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Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is under investigation by prosecutors in Milan as part of an inquiry into underage prostitution.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 27-year-old received an avviso di garanzia, a formal notification under Italian law that a person is the subject of an investigation, and a procedural step rather than a charge or any finding of guilt, on Tuesday, and is expected to be questioned in the coming days.

He is reported to be the first footballer placed under investigation in the case.

The inquiry centres on an escort agency based in Cinisello Balsamo which prosecutors allege organised “all-inclusive” evenings for high-profile clients, among them footballers.

Bastoni’s name is linked to the case through the allegation that he had an encounter with a girl who was 17 at the time, with investigators citing a record of contact in chat messages, one reportedly dating to June 2020.

Significantly, the young woman, questioned as a witness, has reportedly said that no relationship took place between them.

Three other players called only as witnesses, not suspects as Bastoni under investigation

Alongside the notice served on Bastoni, the Guardia di Finanza has asked three further players to provide information strictly as witnesses, with none of them under investigation: Daniel Maldini, Riccardo Calafiori and Kevin Bonifazi.

The investigation, led by deputy prosecutor Bruna Albertini and prosecutor Rosaria Stagnaro, is seeking to reconstruct how the agency operated.

No charges have been brought at this stage, and Bastoni is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Juventus and Fiorentina are among the clubs sanctioned by UEFA after its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) concluded its assessment of teams that took part in the 2025/26 European competitions, finding a number in breach of financial sustainability rules.

As per the Corriere dello Sport, Juventus were found to have broken the “football earnings rule”, which permits a maximum aggregate deficit of €60 million across the three financial years preceding the monitoring period, in this case those ending in 2023, 2024 and 2025, assessed on a three-year aggregate basis for the first time.

As a result, the Bianconeri have signed a three-year settlement agreement with the CFCB, as have Newcastle United.

Financially, UEFA handed Juventus a total fine of €20 million, of which €14 million is conditional.

Provided the club meets the terms of the agreement, only €6 million will ultimately be payable.

The deal also requires Juventus to hit intermediate targets and return fully within the financial parameters by the end of the settlement period, with possible restrictions on registering new players in their UEFA squad lists, up to exclusion from European competition, should those targets be missed.

Fiorentina fined €6m over squad-cost breach as Juventus face sanctions

Fiorentina, meanwhile, were ordered to pay a €6 million fine after exceeding the permitted squad-cost-to-revenue ratio of 70%, with penalties scaled to the size of the overspend.

They were far from alone. UEFA confirmed that disciplinary measures were imposed on 14 clubs in total.

With Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Nice, Strasbourg, AEK Athens and Fenerbahçe also among those sanctioned for falling foul of the financial sustainability requirements.

Juventus have reignited their interest in Tiago Gabriel, with the Bianconeri opening a fresh round of contacts as they weigh defensive reinforcements for Luciano Spalletti.

The Lecce centre-back is not, however, top of Juventus’ priority list, according to the reports from CalcioMercato.

The club’s most pressing needs are a goalkeeper, with Michele Di Gregorio on his way out and ongoing talks with Aston Villa over Emiliano Martínez, and a striker, where efforts are focused on agreeing a deal with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani.

A central midfielder is also sought, with Franck Kessié continuing to offer himself, alongside a defender, particularly given possible exits in that area, with Federico Gatti’s future one to watch.

Juventus face strong competition for Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel

The Portuguese is one of three names on Juventus’s defensive shortlist, alongside Tarik Muharemovic and Jhon Lucumí, and there has already been some dialogue with his entourage. Tiago Gabriel was tracked throughout the season, with initial talks held in January and a promise to reconnect in the summer.

The 21-year-old defender is in heavy demand both in Italy and abroad. Lecce value him at around €35-40 million, conscious of his quality and determined to maximise their return after signing him for roughly €1 million from Estrela Amadora in January 2025, a typically shrewd piece of business by their now-former director of sport Pantaleo Corvino.

Milan and Inter are also admirers, while Bournemouth are monitoring both Tiago Gabriel and Muharemovic. Lecce already rebuffed €25 million approaches from the Premier League in January.

Manchester United star Amad Diallo produced a moment of magic to equalise against Norway during their Round of 32 clash at the World Cup 2026. 

Norway took the lead in the first half through Antonia Nusa, assisted by Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard.

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Amad Diallo scores stunning goal for Ivory Coast vs Norway

And the score line remained 1-0 for almost the entirety of the game until the 74th minute, when the 23-year-old played a quick one-two, continuing his run inside the box, dribbling past a couple of players before scoring past the Norway goalkeeper.

It was a moment of pure brilliance from the Man United winger.

Watch below:

Ivory Coast level the score!?

An incredible goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo brings Ivory Coast level against Norway. pic.twitter.com/vzTeIfM2Jm

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 30, 2026

Erling Haaland scores late winner to send Norway through

Norway pushed relentlessly for a winner, with Haaland frustrated throughout, twice denied by blocks at close range and guilty of a wayward volley when well-placed.

But with the game heading for extra time, Oscar Bobb played a lovely ball down the right channel for Patrick Berg, who squared it perfectly for Haaland, and the Manchester City striker found the net to send Norway through.

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Goalkeeper Nyland made a stunning stoppage time save, tipping over a swinging free-kick from Amad Diallo that was heading for the corner.

Norway return to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 28 years and will now face Brazil in the Round of 16, while Ivory Coast, making their knockout debut, exit the tournament with their heads held high.

GOAL!

It had to be him… Erling Haaland puts Norway back in front and surely seals the win!

?? Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway ??#FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 | #Norway pic.twitter.com/pVyWm31RrB

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 30, 2026

The post Watch: Man United star Amad Diallo produces moment of magic with brilliant World Cup goal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fabian Ruiz is confident Spain are gaining momentum as the European champions aim to end a 16-year hiatus to win a World Cup knockout game against Austria on Thursday.

One of the pre-tournament favourites, La Roja got off to a slow start with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but bounced back to beat Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to top Group H.

"The first match didn't go the way we wanted. It was a game about finding our feet and Cape Verde made things difficult for us," Ruiz told AFP.

"I believe the team has been gradually getting better over the last few matches.

"We know that the World Cup is very tough, but we have a lot of confidence in ourselves and in our work."

Since winning the World Cup for the first time in 2010 during a run of three consecutive major tournament wins for a golden generation, Spain have struggled on the global stage.

Eliminated at the group stage as defending champions in 2014, they crashed out on penalties to Russia and Morocco in the last 16 at the past two World Cups.

"We've seen that nowadays, any team can beat you," added Ruiz, just a day after Paraguay eliminated Germany.

"I think we're ready for it and looking forward to the match."

Despite winning a second consecutive Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain at club level, the 30-year-old has paid the price for Spain's slow start.

A star of La Roja's triumph at Euro 2024, the midfielder has been dropped to the bench by Luis de la Fuente for the past two games.

"What matters is winning; what matters is the team," he said. "Right now my role is to support and help them and to do my best so that I'm ready whenever the coach wants me to play."

Ruiz could be called upon for an unfamiliar role out wide with De la Fuente's options on the flanks decimated by injuries.

Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino will miss the Austria clash after being injured in a bruising encounter with Uruguay, who lost their discipline in the final stages as a shock group stage elimination loomed.

New Liverpool signing Victor Munoz has also not featured at the World Cup due to a muscle problem and Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal's minutes have been carefully managed on his return from a hamstring injury.

Lenient refereeing has been a common theme throughout the World Cup, but Spain were left furious at the challenge that caused Williams another injury setback after a disrupted season.

"The referees are letting the game flow. It's true that we like play to be interrupted as little as possible, but only up to a point," said Ruiz. 

"We suffered a bit more than usual in the last match. There was a bad tackle, but there's nothing we can do about that.

"It's up to the referees to intervene and set the limit. I'm sure they'll improve in the upcoming matches."

kca/pi

Clippers reportedly in no rush to trade Kawhi Leonard originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kawhi Leonard has been one of the latest star players to receive trade interest among teams in the NBA this offseason.

We've heard over the last day or so that they've engaged in serious trade talks on Leonard with the Raptors, but they still have some work to do if they want to complete a deal.

It appeared at first that deal could be announced very soon, but a recent intel update suggests it might take longer for a Kawhi trade to happen, if one happens at all.

Clippers reportedly in no rush to trade Kawhi Leonard

ClutchPoints reported on Tuesday, "The Clippers are also said to be in no rush to trade Leonard, who has one year still remaining on his deal." 

MORE: A Kawhi Leonard trade to the Raptors could happen once this one thing is settled

This doesn't mean a trade won't happen in the end, but the Clippers would like to use leverage to get what they believe they deserve in return for a player like Leonard.

The main outline of the deal appears to be settled, but the Clippers are still trying to squeeze out some extra assets like picks and even another player, possibly.

It would be hard to imagine that the Clippers wouldn't hear out offers from other teams if they do choose to drag Leonard trade talks further into the offseason.

ClutchPoints report also detailed that the Clippers have indeed offered Leonard an extension, but the value does not match as much as Leonard can be offered.

More NBA articles:

• Raptors' potential trade package for Kawhi Leonard revealed
• Wizards reportedly have interest in signing former NBA MVP
• Thunder send message to teams interested in trading for Chet Holmgren
• Clippers reportedly hold interest in signing former 28 PPG scorer
• Warriors have a Draymond Green dilemma if they sign LeBron James

Why is LeBron James leaving the Lakers? Legend informs LA of plans to sign with new team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The LeBron James era in Los Angeles is officially over.

James, who is set to hit free agency when the new league year begins, has informed the the Los Angeles Lakers that he plans on signing with a new team for next season. The 23-year veteran spent the past eight years with the Lakers, the singled longest tenure he had with one team in his career, and even though the Lakers wanted him back, James decided to move on.

BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026

Now, James becomes a true free agent for the first time since he signed with the Lakers in 2018, as he will end his career elsewhere. Here's why James is moving on from the Lakers.

MORE: Ranking LeBron James' landing spots

Why is LeBron James leaving Lakers?

James spent the past eight years with the Lakers, including winning an NBA title in 2020, but his relationship with the team is not what it used to be. Ever since the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, the team has made it clear that Doncic is the future of the organization, leaving James in uncharted waters as not being the center of a team for the first time.

Now, James will have more freedom in how he gets to finish his NBA career, with a chance to go out on top if he chooses the right team.

The breakup does appear amicable, as the Lakers thanked James for his time with th eorganization.

Thank you, LeBron 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/SW910ZVqSu

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 30, 2026

In response, James said it was an honor for him to wear the purple and gold for a part of his career.

No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0

— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026

LeBron James contract details

James just completed a two-year, $101 million contract with the Lakers that included a $52 million player option for last year.

James' initial contract with the Lakers was for four years, $153 million with a player option for the final season. In 2020, James began a stretch of signing two-year extensions with Los Angeles ahead of hitting free agency, doing so in 2020, 2022 and 2024.

LeBron James landing spots

There are two clear landing spots for James in free agency: the Golden State Warriors or the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James could decide to play for the Warriors and team up with Stephen Curry, giving fans a chance to see two former rivals try to win a title together for a brief window. Golden State is reportedly trying to make this happen as a way to maximize the end of Curry's career.

However, James could also return to Cleveland for a third time to try and win another title with the Cavaliers before retiring. James is already the best Cavalier of all time and a legend for bringing the city a title in 2016, and this would be a sentimental way for him to end his career.

James could still decide to sign with a different team that isn't Golden State or Cleveland, but those teams have clear-cut paths for the NBA's all-time leading scorer. James could try and play with Victor Wembanyama with the San Antonio Spurs, or maybe the Detroit Pistons make a run at him.

Clippers free agency tracker: Live signings, trades, news, updates and more in 2026 NBA offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Clippers are entering a key offseason.

On paper, they seem to want to get younger. They already traded away James Harden for Darius Garland during the season. Kawhi Leonard is in the rumors now, too. Free agency could provide some options for a solid team with cap space, as well.

The Clippers often spend time as the understudy to the Lakers, and yeah, the Lakers have a lot going on, too.

Don't forget about the Clippers, though. Their moves this offseason could have wide-reaching implications.

Below, we'll be tracking everything the Clippers do this summer.

MORE: How Kristaps Porzingis move made LeBron James, AD trade harder for Warriors

Clippers free agency rumors, news, live updates

Refresh for the latest. All times in ET.

TUESDAY

3:15 p.m.: The Athletic examined the Clippers as a potential LeBron James landing spot, but concluded they wouldn't make sense.

2 p.m.: Free agency officially opens at 6 p.m. today.

Clippers free agent signings

This section will be updated when moves are made.

Clippers free agent losses

The Clippers' free agent class includes:

• Bradley Beal
• John Collins
• Nicolas Batum
• Bogdan Bogdanovic

Clippers trades

This section will be updated if any trades are made.

When does NBA free agency start?

NBA free agency is officially open on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Reds fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Cincinnati Reds got All Star Elly De La Cruz back last week and, rolled ankle aside, he’s going to be their primary shortstop on a daily basis going forward. The team had called up top prospect Edwin Arroyo to pair with Matt McLain up the middle in Elly’s stead, and the front office then made the interesting decision to not just keep Arroyo up once their star returned, they showed they intend for him to play a lot.

After initially struggling a bit, Arroyo has settled in of late. He’s hitting .277 with a .333 OBP so far, and though he’s yet to homer he’s surged to an impressive .333/.389/.424 mark with a trio of doubles over his last 10 games.

Arroyo’s making a pretty decent case that he should be the team’s regular 2B going forward, especially since he’s looked competent hitting from both sides of the plate.

That brings us to McLain, who for the season actually now has a lower OPS (.646) than Arroyo (.656) as the wo trend in opposite directions. We saw what McLain did during his own breakout rookie campaign, but that was four seasons (and a major shoulder surgery) ago. In 873 PA since the start of the 2025 season – his first back after the 2023 breakout and lost 2024 – he’s hit .213/.301/.343 (.644 OPS).

There have been some streaks with McLain, who has socked 23 homers in that time and clearly shows he’s got more pop than his meager SLG suggests, but it’s just been so, so hard for him to sustain it. Perhaps that’s because he’s selling out to get there, as he’s struck out 28% of the time over the last two years while chasing the pop that was once there more naturally.

The glovework between the two seems both competent and comparable, as does their speed and ability to run the bases. A natural rotation between the two seems as if it could end up making this a moot point, but the consideration of which one gets bulk playing time does also have ramifications for the future of the position beyond this season. After all, McLain was alredy arb-eligible this season and is earning $2.3 million, and the arbitration system will dole out a raise on that at season’s end.

With the Reds mired in last place, they’re faced with a double-edged sword of decisions. What makes us better right now, and what will be the best move to make for the future?

This week’s MLB Reacts question prompts you to evaluate the state of 2B with the Reds. Given where they are today, who should be the regular 2B for them the rest of the season – Edwin Arroyo, or Matt McLain?

Let us know below!

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, which features plenty of new and returning faces within the organization, including a complete overhaul of the coaching staff. Several players, coaches, and front-office members are crucial to the team’s success this season.

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

Next up is rookie punter Ryan Eckley, who urgently matters because field position still has real value for a team built around defense and physical football, and their All-Pro punter departed Baltimore for the New York Giants to become the highest-paid punter in NFL history. A consistent punter can help Baltimore protect leads, flip the field, and make life easier for a defense with elite potential.

Background

Position: PAge: 22Experience: Rookie2026 cap hit: $945,712

Eckley lands at No. 29 on the Ravens’ list of the 30 most important players for 2026 because field position still matters for a team built around defense, physical football, and January margins. Baltimore used the No. 211 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft on Eckley, adding the Michigan State specialist after Jordan Stout left for the New York Giants and became the highest-paid punter in NFL history.

