Source

Edon Zhegrova could be on his way out of Juventus this summer, with Fiorentina reportedly emerging as a potential destination for the winger.

The Kosovo international, who holds Albanian citizenship, arrived in Turin from Lille last year with high hopes but struggled to make the desired impact in his first season in Italy.

According to La Nazione, via CalcioMercato.it, his departure now looks increasingly likely.

Fiorentina ready to make their move after difficult first year at Juventus for Zhegrova

The Viola are said to be monitoring the 27-year-old closely and could soon table a first official offer to the Old Lady.

Zhegrova cost the Bianconeri in the region of €15 million and is tied to a contract until 2030 worth €2.5 million net per season, terms that are reportedly well within Fiorentina’s reach.

That financial picture is central to the move’s feasibility, with the report suggesting Fiorentina are prepared to press ahead and test the Bianconeri resolve in the coming days.

For Juventus, offloading a player who failed to settle would represent a chance to reshape their attacking options, while Fiorentina would be gambling on reviving a talent who shone in Ligue 1 before his move to Serie A.

Liverpool great Robbie Fowler has thrown AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic into the conversation as a possible Anfield arrival, suggesting the American could fill the void left by Mohamed Salah.

With Liverpool weighing up their forward options this summer, Fowler took to X to make the case for a player who has rebuilt his reputation in Serie A since arriving at San Siro.

Pulisic revival at Milan turning heads as Fowler backs American for Liverpool

Pulisic has been one of Milan’s most reliable attacking outlets in recent seasons, his form a marked contrast to the stop-start years that closed out his time in the Premier League with Chelsea.

Fowler clearly sees a player ready to thrive back in England.

“Plenty of rumours about as to who’s going to @LFC, one name I’ve not seen mentioned is pulisic… good age, played in the prem, exciting player, I’d take him, potentially a Salah type of pathway, thoughts?” he wrote.

Plenty of rumours about as to who’s going to @LFC , one name I’ve not seen mentioned is pulisic… good age , played in the prem, exciting player , I’d take him, potentially a Salah type of pathway, thoughts?

— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) June 26, 2026

Whether Liverpool share his enthusiasm remains to be seen, with the USA captain currently in the spotlight on home soil at the World Cup.

Images claiming to show Inter’s away kit for the 2026/27 season have surfaced online, courtesy of Footy Headlines.

The leaked design features a predominantly white shirt, decorated with thin vertical pinstripes in bright blue, whilst navy trim frames the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs, lending the strip a cleaner, more classic feel.

The Nike swoosh, betsson.sport sponsor and the Nerazzurri’s two-starred crest all appear in matching navy, sitting neatly against the pinstriped backdrop.

The look is completed by white shorts carrying the same fine blue striping.

Inter 26/27 away kit leaks online

As ever with pre-release leaks, the images are unofficial and yet to be confirmed by the club itself or Nike, so colours and detailing could change before any launch.

Still, it offers supporters an early glimpse of what the Nerazzurri may wear on their travels next term, and a nod to a vintage, pinstriped aesthetic.

𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟕 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙆𝙞𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙙 – 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨

Opaleak provides us with official images of the Nike Inter Milan 26-27 Away Kit. It boasts a baseball style with a huge Inter monogram crest. pic.twitter.com/RXKl69nwI6

— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) June 28, 2026

Mets lineup

1. Carson Benge – RF
2. Juan Soto – LF
3. Bo Bichette – SS
4. Eric Wagaman – 1B
5. Francisco Alvarez – DH
6. Mark Vientos – 3B
7. Tyrone Taylor – CF
8. Brett Baty – 2B
9. Luis Torrens – C

Kodai Senga – RHP

Phillies lineup

1. Trea Turner – SS
2. Kyle Schwarber – DH
3. Bryce Harper – 1B
4. Alec Bohm – 3B
5. Brandon Marsh – LF
6. J.T. Realmuto – C
7. Bryson Stott – 2B
8. Derek Hill – RF
9. Justin Crawford – CF

Jesus Luzardo – LHP

Broadcast Info

First pitch: 1:40pm EDT
TV: SNY
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2

NASCAR arrived in San Diego for the 2026 Anduril 250, and the 17th points race of the season was thrilling. Ryan Blaney won Stage 1 while Ryan Preece won Stage 2; however, neither driver was able to enter victory lane. Instead, it was a 23XI Racing driver who earned their first career victory.

At the end of the day, Corey Heim won his first career Cup Series race of 2026 in San Diego. After a slight overview of the notable moments, here are the NASCAR TV ratings following the 2026 Anduril 250 in San Diego!

NASCAR and Prime Video earned 2.28 million average viewers for the Anduril 250. This was NASCAR's first race in San Diego on an active military base, so there is no comparable event to the 2026 Cup Series season. Overall, it was a great turnout for NASCAR and Prime Video on Sunday afternoon.

More: Prime Video brings back popular side-by-side box format in 2026

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: NASCAR TV ratings for Cup Series race at San Diego in June 2026

England captain Ben Stokes stunned the cricket world by announcing his upcoming retirement from international duty in the middle of a Test match on Sunday as an unbeaten hundred from New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell batted the Black Caps into a commanding position at Trent Bridge.

Stokes confirmed he would end his celebrated England career after the ongoing third and final Test against New Zealand in Nottingham, adding more drama to a three-match series locked at 1-1.

But Mitchell's 100 not out took New Zealand to 288-9 declared in their second innings and left England needing an imposing 373 to win on a wearing pitch of increasingly uneven bounce. 

Stokes's announcement was made public shortly before tea on the fourth day with the 35-year-old, one of the outstanding all-rounders of his generation, having informed his team-mates in the dressing room before the start of Sunday's play. 

He was in the middle of a lengthy bowling spell, with news filtering into a stunned crowd as he was about to start his 11th over.

Stokes then received a standing ovation from spectators at Trent Bridge.

And in a moment of pure sporting theatre, Stokes had Zak Foulkes caught at slip with his next ball to spark yet more raucous cheers.

Sunday's shock announcement came after Stokes returned to England duty at Trent Bridge following the fall-out from a London nightclub incident also involving teammate Gus Atkinson earlier this month.

Stokes was back after being omitted from England's 253-run defeat in the second Test at the Oval for breaking a midnight curfew, alongside Atkinson, while celebrating at a London nightclub following the first-Test win over New Zealand.

"There's something that I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England," said Stokes in a clip of his dressing-room speech released by the England and Wales Cricket Board. 

- Tough task -

But for all his latest on-field heroics, with Stokes receiving applause when he led the team off at tea and a guard of honour after the resumption, England still had a tough task to avoid a seventh defeat in nine Tests.

Mitchell batted for more than six-and-a-half hours, facing 241 balls including 10 fours, as well as a six off Josh Tongue.

He also shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 129 with Rachin Ravindra, who fell agonisingly short of a century before being dismissed for 94.

Mitchell also received good support from tailender Ben Sears. 

Having retired hurt, Sears returned at the fall of the ninth wicket when Mitchell as on 92 to ensure his team-mate could complete his sixth century in 39 Tests.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer, who had reduced New Zealand to 12-2 on Saturday, took two more wickets to finish with fine innings figures of 4-53 in 20 overs.

New Zealand, however, were still well-placed for what would be just their fourth series win in England in 20 attempts. 

Mitchell, 47 not out overnight, showed plenty of resilience after struck several painful blows by both Stokes and express quick Archer.

Stokes, who finished with 2-50 in 22 overs, had previously dragged England back into the match with the ball.

Stokes ended a first-innings opening stand of 317 between New Zealand captain Tom Latham (151) and Devon Conway (157) during a return of 4-70, with the Black Caps dismissed for 438 when a total in excess of 500 once seemed likely.

New Zealand were on the brink of batting through Sunday's morning session without losing a wicket until off-spinner Shoaib Bashir had Ravindra lbw.

jdg/ea

Texas Rangers @ Toronto Blue Jays

Sunday, June 28, 2026, 12:37 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Rogers Centre

RHP Kumar Rocker vs. RHP Shane Bieber

Go Rangers!

Sami Zayn capped a decade long journey in WWE to the very top as he became WWE champion for the first time at Night of Champions.

Zayn overcame both Gunther and Cody Rhodes in an enthralling triple threat match in Saudi Arabia.

Zayn’s win went down a treat with the crowd in Riyadh, especially after he had come out in traditional Saudi dress to pay homage to his Muslim beliefs.

Of course, WWE’s fanbase is going to be split on whether crowning Zayn was the right decision or not.

But for those who know him best from within the industry, there was no doubting the delight, as Kevin Owens and Becky Lynch demonstrated.

How Kevin Owens and Becky Lynch reacted to Sami Zayn’s WWE title win

Anyone who follows WWE will know that Owens and Zayn are close friends.

Over the years, they’ve put on some absolute clinics in the ring both as rivals and partners and with Owens out injured right now, he was always going to be cheering his good pal on.

Sure enough, he took to X right away to share his feelings on Zayn’s win.

“I’ve missed a lot of things I wish I hadn’t in the last 15 months because of this injury but today is, by far, the one I wish I had been there for the most. He has brought out the best in me as both an ally and a foe. That’s because he is THE best.

“When you’re consistently that good for that long, you become undeniable. Sami becoming WWE Champion was inevitable. He has deserved that moment for a very long time and I am so happy to see him finally get it. Now enjoy these pictures of me annoying him at various stages of our careers. The last one is him putting on my sock in a hotel room in the middle of nowhere in Texas because I thought I had broken my back the night before and could not move. He had to help me put on my boxers too. Look how happy he is… Now tell me he doesn’t deserve to be champion!”

It wasn’t just Owens who was impressed either and happy for Zayn.

Clearly a popular member of the WWE roster behind the scenes, women’s legend and current superstar Becky Lynch also posted on X.

It remains to be seen if Zayn will have a long or short reign as WWE champion.

With SummerSlam approaching and Oba Femi having just won King of the Ring, there could well be a chance for WWE to crown Femi by beating Zayn.

Nevertheless, come WWE Raw tomorrow, fans will be eager to welcome the new champ with open arms.

It’s time for the rubber match between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs on a beautiful, sunny afternoon at American Family Field. The Brewers are looking for the series win and a chance to secure a 7.5 game lead over the Chicago Cubs as we reach the mathematical halfway point of the season. This is the Brewers 81st game out of 162.

On the mound, the Brewers will have their veteran leader Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff made a strong return to the rotation on the last road trip after dealing with dead arm and a six week IL stint. Woodruff will be looking to repeat that success against the Cubs, a team that knows him very well and vice versa.

The Cubs, meanwhile, will have a former first round pick in Ryan Rolison on the bump. Rolison was drafted by the Rockies, struggled there upon making his MLB debut last year and bounced around and was a member of the Braves and White Sox on paper over the offseason before landing with the Cubs. He’s having a solid season, with a 1.82 ERA in 25 appearances, though this is just his second start. It’ll largely be a bullpen game for the Cubs this afternoon as they try to piece together their rotation after dealing with a number of injuries.

The Brewers will have nearly all of their regulars in the starting lineup despite it being a Sunday afternoon. Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, and Brice Turang make up the top of the order as they generally do. William Contreras gets the day off however with a day game after a night game. Gary Sanchez will be behind the dish and batting sixth. Garrett Mitchell is also out of the lineup after exiting last night with a cramp, but it doesn’t appear to be anything serious. Chourio slides over to center and Jake Bauers is in left field, allowing both Bauers and Vaughn to fit into the lineup.

The Cubs will be rolling out a similar lineup as they have all series. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off, followed by Alex Bregman, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki.

After the bullpen struggled last night, the Brewers will be looking for a vintage Brandon Woodruff start to shut the Cubs down and do it efficiently. The Cubs bullpen has had some struggles so if the Brewers can get to Rolison and the rest of that group early, things can line up very well for the Crew.

The Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club — better known as Wimbledon 2026 — kick off on Monday, June 29. It's set to be quite the tournament, with Serena Williams handed a singles wildcard (and Venus Williams returning to the grass court to compete in doubles by her side). Carlos Alcaraz has been ruled out of the tournament due to a wrist injury, widening the field for Jannik Sinner to defend his Wimbledon title.

The 2026 tennis tournament will air across ESPN and ESPN2. You can stream every match with an ESPN Unlimited subscription. Here's what you need to know about watching Wimbledon 2026.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026:

Dates: June 29 - July 12

Location: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

TV channel: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Tennis Channel

Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, YouTube TV, DirecTV

When is Wimbledon 2026?

The Wimbledon tennis tournament, aka The Championships, begins Monday, June 29. The tournament runs through Sunday, July 12.

What channel is Wimbledon on?

Wimbledon will air on ESPN and ESPN2, with supplemental coverage on the Tennis Channel. Every match will be available to stream on ESPN+ with an ESPN Unlimited subscription.

How to watch Wimbledon without cable:

How to watch Wimbledon with a VPN:

If you want to catch every match of Wimbledon and don't currently have access to ESPN or a subscription to ESPN+, there are other ways to watch at low (or no) cost. In the U.K., much of the tournament will air for free on BBC iPlayer, and in Australia, most of the action will stream for free with ads on 9Now.

Don't live in either of those places? Don't worry, you can still stream as if you do with the help of a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs help protect your data, can mask your IP address, and are perhaps most popular for their usefulness in the age of streaming.

Whether you're looking to watch The Other Bennet Sister free on BBC iPlayer or tune into Wimbledon coverage without a cable package, a VPN can help you out.

Wimbledon 2026 schedule:

All times Eastern.

Monday (All Times EDT)

Centre Court – 8:30 a.m. EDT

• No. 1 Jannik Sinner (ITA) vs. Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB)

• No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs. Teodora Kostovic (SRB)

• Yibing Wu (CHN) vs. No. 7 Novak Djokovic (SRB)

No. 1 Court – 8:00 a.m. EDT

• Antonia Ruzic (CRO) vs. No. 30 Emma Raducanu (GBR)

• Marin Cilic (CRO) vs. No. 8 Daniil Medvedev

• Magda Linette (POL) vs. No. 5 Mirra Andreeva

No. 2 Court – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• No. 4 Jessica Pegula (USA) vs. Darja Vidmanova (CZE)

• Michael Zheng (USA) vs. No. 26 Cameron Norrie (GBR)

• No. 3 Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) vs. Aleksandr Shevchenko (KAZ)

• Not Before 11:30 a.m. EDT: Tamara Korpatsch (GER) vs. No. 7 Coco Gauff (USA)

No. 3 Court – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• No. 23 Rafael Jodar (ESP) vs. Felix Gill (GBR)

• No. 11 Casper Ruud (NOR) vs. Hubert Hurkacz (POL)

• Not Before 9:30 a.m. EDT: Elsa Jacquemot (FRA) vs. No. 14 Naomi Osaka (JPN)

• Not Before 11:30 a.m. EDT: Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) vs. Hannah Klugman (GBR)

Court 12 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) vs. No. 20 Maja Chwalinska (POL)

• No. 25 Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) vs. Oliver Tarvet (GBR)

• Not Before 9:30 a.m. EDT: No. 10 Karolina Muchova (CZE) vs. Anastasia Zakharova

• No. 28 Brandon Nakashima (USA) vs. Jack Pinnington Jones (GBR)

Court 18 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• No. 11 Belinda Bencic (SUI) vs. Mika Stojsavljevic (GBR)

• Alexandre Muller (FRA) vs. No. 21 Tommy Paul (USA)

• Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) vs. No. 24 Joao Fonseca (BRA)

• No. 22 Leylah Fernandez (CAN) vs. Janice Tjen (INA)

Court 4 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Emilio Nava (USA) vs. No. 31 Ignacio Buse (PER)

• Alycia Parks (USA) vs. Alicia Dudeney (GBR)

• Thiago Agustin Tirante (ARG) vs. Fabian Marozsan (HUN)

• Solana Sierra (ARG) vs. Anna Bondar (HUN)

Court 5 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Marco Trungelliti (ARG) vs. Martin Damm (USA)

• Soonwoo Kwon (KOR) vs. Martin Landaluce (ESP)

• Oleksandra Oliynykova (UKR) vs. McCartney Kessler (USA)

• Dayana Yastremska (UKR) vs. Aoi Ito (JPN)

Court 6 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Denis Shapovalov (CAN) vs. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)

• Bianca Andreescu (CAN) vs. Shuai Zhang (CHN)

• Adolfo Daniel Vallejo (PAR) vs. Nicolas Mejia (COL)

• Anastasia Gasanova vs. Emiliana Arango (COL)

Court 7 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Aleksandar Kovacevic (USA) vs. Botic van de Zandschulp (NED)

• Nuno Borges (POR) vs. Tristan Boyer (USA)

• Peyton Stearns (USA) vs. Nikola Bartunkova (CZE)

Court 8 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) vs. Jenson Brooksby (USA)

• Hamad Medjedovic (SRB) vs. Sebastian Ofner (AUT)

• Lanlana Tararudee (THA) vs. Lilli Tagger (AUT)

• Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (ESP) vs. No. 27 Anastasia Potapova

Court 9 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Luca Van Assche (FRA) vs. Marton Fucsovics (HUN)

• Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) vs. Daniel Merida (ESP)

• Claire Liu (USA) vs. Hanne Vandewinkel (BEL)

Court 10 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP) vs. Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva (AND)

• Xinyu Wang (CHN) vs. Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA)

• Adam Walton (AUS) vs. Dino Prizmic (CRO)

• Jesper de Jong (NED) vs. Rinky Hijikata (AUS)

Court 14 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN) vs. Max Basing (GBR)

• Not Before 8:00 a.m. EDT: Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) vs. Tatjana Maria (GER)

• Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) vs. Sebastian Baez (ARG)

• No. 32 Katerina Siniakova (CZE) vs. Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Court 15 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Jaqueline Cristian (ROU) vs. No. 16 Iva Jovic (USA)

• No. 28 Ann Li (USA) vs. Zeynep Sonmez (TUR)

• Not Before 9:30 a.m. EDT: Ethan Quinn (USA) vs. No. 14 Luciano Darderi (ITA)

• Magdalena Frech (POL) vs. No. 19 Anna Kalinskaya

Court 16 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• No. 12 Andrey Rublev vs. Roman Safiullin

• Hugo Gaston (FRA) vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)

• Mimi Xu (GBR) vs. Daria Kasatkina (AUS)

• No. 18 Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. Panna Udvardy (HUN)

Court 17 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Dalibor Svrcina (CZE) vs. No. 16 Learner Tien (USA)

• Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) vs. Harriet Dart (GBR)

• Not Before 9:30 a.m. EDT: No. 22 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) vs. Juan Manuel Cerundolo (ARG)

• Francesca Jones (GBR) vs. Diane Parry (FRA)

Tuesday (All Times EDT)

Centre Court – 8:30 a.m. EDT

• Taylor Townsend (USA) vs. No. 3 Iga Swiatek

• No. 6 Taylor Fritz (USA) vs. Jack Draper (GBR)

• Serena Williams (USA) vs. Maya Joint (AUS)

No. 1 Court – 8:00 a.m. EDT

• Alexander Blockx (BEL) vs. No. 3 Alexander Zverev (GER)

• Lois Boisson (FRA) vs. No. 2 Elena Rybakina

• Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs. Matteo Berrettini (ITA)

No. 2 Court – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• No. 6 Amanda Anisimova (USA) vs. Lina Gjorcheska (MKD)

• Otto Virtanen (FIN) vs. No. 4 Ben Shelton (USA)

• No. 8 Elina Svitolina (UKR) vs. Daria Snigur (UKR)

• Mariano Navone (ARG) vs. No. 9 Flavio Cobolli (ITA)

No. 3 Court – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Katie Boulter (GBR) vs. Tyra Caterina Grant (ITA)

• No. 5 Alex de Minaur (AUS) vs. Roman Andres Burruchaga (ARG)

• No. 15 Jakub Mensik (CZE) vs. Toby Samuel (GBR)

• Nadia Podoroska (ARG) vs. No. 12 Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Court 12 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• No. 13 Jasmine Paolini (ITA) vs. Robin Montgomery (USA)

• Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) vs. No. 10 Alexander Bublik (KAZ)

• No. 29 Alexandra Eala (PHL) vs. Renata Zarazua (MEX)

• No. 17 Frances Tiafoe (USA) vs. Terence Atmane (FRA)

Court 18 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Kayla Day (USA) vs. Madison Keys (USA)

• No. 19 Karen Khachanov vs. Billy Harris (GBR)

• Dane Sweeny (AUS) vs. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)

• Ella Seidel (GER) vs. No. 12 Linda Noskova (CZE)

Court 4 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Tereza Valentova (CZE) vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE)

• No. 32 Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) vs. Quentin Halys (FRA)

• Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) vs. No. 29 Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ARG)

• Camila Osorio (COL) vs. Simona Waltert (SUI)

Court 5 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Kamil Majchrzak (POL) vs. No. 33 Alejandro Tabilo (CHL)

• Iryna Shymanovich vs. Viktorija Golubic (SUI)

• Yuliia Starodubtseva (UKR) vs. Anna Blinkova

Court 6 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Anhelina Kalinina (UKR) vs. Kamilla Rakhimova

• Kyrian Jacquet (FRA) vs. Vilius Gaubas (LTU)

• Veronika Erjavec (SLO) vs. Leolia Jeanjean (FRA)

• Tallon Griekspoor (NED) vs. James Duckworth (AUS)

Court 7 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Adrian Mannarino (FRA) vs. Titouan Droguet (FRA)

• Benjamin Bonzi (FRA) vs. Gabriel Diallo (CAN)

• Elena-Gabriela Ruse (ROU) vs. Caty McNally (USA)

Court 8 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Yannick Hanfmann (GER) vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (FRA)

• Kimberly Birrell (AUS) vs. Alina Korneeva

• Oksana Selekhmeteva vs. Sinja Kraus (AUT)

• Alex Molcan (SVK) vs. Daniel Altmaier (GER)

Court 9 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Sho Shimabukuro (JPN) vs. Jaime Faria (POR)

• Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) vs. Maria Timofeeva

• Corentin Moutet (FRA) vs. Marcos Giron (USA)

• Polina Kudermetova vs. Liudmila Samsonova

Court 11 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Petra Marcinko (CRO) vs. Sofia Kenin (USA)

• Mattia Bellucci (ITA) vs. Zachary Svajda (USA)

• Patrick Kypson (USA) vs. Mackenzie McDonald (USA)

• Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) vs. Mariam Bolkvadze (GEO)

Court 14 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Valentin Royer (FRA) vs. Harry Wendelken (GBR)

• Jaume Munar (ESP) vs. No. 18 Francisco Cerundolo (ARG)

• No. 25 Elise Mertens (BEL) vs. Laura Siegemund (GER)

• No. 15 Diana Shnaider vs. Eva Lys (GER)

Court 15 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Maria Sakkari (GRE) vs. No. 24 Clara Tauson (DEN)

• Alex Michelsen (USA) vs. Jacob Fearnley (GBR)

• Raphael Collignon (BEL) vs. No. 20 Arthur Fils (FRA)

• Ashlyn Krueger (USA) vs. No. 31 Donna Vekic (CRO)

Court 16 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) vs. Katie Swan (GBR)

• Damir Dzumhur (BIH) vs. Arthur Fery (GBR)

• No. 23 Emma Navarro (USA) vs. Paula Badosa (ESP)

• Vit Kopriva (CZE) vs. Jan Choinski (GBR)

