Microsoft is hiking Xbox prices yet again. The company already hiked prices once back in May of last year, and then again later in October. This time, the company is increasing the prices of the 512GB models by $100 and 1TB models by $150. The 2TB model is being discontinued. The current prices are as follows. Model New pricing Previous pricing Xbox Series S (512GB) $499 $399 Xbox Series S (1TB) $599 $449 Xbox Series X Digital (1TB) $749 $599 Xbox Series X (1TB) $799 ...

vivo’s X Fold6 is the highly-anticipated successor to last year’s X Fold5 and it brings two big upgrades. The first one is a 200MP Zeiss-branded main camera, which features Samsung’s 1/1.4-inch HPB sensor. This is the same sensor used on the vivo X300 and X300 Pro telephotos, so we can expect solid performance here as well. While we’re covering the cameras, the other two sensors are 50MP ultrawide and 50MP telephoto (LYT602) with 3x optical zoom. Photography fans will also appreciate that the X Fold6 supports the optional ZEISS Teleconverter G2, which offers a 200mm...

Dünya Kupası'na erken veda eden A Milli Takım'da "akıllar transferdeydi" tartışması büyüyor. ABD maçının kahramanı Kaan Ayhan'ın eşi Aylin Ayhan, kaptan Hakan Çalhanoğlu ve Merih Demiral'ı hedef alan o zehir zemberek paylaşımı beğendi; milli takımda kazan kaynamaya başladı!

Dünya Kupası'na erken veda eden Milli Takım’da "transfer odaklı oyuncular" tartışması, Kaan Ayhan’ın eşi Aylin Ayhan’ın sosyal medya hamlesiyle yeniden alevlendi.

Ayhan, "Kaptan dediğin milli takım kampında transfer görüşmesi yapmaz, çıkar golünü atar" ifadelerinin yer aldığı bir paylaşımı beğenerek, takım içinde süregelen rahatsızlığı açıkça dışa vurdu.

Milli Takım kampı devam ederken, Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi’nin Merih Demiral ve Hakan Çalhanoğlu ile anlaştığını açıklaması, futbolcuların odak noktasına dair eleştirileri tetiklemişti.

ABD maçında galibiyet golünü kaydeden Kaan Ayhan’ın eşinin bu tepkisi, turnuva sonrası milli takım kampındaki huzursuzluğun boyutunu gözler önüne serdi.

Fransa'dan gelen maaş kısıtlaması cezası sonrası Marsilya köşeye sıkıştı. Finansal krizden kurtulmak ve küme düşme tehlikesinden kaçınmak için 30 Haziran'a kadar 60 milyon Euro bulması gereken Fransız devi, en değerli varlığı Mason Greenwood'u satmaya mahkum kaldı.

Fransa Futbolu Finansal Denetleme Kurumu (DNCG), Olimpik Marsilya'ya maaş bütçesi kısıtlaması cezası getirdi. Kulübe doğrudan bir transfer yasağı verilmemiş olsa da gelecek sezon boyunca harcamaların tamamen kontrol altında tutulacağı açıklandı. Bu karar, finansal darboğazdaki Fransız devinin üzerindeki Mason Greenwood’u satma baskısını zirveye çıkardı.

2023-24 sezonundaki 39 milyon Euro’luk zararı, son sezonda yaklaşık 105 milyon Euro’ya kadar ulaşan Marsilya yönetimi tam anlamıyla köşeye sıkışmış durumda. DNCG; transfer yasağı, puan silme veya küme düşürme gibi daha ağır cezaların devreye girmemesi için kulübe 30 Haziran 2026'ya kadar süre tanıdı. Marsilya’nın bütçesini onaylatabilmesi için bu kısa sürede en az 50-60 milyon Euro net oyuncu satışı yapması şart.

Marsilya'nın bu mali krizden tek hamlede sıyrılabilmek için elindeki en büyük kozu ise Mason Greenwood. Teknik direktör Roberto De Zerbi’nin kadro planlaması doğrultusunda maaş bütçesini neredeyse yarı yarıya düşürmek zorunda olan yönetim, İngiliz yıldızın satışına bel bağladı.

Kulüp, gerekli kaynağı tek seferde karşılayabilmek adına Greenwood’un bonservis bedelini 50 milyon Euro civarında sabitledi ve bu rakamdan aşağı düşmek istemiyor. Ancak 30 Haziran kıskacı nedeniyle transfer masasında "tok alıcı" rolünü oynayamayan Marsilya'nın bu acelesi, oyuncuyla ilgilenen kulüplerin elini ciddi şekilde güçlendiriyor.

Galatasaray'ın transfer listesinde yer alan Real Madrid'in Fransız yıldızı Eduardo Camavinga, bu yaz takımdan ayrılmayı kesinlikle reddetti; menajerlerine sarı-kırmızılılar da dahil gelecek hiçbir teklifi değerlendirmeme talimatı verdi.

Orta sahaya dünya çapında bir yıldız katmak için kolları sıvayan ve Eduardo Camavinga’nın durumunu yakından takip eden Galatasaray yönetimini üzecek haber İspanya’dan geldi.

Sarı-kırmızılıların transfer listesinde yer alan ve taraftarı heyecanlandıran Real Madrid'in Fransız yıldızı, geleceğine dair son kararını verdi.

Camavinga, bu yaz Real Madrid’den ayrılmayı kesinlikle reddetti.

Yıldız oyuncu, Galatasaray da dahil olmak üzere yaz transfer dönemi boyunca gelecek hiçbir teklifi değerlendirmemeleri konusunda menajerlerine net bir talimat verdi.

Galatasaray’ın rüyalarını süsleyen 23 yaşındaki orta saha oyuncusunun bu net tavrının ardından, sarı-kırmızılı kurmayların listedeki diğer alternatif isimlere yönelmesi bekleniyor.

İtalyan ekibi Udinese, Nicolo Zaniolo transferinde mutlu sona yakın ancak taraflar arasındaki maaş uçurumu henüz aşılamadı.

Udinese, İtalyan yıldız Nicolo Zaniolo’yu kadrosuna katmak için girişimlerini hızlandırdı ancak transferde maaş engeline takıldı.

İtalyan gazeteci Gianluca Di Marzio'nun paylaştığı bilgilere göre; Udinese ile Zaniolo cephesi arasında yürütülen transfer görüşmelerinde henüz anlaşma sağlanamadı. Taraflar arasındaki temel anlaşmazlığın, oyuncunun talep ettiği yıllık ücret ile kulübün bütçesi arasındaki finansal farktan kaynaklandığı belirtildi.

Görüşmelerin devam ettiği ancak tarafların maaş konusunda orta yolu bulamaması halinde transferin çıkmaza girebileceği ifade ediliyor.

Siyah-beyazlılar, Monaco'nun sol beki Kassoum Ouattara ile kişisel şartlarda anlaşmaya vardı; Fransız kulübüyle 10 milyon euro seviyesinde bonservis pazarlığı sürüyor. Ancak oyuncunun sakatlık geçmişi, bu transferde camianın en büyük endişesi.

Beşiktaş, Monaco forması giyen sol bek Kassoum Ouattara'nın transferi için kolları sıvadı. Ancak oyuncunun geçmişteki sakatlık hassasiyeti, siyah-beyazlı taraftarları şimdiden endişelendiriyor.

Beşiktaş, Fildişi Sahili asıllı Fransız oyuncu Kassoum Ouattara ile kişisel şartlarda el sıkıştı.

Fransız basınından Foot Mercato'nun haberine göre; Beşiktaş ile Monaco yönetimi arasında yaklaşık 10 milyon euro seviyesinde bir bonservis pazarlığı devam ediyor. Transfer bitme noktasına gelse de camiada en büyük korku, oyuncunun kronikleşme riski bulunan sakatlığının nüksetmesi.

Yönetim mali şartları olgunlaştırmaya çalışırken, taraftarın gözü kulağı oyuncunun sağlık raporlarında.

Türk sinemasının efsane ismi ve Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü Kongre Üyesi Kadir İnanır hayatını kaybetti. Sarı-lacivertli camiaya bağlılığıyla bilinen usta sanatçının vefatı derin üzüntü yarattı.

Türk sinemasının usta sanatçısı ve Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü Kongre Üyesi Kadir İnanır hayatını kaybetti. Sadece oyunculuğuyla değil, sarı-lacivertli renklere olan tutkusu ve kulüp üyeliğiyle de tanınan efsane ismin vefatı, spor ve sanat dünyasını yasa boğdu.

Uzun yıllardır Fenerbahçe Kongre Üyesi olan Kadir İnanır, kulübün kritik genel kurullarına aktif katılımıyla biliniyordu. Usta sanatçı, özellikle Fenerbahçe’nin iki tarihi kongresinde hafızalara kazınmıştı:

Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü, sarı-lacivertli armaya olan bağlılığıyla bilinen tescilli kongre üyesi Kadir İnanır’ın vefatının ardından başsağlığı mesajı yayımlayarak derin üzüntüsünü paylaştı.

Samet Akaydin ile yollarını ayıran Çaykur Rizespor'da flaş gelişme; Dünya Kupası'nda süre alamayan milli stoperin Karadeniz ekibindeki dönemi resmen sona erdi.

Süper Lig ekiplerinden Çaykur Rizespor, milli savunma oyuncusu Samet Akaydin ile yollarını ayırdığını resmi olarak açıkladı.

A Milli Takım'ın 2026 Dünya Kupası kadrosunda yer alan deneyimli stoper, turnuva boyunca hiçbir maçta süre şansı bulamadı.

Sözleşmesinin sona ermesinin ardından Karadeniz ekibine veda eden 32 yaşındaki savunmacının kariyerine hangi kulüpte devam edeceği henüz netlik kazanmadı.

Bordo-mavililer, Gençlerbirliği ile yollarını ayıran 31 yaşındaki kanat oyuncusu Metehan Mimaroğlu'nun transferini TFF'ye bildirerek resmiyete döktü.

Trabzonspor, transfer çalışmalarına hız kesmeden devam ediyor. Bordo-mavili kulüp, son olarak Gençlerbirliği forması giyen kanat oyuncusu Metehan Mimaroğlu’nun transferini Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu’na (TFF) resmen bildirdi.

Resmi işlemlerin tamamlanmasının ardından 31 yaşındaki deneyimli futbolcunun kısa süre içinde bordo-mavili ekibin kampına katılması bekleniyor.

Trendyol Süper Lig ekiplerinden Amed Sportif Faaliyetler, Kosovalı futbolcu Ermal Krasniqi'yi kadrosuna kattı.

Kulübün açıklamasında, orta saha ve sağ kanat mevkilerinde görev yapabilen 27 yaşındaki Krasniqi ile anlaşmaya varıldığı belirtildi.

Kosova Milli Takımı'nda da görev yapan Krasniqi, geçen sezon kiralık olarak Polonya temsilcisi Legia Varşova'nın formasını giymişti.

Kulüpler Birliği Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, yabancı kuralı hakkında konuştu. Doğan, Kulüpler Birliği'nde yapılan toplantının ardından yaptığı açıklamada, "Federasyonun verdiği bir karar var. Bu kararı saygıyla karşılıyoruz ama hiçbir şey değişmez değildir" ifadelerini kullandı.

Kulüpler Birliği Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, Kulüpler Birliği Vakfı'nda yapılan toplantının ardından açıklamalarda bulundu.

Çok tartışılan 10+4 yabancı oyuncu kuralına dair konuşan Doğan, şu ifadeleri kullandı:

"Kulüplerimizin yabancı kuralı konusunda hassasiyeti var. Şu an itibarıyla hiç kimse yabancı kuralından memnun değil."

"HİÇBİR ŞEY DEĞİŞMEZ DEĞİLDİR"

-Bununla alakalı kendi Whatsapp grubumuzda ekibimiz çalışacak. Kulüplerin görüşlerini alacağız. Federasyonun verdiği bir karar var. Bu kararı saygıyla karşılıyoruz ama hiçbir şey değişmez değildir.

-O zamanki şartlar itibarıyla bu belki uygundu ama şu anda kulüplerimizden gelen haklı talepler var. Bunların hepsini federasyon ile paylaşacağız ve bu konuda kendilerinden yardım isteyeceğiz.

- MHK konusunda İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu ile görüşeceğiz. Kulüplerin genel olarak memnuniyetsizliği var. Önümüzdeki bir ay içerisinde bu konuda sağlıklı adımların atılmasını sağlamaya çalışacağız.

- Naklen yayın gelirlerimizde ciddi bir düşüş var. 500 milyon dolarlık gelir, şu anda 185 milyon dolar seviyelerine geldi. Kulüplerimizin tamamı Türk futbolunun değerinin bu olduğunu düşünmüyor. Naklen yayın gelirinin 500 milyon dolar seviyesine gelmesi konusunda ısrarımız olacak. Kulüplerin dayanacak gücü kalmadı. Özellikle Anadolu kulüpleri çok ciddi sıkıntı çekiyor.

- Dünya Kupası'nda Almanya, İspanya ve Fransa'nın da gruptan çıkamadığı turnuvalar oldu. Futbolcuların eksikleri ve hataları vardır, hocamızın olabilir. Herkesin niyeti iyidir. Önemli olan bu. Keşke olmasaydı. Futbolda eleştiri var. Herkes açık olmalı ama genç arkadaşlarımıza yapılan hakaretler bize yakışmıyor.

UnPlat is a dish-first discovery platform that helps people find the dishes worth dining for. Most food apps focus on restaurants, but UnPlat focuses on the actual dishes people remember. Search for specific foods, discover highly rated plates nearby, and explore recommendations powered by real user ratings, photos, and Taste DNA preferences. Users can rate dishes, upload photos, build personalized taste profiles, and help create a community-driven map of memorable food experiences. When data is limited, UnPlat shows "Signal Forming" rather than guessing, ensuring transparency and trust.

View startup

Navon combines advisory services with a coordination platform that sits between your existing tools and the teams running the work. It wires structured workflows, approvals, documents, and cross-system updates into a single operational layer with role-based access and live dashboards. The team audits operations, maps workflows, and deploys AI-driven automations that remove manual routing, writing, and classification. Mid-market, operations-heavy businesses use it to speed decisions, increase accountability, and run day-to-day work in one place.

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Google is giving Standard Shopping advertisers access to a bidding strategy that was previously tied to a Target ROAS goal, potentially reducing the need to use Performance Max solely for value-based bidding.

What’s happening. Google is rolling out Maximize Conversion Value bidding for Standard Shopping campaigns without requiring advertisers to set a Target ROAS.

Previously, advertisers looking to optimize for conversion value had to use a Target ROAS bidding strategy. The new option allows campaigns to maximize conversion value while giving Google’s bidding system more flexibility.

Why we care. Advertisers can now use Google’s value-based bidding without being constrained by a Target ROAS goal. This gives Standard Shopping campaigns more flexibility while preserving the control and transparency many advertisers prefer, potentially removing the need to run feed-only Performance Max campaigns just to access Maximize Conversion Value bidding.

Between the lines. Many advertisers have continued to favour Standard Shopping because it offers greater control and transparency than Performance Max. However, those wanting Google’s value-based bidding often created feed-only Performance Max campaigns simply to access Maximize Conversion Value bidding without a ROAS constraint.

With this update, that workaround may no longer be necessary.