That departure created a real opening on special teams. Stout was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl punter in 2025, giving Baltimore a reliable field-position weapon before following John Harbaugh to New York. The Ravens did not replace him with a veteran stopgap. They drafted Eckley, a powerful-legged punter with placement ability and the kind of profile that can become more valuable than his position suggests.

For a Ravens team with Super Bowl expectations, the punter will not be the headline entering training camp. Still, Eckley’s ability to flip the field, force long drives, and protect leads could become a quiet advantage for a defense with elite potential.

2025 recap

Eckley spent the 2025 season at Michigan State and emerged as one of the top specialists in college football. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt, producing one of the best punting seasons in program history while showing the leg strength that made him the first punter selected in the 2026 draft.

His final college season showed why Baltimore believed he was worth a draft pick. Eckley had the power to change field position quickly, but he also showed enough touch to give coverage units a chance to down the ball and limit return opportunities. That combination matters for a Ravens team that has traditionally placed real value on special teams and hidden-yardage battles.

Eckley’s rookie transition will not be automatic. College specialists still have to adjust to NFL pressure, faster return units, different weather conditions, and the consistency required over a full professional season. But his 2025 production gave Baltimore a clear reason to make him part of its post-Stout plan.

2026 outlook

Eckley’s 2026 outlook starts with winning the job and proving he can be trusted immediately. The Ravens are not drafting a punter in the sixth round to stash him. They need him to become a dependable game-day specialist who can handle directional punting, backed-up situations, plus-territory touch kicks, and the occasional field-flipping opportunity when the offense stalls.

His importance is tied directly to how Baltimore wants to win. The Ravens should have one of the NFL’s most talented defenses, with Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, Malaki Starks, Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, and a deep defensive front giving the unit a chance to control games. Eckley can help that group by making opponents drive 75 or 80 yards instead of giving them short fields.

That becomes especially valuable in the AFC North, where weather, field position, and low-possession games can still decide playoff races. A consistent punter can help the Ravens protect leads, reduce risk, and make life easier for an offense led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Eckley will not touch the ball often, but when he does, those snaps can swing momentum.

Biggest question

Can Ryan Eckley replace Jordan Stout’s field-position impact right away?

That is the defining question for Eckley entering his rookie season. Stout’s departure left behind a high standard, and the Ravens need Eckley to be more than a big leg. He has to be consistent, poised, and precise, especially in close games when one poor punt can change field position and one great punt can tilt a possession.

The Ravens do not need Eckley to become an All-Pro immediately. They need him to be reliable enough that special teams remains a strength instead of a concern. If he proves that during camp and carries it into the regular season, Eckley’s value will be obvious, even from a position that rarely receives much attention.

30 Most Important Ravens of 2026

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

No. 30 Tyler Huntley, No. 29 Ryan Eckley

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens’ 30 most important players: Ryan Eckley lands at No. 29

Yesterday, MLB Pipeline updated their top 100 list, which now features six Washington Nationals. The combination of depth and high end talent in the system is very impressive. While the depth is great, it is clear that Eli Willits is the crown jewel of the system, and is ranked as the third best prospect in all of baseball.

Willits was already having a great season before his promotion to High-A, but has taken things to the next level in Wilmington. He has 6 home runs and an OPS over 1.000 in 15 High-A games. When Willits was selected, some Nats fans were upset because he was not the flashiest or most well known option. However, he is turning into a superstar before our eyes.

While most of Willits’ homers have been of the over the fence variety, we did get to see the youngster show off his wheels the other day. Willits prides himself on how hard he plays, and we got to see him sprint around the bases for an inside the park homer a few days ago. If you want to learn more about Willits’ personality and what makes him click, we wrote a feature on him about a week ago.

In a Baseball America article today, they said that Willits’ average exit velocity is already 89 MPH. That is already pretty close to the big league average. For an 18 year old whose biggest question mark is power, that is an awesome number. He has also been pulling the ball in the air at a nice clip in High-A. 

There is no doubt that Eli Willits is the Nats top prospect and could be the top prospect in all of baseball at some point. However, this system is much more than just Eli Willits. There are now five other top 100 prospects in the system. Those players are Travis Sykora, Jarlin Susana, Ronny Cruz, Devin Fitz-Gerald and Seaver King.

The turnaround from this farm system has been absolutely outstanding. Before the season, only Willits, Sykora and Susana were top 100 guys. Fitz-Gerald had helium entering the year, but King and Cruz have really emerged from the shadows to become top 100 prospects.

Ronny Cruz is one of the cooler stories in the system. He spent most of his youth in the Dominican Republic, but after an IFA deal fell through, he moved to the US and played high school baseball here. After impressing, he was drafted in the 3rd round by the Cubs in 2024. However, at the 2025 trade deadline, he was part of a package that sent Michael Soroka to Chicago.

Cruz only played in rookie ball last year, but his tools were loud. At the start of this season, the buzz around him was loud and he showed what all the fuss was about, tearing Low-A to shreds. Cruz has not had the same sort of success in High-A, but he still has a sky high ceiling. There is rawness in his game that will need to be ironed out, but he is still just 19 years old.

As for Seaver King, he is another great story. After being a top 10 pick in 2024, he fell on his face in his first pro season, posting an OPS of .631 across two levels. However, he made some swing adjustments and improved his approach, which led to him tearing up AA.

He got promoted to AAA, where he has been really solid despite his approach regressing a bit. In Rochester, King has a .278 average and .795 OPS. He is looking like the power, speed and contact guy the Nats were expecting when they drafted him out of Wake Forest. King hits the ball very hard and does not strike out a ton, but still needs to work on that approach.

Right now, the 23 year old King looks like a quality player who can play all across the infield. While King has the athleticism to play shortstop, he has been fairly mistake prone over there. The Nats have given him some exposure to second base and he played third in college. I think King has the chance to be a super utility weapon the way Chris Taylor was for the Dodgers a few years back.

Overall, this is the deepest I can remember a Nats system being. Even beyond the top 100 guys, we have the likes of Gavin Fien who is red hot, Miguel Sime Jr., Landon Harmon and more. There are about 20 to 25 guys in this system who are legitimately exciting. 

A lot of these players are at least a year away, but I cannot wait until the fruits of this farm system bloom. We are already seeing so many positive signs at the MLB level, but an army of prospects are coming. Paul Toboni is just getting started here.

Erling Haaland scored his fifth goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to send Norway into the last-16 of the competition where Brazil await.

It was the Manchester City striker who broke Ivory Coast hearts in Dallas with a dramatic 86th-minute winner, securing a historic 1-2 victory for Norway and booking a mouth-watering World Cup last-16 showdown against Brazil.

Up until that decisive moment, the City talisman had endured a quiet evening at the AT&T Stadium, largely isolated as Antonio Nusa’s stunning first-half curler was cancelled out by a brilliant, weaving equaliser from Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.

However, when central midfielder Patrick Berg drilled a late, low cutback across the six-yard box, Haaland was perfectly positioned to react first and bobble the ball home.

The late strike underscores the striker’s ruthless efficiency on the grandest stage, extending his extraordinary scoring streak to 13 consecutive competitive internationals for his country.

More importantly, Haaland’s fifth goal of this summer’s tournament seals a monumental milestone for Ståle Solbakken’s squad, marking the first time in football history that the Norwegian men’s national team has ever won a World Cup knockout fixture.

All eyes now turn to their monumental clash with Brazil on Sunday, July 5, where a spot in the quarter-finals will be on the line.

Erling Haaland match statistics vs Ivory Coast

1 Goal90 Minutes27 Touches8 Accurate Passes80% Pass Accuracy5 Touches In Opposition Box4 Clearances3 Aerial Duels Won3 Headed Clearances2 Shots On Target1 Chance Created1 Big Chance Missed1 Pass Into Final Third

Data courtesy of FotMob.

Knicks insider names NBA champion center as potential Mitchell Robinson replacement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks rode the high of their first NBA championship in 53 years for several days, until owner James Dolan brought everything to a halt with a mandate to keep the team out of the second tax apron.

New York's most recent championship team will not be back in full for the 2026-27 season, as center Mitchell Robinson, the longest tenured Knick, is likely to move on and get starter-level money from a team with cap space.

But where does that leave the Knicks? They need a backup behind Karl-Anthony Towns, and someone competent enough to fill Robinson's vacant role. Is there a free agent out there that could fit the bill?

Ian Begley links Kevon Looney to Knicks due to Mike Brown connection

SNY's Ian Begley named former Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney as a potential Robinson replacement, citing his past relationship with current Knicks head coach Mike Brown.

Brown previously served as an assistant coach in Golden State when Looney was coming up in the league.

"You mentioned Kevon Looney, and that’s an interesting one because of his relationship...with Mike Brown, and you know, they were together in Golden State," Begley said on his podcast, The Putback.

"There will be mutual interest between the Knicks and Looney as the free agency period opens. Is he the ultimate answer to a Mitchell Robinson replacement? We’ll have to find out."

Looney isn't the offensive rebounding machine that Robinson is, but he's still a solid rim protector and would certainly cost less than Robinson on the free agent market.

There's still a chance the Knicks could find a way to retain their long-time center, but it would likely require a hometown discount and New York cutting more salary.

More NBA news:

Lakers battle West rival for Luke Kennard's free agent contract originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Even without LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers need a player like Luke Kennard. 

The way Luka Doncic creates offense generates looks for shooters, and there are few better shooters in the NBA than the lefty Kennard.

It's not a guarantee the Lakers will keep Kennard, though.

He's coming off a season in which he shot 47.8% from 3-point range, an absurd rate that makes him desirable around the league.

The main competition might be the Phoenix Suns.

"League sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations, tell Sam Amick and me that guard Luke Kennard is expected to draw significant interest from the Phoenix Suns once free agency officially opens later today," The Athletic's Dan Woike wrote on Tuesday.

MORE: How Kristaps Porzingis move made LeBron James, AD trade harder for Warriors

The good news for Lakers fans is that L.A. isn't entirely out of the picture.

"Kennard, one of the playoff heroes for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, led the NBA in 3-point shooting, averaging 47.8 percent from beyond the arc — numbers stretched across his time with the Atlanta Hawks and the Lakers, who acquired him at the trade deadline," Woike writes. "The Suns are looking for shooting help after trading Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen to Charlotte. The Lakers, too, have interest in Kennard."

Kennard also proved when the Lakers dealt with injuries that he can be more of a playmaker, too.

It's logical for the Lakers to want Kennard back. 

It also makes sense that a team like the Suns could want him.

You can't teach players to shoot as well as Kennard does. In the modern NBA, that's incredibly valuable.

Wherever Kennard lands, he'll make a big difference.

More NBA news:

July 1 is a double holiday in the hockey world. Not only is it Canada Day, it’s also the opening of the NHL free agency period.

Unfortunately for drama-loving hockey fans, this year’s free agency class is the weakest in recent memory. Nearly everyone has already extended their existing contracts.

Supply and demand combined with a skyrocketing salary cap should make it a player-friendly summer. There are vast overpayments every summer, but this one will be even more dangerous.

With that in mind, here are a few players the Utah Mammoth could target on Wednesday without torching the treasury.

Andrei Kuzmenko

• Position: Left wing
• Age: 30
• Height: 5-foot-11
• Weight: 200 pounds
• Hometown: Yakutsk, Russia
• 2025-26 team: Los Angeles Kings
• 2025-26 production: 52 games played, 13 goals, 25 points

Coming into the NHL as an undrafted free agent, Andrei Kuzmenko was as highly sought-after as anyone.

Recency bias may have been a factor after seeing fellow Russians Artemi Panarin and Kirill Kaprizov go from nobodies to superstars overnight — but Kuzmenko dispelled his critics.

He scored 39 goals and 74 points with the Vancouver Canucks in his first NHL season, 2022-23. Since then, though, he has struggled to put up points, bouncing from one team to the next.

On a short-term deal, Kuzmenko could be a low-risk option for the Mammoth.

In his best season, he skated alongside Elias Pettersson, helping him to a career high of 102 points. If Kuzmenko can crack the top six, he could be an excellent complement to Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz or Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther.

Kuzmenko is also an effective power play guy — and that’s an area where Utah struggled last season. He’d likely start on the second unit (which could also use help), but in the event of an injury or a needed spark, he’d be an easy guy to throw in the top group.

Tic-tac-goal for Andrei Kuzmenko! ❌⭕❌ pic.twitter.com/Ug81XMDDrn

— NHL (@NHL) January 28, 2026

Scott Laughton

• Position: Center
• Age: 32
• Height: 6-foot-1
• Weight: 190 pounds
• Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
• 2025-26 team: Los Angeles Kings/Toronto Maple Leafs
• 2025-26 production: 64 games played, 13 goals, 20 points

Assuming pending UFA Kevin Stenlund does not return, Scott Laughton could be a good replacement.

Like Stenlund, Laughton is a penalty killer and a wizard in the face-off circle. Those are invaluable skills to any winning team.

Unlike Stenlund, though, he shoots left. That would make Schmaltz Utah’s only right-handed center, meaning he’d be relied upon for more strong-side draws than he’s used to. If they do bring in Laughton to replace Stenlund, they’d be wise to find an additional center who shoots right.

Carson Soucy

• Position: Left defense
• Age: 31
• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 211 pounds
• Hometown: Viking, Alberta
• 2025-26 team: New York Islanders/New York Rangers
• 2025-26 production: 76 games played, 5 goals, 12 points

Ian Cole has held down Utah’s second pairing since day one of the franchise, but at this point in time, he’s unsigned. It’s likely that Dmitri Simashev takes on a bigger role this season, but it might be good to have another veteran there to fill a role if needed.

Carson Soucy could be that guy.

He’s a big, reliable defenseman who doesn’t need offensive production to be effective. He has also played for new Mammoth assistant coach Adam Foote, who led the defensemen for the Canucks while he was there. Familiarity makes a difference when switching teams, so it might make sense for Soucy to rejoin Foote.

WHAT A SAVE BY....Carson Soucy? 😱 pic.twitter.com/kewYqqsJSJ

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 19, 2026

Luke Schenn

• Position: Right defense
• Age: 36
• Height: 6-foot-2
• Weight: 225 pounds
• Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• 2025-26 team: Buffalo Sabres/Winnipeg Jets
• 2025-26 production: 50 games played, 1 goal, 7 points

Speaking of familiarity, Luke Schenn tied his career high in points in 2022-23, the year he played under Foote. He has also played with Mikhail Sergachev, Clayton Keller, Lawson Crouse, Brandon Tanev and pending UFA Alexander Kerfoot.

Schenn might not be able to replace Cole in terms of ice time, but he could replace his leadership. He’s a veteran of 18 NHL seasons and has played for 10 different teams. He’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion, too.

Whether they need him to play 82 games or 10 games, he won’t complain — just like Robert Bortuzzo in Utah’s inaugural season.

Ilya Mikheyev

• Position: Right wing
• Age: 31
• Height: 6-foot-2
• Weight: 192 pounds
• Hometown: Omsk, Russia
• 2025-26 team: Chicago Blackhawks
• 2025-26 production: 77 games played, 18 goals, 36 points

Mikhail Sergachev took Dmitri Simashev under his wing this season, which helped him succeed in the NHL. Daniil But, who’s still trying to find his game at the NHL level, could probably use a similar mentor.

Ilya Mikheyev could be that guy — and his on-ice ability would be useful, too.

Mikheyev is a speedy winger who also kills penalties. He’s good for 20 goals a season and he doesn’t need power play time to put the puck in the net.

That type of versatility is useful to any team. If Utah opts not to bring Kerfoot back, Mikheyev could fill that role perfectly.