Court 17 – 6:00 a.m. EDT

• Talia Gibson (AUS) vs. No. 21 Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

• No. 27 Ugo Humbert (FRA) vs. Zizou Bergs (BEL)

• No. 18 Sorana Cirstea (ROU) vs. Sara Bejlek (CZE)

• No. 13 Jiri Lehecka (CZE) vs. Alexei Popyrin (AUS)

Wimbledon 2026 seeds:

2026 Wimbledon men’s seeds

1. Jannik Sinner

2. Alexander Zverev

3. Felix Auger-Aliassime

4. Ben Shelton

5. Alex de Minaur

6. Taylor Fritz

7. Novak Djokovic

8. Daniil Medvedev

9. Flavio Cobolli

10. Alexander Bublik

11. Casper Ruud

12. Andrey Rublev

13. Jiri Lehecka

14. Luciano Darderi

15. Jakub Mensik

16. Learner Tien

17. Frances Tiafoe

18. Francisco Cerundolo

19. Karen Khachanov

20. Arthur Fils

21. Tommy Paul

22. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

23. Rafael Jodar

24. Joao Fonseca

25. Arthur Rinderknech

26. Cameron Norrie

27. Ugo Humbert

28. Brandon Nakashima

29. Tomas Martin Etcheverry

30. Alejandro Tabilo

31. Ignacio Buse

32. Matteo Arnaldi

Wimbledon 2026 women’s seeds

1. Aryna Sabalenka

2. Elena Rybakina

3. Iga Swiatek

4. Jessica Pegula

5. Mirra Andreeva

6. Amanda Anisimova

7. Coco Gauff

8. Elina Svitolina

9. Linda Noskova

10. Karolina Muchova

11. Belinda Bencic

12. Marta Kostyuk

13. Jasmine Paolini

14. Naomi Osaka

15. Diana Shnaider

16. Iva Jovic

17. Sorana Cirstea

18. Ekaterina Alexandrova

19. Anna Kalinskaya

20. Maja Chwalinska

21. Marie Bouzkova

22. Leylah Fernandez

23. Emma Navarro

24. Clara Tauson

25. Elise Mertens

26. Madison Keys

27. Anastasia Potapova

28. Ann Li

29. Alexandra Eala

30. Emma Raducanu

31. Donna Vekic

32. Katerina Siniakova

More ways to watch Wimbledon in 2026: 

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, June 28, 2026, 1:35 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing off against the Cincinnati Reds in the finale of a three-game weekend set at PNC Park

The Pirates are handing the ball off to Mitch Keller to close out the series. Keller pitched six innings in his last start against the Seattle Mariners earlier in the homestand. He performed well, pitching six innings and giving up just three runs, but the offense did not give him enough run support. Keller took a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning, but a home run from second baseman Cole Young changed the entire tone of the start and game as a whole.

Keller picked up a loss in a game he could have won, especially if Don Kelly swapped him out after the sixth inning. However, the fact that he was trusted to go into the seventh is a good sign for what Keller can do against the Reds.

Cincinnati is trotting out Brady Singer, who is 3-6 with a 4.81 ERA in his second season with the Reds. In his last start, Singer pitched seven innings against the Milwaukee Brewers without giving up a run, but the Reds still lost 2-1 in 10 innings. Now, Singer hopes to continue his momentum against the Pirates.

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Brady Singer (3-6, 4.81 ERA) vs. Mitch Keller (5-5, 4.89 ERA)

BD community, chime off in the comments section below.

Nikola Jovic: ‘Ever since I arrived in Miami, I have been in trade rumors for Kevin Durant twice. Yes, twice for KD. For Kyrie Irving twice. For Damian Lillard, it was already a done deal because Lillard publicly stated that he wanted to come to Miami. It was like, 'I want Miami,' and that was it. For Lillard! And now most recently, I was in there for Giannis. I have been in seven or eight trade rumors already. Me and my brother Tyler Herro. I mean, my brother Tyler Herro, what he has endured, it is nowhere else! In the end, he didn’t survive, but I mean, he survived a long time. He truly was in every single trade rumor, every single one, which surely is not easy. You play for a club and you read this, and you are one of the main players. You are a young player on the rise, truly an incredible, great guy and an incredible player, but you read every summer: 'He is not good enough. We need someone new and a bigger star.' It surely was not easy for him.’

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Nikola Jovic says Tyler Herro was in 'every single' Heat trade rumor

Cedric Maxwell: I’m a huge Jaylen Brown fan. Let's start there. I would that you would lose him, but I understand that there's some business aspects that come into play. If I was the Celtics right now, I'd want a hell of a package for him because Jaylen Brown was one of the top 10 players, one of the top seven players in the NBA last year. He became All-NBA. And one thing he said, I am right now the best two-way player in the NBA other than, that the alien down in San Antonio.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cedric Maxwell: If I was the Celtics right now, I'd want a hell of a package for Jaylen Brown

Patrick Beverley: I can never disrespect Dwyane Wade, but if you ask me an honest question of who's better, I'm not just going to be on some like ignorant sh*t. Like I'mma go like, "Oh, James Harden is better." Like he's a better scorer. He's a better passer. He shoots the three better. He gets to the free throw line more. He has more triple-doubles. He has scored the more opponents. He has more MVPs. He's never missed the playoffs, more playoffs experience. And the more… I mean, Wade has a ring, that makes him better? Like, nah. So, that's just my opinion.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Patrick Beverley: James Harden is better than Dwyane Wade

Patrick Beverley when he asked out of the Clippers: ‘I text Kawhi Leonard like, "Yo, I'm just letting you know I asked for a trade, you one of my closest dudes on the team. I text Kawhi. I text Paul George. I text Marcus Morris. I'm just letting you know. I ask for, it's time for extension. Kawhi say, "I call you back." All right. I go up to my room. Never forget this. We in like I think we in the Wynn hotel, like in a meeting area. I go up to my room. Come back. My agent called me like, "Yo, come back down. They got a different offer." In my mind, he they don't even know I talked to Kawhi. I'm already knowing the play. Kawhi done call them like, "Man, what is y'all doing? Make that offer past eight million.” I come back down. So, they got eight or nine million on the table. I said, "I for sure want to leave now."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Patrick Beverley recalls asking out of the Clippers, says Kawhi Leonard tried to keep him

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver A.J. Brown have yet to connect on the field, but they are already looked at as being the most lethal QB-receiver duo in the NFL.

According to NFL.com’s Matt Okada, Maye and Brown are the top QB-pass catcher tandem in the league.

”Maye was a couple votes from winning NFL MVP last year despite lacking in weaponry,” Okada said. “Now he has a true No. 1 receiver in Brown, who logged consecutive 1,400-yard seasons before tensions and discontent rose in Philly. He's a great fit for Maye's arm and Josh McDaniels' offense. I expect the combo to thrive after this win-win union in New England.”

Maye is a 4,000-yard passer while Brown is a 1,000-yard receiver. Both are among the best players at their respective positions in the league and are in a system in New England that will foster a fruitful connection between the two.

Brown will benefit from Maye’s ability to get the ball down the field, while the three-time second-team All-Pro wide receiver will give Maye, last season’s AP NFL MVP runner-up, a powerful, versatile target to look to in all three phases of the field. Maye and Brown are both likely to have prolific seasons again in 2026, even beyond their production from last season.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Are Drake Maye and A.J. Brown the NFL’s most lethal QB-receiver duo?

Ready to Move Up

“Next fight will be (shorter). Be ready.”

After scoring a knockout win in eight seconds, Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev hopes for an even bigger fight next time out. #UFCBaku

Complete Prelim Results ➡️ https://t.co/uFmdQqejLwpic.twitter.com/RtUfuMcT9M— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 27, 2026

Liverpool continue to target RB Leipzig and Cote d’Ivoire winger Yan Diomande, with the talented 19-year-old the top wing target as the Reds seek to do the seemingly impossible and replace departed Premier League legend Mohamed Salah ahead of the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

However, they aren’t the only club interested, with Paris Saint-Germain regularly linked with Diomande and conflicting reports regarding where exactly things stand in the race. Most, though, think Liverpool are favourites and the biggest potential stumbling block is agreeing a fee with Leipzig.

Today we might have at least a hint of clarity on the PSG front, with French football expert Fabrice Hawkins saying while the Parisian sportswashers are interested in Diomande, they haven’t made a formal approach yet and would only consider one if the player signalled they were his first choice.

If things were to change PSG would move quickly to try to secure his service, but for the time being they’re watching and waiting—and, it seems fair to infer, they are not Diomande’s top choice. Whether that means Liverpool is or if Diomande is happy to join either is a different question.

It’s Liverpool, though, who have made a formal approach and a first bid of around €100M. And it’s Liverpool who are soon expected to make another. They would not have done so without encouragement from Diomande’s camp that he would join if they can reach an agreement with Leipzig.

While nothing is certain in the land of transfers until the deal is signed and the player is leaning, all of that is clearly positive from Liverpool’s point of view—as is news that PSG so far are content to watch, to wait, and to monitor rather than actively moving to try to close a deal for Diomande.

The group stages of the first 48-team World Cup ended in a flurry of goals -- a fitting conclusion to an eye-catching first round. 

The opening phase of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States witnessed a record 215 goals, at a higher rate per match -- 2.99 -- than any World Cup since the 1950s.

AFP Sport looks at what is behind the staggering numbers.

Golden Boot race

The race for the Golden Boot is often a sideshow, but this time it is anything but.

The world's elite forwards are driving each other on in a captivating battle to finish as top scorer.

Lionel Messi leads the way with six goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland, who have four apiece. 

The long-standing single-tournament record of 13 goals set in 1958 by France's Just Fontaine appears vulnerable but this is a tournament for records.

Messi, who did not start against Jordan on Saturday, now has 19 goals over six World Cups after adding to his tally in Argentina's 3-1 win against Jordan.

Wobbly ball?

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart believes the Adidas Trionda ball is proving difficult to handle.

Hart said goalkeepers were struggling with flatter shots, with less spin.

"The calculation isn't quite there," he told the BBC. "I feel like the ball's coming on to the guys a little bit quicker than it looks off the foot." 

But he said the Jabulani used at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was a whole different ball game.

"That Jabulani was a frightening football and it was really hard to control, but once they did get it on target, obviously you knew they'd crush it."

New format?

The World Cup includes 48 teams for the first time -- up from 32 at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The expansion has led to mismatches, allowing top players to exploit weaker defences, but it is still difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

Germany ran riot against Curacao in their opening match, winning 7-1, but fellow newcomers Cape Verde defied the odds to draw against European champions Spain and made it out of their group.

And big blowouts are not unheard of. 

Spain hammered Costa Rica 7-0 in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup while England beat Iran 6-2.

Another potential factor is that the stakes are lower at the start of the group stage, especially for the big teams, with 32 teams making it through to the knockouts.

That may have contributed to more open, risky football in the opening matches.

Super subs

Substitutes have made an outsized impact at the World Cup, scoring dozens of goals.

Teams were first allowed to use replacements at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, but only two, with the number edging steadily upwards.

From the 2022 tournament, teams were allowed to make five changes -- plus one in extra time of knockout games.

The extra substitutions, plus the expanded 26-man squads introduced four years ago, mean coaches can inject fresh energy. 

Germany's Deniz Undav came off the bench when his team were 1-0 down against Ivory Coast, scoring two late goals to secure the win.

Defensive blunders

Ellyes Skhiri's own goal in Tunisia's game with the Netherlands was the 12th scored at the 2026 World Cup, equalling the record set in 2018.

And there is a long list of other high-profile defensive and goalkeeping errors, many of which have led directly to opposition chances.

In the opening match of the tournament, South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole was dispossessed on the edge of his own penalty area, allowing Julian Quinones to score for Mexico. 

