The desert cities surrounding San Diego are ushering in a new era of hospitality, creativity, and wellness, offering a wealth of fresh and transformative experiences set to completely reshape the travel landscape in 2026. From the upscale, luxurious desert retreats nestled in the heart of Coachella Valley to the groundbreaking culinary innovations emerging from the vineyards of Baja California, this region is brimming with exciting, one-of-a-kind destinations. New resort developments are also making waves across Arizona, elevating the area’s already breathtaking natural beauty with stunning accommodations and world-class amenities. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker in search of adventure, a wellness enthusiast looking to recharge, or a foodie eager to indulge in the latest dining trends, the desert cities around San Diego are set to provide unforgettable experiences. 2026 is shaping up to be a year that redefines how we experience this iconic part of the world, with each destination offering something truly unique for travelers from all walks of life.

Coachella Valley: Where Wellness Meets Adventure

Terra Palm Springs: Wellness and relaxation enthusiasts can now immerse themselves in the rejuvenating offerings of Terra Palm Springs, a 13-room wellness escape that once served as a clothing-optional resort. Opened in 2025, this serene retreat offers 24-hour access to a Himalayan salt sauna, a cold plunge pool, and a rain room, offering the ultimate in relaxation. The on-site dining options include tonics and juice cleanses, alongside poolside bites crafted by Michael Beckman, executive chef of nearby Workshop Kitchen + Bar.

Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows: For those looking for a minimalist, art-focused escape, Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows offers a unique boutique experience. Opened in 2025, this 33-room retreat on the historic Movie Colony property offers views of the mountains and has introduced amenities like pickleball courts and a chic bistro. Located in the heart of Palm Springs, the hotel emphasizes sleek design and modern comforts with the laid-back vibe the city is known for.

DSRT Surf, Palm Desert: The Coachella Valley is set to expand its recreational offerings with the upcoming DSRT Surf resort. Set for completion by mid-2026, this resort will feature a 5.5-acre surf lagoon, 139 hotel rooms, 57 luxury villas, and a selection of dining options. Positioned at the Desert Willow Golf Courses, the resort promises to bring the thrill of surfing to the desert, offering a unique vacation experience.

New Mexico: Art, Culture, and Nature Combine in the Land of Enchantment

Hotel Willa, Taos: The Casetta Group’s latest project, Hotel Willa, has revived a former motor lodge in Taos. Known for its connection to writer Willa Cather, this 51-room hotel offers adobe-style architecture, an artist residency, and a pool shaded by a weeping willow. The property is home to a seasonal restaurant helmed by chef Johnny Ortiz Concha and artist Maida Branch. The hotel’s design and ethos celebrate the town’s artistic heritage, making it a standout destination for creatives and nature lovers alike.

Arrive Albuquerque, Albuquerque: Albuquerque’s classic Downtowner hotel, once a prominent fixture on Route 66, has been reborn as the quirky Arrive Albuquerque. This dog-friendly, 137-room hotel embraces midcentury design and offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those seeking a retro experience. Guests can enjoy a cocktail at the bar or lounge by the pool, while the hotel’s restaurant serves up delicious bites for the ultimate desert getaway.

Arizona: Grand Resorts and Scenic Escapes

Trailborn Grand Canyon, Williams: Set just outside the Grand Canyon, the Trailborn hotel offers easy access to one of America’s most iconic national parks. With 96 rooms, adventure excursions, and a retro-inspired steakhouse, this charming hotel is a perfect home base for those looking to explore Route 66 and the natural wonders surrounding the Grand Canyon. The hotel is also a base for the centennial celebration of Route 66 in 2026, adding a historic touch to this already unique destination.

Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas, Paradise Valley: This upcoming luxury resort, set to open in 2026, will bring modern comfort and wellness offerings to Paradise Valley, just outside Scottsdale. The resort will feature six pools, over 400 rooms, and three restaurants, including a Baja-inspired dining concept led by James Beard semifinalist Wes Avila. With breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, the Kimpton Miralina will offer guests a tranquil yet luxurious escape.

Nevada: High-End Dining and Thrilling Entertainment in Las Vegas

Cote Korean Steakhouse, Las Vegas: Las Vegas continues to expand its dining scene with the arrival of Cote Korean Steakhouse, the only Michelin-starred Korean restaurant in the United States. Located at The Venetian, the restaurant offers a stunning setting with stadium seating, VIP skyboxes, and a crow’s nest DJ booth. The steakhouse serves up a blend of high-quality meats, seafood, and inventive cocktails that reflect the city’s vibrant culinary culture.

F1 Arcade, Las Vegas: Formula 1 enthusiasts will find a new haven in the F1 Arcade in Las Vegas, a 21,000-square-foot entertainment complex. Featuring 87 racing simulators, the arcade offers an adrenaline-pumping experience for fans of the sport. The arcade is part of the city’s continued investment in motorsports and is expected to become a major draw for racing fans visiting Las Vegas.

Baja: Mexico’s Culinary Renaissance Meets Secluded Luxury

Diego, Valle de Guadalupe: Chef Diego Hernández has returned to Valle de Guadalupe with his eponymous restaurant, offering a seasonal, multi-course tasting menu that highlights local ingredients from the region. With a focus on farm-to-table dining, Diego serves dishes inspired by his previous restaurant, Corazón de Tierra, which was once ranked among the world’s 50 best. Diego’s new venture continues to elevate the region’s reputation as a culinary destination.

Kadún, Cabo San Lucas: For those seeking a luxurious beachfront getaway in Cabo San Lucas, Kadún offers a boutique experience that combines opulence with proximity to the lively Cabo Marina. Opened in late 2025, the hotel offers 110 rooms, a rooftop pool, and an idyllic location just steps from Medano Beach. This smaller, yet still luxurious, resort offers guests the opportunity to enjoy both relaxation and nightlife in one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.

Arizona: Stargazing and Adventure at International Dark Sky Discovery Center

International Dark Sky Discovery Center, Fountain Hills: As part of Arizona’s commitment to preserving its pristine night skies, the International Dark Sky Discovery Center is set to open in 2026. Located on the outskirts of Phoenix, this $28 million center will feature a massive telescope, planetarium, and exhibits dedicated to the science of stargazing. The center is part of an effort to protect dark sky areas, offering both locals and tourists a chance to experience the wonders of the universe from one of the best stargazing locations in the country.

Valentine’s Day 2026 promises to be an unforgettable time for couples seeking the perfect romantic getaway, New Zealand and Australia are leading the charge as top travel destinations. With soaring demand for hotels and unique romantic experiences, these countries are welcoming travelers with open arms for the ultimate Valentine’s escape. From the stunning beaches of the Great Barrier Reef to the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, couples are flocking to these beautiful countries for a truly memorable Valentine’s experience. Let’s dive into the growing trends and highlights of the romance-driven tourism boom across New Zealand and Australia.

New Zealand: Romance Amidst Majestic Landscapes

Booking Surge and Trends
New Zealand has always been a favorite among couples looking for adventure and beauty, but in 2026, the country’s tourism is reaching new heights. As Valentine’s Day draws near, the booking trends indicate a significant surge in interest, particularly for destinations like Queenstown, Auckland, and Rotorua.

Why New Zealand is So Popular
New Zealand’s allure lies in its dramatic landscapes, from the sparkling beaches of the North Island to the rugged mountains and pristine lakes of the South Island. Moreover, the combination of outdoor activities, luxurious resorts, and the perfect February weather makes it an ideal destination for romantic getaways. The popularity of New Zealand as a top Valentine’s Day destination is further emphasized by the country’s rapidly growing bookings.

New Zealand Valentine’s Highlights

• Queenstown: Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers couples the chance to experience thrilling activities such as bungee jumping, jet boating, and scenic helicopter flights over the Remarkables Mountain Range.
• Rotorua: Renowned for its geothermal wonders and luxury spas, Rotorua is perfect for couples seeking a relaxing experience. Enjoy a rejuvenating couple’s massage, a mud bath, or a soak in natural hot springs.
• Auckland: The vibrant city of Auckland, with its waterfront dining and sparkling harbors, offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere for those looking to combine romance with city life. Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views or take a sunset cruise on Waitemata Harbour.

Australia: A Dream Destination for Lovers

Booking Trends Across Australia
Australia’s appeal as a Valentine’s Day destination continues to grow in 2026, with cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast topping the list for romantic escapes. Both international and domestic visitors are flocking to these cities, with hotel occupancy rates climbing dramatically as the day of love approaches.

Why Australia Attracts Couples
Australia’s diverse offerings make it the perfect location for couples seeking different types of romantic experiences. Whether you are looking for a beach escape in Queensland, an adventurous getaway in the Outback, or a sophisticated city experience in Melbourne, Australia has something for every kind of couple. Meanwhile, the country’s strong February tourism trends reflect its unique ability to cater to all romantic needs.

Top Valentine’s Day Destinations in Australia

• Sydney: Sydney, one of the world’s most iconic cities, is a top Valentine’s destination for 2026. From luxury hotel stays in Circular Quay to romantic dinners with views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate love in this stunning city. Be sure to catch a Valentine’s Day sunset at Bondi Beach or enjoy a private boat ride around the harbor.
• Melbourne: Known for its cultural vibrancy, Melbourne offers couples a romantic escape with world-class dining, boutique shopping, and a rich arts scene. Take a romantic stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or enjoy an intimate evening at one of the city’s famous rooftop bars.
• Gold Coast: For beach lovers, the Gold Coast is a dream destination. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of romantic beachfront resorts, it’s no surprise that this region is attracting many couples this year. Take a helicopter ride over the coastline, or enjoy a private picnic at one of the Gold Coast’s many hidden beach spots.

Romantic Experiences in Australia & New Zealand

Unique Romantic Activities for Couples
Both New Zealand and Australia offer a plethora of activities designed to provide couples with an unforgettable romantic experience.

• Private Wine Tastings: Both countries are known for their wine regions, including New Zealand’s Marlborough region and Australia’s famous Barossa Valley in South Australia. A private wine-tasting tour, complete with a gourmet lunch, offers a unique and intimate experience.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: In regions like Queenstown, New Zealand, and the Yarra Valley in Australia, couples can experience the beauty of the landscape from above. A sunrise hot air balloon ride, followed by a champagne breakfast, is one of the most romantic ways to start the day.
• Scenic Train Journeys: Australia’s Great Southern Rail, which offers journeys like The Ghan and Indian Pacific, provides couples with an unforgettable train journey through the Australian outback. In New Zealand, the TranzAlpine is one of the world’s most scenic rail trips, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and alpine lakes.

Luxury Resorts and Hotels for Valentine’s Day

Australia

• Qualia Resort (Hamilton Island): This luxury resort on Hamilton Island is a secluded paradise, offering intimate, overwater villas with private pools, world-class dining, and the stunning Whitsunday Islands as a backdrop.
• The Langham (Sydney): With panoramic views of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, The Langham is perfect for couples who want a romantic city experience with five-star luxury.

New Zealand

• Eichardt’s Private Hotel (Queenstown): Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s offers a romantic stay with private suites, personalized service, and stunning views of the Remarkables Mountains.
• The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (Northland): A secluded luxury retreat set amidst 6,000 acres of lush landscape, with views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the ideal spot for couples seeking relaxation, privacy, and indulgence.

Romantic Cruises in Australia and New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand offer a variety of romantic cruises that allow couples to explore breathtaking coastlines, intimate island retreats, and tranquil waters.

Australia

• The Great Barrier Reef Cruise: A private luxury yacht cruise over the Great Barrier Reef offers couples the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, enjoy romantic dinners aboard, and watch the sun set over the reef.
• Sydney Harbour Cruises: For a more urban romantic experience, couples can opt for a sunset dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour, taking in stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while enjoying a gourmet meal.

New Zealand

• Bay of Islands Cruise: A luxury cruise through New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands offers couples the chance to explore secluded beaches, charming towns, and lush landscapes, all while enjoying fine dining and personalized service.
• Marlborough Sounds Cruise: A peaceful, scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds provides the perfect romantic backdrop, with opportunities for private picnics, kayaking, and scenic hikes.

2026 Valentine’s Day Travel Boom in New Zealand and Australia

The demand for Valentine’s Day getaways in Australia and New Zealand is set to soar in 2026. With a blend of scenic landscapes, luxurious accommodations, unique experiences, and warm February weather, these countries are attracting couples looking for a memorable romantic escape. However, the dramatic mountains of New Zealand to the pristine beaches of Australia, the surge in bookings and hotel demand highlights the growing popularity of these destinations for the holiday of love.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, New Zealand and Australia offer something special for every couple. With a range of luxury resorts, scenic train journeys, and private experiences, these countries are set to continue their rise as top romantic destinations for 2026.

FRANCE AND SPAIN are currently witnessing a transformation that feels as though the very air at the border has turned crisp and cautious. There is a specific kind of nostalgia that colors our memories of European travel—a time when a friendly nod and a quick stamp at a wooden booth were all that stood between an American traveler and the sun-drenched boulevards of Paris or the golden beaches of Barcelona. But as we step into 2026, that era of effortless movement has been replaced by something far more digital and deliberate. We are witnessing a moment where the “Masterpiece” of European integration is tightening its edges, moving away from a casual welcome toward a sophisticated, high-tech vetting process. It’s a transition that challenges our sense of belonging as global citizens, reminding us that even the most beloved destinations are recalibrating their boundaries. Yet, beyond the cold hum of the biometric kiosks, the heart of Europe still beats with the same timeless allure, waiting for those who are willing to navigate the new rules of the road with patience and grace.

The Biometric Barrier: EES and the End of the “Quick Stamp” Now

A monumental shift in European border policy has been officially confirmed by the European Commission and national interior ministries across the Schengen Area. The rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in late 2025 has completely overhauled how U.S. citizens enter iconic destinations like France, Spain, Germany, and Portugal. Travelers must now provide fingerprints and facial images at automated kiosks, ending the traditional era of manual passport stamping. According to the latest reporting, this new and viral technology is designed to track overstays with surgical precision. Industry analysts mentioned that while the system aims to enhance security, it has initially resulted in longer-than-expected queues at major hubs like Paris-CDG and Madrid-Barajas. Governmental monitors have noted that the choice between traveler convenience and national security is currently leaning heavily toward the latter. Officials suggested that these procedures were no longer an exception but a built-in feature of 2026 travel.

Conditional Entry: Why the Welcome Feels Colder Today

The emotional climate at European borders has undergone an update that many Americans find jarring. While the public health crises of previous years have receded, they left a lasting imprint on how nations like Norway, Denmark, and Belgium manage their external borders. The latest posture is one of conditional entry, where American tourists are no longer assumed to be priority visitors but are subject to the same scrutiny as all non-EU arrivals. In a unique turn for transatlantic relations, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to add another layer of bureaucracy by late 2026. Travelers will be required to obtain pre-departure authorization, disclosing personal and security details. Officials suggested that this was not a visa in the traditional sense, but a necessary pre-screening measure. Leaders mentioned that the primary goal was to ensure that every visitor was accounted for, effectively ending the era of anonymous, spontaneous travel.

The Enforcement Era: No More Casual Overstays Now

One of the most significant updates for 2026 is the automated tracking of the 90-day Schengen rule. In the past, travelers might have occasionally exceeded their stay with little consequence; today, the EES makes such a lapse impossible to hide. U.S. citizens who spend more than 90 days in any 180-day period now face immediate flagging, potential fines, and even formal bans from the European Union. According to the U.S. Department of State, travelers must be increasingly meticulous about counting their days across different countries. For example, a road trip starting in Portugal, moving through Spain, and ending in France is all recorded on a single digital ledger. Officials suggested that travelers should use official Schengen calculators to stay within the law. The administration mentioned that the days of treating the continent like a playground without oversight were officially over.

Economic Contradiction: Tourism Boards vs. Border Police

There is an inherent tension in the 2026 European travel market. While border police are implementing stricter controls, tourism boards in Hungary, Germany, and Norway are actively spending millions on PR pushes to lure American high-spenders back. According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), U.S. tourists remain the most lucrative long-haul market, essential for the recovery of luxury hotels and high-end dining. Industry analysts mentioned that this masterpiece of a contradiction—where marketing says welcome but the border says wait—is a major talking point in 2026. Officials suggested that to mitigate the colder welcome, airports were investing in the trendiest new staffing models and clearer signage to help guide travelers through the biometric maze. However, the psychological shift remains; Americans used to breezing through are now finding themselves standing in serpentine lines for facial recognition.

A New Chapter for the Global Transatlantic Voyager

As the sun sets behind the Eiffel Tower or casts long shadows over the vibrant plazas of Madrid, the future of European travel feels more structured, more digital, and perhaps a bit more distant than before. The 2026 changes are a testament to a world that values security and data as much as it values the tourist dollar. It is a moment where the privilege of travel is being balanced against the needs of the modern state. We invite you to approach your 2026 European adventure with a new perspective—one of preparation and respect for the rules. Beyond the cold sensors and the automated gates, the soul of Europe remains unchanged. The vineyards of France, the festivals of Spain, and the history of Germany are all still there, waiting to tell their stories to those who make it through the kiosks. By understanding the new biometric reality, you can ensure that your journey remains a masterpiece of discovery. The welcome may be cooler at the gate, but the warmth of the destination is still worth every digital hoop. Your next European story is calling—it’s just going to take a little more intent to get there.

For many, the idea of traveling abroad for medical care can feel like a leap into the unknown. We’ve all seen the headlines about “medical tourism,” but when it comes to your own health—or the health of a loved one—the internet isn’t always enough. You want to look a doctor in the eye, ask about recovery times, and understand the safety protocols of a facility thousands of miles away.

This weekend, February 14–15, 2026, the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Centre in Westminster is transforming into a global hub for exactly that kind of clarity. The 3rd London International Health Tourism Expo, organized by the ALZ Group, has officially opened its doors, bringing together more than 80 world-class hospitals and clinics from over 10 countries under one iconic roof.

A Human Platform in a Digital World

The core mission of the 2026 Expo is simple: to replace “online searching” with “face-to-face dialogue.” In an era where healthcare options are often obscured by complex algorithms and glossy (but sometimes misleading) websites, the ALZ Group has created a transparent, multi-national information platform.

Visitors aren’t just browsing brochures; they are engaging in direct consultations with representatives from leading medical facilities. Whether you are curious about In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), advanced oncology treatments, orthopedic surgery, or aesthetic procedures, the Expo allows you to compare multiple providers side-by-side in a single afternoon.

The Rise of the Global Patient

The timing of this Expo couldn’t be more relevant. In 2025, over 1.39 million international patients traveled to Türkiye alone for treatment, benefiting from a government-regulated certification framework. At the London Expo, Türkiye remains a prominent participant, supported by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).

However, the event is truly global. With participants from the EU, the United States, Canada, and beyond, the Expo highlights how “health tourism” has evolved into a sophisticated, regulated industry. It’s no longer just about seeking a lower price; it’s about seeking specialized expertise, shorter waiting times, and state-of-the-art technology that might not be readily available at home.

Seamless Journeys: The Role of Integrated Travel

One of the most humanizing aspects of the 2026 Expo is the focus on the “journey” itself. The Corendon Tourism Group, as the main sponsor, is showcasing how travel and healthcare are becoming inextricably linked.

Through Corendon Airlines and their network of resorts, the group demonstrates that medical travel doesn’t have to be clinical and cold. By integrating flight logistics, high-end accommodation, and patient coordination services, the industry is moving toward a model where the “patient” is treated as a “guest.” This holistic approach—addressing everything from the flight to the post-operative recovery stay—is designed to reduce the anxiety that naturally comes with seeking care in a foreign land.

Specialized Care for Every Need

The diversity of specialties on display at the QEII Centre is staggering. Walking through the aisles, you’ll find experts in:

• Dental Care & Hair Transplants: Highly popular sectors for those seeking quality aesthetic work.
• Obesity & Bariatric Treatments: Life-changing procedures with dedicated aftercare coordination.
• Complex Surgeries: From neurology and organ transplants to advanced urology and gynecology.
• Wellness & Preventive Medicine: Highlighting the shift toward staying healthy, not just treating illness.

Empowering the Visitor

For the estimated 4,000 visitors expected this weekend, the Expo is an empowerment tool. It offers:

1. Direct Q&A: The ability to ask surgeons about their specific success rates and complication protocols.
2. Recovery Clarity: Detailed information on how long you need to stay in-country before it’s safe to fly home.
3. B2B Networking: A dedicated program for patient facilitators and agencies to build long-term, trusted partnerships.

The Verdict: A New Era of Choice

As the 3rd London International Health Tourism Expo continues through Sunday, it serves as a powerful reminder that healthcare is no longer bound by geography. By bringing the world’s best clinics to the heart of London, the ALZ Group isn’t just promoting travel; they are promoting informed choice.

If you find yourself near Westminster this weekend, entry is free and open to the public. It might just be the most important “window shopping” you ever do—providing a glimpse into a future where the best care in the world is just a conversation away.

In an exciting development for international travellers, China Daily has launched a Dunhuang sub-platform under its flagship “China Bound” smart-tourism service. The platform, which launched on February 13 2026, provides overseas visitors with simplified access to travel information about Dunhuang, which is a city known for its historical and cultural assets. The platform provides travellers from all over the world with an easy-to-use experience through its complete travel solutions, which include itinerary creation, intelligent question-answering, ticket purchasing, and travel story sharing.

The platform features an English-language website, alongside mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay, offering international visitors detailed insights into Dunhuang’s attractions and services. By integrating local services and global connectivity, China Daily ensures that travelers have everything they need to explore Dunhuang, from the planning stage to the final destination.

A One-Stop Tourism Hub for Dunhuang

The new Dunhuang sub-platform within “China Bound” includes seven key sections: “Uniquely in Dunhuang”, “Know Before You Go”, “Taste of Dunhuang”, “Trending Places”, “What to Buy”, “Where to Stay”, and “Festivals & Events”. These sections are designed to offer everything an international visitor might need for an enriching travel experience. Whether you are looking for information about the city’s natural landscapes, its rich historical heritage, local delicacies, or cultural festivals, the platform has it covered.

The platform also includes intelligent features such as personalized travel support from a smart assistant. This virtual guide helps users create customized itineraries, check real-time traffic updates, and understand the cultural context of Dunhuang’s landmarks. Optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, visitors can access practical travel information anytime and from anywhere, making it a truly smart-tourism service that enhances the travel experience before, during, and after their visit to Dunhuang.

Connecting International Travellers to Dunhuang’s Rich Cultural Tapestry

As part of its mission to “connect China and the world”, China Daily aims to promote Dunhuang as an international cultural tourism destination. The platform offers a deep dive into the local culture, from museum visits to traditional performances. Travelers can learn about Dunhuang’s famous Mogao Caves, discover the area’s Silk Road history, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Moreover, the platform provides an exciting opportunity for visitors to win free tickets to the Ancient Sound of Dunhuang or Encore Dunhuang performances. By sharing comments about their travel experiences on the platform, users can enter for a chance to enjoy these unique cultural events, further enhancing their connection to the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Seamless Travel Services for International Visitors

For overseas tourists, China Bound offers an integrated approach to travel that covers all essential services in one place. From booking flights, hotels, and train tickets to converting currency and making payments online, the platform simplifies the logistical challenges of travel. Additionally, the platform’s multilingual assistant provides travel support in various languages, ensuring that international visitors can navigate the services with ease.

The collaboration with local cultural and tourism authorities, museums, and service providers ensures that the platform delivers trustworthy, credible content, which enhances the overall travel experience. Whether visitors are interested in cultural tours, shopping, or exploring the natural beauty of the region, China Bound provides a complete, hassle-free experience.

The Future of Dunhuang as a Global Cultural Tourism Destination

Dunhuang is quickly advancing in its development as a top-tier cultural tourism destination. The launch of the China Bound Dunhuang sub-platform is a significant step in this journey, enhancing the city’s profile among international travelers. With the platform’s user-friendly interface, seamless services, and rich content, Dunhuang is well on its way to becoming a go-to location for international visitors eager to experience China’s cultural treasures.

As China continues to promote its diverse regions to global tourists, the Dunhuang sub-platform represents the future of smart-tourism services. By integrating advanced technology with authentic local culture, this platform bridges the gap between international travelers and China’s deep historical heritage, making travel to Dunhuang more accessible, enjoyable, and memorable.

A Smart and Seamless Travel Experience to Dunhuang

International travellers can now utilise the Dunhuang sub-platform, which China Bound launched to plan their trips to Dunhuang, one of China’s most important cultural cities. The platform provides complete travel services together with extensive cultural knowledge, which enables all travellers to experience a complete and valuable journey. As Dunhuang develops into a worldwide travel destination, China Daily’s modern platform will help determine how international visitors experience tourism in China.

Flight operations across Australia are currently facing a period of intense volatility. Major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne are reporting hundreds of schedule interruptions. Passengers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast now face mounting frustrations as terminal wait times climb. Similarly, travel plans in Adelaide and Perth have been upended by sudden logistical shifts. There’s a total of 29 flight cancellations and 728 delays reported. The data highlights a significant strain on specific carriers. Jetstar currently leads the figures for both cancellations and late departures. Meanwhile, QantasLink continues to struggle with regional reliability across the eastern states. These disruptions create a ripple effect throughout the entire tourism network. Travellers must stay informed to navigate this evolving situation effectively. This report examines the specific numbers behind the chaos at each major gateway. We provide a detailed breakdown of how these delays impact your journey. Understanding these trends helps you prepare for the current challenges of Australian air travel.