Why advertisers should care. Advertisers can now combine the control of Standard Shopping with a more flexible value-based bidding strategy. For some accounts, it could simplify campaign structures and reduce reliance on feed-only Performance Max campaigns.

The bottom line. Google is narrowing one of the biggest feature gaps between Standard Shopping and Performance Max, giving advertisers another reason to stick with Standard Shopping while still benefiting from automated value-based bidding.

First spotted. This update was spotted by performance marketer Yash Mandlesha, who shared spotting the option on LinkedIn.

Google Search Console’s page indexing report is currently delayed by over two weeks, with a last updated time stamp of June 11, 2026. That means you won’t be able to see a recent look at the page indexing data for the pages on your website.

The delay. If you check your Google Search Console page indexing report, you will likely see this date:

Page indexing report. This report shows you which pages Google can find and index on your site. It can also teach you about any indexing problems Google has encountered while crawling your website.

You can access the report in Search Console over here or by going to the Indexing section and then Pages.

The report shows a chart of indexed pages in green and not indexed pages in gray, you can even overlay impressions over the chart. It then lists out the reasons why pages on website are not being indexed, below that chart.

For more information on the page indexing report, see this help document.

Why we care. If you are trying to debug why Google has not been indexing specific pages on your website over the past couple of weeks, well, you are out of luck. Google will hopefully fix the report soon, but until then, you need to rely on your own SEO theories or try the URL inspection tool to debug your indexing issues on a page-by-page basis.

We’ve all seen dashboards that don’t make sense when you look into the numbers, but now that same data could be training your campaigns to spend your budget chasing the wrong people.

As automation takes over more of the ad-buying process, from creative generation to bidding, data has become one of the last inputs advertisers can control, and perhaps the most important. That’s because automation can only optimize for the signals you give it.

Think about it: Which is worse, a brilliant ad shown to the wrong audience or an average ad shown to the right one? The first spends your budget reaching people you don’t want. The second might get ignored, but if someone does engage, at least they’re the right person.

But can you honestly say the last time you set up a campaign, you spent more time verifying the data than thinking about the ad copy?

The cost of bad data has changed

Several years ago, bad tracking was a reporting problem.

If a tag fired twice, a conversion was mishandled, a value came through incorrectly, or your offline conversions stopped working for a few weeks, the result was a dashboard that didn’t add up. It was annoying, but had little impact. Eventually, someone would question the numbers during a monthly review, you’d trace the issue, fix it, and the data would be good for the next review.

However, that same data now feeds the algorithm buying your paid media. Smart Bidding doesn’t wait for you to interpret a report or reach your monthly review – it reads your conversion data and acts on it before you’ve even noticed an issue.

The same number, now wrong, has a different outcome. A bad number in a report requires an explanation in a meeting.

A bad number in a conversion used for bidding costs you because the algorithm doesn’t know it’s wrong. It optimizes toward that signal the moment it sees it, and it does so efficiently.

Google doesn’t understand your funnel or your business

While conversion actions are labeled in Google’s interface as “lead,” “opportunity,” and so on, those labels are just for organization. The platform doesn’t actually understand where the conversion event sits in your funnel.

All it sees is a conversion event with a numeric value attached to it (usually representing a currency value), so it has no idea that a newsletter sign-up is worth $2 in eventual value, a lead is worth $60, and an opportunity is worth $400. Google sees three conversions. It has no idea one is worth 200x another.

The algorithm isn’t optimizing for your business outcome. It’s optimizing for the data you’ve given it. If the data is wrong, the optimization will be, too.

For example, if every form submission fires the same conversion with the same default value, there’s no clean way to distinguish tire kickers from high-value inquiries, so the algorithm treats them identically. And because tire kickers are usually cheaper to acquire, it floods you with them. 

The cost per lead drops from $40 to $25, and the dashboard makes your cost per lead look more than 35% lower, but the pipeline quickly dries up as genuinely qualified inquiries quietly halve in number.

Dig deeper: Why better signals drive paid search performance

3 ways bad data quietly wrecks delivery

Bad data can take different forms, but these are the three issues most likely to derail campaign delivery.

1. Wrong event

Optimizing for a top-of-funnel action like a page view, when the real conversion events occur further down the funnel, causes the algorithm to buy more and more of those cheap events without the lower-funnel activity actually following through.

2. Wrong value

Counting all conversions equally (or assigning them a flat placeholder value) when their actual value varies by 10x. The algorithm chases volume of the lower-value conversions because they’re easier to acquire.

3. No data

This one isn’t discussed enough. Nothing kills a campaign faster than a complete break in the data.

On Day 1, the algorithm wonders where the conversions are. By Day 2, it starts to assume they aren’t coming. By Day 3, it’s making serious bidding changes. Within a week, most campaigns will have throttled themselves to almost nothing.

How to pick the right signal for Google

So how do you fix it?

Take a typical lead generation business as an example. Some leads will never convert, while others are worth 10x as much as the rest.

If your form asks the right qualifying questions, you already know which is which. But if you’re optimizing for every lead submitted using a target CPA, you’re telling Google they’re all equally valuable.

Imagine an account spending $20,000 a month at a $40 target CPA and generating around 500 leads. Only 150 qualify, and maybe just 50 are genuinely high-value. A lead’s expected worth is $60, a qualified lead is $200, and a high-value lead is $600. That’s a 10x spread in value.

You have several ways to improve the optimization signal:

• Optimize for a qualified lead: Create a new conversion action, such as “qualified lead,” and fire it only for leads with value. You can then move your target CPA to this conversion action, knowing it’ll ignore leads with no value. The advantage is that you’re training the campaign on a more meaningful signal. The downside is that every lead with value is still treated equally.
• Assign conversion values and use the target ROAS: Add a currency value to the qualified lead based on the potential revenue it could generate if it converts to a sale. You can then switch the campaign to target ROAS, allowing Google to optimize for return instead of simply counting leads with no value. However, it may still buy larger numbers of lower-value leads if it can acquire them at the right price, rather than prioritizing higher-value ones.
• Optimize for a high value lead: Create a “high value lead” conversion event that fires only for your top-tier leads, with or without a conversion value. You can then optimize with either target CPA or target ROAS, depending on whether you want to focus on acquisition cost or return. The advantage is higher-quality leads. The downside is that, depending on your spend, the data may be too limited to support this approach until you scale.

These are just a few possible optimization signals without even going deeper into the funnel. You can apply the same approach to lower-funnel events as well by creating separate conversion actions for milestones such as contacted lead, qualified contact, or high-value contact.

Dig deeper:

Targeting and measurement can be different

It sounds simple, but the conversion event you optimize for and the one you report on aren’t, and arguably shouldn’t be, the same. One trains the algorithm. The other tells you how that training is performing.

In our previous example, a client or internal stakeholder might want to see cost per lead, which is a perfectly valid metric. Meanwhile, the campaign is optimizing for the Qualified Lead conversion, not the original lead.

You keep the original lead conversion running purely as a reporting metric, so stakeholders still get their cost per lead while the campaign bids on the qualified lead signal that actually drives business value. Same campaign, two conversions, two very different jobs.

Which brings us back to where we started: Did you spend more time verifying the data than writing the ad? In an automated account, data is now your strategy.

Your existing content can be a goldmine if you know how to improve it. Finding the time is a challenge in itself. I’ve found that using Claude makes what can be an outsized task much more manageable.

If it feels daunting, you don’t have to build a massive content audit workflow from the start. With Claude, you can start by auditing a single article, iterate on it, and create skills you can reuse and refine over time. I’ve gone from one-off audits to a full library of skills that I refine every time I use them.

Claude can help you uncover topical gaps, flag outdated information, audit brand voice, and more. You just need to invest the time to iterate so the value of your Claude skills compounds.

Here are six types of content audits you can run with Claude. The first four work at the article level, so you can start with a single piece today.

Page-level audits

If you’re uncomfortable creating skills or workflows, page-level audits are a great starting point. These four audits work on a single article, with no content inventory, no data exports, and little setup required. At the end of each session, ask Claude to create a skill you can reuse for future page-level audits.

1. Brand voice consistency

Content libraries drift over time because of changes in brand voice, staffing, products, and services. A brand voice consistency audit can help you identify what needs to be updated so a piece better aligns with your brand guidelines.

Unless you have detailed brand guidelines with plenty of examples, let Claude extract your voice guide from high-quality content. This helps remove subjective language common in many brand guides, such as “conversational but authoritative” or “educational, not too formal.”

Pick three to five articles as your standard bearers. Download them as markdown files if you can, then send them to Claude with a prompt asking it to describe:

• How the articles typically open (for example, do they open with a direct claim, a counterintuitive statement, or a concrete scenario?)
• Sentence and paragraph construction: average length, range, when sentences get longer or shorter, how paragraphs tend to close, and so on.
• Personality dimensions: three to five “We say X, but not Y” pairings, each with a do and don’t example.
• Vocabulary: words and phrases to use, and words and phrases to avoid.
• What this brand never does: specific constructions, phrases, and conventions absent from every piece.

Instead of “conversational but authoritative,” you should get:

• Observations such as “Your articles open with a direct claim rather than a scene-setting paragraph, sentences average 15 to 20 words and rarely exceed 30, transitions are functional (i.e., ‘here’s why that matters’) rather than formulaic (‘furthermore’).” 
• Example pairs such as “We’d say ‘the data shows three things,’ not ‘there are multiple factors to consider.'”

The goal isn’t to produce a voice guide your writers can use. It’s to create one an LLM can understand and apply.

Once you’re happy with the output, have Claude save it as a skill and evaluate an article with it. If it calls out things you don’t agree with, have Claude update the skill until you’re satisfied with the output.

You can use it to find brand inconsistencies in older content, check new content for alignment, and even start generating on-brand content, though you’ll still want to edit it. 

Dig deeper: How to train Claude to sound like your brand

2. Coverage comparison

If you need to improve content performance, a coverage comparison can help you identify topical gaps in your articles.

Use the Claude in Chrome extension to have Claude scrape content from the top three to five ranking pages for your target keyword. Ask Claude to analyze your content against the scraped content and highlight any gaps. You want to know:

• What your competitors are doing well.
• What you’re doing well.
• Where you can improve your piece.

If you prefer this information in a table, tell Claude to output it that way. Or, if you’d rather have a downloadable DOCX, ask for that.

If Claude recommends things you’ll never add to your content, make note of them when packaging the prompt into a skill.

3. Freshness audit

Old content adds up, and it’s hard to focus on refreshing it when you’re also creating new content. Creating a skill that identifies what needs to be updated so you don’t have to read every old article can save you a lot of time.

Feed Claude an older article and ask it to flag everything that’s time-sensitive: statistics with years attached, named tools or platforms, references to “current” or “recent” trends, and any claims that depend on a specific market or regulatory context that may have shifted. You’re not asking it to rewrite anything. You’re asking for a list of issues so you can update them.

If you have new products that may not have been mentioned in older articles, products you no longer carry, or similar changes, include that context in the input so Claude can flag content to remove or add.

Dig deeper: How to turn Claude Code into your SEO command center

4. AEO and AI retrievability

Answer engine optimization (AEO) focuses on making content visible in AI-generated responses. AI tools, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews, tend to surface content that answers questions directly. If your article buries the answer under three paragraphs of preamble, or structures key information in a way that’s hard to extract, it’s less likely to appear in those responses.

Give Claude an article alongside the target query and ask it to evaluate:

• Whether the piece answers the question directly and early. LLMs scan from the top down and weigh the opening heavily.
• Whether key statements are specific enough to quote directly. An LLM is less likely to extract or cite vague language because it’s harder to confirm.
• Where an FAQ-style section would help.
• Whether the page has clear authority signals, such as outbound links to primary research, first-person experience, or specific examples.

Save this as a skill, and it becomes an extra editor to help improve AI visibility.

Library-level audits

These audits require access to your performance data or content inventory, either through a connector or a manual export.

5. Performance triage

When people think of a content audit, they tend to think of analyzing a content library to uncover performance issues. Performance triage is exactly that kind of audit.

Before you start, make sure you have access to your data via a connector such as BigQuery or the Semrush API. If not, export the data you normally use for large-scale content audits (traffic, clicks, engagement metrics, conversions, rankings, and so on) as input.

Ask Claude to prioritize: pages that have suffered meaningful performance drops in the past six to 12 months, pages with high impressions but consistently low click-through rates, and pages that have been live long enough to rank but never have. 

Be clear about what constitutes a performance drop for your website, since traffic varies across sites and industries. Ask Claude to output a prioritized list of what’s worth investigating and why. From there, the page-level audits above provide the diagnostic framework.

If you’ve run this analysis before, give Claude the previous output so it better understands what you’re looking for.

Dig deeper: How to build a Claude Code-powered second brain for agency work

6. Topical gap analysis

Entities are a major part of AEO and semantic search. A topical gap analysis can help uncover whether you have enough content to build authority around the entities related to your brand.

The basic question is: What isn’t your content library covering that it should?

To get started, you’ll want a list of those entities as one of your inputs. For example, at my agency, we want to be known for SEO and AEO. If you have a clear list of services or products, you can use that instead of a list of entities.

Using Cowork or Code, have Claude analyze your sitemap and compare it to your target entities. Alternatively, if you have a Screaming Frog export with URLs, page titles, and meta descriptions, use that as an input for a more accurate analysis.

Ask Claude to identify topic clusters that are underrepresented or absent based on your target entities or products. If you want a prioritized list, you can use the Semrush MCP to have Claude check search volume for potential keywords.

Not every gap is worth filling. Filter the results to match your audience’s needs, and reiterate any changes you make to Claude to create a skill that matches your desired output. Your final list can then feed directly into your content creation workflows or be handed off to your content team.

Don’t try to audit everything at once

Content audits stall not because teams lack data, but because the scope feels too large to start. Pick one audit and one article. Run it, save the skill, and use it again on the next piece.

For me, iteration is part of the fun. I enjoy taking a skill and improving it, then chaining it with other skills to uncover even more content opportunities. I hope you’re able to build one of these this week.

As traditional SEO shifts toward GEO, there’s a growing narrative that visibility in AI search depends heavily on off-site brand mentions. As a result, marketers are being told to think beyond on-site content and prioritize off-site marketing initiatives to succeed in AI search.

There’s industrywide consensus on the growing importance of off-site signals in AI search. However, this has opened the door for opportunists to repackage shady SEO tactics as legitimate techniques for increasing visibility in AI search.

Unfortunately, much of what’s being sold under the GEO umbrella is unethical and potentially fraudulent.

The deception under the GEO umbrella

I’ve personally audited the work of top-rated GEO vendors offering brand mention outreach services.

What I’ve uncovered is that these service providers are charging premium prices for questionable, low-quality work.

Deceptive tactics include:

• Leveraging “research studies” to advance their sales narrative: Claims like “X% of AI visibility is driven by third-party sources” can be manipulated and taken out of context to convince marketers they need to manufacture an aggressive, high-volume system for generating brand mentions.
• Framing the program as “partnership” building: During the sales process, GEO vendors present these programs as opportunities to build partnerships with other brands. In reality, the placement opportunities are often low-quality paid-link inventory schemes.
• Selling PBN brand mentions: Selling brand placements on Private Blog Networks (PBNs) for around 10–15 times the cost of a typical SEO backlink.
• Selling topically irrelevant placements: The domains offering these brand placements are often topically irrelevant. For example, a site may have one page dedicated to LMS software while also publishing listicles about the best crypto wallets.
• Reddit astroturfing: Agencies use aged accounts to mass-post brand mentions across irrelevant subreddits. These “mentions” are often removed within 30 days for violating community guidelines.