Two of Iraq's three goalkeepers made costly mistakes leading to goals, and Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera asked to be replaced at half-time against Spain after a huge blunder.

jw/nf

Football is not played on paper. But until the real games begin in September, that's all we have to go on.

That's also where the Carolina Panthers have improved a great deal this offseason, particularly on their defensive depth chart. They've welcomed in a few big free-agent signees in linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, drafted standout Texas Tech lineman Lee Hunter and are expecting some second-year leaps from pass rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

And when you mix all of that in with the formidable presences that were already there, then the Panthers may have a top-10 defense in 2026—at least according to ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes . . .

On paper, the Carolina Panthers defense looks like one of the most improved units in football… pic.twitter.com/bhIciTjbDj

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) June 26, 2026

Carolina's defense is headed by their Pro Bowlers in tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn. The group has also seen defensive backs Tre'von Moehrig and Mike Jackson, who led the league with 19 passes defensed in 2025, establish themselves as key cogs to the machine.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero used all those pieces to take a substantial step forward from 2024, when the Panthers broke the single-season record for most points allowed. Carolina went from the 32nd overall defense from that year to 16th this past season, helping lead to the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2017.

If Brown and Horn can keep healthy, then the Panthers could actually have a top-10 unit—on paper and on the field.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Improved Panthers defense receives high praise from top NFL analyst

Betfred Super League

Wakefield (16) 29

Tries: Johnstone, McMeeken, Sinfield, Rourke 2 Goals: Jowitt 4 Drop goals: Sinfield

Huddersfield (12) 23

Tries: Gagai, Geyer, O'Donnell, Swift Goals: Flanagan Jr 3 Drop goals: Russell

Josh Rourke scored a last-ditch interception try to give Wakefield a win in a topsy-turvy encounter with Super League's bottom side Huddersfield Giants.

Olly Russell kicked a drop-goal for the visitors to level the match with one minute to go that looked sure to send the game to golden point, but the scrum-half then threw a pass which Rourke picked off and carried over the line to secure a win for the hosts.

Trinity had raced into a 10-0 lead thanks to tries from Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken but the visitors fought back through tries from Jacob Gagai and Cole Geyer.

Jack Sinfield restored Trinity's advantage before the break but Asher O'Donnell barged his way over just after the restart to put the Giants back in front.

A Max Jowitt penalty levelled it before Rourke did well to get in at the corner and put Wakefield back in front, only for Adam Swift to touch down to get the away side level.

Russell landed a drop-goal to match Sinfield's effort but there was time for more drama and heartbreak for the Giants, who have now lost nine successive games.

Wakefield moved back up to fourth in the table, four points clear of seventh-placed Leigh Leopards.

Giants show grit but winless run goes on

On the back of eight straight losses things could hardly have got off to a worse start for the Giants when Johnstone got in at the corner and prop McMeeken then dotted down, after Rourke flicked Jake Trueman's kick back.

However, they did not go under and two solo efforts in four minutes from Gagai and Geyer saw them turn the match on its head for the first time.

Sinfield's first Super League try since joining from Leeds in the off-season gave Wakefield a 16-12 lead at the break, but Russell kicked a 40/20 in the first play of the second half and O'Donnell crashed over.

Huddersfield, who were looking for a first wince since 4 April, could not hold on to their narrow lead as Jowitt kicked a penalty after a high shot on McMeeken to level and Rourke held off the attentions of three players to get in at the corner.

The visitors fought back once more when Swift cut in off the left edge and grounded the ball to make it 22-22.

Sinfield's drop-goal nudged Wakefield back into the lead before Russell's long ranger levelled the scores yet again.

But the former Trinity man was left desolate when his pass was grabbed by Rourke who managed to get away from the chasers and win it.

Huddersfield will raise the curtain on Magic Weekend when they play York Knights at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday, with Daryl Powell's men playing his former side Castleford in Sunday's first match.

Wakefield: Jowitt, Rourke, Scott, Pitts Johnstone, Sinfield, Trueman, Tevaga, Vagana, Nikotemo, Rodwell, Smoothy, McMeeken.

Interchanges: Hamlin-Uele, Smith, Lolesio, Tate.

Huddersfield: Flanagan Jr, Swift, Jagger, Gagai, Milne, Lolohea, Russell, Powell, Dunford, O'Donnell, Rogers, Rush, Patolo.

Interchanges: English, King, Cozza, Geyer.

What is Bafana Bafana? Why South Africa at World Cup goes by nickname originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

South Africa has never been to this stage of a World Cup before.

They stunned South Korea to advance to the Round of 32, and Bafana Bafana will take on Canada on Sunday.

Every step from here would be more potential history for South Africa.

And along the way, they're commonly referred to by that nickname, Bafana Bafana.

It's actually pretty simple, but linguistically, it's a pretty cool identity.

What is Bafana Bafana?

Bafana Bafana is a nickname for the South African men's national team.

It's actually from the Zulu language.

The translation: "Young men."

It's a very strong identify for this sporting group. Even their official social media accounts use the nomenclature:

🚨 MATCH DAY!! 🚨

⚽️ Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦 vs Canada 🇨🇦
📅 Sunday, 28 June 2026
​🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium
🕕 Kick-off: 21:00pm SA Time
🖥 SABC 1/3 & SABC+#Fifaworldcup#BafanaPride#BafanaBafanapic.twitter.com/6JIbJIHBHv

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 28, 2026

MORE: With Messi, history and magic go hand in hand

Many of the world's national teams have nicknames like these, in their native language, that become a full-on identity.

South Africa rarely gets to show such an identity on such a stage. The 2010 World Cup hosts were in the spotlight then, and now they have a new spotlight.

The only World Cup match on Sunday is South Africa against Canada.

Bafana Bafana will be hoping to make more history.

More FIFA World Cup news:

• USA, England can meet on the biggest World Cup stage
• Why Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World Cup
• Eloy Room leads Curacao to astounding World Cup history
• It had to be Mo Salah for Egypt
• Lamine Yamal outdoes Messi, Ronaldo in historic moment for Spanish wunderkind

Polymarket Promo Code TSNEWS: Grab $50 Bonus for Canada-South Africa, Knockout Round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Let's cut to the chase—there is nothing better than knockout soccer, especially when we have a real chance to build our bankrolls. If you are gearing up to wager on today's thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash between South Africa and Canada, locking in the Polymarket promo code TSNEWS is your best opening move. Right now, new customers can secure a fantastic $50 bonus simply by signing up here and making an initial deposit of at least $20.

Whether you want to back a side in today's showdown or deploy those bonus funds across other high-stakes World Cup knockout games this week, this welcome offer sets you up for success.

Polymarket Promo Code TSNEWS for the World Cup Knockout Round

Here is a quick snapshot of the welcome offer we are targeting ahead of the South Africa vs. Canada matchup:

Offer Overview

We are always looking for an edge, and adding a bit of padding to the bankroll is a foundational strategy. I absolutely love finding value like this, because there is nothing quite like chasing a nice pay day with extra funds. By registering today, new Polymarket customers can claim a $50 sign-up bonus to use on this massive win-or-go-home matchup.

Securing this offer is a breeze. To unlock your $50 bonus, you just need to create a new account and make a first-time deposit of at least $20. Keep in mind that this promotion is strictly reserved for first-time users, and you must be 18+ and physically located in an eligible US state to qualify.

Once your deposit clears, your bonus funds will be ready to roll. I'll be looking to use my bonus on South Africa, Canada, or a handful of other exciting knockout matches taking place throughout the tournament.

Probabilities for Canada-South Africa

When we are handicapping a tight tournament match, checking the market's implied probability is the smartest way to identify where the real value sits. Since soccer matches can end in a draw after regulation time, we have to look at all three potential outcomes. Let's break down the pre-match percentages:

Signing Up with the Polymarket Promo Code

Claiming this welcome offer before kickoff is a quick and simple process. We're in this together, so just follow these steps to ensure you lock in your $50 bonus without a hitch:

1. Register Your Account: Begin the sign-up process here by entering your standard personal information, including your name, email address, and date of birth.
2. Verify Your Identity: Submit a valid proof of identification to securely verify your new account.
3. Apply the Promo Code: When prompted during registration, enter the promo code TSNEWS to opt into the welcome offer.
4. Make a Qualifying Deposit: Complete a first-time deposit of at least $20 into your account.

Once your initial deposit hits your account, that $50 sign-up bonus will be activated and ready to use.

Earlier today, we reported that all 15 of Arsenal’s World Cup representatives had successfully negotiated the group stage to reach the Round of 32. Now the real business begins.

The knockout rounds get underway on Monday, with every Arsenal player still dreaming of lifting football’s biggest prize. From Brazil and England to Spain and Belgium, Gooners will have plenty of reasons to tune in over the coming days.

Here’s where you can catch every Arsenal player in action.

Monday, June 29

Brazil (Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Martinelli) vs JapanHouston | 6pm (UK)

Brazil topped their group unbeaten and now face one of the tournament’s surprise packages in Japan. Gabriel has started all three matches so far, while Martinelli will be hoping for more minutes after making two substitute appearances.

Germany (Kai Havertz) vs ParaguayFoxborough | 9.30pm (UK)

Germany will be looking to bounce back after their final group-stage defeat to Ecuador. Havertz has enjoyed an impressive tournament so far, scoring twice in his three starts.

Tuesday, June 30

Norway (Martin Ødegaard) vs Ivory CoastDallas | 6pm (UK)

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard returns after being rested for Norway’s final group game against France, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

France (William Saliba) vs Sweden (Viktor Gyökeres)New York/New Jersey | 10pm (UK)

One Arsenal player is guaranteed to progress from this fascinating encounter. Saliba was rested in France’s final group match, while Gyökeres has played every minute for Sweden and already has a goal to his name.

(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Wednesday, July 1

Mexico vs Ecuador (Piero Hincapié)Mexico City | 2am (UK)

Hincapié has been one of Ecuador’s standout performers, helping his country recover from a difficult start to qualify for the knockout rounds.

England (Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze) vs DR CongoAtlanta | 5pm (UK)

England head into the knockout stages as Group L winners. Saka registered an assist against Panama in the final group game, while Rice is expected to return after being rested. Madueke has featured in all three group matches, with Eze also making two appearances from the bench.

Belgium (Leandro Trossard) vs SenegalSeattle | 9pm (UK)

Fresh from scoring twice against New Zealand, Trossard will be hoping to continue his excellent form as Belgium begin their knockout campaign.

Thursday, July 2

Spain (Mikel Merino, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi) vs AustriaLos Angeles | 8pm (UK)

Spain finished top of their group and will be favourites to progress. Merino has featured in all three group games, while Raya and Zubimendi are still waiting for their first minutes of the tournament.

With 15 Arsenal players still involved, Gooners have plenty to look forward to over the next four days. By Thursday night, we’ll know exactly how many members of Mikel Arteta’s squad remain on course to become world champions.

Which Arsenal player do you think will have the biggest impact in the Round of 32, Gooners? And how many of our 15 representatives do you think will still be standing after the knockout round? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

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More Stories / Latest News

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28 June 2026, 17:30

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Chelsea agree terms with Arsenal favourite as Xabi Alonso eyes reunion

28 June 2026, 15:30

Todd Graves is putting his money where his mission is. The Raising Cane’s founder returned to the Manning Passing Academy for the fifth consecutive year, presenting a $25,000 donation to support one of the country’s premier football camps while spending time mentoring some of the sport’s most promising young quarterbacks.

The contribution was made during the 30th Annual Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, where Graves joined longtime friends Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning in celebrating three decades of developing the next generation of athletes.

Todd Graves Donates $25,000 To Support Young Athletes

During the academy’s annual Friday Night Lights showcase, Graves presented an oversized $25,000 check to the Manning Passing Academy Foundation. The donation marks his fifth consecutive year as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, bringing his total contributions to the program to $125,000.

