases to coincide with the launch of extra channels, and general frustration with the quality of Netflix's catalog.
Several of the online reactions have been more positive though: viewers who have these kinds of channels on other services say they regularly use them just to have something on in the background that doesn't require too much effort.
Other ways Netflix has tried to keep viewers locked in recently have included video podcasts and short-form video clips. We may know more about its future plans next week, when Netflix is set to reveal its latest earnings and engagement reports.
When I was searching for a massage gun, I found there were a lot of off-brand and poorly made options littering the digital shelves. But after a bit of research and input from our fitness experts at TechRadar, I settled on this Renpho model — and I have zero regrets.
So, if you're looking for a straightforward and affordable massage gun with all the essential accessories, I can comfortably recommend the Renpho Reach Massage Gun on Amazon for £29.99 (was £39.99).
What I like most is that, quite simply, it does the job. There are five speed options and several attachments to target specific areas or muscles, some of which are better for more general use, or others that are really good to focus on, say, my arms, after a bouldering session. If you've been there, you know the ache is real.
Meanwhile, if you want to target hard-to-reach areas like your shoulders and back, there's also an arm attachment that extends the grip, which makes it so much easier to hit those spots without asking for help or needing to contort yourself at weird angles.
Battery life and performance are solid, too, with a clear LED indicator showing you how much charge is left so you know when to plug it in, so it's ready to go for next time. There's also an automatic timer which switches off the massage gun after a period of continuous use for safety and to preserve the motor.
At just £30, I really have no complaints. And while there might be more advanced options out there with loads more attachments and clever features, for fairly irregular use just to provide a bit of muscle relief now and then, it's extremely hard to beat.
Buy the Renpho Massage Gun at Amazon
I bought this massage gun and found it to be reliable and excellent value for money in a market flooded with cheap and poor-quality options, so I definitely recommend it at this great low price. It's easy to use, quiet, has four attachments to target different muscles and has five speed settings to suit your preferred pressure. The detachable handle is a nice addition, too, so you can easily reach your back and shoulders.View Deal
As PC Gamer reports, Christiane Meister, a senior character artist who worked at Bethesda for 27 years on games like Morrowind and Skyrim, was laid off and is currently looking for work.
Writing on LinkedIn, Meister said, "I have recently been laid off from Bethesda Game Studios and I find myself in the novel position of looking for a job. I thought I would stay there forever because I loved making those games. Life had other plans as it so often does."
As Meister explained in a separate update on her page, she was "in charge of design, creation, and management of character art assets throughout all of TheElder Scrolls projects, starting with Morrowind to our latest title, Skyrim."
"This included drawing concepts and seeing the art piece through to the final stage of getting the object in the game as well as handing off concepts to other artists in the character group. I also oversaw outsourced assets from design to final in-game models," Meister said.
The veteran developer was responsible for designing the visual identities of the series' khajiit and argonian humanoid races, as well as some Fallout creatures and horses in Oblivion and Skyrim.
She also worked on UI, title design, and marketing materials in her early career at Bethesda, the iconic armor associated with Skyrim, and new armor sets and the key art for The Elder Scrolls: Blades.
Meister later moved on to creature work on Starfield "and had a great time balancing the extraterrestrial while grounding it with recognizable fauna that exist here on Earth."
She adds that she also worked on "The latest game of the Elder Scrolls series," which could meanThe Elder Scrolls 6, where she oversaw "an important aspect of the game as well as continuing to create realistic creatures."
"I hope people will get to see them," she said.
(Image credit: Bethesda)
Another industry veteran, Kevin LaChapelle, one of the lead developers behind Xbox's backward compatibility initiative, has also been laid off.
On LinkedIn (via VGC), LaChapelle said, "I will add my name to the list of people who were laid off today at Xbox," after working for Microsoft for 37 years.
"I have worked in many different parts of the company, and I will say my fondest memories are of leading the team of very talented engineers who built the Xbox Backward Compatibility program," he said.