Major Airports Affected

The scale of the disruption is most visible at the nation’s busiest terminals. In Brisbane, a total of 9 cancellations and 175 delays have been recorded today, marking one of the highest volumes of scheduling slippage in the region. Simultaneously, Sydney has faced its own set of challenges, reporting 8 cancellations and a staggering 200 delayed services, the highest delay count among all listed locations.

Further south, Melbourne (Tullamarine) remains a focal point of the aviation strain, with 8 cancellations and 193 delays documented. The impact is not limited to these primary capitals; the Gold Coast has seen 2 cancellations and 59 delays, while Adelaide Int’l has reported 1 cancellation alongside 59 delays. Even in Western Australia, the gateway of Perth Int’l has been touched by the instability, with 1 cancellation and 42 delays registered.

The following table summarizes the operational status at these key locations:

Impacted Airlines

A detailed analysis of the affected carriers reveals that low-cost and regional subsidiaries are bearing a significant portion of the operational burden.

Jetstar has been identified as a primary contributor to the current figures, notably accounting for 7 of the 8 cancellations in Sydney and 4 in Melbourne. Across the network, Jetstar has recorded a cumulative total of 16 cancellations and 156 delays.

QantasLink, the regional arm of the national carrier, has also faced substantial hurdles, particularly in Brisbane, where 5 cancellations and 26 delays were reported. In total, QantasLink services have seen 10 cancellations and 58 delays today.

Meanwhile, Qantas mainline operations have remained relatively stable in terms of cancellations (3 in total), though the airline has still navigated 103 delayed flights across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Virgin Australia has maintained the highest level of schedule integrity among the major players mentioned, with only a single cancellation and 4 delays reported in Perth.

Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other Airlines, like Air New Zealand, Alliance Airlines, Regional Express Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Malindo Air, Network Aviation and more.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The concentration of these disruptions in high-traffic leisure and business destinations might have a tangible effect on the local tourism sectors. In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which serve as the primary entry points for Queensland’s tourism corridors, the high volume of delays may lead to shortened stays and missed connections for organized tours.

In Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest economic hubs in Australia, the sheer volume of delayed passengers—totaling nearly 400 flights between the two cities—is likely to increase the demand for last-minute airport accommodation and hospitality services. Furthermore, the unreliability of schedules to Perth and Adelaide can deter short-term interstate travel, as the risk of losing a significant portion of a weekend or business trip to terminal waits becomes a deterrent for potential travellers. Industry observers note that consistent disruptions of this nature can erode consumer confidence in domestic air travel, potentially shifting preference toward alternative transport modes or closer-to-home destinations.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently caught in the midst of these scheduling shifts, several immediate steps are recommended by aviation experts and consumer advocacy groups. Passengers are urged to maintain a proactive stance regarding their travel rights and logistics.

• Monitor Live Updates: Flight statuses should be checked frequently via official airline mobile applications or the websites of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne airports. Real-time notifications often provide the most accurate window for rebooking.
• Understand Consumer Rights: Under Australia’s consumer law, airlines are generally expected to provide services within a reasonable timeframe. If a flight is cancelled, carriers typically offer a seat on the next available service or a refund, though the specific terms can vary depending on the cause of the delay.
• Retain Documentation: All receipts for essential expenses incurred due to significant delays—such as meals or overnight accommodation—should be kept. While Australian airlines provide assistance at their discretion, having a clear paper trail is vital for any subsequent claims or insurance applications.
• Contact Customer Support: Passengers at Perth, Adelaide, or the Gold Coast who find themselves stranded should seek assistance at the airport service desks immediately. Rebooking options are often filled on a first-come, first-served basis, making early communication essential.

As the situation continues to evolve, the focus for the Australian aviation industry remains on clearing the backlog of delayed passengers and restoring the reliability of the domestic network.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.

Passengers disrupted in The USA as 66 flight delays and 5 cancellations were recorded at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, disrupting domestic and limited international travel. The airlines most affected were Southwest Airlines (62 delays, 1 cancellation), Spirit Airlines (3 delays, 2 cancellations), and British Airways (2 cancellations). United Airlines (1 delay) also reported disruption.
Airports seeing notable ripple effects due to Baltimore/Washington Intl disruptions included London Heathrow Airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Punta Cana International Airport, and Albany International Airport. Additional delays were recorded across major U.S. gateways including Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Miami International Airport.

• Update today: 66 delays and 5 cancellations reported at Baltimore/Washington International.
• Southwest Airlines recorded the highest number of delays with 62 affected flights.
• British Airways canceled 100% of its scheduled service to and from London Heathrow.
• Spirit Airlines reported 2 cancellations and 3 delays.
• Albany, New Orleans, and Punta Cana routes experienced delay rates above 60%.
• All reported delays were tied to domestic operations within, into, or out of the United States.

Airlines Most Affected by Flight Cancellations and Delays

Southwest Airlines

Southwest accounted for the majority of operational strain at Baltimore/Washington International, with 62 delayed flights and 1 cancellation. The airline operates an extensive domestic network through BWI, contributing to its disproportionate share of the day’s delays.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines recorded 2 cancellations and 3 delays, reflecting a measurable operational disruption compared to its total scheduled activity.

British Airways

British Airways experienced 2 cancellations, representing 100% of its scheduled flights linked to London Heathrow for the day. No delays were recorded; instead, flights were fully canceled.

United Airlines

United reported 1 delayed flight with no cancellations.

What Can Passengers Do?

• Check flight status directly with the operating airline before heading to the airport. Status changes can occur close to departure time, and relying only on third-party booking platforms may not reflect real-time updates.
• Use the airline’s official mobile app or website for alerts and self-service rebooking. Many carriers allow passengers to select alternate flights, join standby lists, or request travel credits digitally without waiting in long airport queues.
• Arrive prepared with flexible travel options. If disruption affects connecting flights, consider alternative routing through nearby airports or different departure times on the same day.
• Review airline rebooking and refund policies carefully. During irregular operations, airlines often provide change-fee waivers, refund eligibility, or complimentary re-accommodation on the next available flight.
• Keep boarding passes, booking confirmations, and expense receipts. Documentation may be required if submitting reimbursement requests for meals, hotel stays, or ground transport linked to delays or cancellations.

Overview of Flight Disruptions

Today’s disruptions were concentrated at Baltimore/Washington International, with 66 delays and 5 cancellations, making it the primary hub of operational impact. The most affected carrier was Southwest Airlines, followed by Spirit Airlines and British Airways.

International connectivity was impacted through London Heathrow in the United Kingdom, where British Airways cancellations halted scheduled service. Caribbean routes such as Punta Cana International in the Dominican Republic recorded 100% delays, while Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico also experienced elevated delay percentages.

Domestic cities including Albany (New York), New Orleans (Louisiana), Orlando (Florida), and Fort Lauderdale (Florida) reported significant disruption levels, with Albany delays reaching 61% for the day’s scheduled operations.

Additional ripple effects were observed at major U.S. airports including Denver International, Miami International, and Orlando International, reinforcing that today’s disruption extended beyond a single route or carrier.

Overall, the pattern at Baltimore/Washington International remained delay-heavy rather than cancellation-dominant, with the majority of impacted flights continuing to operate but behind schedule. The concentration of disruption among specific airlines and routes underscores the uneven operational strain experienced across the United States, the United Kingdom, and select Caribbean destinations today.

Image Source: AI
Source: Different airports and FlightAware

Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, and Palermo herald the return of MSC Splendida to Mediterranean tourism after a comprehensive twenty-seven-day drydock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard. The ship recommenced service on February 7, 2026, with a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, introducing refreshed public areas and staterooms to eager passengers. This revival strengthens tourism circuits across Spain, France, Italy, and Tunisia, injecting premium visitor spending into historic ports and island retreats.

Drydock Upgrades Detailed

Technical enhancements ensured MSC Splendida adheres to stringent safety standards, including hull maintenance, class surveys, and machinery overhauls. Aesthetic refreshes encompassed new carpets, upholstery, and lighting in communal spaces, aligning with contemporary luxury expectations. These investments elevate onboard experiences, attracting discerning travelers who prioritize polished environments for Mediterranean tourism.

Shore power capabilities prepare the vessel for eco-friendly docking in compliant ports like Barcelona, reducing emissions and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. Post-refit readiness positions MSC Splendida for intensive seasonal operations, minimizing disruptions and maximizing tourism contributions.

Current Western Mediterranean Route

The inaugural post-drydock sailing departed Barcelona, calling at Marseille for Provençal markets, Genoa‘s aquariums, Naples‘ Pompeii ruins, Palermo‘s Arab-Norman cathedrals, and La Goulette in Tunisia for Carthage explorations. Sea days facilitate relaxation amid MSC Yacht Club exclusivity. These stops invigorate tourism economies, with extended stays promoting culinary trails and heritage walks.

Passengers engage deeply, from Genoa pesto tastings to Palermo street food tours, sustaining local artisans and guides. Marseille tourism benefits from calanques kayaking, diversifying beyond cruise transients.

Island-Focused Spring Itineraries

From late April 2026, MSC Splendida transitions to island-centric voyages visiting Malta, Sicily, and Sardinia alongside Barcelona and Marseille. Valletta‘s baroque splendor, Palermo‘s markets, and Cagliari‘s nuraghe sites offer balanced urban-nature blends. This shift caters to leisure tourism, encouraging beach days and yacht charters that extend port revenues.

Sardinia tourism surges with flamingo lagoons and Phoenician ruins, while Malta‘s UNESCO sites draw history buffs. Seasonal adjustments optimize Mediterranean tourism occupancy, smoothing shoulder transitions.

Winter Repositioning to South America

Late 2026 sees MSC Splendida repositioning to Buenos Aires for eight- and nine-night South America cruises to Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Ilhabela, and Punta del Este. Vibrant beaches and urban vibes promise diverse tourism, from Copacabana sunsets to Uruguayan vineyards. This deployment expands MSC’s footprint, channeling European passengers to emerging markets.

Rio de Janeiro tourism anticipates samba integrations and favela insights, while Punta del Este‘s upscale scene appeals to jet-setters. Repositionings bridge regions, sustaining year-round tourism vitality.

MSC Splendida’s Onboard Excellence

Accommodating thirty-three hundred passengers across thirteen decks, MSC Splendida features MSC Yacht Club suites with 24/7 butler service, multiple pools, and theater shows. Dining spans Il Campo buffet to specialty Butcher’s Cut steaks. Fitness arenas and kids-free zones like Top Eighteen Exclusive cater to varied demographics. Refreshed interiors enhance appeal for Mediterranean tourism.

Entertainment includes Cirque du Soleil collaborations and LED sky screens, immersing guests in port previews. Spa therapies draw from regional essences, promoting wellness tourism.

Tourism Economic Catalysts

Barcelona tourism thrives on embarkation spends at La Rambla, with MSC Splendida boosting terminal efficiencies. Naples gains from Vesuvius hikes, supporting Campania’s economy. Palermo‘s markets see artisanal upticks, while La Goulette facilitates Sahara day trips. High occupancy forecasts millions in revenues, funding port modernizations.

Island routes elevate Malta tourism via harbor cruises and Sardinia‘s emerald coasts, balancing mass and boutique experiences. South America phase promises Brazilian carnival preludes, diversifying global tourism flows.

Fleet Modernization Momentum

MSC Cruises advances refurbishments, with MSC Poesia next for Yacht Club additions and dining innovations at the same Malta yard. These upgrades standardize luxury across vessels, enhancing competitive tourism positioning. Shore power retrofits align with EU green directives, future-proofing Mediterranean operations.

Strategic drydocks minimize downtime, ensuring fleet reliability for peak seasons and bolstering stakeholder confidence in tourism recovery.

Sustainability Commitments

Eco-measures like hull coatings reduce fuel use, aiding Barcelona‘s emission goals. Waste management and single-use plastic bans support Marseille marine protections. Genoa collaborations promote Ligurian biodiversity awareness. These practices attract eco-conscious cruisers, elevating tourism sustainability profiles.

South America itineraries emphasize reef-safe sunscreens, preserving Brazil’s Atlantic forests. MSC’s net-zero ambitions resonate with ports, fostering long-term partnerships.

Passenger Experiences Amplified

Refurbished staterooms offer modern comforts, from rainfall showers to smart lighting, suiting multigenerational tourism. Themed nights celebrate Italian Riviera flair in Genoa or Sicilian feasts in Palermo. Wellness programs integrate yoga with port hikes, promoting active tourism.

Loyalty perks via MSC Voyagers Club encourage repeats, stabilizing bookings amid volatile markets.

Future Seasonal Projections

Spring islands fuel Sicily tourism via Taormina excursions, while summer potential looms. South America winter solidifies MSC’s hemispheric presence, projecting record passengers. MSC Splendida‘s agility drives Mediterranean tourism innovation, with Barcelona as pivotal hub. Enhanced vessels promise elevated service, captivating global adventurers. Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo set for prosperous revival.

Image credit: MSC Cruises S.A.

Aer Lingus will introduce a new twice-weekly direct flight service from Dublin to Barbados in Spring 2026, offering Irish travelers a seamless, non-stop connection to one of the Caribbean’s most popular vacation spots. This new route enhances access to Barbados, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, providing an easy and efficient way for Irish holidaymakers to enjoy a tropical escape without the need for connections through other European hubs. Perfect for both leisure travelers and sun-seekers, the service promises a more enjoyable and streamlined journey to this idyllic Caribbean destination.

Barbados is well-known for its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant local culture, making it an attractive destination for tourists looking to escape the colder climates of Europe. As the spring season approaches, this new route is expected to draw many travelers seeking a tropical retreat, providing them with a convenient, direct option without the need to transit through other European airports. The addition of this service marks a significant step in promoting tourism to Barbados, which continues to be a top choice for those seeking sun, relaxation, and adventure.

This new connection also benefits Irish passengers by offering a non-stop link to the Caribbean. The convenience of a direct flight, rather than relying on connecting flights through European hubs, will significantly improve the travel experience for Irish holidaymakers. This streamlined travel option will make Barbados more accessible than ever for travelers from Ireland, simplifying the journey and saving time.

Aer Lingus’ decision to launch this service reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to expanding its long-haul network and responding to the growing demand for Caribbean and North American travel. The twice-weekly service, scheduled to operate throughout the year, will offer a level of flexibility that accommodates both short weekend breaks and longer stays. This variety caters to the preferences of modern travelers, who are increasingly seeking diverse options for their holidays, whether they’re after a quick escape or an extended tropical retreat.

The airline anticipates strong demand for the new route, particularly during the spring season when many holidaymakers flock to warmer destinations. With this in mind, Aer Lingus is encouraging passengers to book their flights early for Spring 2026 to ensure they secure their seats. As demand is expected to be high, early booking will not only guarantee a spot on this popular route but will also give travelers the chance to secure competitive pricing for their Caribbean getaway.

In addition to benefiting Irish travelers, the introduction of this direct route also positions Aer Lingus to better compete in the growing Caribbean travel market. With other airlines already offering Caribbean services from the UK and Ireland, Aer Lingus’ new route will ensure it remains a key player in this competitive market. By offering a direct, non-stop service from Dublin, the airline is catering to travelers who prefer a more straightforward travel experience and are looking for a reliable and efficient option to reach their destination.

As the airline seeks to expand its long-haul presence, the Barbados route represents a key step in strengthening Aer Lingus’ position as a major carrier between Europe and the Caribbean. This service will not only serve the growing demand for leisure travel to the region but also further enhance the airline’s appeal during peak travel periods. With the Caribbean proving to be a year-round destination, especially for travelers looking to escape the cold European winters, the new Barbados route is poised to attract a steady stream of passengers throughout the year.

Aer Lingus has long been known for its high standards of service, and this new Caribbean offering will be no different. Passengers can expect a comfortable and enjoyable journey, whether they are traveling for a quick break or an extended stay. With the airline’s continued expansion and focus on improving customer experiences, travelers flying from Dublin to Barbados can look forward to an enjoyable, hassle-free flight experience that sets the tone for the rest of their vacation.

The new service between Dublin and Barbados will be a welcome addition to Aer Lingus’ growing portfolio of long-haul destinations. It comes at a time when the airline is strengthening its efforts to expand its reach in the Caribbean and beyond, making travel to sun-soaked destinations more accessible for Irish and European travelers. This direct flight opens up new possibilities for travelers, while at the same time promoting Barbados as a must-visit destination in the Caribbean.

Aer Lingus is launching a new twice-weekly direct service from Dublin to Barbados in Spring 2026, offering Irish travelers a convenient, non-stop route to the Caribbean’s top vacation destination. This new service enhances access to Barbados while eliminating the need for layovers in other European hubs.

Overall, Aer Lingus’ new Barbados route will play a significant role in boosting tourism to the island, offering travelers more convenient and flexible options for booking their Caribbean vacations. Whether looking to soak up the sun or explore the island’s rich culture, this direct connection ensures that Ireland’s holidaymakers have a simple and direct way to reach paradise in the Caribbean.

CANADA is currently witnessing a historic transformation in the way its flagship carrier connects our citizens to the rest of the world. There is a specific kind of resilience that defines the Canadian spirit, a quiet but fierce determination to find new paths when the old ones begin to fade into the rearview. For decades, the cross-border journey to our southern neighbors was the rhythmic heartbeat of our travel habits, but today, that pulse is shifting toward more distant horizons. We are seeing a moment where Air Canada isn’t just reacting to a change in demand; it is embracing a wider, more vibrant world with open arms. From the bustling, aromatic night markets of Bangkok to the historic, cobblestone centers of Europe, the airline is proving that our inherent desire to explore knows no borders. This isn’t just about corporate profit margins or seat capacity; it’s about a nation looking further afield, finding new friends and vital trade partners across the vast blue oceans. It’s a transition that reminds us all that while some gates may temporarily close, the world remains a wide-open playground for those with the courage to fly toward something entirely new and breathtaking.

The Great Diversification: Air Canada Mitigates US Travel Drop Now

A monumental shift in the aviation sector has been officially confirmed by Air Canada, as the airline successfully navigates a tumultuous drop in demand for travel to the United States. In a high-stakes move to protect its future, the carrier has pivoted its flight capacity away from the U.S. border, focusing instead on surging domestic and international routes. Mark Galardo, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, mentioned that these diversification efforts were paying off and fully mitigating the impact of reduced Canada-U.S. demand. According to the latest financial disclosures and reports from Transport Canada, the airline has strategically ramped up its presence in Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. While travel to the south is expected to remain status quo with no immediate signs of a major rebound, the airline is finding massive success elsewhere. This strategic rejigging of the network has allowed Canada’s largest airline to report a record operating revenue of $5.8 billion for the recent quarter, representing a staggering jump that has caught the attention of global investors.

New Horizons: China Return and Bangkok Extension Update

The secret to Air Canada’s 2026 success lies in its aggressive expansion into the Asian market. The airline is officially reintroducing non-stop flights to China from Toronto, a viral move that marks a significant restoration of global connectivity. Additionally, the airline is extending its popular year-round service to Bangkok, catering to the new and trendiest demand for Southeast Asian travel. Business monitors have noted that corporate travel to Europe and the Pacific has seen a nearly 30 per cent increase. Officials suggested that this was due to Canadian businesses actively seeking new trade corridors beyond the traditional North American markets. Michael Rousseau, the airline’s CEO, mentioned that 2026 would be a transitional year as the company prepares to add at least 35 new aircraft to its fleet to support this incredible global reach.

The A350-1000 Era: Planning the Future of Long-Haul Travel Today

In a unique turn for the airline’s long-term strategy, Air Canada recently announced a massive order for eight Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft. These state-of-the-art jets are designed to power next-generation non-stop flights to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Officials suggested that these aircraft would provide the flexibility and range needed to grow into completely new markets by 2030. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and international safety monitors have lauded the A350-1000 for its fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort. Air Canada mentioned that bringing on these additional aircraft would allow them to bypass traditional hubs and offer bespoke travel experiences to some of the world’s furthest destinations. The administration suggested that this fleet renewal was a vital step in strengthening the airline for decades to come, ensuring that Canadians have a frictionless path to every corner of the globe.

Viral Travel Trends: The Shift Toward Overseas Adventures in 2026

The move toward international diversification reflects a larger 2026 viral trend where Canadians are prioritizing bucket-list overseas trips over routine cross-border visits. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the demand for long-haul leisure travel is skyrocketing as travelers seek deeper cultural immersion. Air Canada’s quick response to international events has also been a viral topic. When the energy crisis in Cuba worsened, the airline suspended service and immediately moved capacity to other sun markets with minimal financial impact. Officials suggested that the airline’s ability to dispatch empty flights to bring 3,000 travelers home safely was a masterpiece of operational agility. This soulful commitment to passenger welfare has further bolstered the airline’s reputation during this high-stakes transitional year.

A New Chapter for the Canadian Global Voyager

As the sun sets over the hangars in Montreal and Vancouver, the future of Air Canada feels more expansive and secure than ever before. The 2026 pivot is more than just a survival tactic; it is a bold declaration of a new era in Canadian aviation that looks toward the stars. By looking beyond the familiar and reaching for the extraordinary, our flagship carrier is ensuring that the world remains a classroom and a playground for every citizen. We invite you to experience the magic of this new global network and discover the stories waiting for you across the sea. Whether you are flying to the historic streets of Paris, the vibrant markets of Bangkok, or the scenic wonders of our own vast backyard, Air Canada is ready to take you there with renewed purpose. The world is changing, and we are changing with it, proving that the most beautiful view is often found just beyond our traditional comfort zone. Your 2026 adventure is waiting, and the wings of the nation are ready to carry you to horizons you’ve only ever dreamed of visiting. Come and see the masterpiece of the modern sky—the world is waiting for you now.

Samsung is getting ready to launch its new Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Before the official launch, new images of the earbuds have been found in leaked One UI 9.0 software. These pictures give us another early look at the design of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

The images have been discovered inside the Galaxy Wearable app by Sammobile in leaked firmware for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This means Samsung has already added the official images of the earbuds into its system. When people buy the new Galaxy Buds 4 or Buds 4 Pro and connect them to their phone, they will likely see these same images during setup.

Samsung will officially show the Galaxy Buds 4 series on February 25 at its first Unpacked event of 2026. Many leaks have already revealed the design, and these new images confirm how the earbuds will look. The design appears clean and modern, similar to recent Samsung earbuds.

Reports say Samsung has improved the sound quality in the new models. The company is also fixing problems that users faced with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Some people had issues with charging and uneven paint on the earbuds. Samsung has decided to remove these lights in the new version to avoid this issue.

With better sound, improved quality, and no price increase, the Galaxy Buds 4 series could be a good choice for people looking for new wireless earbuds. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Galaxy Buds 4 Pro design surfaces in One UI 9 firmware appeared first on Sammy Fans.

The Honor Pad X8 was announced in 2022, and now the Honor Pad X8b has quietly been launched in Saudi Arabia. We won't even try to make sense of the naming scheme and why, three and a half years after the X8, the X8b has arrived. The new tablet has an 11-inch 1920x1200 IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 5MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a 10,100 mAh battery. The Honor Pad X8b is powered by the Snapdragon 680 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It runs Android 16 with MagicOS 10 on top, it's 7.25mm thin, and weighs 496g. It comes with a charger in the box, at...

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele remain central to France’s plans as Didier Deschamps begins to shape his vision for the 2026 World Cup. With the French national team heading toward another global tournament as one of the leading favorites, speculation is already building around how the attacking unit will look and who will be entrusted with carrying Les Bleus’ ambitions in North America.

Deschamps, whose leadership has defined an era of sustained excellence, is said to have made decisive early calls on the forward line. While the details have been closely guarded, it is believed that seven of the eight attacking slots for the World Cup roster are already close to being locked in, a sign that the France national team is entering the next cycle with a clear structure and hierarchy.

With Mbappe set to lead the attack and Dembele providing elite creativity, the question now is which players will form the supporting cast in what could be one of the most stacked offensive groups in the tournament.

France’s status as a global powerhouse is undisputed. The national team won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018 and reached the final in both 2006 and 2022, establishing a record few countries can match. Under Deschamps, Les Bleus have reached consecutive World Cup finals and consistently remained among the world’s top-ranked sides. Heading into 2026, the Blues are ranked third in the FIFA rankings, trailing only Argentina and Spain.

They qualified for the tournament by finishing top of their UEFA group with a dominant record, underlining their depth and consistency across the squad. Mbappe is expected to be the centerpiece once again. The Real Madrid forward has scored 55 goals in 94 international appearances, including 12 at World Cups, and remains one of the defining players of his generation. Dembele, now a key creative force, continues to provide explosive pace and technical brilliance for the national team.

The seven guaranteed forwards

France has been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and a playoff winner from Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname. The fixtures will be played across the United States and Canada, with matches scheduled in New York, Philadelphia, Foxborough, and Toronto.

Norway poses a significant threat, led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, while 2025 AFCON winner, Senegal, brings physicality and historic rivalry. The group stage will test France early, but its limited travel demands could offer a logistical advantage.

