The original Grand Theft Auto was nearly cancelled, but a gameplay bug ultimately defined it.

VMware Workstation Pro 26H1 is the latest version of the go-to desktop hypervisor for developers and power users. Now fully free for commercial and personal use, it runs Windows, Linux, and BSD virtual machines side-by-side on a single PC – no rebooting, no repartitioning.

Nioh, Dynasty Warriors, Wo Long, and Dead or Alive makers and publishers Koei Tecmo have another project in the works alongside the games we're already aware of, including Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember and Attack on Titan 3. Spotted by Automaton, a listing for a new, original IP currently under the codename FUJI appeared on the list of projects supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) via its IP360 program. Koei Tecmo isn't the only recognizable name on this list of projects supported by the IP360 initiative. Machine translation of the official website shows plenty of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/koei-tecmo-new-action-game-codename-fuji-in-the-works/

Six months ago, there was a core update that would’ve tanked your website. But it didn’t.

It didn’t because your team fixed your canonicals, redirection issues, duplication issues, and JavaScript rendering eight months earlier. It was the kind of drudge work a technical engineer or developer got stuck with because the ticket was last on their list.

And you don’t have any proof of it, not really. Other than the experience that comes from years in SEO and recognizing that your site had all the hallmarks of sites hit by the update.

It could’ve cut your traffic in half. It didn’t.

There’s no parallel internet timeline where you didn’t do the work, so there’s no way to confirm it. There’s no record.

This is why technical SEO ROI resists proof. It’s an inference problem with no control group, and we keep pretending it’s a reporting problem we can tool our way out of.

The internet doesn’t stop

We are in two open systems when we work in digital, at least: the internet and the market. Three, if you count the maturity and expectations of internet users. Four, if you count our own website infrastructure. More than that, really, but we don’t have time to list them all. 

The long and short of it is this: the sea we swim in is always shifting, moving, growing, and shrinking. There’s no way to pin down a single, solid “before” state, and there’s no clean way to project all of those influences into “what would’ve happened if I didn’t do anything?” We try to do it with things like Bayesian forecasting, but that’s still an educated guess.

Technical work might have an immediate impact on visibility today. Make the same change six months later, and it might not. That could solely be because Google decided to shift its crawl budget or change how it reads websites. 

Cause and effect come unstuck in time. Google recrawls and reindexes on its own schedule, so any effect lands far from the change and is washed out across a recrawl cycle, defeating the before-and-after pairing every clean test needs.

Just like SEO as a whole, there’s a lot we can’t control. Trying to track all of the changes across the web that might influence our website would result in many gray hairs and sleepless nights.

Technical SEO adds another layer because we rarely ship in isolation. It’s never just “here’s this single change to the website.” It’s “here are about 30 fixes from five different teams going out on a Thursday, so if things collapse, we have people on Friday who can triage.” (Please don’t ship on Fridays.)

Much of the technical work is also done to keep our heads above water: managing technical debt, or doing the work needed to stay on top of updated regulations and new releases of codebases or frameworks. Enhancements and improvements are tough. 

Technical work is a lot more like insurance or public health. You only realize how important it was when it stops working. What we’re doing with technical SEO is often disaster prevention, not building new cities. We can’t write an invoice for an earthquake that didn’t happen.

The control group was never there

Another reality of technical changes, SEO-led or not, is that most of them are sitewide and, by necessity, have to be sitewide. There’s no control group. Render pipeline, crawl budget, site speed. It touches everything at once, so there’s no untouched slice left to act as the control.

Two examples to consider:

• Sunsetting 301 redirects more than a year old: The server stops reading every redirect line on every page load. The benefit is crawl and resource efficiency, which is invisible in analytics.
• A migration done right: The win condition is “we didn’t lose traffic.” A flat line, maybe a slight uptick. Migration work only becomes visible when it fails.

Your only comparison becomes the past, which existed under different external conditions. Time itself is now the trick. The only things to compare are relative, over time, and incremental, and the results shift depending on which metrics you use to measure success and which assumptions you and your leadership bring to the conversation.

When possible, we do want to run a proof of concept. SEO A/B testing, essentially. Pick a segment, make the change there and nowhere else. Measure and decide. But that isn’t always possible, and it requires a different kind of buy-in.

We’re also at a point where LLMs make everything probabilistic. Every answer is personalized, and many of the measurements we rely on have become less deterministic.

So keep it relative

There are two levels of relative here:

• How to prioritize work.
• How to measure the impact.

How we prioritize the work helps determine the impact we want to make.

My approach to prioritizing technical work is to look at impact first. How much of the website does this issue affect, and how much of that impact lands on priority sections or pages? After that, it’s standard scoping and grooming discussions led by the development teams.

But for me, impact is what matters.

Now, when it comes to measurement and reporting, much of the SEO industry, myself included, is talking about how we actually measure everything now, not just technical work. We’re in a bit of a weird limbo because of everything LLMs have accelerated.

We don’t have the “what would’ve happened if…” for our own websites, but we do have our competitors. Observing how competitors’ websites respond to global events, such as Google updates, is probably the closest we’ll get to answering that question in technical SEO work. It’s an ROI-by-proxy adjacent to share of voice.

And the funding

Technical SEO is infrastructure. Insurance. If you’re having trouble getting it done or getting it funded, look at your framing.

At its core, technical SEO is insurance against the shocks of an open system. Treat it that way. It’s not a revenue driver.

Yes, it can deliver meaningful improvements and help that line go up and to the right, but the workhorse, the 80%, the majority of technical SEO, is keeping the engine running. The work doesn’t promise upside. It lowers the odds and the cost of getting tanked. The core update that didn’t sink you is the claim that paid out.

So do what I’ve recommended before and talk to finance. Learn how they quantify, value, and evaluate insurance, security, and infrastructure.

Start looking at your technical SEO that way. Start talking about it that way.

Technical SEO is growth resilience your flywheel can’t move without, not an investment you can’t justify.

Technical SEO changes can significantly improve how search engines access, understand, and evaluate your website.

The recommendations with the greatest potential impact carry the greatest implementation risk. URL changes, canonical updates, robots.txt modifications, internal linking updates, and site migrations can improve performance, but mistakes can also hurt crawling, indexing, and search visibility.

That’s why technical SEO isn’t just about identifying opportunities. Successful implementation requires evaluating impact, balancing effort and risk, coordinating across teams, and thoroughly testing changes before and after launch.

From audit to implementation to prioritization

The work isn’t done once an SEO audit is delivered. 

Prioritization is a critical part of technical SEO, requiring you to evaluate the severity of an issue, its expected outcome, the number of pages affected, the implementation effort, and any associated risks. 

Recommendations with the greatest potential impact often require buy-in from other teams because they also demand more resources and carry greater risk. A clear recommendation, test plan, and stakeholder alignment move implementation forward.

Understanding the issue and potential outcome

Not every technical SEO issue identified during an audit requires immediate action. Before prioritizing a recommendation, validate it with manual checks and the context you have about the site, including priority sections and technical limitations. 

For example, missing meta descriptions on non-priority pages or title tags that fall outside recommended lengths may be flagged by auditing tools because they’re easy to measure, not because they have meaningful business impact.

Technical SEO audits rely heavily on crawling tools and automated reports to identify issues at scale. While these tools are invaluable, they don’t always provide the context needed to determine business impact. 

A warning may represent a legitimate concern, an intentional decision, a platform limitation, or an issue with little to no measurable impact.

Evaluating impact, risk, and effort

Once an issue has been validated, the next step is determining how to address it and whether to recommend it to the client. 

When evaluating and prioritizing technical SEO recommendations for a development queue, consider the number of pages affected, the expected outcome, the required resources, and the potential risks. 

For example, updating a handful of title tags may carry relatively little risk, while changing URL structures or modifying robots.txt directives can affect thousands of pages and influence crawling, indexing, and discoverability.

Understanding the upside and downside supports informed decision-making, resource allocation, and planning that minimizes risk while maximizing potential benefits.

High-impact technical changes that require extra caution

The following recommendations are common technical SEO initiatives that can meaningfully affect site performance. The goal isn’t to avoid these changes, but to understand their potential implications, risks, and benefits before implementation.

1. URL updates and changes

Whether you’re reorganizing pages into a more logical folder structure, consolidating content, supporting a rebrand, or improving site architecture, URL updates are a common recommendation. 

For example, a business may move service pages from the root domain into a subfolder to better organize content and improve site navigation.

While URL changes can provide significant benefits, it’s important to ensure those benefits outweigh the risks and that a proper redirect strategy is in place. 

Search engines treat a changed URL as a new URL, making redirects critical for preserving rankings, traffic, backlinks, and other signals associated with the original page. Missing redirects, incorrect redirect mappings, redirect chains, outdated internal links, and outdated XML sitemaps can all negatively affect crawling, indexing, and discoverability.

Before moving forward with URL changes, create a redirect mapping plan. Ideally, validate and test redirects in a development environment before launch, then verify them again after launch and update your XML sitemap. 

The launch plan should also include updating internal links across the site and monitoring performance. Planning and testing URL changes preserve existing SEO equity while supporting broader site goals.

2. Canonical updates

Canonical tags help search engines determine which version of a page should be treated as the preferred version when duplicate or similar content exists across a site. They’re often used to consolidate ranking signals, avoid internal competition, improve crawl efficiency, and indicate which URLs should be prioritized for indexing.

For example, an ecommerce site may use canonical tags to consolidate parameter-based URLs or faceted navigation pages to a primary product or category page. However, applying a canonical tag to the wrong page template could unintentionally signal that an entire set of pages should be consolidated elsewhere.

Canonical updates seem straightforward, but mistakes can be difficult to identify once they’re deployed across a site and can negatively affect search performance. Take the time to review canonical targets and validate implementation. This lets you avoid sending conflicting signals to search engines that could cause important pages to lose visibility or, worse, fall out of the index.

3. Robots.txt file changes

The robots.txt file lets you control how search engines and other crawlers access content on a website. SEO recommendations involving robots.txt often aim to improve crawl efficiency, prevent low-value content from being crawled, or limit access to specific sections of a site.

For example, an SEO may recommend blocking filtered URLs, internal search results, or other pages that consume unnecessary crawl resources. When implemented correctly, these updates focus crawl activity on more important content.

However, robots.txt changes become risky when implemented incorrectly. A misplaced directive or overly broad rule could block important sections of a site from being crawled, limiting discovery and visibility. Another risk is accidentally deploying a staging robots.txt file to the live site, which can affect how crawlers access content.

Because robots.txt changes can affect large portions of a site, carefully test rules, review proposed changes to ensure they work as intended, and always verify the implementation after launch. Even a small update can have sitewide implications if the wrong URL patterns are affected.

4. Internal linking changes

Internal linking is highly valuable for content discovery, supporting priority pages, connecting related content, and guiding users through a website. This may include updating navigation elements, adding contextual links, consolidating content hubs, or improving pathways to key pages.

Over time, however, websites evolve, and internal linking often needs cleanup. Removing important links, creating orphaned pages, linking to staging environments, or accidentally linking to non-public URLs can negatively affect crawling and content discovery. Large-scale navigation updates can also affect how search engines access content, especially when key pages become harder to find.

As with any technical SEO recommendation, understanding the scope of the change is critical. A navigation update could affect thousands of pages, making it significantly riskier than adding a handful of contextual links to a few priority pages.

5. Site migrations

Every SEO team eventually manages a site migration, whether an organization is rebranding, changing domains, redesigning its website, or moving to a new CMS. Well-planned migrations can improve user experience, support long-term SEO performance, and positively affect the business.

However, site migrations are inherently risky because they often combine multiple technical SEO recommendations into a single initiative. Redirects, URL restructures, canonical tags, indexing directives, content updates, and internal linking changes can all happen simultaneously. With so many moving pieces, even a small oversight can significantly affect crawling, indexing, and visibility during launch.

Even the most well-planned migration can encounter issues if changes aren’t thoroughly documented, tested, reviewed, and validated throughout the process. That’s why pre-launch QA, post-launch testing, and ongoing monitoring are critical for identifying and resolving issues before they have a lasting impact on performance.

Working across teams to ensure success

Technical SEO updates often require multiple teams to work together to test and launch changes. This involves content teams, in-house developers, and multiple agencies. Clear communication is essential. 

Recommendations should be straightforward, testing and quality assurance should be built into the process, and success criteria should be clearly defined. You also need a plan to quickly identify and resolve issues if something goes wrong, minimizing any impact on performance.

Communicating recommendations effectively

Whether you’re discussing recommendations directly with the development team or documenting them in a structured ticket, recommendations should clearly define the issue, provide examples, and outline the required changes. 

Clear documentation helps set expectations, communicate the scope of the issue, identify the affected URLs, and define the expected outcome. It also lets you ask questions and raise concerns about the recommendation or the site’s limitations.

Testing in development environments

Whenever changes are made to a website, they should be thoroughly tested. Using a development environment lets you validate implementations, ask questions, and provide feedback before launch, helping confirm that everything works as expected while minimizing risk.

Post-launch testing and monitoring

Sometimes, a change that works perfectly in a development environment doesn’t behave the same way after launch. 

You should be ready to validate implementations, quickly identify issues, and begin troubleshooting as soon as changes go live. After launch, ongoing monitoring helps you measure the impact and catch issues early.

Balancing opportunity and risk

Most technical SEO recommendations focus on improving crawling, indexing, or site architecture. When implemented correctly, they can significantly improve how search engines access, understand, and evaluate a website.

Technical SEO implementation requires multiple teams working toward the same goal. As recommendations move from audit to implementation, misunderstandings, assumptions, or overlooked details can lead to unintended consequences.

That’s why technical SEO isn’t just about identifying opportunities. It’s about understanding the issue, evaluating potential impact, weighing the required development effort, and managing implementation risk. 

While no implementation is completely risk-free, thoughtful planning, clear communication, thorough testing, and ongoing monitoring can help identify issues early and reduce their impact. Approach them with the preparation, testing, and caution they deserve.

Google's AI governance paper argues public-web training should remain fair use while pointing to opt-out controls, takedowns, and paid deals for specialized content.

The post Google Defends AI Training As Fair Use In Governance Paper appeared first on Search Engine Journal.

Rollable-screen smartphones have been a dream for years, and yet we still don’t have any to buy. That might change in a couple of years or so, if a new report from Korea is to be believed. According to unnamed industry sources, Samsung Display wants to be the king of the rollable screen market, as it's feeling a lot of pressure from Chinese display panel makers in the foldable space. As a consequence, Samsung Display is allegedly in discussions with Samsung Electronics to supply the latter with rollable screens for a smartphone that is currently targeting a release in the first half of...

vivo unveiled its latest flagship foldable, the vivo X Fold6, in China last week. While the company didn’t mention an international release during the launch, it has now confirmed that the device will make its way to global markets. In a statement to Android Authority, vivo confirmed that the X Fold6 will launch globally. The company did not reveal a launch timeline or the list of markets, but said that more details regarding availability will be announced soon. Notably, the vivo X Fold5 launched in China before making its way to select Southeast Asian markets. Whether the X...

RAMS Başakşehir'de deneyimli kaleci Volkan Babacan'ın sözleşmesi uzatıldı.

Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, 2014'ten bu yana turuncu-lacivertli ekipte forma giyen 37 yaşındaki file bekçisi ile bir yıllık yeni sözleşme imzalandığı belirtildi.

Volkan Babacan, Başakşehir ile 2019-2020 sezonunda Süper Lig şampiyonluğu yaşadı.

???? Futbolcumuz Volkan Babacan'ın sözleşmesi 1 yıl daha uzatılmıştır.

Şampiyon kadromuzun önemli isimlerinden Volkan Babacan'a yuvamızda başarılarının devamını diliyoruz. pic.twitter.com/kRCppCx6Xn

RAMS Başakşehir'de 33 yaşındaki futbolcu Onur Ergün ile yeni sözleşme imzalandı.

Turuncu-lacivertli kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, "Futbolcumuz Onur Ergün'ün sözleşmesi bir yıl daha uzatılmıştır. Ailemize katıldığı günden bu yana özverisi ve sahadaki mücadelesiyle dikkati çeken Onur Ergün'e, kulübümüzde başarılarının devamını diliyoruz." ifadeleri kullanıldı.

Onur Ergün, 2023-2024 sezonu başında transfer olduğu Başakşehir ile tüm kulvarlarda 75 maça çıktı.

???? Futbolcumuz Onur Ergün'ün sözleşmesi 1 yıl daha uzatılmıştır.

Ailemize katıldığı günden bu yana özverisi ve sahadaki mücadelesiyle dikkat çeken Onur Ergün'e, kulübümüzde başarılarının devamını diliyoruz. pic.twitter.com/1UePK64YUB

Beşiktaş Erkek Basketbol Takımı'nda ABD'li oyuncu Brynton Lemar ile yollar ayrıldı.

Siyah-beyazlı kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, 31 yaşındaki basketbolcuyla karşılıklı anlaşılarak yolların ayrıldığı belirtildi.

Galatasaray, Jhon Duran ile anlaşmaya vardı... Al-Nassr'a kiralama bedeli ödemeyecek olan Aslan, Fenerbahçe'nin geçen sezon 21 milyon Euro ödediği yıldızı 4.5 milyon Euro'ya bitirdi.

Galatasaray, Kolombiyalı santrafor Jhon Duran ve kulübü Al-Nassr ile her konuda anlaşmaya vardı. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk ve Başkan Dursun Özbek’in onay verdiği transferde tarafların el sıkıştığı iddia edildi.

Transferin en dikkat çeken yönü ise finansal detayları oldu. Geçen sezon ezeli rakip Fenerbahçe'de forma giyen ve bonuslarla birlikte toplamda 21 milyon Euro gibi astronomik bir maliyeti bulunan yıldız golcü, Galatasaray'a oldukça ekonomik bir tabloyla imza atıyor.

Kulübü Al-Nassr'a herhangi bir kiralama ücreti ödenmeyecek. Jhon Duran, Galatasaray'dan bir sezon için 4.5 milyon Euro garanti ücret alacak.

Ezeli rakibinin geçen sezonki harcamasının yaklaşık 4'te 1'i maliyetle biten bu operasyon, sarı-kırmızılı camiada büyük yankı uyandırdı. Resmi açıklamanın kısa süre içinde yapılması bekleniyor.

2026 FİFA Dünya Kupası'nda son 32 turuna girilirken bugün Brezilya ve Japonya karşı karşıya gelecek. Mücadelenin ilk 11'i belli oldu

2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası son 32 turunBrezilya ve Japonya karşı karşıya gelecek.