Since its founding in 1996, the academy has helped more than 30,000 young athletes improve their football skills while emphasizing leadership, character, and personal development.

Beyond the donation, Graves spent much of the day interacting directly with campers and coaches. Using the Raising Cane’s Food Truck, he served Chicken Finger meals while sharing lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey.

Among the notable quarterbacks in attendance were Texas standout Arch Manning, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, Tennessee’s George MacIntyre, Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita.

Graves encouraged participants to dream big, work hard, and maintain a mindset that no one would outwork them.

Arizona Quarterback Noah Fifita Won Free Cane’s For A Year

One of the weekend’s most memorable moments came during the Raising Cane’s Quarterback Long Shot Challenge. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita emerged victorious after showcasing both arm strength and accuracy against fellow competitors.

His reward included free Raising Cane’s for a year, along with exclusive merchandise from the popular restaurant chain.

Todd Graves And The Manning Family Share A Longstanding Friendship

The event also highlighted the decades-long relationship between Graves and the Manning family. Archie Manning has frequently served as both a mentor and source of inspiration for the entrepreneur, helping shape his approach to leadership and community involvement.

Over the years, that relationship has evolved into a close friendship with the entire Manning family, united by a shared commitment to giving back and helping young people succeed.

The connection feels particularly fitting this year as both Raising Cane’s and the Manning Passing Academy celebrate their 30th anniversaries. What began as a single restaurant near LSU’s campus in 1996 has grown into a global brand with more than 1,000 locations, while the academy has become one of the nation’s premier training grounds for aspiring football players.

For Graves, the annual visit is about more than football. It’s about investing in the next generation and reminding young athletes that success, whether in sports or business, starts with hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to dream big.

Giving Back Has Long Been Part Of Todd Graves’ Mission

Supporting the Manning Passing Academy is just the latest example of Graves’ long-standing commitment to philanthropy and investing in meaningful causes.

In April 2025, the Raising Cane’s founder partnered with country music superstar Luke Bryan to celebrate a landmark $1 million donation to The Brett Boyer Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing research and awareness for congenital heart defects and Down syndrome.

The foundation was established in 2017 by Bryan, his wife Caroline, and Caroline’s parents, Ellen and Bo Boyer, in honor of Sadie Brett Boyer. Diagnosed before birth with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, Sadie Brett touched countless lives during her seven months before passing away.

At the time, Graves praised the foundation’s mission and emphasized the importance of using success to create opportunities and support families facing difficult circumstances.

Todd Graves Has Made Giving Back A Cornerstone Of His Legacy

The donation reflected a philosophy that has become central to Graves’ leadership both inside and outside of Raising Cane’s. Whether supporting children’s health initiatives, educational programs, community organizations, or youth sports, Graves has consistently used his platform and resources to give back to causes that make a lasting impact.

His continued support of the Manning Passing Academy follows that same approach, helping provide young athletes with opportunities to grow as leaders, competitors, and future role models both on and off the field.

The Todd Graves Honors 30-Year Friendship With Manning Family Through $25,000 Donation first appeared on The Blast

Much of the focus after Richard McEvoy won the 2018 Porsche European Open was on the ‘classless’ actions of Bryson DeChambeau as he departed the 18th green.

DeChambeau threw away a golden opportunity to secure his first victory on the European Tour in Germany. The American was 11 under par with four holes to play. He was looking to become the third player from his country to lift the title, after Bobby Wadkins and Tom Kite.

However, DeChambeau fell apart over the final stages. He was five over par for the last four holes, with a triple bogey coming on the last to really add insult to injury.

That meant that when Richard McEvoy made a birdie on the 72nd hole, he was able to celebrate his first ever victory on the European Tour.

Bryson DeChambeau was no stranger to having to issue an apology

Remarkably, he had won on the Challenge Tour – the second tier of European golf – just the previous week. It was the first time since 2010 that a player had achieved the feat of winning on both tours in successive weeks.

Nevertheless, DeChambeau was in no mood to celebrate with the journeyman. The pair exchanged the briefest of handshakes before DeChambeau swiftly stormed off the green, clearly frustrated with his own performance as he ended up in a tie for 13th.

He would have found himself in a playoff with McEvoy had he played the last four holes in level par.

DeChambeau had already come in for criticism for a previous mistake in a European Tour event. As an amateur at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in 2016, DeChambeau decided against helping Andy Sullivan look for his ball in a group that also included Rory McIlroy.

Unfortunately, the search party was unable to find Sullivan’s ball, so he had to go back to the tee.

DeChambeau would later apologise, as reported by Sky Sports, insisting that he had assumed that the Englishman’s ball had gone straight into the water.

So perhaps that helps explain why some were not impressed by his conduct two years later in Germany.

Eddie Pepperell took to X to label the handshake ‘classless’.

And it seems that DeChambeau would agree, as he soon issued an apology on Instagram.

He wrote: ‘I apologize to Richard McEvoy and the fans for my brevity on 18. He is a class act, worthy champion and I enjoyed playing with him the past two days.’

What Richard McEvoy really thought of playing alongside Bryson DeChambeau at the 2018 European Open

McEvoy was 39 at the time of his victory. Unfortunately, the 2018 season would prove to be the final year he made more than half of his cuts on the European Tour.

His best finish after that week came at the 2022 Catalunya Championship as he finished tied for third, alongside Laurie Canter and Adrian Meronk. Both men would subsequently join Bryson DeChambeau on LIV Golf.

Interestingly, one person who was not offended by DeChambeau that day was McEvoy himself.

As he told National Club Golfer later on in 2018, he felt that it was very much a storm in a teacup.

“He got a lot of stick for it but there was no need for it,” he said.

“At the end of the day he shook my hand and said congratulations. I didn’t actually take anything of it in as I was in my own zone having won my first event. Then I saw that he was getting a lot of stick, people thought he hadn’t even shaken my hand but it was just a camera angle.”

McEvoy also suggested that he enjoyed the experience of playing alongside DeChambeau over the weekend.

“We chatted a lot on the Saturday and got on really well, just about how the tours worked and life in general. On Sunday there was a bit less chat but I liked him, he’s a very different individual but a really nice guy,” he added.

DeChambeau is never going to be a player that everyone in the game likes. He has such a unique style in how he plays and how he conducts himself that it is never going to be for everyone.

But he deserves credit for often holding his hands up when he makes a mistake. Clearly, McEvoy did not even feel that his apology eight years ago was necessary.

Fenerbahce are exploring an ambitious summer move for West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen as part of a significant squad overhaul in Istanbul. The Turkish giants missed out on the Super Lig title to fierce rivals Galatasaray and are determined to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season in search of a first Turkish crown since 2014. The opportunity to target Bowen arises from the changing landscape at the London Stadium. Following West Ham’s relegation to the EFL Championship, the Hammers face the prospect of losing several key players. While West Ham are eager to retain their star forward to spearhead an immediate promotion push under Nuno Espirito Santo, they know a summer departure for Bowen is more than likely.

Nonetheless, a swoop for the 29-year-old attacker would require a significant commitment from the Fenerbahce board. West Ham are seeking around £50m to part ways with their talisman, who remains under contract until June 2030. Furthermore, Fenerbahce will need to fend off competition from the Premier League, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton all reported to be interested in the ‘unbelievable’ winger. For Bowen, staying in England is preferred to preserve his international prospects under Thomas Tuchel.

However, the allure of a lucrative move to Istanbul, combined with the prospect of regular European football, presents a compelling alternative to a gruelling 46-game Championship campaign. Further developments regarding the winger’s future are expected once West Ham finalise the exit of Mateus Fernandes, who is wanted by both Manchester United and Tottenham. West Ham have placed an £85m price tag on the midfielder and are holding out for the highest possible fee before sanctioning a sale.

Welcome to the Bavarian Football Works daily Men’s World Cup match thread! Every day during this tournament we will have a feature thread for discussion of the day’s matchups.

The group stages are done and dusted…and it’s the first day of the knockouts. Just one match today:

• South Africa vs. Canada (3:00 PM EDT)

Yesterday’s results:

• Panama 0-2 England
• Croatia 2-1 Ghana
• Colombia 0-0 Portugal
• DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan
• Algeria 3-3 Austria
• Jordan 1-3 Argentina

Predictions

Just for fun! Drop yours below.

• South Africa 1-2 Canada a.e.t

Bonus: Alphonso Davies enters the match in the 65th minute and assists the winning goal.

And most importantly he doesn’t get injured. Manifesting!

Reading and listening

• ✍️ The Athletic: How the love of the diaspora has helped give this World Cup soul
• ✍️ The Guardian: Maybe this World Cup will bring the best out of the US, not the worst
• ✍️ The Guardian: ‘You better remember where you were watching’: 30 years on from England’s loss to Germany at Euro 96

Odds and Ends

This is such a shame. You can read more about what Lumumba Vea represents here.

Damned by the data:

How about this view of Algeria’s final goal:

How to Watch

TV/streaming: Fox One (USA), Peacock (USA en Español), Find Your Country

Tips for commenting:

1. If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself! We’re mostly very friendly! Also, we’re from all parts of the world so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.
2. Use the on-screen “Refresh comments” button to periodically load new comments.
3. Keep the sorting to “newest” to easily follow the conversation. It puts the newest comments at the top.
4. While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities. Racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language is not allowed whatsoever.

Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!

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Man Utd face anxious wait as Ugarte injury raises transfer uncertainty

Manchester United’s summer plans have been thrown into fresh uncertainty – according to the Daily Mail – after Manuel Ugarte suffered a worrying knee injury while representing Uruguay, leaving the club awaiting the results of medical assessments before determining both his recovery timeline and any potential impact on their transfer strategy.

The midfielder was forced off on a stretcher during Uruguay’s defeat to Spain in Guadalajara after appearing to twist his left knee. His emotional reaction as he left the pitch immediately fuelled fears that the injury could be more serious than first hoped.

With Man Utd already reshaping their midfield this summer, the outcome of Ugarte’s injury assessment could have significant implications beyond the player’s immediate rehabilitation.

Photo IMAGO

Ugarte injury leaves Man Utd awaiting answers

Few moments during the international window will have caused more concern inside Old Trafford than seeing Ugarte depart the pitch in tears.

The 25-year-old appeared to awkwardly twist his left knee before collapsing, requiring lengthy treatment before being carried from the field on a stretcher. Although the full extent of the injury remains unknown, early fears naturally centred on possible ligament damage.

Man Utd quickly issued an update through the club’s official website, saying:

“Unfortunately, our midfielder had to leave the pitch in some distress on a stretcher shortly before half-time, to be replaced by Nicolas de la Cruz, and the extent of his injury is yet to be determined. We wish Manu a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in action soon.”

That statement reflected the uncertainty surrounding the situation, with further scans expected to determine how long the Uruguay international may be unavailable.

Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain also brought Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s tournament to an end, although the result itself was quickly overshadowed by concern surrounding Ugarte’s condition.

Original reporting of these developments came via the Daily Mail.

Midfield rebuild continues despite setback

Regardless of the injury outcome, Man Utd have already committed to reshaping their midfield options during the current transfer window.

Ugarte endured a frustrating campaign after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £50.5 million two years ago. He managed only 10 starts across all competitions last season as Ruben Amorim regularly preferred Bruno Fernandes alongside Casemiro in central midfield before Michael Carrick restored Kobbie Mainoo to a more prominent role next to the experienced Brazilian.

Casemiro’s departure as a free agent has accelerated United’s recruitment plans.

The club have already agreed a £39 million deal with Atalanta for Ederson, with the Brazilian expected to complete his move after returning from the World Cup. Discussions also continue with West Ham over Mateus Fernandes, who is valued between £80 million and £85 million.