Paying for brand mentions is just an evolution of black hat link building

This is an example of what GEO outreach vendors are pitching. It’s unethical and amounts to an attempt to manipulate AI systems.

Clients are being asked to approve and negotiate payments for mentions

This is happening in Slack. The agency generates a “placement opportunity” for approval, and the internal marketing liaison has to review it.

The internal marketer is often a junior specialist who doesn’t know how to evaluate the legitimacy of a referring page.

There’s a prompt topic, domain authority, citation rate, and publisher placement fee.

In this example, the fee is $250 in exchange for adding the brand mention.

Clients have to pay the publisher fees on top of the GEO agency retainer

This is the slimy part that doesn’t get talked about. The GEO vendor pays the publisher fees directly, then sends an invoice to the client to recoup those costs.

GEO vendors push for scale and volume, but dismiss quality and relevance

My argument is that third-party validation is only valuable when it comes from credible, topically relevant brands.

GEO vendors argue that AI visibility is a “volume game,” claiming that driving a high quantity of mentions will meaningfully increase a brand’s “mention rate” in AI answers.

They’re treating the problem as a mention-rate, citation-rate, and volume game without factoring quality or relevance into their approach.

In the example below, there are several outgoing commercial anchors to LMS software vendors. That’s a hallmark signal of paid links.

Considering that GEO is a reputation problem, I don’t think any brand would want to be mentioned on a page loaded with paid links to its competitors.

Temporary window of effectiveness for inauthentic brand mention spam

The reason some spammy GEO tactics appear to work right now is that most LLM citation systems are still immature compared to Google’s advanced spam detection. It’s possible that LLMs reward mention volume from low-quality sources that Google would typically ignore.

This creates a temporary window of effectiveness, perhaps one to two years, before AI platform companies refine their authority and spam signals. Marketers who prioritize a high-volume approach over brand safety may risk confusing LLMs about their entity or permanently damaging their reputation.

Here’s what Lily Ray thinks about it:

• “With each new product release, we see more signs that some of the new GEO/AEO companies – the ones selling services to boost visibility in AI search – lack the experience and context to anticipate how their approaches will be treated once Google and the AI platforms build countermeasures to strip spammy signals from their training data, indexes, and results.”
• “Our industry has gone through these cycles many times before. Going back to the first Penguin update in 2012, when Google began systematically suppressing inorganic links, paid mentions on low-quality sites have been treated as exactly what they are: another evolution of spammy link building. It’s naive and irresponsible to assume the search and AI platforms won’t eventually catch on too.”

GEO vendors are creating unnecessary risk

This type of work can inflict real damage. Glenn Gabe thinks of it as an evolution of paid link schemes. 

Marketing leaders aren’t just wasting time and money. They may be buying tactics that disappear, damage brand reputation, confuse LLMs about their entity, and ultimately waste effort on ineffective marketing initiatives.

It may also be illegal. The FTC says paid advertisements must include clear disclosures. Yet after paid or “negotiated” brand mentions are added to content pages, many websites don’t update those pages to disclose that the placements were sponsored.

How to evaluate GEO vendor claims about off-site mentions

When evaluating GEO vendors, remember this: Many prioritize mention volume over source quality.

Here are three common claims and why they deserve scrutiny:

• Claim: “The majority of AI brand discovery comes from third-party sources.”
  • Pushback: It doesn’t prove that buying or negotiating low-quality mentions causes a brand to rank better in AI answers.
• Claim: “Listicles and third-party pages are the lever.”
  • Pushback: It doesn’t support the idea that brands should pay to appear on thin, irrelevant, AI-generated listicles.
• Claim: “AI search is different, so traditional SEO quality judgment does not apply.”
  • Pushback: Google says the opposite for its AI search features. SEO best practices remain relevant. There are no special optimizations required for AI Overviews or AI Mode, and pages must still follow Search policies.

More broadly, there’s no substantial evidence that:

• Adding a paid mention to a cited page will cause a brand to be mentioned more often.
• Low-quality, long-tail publishers are beneficial for AI search visibility.
• Citation rate beats source quality.
• Traditional SEO and brand safety principles are obsolete in AI search.

Paying for “25 brand placements” to achieve a “10-15% mention-rate lift” isn’t the right way to think about AI search. Instead, pursue off-site mentions that reflect genuine category validation from trusted businesses, reputable publishers, and real communities.

France and Norway delivered exactly what fans hoped for from their World Cup campaigns, with both national teams entering their final Group I clash after securing qualification and setting up a battle between two of the tournament’s biggest attacking stars. The final result between France and Norway will decide who finishes top of the group and who faces a more difficult path in the knockout stage.

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have been among the standout performers of the 2026 World Cup so far, with both forwards scoring four goals across their opening two matches. France and Norway have already shown their quality, but the meeting at Gillette Stadium carries huge importance because the winner will claim first place in Group I.

Heading into the final matchday, France sits first in Group I with six points and a +5 goal difference, while Norway is second with six points and a +4 goal difference. Both national teams have won their opening two matches, meaning neither side can fall out of the top two positions regardless of the outcome.

Senegal and Iraq are fighting separately for third place, but they cannot catch either France or Norway. The battle between Les Bleus and the Vikings is purely about finishing position, knockout bracket placement, and gaining a potentially easier route toward the latter stages of the tournament.

France enters the match after convincing victories over Senegal and Iraq, while Norway impressed in its first World Cup appearance since 1998 by defeating Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2. Haaland has scored twice in each match, while Mbappe has also started the tournament in unstoppable form, making the clash one of the most anticipated games of the group stage.

What happens if France wins?

If France wins against Norway, Les Bleus will finish top of Group I with nine points, and Norway will drop to second place with six points.

A victory would confirm France’s status as one of the strongest teams in the competition and continue its perfect group-stage record. Didier Deschamps’ side would advance as group winners and receive a more favorable Round of 32 matchup against a third-place qualifier from one of several groups.

The top spot could prove extremely valuable because it avoids some of the stronger runners-up from other sections. France would continue on the side of the bracket that could provide a smoother path toward another deep World Cup run.

What happens if France and Norway play out a draw?

A draw would also send France into first place because their superior goal difference gives them the advantage.

The two teams would both finish with seven points, but France’s +5 goal difference would keep them ahead of Norway’s +4. The late goal Norway conceded against Senegal became a major factor because, before that moment, the Vikings had a better goal-scoring advantage.

A shared result would mean France maintains their preferred knockout route, while Norway would move into the second-place position. The match would still underline how closely matched the two European heavyweights have been throughout the group stage.

What happens if Norway wins?

If Norway defeats France, the Vikings will jump to first place in Group I with nine points, forcing France into second place.

The change would have a major impact on the knockout bracket. France would face the runner-up path, beginning with a Round of 32 match against the Group E second-place team, which is expected to be the Ivory Coast.

That route could become significantly more challenging, with potential meetings against some of the tournament’s biggest nations in later rounds. Norway, meanwhile, would benefit from taking the easier position after producing one of the biggest statements of the group stage.

Senegal and Iraq enter their final 2026 World Cup group match knowing that their tournament future could be decided by a single result. This clash will determine whether either national team can keep their knockout-stage dream alive after both suffered defeats in their opening two matches.

Both sides arrive at the meeting after difficult campaigns so far, with Senegal losing to France and Norway, while Iraq fell against the same two opponents. The final Group I fixture represents a last opportunity for both national teams to fight for a place among the eight best third-placed teams that will advance to the Round of 32.

Before the final matchday, France and Norway have already secured their places in the knockout stage after collecting six points from two victories each. France sits top with a +5 goal difference, while Norway follows closely behind with a +4 mark, meaning their own head-to-head battle will decide first place.

At the bottom of the group, Senegal and Iraq remain without a single point. Senegal currently holds third place because their goal difference is -3 compared to Iraq’s -6, but both teams know that only a victory can give them a chance of continuing their World Cup journey.

A draw would leave both teams with just one point, which is expected to be insufficient in the race for the best third-place spots. The pressure is enormous, especially because the 48-team World Cup format gives teams one final opportunity to survive through the expanded knockout qualification system.

What happens if Senegal wins?

If Senegal beats Iraq, the Lions of Teranga will finish third in Group I with three points and eliminate Iraq from the tournament.

However, Senegal’s qualification would still not be guaranteed. The African side would need to wait for results from other groups because only the eight strongest third-place teams will advance to the Round of 32.

Goal difference could become the deciding factor. Senegal enters the match with a -3 goal difference after defeats against France and Norway, meaning a convincing victory would greatly improve their chances of moving into the knockout stage.

What happens if Iraq wins?

If Iraq defeats Senegal, the Lions of Mesopotamia will move into third place with three points, while Senegal will finish last and be eliminated.

The challenge for Iraq is that their goal difference puts them in a difficult position. After heavy defeats to Norway and France, Iraq enters the final game with a -6 goal difference, meaning a narrow victory may not be enough to secure one of the best third-place positions.

A big win would significantly improve Iraq’s chances, but the national team would still need favorable results from other groups. Their path is much more complicated because they need both a positive result and help elsewhere.

Iraq has shown fighting spirit despite facing one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Their only goal so far came from Aymen Hussein, who scored against France, but defensive struggles have left them with a difficult task heading into the final match.

What happens if Senegal and Iraq draw?

If Senegal and Iraq finish level, both teams will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

A draw would technically move Senegal to third place because of their better goal difference, while Iraq would remain fourth. However, one point would not be enough to compete with the other third-place teams fighting for knockout qualification.

The result would end the World Cup hopes of two teams that entered the tournament with different expectations. Senegal arrived as one of Africa’s strongest representatives, while Iraq returned to the competition for only the second time in its history.

Both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are projected to start today in what is being billed as the ultimate heavyweight clash of the 2026 World Cup group stage.

While both Norway and France have already mathematically punched their tickets to the Round of 32 after securing a perfect six points from their opening two matches, neither superstar is expected to be rested for this spectacular finale at the Boston Stadium.

Aside from the battle to claim the top spot in Group I, both talismans are locked in an intense, head-to-head race for the Golden Boot. Haaland and Mbappe have enjoyed blistering starts to the tournament, each netting four goals across their first two matches. With Mbappe also sitting just two goals behind Lionel Messi’s newly established all-time World Cup scoring record, both forwards are highly motivated to lead their respective lines from the opening whistle.

Norway projected lineup

Stale Solbakken has no intention of slowing down his team’s momentum as the “Red Vikings” aim to secure an iconic victory over the tournament favorites.

Orjan Nyland is set to start between the posts behind a settled back four consisting of Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, and David Moller Wolfe. The structural engine room will be led by captain Martin Odegaard, who will provide the creative spark alongside Sander Berge and Patrick Berg. Out wide, the electric Antonio Nusa will look to exploit spaces on the counter-attack, partnering with Alexander Sorloth to feed crossess directly into the clinical Haaland.

Norway Projected XI (4-3-3): Orjan Nyland; Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland.

France projected lineup

With head coach Didier Deschamps away on compassionate leave following the tragic passing of his mother, assistant coach Guy Stéphan will command the technical area.

Because France holds a superior goal difference (+5 to Norway’s +4), Stéphan knows a draw will be mathematically sufficient to clinch first place in Group I, but his projected lineup indicates an aggressive approach.

Mike Maignan lines up in goal behind a highly robust defensive partnership of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, flanked by Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez. In the absence of heavy rotation, Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot are expected to form the double pivot in midfield. Further forward, Michael Olise will occupy the central playmaker role, flanked by Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, with Mbappe spearheading the attack.

France Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.

Sadio Mane is completely fit and will spearhead Senegal’s attack today. As the Teranga Lions prepare to step onto the pitch at BMO Field in Toronto for their final 2026 World Cup Group I match, the Al-Nassr forward remains the undisputed technical and emotional leader of the squad.

The stakes for this Matchday 3 fixture are intensely complex. Following consecutive defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2), both Senegal and Iraq have technically been eliminated from automatic progression via the top two spots. However, with the tournament format accommodating the best third-place finishers, Senegal must chase a massive win to repair their goal difference (-3) and keep their faint knockout hopes alive.

For Iraq, currently sitting at the bottom with a -6 goal difference, the objective centers on securing a historic first-ever World Cup victory.

Senegal projected lineup

Coach Pape Thiaw faces a forced change in goal. Regular shot-stopper Édouard Mendy suffered a severe knee injury during the second half against Norway and has been officially ruled out of the tournament.

Le Havre’s Mory Diaw is projected to step in between the posts. The backline remains anchored by the veteran presence of Kalidou Koulibaly alongside Moussa Niakhaté, flanked by Krépin Diatta and El Hadji Malick Diouf. In midfield, the experienced Idrissa Gana Gueye will marshal the center alongside Lamine Camara and Pape Alassane Gueye.

Up front, Nicolas Jackson takes the central striking role, flanked by the dynamic Ismaïla Sarr, and Mané on the left.

Senegal Projected XI (4-3-3): Mory Diaw; Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Alassane Gueye; Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané.

Iraq projected lineup

Graham Arnold will set up his side to maintain rigid defensive organization while hunting transitions. The primary injury concern surrounds talismanic forward Aymen Hussein, who is managing a heavy muscle strain. If he cannot pass a late fitness test, AFC Wimbledon’s Ali Al-Hamadi is primed to take the central attacking role.

Ahmed Basil protects the net behind a back four featuring Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, and Merchas Doski. The tactical framework relies heavily on a double pivot of Zaid Ismail and Amir Al-Ammari to shield the defense.

Further forward, Zidane Iqbal will pulls the creative strings from the number ten role, flanked by the industrial pace of Ahmed Qasem and Ibrahim Bayesh out wide.

Iraq Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Ahmed Basil; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, Merchas Doski; Zaid Ismail, Amir Al-Ammari; Ahmed Qasem, Zidane Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh; Ali Al-Hamadi.

France have been forced into an unexpected and emotional coaching adjustment ahead of their final 2026 World Cup Group I fixture against Norway at Gillette Stadium. Coach Didier Deschamps has officially vacated the team’s base camp in the United States to return home to France.

The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed that the 57-year-old strategist is missing today’s decisive match following the tragic passing of his mother. The FFF released an official statement expressing their deep sorrow and offering unwavering support to the manager during this difficult period.

Deschamps learned of his mother’s death on Tuesday morning and immediately made arrangements to travel back across the Atlantic to attend her funeral alongside his family.

The federation labeled it an “extremely painful moment” for the entire national setup, granting the coach indefinite leave before he is expected to rejoin the camp ahead of the knockout rounds.

Who is going to take Deschamps’ place against Norway?

With a massive match on the horizon to determine who wins the group, Deschamps has personally entrusted the managerial responsibilities to his long-standing assistant coach, Guy Stéphan.

The 69-year-old tactician is uniquely qualified to maintain continuity, having served as Deschamps’ loyal right-hand man since 2009 during their time together at Olympique Marseille, before joining the national staff in 2012.

Stéphan is tasked with managing a highly fluid situation on the pitch. While France has already mathematically secured its ticket to the Round of 32 following consecutive, dominant victories over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0), today’s clash with Norway carries immense weight for their upcoming tournament bracket placement.

What is at stake in the Group I finale?

Both France and Norway have collected a maximum of six points from their opening two games, turning today’s meeting into a direct shootout for the top spot in Group I.