The salary-cap era has turned NHL free agency into a high-wire act where one contract can swing a franchise toward a Stanley Cup or bury it in dead money.

Since the cap arrived following the 2004-05 lockout, a handful of signings have done far more than just add scoring or shore up a blue line. They reshaped contenders, altered power structures and, in some cases, became the blueprint for how to build in a hard-cap league.

MORE: Jason Robertson expected to remain with Stars amid trade rumors

As the NHL enters another round of free agency at 12:01 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, it’s worth look back at a few of the most impactful signings.

This list is about influence, not just point totals or ring counts.

MORE: Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck ‘100%’ willing to join Sabres

Here is a ranking, in chronological order, of the NHL’s most influential free-agent signings in the cap era and why each one changed the way teams think about July 1.

1. Zdeno Chara to the Boston Bruins (2006)

Zdeno Chara signing with Boston for five years and $37.5 million after four years each with the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators is the template for a franchise-altering cap-era move. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Chara did not just become the Bruins’ top defenseman, he became their identity. As captain, he anchored a defensive structure that turned Boston from a middling team into a perennial threat and eventually a Stanley Cup winner in 2011.

In a league adjusting to tighter spending, Boston staking big money and term on a shutdown defender showed that free agency could be used to build a culture, not just plug a hole. The Bruins rode Chara’s presence for 14 seasons through multiple coaching changes and roster cycles, and his contract became a benchmark for elite defensemen looking to cash in.

2. Marian Hossa to the Chicago Blackhawks (2009)

Marian Hossa choosing Chicago on a 12-year, $62.8 million deal in 2009 after a year in Detroit helped turn a young, entertaining team into a modern dynasty. The Blackhawks already had high-end skill with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Hossa gave them an elite two-way wing who could tilt the ice, play in every situation and take the toughest matchups so the stars could breathe.

The contract itself became one of the early cap-era talking points about structure and longevity, but there is no arguing the impact. Chicago won three Cups in a six-year stretch with Hossa as their quiet engine, and contenders across the league took notice of the value of committing big dollars to elite two-way forwards, not just pure scorers.

3. Marian Gaborik to the New York Rangers (2009)

When the New York Rangers handed Marian Gaborik a five-year, $37.5 million deal to leave the Minnesota Wild, they essentially declared that elite goal scoring was still worth paying for in a cap world trending toward defense and structure. Gaborik rewarded them with a pair of 40-goal seasons and injected a level of offensive dynamism Madison Square Garden had been missing.

The influence is less about titles and more about how it framed risk. Gaborik’s injuries and eventual trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets served as a cautionary tale about betting cap space on a player with a checkered health history. Since then, teams have been far more careful when handing big terms to speed-based wingers approaching 30.

4. Brad Richards to the New York Rangers (2011)

Brad Richards arriving in New York from the Dallas Stars on a nine-year, $60 million contract felt like the old big-market Rangers flexing in a new system. Richards gave them a true top-line center and power-play quarterback, and his first seasons helped push the club into consistent contention, including a trip to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.

What really made this signing influential, though, was the buyout. When Richards’ play dipped and the cap picture tightened, the Rangers used a compliance buyout to get out from under the deal. That outcome became part of the playbook for clubs willing to front-load, accept late-term risk, and then treat buyouts as a cost of doing business when windows closed. It worked out OK for Richards, too. He joined the Blackhawks for 2014-15 and won the second and final Cup of his career.

5. Ryan Suter and Zach Parise to the Minnesota Wild (2012)

The Wild signing both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter on matching 13-year, $98 million deals in 2012 was a thunderclap in free agency. A mid-market team secured two franchise-level pieces in one day and forced everyone to rethink what was possible for non-glamour markets under the cap.

The double signing turned Minnesota from a fringe outfit into a consistent playoff team and helped stabilize the franchise. Both players ended up playing for nine years in Minnesota, including seven playoff appearances. At the same time, the sheer length of those contracts and their eventual buyouts became exhibit A in the league’s move away from ultra-long terms. Those deals influenced both how the collective bargaining agreement addressed contract structure and how GMs evaluated aging curves.

6. Ryan Miller to the Vancouver Canucks (2014)

By the time Ryan Miller joined Vancouver from the St. Louis Blues, the Canucks were trying to navigate the back end of a contending window. Signing a veteran goalie to a three-year, $18 million deal, rather than rebuilding outright, was a clear statement that a team could attempt to retool on the fly in the cap era instead of tearing it down.

The mixed results helped shape the league’s thinking on goaltending investments. Miller provided stability, but his deal also reinforced how tricky it is to devote significant cap space to an aging goalie on a team that is not squarely in a Cup window. In the years that followed, some front offices pivoted toward shorter-term goalie contracts and greater reliance on platoons or younger, cheaper options.

7. Thomas Vanek to the Minnesota Wild (2014)

Thomas Vanek signing with Minnesota from the Montreal Canadiens on a three-year, $19.5 million deal looked like a finishing touch on a roster already reshaped by earlier moves. Instead, it became one of the clearest warnings about mismatched fits in the cap era. Vanek still had scoring touch, but his game did not fully align with the Wild’s pace or defensive expectations, and the contract quickly turned into a burden.

The influence here sits in the negative space. Vanek’s deal was a reminder that free agency is not just about securing talent, it is about style, age curve, and role. Many mid-tier contenders became more hesitant to pay premium dollars for offense-first wingers in their thirties unless the fit was near perfect.

8. Paul Stastny to the St. Louis Blues (2014)

Paul Stastny landing in St. Louis from the Colorado Avalanche on a four-year, $28 million deal underscored the growing belief that depth down the middle was the most reliable way to justify big tickets in free agency. Stastny gave the Blues another high-IQ center who could drive a line, win draws and handle playoff matchups.

While he did not bring a Cup to St. Louis, the signing reinforced the market for top-six centers and made it even harder for teams to pry them loose. It also helped normalize the idea of paying for play-driving and defensive value, not just raw point totals, which has carried into the analytics-heavy negotiations we see now.

9. Milan Lucic to the Edmonton Oilers (2016)

Milan Lucic joining Edmonton from the Los Angeles Kings on a seven-year, $42 million deal was supposed to give Connor McDavid muscle and experience. Instead, it quickly turned into one of the most cited cautionary examples of paying for past reputation instead of future performance under the cap. Lucic’s point total declined from 50 to 34 to 20 in his three seasons with the Oilers.

The Lucic contract influenced how front offices and fan bases talk about term for power forwards whose game is built on physicality. As his foot speed declined and his cap hit remained heavy, it reinforced the idea that betting long term on that profile can squeeze flexibility just when a young franchise center is due for a massive extension.

10. Alexander Radulov to the Montreal Canadiens (2016)

Alexander Radulov’s one-year, $5.75 million deal in Montreal was a different kind of influential signing. The Canadiens took a chance on a talented but polarizing winger returning from overseas, and Radulov responded with a productive 54-point season that helped Montreal to the playoffs.

That short-term bet on a high-upside, high-variance player helped open the door for more creative use of one-year “show me” contracts for players with unique circumstances, from returnees from Europe to veterans coming off down seasons. For cap-strapped contenders, those deals became a way to add talent without long-term risk.

11. John Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs (2018)

John Tavares leaving the Islanders, the team that drafted him, to sign with Toronto for seven years and $77 million was the most high-profile UFA move of the cap era. A legitimate franchise center, in his prime, walked to a new team for nothing more than cap space and contract structure. The Maple Leafs added a hometown star and instantly formed one of the most talented forward cores in the league.

Tavares’ decision changed how every club thinks about its own stars approaching free agency. The move intensified the pressure on general managers to either extend, trade or risk losing elite players for nothing. It also cemented the idea that players with leverage could choose situation and familiarity over the absolute biggest dollar, something that still shapes star-level UFA chases today.

12. Artemi Panarin to the New York Rangers (2019)

Artemi Panarin signing a seven-year, $81.5 million contract in New York from the Columbus Blue Jackets showed how a single elite winger can accelerate a retool into a playoff push. The Rangers were coming off a public letter to fans announcing a rebuild, then hit fast forward by landing one of the best offensive players in the world.

Panarin’s impact on the ice was immediate, but the bigger influence was strategic. His signing validated the concept of an aggressive, opportunistic rebuild where a team accumulates picks and prospects, then splurges on one perfect UFA to jolt the timeline forward instead of waiting years for every young player to hit.

13. Sergei Bobrovsky to the Florida Panthers (2019)

Sergei Bobrovsky’s seven-year, $70 million contract with Florida after leaving Columbus became the touchstone debate about paying elite money to goaltenders in the cap era. Two Vezina Trophies with the Blue Jackets justified the price on paper, but early inconsistency relative to the cap hit fueled constant scrutiny.

Even with Bobrovsky eventually backstopping a pair of Cup championship teams in Sunrise, the contract has influenced how executives talk about goaltending volatility. Many teams have leaned harder into cheaper tandems and shorter-term bets, weighing the possibility of a hot goalie in May against the rigidity of a massive cap commitment if performance dips.

14. Alex Pietrangelo to the Vegas Golden Knights (2020)

When Alex Pietrangelo chose Vegas after leaving St. Louis, it cemented the Golden Knights as the league’s most aggressive cap-era experiment. Already known for bold trades and big swings, Vegas lured a Cup-winning captain away with a seven-year, $61.6 million offer and committed major cap space to a veteran defenseman while constantly shuffling pieces around him. With Pietrangelo, the Golden Knights claimed the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in just their sixth season.

The influence of this signing is reflected in how front offices now talk about “weaponizing” cap space and a willingness to churn the roster around a few core pieces. Pietrangelo’s arrival, and the subsequent juggling of other salaries to make it work, reinforced that in the cap era some teams will live permanently on the edge to keep a championship-caliber roster together.

15. Dougie Hamilton to the New Jersey Devils (2021)

Dougie Hamilton signing a seven-year, $63 million deal in New Jersey from the Carolina Hurricanes was a signal that rebuilding teams with young cores were ready to start using free agency as a lever, not just a patch. Hamilton brought top-pair offense, size and experience to a Devils team built around emerging stars down the middle.

The move helped frame a modern rebuild timeline: draft and develop your centers, then spend on a premier defenseman to stabilize everything. Even beyond New Jersey’s specific results, that model has become more common, with young teams targeting high-end blue liners in their mid-to-late twenties as the big free-agent swing once their forwards are in place.

Polymarket Promo Code TSNEWS: Get $50 Bonus for France-Sweden Predictions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Make Trades on France vs. Sweden

Here is a look at the implied win probabilities for all three potential match outcomes (after 90 minutes) so we can start plotting out our wagers.

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Norway's soccer chant, explained: The history behind 'Ro! Ro!' bringing viking energy to World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Each edition of the World Cup gives an inside look at the many cultures from around the world. One of those in the 2026 tournament is Norway.

During a friendly held just before this summer's World Cup, many Norwegian fans took part in a massive rowing chant that spanned down an entire side of Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The chant has since gone viral and will almost certainly be seen at the World Cup.

In case the chant is not yet familiar, here's the rundown on Norway's rattling chant that was heard during the team's 2026 World Cup matches.

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

Norway soccer chant video

On June 16, soccer fans got to watch Norway make its first World Cup since 1998. This year's tournament gave viewers a look at Norway's rowing chant that has since made the rounds on social media.

Here is the chant in action during Norway's opening match against Iraq on Tuesday:

🇳🇴 Norway fans completely taking over the stadium against Iraq! 🥁🚣 pic.twitter.com/3Wyr6t3cU7

— Ultras Clips (@ultras_clips) June 16, 2026

During a June 2 friendly against rival Sweden in Oslo, Norway, the home crowd partook in a massive "Hu!" chant in which fans emulated rowing. The chant spanned an entire side of the stadium, and the sea of red-jerseyed fans participating was quite the sight to see.

Here is a video of the chant:

Norway fans doing a synchronised row! 🇳🇴🚣‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/8H9sEYLKfH

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 2, 2026

Legend has it they’re still rowing 😅 pic.twitter.com/tQ44fHHcio

— Gillette Stadium (@GilletteStadium) June 17, 2026

In Boston, Norwegian fans got some reps in on the escalators in front of TD Garden.

You see an escalator at the Boston Garden, Norwegians see the opportunity to get in some rowing reps pic.twitter.com/LxusqEhQPv

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 16, 2026

After making their first knockout stage since 1998, Norway's chant will continue on. Since the chant's first feature on social media, the "Row" chant has garnered a plethora of attention. Fox 4's Steven Dial sat down with Mr. Row Row, the reported leader of the chant, about the background of Norway's rallying cry.

“Oh, we are gonna ROW! “🚣🏼‍♂️
The viral World Cup trend has has made its way to Dallas as Norway faces off against Ivory Coast this Tuesday in the knockout rounds!

I caught up with the man himself, Mr. Row Row, to see how he started the movement. @FOX4pic.twitter.com/Oapiqiw3s8

— Steven Dial (@StevenDialFox4) June 29, 2026

Norway fans at a nearby Arlington bar took to the floor to partake in the "Ro" chant. The fans were gearing up to watch their team take on the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.

This is insane!! The row! @tx_live
Norway 🇳🇴 VS Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/rTx6LFb3rj

— Cynthia Izaguirre (@wfaaizzy) June 30, 2026

After their first-ever knockout-stage win, the Norwegian players sat on the pitch and led the chant in front of the sea of red and blue fans.

Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard lead the Viking Row at Dallas Stadium 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/SmGwzFeHrU

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 30, 2026

Here are a few other reactions to the chant:

Wow this is beautiful 😍 I like the harmonious movement

— Mazi Udo (@UdoNwakpuru) June 2, 2026

Vikings are here.

— THEY KNOW THE DIFFERENCE (@ndlovu_sab62552) June 3, 2026

pure vibes watching this

— Siri | AI x Prediction arc (@SiriOnchainX) June 2, 2026

History behind Norway’s rowing chant

Norway's chant emulates people rowing a boat. It has drawn similarities to a people rowing a Viking ship, a culture to which Norway is strongly connected.

These Viking longships, which included many people rowing, began getting used at the tail end of the 8th century. These vessels included anywhere from six to 16 rowing benches and were between 55 and 75 feet long, according to Warfare History Network.

It is unclear how long the chant has been a part of Norwegian soccer, mainly due to Norway not qualifying for many major global soccer tournaments. This year, however, Erling Haaland has led his entourage of Vikings to their first World Cup since 1998.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Ranking World Cup groups from hardest to easiest
• 10 World Cup teams with best chance to win
• Ranking 7 best matches of the World Cup

Norway Vikings team photo

Ahead of this summer's World Cup, the Norwegian team picture showcased a Viking theme on a beach. The team was equipped with shields, swords, bows and arrows, a horn, and traditional Viking clothing.

Here is that photo that is capable of sending a chill down a viewer's spine.

Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard being next to each other in the viral Norway National Team picture is AWESOME! 🇳🇴🔥

📸 @NFF_landslag/David Yarrow pic.twitter.com/jQ8cNmxQw3

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 5, 2026

FC Barcelona’s interim board of directors, led by acting president Rafa Yuste, is entering its final hours in charge of the club ahead of Joan Laporta’s official inauguration as president.

As confirmed earlier this week, Laporta will formally assume office on 1 July 2026 at 12:30 pm in a private ceremony at the club’s headquarters, marking the beginning of a new presidential term that will run until the summer of 2031.

Ahead of his return to presidency, the outgoing board that consisted of Yuste (Interim President), Josep Cubells (Vice President and Secretary), Alfons Castro (Treasurer), Josep Ignasi Macia, Angel Riudalbas, Joan Sole, and Sisco Pujol (Directors) are set to step down.

Their tenure comes to an end after overseeing a relatively short but highly successful transitional period, both on and off the pitch.