BREZİLYA – JAPONYA DÜNYA KUPASI MAÇI NE ZAMAN, SAAT KAÇTA, HANGİ KANALDA?

2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası son 32 turundaNRG Stadyumu'nda (Houston Stadyumu) karşılaşacak olan Brezilya - Japonya maçıTürkiye saati ile 20:00'de başlayacak. Bu zorlu karşılaşmayı TRT 1 ekranlarından canlı ve şifresiz olarak izleyebilirsiniz.

BREZİLYA – JAPONYA DÜNYA KUPASI MAÇI İLK 11'LER

Brezilya: Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos, Casemiro, Guimarães, Paqueta, Vinicius, Rayan, Cunha

Japonya:Suzuki, Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Ito, Doan, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura, Maeda, Ito, Ueda

Milli tenisçi Zeynep Sönmez, Wimbledon Turnuvası'nda ABD'li Ann Li'yi 2-1 yenerek ikinci tura yükseldi.

İngiltere'nin başkenti Londra'da sezonun üçüncü grand slam tenis turnuvasına ana tablodan katılan ve güncel dünya sıralamasının 51. basamağındaki Zeynep, ilk turda dünya 29 numarası Ann Li (ABD) ile karşılaştı.

Maça iyi başlayan Ann Li, ilk 5 oyunda 4-1'lik üstünlük kurdu. Üst üste oyunlar alan ve rakibinin iki servisini kıran Zeynep, 9'uncu oyunda 5-4 öne geçti. Sonraki oyunda iki kez set puanını değerlendiremeyen milli sporcu, servisini kırdırdı ve maça denge geldi: 5-5. Sette sonraki 2 oyunu da kazanan Zeynep, 4-1 geriye düştüğü seti 7-5 alarak 1-0 öne geçti.

İkinci sete de iyi başlayan Ann Li, 3-0'lık avantaj yakaladığı seti rahat bir oyunla 6-1 kazanarak maçta 1-1 eşitliği yakaladı.

Üçüncü sete her iki oyuncu da servis hataları yapmadan başladı ve sette ilk 8 oyunun sonunda 4-4 eşitlik sağlandı. Sonraki 2 oyunu alan Zeynep seti 6-4, maçı da 2-1 kazanmayı başardı.

Zeynep Sönmez, organizasyonun ikinci turunda ABD'li Claire Liu ile Belçikalı Hanne Vandewinkel karşılaşmasının galibiyle oynayacak.

Zeynep, 28 numaralı seribaşı Ann Li ile daha önce Merida Açık Tenis Turnuvası'nda oynadığı iki maçı da kazanmıştı, böylece rakibini 3 maçta yendi.

2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası'nda beklentilerin çok altında kalarak turnuvaya erken veda eden Güney Kore milli takımında sular durulmuyor. Grubunu 3 puanla 3. sırada tamamlayarak Son 32 turuna kalmayı başaramayan Güney Kore'de, teknik direktör Hong Myung-bo Meksika'daki takım kampında düzenlediği basın toplantısıyla görevinden istifa ettiğini açıkladı. Ancak istifa kararı da ülkede yükselen büyük öfkeyi dindirmeye yetmedi.

Güney Kore'de Dünya Kupası şoku kaosa dönüştü! Kimliği belirsiz bir kullanıcının, Hong Myung-bo’nun ülkeye döneceği gün kendisini öldüreceğini iddia eden bir mesaj paylaşması üzerine Kore polisi harekete geçti.

Güney Kore emniyet birimleri, tehdit mesajını yayınlayan şüphelinin kimliğini tespit etmek ve yakalamak için geniş çaplı bir soruşturma başlattı.

Milli Takım İçin Üst Düzey Güvenlik Önlemleri

Gelişen olaylar ve halktaki aşırı öfke nedeniyle, yetkililer sadece teknik direktör Hong Myung-bo için değil, tüm milli takım futbolcuları ve personeli için de güvenlik önlemlerini en üst seviyeye çıkardı. Takımın ülkeye dönüşü sırasında havalimanında ve sonraki süreçte herhangi bir fiziki saldırı veya olumsuzluk yaşanmaması adına geniş güvenlik koridorları oluşturulacağı bildirildi.

İngiltere Premier Lig ekiplerinden Manchester City'de Pep Guardiola'dan boşalan teknik direktörlük görevine Enzo Maresca getirildi.

Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, 46 yaşındaki İtalyan teknik adam ile 3 yıllık sözleşme imzalandığı belirtildi.

Enzo Maresca, yaptığı açıklamada, altyapısında görev aldığı ve Pep Guardiola'nın yardımcılığını üstlendiği Manchester City'yi çok iyi tanıdığını belirterek, "Bu takımı yönetme şansını yakalamak benim için harika bir fırsat. Burada geçireceğim üçüncü dönemim olacak. Bu kulübün taleplerini ve beklentilerini biliyorum. Oyuncuları çalıştırmaya başlamak için sabırsızlanıyorum. Kazanmak, iyi futbol oynamak ve Manchester City’yi temsil etmenin getirdiği baskının tadını çıkarmak istiyorum." ifadelerini kullandı.

İtalyan teknik adam, daha önce Parma, Leicester City ve Chelsea'de görev yaptı. Son olarak çalıştırdığı Chelsea'de UEFA Konferans Ligi ve FIFA Kulüpler Dünya Kupası şampiyonlukları yaşayan Maresca, Leicester City ile de Championship'te mutlu sona ulaştı.

MailBroom is an iOS app that connects to any IMAP account and uses on-device AI to classify, sweep, and organize your email. Sweep Mode guides you through high-volume senders with color-coded actions to delete, unsubscribe, or keep, clearing thousands of messages in minutes while your data stays on your phone and credentials in iOS Keychain. It adds storage cleanup, smart delete, rules-based organizing, one-click unsubscribe, power search, with a free tier and low-cost Pro. It also shows users how much CO2 and time they save. An inbox of 70K emails can save 1.1 kg of carbon.

View startup

No profiles. No algorithms. Just what's happening tonight in your city. Discover bars, restaurants, wellness spots, and events. Open a table or join one if someone else is going.

View startup

Brazil face Japan in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. After impressive performances against Scotland and Haiti, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will look to maintain their attacking threat. However, Hajime Moriyasu’s team could make things difficult, as they are capable of defending brilliantly in a low block and breaking quickly on the counterattack. Because of this, fans are closely watching Vinícius Jr.’s status ahead of the match.

Vinícius Jr. will start for Brazil vs Japan, as he has no injuries or suspensions. After being the team’s best player in the last three matches, he will look to make the difference once again. In addition, he is aiming to close the gap on Lionel Messi in the top scorer list, as he already has four goals. Coming off a heavily criticized season, he is expected to be the most decisive player for the national team, leading the attack brilliantly.

Under Hajime Moriyasu, Japan have remained highly competitive. They know how to adapt perfectly to their opponents. Therefore, they could excel in a defensive low block against Brazil, making life difficult for Vinícius Jr. In addition, they are very quick on the counterattack, using short passes to advance into the opposition’s half. There, Daizen Maeda will be the difference-maker, as Takefusa Kubo will once again be unavailable.

Relying on ball possession and a high press, Brazil have established as one of the best attacking teams at the 2026 World Cup. To do so, Vinícius Jr. is key, as his dribbling ability and goalscoring threat make him the difference-maker. In addition, Casemiro, Gabriel Magalhães, and Marquinhos need to shine defensively, as Japan could look to take advantage of any mistake to threaten on the counterattack.

Brazil confirmed lineup vs Japan

Brazil arrive as the clear favorites to defeat Japan. To do so, head coach Carlo Ancelotti will repeat the same lineup that has performed so well throughout the tournament. Vinícius Jr. will be the cornerstone of the team, having stood out in every match. Although Neymar Jr. will be available, he could come off the bench. Beyond the attack, defensive solidity will be the other challenge, as they need to counter Japan’s counterattacks.

Considering this, Brazil will lineup as follows: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Jr.

Japan confirmed lineup vs Brazil

Japan will look to surprise Brazil. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu faces a major challenge, as he will not be able to count on Takefusa Kubo. Nevertheless, Daizen Maeda will look to be the difference-maker once again in the attack. In addition, Keito Nakamura will be key to breaking Brazil’s defensive line on the counterattack. Therefore, they will need to be very efficient.

With this in mind, Japan will play as follows: Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano; Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda.

Brazil face Japan in the Round of 32. After two dominant victories, they arrive as the clear favorites. However, Hajime Moriyasu’s team could make things difficult, relying on defensive organization and an efficient counterattack down the wings. To achieve that, Carlo Ancelotti’s team need to shine in the attacking phase, with Vinícius Jr. as the central figure in the 2026 World Cup.

Despite arriving as underdogs, Japan could make things very difficult for Brazil. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has made his team very solid defensively, using a back five. In addition, they excel on the counterattack through their attacking wing-backs, who are very efficient. Therefore, they could take advantage of the space behind their opponents to create opportunities. However, Daizen Maeda needs to be very efficient in front of goal.

After emerging as the standout player in the previous matches, Vinícius Jr. will look to once again lead Brazil’s goalscoring efforts. However, Matheus Cunha needs to shine again by creating space in the opposition’s defense. Alongside them, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães will be key to controlling possession and avoiding turnovers after pressing. In addition, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães need to perform well, as Japan are very dangerous on the counterattack.

Canada’s historic journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached another incredible milestone. On the latest edition of Rabona TV, host Adrian Sousa reacts to an unforgettable knockout performance that has completely altered the ceiling for the co-hosts.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete tactical matchday review.

The entire episode centers around Canada’s dramatic Round of 32 clash against South Africa. In a tight, tense tactical battle where neither side wanted to give an inch, midfielder Stephen Eustáquio emerged as the ultimate hero, striking a sensational 92nd-minute volley to seal a thrilling 1-0 victory. The historic win officially punches Canada’s ticket to the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in country history.

Adrian breaks down the match structure, evaluating how the squad managed to maintain defensive discipline before finding their dramatic breakthrough in stoppage time. The conversation reflects on the sheer scale of the achievement, tracking Canada’s remarkable evolution from a team that historically struggled on the big stage to a legitimate knockout force.

You can stream the entire celebratory recap right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Update on Spotify to get the complete analysis of Eustáquio’s historic goal, standout individual performances, and early tactical keys for the next round.

The marquee Round of 32 showdown between Brazil and Japan features plenty of tactical subplots, but none have captured more attention than the composition of Carlo Ancelotti’s team sheet.

Despite being one of soccer’s most iconic figures, Santos star Neymar has not been named in the Seleção’s starting XI for the upcoming 2026 World Cup clash against the Samurai Blue.

The rationale behind his role on the substitutes’ bench is a strict matter of match fitness management. The 34-year-old is undergoing a highly calculated conditioning program after recovering from a grade two calf muscle injury suffered in mid-May. While he successfully returned to the field for a brief, emotional 15-minute cameo in Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage win over Scotland, Ancelotti is taking no structural risks with a player who is still finding his competitive legs.

How Long Before a Full Return?

Because his calf recovery has cleared all clinical milestones, the technical team’s progression timeline is centered entirely on building raw endurance rather than repairing tissue damage.

If the five-time world champions can navigate past Japan’s highly disciplined pressing system today, Neymar’s integration plan looks highly optimistic:

• Current Phase: Eased in as a second-half impact sub with a projected ceiling of 20 to 30 minutes depending on match flow.
• Projected Full Match Sharpness: Expected by the Quarterfinals (July 10–11), provided he suffers no muscular setbacks.
• Ultimate Tournament Target: Reaching 100% capacity for a potential deep knockout run through the semifinals.

Easing Back From an Ultra-Long Layoff

Neymar’s calf injury was a cruel blow that forced him to sit out the opening two matches of Group C against Morocco and Haiti. However, his physical battle stretches far beyond this summer.

His Matchday 3 appearance against Scotland actually marked his first competitive minute for the national team in 980 days, a massive absence dating all the way back to his devastating ACL tear against Uruguay in October 2023.

Given the sheer length of that structural layoff, pushing the veteran into a high-intensity knockout game from the opening whistle would go against the medical staff’s blueprints. Ancelotti made his cautious approach very clear to the media ahead of the match: “Neymar is capable of playing more than 15 minutes now, but his role will entirely depend on the context and the live evolution of the match.”

Instead of forcing a full 90-minute shift, Brazil is utilizing the emerging 19-year-old talent Rayan on the flank to preserve their tactical rhythm while keeping Neymar as a premium weapon for later in the game.

The highly anticipated Round of 32 clash between Japan and Brazil at Houston Stadium features a massive tactical missing piece for the Samurai Blue. Takefusa Kubo, the creative engine and Real Sociedad playmaker, has been left out of Hajime Moriyasu’s starting lineup for this do-or-die knockout match.

The definitive reason behind his omission is a lingering left-knee injury. The 25-year-old midfielder originally sustained the injury during Japan’s intensely physical tournament-opening draw against the Netherlands, forcing him to miss the subsequent group-stage matches against Tunisia and Scotland.

Kubo’s absence compounds an already devastating medical crisis for Japan. The Samurai Blue arrived in North America completely stripped of their core leadership group, with key stars Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and veteran captain Wataru Endo all ruled out of the tournament due to severe pre-camp injuries.

Projected Recovery Time: When Will Kubo Return?

Because this knee injury involves a bone bruise and localized swelling rather than structural ligament damage, Kubo’s 2026 World Cup campaign is not officially over.

Neither the player nor the Japan Football Association (JFA) have locked in a rigid medical timetable, opting instead to monitor his progress day by day. If the Samurai Blue can orchestrate an upset against Brazil without him, the medical staff is circling Friday, July 3, or Saturday, July 4 as a realistic target window for his return.

This timeline would make him available for a potential Round of 16 appearance, giving his knee the critical rest required to clear the remaining inflammation and handle full-contact training.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s Verdict

There was a late surge of optimism in the Japanese camp just 24 hours before kickoff. On Sunday, June 28, Kubo was cleared by the medical staff to return to light group training for the first time since the opening matchday. Heavily taped up, the winger even expressed confidence to local media, stating he felt “in a good state.”

However, manager Hajime Moriyasu opted for maximum caution during his pre-match press conference, choosing protectiveness over rushing his star asset back into an intense environment against a physical side like Brazil: “I’m hoping for a speedy recovery and he’s doing everything he can to pick up his conditioning, [but] he will not play in the Brazil game.”

While Kubo has progressed enough to potentially earn a highly restricted, emergency seat on the substitutes’ bench, he lacks the competitive match fitness and tactical sharpness required to handle the tracking and defensive work rate demanded by the starting eleven.

Tactical Adjustments: Who Fills the Void?

Kubo’s absence forces a structural adjustment in Moriyasu’s transition blueprint. To compensate for the loss of Kubo’s elite half-space progression, the Samurai Blue will lean heavily on the technical versatility of Ritsu Doan.

The tactical priority shifts toward maintaining a hyper-compact midfield block designed to disrupt Brazil’s passing channels before launching rapid counters through the wings.

The single-elimination bracket brings its distinct brand of tension to Texas as the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup delivers a highly anticipated transcontinental battle. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil navigated their initial group assignments with a mixture of individual brilliance and collective adjustments, cementing their identity as primary title contenders.

Stepping onto the pitch at Houston Stadium, Brazil maintains the 5th position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with an official baseline of 1,785.19 coefficient points.

Their Asian opponents present a starkly different, heavily organized challenge that will test Brazil’s creative build-up play. Japan enters the matchup occupying the 17th spot globally on the Inside FIFA leaderboard, sitting on a steady foundation of 1,673.68 points.

The Knockout Equation

Brazil’s progression out of the group phase featured a resilient run, recovering from an early tactical stalemate against Morocco to comfortably stake their claim in the upper half of the bracket.

Japan, conversely, used structural counter-pressing to complete an undefeated run through Group F to book this specific cross-confederation ticket.

The table below outlines the tournament metrics and global rankings for the two opponents:

Comparative Knockout Baseline & Global Rank

Brazil’s Historical FIFA Ranking Dominance

A review of Brazil’s positioning on the international ladder underscores their status as the ultimate benchmark program in soccer history. The South American heavyweights hold the absolute record for longevity at the top of the sport, having spent a staggering 5,070 days at No. 1 in the world across multiple eras.

While their current 5th-place standing is a step back from their historic ceiling, the squad’s structural balance under Ancelotti has stabilized their core point accumulation.

Because World Cup knockout fixtures carry the highest mathematical weight within the FIFA calculation matrix, the stakes in Houston extend directly to the global leaderboard. A win within normal time would yield a substantial coefficient payout to shield their top-five status, while a slip-up against the 17th-ranked Samurai Blue would trigger a steep mathematical penalty.

Bu gün SOCAR-ın inzibati binasında Azərbaycan Futbol Federasiyaları Assosiasiyasının (AFFA) İcraiyyə Komitəsinin növbəti iclası keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, AFFA-nın prezidenti Rövşən Nəcəf iclasın gündəliyi barədə məlumat verib.

Daha sonra gündəlikdə duran məsələlər müzakirə olunub.

Əvvəlcə AFFA-nın baş katibi Cahangir Fərəcullayev FIFA-nın qərarına əsasən Azərbaycana həvalə edilən 15 yaşadək oğlan futbolçulardan ibarət komandalar arasında bu il keçiriləcək ilk Dünya Çempionatı və Festivalı barədə ümumi məlumat verib.

Ardınca ölkə futbolunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yekunları müzakirə olunub. İcraiyyə Komitəsinin üzvləri mövsüm ərzində təşkilatçılıq, yarışların keyfiyyəti və ümumi inkişaf istiqamətləri barədə fikirlərini bölüşüblər.
İclas çərçivəsində AFFA-nın yeni Texniki Direktoru Edmond Klaus təqdim olunub. O, gənclərin inkişafı, akademiya quruculuğu və idarəetməsi, təhsil və metodologiya, həmçinin skautinq sahəsində geniş təcrübəyə malikdir. Xüsusilə Niderlandın “Ayaks” akademiyasındakı fəaliyyətinin, həmçinin Niderland və Çində müxtəlif yaş qrupları üzrə milli komandalardakı təcrübəsinin Azərbaycandakı işinə mühüm töhfə verəcəyi vurğulanıb.

Baş katibin müavini Elçin Məmmədov yeni yaradılmış Futbol İnkişaf Departamentinin fəaliyyəti və 5 ulduz modeli üzrə akademiyaların sertifikatlaşdırma qaydaları ilə bağlı məlumat verib. Növbəti mövsümdən etibarən tətbiq olunacaq qaydalar ətrafında fikir mübadiləsi aparılıb.