Midway through preparations, reports have surfaced regarding Deschamps’ attacking plans. According to L’Equipe, seven forwards are already considered guaranteed selections for the 2026 World Cup squad. Those players are:

• Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
• Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
• Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
• Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)

“Deschamps is expected to take eight forwards, and seven are already confirmed,” the report states, highlighting how firmly the core attacking group has been established.

The final forward spot will reportedly be contested by a deep pool of talent, including Marcus Thuram, Randal Kolo Muani, Florian Thauvin, Maghnes Akliouche, Kingsley Coman, Christopher Nkunku, and Jean-Philippe Mateta — a testament to France’s extraordinary depth in attack.

Generation of elite attackers across Europe

France’s attacking strength is built on players thriving at elite clubs. Mbappe leads Real Madrid, Dembele remains a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain, Olise is emerging at Bayern Munich, and Cherki is developing at Manchester City. Barcola and Doue continue to grow within PSG’s system, while Ekitike is forging his path at Liverpool.

Statistically, the core attackers are delivering elite output. Mbappe has 51 combined goals and assists this season, Olise 41, Ekitike 20, and Cherki 19, illustrating the sheer firepower at Deschamps’ disposal.

Real Madrid is bracing for a defining La Liga showdown, and all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe and Alvaro Arbeloa as uncertainty swirls around the French superstar’s availability. The matchup itself already carries major significance, pitting the Spanish capital club against a Basque opponent riding one of the most impressive runs in the competition. Still, the suspense surrounding Madrid’s leading scorer adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Arbeloa, overseeing an impressive unbeaten start in the league, must balance urgency with caution, especially when his star forward is dealing with lingering fitness concerns. Los Blancos welcome Real Sociedad on Saturday night, knowing that victory could propel them back to the summit of La Liga. Under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, Madrid boasts a perfect domestic record so far, but this encounter represents their sternest challenge yet.

Sociedad arrives unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches, firmly established as one of the most organized and dangerous sides in Spain. Led by Pellegrino Matarazzo, the Basque club has evolved into a devastating counter-attacking unit and currently sits eighth in the table while pushing toward a Copa del Rey final.

What did Arbeloa say about Mbappe?

Midway through the buildup, clarity has finally emerged regarding the biggest question of all. Kylian Mbappe will be available. After missing two consecutive training sessions earlier in the week due to lingering discomfort in his left knee, Mbappe returned to full first-team training on Friday at Valdebebas. His absence had sparked concern inside the club, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.

Those fears were eased when Arbeloa addressed the situation directly in the pre-match press conference. “Yes, he’s fine. He’s trained with the group and is available for tomorrow’s match,” the Madrid coach confirmed. This confirmation effectively ended doubts over his availability, although medical staff continues to monitor his condition closely, given the club’s congested schedule and upcoming European commitments.

Why Madrid can’t take risks lightly

Mbappe’s importance cannot be overstated. The French forward has scored 38 goals and provided four assists in 31 matches, making him Madrid’s primary attacking reference. He has also found the net in nine consecutive appearances across competitions when featured.

However, the team faces a delicate balancing act. With a Champions League playoff against Benfica looming later in the month, preserving the Frenchman’s long-term fitness remains a priority. Any inflammation in the knee of a player so reliant on explosive pace is treated with extreme caution.

While Mbappe is expected to start, Arbeloa retains the option of limiting his minutes if there are any late warning signs. However, even with his return, Madrid remains stretched. Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao are all sidelined, forcing Arbeloa to rely on squad depth and academy reinforcements. Defender Raul Asencio returned to training after illness, though he has been managing a minor tibial issue and could be rotated with Antonio Rudiger, now fully fit.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the central figure of Al-Nassr’s ambitious project, but even the presence of one of soccer’s greatest icons cannot prevent internal changes and uncertainty. As the club balances star power, domestic expectations, and squad competition, a major development is quietly unfolding behind the scenes, and it could see a crucial teammate depart in search of regular playing time.

At first glance, the situation appears like a routine squad decision. In reality, it reflects deeper tactical shifts, intense competition for places, and the evolving priorities of a club that aims to dominate domestically and internationally. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line and global attention fixed on the club, every personnel change carries added significance.

Al-Nassr’s squad is built on depth and star power, combining international imports with domestic talents. This structure creates elite competition for starting roles, particularly in critical positions such as goalkeeping. Coaches at top clubs often emphasize rotation, but in high-stakes competitions, consistency and trust play decisive roles in determining who starts.

In recent months, Al-Nassr’s technical staff has reassessed its hierarchy following costly mistakes and tactical adjustments. As a result, the balance of power within the squad has shifted, affecting players who once appeared untouchable.

Possible blow for Ronaldo as experienced international could leave

The player at the center of this uncertainty is Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the Saudi international goalkeeper who began the season as the club’s first-choice option. According to Saudi reports, Al-Aqidi’s position changed after errors in matches against Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal, prompting the coaching staff to rely on Brazilian goalkeeper Bento Matheus instead.

Al-Aqidi has since been demoted to the second-choice role, with his involvement now dependent on tactical needs rather than guaranteed starts. Local newspapers Arriyadiyah and Al-Youm suggest that the goalkeeper is expected to leave next summer in search of regular playing opportunities, given the strong competition within the squad. This shift highlights the brutal reality of elite soccer: even established internationals can lose their place if performance drops or tactical preferences change.

Head coach Jorge Jesus reportedly held direct talks with Al-Aqidi, reaffirming that he remains part of the technical plans but without guarantees. The Portuguese coach has opted for Bento in recent fixtures, emphasizing consistency and reliability in goal. The competition between the two goalkeepers has become one of the defining internal battles of Al-Nassr’s season. For a club chasing multiple trophies, goalkeeping stability is non-negotiable, and even minor errors can trigger decisive changes.

What does Nawaf Al-Aqidi’s agent think?

Speculation about the 25-year-old’s future intensified across social media and local outlets, prompting his agent Mishaal Al-Safa’i to issue a public statement defending his client and criticizing unverified rumors.

“When he was present, he silenced everyone with his performances, culminating in our national team’s qualification for the World Cup. Now that he’s absent, everyone is talking about him,” Al-Safa’i wrote. “It’s strange that some people speak as if they are decision-makers within the club. It’s truly shameful.”

Yeni Adalet Bakanı Akın Gürlek, futbolda yasa dışı bahis ve şike iddialarına ilişkin açıklamalarda bulundu.

Adalet Bakanı Akın Gürlek futbolda bahis konusunu değerlendirdi.

Bakan Akın Gürlek'in açıklamaları şöyle:

-Bir futbolcunun bahis oynaması bizim kanunlarımıza göre suç değil. TFF'nin disiplin cezasını gerektiriyor.

- Şike veya teşvik olabilmesi için kendi oynadığı maçta olması lazım. Bu da tek başına yetmiyor. Aynı zamanda para hareketi olması lazım. O konuda çok hassas davrandık.

- İstanbul Adliyesi'nde özel bir büro var ve çok güzel çalışıyor. Türkiye'de de yaygınlaştıracağız.

- Başka adliyelerimizde de futbolda şike ile ilgili soruşturmalara başladı.

- Yasa dışı bahis konusunda ben Adalet Bakanı olarak topluma söz veriyorum; biz bu işin sonuna kadar gideceğiz, kökünü kazıyacağız.

Tahkim Kurulu, Antalyaspor Teknik Direktörü Sami Uğurlu'nun cezasını 2 maça indirdi.

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) Tahkim Kurulu, Hesap.com Antalyaspor Teknik Direktörü Sami Uğurlu'nun cezasında indirim yaptı.

TFF'nin internet sitesinde yer alan açıklamaya göre kurul, Profesyonel Futbol Disiplin Kurulunun 3 resmi maçtan men cezasında indirime giderek tecrübeli teknik adamın cezasını 2 karşılaşmaya düşürdü. Kurul ayrıca maddi cezayı da 80 bin liradan 53 bin 334 liraya indirerek kararı onadı.

Çaykur Rizespor'un 220 bin liralık cezasını onayan tahkim kurulu, bahis eylemi nedeniyle 8 ay hak mahrumiyeti alan hakem Batuhan Mirhat Duyak'ın cezasının eylemin gerçekleştiği tarihte talimat kapsamında olmadığı gerekçesiyle kaldırdı. Aynı eylem nedeniyle 8 ay ceza alan hakem Berat Çalışır'ın cezası ise onandı.

Kurul, Trabzonspor ile futbolcu Berat Özdemir arasındaki davayla ilgili olarak ise "Davalı Trabzonspor AŞ'nin itirazı kısmen kabul edilerek asıl dava yönünden 706 bin 922,40 lira alacağın davalı Trabzonspor AŞ'den alınarak davacı Berat Özdemir'e verilmesi şeklinde Uyuşmazlık Çözüm Kurulu kararının düzeltilerek onanmasına, sair itirazların reddine oy birliğiyle karar verilmiştir." ifadelerini kullandı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 22. haftasında konuk olduğu Hesap.com Antalyaspor'a 3-1 yenilen Samsunspor'da teknik direktör Thomas Reis maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 22. haftasında konuk olduğu Hesap.com Antalyaspor'a 3-1 yenilen Samsunspor'da teknik direktör Thomas Reis, hayal kırıklığı yaşadığını söyledi.

Reis, Corendon Airlines Park Antalya Stadı'nda oynanan maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, iyi, cesur bir oyun sergilemek için Antalya'ya geldiklerini ancak bunu başaramadıklarını ifade etti.

Rakibe ciddi boşluklar verdiklerini anlatan Alman teknik adam, "Rahat bir şekilde rakibimizin oynamasına izin verdik. İkinci yarıda da istediklerimizi gerçekleştiremedik. Bazı değişilikler de yaptık. Yediğimiz gollere baktığımızda çok basit goller yedik. Hayal kırıklığı yaşıyorum diyebilirim. Bugün takım olmaktan uzak bir performans gösterdik. Tekrardan geri dönmemiz gerekiyor. Perşembe günü (UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 play-off turunda Shkendija maçı) önemli bir karşılaşma oynayacağız. Bu performansı sergileyecek olursak perşembe günü oynayacağımız karşılaşmada istediğimiz sonucu alamayız." diye konuştu.

Reis, Antalyaspor maçında topla oynama oranının yüzde 65 gibi kendi aleyhlerinde gerçekleştiğine dikkati çekerek, "Bu şekilde oynayacaksak topu rakibe verelim daha iyi." ifadesini kullandı.

Antalyaspor'un sahada kazanmak isteyen tek takım görüntüsü verdiğini vurgulayan Reis, Samsunspor'un agresif oyununa geri dönmesi için ellerinden geleni yaptıklarını belirtti.

Reis, kaleci İrfan Can Eğribayat'ın Antalyaspor maçında forma giymesinin daha önceden verilen bir karar olduğunu aktararak, şunları kaydetti:

"Kaleci pozisyonunu, özel bir pozisyon olarak düşünüyorum. İrfan da iyi, tecrübeli bir kaleci. İrfan'ın bu karşılaşmada oynayacağını daha önce söylemiştim. Antalyaspor karşılaşmasında oynamayı hak ediyor. İki iyi kaleciye sahip olduğum için mutluyum. Bu kararın Trabzonspor yenilgisiyle bir alakası yok, önceden alınmış bir karardı."

ikas Eyüpspor Teknik Direktörü Atila Gerin, 5-1 mağlup oldukları Galatasaray maçının ardından açıklama yaptı.

ikas Eyüpspor Teknik Direktörü Atila Gerin, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 22. haftasında 5-1 kaybettikleri Galatasaray maçında gelecek açısından ışık gördüğünü söyledi.

Gerin, RAMS Park'ta yapılan maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında açıklamalarda bulundu.

Maçın başında geri düşüp, 38. dakikada eksik kaldıklarını hatırlatan Gerin, "Kaybettiğimiz için üzgünüz. Galatasaray'ı tebrik ediyorum. Galatasaray'a karşı hem maçın başında 1-0 geri düşmek hem de 55-60 dakika 10 kişi oynamak hiç kolay değil. Galatasaray, Şampiyonlar Ligi oynayan bir takım. Çok güçlü oyuncuları var. Kendimi eleştirdiğim bir konu var. Beşinci maçıma da geride başladık. Demek ki çocukları iyi konsantre edemiyorum. Çok genç çocuklar. Tecrübeleri çok az. Maçın başında geri düşünce de gerisini getirmek kolay olmuyor. Ben, kendi kalibremizde oynayacağımız maçları düşünerek ilk 30-35 dakikadan memnunum. Galatasaray gibi bir takıma karşı topa sahip olabildik. Geçen haftaki Başakşehir maçında hiç korner atamamıştık. Bu hafta en azından 4 korner attık. Takımımızı adım adım yukarı taşımaya çalışıyoruz. Skor 1-0'dayken Umut ile 1-1'i bulabilseydik oyuna daha da tutunabilirdik, daha morallenirdik. Allah'ın izniyle tutunacağız. Bir ışık gördüm." diye konuştu.

Süper Lig'de Eyüpspor'u 5 golle geçerek gövde gösterisi yapan Galatasaray'da tüm gözler Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne çevrildi. İtalya yıllarında Juventus'un 'korkulu rüyası' olan Mauro Icardi'den net mesaj geldi: 'Yeniden kabusları olmaya geliyorum!

Galatasaray, ligde Eyüpspor karşısında aldığı 5-1'lik görkemli galibiyetle moral depoladı. Maçtan sonra herkesin aklında tek bir gündem maddesi vardı: Juventus.

Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde İtalyan deviyle kozlarını paylaşmaya hazırlanan sarı-kırmızılı ekipte, teknik heyetten futbolculara kadar herkes zorlu randevuya kilitlenmiş durumda.

İşte Juventus maçı öncesi camiadan yükselen iddialı sesler:

Icardi İtalya yıllarındaki performansını hatırlatarak siyah-beyazlılara gözdağı verdi:

- Açıkçası onlara tekrar kabus olmayı düşünüyorum. Inter ve Sampdoria formalarıyla onlara karşı çok gol attım, iyi sonuçlar aldım. Juventus, oynamaktan en keyif aldığım takımlardan biri. Taraftarımızın yaratacağı 'cehennem' atmosferini kullanarak bu maçı kazanmak istiyoruz.

Okan Buruk, Eyüpspor galibiyetinin ardından rotayı hemen Şampiyonlar Ligi’ne kırdı.

- Atletico Madrid'in ne oynayacağını kestirebilirsiniz ama Juventus'un çok farklı formatları var.

- Çok kolay hesaplanamayacak oyunculara sahipler. Kanatları çok etkili, özellikle Kenan Yıldız bizim için çok değerli ve tehlikeli bir isim.

Sakatlıktan güçlü dönen Singo, muhteşem bir ekiple maça hazırlandığını belirtti. Son haftaların formda ismi Yunus Akgün ise hocasının direktiflerine vurgu yaptı:

- Okan hoca ceza sahası içine yoğunlaşmamı istiyor. Şansım da yaver gidiyor, inşallah Juventus maçında da bu seriyi sürdürüp kazanacağız.

Galatasaray'ın Eyüpspor galibiyetine 32 dakikada damga vuran Renato Nhaga, performansıyla parmak ısırttı. Genç yıldızın Avrupa listesinde yer almaması yeniden tartışma yarattı. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk'tan 'pişmanlık' sorusuna net yanıt geldi: Tecrübe dedik ama performansı beni mutlu etti.

Galatasaray’ın Eyüpspor karşısında aldığı 5-1'lik galibiyetin ardından camiada en çok konuşulan isim Renato Nhaga oldu. Oyuna sonradan girip sahada basmadık yer bırakmayan genç yetenek 32 dakikalık performansıyla taraftarı mest etti. Nhaga, maç sonunda galibiyet üçlüsünü çektiren isim oldu. Akıllara "bu çocuk neden Avrupa listesinde yok?" sorusunu yeniden getirdi.

Sadece yarım saatten biraz fazla süre almasına rağmen Nhaga, orta sahadaki dinamizmiyle istatistikleri altüst etti:

Süre: 32 Dakika

Pas İsabeti: 34/36 (%94)

İkili Mücadele: 5/8 Kazandı

Maç sonu kameralara "Haydi Gala!" mesajıyla taraftarla bütünleşti. Maç sonrası düzenlenen basın toplantısında en dikkat çekici soru, Nhaga’nın Avrupa listesine dahil edilmemesi üzerine gelen "pişmanlık" sorusuydu.

- Renato'yu listeye almama nedenimiz Şampiyonlar Ligi'nin sertliğiydi. O seviyede tecrübe çok kritik bir faktör. Ancak bugünkü performansı beni çok mutlu etti.

Baskıları, topla rahatlığı ve potansiyeli ortada. Gelişmesi gereken noktalar var ama gelecekte çok iyi bir oyuncu olacağının sinyallerini verdi.

Buruk, oyuncunun pozisyon alma konusunda hala çalışması gerektiğini hatırlatsa da, lig maratonunda Nhaga’ya daha fazla şans vereceğinin yeşil ışığını yaktı.

Maçın bitiş düdüğüyle birlikte takım arkadaşlarının tribünlere götürdüğü Renato Nhaga, 3'lü çektirdi. Basın mensuplarıyla fotoğraf çekilmeyi de ihmal etmedi. Genç oyuncunun özgüveni ve takımla olan uyumu, "Galatasaray yeni bir yıldız mı kazanıyor?" sorularını beraberinde getirdi.

Süper Lig'de her 73 dakikada bir ağları sarsarak kariyer rekoruna koşan Mauro Icardi, Eyüpspor karşısında yaptığı hat-trickle geceye damga vurdu. Sadece golleriyle değil, savunma katkısı ve %92'lik pas isabetiyle de kusursuz bir oyun sergiledi. 'Galatasaray hayatımın bir parçası' sözlerinin değerini gösterdi.

Galatasaray kaptanı Mauro Icardi, Eyüpspor karşısında sergilediği performansla bir kez daha "krallığını" ilan etti. Sahadan 3 golle ayrılan ve maçın topunu evine götüren "kaptan" sadece hücumda değil, savunmadaki gayretiyle de parmak ısırttı.

Icardi, Eyüpspor maçında sadece gol yollarında değil, oyunun her alanında kusursuz bir istatistik kağıdı bıraktı:

Gol 3 (Hat-trick)

İsabetli Pas 11/12 (%92)

Uzun Top 3/3

Kilit Pas 3

Savunma Katkısı 3

Tehlike Engelleme 2

Sözleşmesinin son sezonunda durdurulamaz bir grafik çizen Arjantinli, Süper Lig kariyerinin en golcü dönemini yaşıyor. Toplam 945 dakikada 13 gole ulaşan Icardi, her 73 dakikada bir ağları sarsarak ulaşılması güç bir ortalamaya imza attı.

Maç bitiminde soluğu ultrAslan grubunun bulunduğu kale arkasında alan Icardi, kendisi için hazırlanan "“Galatasaray kariyerimin bir parçası değil, Galatasaray hayatımın bir parçası" pankartın önüne geçti.

Maç sonunda yöneltilen "Juventus’a kabus olmayı düşünüyor musun?" sorusuna net ve iddialı bir "Evet" cevabı veren Icardi, Avrupa sahnesi için de mesajını yolladı:

- Bir forvet olarak amacınız her zaman gol atmaktır. Bu bir akşamda yapılmış bir şey değil, 4 senelik bir sürecin sonucu. Takıma yardım etmek önceliğim. Gollerimden dolayı mutluyum ama işim zaten bu.

Galatasaray'ın Brezilyalı orta saha oyuncusu Gabriel Sara, hakkında çıkan iddialara açıklık getirdi.

Gabriel Sara, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 22. haftasında ikas Eyüpspor'u 5-1 mağlup ettikleri müsabakanın ardından basın mensuplarına açıklamada bulundu.

Sosyal medyada dolaşan iddiayla ilgili konuşan Sara, "İngiltere'den antrenör getirdiğimi söylüyorlar. Bu yalan. Sadece Galatasaray'daki antrenörlerle çalışıyorum. Ayın başında bir sakatlık geçirdim. Galatasaray'daki ekip de bana çok yardımcı oldu. Bu yüzden böyle şeylerin söylenmesi adil değil. İngiltere'den antrenör getirmedim. Sosyal medyada dolaşan haberler doğru değil." ifadelerini kullandı.

Galatasaray teknik direktörü Okan Buruk, Eyüpspor maçının ardından yaptığı açıklamada Juventus maçına odaklandıklarını belirtti.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 22. Haftasında Galatasaray ile ikas Eyüpspor takımları RAMS Park'ta karşılaştı. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk 5-1 kazandıkları maçın ardından açıklama yaparak Juventus maçına odaklandıklarını belirtti.

Okan Buruk'un açıklamaları şöyle:

-Oyuna erken golle başladık ve bu önemliydi. Oyunda üstünlük kuramadığımız yerler oldu, orayı daha iyi oynayabilirdik. 2-0'dan sonraa rakip 10 kişi kaldı ve çok daha farklı oyun oldu. Genel olarak istekliydik, çok oyuncu değiştirdik. Bu kadar değişikliğe rağmen her giren istekliydi.

-Icardi'nin 3 golü, Osimhen'in 2 asisti... Birçok pozitif şey var. İki forvetle oynadık. Maalesef Kocaelispor maçında kullandık, akıllara Osimhen ve Icardi beraber oynayamaz şeklinde kalmıştı.

-Sacha Boey'in çok maç eksiği var. Wilfried Singo 45 dakika süre aldı. Renato Nhaga girdi ve taraftarımız çok destek oldu.

-Juventus'a hazırlanacağız. Çok daha farklı bir maç ve çok güçlü bir rakip bizi bekliyor.

-Atletico Madrid'in ne oynadığını biliyorsunuz ama Juventus'un çok farklı formatları var. Çok kolay hesaplanamayacak oyuncuları var. Önde çok iyi kanat oyuncuları var, Kenan Yıldız çok değerli.

-Kolay pozisyon vermiyorlar. Son maçlarda goller yediler ama Atalanta ve Lazio maçlarında oyun üstünlüğü varken, şanssız da goller yediler.

-Öz güveni çok yüksek bir takım değil. Inter ile oynayacaklar, oradan nasıl çıkacaklar? Inter maçı ölçü olmayacak ama kimin oynayıp, oynamayacağını göreceğiz.

-İyi ayaklı bir maç ve böyle düşüneceğiz. Hedefimiz Juventus'u geçmek olacak.

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 25. haftasında İstanbulspor, deplasmanda Arca Çorum FK ile karşılaştı. İstanbulspor mücadeleyi 2-3 kazandı.

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 25. haftasında İstanbulspor, deplasmanda Arca Çorum FK'yi 3-2 yendi.

Stat: Çorum Şehir

Hakemler: Reşat Onur Coşkunses, Kürşathan Akın, Azad İlhan

Arca Çorum FK: Hasan Hüseyin Akınay, Sinan Osmanoğlu, Serdar Gürler (Dk. 89 Atakan Akkaynak), Yusuf Erdoğan, Pedrinho (Dk. 81 Aleksic), Arda Hilmi Şengül, Fredy, Mame Thiam, Oğuz Gürbulak (Dk. 46 Samudio), Üzeyir Ergün, Burak Çoban (Dk. 70 Ferhat Yazgan)

İstanbulspor: Alp Tutar, Yunus Bahadır, Fatih Tultak, Vorobjovas, Sambissa (Dk. 61 Özcan Şahan), Duran Şahin (Dk. 61 Araujo), Emrecan Uzunhan, Muhammed Mert (Dk. 61 Mendy), Yusuf Ali Özer, Mamadou (Dk. 89 Turan Deniz Tuncer), Krstovski (Dk. 70 Mustafa Sol)

Goller: Dk. 26 Krstovski, Dk. 78 ve 90+7 (Penaltıdan) Araujo (İstanbulspor), Dk. 48 Burak Çoban, Dk. 53 Mame Thiam (Arca Çorum FK)

Sarı kartlar: Dk. 76 Sinan Osmanoğlu, Dk. 80 Serdar Gürler, Dk. 90+3 Atakan Akkaynak, Dk. 90+5 Arda Hilmi Şengül, Dk. 90+12 Mame Thiam (Arca Çorum FK)

Trendyol Süper Lig'de Galatasaray evinde Eyüpspor'u ağırladı. Sarı-kırmızılılar sahadan 5-1 galip ayrılırken 3 golün sahibi Mauro Icardi'den maç sonu açıklama geldi.

Trendyol Süper Lig'de Galatasaray, Eyüpspor'u 5-1 yendi. Galatasaray'da ikinci kez hat-trick yapan Mauro Icardi maç sonunda açıklamalarda bulundu.

Icardi'nin açıklamaları şöyle:

-Takımın amacı kazanmak, gollerimden dolayı mutluyum ama benim işim gol atmak. Çok iyi başladık, rakibi ciddiye aldık ve istediğimizi aldık. Yunus'un golü erken geldi, kırmızı kart sonrası güzel bir maç oldu. Juventus maçına hazır olduğumuzu gösterdik.

-Forvet olarak amacınız rekorlar kırmaktır. Yeni rekorum için çok mutluyum. Dört senede bunu başardım. Gol atmaktan onur duyuyorum. Bu hikayelerin Galatasaray tarihine ekleniyor olması beni çok mutlu ediyor. Taraftarın bana ve takıma sevgisi çok güzel. Her oyuncuya şarkılar yazılıyor. Çok mutluyuz, haklarını ödemeye çalışıyoruz. Dört harika yıl geçirdim... Takım ve ve kendi adıma inanılmaz mutluyum.