141 days of success

Yuste’s 141-day spell in charge produced an impressive record of stability and sporting success.

During the interim administration, Barcelona’s professional teams won eight trophies across all sections.

This includes the UEFA Women’s Champions League in Oslo, the European handball title, four domestic league championships, including La Liga, along with additional silverware across the club’s sporting departments.

Internally, the outgoing leadership has highlighted the smooth institutional transition throughout the period.

Yuste also took on Florentino Perez head on during this period, after the Real Madrid president constantly attacked Barcelona over the Negreira case. The board, led by Yuste, filed a complaint with La Liga, CTA, and the RFEF against the Real Madrid chief.

Yuste steps down to make way for the returning Laporta. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Reflecting on the board’s work, vice president and secretary Josep Cubells summarised the achievement simply (h/t SPORT): “We achieved institutional stability.”

A new era begins

With the interim board stepping aside, Barcelona officially enters a new chapter under Joan Laporta, who won the presidential election on 15 March.

His new mandate will run until the summer of 2031 and is expected to focus on long-term sporting success, institutional development and the continued growth of the club both on and off the field. As for Yuste, he will return to his role as Laporta’s Vice President.

Spain and Austria go head-to-head at SoFi Stadium this Thursday in the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 20:00 on BBC One.

In their last match, Spain prevailed 0-1 against Uruguay (World Cup 2026). Last time out, Austria drew 3-3 against Algeria (World Cup 2026).

The last meeting between the two teams ended with Spain winning 5-1.

Unavailable

Espanha

Áustria

Last starting XIs

Spain ( vs Uruguay 2026-06-27): Unai Simón, Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Rodri , Pedri González, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena

Austria ( vs Algeria 2026-06-28): Alexander Schlager, Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene, Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Konrad Laimer, Romano Schmid, Marcel Sabitzer, Marko Arnautovic

Juventus and Fiorentina are among the clubs sanctioned by UEFA after its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) concluded its assessment of teams that took part in the 2025/26 European competitions, finding a number in breach of financial sustainability rules.

As per the Corriere dello Sport, Juventus were found to have broken the “football earnings rule”, which permits a maximum aggregate deficit of €60 million across the three financial years preceding the monitoring period, in this case those ending in 2023, 2024 and 2025, assessed on a three-year aggregate basis for the first time.

As a result, the Bianconeri have signed a three-year settlement agreement with the CFCB, as have Newcastle United.

Financially, UEFA handed Juventus a total fine of €20 million, of which €14 million is conditional.

Provided the club meets the terms of the agreement, only €6 million will ultimately be payable.

The deal also requires Juventus to hit intermediate targets and return fully within the financial parameters by the end of the settlement period, with possible restrictions on registering new players in their UEFA squad lists, up to exclusion from European competition, should those targets be missed.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

Fiorentina fined €6m over squad-cost breach as Juventus face sanctions

Fiorentina, meanwhile, were ordered to pay a €6 million fine after exceeding the permitted squad-cost-to-revenue ratio of 70%, with penalties scaled to the size of the overspend.

They were far from alone. UEFA confirmed that disciplinary measures were imposed on 14 clubs in total.

With Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Nice, Strasbourg, AEK Athens and Fenerbahçe also among those sanctioned for falling foul of the financial sustainability requirements.

Liverpool have simply embarrassed themselves in this transfer window. It'll take a lot to turn it around from here.

Liverpool have had an awful start to the summer transfer window. They failed to complete a new deal with Ibrahima Konate, while it’s completely unclear who will replace the outgoing Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah.

Victor Munoz has signed from Osasuna - but that isn’t expected to be a signing for the starting XI. Instead, the Reds had banked on Yan Diomande being the star arrival.

And here’s the incredible thing: they made this public. Liverpool don’t typically do that, with the Florian Wirtz signing last summer a fine example.

No one knew the Reds were even really involved in the race until things were virtually sorted. Contrast that to the Diomande pursuit.

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Liverpool made it known that they were ‘stepping up’ their pursuit in the Ivorian (the Athletic). That they prioritised a winger with Diomande ‘high on their list’ (The Times).

It’s dragged on for over a month now, only for the player to turn around and say he’d rather join Paris Saint-Germain. Now the Reds stand essentially zero chance of getting the player and need to move on to other targets.

Targets who now all know full well that they’re simply a consolation prize. It’s been a genuinely shocking transfer saga for Liverpool, one where they’ve been embarrassed by Diomande and PSG.

So we won’t be surprised if we don’t hear much about Liverpool’s top targets for the rest of the window. Maybe that’s for the best. Going all-in on a player like this only to fail is an awful look, and one they should now seek to avoid.

Get those cards back close to the chest. That’s the Liverpool way.

Novig Promo Code TSNEWS50 Unlocks $50 Bonus for World Cup Trades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As we dive into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 today, new customers can score a fantastic welcome offer using the Novig promo code TSNEWS50. When you sign up here and play just $5, you will get $50 in Novig Coins.

I'm placing these trades right alongside you, and looking at the board, we've got a massive European clash between France and Sweden, plus a gritty North and South American battle featuring Mexico and Ecuador. This sweet bonus can be used for any of today's World Cup matchups, giving us a real chance to chase a nice pay day as the tournament heats up this week.

Get $50 World Cup Bonus with the Novig Promo Code TSNEWS50

Info for the Welcome Offer

Let me break down exactly why this offer is so valuable for our handicapping strategy. New customers have a fantastic opportunity to lock in $50 in Novig Coins by utilizing our exclusive promo code.

To successfully unlock this lucrative offer, simply create a new account (ensure you're 18+ and located in an eligible Novig state) and make an initial play of just $5. Because this promotion is exclusively for new users, it serves as the perfect starting point to dive into the platform's prediction markets without immediately sweating your bankroll.

Once those $50 in Novig Coins hit your account, the board is wide open. You can apply them to any of the thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 32 matchups on the schedule.

This gives us ultimate flexibility today. Whether you want to back the heavy favorites in the high-profile clash between France and Sweden, or you're looking for value in the pivotal battle between Mexico and Ecuador, your sign-up bonus gives you the leverage you need to step up and make those predictions with confidence.

Probabilities for France-Sweden and Mexico-Ecuador

Handicapping the knockout phase of the World Cup offers some thrilling prediction opportunities, and I always want a solid strategy before placing my trades. You can use your Novig Coins on today's Round of 32 slate, which features heavily favored powerhouses and tightly contested matchups.

Below are the implied win probabilities derived from the current 3-way moneyline odds (after regular time) for today's matches. I always look at these percentages to get a clear picture of how each game is expected to unfold before we lock in our predictions.

Guide for Using the Novig Promo Code

Claiming your welcome offer is a simple and straightforward process, and we're in this together, so let me walk you through exactly how I'd do it before today's soccer matches kick off:

1. Sign Up: Create and register a new account here by providing standard personal information (such as your name, email address, and date of birth).
2. Verify Identity: Provide the necessary proof of identification to securely verify your account.
3. Enter the Code: When prompted during the registration process, make sure to enter the Novig promo code TSNEWS50.
4. Play $5: Complete a first-time play of at least $5 in order to fully activate the offer and receive your $50 in Novig Coins.

Once activated, those $50 in Novig Coins can be used across any of the FIFA World Cup soccer matches on the schedule today or throughout this Round of 32 phase. Whether we're keying a heavy favorite like France or taking a chance on a thrilling upset, this welcome offer gives new users the ultimate flexibility to chase bigger payouts on their games of choice.

Kalshi Promo Code TSN15: Get $15 World Cup Trade Bonus on France-Sweden originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As the World Cup shifts into high gear with a massive Round of 32 clash between France and Sweden, I'm here to help you get the most bang for your buck. New customers can elevate the excitement by signing up here with the Kalshi promo code TSN15. You will receive a sweet $15 bonus that is automatically unlocked after making just $10 in trades.

This gives us a real chance to build our bankroll right from the start. Whether you are handicapping today's France vs. Sweden matchup or eyeing other World Cup fixtures throughout this week's knockout round, this extra capital is the perfect way to step up your prediction game.

Kalshi Promo Code TSN15 for France vs. Sweden

Trade $10 for a $15 Bonus

This exclusive promotion is strictly available for new Kalshi customers who are ready to step away from traditional betting and dive into the prediction markets. By signing up, you can secure a $15 bonus to use during this incredible FIFA World Cup run. Whether you are forecasting if France will dominate or if Sweden can pull off a miracle in the Round of 32, this offer gives our early trading capital a serious boost.

To claim the promotion, new Kalshi users must be at least 18 years old and located in one of the eligible US states where the platform operates. After registering, simply make a first-time deposit of at least $1. Once your account is funded, place $10 in total trades on any prediction markets. As soon as you hit that $10 trading threshold, the $15 sign-up bonus unlocks and hits your account, setting up a potentially nice pay day.

Probabilities for Regular Time

When I'm handicapping these major international fixtures, I always look for the smartest angles before making my moves. The vig-free pre-match probabilities have already been released by Kalshi to help guide our predictions. Here is a look at the early numbers:

Steps for Using the Kalshi Promo Code

Securing your welcome bonus ahead of the France vs. Sweden World Cup match is a breeze. We're in this together, so follow my simple steps below to claim your bonus funds and get into the action:

1. Create an Account: Register a new account here by providing your standard personal information. As part of a secure registration process, you will also need to provide proof of identification.
2. Enter the Promo Code: During the registration process, make sure to enter the Kalshi promo code TSN15 to opt into the offer.
3. Make a Deposit: Fund your new account with a first-time deposit of at least $1.
4. Place Your Trades: To unlock the bonus, you must make a total of $10 worth of trades on the platform. The best part? You do not need to make a single "key" trade worth $10. A cumulative sum of smaller, strategic trades equaling $10 is all it takes to satisfy this requirement.

Once your total trading volume reaches $10, your $15 sign-up bonus will be officially activated and credited to your account. There is real value here, giving you extra capital to use on the rest of the FIFA World Cup action.

Norway became the first European team to qualify for the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Ståle Solbakken's side knocked out Côte d'Ivoire after yet another hard-fought encounter in the Round of 32.

RB Leipzig duo Yan Diomande and Antonio Nusa were decisive in the first clear-cut chances by the two teams. Nicolas Pepe was unable to convert Diomande’s superb delivery moments before Nusa opened the scoring with a stunning curler.

The Elephants found an equalizer fifteen minutes before time through Manchester United’s Amad, but the grueling tie was decided by another guy currently playing his football in Manchester. Former Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland converted from close range to secure Norway's first-ever knockout victory with his fifth of the competition.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Elye Wahi and Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure played their last game of the tournament as substitutes. Norway will face five-time winners Brazil in the next round. 

In last week’s fan survey, Brady asked which of these three Giants were most likely to be moved by this year’s August 3rd trade deadline: Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, or Willy Adames?

This was based on Buster Posey’s comments that the entire roster, save Logan Webb, could be had in trade. As Brady pointed out,

That’s easier said than done: Devers is having a huge down year on offense, and owed an ungodly sum of money, while Adames and Chapman are both having down years at the plate, while possessing no-trade clauses.

I am curious to know how Posey’s statement impacted the clubhouse. We could infer from the quality of play this season that most of the clubhouse didn’t really care, but at the end of the day, even if this is one of the worst Giants teams in our lifetimes, I think a group of professionals will feel the sting of being labeled “expendable.”

Still, Major League Baseball is a business and teams ought to be trying to improve at every opportunity. Trading some proven talent for unproven talent is tradition, and it would be a huge mistake if the Giants didn’t take this opportunity to make at least one big move with their roster.

So, given those names, here’s where respondents landed:

The majority selects Matt Chapman as the Giants most likely to be traded. To do that, Buster Posey would need to convince Chapman to waive his no trade clause. Well, first, to do that, he’d need to put together a deal worth doing. Is such a deal possible?

If the Giants were to move him at the very last moment — Sunday/Monday, August 2nd or 3rd, before their 113th game, that’d give the receiving team just 50 games with Chapman this season, a cost 2026 cost of $7,767,489.81. After this season, Chapman is contracted for 4 more seasons for a total of $100.7 million ($100.668 to be exact). The $25.167 average annual value would be the competitive balance tax number, too, which would be a healthy chunk of any team’s payroll. Yes, we don’t know what the tax situation will be in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and so that makes the projection of a trade even more difficult. The rules are in the midst of changing. Add to that Chapman’s age over the next 4 seasons — 34, 35, 36, 37 — and you’ve got an expensive player setup to decline and possibly eat up precious payroll space.

At the tail end of May I looked at Chapman’s season to that point and came away from the analysis concluding that it wasn’t the age that was catching up to him, it was (probably) his circumstances. With a new coaching staff installed and a new baby on the way in his personal life, the hitting metrics suggested that it was more focus than ability that was causing his down numbers.

I still think that’s the case! Here in June, he’s hitting .250/.365/.500 (.865 OPS) in 104 plate appearances with 5 home runs, 3 doubles, and 14 walks against 25 strikeouts — and, his defense continues to be Gold Glove caliber. As of SABR’s June 7th drop of their Defensive Index rankings (a component of the Gold Glove voting), Chapman was the second-best defender in the National League behind Pete Crow-Armstrong. Matt Chapman has been MATT CHAPMAN here in June.

But, he’s also 4-for-his-last-43 (50 PA)! This is the rollercoaster experience any team could expect when acquiring him. Given market rates, that could still be a $25+ million a year player, but the moment that defense starts to go his value plummets immediately. Maybe sticking him in a better lineup and in a more favorable hitters’ park could extend some of his hot streaks and reduce the cold spells, but prior to his Giants tenure he was a Blue Jay hitting in the Rogers Centre, which at the time he played there was in the range of 11th-14th in park factor. So, if we were to let the numbers guide us to a plausible deal, let’s consider the following criteria:

• a really favorable hitters park or, barring that,
• a better lineup than the one he’s presently in so he wouldn’t have to carry the weight; and,
• where his defense could really make a difference.

Let’s see if we can figure out a list of teams just from these factors.

Here are the top 10 hitters parks in 2026:

1. Coors Field, 112 Park Factor
2. Chase Field, 104
3. Target Field, 103
4. Camden Yards, 103
5. Yankee Stadium, 102
6. Fenway Park, 102
7. Great American Ball Park, 102
8. Citizens Bank Park, 102
9. Nationals Park, 102
10. Rogers Centre, 102

The Rockies (bad), Diamondbacks (Nolan Arenado / same division), and Twins (Royce Lewis? Kinda-sorta rebuilding?) are out on Chapman. The Blue Jays didn’t re-sign him when they had the chance but did drop some money on Kazuma Okamoto in the offseason and he’s been fine at third (+1.3 Defensive Runs Above Average — 1.9 fWAR overall). So, that leaves us with six teams. Let’s see what happens with the next criteria.

Here are the top 10 lineups right now:

1. Dodgers, 119 wRC+
2. Pirates, 110
3. Yankees, 108
4. Cubs, 108
5. White Sox, 106
6. Brewers, 105
7. Nationals, 105
8. Twins, 104
9. Rays, 104
10. Athletics, 103
    … 14. Giants, 102

Out: Dodgers, Twins, White Sox (Murakami), Cubs (Bregman), Rays (Junior Caminero & payroll restrictions).

Okay, last consideration:

Here are the 10 worst teams for defense at third base:

1. Rays, -5.3 Defensive Runs Above Average
2. Mariners, -4.9
3. Orioles, -4.6
4. Angels, -3.4
5. Nationals, -2.6
6. Athletics, -2.5
7. Tigers, -2.3
8. Astros, -0.9
9. Atlanta, -0.4
10. Pirates, -0.3

Out: Rays (Junior Caminero & payroll restrictions), Mariners (he’d basically be in the same situation in Seattle as he is in SF wrt ballpark & lineup), Angels (bad), Athletics (money, rivalry), Astros (payroll restrictions, already have Carlos Correa slated to play there long-term), Tigers (payroll restrictions & bad ballpark), Atlanta (committed to younger, cheaper Austin Riley long-term).