Daha sonra baş katib Cahangir Fərəcullayev Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası klublarına qrant müqaviləsi əsasında uşaq və yeniyetmə futbolunun inkişafı üçün ayrılan maliyyə yardımından istifadə qaydaları və nəzarət mexanizmi barədə yeni yanaşma barədə məlumat verib. Səsverməyə qoyulan məsələ İcraiyyə Komitəsi tərəfindən qəbul edilib.

İclasda həmçinin Elit Məşq layihəsi üçün təklif olunan yeni format müzakirə olunub. İcraiyyə Komitəsinin üzvlərinin qeydləri əsasında, layihənin təkmilləşdirilməsi ilə bağlı tapşırıq verilib.

Maltanın “Floriana” klubunun Kot-d’İvuardan olan sol cinah müdafiəçisi Kouya Mabena bundan sonra “Qəbələ”nin uğurları üçün çalışacaq.

Arena.az bu barədə Azərbaycan klubunun rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.

Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, “Qəbələ” bu yay fasiləsində ilk transferini rəsmiləşdirib. Əyalət klubu Kouya Mabena ilə 1+1 illik müqavilə bağlayıb.

27 yaşlı futbolçu son olaraq Maltanın “Floriana” klubunda çıxış edib. O, 2025-ci ilin sentyabrından formasını geyindiyi “Floriana”da 24 oyun keçirsə də, məhsuldar fəaliyyəti ilə diqqət çəkməyib.

Mabena buna qədər “Vesterlo” (Belçika), “UTA Arad” (Rumıniya), “Hapoel Hadera”, “Hapoel Rişon LeZion” (hər ikisi İsrail) komandalarının da şərəfini qoruyub.

“Qəbələ” daha öncə Seydina Keyta ilə yeni müqavilə bağlamış, İbrahim Sanqare, Rüfət Əhmədov, Turan Manafov, Rza Cəfərov, Sambu Sissoko, Murad Musayev, Adriel Ba Lua, Ceyhun Bağırzadə və Domi Massumu ilə yollarını ayırmışdı.

Claude Mythos has raised concerns about AI-driven attacks on DeFi protocols. However, the same AI tools are also available to security teams, not just attackers.

has offered his prediction for a potential clash between and , following the latter’s seventh-round stoppage of Xander Zayas. ‘Boots’ became a two-weight unified champion on Saturday, dethroning Zayas with a star-making performance in New York. Ennis was considered a clear pre-fight favourite but, even so, there was no shortage of world-class quality as he […]

The post Ryan Garcia makes KO prediction for Jaron Ennis vs Vergil Ortiz: “Book that” appeared first on Boxing News.

“Atletiko”nun futbolçusu Kleman Lanqle karyerasını Portuqaliyada davam etdirəcək.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, fransalı müdafiəçi “Benfika” ilə anlaşıb. Bu barədə insayder Fabrizio Romano məlumat yayıb. Portuqaliya təmsilçisi Lanqle ilə 3 illik müqavilə imzalayacaq.

Lanqle 2025-ci ildən “Atletiko”da çıxış edir. 31 yaşlı futbolçu ötən mövsüm La Liqada 19 oyunda forma geyinib.

“Mançester Siti” baş məşqçisini açıqlayıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “şəhərlilər”in “sükanı” Enzo Mareskaya tapşırılıb. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Mütəxəssislə 3 illik müqavilə imzalanıb.

Mareska son olaraq “Çelsi”yə rəhbərlik edib. O, bu ilin yanvarından işsiz idi.

AFFA-nın yeni texniki direktoru məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu vəzifəyə niderlandlı Edmond Klaus gətirilib. Bu barədə AFFA İcraiyyə Komitəsində qərar qəbul edilib.

Niderlandlı funksionerin son iş yeri “Ayaks” akademiyası olub. O, burada texniki koordinator və müvəqqəti akademiya rəhbəri kimi fəaliyyət göstərib. Bundan başqa, Klausun Çin futbolunda da təcrübəsi var. O, Çin U-20 millisində məşqçi və gənclər futbolunun inkişafı üzrə rəhbər vəzifələrdə çalışıb.

AFFA-nın əvvəlki texniki direktoru Cahangir Həsənzadə idi.

SOCAR-ın inzibati binasında AFFA İcraiyyə Komitəsinin növbəti iclası keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə qurumun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Əvvəlcə, AFFA-nın prezidenti Rövşən Nəcəf iclasın gündəliyi barədə məlumat verib.

Daha sonra gündəlikdə duran məsələlər müzakirə olunub.

AFFA-nın baş katibi Cahangir Fərəcullayev FIFA-nın qərarına əsasən Azərbaycana həvalə edilən 15 yaşadək oğlan futbolçulardan ibarət komandalar arasında bu il keçiriləcək ilk Dünya Çempionatı və Festivalı barədə ümumi məlumat verib.

Ardınca ölkə futbolunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yekunları müzakirə olunub. İcraiyyə Komitəsinin üzvləri mövsüm ərzində təşkilatçılıq, yarışların keyfiyyəti və ümumi inkişaf istiqamətləri barədə fikirlərini bölüşüblər.

İclas çərçivəsində AFFA-nın yeni Texniki Direktoru Edmond Klaus təqdim olunub. O, gənclərin inkişafı, akademiya quruculuğu və idarəetməsi, təhsil və metodologiya, həmçinin skautinq sahəsində geniş təcrübəyə malikdir. Xüsusilə Niderlandın “Ayaks” akademiyasındakı fəaliyyətinin, həmçinin Niderland və Çində müxtəlif yaş qrupları üzrə milli komandalardakı təcrübəsinin Azərbaycandakı işinə mühüm töhfə verəcəyi vurğulanıb.

AFFA-nın baş katibinin müavini Elçin Məmmədov yeni yaradılmış Futbol İnkişaf Departamentinin fəaliyyəti və 5 ulduz modeli üzrə akademiyaların sertifikatlaşdırma qaydaları ilə bağlı məlumat verib. Növbəti mövsümdən etibarən tətbiq olunacaq qaydalar ətrafında fikir mübadiləsi aparılıb.

Daha sonra baş katib Cahangir Fərəcullayev Misli Premyer Liqası klublarına qrant müqaviləsi əsasında uşaq və yeniyetmə futbolunun inkişafı üçün ayrılan maliyyə yardımından istifadə qaydaları və nəzarət mexanizmi barədə yeni yanaşma barədə məlumat verib. Səsverməyə qoyulan məsələ İcraiyyə Komitəsi tərəfindən qəbul edilib.

İclasda həmçinin Elit Məşq layihəsi üçün təklif olunan yeni format müzakirə olunub. İcraiyyə Komitəsinin üzvlərinin qeydləri əsasında, layihənin təkmilləşdirilməsi ilə bağlı tapşırıq verilib.

“Qəbələ” heyətinə yeni futbolçu cəlb edib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “qırmızı-qaralar” Fil Dişi Sahilindən olan sol cinah müdafiəçisi Kouya Mabena ilə 1+1 illik müqavilə bağlayıb.

27 yaşlı futbolçu son olaraq Maltanın “Floriana” klubunda çıxış edib.

O, buna qədər “Vesterlo” (Belçika), “UTA Arad” (Rumıniya), “Hapoel Hadera”, “Hapoel Rişon LeZion” (hər ikisi İsrail) komandalarının da şərəfini qoruyub.

“İmişli” baş məşqçisi Jorj Kaşkilya ilə yollarını ayırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Mütəxəssislə müddəti başa çatan müqavilə uzadılmayıb.

“İmişli” ötən mövsüm Premyer Liqanı 34 xalla 9-cu sırada bitirib.

Source

Source

Source

Source

Diario AS in Spain reports that Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, previously linked with Milan, has been offered to Atletico Madrid, yet the Colchoneros are also interested in Morten Hjulmand, another player on the Rossoneri’s radar.

Milan and Atletico Madrid’s transfer strategies could be intertwined in the central midfield.

Milan targets wanted by Atletico Madrid

The latest report from Diario AS, in fact, claims that Goretzka has been offered to the Spanish side on a free transfer.

Back in April, Gazzetta reported that Goretzka had given the green light to join Milan this summer, but there have been no fresh developments in recent weeks, possibly also due to Massimiliano Allegri’s sacking.

The Italian tactician, in fact, is said to be a long-time admirer of Goretzka, who announced his departure from Bayern Munich as a free agent months ago.

According to AS, Atletico are currently assessing Goretzka but have also set their sights on another Milan target, Sporting CP star Hjulmand.

A former Lecce midfielder, Hjulmand played under new Milan coach Amorim at Sporting CP and for this reason there have been recent reports regarding the Rossoneri’s interest in the Dane.

Milan will be looking for midfield reinforcement later this summer as Matteo Moretto has reported that the Rossoneri’s priority for the coming weeks will be to sign a new central defender.

Carlo Ancelotti chooses Vinicius Jr plus several former Serie A players including Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos and Lucas Paqueta as Brazil face Zion Suzuki’s Japan in the World Cup Round of 32.

It kicks off in Houston at 18.00 UK time (19.00 CEST).

The winners of this fixture will go on to face either Norway or the Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 on July 5.

Italian coach Ancelotti is shouldering a lot of expectation going into his first major tournament as an international boss, at the helm of the nation that has won the World Cup more than any other.

So far, they have largely coasted, following the 1-1 draw against Morocco with 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.

Raphinha has been ruled out by injury, but Brazil stick with Vinicius and Rayan supporting striker Cunha.

There are numerous former Serie A players involved, including ex-Juventus defender Danilo, former Roma men Alisson Becker and Marquinhos, plus one-time Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Current Atalanta midfielder Ederson is on the bench, but Roma winger Wesley Franca was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Japan got through their group unbeaten after crushing Tunisia 4-0, around a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and 1-1 against Sweden.

Ko Itakura sustained an injury in the last match.

Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is impressing in the World Cup so far and earned some strong transfer interest as a result.

Ex-Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada and former Bologna man Takehiro Tomiyasu are also in the squad, with veteran Inter left-back Yuto Nagatomo.

The referee today is Italian Maurizio Mariani, with his assistant referees also representing Calcio.

Brazil vs. Japan line-ups

Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhanes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha

Japan: Suzuki; H Ito, Tomiyasu, Taniguchi; Doan, Sano, J Ito, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda

29-06-2026 18:00

Round of 32

NRG Stadium

Brazil

Japan

vs

Season Analytics

Brazil

Positions

Japan

SEASON TOTAL

BRA HOME

1

1

0

2

1

0

Last matches

24-06-2026		Scotland	W	0 - 3
20-06-2026		Haiti	W	3 - 0
13-06-2026		Morocco	D	1 - 1

20-06-2026		Haiti	W	3 - 0
13-06-2026		Morocco	D	1 - 1

SEASON TOTAL

JPN AWAY

1

1

0

1

2

0

Last matches

	1 - 1	D	Sweden		26-06-2026
	0 - 4	W	Tunisia		21-06-2026
	2 - 2	D	Netherlands		14-06-2026

	0 - 4	W	Tunisia		21-06-2026
	2 - 2	D	Netherlands		14-06-2026

Italy international Sandro Tonali could become a club record transfer after reports Tottenham Hotspur offered €99.7m to Newcastle United, already agreeing personal terms.

The midfielder had dropped hints he felt his time with the Magpies was coming to a close, ready for the next step in his career.

Although Arsenal and Manchester United had also shown interest, Spurs quickly emerged as the hot favourites, partly due to the presence of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Tonali closer to record Tottenham transfer

A proposal worth £80m was rejected by Newcastle United, but Mirror Sport claim that a new bid is on its way worth £86m (circa €99.73m).

That is very close to the reported €100m valuation placed on the Italian by his club, so a deal could be imminent.

If those figures are confirmed, it would make Tonali a new all-time club record signing for Spurs.

Turning 26 last month, Milan sold him to Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 for €60.8m plus up to a further €4m in bonuses.

On top of that, the Rossoneri also retained a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee, so they could be getting almost €10m out of this move to White Hart Lane.

Multiple sources confirm Tonali has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham worth £275,000 per week, negotiated by his agency, GR Sports.

Manchester City have issued a counter-statement to Chelsea, as the controversy continues to grow over how and when they approached Italian Enzo Maresca, prompting a €20m compensation package.

It was finally announced today that Italy’s Maresca had been appointed as the new Manchester City manager, taking over from his former boss Pep Guardiola with a contract to June 2029.

However, he first had to terminate his contract with Chelsea by mutual consent, having resigned on January 1.

In a statement this afternoon, the Stamford Bridge club hit out at their Premier League rivals, noting that City approached their coach last autumn.

He was “under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate” and did so because he had the Manchester City job lined up.

Maresca left Chelsea after Manchester City talks

Now City have released their own statement in response.

“Enzo Maresca has long been regarded by the club as a candidate within our succession planning. As a former successful coach within our system, Enzo has a strong relationship with the Club’s leadership and he understands how we work and evolve.

“We can confirm that confidential conversations took place between select representatives of City and Enzo Maresca in Autumn and Winter of 2025, while he was Chelsea FC’s Head Coach, regarding the possibility of him returning to City in a transitional leadership coaching capacity should Pep Guardiola decide to leave.

“We acknowledge Chelsea’s statement regarding the context of Enzo’s departure from Chelsea. We also acknowledge the context in which permission for discussions was given, and we recognize that his departure mid-season was disruptive to Chelsea’s season.

“Once terms were agreed with Enzo Maresca, Manchester City and Chelsea FC reached a mutually agreed settlement under which Chelsea FC will receive compensation.”

The cost of the compensation package is said to be extraordinary, reaching €20m as reported by Sky Sport Italia, then confirmed by various English sources.

It would seem that is purely between the clubs, but that Maresca also separately had to pay compensation to Chelsea for the breach of contract.

Milan star Luka Modric admits the end of his career is ‘near’ and praises his compatriot and Inter star Petar Sucic for a ‘phenomenal’ performance against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.

Milan star Modric gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday, in which he also discussed his plans for the future.

Modric: ‘I try to enjoy it as much as I can’

His contract with Milan formally expires at the end of the month. The Rossoneri are reportedly open to activating a clause to extend it until 2027, but are waiting on the Croatian star’s decision.

Modric will turn 41 in September, and this will surely be his final World Cup.

“I enjoy every moment, every training session, every game,” he said.

“I know I’m of a certain age and that the end of my career is near. I try to enjoy it as much as I can, but it’s not easy, especially given the enormous pressure on the national team.”

Modric is the captain and leader of a Croatia national team filled with Serie A stars, including Inter midfielder Sucic.

The 22-year-old, who has just completed his first season at Inter, scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday, which allowed Croatia to finish as runners-up in Group L, one point below England.

“He [Sucic] put in a phenomenal performance, proving to be the present, not just the future, of the national team,” Modric said.

“Credit to him for what he’s been doing since he joined the team. May he continue like this.”

Lastly, Modric also talked about the controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup: “It’s a matter we have to examine, but I don’t feel like saying it’s a problem,” he concluded.

Milan and USMNT star Christian Pulisic has caught the attention of New York City FC. However, the Serie A giants are not willing to sell him this summer and are reportedly determined to activate a clause to extend his contract for another season.

The Athletic journalist Tom Bogert confirmed in an interview with CBS Sports that NYCFC have explored an “expensive” deal with Milan for Pulisic, but the Rossoneri have made it clear that the 27-year-old is not for sale this summer.

“Milan are in a transitional period, with a new head coach and entirely new directors. They say Christian Pulisic is not for sale.” Bogert said.

Technically, Pulisic has just one year left in his contract with Milan, yet the Serie A giants have already decided to activate an option to extend his stay until 2028.

It is understood that Milan have also been in talks with Pulisic’s entourage about a new agreement beyond 2028, but no agreement has been reached between the two parties.

Pulisic, 27, joined Milan from Chelsea in a €20m deal in 2023 and has netted 42 goals in 134 appearances with the Rossoneri since.

“AC Milan made it clear he’s not for sale… this summer.” @tombogert feels strongly the Italian side will exercise Christian Pulisic’s contract extension pic.twitter.com/Y6LNgW5PW5

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 28, 2026

Arsenal are leading the race to sign the Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers this summer.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in signing the 23-year-old playmaker, but Arsenal are confident of beating the two clubs to his signature.

They have already accelerated their pursuit of the Aston Villa star, and confidence is growing in North London that they will be able to get the deal across the line. Rogers has been exceptional for Aston Villa, and he helped them win the UEFA Europa League last season. He was a key player for them as they secured Champions League qualification. The midfielder produced 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

Apparently, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has personally been in touch with the player, and Rogers has been impressed with his pitch.

It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa is prepared to sanction his departure. Rogers is unlikely to be a cheap acquisition, and he will cost over £100 million. Arsenal certainly have the financial resources to get the deal done. They won the Premier League title last season and are looking to assemble a squad that will help them dominate English football in the coming seasons.

They need someone who can add more creativity to the team and score goals from the middle of the park. Rogers can operate as an attacking midfielder as well as a wide player. He could be a versatile attacking option for Arsenal next season. The opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the country will be exciting for the young midfielder as well.

Meanwhile, Chelsea could use someone like Rogers, especially if Enzo Fernandez leaves the club. The South American has been a creative force for Chelsea, and they need to replace his end product.

The post Arsenal confident of beating Chelsea to 26-G/A signing after Mikel Arteta’s personal touch appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are showing interest in signing the Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha.

The 25-year-old has done quite well in the German League and is impressing at the ongoing World Cup with Germany as well. According to a report from FussballDaten, the German club will sanction his departure only if an offer of around €120 million or more is presented.

It remains to be seen whether the interested parties are willing to pay that kind of money for him.

It is no secret that Manchester United need more control and creativity in the midfield. The 25-year-old will help create opportunities for his teammates and can control the game’s tempo as well. In addition, he is a physically imposing player who will add defensive steel and presence to the Manchester United midfield.

The player is also being targeted by clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle United. According to a report via SportWitness, the player is not keen on a move to Newcastle and would prefer to join the Manchester club. It is clear that he wants to compete at a high-level and fight for trophies.

Manchester United will be able to provide him with Champions League football next season. They will be hoping to fight for trophies, and it remains to be seen whether they can plug the gaps in their squad before the new season begins. They should look to assign a quality defensive midfielder as well.