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 25. haftasında Esenler Erokspor evinde Manisa FK'yı ağırladı. Esenler Erokspor mücadeleyi 3-1 kazandı.

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 25. haftasında Esenler Erokspor, konuk ettiği Manisa FK'yi 3-1 yendi.

Stat: Esenler Erokspor

Hakemler: Ozan Ergün, Arif Dilmeç, Kurtuluş Aslan

Esenler Erokspor: Ertuğrul Çetin, Hayrullah Bilazer, Nzaba, Onur Ulaş, Enes Alıç, Mikail Okyar, Amilton (Dk. 81 Berat Luş), Ömer Faruk Beyaz (Dk. 61 Recep Niyaz), Kanga (Dk. 72 Alper Karaman), Faye, Kayode (Dk. 81 Catakovic)

Manisa FK: Vedat Karakuş (Dk. 18 Saim Sarp Bodur), Ayberk Karapo, Herelle, Ada İbik, Yasin Güreler (Dk. 9 Muhammed Kiprit-Dk. 36 Osman Kahraman), Toure, Cissokho, Benrahou, Vargas, Umut Erdem, Diony

Goller: Dk. 2 Diony (Manisa FK), Dk. 26 ve 64 Kayode, Dk. 89 Faye (Esenler Erokspor)

Sarı kartlar: Dk. 13 Faye, Dk. 66 Kanga (Esenler Erokspor), Dk. 66 Benrahou, Dk. 67 Herelle (Manisa FK)

Fenerbahçe'nin ara transfer döneminde yollarını ayırdığı Youssef En-Nesyri Al-Ittihad formasıyla gollerine devam ediyor.

Ara transfer döneminde Fenerbahçe'den, Suudi Arabistan ekibi Al-Ittihad'e transfer olan Youssef En-Nesyri, yeni takımında adeta yeniden doğdu. Youssef En-Nesyri, Al-Ittihad formasıyla 2. golünü kaydetti.

Al Fayha karşısında Faslı golcü kornerde arka direkte yaptığı kafa vuruşuyla fileleri bulmayı başardı ve takımını 1-0 öne geçirdi.

Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 22-ci turunun oyunlarına start verilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Antalyaspor” doğma meydanda “Samsunspor”a, lider “Qalatasaray” isə “Eyüpspor”a qalib gəlib.

22-ci turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 14-də, 15-də və 16-da keçiriləcək.

Türkiyə, Super Liqa
22-ci tur
13 fevral

Antalyaspor – Samsunspor 3:1
Qollar: Ballet, 6; 22. Storm, 72 – Ntçam, 90+6-pen.

Qalatasaray – Eyüpspor 5:1
Qollar: Y.Akgün, 2. İkardi, 33; 48; 70. Onquene, 87-öz qapısına – M.Altunbaş, 71.

14 fevral

15:30. Gənclərbirliyi – Rizəspor
18:00. Alanyaspor – Konyaspor
21:00. Trabzonspor – Fənərbağça

15 fevral

15:30. Kocaelispor – Qaziantep
18:00. Göztəpə – Kayserispor
21:00. Başakşəhər – Beşiktaş

16 fevral

21:00. Kasımpaşa – Karagümrük

Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored to give Milan the lead in Pisa this evening, as the Englishman makes it back-to-back games with a goal.

However, it was not plain sailing for the former Chelsea player, who was criticised by Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri earlier in the match.

Loftus-Cheek heads home! Milan lead! #PisaMilan 0-1 pic.twitter.com/q4AzRxVhXD

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 13, 2026

In the opening minutes, Allegri could be heard shouting ‘He’s walking!’ about Loftus-Cheek, via MilanNews, with the coach unimpressed by the Englishman’s lack of movement.

Allegri slams Loftus-Cheek before opening goal

Loftus-Cheek was not the only target of the coach’s early criticism, though, with the Italian shouting at Youssouf Fofana  to ‘Wake up! You’ve only touched the ball once so far.”

The English midfielder, who is playing in a more advanced role alongside Christopher Nkunku this evening, made a good run to get his head on the end of a ball from Zachary Athekame.

Allegri still managed to find time for a backhanded compliment after the goal, reportedly shouting “The first run he makes and he scores!”

You can follow the second half, and relive all the action from the first, on our Live Blog.

Mauro Icardi fired a warning to Juventus after scoring a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig.

The former Inter striker took his tally to 47 league goals for the club, moving three clear of Burak Yilmaz in the all-time scorer charts.

The Argentine led the line with authority as the Istanbul side dominated, capitalising after their opponents were reduced to 10 men.

Former Inter man Icardi sends warning to Juventus

After the match, Icardi turned his attention to the upcoming Champions League showdown with Juventus.

“The team’s objective is to win,” he said. “I’m happy with my goals, but my job is to score. We started well, took the opponent seriously and got what we wanted. We showed we are ready for Juventus.”

Reflecting on his record, he added: “As a striker, you always want to break records. I’m honoured to score for this club. The love from the fans is incredible, they write songs for us and we try to repay them. I’ve had four fantastic years here and I’m very happy.”

Galatasaray hots Juventus in Istanbul on Tuesday evening, in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie. The return leg will be held the following Wednesday in Turin.

Lazio have confirmed that Pedro sustained a significant ankle injury during their recent match against Bologna, forcing the veteran forward off in the first half on a stretcher.

The former Barcelona and Spain international twisted his right ankle in an awkward challenge and was unable to continue.

Lazio went on to win the match on penalties.

Subse­quent medical tests revealed a sprain-contusion injury with partial involvement of the external ligaments of the ankle.

Pedro injury a worry for thin Lazio squad

The veteran has already begun a targeted rehabilitation programme and will be monitored daily as doctors assess recovery times. Lazio have not provided a return date, but the injury represents a major setback at a crucial stage of the season.

Pedro’s contract expires this summer, and the timing raises fresh uncertainty over his immediate future and long-term plans.

The forward has remained an important figure for the Biancocelesti thanks to his experience and tactical intelligence, but his age and the severity of the injury could complicate both Lazio’s attacking options and the final months of his distinguished career.

New Pisa coach Oscar Hiljemark has fond memories of facing Milan in his playing career and wants his team to be ‘more aggressive’ this evening.

It kicks off at the Cetilar Arena at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

Alberto Gilardino was sacked after managing just one win in the opening 23 Serie A rounds, so the club poached 33-year-old Hiljemark from Elfsborg to take over.

He is no stranger to Serie A, having played for Genoa and Palermo, including bagging a brace against Milan when the Sicilians lost 3-2 at San Siro in September 2015.

Hiljemark has strong history with Milan

“I remember scoring two goals against Milan, but it was many years ago, so I hope to win this evening,” Hiljemark told DAZN Italia.

The new boss made his debut in a 0-0 draw away to fellow relegation strugglers Hellas Verona, but this is his first home game.

“It’s a lovely stadium, the fans are ready, I am very happy to be here and with this team. Matteo Tramoni has different characteristics to some of the players who we had last week, he is able to help out the defence too. I want a player who attacks the space and creates room for the others to push up and support him.

“Pisa had one way of working with their staff before, me and my staff want them to be a bit more aggressive in training. Of course, you can’t change a lot in three days of training, but we are trying some things.”

Gilardino’s Pisa held Milan to a surprising 2-2 draw at San Siro back in October 2025, but the Rossoneri have had a definite improvement in form since then.

“Milan are a strong squad, both as individuals and a group, but there are spaces where we can hurt them, and they have some problems in certain phases. We’ll see what happens when the game starts,” concluded Hiljemark.

Max Allegri explains his Milan choices for the trip to Pisa this evening and won’t hold back from Scudetto talk, even if ‘we must not lose sight of our target’ this season.

It kicks off at the Cetilar Arena at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri have a game in hand, as their Week 24 fixture with Como was rescheduled to February 18 due to San Siro being used for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, but after that will face leaders Inter in a Scudetto showdown next weekend.

Allegri balancing Milan squad for busy week

“All we can do is try to get as many points as possible for our objective, which is the Champions League place, then we’ll see. Inter are coming off an endless run of victories, they are moving fast, and we must not lose sight of our target,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.

There are some concerns, as Milan only managed a 2-2 draw the last time they met Pisa back in October.

In fact, they had been trailing 2-1 until a last-gasp Zachary Athekame equaliser at San Siro.

“It is a tough game tonight, as Pisa are a battle for everyone, while they have a new coach with fresh ideas,” added Allegri.

“We need concentration and above all respect, playing with a high percentage of accuracy in our passing, because they will be aggressive and press us.

“We need good crosses, as they have players who are very strong in the air, they went close to a winner late on against Verona, so we must remember that games are to be played on the pitch, not on paper.”

Pisa made their debut last week under new coach Oscar Hiljemark, who held Verona to a 0-0 draw to remain in joint bottom place.

With Como and Inter coming up, Milan are resting some figures ahead of Wednesday’s clash, so Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are only fit for the bench.

“Leao is doing much better, I had a doubt until the last minute on whether to start him or not. Pulisic trained with the team yesterday, so has about 15-20 minutes in his legs. Fullkrug and Jashari are fine, we have some great options to take off the bench,” concluded Allegri.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bring in a quality manager after parting ways with Thomas Frank. 

According to a report from Calciomercato, Enzo Maresca is in pole position to take over as the new manager of the North London club. The 46-year-old Italian is currently unemployed after being sacked by Chelsea.

He has previously shown his pedigree with Chelsea, and there is no doubt that he could be an acquisition for Spurs. Maresca helped Chelsea win two trophies in the last nine months.

Chelsea won the UEFA Europa Conference League in May, and then followed it up by winning the FIFA Club World Cup in July.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to appoint him as their next manager. They have had a disastrous season so far, and they will be desperate to bounce back strongly. The Italian will look to prove his quality once again after being sacked by Chelsea. Tottenham could be the ideal platform for him. They have the resources and quality team. He could build a formidable project with them.

Tottenham are currently 16th in the league table. They will be desperate to bounce back strongly. They need to get the managerial appointment spot on. A quality manager could help them bounce back and finish the season on a high.

Maresca is highly rated within the game, and there is no doubt that he would be a quality acquisition for Tottenham. It will be interesting to see whether both parties can reach an agreement quickly.

Spurs have been linked with several managers over the last few days, including former fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino. It will be interesting to see who they end up with.

The post Manager with two trophies in nine months in pole position to land Tottenham job appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Yan Diomande has been linked with multiple clubs in recent weeks.

The 19-year-old has been outstanding in the German League, and clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are interested in signing the player. Spanish champions Barcelona have also held personal meetings with the player’s agent about a potential move, according to Fichajes.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up. The Ivorian is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League. He could be a star in the right team. Diomande has 14 goal contributions this season.

According to a report from Fichajes, Liverpool are currently leading the race to sign the player. They have not been able to replace Luis Diaz effectively, and they need someone who can take on defenders and beat them in one-on-one situations. Diomande will add some much-needed explosive pace and unpredictability to the attacking unit.

The player is a boyhood Liverpool fan, and it is no surprise that they are leading the race for his signature. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done.

The 19-year-old is likely to cost a premium. RB Leipzig will not want to lose the player easily. He has the tools to develop into a world-class player, and he could justify a premium investment in future. He could cost around €100 million.

Meanwhile, Manchester United and Tottenham need more quality on the wings as well. They need to improve the attacking unit if they want to fight for major trophies. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with offers to sign the player.

The attacker will be tempted to join a big club in the summer, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.

The post Liverpool lead €100m chase for in-demand star ahead of Man Utd and Tottenham appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Eli Junior Kroupi has been outstanding for Bournemouth since joining the club at the start of the season.

The 19-year-old attacker has scored eight goals in 11 league starts for the Cherries, and his performances have drawn the attention of top clubs. According to a report from TeamTalk, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all monitoring his progress.

It will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for him at the end of the season. The French attacker is an elite talent with a bright future, and he could develop into a top-class player with the right guidance. The report claims the player is valued at £80 million, and it will be interesting to see whether any clubs are willing to pay up for him.

Arsenal and Chelsea could use more quality and depth in the attacking unit. Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap have not been prolific enough, and Kroupi could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition.

On the other hand, Manchester United could use another attacker to support Benjamin Sesko in attack. It will be interesting to see if they decide to follow up on their interest with an official offer at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been linked with the player, but it would be quite surprising if they decided to make a move for him. They have recently invested heavily in Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. They will not be able to accommodate the 19-year-old in the starting lineup, and the move to Anfield makes no sense for the player.

The post 8 goals in 11 starts: Arsenal, Chelsea & Man Utd join transfer war for £80m prodigy appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Highguard is the latest free-to-play first-person shooter to hit the market, and if things keep going the way they are now, it'll also be the latest free-to-play first-person shooter that was shut down after being unable to break through as a massive hit right at launch. After its trailer at The Game Awards failed to land with players, and the weeks of silence that followed did nothing to help, when it arrived, before players even made it through the tutorial, they were leaving negative reviews on Steam. Even though it had over 97K concurrent players on Steam when it launched, […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/former-highguard-dev-calls-out-players-for-slandering-the-game-before-they-played-it/

A qualitative study in Scotland examined the links between financial instability, employment insecurity, and suicidality. Results indicated that financial stressors create a cycle of unmet basic needs, powerlessness, and social isolation. Job precarity and lack of support further exacerbate these relationships, contributing to suicidal ideation. The research was published in Death Studies.

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. World Health Organization statistics indicate that 700,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide, making it a significant global public health issue. Although major religions have historically condemned suicide, contemporary public health and psychological perspectives view it as a preventable outcome arising from complex interactions rather than a moral failing. Suicide rarely has a single cause; instead, it reflects the intersection of personal, relational, community, and societal factors.

Economic instability, job insecurity, and financial distress are consistently linked to higher suicide risk, with those in insecure employment disproportionately affected. Evidence from the U.K. and Scotland shows particularly high vulnerability among working-age adults, even as poverty increasingly affects households where someone is employed.

Precarious work conditions—such as low income, unpredictable hours, limited rights, and low job autonomy—contribute to chronic stress and poorer mental health. Furthermore, stigma surrounding financial hardship and job insecurity can deter help-seeking, increasing isolation and risk.

Study author Nicola Cogan and her colleagues wanted to explore how insecure employment and financial instability are perceived to contribute toward suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adults living in Scotland. They also sought to identify risk and protective factors associated with the mental health impacts of economic insecurity and offer policy recommendations for improving mental health support for people facing economic precarity.

The study included 24 individuals from Scotland who reported being paid less than the living wage or below the minimum income standard, were on zero-hours contracts, working in the gig economy, were job-seeking long term, or had experience with Universal Credit (the UK’s main welfare benefit system). Sixteen participants were men. The participants’ average age was 30 years. On average, participants reported that their last suicidal thoughts or behaviors occurred more than six months prior. Individuals who were currently suicidal were not included in the study.

Participants took part in semi-structured interviews focusing on the interplay between employment status, financial instability, and experiences of suicidal ideation or behavior. They received a £20 voucher for their participation. The researchers transcribed the interviews and conducted reflexive thematic analysis with the goal of identifying the key themes within the narratives.

Analysis of the interviews identified six key themes. The first theme was the “struggle to meet basic needs and the vicious cycle.” When participants experienced financial instability, it created a struggle to meet basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. This battle degraded their mental health. Diminished mental health, in turn, reduced their ability to improve their financial situation, creating a vicious cycle.

The second theme was “feeling trapped and powerless.” Participants reported that feelings of entrapment intersected with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as they struggled to envision any escape from the situation. Theme three was the “stigma of financial instability.” Feeling financially unstable negatively impacted participants’ self-worth and self-esteem, making them feel inadequate and helpless. Theme four was “thinking about suicide and acting on such thoughts.” During these times, many of them imagined suicide to be the only way out of their struggles.

The fifth theme was the “need for hope and support from supportive others.” For many participants, hope and support from friends, family, and other individuals fostered resilience and prevented them from acting on suicidal thoughts.

The sixth theme was “active help-seeking and gaining a sense of control.” For many participants, actively seeking help was a turning point in managing the intersecting challenges of financial instability and mental health distress. This enabled them to regain a sense of control over their circumstances.

“Reflexive thematic analysis identified key themes, highlighting how financial stressors create a cycle of unmet basic needs, powerlessness, and social isolation, which exacerbates suicidal distress. Workplace conditions including job precarity and lack of support, further intensified these experiences, while protective factors included supportive relationships and proactive help-seeking,” the study authors concluded.

The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the mental health effects of financial instability. However, the study deliberately excluded prospective participants currently experiencing suicidality. Because of this, it did not fully capture the perspectives of individuals at the highest risk of suicide. Additionally, the collected data were based on the recall of past hardships, leaving room for recall and reporting biases to have affected the results.

The paper, “’It feels like the world is falling on your head’: Exploring the link between financial instability, employment insecurity, and suicidality,” was authored by Nicola Cogan, Susan Rasmussen, Kirsten Russell, Dan Heap, Heather Archbold, Lucy Milligan, Scott Thomson, Spence Whittaker, Dave Morris, and Danielle Rowley.

On episode 341 of PPC Live The Podcast, I speak to Andrea Cruz, Head of B2B at Tinuiti, to unpack a mistake many senior marketers quietly struggle with: freezing when clients demand answers you don’t immediately have.

The conversation explored how communication missteps can escalate client tension — and how the right mindset, preparation, and culture can turn those moments into career-defining growth.

From hands-on marketer to team leader

As Cruz advanced in her career, she shifted from managing campaigns directly to leading teams running large, complex accounts. That transition introduced a new challenge: representing work she didn’t personally execute day to day.

When clients pushed back — questioning performance or expectations — Cruz sometimes froze. Saying “I don’t know” or delaying a response could quickly erode trust and escalate frustration.

Her key realization: senior leaders are expected to provide perspective in the moment. Even without every detail, they must guide the conversation confidently.

How to buy time without losing trust

Through mentorship and experience, Cruz developed a practical technique: asking clarifying questions to gain thinking time while deepening understanding.

Examples include:

• Asking clients to clarify expectations or timelines
• Requesting additional context around their concerns
• Confirming what the client already knows about the situation

These questions serve two purposes: they slow down emotionally charged moments and ensure responses address the real issue, not just the surface complaint.

For Cruz, this approach was especially important as a non-native English speaker, giving her space to process complex conversations and respond clearly.

A solutions-first culture beats blame

Cruz emphasized that mistakes are inevitable — but how teams respond defines long-term success.

At Tinuiti, the focus is not on assigning blame but on answering two questions:

1. Where are we now?
2. How do we get to where we want to be?

This solutions-oriented mindset creates psychological safety. Teams can openly acknowledge errors, run post-mortems, and identify patterns without fear. Cruz argues that leaders must model this behavior by sharing their own mistakes, not just scrutinizing others’.

That transparency builds trust internally and with clients.

Proactive communication builds stronger client relationship

Rather than waiting for clients to surface problems, Cruz encourages teams to raise issues first. Acknowledging underperformance — even when clients haven’t noticed — demonstrates accountability and strengthens partnerships.

She also recommends tailoring communication styles to each client. Some prefer concise updates; others want detailed explanations. Documenting these preferences helps teams deliver information in ways that resonate.

Regular check-ins about business roadblocks — not just campaign metrics — position agencies as strategic partners, not just media operators.

Common agency mistakes in B2B advertising

Cruz didn’t hold back on recurring issues she sees in audits:

• Budgets spread too thin: Running too many channels with insufficient spend leads to meaningless data and weak performance.
• Underfunded campaigns: B2B CPCs are inherently high. Campaigns generating only a few clicks per day rarely produce actionable results.

Her advice is blunt: if the budget can’t support a channel properly, it’s better not to run it.

AI is more than a summarization tool

On AI, Cruz cautioned against shallow usage. Treating AI as a simple spreadsheet summarizer misses its broader potential.

Her team is experimenting with advanced applications — automated audits, workflow integrations, and operational efficiencies. She compares AI’s role to medical diagnostics: a powerful assistant that augments expert judgment, not a replacement for it.

For marketers, that means staying curious and continuously exploring new use cases.

The takeaway: preparation and passion drive resilience

Cruz’s central message is simple: mistakes will happen. What matters is preparation, adaptability, and maintaining a solutions-first mindset.

By anticipating client needs, personalizing communication, and embracing experimentation, marketers can transform stressful moments into opportunities to build credibility.

Looking to take the next step in your search marketing career?

Below, you will find the latest SEO, PPC, and digital marketing jobs at brands and agencies. We also include positions from previous weeks that are still open.

Newest SEO Jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by SEOjobs.com)

• Digital Marketing Manager (SEO, Content, Social)
  February 13, 2026
  Digital Marketing Manager The Digital Marketing Manager will be expected to lead a team that effectively crafts and implements digital marketing initiatives including search marketing, social media, email marketing and lead management for clients in a variety of industries. Candidates should expect to be engaged in managing multiple team members, clients and simultaneous projects, assisting […]
• Manager, Digital Marketing (SEO/SEM, Growth)
  February 13, 2026
  About Us HighLevel is a cloud-based, all-in-one white-label marketing and sales platform that empowers marketing agencies, entrepreneurs, and businesses to elevate their digital presence and drive growth. We are proud to support a global and growing community of over 2 million businesses, from marketing agencies to entrepreneurs to small businesses and beyond. Our platform empowers […]
• Organic Growth Strategist
  February 13, 2026
  Omniscient Digital is an organic growth agency that partners with ambitious B2B SaaS companies like SAP, Adobe, Loom, and Hotjar to turn SEO and content into growth engines. About this role We’re hiring an SEO Outreach Specialist to partner with high-authority brands and build high-quality backlinks to support our clients’ growth and authority. You will […]
• Digital Marketing Manager (SEO/SEM)
  February 12, 2026
  SUMMARY The Digital Marketing Manager is a growth-oriented role that will evolve into a strategic marketing leadership position. You will work closely with the CCO and leadership team to shape our go-to-market strategy while executing high-impact marketing programs today. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Strategic Marketing & Positioning Collaborate with CCO and commercial leadership to evolve […]
• Digital Marketing Manager (SEO/Graphic Design)
  February 12, 2026
  Job Description We are a highly motivated bunch who seek to create a space where you know you are going to have a good time. We are known for our art-inspired spaces that are great for social gatherings. Our restaurants are wall to wall with lights, murals, and vignettes. We are the marinara-muddled minds behind […]
• Law Firm Digital Marketing Manager (Content, SEO/SEM)
  February 12, 2026
  Benefits: Bonus based on performance Competitive salary Training & development Fischetti Law Group, a fast-growing Personal Injury and Estate Planning law firm, is seeking a creative, results-driven Digital Marketing Manager to lead our digital presence and community outreach efforts. This is a full-time, in-office position working directly with our Management team to expand our brand […]
• Digital Marketing Manager (SEO, SEM, Social, Programmatic)
  February 11, 2026
  Who We Are Oncourse Home Solutions (OHS) is a people-centric, $500M organization that is owned by private equity firm, Apax Partners operating under the brands American Water Resources, Pivotal Home Solutions and American Home Solutions. We do what is right for our people so they can do their best when serving our 1.9+ million customers […]
• SEO/GEO/AEO Digital Marketing Manager
  February 11, 2026
  AppFolio is more than a company. We’re a community of dreamers, big thinkers, problem solvers, active listeners, and multipliers. At every opportunity, we set the pace while delivering innovation built to carry real estate into the future. One in which every experience feels effortless, yet meaningful. Where customers are empowered to take on any opportunity. […]
• Sr. Manager of Digital Marketing (SEO, SEM, Content, Technical)
  February 11, 2026
  The Company: VeSync is a portfolio company with brands that cover different categories of health & wellness products. We wouldn’t be surprised if you have one of our Levoit air purifiers in your living room or a COSORI air fryer whipping up healthy and delicious meals for you every night. We’re a young and energetic […]
• Senior SEO Strategist
  February 11, 2026
  We’re looking for a Senior SEO Strategist to lead enterprise-level organic growth strategies across traditional search and modern discovery channels, including AI-powered SERPs, Google AI Overviews, and large language models (LLMs). In this role, you’ll own both strategy and execution for a portfolio of enterprise and high-growth clients. You’ll act as a trusted, client-facing advisor—translating complex technical […]

Newest PPC and paid media jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by PPCjobs.com)

• Digital Paid Media Manager ~ Buzz Franchise Brands ~ $70,000-$90,000 ~ In-office (USA) ~ Virginia Beach, VA, United States
  February 13, 2026
  Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Company parties Competitive salary introduce open tags Dental insurance Imageno duplicate details Free food & snacks Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance Wellness resources Buzz Franchise Brands i s a fast-growing, multi-brand franchise company headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA. We’re seeking a Digital Paid Media […]
• Account Manager, Paid Social ~ DEPT® ~ $70,000-$80,000 ~ Remote (USA)
  February 13, 2026
  WHY DEPT®? We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, […]
• Paid Search Manager ~ Nutricost ~ $50,000-$70,000 ~ In-office (USA) ~ Vineyard, UT, United States
  February 13, 2026
  Overview Nutricost is a leading supplement brand known for high-quality nutrition at affordable prices. We proudly partner with Shaquille O’Neal, the Utah Jazz, BYU Athletics, and US Speedskating to promote health and performance nationwide. Job Overview We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Paid Search Manager to lead Nutricost’s paid search strategy and execution […]
• Paid Search Manager ~ Dell Technologies ~ $148,750 – $192,500 ~ In-office (USA) ~ Round Rock, TX, United States
  February 12, 2026
  Paid Search Manager Location: Round Rock, TX – Onsite (5 days a week) Responsibilities Implement and optimize paid search campaigns to meet KPIs and business objectives. Supervise a team of paid search specialists to ensure operational rigor, budget pacing, and campaign quality. Collaborate with creative teams, vendors, and internal stakeholders to develop and execute effective […]
• (USA) Manager, Digital Media – Paid Search ~ Sam’s Club ~$80,000-$155,000 ~ In-office (USA) ~ Bentonville, AR, United States
  February 12, 2026
  Overview Sam’s Club is hiring a Senior Manager, Marketing Planning & Strategy (Paid Search + Measurement Enablement) to strengthen one of our largest growth engines: paid search and paid channels performance. This role sits in Marketing, but operates at the intersection of paid media, analytics, and technical enablement—ensuring our campaigns are executed flawlessly, measured accurately, […]

Other roles you may be interested in

Senior Manager, SEO, Kennison & Associates (Hybrid, Boston MA)

• Salary: $150,000 – $180,000
• You’ll own high-visibility SEO and AI initiatives, architect strategies that drive explosive organic and social visibility, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with search-powered performance.
• Every day, you’ll experiment, analyze, and optimize-elevating rankings, boosting conversions across the customer journey, and delivering insights that influence decisions at the highest level.