When I started this analysis, I had thought that the Red Sox and Yankees would be natural fits for Chapman. Buster Posey already has a trade relationship with both teams. The deal that saw the Red Sox walk away from Kyle Harrison — after having walked away from Alex Bregman — in order to land Caleb Durbin to play a solid third base always seemed too clever by half, but it has worked out for Boston from a defensive perspective (+4.2 Def — 7th). Durbin is hitting just .231/.286/.393 (83 wRC+), but he’s picked it up in June: .325/.360/.614 (162 wRC+ in 89 PA), so, Boston would probably want to commit its dollars elsewhere if they’re looking to improve their roster. Same with the Yankees, who are getting about league average performance from Jose Caballero there right now and otherwise platoon him with Ryan McMahon.

Phillies*

I also thought the Phillies would be a great place, too, and maybe that’s still the case. I can’t believe Alec Bohm is still there, but I also can’t believe that the Phillies’ defense at third base hasn’t been a total disaster. Bohm is rated by SABR as the worst defender at the position (-3.8 SDI) but the FanGraphs’ rating puts the team in the middle of the pack. So, maybe if we allow that FanGraphs’ Defensive Runs Above Average isn’t the arbiter of success here, then there’s a possibility; but this would almost have to be a desperation move on the Phillies’ part, and I can’t totally see them doing it.

They have a $285 million payroll for 2026 (projected end of year, per Cot’s) with $216 million committed already for 2027. Just to balance the money on their end, maybe the Giants could take on Alec Bohm & Adolis Garcia’s expiring contracts ($20.2 million AAV) and pay some of Chapman’s deal for the remainder of this season, but is pure salary relief enough for Buster Posey? I don’t think it should be. And in terms of prospect capital, Philadelphia doesn’t have much to offer from a depth perspective, meaning they’d want to hold on to their few great ones, especially if they’d be taking on another veteran on the downside of 30. So, I’ll keep them in the back of my mind, but discount that possibility for now.

Instead, the best fit for Chapman — which may or may not lead to the best deal for the Giants, if they were to convince him that a trade is in his best interest — might be one of these teams:

Orioles

Coby Mayo and Blaze Alexander are holding it down at the hot corner right now, but Alexander’s 119 wRC+ is more indicative of his status as a part-timer than as evidence of a breakout in his age-27 season. Both he and Mayo’s defense have been approaching -10 runs of value and according to SABR, Mayo has been worse than Alec Bohm (-4.9 SDI). He’s still just 24 and a once-heralded prospect, but maybe that just makes him expendable in a trade for a different player after acquiring Chapman from the Giants?

Baltimore has a new owner and the team upped its payroll commitments significantly this offseason, with a projected year-end amount of $167.6 million. Next year, they have just $67.8 committed, so, Chapman wouldn’t put them in a tough spot even if there were to be a salary cap. The Orioles have a lot of interesting position players throughout their organization. But could Chapman be convinced to waive his NTC to move to Maryland?

Nationals

They’re probably 2 years too “early” in terms of their next competitive window and they don’t have enough pitching to be competitive in the postseason, but imagine if their brand new, ultra young, and McCovey Chronicles-inspired front office said, “Y’know what? Let’s give it a shot?”

But could Chapman be convinced to waive his NTC to move to Maryland?

Pirates

Anecdotally, Pittsburgh Pirates fans seem to be driving most of the “MLB NEEDS A SALARY CAP” frenzy and so it would be a great irony if they made it to the postseason thanks to an offseason uptick in spending coupled with a major trade at the deadline to upgrade a position of need.

Nick Gonzales has been the second-worst third baseman in the NL behind Alec Bohm (-2.9 SDI) and while the 27-year old has managed to hold it down well enough (103 wRC+, +0.2 Def, +1.2 fWAR), Chapman would be a quality veteran upgrade for a team trying to really make some noise. They’re just 2 games out of a Wild Card spot as of publication.

Additionally, Pittsburgh’s payroll commitments for next season are just $63.411 million after things like the player health care benefits (~$18.5 million) and mandatory contribution to the pre-arbitration bonus pool ($1.67 million), so, Chapman wouldn’t hurt them at all and set them up to get closer to a minimum salary floor should the owners win and impose a cap but also improve their team a great deal at least for this season. He’d also continue a trend of former Giants going over to Pittsburgh and helping out.

PNC Park’s park factor of 101 is 12th this season which is, of course, much better than Oracle Park’s (97 — 26th). But could Chapman be convinced to waive his NTC to move to Maryland Pittsburgh?

But what do you think? Do any of these teams make sense to you or do you think that a trade would be with a team not on this list?

Would you even bet that the Giants will trade Matt Chapman this season? Sure, Casey Schmitt could slide right in to the third base job and there’d be a decent chance we could let Chapman’s memory fade more easily than, say, Matt Duffy’s — but you could also put Schmitt at short or second base following a trade of either of those guys.

Personally, I’m not convinced that trading Matt Chapman would be a net positive for the team. Same with Willy Adames. And, I just think that moving Rafael Devers is danged near impossible. But, yeah, the Giants have got to do something. Winning answers a lot of questions that losing raises, but so do trades. They just might not always be the most tension-relieving responses.

Kyle Shanahan's offense has long been built on manufacturing easy yards, and a new data breakdown confirms the 49ers were the most effective team in football at doing exactly that through the screen game last season.

According to charting data from FTN Fantasy (via @NutshellSports on X), San Francisco posted a league-best 0.239 expected points added (EPA) per play on screen passes during the 2025 regular season. They were the only team in the NFL to clear the 0.2 mark, and did so by a wide margin over the rest of the field. The 49ers ran 40 screens on the year, a moderate sample size that tied for fifth-fewest in the league yet resulted in the most explosive returns.

A look at how effective teams were on screen passes during the 2025 season

Kyle Shanahan had the 49ers cooking in the screen game last year.

Screen pass designation via @FTNFantasy charting data. pic.twitter.com/bXRPH4PG5L

— Nutshell Sports (@NutshellSportz) June 25, 2026

The New England Patriots (0.203) and the Detroit Lions (0.202) rounded out the top three, with the Indianapolis Colts (0.163) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0.131) also posting strong marks. On the other end, the Cincinnati Bengals were the league's worst screen-passing team by a wide margin, posting a -0.560 EPA per play on 46 attempts — nearly a point-and-a-half swing from San Francisco's number on the same play type.

The screen game's effectiveness for the 49ers fits a broader pattern in their passing attack. Quarterback Brock Purdy ranked 30th in the NFL in intended air yards last season, with backup Mac Jones close behind at 31st. Purdy was 21st in intended air yards per attempt (7.3), while Jones ranked 23rd (7.5) — numbers that reflect an offense built around manufacturing yards after the catch rather than pushing the ball deep down the field.

That dynamic makes the screen game's success especially significant for San Francisco's offensive identity. Rather than relying on a vertical passing attack, Shanahan's system has consistently leaned on scheme, spacing and run-after-catch ability from players like running back Christian McCaffrey as well as pass-catchers like George Kittle. It will be interesting to see how Mike Evans plays into this calculation after he averaged 12.3 yards per reception in 2025, which was more than the 49ers' top targets this past year.

With a run-heavy infrastructure and a quarterback who doesn't push the ball downfield at a high volume, the screen pass has effectively functioned as an extension of the 49ers' ground game — and the numbers suggest it was working better in San Francisco than anywhere else in the league last season.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers ranked No. 1 in screen pass efficiency during 2025 season

We are almost a week into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and that means it is the perfect time to start looking at one of the big stories from this tournament every four years.

The chase for the Golden Boot.

The 2026 World Cup could see history, given the presence of Kylian Mbappe. In the history of this event, no player has ever won the Golden Boot twice. After winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe could become the first player to achieve that feat, if he were to win again this year.

Mbappe’s brace against Senegal got his campaign for a second Golden Boot off to a strong start, but Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria put the Argentina legend atop the list after his opening match.

Here are the current standings in the chase for the Golden Boot. You will note that assists and minutes played are listed, as those are the two tiebreakers in determining the winner of the Golden Boot. In the case of ties, the player with the most assists is ranked ahead.

Should there still be a tie, the player with the fewest minutes played is ranked ahead.

Note: Table last updated following Norway-Ivory Coast on June 30

The starting gun for the championship will be fired on August 16, and it is scheduled to end on May 30.

A very important day for Spanish football with the unveiling of the calendar for next season’s Primera División, Segunda División, and Liga F.

In a hall packed with personalities from Spanish football, some of the key dates for next season have been revealed. Here are a few of them.

• Start and end of La Liga: The championship will begin on August 16 and end on May 30.
• Start and end of the Segunda División season: It will begin on August 15 and conclude with the promotion playoffs between June 9 and 20.
• Copa del Rey: The knockout competition will have its final scheduled for April 24.
• Spanish Super Cup: We will have to wait until February; the first semifinal will be on the 2nd and the grand final on February 7.

La Liga 2026-2027 CALENDAR

From Matchday 1 to 38, the path of the 20 Primera División teams has now been set.

Opening matchday

La Liga in the Primera División will kick off with high-profile matches such as Barça vs Athletic and Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad.

El Clásico

The match that stops the world will be played twice in La Liga, the first at Camp Nou on October 25 and the return leg at the Bernabéu on May 9.

Madrid derby

As was also the case last season, Atleti will first host their neighbors and eternal rivals at the Metropolitano on September 20, while Simeone’s side will head to the Bernabéu on April 4.

Seville derby

Basque derby

Catalan derby

Galician derby

Final matchday of La Liga

La Liga will close with a final matchday in which Atleti will visit Betis, Barça will do the same against Getafe, and Real Madrid will host Deportivo de La Coruña.

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

After a dismal 9-19 start that included a 10-game losing streak, everything changed for the Phillies on April 28. After serving in five seasons as the team’s manager, Rob Thomson was fired amidst the team’s massive underperformance. Bench coach Don Mattingly took over as the interim manager. In his first game later that day, the Phillies shut out the Giants, 7-0. 

Nobody knew it at the time, but that moment would spark a pivotal turnaround for the team. Since then, the Phillies have gone 38-19, jumping from well out of a playoff spot to right behind the Braves for a division title. Now heading into July with a much different outlook on the season, it’s time to identify some goals for the team with the All-Star Break on the horizon.

Low Importance: Match the 2024 Phillies in All-Star Representatives

The 2024 Phillies sent seven players to the All-Star Game, including starters Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner. Starting pitchers Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sanchez, and Ranger Suarez, while bullpen arms Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm were also selected.

With results in from Phase 1 of All-Star Game voting, we have an idea of what Phillies may get in as members of the starting lineup. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will surprisingly not advance, but could be named as reserves later. Philadelphia will get three potential starters, however. 

Alec Bohm, along with potential first-time All-Stars Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott, all moved on to Phase 2 of voting. Bohm will contend against the Dodgers’ Max Muncy, and Stott will go against the Braves’ Ozzie Albies. Marsh is in the thick of a loaded outfield competition, competing with Andy Pages, Teoscar Hernandez (Dodgers), Juan Soto (Mets), Michael Harris II, and Ronald Acuna Jr. (Braves).

Marsh will have the strongest case to move on. With the top three outfielders moving on to the starting lineup, he finds himself third or better among the starting candidates in:

• Batting average: .319 (1st)
• Slugging percentage: .511 (2nd)
• wRC+: 135 (2nd)
  
• OPS: .863 (2nd)

Despite lackluster face-value stats, Bryson Stott’s numbers since voting began on June 3 have given serious strength to his argument. Stott is slashing .299/.379/.455 (.834 OPS) since then, with nine of his 23 hits going for extra bases. Any of these players who are not named starters could be named as reserves or injury replacements in the future. As for pitchers, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jhoan Duran have built strong cases to be in the Midsummer Classic. 

Medium Importance: Identify Possible Deadline Trade Targets

At last year’s trade deadline, the Phillies made a pair of impactful trades that helped them seal the NL East. Harrison Bader became a sparkplug in the Phillies lineup instantly (50 games, .305 average, .824 OPS, 1.3 bWAR). Meanwhile, Jhoan Duran has continued to establish himself as one of the league’s best relievers.

Who could be a high-impact addition this year? MLB Trade Rumors recently released their first list of the top 35 trade candidates this summer. While the Phillies likely won’t be in play for some of the top names who could be traded, some notable candidates could add depth to the lineup or rotation.

Taylor Ward has been a popular trade candidate since his time with the Angels. Although he’s seen a stark power drop-off this year, Ward has had one of his most productive offensive seasons. A more disciplined approach has led to a career-best 16.9% walk rate and a 13.2% chase rate, putting him near the top of the league in both stats.

There should be bountiful starters available for the Phillies, who could certainly use the depth. Tarik Skubal is a likely trade target, though even as a one-year rental, his cost will likely be too high. Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan are stronger rotation arms available, though they, too, will likely carry a high price tag. 

Could some mid-tier options be a better fit for a team not necessarily looking for an ace? Some of the better middle-of-the-rotation players include Reid Detmers, Jose Soriano, Robbie Ray, and Dustin May. Each bring their own set of positives, but also some notable flaws. However, they would go a long way in fortifying the Phillies’ rather top-heavy rotation.

High Importance: Establish Strong Hold On a Postseason Spot

Almost two months ago, the Phillies were 16-20, hoping to be in playoff contention by the All-Star Break. A deficit that sat at 7.5 games on June 16 has now shrunk to 3.5 games in just over 10 days. They currently hold the top Wild Card spot, sitting a game above the Cubs in a tight competition.

Six teams are within five games of the last Wild Card position. The Phillies have a 1.5 game lead over the Padres (third Wild Card team) for the top spot. While that race is very tight, the Phillies should be able to at least stay as one of the three teams by season’s end. The more interesting race will be the division title. 

With the Phillies rapidly closing the gap on Atlanta, a third consecutive NL East crown is certainly in the cards. They’ve been able to take advantage of an uncharacteristically poor month for the Braves. On offense, in June, Atlanta finds themselves at or near the bottom of the league in:

• BB%: 6.5% (29th)
• HR: 19 (tied-30th)
• Runs: 72 (tied-30th)
• OPS: .625 (30th)
• wRC+: 72 (30th)

Pitching has been a different story, as they’ve remained roughly middle-of-the-pack. The Braves’ 4.10 team ERA ranks 11th in baseball, one spot above the Phillies at 4.21. However, they’re bottom 10 in both strikeout (20.6%, 8th worst) and walk rate (9.4%, 7th highest). 

There’s a clear shift in momentum happening. Over their last 30 games, the Phillies have been one of baseball’s best teams with a 19-11 record. Atlanta, meanwhile, has faltered to a poor 13-17. Over their last 20 games, the performance gap is equally distinct. Philly is 12-8; Atlanta is 7-13, the third-worst record in that time.

The Phillies enter July with some of the most optimism they have had all season. With a dramatic shift in the team’s outlook for 2026, some clear goals exist to fulfill. But now, after digging themselves out of the hole they started the year in, and playing some very exciting (and historic) baseball recently, things look to be shaping up for another Red October in Philadelphia.

*Stats as of June 27*

The post What Should the Phillies’ 3 Biggest Goals Be in July? appeared first on The Lead.

How James Harden, and a trade, could get LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On paper, the Cleveland Cavaliers don't appear to have the money to pay LeBron James what he deserves in free agency.

The Cavs aren't totally out of the running for a homecoming, though. It might just depend on James Harden's contract -- and a Max Strus trade.