Manchester United were quite impressive last season, but they need to add more quality to match the elite clubs. They will be competing in Europe, and they will hope to push Arsenal and Manchester City for the league title as well.

The post Man United want 25-year-old after impressive World Cup displays as €120m price tag emerges appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Michigan football has had three Heisman Trophy winners in program history, with two of them coming in the 1990s. It was a lucrative time for the Wolverines, coming off the long tenure of Bo Schembechler with Gary Moeller and then Lloyd Carr taking over the reins of the maize and blue.

But it was soon after Moeller took over from Schembechler that Michigan had something of a national star.

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman put together a list of the top 25 college football players of the 1990s, and at No. 15 overall was former Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard.

15. Desmond Howard, Michigan, WR/KR

Career: 127 catches, 1,944 yards, 30 TDs; 21 rushes, 215 yards, 2 TDs; 41 kick returns, 373 yards, 1 TD; 15 punt returns, 261 yards, 1 TD

Best season: 1991 Heisman Trophy winner; 61 catches, 950 yards, 19 TDs; 12 rushes, 165 yards, 2 TDs; 12 kick returns, 373 yards, 1 TD; 15 punt returns, 261 yards, 1 TD

Only two of Howard’s three seasons at UM were technically in the ’90s, but those were by far his best years. A converted running back, the shifty 5-9, 176-pound Cleveland native had a breakout season in 1990, catching 57 passes for 858 yards and nine TDs at a time when teams weren’t throwing the ball all over the place in the Big Ten. He also averaged 30 yards per kickoff return.

As a junior, he led Michigan to a Big Ten title and became the first receiver to lead the conference in scoring (138 points) — notching 11 more receiving touchdowns than anyone else in the league. His Heisman campaign was punctuated by his iconic 93-yard TD punt return against Ohio State, capped by his memorable Heisman pose.

Howard's Oscar-winning moment, so to speak, was when he returned that long touchdown against the Buckeyes. That's the moment that most remember him for, but he also had a diving touchdown against Notre Dame that also made all of the highlight reels. Of course, now he's a massive ambassador for all things maize and blue as one of the hosts of ESPN College GameDay.

He wasn't the only former Wolverine to make the list, as former defensive back Charles Woodson, who also won the Heisman Trophy, was atop the list.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Desmond Howard lands on top 1990s college football player list

Former NBA stars Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been charged in connection with an alleged illegal sports betting scheme, according to prosecutors.

Beasley and Davis are facing charges alongside four alleged co-conspirators, identified as William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, Ernesto Plascencia and current NBA player agent Paolo Zamorano, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York said Monday.

Prosecutors allege Beasley, a player for the Milwaukee Bucks at the time, agreed to alter his performance during games and accepted bribes from his co-defendants, who used that information to place bets based on his performance “with the intention of profiting off the scheme.” Those bets were worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, prosecutors noted.

“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, bribing then-NBA player Malik Beasley to fix his performance in multiple games in order to place fraudulent wagers, enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said in a statement.

”Several” defendants were arrested Monday and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at an unspecified later date,” prosecutors said.

“These defendants allegedly operated an illegal betting ring in an attempt to unlawfully earn hundreds of thousands of dollars. As alleged, Malik Beasley allowed himself to be bought and altered his gametime performance to line pockets of Ed Davis and his other co-conspirators,” said James Barnacle, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

Former NBA stars Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been charged in connection with an alleged illegal sports betting scheme, according to prosecutors.

Beasley and Davis are facing charges alongside four alleged co-conspirators, identified as William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, Ernesto Plascencia and current NBA player agent Paolo Zamorano, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York said Monday.

Prosecutors allege Beasley, a player for the Milwaukee Bucks at the time, agreed to alter his performance during games and accepted bribes from his co-defendants, who used that information to place bets based on his performance “with the intention of profiting off the scheme.” Those bets were worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, prosecutors noted.

“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, bribing then-NBA player Malik Beasley to fix his performance in multiple games in order to place fraudulent wagers, enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said in a statement.

”Several” defendants were arrested Monday and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at an unspecified later date,” prosecutors said.

“These defendants allegedly operated an illegal betting ring in an attempt to unlawfully earn hundreds of thousands of dollars. As alleged, Malik Beasley allowed himself to be bought and altered his gametime performance to line pockets of Ed Davis and his other co-conspirators,” said James Barnacle, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

Arsenal head of sports science and performance Tom Allen is the latest member of the club's backroom team set to leave the club.

Allen is responsible for first-team performance across sports science, physical output, nutrition and performance support.

The practitioner, who joined from Aston Villa in 2017, joins head of medical Dr Zaf Iqbal and lead performance coach Sam Wilson in leaving the club just weeks after their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Despite their title win, Arsenal suffered with major injury concerns last season with a number of key players missing for long spells.

The departures arrive as part of a review involving external medical expert Joaquin Acedo, who has a relationship with manager Mikel Arteta originating back to when the pair worked together at Everton.

Sources close to the revamp claim that Acedo's influence on the changes this summer has been significant.

• Performance coach Wilson set to leave Arsenal
• Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Arsenal - what do you want to know?

Swindon Town have signed experienced midfielder Matty Virtue on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old has spent the past two seasons at Fleetwood, making 89 appearances before leaving when his contract expired this summer.

He previously played for Blackpool, who signed him from Liverpool in 2019.

Virtue told Swindon's website: "Obviously there's one aim, everyone knows it, and you want to be successful in your football career. The club wants to be successful, so why would I not want to join?"

He added: "It's always nice to come back in; there's always a bit of nerves meeting a new set of lads, and a new staff, but they've all been really helpful and accommodating, and I'm looking forward to kicking on."

Virtue becomes Swindon's second signing of the summer, following the arrival of former Oxford United defender Stephan Negru.

• Fleetwood Town sign Virtue on a two-year contract

Check out this week's "Spinning Back Clique," MMA Junkie's weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week's panel of Brian "Goze" Garcia, Mike Bohn and Danny Segura will join host "Gorgeous" George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

• The UFC's second trip to Baku, Azerbaijan is in the books. In the main event, Azerbaijan's own Rafael Fiziev gave the locals a show with his spinning wheel kick that got him a vicious TKO win over Manuel Torres. It was a big win for Fiziev that put him back on the win column. We react to Fiziev's big win, plus other key results from the card including Shara Magomedov's win over Michel Pereira, Asu Alambayev's crazy submission over Charles Johnson, and more.
• UFC wasn't the only show that sw the hometown fighter get their hand raised in the main event. Over ar PFL San Diego, A.J. McKee defeated Salamat Isbulaev in a dominant unanimous decision. Where does McKee go from here? We recap the win from "Mercenary," along with other results from the card.
• We go over the biggest news and headlines of this past week. This includes retired UFC fighter Dustin Poirier's airport arrest for intoxication; Michael Morales serving as the backup for UFC 330, Cris Cyborg's retirement bout at PFL Tampa, and much more.
• Lastly, we bring in our new colleague Jero Guerra! Jero joined the MMA Junkie team earlier this month, and we'd like to introduce him to the "Spinning Back Clique" listeners. Feel free to drop some questions on the YouTube live chat for Jero.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Spinning Back Clique: UFC Baku goes nuts, PFL SD, Diamond finds it rough

Manchester City have issued a counter-statement to Chelsea, as the controversy continues to grow over how and when they approached Italian Enzo Maresca, prompting a €20m compensation package.

It was finally announced today that Italy’s Maresca had been appointed as the new Manchester City manager, taking over from his former boss Pep Guardiola with a contract to June 2029.

Enzo Maresca signs on as new Manchester City manager

However, he first had to terminate his contract with Chelsea by mutual consent, having resigned on January 1.

In a statement this afternoon, the Stamford Bridge club hit out at their Premier League rivals, noting that City approached their coach last autumn.

He was “under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate” and did so because he had the Manchester City job lined up.

Maresca left Chelsea after Manchester City talks

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Chelsea FC, lifts the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after his team’s victory following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Now City have released their own statement in response.

“Enzo Maresca has long been regarded by the club as a candidate within our succession planning. As a former successful coach within our system, Enzo has a strong relationship with the Club’s leadership and he understands how we work and evolve.

“We can confirm that confidential conversations took place between select representatives of City and Enzo Maresca in Autumn and Winter of 2025, while he was Chelsea FC’s Head Coach, regarding the possibility of him returning to City in a transitional leadership coaching capacity should Pep Guardiola decide to leave.

“We acknowledge Chelsea’s statement regarding the context of Enzo’s departure from Chelsea. We also acknowledge the context in which permission for discussions was given, and we recognize that his departure mid-season was disruptive to Chelsea’s season.

“Once terms were agreed with Enzo Maresca, Manchester City and Chelsea FC reached a mutually agreed settlement under which Chelsea FC will receive compensation.”

WROCLAW, POLAND – MAY 28: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, celebrates with the UEFA Conference League trophy after his team’s victory in the UEFA Conference League Final 2025 between Real Betis Balompie and Chelsea FC at Stadion Wroclaw on May 28, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The cost of the compensation package is said to be extraordinary, reaching €20m as reported by Sky Sport Italia, then confirmed by various English sources.

It would seem that is purely between the clubs, but that Maresca also separately had to pay compensation to Chelsea for the breach of contract.

Manchester United’s attempts to rebuild their midfield have been hampered by their Premier League rivals.

In May, The Daily Mail claimed that United are prepared to spend around £150 million to sign three central midfielders this summer. The club had earmarked around £80m for a marquee signing, £40m for a Manuel Ugarte replacement, and £20m for a third midfielder. 

Ederson appears to be the secondary midfield signing. Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson was viewed as United’s dream target, but Manchester City have now secured his services after agreeing to pay a British transfer record fee to Nottingham Forest.

Mateus Fernandes has emerged as an alternative, but Tottenham Hotspur are showing willingness to outbid the Red Devils for the West Ham United gem.

Michael Carrick is a huge fan of Hayden Hackney

Manchester United also had Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney on their list of midfield targets.

The technically gifted 24-year-old Englishman has been crowned the EFL Championship Player of the Season after contributing 13 goals and assists from midfield.

Hackney was also a focal point of Michael Carrick’s side during his managerial stint at Middlesbrough. 

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Carrick is “a long-standing admirer of the midfielder, having worked with him during his time as Boro boss, and is understood to be encouraging his bosses to make a move of their own once a couple of other summer priorities have been resolved.”

However, United bosses continue to chase Mateus Fernandes, as they are still confident of beating Tottenham to his signature. Amid this, they may have paved the way for another Premier League rival to make a move for Hackney without genuine competition.

Hayden Hackney heading to Everton

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Everton have agreed a fee of £25 million with Middlesbrough for Hayden Hackney.

Middlesbrough turned down several offers for their captain but negotiations between the two clubs are now reaching a conclusion, according to The Telegraph. “A deal could be fully agreed later this week,” the report adds.

Middlesbrough found themselves cornered, given Hackney has entered the final year of his contract. 

Given Hackney’s history with Carrick and his price tag, he appeared to be an ideal option to be the Red Devils’ third midfield signing.

However, unless Ineos are planning to hijack Everton’s move, they would have to look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield options.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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

French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska was one point away from winning her Wimbledon first-round match before a slip on the grass changed everything.

Poland's Chwalinska stormed to the Roland Garros final as a qualifier in June and looked set to continue her good form at 6-2 5-2 up against Mananchaya Sawangkaew on the first day at SW19.

Chwalinska created a match point on her opponent's serve, but, while running for a forehand at the back of the court, slipped and fell awkwardly.

The 24-year-old gingerly got to her feet and touched the back of her right ankle before grimacing.

After qualifier Sawangkaew held serve, Chwalinska called for the physiotherapist and put an ice towel around her face as she received a medical timeout.

But with her ankle heavily strapped she lost the next five games as Thailand's Sawangkaew forced a decider, and the Pole's movement only grew worse in the third set.

Chwalinska also appeared to be suffering with a lower back problem as she fell to a 2-6 7-5 6-2 defeat.

The pair shared a hug at the net before a group of Polish fans sang Chwalinska's name as she left the court, with one official carrying her kit bag for her to try and protect her back.

"It's Wimbledon. I don't want to retire [injured] in Wimbledon," Chwalinska said.

"I think I would have many regrets if I would retire, so I just wanted to continue."

• Follow live coverage from day one at Wimbledon
• Draper out of Wimbledon as injury struggles continue

'Curse has been lifted' - relieved Pegula wins opener

Earlier, Jessica Pegula joked she had broken her Wimbledon curse after reaching the second round, a year on from her shock first-round exit.

American fourth seed Pegula was one of the favourites for the title last year, having won a grass-court title in Bad Homburg in the build-up to the championships.

Her friend, 2021 Australian Open runner-up Jennifer Brady, was so confident that she texted Pegula on the eve of the tournament: "I think you're winning Wimbledon."

However, Pegula suffered a 58-minute 6-2 6-3 loss to Elisabetta Cocciaretto on an opening day full of shocks.

This year, she grew in confidence to beat Czech Darja Vidmanova 7-5 6-3.

Pegula left Brady - who she co-hosts a podcast with - a ticket but said her friend could not get there for the start of the match.

"She was like, I'm not going to mess anything up. We have not talked about my results this year at Wimbledon," Pegula joked.

"The curse has been lifted, for sure.

"I definitely wanted to redeem myself a bit from last year's exit and then also the early exit at the French [Open]."

Pegula, who beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin in the build-up to Wimbledon, will face Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo next.

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

"Take it one game at a time" is the Godfather of all sports cliches. There is no other phrase in the world of athletics more shopworn than this. However, cliches exist for a reason, and if you want to be a successful coach and/or player, taking it one day at a time is a solid strategy. But sports writers aren't players and coaches.

They should and do look ahead, at the whole schedule and way beyond the next game. We will do just that here. 

Sunday, Sept. 27 vs Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro

It's the third NFL game in Brazil in as many years, and a perfect early-season litmus test for the Ravens. In 2024, Baltimore got off to a 0-2 start, but quickly turned their season around by winning at Dallas in week three.

Two with the Cincinnati Bengals: Home- Sunday, Oct. 25, Road- New Year's Eve

You've got to win your division games, and if the Bengals are anywhere near as for real as quarterback Joe Burrow believes, then these two clashes will be critical. While there are a lot of tough games on Baltimore's 2026 schedule, they do have the advantage of playing the entirety of the divisions that were the weakest in both conferences last season.

The Ravens' own division, the AFC North, was the weakest of the lot in the American Football Conference in 2025. Baltimore also faces every team in the NFC South, which was the softest division in the National Football Conference in 2025.

Sunday, Nov. 1 at Buffalo Bills

It's a return to the venue where Baltimore played their most recent playoff game, which ended in heartbreak. Last season's visit to Buffalo was heartbreaking as well- a SNF affair which saw the Ravens completely collapse in the end. It's time to exercise the demons.

Monday, Nov. 16 vs L.A. Chargers

It's not the "Harbaugh Bowl," or the "Harbowl" anymore, but it's still a massive game, as both will likely be jockeying for position in the AFC playoff picture at this point. This one is a Monday-nighter for a reason.

Two with the Pittsburgh Steelers: Road- Sunday, Dec. 20, Home- Sunday, Jan. 10

Once again, these two arch-rivals will meet on the season's final day, but this time it'll be in Baltimore. Will we have another de facto AFC North division title game to close out the regular season like we did last year?

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Seven dates to circle on the Baltimore Ravens 2026 schedule

Michael Olise has emerged as one of the standout players at the 2026 World Cup, and his future is once again becoming a talking point across Europe.

According to Diario AS, the Bayern Munich winger plans to meet with club officials after the tournament to discuss his future and better understand his standing within the club following two outstanding seasons in Germany.

Olise reportedly wants clarity on Bayern’s long-term plans before making any decisions.

The report adds that several of Europe’s biggest clubs are monitoring the situation, including Premier League sides, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.

While Real Madrid publicly denied making an approach for the French international, AS maintains that Olise is a player the club “likes very much.”

Olise and his representatives reportedly want “to sit down calmly after the World Cup, analyze everything and see what position to adopt after the dramatic change in his situation over the last few months.”

Bayern are aware the meeting is coming and, according to the report, have begun to accept that “anything can happen,” despite remaining confident given Olise’s long-term contract.

AS also claims Bayern believe the 24-year-old has been “seduced by everything he has been hearing in recent weeks,” with the club waiting to hear his intentions first-hand before the summer market fully unfolds.

Should Olise become available, Real Madrid are expected to remain one of the clubs closely monitoring developments.

How much more improved can the Houston Texans be in 2026?

The Texans, despite an 0-3 start to the 2025 season, managed to rattle off 12 wins in their final 14 games to make the postseason and secure the most victories in a season since 2012. Much like in past years, Houston won the wild-card round game over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was overmatched in the divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.

There are very few questions surrounding the defense entering this year and in the future. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. combined for over 24 sacks last season and are locked up through 2027. The No. 2 secondary only improved with the addition of Philadelphia Eagles starter Reed Blankenship.

When looking at Houston, its defense needs to be the backbone of the team once more. There are reasons to believe that while the offense should turn the corner, all attention must be on the defensive side as it sets the tone in practice and on Sundays as the franchise looks to finally make a run to the AFC title game for the time in team history.

Here's a look at the Pro Football Focus grades from 2025 featuring this year's projected starters on defense, where it was mostly high marks across the board.

PFF grades (2025) for Texans' projected starters on defense:

• DE Will Anderson Jr. - 92.4
• DT Sheldon Rankins - 73.2
• DT Tommy Togiai - 74.2
• DE Danielle Hunter - 89.1
• LB Azeez Al-Shaair - 70.9
• LB Henry To'oTo'o - 62.4
• CB Derek Stingley Jr. - 69.0
• CB Kamari Lassiter - 75.9
• DB Jalen Pitre - 86.5
• SAF Calen Bullock - 69.3
• SAF Reed Blankenship - 46.6

The Texans return to practice for the start of training camp on July 21. Veterans will take the feild the following week on July 28.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: PFF grades for Texans' projected starting 2026 defense

On Thursday, June 25, Iowa State soccer coach Matt Fannon officially finalized the 2026 roster with the addition of three transfer players.

“We are really happy to add the incoming group,” Fannon said in a press release. “They will add depth and quality to our squad and bring excellent competition to improve the team.”

The first addition is Morgan Duke, a redshirt sophomore defender transferring from Nevada. Although she missed the 2025 season due to an injury, she participated in eight matches during her freshman year. Her high school career at West Salem was particularly notable, as she was a three-time First Team All-League selection and scored more than 50 goals.