Backlink Manager (SEO Agency), SEOforEcommerce (Remote)

• Salary: $60,000
• Managing and overseeing backlink production across multiple campaigns
• Reviewing and approving backlink opportunities (guest posts, niche edits, outreach-based links, etc.)

Senior Content Marketing Manager / Director, ClarityPay (Hybrid, New York, NY)

• Salary: $95,000 – $135,000
• Create high-quality content for core channels: website, LinkedIn, email, SMS, and internal communications
• Write clear, compelling, and on-brand copy—from lifecycle messaging and short-form updates to long-form pages and narratives

PPC Specialist, BrixxMedia (Remote)

• Salary: $80,000 – $115,000
• Manage day-to-day PPC execution, including campaign builds, bid strategies, budgets, and creative rotation across platforms
• Develop and refine audience strategies, remarketing programs, and lookalike segments to maximize efficiency and scale

Performance Marketing Manager, Mailgun, Sinch (Remote)

• Salary: $100,000 – $125,000
• Manage and optimize paid campaigns across various channels, including YouTube, Google Ads, Meta, Display, LinkedIn, and Connected TV (CTV).
• Drive scalable growth through continuous testing and optimization while maintaining efficiency targets (CAC, ROAS, LTV)

SEO and AI Search Optimization Manager, Big Think Capital (New York)

• Salary: $100,000
• Own and execute Big Think Capital’s SEO and AI search (GEO) strategy
• Optimize website architecture, on-page SEO, and technical SEO

Senior Copywriter, Viking (Hybrid, Los Angeles Metropolitan Area)

• Salary: $95,000 – $110,000
• Editorial features and travel articles for onboard magazines
• Seasonal web campaigns and themed microsites

Digital Marketing Manager, DEPLOY (Hybrid, Tuscaloosa, AL)

• Salary: $80,000
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing tools, analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics), and content management systems (CMS).
• Experience Managing Google Ads and Meta ad campaigns.

Paid Search Marketing Manager, LawnStarter (Remote)

• Salary: $90,000 – $125,000
• Manage and optimize large-scale, complex SEM campaigns across Google Ads, Bing Ads, Meta Ads and other search platforms
• Activate, optimize and make efficient Local Services Ads (LSA) at scale

Senior Manager, SEO, Turo (Hybrid, San Francisco, CA)

• Salary: $168,000 – $210,000
• Define and execute the SEO strategy across technical SEO, content SEO, on-page optimization, internal linking, and authority building.
• Own business and operations KPIs for organic growth and translate them into clear quarterly plans.

Search Engine Op imization Manager, NoGood (Remote)

• Salary: £80,000 – $100,000
• Act as the primary strategic lead for a portfolio of enterprise and scale-up clients.
• Build and execute GEO/AEO strategies that maximize brand visibility across LLMs and AI search surfaces.

Senior Content Manager, TrustedTech (Irvine, CA)

• Salary: $110,000 – $130,000
• Develop and manage a content strategy aligned with business and brand goals across blog, web, email, paid media, and social channels.
• Create and edit compelling copy that supports demand generation and sales enablement programs.

Note: We update this post weekly. So make sure to bookmark this page and check back.

The post Bitcoin Price Climbs Toward $70K, Altcoins Like pippin and pump.fun. Soar—Here’s What’s Next! appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin’s push toward the $70,000 mark has reignited momentum across the crypto market, and altcoins are beginning to move in tandem. The rally comes shortly after the latest U.S. CPI data showed inflation cooling more than expected, easing macro pressure and improving overall risk sentiment. With inflation slowing to 2.4%, investors appear more comfortable rotating back into risk assets, including crypto.

As Bitcoin strengthens, capital is flowing into smaller tokens, triggering sharp breakouts in names like pippin and pump.fun. Both have recorded strong gains alongside rising trading volumes, signaling active participation rather than a thin liquidity spike. The question arises now: how high can the prices go this weekend?

pippin (PIPPIN)  Price Smashes a New ATH

After rebounding from the lows around $0.16, the pippin price has been rising aggressively. The price has been printing huge bullish candles, gaining more than 300% to mark new highs at $0.6298, a few moments ago. Despite a small cool-off, the bulls continue to hold a tight grip over the rally, which suggests that the price is yet to discover more highs. 

The strong V-shaped recovery has assisted the rally to reach the crucial resistance zone between $0.51 and $0.54. The bulls attempted a breakout from the zone, but a drop in buyers’ strength prevented the move. The RSI and CMF both surged significantly, but both have displayed a small divergence. This could delay a further upside, preventing the price from reaching $0.7. However, the market sentiments are extremely bullish right now, hinting towards a probable rise in the price.

pump.fun (PUMP) Price Halts Prevailing Bearish Trend

While PIPPIN price surged aggressively, pump.fun price managed to trigger a rebound from the lows. The token has rebounded from the levels that it flipped before, hitting towards the range between $0.0016 and $0.0018, have formed a strong base. This can be considered a bullish indicator, which could push the price higher to the pivotal resistance zone. 

As seen in the above chart, the PUMP price has not only begun to rise but is also forming a potential double-bottom pattern. A rise above the immediate resistance at $0.022 and $0.025 may validate the bullish pattern, which may raise the hopes of a continued upswing. Besides, the RSI has just risen while the MACD is about to undergo a bullish divergence. This suggests that the token could experience a strong and sustained ascending trend and reach the neckline between $0.032 and $0.033 soon. 

The Bottom Line: Will the Bullish Momentum Prevail?

Momentum currently favors the bulls as Bitcoin approaches $70,000 and altcoins respond with expanding volume. The CPI-driven relief has improved sentiment, but follow-through remains crucial. If Bitcoin holds above key support and continues printing higher highs, altcoins like Pippin and Pump.fun could extend their gains. However, a rejection near $70K may quickly cool risk appetite. For now, structure supports continuation, but confirmation over the next few sessions will determine sustainability.

The post Pi Price Breaks the Bearish Consolidation: Can It Rise Above $0.20? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Pi price has finally pushed out of its recent bearish consolidation, hinting that short-term momentum may be shifting. The move comes as the broader crypto market found relief after the latest U.S. CPI data showed inflation cooling to 2.4% in January, below expectations. The softer reading eased macro concerns and helped reduce some of the selling pressure that had weighed on risk assets.

With sentiment improving, Pi managed to climb above a key resistance zone after weeks of tight, range-bound trading. The breakout suggests buyers are beginning to step back in.

However, the bigger question remains: can this CPI-driven relief rally evolve into a sustained uptrend? With price now eyeing higher resistance levels, the coming sessions will determine whether Pi can build enough strength to challenge the $0.20 mark—or if the move fades once broader momentum cools.

Pi Price Analysis for February 2026

Pi has staged a sharp momentum rebound, rallying over 18% in the last 24 hours to reclaim the $0.157–$0.160 supply zone, with volume exploding 125%+, a key tell that this move is participation-driven rather than a thin bounce. Price has decisively broken above the descending trendline that capped every recovery attempt for weeks, shifting short-term structure back in favor of the bulls. 

On indicators, the MACD has printed a bullish crossover above the signal line, while RSI has surged from the 30–35 region toward 55+, confirming rising momentum.

If PI holds above $0.152–$0.155 on a retest, bulls may target $0.172 initially, followed by $0.185–$0.19, where prior distribution and liquidity sit. However, failure to defend $0.15 would invalidate the breakout and expose the price to a pullback toward $0.138–$0.14, turning this move into a relief rally rather than a trend reversal.

The Bottom Line

In the short term, PI looks like it’s trying to turn the corner, but this isn’t a clean breakout just yet. Bulls are in control as long as the price holds above the $0.15–$0.152 zone, with a sustained push above $0.162 opening room toward $0.19–$0.20. That said, this move is happening around a major event window, and volatility cuts both ways. If momentum fades or broader market sentiment weakens, a slip back below $0.15 could quickly drag the PI price into consolidation again.

Certain assets, like equity in a qualifying start-up company and physical property used for non-investment, were exempt from the 36% tax.

Bitcoin’s growing correlation with tech stocks challenges its digital gold narrative, as Ether treasuries, BlackRock and Polymarket make bold moves.

Bitcoin rallies above $69,000 as retail traders apply pressure to short positions and aim to generate a lasting bullish trend change.

Bitcoin and Ether rebounded modestly as ETF outflows mounted, while BlackRock entered DeFi and Binance completed its $1 billion Bitcoin reserve shift.

A new framework allows institutions to borrow against staked SOL while the assets remain in qualified custody, as US lawmakers debate DeFi oversight.

Bitcoin’s post-CPI rally above $69,000 may help complete the V-shaped recovery chart pattern and also confirm that $60,000 was the sell-off bottom.

Delaying the CLARITY market structure bill until 2027, after the US midterm elections, may significantly reduce its chances of passage, the Treasury Secretary said.

Bitcoin onchain analysis eyed a potential end to the BTC price downtrend as its MVRV ratio returned to levels not seen in three years.

What if Andre the Giant had won World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) 1991 Royal Rumble, as originally planned? Would his presence have given that year’s Rumble the big push that it seemed to sorely need?

The 1991 Rumble had a different feel from the 1990 edition. While 1990 had a rather ho-hum undercard but a very intriguing Rumble, the 1991 version was the exact opposite, with an uneventful Rumble but a stacked undercard highlighted by  The Ultimate Warrior losing the WWE world title to Sgt. Slaughter (who was playing the role of an Iraqi sympathizer during Operation Desert Storm) in a major upset that left fans stunned.

But the Rumble itself, while not a bad match, simply lacked any real excitement, with the only encounter of real significance being Hulk Hogan and the “Earthquake” John Tenta wrapping up their nine-month feud by being the final two participants before Hogan threw Earthquake out for the win. But by this time, the Hogan-Earthquake feud had lost its luster, with Hogan defeating Earthquake at the previous two pay-per-views (a count-out win at Summerslam 1990 and Hogan’s team beating Earthquake’s team at the 1990 Survivor Series).

But in fairness to Hogan and Earthquake, the original plan wasn’t for these two to close out the Rumble. Instead, the plan was for Andre the Giant to win the event as sort of a final tribute to one of WWE’s living legends.

On Nov. 30, 1990, at a house show in Miami, the WWE announced that Andre would return to in-ring action as a participant in the 1991 Rumble, which was scheduled to be held in Miami two months later. The plan, according to WWE Executive Director Bruce Pritchard, was for Andre to come in at No. 30 in order to limit his in-ring involvement but also see him go head-to-head with several of the top stars at the time before winning the Rumble. Unfortunately, shortly after he was mentioned on television as one of the Rumble’s participants, Andre had to back out due to a leg injury.

So let’s play some revisionist history here and theorize what would’ve happened had Andre been healthy enough to compete in the Rumble.

First, let’s discuss whom might’ve been in the ring when Andre made his way down at No. 30. When the Rumble announced Tugboat as the 30th and final wrestler for the event, in the ring at the time were Hogan, Earthquake, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Henning, the “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, the “Model” Rick Martel (who lasted in the Rumble for a then-record 53 minutes and 14 seconds), Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Haku, Brian Knobbs of “The Nasty Boys” and Shane Douglas.

Since in this scenario Andre is coming in at No. 30 and not Tugboat, let’s assume that Tugboat was eliminated earlier in the event. Let’s also assume that—since Andre got a huge babyface reaction at his last TV appearance at Wrestlemania 6 on April 1, 1990—Andre would’ve gotten a huge babyface pop from the crowd here as well.

Got it? OK, here we go.

When Andre enters the ring (over the top rope, as he always does), he immediately gets attacked by Haku, which makes sense given that they were former tag team champions before their falling out at WM6 when Andre left the Heenan family. Haku delivers a few chops to the head of Andre and quickly goes for his patented Crescent Kick, but Andre catches Haku’s leg, nails Haku with a couple of punches, and then throws his former partner over the top rope.

Following that elimination, Andre quickly goes to a corner of the ring where Perfect and Douglas are battling one another. Andre grabs both their heads, knocks them together, and eliminates both wrestlers.

Meanwhile, Martel eliminates Neidhart, just like it originally happened, while the Bulldog throws Knobbs over the top rope, and Hogan and Earthquake continue to battle in another corner. Martel and the Bulldog then turn towards each other, with Martel getting the upper hand before getting eliminated by a Bulldog dropkick when he attempted to climb the top rope (again, just like it originally happened).

So now here’s your final four:

Hogan, Earthquake, Bulldog and Andre.

Bulldog, emboldened by his eliminations of Knobbs and Martel, quickly jumps on Andre with several forearms to the back. But Andre soon uses his massive size to grab Bulldog’s arms, deliver a headbutt, and throw him over the top rope like a rag doll.

Meanwhile, Hogan and Earthquake continue to battle in another quarter, with Earthquake starting to get the upper hand. But Andre walks over to the corner towards Earthquake, whose back is to Andre and thus doesn’t see the “Eighth Wonder of the World” coming. Andre grabs Earthquake by the head, delivers two headbutts, chokes Earthquake for a few seconds, and manages to get Earthquake over the top by himself.

And now you’re down to two:

Hogan…and Andre.

The two legends find themselves in the same ring for the first time since Summerslam 1988, with a pop from the crowd that clearly shows that the fans know they’re witnessing wrestling history once again.

Hogan and Andre stare each other done intensely, but not quite with the same intensity as from their match at WM3, mainly due to both wrestlers being babyfaces at this point. The stare down quickly stops when the two legends and former friends begin punching each other, going blow for blow until Hogan seemed to be getting the upper hand with three straight unanswered right hand shots. With Andre reeling, Hogan motions to the crowd that he’s going to slam the Giant, which he hadn’t done (at least on TV) since WM 4 back in 1988. Hogan moves in, goes for a slam, but in a scene reminiscent of their match at WM 3, Hogan is unable to get Andre up, and instead Andre falls right on top of him, seemingly injuring Hogan’s ribs.

The ending would come quickly, surprising fans a bit (but remember, Andre is not in the best shape here). Andre lifts Hogan to his feet, delivers two punches, a headbutt and then picks up Hogan with ease, walks to the ropes, and throws Hogan over the top.

Game. Set. Match. Andre.

Two things to discuss here:

First, would Andre’s presence have given the 1991 Rumble a jolt?

The answer: Yes.

Andre’s appearance, particularly given the fact that he came in at No. 30, did what it set out to do: Put the spotlight on a living legend, have him make an immediate impact, briefly rekindle an iconic feud by going head-to-head with Hogan, and giving fans a little swerve by making Andre the winner. While all of this would’ve been enough to rank the 1991 Rumble as one of the event’s best, it would have created a “Rumble moment” if you will. And that’s all you could’ve asked for.

And second, would Andre’s appearance and victory change any bookings for WM 7 later that March?

The answer: No.

Given his health, it’s very unlikely that Andre’s victory at the Rumble would’ve given him a big push heading into Wrestlemania. Andre’s Rumble win was meant to be a kind of swan song for the wrestling legend. While he may have made the occasional appearance later in the year, I don’t see any booking changes for WM 7 despite Andre’s win.

What do you think? Am I right? Wrong? Somewhere in the middle? What are your thoughts, wrestling fans?

The Oklahoma Sooners faced perhaps the most difficult schedule in all of college football in 2025, and OU navigated a brutal slate well enough to make it to the College Football Playoff with 10 wins. Now, it appears that the Sooners will have to face a daunting schedule again to make a return trip in 2026.

Josh Pate, who hosts "Josh Pate's College Football Show", identified the five teams that he believes face the hardest schedules for the 2026 season. It was no surprise that Oklahoma was among those teams, as they've been given no favors by the SEC schedule-makers since they entered the league in 2024.

"I think Oklahoma's got a tough schedule too," Pate said. "Oklahoma, just like Texas, plays a huge Big Ten out of conference opponent in the first couple of weeks when they go to Michigan in Week 2. They go to Georgia in Week 4. So, by the time OU gets to their bye week, they will have already played in Ann Arbor and Athens, and then they've got to go to Dallas to play Texas coming out of the bye week."

During the first six weeks of the season, the Sooners will be heavily tested multiple times. Their season-opener against UTEP is followed up by that absolutely massive Michigan game the following week. After coming home to face New Mexico, the Sooners will head back on the road to face Georgia, before finally getting a break with their bye week in Week 5. However, coming out of that bye, it's a trip to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas for the annual Red River Rivalry matchup with Texas. That's three extremely good opponents over the course of five games in six weeks.

Pate also takes a look at the stretch run of OU's schedule, which looks a bit different than it has over the past couple of years.

"Look at their final five games, because they've got to play eight in a row to finish the year, too," Pate said. "Their final five, it's South Carolina and then at Florida, and those are two total wild-card teams. They could be five-win teams, could be nine-win teams, and neither would really surprise me. Ole Miss, Texas A&M, at Missouri back-to back-to-back, and really those five games back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back, it just makes it a really, really tough finish to the season."

After the battle with the Longhorns in Week 6, the Sooners host Kentucky and visit Mississippi State, before the schedule really ramps up again over the last five weeks. South Carolina and Florida will both be better in 2026 than they were in 2025, and the final three weeks of Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri will prove treacherous for Brent Venables and the Sooners.

Life in the SEC means tricky and difficult schedules every single year for the Sooners. Oklahoma used the brutal slate as a springboard to the CFP last year, and if they can navigate 2026's challenges well, they may be poised to repeat that feat this fall.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: OU among teams with hardest schedules in 2026, per Josh Pate

The "Cristiano case" seems to have entered a truce phase. After days of high tension and speculation about his future in Saudi Arabia, it has been confirmed that the Portuguese star will be available for Al Nassr for this Saturday's match against Al Fateh. This news is a relief for coach Jorge Jesus, who regains his top player at a critical moment in the season.

The end of the "break" due to tensions with the PIF

Ronaldo's absence in recent matches was not due to physical problems, but a deliberate "break" as a protest against recent management decisions and budget adjustments imposed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This standoff between the player and league authorities had set off all alarms about a possible premature exit, but his return to the squad suggests that the parties may have reached an understanding to prioritize sports performance.

Ready for the assault on the leadership

With the "7" ready to take the field tomorrow, Al Nassr regains its main offensive weapon. The atmosphere in the locker room, which remained loyal to the captain during his absence, will be strengthened by the presence of a Cristiano who will seek to respond with goals to the criticism received for his recent rebellion. The anticipation in the stadium will be at its peak to see if this return marks a definitive reconciliation with the league's leaders.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

ANTHOLZ-ANTERSELVA, Italy — Figure skating is fine — if you're AARP-eligible. Curling was cool for a hot minute a decade ago. Even the shredder kids have gone corporate. If you're looking for a wacky-but-edgy cool Winter Olympic event to fall in love with, biathlon is where it's at.

The mash-up of cross-country skiing and shooting is wildly popular among Europeans — and everyone knows they have great taste — and is at arguably the most beautiful venue at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. You'd be hard-pressed to find athletes who exert themselves more, and it has the most, ummm, colorful characters at these Games.

"I would say we're pretty high up, especially with the headlines we've had this Olympics. It's been a bit outrageous, huh?" Campbell Wright, the top American, said after finishing 12th in the 10km spring on Friday, Feb. 13.

"I think biathlon is the most beautiful sport in the Winter Olympics. I think it's bloody awesome," Wright added. "It's so painful sometimes and so tough, but I love it."

Biathlon doesn't get a lot of attention in the United States, even during the Olympics, because Americans like bright, shiny things and biathlon is still without one of 'em. With the exception of the new events at Milano Cortina, it's the one Winter Olympic sport where the United States has never won a medal.

That's right. Ever. We've won medals in skeleton, Big Air, curling. We've even won a medal in Nordic combined, for heaven's sake. But biathlon continues to elude the U.S. and that alone is reason enough to get on board. Think of biathlon as the Buffalo Bills of Winter Olympic sports.

But there's plenty more about biathlon to love.

The venue here, a regular stop on the World Cup circuit, is gorgeous, nestled in the Dolomites like a jewel. And biathlon fans show out. There are pop-up bars and restaurants outside the security perimeter, packed with fans tailgating before and after the race.

The grandstands were filled with singing, chanting and bell-ringing fans, and so many flags waved when a German athlete left the start box you'd have thought you were in Munich. Couldn't get a seat in the stands? No worries! Thousands of fans lined the course, standing several people deep to watch athletes push themselves to whatever depth of hell is below even the pain cave.

"That was one of my hardest last kilometers I've had in a while. That really sucked," Wright said. "I was out of energy. My legs stopped working. And that sucks when it stops working and you're a (kilometer) away, because you know it's going to be a really long kilometer."

See! Drama! Wright, and pretty much every other athlete, was pushing himself so hard he collapsed after crossing the finish line, staying crumpled in the snow for several minutes. Even 20 minutes afterward, some racers were still trying to catch their breath.

And if we're going to talk drama, well. The bronze medalist in the 10km sprint was Norway's Sturla Holm Lægreid, better known at these Games as "The Cheater."

After winning bronze in the 20km on Tuesday, Feb. 10, Lægreid confessed in a post-race interview that he'd cheated on his (now) ex-girlfriend and wanted her back. He's since apologized for that, too, saying he regretted that broadcasting his personal soap opera had overshadowed teammate Johan-Olav Botn's gold-medal performance.

If this guy's story doesn't show up on Law and Order or, better yet, one of Bravo's Housewives franchises, the suits at NBC are doing something wrong.

"Obviously biathlons had some interesting stuff coming out of this Games," U.S. veteran Paul Schommer, who finished 47th in the 10km, said wryly.

But the best part about getting into biathlon? You'd be getting in on the ground floor.

The Americans are closer to breaking through that medal ceiling than ever. Deedra Irwin's seventh-place finish in Beijing was the best-ever for an individual U.S. athlete, and she has five top-10 finishes in the World Cup this season. Wright was a silver medalist in two events at last year's world championships, and got his first World Cup podium in the last race before the Olympics.

A breakthrough is coming and, when it happens, you can say you were an OG fan. (Original, not Olympic Games.)

"I think I'm in the game for all of them," said Wright, who still has the pursuit, mass start and team relay left. "OK, it's a hard game, don't get me wrong. I don't think I'm going to medal 100% or anything. But just because I'm 12 today doesn't mean I'm out for the (others)."

Biathlon. Get on board. You'll thank me later.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biathlon is best Winter Olympics sport you're missing out on. See why

It’s probably not a great look to have a UFC White House card, which is meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, headlined by a bunch of Russian fighters like Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, and Arman Tsarukyan.

There’s not much the promotion can do about Makhachev and Chimaev, since they hold division titles, but Tsarukyan can be held down for as long as needed since the No. 2-ranked “Ahalkalakets” has yet to capture the 155-pound crown (thanks partly to this).

That’s according to a new theory from UFC homer Daniel Cormier.

“It feels like that’s a massive fight that is worthy of being on such a massive card,” Cormier told his YouTube audience about the Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria lightweight title unification fight. “And with Topuria being who he is, with Gaethje being who he is, an American guy holding a UFC title – look, the UFC booked Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje. (If) Paddy Pimblett won, you had a star who was going to fight Ilia for the belt.”

Gaethje defeated Pimblett at UFC 324 to capture the interim crown.

“Justin Gaethje won, now you have an American guy holding a portion of a title with a fight at the White House that is going to happen in June,” Cormier added. “It was a no-lose situation; and honestly, I don’t know how we missed it. Everybody’s like, ‘Well, why is that dude, why isn’t it Arman?’ Now it kind of makes sense because now that Gaethje has the belt, you’ve got an American guy holding a title going into the White House. It worked one way or the other. Now it makes more sense to me.”

And here I thought it was that nose-breaking headbutt that sent Arman to the showers.

The UFC White House fight card — which “needs winners like Jon Jones” — has yet to be revealed; however, the promotion recently gathered up all the top thinkers to start laying the framework for the June 14 super show. Expect an official announcement in the coming weeks, if not sooner.