If things break just right, Cleveland could get the 41-year old from Akron, Ohio to come home again.

That'd sure be big news in Northeast Ohio.

MORE: How Kristaps Porzingis move made LeBron James, AD trade harder for Warriors

How would this work?

The first key is Harden, who declined his player option on his contract.

The Cavs and Harden are going to work toward a new deal, but if they don't sign it yet, they have a better scope of what could work with LeBron.

"If Harden were to accept a salary of $30 million for next season, the Cavs would be right at the NBA’s projected first apron of $209 million in salary," The Athletic's Joe Vardon writes. "They would need to dip roughly $16 million below that to access the non-taxpayer midlevel exception to the salary cap. If Cleveland can trim that much money, it can offer LeBron that contract — starting at a projected $15 million salary — for next season."

If the Cavs could then pull off a Strus trade, they might have enough.

"To that end, the Cavs are trying to trade forward Max Strus, league sources told The Athletic, so that they could sign LeBron — or perhaps another player — into that midlevel exception," Vardon writes. "Strus is slated to make $16.6 million next season. If Harden signs for $30 million, and if Cleveland can deal Strus and take back no salary in return, it would be able to give James the midlevel exception."

James clearly doesn't need the money, but the Cavs are in a tough spot to offer him pretty much anything unless they first pull these moves off.

"Will that be enough? James is a billionaire and makes more money off the court than he does on it," Vardon writes. "But after earning $52 million last season, and given his status as the league’s all-time leading scorer and arguably the greatest to ever play, it might feel a little better to him to have an extra zero on his next contract. And it appears that is at least possible in Cleveland."

Fans in Cleveland will sure be hoping that this maneuvering would get a deal done.

More NBA news:

Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway set up a last-16 showdown with Brazil at the World Cup after taming the Ivory Coast 2-1 in Texas on Tuesday.

The Manchester City striker prodded in from close range, the ball dribbling in on 86 minutes for his fifth goal of the tournament.

It was the first time that Norway had won a knockout game in the history of the competition.

After an even first half that was slow to get going, Antonio Nusa fired Norway into the lead six minutes before the break with one of the goals of the tournament.

Manchester United's Amad Diallo was sent on for the Ivory Coast after an hour and was immediately in the thick of it, stopping a certain second Norway goal and then grabbing a terrific equaliser on 74 minutes.

With extra time looming, predator supreme Haaland got on the end of a cross by Patrick Berg to make some Norwegian history.

They face five-time champions Brazil on Sunday in New Jersey with the quarter-finals at stake.

A match between two physical teams was tepid to begin with at the impressive air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Ivory Coast had a sight of goal after 20 minutes, defender Ghislain Konan bursting into the Norway box from the left but finding the side netting.

The Ivory Coast players and fans were irate just before the drinks break when the livewire Yan Diomande was brought down on the break just inside his own half.

Referee Jesus Valenzuela surprisingly did not even book defender David Moller Wolfe.

The 19-year-old winger Diomande, who appears set to join European champions Paris Saint-Germain from RB Leipzig, was growing into the game.

The African side, one of the youngest at the tournament, were on top and particularly threatening down Diomande's left-hand side of the pitch.

Haaland had little to feed on but might have done better with a tame header that bounced into the hands of goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

Then came a moment of genuine class as Nusa, fed by captain Martin Odegaard, cut inside and bent the ball wonderfully into the top corner.

Odegaard put his hands on his head in disbelief at the strike by the 21-year-old, Diomande's Leipzig team-mate.

Stale Solbakken's Norway finished the first half on the hunt for a second and Haaland was denied by a last-gasp block by Ibrahim Sangare, who celebrated as if scoring a goal.

The Ivory Coast, into the knockout rounds for the first time, won their 10th corner to start the second half.

Nicolas Pepe was denied by the legs of Norway stopper Orjan Nyland as the Ivory Coast piled on the pressure.

Norway, runners-up to France in the group stage, were inches away from a second when Diallo blocked the ball on the goal line following a corner.

The Norway fans, sensing the next round was close, began their now-famous rowing in the stands.

Almost as soon as they stopped, Diallo danced into the box past two challenges for a spectacular leveller. 

Then up popped Haaland to break Ivorian hearts, with goalkeeper Nyland pulling off a flying stop from Diallo's well-struck free kick at the death to send Norway through.

pst/gj

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

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

Next up is Markel Bell, a third-round pick out of Alabama who could become the organization's left tackle of the future.

Background

Position: OTAge: 21Experience: Rookie2026 cap hit: $885,000

Markel Bell lands at No. 29 on the Eagles’ list of the 30 most important players for 2026 because of what he represents for Philadelphia’s offensive line, both immediately and long term. The third-round pick out of Miami is not being asked to become a starter right away, but his size, traits, and developmental ceiling make him one of the more intriguing players on the roster entering training camp.

Bell gives the Eagles a rare physical profile at offensive tackle. At 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds, he has the frame, length, and raw power teams covet, and Philadelphia used the No. 68 overall pick to add a player who could eventually become a major piece of the offensive line. With Lane Johnson still anchoring the right side and Jordan Mailata established at left tackle, Bell enters a situation that should allow him to develop without being forced into a major role too soon.

Bell's ranking is about projection as much as present-day value. The Eagles have long placed a premium on offensive line depth, and Bell’s rookie season will be about turning rare physical tools into consistent NFL technique.

2025 recap

Bell spent the 2025 season at Miami and became one of the most physically imposing offensive linemen in college football. He started all 16 games at left tackle for a Hurricanes team that reached the national championship game, earning third-team All-ACC honors while protecting one of the country’s most productive offenses.

His pass protection was the most encouraging part of his final college season. Bell did not allow a sack in 558 pass-blocking snaps, a statistic that highlights both his length and his ability to make edge rushers work around a massive frame. He also helped Miami’s offense operate at an elite level, showing enough growth to move from junior college transfer to Day 2 draft pick.

2026 outlook

Bell’s 2026 outlook starts with patience. The Eagles do not need him to immediately step into the starting lineup, but they do need him to develop quickly enough to become a trusted reserve tackle and a legitimate future option. His height can create natural leverage issues, and his technique will have to become more consistent against NFL speed and power. Still, his 2025 season showed why the Eagles were willing to bet on his long-term upside. Training camp will be important because Bell needs reps against NFL pass rushers, time in the weight room, and daily technical work to refine his hand placement, pad level, and footwork.

The biggest immediate question is where the Eagles view him long term. Bell played left tackle at Miami, but Philadelphia could eventually groom him as a right tackle, where his size and length would make him a natural candidate to develop behind Johnson. That transition would require time, but the Eagles can afford to bring him along carefully because their starting tackle spots are already established. Bell also matters because offensive line depth can change a season. Philadelphia has championship expectations, and the best teams are often tested by injuries in the trenches. If Bell can prove he is more than a developmental rookie by the end of camp, the Eagles’ tackle depth becomes stronger, and their long-term succession plan becomes clearer.

Biggest question

Can Markel Bell turn rare physical traits into reliable NFL technique?

That will define his rookie season. Bell has the size, length, and athletic profile to become a high-level offensive tackle, but the NFL will test every part of his game. Edge rushers will challenge his pad level, force him to redirect in space, and attack any technical flaw that showed up on college tape.

The Eagles do not need Bell to be a finished product in 2026. They need steady progress, comfort in the system, and signs that he can eventually become more than a swing tackle. If Bell makes that jump, his importance will quickly outgrow his No. 29 ranking.

30 Most Important Eagles of 2026

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

No. 30 Andy Dalton, No. 29 Markel Bell

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 30 Most Important Eagles of 2026: No. 29 Markel Bell

LeBron James has informed the Lakers that he'll be playing elsewhere in 2026-27, ending his eight-year run in Los Angeles. The three known suitors are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors. None of these are confirmed signings yet, but let's break down the fantasy basketball pros and cons of each scenario and land on a verdict for where his value, and the value of the players around him, lands best.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Pros: A reunion with his original franchise carries obvious sentimental appeal and Cleveland has continuity on its side. James Harden is expected to re-sign, and the Cavs already have a strong foundation built around Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. James slots right in as a connective playmaker who can function as a primary or secondary scorer when called upon. Posting a 20-6-7 line like last season is achievable.

Cons: Harden and Mitchell are both high-usage, ball-dominant guards, and adding James on top of that creates some tension for shots and touches. Mitchell's fantasy stock likely takes the biggest hit here, with his scoring volume at risk as he shares the offensive workload with two other veteran ball-handlers. Jaylon Tyson and Max Strus's roles would be most compressed in this scenario. With so much gravity moving towards Harden and Mitchell, James, Mobley and Allen are better shielded from the crunch, and should get more efficient looks than ever before.

Verdict: Cleveland offers James the most help and the best chance to win. However, it's the worst outcome for the fantasy value of everyone else on the roster, especially Mitchell and Tyson.

Miami Heat

Pros: Pairing James with Giannis Antetokounmpo, fresh off Miami's blockbuster trade, would give the Heat two of the most dominant forwards of this NBA generation. James operating as a point-forward alongside Giannis would put so much pressure on defenses. And then you have Bam Adebayo, who has experience playing with LeBron for Team USA, who can cover some of his defensive shortcomings that are bound to show up across an 82-game season. That's a pretty fun team where LeBron would still have the chance to collect ample counting stats across scoring, rebounds and assists.

Cons: James needs shooters around him at this stage of his career and this roster doesn't have nearly enough of them (yet). Pairing him with Giannis only compounds the spacing issue, since neither star is a reliable outside threat, which could clog driving lanes and cap James' own efficiency as a playmaker. Adebayo's outlook also gets complicated in a frontcourt now shared with Giannis, likely pushing him into more of a connector, defense-and-rebounding role rather than a focal scoring option. Andrew Wiggins, who just signed an extension to stay in Miami, would also likely see his offensive role reduced, settling into a complementary 3-and-D role. Davion Mitchell and Pelle Larsson remain deep-league or matchup-based options, but their values are capped if James signs. Giannis already operates as an engine and ‘Bron would further eat into that opportunity share.

Verdict: The spacing crunch is a real concern for James' own fantasy efficiency here, with the current point guards and Wiggins absorbing the most direct hit on the supporting cast side. Of the three options, this is the least complementary fit for James' game at 41.

Golden State Warriors

Pros: James and Curry already have real chemistry to point to, having teamed up at the Paris Olympics, with James calling the pairing "perfect." That old-man duo dynamic could benefit both sides at this stage of their careers. Golden State's motion offense thrives on gravity and ball movement, and James slotting in as essentially a bigger, more skilled version of Andre Iguodala from the Warriors' dynasty years, a connective passer and secondary creator rather than a primary scorer, would generate efficient looks for the whole supporting cast. Curry remains a top-25 asset regardless; his off-ball gravity is largely unaffected by another star's arrival. Draymond Green, already re-signing, could see a more locked-in, nightly-motivated role playing alongside another star of James' caliber. Veteran bigs Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis also fit snugly into this system at this stage of their careers.

Cons: Jimmy Butler won't be ready to play until midseason as he continues to recover from his torn ACL, unless Golden State pulls off a deal for Anthony Davis that includes Butler as part of the package. The Warriors have publicly said they wouldn't do that, but the situation still puts more on James' plate early in the season, which is actually a positive for his fantasy outlook. Once Butler does return, he'll factor back into the rotation and eat into some of that opportunity. As constructed, this team also isn't a true contender, especially in a loaded Western Conference. If James is purely chasing a championship, Cleveland or Miami make more sense.

Verdict: This is the most fantasy-friendly outcome of the three, and it's not particularly close. He'll have the most usage and scoring upside, and playing alongside Curry in a motion offense suits his skill set perfectly at this stage of his career. Stat-stuffing won't be a problem in the Bay.

The Final Verdict

Out of the three known suitors, Golden State stands out as the best landing spot for fantasy purposes. Cleveland and Miami offer James the best roster to win with, but it comes at the steepest cost to his fantasy value. Stay tuned for more updates as teams are preparing their best packages for one of the greatest players ever. Who knows, there could be a dark horse that no one is talking about that wins the LeBron sweepstakes.

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee will officially test the unrestricted free-agent market after contract negotiations with the organization failed to produce an agreement. The decision ends months of discussions and opens the door for several contenders to pursue one of the top veteran forwards available.

TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reported the development on X after learning the two sides could not bridge the remaining gap.

“The Islanders were informed this morning that captain Anders Lee is headed to the UFA market,” LeBrun wrote.

He added, “Not a decision that was taken lightly. The Isles improved their offer in late stages, but still not there.”

Despite the setback, LeBrun indicated the relationship has not completely ended.

“So Lee heads to market. Door open to Isles as well while hearing from other teams tomorrow,” he wrote.

MORE: Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck ‘100%’ willing to join Sabres

The contract talks reportedly stalled over term rather than annual salary, leaving the 36-year-old free to evaluate outside offers.

Anders Lee expected to attract strong interest

Shortly after LeBrun’s report, The Athletic’s Michael Russo identified one club expected to pursue Lee aggressively.

“I expect the #mnwild to have a lot of interest,” Russo wrote.

He also believes Lee will not rush into a decision.

“I do think Lee will take his time to examine the right team for his next stop, so he may not necessarily be a July 1 signing,” Russo said.

That patience makes sense. Lee remains one of the most respected leaders on the market and continues to provide reliable secondary scoring. He recorded 19 goals and 42 points while appearing in all 82 games last season.

Beyond the numbers, Lee still brings value around the net, on the power play and inside the dressing room. Those qualities become especially valuable for playoff contenders looking to strengthen their forward depth.

So, the Islanders face a difficult challenge. Replacing a longtime captain extends beyond replacing goals and assists. Leadership, experience and consistency are difficult to acquire through free agency.

MORE: Jason Robertson expected to remain with Stars amid trade rumors

For Lee, the market offers an opportunity to evaluate both contenders and familiar surroundings. Minnesota has already emerged as a logical fit, but several teams are expected to inquire. Unless negotiations with New York unexpectedly restart, one of the franchise’s longest-serving leaders appears ready to begin the next chapter of his NHL career.

LeBron James' first message after Lakers exit says it all originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

NBA superstar forward and free agent LeBron James shared a touching message to the Los Angeles Lakers after announcing he'd be going in a different direction this offseason. 

After the Lakers sent a message to James on social media, the 41-year-old thanked the team for the past eight seasons. 

" No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint," James wrote. 

No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0

— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026

The future Hall of Famer will now look for his third team in the league as he is set to enter his 24th season in the NBA. 

James' time in Los Angeles was quite the roller coaster. In eight seasons with the Lakers, the 22-time All-Star was named to an All-NBA team seven times, guided the team to its 17th title in franchise history and led them to 32 playoff wins in 63 games. 

Lakers must quickly pivot after LeBron James exit

The news of James moving forward in his career but not returning to the Lakers comes as quite a shock. The expectation was that if James decides to come back for another season in the league, he'd sign with the Lakers and finish his career in Los Angeles. 

However, reports indicate that James was no longer happy in Los Angeles, so he felt a change of scenery was in order. James will now get that.

The question now is where he is headed next.  

That is the biggest story of the offseason, and for the Lakers, they must now pivot. 

According to ESPN's Ramon Shelburne, the Lakers are expected to target Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, Peyton Watson, Mitchell Robinson, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Luke Kennard, and Rui Hachimura. 

With free agency starting in a few hours, all the pressure is now on Lakers president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka. 