Joining the goalkeeping unit is Emeline McClenahan, a sophomore from Utah. In her collegiate experience so far, she successfully recorded a shutout and two saves during a match against Westminster. McClenahan was a highly touted recruit out of high school, earning United Soccer Coaches Illinois All-State honors and a ranking as the number two goalkeeper in the Midwest.

The final transfer is Izabella Tejeda, a redshirt freshman midfielder who spent the 2025 season with the Oregon Ducks. Tejeda was a decorated high school player, winning the 2025 Golden Boot Award and being named the PCAL Cypress Division Offensive Player of the Year. Her senior season was highlighted by an impressive scoring average of 1.7 goals per game, and she led her team to the playoffs in four consecutive seasons.

The knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have officially arrived at Boston Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Germany takes on Paraguay in a win-or-go-home showdown.

What you need to know: Germany and Paraguay meet in Round of 32 knockout at Boston Stadium

Fans packed outside the stadium are gearing up for what promises to be an intense battle, with a spot in the next round on the line. In this stage of the tournament, there’s no margin for error — one mistake could end a team’s World Cup run.

Germany enters the match as the clear favorite, but analysts say Paraguay may have a path to pull off an upset.

Boston 25 soccer analyst Julian Cardello says confidence and aggression will be key for Paraguay if they hope to advance.

“They need to match Germany physically and not be afraid to attack,” Cardello said. “Germany’s goalkeeper has struggled statistically in this tournament, so there are opportunities there if Paraguay can put pressure on and get shots off.”

As the field narrows in the Round of 32, expectations rise for soccer’s global powerhouses to take control.

“At this point, you expect the top teams to show up,” Cardello said. “The Germans, the Spanish, the French — they’re expected to get the job done. It doesn’t mean they will, but that’s the expectation.”

With every round cutting the field in half, the intensity is only building. Teams that started in a pool of 48 are now down to 32, and the path forward becomes even more demanding from here.

Another key difference in knockout play: no holding back.

“You’re not going to see key players resting,” Cardello added. “Everyone wants to be on the field, and coaches are putting their best lineups out there. It’s all about winning — you don’t leave anything to chance.”

Germany vs. Paraguay kicks off at 4:30 p.m. The game can be seen on Boston 25 News.

Follow live updates leading up to, during, and after the match:

10:15 a.m.

Boston Stadium trains Groups A & B are now boarding at South Station.

⚽ Germany v Paraguay: Boston Stadium Trains Groups A & B now boarding at South Station. https://t.co/o5LdYMeKrb

— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) June 29, 2026

10 a.m.

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security reminds fans to check train schedules and Boston Stadium guidance before heading out.

⚽ Heading to the Germany v. Paraguay match? Be #MatchReady before you leave!

🚆 Check train schedules and stadium guidance before you head out.
🚗 Plan ahead for road closures and heavier-than-normal traffic around South Station and Foxborough.
With hot temperatures in the… pic.twitter.com/0SVKmiAiCJ

— Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (@EOPSS) June 29, 2026

9:45 a.m.

Boston 25 Chief Meteorologist Shiri Spear says the matchday forecast is the “pick of the week.”

View this post on Instagram

9 a.m.

Heavy traffic is expected in and around Foxborough today, and fans heading to the match are urged to plan ahead.

Germany vs. Paraguay: Heavy traffic expected for win-or-go-home World Cup clash in Foxborough https://t.co/Bb5dyuJRLj

— Boston 25 News (@boston25) June 29, 2026

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

SACRAMENTO — A new chapter in action sports officially launched over the weekend, as X Games Sacramento 2026 offered a full slate of world-class athletes and debuted a new team-based format, X Games League (XGL). Records were broken, medals were awarded, and the first leg of team points began to add up. 

Athletes now represent clubs from Los Angeles, New York, São Paulo and Tokyo. The summer of extreme travels from California to Japan in July, with finals taking place shortly after in New Orleans. A grand prize of $500,000 will be shared amongst the winning squad.  

From teenage prodigies to Olympic veterans, over one hundred athletes took part across three disciplines: Skateboard, BMX, and Moto X. 

Justin Dowell goes back-to-back in BMX Park 

The opening competition of the weekend featured one of the deepest BMX Park fields in recent memory. Seven of the eight finalists had already won X Games gold in the event, making every run a battle between established champions. 

On his third and final run, Dowell put together a nearly flawless performance, highlighted by a 360 double tail whip and a massive 900 no-hander to cap the run, scoring a 97.00 from the judges and a second consecutive gold medal. 

“This isn't just a medal, this is thousands and thousands of hours in a training facility,” Dowell said. “This is an example of hard work.”

Arisa Trew continues building a historic resume 

At just 16 years old, Australia's Arisa Trew is redefining what's possible in women's skateboarding. Representing XC Tokyo, Trew captured her ninth career X Games gold medal after posting a winning score of 92.66 on her second run in Women's Skateboard Park. 

Her run was packed with technical difficulty throughout the course, including a backside 540 over the channel and her specialty, a switch McTwist. While her medal grows, Trew said her motivation remains focused on raising the level of the sport. 

“I'm just super happy that I can be a part of inspiring the next generation of riders,” Trew said. “I've always been a competitive person, and I always want to do my best and push myself to the next level.”  

Trew continued her dominance Saturday in Skateboard Vert Best Trick. The win marked her second gold medal of the weekend and 10th career X Games gold, tying her with Lindsey Jacobellis for the most X Games gold medals by a woman in X Games history. Her switch McTwist was simply too much to handle.   Blue skies, packed grandstands and nonstop action set the stage Saturday as skateboarding, BMX and Moto X athletes delivered one of the deepest competition days of the weekend. Records were extended, history was made and hometown favorites gave Sacramento fans plenty to cheer about. 

 Gui Khury keeps rewriting the record books 

17-year-old Gui Khury continues to make X Games history. Competing with a broken wrist, the Brazilian landed a kickflip body varial 900 on his very first attempt to capture another Men's Skateboard Vert Best Trick gold medal. 

The victory marked Khury's sixth consecutive Vert Best Trick title and a record-setting seventh gold medal in the discipline. He also became the most decorated teenager in X Games history with 17 career medals, including 11 gold after sweeping the weekend in Men’s Skateboard Vert. 

“I'm feeling really happy,” Khury said. “Especially with this broken wrist I have, I grabbed with my other hand to land my best trick. It hasn't been an easy year for me. This is my first win this year, so I'm really happy about that.”

Ginwoo Onodera dominates the street course 

The future of street skateboarding was on full display Saturday. 16-year-old Ginwoo Onodera continued his breakout season, capturing Men's Skateboard Street gold for XC New York with a technical run that featured a switch frontside 270 blunt slide to fakie down the handrail and a kickflip frontside blunt slide to big spin out down the big handrail. 

As he prepared for his final trick, the Sacramento crowd gave him an extra boost. 

“I could hear my name coming from the crowd just as I was about to land my trick," Onodera said. "It really hyped me up.” 

Skateboarding icon Nyjah Huston finished with silver after another brilliant performance, narrowly missing what would have been his record-tying gold medal. A victory would have tied BMX legend Garrett Reynolds for the most X Games gold medals in history.

Ryan Williams lands another never-been-done trick, twice

The Aussie BMX legend has built a career on doing what nobody else can. He claimed Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick gold after landing a 540 front flip flair on the vert wall, an NBD in competition, earning the Australian his 12th X Games gold medal. 

“It's always good to win a gold. Shout out to my boy Oliver Tree," Williams said. "He was a genuine friend to me. I wanted to give back to him in a way that I could by naming a trick after him. So the alley-oop 540 front flair, we are going to call it the 'Oliver Twist.’” 

Gavin Bottger defends Skateboard Park title 

SoCal's Bottger successfully defended his title with a smooth, consistent second run featuring a slob fast plant on the tower, kickflip Indy, Madonna, gap to crooked grind to fakie through the corner and a switch backside tail grab 360 over the hip. 

The victory marked Bottger's second consecutive Skateboard Park gold medal and the fifth X Games medal of his career. 

“I don't really know how I'm feeling right now. I'm tripping,” Bottger said. “I just wanted to skate my best, have fun and let the park take me where it wanted to take me.” 

Behind him, 15-year-old Egoitz Bijueska made history by becoming the first Spanish skateboarder to win an X Games medal after earning silver. Veteran Tom Schaar rounded out the podium with the 10th bronze medal of his X Games career. 

Patrick Evans earns career-defining Moto X victory 

Riding the only electric motorcycle in this weekend's Moto X competition, Evans landed a Nak-Nak no-hander front flip to win Moto X Best Trick with a score of 95.66. 

The victory gave Evans his second career X Games gold medal and his first in Best Trick.  

“Winning Best Trick is a lot more meaningful than Best Whip because it's the gnarliest thing you can do, so I never thought I'd have it,” Evans said. “It hasn't sunk in yet. I really didn't think I'd win, even if I stuck my trick. I thought someone else would have something gnarlier.” 

Brady Baker delivers in front of hometown crowd 

In one of the weekend's most anticipated BMX contests, Baker outdueled defending champion Ryan Williams to capture his third X Games BMX Dirt gold medal. 

“This one feels good,” Baker said. “It's amazing to win in front of a hometown crowd. I've been out here training, working my butt off, and to get a gold medal here in Sacramento, in front of the home crowd, in front of my whole family, everybody that supports me, this one means a lot.” 

Ito claims double gold in women’s skateboard street, best trick

 Miyu Ito earned her second career gold medal after a technical run featuring a backside tail slide on the box, blunt stall 180 on the quarter pipe, frontside blunt slide on the A-frame rail, and a frontside feeble grind. The 19-year-old came back from a vicious slam only one year ago. Defending women's skateboard street champion and XGL no. 1 draft pick Chloe Covell claimed silver, earning the ninth X Games medal of her career. A third gold medal was delivered later in the day, winning best trick with a frontside blunt slide shuv-it out on a 12-stair handrail. 

"I wanted to pick my lines smoothly and execute them as much as I could. I'm very happy. Each and every trick I did was specific, so I wanted to make each one as perfect as possible," said Ito. 

A clean sweep for Gui Khury in men’s skateboard vert 

Brazilian teenager Gui Khury captured his fifth consecutive gold in the discipline. An onslaught of tricks included an alley-oop backside 540 kickflip Indy 900, kickflip body varial 540, stalefish 540, kickflip Indy 540, and a body varial 900. Khury now holds 12 X Games gold medals and continues to extend his status as the most decorated teen competitor in X Games history.  

Reynolds strikes again, claims 17th career X Games gold in men’s bmx street

In his final run, 35-year-old Garrett Reynolds cemented his legacy as the most decorated athlete in X Games history. Reynolds sealed the victory with a run featuring a double truck driver down the stairs, double peg up rail to hard 180 tail whip, 540 over the fire pit, and a feeble 360. With the win, Reynolds has now medaled in 22 of the 24 BMX Street contests in X Games history, including 15 gold medals. 

“I’m excited I got the gold. You put a lot of pressure on yourself, so just to be able to pull the run I wanted, that’s what makes me happy,” said Reynolds. “The people of Nor Cal are amazing. There’s a real die-hard fan base here, which is amazing.” 

Rookie Miharu Ozawa earns first X Games medal in bmx park 

In her X Games debut, 16-year-old Miharu Ozawa took her opponents by storm in run 2, sitting comfortably in the lead with scores in the 90s. In her third run, she upped her score to a 95.33 to upset two-time X Games Women’s BMX Park champion, twenty-four-year-old Hannah Roberts who was looking for a three-peat.  

“I held back a little bit in the first run, but in the second and third, I gave it all. This was my first X Games so I was nervous, but I was able to enjoy it, so I'm really happy. Let’s go!” said Ozawa. 

Ryan Williams accomplishes the impossible with two NBD's 

An electrifying BMX Dirt Best Trick final saw Williams continue his historic weekend, claiming his second gold medal and 16th X Games medal of his career. He scored his fourth consecutive BMX Dirt Best Trick crown by landing the first-ever front flip cannonball nothing front bike flip in competition. 

“I pedaled as fast as I could because there was wind. I didn’t know if I was going to make it,” said Williams. “Holy moly. I can't believe it. Four in a row. I really wasn't counting. I just come out here and do my best.” 

Juni Kang adds first gold to landmark X Games weekend 

Korea's Juni Kang took home the top prize after landing a nollie backside 270 heelflip to boardslide 270 out on the large 12-stair handrail. The victory came one day after Kang earned bronze in men's skateboard street. Kang first made history at X Games Osaka 2025, where he won silver in his Skateboard Street debut to become the first Korean skateboarder to earn an X Games medal. 

“This is so crazy. Dream. Come. True. Thank you so much!” said Kang. 

Mia Kretzer delivers storybook finish to the weekend 

Bringing the three-day action sports festival to a close, the women’s skateboard vert final offered a memorable finale as 11-year-old Mia Kretzer delivered in the clutch. She is the youngest gold medalist in X Games history.  

“I'm so excited. I'm so happy. I can't believe that I just won the gold medal. I just went and did my best and had everyone in the L.A. box supporting me, and I had everyone back home behind me. It was just so cool,” said Kretzer. 

A doctor has criticized the Boston Red Sox for their handling of Roman Anthony’s recovery from injury.

The outfielder was seen fielding balls hit off the Green Monster at Fenway Park, days after interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed he had not made any genuine progress on a recent wrist injury.

Anthony was originally expected to miss only a short period of action but he has now been added to the 60-day injury list.

That news has not gone down well with Jesse Morse, M.D. on social media platform X.

Morse slams Red Sox

Taking to social media after the news that Anthony had been moved to the 60-day injury list, he wrote: “Roman Anthony to the 60-Day Injured List

“Remember when this ‘wrist sprain’ was listed as day-to-day on 5/5/26?

“Well see the tweet below.

“Now he’s schedule to miss a ton more time.

“This is unacceptable and needs to be called out.

“Gross incompetence and player mismanagement.”

“The Red Sox literally sabotaged ONE OF THE TOP PROSPECTS IN BASEBALL’s first full season in the bigs.”

Morse is a Red Sox fan and has criticized the way in which the team deal with injuries.

Back in May, Anthony – during his first season in the big leagues – was placed on the 10-day injured list. The Florida native has batted .229 (25-for-109) with five doubles, one triple, one home run and five RBI in 30 appearances this season.

It currently remains to be seen when the left-hand hitter will be able to return from his injury, however.

On Sunday, the Red Sox completed a four-game sweep over the Yankees. They won 5-4 in 10 innings, providing some welcome relief for fans after a difficult spell. Tracy praised the support of the fans, hailing it as a special four days.

It was their first MLB four-game winning streak of the season and their first since August 2018.

Sonny Gray was the key reason for the final series win over the Yankees, taking a no-hitter all the way to the eighth inning before Amed Rosario singled with one out. Gray’s nine strikeouts also took him to over 2,000 in his MLB career, and lowered his ERA for the season to an impressive 2.69.

Read more:

Who caught AJ Dybantsa’s first pitch at Boston Red Sox game after NBA Draft

Injured Scotland star throws first pitch for Marlins amid Scotland fan takeover in Miami

Tom Brady names the baseball position most similar to being an NFL quarterback

NBA star Malik Beasley has been under a federal investigation for almost a year related to sports gambling, and he has now been indicted on charges by prosecutors, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania who revealed the latest update.

“Nine-year NBA veteran Malik Beasley has been indicted on federal charges for gambling related to a sports betting scheme, such as point shaving and prop bets, his attorney Steve Haney tells ESPN. The government is coordinating a voluntary surrender of Beasley this week,” Charania wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Beasley was a subject of an FBI investigation that led to Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups being arrested in October 2025.

He didn’t play in the NBA this past season while under investigation, but played for the Detroit Pistons a year before that. Beasley averaged 16.3 points per game with the Pistons and became one of only five players in NBA history to make 300 3-pointers in a season.

The Pistons were set to reward him with a three-year, $42 million contract, but then pulled out from the deal after hearing about the federal investigation into him.

Pistons President revealed radio silence with Malik Beasley since investigations started

Just recently, Pistons president Trajan Langdon was asked by journalist Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press about Beasley and if he’s had any interactions with him.

“In May, Langdon said the investigation was still ongoing and they hadn’t been in touch with Beasley about a reunion. A month later, nothing has changed. Langdon clarified he hasn’t talked to Beasley, who he said doesn’t have an agent,” Sankofa wrote.

At this point, it looks like Malik Beasley will be missing another NBA season, and the rest of his playing career could be thrown in doubt.

1968
In an eventual 5-2 win over the White Sox, Detroit’s Jim Northrup hit is third grand slam in the space of a week. Cisco Carlos took a 2-1 lead into the third inning, but Northrup struck, finishing off all the scoring for the game.

Northrup had achieved the rare feat of hitting two grand slams in a game five days earlier, at Cleveland, and would also hit two homers (neither being grand slams) on July 4. During that stretch of nine games from June 24-July 4 Northrup slashed .303/.368/.970, with three triples, five homers and 19 RBIs.

1986
The White Sox dealt future Hall-of-Famer Tom Seaver to the Boston Red Sox for utilityman Steve Lyons.

Seaver, who never wanted to leave the northeast, was hijacked by the White Sox as a free-agent compensation pick in 1984, and had to be cajoled by club ownership to even give the South Side a try. Once there, however, Tom Terrific proceeded to throw two of the three best 39 or older WAR seasons in team history (Seaver’s 5.0 at age 40, Ted Lyons’ 4.8 at age 41, Seaver’s 4.1 at age 39). But anticipating retirement, Seaver longed to return home to New England for his last MLB starts, and GM Ken Harrelson granted his wish in the midst of a 2.5 WAR career finale (Chicago/Boston).

Lyons was … versatile, playing every position on the diamond for the White Sox over 4 1⁄2 seasons and 497 games. But versatile is not to imply good, as Lyons compiled just 1.7 WAR and a 78 OPS+ on the South Side.

1995
With a 22-hit barrage, the White Sox ran their winning streak to seven games in a 17-13 slugfest at County Stadium over the Brewers. Robin Ventura led the way, going 5-for-6 by starting with four singles, then adding a solo shot in the top of the ninth for Chicago’s 17th run. The third baseman scored four times and drove in three.

Things got heated in the middle of the game; remember, the Phil Garner Brewers and Terry Bevington White Sox detested one another. After Ray Durham hit a three-run homer in the top of the sixth to put the White Sox up, 13-6, Bill Wegman drilled Ron Karkovice in the ribs with a 3-0 pitch. Wegman was ejected immediately, and Garner got the boot for whining about it, as the benches emptied.