The Oregon Ducks have landed commitments from a number of highly-ranked defensive lineman in program history, with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Haloti Ngata highlighting the list as top players from their respective classes.

If class of 2027 defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou committed to Oregon, he'd join the prestigious list as well as he's currently rated as a five-star. He's reportedly interested in the Ducks, as he included Oregon among the final ten schools that he's considering in his recruitment.

Oregon was on the list alongside Big Ten foes Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Penn State among five others.

Fakatou is the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 35 player overall in the 2027 class, per 247 Sports Composite. He competes for Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA, where he's the third-ranked player in the state.

NEWS: Elite 2027 DL Marcus Fakatou is down to 10 Schools, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’7 275 DL from Riverside, CA is ranked as the No. 2 DL in the ‘27 Class (per Rivals Industry)

Where Should He Go? ⬇️ https://t.co/uJVAahWizBpic.twitter.com/pU4ReYJbUV

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 13, 2026

The Ducks currently have just four commits as part of the 2027 class, with three-star linebacker Sam Ngata and four-star edge rusher Cameron Prittchet the two commits on the defensive side of the ball.

Oregon has been named as a finalist in several other highly-ranked players in the 2027 class in recent weeks, but securing the commitment of Fakatou would cement them at the top of recruiting rankings once again after finishing with the second-ranked 2026 class.

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

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon makes the final ten schools for 2027 5-star DL Marcus Fakatou

Texas A&M will get an earlier start on Saturday, as Game 2 of its opening weekend series against Tennessee Tech has officially been moved up from 2 p.m. to 11 a.m. due to expected inclement weather. The matchup, set for February 14, will still stream on SEC Network+.

With a deeper roster, a revamped coaching staff, and no external expectations weighing them down, the Aggies enter 2026 with a real opportunity to claw their way back into postseason contention.

This year’s group blends a core of returning contributors with several talented newcomers who will need to mesh quickly to keep confidence high in the program’s direction.

Friday also marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Texas A&M is 2–0 against first-time opponents under head coach Michael Earley and will look to make another early statement as the 2026 season gets underway. The weekend will also give the staff a chance to fine‑tune lineup combinations and establish the foundation for a strong start.

🚨 Tomorrow's game (2/14) will moved up to 11:00AM https://t.co/hABL123jj7pic.twitter.com/Oz5mS3xhLe

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) February 13, 2026

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Weather forces Texas A&M to move up Saturdays against Tennessee Tech

Chris Paul was a competitor, a genius and unapologetically himself until the very end originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Chris Paul's last year in the NBA wasn't supposed to be like this. The surefire Hall of Famer signed with the Clippers, the team he helped pull out of obscurity, for a retirement tour on a team with high playoff expectations. He only made it through 16 games before they decided they were better off without him. Last week, they traded him to the Raptors, who waived him without playing him a single minute.

Paul's not a quitter, but he saw the writing on the wall. In a 525-word Instagram statement, he announced that he was stepping away from the game rather than pursuing another contract to finish out the year.

The line that stuck out to me from Paul's message is when he wrote, "the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!)." That goal was so obvious that he didn't even feel the need to state it. Winning was everything, always, no matter the cost.

MORE: Chris Paul dishes on art of sign-stealing, signal trickery

The Point God will go down as one of the smartest players in the history of the game. His genius manifested itself in a number of ways. He figured out early that grifting for fouls was one of the most efficient forms of offense. If his team was in the bonus, you could bet your net worth that he was going to attempt a rip-through move to get to the free throw line. He's the only guy in the league that would dare try one 90 feet away from the basket and with 19 seconds left on the shot clock. It worked, and he got two free throws out of it. 

Paul's brain was always on. He once won a game in 2019 by forcing referees to enforce an obscure delay-of-game rule with 1.1 seconds left, after Jordan Bell checked in with his jersey untucked. The ensuing technical foul free throw helped his Thunder team force an improbable overtime and win that game.

Another time, during his year with the Spurs, he knocked the ball away from 7-foot-3 center Zach Edey and had a chance to grab it to force a jump ball. Instead, he frantically motioned to teammate Victor Wembanyama to grab it, pulling Wemby's hand down to the ball and forcing the whistle.

Most recently, he and Wembanyama gamed the skills competition at All-Star Weekend, recording the best time but getting disqualified in the process for intentionally missing their shots. It was such a disaster that the league replaced the event with the Shooting Stars contest this year.

Paul didn't need those tricks to win. He was an unbelievably talented player who could beat players based purely on talent, too. You don't win Rookie of the Year, make 12 All-Star games, and finish top 10 in MVP voting 10 times without being one of the best point guards of all time.

Paul once explained to me why he steals opponents' play calls for a story that I wrote back in 2023. "It ain't much of an advantage," he explained. "But in a game where we talk about every point matters, every possession matters, you do what you gotta do."

To Paul, the idea of not stealing signs didn't even register as a possibility. You always exploited the advantage, no matter how small. That led him to win a lot, but it also gave him the reputation of being difficult to deal with. Some of his teammates didn't love his approach, while others appreciated the tough love.

MORE: Where does Chris Paul rank on all-time PG scoring list?

"He's always trying to bring the best out of everyone. He knows the game. Always was one of the guys who was trying to share, night in and night out being a vocal presence," his former Rockets teammate Clint Capela told me two weeks ago.  

Other times, players chafed at Paul's leadership initially but came around years later.

Nobody played more games with Paul than DeAndre Jordan. He told me bluntly about Paul's personality in an interview a month ago. 

"He's an asshole on the floor, and that's what makes him so great," Jordan said. "That's what separates him from other players. There's no friends on the floor, which I respect. We elbow each other on the floor and after that, we're going to dinner together after the game."

At the time that the two played together, Jordan was a young player who didn't always want to hear Paul's lessons. Now, he passes those same lessons on to his younger Pelicans teammates. It took him a long time to realize how important Paul's words were. 

"[It was] little sh—. Angles. The way you want the screen. Small things that you may think are irritating."

Jordan realizes that Paul was simply trying to get him to become a better player. And it worked. 

"I look at a guy like Chris, a guy like rest in peace Kobe, who did that and got the best of his teammates. Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett. It may be looked at as a negative thing but I like that. They hold me accountable. They're going to hold themselves to an even higher standard, so I respect the hell out of it."

"To me, nobody can say anything bad about Chris. He helped me become the prime player that I was in my career. I respect the hell out of him. He's a Hall of Famer." 

Paul knew that his style wasn't for everyone. When the Spurs presented him with a plaque for moving into second place on the all-time assists leaderboard, he revealed his self-awareness. 

MORE: NBA Shame rankings: Which team should feel the worst about itself?

"I know I'm a lot to deal with on the court," Paul said, his voice cracking as he held back tears. "But I just love to hoop." 

Paul didn't have the storybook ending that he had hoped for. He never did get back to an NBA Finals after losing with the Suns in 2021. And his legacy will be polarizing, with some recognizing how brilliant he was while others chafe at his tactics. But the goal was always the goal. He competed for 21 years, until he had absolutely nothing left to give. 

Purdue is coming off a much needed, road win against #7 Nebraska to complete a three-game winning streak after losing three straight conference games to end January. It took overtime for the Boilers after surrendering a double-digit lead in the final minutes, but the win keeps Purdue tied with four other teams with three losses in the Big Ten behind one-loss Michigan.

Iowa returns home smarting after losing to a bottom of the Big Ten Maryland team on Wednesday.

#12 Purdue 20-4 (10-3) at Iowa 18-6 (8-5)

Purdue won the first matchup between these teams, 79-72, in Mackey Arena.

Braden Smith had 16 points on 9 shot attempts to go with 8 assists while Iowa star Bennet Stirtz was kept mostly in check but still finishing with 19 points despite going 2 of 9 from three.

Purdue controlled most of the game, but Iowa pushed back in the second half, hinting to a trend that has continued for the last few weeks. Purdue’s been unable to hold onto leads, including Tuesday’s win over Nebraska where it led by as much as 22 before having to go into overtime for its second top-10 win on the road this season.

But Iowa has plenty of its own concerns after a disappointing showing on the road against a not very good Maryland team.

Iowa managed to win the turnover battle with Maryland 14-4 but still managed to lose by 7.

Maryland beat Iowa on the glass, outrebounding the Hawkeyes by 9, but more importantly, Iowa gave up 71% shooting inside the arc to Maryland while shooting just 7 of 28 from three on offense.

So both teams will be hungry for a win on Saturday.

Iowa will look to add a key win to its resume as it looks to secure its way into the NCAA Tournament.

For Purdue, winning out is likely necessary to have a chance at the Big Ten title, but will Purdue be looking past Iowa on Saturday? Michigan and its one loss on top of the conference looms as Purdue’s next opponent on Tuesday when the Wolverines come to Mackey Arena.

Purdue’s schedule set for big finish

Purdue is now in the thick of it. It is two games behind Michigan in the Big Ten, but still has a game against Michigan at home to try and control its own fate. Michigan still has to go to Mackey Arena, at Illinois, and host Michigan State. There are losses still available to the Wolverines if Purdue can manage to win out its schedule.

Purdue still hosts IU and Michigan State, and go on the road at Ohio State and Northwestern, two places where it has recently struggled.

But Purdue’s toughest three games come in a row, and at home. If Purdue gets through this road test, it’ll have those three home games

Matt Painter was complimentary of what Ben McCollum has built in Iowa already. Painter expects Iowa’s sellout crowd to light a fire in an already good defense.


“They do a good job keeping the ball out of the paint,” Painter said about Iowa’s defense. “They’re a very good defensive team… their hand activity is elite.”

Purdue’s offense came alive against Nebraska in the form of a lot of threes and even more offensive rebounds. Iowa’s defense doesn’t do it the same way as Nebraska, but they’ll try to limit the rim and get at dribblers inside. Look for Purdue’s perimeter shooting to be active again.

At the other end, Purdue will once again have to contend with Bennett Stirtz, one of the best point guards in the country. Purdue was able to keep his production reasonable in the first game, but the task gets even harder with Stirtz playing at home coming off a 32 point performance against Maryland.

It’ll be a good one Saturday evening in Iowa City as Purdue looks to make a late season run towards another Big Ten title. That starts on Saturday.

• Kick-off delayed by 10 minutes after floodlight issue
• Man City could go 11 points clear with victory
• WSL top scorer Khedija Shaw heads opener in first half
• Vivianne Miedama thrashes in second and heads third before half-time
• Bottom side Leicester hit woodwork twice
• Listen to BBC Radio Manchester commentary

WSL: Rampant Man City put four past bottom side Leicester in frantic first half

Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican-born music icon whose Super Bowl halftime show was the fourth-most watched ever, thought he had a good idea when he offered to pay for the insurance of two players on his native island so they could compete in the World Baseball Classic.

MORE:Red Sox lose former Silver Slugger, Gold Glove Award winner in free agency: report

Several officials inside baseball disagreed.

Puerto Rican infielder Carlos Correa told Chandler Rome of The Athletic that Major League Baseball, the Astros and Correa’s agent, Scott Boras, did not approve of letting Bad Bunny pay for his WBC insurance.

“They all told me it was a bad idea,” Correa said.

Carlos Baerga, the retired Puerto Rican infielder, reported last week that Bad Bunny offered to pay insurance costs for Correa and Francisco Lindor, who were denied insurance through the payer selected by MLB.

Lindor and Correa were hardly alone in their inability to get insured. Jose Altuve was not included on Venezuela’s roster because of an insurance denial, the Associated Press reported.

Despite Bad Bunny doing them a solid he could easily afford, Correa will remain in the Astros’ spring training camp when the WBC commences in March.

Meanwhile, Lindor will be on the rehab trail in spring training. Earlier this week, the Mets announced he would have surgery on his hamate bone.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 13

NFL: NFL teams with the highest winning percentages over the last 10 years

CFB: Ole Miss given huge Trinidad Chambliss boost for 2026 college football season

MLB: Former Dodgers World Series champion to sign with Angels

NHL: Full list of NHL players in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament

VIRAL: Myles Garrett, girlfriend Chloe Kim share heartfelt moment after Olympic stunner

The post Carlos Correa breaks silence on Bad Bunny’s ‘bad idea’ for the WBC appeared first on The Big Lead.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Left-handed pitcher Alex Vesia was back with the Los Angeles Dodgers at spring training Friday, less than four months after the death of his infant daughter, Sterling, that caused him to miss last year's World Series.

Vesia read an emotional statement after the team's first official workout, thanking his wife Kayla, the Dodgers, the Toronto Blue Jays and fans for their support during a difficult experience.

“The lessons we've learned from this is that life can change in an instant for us,” Vesia said. “Ten minutes is all it took. Sterling's soul was the most beautiful girl in the world. We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her and love her. Our time together was far too short.”

He said missing the World Series was difficult but “an easy decision, because my family needed me.” The Dodgers beat the Blue Jays in seven games to win their second straight title.

Vesia also thanked the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, who sent him a jersey with all of the team's signatures, which he said he'll have framed in his home. The pitcher said he and his wife started therapy six weeks ago and that “talking to someone has made a difference.”

Vesia encouraged those who were struggling with a difficult situation to talk to somebody.

“Don't be afraid to speak up,” Vesia said. “Your mental health matters.”

Vesia went 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 68 regular season games and 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in seven postseason appearances. The team announced on Oct. 23, the day before Game 1 against the Blue Jays, that he was not with the team in Toronto.

Dodgers relievers wore Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps in a tribute to their absent teammate. Blue Jays relievers joined them in the tribute for Game 6.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Winning an Olympic medal brings pride to any athlete. Many countries also add cash rewards for those podium finishes. Using data shared by USA Today for the 2026 Winter Olympics (25 countries responded to the site’s query), here is a look at which nations pay the most per medal. So, here are the top five highest-paying countries according to Yahoo.

5. Slovenia

Slovenia sits fifth on the list for gold medal rewards. The country pays $162,672 to athletes who win gold at the Games. Silver and bronze bonuses are also part of its system, though they are lower than the top four nations. Slovenia’s plan shows strong support for elite athletes despite being a small country.

MORE: Ranking all Winter Olympic sports by how scary they really are

4. Poland

Poland ranks fourth with a gold medal payout of $211,268. Extra rewards make its program stand out. Athletes who finish between fourth and eighth place also receive money. Gold medal winners get even more than cash. They are awarded a Toyota Corolla, a fully furnished two-room apartment, a painting, a holiday voucher, and jewelry. This makes Poland one of the most generous nations overall.

3. Italy

Italy places third with a gold medal bonus of $213,418. As the host country, Italy already began winning medals early in the Games. Two golds came in the opening days. The payout reflects how much value the country places on Olympic success, especially while hosting the event.

MORE: American athletes making their fifth appearance in the 2026 Winter Olympics

2. Hong Kong

Second place belongs to Hong Kong. Gold medal winners receive $767,747. That figure is far higher than most nations in the field. The silver and bronze payouts are also large. Hong Kong’s system shows how financial rewards are used to push elite performance on the world stage.

1. Singapore

Singapore leads all countries in Olympic medal bonuses. A gold medal earns $788,907. Silver pays $394,497. Bronze brings $197,282. No other nation offers more for any medal type. The result is surprising because Singapore has won only six Olympic medals in its history. It has never won a Winter Olympics medal. The country only started competing in Winter Games in 2018. Before that, it appeared only in Summer Olympics.

Where Team USA ranks

Team USA sits in the middle of the list, at least, according to the data obtained through the responses from the 25 countries. The United States ranks 15th out of the 25 countries that responded to USA Today. American athletes earn $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. These numbers are much lower than the top five but still provide direct rewards for podium finishes.

MORE: Norway skier goes viral after displaying insane Winter Olympics speed

Countries that do not pay medal bonuses

Not every nation uses cash prizes. Great Britain, Sweden, and Norway do not pay athletes for winning Olympic medals. Financial help is still given before the Games through training and support programs. Norway remains the most successful Winter Olympics nation in history and has already won multiple gold medals at the 2026 Games.

Final thoughts

Cash rewards vary widely across countries at the Winter Olympics. Singapore tops the list by a wide margin. Hong Kong, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia follow behind. Team USA ranks in the middle with modest payouts. Some nations choose pride and preparation over prize money. Together, these systems show how different countries value Olympic success in their own way.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 13

NFL: NFL teams with the highest winning percentages over the last 10 years

CFB: Ole Miss given huge Trinidad Chambliss boost for 2026 college football season

MLB: Former Dodgers World Series champion to sign with Angels

NHL: Full list of NHL players in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament

VIRAL: Myles Garrett, girlfriend Chloe Kim share heartfelt moment after Olympic stunner

The post Which countries pay the most for winning medals at Winter Olympics 2026: Check where Team USA ranks appeared first on The Big Lead.

The North Carolina Tar Heels return to the court on Saturday, hosting the Pitt Panthers. Fresh off a loss at Miami, North Carolina's five-game win streak in the ACC was snapped. But they also lost their best player, Caleb Wilson, who has a fractured left hand.

There is no timetable for Wilson's return, but barring a miracle, UNC's game on Saturday will be the first without him.

This will give us a look at what the Tar Heels are without Wilson as they welcome in Pitt. The Panthers are struggling this season, entering this game at 9-16 overall and just 2-10 in conference play. While North Carolina is fighting for a double bye, Pitt is hoping to finish the season strong.

Even without Wilson, this is a game the Tar Heels should win. But they can't overlook the Panthers and are in no position to do so, even against an inferior opponent. North Carolina has to come out strong and win games they are supposed to win. Let's get into our preview for Saturday's game.

Key to Victory

Guard play. With Wilson out for this game, the Tar Heels are going to need someone or multiple players step up in this game. That starts with guard play.

Even if Wilson was healthy, the Tar Heels need the guard play to be a lot better. They have struggled way too many times over the course of the season. That included against Miami. There's really been no consistent guard playing at a high level. If they want to find success, they need to get more from their guards.

Something to watch

The post depth. The absence of Wilson leaves a void not only in scoring but in rebounding. The Tar Heels still have Henri Veesaar but now they will need someone else to step up. Zayden High is expected to see an increase in minutes as is Jonathan Powell. But will this give Hubert Davis the chance to explore different rotations and potentially give someone like James Brown more minutes?

Statistical leaders

Points

UNC: Caleb Wilson (19.8)

Pitt: Brandin Cummings (12.5)

Rebounds

UNC: Caleb Wilson (9.4)

Pitt: Cameron Corhen (7.2)

Assists

UNC: Kyan Evans (3.0)

Pitt: Damarco Minor (3.5)

What you need to know

WHAT? Pitt Panthers (9-16, 2-10 ACC) AT North Carolina Tar Heels (19-5, 7-4 ACC)

WHEN? Saturday, February 14 at 2 p.m. ET

WHERE? Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

TV? ESPN

RADIO? SiriusXM (Channels 145 and 193)

LINE? UNC -10.5

LAST MEETING? UNC 67, Pitt 66 on Feb. 8, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C.

ALL-TIME SERIES: UNC leads 11-8

PREDICTION? UNC 70, Pitt 60

UNC basketball 2025-26 schedule

October 4: Blue-White Scrimmage (White 55, Blue 50)

Oct. 24: at BYU (preseason, L 78-76)

Oct. 29: vs. Winston-Salem State (preseason, W 95-53)

November 3: vs. Central Arkansas (W, 94-54)

Nov. 7: vs. Kansas (W, 87-74)

Nov. 11: vs. Radford (W, 89-74)

Nov. 14: vs. NC Central (W, 97-53)

Nov. 18: vs. Navy (W, 73-61)

Nov. 25: vs. St. Bonaventure in Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off (W, 85-70)

Nov. 27: vs. Michigan State in Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off (L, 74-58)

December 2: at Kentucky (W, 67-64)

Dec. 7: vs. Georgetown (W, 81-61)

Dec. 13: vs. USC Upstate (W, 80-62)

Dec. 16: vs. ETSU (W, 77-58)

Dec. 20: vs. Ohio State in CBS Sports Classic (W, 71-70)

Dec. 22: vs. East Carolina (W, 99-51)

Dec. 30: vs. Florida State (W, 79-66)

January 3: at SMU (L, 97-83)

Jan. 10: vs. Wake Forest (W, 87-84)

Jan. 14: at Stanford (L, 95-90)

Jan. 17.: at California (L, 84-78)

Jan. 21: vs. Notre Dame (W, 91-69)

Jan. 24: at Virginia (W, 85-80)

Jan. 31: at Georgia Tech (W, 91-75)

February 2: vs. Syracuse (W, 87-77)

Feb. 7: vs. Duke (W, 71-68)

Feb. 10: at Miami (FL) (L, 75-66)

Feb. 14: vs. Pitt (2 p.m.)

Feb. 17: at NC State (7 p.m.)

Feb. 21: at Syracuse (1 p.m.)

Feb. 23: vs. Louisville (7 p.m.)

Feb. 28: vs. Virginia Tech (TBA)

March 3: vs. Clemson (7 p.m.)

March 7,: at Duke (6:30 p.m.)

March 10-14: ACC Tournament in Spectrum Center (Charlotte, N.C.)

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball vs. Pitt: Game preview, info, prediction and more

Real Madrid’s elimination from the Copa del Reymeant that the team did not have any game midweek, handing the squad a complete week off after the hard-fought win over Valencia at Mestalla.

They did not perform particularly well on the night, but they grabbed a 2-0 victory and stayed within a point of Barcelona. This weekend, they have a good chance to temporarily dethrone the Catalans with a win, but the path there will not be easy.

After all, they play host to Real Sociedad who are on a run of three straight wins, and their last defeat came in the second week of December. 

Real Madrid, meanwhile, suffered their last defeat in the Champions League in January. As such, they will face Benfica in the first-leg of the knockout playoff as a consequence of the same next week, which could influence manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s selection.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad.

A possible turning point in defence

The last time Antonio Rudiger featured in a game for Real Madrid was over a month ago when they took down Atletico Madrid in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Playing through pain to help the team out on the night, the German international suffered a fitness setback that took over 30 days to recover from, but he is not finally back and ready to contribute.

As relayed earlier this week, all signs point to Rudiger making his return in defence for Real Madrid tomorrow night which comes as a massive boost for Alvaro Arbeloa’s plans.

After all, he has been a mainstay regardless of the manager he has played under and has never been available at the newly appointed coach’s disposal.

Further, there is a good chance he even starts against Real Sociedad given Raul Asencio’s own fitness concerns. In many ways, the game could signify a turning point for Real Madrid’s defence this season.

The backline has been a problem for Los Blancos this season, and the lack of leadership and inspiration has been evident. With Rudiger back, the men in white will hope the veteran can add that X-factor to the department and beef it up sufficiently in the coming games.

Carvajal’s night back?

Set to start against Real Sociedad?. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s game against Valencia at Mestalla had several key takeaways, but one of the most significant ones was how club captain Dani Carvajal was left fuming after the game.

The veteran, after all, was left on the bench by the manager who opted to hand David Jimenez the start at right-back and Trent Alexander-Arnold a role off the bench – handing him no minutes on the night.

Considering how it was the veteran who returned from injury significantly earlier than Trent and had seen just 27 minutes of action in the month, his frustration was valid.

Since then, Arbeloa and Carvajal have spoken and sorted out their misunderstanding, and it now appears that they are on better terms. In that sense, Saturday could see the captain play meaningful minutes for the first time since his return.

In fact, reports indicate that the 34-year-old club captain could even be named in the starting XI, with Arbeloa having tested him in the lineup in training today.

It could, thus, be a critical game for him in terms of announcing his return and beginning his journey back into the manager’s tactics.

An opposition in fine form

Real Sociedad got off to a poor start to the season, but the managerial change they made mid-season turned their fortunes around astonishingly.

Pellegrino Matarazzo has transformed the La Real team into one hungry for wins, organised in possession and far more clinical in front of goal – a combination of factors that make them a dangerous opponent.

He took over ahead of Real Sociedad’s game against Atletico Madrid early in January and his side drew 1-1 against Diego Simeone’s side to mark a decent start.

They then won against Getafe, Osasuna, and even took down Barcelona with a massive 2-1 win to see them drop points in the title race. Of their five games thereafter, they have drawn one and won four.

Both Real Madrid and Real Sociedad thus enter the clash with managers who have been at the club for just over a month, but while Arbeloa and Real Madrid suffered losses in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, La Real are unbeaten under him so far.

They will, thus, enter the game knowing well that they can hurt Real Madrid if they bring their natural game.

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Liverpool have set their sights on Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. It has been mentioned that the Reds are willing to launch a €80m offer to bring the French talent to Merseyside this summer.

Kounde’s Impressive Form In La Liga

Kounde is having a decent campaign at the Catalan club as he has put in a handful of solid performances for them on the defensive end of the pitch. The France international has scored three goals and earned two assists in 36 matches for Barcelona this season across all competitions.

The 27-year-old can be a decent performer in La Liga when he is playing regularly and with confidence on the field. Thus, it is no wonder that the Reds are hoping to get a deal done for him next summer.

His current contract at the Nou Camp will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for Liverpool to recruit him on the cheap later this year.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 09: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou on December 09, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Will Kounde Be A Good Choice For Liverpool Boss Arne Slot?

Kounde is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and can create the odd chance for his teammates from the right flank.