Because Les Bleus hold a narrow +5 goal difference advantage over Norway’s +4, a draw will be enough for Stéphan to guide France to a first-place finish. However, containing an in-form Erling Haaland represents a major test for France.

Match Overview

Senegal enters this final group stage match with zero points, but their record doesn’t tell the whole story. The Lions of Teranga delivered competitive performances against both France and Norway, proving their attacking capabilities. Now, with their tournament lives on the line, the objective is clear: secure a dominant victory against Iraq to have any hope of advancing to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. The urgency is immense, and Senegal will be expected to play with relentless offensive pressure from the opening whistle.

Iraq also sits on zero points and faces a monumental task to keep their campaign alive. After conceding seven goals across their first two games, their -6 goal difference makes qualification a near-mathematical impossibility. For them, this match is about restoring pride and attempting to claim a historic first-ever point or win in the competition. While both sides are desperate for a victory, the stakes are significantly higher for a talented Senegalese squad with a realistic path to the Round of 32.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The trajectories of these two nations in the tournament could not be more different. Senegal has looked like a competent and dangerous side placed in an incredibly difficult group. Despite the losses, they have generated significant scoring chances and shown they can compete with top-tier opposition. In contrast, Iraq has appeared outmatched, struggling to contain opponents defensively and creating very little in the attack, as evidenced by their low expected goals (xG) figures in their first two matches.

This tactical clash is expected to be one-sided. Senegal will almost certainly dominate possession and territory, looking to press high and create turnovers in dangerous areas. Their game plan will revolve around leveraging the speed and skill of attackers like Sadio Mané and Ismaila Sarr against Iraq‘s vulnerable backline, which ranks among the worst in the tournament based on expected goals against (xGA). Iraq will likely be forced to defend in a deep, compact low block, hoping to frustrate Senegal and perhaps find a rare opportunity on the counter-attack.

Motivation will be a key factor. For Senegal, the goal is not just to win, but to win convincingly to overturn their negative goal difference. This necessity will drive their attacking intent for the full 90 minutes. For Iraq, the primary motivation is to avoid another heavy defeat and exit the tournament with a respectable performance. While they are mathematically still in it, the severe goal difference deficit means their realistic ambitions are limited to playing the role of spoiler.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This match marks a historic first-ever meeting between Senegal and Iraq. The two nations have never faced each other in an official competition or even a friendly, adding a layer of unpredictability to this crucial group stage finale. With no past results to draw from, recent tournament form and performance against similar opponents become the most reliable indicators.

While this is their first encounter with Iraq, Senegal has a positive record against Asian teams in this competition. They are undefeated in two previous matchups, securing a draw and a victory, the most recent being a 3-1 win over hosts Qatar in 2022. Conversely, this will be Iraq’s first-ever game against an African (CAF) nation at the tournament, presenting a new type of challenge for their squad.

Recent trends strongly suggest goals could be on the menu, particularly for one side. Four of Senegal‘s last five matches across all competitions have seen over 3.5 goals scored, highlighting their potent attack and occasional defensive lapses. Meanwhile, Iraq has conceded a staggering seven goals in their two tournament games. This combination points toward a high likelihood of Senegal finding the back of the net multiple times as they push for a decisive victory.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both teams are heading into this decisive fixture with key players missing due to injury, forcing tactical adjustments from their managers.

Senegal will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Mory Diaw is expected to deputize between the posts. Given the absolute necessity of a win, coach Pape Thiaw will likely field his strongest possible attacking lineup to ensure his team has the firepower to secure the goals they desperately need.

Iraq’s challenges are compounded by injuries in their attack. Aymen Hussein was forced off with a groin issue against France and will miss this match, while the availability of Mohanad Ali Kadhim Al Shammari remains uncertain. These absences further blunt an offense that has already struggled to create scoring opportunities throughout the tournament.

Senegal Projected XI (4-2-3-1):

Diaw; Diouf, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye; Mané, Camara, Sarr; Jackson.

This is an aggressive, attack-minded formation designed to control the match from the outset. With world-class talent like Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, and Nicolas Jackson leading the charge, Senegal aims to overwhelm Iraq’s defense with pace, creativity, and clinical finishing.

Iraq Projected XI (4-1-4-1):

Basil; Doski, Hashem, Tahseen, Ali; Al-Ammari; Bayesh, Iqbal, Ismael, Qasem; Al-Hamadi.

This lineup suggests a defensive and cautious approach. Iraq will likely pack the midfield and try to remain compact, with a single holding midfielder shielding the back four. The lone striker, Al-Hamadi, may face a difficult task with limited support against a strong Senegalese defense.

More details on how to watch

You can find the Senegal vs Iraq live stream on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android, as well as web browsers.

A subscription to Fubo gives you access to more than just this match. You can also watch other games from the 2026 tournament, along with top European leagues such as Liga MX and LaLiga, all through the same service.

The plan is available for $14.99/month, offering comprehensive soccer coverage for fans in the United States. This subscription ensures you have the primary Senegal vs Iraq channel for the upcoming game.

SEE MORE: For a complete list of tournament games, visit our World Cup TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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

Match Overview

Norway enters this final group stage match having already made history. Competing in their first global tournament since 1998, the Norwegians have secured a spot in the knockout rounds, powered by the phenomenal form of striker Erling Haaland. For a nation that has waited decades to return to this stage, defeating a world power like France would be more than just a win; it would be a statement that solidifies their status as a dangerous dark horse in the competition.

France, meanwhile, arrives with the calm confidence of a tournament favorite. With six points from their first two games, Les Bleus have also guaranteed their progression and need only a draw to clinch the top spot in Group I. The stakes are clear: this match will decide who earns a potentially more favorable path in the Round of 32. For Didier Deschamps‘ side, it’s an opportunity to maintain momentum and send a message to the rest of the field.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

Both teams come into this fixture with perfect records, having secured six points each. However, their paths have differed. France has displayed dominant and controlled performances against Senegal and Iraq, blending defensive solidity with offensive firepower. Norway has also claimed two victories—a first for the nation in the group stage—but has appeared more defensively vulnerable, relying on its potent attack to outscore opponents.

The tactical clash will likely revolve around two of the world’s best forwards, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, whose contributions could decide the outcome. Beyond the superstars, France holds a significant advantage in squad depth. The midfield battle will be crucial, as both teams prefer to control possession but have not shown a tendency to press high. France‘s backline has proven more resilient, conceding a lower expected goals against (xGA) total than Norway, whose defense has been porous at times.

With both nations having already advanced to the knockout stage, the primary motivation is to win the group. A first-place finish ensures a matchup against a third-placed team, theoretically an easier opponent. However, this lack of do-or-die pressure may lead both managers to rotate their squads heavily, prioritizing player fitness for the more demanding games ahead. This could alter the match’s intensity and tactical shape significantly.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

The historical record between Norway and France in competitive fixtures is sparse and dated, with their last official encounter taking place in the qualifiers back in 1989. Across 10 official matches, France has the upper hand with six victories to Norway‘s two, alongside two draws. Their most recent meeting of any kind was a 2014 friendly, which France won convincingly 4-0, though its relevance to today’s squads is minimal.

Given the lack of recent direct encounters, broader tournament trends offer more insight. France has an formidable record against fellow European nations in recent tournaments, winning their last five such matches. This highlights their ability to navigate high-stakes continental clashes on the biggest stage. Their overall form is equally impressive, with nine of their last 13 victories coming by a margin of two or more goals.

Conversely, Norway has historically struggled against UEFA opposition at the finals. In five previous matches against European teams in the tournament, they have failed to secure a single win, managing just two draws and suffering three defeats. This trend suggests that even with their current attacking prowess, overcoming a disciplined and talented French side will be a monumental task.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

With qualification for the knockout rounds already secured, both teams are expected to rotate their starting lineups to rest key players.

For Norway, the primary concern is the fitness of Julian Ryerson, who was forced off with an injury during the match against Senegal. Given the lower stakes, he will likely be given time to recover. Manager Ståle Solbakken may also choose to rest stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, who have endured long and demanding club seasons, to ensure they are fresh for the Round of 32.

France enters the match with a fully fit squad, giving Didier Deschamps the luxury of choice. Similar to his counterpart, he is expected to rotate heavily. While Kylian Mbappé may retain his spot to continue his pursuit of the Golden Boot, other key players could be rested. This will provide an opportunity for talents like Randal Kolo Muani and Manu Koné to gain valuable tournament experience.

Norway Projected XI (4-3-3):
Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Østigård, Møller Wolfe; Thorstvedt, Berg, Berge; Bobb, Strand Larsen, Schjelderup.
This lineup reflects a focus on preservation. By resting Haaland and Ødegaard, Norway can protect its most vital assets for the knockout stage while giving valuable minutes to capable forwards like Jørgen Strand Larsen and Oscar Bobb, who will be tasked with challenging the French defense.

France Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Tchouaméni, Koné; Olise, Kolo Muani, Coman; Mbappé.
Deschamps will likely blend experience with fresh legs. While the defensive core may remain largely intact, the midfield and attack could see significant changes. Kolo Muani could slot into a central creative role, supported by the pace of Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman on the wings, ensuring France remains a potent threat even with a rotated squad.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Norway vs France match on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices. You can also stream directly from your web browser.

In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. Enjoy coverage of leagues such as Liga MX, LaLiga, and various cup tournaments throughout the year.

A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99 per month, or you can opt for an annual plan to save money. The package provides comprehensive access to all live matches, replays, and exclusive content available on the platform.

SEE MORE: Schedule of World Cup games on US TV

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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

Futbol üzrə Yaponiya milli komandasının sol cinah müdafiəçisi Yuto Naqatomo dünya çempionatları tarixində yeni rekorda imza atıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 39 yaşlı müdafiəçi DÇ-2026-nın qrup mərhələsinin son turunda İsveçə qarşı keçirdikləri oyunda meydana çıxmaqla beş dünya çempionatında iştirak edən ilk asiyalı futbolçu olub.

Naqatomo qarşılaşmanın 75-ci dəqiqəsində, hesabın 1:1 olduğu vaxt əvəzlənərək meydana daxil olub.

Beləliklə, təcrübəli müdafiəçi Asiya futbolu tarixində unikal göstəriciyə nail olub. Daha əvvəl dünya çempionatlarının beş final mərhələsində Meksika yığmasının sabiq futbolçuları Antonio Karbaxal, Andres Quardado və Rafael Markes, Almaniya millisinin əfsanələri Lotar Matteus və Manuel Noyer, həmçinin Xorvatiya yığmasının kapitanı Luka Modriç iştirak ediblər.

Dünya çempionatlarında ən çox iştirak rekordları isə Kristiano Ronaldoya və Lionel Messiyə məxsusdur. Hər iki futbolçu altı mundialda çıxış edib.

Qeyd edək ki, Yuto Naqatomo Yaponiya millisinin heyətində 2011-ci ildə Asiya Kubokunun qalibi olub. O, milli komandada keçirdiyi 146 oyunla Yaponiya yığmasının tarixində ən çox forma geyinən ikinci futbolçudur. Bu göstəricidə yalnız karyerasını başa vurmuş Yasuhito Endodan (152 oyun) geri qalır.

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında mübarizə aparan “Zirə”nin baş meneceri Elman Himayətoğlu paytaxt klubunda fərqli vəzifəyə təyinat alıb.

Arena.az bu barədə “qartallar”ın mətbuat xidmətinə istinadən xəbər verir.

Xəbərdə vurğulanır ki, “Zirə” PFK-da kadr dəyişikliyi baş verib. Klubun baş meneceri Elman Himayətoğlu bundan sonra idman direktoru vəzifəsində çalışacaq.

Qeyd edək ki, Elman Himayətoğlu 2015-ci ildən “Zirə” PFK-da çalışır. O, daha öncə “Futbol+” qəzetində idman jurnalisti kimi fəaliyyət göstərib.

“Zirə” 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümündə Azərbaycanı Avropa Konfrans Liqasında təmsil edəcək. Rəşad Sadıqovun rəhbərlik etdiyi komandanı bu turnirin 1-ci təsnifat mərhələsində Gürcüstanın “Torpedo” (Kutaisi) kollektivi ilə görüşlər gözləyir.

Azərbaycan təmsilçisinin Gürcüstan klubuna qarşı ilk oyunu iyulun 8-də “Sumqayıt Arena”da baş tutacaq. Bu komandaların cavab görüşü isə iyulun 16-da Kutaisidə təşkil ediləcək.

ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikanın ev sahibliyi etdiyi dünya çempionatında qrup mərhələsinin üçüncü turunun oyunları keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mundialda mübarizə aparan 48 komanda arasında yalnız Panama hələ qol vura bilməyib.

Panamalılar L qrupunda İngiltərə, Qana və Xorvatiya ilə mübarizə aparır. Yığma Xorvatiya və Qanaya eyni hesabla – 0:1-lə uduzub.

Panama qrupda son oyununu sabah İngiltərəyə qarşı keçirəcək.

İyunun 26-da Qusar Olimpiya İdman Kompleksində kəmər dərəcələri üzrə rəsmi imtahan keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Azərbaycan Cüdo Federasiyasının təşkilatçılığı ilə reallaşan imtahanda Şimal bölgəsindən 297 cüdoçu iştirak edib.

İdmançılar yaş uyğunluğuna əsasən ağ-sarı, sarı, narıncı, yaşıl, göy və qəhvəyi kəmər dərəcələri üzrə bacarıqlarını nümayiş etdirib. İmtahanı uğurla başa vuran idmançılara müvafiq kəmər və sertifikatlar təqdim olunub.

Kəmər imtahanları cüdoçuların texnikaları daha sistemli və hərtərəfli mənimsəməsinə, eyni zamanda motivasiyalarının artmasına xidmət edir. Bu mərhələ həm də gələcəkdə nüfuzlu daxili yarışlarda iştirak üçün vacib şərtlərdən biri hesab olunur.

Source

With reports of Arsenal interest, Roma midfielder Manu Koné is increasing his transfer value with France at the World Cup, breaking into the starting XI.

The 25-year-old had already been the subject of a strong push on the market from Inter, both last summer and again in January, but the Giallorossi held firm.

Now his value is set to sky-rocket above the current €50m, because reports in France note that he has really impressed for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup.

Koné raising profile at World Cup

It’s rumoured he is set to get his second consecutive start in midfield for this evening’s group game against Norway, which is a head-to-head for top spot.

This is a sign of the confidence that coach Didier Deschamps and his staff have for Koné, who has pushed his way past Aurelien Tchaouameni to start.

It is hardly new, as he started four of the six qualifying matches for the tournament too, and has impressed with his work-rate, positioning and ability to handle pressure.

Roma are hoping to keep hold of Koné after qualifying for the Champions League, but are also well aware of the strong interest from Arsenal, which would certainly tempt the player.

They paid €18m to sign him from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024, so a sale for over €50m would bring a significant profit.

Giovanni Simeone would gladly go to River Plate, claim reports in Argentina, but Torino informed the striker today that he is not for sale.

The centre-forward turns 31 next month and has been away from his homeland since first leaving River Plate for Genoa in 2016.

Simeone eager for Argentina return

His career has been almost entirely in Italy, also representing Fiorentina, Cagliari, Hellas Verona and Napoli, coming to Torino last summer.