But it only got weirder from there. In the bottom of the ninth, up 17-10, Bevington inserted absolutely wild (~two walks per inning) Rob Dibble into the game in garbage time. Dibble whistled his first pitch right under pinch-hitter Pat Listach’s chin, igniting an all-out brawl and the ejections of both Dibble and Listach.

And yes, the story gets even weirder. When Dibble was released by the White Sox after a horrific 16-game run that saw his WHIP swell to 2.372 with 27 walks in 78 batters faced, the mercurial righthander caught on with … Milwaukee. And his locker at County Stadium was in the spot right next to … Listach.

2024
Even while embroiled in one of the 15 worst starts in major league history, there were some (scant) positive moments during the 2024 season — including a mammoth, 470-foot home run by Luis Robert Jr. The blast, leading off the sixth inning and tying the game at three as the White Sox stormed back late to defeat Colorado, 11-3, is the fifth-longest ever hit at new Sox Park.

Now, this positive moment did not extend to the TV broadcast of the homer, which, simply put, might be the worst ever called in a professional game — it was not John Schriffen’s finest moment, and that’s saying something.

June 29 (UPI) -- Viktor Hovland sank a 6 1/2-foot birdie putt before watching Scottie Scheffler's last tap lip out Monday to win the 2026 Travelers Championship through a one-hole playoff.

Hovland, who was tied with the world No. 1 at 21-under through four rounds, cashed in for $3.6 million with the first-place finish at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. Scheffler took home $2.1 million as runner-up.

"To put the pressure on him was awesome," Hovland told reporters, when asked about his final putt.

No. 6 Collin Morikawa placed third, at 20-under. No. 4 Matt Fitzpatrick, who placed fourth, was two strokes behind Hovland and Scheffler. U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark (No. 9) and No. 25 Akshay Bhatia tied for fifth at 18-under.

"Winning in the playoff against Scottie, the best player in the world, that was pretty satisfying," said Hovland, who is ranked No. 12.

"You always want to try to beat the best."

Scheffler was among six players who were one stroke back of first-round leader Eric Cole (7-under) through the first 18 holes of the tournament. Hovland was two strokes behind Cole on Thursday in Cromwell.

Scheffler proceeded to card a 10-under 60 on Friday to jump into the solo lead. Hovland, who carded a 9-under 61 in the second round, opened Saturday's third round in second place, just two shots behind Scheffler.

Scheffler was 3-under Saturday, when he dropped to second place. Hovland entered Sunday's final round with a one-stroke lead on Scheffler. Bhatia and No. 36 Patrick Cantlay were 15-under, five strokes behind Hovland, through the first 54 holes.

The battle continued Sunday, with Scheffler and Hovland shooting their worst rounds of the week. Hovland, who fired a 1-under 69, carded four bogeys and five birdies over his final 18 holes. Scheffler scribbled a bogey and third birdies on his final-round scorecard, which resulted in a 2-under 68. He forced the playoff by holing an 8-foot, 8-inch par putt in near darkness in Cromwell.

The sudden death playoff was pushed to Monday due to lack of sunlight after a weather delayed Sunday's final round. Hovland hit his final tee shot 293 yards up the middle of the fairway on No. 18. Scheffler followed with a 288-yard strike near Hovland's shot.

Hovland carried his next shot 151 yards, landing the ball 6 feet, 7 inches short of the hole. Scheffler's approach shot landed 2 feet, 4 inches from the hole.

Hovland's final putt rolled right before dropping into the cup for a birdie. Scheffler followed, but put too much pace on his attempt, which rolled over the left side of the cup before going past the hole.

"A little disappointed with the result of today, but I did a good job to keep myself in the tournament last night," Scheffler said. "I made the nice putt to close out last night.

"I'll try to remember that one."

The PGA Tour season will continue with the 2026 John Deere Classic. That tournament will be held from Thursday through Sunday in Silvis, Ill. The 2026 British Open, the final major of the season, will be held from July 16 to 19 in Southport, England.

Who is Enzo Maresca? Coaching record, titles won for Pep Guardiola's Man City successor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Manchester City's end-of-season 'afterparty' was an evening of high emotion at the Co-op Live arena last month.

Ostensibly to celebrate the achievements of the club's FA Youth Cup conquerors, Women's Super League champions and men's Carabao and FA Cup winners, the event became a farewell party for Pep Guardiola after the game-changing tactician announced he would step down to end a decorated decade at the Etihad Stadium.

Tears were shed by fans and Guardiola himself at both Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa and during Monday's festivities, which also included a trophy parade from the centre of Manchester to the Etihad Campus.

But Guardiola was not at the top of the running order. After an array of glowing tributes — including one from Michael Jordan — on the arena screens, the focus turned to the players who will attempt to carry on the story at City after this chapter of unprecedented success closes.

Good craic, aye pic.twitter.com/tJM9rv3LRw

— Dom Farrell (@DomFarrell1986) May 25, 2026

Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, signed in January and last summer respectively, led the team onto the stage and were serenaded by fans. Long-serving captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones also bade their farewell as Guardiola looked on quietly and removed atop the now largely deserted parade bus.

It sent a clear message that the show must go on with Cherki, Semenyo and other main characters alongside Erling Haaland, who is now a relative veteran in the playing group. But that squad will need a leader. In an echo of the building speculation regarding Guardiola's departure during spring 2026, the identity of his successor became something of an open secret.

MORE:For the first time, the result did not matter to Pep Guardiola and Man City's eternal heroes

Who is Enzo Maresca? Italian coach replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City

On Monday, June 29, Manchester City finally confirmed former Chelsea and Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year contract running until June 2029. The delay of his appointment was due to City hammering out compensation terms with Chelsea after Maresca departed Stamford Bridge while still under contract in January.

The agreed compensation figure is believed to amount to £17 million ($22.5 million) — an eyebrow-raising figure given Marseca left Chelsea on New Year's Day, but less than the £21.5m ($28.5m) the west London club paid Brighton and Hove Albion in September 2022 to set Graham Potter's ill-fated tenure.

The 44-year-old Italian enjoyed a nomadic playing career as an attacking midfielder when he represented the likes of West Brom, Juventus, Sevilla, Malaga and Palermo.

As a coach, Maresca began to garner wider attention during his time in charge of Manchester City's Elite Development Squad. This work earned him the top job at Serie B club Parma for the 2021/22 season, but he was sacked after just 14 games in charge.

Getty Images

Maresca returned to Manchester and served as one of Guardiola's assistants during City's 2022/23 treble-winning campaign. After that, Leicester City came calling, having identified him as the man to lead them to instant promotion following their relegation from the Premier League that year.

Maresca fulfilled the brief at Leicester, leading them to the promotion from the Championship as league winners. This built upon his growing reputation in football circles following his work at City, and Chelsea appointed him as Mauricio Pochettino's successor at Stamford Bridge for the 2024/25 campaign.

Chelsea's youthful and ever-changing squad proved difficult for Maresca to grapple with, but he secured a return to the Champions League with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season.

The following midweek, the Blues thrashed Real Betis 4-1 to win the Conference League — UEFA's third-tier continental club competition — and this began a golden summer for the club. 

Chelsea entered the expanded FIFA Club World Cup by virtue of their 2021 Champions League final win over Man City, with Reece James as the only surviving squad member from Thomas Tuchel's Porto heroes. A group-stage defeat to Flamengo marked a rough start, but Chelsea then plotted a path to the final, where a Cole Palmer brace helped them to a shock 3-0 win over Luis Enrique's imperious Paris Saint-Germain.

Maresca won deserved plaudits for that accomplishment, and his star continued to rise during the early stages of the 2025/26 season, with faint suggestions that Chelsea might be able to sustain a title challenge. However, their form collapsed and Maresca clashed publicly with both the club's hierarchy and medical department, amid the first strains of speculation that he was part of City's Guardiola succession planning.

Chelsea statement on Enzo Maresca and Man City

After City confirmed Maresca's appointment, Chelsea released a statement outlining their version of events, citing his mid-season departure as a "major contributing factor" to a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.

"In autumn last year, the club was informed by our former head coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season," the statement read. "It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.

"In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.

"No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the badge and accept his resignation."

In a statement of their own, City said: "Enzo Maresca has long been regarded by the club as a candidate within our succession planning. As a former successful coach within our system, Enzo has a strong relationship with the club’s leadership and he understands how we work and evolve.  

"We can confirm that confidential conversations took place between select representatives of City and Enzo Maresca in autumn and winter of 2025, while he was Chelsea FC’s head coach, regarding the possibility of him returning to City in a transitional leadership coaching capacity should Pep Guardiola decide to leave. We acknowledge Chelsea’s statement regarding the context of Enzo’s departure from Chelsea. We also acknowledge the context in which permission for discussions was given, and we recognize that his departure mid-season was disruptive to Chelsea’s season.

"Once terms were agreed with Enzo Maresca, Manchester City and Chelsea FC reached a mutually agreed settlement under which Chelsea FC will receive compensation."

Why Manchester City picked Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola

Chelsea's shambolic second half to the season after Maresca was sacked on New Year's Day, and Leicester's back-to-back relegations, mean the jobs he did at both clubs have aged well. Nevertheless, his work at City as both a Premier League 2 champion with the EDS squad in 2020/21 and as one of Guardiola's treble-winning assistants are a big part of why he secured the Etihad Stadium hotseat.

When asked after City's final-day game against Aston Villa whether he had any advice for his successor, Guardiola reiterated that the new manager must "be themselves". Previously, when discussing his influence on the wider game and a growing number of coaching disciples, Guardiola dismissed "copy-paste" coaching as a fast track to failure. Maresca himself was the subject of such criticism at points of his largely commendable Leicester and Chelsea tenures. City would not have appointed a mere Pep imitator. Maresca is his own man. 

Speaking to City's in-house TV channel, Maresca cited his great compatriots Carlo Ancelotti and Marcelo Lippi as influences, along with ex-City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who coached him at Malaga and had him on his staff at West Ham."

"Probably the reason why I’m here is also because the idea from the club is to maintain the same style of football, the same idea," Maresca said. "We’re going to try to do the most important thing in football, which is try to win, to achieve important things. The idea is to continue as much as we can to dominate games, to play in the opposite side, be aggressive off the ball and with intention on the ball.”

He should find City's fanbase relatively more amiable to a methodical take on high-possession, position play, although it was notable how quickly a more direct approach following the appointment of Pep Lijnders as Guardiola's No. 2 at the start of this season was welcomed by supporters. Matchgoing City fans remain, predominantly, British football fans. Guardiola is a genius, but he could never unwire all of that learned behaviour.

During his final week in the job, Guardiola dismissed the notion that he can be to City what Johan Cruyff was to Ajax and Barcelona. The modesty when asked to measure himself against his late, great mentor was understandable, but City are and will remain a club in Guardiola's image to a large extent. It would be foolish to try to change too much when his departure on its own threatens a seismic impact. Maresca being a man who knows exactly how the club operates in all departments behind the scenes gave him a pragmatic edge over any truly external candidate. City pride themselves in being best-in-class off the field, and it will be hoped this soothes the spikiness Maresca showed during his denouement at a far more chaotic Chelsea.

Getty Images

The Italian will still get the chance to shape his own vision, especially after City confirmed the departures of Lijnders, Kolo Touro and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor. His differences from Guardiola are also likely to appeal to players, at least in the short term.

Guardiola repeatedly praising players past and present as wonderful "human beings" during his farewells has carried an undercurrent of sadness. After his four years at Barcelona, the Catalan decided it would be better to have a degree of separation between himself and those playing under him. His results at Bayern Munich and City leave no doubt regarding the effectiveness of this as a winning strategy. But the collateral on several occasions has been Guardiola's personal relationship with players of whom he is really very fond.

In effect, he has appeared to sacrifice being liked for the greater good of serial winning. Filling that void was his rolling cast of assistants, from Mikel Arteta through to Lijnders and Toure, who got to be the good cops to Guardiola's frosty lieutenant. Maresca was certainly very popular with the treble-winning squad, and his alliance with Haaland, Ruben Dias, Rodri — the remaining on-field leaders from that campaign — is a built-in positive when it comes to getting his tenure off the ground. In the months after this Chelsea exit, players such as Enzo Fernandez have also spoken warmly of him.

Bayern Munich's players enjoyed a decompression when Carlo Ancelotti replaced Guardiola in Bavaria in 2014, before some senior players feared things had gone too far the other way and began lobbying for extra training sessions. Maresca shares the distinction of being a tactics-and-details obsessive with Guardiola, which should give him the chops to avoid a similar slide.

Set-pieces might also get a little more attention: the jibes about Arsenal being Set Piece F.C. this past season were all well and good, but City's contrasting lack of effectiveness from dead-ball situations was a factor in Arteta's men getting the last laugh. Set-piece coach James French, who joined alongside Toure and Lijnders as part of last summer's overhaul, is the only member of Guardiola's core backroom team remaining on the books.

MORE:The story of Pep Guardiola's 10 years at Man City in 10 matches

What Enzo Maresca must fix first at Man City

Donnarumma vs. Trafford debate gets a second act

A divisive issue among the City fanbase this season has been the identity of the team's No. 1 goalkeeper.

City's swoop to secure Gianluigi Donnarumma to replace the outgoing Ederson at the end of last summer's transfer window unquestionably soured Trafford's return to his boyhood club. Donnarumma took the first-choice spot and was largely an impressive and imposing presence. However, there were mistakes in key Premier League and Champions League games against West Ham, Real Madrid and Everton, while Trafford performed with distinction as City's cup goalkeeper. It's a skewed sample size, but City won 2/2 of the tournaments where Trafford was first choice and 0/2 with Donnarumma between the posts.

Guardiola had clearly made up his mind on this one, and you'd expect Maresca to continue with his giant compatriot as the last line of defence. However, Trafford played in Maresca's triumphant 2020/21 EDS side, and his superior footwork to Donnarumma's will get a fresh appraisal. What is certain is that one of these elite-level goalkeepers will move on this summer. 

Defensive shape and depth

Another tick against Maresca's name is the fact he is thought to have been a key architect of the defining tactical tweak of the treble run, when Guardiola switched to a back four that often featured four centre-backs — Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Ake — and allowed Stones to roam into midfield.

Last season, Guardiola reverted to attack-minded full-backs in the form of Rayan Ait-Nouri and converted midfielders Matheus Nunes and Nico O'Reilly. Dias, Ake, Josko Gvardiol, Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov and returning Girona loanee Vitor Reis mean Maresca has enviable depth when it comes to natural central defenders.

A reconfiguration of the treble back four with Khusanov, Dias, Guehi and Gvardiol would be a formidable proposition, with the added bonus of freeing up the prodigiously talented O'Reilly to return to midfield. One thing for certain is that, aside from a natural right-back, this area of the squad does not require transfer-market attention.

Solving the central midfield talent drain

Bernardo Silva's emotional departure after nine years at the club came a year on from Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne waving goodbye. Rodri is the last man standing from the treble midfield and purportedly has Real Madrid sniffing around as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Silva completing his own move to the Santiago Bernabeu seems to have closed that avenue for now.

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is earmarked as the Silva replacement and seemingly on the brink of becoming City's record signing, but where would this leave Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez, who have both underwhelmed since arriving at no little expense in 2025? A report by Jack Gaughan of The Daily Mail on May 27 suggested City are not in the running for Chelsea's Fernandez despite previous reports to the contrary. Mateo Kovacic is an obvious candidate for the exit door after an injury-ruined 2025/26, although both O'Reilly and Phil Foden might be options to be redeployed in the post-Bernardo era.

Maresca is certainly going to have to be very clear-minded to make this City midfield make sense. A romantic return to the first-team picture for Jack Grealish, who produced his best form last time Maresca was in the building, is not realistically on the cards.

Lovely reception for Jack Grealish with the 2023 UEFA Super Cup pic.twitter.com/6oP8bBYpM8

— Dom Farrell (@DomFarrell1986) May 25, 2026

Getting more from Haaland

It feels a ridiculous thing to say after he just collected a third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons, but should Manchester City be expecting more from Erling Haaland? A gargantuan haul of 112 goals in 132 Premier League appearances has come despite the fact the Norwegian superstar has suffered mid-season form slumps in each of his four years in England.

His on-field relationship with Cherki and Jeremy Doku blossomed during the final few months of this season. Semenyo also lessened the goal-scoring burden on Haaland after his mid-season arrival from Bournemouth, certainly more convincingly than Omar Marmoush ever has.

Unless he significantly catches Maresca's eye, it feels reasonable to assume Marmoush — a player on big wages who could command a significant fee — will be moved on. Semenyo's success and Maresca's general preference for wide wingers (Marmoush is more comfortable moving inside, close to the striker off the left flank) don't feel like an ideal combination of circumstances for the Egypt international.

Few City fans would complain if Tottenham Hotspur's reportedly renewed interest in Savinho led to the talented but frustrating Brazil winger moving on. However, he is still only 22 and might be more of a Maresca type.

Shams Charania: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton is opting into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season, sources tell ESPN.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Deandre Ayton to opt into player option for 2026-27 season to return to Lakers

Chris Haynes: LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers still have yet to have a conversation regarding his future but that’s expected to change in light of Golden State Warriors’ strategic maneuvering to position themselves as a landing spot, sources tell me.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: LeBron James, Lakers have yet to discuss future, but that's expected to change following Warriors reports

Josh Lewenberg: Raptors want Mamu back and he wants to come back but, with their tax crunch & (cough) aspirations in the trade market, they’ll need to dump salary to make a competitive offer. He may have priced himself out of a return with his strong season (similar to Biyombo situation in 2016)

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Raptors want Mamu back and he wants to come back but, …

Keith Smith: Nets could still have around $40M in cap space to use in free agency, pending how they time out acquiring Julius Randle. The signing of Day'Ron Sharpe will come after Nets have used their cap space, either through the Room Exception or remaining cap space, similiar to last year.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Nets could still have around $40M in cap space to use …

Bobby Marks: Sharpe had a $6.25m team option. To maximize spending power, Brooklyn can use the $9.4M room midlevel after cap space is exhausted.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Sharpe had a $6.25m team option

Harry Kane is England's best ever striker but he should have stayed in the Premier League instead of moving to Bayern Munich and play in the "very ordinary" Bundesliga, former England forward Michael Owen has claimed.

"I don't think he was born to become the player he is today. That, as much as anything, is why I love him. That is why, without hesitation, I call him England's greatest-ever striker," Owen wrote in a Daily Mail column published on Monday.