"Sitting in the auditorium when Phil [Spencer] announced the program at E3 2015 was incredible. The audience's reaction was unbelievable. I followed that with leading the team who created our Cloud Gaming product. I am a firm believer that all entertainment will eventually become streamed to you wherever you are. I look forward to watching how Xbox evolves going forward and I wish the team nothing but success."
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that 1,600 jobs were immediately cut and another 1,600 to come will follow before the end of the current financial year.
The company has also let go of four studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, which are returning to independence, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are currently looking for new ownership.
The prepaid carrier debuted an incredible deal on the Galaxy S26 series a month or two ago — a deal so popular that it quickly sold out. Right now, however, the phones have just received a restock on the carrier's site.
This particular deal has been so popular because it's not only on the latest Samsung flagship phones, but it also doesn't require any of the usual hoops or criteria that you find at major carriers. You have to pay for your phone upfront, yes, but once you've done so, you've got a full year of completely unlimited data without anything else to pay.
Mint Mobile's epic Galaxy S26 deal is back
Samsung Galaxy S26 series: $500 off, plus up to $400 off with a trade-in at Mint Mobile Mint Mobile's latest deal on the Galaxy S26 series is one of the best I've ever seen from the well-known prepaid carrier. Not only can you get a record-breaking $500 upfront discount on a brand new device, but you'll also get a full year of unlimited data for just $180 — that's half price. On top of that, you can also trade in for an additional discount of up to $400 off, which is enough to cover the entire cost of the standard Galaxy S26.
Last time this deal was listed on the Mint Mobile site, I didn't even get a chance to write about it before it sold out on all three devices. In context, it's definitely one of the best deals I've seen on the latest Galaxy S26 series since the devices were launched back in February.
This particular deal is so good that it can effectively cover the entire cost of the standard Galaxy S26 if you hit the maximum rebate on the trade-in. The only real caveat with this deal is that you still need to pay for that full year of unlimited data upfront. So, it's not exactly 'free', but it is still pretty great for just $180.
Note: if you already have a decent phone and are just interested in checking out Mint Mobile, then the carrier is also offering its unlimited data plan for $180 when you BOYD this week. I've attached details on that deal below.
Also available at Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan: was $360 now $180 If you've been curious about trying Mint Mobile, then now's a great time to jump on board. The carrier has just brought back its best-ever deal on its already good-value unlimited plan. Right now, you can get a full year of service for just $180 upfront, which equates to half price and just $15/mo on average.View Deal
Leaked renders recently gave us a good look at the Motorola Edge 70 Max. Now, Motorola has officially revealed the phone's design, confirmed a few key specs, and announced its India launch date.
Motorola has confirmed that the Edge 70 Max will launch in India on July 15. The smartphone will be offered in light green and light blue color options.
Alongside announcing the launch date, the company also confirmed that the handset will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset.
The Edge 70 Max will feature a quad-HD display with a peak brightness of 7,000 nits. The teasers also...
Real Madrid'in serbest oyuncu konumundaki Marcelo Brozovic'i gündemine aldığı iddia edildi. Sascha Tavolieri'nin haberine göre Madrid ekibi, Hırvat orta saha oyuncusunun temsilcileriyle temasa geçti.
Senegal'in 2026 Dünya Kupası'na son 16 turunda veda etmesinin ardından Sadio Mane'nin milli takımı bırakma kararı aldığı belirtildi. L'Equipe'in haberine göre tecrübeli futbolcu, kararını resmi bir bildiriyle duyurdu.
New York Knicks yıldızı Jalen Brunson'ın 2026 NBA Finalleri'nin ilk maçında giydiği forma, açık artırmada 1.024 milyon dolara alıcı bularak Knicks tarihinin en pahalı koleksiyon parçası oldu.
New York Knicks, tecrübeli guard Jordan Clarkson ile bir yıllığı 3.9 milyon dolar değerinde yeni sözleşme imzaladı. Haberi ESPN'den Shams Charania, oyuncunun menajerine dayandırarak duyurdu.
NBA yorumcusu Bill Simmons, LeBron James'in bir sonraki durağının Cleveland Cavaliers olacağını öne sürerek yıldız oyuncunun eski takımına dönüş kararını çoktan verdiğini iddia etti.
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