The €1.35m loan was turned into a permanent transfer for €7.2m plus a further €1m in potential add-ons.

According to Argentine transfer pundit Cesar Luis Merlo, Simeone met with Torino President Urbano Cairo this week and informed him of his desire to go back to River Plate.

However, the Granata are determined to keep hold of Simeone after buying him outright from Napoli, with a contract to June 2028 that has an option to extend for one more year.

Cholito scored 11 goals with two assists in 32 Serie A appearances for Torino this season.

Italy international Marco Palestra is having his Chelsea medical today, with Atalanta reportedly pocketing €57m plus €3m in add-ons and a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

The right-back flew out to London yesterday and his representatives are finalising the details of the contract now.

Palestra will sign for Chelsea today

The Premier League side blew Inter away in negotiations by offering double the €2.5m per season salary proposal, so he will earn €5m per season net at Stamford Bridge in a six-year plus option for one more season contract.

There are still some disagreements over the exact costs, because while British transfer pundit Ben Jacobs notes the fee is “in excess of €50m,” Sky Sport Italia have it at a €57m plus €3m in add-ons deal.

Atalanta can also retain a 10 per cent cut of any future sale fee.

Inter had been on the verge of agreeing a deal with Atalanta worth €45m plus €5m add-ons, but could not compete with the increased Chelsea proposal.

Udinese activated their option to buy Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray, but as they have still not agreed personal terms over a new contract, he could yet move elsewhere.

The restless Italy international has been almost constantly travelling since forcing an exit from Roma in February 2023.

That €15m switch to Galatasaray lasted just six months before loan experiences with Aston Villa, Atalanta, Fiorentina and last summer Udinese.

Zaniolo seeking consistency at Udinese

After six goals and as many assists in 34 competitive appearances, the Friulani decided to activate their option to buy him outright from Galatasaray for €5m plus a 50 per cent cut of his future sale fee.

However, Sky Sport Italia report that negotiations have so far failed to reach an agreement on personal terms for a new contract.

This was not already agreed because his switch to Udinese was rushed in the final minutes of the transfer window, so only a vague idea was sketched out with the plan to revisit at the end of the season.

That hasn’t so far worked, because the player and club have been talking for weeks with no solution in sight.

Transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio warns that if the situation is not resolved quickly, then Zaniolo will start looking around for a new project.

Milan have made the first formal offer for Goncalo Ramos worth €40m, claim multiple sources, but it is not enough for Paris Saint-Germain, with Atletico Madrid also interested.

It is no secret that the striker is the first choice for new coach Ruben Amorim, but in truth he had already been on their radar under predecessor Max Allegri too.

The 25-year-old Portugal international is currently at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, with the determination to get more playing time at club level in future.

Milan make first Goncalo Ramos move

According to A Bola in Portugal and L’Equipe in France, the first formal offer was sent to PSG by Milan and the package is worth €40m.

However, that is below the expectations set by the Champions League holders, who paid €65m to buy him from Benfica in 2024 following an initial loan.

A Bola maintain the asking price is closer to €50m, but there is still room for negotiation, with help from agent Jorge Mendes.

His contract at San Siro would be worth circa €4m per season, a similar salary to the one he earns at Parc des Princes.

Goncalo Ramos scored 12 goals with two assists in 45 competitive games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, allowing them to retain the Champions League trophy.

Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested, although they are more focused on his teammate Kang-In Lee.

Roma are ready to battle Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the chance to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, claim reports in Belgium, but it’ll cost almost €30m.

It is hardly the first time that the player has been linked with a move to Serie A, because coach Gian Piero Gasperini had already requested him at his old club Atalanta.

Now that the Giallorossi have qualified for the Champions League after a seven-year absence, they hope to finally give Gasperini his preferred target.

Engels on Roma radar

Belgian transfer pundit Sacha Tavolieri claims that Roma are diving into the transfer fight, hoping to surprise Premier League teams Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Engels turns 23 in September and has four senior caps for the Belgium national team.

He made the move from Augsburg to Celtic in the summer of 2024 at a cost of €13m.

This season, the player contributed seven goals and eight assists in 46 competitive games, and he is crucially also able to play on the right side of midfield.

There could be a knock-on effect, though, as Nottingham Forest are about to have a big influx of cash with the sale of Elliott Anderson to Manchester City.

Roma, meanwhile, must sell to balance the books by June 30 and can only consider a real proposal after that.

Sun Sport and Sky Sports UK claim that Nottingham Forest need around £25m to secure Engels (circa €29m).

Arsenal are reportedly actively exploring four midfielder transfers this summer, including Newcastle United duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Also on the Gunners’ list of targets are Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, according to a report from BBC Sport.

It seems internal discussions have taken place over bringing in one elite central midfield signing, while there have also been some contacts over Guimaraes.

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However, it remains to be seen which deal Arsenal will advance with, as the report notes that the club’s sporting director Andrea Berta is known for trying to agree personal terms with multiple targets before moving on to club-to-club negotiations.

Sandro Tonali also wanted by Tottenham but could cost £100m

The BBC report also notes that Tonali has been targeted by Tottenham, with Newcastle rejecting an offer of £80m for the Italy international.

It’s thought that it could take as much as £100m to convince the Magpies to sell Tonali this summer.

Guimaraes also surely won’t come cheap, with David Ornstein posting that £60m won’t be enough, and it’s debatable if AFC should really go any higher than that for someone who turns 29 later this year…

? Arsenal made verbal offer to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. #AFC proposal through intermediaries below £60m – rejected + #NUFC insist sale of 28yo #Brazil int’l midfielder will not be entertained. W/ @gunnerblog @ChrisDHWaugh @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/EAsKXjwYCW

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 26, 2026

Tonali is slightly younger, so might be the better option, but would also be more expensive, so there are no easy answers here.

Bouaddi and Scott are both a lot younger so might represent better long-term investments for Arsenal, even if there’s also some risk when it comes to bringing in players who are less proven and experienced at the very highest level.

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More Stories / Latest News

BBC: Arsenal actively exploring four elite midfielders, including £100m star

Jun 26 2026, 16:41

Talks imminent: Arsenal officials meeting in next hour to “discuss next steps” on £60m-plus transfer

Jun 26 2026, 16:09

Legendary Premier League midfielder gives his thoughts on £116m transfer deal

Jun 26 2026, 15:30

The midfielder market is hotting up

It looks like being a big summer for midfielders, with the BBC noting that Elliot Anderson is moving from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for a whopping £116m.

That will drive up prices elsewhere, so that could end up being a problem for Arsenal as they look to find both quality and value on the market.

The post BBC: Arsenal actively exploring four elite midfielders, including £100m star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal officials will reportedly meet in the next hour to discuss the next steps in the Bruno Guimaraes transfer pursuit.

The Gunners seem to have failed with an initial approach for the Brazil international, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein.

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However, another X account run by multiple journalists has replied to Ornstein’s post saying there will be further talks over this potential deal at 5pm today, which is just under an hour away at the time of writing.

Guimaraes has been a key player for Newcastle, so obviously won’t come cheap, with Ornstein insisting that there is no chance of the 28-year-old moving for £60m…

? Arsenal made verbal offer to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. #AFC proposal through intermediaries below £60m – rejected + #NUFC insist sale of 28yo #Brazil int’l midfielder will not be entertained. W/ @gunnerblog @ChrisDHWaugh @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/EAsKXjwYCW

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 26, 2026

Newcastle have lost some key players in recent times, with Alexander Isak moving to Liverpool last summer, while Anthony Gordon has already made the move to Barcelona this year.

Guimaraes may be another who’s keen for a new challenge, but one also imagines Newcastle will do their best not to lose more big names without a fight.

How much should Arsenal pay for Bruno Guimaraes?

Arsenal could probably do with more depth in midfield, but it’s not exactly an emergency issue for Mikel Arteta right now.

The north London giants already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Christian Norgaard as solid options in that area of their squad.

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More Stories / Latest News

BBC: Arsenal actively exploring four elite midfielders, including £100m star

Jun 26 2026, 16:41

Talks imminent: Arsenal officials meeting in next hour to “discuss next steps” on £60m-plus transfer

Jun 26 2026, 16:09

Legendary Premier League midfielder gives his thoughts on £116m transfer deal

Jun 26 2026, 15:30

At the same time, however, there’s surely a high chance of Norgaard leaving after barely getting any playing time in the season just gone, with Arteta perhaps just not trusting him enough.

Guimaraes would surely be a significant upgrade, and would therefore allow AFC to rotate more and allow the likes of Rice and Zubimendi more opportunities to rest after playing so much football in the last year or so.

Still, paying more than £60m for that kind of player seems like a lot, especially when Guimaraes would likely only be a signing for the next two or three years at most, due to his age.

The post Talks imminent: Arsenal officials meeting in next hour to “discuss next steps” on £60m-plus transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City have agreed a massive £116m deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, and various pundits are having their say.

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Last night brought news that one of the biggest and most anticipated deals of the summer in the Premier League was done – Manchester City have agreed a £116m fee to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Gundogan backs Anderson to succeed at City

He’s a great player, but it’s a vast amount of money. Former Man City talisman Ilkay Gundogan, whom Elliot will be trying to emulate, was asked for his thoughts on the player by ESPN:

“I think he has proven that [he will succeed], especially last season with Nottingham [Forest]. He played an incredible season. He had some outstanding performances, also against City,” Gundogan said in quotes picked up by ESPN.

“I think he had quite an impressive development over the years, and I’m quite sure that he will make a great addition to the City squad.

“I’m quite sure that the people in Manchester will be very happy, because when you watch him play, you feel like it’s someone who sacrifices everything for the team, and that’s what you want to have as a teammate.”

It’s always hard to live up to a fee that big, but if Anderson can have half the success that Gundogan did he will have been a big hit. Firstly, he’s got to worry about this World Cup with England, however.

In other news…

Barcelona are considering selling a player they bought just a year ago for a major profit.

Multiple teams are getting into gear to chase one of the breakout young starlets of the World Cup once the tournament is over.

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The post Legendary Premier League midfielder gives his thoughts on £116m transfer deal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The University of Florida's athletic program produced nine top-10 NCAA team finishes, landing it in sixth place in the 2025-26 Learfield Directors' Cup standings. That extended the school's streak of top-10 national all-sports finishes to 42 consecutive years, remaining the only program in the country to achieve that distinction.

"It was another impressive year for the Gators," said athletic director Scott Stricklin. "With nine top-10 team finishes, including seven among the nation's top five, our student-athletes, coaches and staff demonstrated the commitment, resilience and pursuit of excellence that define Florida Athletics. We're grateful for their dedication and proud of the way they represented the Gator standard on the national stage throughout the year."

At the conference level, the SEC leads all Division I conferences with nine institutions in the top 25: Texas (1st), Florida (6th), Georgia (8th), Texas A&M (12th), Alabama (13th), Arkansas (14th), Tennessee (15th), LSU (17th) and Oklahoma (16th).

Florida Gators top 10 sports

• No. 2 Men's Swimming & Diving
• No. 2 Women's Outdoor Track & Field
• No. 3 Gymnastics
• No. 3 Men's Indoor Track & Field
• No. 5 Women's Cross Country
• No. T5 Men's Golf
• No. T5 Women's Indoor Track & Field
• No. T9 Softball
• No. 10 Women's Swimming & Diving

2025-26 Learfield Directors' Cup Standings

About the Learfield Directors' Cup

The Learfield Directors' Cup, presented annually by the nation's athletics directors, recognizes the schools with the best overall sports performances in an academic year. The scoring system uses finishes in NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball, baseball, women's soccer and women's volleyball championship action. Additionally, a program can receive points in up to 14 other sports toward its final score.

2025-26 Individual NCAA Champions for the Gators

Florida extended its streak of producing at least five NCAA individual title winners to 18 consecutive completed seasons in 2025-26, with six Gators accounting for eight NCAA individual championships. It is the 45th consecutive complete season with a Gator winning at least one individual national title.

Florida's 2025-26 NCAA Individual National Champions

Gators by the Numbers

• 9 top 10 national team finishes, including seven in the top five.
• 5 conference titles in 2025-26 for the Gators – men's basketball, women's cross country, women's indoor and outdoor track & field and lacrosse.
• 93% Graduation Success Rate, as reported last fall in the 2025 NCAA Federal Graduation Rate data - above the national average of 90%.
• 3.43 grade point average by Gator student-athletes in the 2025-26 academic year, an all-time high. A total of 390 Gators earned 2025-26 SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition.
• 8 conference athlete of the year honors, marking the 49th consecutive season in which at least one Gator earned league athlete-of-the-year recognition.
• 83 Gators earned 197 All-America honors across 19 sports in 2025-26.
• 7 named to CSC Academic All-America teams, including Josh Liendo claiming the men's swimming & diving CSC Academic All-American of the Year award
• 6 coaches earned a combined 7 conference coach-of-the-year honors, marking the 31st consecutive season in which at least one Florida coach received league coach-of-the-year recognition.
• 1.1 million fans attended Gator home events in 2025–26, with four teams ranking among the nation's top 10 in total or average attendance.

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

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida athletics finishes sixth in Learfield Directors' Cup rankings

The stakes are rising at the FIFA World Cup as nations battle for a place in the knockout stages of the tournament, but which ones have done enough to make our Power Rankings?

Every week we assess the top teams based on rolling performance and results to find out who is the best of the best in 2026.

World Cup Power Rankings:

15. Cape Verde 🆕

We are pretty sure this will be the smallest country that ever features in our rankings. Cape Verde have been excellent so far, unexpectedly taking a point each off Spain and Uruguay to go unbeaten in their opening two games.

Their defence has been mightily impressive and they arguably should have been Uruguay last Sunday. With the two most daunting matches out of the way, only Saudi Arabia stands between them a place in the round of 32.

14. Colombia 🆕

The World Cup is just better when Colombia are competitive. They have fun players who can light the tournament up in any given match; there’s Luis Diaz terrorising defences, Daniel Munoz marauding down the wing, and James Rodriguez still doing his thing at 34-years-old. They can clinch top spot in Group K with a draw against Portugal on Saturday, but don’t expect them to settle for just a point.

13. Ivory Coast 🆕

This Ivory Coast side might be the most impressive we have ever seen, which says a lot when you think of some of the illustrious names they have had in recent decades. Teenager Yan Diomande is the star man, but they play like a well oiled team that can hurt you in different ways.

Read – African players with most combined goals and assists in World Cup history

12. Mexico 🆕

Mexico ended the group stage with a 100 per cent record, winning all three of their games while scoring six goals and conceding none. The co-hosts did have one of the weaker groups, but you can only beat what’s in front of you.

11. Morocco ⬇️ (last week: 8)

We fully expected Morocco to be tighter at the back against Haiti on Wednesday, but in fairness to the Haitians, they are a better side than what they are given credit for.

The main takeaway from Morocco’s comeback victory is that they were able to turn it on in attack when they needed to. They will be a very dangerous team for any side they face in the next round.

10. United States ⬇️ (7)

A slight downgrade for the US after they lost their dead rubber encounter with Türkiye, but Mauricio Pochettino’s men were nonetheless entertaining and head into the knockouts in a great place.

Read – World Cup 2026: Every team in the Round of 32 so far 

9. England ⬇️ (3)

Deary me. All the excitement that came out of England’s impressive win over Croatia was popped like a balloon when they were held to a goalless draw by Ghana on Tuesday. The Three Lions were mostly fine without being exceptional in the first half, but their inability to turn the screw after the interval was deeply worrying.