"Some players arrive with gifts that simply can't be taught. Electric pace. Extraordinary balance. Harry's greatest gift isn't physical, it's mental."

Captain Kane, 32, has a record 82 England goals from 117 caps and since Saturday is also their leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals.

But Owen said that instead of going to Munich in 2023 from Tottenham Hotspur he should have stayed in England in a bid to become Premier League top scorer.

"I still think becoming the Premier League's all-time leading scorer would have been the greater achievement. He would have deserved that," Owen said.

"He'd also have had his pick of clubs once his Tottenham contract expired. Manchester United would have moved heaven and earth to sign him. He should probably have gone to Manchester City before Erling Haaland signed."

Kane won his first career titles with Bayern in the form of two Bundesligas and one German Cup, and was league top scorer in all three seasons.

But Owen, whose 40 England goals include a hat-trick in a famous 5-1 triumph over Germany in Munich in 2002 World Cup qualifying, said that while "I understand the benefits ... he is better than the Bundesliga.

"I have watched the league more now because of Harry, and beyond Bayern it is very ordinary. Week after week he is playing for a team that dominates possession, dominates territory and creates chance after chance. Of course he scores goals," he said.

"Winning Bundesliga titles with Bayern was never going to define his greatness because Bayern almost always win them. Had Bayern won the Champions League, perhaps we'd view it differently, but they haven't."

Basketball fans of a certain age will remember the days when Syracuse and UConn used to face one another twice a season, with legendary coaches Jim Boeheim and Jim Calhoun on the bench for so many of those tilts.

The Orange and Huskies don't see each other as much with the former's move to the ACC, but the two schools will get together for an exhibition game on Oct. 13.

"We are looking forward to playing in the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Game against UConn at the Mohegan Sun Arena in October," said new Syracuse head coach Gerry McNamara.

"Opening the exhibition slate with the Hall of Fame game at Mohegan Sun has been awesome the last few years and we're excited to do it again. Matching up with an old rival in Syracuse at a first-class venue is exciting for our fans as they'll be able to get their first look at our new team in live action. The Hall of Fame always puts on a high-level production with a big-game feel that will prepare us for our marquee early season matchups," said UConn head coach Dan Hurley.

🚨 Mark your calendar! 🗓️

We'll play UConn in a @Hoophall exhibition game at @MoheganSun.

📰 https://t.co/IBf8L3N3KKpic.twitter.com/ddWahdwQ1R

— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) June 25, 2026

The women's basketball programs from both schools will also square off a day earlier.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Syracuse and UConn to rekindle old Big East rivalry in exhibition

Taylor Fritz next match at Wimbledon 2026: TV schedule, scores, results for tennis grand slam originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

No. 6-seeded Taylor Fritz returns to Wimbledon where he'll look to make another strong campaign.

After several deep runs at the All England Club in recent years, Fritz will again face an uphill battle to victory. With the official draw ceremony on Friday, the 28-year-old's first round matchup was decided — British lefty Jack Draper — but his withdrawal through injury means he'll now face Serbian Dusan Lajovic.

Fritz made his furthest Wimbledon campaign just last year, when he reached the semifinals and ultimately fell to Carlos Alcaraz. He also made quarterfinal runs in 2022 and 2024, though he will have little time to ease into the tournament this year with such a strong opponent in the first round.

Could Fritz continue his successes on the grass?

Here's everything you need to know about Taylor Fritz's next appearance at Wimbledon, including TV channel and streaming options for the match.

When is Taylor Fritz's next match at Wimbledon 2026?

Taylor Fritz will kick off his 2026 Wimbledon campaign with a matchup against Serbian Dusan Lajovic.

His match is slated for Tuesday, June 30 with a start time estimated for 8 a.m. ET.

Taylor Fritz match schedule, results from Wimbledon 2026

Wimbledon 2026 schedule

Play gets underway 11 a.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) most days on all courts, except for Centre Court, as the action starts two hours later on the showpiece court.

The women’s singles final will take place on July 11 and the men’s finals will be staged 24 hours later.

How Japan goalie Zion Suzuki could've played for multiple other countries at this World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Zion Suzuki is going to have his hands full as Japan begins the knockout rounds at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

They match up with Brazil in the Round of 32, and if they upset the powerhouse, there'll be more potent attacks to come at the Japanese goalie going forward.

Suzuki has been great so far in this tournament, and he's gotten plenty of attention in net.

It's also notable, though, that Suzuki actually has links to three teams playing in this World Cup.

In addition to Japan, Suzuki has roots in the United States and Ghana.

MORE: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo usage makes no sense

Where are Zion Suzuki's parents from?

Suzuki was born to a father from Ghana and a mother from Japan.

He was actually born in Newark, New Jersey.

When he was still a kid, Suzuki and his family moved to Urawa in Japan.

He played goalie from an early age and came up in the academy of the Urawa Red Diamonds.

Suzuki never represented another country at the youth level, either, starting his Japanese career at the U15 level and carrying on all the way to the starting goalie job for the senior national team.

MORE: The greatest goal in Canada men's soccer history

What club does Zion Suzuki play for?

He's the goalie for Parma in Serie A in Italy.

Suzuki, 23 years old, has quickly raised his stock at this World Cup, too.

More FIFA World Cup news:

• USA, England can meet on the biggest World Cup stage
• Why Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World Cup
• Eloy Room leads Curacao to astounding World Cup history
• With Messi, history and magic go hand in hand
• Lamine Yamal outdoes Messi, Ronaldo in historic moment for Spanish wunderkind

When schools like Ohio State, UCLA, Oregon and Utah are all in hot pursuit of a prospect, they'll usually end up with the player more often than not.

However, Blake Wong's recruiting journey was a notable exception. The four-star wide receiver committed to BYU, and had a unique road to pledging his allegiance to the Cougars.

Wong attended a devotional hosted by BYU in Southern California in May, as the pass catcher is reportedly a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Cougars also made the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver a top priority during this cycle.

BREAKING: Four-Star WR Blake Wong has Committed to BYU, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’1 185 WR chose the Cougars over Ohio State, Oregon, and Utah

“Thank you lord, Go Cougs!!”https://t.co/MXwDXSsfK5pic.twitter.com/qPeGufdKfD

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 27, 2026

As a junior at Norco High School, Wong posted 1,469 yards and 20 touchdowns, which were both school records.

BYU Cougars Wire's Bjorn Bergstrom covered BYU's 2027 recruiting class as a whole in greater detail after Wong's commitment.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: BYU wins battle for blue-chip 2027 receiver over Ohio State, others

The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for another run at a Super Bowl, and this edition of FlyEaglesFly features plenty of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players, coaches, and front-office members are crucial to the team’s success this season.

Every day from now until the start of training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Eagles for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026, and tackle the most significant question facing them this year.

First up is Andy Dalton, a veteran quarterback who has played in big games and seemingly overtaken Tanner McKee as the No. 2 quarterback on the roster.

Background

Position: QBAge: 38Experience: 16th NFL season2026 cap hit: $1.5 million

Andy Dalton opens the Eagles’ list of the 30 most important players for 2026, landing at No. 30 because of the stability he brings behind Jalen Hurts. Philadelphia acquired the veteran quarterback from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick, adding one of the NFL’s most experienced backup options to a quarterback room that can benefit from his reliability, professionalism, and a proven emergency plan.

Dalton is not in Philadelphia to challenge Hurts, but his presence matters. The Eagles have championship expectations, a reworked offensive structure under Sean Mannion, and a wide receiver room that has changed significantly after the departure of A.J. Brown. In that setting, the backup quarterback cannot be an afterthought. Dalton gives the Eagles a player who has seen every defensive structure, handled multiple offensive systems, and started games across several franchises during a long NFL career.

2025 recap

Dalton spent the 2025 season with the Panthers, serving as a veteran backup while Carolina continued building around former Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young.  In 2025, Dalton appeared in four games (one start) and completed 67.6 percent of his pass attempts for 293 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His playing time was limited, but his ultimate value came from experience, preparation, and the ability to function as a steady presence in the quarterback room.

2026 outlook

Dalton’s clearest path to importance is obvious: He has to be ready if Hurts potentially misses time. Philadelphia’s offense is built around Hurts’ strength, decision-making, mobility, and red-zone efficiency, so no backup can fully duplicate what he provides. Dalton’s job would be to keep the Eagles functional, protect the football, get the ball out on time, and lean on the team’s offensive line, running game, and skill-position depth.

His value also extends beyond game-day insurance. Dalton can help the Eagles through camp installation, preseason evaluation, and weekly quarterback preparation. For a team breaking in new receiving pieces and working through a post-Brown offensive identity, having a veteran quarterback capable of running clean practices and giving younger players accurate looks carries real value.

Dalton’s importance is not about flash, which is why he lands at No. 30. But the Eagles are built to contend, and contenders need backup quarterbacks who do not create panic if they are forced onto the field. Dalton gives Philadelphia that kind of veteran safety net.

Biggest question: Could Andy Dalton keep the Eagles afloat if needed?

The biggest question is whether Dalton can still provide competent production as a starting quarterback if the Eagles need him for a game or a short stretch. At this stage of his career, the expectation is not that he will carry an offense or create explosive plays outside structure. The expectation is that he can manage the operation, avoid major mistakes, and give Philadelphia a chance to win with its defense, offensive line, and skill-position talent.

30 Most Important Eagles of 2026

We’re counting down our 30 Most Important Eagles of 2026. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp.

No. 30 Andy Dalton

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 30 Most Important Eagles of 2026: No. 30 Andy Dalton

New Michigan football coach Kyle Whittingham said at his introductory press conference that he had hoped to fence in the state of Michigan and bring all of the top local talent to Ann Arbor. However, some of the big fish in the mitten state aren't only leaving, but they're leaving for one particular school.

Much like former Detroit (Mich.) King star Dante Moore spurned the Wolverines for UCLA and then Oregon; a few local products are heading elsewhere -- at least as of the moment. Michigan had wanted to secure five-star wide receiver Dakota Guerrant, but he committed to Oregon (however, the maize and blue are still working on that one). Now, another in-state player has followed suit.

A frequent visitor to the Michigan sideline last season, 2027 Franklin (Mich.) Detroit Country Day four-star tight end Anthony Cartwright III had long been trending to the Wolverines. However, the recruitment cooled off a bit, despite Michigan still having interest. And on Sunday, Cartwright ended up committing to Oregon, as well.

BREAKING: Four-Star TE Anthony Cartwright III has Committed to Oregon, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’5 240 TE chose the Ducks over Miami, Michigan, LSU, and Michigan State

“God’s plan, SCO DUCKS 🦆”⁰⁰https://t.co/K4BXHeEJDxpic.twitter.com/R39xpbNNq5

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 28, 2026

Michigan does have two tight ends committed to the class in Colt Lumpris and Christian Hanshaw. However, in Hanshaw's case, he won't report to Ann Arbor for two years as he will be going on an LDS-sponsored mission trip before reporting to school. Thus, having him in the class shouldn't be much of a deterrent.

We'll see if things change as the season starts, as Michigan could either move on or turn the heat back up.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Oregon football steals another top recruit from Michigan

New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says he is ‘hugely excited’ by the challenge of taking over at the Etihad.

Men's Team

City appoint Enzo Maresca as manager

The Italian has been appointed as successor to Pep Guardiola and has signed a three-year contract.

Maresca takes up the managerial reins in the wake of an unprecedent decade of success under Guardiola, one which cemented City’s standing as one of the global game’s truly elite clubs.

Maresca arrives having enjoyed great success in his previous senior managerial roles at both Chelsea and Leicester City.

Men's Team

Maresca on the impact of Lippi, Ancelotti, Pellegrini and Pep

He is also well accustomed to City thanks to two previous spells at the Club, the first as Lead Coach of our Elite Development Squad whom he led to a maiden Premier League 2 title, the second as a key part of Guardiola’s coaching staff across the historic 2022/23 Treble season.

And speaking in his first interview since being appointed, the 46-year-old made plain how much he is relishing the challenge and opportunity of seeking to extend City’s remarkable record of success and silverware.

“It’s a huge challenge, for many reasons. All the success over the last 10 to 15 years, but at the same moment it’s a nice challenge,” Maresca said.

Picture Special

Gallery: The best images from Enzo Maresca’s return to City

“It’s exciting because the target is to continue or carry on the last decade or the last years that everything was very nice.

“I’m very excited, very excited for many reasons. The first one is how big the Club is, so this for sure has been one of the reasons why.

“This is the third time [I am working here at City] – hopefully it’s the last time I come back and I don’t leave anymore!”

Armed with the crucial internal knowledge of City’s philosophy and holistic approach to the game thanks to those previous spells at the Club, Maresca added that his job would be one of evolution rather than revolution.

And he said the fact that he had already developed excellent working relationships both with key members of the Club’s hierarchy as well as many of the current first team squad was also invaluable.

Picture Special

Gallery: Maresca’s previous spells at City

“Absolutely, yes. It’s much more easy when you join a club or a place where [you] connect with the people, and know already the people inside the building,” Maresca added.

“I know most of the people in terms of squad, in terms of players I probably will find four or five players from the season the last time I was here.

“But I think it’s much more easy for me, but for any manager to join a club where you already know people.

“The leadership group and players and people inside the building.

“Probably the reason why I’m here is also because the idea from the Club is to maintain the same style of football, the same idea and we’re going to try to do the most important thing in football which is [to] try to win, [and] to achieve important things.

“Then the day-by-day is also going to dictate the way I will work.”

Enzo Maresca says he is inheriting a City team with ‘the right mix’ of youth and experience – but feels there are still areas that need some work.

Interviews

Watch: Chairman speaks on Maresca’s arrival

Our new manager is familiar with many members of the current squad from his previous two stints at the Club as EDS head coach in 2020/21 and Pep Guardiola’s assistant in 2022/23.

The Italian will look to build on a campaign that saw the Blues finish second in the Premier League while securing a domestic cup Double.

“It’s a young squad, but it’s a very good squad,” said Maresca.

“I think also we have the right mix between young players and more experienced players which helps a lot the young ones to grow and improve.

“The squad is already good, for sure. We need to do some things, but we are working with Hugo [Viana] and we will see.”

Maresca also said he will give emerging youngsters the opportunity to impress.

Nico O’Reilly is a prime example of how our Academy can produce wonderful talent for the senior team and he can draw in his experiences as our EDS boss in terms of  progression through the youth ranks.

“I think in the last, I’m not sure exactly how many years, but also when I was here with the EDS, most of that squad, most of those players are all Premier League players or almost all of them,” he said.

“The way they are working and the methodology they use in the last years also help the young players to develop in the right way.

“With younger players, you need also to be a little bit brave to give them an opportunity and we will continue to do that.”

And Maresca says he intends to continue the style of beautiful football that was the trademark of his predecessor and friend, Pep Guardiola, adding: “Since that season (2022/23), the seasons I’ve had with my two previous clubs that were fortunately good seasons.

“The idea I said from the Club is to continue to maintain the same style of football that City had in the last years, so we’re going to try to do that.

“Also because it’s the way I like to work. The idea is to continue as much as we can to dominate games, to play in the opposite side, be aggressive off the ball and with intention on the ball.

“I think that during my experience as a player, you try to take all the best things from all the managers [you have worked with].

“For sure, for me, I feel like I’ve been lucky working and sharing time with the managers I have because they showed during the seasons and years how good they have been and they are also all different.

“Marcelo Lippi in terms of leadership was fantastic, Carlo Ancelotti in terms of calming down and also he’s a top manager so I feel quite lucky.”

And on returning to Manchester? “My family and I, we like a lot Manchester as a city.

“We feel very good in the two years we spent here with the kids, with everyone, so the idea is to continue to enjoy the city.”

SANTA CLARA, California, June 28 (Reuters) - In a region boasting vast tech wealth and global corporate influence, the San Francisco Bay Area's humble World Cup schedule landed with a dull thud, raising groans from fans over its lack of marquee matches.

While Kansas City welcomed Argentina and Boston hosted England, Bay Area locals subsisted on a more niche set of nations, with world number 16 Switzerland the highest-ranked visitor in five matches to date.

For Arab soccer enthusiasts, it has been a bonanza, with Qatar, Algeria and Jordan (twice) all gracing the home of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

With fans on social media ranking it the least glamorous fixture list of all the U.S.'s 11 host cities, a paucity of nightlife near the stadium in sleepy Santa Clara and little buzz before the tournament, there were fears of a Bay Area bust.

"The World Cup was supposed to be a Bay Area bonanza. Why does it feel like a flop?" a San Francisco Chronicle headline asked days before the tournament.

The narrative has shifted about 180 degrees since, with crowds having flocked to five matches to date.

“I follow European football, so for sure, I was disappointed, I would have liked more balance in the teams we got here, for my own self-interest," James Fay, a recently retired CFO for a tech company, told Reuters at the Australia-Paraguay group match last Thursday.

"But having a World Cup here is fantastic, there was no way I was going to miss it. I didn’t get to go in '94, it’s my first World Cup, so I’m coming, no matter what.”

Diverse fandom

Fay was among a crowd of 68,827, a few hundred below the tournament's maximum capacity of 69,391.

The lowest attendance reported by organisers was 67,966 for the first match between Switzerland and Qatar.

At each game, neutral fans have turned up in force.

More: Your guide to World Cup in LA, Bay Area. Dates, tickets, watch parties

Huge cheers from Americans at the Australia-Paraguay match rang out when the scoreboard gave a goal update during the concurrent U.S.-Turkey game.

Mexico fans from San Jose and other big Latino communities in the South Bay Area have been enthusiastic attendees, particularly for Paraguay's two matches.

"It has been amazing to see the diversity and international fandom that has come into the Bay and participated in fan marches, attended games, and experienced everything we have to offer," the Bay Area Host Committee said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

Bay Area resident Nick Zhang went with two friends to Australia-Paraguay and paid $330 for a ticket that put him in the stadium's highest seating deck in the full glare of afternoon sun.

“Well, there was a game on and we just wanted the experience. We're way up high but we can still get a taste of it," he told Reuters.

Once disparaged for its "boring" schedule, the Bay Area is now having the last laugh as it prepares to welcome co-hosts the United States for its final fixture on Wednesday, a round-of-32 clash against Bosnia.

Ticket prices have spiked on reselling platforms, with the cheapest on StubHub offered at nearly $2,000.

Away from the stadium, organizers are preparing for a huge party at the main fan-zone at San Pedro Square in San Jose, putting up a fourth "giant screen" for the knockout game.