More NBA news: 

• Magic Johnson sends heartfelt message to LeBron James after Lakers departure

• Lakers break silence on LeBron James bombshell

• Raptors' potential trade package for Kawhi Leonard revealed

• Wizards reportedly have interest in signing former NBA MVP

A thoroughly entertaining 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Tuesday with a thrilling Round of 32 match between Norway and Cote d’Ivoire. The Norwegian side booked its place in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 win, courtesy of a late winner from noisy neighbor Erling Haaland.

Manchester United’s Amad did not get the start for the Ivorian side in this one, but his arrival in the 59th minute injected some serious energy into the team’s efforts. He scored a brilliant equalizer and nearly forced extra time with a free kick in stoppage time, only to see it palmed away by Nyland on a diving save.

Amad moved into his preferred RW role, but had some freedom to move across the front line. He exchanged play with left-sided winger Diomande at times, and swapped positions with Nicolas Pepe at others. The freedom unlocked some of his best play, as was the case in the group stage with his late winner over Ecuador.

Amad found the net in the 74th minute with a brilliant individual effort, picking his way through the defense before firing a shot off through pressure.

And another look on the ref cam…

Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for the Ivorians and Amad

Haaland’s go-ahead goal put the team in desperation mode. A free kick was won late and offered a chance for the winger to produce another bit of magic. It nearly happened, but it wasn’t enough.

Lakers free agency rumor pinpoints interest in $8 million 76ers 3-and-D guard originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers will approach free agency a little differently than expected following LeBron James' departure.

James has already told the Lakers he won't return to the franchise in 2026, so Los Angeles can now utilize the money they were going to give to the future Hall of Famer on other free agents.

The Lakers will likely target an upgrade at center over Deandre Ayton and a forward to replace James, but Los Angeles is also reportedly interested in an Eastern Conference guard who would be a valuable bench piece.

Lakers reportedly interested in Quentin Grimes

According to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com, the Lakers have Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes on their radar ahead of the start of free agency at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

"The Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in Quentin Grimes, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal, and with the free agency negotiating window opening Tuesday at 5 p.m. CT, the former Dallas Mavericks guard fits cleanly into the kind of move Los Angeles has signaled it wants to make," Afseth wrote.

Grimes is the perfect backup guard to have behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The 26-year-old has been incredibly durable over the last two seasons and was a key piece to Philadelphia's bench in 2025, averaging 13.4 points per game on 45% from the field and 33.4% from three.

Though he isn't the most electric offensive player, Grimes can consistently knock down open shots and is a fantastic perimeter defender. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has a 36.6% career three-point percentage, and was statistically one of the best defenders in the fourth quarter in the entire league last season.

Additionally, Grimes shouldn't cost too much to sign in free agency. He is likely due a raise after earning $8 million on a one-year contract with the 76ers in 2025, but an offer worth around $10-$12 million annually should get a deal done with Grimes.

If Los Angeles can sign Grimes to an affordable contract, it would be an excellent addition to the backcourt and take some pressure off Doncic and Reaves.

Last year, the Los Angeles Rams had one of the NFL’s best teams, reaching as far as the NFC Conference Championship, but it wasn’t enough. Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay know what a championship-caliber team looks like, and they didn’t think the Rams were there right now. So, they reacted by making the blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett.

By adding the Defensive Player of the Year onto a team that already featured the NFL’s reigning MVP, some might say the Rams have assembled a bit of a super team, and now others want to join in.

Aaron Donald Truly Debating Re-Joining Rams

Almost from the moment the Rams made the move for Garrett, rumors about Aaron Donald coming out of retirement surfaced. Interestingly enough, neither Donald nor the Rams have done anything to squash those rumors. If anything, they’ve only poured more fuel on the fire. Now that flame is growing again.

Recently, Vincent Bonsignore of the New York Post reported that the retired 35-year-old defensive tackle is “seriously contemplating” coming out of retirement to join the Rams in 2026.

The eight-time first-team All-Pro defender hasn’t played a snap since the end of the 2023 season, when he earned his 10th trip to the Pro Bowl. It’s an incredible feat, considering he only played 10 seasons in the NFL.

In other words, Donald went out at the top of his game, recording eight sacks in his final year. Who’s to say he doesn’t still have a bit left in the tank? Maybe it’s enough to help the Rams win another Super Bowl ring.

Related: One NFL Trade All 32 Teams Could Make Before 2026 Season Starts

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Roma is putting up a wall to protect its talents.

After declaring Mile Svilar unsellable due to Juventus’ interest, the Friedkins have also rejected a substantial offer from Porto for Niccolò Pisilli.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portuguese club was willing to offer €25 million for the 2004-born midfielder, who revitalized in the second half of the season under Gian Piero Gasperini.

The decision by the Giallorossi president confirms their desire not to let go of their squad’s most valuable assets, protecting promising youngsters ahead of next season’s Champions League fixtures.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was not shy in naming Real Madrid counterpart Vinícius Jr. as arguably the star performer of this summer’s World Cup to date.

This of course comes with the 25-year-old enjoying a return to top form on the international stage.

Across Brazil’s four fixtures en route to the Last-16 at the World Cup, Vinícius has racked up four goals and an assist. Not only that, but the winger has been hailed for his commitment and work rate off the ball.

Speaking during an interview with COPE, as cited by Fabrizio Romano, this week, the aforementioned Lamine Yamal therefore revealed his appreciation for Real Madrid’s attacking star.

The 18-year-old also highlighted Argentina talisman Lionel Messi and Morocco breakout star Ismael Saibari amongst his World Cup standout performers, explaining:

“Vini Jr for sure, then obviously there’s Messi… Then let me mention Ismael Saibari, he’s doing great for Morocco.”

Lamine, for his part, will be back in action in Spain’s colours on Thursday evening, in a World Cup Last-32 meeting with Austria.

Conor Laird – GSFN

In a recent post on X, journalist Matteo Moretto mentioned that Sunderland are in the running to recruit Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza. It is understood that the Black Cats would have to rival Atalanta and Como in the race to sign the Spanish full-back this summer.

Mingueza’s Impressive Form In La Liga

Mingueza enjoyed a solid campaign at the Spanish club recently as he has put in a string of impressive displays for them in La Liga. The 27-year-old scored one goal and grabbed six assists in 47 matches for Celta Vigo last season in various competitions.

The Spanish talent is currently one of the most experienced full-backs in La Liga. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Black Cats are keeping a keen eye on recruiting him later this year.

His current contract at the Spanish club will run out at the end of June. Hence, Sunderland could potentially sign him on a free transfer this summer.

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 07: Oscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo inspects the pitch prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 07, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Will Mingueza Be A Good Choice For Sunderland?

Mingueza is a solid tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to secure possession back for his team on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and can play his way out from the back.

The Spanish sensation is primarily a right-back but can also serve as a central defender or play as a right-sided wide player if told to do so. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of Premier League campaign if the Black Cats manage to get a deal done for him this summer.

We can expect Mingueza to add more bite and steel to Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris’ defence. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the Stadium of Light next season.

At 27, Mingueza has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Wearside club to consider in this transfer window. Furthermore, he is available on a free transfer and would be an affordable option for Le Bris to pursue in this summer transfer window.

Rough week halts the Blue Jays' progress in the latest power rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Two weeks ago, it looked like things were starting to click for the Toronto Blue Jays. They were getting some pieces back, and the team had been putting together some wins. 

They swept the Boston Red Sox before splitting what ended up being just a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs due to inclement weather, which helped them make moves in the power rankings. 

However, this past week has stalled all of that progress. They couldn't get much of anything going against the Houston Astros or the Texas Rangers. 

MORE: All-Star update for Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is totally ridiculous

Rough week halts the Blue Jays' progress in the latest power rankings

The Blue Jays started the week with a three-game series against the Astros, where they could only muster one win, losing the series 1-2. 

They would then turn their attention to the Rangers, whom they didn't do any better against. They would end up getting swept in the four-game series that ended over the weekend. 

With these struggles last week, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter has knocked this team down a few spots from No. 16 to No. 20 in his latest power rankings. 

"The Blue Jays have matched a season-high six-game losing streak heading into Monday's matchup with the New York Mets, and that came after a 10-6 stretch that had them trending up. With eight Blue Jays players advancing on to Phase 2 of All-Star voting, it could be a Toronto-centric starting lineup for the American League."

What's interesting, as Reuter mentions, is just how many players are in the thick of the All-Star voting. Compare that to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead all of MLB with their 55-30 record, and have only six players who have advanced to Phase 2 of the voting. 

This is something that has frustrated baseball fans and something the league will have to look into if they don't want something like this to happen in the future. 

More MLB news:

• Mets fans won't like seeing where their team sits in latest power rankings
• Former Yankees, Mets .715 OPS outfielder re-signs with AL East club
• Absurd Max Muncy hitting stat places Dodgers All-Star next to Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani
• Yankees make bold Cody Bellinger lineup decision against Tigers' Tarik Skubal

Erling Haaland's 86th-minute goal was the difference as Norway knocked out Ivory Coast with a 2-1 win during Tuesday's World Cupround of 32 action.

The goal was Haaland's fifth of the World Cup, which puts him in a tie for the Golden Boot with Argentina's Lionel Messi. He now has scored in each of his last 13 international matches for Norway.

Norway looked to have had the game in control after Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Martin Ødegaard found Nusa with space on the side of the Ivory Coast penalty box seven minutes before halftime. Nusa then took on Nicolas Pépé and after a pair of feints quickly curled a shot around goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and into the back of the net for the lead.

According to Squawka, the setup makes Ødegaard the first player to record assists in three straight World Cup matches since Dirk Kuyt of the Netherlands in 2010.

Not satisfied with one, Norway had two more chances in the waning minutes of the opening half, but both Haaland and Alexander Sørloth could not capitalize on their respective opportunities.

As Ivory Coast pushed for an equalizer, Norway had opportunities of their own to add an insurance goal. Torbjørn Heggem had a point-blank chance in the 67th minute off a corner kick that was cleared off the goal line by Ivory Coast's Amad Diallo.

Diallo would make an impact at the other end of the field minutes later. The Ivory Coast winger played a give-and-go with Pépé as they approached the Norway penalty box and weaved his way through the backline before firing a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.

The euphoria from the Ivory Coast side would last all of 10 minutes.

In the 86th minute, Oscar Bobb found Patrick Berg cutting through to the Ivory Coast penalty box. Berg's touch took him to the outside, but he adjusted and sent a pass across to find an unmarked Haaland, who tapped the ball into the wide-open net.

The win was the first-ever for Norway in a World Cup knockout round. They advanced out of their group in their last appearance in the tournament in 1998, but were eliminated by Italy in the Round of 16 under the old format.

Norway now moves on to face Brazil on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Erling Haaland came to the rescue with a late 2-1 winner as Norway won a World Cup knock-out match for the first time, in the round of 32 against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Haaland did not hit the ball cleanly in the 86th minute off a great cut back from Patrick Berg but it was enough to cross the line for the Manchester City star's fifth goal of the tournament, one behind leader Lionel Messi of Argentina.

The win sent Norway into a last 16 tie with record winners Brazil on Sunday, where Haaland will square off against Vinícius Júnior.

Antonio Nusa put Norway 1-0 up in the 39th with a stunning curling shot into the top corner.

Ivory Coast's equalizer in the 74th from substitute Amad Diallo was as classy after a one-two with Nicolas Pepé, after Diallo had minutes earlier cleared on his goal-line.

But Norway had the last laugh to win a knock-out match on their third attempt, having lost last 16 matches in 1938 and 1998.

Ivory Coast had reached the knock-outs for the first time and came very close to another equalizer when a sensational free-kick from Diallo was saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland deep into stoppage time.

AOC Gaming delivers 260Hz for £129.99 with its new 25G4ZR monitor AGON by AOC has officially unveiled its new AOC GAMING 25G4ZR monitor, a budget gaming display offering up to 260Hz refresh rates for £129.99. With this screen, ultra-high refresh rates will become available to the gaming masses. This FHD (1080p) display is a 24.5-inch […]

The post AOC’s 260Hz 25G4ZR brings high frame rates to the masses appeared first on OC3D.

The partnership extends distribution of Nasdaq's TotalView market data to blockchain applications and other software platforms through Pyth's marketplace.

Bitcoin faced downside pressure as the US dollar hit its highest levels against the Japanese yen since 1986, while BTC price analysis revealed "capitulation" by 2025 top-buyers.

Bitcoin miners have the power sites AI companies need, but turning old mining campuses into real data center revenue is no easy pivot.

With unusually high SSD prices, Samsung's flagship PCIe 5.0 9100 Pro 1TB stands out at $206 on Amazon – its lowest price in months. Delivering up to 14.7 GB/s read speeds, it's a rare chance to grab a cutting-edge Gen5 SSD at a meaningful discount.

Etched, a new startup with a team of 400+ engineers, has announced its latest AI solution, the Frontier Inference Clusters. Etched Comes Out of Stealth To Unveil Its Frontier Inference Clusters, Achieves Successful A0 Tapeout & On-Track For $1B+ In AI Contracts What happens when 400+ Engineers from leading firms such as NVIDIA, Google, Broadcom, TSMC, SK Hynix, and more come together? Well, Etched happens. This is a new AI startup who are co-designing chips, racks, software, and advanced manufacturing methods for frontier models. The company promises best-in-class throughput, latency, cost, and power efficiency for both prefill and decode workloads, […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/etched-pulls-400-engineers-nvidia-tsmc-build-new-frontier-inference-cluster-for-ai/

Once again, the video game industry is caught in a limbo state, waiting for the hammer of more mass layoffs to fall, and once again, it's Xbox and Microsoft bringing its gavel down. While Asha Sharma and the rest of Team Green's leadership position these cuts as a "reset" for the company, the CWA and its members point out that the company has tried mass layoffs, multiple times in recent years. Clearly, attempting to 'reset' the business like this hasn't been working, and now, Microsoft is poised to lose what veteran analyst Joost van Dreunen rightfully calls the gaming industry's […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/xbox-mass-layoffs-put-them-behind-short-staffed-short-sighted-says-analyst/

The AOC Gaming 25G4ZR is aimed at enthusiasts on a budget, offering a high refresh rate gaming experience at an affordable price. AOC Launches 24.5-inch Gaming 25G4ZR in the G4 lineup, Offering up to 260 Hz Refresh Rate at Just 129 Pounds AOC keeps expanding its monitor lineups with newer models and has brought another display to its G4 series. This is the AOC Gaming 25G4ZR, a new budget-friendly gaming monitor that sits between 23.8-inches and 26.5-inches displays, offering an ideal form-factor for competitive gamers. The Gaming 25G4ZR is aimed at enthusiasts on a budget who want a high refresh […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/aoc-introduces-gaming-25g4zr-gaming-monitor-bringing-260-hz-to-a-24-5-inch-fast-ips-panel/

The entire video game industry is in a tense state this week. After Bloomberg reported that Xbox planned massive layoffs following the close of its current fiscal year (which ends today, June 30), we've seen multiple reports suggest that this could be one of the worst mass layoffs the industry has seen in recent years. A high bar to hit, but one that Xbox seems poised to clear. Now, as we're surely only hours away from official confirmation of the cuts, a new report suggests that the layoffs could involve shuttering "at least five studios," including Arkane Lyon, which would […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/xbox-reportedly-considering-closing-five-studios-arkane-lyon-marvels-blade/

GTA VI is currently headed toward a November 19 launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S and X, but another console, the Nintendo Switch 2, may also get the game at some point. The first insider to suggest that possibility was Nate the Hate, who shared last November that developer Rockstar Games was evaluating whether it would be feasible to bring the game to Nintendo's latest hybrid console. Now, there's been an update from two insiders. The first is the Spanish Nash Weedle, who wrote the following tweet: A few hours later, another insider, Shpeshal_Nick, replied directly to this […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/gta-vi-switch-2-nintendo-rockstar-technical-hurdle/