This felt like same old England at a major tournament, incapable of breaking down a well organised defence. That said, Nico O’Reilly and Harry Kane came incredibly close to winning it late on.

8. Germany ⬇️ (4)

Even though Germany are the joint-top scorers (10 goals) in the competition at the time of writing, there is something about them that fails to convince.

Die Mannschaft needed a late rally to beat Ivory Coast last Saturday and were pinned to their collar for most of the match as they lost the midfield battle. They subsequently lost to Ecuador despite going ahead after two minutes. Yes, they were already through anyway, but Julian Nagelsmann selected his strongest XI for the game. They were also extremely lucky that Leroy Sane’s goal wasn’t called back for a foul in the build up.

Germany undoubtedly possess one of the better squads in the tournament, but they will struggle to knock off any of the main contenders in the knockout phase.

World Cup Day 15 – Ecuador shock Germany as six teams go through

7. Brazil 🆕

Carlo Ancelotti has gotten Brazil back on track after that very concerning performance against Morocco on matchday one. Perhaps we shouldn’t give him too much credit for beating Haiti and Scotland three goals each, but the manager made some key changes that has sparked an improvement, namely the introduction of Matheus Cunha.

Still, the doubts haven’t disappeared. Raphinha may not play again this summer after sustaining an injury, which means they will be depend on Vinicius Junior to carry their attack even more. His moments of magic steered Brazil to the top of Group C, but will that be enough to reach the latter stages?

Read – The Brazilian players to score in the first three games of a World Cup

6. Japan 🆕

One of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the competition, Japan are a very sharp outfit who have demonstrated an ability to cut through teams with their passing in the final third. Beating Brazil in the round of 32 would be an upset, but it shouldn’t come as a shock if they pull it off.

Read – The Cristiano Ronaldo Conundrum for Portugal

5. Netherlands ⬆️ (10)

Netherlands finished the group stage undefeated with two wins and a draw, having scored 10 goals, currently the joint-most of any team alongside Germany. The Oranje swept aside Sweden and Tunisia, and they arguably should have beaten Japan, too.

Read – Sunderland striker Brobbey achieves rare World Cup feat

4. Norway ⬆️ (5)

If there’s one thing we have learned from this World Cup so far, it’s that Norway are box office. When you combine a super attack with a somewhat questionable defence, you get must-watch football. Their wins over Iraq and Senegal both featured five goals, but the real examination comes against France on Friday.

3. Spain 🆕

As disappointing as that opening week draw with Cape Verde was, Spain were very unlucky not to put away at least one of their many chances. They came up against a staunch backline that fought for every ball, while goalkeeper Vozinha put in the performance of his life.

La Roja course corrected against Saudi Arabia last Sunday, winning 4-0 in Atlanta. They look far more dangerous with a fit Lamine Yamal in the side, and should be in contention to lift the trophy next month.

Read – How FIFA’s new World Cup format manufactures dead rubbers

2. Argentina ⬆️

We are yet to see Argentina truly tested yet, and they won’t be by Jordan this Saturday. But they breezed past Algeria and Austria to reach the knockouts without getting out of first gear. More is yet to come from Lionel Messi and co.

1. France ↔️

It will take a lot to stop this France side, who have beaten a serious Senegal outfit and swept aside Iraq in torrential weather conditions. Midfield appears to be the weak point of this team, but the sheer volume of superstar talent in their squad is frightening.

Read – Every player to win 100 caps for France as Mbappe reaches milestone

See Also – The all-time leading World Cup goal scorers as Messi breaks record

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Italy international Marco Palestra is having his Chelsea medical today, with Atalanta reportedly pocketing €57m plus €3m in add-ons and a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

The right-back flew out to London yesterday and his representatives are finalising the details of the contract now.

Palestra will sign for Chelsea today

PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The Premier League side blew Inter away in negotiations by offering double the €2.5m per season salary proposal, so he will earn €5m per season net at Stamford Bridge in a six-year plus option for one more season contract.

There are still some disagreements over the exact costs, because while British transfer pundit Ben Jacobs notes the fee is “in excess of €50m,” Sky Sport Italia have it at a €57m plus €3m in add-ons deal.

Atalanta can also retain a 10 per cent cut of any future sale fee.

Inter had been on the verge of agreeing a deal with Atalanta worth €45m plus €5m add-ons, but could not compete with the increased Chelsea proposal.

Giovanni Simeone would gladly go to River Plate, claim reports in Argentina, but Torino informed the striker today that he is not for sale.

The centre-forward turns 31 next month and has been away from his homeland since first leaving River Plate for Genoa in 2016.

Simeone eager for Argentina return

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Giovanni Simeone of Torino celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 26, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

His career has been almost entirely in Italy, also representing Fiorentina, Cagliari, Hellas Verona and Napoli, coming to Torino last summer.

The €1.35m loan was turned into a permanent transfer for €7.2m plus a further €1m in potential add-ons.

According to Argentine transfer pundit Cesar Luis Merlo, Simeone met with Torino President Urbano Cairo this week and informed him of his desire to go back to River Plate.

However, the Granata are determined to keep hold of Simeone after buying him outright from Napoli, with a contract to June 2028 that has an option to extend for one more year.

Cholito scored 11 goals with two assists in 32 Serie A appearances for Torino this season.

NBA Writer Identifies This Eastern Conference Rising Team That Should Prioritize Landing Jaylen Brown originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics will face a pivotal decision regarding Jaylen Brown this summer, and numerous indications suggest they may consider trading him.

If the Celtics are considering trading Brown, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes believes the Atlanta Hawks' top priority this offseason is acquiring him.

"Though Atlanta held onto its pair of first-rounders, taking Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor, this is still a team without a front-line star. Brown would certainly fit that description, and the Georgia native might enjoy a homecoming," Hughes wrote on Friday.

Brown is from the Atlanta area, so he would be able to have a homecoming. He would also have the opportunity to join a team that is ready to compete for a title immediately. The Hawks made the playoffs this past season but fell to the Knicks in the first round.

The Hawks should do everything possible to land Brown. Superstar players don’t become available often, and landing a guy from Atlanta could be a great thing for the city and fanbase.

More NBA: New Report Reveals What Celtics Asked Timberwolves For In Exchange For Jaylen Brown

The Oklahoma City Thunder got the most out of Isaiah Joe over the past four seasons, turning the guard into a dangerous sharpshooter after his first two years in Philly. Now, Joe is taking his skills to another franchise, as he was reportedly acquired by the Detroit Pistons on Friday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The move comes with two more years left on the four-year, $48 million deal Joe signed with the Thunder back in 2022.

This story will be updated.

2026 MLB Draft Preview: Ace Reese scouting report.

The 2026 is just a few weeks away — the first round kicks off on July 11, 2026 — so its time to start offering capsule looks at players the Texas Rangers could select with their top picks. The Rangers’ first round pick is at #16, their second round pick is at #54, and their third round pick is at #89.

Leading up to draft day, we will be doing writeups of some of the players who could end up getting selected by the Rangers with one of their first three picks. Today we are looking at Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese.

Ace Reese is a 6’4″, 220 lb. lefthanded hitting junior third baseman for Mississippi State. Born in Plano, Reese, who turned 21 in April, was undrafted and relatively unheralded coming out of Canton High School in Canton, Texas, county seat of Van Zandt County, in 2023. He played his freshman year for the University of Houston before transferring to Mississippi State, where he’s anchored the middle of their lineup the past two seasons.

Reese is a bat-first guy with big time power. Looking at the differing measurements out there for him, it appears he’s gotten significantly bigger in his college career, as BA lists him at 180 lbs. and B-R at 200 lbs., compared to 220 lbs. in the more updated listings. He has good bat speed and plus power, posting what Keith Law calls “elite top-end exit velocities.” He gets dinged for being overly aggressive at the plate, with reports saying he doesn’t make great swing decisions, resulting in an elevated K rate and less than ideal contact when he does make contact on pitches he should probably let go. That said, his swing is geared towards loft and power, with BP referencing “Griffey Jr. swing vibe” because of his “extreme lefty uppercut” swing. BA’s list of the best tools in the draft class has Reese third on the Best Power list for college players.

Reese currently plays third base, and there are questions about whether he can stick at the position. He is not considered particularly athletic and his arm is graded at average, so he may end up at first base, where the requirements from the bat are higher than if he can stick at third. He’s a below-average runner, which makes him a better fit at first base than in, say, left field, if third base isn’t in the cards.

As a freshman at UofH, Reese hit well while manning left field, slashing .278/.395/.506 with 29 walks against 37 Ks in 195 plate appearances. Moving up a level in competition to the SEC as a sophomore with the Bulldogs, Reese played through a toe injury that required offseason surgery, slashing .352/.422/.718 with 21 bombs in 263 plate appearances, walking 26 times and striking out 52 while being the everyday third baseman. He largely replicated that as a junior, slashing .336/.432/.721 with 63 Ks and 41 walks, putting up 24 homers. He also played in wood bat summer leagues the past two summers and performed fairly well there.

Baseball America has Reese at #12 on their board. MLB Pipeline has Reese at #21 on their board. Kiley McDaniel puts Reese at #21 on his top 150 list. Keith Law has Reese at #49 on his board. Fangraphs has Reese at #6 on their board. Baseball Prospectus has Reese at #26 on their top 30 draft board.

In the June 8 Baseball America mock draft, Carlos Collazo has Reese going to the Marlins at #14. The BA staff draft on June 15 has Reese going to the D-Backs at #15. Jim Callis’s June 4 mock draft has Reese going at #14 to the Marlins. Jonathan Mayo’s June 11 mock draft has Reese going at #19 to the Guardians, but mentions him with several other teams drafting in the teens. Jim Callis’s June 18 mock draft has Reese going to the Marlins at #14, but mentions him with several other teams in the middle of the first round. The June 25 Callis/Mayo mock has Reese going to the Marlins at #14.  Keith Law’s May mock draft doesn’t have Reese going in the first round. Law’s June 10 mock draft also doesn’t have Reese going in the first round. Kiley McDaniel’s May 29 mock draft has Reese going to the Guardians at #19. Kiley McDaniel’s June 18 mock draft has Reese going to the Brewers at #25.

Lefthanded power is always in demand, and it wouldn’t be surprising to me if Reese is off the board before the Rangers pick. He’s put up big power numbers in the best college conference two straight seasons, which makes him attractive. Yes, there are concerns about his contact rates, and he could end up at first base long-term, but if the contact rates were better and he was a near-lock to stay at third base, he’d be off the board in the first five picks.

I’m not sure to what degree he’d be a fit for the Rangers. Texas has tended to emphasis hit tool over present power with their draft picks, looking for guys with contact ability who they think can develop power, versus someone like Reese, who needs to make adjustments to improve his contact ability and better allow his power to play at the next level.

Jake Burger went 11th overall as a power hitting third baseman in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2017 who had questions about whether he would stick at third base and about how well his hit tool would play in the pros. It is a very imperfect comparison — Reese gets better marks for being lefthanded and performing in a better conference, as well as having less concerns about his build — but that sort of low-OBP, high-power 1B/3B result is something you could see from Reese.

Previously:

Liam Peterson

Tyler Bell

Aiden Robbins

Jared Grindlinger

Logan Reddemann

Cooper Harris

Justin Lebron

Cameron Flukey

Derek Curiel

Hunter Dietz

Logan Hughes

Carson Wiggins

Peyton Bonds

Things in Brad Dalke’s life haven’t been going so good lately. As a result, the YouTube golfer announced on Thursday that he is stepping away from his role with Good Good Golf to concentrate on spending more time with his family.

In a 19-minute video posted on social media on Thursday, Dalke detailed how his wife, Abbie, has been dealing with a number of health issues.

The couple endured two miscarriages last year and Abbie had an ocular stroke in early December that induced temporary blindness and left her with permanent vision loss in her left eye. Tests revealed that her stroke was the result of a hole in her heart, for which she underwent surgery on June 1.

“I just feel like I didn’t live up to par when it comes to being a husband for Abbie throughout this whole process, and that kills me inside,” Dalke said. “In this life in general, but also in this industry, you can get pulled in so many different directions. You have to film here, you have this obligation here, you got to go golf with someone here. You have to do all these things, and I just want to be centered with Abbie. I want to be centered with our future family. I just want to spend time with my wife and be present with my wife, because if there’s anything these last eight months have taught me, it’s that life can change in the blink of an eye, and I don’t want to let that pass because I was traveling … She’s my girl. She’s my everything. She’s my rock. I hate the fact that she has to go through all of this, and I hate the fact she has had to go through a lot of this a lot of the time without her husband. I don’t want that to happen again.”

An update from Abbie and me. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us during this tough time. Abbie deserves all the credit because this week showed me that she is the toughest person in the world. She handled everything with grace and a smile. I love this girl with all my heart pic.twitter.com/uDi6l3GwTD

— Brad Dalke (@DalkeKong3) December 6, 2025

Dalke, a former member of the University of Oklahoma national-championship-winning golf team, spent three years with Good Good Golf. He won the inaugural Barstool Sports Open and will appear in the forthcoming re-launch of Golf Channel’s Big Break. Dalke said that he and his wife will still go to Germany next month for the DP World Tour’s BMW International Open, which extended a sponsor invite to him. Dalke also has accepted sponsor invites to the PGA Tour’s Rocket Classic and Good Good Championship, a new event on the PGA Tour schedule, but he didn’t confirm if he would still be competing in those events.

Time will tell what Dalke does next in golf but for now, he certainly seems to have his priorities in order.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: 'She's my girl, she's my everything:' Brad Dalke steps away from Good Good Golf career

Mike Tirico has done it all as a broadcaster. And even just this year he has called the Super Bowl, hosted the Olympics, Kentucky Derby, and US Open, and called the NBA Playoffs.

Tirico is now widely regarded by his peers and fans alike as the very best in sports broadcasting. But there is one frontier that he has yet to cross in his 35 years as a fixture on the national sports scene — call a baseball game.

Incredibly, the Syracuse graduate has never called a baseball game at any level at any point in his career. And in an interview with The Detroit News, the Michigan resident talked about his love of the game, the joy of listening to baseball on the radio in summer, and his hope that some day it could happen.

“At some point, I’d love to get a couple innings in during my career,” Tirico said.

Now would seem to be the best opportunity to make that happen given that Mike Tirico works for NBC and the network now has Major League Baseball action for the first time in a generation thanks to their new deal this year for Sunday Night Baseball. However, NBC already has Jason Benetti in the lead role as play-by-play announcer. NBC also has an accomplished duo in Dave Flemming and Matt Vasgersian for their streaming Sunday Leadoff package on Peacock.

Earlier this year, NBC said Tirico wouldn’t be involved in Sunday Night Baseball citing his insanely busy schedule. After all, he does pretty much everything else for the network so he probably deserves at least a little bit of a break before the NFL starts up again in a couple months.

Although baseball is not the first sport you associate with Mike Tirico, he’s a dedicated Detroit Tigers fan. According to the Detroit News, the play-by-play man is a season ticket holder since 2000 ever since the opening of Comerica Park.

“Because I don’t cover baseball, it’s the one place I can still have fandom, and I do enjoy baseball a lot,” Tirico told the outlet. “I love listening to Dan Dickerson, Jason Benetti, all the people who’ve come before. Even when my wife and I moved here, Ernie [Harwell] was still going.”