The French sensation is primarily a right-back but can also fill in as a central defender if needed. However, it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League if the Reds manage to snap him up this summer.

We can expect Kounde to bring more quality and depth to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s defence. He is good enough to fight for a regular starting role at the Merseyside club in the coming years.

His experience and versatility make him a good choice for the Reds to pursue at the end of this campaign. Kounde might even help Liverpool challenge for some major honours in the future. At 27, he is about to enter his prime, so Slot would be wise to go all out to get him on board later this year.

Indiana men’s basketball’s road matchup at Illinois may get even tougher.

Kylan Boswell, a starter at guard for the Illini and their top perimeter defender, will be a gametime decision on Sunday, per reporting from ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He suffered a fractured hand in late January and has missed Illinois’ past seven games. The Illini are 5-2 during that stretch with wins at Purdue and Nebraska and close losses against Michigan State on the road and Wisconsin at home in overtime.

With Illinois already playing like the best team in the country, having Boswell back will gave the Illini an extra gear as they look primed to make a run through the NCAA Tournament. If Boswell plays, look for him to match up with Lamar Wilkerson on the outside as Illinois looks to limit Indiana’s scoring out of the backcourt.

Illinois has slipped slightly in KenPom’s defensive efficiency metrics without Boswell and also missed Andrej Stojakovic against Wisconsin. Regardless, the Illini still have the kind of length that can cause headaches for opposing offenses.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about a rough patch in his career that he is currently working through.

While Tsitsipas is a two-time Grand Slam finalist, he has not gone past the quarterfinal stage of a major tournament since falling in the 2023 Australian Open final.

His struggles became more apparent after the 2024 French Open, as he has not made it beyond the second round at any major since then.

Speaking after his first-round win at the Rotterdam Open, Tsitsipas admitted that there was a point last year when he stopped enjoying tennis altogether.

Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals he lost passion for tennis last year

Tsitsipas has had a difficult stretch recently, dealing with a back injury that limited his appearances to just the Davis Cup after the US Open last season.

This issue had actually been brewing for a while, even before his win at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Tsitsipas spoke about it with Bolavip following his opening victory in Rotterdam.

Although he is back on tour full-time this season, the Greek said those doubts haven’t fully gone away.

“I experienced a lot of uncertainty for many months. Even when I won the tournament in Dubai, I wasn’t sure if I could sustain that level or even continue playing. It kept getting worse during the spring, and eventually, I stopped enjoying the game.

“The game becomes less important, and health becomes the most important thing in your life. Even earlier this year, I still had a lot of uncertainty about my future,” he stated.

Stefanos Tsitsipas shares update on ongoing back issue

Tsitsipas got his Rotterdam Open campaign off to a good start, beating Shanghai Masters finalist Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-3 in the opening round.

Even with that positive result, he made it clear afterwards that his back remains a persistent issue.

Tsitsipas said: “It felt very odd and frustrating because I couldn’t do much. My back is like it is, and there are only so many things I can do.

“If it refuses to heal, all I can do is wait and consult as many specialists as possible.”

Currently ranked world number 32, Tsitsipas could use a strong run in Rotterdam to help him climb back towards his previous standing.

On the other hand, an early exit would put added pressure on him heading into Dubai, where he has 500 points to defend from last year’s title run.

Read more:

Seahawks named best landing spot for Ravens' 3-time Pro Bowl center in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots in dominant fashion. While the defense stole the show, the offense was still good enough.

That is, all except a few positions along the interior of the offensive line. Anthony Bradford is likely to be upgraded from this offseason, but other than Grey Zabel, the Seahawks could use an upgrade at center.

With such a need in mind, PFF.com's Mason Cameron named Seattle the best landing spot for free agent Baltimore Ravens 3-time Pro Bowl center, Tyler Linderbaum.

Seahawks named best landing spot for Tyler Linderbaum

"Best landing spot: Seattle Seahawks," Cameron writes. "... Undrafted second-year center Jalen Sundell made huge strides over his first season as a starter, but Linderbaum would undoubtably upgrade Seattle's unit."

Linderbaum is the best offensive lineman hitting free agency this year, and adding him to the already solid Seattle offensive line would be huge for the team.

They have plenty of cap space, and if the Seahawks decide not to spend on some of their defensive players, hitting the open market, they would have the room to bring Linderbaum in without hurting their future cap space.

Linderbaum is only 25 years old and was a first-round pick during the 2022 NFL Draft. He's started 66 games over the last four years and has been a Pro Bowler three times.

More: Who won Super Bowl MVP in 2026? Kenneth Walker III wins honor in commanding Seahawks win

While he hasn't earned an All-Pro nod just yet, Linderbaum is one of the best centers in the league. Adding him to this Seattle offensive line would be an incredible pairing.

Being able to run Kenneth Walker III behind Linderbaum, Zabel, and the rest of the line would be a very fun outlook for 2026 and beyond.

While center might not be the Seahawks' biggest need, if there were a top landing spot for Linderbaum this offseason other than back in Baltimore, it would be with Seattle.

It might not happen, though, as the Ravens, more likely than not, will try to re-sign him, and if not, place the franchise tag on him to ensure he doesn't leave in free agency.

More Seahawks news:

• Seahawks get $43 million contract projection on Coby Bryant ahead of Super Bowl
• How Seahawks built Super Bowl 60 roster, from Sam Darnold signing to 'Dark Side' defense
• What's the NFL record for most sacks in a single Super Bowl game?
• Who won the Super Bowl 2026? Final score, results as Sam Darnold, Seahawks rout Patriots
• Seahawks’ Super Bowl title kick in the head for mathletes who’d given up on field goals
• Marshawn Lynch Nike commercial: Inside ad running after Seahawks' Super Bowl 2026 win

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri unveiled a blueprint to "fix" college athletics on Friday, and called out Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar and former Alabama men's basketball forward Charles Bediako in the process.

The blueprint includes four pillars:

• Secure Stability
• Putting Players First
• Saving Olympic and Women’s Sports
• Ensuring College Sports Endure.

The news release from Schmitt on Friday, however, did not mention plans for introducing a bill; he just announced a blueprint of pillars to use to resolve the issue.

Hayes: Trinidad Chambliss isn't only one gaming the system. Ole Miss is, too

Toppmeyer: One SEC conspiracy theory dies after Charles Bediako loses in court

"College sports are uniquely American. They’re a source of excitement and pride not only for myself, but for millions of athletes, students, alumni, and fans across the nation. As a former two-sport college athlete, I know firsthand the excitement and impact they bring to families in Missouri and across the U.S.," Schmitt said in a news release. "Unfortunately, there is currently a chaotic landscape in college sports, with no guardrails, guidelines, or rules.

"Congress must step in to safeguard the future of college sports, protect student-athletes, and restore order to a system that has grown unbalanced. Today, I am presenting a blueprint with four core principles to end rulemaking by lawsuit, clarity transfer rules, establish national standards, and prioritize the long-term success of college athletics."

In a thread on X, Schmitt referenced both Aguilar and Bediako's recent cases of asking for additional eligibility or returning to college after declaring for the NBA draft and playing in the G League, respectively.

"The current environment is threatened by a constant string of lawsuits over eligibility — with some athletes suing for a 7th or 8th year of eligibility. Without rules, schools and athletes are in limbo and younger athletes are robbed of opportunities," Schmitt wrote on X. "Without rules, schools and athletes are in limbo and younger athletes are robbed of opportunities."

As noted by the Knoxville News — part of the USA TODAY Network — Aguilar is having a preliminary injunction hearing in a Knoxville courtroom Friday after he sued the NCAA over eligibility rules regarding former junior college players. Aguilar's hearing comes less than a day after Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss won his battle against the NCAA to become eligible for the 2026 college football season, as he was searching for a retroactive medical redshirt for the 2022 season when he was at Division II Ferris State.

Bediako lost his case against the NCAA earlier in the week, as Tuscaloosa Country Judge Daniel Pruet denied his motion for a temporary injunction to stay with the Crimson Tide. Bediako, who returned to the Crimson Tide back in late January after playing in the G League for the past three seasons, is one of several who have re-entered college basketball after forgoing their eligibility for the NBA draft and then playing in the G League.

"We've also seen pro athletes try to jump back into college sports in the absence of eligibility rules. College sports are meant to be a limited-time, educational opportunity for amateur athletes. Allowing pros to participate will end college sports," Schmitt continued on X.

We've also seen pro athletes try to jump back into college sports in the absence of eligibility rules.

College sports are meant to be a limited-time, educational opportunity for amateur athletes. Allowing pros to participate will end college sports.https://t.co/bUidmSq1bc

— Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) February 13, 2026

Other topics Schmitt referenced in his thread that his blueprint would resolve and fix included NIL, the transfer portal — to which "reinstating the one-time transfer rule will help restore stability to our teams and to the students' educational experience" — and the financial strain on athletic programs.

"My plan would end this rulemaking by lawsuit and give a governing body the ability to actually enforce eligibility rules and standards that have left college sports in chaos in recent years. This is good news for schools and players — and keeps sports entertaining for fans," Schmitt continued on X."

In December, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives pulled the SCORE Act, which was scheduled for a final vote that would have allowed the NCAA and its newly-formed College Sports Commission to create and enforce national rules that have been under legal dispute in recent years.

The SCORE Act (Student Compensation And Opportunity Through Rights and Endorsements) sought to provide more regulation and calm the chaotic environment created by the introduction of name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation, revenue sharing and the transfer portal to college sports. It passed a procedural vote, 210-209, but the legislation drew bipartisan backlash as a final vote neared.

The NCAA has lobbied for Congressional antitrust provisions throughout the past decade as its regulations over athlete compensation and transfer eligibility were challenged and eventually changed by state legislatures and lawsuits.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sen. Eric Schmitt reveals blueprint to fix college sports, NIL, transfer rules

Hamburg

Hamburg have proven to be a tough team to beat in recent weeks, having put together a four-game unbeaten run since starting 2026 with a narrow defeat to Freiburg. HSV played out draws with Borussia Mönchengladbach, St. Pauli and Bayern Munich, before they claimed their first win of the calendar year in last Saturday’s away meeting with Heidenheim. Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer and Rayan Philippe grabbed a goal apiece in the 2-0 success, moving HSV up to 11th spot and three points clear of danger. 

After enjoying success on their travels, die Rothosen will return to the familiar surroundings of the Volksparkstadion for their first-ever Bundesliga home game against Union. Hamburg have avoided defeat in each of their last six home league matches, although three consecutive home draws mean it has been over two months since their last victory at the Volksparkstadion. 

The hosts can take confidence from the fact that they have conceded just 11 home league goals this term - only three teams have let in fewer in the Bundesliga. 

Team News

HSV will have to make do without Albert Grønbæk, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit and Warmed Omari. 

Predicted lineup: Fernandes; Capaldo, Vušković, Elfadli; Jatta, Remberg, Vieira, Muheim; Königsdörffer, Otele, Downs

Union Berlin

Union are in ninth place and three points better off than Saturday’s opponents. However, they are still searching for their first win of 2026, having drawn four and lost two of their last six matches. They at least managed to salvage a point from their most recent outing against Eintracht Frankfurt, which saw Leopold Querfeld net an 87th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. 

Steffen Baumgart’s side will now head on their travels with hopes of claiming their first victory since recording back-to-back victories against RB Leipzig and FC Köln in December. Die Eisernen should at least fancy their chances of picking up a positive result on Saturday, having avoided defeat in all of their previous three competitive matches against HSV (W1, D2). 

The visitors will be desperate to strike first against HSV, having won all three away league games in which they have netted the opening goal this term. 

Team News

Baumgart is without the services of Robert Skov, Diogo Leite, Tom Rothe and Josip Juranović. In positive news, Oliver Burke is set to return to the squad after sitting out the draw with Frankfurt due to injury. 

Predicted lineup: Rønnow; Doekhi, Querfeld, Nsoki; Trimmel, Khedira, Kemlein, Köhn; Jeong, Ansah; Ilić

The NFL Players Association has annually asked its players to grade their team on numerous categories. These categories include the quality of the locker room, the quality of the training staff, and the quality of the weight room among others.

Another of the categories is owner quality. A year ago, Jets owner Woody Johnson was the only of the league’s owners to receive an F grade from his players.

After a disastrous season where Johnson was the driving force behind some of the most destructive moves, fans might hope the owner would be self-reflective and vow to improve. Johnson went in another direction, calling the grade “totally bogus.”

He proceeded to take things a step further, pushing for the abolition of these report cards.

In this endeavor, Johnson has evidently succeeded.

This report card had been around for years, and Johnson took no interest until he received the F grade a year ago.

If Johnson put half as much effort into actually improving the team as he did in trying to block the NFLPA from releasing grades that make him look bad, the Jets might not be the league’s least successful franchise.

In any event, Johnson should savor his success. It isn’t often he actually has any sort of success on anything NFL related.

Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on Twitter, “With teams considering the upcoming free-agent and draft classes to be subpar, there could be an uptick in trade activity this offseason.”

Popular names in the free agent class include 32-year-old Trey Hendrickson, 33-year-old Mike Evans, 33-year-old All-Pro Kevin Byard, and the rights to overpay Tyler Linderbaum, Alec Pierce, Jaelan Phillips, Kyle Pitts, Odafe Oweh, and Kenneth Walker.

The draft is deep, and you will be able to find starters in the third round, but they will be of the mid-tier variety. If you are looking for a superstar, you’re going to need to trade for one.

The same is true for a quarterback, which bodes well for the San Francisco 49ers. A team might be willing to part ways with a second or third round pick for a year of an inexpensive Mac Jones. The Niners could turn around and use that pick in a deal for a potential star.

Speaking of trade value, the 49ers publicly saying they had buyer’s remorse a year after paying Brandon Aiyuk tanked what was probably a second-round pick in 2024 to a conditional pick—and that’s if a team really wants Aiyuk. Realistically, Aiyuk is a cut candidate.

There are some obvious trade candidates we’ve discussed, like Maxx Crosby. Adding him would be the definition of a “swing for the fences” move. The same is true for A.J. Brown, who has waffled about wanting to play elsewhere. The Eagles would need to be willing to incur a $43 million dead cap hit if they move Brown before June 1.

The 49ers have options; the question is what they’re willing to give up. One buy-low option would be Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The 2024 first-round pick saw his target share drop nearly six percent under a new coaching staff, which was fourth on the team. The new regime has no ties to Thomas Jr. and has proven it can win without featuring him.

Looking back at these wide receiver rankings, the fear was that Thomas Jr. wasn’t as far along as his counterparts as a pure route runner and that his lack of precision would cost him in the NFL. That wasn’t the case as a rookie when he had 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. ESPN’s wide receiver metric ranks Thomas Jr. 160th out of 160, despite a 707-yard season. Thomas Jr. would check multiple boxes for the 49ers. He’s young, 6’3”, fast, and still has multiple years left on his rookie deal.

If I’m John Lynch, my “swing for the fences” move would be resetting the wide receiver room. I sweeten the pot for the Eagles and include Ricky Pearsall in the A.J. Brown deal. That allows me to trade only a third-round pick, since I’m doing you a favor by trading away a rookie contract and a former first-rounder.

This upcoming season is technically the first year of Brown’s new contract. It’s a hefty $29 million guaranteed in 2026, but there are no other guarantees in his salary after that. Brown is a legitimate No. 1. Assuming Aiyuk is cut, the 49ers do not have a No. 1 on their roster.

With the pick netted in the hypothetical Mac Jones trade, we’ve decided that two more years of Brian Thomas Jr. makes more sense than guessing correctly on a wide receiver in this draft, so another pick is going for a high upside, big-bodied wideout. After careful consideration and watching all of the receivers in the upcoming draft, the front office believes Thomas Jr. is a better fit compared to what’s in the draft pool, which gives up their late first-rounder while getting back a pick in return. It’s a deal Jacksonville makes since they do not have a first-rounder.

So, San Francisco can recoup a pick they gave up when they acquired Brown, and walk away with two big, fast wide receivers who will thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The team no longer has a first-round pick, but has multiple Day 2 picks and can fill out the depth on its roster at key positions, all while upgrading at wide receiver.

Your turn. Scroll down below in the comments and map out a “swing for the fences” scenario where the 49ers make a massive move or two this offseason.

Former Texas basketball star Tre Johnson was one of 29 players selected to take part in the Rising Stars event as part of NBA All-Star Weekend. 

Johnson, drafted sixth overall by the Washington Wizards last summer, is averaging 12.9 points per game through his first 40 contests as an NBA player. He's also posting 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 44% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range. 

He'll play on a team coached by Tracy McGrady that also includes Kon Knueppel, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Sarr, Cam Spencer, Jaylon Tyson and Kel'el Ware. 

Johnson, who is from Garland, willed Texas to the NCAA Tournament during his only season as a Longhorn. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 23 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 33 games with Texas last season. 

MORE: Jordan Pope is still the starter for Texas basketball against Missouri despite struggles

MORE: Texas football makes Will Muschamp one of nation's top paid assistants

How to watch the NBA Rising Stars Game, which includes former Texas basketball star Tre Johnson 

Date: Friday, Feb. 13 

Time: 8 p.m. CT 

TV: N/A

Streaming: Peacock 

NBA Rising Stars Game rosters 

Team Melo 

• Cooper Flagg 
• Reed Sheppard 
• Stephon Castle 
• Dylan Harper 
• Jeremiah Fears 
• Donovan Clingan 
• Collin Murray-Boyles 

Team T-Mac

• Tre Johnson 
• Kon Knueppel 
• Kel'el Ware 
• Alex Sarr 
• Ajay Mitchell 
• Jaylon Tyson 
• Cam Spencer 

Team Vince 

• VJ Edgecombe 
• Derik Queen 
• Kyshawn George 
• Matas Buzelis 
• Egor Demin 
• Cedric Coward 
• Jaylen Wells 

Team Austin 

• Sean East II
• Ron Harper Jr. 
• David Jones Garcia 
• Yanic Konan Niederhauser 
• Alijah Martin 
• Tristen Newton 
• Yang Hansen 
• Mac McClung 

NBA Rising Stars Game format 

The tournament format includes two semifinal games, where the winner will be the first team to reach or surpass 40 points. The winning teams advance to play in the finals, where the champion will be the first team to reach or surpass 25 points. 

It’s that time of year again, with the NFL draft quickly approaching, analysts are expected to throw out comparisons and ESPN’s Mel Kiper sees Jeremiyah Love having plenty of semblance to a former USC star.

We all remember Reggie Bush, who ran all over the Irish in 2005, and then helped Matt Leinart into the end zone for the game-winning score in a play infamously named the “Bush Push.” The back was dominant for the Trojans, as he ended up being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft.

Kiper see’s a lot of Bush in Love, as he recently placed him No. 2 in his 2026 Big Board. He says that their skill sets are very similar, as “Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush.” Kiper notes the versatility in both of their games, the big play ability, and the fact that both of them could run inside or out.

Many expect that Love will hear his name called very early in the draft, but it might not be quite as high as Bush got selected. That in-part is due to the NFL not valuing running backs as highly as they did 20-years ago, but we still should see Love getting picked on Day 1.

.@MelKiperESPN has RB Jeremiyah Love as the No. 2 overall prospect on his Big Board.

2025 stats over 12 games:
🍀 226 touches
🍀 1,652 scrimmage yards
🍀 21 total TDs

"Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush." 👀 pic.twitter.com/1gwH3Rg2fb

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) February 13, 2026

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: ESPN’s Mel Kiper compares Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love to USC legend

The conclusion of the 2025 NFL season signifies the end of the Packers’ obligation to WR Romeo Doubs. It is in the Packers’ best interest to allow Doubs to move forward with his career.

Doubs led the Packers in receiving with 55 catches, 724 yards, and six touchdowns this past season. However, his production was boosted by the absence of WRs Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, who both missed several games due to injury. The Packers also lost star tight end Tucker Kraft to a torn ACL in the middle of his breakout year.

Doubs has been excellent. There is no value in downplaying his performance.

Yet despite his production, it is time to move on.

The NFL Is a Business

The Packers receiver was on Radio Row during Super Bowl media week, saying he believes Green Bay is his best chance to win a Super Bowl. However, the Packers are not in an ideal situation for his return.

Doubs is expected to receive a deal worth around $13 million annually this offseason. The Packers are currently $1.5 million over the 2026 salary cap, with five receivers under contract. Green Bay also expects to receive a fifth-round compensatory draft pick when Doubs leaves.

While Doubs has been impressive, he likely won’t be higher than the third option for the Packers in 2026. Kraft and Watson are both expected to secure multi-year extensions this offseason and have established themselves as the top two receiving targets. Re-signing Doubs will be hard to justify given these circumstances.

Too Many Mouths to Feed

While Doubs is likely to continue excelling in Green Bay, his presence limits opportunities for his teammates. General Manager Brian Gutekunst selected two receivers in the 2025 NFL draft. The first-round pick, Matthew Golden, has been recognized as a breakout candidate after an impressive postseason performance.

Green Bay invested heavily in Golden by selecting him in the first round. To maximize that investment, the team must give him chances to perform. Unfortunately, that means parting ways with a talented player like Doubs.

Doubs was productive in 2025 and even made a few highlight-reel catches, but it may not be justifiable to pay him when Green Bay has other higher-end options to prioritize.

The post Green Bay Needs to Let Romeo Doubs Move On appeared first on The Lead.

On Friday, Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers veteran Deebo Samuel officially became a free agent, and the New York Giants need to seriously consider signing him in NFL free agency.

A few years ago, Sameul emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Not only was he a talented pass catcher for the 49ers, but the team developed him into a dual-threat. During his Pro Bowl season in 2021, not only did he post 1,405 receiving yards, but he also rushed for 365 more on 59 carries.

Then, injury woes started to become the biggest story in the 2019 second-round picks’ careers. He missed games consistently over the next four seasons, and when he was on the field, he was hampered by whatever issues he was playing through. It’s why he came nowhere close to 1,000 receiving yards in those seasons.

A strong case could be made that at 30, his best days are behind him. On Friday, his restructured contract with the Commanders voided, and he will officially hit free agency next month. However, he will be lucky if he can get a deal for as much as he made in 2025, which was $17.5 million.

Despite some down years recently, a potential discount rate for the receiver is why the NY Giants must seriously consider pursuing him on the open market next month.

Why NY Giants should pursue Deebo Samuel in free agency

There is a lot of hope surrounding the NY Giants heading into the 2026 season. After the disastrous run of Brian Daboll, the organization hired one-time Super Bowl winner and one of the best coaches of the last decade, John Harbaugh, to guide the team back to relevance.

Over the last couple of weeks, the team has hired not one, but two former head coaches to improve the offense next season when they added Matt Nagy and Brian Callahan to the staff. If they can’t get Samuel back somewhere close to the player he once was, then it just won’t happen. It is worth a try if the price is right.

Samuel wouldn’t be here to be the team’s No. 1 receiver. Even coming off an ACL tear, that is Malik Nabers‘ spot until further notice. They need more weapons for young QB Jaxson Dart, whether they re-sign receiver Wan’Dale Robinson or not.

If the NY Giants can get Samuel on a deal below $15 million annually, he could be an impact player for them at a reasonable rate.

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Free condoms for athletes have been a mainstay of the Olympics since the ‘80s, but Italy is proving to be stingy with the contraceptives.

Olympians at the Milano Cortina Winter Games burned through all of the condoms provided by the Olympic organizers in a record-breaking three days.

“The supplies ran out in just three days,” an anonymous athlete told Italian newspaper La Stampa, as reported by The Guardian. “They promised us more will arrive, but who knows when.”

The condoms may have run out quickly, but La Stampa places the blame on Olympic organizers who didn’t stock enough condoms. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, officials provided athletes with 200,000 male condoms (that were branded with the Summer Games' mascot), 20,000 female condoms, and 10,000 oral dams, but the outlet accused organizers of only stocking the Olympic Village with 10,000 condoms at this year’s Winter Games.

“In Paris, the athletes received 300,000 condoms – two per day each – but the numbers for these Winter Games were significantly lower: not even 10,000,” La Stampa’s report said.

But the large number of condoms at the Paris Olympics was already a reduction from past years — at the 2016 Rio Olympics, athletes were supplied with 450,000 condoms.

Gay figure skater Adam Rippon recently admitted on the NBC podcast My New Favorite Olympian that he’s to blame for the shortage at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018. “If you were wondering where 3,000 of the condoms went from the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, I took them," Rippon said.

Despite the hundreds of thousands of condoms usually available at the Olympic Village, reportedly there aren’t enough this time around, despite the International Olympic Committee’s commitment to safe sex that started at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in an effort to raise awareness during the AIDs crisis.

“Yes, we provide free condoms to athletes in the Olympic village,” Lombardy region governor Attilio Fontana said in a social media post. “If this seems strange to some, they’re unaware of the established Olympic practice. It began at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 to raise awareness among athletes and young people about sexually transmitted disease prevention— a topic that shouldn’t cause embarrassment.”

This article originally appeared on Pride: Athletes break record by using all of the condoms in the Olympic Village

Chelsea’s team to face Hull tonight is out, and it’s largely as we expected.

Liam Rosenior promised he would pick a strong team and he’s done just that. He wants to win this game, and knows his group have a rare full week off after this.

We like that – the FA Cup is our best chance for a trophy this season, and we want to take every game seriously.