Competition for Fernandes remains strong, with Tottenham also involved in negotiations, although reports suggest agreeing personal terms with the player is unlikely to prove difficult.

Transfer plans could hinge on recovery timeline

Before this latest injury, Ugarte had been viewed as one of several players who could potentially leave Old Trafford should an acceptable offer arrive.

His limited involvement last season meant United were understood to be open to listening to bids as they sought to create additional flexibility within their transfer budget.

That situation may now change entirely.

Should Ugarte face an extended spell on the sidelines, potential buyers are likely to delay any interest until his fitness is fully established. That would remove one possible source of transfer income at a time when United are attempting to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.

Reports indicate the club had ambitions to recruit another central midfielder beyond Ederson and Fernandes if finances allowed. Those plans may now require reassessment, particularly with further additions also being considered in wide attacking areas and for the goalkeeping department.

Without income from player sales, every major decision becomes more finely balanced.

Financial protection offers limited reassurance

There is at least one safeguard available should Ugarte face a lengthy absence.

Because the injury occurred while representing Uruguay, Man Utd would be eligible to claim compensation through FIFA’s Club Protection Programme.

The scheme reimburses clubs for a proportion of a player’s salary during extended absences sustained on international duty, with payments reaching up to £120,000 per week in qualifying cases.

While that financial support eases part of the burden, it cannot replace the sporting value of having a fully fit squad available throughout a demanding campaign.

For now, United’s priority remains understanding the seriousness of Ugarte’s injury. Medical examinations over the coming days will determine whether this proves to be a short interruption or a setback capable of influencing both the player’s future and Man Utd’s wider transfer strategy during a pivotal summer.

Saracens: (26) 52

Tries: Omokhuale, Packer 2, Gregson, Breach 2, Corrigan, Harrison Cons: Harrison 6

Trailfinders: (0) 14

Tries: Montiel, Burton Cons: Inman 2

Marlie Packer scored two tries on her final Saracens appearance as the north London side secured a record fourth league title with a comprehensive 52-14 win over first-time finalists Trailfinders at Twickenham Stoop.

Former England captain Packer, who is joining Harlequins next season after nine years with Saracens, grabbed her double in eight first-half minutes as Alex Austerberry's side dominated their London rivals in the Premiership Women's Rugby final.

Saracens scored four tries to lead 26-0 at half-time and added four more after the break, with England star Jess Breach's second-half solo effort perhaps the pick of the scores.

After winning the league - then known as the Premier 15s - in 2018, 2019 and 2022, Saracens overtake Gloucester-Hartpury as the most successful side in English women's rugby.

Trailfinders, who only joined the league in 2023, beat defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in back-to-back matches to make the play-offs and then the final.

The west Londoners had never beaten Saracens in eight matches, but Barney Maddison's side had belief they could end that dismal record given their form since the turn of the year.

But up against the likes of two-time World Cup winner Packer, current world player of the year Sophie de Goede, England's player of the season Zoe Harrison and the league's player of the season Olivia Apps, Trailfinders were outclassed in ruthless fashion.

They showed plenty of heart and determination but the gulf in quality was clear as Saracens - who finished 25 points ahead of them in the regular season - claimed a deserved victory to make amends for last season's final defeat.

• Watch PWR final: Three-time champions Saracens v first-time finalists Trailfinders

Stung by their 2025 defeat by Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens have been on a mission all season to regain the title.

The outcome of the final was in little doubt after Canada's Julia Omokhuale crashed over in the 13th minute.

Saracens took control with their pack dominating the forward battle and Apps and Harrison running the game impressively.

After Packer's close-range double, Saracens demonstrated their attacking range by moving the ball first right and then back to the left for Sydney Gregson to run over for the fourth try.

Apps also touched down but the try was disallowed by Holly Wood - refereeing the final 86 days after giving birth to daughter Adaline - for a deliberate knock-on by Alysha Corrigan in the build-up.

With Saracens' Gabrielle Senft in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, Trailfinders needed a score before the end of the half but could not make the extra player count.

Their hopes of becoming the first side to lift the trophy after finishing fourth in the regular season were well and truly ended just two minutes into the second half as Harrison's deft inside pass set Breach free and the full-back accelerated past two covering defenders to score a brilliant try.

Corrigan went over four minutes later before Trailfinders finally got on the scoreboard thanks to a try by Maya Montriel.

Canada team-mates Apps and De Goede combined to tee up Harrison, who fended off two attempted tackles to score her first Saracens try of the season, before Packer was sent to the sin-bin.

Her absence helped Abi Burton power over for Trailfinders' second try but that was as good as it got on a hard day for the league's up-and-coming side.

Breach stepped over for her second try minutes the final whistle sparked huge celebrations for the champions.

Line-ups

Saracens: Breach; Corrigan, Hardy, Bridge, Gregson; Harrison (co-capt), Apps; Clifford, Field, Rose, Omokhuale, Royer, Senft, Packer (co-capt), De Goede.

Replacements: Tremelling, Crake, Flanagan, Evans, Cleall, Sellors, MacDougall, Sharp.

Trailfinders: Inman; Laflin, Jones, Cox, White; Gallagher, Norman-Bell; Leatherman, Ponsonby, Montiel, Wassell, Borland, Head, Zackary (capt), Burton.

Replacements: Blanco, Meta, Tuffnail, Taylor, Malcolm, Williams, Bradley, Gallagher.

Referee: Holly Wood

Steve Clarke and the Scotland squad have not even left their World Cup base yet and already the attention has turned to what comes next.

A search will soon start after the shock news of the head coach's resignation in the early hours of Sunday Scotland-time, but who will replace him?

Could it be a big name? Do they have to be Scottish? Who are the realistic candidates? Here's what the fans are saying...

• Clarke leaves strong Scotland legacy but exit brings sense of relief
• What does next Scotland head coach look like as 'monster job' awaits?
• Clarke steps down as Scotland boss after World Cup exit

Postecoglou? Or another big name?

Tommy: I think Ange Postecoglou is a consideration but his recent record is poor. Whatever happens we have to accept this is no quick fix. The players let us down big time.

Neil: Postecoglou would be the perfect fit. He would get the players playing with swagger and confidence, and he can be pragmatic when needed.

Colin: Postecoglou. Let's get the ball forward at pace and put teams under pressure. It's time to leave behind the 'let's keep it tight' philosophy we've followed since the 1990s.

Gordon: Postecoglou, a serial winner, who knows the Scottish game, has had great success as the Australian national coach and, most of all, knows how to get his players to score goals.

Kev D: Scotland should turn to Postecoglou. He has the CV, having managed at a World Cup and in Scotland. His style will get the team back on the front foot and he has charisma and authority.

Mark: There is no rush but I would look at Postecoglou, Kasper Hjulmand and Jurgen Klinsmann as an outsider. Whoever comes in has a good job as we will be at the next Euros with us being one of the host nations with a really good chance to get through groups for first time.

Ewan: Need someone who has experience of Scottish football and international football - could we consider Roberto Martinez if he leaves Portugal?

Gavin: Given there are no outstanding Scottish candidates, I'd look at someone like Thomas Frank. Comes across as knowledgeable and intelligent with a tactical plan that would suit our team.

AnonaScot: Pep is available.

Is Moyes the standout Scottish candidate?

Sophie: We need to do everything to ensure David Moyes is the next Scotland manager. Even if that means an interim until he's available. He has the right experience and passion for Scotland.

Thomas: Glad to see Clarke go. Davie Moyes would be the next manager for me, would prefer it to be a Scottish manager at least.

Eric: There's only one outstanding Scottish candidate - David Moyes. Way better tactically and equally as grumpy.

Euan: Moyes has to be the first call. I'm sure he would be tempted. It feels like we've been calling for Moyes for 15 years but it's never worked out. Great foundations laid by Clarke, Moyes is the calibre of coach to take us to the next level.

Luke: The dream would be Moyes but he's enjoying life at Everton. Derek McInnes went to Rangers too soon as he would have been great too. I'd take a punt on passion and try out Scott Brown.

Rory: I think Darren Fletcher, Scott Brown, and Callum Davidson are my favourites for the Scotland job. They all know international football as players. And have some coaching experience.

Joe: Alex Neil probably. Think it would have been McInnes if he hadn't gone to Rangers.

Shaun: I'd go for someone younger such as Neil if it had to be a Scotsman. If it was foreigner, then Kasper Hjulmand a good shout though not sure how likely.

Killie Tadley: McInnes has his dream job, Moyes won't leave Everton... give it to a Scottish manager. John McGlynn with Scott Brown and Neil McCann as back-up on a part-time basis.

Craig: McGlynn seems to be in the same mould as Clarke, but everyone absolutely loves McGlynn-ball. He could be a brilliant left-field option for us.

Russell: For all the criticism Clarke's had there isn't an obvious replacement. Maybe Steven Naismith should step up? Otherwise I think they'll go abroad.

Fergus: I'd prefer the SFA to do a proper recruitment process, instead of trotting out the usual candidates. I don't see why we can't have a foreign coach in place, Scottish coaches are too fearful and pragmatic, I'd happily see a Scandinavian coach come in, they seem to have a bold approach and aren't fearful to be front foot.

• World Cup fixtures and group standings
• How to watch the World Cup on the BBC
• Everything you need to know about the World Cup

There's something special about receiving recognition from the place where your story began. NFL players spend their careers performing in front of millions of people. We've seen Philadelphia Eagles stars earn Pro Bowls, championships, and lucrative contracts. Still, some of the most meaningful moments happen back home, where the people who watched them grow into football players never forget where they came from. Eagles fans have certainly seen that countless times over the years.

Darius Slay received the keys to his hometown of Brunswick, Georgia. Others have returned home for jersey retirements, hometown parades, or special ceremonies celebrating everything they've accomplished since leaving high school.

Recently, the spotlight shifted to Nebraska. An Omaha television station celebrated two Cornhusker State natives now wearing midnight green: Eagles starting center Cam Jurgens and rookie tight end Cole Payton.

Two different journeys, one home state for two Eagles

Jurgens' path is already well documented. The former Nebraska Cornhuskers standout arrived in Philadelphia as a second-round pick in 2022, carrying the daunting responsibility of eventually replacing franchise icon Jason Kelce.

That's a challenge few players would welcome, yet Jurgens embraced it. Now entering another season as Philadelphia's starting center, he has firmly established himself as one of the key pieces along the Eagles' offensive line. It's year five, and he has already earned two Pro Bowl nods.

Payton's story is only beginning. The fifth-round rookie made his way to Philadelphia after starring for the North Dakota State Bison, the same program that once produced former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. Like Jurgens, however, his football roots trace back to Nebraska, giving local fans another hometown player to rally behind.

Home never forgets its own

Nebraska has produced its share of football legends over the decades. While the Cornhuskers no longer dominate college football the way they did under legendary coach Tom Osborne, football remains woven into the fabric of the state. Players and coaches who reach the NFL are celebrated long after they leave. Hey, Nebraska's constituents elected Osborne to Congress.

No one knows what honors await Jurgens or Payton once their playing careers eventually end. Perhaps there will be jersey retirements. Maybe a street, a field, or even another set of ceremonial keys to a hometown. Those conversations are years away.

For now, one thing is already clear. No matter how many games they play in Philadelphia, Cam Jurgens and Cole Payton will always have another fan base cheering them on hundreds of miles away. Sometimes, there's no greater honor than knowing home is still watching.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Nebraska news station honors two natives now playing for Eagles

Red Bull's Max Verstappen says it was satisfying to finally be in the hunt for victory at Formula 1's Austrian Grand Prix, as he detailed the car issues that prevented him from taking the fight to winner George Russell.

In a heavily revised Red Bull RB22, Verstappen and his team cut a much more competitive figure at the team's home race in Austria, with the four-time world champion on course to qualify second or third behind polesitter Russell until a crash in the penultimate corner kept him in fifth.