While a full-time role for Tirico on Sunday Night Baseball is probably never going to happen, it would be a shock if he didn’t cross an MLB game off his bucket list, especially given his one-off NHL broadcast for NBC back in 2019.

The post Mike Tirico reveals hopes to call first baseball game appeared first on Awful Announcing.

The IJF World Judo Tour has arrived in China for the Qingdao Grand Prix. In this stunning coastal city, we celebrate world class judo.

Tugce BEDER faced Wenna ZHUANG in the -48kg category final, where home hero ZHUANG confidently claimed the gold medal on her home tatami with waza-ari-awasete-ippon to the joy of the local crowd.

Mr Mohammed MERIDJA, the IJF Education & Coaching Director awarded the medals.

In the -60kg category, Charlie AYRE faced Hayato KONDO. KONDO was focussed and threw for waza-ari with a clever counter. A strong finish from KONDO to win his second Qingdao gold medal!

IJF Referee Director, Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ awarded the medals.

Mascha BALLHAUS was up against Kokoro FUJISHIRO in the -52kg final where FUJISHIRO threw for a big waza-ari and followed up with an armlock for the ippon. A dynamic transition from FUJISHIRO who capitalised instantly to secure her first Grand Prix gold in impressive fashion.

Mr Kosei INOUE, IJF Sport Director awarded the medals.

At -66kg, Hifumi ABE was in top form. He faced Gusman KYRGYZBAYEV in the final. A yuko was enough for ABE to claim the gold medal.

IJF Referee Director, Ms Tina TRSTENJAK awarded the medals.

At -57kg, Martha FAWAZ faced Maysa PARDAYEVA who claimed her first World Tour gold medal with this incredible ippon!

His Excellency Mr Battulga KHALTMAA, IJF Executive Committee Member awarded the medals.

Join us again tomorrow in beautiful China!

This week marked the 2026 NBA Draft. With most of USC’s top prospects electing to return to school next season, the Trojansdid not have any players selected for the second consecutive year.

Following the draft, Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports released his way-too-early 2027 mock. He has USC’s Alijah Arenas going at No. 7 overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder (via the Los Angeles Clippers).

“Most drafts have their fair share of upside creators, and Arenas is one of the projected few in 2027,” Finkelstein wrote. “His freshman season was full of highs and lows, but with a full off-season to settle in, he'll have a chance to put everything together next year.”

Due to injuries, Arenas appeared in just 14 games for the Trojans as a freshman this past season. If he can remain healthy and take his game to the next level, he has the potential to emerge as a star for USC and a top NBA prospect.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Alijah Arenas cracks top ten of way-too-early 2027 NBA mock draft

The scandal involving Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel has opened a can of worms into the ethics of their relationship and possible rule-breaking. An explosive article published by The New York Times on Wednesday documented the timeline of events that led to Russini resigning from her job at The Athletic in April.

Analyst Calls for NFL Investigation Into Dianna Russini Affair

As the Russini-Vrabel scandal has unfolded, details of the former NFL insider’s influence in aiding the New England Patriots’ head coach have emerged, raising questions about possible collusion between the pair.

PFSN analyst Alex Kennedy suggested that the NFL should at least investigate the reported collusion between Russini and Vrabel, if only to quench the prevailing discourse surrounding the scandal.

“The NFL announced that it won’t be investigating Vrabel under the personal conduct policy, which I believe is the right move,” Kennedy said. “However, I do think the NFL should investigate whether there was any collusion between Vrabel and Russini.”

“It would be extremely difficult to prove that they colluded, but I think the league should at least try to look into it and see what they find. What’s the downside?” he added, “Even just from an optics standpoint, it looks better to investigate and find nothing than to sweep it under the rug.”

BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM:PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator

In 2021, Russini reported that the Atlanta Falcons had been offered a future first-round pick for Julio Jones, which turned out to be false. The Tennessee Titans, who were mentioned as a ‘long shot’ to land the wide receiver, swooped in and acquired Jones and a 2023 sixth-round pick for a 2022 second round pick and a 2023 fourth round pick.

Vrabel was the coach of the Titans when they landed Jones and several analysts have questioned whether Russini played a part in misleading other teams to allow Tennessee to acquire the wide receiver at a discount.

PREDICT THE NFL SEASON:PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor

Mike Florio Delivers Verdict on Russini Investigation

During Wednesday’s segment of “Pro Football Talk,” analyst Mike Florio predicted that the internal investigation being carried out by The Athletic into the Russini-Vrabel affair could be dropped on the Fourth of July weekend.

“The ultimate opportunity to dump bad news into a spot where no one is going to notice it: Friday, July 3, at 4:00,” Florio said. “Fourth of July weekend will have already started! They may do it Thursday, July 2, just so it’s not that obvious, and it’s got the same result since a lot of people are going to be off on Friday, the 3rd.”

“But that window, July 2 and July 3, that’s what I’m looking at for The Athletic to announce its final outcome of the Dianna Russini investigation,” he added.

The Athletic revealed that its investigation into Russini does not hinge on her personal conduct, but rather on her journalistic conduct over the years, since she joined the outlet from ESPN in 2023.

Where to watch Uruguay vs. Spain live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group H match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Uruguay and Spain collide in what may be the marquee match of their group. It's a clash between a historic South American power and one of the true favorites to lift the trophy this summer.

Spain arrives as a legitimate title contender, ranked third in the world and carrying the momentum of a Euro 2024 championship. La Roja has made the World Cup every year since 1978 and won the whole thing in 2010.

However, Spain started flat this year after a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their opener, but looks to build momentum.

Uruguay is no easy opponent, appearing at the World Cup for the 15th time overall and the fifth consecutive time. The Uruguayans were sent home in the group stage in 2022 and haven't won the tournament since 1950.

Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo give Uruguay the quality to trouble any team in the field, and they'll need every bit of it against a Spanish side looking to remind the world exactly why they're considered favorites.

Here's everything you need to know to watch the Uruguay vs. Spain World Cup match in Canada, including where to watch on TV or live stream, what time the game starts and more.

Uruguay vs. Spain live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch the Uruguay vs. Spain World Cup match in Canada:

• TV channel: TSN1, TSN4, TSN5
• Live stream: TSN via Amazon Prime, TSN+

Uruguay vs. Spain will be broadcast on TSN channels with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

TSN can also be added as a separate subscription channel on Amazon Prime with fans able to access all of TSN's live and on-demand content.

What time does Uruguay vs. Spain start?

This World Cup clash kicks off Friday, June 26, at 8 p.m. ET at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Here's how that time translates across the North American time zones:

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 26

• Norway vs. France (3 p.m.)
• Senegal vs. Iraq (3 p.m.)
• Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (8 p.m.)
• Uruguay vs. Spain (8 p.m.)
• Egypt vs. Iran (11 p.m.)
• New Zealand vs. Belgium (11 p.m.)

Saturday, June 27

• Croatia vs. Ghana (5 p.m.)
• Panama vs. England (5 p.m.)
• Colombia vs. Portugal (7:30 p.m.)
• DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan (7:30 p.m.)
• Algeria vs. Austria (10 p.m.)
• Jordan vs. Argentina (10 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.

The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.

The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.

What time do World Cup games start?

Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.

Lakers may cut ties with $16 million center nightmare after Luka Doncic request, per report originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

If the Los Angeles Lakers don’t fulfill Luka Doncic’s ‘A-List center’ request, things could get ugly between the two parties fast.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers could take the first step in the process of bolstering their frontcourt by cutting ties with their 7-foot center, who endured what should be considered a nightmare season with Los Angeles in 2025-26.

“His (Doncic) feedback to the Lakers’ front office was ‘get me an A-List center, I need that to compete,” McMenamin said Thursday. “Luka’s camp was also told to ‘wait until the summer of 2026,’ then we’re gonna show you what we mean for the future, and your future, as the face of our franchise.”

“We don’t know if Deandre Ayton’s gonna opt in to his deal, and if he does, that means Rob Pelinka needs to find a trade partner for Ayton.” 

Although Ayton opting out of his $8.1 million player option and entering free agency would be the best possible news the Lakers could receive regarding the Arizona product, McMenamin’s report indicates that the opposite scenario would be far from the end of the world. 

Finding a team willing to acquire an erratic low-post weapon who struggles to play high-energy offensive and defensive basketball consistently won’t be a walk in the park, though.

It’s safe to assume JJ Redick tried his best to push all the right buttons with Ayton to help him maximize his potential.

Unfortunately, the former No. 1 overall pick was dead set on picking and choosing when he wanted to dominate on the interior with the Lakers in 2025-26. As a result, Ayton was largely ineffective when it mattered most (in the postseason), prompting many to call for significant change during the offseason.

The 27-year-old averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in his first season with Los Angeles, shooting 67.1% from the field in 72 contests. Perhaps the Lakers will receive a gift and identify the perfect trade suitor for the unreliable starting center.

More NBA news:

• Lakers named landing spot for $68 million Pelicans defensive star after Yves Missi trade rejection

• Lakers predicted to outbid Knicks for $60 million fan-favorite rebounding star, NBA champion

• Luka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can't afford to ignore

AS Monaco’s Kassoum Ouattara (21) is reported to have reached an agreement with Beşiktaş JK to join the Istanbul-based club, according to Foot Mercato.

Positive talks have been facilitated by Vincenzo Italiano, who has managed to convince the Paris-born player to move to the shores of the Bosphorus.

Whilst negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, a deal worth around €10 million could satisfy all parties. However, this does not prevent the Monaco club from considering offers from other suitors. One such suitor, reportedly from the Premier League, is said to be interested, but is said to be less advanced in their negotiations than their Turkish counterpart.

Under contract with ASM until 2028, Ouattara is therefore likely to consider his move to the Rock with a view to establishing himself as a first-team regular in the long term. Having made 24 appearances, including seven in the Champions League, across all competitions last season, the French Under-21 international (four caps) provided a total of four assists.

GFFN | Léo Aschi

Arsenal have made a formal approach to sign Bruno Guimaraes this summer, according to Metro Sport,

Since arriving in England, Guimaraes has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders and has consistently produced impressive performances for Newcastle. His displays have attracted admiration from several top clubs, with Arsenal now intensifying their interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal Step Up Midfield Pursuit

The report states that Arsenal want Guimaraes to become the next marquee addition to their squad and have now opened formal talks regarding a possible transfer. The Gunners are believed to have requested information about the conditions of a potential deal and are currently waiting for Newcastle’s response.

Arsenal’s interest highlights their determination to continue strengthening their midfield options ahead of the new campaign. The club are reportedly prepared to invest heavily in order to secure one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded midfielders.

Newcastle, however, are expected to resist any attempt to sign the Brazilian. The Magpies remain determined to retain one of their most influential players despite increasing interest from rival clubs during the transfer window.

Newcastle Facing Growing Pressure

Newcastle have already experienced pressure regarding several members of their squad in recent weeks. Anthony Gordon has moved to Barcelona, while Tottenham are reportedly pushing to sign Sandro Tonali as interest in the club’s leading players continues to grow.

Guimaraes remains a central figure at St James’ Park, and Newcastle are fully aware of his importance to the team. His leadership qualities and consistent performances have made him one of the most valuable players in the squad since his arrival in English football.

Arsenal’s decision to formally approach Newcastle demonstrates the level of ambition within Mikel Arteta’s squad planning ahead of next season. However, any deal for Guimaraes is expected to be complicated and expensive, with Newcastle unlikely to allow one of their key players to leave without a substantial offer.

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Marcelo Mayer has had an ugly first full season in the big leagues. Ironically, the Red Sox general, season-long suckitude has helped him fly under the radar. If the Sox were playing well, his spot in the lineup would probably be a major topic of controversy; but as it is, he’s just one of a multitude of problems overwhelming the team. But the spotlight finally fell on him at the end of the Rockies series, thanks to a major blunder in the field that cost the Sox big time. Does it make sense to consider sending him down? Probably not, but some inside the organization are reportedly unhappy with a seeming lack of “mental toughness” from the infielder. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)

If Marcelo needs any inspiration, all he needs to do is look to his right. It’s only been 24 games, but Caleb Durbin has turned his season around after being arguably the single worst hitter in baseball for two months. “Pretty proud of him for where he was at,” Chad Tracy said. “With the expectations and the heat he was taking, he has just fought back and got up off the mat.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)

That Durbin – or any of the Sox – played well last night was a surprise considering the travel issues they faced getting back to Boston. The Sox didn’t land at Logan until 5 AM yesterday. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)

Making the late arrival even worse was the bad news the team received about Roman Anthony when they got back home:

Considering Anthony’s injury and Mayer’s struggles, it’s been a bad year all-around for the once vaunted Big Three. And that obviously includes Kristian Campbell. Campbell isn’t exactly making a case to come back to the big leagues, but he’s still working at it. “[Adversity] does make you better,” said Campbell. “Everybody’s route and path is different. I’m working every day to get back, and they know that I really want to get back as soon as possible. I know I’ve got some things I need to correct down here first before I go back.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)

With Anthony out indefinitely, the Sox don’t have the outfield depth they once thought they had, and that depth could be further depleted if they trade from that group at the deadline. But in the case of uber-struggling Jarren Duran, at least, a trade doesn’t look likely. “What could Boston get back for the 2024 All-Star Game MVP? Would the return be worth it? The more likely scenario is for the Red Sox to hold Duran for the rest of this year, hope he has a strong second half to regain some value, then look to move him in the offseason.” (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)

We use these daily posts to revisit the biographies of Yankees past, from the stars that delivered 27 World Series titles or those that have been nearly forgotten to history. Today we celebrate a player that everyone should be familiar with, the Captain that took over the mantle from Don Mattingly and led the club into a new dynasty. I’m not sure there’s anything I could write that would add to the collective biography of Derek Jeter, so instead I’ll write about how, in so many ways, he is a cornerstone of the way I experience baseball.

Derek Sanderson Jeter
Born: June 26, 1974 (Pequannock, NJ)
Yankees Tenure: 1995-2014

When you’re a kid, there are much worse role models to have than Jeter. That quote about no excuses for anyone to work harder than you must have been repeated by every single coach I had until high school — even though, when you think about it saying it to an entire team doesn’t make sense, cuz we can’t all work harder than each other. Perhaps observations like this are why I never really went anywhere in sports.

But the hustle was such a part of the Jeter narrative, that he was always just there. There’s a reason The Flip, that inconceivable out from the 2001 ALDS, is still my favorite baseball play ever:

This should never have happened. There is no reason for Jeter to be in the neighborhood where intercepting that ball is possible. But he did it, because he’s always there. Derek Jeter was the most consistent, in a sport where that’s the hardest thing in the world to find. Every year of my childhood, for whatever a nebulous timeframe that is, Jeter hit .310 from the same spot in the lineup. And yes, I just used batting average.

I used batting average because in the early-to-mid 2000s, the summers of my childhood that’s what we had to gauge players. Around the game, Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein and Billy Beane were starting to look at new, undeveloped ways of evaluating players, but the Toronto Sun was still primarily concerned with the classic Triple Crown stats.