But there is one decision we can’t get our head around – playing Moises Caicedo in the midfield. This is now the Ecuador star’s ELEVENTH start since the turn of the year. That’s just 43 days ago. He’s played 90 minutes in all but one of those matches.

Rosenior’s Caicedo madness could cost Chelsea

Moises Caicedo post match. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

He won’t get a better chance to rest for the remaining part of the season, surely this was the moment to leave him at home with Cole Palmer and Trevoh Chalobah?

Yes we’re depleted in midfield with Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia out. But there are plenty of other options – why not use Reece James in midfield with Josh Acheampong at right back? Or use one of our brilliantly talented academy stars who are bursting for a game? Surely Sam Rak-Sakyi or Reggie Walsh could have done a job against a Championship team. You even have Enzo Fernandez on the bench in case things aren’t going to plan.

It’s not even a full strength Hull team remember – they’ve made 6 changes from the weekend.

In other news…

The full team news from the game is here, so you can take a look at the other decisions which Rosenior made for the match against Hull.

Another player that Rosenior gave an injury update on – and another player we expect could be sold in the summer – is Tosin Adarabioyo. He’s close to to a return than Jorgensen, but we don’t expect to see him this evening either.

In a major development, Que t’hi Jugues reports that FC Barcelona are preparing a formal complaint over their disallowed goal during the 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid last night.

The Blaugrana are very angry and upset about the way the decision was made. As such, they intend to file a formal complaint with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) tomorrow.

What happened?

Having conceded four goals by the stroke of half-time, Barça found themselves in a difficult situation against Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

The Catalans came out with a better attitude and intensity in the second half and seemed to have been rewarded when Pau Cubarsi found the back of the net.

However, in a bizarre manner, the goal was chalked off for offside by the VAR, with the decision taking as long as seven minutes, without providing any proper explanation.

Later on, the Referees’ Technical Committee (CTA) revealed that there had been a technical glitch with the semi-automated offside system and that the decision had been made by manually drawing the lines – the image of which was far from convincing.

Barcelona, for their part, are far from pleased with how the entire situation was handled and are convinced that the wrong call was made.

Not only did the VAR decision deprive them of an important goal in the context of the game, but the seven-minute delay meant any momentum the team had built early in the second half was gone.

As such, Barcelona are now preparing a formal complaint, which they will send to the RFEF tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how the matter is handled by the relveant authorities moving forward.

Lazio have confirmed that Pedro sustained a significant ankle injury during their recent match against Bologna, forcing the veteran forward off in the first half on a stretcher.

The former Barcelona and Spain international twisted his right ankle in an awkward challenge and was unable to continue.

Lazio went on to win the match on penalties.

Subse­quent medical tests revealed a sprain-contusion injury with partial involvement of the external ligaments of the ankle.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Pedro Rodriguez of SS Lazio is stretchered off after being injured during the Coppa Italia match between Bologna FC and SS Lazio at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 11, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Pedro injury a worry for thin Lazio squad

The veteran has already begun a targeted rehabilitation programme and will be monitored daily as doctors assess recovery times. Lazio have not provided a return date, but the injury represents a major setback at a crucial stage of the season.

Pedro’s contract expires this summer, and the timing raises fresh uncertainty over his immediate future and long-term plans.

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Pedro of SS Lazio celebrates a goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The forward has remained an important figure for the Biancocelesti thanks to his experience and tactical intelligence, but his age and the severity of the injury could complicate both Lazio’s attacking options and the final months of his distinguished career.

A transfer battle between Arsenal and Manchester United is brewing.

The two Premier League heavyweights are among several English sides expected to fight for Blackburn’s 17‑year‑old centre forward Igor Tyjon.

Tyjon is entering the final months of his deal at Ewood Park, and the young striker, who can also feature as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing, increasingly feels his future lies elsewhere.

Arsenal dream of signing Tyjon, but United have a plan

Arsenal, who have tracked him for some time, would have hoped the teenager saw his future at the Emirates.

Yet, as the North Londoners push to finally land the Championship star, having already seen several bids knocked back, United are now stepping in to spoil the party.

Talks underway

Teamtalk report: “Manchester United are among the clubs that have held talks to stop the Blackburn Rovers wonderkid from making the switch to the Emirates Stadium.”

They explain further: “United have held conversations regarding a potential move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2026, with the Red Devils outlining their development plans in an effort to lure the teenager.”

Tyjon a wanted man

It is not just United and Arsenal in the chase, though. Liverpool, Leeds United, and Newcastle United are also said to have approached the young forward over a free transfer this summer.

Consequently, with projects now presented, all eyes turn to Tyjon’s decision.

The Old Trafford faithful will hope it is their club he chooses. Since INEOS took charge, United have been intent on recruiting the finest young talents available, players such as Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven, Christian Orozco and Diego Leon already underline that ambition.

They are building a team for the future, securing United’s long‑term prospects.

Naturally, one would hope that vision appeals to Tyjon, who may feel the project at M16 offers the best pathway for his development.

With four goals and an assist in six games for Blackburn’s U21S, United chiefs must feel that if they secure his signature, they will be landing one of the finest young English talents on the market.

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PHOENIX — Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia slowly walked over, took a deep breath Friday, wiped his eyes, and stared at his cell phone.

For the first time since he and his wife Kayla lost their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol, on Oct. 26, days after being born, he stood in front of a crowd of reporters and spoke for six minutes. He stopped and caught his breath several times, frequently touching his heart He didn’t take any questions, and instead asked for privacy as he and his wife continue to heal.

“The lessons we've learned from this is that life can change in an instant," Vesia said. “For us, 10 minutes is all it took. Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world. We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her and love her. Our time together was far too short … I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we're carrying her with us every day.

“Kayla and I will keep those precious moments and memories to ourselves. I hope that anyone listening can empathize and respect our wishes for privacy as we continue to heal and as we navigate the ups and downs of a baseball season."

“We are beyond grateful to be a part of this organization and this family," Vesia said. “So many of you have stepped up and have been there for us in a big way over the past few months, and has meant the world to both Kayla and I."

He spoke about the healing process including the grief counseling he and his wife have begun six weeks ago, the strength and support the Dodgers organization has given them, the Toronto Blue Jays’ heartfelt gesture during the World Series, and the outpouring of love from all over the the world, including the Los Angeles Rams sending an autographed jersey to them that he plans to frame.

Vesia, who stayed with Kayla and left the team during the World Series, still watched every pitch of all seven games, and was overwhelmed with emotion by seeing that every pitcher in the Blue Jays’ bullpen was wearing his No. 57, his jersey number, on their caps in support.

“They are a first-class organization," Vesia said. “Kayla and I just want to say thank you to them. When Kayla and I were watching the World Series, we noticed that there was 51 on Louis Varland's hat. I immediately texted Gus Varland, his brother, and I asked him if I was seeing that correctly. He texted me back right away, and he said, “the Varlands love you, dude, the whole Toronto bullpen has it too. It's bigger than baseball. We love y'all.'

“Kayla and I, we were very emotional. We were super overwhelmed ... the baseball community, the relationships that you make along the way, it showed that was much bigger than baseball. The outpouring of love and support Kayla I've had over the past few months, few months, has been unmatched.

“We're both grateful to not only Dodger nation, but the fans worldwide. My DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we've had, I've tried to read all the comments and everything because it's meant the world really."

While it was difficult for Vesia to leave the team, he knew that his wife and family needed him much more, and watching the World Series together began the healing process.

“For us, in so many ways, that was a light in our darkness,’’ said Vesia, who returned to his Arizona home after the World Series. “I immediately got back into the gym. I started my throwing program. Having something to look forward to has helped me. The gym has been my mental clarity.

“Being around the guys again, preparing for spring training, it's been really nice. I've gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, being able to laugh and joke around. It's been really nice for me."

When Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saw Vesia on Thursday for the first time since the tragedy, he hugged him, and they talked for 30 minutes.

“There’s not a whole lot [to say],’’ Roberts said. “You’re just sort of there to help support. That’s something they’ve got to process themselves. … It’s one of those things you can’t even imagine. I can’t think of anything worse.

"But I do think that getting back to what he loves to do and play baseball, that’s something that’s therapeutic for him."

Therapy has also been a huge benefit, Vesia says, for him and his wife, strongly recommending counseling to anyone enduring tragedy.

“It hasn't been easy, but talking to someone, it has made a difference," Vesia said. “For those out there who've lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody. It's definitely helped.

“Don't be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters. I've learned that what happened, what has happened to us, has also happened to so many families. Realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community, the baseball community, is extremely strong. …

“It's been hard, but we're doing okay."

Vesia nodded, looked ahead and then slowly walked back to the Dodgers clubhouse, knowing that his baby girl will never be forgotten, praying and Kayla will one day find comfort and peace.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alex Vesia back with Dodgers after newborn baby death

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Turns out, the Philadelphia Phillies were ale-ing last year.

Deciding their relationship ruptured when Nick Castellanos angrily brought a beer into the dugout after he was pulled from a game, the Phillies released the outfielder even though they owe him $20 million for the final season of a $100 million, five-year contract.

Draught was an issue in a season that extended the team's title drought.

In a four-page handwritten letter posted Thursday, Castellanos admitted he broke a team rule by bringing a Presidente beer into the dugout last June “after being taken out of a close ball game in front of my friends and family.” Phillies manager Rob Thomson made the move for defense with a 3-1 eighth-inning lead during a 5-2 win at Miami on June 16.

“I'm proud of him because he owned up to what he did and, hey, we all make mistakes,” Thomson said Friday. “Nick had helped us out in a lot of ways here. He’s had some big hits and big plays and helped us win a lot ballgames. So I do, I wish him all the best.”

During a season that ended with a Division Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Castellanos hit .250 — his lowest in a non-shortened season — with 17 homers and 72 RBIs.

Any team can sign Castellanos for the $780,000 major league minimum. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had decided Castellanos wouldn’t report to the team for spring training — the 33-year-old did not have a locker assigned and two photos of him in the corridor of player images already had been removed.

“A lot of times when a good player has their role change with the club, it can cause some friction, and his role changed last year from where it was,” Dombrowski said. "I mean you played every single day for a lot years in a row, and so sometimes that can contribute to it. Sometimes then people have debates between themselves where they’re not all on the same page. But when you put all that together, sometimes you just need to make sure that you have a change of scenery."

Castellanos' minus-12 outs above average — how many outs they gain defensively over the average fielder at their position, according to MLB Statcast — tied the New York Mets' Juan Soto and the Los Angeles Angels' Jo Adell for 108th and last among 110 qualified outfielders.

Castellanos was removed for Johan Rojas, who took over in center as Brandon Marsh moved from center to left and Max Kepler from left to right.

“I then sat right next to Rob and let him know that too much Slack in some areas and too tight of restrictions in others and not (conducive) to us winning,” Castellanos wrote. “Shoutout to my teammates and Howie (Phillies special assistant Howie Kendrick) for taking the beer out of my hands before I could take a sip.

Castellanos said he “aired out our differences” after the game during a meeting with Thomson and Dombrowski.

“The conversation ended with me apologizing for letting my emotions get the best of me,” Castellanos wrote.

Castellanos was benched the next day for what Thomson said then was “an inappropriate comment.” Castellanos wrote the Phillies told him not to divulge details to reporters.

“I was surprised that a lot of people didn’t see what was taking place at the time,” Dombrowski said.

Thomson doesn't regret the messy details didn't become public at the time.

“I thought it was appropriate what we did,” he said.

Castellanos appeared in 75 of the team's final 90 regular season games and hit .133 with three RBIs in the four-game Division Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His production decline led to the decision as much as the beer beef.

“That wasn’t the final or determining factor, because if that was, we would have done that at that particular time,” Dombrowski said.

Philadelphia secured a replacement in December, agreeing to a $10 million, one-year contract with Adolis García.

Reporting for the new season and hoping to win Philadelphia's first title since 2008, Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber wished Castellanos the best.

“We’ve had a lot of really good memories here over the last four years and he’s had some really big moments with us,” Schwarber said. “Hopefully wherever he goes next, he’s able to keep going out there and keep doing his thing and keep having those big moments.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Barcelona’s players and manager Hansi Flick held some “tactical talks” on the training ground on Friday as the fallout of the Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico continued.

According to a new report from The Athletic, the players decided to share their “concerns over the team’s tactics” in the game to Flick afterwards.

The report adds that the players felt that following their usual approach against Atletico “was not the best idea, as conditions were not right for that in their eyes.”

Barcelona’s players also decided to speak to Flick about this as this is not the first time they have struggled in a similar way in games so far this season.

Flick was told by his players “just how hard it is to successfully apply [his] desired style without Pedri and Raphinha” – with both players missing the game through injury.

The players don’t want Flick to change tactics altogether but are said to have “asked for more pragmatism around key games and against certain opponents, as well as greater adaptation to the players available.”

Flick spoke afterwards about the need to learn from the game, telling reporters: “In the first 45 minutes or more, we got a lesson. Sometimes it’s good in the right moment. Maybe today was the right moment.”

We’ll now have to wait and see if Flick does implement changes going forward in a bid to improve in the wake of Thursday night’s thrashing by Diego Simeone’s side.

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EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Maro Itoje has been grateful for having England to anchor him while mourning the death of his mother Florence.

She died in December and he accompanied her remains back to Nigeria, where his parents are from, for the funeral.

England coach Steve Borthwick and stand-in captain Jamie George were happy to give Itoje — the captain of England and the British and Irish Lions — all the support he needed. He was late to join the Six Nations training camp last month and picked on the bench for the opening match against Wales last weekend.

Itoje didn’t mind: “This environment ... I love so much. Throwing yourself into a tournament like this is perhaps one of the best ways to get your mind off things.”

Since his mother's death, “It's been incredibly sad, incredibly emotional, but, all in all, I'm OK and taking each day as it comes,” he told the BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast on Friday.

"My family are from Delta State (in southern Nigeria) so we had to catch another flight from Lagos to Warri, then we drove to the town (Eku) where my family originate from.

“It was deeply emotional. It was very sad. But at the same time it felt peaceful. It felt that it was the right thing to do to take my mother back to her ancestral home.”

He's back in the second row against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday for what will be his 99th England cap. Going by her past, his mum would have been there.

He recalled how she came to be a constant presence at his games.

"I remember when I was maybe 15 or 16, I got a call from my academy manager at Saracens telling me they needed me to train with the first team. I was so excited, it was like I had won a million pounds.

"I ran up the stairs. My mum was on the phone and I told her. She looked at me like, ‘Is that meant to be a good thing?’

"But she then became the biggest rugby fan. She would go up and down the country and all around the world. There's no tour that I've been on that she hasn't been on.

"Whether it's South Africa, whether it's Australia, whether it's New Zealand, England tours, Lions tours, all the cup finals, obviously all the Premiership stuff, she was always there.

“She will be sorely missed.”

San Francisco 49ers' Kendrick Bourne makes free agency plans clear originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Among the many pending free agents the San Francisco 49ers have to make decisions on this offseason is wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.

Bourne finished 2025 with 37 catches for 551 yards and proved to be a reliable weapon in the passing game, especially while San Francisco was dealing with multiple injuries to its pass-catchers group.

When it comes to his plans in free agency, Bourne made it very clear on his YouTube channel that he wants to return to San Francisco.

"The year went great," Bourne said. "Hitting free agency this year, it's gonna be fun. I want to go back to San Fran, so that's the plan, but it's all got to make sense."

The Niners have no shortage of question marks at wide receiver going into the offseason.

Along with Bourne, Jauan Jennings is also a pending free agent and the Niners are expected to cut ties with Brandon Aiyuk.

Making the team's entire pass-catcher situation even worse, George Kittle may not be ready for Week 1 due to his torn Achilles.

The Niners need to make at least one significant addition to the group, and they also need depth beyond that. Re-signing Bourne would check the latter box.

By all accounts, things were positive between the Niners and Bourne last season. As a result of that and his production, San Fran should seriously consider keeping the veteran wideout around for another year.

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The men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics has generated a lot of attention leading up to the Milan-Cortina Games, with the inclusion of NHL players for the first time in 12 years.

With an influx of stars on the Olympic stage, there is some extra excitement added to the tournament, with fans across the globe having an opportunity to watch their favorite players hit the ice at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.

The last time we saw NHL stars competing in the Olympics was the 2014 Sochi Games.

Of course, while the players are well-known, the proper pronunciation of their names may not be, so the official Olympics website came to the rescue.

MORE: Full list of NHL players in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament

The NHL shared a now-viral video of athletes from several countries sharing the proper pronunciations of their names, which led to some hilarious moments. Some are easier than others for native English speakers, while others will throw you for a loop.

You have guys like Sidney Crosby and Charlie McAvoy setting the tone with some easy names, before we get into the nittty grity of names like Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog, Leon Draisaitl, and Oliver Bjorkstrand.

Pure brilliance from the Olympic social teams.

The men’s hockey tournament officially kicked off with the group stage on Wednesday, February 11, and it will run through the gold medal match on Sunday, February 22, which is the final day of the Winter Games.

A full look at the schedule for the knockout rounds of the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament can be seen below.

MORE: Team USA Men’s hockey schedule, full list of 2026 Winter Olympic games

2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey schedule

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 13

NFL: NFL teams with the highest winning percentages over the last 10 years

CFB: Ole Miss given huge Trinidad Chambliss boost for 2026 college football season

MLB: Former Dodgers World Series champion to sign with Angels

NHL: Full list of NHL players in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament

VIRAL: Myles Garrett, girlfriend Chloe Kim share heartfelt moment after Olympic stunner

The post NHL players in 2026 Winter Olympics pronouncing own names is viral comedy gold appeared first on The Big Lead.

As of Thursday evening, Madison Chock and Evan Bates had not read a change.org petition calling for the International Olympic Committee to investigate the judging decision that cost them a Gold medal in the ice dancing event at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

MORE: Nearly 10,000 sign petition amid Olympics ice dance judging scandal

By Friday, the petition had more than 10,000 signatures.

A French pair, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, won the Gold medal in ice dancing at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Afterward it was revealed that a French judge awarded the duo a score nearly eight points higher than the American pair of Chock and Bates.

Five out of the nine judges favored Chock and Bates, but they missed out on gold by 1.43 points.

“Questions have arisen surrounding the judgment that awarded France’s athletes, (Laurence) Fournier Beaudry and (Guillaume) Cizeron, the Gold medal in Ice Dance,” the petition reads. “It is alleged that the scoring lacked transparency, and specific moves which should have attracted penalties were overlooked. Such discrepancies demand immediate attention to uphold the spirit of fair play and competition, which the Olympic Games are built upon.”

Chock sympathized with the statement.

“I think any time the public is confused by results, it does a disservice to our sport,” she said. “I think it’s hard to retain fans when they don’t understand what’s happening on the ice. There needs to be a lot more clarity for the skaters, for the coaches and for the audience. To have a solid fanbase moving forward, people need to understand what they’re cheering for.”

“We haven’t actually seen it [the petition]. We’ve just heard about it, but it means a lot that people are voicing their opinions on our behalf,” Bates added. “The way that we skated and the way that we approached chasing these goals, hopefully has resonated with people.”

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 13

NFL: NFL teams with the highest winning percentages over the last 10 years

CFB: Ole Miss given huge Trinidad Chambliss boost for 2026 college football season

MLB: Former Dodgers World Series champion to sign with Angels

NHL: Full list of NHL players in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament

VIRAL: Myles Garrett, girlfriend Chloe Kim share heartfelt moment after Olympic stunner

The post Madison Chock responds to petition to investigate French judge over ice dancing controversy appeared first on The Big Lead.

Cubs' final need can be filled by Andrew McCutchen after Pirates split originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Cubs have a rather complete roster.

But if they wanted to sign free agent Andrew McCutchen from the Pittsburgh Pirates, he'd fill a need.

That's what ESPN's Bradford Doolittle laid out in a new article on Friday.

"OK, no one said the Cubs were *supposed* to get Andrew McCutchen, and even if they had, it would have been well down the list of Chicago's to-do items for this winter," Doolittle writes. "So, this is more of a helpful suggestion than a question, one that springs to mind when looking at how Chicago's roster has taken shape over the winter. The Cubs are pretty loaded, but one need is one more quality righty bench bat to serve as a low-usage platoon option to go with Moises Ballesteros in the DH slot."

MORE: How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland's Derek Jeter

Ballesteros is a highly promising bat who is also conceptually a catcher, but his stick is so far ahead of his glove that it's safe to expect him to mostly just hit this season. He swings from the left side, and the Cubs could take some pressure off of him by finding a platoon partner.

McCutchen would certainly be comfortable in the NL Central after a long time with the Pirates, who opted not to sign him back this offseason.

"McCutchen, now that it appears he isn't headed back to Pittsburgh, seems like an ideal fit for such a role, on and off the field -- if he's willing to finish his career outside of Pittsburgh," Doolittle writes. "World Series contenders have often had aging former stars filling out their benches, and McCutchen is just sitting there waiting to be that savvy vet for somebody. The durability of Pete Crow-Armstrong means the Cubs don't have to be worried about a reserve outfielder spending much time in center field, so the positional concerns are minimal. This is far from a glaring need. Consider it more of a finishing stroke for a mostly complete roster."

MORE: Luis Arraez is MLB's perfect misfit in 2026

McCutchen seemed a little annoyed in his social media posts about what has gone down with the Pirates this offseason. Given that, maybe he wouldn't mind going to a division rival.

The Cubs certainly could use him. It might be a great fit.

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Chelsea kick off the FA Cup fourth round weekend but have already made history.

Liam Rosenior's side will take on Hull City in Friday's tie and have named a starting line-up without a single player over the age of 30 for an incredible 105 games.

The Blues' current streak is more than double the last XI by a Premier League outfit, with counterparts Aston Villa's 47 proving the previous streak almost 30 years ago.

No one could accuse Stamford Bridge of being a retirement home!

New Pisa coach Oscar Hiljemark has fond memories of facing Milan in his playing career and wants his team to be ‘more aggressive’ this evening.

It kicks off at the Cetilar Arena at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 06: Oscar Hiljemark, Head Coach of Pisa Sporting Club gestures during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Pisa SC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 06, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Alberto Gilardino was sacked after managing just one win in the opening 23 Serie A rounds, so the club poached 33-year-old Hiljemark from Elfsborg to take over.

He is no stranger to Serie A, having played for Genoa and Palermo, including bagging a brace against Milan when the Sicilians lost 3-2 at San Siro in September 2015.

Hiljemark has strong history with Milan

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 06: Oscar Hiljemark, Head Coach of Pisa Sporting Club looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Pisa SC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 06, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

“I remember scoring two goals against Milan, but it was many years ago, so I hope to win this evening,” Hiljemark told DAZN Italia.

The new boss made his debut in a 0-0 draw away to fellow relegation strugglers Hellas Verona, but this is his first home game.

“It’s a lovely stadium, the fans are ready, I am very happy to be here and with this team. Matteo Tramoni has different characteristics to some of the players who we had last week, he is able to help out the defence too. I want a player who attacks the space and creates room for the others to push up and support him.

“Pisa had one way of working with their staff before, me and my staff want them to be a bit more aggressive in training. Of course, you can’t change a lot in three days of training, but we are trying some things.”

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Stefano Moreo of Pisa SC celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Gilardino’s Pisa held Milan to a surprising 2-2 draw at San Siro back in October 2025, but the Rossoneri have had a definite improvement in form since then.

“Milan are a strong squad, both as individuals and a group, but there are spaces where we can hurt them, and they have some problems in certain phases. We’ll see what happens when the game starts,” concluded Hiljemark.

Nico Schlotterbeck is another defender who Liverpool have been consistently linked with this season.

The defender can play as a left-back or a centre-back and with Andy Robertson likely to leave at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, the German would be an ideal option for Slot and Richard Hughes to bring in.

His contract is set to expire in June 2027 and, since he's not yet extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund, the defender could be available for a cut-rate fee in the summer.

The fact that he hasn't signed an extension keeps the door open for Liverpool to swoop in but, as per the latest update from German outlet Bulli News, it seems like Schlotterbeck's decision about his future could come sooner than many think.

"I’m a fan of clarity in all areas. Sometimes you have to be patient, sometimes you make your own decisions, and in other situations, you depend on the other side," Borussia Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl said.

"We're stepping on the gas, Nico knows that we want a decision as soon as possible!"

Liverpool wouldn't be able to do much better than Nico Schlotterbeck

Over the last couple of years, Schlotterbeck has cemented himself in Dortmund's starting XI and has quickly become a fan favourite.

The German is only 26 years old which means that he still has plenty of time before his performance levels start regressing.

Schlotterbeck has played 26 games across all competitions this term and he has managed to contribute to five goals during that time.

The defender has spent the entirety of his career in Germany and, even though Real Madrid have been linked with a move for the centre-back, it feels like Liverpool could have a really strong chance of getting the transfer over the line.

The Reds may have five senior centre-back options available to them next season when everyone is fit but, with the injury history of Joe Gomez and the inexperience of Giovanni Leoni, bringing in another player with plenty of Champions League experience could be key to their future success.

A price for any potential deal hasn't been shared just yet but, since the Reds have already spent a hefty chunk of change on Jeremy Jacquet, there's no reason why a little bit more can't be spent on securing the future of their defence, especially after some of their performances this term.