But Verstappen rebounded in the race to take the fight to the leading Mercedes cars. After clearing Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in an extended wheel-to-wheel battle, Verstappen was able to put pressure on Russell, prompting the Briton to expedite his final pitstop to avoid being undercut by Red Bull.

Verstappen delayed his final stop to build a tyre advantage, but lost too much time doing so to mount a real challenge at the end of the 71-lap race.

Handling issues with the rear axle of his car further played a part in not being able to fully push for his first win of the season, though the Dutchman was still pleased to take his best result of 2026 and his second podium of the campaign.

"What was satisfying is that this was the first time I felt like actually I could fight for the win," Verstappen said.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

"In the first half of the race we were more competitive, because for whatever reason in the second half something felt off on the rear of the car. Everything was just extremely difficult from bumps, kerbs, traction - it was just completely gone.

"That's a bit of a shame, but to be that close to a win I think is a great effort from the team. They have worked really hard to get these upgrades on the car here and this is the first time in the race where I felt really competitive and I could push a bit more."

At the time Verstappen told his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase on the radio that staying out longer before his final pitstop was "not the right call", and in hindsight he hadn't changed his mind.

"I do think I had the degradation [advantage] over George, but I also knew it was going to be a very long stint to the end," he explained.

"I personally felt that during the laps I stayed out I probably lost a little bit too much compared to what I gained back from those extra laps on new tyres.

"But it's easy to say now. We still had a very good race to be honest. It's been a pretty long road to be here [on the podium] and have a real shot at it. That is already [positive]."

Oscar Piastri escapes punishment at F1 Austrian GP

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Five quick takeaways from the F1 Austrian GP

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The three most recent outings turned in by Cincinnati Reds starter Brady Singer have been much, much more in-line with the expectations placed upon him prior to the season. In those, he’s tossed 18.0 IP, cleared 7.0 IP once, and allowed just 3 ER in that time. He’s struck out 17 against just 6 walks, finding ways to once again put the ball over the plate without it being summarily served into the seats beyond outfield walls.

Prior to those three starts, he’d surrendered homers at the worst rate among all MLB starters. Now? He’s once again a guy you want to take the ball every fifth day.

Singer gets the start in Pittsburgh on Sunday as the Cincinnati Reds go for the series sweep of the Pirates. Mitch Keller, who seemingly has started 794 career games against the Reds, will toe the rubber for the Buccos to begin things.

First pitch is set for 1:35 PM ET.

Lineups for both clubs are listed below!

Hickory starter Aidan Deakins allowed three runs in four innings, striking out five, walking three and giving up a homer. Guery Rodriguez allowed a solo homer in two innings, striking out two. Michael Trausch struck out four and walked one in 1.2 scoreless. Louis Marinaro struck out two in 1.1 shutout innings.

Paulino Santana doubled. Marco Argudin was 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and a walk. Yolfran Castillo was 2 for 6 with a double. Marcos Torres was 2 for 5 with a pair of stolen bases. Daniel Flames was 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. Angel Arredondo had a hit and a walk. Curley Martha had a pair of hits.

Hickory box score

A.J. Russell, newly promoted to Hub City (though he made one start there previously this season when Hickory had games canceled due to a clubhouse fire), walked three and struck out three while allowing one run in two innings. Ismael Agreda allowed a grand slam and issued seven walks while striking out five in three innings, giving up six runs. Case Matter allowed four runs in an inning, striking out one and walking one.

Maxton Martin doubled.

Hub City box score

Rehabbing Jordan Montgomery needed just 20 pitches to get through two perfect innings for Frisco, striking out three. Joey Danielson allowed a run in one inning of work, striking out one.

Dylan Dreiling had a hit.

Frisco box score

For Round Rock, Thomas Ireland allowed one run in two innings on a solo homer, striking out one. Michel Otanez struck out three and walked one in two shutout innings.

Cam Cauley was pulled after two plate appearances.

Round Rock box score

ACL Rangers box score

DSL Rangers Red box score

DSL Rangers Blue box score

‘Now It’s My Time’

“Now, I have enough experience to control the pressure.”

Abus Magomedov (@OfficialAbus) knows he is ready to start making his way up the middleweight ladder and toward the title picture. #UFCBaku

Complete Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/YJmAxiMNYspic.twitter.com/5t6DJRYoaU— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 27, 2026

Liverpool Midfielder Curtis Jones Linked With Arsenal as Lewis Steele Shares Transfer Update

Curtis Jones has reached one of those awkward footballing crossroads where every option carries logic, risk and a little bit of politics.

The Liverpool midfielder made 49 appearances last season under Arne Slot, scoring three goals and adding three assists. He also filled in at right back when injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley left Liverpool short, which tells you plenty about his usefulness.

Yet usefulness and status are not the same thing. Jones has been valuable, versatile and trusted, but he has not quite become untouchable. Now, with Andoni Iraola newly appointed as Liverpool head coach, the question is whether the 25-year-old fits into the next version of this team.

Lewis Steele Suggests Arsenal Admiration

According to Lewis Steele on Anfield Index’s ‘Media Matters’ podcast, Arsenal are admirers of Curtis Jones and could be one to watch if the midfielder becomes available.

“I think Liverpool doesn’t want to sell him for anything less than their valuation, which is fair enough.”

“And it seems that other clubs aren’t willing to put up the money that Liverpool wants at this stage.”

“As far as Liverpool is concerned, that would mean the door is closed on Curtis leaving this summer.”

“The only thing I wonder is that we haven’t really heard from Curtis himself.”

“He seemed to be aiming for a move away this summer.”

“So, if a club comes in and puts the money on the table, that could certainly change things.”

“We know that Spurs have liked him in the past, though they went for Gallagher in January instead.”

“I think there was always talk that Arsenal might have liked him.”

“So, that could be one to watch.”

“I do think it’s more likely that he will stay at this point based on what’s been said, but I don’t think the door is completely shut because he only has a year left on his contract.”

That final line is the key. Liverpool may not want to sell. They may feel £35 million is fair. They may also believe Jones still has a part to play. Yet with only a year left on his contract, the situation cannot be treated as simple.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal Interest Makes Sense, With Complications

From Arsenal’s perspective, the appeal is obvious enough. Jones is Premier League-proven, tactically flexible and technically secure. He can play as an eight, cover wider areas, press intelligently and help a squad that expects to compete across four fronts.

For Mikel Arteta, that type of footballer has value.

For Liverpool, selling him to Arsenal would be a very different calculation. This is not a fringe player being moved abroad. This would be a homegrown midfielder, developed at Anfield, potentially strengthening a direct title rival.

That is why Inter Milan’s interest feels cleaner from a Liverpool perspective. Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Jones has already said yes to Inter, while the Italian champions have seen bids of £18 million and £21 million rejected.

Liverpool Must Decide Before Market Forces Do

This is where sentiment has to make way for strategy. Jones is a local player, an academy graduate and someone who has delivered in big moments. Yet Liverpool cannot allow another contract situation to drift.

If Iraola sees Jones as central to his midfield, then a renewal should be pursued quickly. If not, Liverpool need to maximise value now rather than risk losing leverage later.

For Curtis Jones, Arsenal may be flattering, Inter may be tempting, and Liverpool may still be home. The problem is that football rarely waits for romance to catch up with reality.

After the trade of DE Myles Garrett, the story for the Cleveland Browns is squarely on the quarterback position. New HC Todd Monken isn’t ready to name a starter but has labeled Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as the two quarterbacks in the running to take the role.

Watson has reportedly taken the lead in the battle, but Sanders has impressed as well. The Browns are reportedly very happy with how the competition is going, but there is ‘90%’ left to be determined.

Whichever quarterback wins the job will have an improved set of weapons to throw to, along with a new offensive line. WR KC Concepcion, one of the new receivers, spoke with the NFL Network about who might be throwing him the football this year. The first-round rookie, who has dealt with a stutter his entire life, was overall positive about both quarterbacks:

Obviously, the rookie knew better than to predict who would win or provide any fodder for discussions around Watson versus Sanders. The word “intriguing” was… intriguing… at least. It seems to indicate that Concepcion doesn’t have an idea of who might get the job.

The Los Angeles Lakers were eyeing an ambitious acquisition of two recently traded players if Austin Reaves left in free agency.

The Lakers inked a four-year, $185 million deal to re-sign Austin Reaves after it seemed he might leave as a free agent with interested teams circling.

If the Lakers couldn’t agree to a deal with Reaves, their backup plan would have brought a guard replacement alongside a new center to the franchise.

Lakers were in talks to acquire Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has revealed that the Lakers were ready to offer a package with multiple first-round picks to acquire the recently traded duo of Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware.

“Before Herro joined Milwaukee in the Antetokounmpo trade and the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a four-year, $185 million max deal with Austin Reaves, the Lakers had trade discussions surrounding Herro and Kel’el Ware, which would have involved multiple first-round draft picks, league sources told HoopsHype.”

Even with the Antetokounmpo trade, the Lakers could have retained interest in completing this deal with the Bucks. But with Reaves re-signing, it rules LA out of any potential talks for Herro.

The Ware angle might still interest LA, but if Milwaukee wants multiple first-round picks for him, these discussions won’t go anywhere.

Austin Reaves’ Lakers return is the best outcome

Reaves proved over the 2025-26 season that he deserves a max extension, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.

His chemistry with Luka Doncic was notable, as the pair have become good friends and are complementary to each other. Doncic usually thrives with a scoring threat in the backcourt, so this partnership will form the basis of the Lakers’ future.

Herro is very injury-prone, playing 33 games last season. Ware is a high-potential prospect, but there is risk with his development, especially after reported attitude issues on the Heat bench last season.

The Lakers have a huge offseason ahead of them, but keeping their central duo together without needing to exhaust their assets for Herro and Ware is a better outcome.

Read more:

St Mirren captain Mark O'Hara has departed the club and re-joined fellow Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old was out of contract after four years in Paisley. O'Hara scored 25 goals in his 142 St Mirren appearances, helped the club to three top-six finishes, European football and last season's League Cup win.

The midfielder began his career with Killie's youth academy and made 87 appearances for the first team before joining Dundee in 2016, where he worked with current Rugby Park boss Neil McCann.

"I'm delighted to be back and it's good to come back at this stage of my career when I'm a different player than when I left," O'Hara told Killie TV.

"This is the club that gave me my chance in football. I'm looking forward to a successful season ahead.

"I needed a fresh challenge. The club's in a good place and having had conversations with the manager, and working for him before, I knew he was somebody I wanted to work for again and that he'll get the best out of me. It's nice to be able to give a bit back to the club that gave me an opportunity."

Head coach McCann added: "He's an important signing for the team.

"As St Mirren's captain, he brings leadership skills. We lost Brad [Lyons], who had been a big presence around here, so it's important that we brought in another leader within the group.

"Mark I know well from my time at Dundee and he was absolutely brilliant for me. It was a long time ago but he's still got a lot to offer. He's a homegrown player with a massive connection to the club, which I'm sure the fans will appreciate and enjoy him being back."

Mitchell Robinson makes statement regarding future with New York Knicks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There has been a lot of speculation about Mitchell Robinson's future with the New York Knicks. Mitchell, New York's longest-tenured player, is a free agent this summer and it remains to be seen if the Knicks will bring him back. 

Now, we've heard from Mitchell himself regarding his future. 

Mitchell Robinson breaks silence on future with New York Knicks

When asked if he hopes to be back with the Knicks, Robinson was largely noncommittal. 

“We can see what happens," Robinson said. "It would be great, try to do it, try to run it back again, try to go back-to-back… Defending champs, so we’ll, that’s very a possibility.” 

WGNO "Free agency…Do you hope to be back with the Knicks…maybe build a dynasty in New York?"