More than 350,000 people have visited the square since the World Cup started, according to the Bay Area Host Committee.

"There's been some left-field teams coming to town but the U.S. will be a good finish to the party," James Martinez, a local student, told Reuters at the Bay Area Stadium.

(Additional reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Toby Davis)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Boring' Bay Area confounds World Cup doubters

Clippers Linked To Celtics' Jaylen Brown While They Negotiate Kawhi Leonard Trade With Raptors originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics are reportedly taking calls on Jaylen Brown, but he is not the only star player available right now.

Brown trade rumors have been prevalent since the end of the Celtics' season, starting with rumors involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now that Antetokounmpo is with the Miami Heat, other teams are trying to make a play for Brown. The Los Angeles Clippers are one of the teams that have reportedly registered interest in him.

According to ESPN's Vincent Goodwill, an executive has said that the Clippers "want Brown bad." It would make sense that the Clippers would be in on Brown. They traded away James Harden last season and are reportedly in talks to send Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Raptors and the Clippers are "seriously engaged in trade talks surrounding Kawhi Leonard." Leonard has one year left on his deal, and Charania reported that Toronto is the only team he would be willing to commit to long term.

If the Clippers do send Leonard back to the city he brought a championship to, they could use a player like Brown to lead them. It's unclear what the Clippers are willing to give up, but it will take a haul to actually get Brown out of Boston.

More NBA: NBA Insider Names Western Conference Rising Team 'Front-Runners' To Acquire Jaylen Brown

On paper, the San Francisco 49ers have had one of the best supporting casts for the past three or four years. But the games are played on a football field, which means you have to stay healthy for the duration of the season.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell went through each team’s supporting cast and ranked them. Heading into 2024, the 49ers were first. Fresh off what they did in 2023, how could you not rank them that high?

Christian McCaffrey went from allegedly being ready for Week 1 to only playing four games all season. Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL. Deebo Samuel looked like a shell of himself. The Avengers around Brock Purdy were defeated.

The team lost Samuel, but heading into last season, they were slated to get Aiyuk back. Barnwell had the 49ers ranked fourth heading into the year. In hindsight, that was about 16 spots too high. We never saw Aiyuk. The wide receiver group was supposed to get a boost from Ricky Pearsall, but he was in and out of the lineup. That meant Jauan Jennings was WR1. Based on Jennings still being available months after free agency, that should’ve never been the case.

Barnwell is once again high on the Niners heading into 2026. He has them fifth:

5. San Francisco 49ers

2025 rank: 4 | 2024 rank: 1

Between Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and new addition Mike Evans, the 49ers can call on surefire Hall of Famers at each spot in the lineup for these rankings. The wide receiver room has been overturned, with Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk replaced by Evans, Christian Kirk and second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling. There’s even the obligatory Kyle Shanahan middle-round pick at running back, with third-round selection Kaelon Black vying to back up McCaffrey this season. Should the 49ers be higher?

Well, how confident are you that you’ll get the typical healthy seasons from all those players? Kittle is coming off a campaign that had already been impacted by hamstring and ankle issues before he tore his right Achilles in the playoffs. Evans was limited to eight games by hamstring and collarbone injuries. McCaffrey was healthy all season, but he has missed significant time in three of the past six campaigns. All three are on the wrong side of 30. And Ricky Pearsall, the team’s second-best wideout, missed nine games with a posterior cruciate ligament injury last season.

OK, but should we be optimistic? Of course! We’re not far removed from McCaffrey, Kittle and Evans all having elite seasons. McCaffrey wasn’t quite as efficient as a runner in 2025 as you might like, but he added 924 receiving yards for his third 2,000-scrimmage-yard season. Kittle already is far along in his rehab, per reports, and might be ready to start the season. Evans’ streak of 1,000-yard seasons might have ended because of injury, but he was incredibly consistent for a decade and was still extremely efficient as recently as 2024. And Pearsall averaged 2.0 yards per route run last season.

There’s a No. 1 playmaker group on paper here, but it requires the new big three in San Francisco to stave off both aging and injury in 2026.

Evans is an upgrade from everybody. Stribling should stretch the field in ways Jauan Jennings couldn’t. Then the hope is that Ricky Pearsall, perhaps in a different role, can withstand the down-to-down physicality week in and week out to stay healthy all season.

The 49ers know what they’re getting from McCaffrey and Kittle. The depth at running back and receiver is better than it’s been in some time. There is speed. You couldn’t say that in the past couple of seasons. Wild cards like Jacob Cowing and Jordan James could be bigger contributors than anticipated, which shouldn’t be viewed as a bad thing.

Is five too high, too low, or just right?

The 73rd hole proved prosperous for Viktor Hovland.

The Travelers Championship went to a playoff that had to wait until Monday morning to get going, but Viktor Hovland did not have to wait long into it for his eighth career victory on the PGA Tour. The Norwegian, with plenty of Norway fans in attendance, made a 10.5-foot putt for birdie that wound up being the decider to help him take home the final Signature Event of the season.

Hovland’s birdie putt felt like a must-make when he walked up to it because his opponent, world number one Scottie Scheffler, had stuck his approach to three feet. The entire world assumed what Viktor did: Make it just to push this thing further out.

Following Hovland’s euphoric drain, Scheffler struck his putt a bit too hard and missed the cup which handed Hovland the win. Those are the breaks.

As noted the Signature Events are now done for the PGA Tour season and only the Open Championship remains as far as the majors are concerned. Obviously the playoffs and Tour Championship are still on the horizon, but it feels like we blinked and so much golf went by.

Congratulations to Viktor Hovland on win number eight!

The Golden State Warriors are actively plotting the ultimate offseason heist, and Draymond Green may be the first chess piece to move. On Monday morning, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Draymond Green is officially declining his $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 season, making the 36-year-old an unrestricted free agent just 24 hours before the negotiating window officially opens. For Warriors fans, there's much more to see here than what's at the surface level.

However, for other teams, this may be seen as an opportunity to take a swing at a veteran who could make a significant impact. Regardless, it's going to take some serious convincing to get Green out of Golden State, and it seems as though the opt-out is a maneuver to open up some cap flexibility for the team to make a run at the duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

However, until there's pen to paper, Green will technically be on the open market, so kick around some ideas on potential teams who could swoop in. But even still, we'll preface this by stating the obvious: The massive favorite here is for Green to return to the Warriors on a deal that allows Golden State to make an additional move or two, but it never hurts to play the hypothetical game.

Spurs headline 3 sleepers who make sense as a Draymond Green free agency fit

The San Antonio Spurs would be a very interesting starting point to the conversation, even if it is a long shot that Green doesn't return to the Warriors. What better veteran presence to work alongside Victor Wembanyama and a talented group on the rise who'll remain among the favorites to return to the NBA Finals next season?

After all, if you truly want a "Wemby enforcer" of sorts, Green could fit the billing, as he's never shied away from ensuring his longtime teammate Steph Curry doesn't take one too many questionable hits on the floor.

Los Angeles Lakers

The wild part of all of this is that it's certainly not a done deal that LeBron is on his way to the Warriors for a reunion with Davis and to team up with Curry. So, what about a world where James actually does return to the Los Angeles Lakers?

Rob Pelinka would almost certainly love to add Green to the team's front-line depth, and we know the defensive standout has been close with James for a long time. I'd still call this unlikely, as James' future remains up in the air and, by the day, it seems less and less likely that he'll return to Los Angeles, but why not throw the hypothetical out there?

Boston Celtics

If you want to really toss a bold pick into the mix, let's talk about the Boston Celtics. There appear to be imminent changes coming, with Jaylen Brown's future up in the air. Obviously, Green's free agency wouldn't have a ton to do with Brown, more than likely, but if the pieces come together and a Brown deal happens, who knows how the Celtics' roster could look at the end of the day?

If Brad Stevens and company add a few strong pieces alongside Jayson Tatum, the idea of Green being in the mix to bolster the front court is enticing.

As fun as the ideas are to kick around, let's still remember that option No. 1, above all the rest, is going to remain the Warriors. And from the sound of things, the hope is that Green's return to the Bay Area comes with a trio of Curry, Davis and LeBron.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Draymond Green free agency: 3 sleeper teams who could steal the Warriors star

Former UFC two-division champion, Alex Pereira, wants longtime referee, Herb Dean, tossed from UFC.

That’s a decision that can only be made by the athletic commissions where Dean is licensed and “Poatan” would need to establish a level of incompetence that proves Dean is unfit for duty. I’m not sure a couple of missed fouls in the Brazilian’s UFC White House loss to Ciryl Gane is the smoking gun Pereira wants it to be.

That said, Dean can’t seem to escape controversy these last few weeks.

“I don’t know … I don’t know the answer to that question,” said UFC CEO, Dana White, when asked if Dean “lost a step” over the years. “That’s not up to me, that’s up to the commission. I heard about [Pereira’s petition]. There is no MMA in my algorithm. Unless [someone] tells me, I don’t know.”

Here’s the clip from Sunday’s Zuffa Boxing presser:

White avoided the Dean topic but has been openly critical of the longtime referee in recent years, previously slamming the “horrible job” done to former champions Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier in this important UFC title fight.

At least he’s not “the worst referee in the history of f—king fights.”

Reading assistant manager Rob Kelly has left the League One club after seven months to relocate to the north-west for family reasons.

Kelly, 61, left a similar role at Barrow in November to join the Royals, having previously helped manager Leam Richardson win the League One title with Wigan Athletic in 2022.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Reading," Kelly told Reading's website.

"When I arrived, I spoke about wanting to work with good people and help build on the foundations that were already here and I feel we've been able to do that."

• Ex-England U21 midfielder Baker swaps Stoke for Turkey
• League One fixtures: Your club-by-club guide to the 2026-27 season

Richardson, who took over last October and guided Reading to 12th in the third tier, called Kelly's character and work "outstanding".

"He has helped build strong foundations for the season ahead and has had a hugely positive influence on our staff and players every single day," he said.

"Family always comes first and we completely understand and support his decision.

"While we'll miss him enormously, everyone at the football club wishes Rob and his family nothing but happiness and success for the future."

Reading's squad started pre-season training on Monday. Their campaign begins against Bromley in the Carabao Cup first round during the second week of August.

Hajime Moriyasu memes, explained: Why Japan's notebook-obsessed coach is called 'Light Yagami' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Every time Japan stage a comeback at the World Cup, the camera finds Hajime Moriyasu on the touchline with his head down, scribbling away in a notebook, and the internet does the rest.

When Japan twice clawed their way back to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in their opener in Arlington on June 14, the result was only half the story online.

As Daichi Kamada's late equaliser hit the net, social media was already filling up with photos of the 57-year-old coach hunched over his touchline pad, caught in the act of writing. The joke wrote itself: Moriyasu, fans insisted, had jotted down the names of the Dutch players and sealed their fate before the final whistle. The man has a nickname for it, “Light Yagami,” and it has stuck to him for four years now.

Here is where the meme comes from, and why Japan’s quietly methodical coach keeps getting cast as the villain of a cult anime.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu memes

Moriyasu is rarely still on the touchline, and he is rarely without his notebook. Where other coaches shout instructions from the technical area, Japan’s boss tends to watch, write, and adjust, and it is that image, pen to paper while chaos unfolds in front of him, that turned him into a meme.

The notebook is real, and the habit is genuine. Moriyasu uses it to track patterns in the game and feed instructions to his bench, and against the Netherlands he leaned on a whiteboard too, holding up the numbers “4-5” before having an assistant flip them to “3”, “2” and “1” to push his players forward in search of a winner. To his supporters, it is the look of a coach who outwits opponents in real time. To the internet, it looks like something far more sinister.

The pattern has held all tournament. Japan followed the Netherlands draw with a comfortable 4-0 win over Tunisia, and they close their Group F campaign against Sweden on June 25 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (7 p.m. ET). Every bold substitution and switch during a match only feeds the bit further.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Who will win the World Cup in 2026?
• Updated FIFA World Rankings
• Full 2026 World Cup schedule and fixtures
• Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Who is Light Yagami?

Light Yagami is the central character of Death Note, and not exactly a hero. He is a brilliant, bored high school student who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook and decides to use it to wipe out everyone he judges to be a criminal, appointing himself a godlike executioner under the alias "Kira" while an elite police task force and a detective known only as L try to hunt him down.

The comparison, then, is pointed. Casting Moriyasu as Light makes the rival players the condemned, and the notebook the instrument that does them in, a tidy bit of internet logic that turns a coach's tactical notes into a death sentence.

MORE: What are the best betting promos for the 2026 World Cup?

What is Death Note?

Death Note is one of Japan's most successful manga and anime exports. Written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, it was serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2006 before a 37-episode anime adaptation aired across 2006 and 2007 and carried the story around the world.

The premise is simple and grim. Light finds a notebook dropped into the human world by a shinigami, a death god, named Ryuk. Anyone whose name is written in its pages dies, provided the writer is picturing that person's face. That single rule, a name on a page deciding who lives and who dies, is the thread that connects a cult anime to a football touchline.

Why Japan's coach is called Light Yagami

The nickname was born at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. As Japan stunned Germany and then Spain to top their group, broadcast cameras kept cutting to Moriyasu writing in his notebook, and fans drew the obvious line: the coach was Light, the notebook was the Death Note, and Germany and Spain were the names inside it. The meme went viral, and it never fully went away.

The 2026 tournament simply gave it fresh legs. With Moriyasu again turning matches through substitutions and tactical tweaks, the comeback against the Netherlands was all the internet needed to pull the joke back out, and photos of him bent over his pad spread within minutes of Kamada’s equaliser.

It is, of course, all in good fun. The notebook holds tactics, not names, and Moriyasu’s edge comes from preparation rather than the supernatural. But as long as Japan keep coming from behind and their coach keeps writing it all down, the Light Yagami comparison is going nowhere, a meme that, much like the anime that inspired it, simply refuses to die.

Napheesa Collier update is great news for Olivia Miles and WNBA-best Lynx originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Napheesa Collier is on her way back.

Not that the Minnesota Lynx have been lost without Collier, but the return of their superstar is sure to be greeted warmly in Minneapolis -- just as it is sure to be met with heavy sighs from the rest of the WNBA.

Without Collier, the Lynx have surged to the WNBA's best record again in 2026. Record-setting rookie Olivia Miles dropped a game-high 21 points and provided eight assists on Sunday as Minnesota picked up a road win over the Dallas Wings to improve to 15-4.

MORE: Lynx's Olivia Miles sets all-time WNBA record faster than Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers

And now, according to the WNBA's app, Collier -- out all season to date -- is a game-time decision for the Lynx's blockbuster matchup against the New York Liberty on Friday.

Unironic 🚨🚨🚨Per the Lynx WNBA app Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhasz upgraded to game time decision ahead of the NYL game Friday pic.twitter.com/jm8SgsD5Qd

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) June 29, 2026

Collier, a five-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA selection, has not played since she suffered a serious ankle injury on Sept. 26, 2025. Collier's injury knocked her out of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury and rendered her unable to participate in Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league she co-founded with Breanna Stewart.

Collier underwent surgery on her left ankle to repair torn ligaments in January before she endured a second procedure in March. Collier's target return date was sometime before the All-Star Game -- and Friday could well be the day that fans finally see her partnership with Miles take flight for the first time.

This is the Olivia Miles show pic.twitter.com/T4HE8iScsJ

— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) June 28, 2026

More WNBA news:

• Storm's Flau'jae Johnson joins elite rookie company with A'ja Wilson and Candace Parker

• Fever's two wins without Caitlin Clark contain one startling truth

• Sophie Cunningham's viral WNBA moment now has Brittany Mahomes' attention

• Skylar Diggins hit with WNBA fine after technical foul in Sky's loss to Aces

Defender Joel Senior has joined Tranmere Rovers from Bristol Rovers and will be reunited with manager Darrell Clarke.

Senior, 27, played under Clarke for the Pirates during the first half of last season, before Clarke was sacked.

Although Senior had the option of a third season on his Bristol Rovers contract, the club agreed to his request to move back closer to his family in the north west.

He has agreed a two-year deal with Tranmere, subject to a medical.

The Manchester-born right-back had a season with Burnley and also had spells at Altrincham, Carlisle and Morecambe.

Senior told Tranmere's website: "I've come here to push the club to the right end of the table and do them proud this season on the pitch.

"I've worked with the manager before and I know how ambitious and driven he is."

Clarke said: "He's shown consistency at this level and we feel his profile suits exactly what we want; someone who can defend, get up and down the pitch and add quality in both phases of the game."

How much more improved can the Houston Texans be in 2026?

The Texans, despite an 0-3 start to the 2025 season, managed to rattle off 12 wins in their final 14 games to make the postseason and secure the most victories in a season since 2012. Much like in past years, Houston won the wild-card round game over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was overmatched in the divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.

A lot of the questions still surrounding the potential of Houston have to do with the offense, mainly the play of quarterback C.J. Stroud. For as good as he was to begin the season, the former No. 2 overall pick looked in over his head in the second half of the year, often having turnovers and three-and-out drives over scoring opportunities in the red zone.

But the Texans made changes to the supporting cast around Stroud. Three new offensive linemen come into action and should be upgrades over the previous corps. Houston also plans to run more 12-personnel looks, including using a legitimate blocking tight end over a sixth offensive lineman. As for the future of the run game, newcomer and former Pro Bowler David Montgomery should have a similar feel to Joe Mixon in 2024 if he can stay healthy, thus taking more pressure off of Stroud and the passing attack.

Here's a look at the Pro Football Focus grades from 2025 featuring this year's projected starters on offense, where it was mostly high marks across the board.

PFF grades (2025) for Texans' projected starters on offense:

• QB C.J. Stroud -72.9
• RB David Montgomery - 75.3
• WR Nico Collins - 87.4
• WR Jayden Higgins - 68.4
• TE Dalton Schultz - 73.6
• TE Foster Moreau - N/A
• OT Aireontae Ersery - 59.3
• OG Wyatt Teller - 62.2
• OC Keylan Rutledge - 76.6 (college grade)
• OG Ed Ingram - 71.5
• OT Braden Smith - 65.3

The Texans return to practice for the start of training camp on July 21.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: PFF grades for Texans' projected starting 2026 offense

The memory market’s “big three” have been hit with a class action lawsuit for price fixing Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, the three largest global memory suppliers (the “big three”), have been hit with a class action lawsuit in California for alleged DRAM “price fixing”. This lawsuit claims that all three companies co-ordinated to reduce […]

The post Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron hit with lawsuit over alleged DRAM price fixing appeared first on OC3D.