The new variant is said to have been cancelled as the RTX 3060 12 GB has already entered the market. GeForce RTX 5050 9 GB GPU May Never Launch As NVIDIA Has Reportedly Cancelled or Delayed it The budget segment doesn't have many options from the current-gen NVIDIA and AMD series, which is why NVIDIA wanted to expand the RTX 50 series lineup with another variant of the GeForce RTX 5050. If you have been following reports surrounding the RTX 5050 with 9 GB VRAM, you might be aware that the GPU was supposedly delayed, but was still planned for […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/nvidia-reportedly-kills-rtx-5050-9-gb-before-launch-as-its-own-rtx-3060-12-gb-makes-it-pointless/

The post Bitcoin Q3 2026 Roadmap: July Bounce, Brutal August, Then the Final Low Near $39,000 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin enters the third quarter still in a bear market, with technical analysis suggesting one more leg lower remains likely before a bounce develops in July, followed by a sharp bearish August and a possible final low forming around October. Where Bitcoin Stands Right Now The current structure remains clearly bearish according to Elliott Wave …

The post BTC Price Breaks $60,730 Support As Weak Stablecoin Flows Raise Fresh Concerns appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The BTC price slipped below $58,500 today, extending losses and breaking through the closely watched $60,730 support zone that traders had defended for weeks. On the weekly chart, the move adds pressure to an already fragile structure and leaves the market staring lower. Bullish recovery narratives suddenly look a lot less convincing. Stablecoin Deposits Rise …

The post Crypto Marketing Services That Drive Real Results in 2026: A Complete Breakdown appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Most crypto projects burn budget on services that look good in reports but don’t generate leads. In 2026, the gap between vanity metrics and actual growth has never been wider — and the agencies that survive are the ones who can prove their numbers. This breakdown cuts through the noise. Based on ICODA‘s data across …

The post Solana Price Defends Key Zone As Grayscale Highlights Surging Onchain Activity appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Sometimes crypto markets behave like an impatient crowd at a concert. The stage is packed, the lights are on, the music has started, yet the audience still refuses to dance. That’s roughly where the Solana price sits today. Fresh comments from Grayscale highlighted just how active the network remains beneath the surface. According to the …

The post Open USD Launches With 140+ Partners To Challenge Stablecoin Giants appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Stablecoin wars were always going to arrive eventually. They just arrived wearing suits today. As Open USD officially launched on June 30 with backing from more than 140 businesses spanning payments, banking, fintech, crypto infrastructure, and global commerce. The list reads less like a startup ecosystem and more like the guest list for modern finance …

The post XRP Price Prediction For July 1 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP is holding the $1 level heading into July, but only just. The token is trading in a critical zone that will likely determine its direction over the coming weeks. The Weekly Picture The longer-term bear market structure remains unconfirmed as reversed. XRP is still technically within the larger downtrend that has defined recent months. …

The post Does RLUSD Eat XRP – Here’s What Onchain Data Say? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ever since Ripple launched its dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD, many XRP holders have wondered whether it would reduce XRP’s role in the ecosystem. However, the latest on-chain report from one of the largest public XRP treasury companies, Evernorth, suggests the opposite. RLUSD Is Growing, But XRP Remains at the Center According to Evernoth onchain, RLUSD has …

The post COIN Stock Price Falls to Key Support Despite ARK’s $43.5M Purchase: What’s Next? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) is once again testing investor conviction. Despite Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest purchasing nearly $43.5 million worth of Coinbase shares over the past three trading sessions, the stock continues hovering near a crucial support zone around $150. At the same time, CEO Brian Armstrong’s vision of turning Coinbase into the financial infrastructure for AI …

The post Dogecoin (DOGE) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: Will DOGE Reach 1 Dollar? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Story Highlights The live price of the Dogecoin is . DOGE price prediction for 2026 suggests potential highs of $1.25 Long term forecasts indicate DOGE could reach $3.00 by 2030. Dogecoin continues to hold its position as one of the most widely recognized meme-driven assets in the market, supported by strong community backing, increasing integration …

The post Pi Network Pi2Day Releases : Three Major Updates, Including PiVerify and Pi Sign-In appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

“Tap to Earn,” Pi Network has introduced one of its biggest ecosystem updates. On Pi2Day, the Pi Core Team launched PiVerify, a new identity verification service that allows businesses outside the Pi ecosystem to use Pi’s KYC technology.  While many Pioneers see it as a major step toward real-world adoption, Pi Coin price continues to …

We’ve been waiting on Galaxy Glasses news, and the latest leak linked to the companion app and One UI XR platform doesn’t disappoint, even if it’s coming from screenshots rather than an official Samsung event.

SammyGuru got hold of the companion app for the glasses, and the images give us our clearest look yet at how this thing is actually going to work day to day.

Based on the screenshots, the case looks closer to a jumbo-sized earbuds case, complete with an external light that flashes to indicate charging and pairing status.

There’s also language in the app suggesting the case charges the glasses without any wired connection, meaning the glasses likely just dock into a cradle inside the case and fill up from contact points.

Inside the app itself, things look fairly standard for a companion experience: a gallery section for photos and videos pulled from the glasses, a settings menu, and a software update page.

One UI XR

The update page is where things get interesting, because it explicitly references “One UI XR.”

Seeing that branding show up for what’s expected to be an audio-only pair of glasses is a little surprising. It raises the question of just how much of that XR software stack Samsung plans to carry over to a device with no display.

There’s also a handful of strings tied to Galaxy Ring gestures, including references to starting and stopping glasses functions.

• com.samsung.android.ring.GESTURE_ACTION
• com.samsung.android.ringplugin.gesture.ACTION_GLASSES_START
• com.samsung.android.ringplugin.gesture.ACTION_GLASSES_STOP

Samsung’s Intelligent Eyewear is officially dropping this year. Galaxy Unpacked is expected to be held on July 22 in London. The company may showcase the upcoming smart glasses or announce an availability timeline.

The post Samsung Galaxy Glasses app leak reveals One UI XR, charging case, and Ring integration appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Motorola is expected to expand its Edge 70 lineup soon with the Edge 70 Max, and while the brand hasn't revealed when it will unveil the smartphone, the Edge 70 Max has been certified by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), taking it a step closer to launch. The WPC listing also reveals that the Motorola Edge 70 Max, bearing model code XT2611, will support Qi2 25W magnetic wireless charging. It has Qi ID 26944, Qi version 2.2.1, and MPP25 power profile. Motorola Edge 70 Max gets Qi2 25W certified by WPC MPP25 means the Edge 70 Max has built-in magnets for wireless charging up to...

UEFA, kadro maliyet kuralını ihlal eden Fenerbahçe'ye 7 milyon Euro para cezası verdi. Fenerbahçe kulübü vakit kaybetmeden kesilen cezaya tepki verdi.

UEFA, 2025 takvim yılı için %70'in üzerinde kadro maliyet oranı bildirerek kadro maliyet kuralını ihlal eden Fenerbahçe’ye 7 milyon Euro para cezası verdi.

Fenerbahçe kulübünün kesilen cezaya ilk tepkisi şu şekilde:

Kulüp Finansal Sürdürülebilirlik Talimatı kapsamında, 2025 takvim yılına ilişkin finansal verilerin incelenmesi sonucunda; futbol takımı maliyetlerinin, futbol faaliyetine ilişkin gelirlerin azami %70'i ile sınırlı olması gerekirken, kulübümüz açısından bu oranın %84 olarak gerçekleştiği tespit edilmiştir.

?Söz konusu limitin aşılması nedeniyle, UEFA tarafından geçmiş dönemde başlatılan inceleme neticesinde, 30 Haziran 2026 tarihi itibarıyla kulübümüze 7 milyon Euro tutarında finansal disiplin cezası uygulanmıştır.

?Bu yaptırım; 2025 takvim yılına ait futbol takımına ilişkin bonservis bedelleri, menajerlik giderleri, futbolcu ücretleri ve ilgili diğer takım maliyetlerinin, UEFA tarafından belirlenen mali sürdürülebilirlik limitinin üzerinde gerçekleşmesinden kaynaklanmaktadır.

?Geçmiş döneme ilişkin finansal uygulamalar sonucunda ortaya çıkan bu ceza nedeniyle, henüz 22 gün önce göreve başlayan Yönetim Kurulumuz, kulübümüzün hak ve menfaatlerini korumak amacıyla ilgili karara itiraz etmek için gerekli hukuki ve idari başvuruları yasal süre içinde gerçekleştirecek olup; kulübümüzün UEFA mali sürdürülebilirlik kriterlerine tam uyum sağlaması amacıyla gerekli tedbirleri alacaktır.

Google launched a new update in AI Mode that places recipe site links at the top of responses, with creator names, ratings and ingredient counts.

The post Google Puts Recipe Links At Top Of AI Mode Responses appeared first on Search Engine Journal.

Beynəlxalq Şahmat Federasiyası (FIDE) qadın və kimi şahmatçıların 2026-cı ilin iyun ayı üçün dünya reytinq siyahısını açıqlayıb.

Arena.az bu barədə FIDE-nin rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.

Yenilənmiş siyahıda Azərbaycan qrossmeysterlərinin də mövqeyi müəyyənləşib.

Azərbaycan təmsilçilərindən Şəhriyar Məmmədyarov (2723) 23-cü pillədə qərarlaşıb. Teymur Rəcəbov (2689) 38-ci, Aydın Süleymanlı (2657) 57-ci, Məhəmməd Muradlı (2642) 78-ci, Rauf Məmmədov (2639) 84-cüdür.

Kişi şahmatçıların sıralamasına norveçli Maqnus Karlsen (2823) başçılıq edir.

Qadınlardan Ülviyyə Fətəliyyeva (2440) 24-cü mövqedə yer alıb. Gövhər Beydullayeva (2375) 64-cü, Xanım Balacayeva (2356) 82-ci, Günay Məmmədzadə (2350) 86-cıdır.

Birinci pillədə Çinli Yifan Hou (2596) yer alıb.

Çimərlik futbolu üzrə Azərbaycan yığmasının Gürcüstanda keçiriləcək Avropa çempionatının (AÇ-2026) B Liqasında keçirəcəyi oyunların təqvimi açıqlanıb.

Arena.az bu barədə Azərbaycan Çimərlik Futbolu Federasiyasına istinadən xəbər verir.

Bildirilir ki, millimiz bu turnirdəki ilk qarşılşamasını iyulun 15-də İngiltərə yığmasına qarşı keçirəcək. Sahib Məmmədovun baş məşqçi olduğu komanda iyulun 16-da Slovakiya yığmasıyla, bir gün sonra isə Latviya seçməsi ilə üz-üzə gələcək.

İngiltərə ilə görüşə Bakı vaxtı ilə 18:30-da start veriləcək. Digər iki qarşılaşmaya isə 19:30-da start veriləcək.

Qeyd edək ki, AÇ-2026 iyulun 15-19-da Gürcüstanın Batumi şəhərində təşkil olunacaq. Qrup qalibləri həm B Liqasının ən güclüsünü müəyyənləşdirmək üçün qarşılaşacaqlar, həm də A Liqasına vəsiqə qazanacaqlar.

Azərbaycanı 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümündə futbol üzrə Avropa Konfrans Liqasında təmsil edəcək “Zirə” sabah növbəti yoxlama oyununa çıxıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Türkiyədə təlim-məşq toplanışında olan Rəşad Sadıqovun komandası Türkiyənin “İğdır” kollektivi ilə qarşılaşıb.

Məhsuldar alınmış matç rəqibin 4:3 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb. Azərbaycan təmsilçisinin heyətində Yeqor Boqomolski dubla imza atıb. Komandanın digər qolunu isə Elçin Əlicanov vurub.

Qeyd edək ki, “Zirə” daha öncə hazırlıq prosesi çərçivəsində Bakıda “Qarabağ”la qarşılaşmış və rəqibinə 3:4 hesabı ilə məğlub olmuşdu. Qəsəbə təmsilçisi Türkiyə toplanışı çərçivəsində də Özbəkistan klubu “Navbahor”la üz-üzə gəlmiş və 1:3 hesabı ilə uduzmuşdu.

Xatırladaq ki, Rəşad Sadıqovun rəhbərlik etdiyi komanda bu mövsüm Azərbaycanı Avropa Konfrans Liqasında təmsil edəcək. Qəsəbə təmsilçisi ilk təsnifat mərhələsində Gürcüstanın “Torpedo” (Kutaisi) kolletkivi ilə üz-üzə ələcək.

Futbol üzrə Portuqaliya millisinin və Fransa çempionu PSJ-nin mərkəz hücumçusu Qonsalo Ramos bundan sonra “Milan”ın uğurları üçün çalışacaq.

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

Klubun rəsmi açıqlamasına əsasən, 25 yaşlı futbolçu 5 illik (2031-ci ilin 30 iyununadək) müqavilə imzalanıb.

“Milan” bu keçid üçün PSJ-yə 74 milyon avro ödəyib. Müqavilədə nəzərdə tutulan bonuslarla birlikdə transferin dəyəri daha da arta bilər. Bu, eyni zamanda “Milan” tarixinin ən bahalı transferi olub.

Bununla klubun əvvəlki transfer rekordu da yenilənib. İndiyədək ən yüksək məbləğə alınan futbolçu 2019-cu ildə Fransanın “Lill” klubundan 49,5 milyon avroya transfer edilən Rafael Leao idi.

Qonsalo Ramos son üç mövsümü PSJ-də keçirib. O, 2023-cü ilin yayında yetirməsi olduğu “Benfika”dan Paris klubuna transfer olunmuşdu.

Portuqaliyalı forvard PSJ-nin heyətində bütün turnirlərdə 131 oyuna çıxaraq 45 qol vurub və 10 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.

Ramos Paris təmsilçisi ilə üç dəfə Fransa çempionu və Fransa Super Kubokunun qalibi olub. O, həmçinin iki dəfə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasını və Fransa Kubokunu qazanıb, bir dəfə isə UEFA Super Kuboku və Klublararası Dünya Çempionatında zəfər sevinci yaşayıb. Hücumçu “Benfika”nın heyətində də Portuqaliya çempionu adını qazanıb.

Match Overview

France and Sweden meet in one of the standout matchups of the World Cup knockout stage, with a place in the next round at stake. Led by Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus cruised through the group stage and enter as one of the tournament favorites.

Sweden opened with a win over Tunisia but was humbled 5-1 by the Netherlands, though the Swedes remain confident their attack can trouble the two-time champions. With elimination on the line, this is a World Cup clash you won’t want to miss.

Tyson Fury will make one more stop on his route to a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua, with the former heavyweight champion set to return to the ring in Thailand later this month. Fury and Joshua finally signed contracts earlier this year after almost a decade of speculation, although both men will take one final […]

The post Tyson Fury’s next opponent announced for July 24 fight appeared first on Boxing News.

Bu gün dünya çempionatında pley-off mərhələsinin növbəti oyunları keçiriləcək.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, günün ilk matçında Norveç Afrika təmsilçisi Fil Dişi Sahili yığması ilə qarşılaşacaq.

Fransa İsveçlə üz-üzə gələcək.

Ev sahiblərindən Meksikanın rəqibi isə Ekvador olacaq.

DÇ-2026
Pley-off mərhələsi

30 iyun

21:00 Fil Dişi Sahili – Norveç 0:1

Qol: A.Nusa,39

1 iyul

01:00 Fransa – İsveç
05:00 Meksika – Ekvador

“Neftçi” PFK-nın rəsmi mağazasında satış rekordu qeydə alınıb.

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

2025/26 mövsümündə 7837 ədəd məhsul satılıb. Bunlardan 1374-ü rəsmi oyun formasıdır. Bu göstərici klub tarixində rekorddur.