I remember running home from my very first job after clocking out (Swiss Chalet, morning potato peeler and cutter) because Jeter was sitting on 2,998 when I started my shift, only for my dad to text me that 2,999 came in the first inning. And of course he hit a home run for 3,000, because he’s Derek Jeter:

The first time I heard of WAR was in 2010, in a Sports Illustrated article outlining the stat and why Ben Zobrist was the second-best player in the game. I was 16 by then, I knew Jeter wasn’t number one at that point — and yet, one of the things that sold me on WAR in the first place was it was pretty bang on about how good he was. Albert Pujols was the best player in baseball and maybe I could see the value of Zobrist, but Jeter had a great 2009, finishing sixth that season with 6.7 fWAR. Ok, WAR makes some sense because yeah, Jeter was a top 10 player last season and the stat reflects that.

Of course the other elements of WAR would be less kind to the Captain. That article opened a lot of doors for me in terms of how I see baseball and what I find valuable, and what I found tied with Jeter’s inevitable decline had me in that “Jeter is incredibly overrated” internet camp that existed for a while, and presumably still does even in smaller numbers. The defense was not good, the way he seemed entrenched in the leadoff spot even as the OPS — I had a good handle on that one by now — was slipping into the .700s after a career in the .800s or better.

By that point I’m a teenager anyway, and the Class and Grace gimmick that Jeter was so known for was just less appealing. The cool ease with which Robinson Canó could drive a ball off the right-center wall or the sheer dash that Mike Trout brought in my second-favorite rookie season of all time was just more of what I wanted. The sequential retirement tours Jeter and Mariano Rivera took alternated between annoying me and leaving me with some of my favorite memories of baseball:

And then before you knew it Jeter was gone, and the Yankees had to figure out how to move on on the field, and if you remember, the off-the-field relationship wasn’t very good either. The golden boy image was at least a little bit tarnished, and Jeter went off to Miami. At the same time I’m in college, living on my own, figuring out all those little things that you have to if you want to wear clean clothes and have a functioning bathroom.

I started writing here, free and clear in the post-Jeter era while he was funking around trying to run the Marlins, and the Yankees found an immediate replacement for the face of the franchise role in Aaron Judge, a man I have written about more than anyone else. We all just, kinda stopped thinking about Derek Jeter outside of career highlights or the befuddling decisions he made in South Beach (thanks again for Stanton, Cap).

Of course he goes into the Hall of Fame one vote shy of unanimity, he liquidates his holdings in the Marlins, and he seems to patch up enough of the sore spots he had with the Yankees that he’s been re-embraced. I’m a little bit older, hopefully a small bit wiser and for all the love I have for baseball it’s no longer the most important thing in the world to me the way it was when I was eight. They are finally developing stats that are getting hard for ME to follow:

And yet I too have re-embraced Derek Jeter.

Yes, his defense could be terrible and the Yankees likely left runs on the table by not having Alex Rodriguez play shortstop after the trade. I think the strong silent stuff that he still tries to keep up on MLB on FOX in the postseason broadcasts is pretty silly. The Jump Throw was overused.

He is also unequivocally one of the finest baseball players I, you, or anyone else that has watched a game in the last half century have seen play. Nine seasons as a full-time, every day MLB shortstop while managing a 125 wRC+ is absurd. I wasn’t even a baseball fan until the year 2000 and I still get mad about the 1999 AL MVP voting. While “name the only Canadians to win an MLB MVP Award” is a great trivia question that has delivered me wins before, the 2006 award probably should have gone to Jeets, too.

I’m less interested and thus less involved in shouting at people over the Internet, which is where about 90 percent of How Good Was Derek Jeter discourse happens so I no longer have to be a part of that. Lastly, it just doesn’t matter to me whether Jeter was the sixth or the eighth or the 11th best player of an era. He was damn good.

A couple years ago we re-visited the Top 100 Yankees series, a project I loved very much. I still think my profile of Thurmon Munson might just be the best thing I’ve ever written here. Towards the end of that series we ruffled some people’s feathers by having Mickey Mantle supplant Lou Gehrig for second place, and I think there’s been some very intelligent pushback to the legacy of Joe DiMaggio that has annoyed some of the… shall we call them veterans of observing baseball. What I learned from all this is that the stack-ranking doesn’t matter. Certainly not for this team, for this franchise.

What matters is your cluster. That Mickey Mantle can be mentioned in the same cluster with the Iron Horse is what matters, that Jeter is usually the first guy mentioned after the guys shot in black and white matters.

Happy birthday, Cap.

See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.

Michigan football has filled out the bulk of its 2027 recruiting class, but it's still working to bolster its coffers on the heels of summer official visit season.

The Wolverines added another top-flight recruit to the fold on Thursday in four-star linebacker Frederrick Ford, and are still waiting on decisions from some other highly-touted prospects like safety Marcus Jones, cornerback Monsanna Torbert, and offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo. But in the meantime, the maize and blue are rising up the rankings.

ESPN updated its recruiting rankings on Friday, and Michigan is back into the top 10 after having dropped to 12th nationally. Now, the Wolverines are ninth, making them the top-rated Big Ten school, ahead of No. 10 Oregon, No. 11 Ohio State, No. 12 UCLA, and No. 15 USC. They are behind Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Miami, Florida, Auburn, Texas Tech, and Texas in the rankings.

9. Michigan Wolverines

Previous ranking: 12

SC Next 300 commits: 11Top offensive prospect: QB Kamden LopatiTop defensive prospect: CB Tavares Harrington

Michigan begins a new era under Kyle Whittingham, who tapped into his Utah roots to land his quarterback in this cycle. Kamden Lopati, out of West HS in Salt Lake City, has demonstrated a high football IQ and sees the field well while possessing a strong arm and good mobility. A potential key target for Lopati is WR Quentin Burrell, a big, physical receiver with good speed and body control from nearby Illinois. The offense should also benefit from the addition of SC Next 300 TE Colt Lumpris, a flip from Alabama. He possesses a big frame (6-foot-6, 240 pounds) and can be a tough matchup for defenses as he runs well and can use his size to make contested catches. All three players rose up the board in the June SC Next 300 update.

Tyson Robinson, a running back out of Mississippi, gives this class another offensive weapon to build on. He has good power and vision and demonstrated great effort and coachability during multiple in-person evaluations. To help protect their offensive skill additions, the Wolverines have landed several OLs, including SC Next 300 prospects Sidney Rouleau and Jakari Lipsey as well as Louis Esposito, who has made noticeable strides over the past year in build and execution and was OL MVP at the Under Armour Chicago camp tour stop.

ESPN has tended to be a bit higher on Michigan football's commits this cycle, with Rivals not far behind. 247Sports has been the most sluggish when it comes to ranking the Wolverines' prospects in the 2027 class. Michigan is 21st in the 247Sports team rankings, while Rivals has the maize and blue at No. 13.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football cracks top 10 in ESPN recruiting rankings again

Norway vs. France free live stream: How to watch World Cup game online without cable originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Two of the best teams in Europe face off in perhaps the biggest matchup in Group I between France and Norway.

The two sides arrive with starkly different World Cup pedigrees. France is making its 17th appearance and enters as one of the tournament favorites, having won the title in 1998 and 2018 before losing a heartbreaker to Argentina in the 2022 final.

Norway, meanwhile, is making just its fourth-ever World Cup appearance and hasn't been on this stage since 1998, when it fell to Italy in the Round of 16.

A result here could effectively decide Group I, with both teams knowing the stakes couldn't be much higher.

France boasts one of the most dangerous attacking trios in the world in Kylian Mbappé, who has 12 career World Cup goals in three tournaments and scored a hat-trick in the loss to Argentina, Ousmane Dembélé, who won the 2025 Ballon d'Or given to the top soccer player in the world, and Michael Olise, who has seven goals in 17 French national team appearances.

Norway has perhaps the best goal-scorer in the tournament in Erling Haaland. He's scored 112 goals in the past four English Premier League seasons for Manchester City. Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth round out an impressive Norwegian group looking to make their mark at the World Cup for the first time together.

Here's everything you need to know to watch the Norway vs. France World Cup match, including where to watch on TV or live stream, what time the game starts and more.

LIVE:Follow France vs. Norway updates from 2026 World Cup game

Norway vs. France free live stream

This game is available to stream for FREE on fubo.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Norway vs. France channel, live stream

• TV channel: FOX
• Streaming: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast on FOX in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

What time does Norway vs. France kick off?

This World Cup clash kicks off Friday, June 26, at 3 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:

Norway vs. France betting odds

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 26

• Norway vs. France (3 p.m.)
• Senegal vs. Iraq (3 p.m.)
• Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (8 p.m.)
• Uruguay vs. Spain (8 p.m.)
• Egypt vs. Iran (11 p.m.)
• New Zealand vs. Belgium (11 p.m.)

Saturday, June 27

• Croatia vs. Ghana (5 p.m.)
• Panama vs. England (5 p.m.)
• Colombia vs. Portugal (7:30 p.m.)
• DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan (7:30 p.m.)
• Algeria vs. Austria (10 p.m.)
• Jordan vs. Argentina (10 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.

The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.

The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.

What time do World Cup games start?

Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.

Giants Legend Selling Football From Super Bowl-Winning Touchdown Catch Vs. Patriots originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress has been in possession of the football he caught from Eli Manning for the Super Bowl XLII-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots for over 18 years.

The 48-year-old Burress is now planning to sell the historic pigskin, which is the same ball that former Giants teammate David Tyree infamously caught against his helmet in the waning minutes of New York's monumental upset over New England.

"Just posted on @Sothebys. Plaxico Burress is selling his TD catch ball that beat the undefeated Patriots," sports business analyst Darren Rovell posted on X.

"Umm, that’s not the only catch made with this football. Might not even be the most important one," Tom Rock of Newsday Sports added, referring to Tyree's miracle play.

Umm, that’s not the only catch made with this football. Might not even be the most important one. https://t.co/RD3g9ytqp5https://t.co/Ajz6IHVERRpic.twitter.com/aEVhd4ztiV

— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) June 25, 2026

The item is estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000, according to the listing.

The description on the Sothesby's entry says the football "comes directly from the Collection of Plaxico Burress."

"Few footballs in the history of the game carry the weight of this one. This is the ball from the final touchdown of Super Bowl XLII, the play that put the Giants ahead 17-14 and sealed one of the most stunning upsets the sport has ever seen over the New England Patriots. It comes directly from Plaxico Burress, the man who hauled in Eli Manning's pass for the game-winning score," the catalogue note reads. "This is the football from that exact play, a piece of the moment that ended a perfect season and completed one of the greatest Cinderella stories the NFL has ever told."

More NFL: Sam Darnold Was 'Kinda Bummed' About How Seahawks Won Super Bowl Vs. Patriots

Carlos Mendoza replacements: Ranking top 3 candidates after Mets fire manager originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza on Friday, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. 

Mendoza was in his third season with the NL East club, but New York is 34-47 and 9.5 games back of a Wild Card spot in the National League. 

Needless to say, this was not a shocking move from the Mets. Owner Steve Cohen expects to win World Series titles, and Mendoza's tenure with the team was not trending in that direction by any means. 

Mendoza's exit means the Mets will be on the hunt for a new leader. For now, former San Diego Padres skipper Andy Green will serve as interim manager. 

Who are the Mets' best options? 

Kai Correa 

Before joining the Mets as their bench coach,  Correa, 37, was with the Cleveland Guardians as their major league field coordinator and director of defense, base running, and game strategy. 

He served as the interim manager for the San Francisco Giants in 2023, going 1-2 in three games. Before that, Correa's primary role with the Giants was bench coach. It can be argued that the Mets need someone with extended managerial experience. 

“He’s very thorough and comes prepared every day,” Bo Bichette told The Athletic's Tim Britton in March about Correa's attention to detail. “He speaks with a lot of confidence.”

MORE: Rafael Devers threw a massive fit for the dumbest reason

Alex Cora 

The Boston Red Sox fired Cora in April after a 10-17 start. He led the team to a World Series title in 2018 and owns a 620-541 record in parts of eight seasons as a skipper. 

Cora received interest from other clubs after he departed from the Red Sox, but he decided to take the remainder of the year away from baseball to spend time with his family. 

He's widely regarded as one of the best in-game decision makers and an extremely solid leader in a clubhouse. Red Sox players were reportedly not happy with Cora's dismissal. 

MORE: Twins' Byron Buxton trade update is bad news for Phillies, Braves

Rocco Baldelli 

The Minnesota Twins won three division titles (2019, 2020, 2023) under Baldelli's tenure from 2019-25, which included a Manager of the Year Award in 2019. 

Under Baldelli, the Twins won 101 games in his first season in the dugout, and his overall managerial record is 527-505. Minnesota fired him after the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. 

Currently, he is a special assistant to the Los Angeles Dodgers' president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman. 

Other names to watch 

• Carlos Beltran (no managerial experience) 
• Brandon Hyde (2011 with Florida Marlins, 2019-25 with Baltimore Orioles, 421-493 managerial record) 
• David Ross (2020-23 with Chicago Cubs, 262-284 managerial record) 

More MLB news:

• Cam Schlittler breaks an all-time Yankees record
• A 'gentlemanly' baserunning move confused the umpires, and everyone else
• Paul Skenes holds a really weird MLB record
• Outfielder retires from baseball to go play college football
• Dodgers have a very simple reason to trade for Tarik Skubal

Shrewsbury Town have signed striker Josh Davison on a two-year contract following his release by Tranmere Rovers.

The 26-year-old finished the 2025-26 season on loan at Cheltenham Town, where he scored one goal in 16 League Two appearances.

Davison started his career with Charlton Athletic, taking in loan spells at Woking, Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town. He joined AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee in 2022 before moving to Tranmere two years later.

Shrewsbury boss Gavin Cowan told the club's website: "We played against him a couple of times last season. In that first game against Tranmere, he really showed a lot of the qualities we're looking for.

"Now it's about helping him get back to scoring goals, which is something we're confident he'll do with us."

The Shrews finished 19th in League Two last season and they begin the new season at Salford City in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August.

Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts' full 90-man roster, previewing each player.

Up next is quarterback Daniel Jones, who wears No. 17.

Profile

• Height: 6-5
• Weight: 230
• Age: 29
• NFL experience: Year 8
• College: Duke

Daniel Jones' tenure with the Colts

The 2025 season was Jones' first with the Colts after signing a one-year deal in free agency. The Colts then re-signed Jones this offseason to a two-year, $88 million deal.

Recapping Daniel Jones' 2025 season

Through 10 games last season, Jones and the Colts' offense were red-hot. You name the metric, and chances are that Jones was ranked highly. During that span, he was fourth in completion rate, fourth in passing yards, fourth in yards per attempt, and threw 13 touchdowns to only two interceptions. As a result, the offense was among the highest-scoring units in football.

However, even before Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, defenses appeared to be catching on to what the Colts were doing. Not helping matters is that Jones was hindered by a lower-leg injury as well. But with his season coming to an early end, we never got to truly see how he and Shane Steichen were going to counter opponents.

Looking ahead to 2026 for Daniel Jones

The Colts prioritized re-signing Jones with the belief that the success he and the offense had last season can be replicated to an extent and sustained throughout the year.

Jones continues to rehab from his Achilles injury, and in minicamp, he was taking 7-on-7 reps with the first-team offense.

Jones appears to be on track to be ready for Week 1. When asked during OTAs, he said that he would "absolutely" be ready for the season opener, although there are still hurdles for him to overcome.

The ceiling for the Colts in 2026 will be determined by Jones' level of play.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster preview: Can Daniel Jones return to his 2025 form?