Mitchell Robinson "We can see what happens. It would be great, try to do it, to run it back again, try to go back to back…defending champs, so we'll…that's…very a possibility" pic.twitter.com/AMiPn26k8F

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 26, 2026

These comments from Robinson come on the heels of several reports that suggest his days in New York are likely numbered. 

A report Stefan Bondy of the New York Post said that the Knicks will likely be unwilling, or unable, to re-sign Robinson. 

From Bondy: 

The longest-tenured Knick probably won’t get a chance at an NBA title repeat. Mitchell Robinson is unlikely to return to the Knicks next season, a source told The Post’s Stefan Bondy on Thursday night.

Robinson is an unrestricted free agent, and with Knicks owner James Dolan making clear he is not willing to go into the second apron, it was always going to be questionable whether the big man would be back in New York.

If the Knicks don't retain Robinson, he is expected to have several suitors in free agency, including the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. 

More NBA news: 

• Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton provides encouraging health update
• First round pick makes bold claim about potential role with Golden State Warriors
• Jimmy Butler sends clear message regarding future with Golden State Warriors
• Al Horford makes final decision on player option with Warriors, NBA future
• Bucks' Kyle Kuzma sends encouraging message to fans ahead of contract year

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter was activated off the injured list before Sunday's series finale against the Seattle Mariners.

The rookie was in the lineup at designated hitter and batted third.

DeLauter went on the IL on June 17 after he fractured a rib on his right side when he collided with the outfield wall during a June 13 game against the Detroit Tigers.

That was also the same game in which seven-time All-Star third baseman José Ramírez and outfielder Angel Martínez also suffered injuries.

The Guardians are 4-7 since Ramírez broke a bone in his left hand while fouling off a pitch. He had surgery on June 16 and is expected to miss six more weeks. Martínez (non-displaced left foot fracture) is also on the IL.

DeLauter is batting .263 with a .337 on-base percentage, seven homers and 34 RBIs in 66 games.

Outfielder Petey Halpin was optioned to Triple-A Columbus to make room for DeLauter.

___

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

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Film

• Oklahoma State
• Indiana

Background Info

• Listed at 6-2/329 lbs.
• 4-star recruit according to 247 Sports
• Number one high school player out of Hawaii in his class
• Top-ranked interior offensive lineman in the class
• Under Armour All-American game in high school
• First-team All-American in 2025
• Second-team All-Big Ten in 2025

Notable career stats heading into 2026

• 43 Games played
• 1,041 Run snaps played
• 1,226 Pass snaps played

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026

• 65.9 PFF Run Blocking Grade
• 80.7 PFF Pass Blocking Grade
• 23 Pressures allowed
• 1 Sacks
• 14 Penalties committed 
• Pressure rate allowed of 1.9% 

Strengths

• Good awareness to pick up defenders breaking through or blitzing 
• Has balance that allows him to handle the size or speed of defenders
• Generates good power off the snap
• Good size for the NFL
• Thrives in pass protection

Player Summary

Laloulu is one of the better interior blockers in the college football landscape. His size on paper may not be the best, but he showcases himself to be worthy of your attention with his athleticism and power. He showcases good awareness, and he is never caught off guard by what defenses throw at him. He should be an interesting prospect to watch and will need to ace the process next cycle to really cement himself in the top tier, I believe he can be in.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon

Niccolò Pisilli imagined a different American summer.

He dreamed of experiencing the World Cup with Italy, but instead he had to settle, so to speak, for a vacation in Miami with his girlfriend Anastasia Conti, just steps away from his teammates Koné and El Aynaoui, who were key players during the tournament.

His future, however, remains firmly in Trigoria. In recent days, Como once again came knocking on Roma’s door, but they received a clear answer: no, writes Il Messaggero.

The Giallorossi club has decided to secure Pisilli and has no intention of letting him go. There are two reasons.

The first is technical. Gasperini considers the midfielder an important asset and intends to give him even more playing time than last season.

In a squad that will also face the Champions League, Pisilli could become a valuable asset thanks to his intensity, versatility, and room for growth.

The second reason is regulatory. UEFA’s rosters for next season’s Champions League require players born and raised in the club’s youth system. Pisilli, from this perspective, is a crucial asset.

He’s not just a young player to be developed: he’s also a valuable asset for building the European squad.

Roma has already decided to lock down Svilar and Wesley, who are considered unsellable unless they receive outsized offers.

Pisilli, in fact, should be added to these two names. This is an important signal, because in a market dominated by capital gains, the club could have considered sacrificing some young players. However, the door remains closed for him.

Last week, I threw out a FEED post inquiring on how you all became fans of the Denver Broncos. The response was fantastic and I tried to make sure to share everyone’s origin story below.

For my origin story, I was born to two San Diego Charger fans and was well on my way to a life of misery and disappointment as a football fan. However, we moved to Pagosa Springs in 1985 and by 1986 I was a casual John Elway fan as a kindergartener. The Broncomania took hold on January 11, 1987.

As young kids do, I took note of the large gathering of adults at the house. But I was all about that outside world and was doing my own thing. Then the adults started acting all weird. They were all standing and hushed staring at the television, so I stopped my run through of the house and tuned in. Naturally, the moment at hand was ‘The Drive’ and by the end of it, fueled by the adults going crazy, I became a true Broncomaniac.

That was a long, long time ago. I remember all of these details clearly and that I am here today still talking about this team is proof that whatever virus I caught that day has no cure!

If you missed out on the FEED posts from this, feel free to jump into the comments section and share your origin story.

With the 2026 NHL Draft now in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Blackhawks officially announced their 19-player roster for the upcoming Development Camp, which will feature on-ice activities for the first time since 2022.

Several of the organization’s top prospects, including former first-round picks Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, Vaclav Nestrasil, and Mason West, will be on the ice at Blackhawks Ice Center next week. All sessions are free and open to the public.

The 19 players will be split into two groups, with sessions running at 10:00 and 11:45 a.m. (CT) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The Blackhawks 2025 NHL Draft Class and Rockford IceHogs head coach Jared Nightingale will speak with the media after Tuesday’s session. General Manager Kyle Davidson will also have media availability on Wednesday.

Four of the Blackhawks’ five selections in the 2026 NHL Draft will be in attendance, with seventh-round pick Alexander Ivanov being the lone exception. Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Roobroeck, Samu Alalauri, and William Sorbrand are all listed on the Development Camp roster. Those four prospects, along with Assistant GM of Player Development, Mark Eaton, will speak with the media on Monday afternoon.

The Blackhawks decided to move to an off-ice Development Camp in the summer of 2023, shortly before Connor Bedard was selected with the No. 1 overall pick, for several logical reasons. One was the timing of the event, as most prospects involved haven’t been on the ice consistently for multiple months. The organization also wanted to focus more on team-building activities and bonding exercises, which effectively helped create a tight-knit group of young up-and-coming players.

However, with the Blackhawks adding another slew of prospects to what’s already arguably the league’s deepest pipeline, perhaps the front office decided it’s time to evaluate the talent with on-ice activities once again. Doing so will provide the player development and coaching staff with another look at each prospect in a competitive setting and give a better understanding of where their game is.

Nathan Behm, John Mustard, AJ Spellacy, and Adam Gajan are other intriguing prospects who will be in Chicago for Development Camp next week.

For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now and like our Facebook Page.

Follow us on X:

@chihockeynow, @JackBushman2

The post Blackhawks Announce 19-Player Roster For On-Ice Development Camp appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now.

Wrestling Over Everything

Jon Jones says Islam Makhachev belongs in the GOAT discussion and favors him against Ian Garry 🐐🔥

"I'm going with Islam because he has a wrestling background, and it's very hard to beat wrestlers. He may just be one of the greatest fighters in the world. Right now, it's me and… pic.twitter.com/gZaoPrUR5e— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) June 27, 2026

2026 NHL free agency: Top 5 wingers include goal scoring record holder and multiple power forwards originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The start of NHL free agency is rapidly approaching, as it is less than three days away. Soon, teams will have the chance to bring in new talent through the free agent market.

Due to this, we here at The Sporting News will be looking at the top five pending UFAs for each position. In this latest edition of the series, let’s look at this year’s best NHL pending UFA wingers. Previously, we looked at the top pending UFAs among goaltendersanddefensemen.

1. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals 

2025-26 Stats: 82 GP, 32 G, 32 A, 64 PTS

Despite being 40 years old, Alex Ovechkin is still a high-impact sniper in the NHL. Due to this, he is certainly one of the best pending UFA wingers heading into the summer.

While he would be a great addition for a team looking for more scoring, it would be shocking to see him sign with any other team besides the Capitals. The possibility of him retiring should also not be ruled out. There are likely only two routes for Ovechkin’s future.

2. Anthony Mantha, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins 

2025-26 Stats: 81 GP, 31 G, 31 A, 64 PTS

After signing a one-year, prove-it deal with the Penguins this past off-season, Anthony Mantha had a career year for the Metropolitan Division club in 2025-26.

With this, he has set himself up to land a nice payday this summer. When noting that he is one of the NHL’s top pending UFA wingers this off-season, it would not be surprising if he decided to test the market. 

MORE: Top 30 2026 NHL UFAs: Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, Sergei Bobrovsky highlight free agent board

3. Mason Marchment, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets 

2025-26 Stats: 68 GP, 19 G, 26 A, 45 PTS 

Mason Marchment is another power forward who should be a popular target if he hits free agency. The 6-foot-5 winger thrived after being traded to the Blue Jackets this season and would be a nice addition for an NHL club looking to add more size and offense to their middle six.

However, with how well he played after being traded to Columbus (15 goals and 32 points in 39 games), the Blue Jackets could look to keep him around. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are among the teams interested in signing the 31-year-old.

4. Viktor Arvidsson, RW, Boston Bruins 

2025-26 Stats: 69 GP, 25 G, 29 A, 54 PTS

The Boston Bruins recently acquired winger JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth. Could that mean Viktor Arvidsson will be hitting the free agent market on July 1?

If he does, he should generate a lot of interest around the league after his strong bounce-back year for the Bruins in 2025-26. He showed this season that he can still be a solid second-line winger. 

MORE: Eight 2027 NHL UFAs Who Can Sign Contract Extensions On July 1

5. Anders Lee, LW, New York Islanders

2025-26 Stats: 82 GP, 19 G, 25 A, 38 PTS

It would not be too surprising if Anders Lee re-signs with the New York Islanders, but the clock is ticking. If the Islanders’ captain ends up testing free agency, he should have multiple suitors.

He is still capable of providing decent secondary scoring at this point in his career, and his leadership qualities only add to his appeal. 

More NHL News

• NHL Draft grades 2026: Full results and analysis for every pick in Round 1, from Gavin McKenna to Jaxon Cover
• 2026 NHL free agency: Top 5 goaltenders include several aging veterans
• Top 30 2026 NHL UFAs: Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, Sergei Bobrovsky highlight free agent board
• 2026 NHL draft Round 1 winners and losers: Sharks strike gold with three picks, Ducks lose two key roster players
• 2026 NHL off-season trade board: Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson highlight impressive list

The M5 family is missing one member that’ll eventually power the updated Mac Studio’s innards, and that’s the M5 Ultra. With the launch expected later this year, Apple will finally bring its most powerful workstation-class silicon to the masses, and even though it won’t be cheap, we’re looking forward to its release. Unfortunately, as far as design changes go, the new Mac Studio will look similar to its predecessors, but Apple won’t keep this trend going with the M7 Ultra, as the latter’s higher power requirements will necessitate a major change. Internal upgrades, such as a bigger heatsink is expected […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/m7-ultra-mac-studio-redesign-expected-in-2028-due-to-high-power-requirements/

İtalyan basını, Türkiye'deki transferlerden habersiz olduğunu trajikomik bir gafla kanıtladı! TMW sitesi, Beşiktaş'ın Napoli'den Meret ve Anguissa'yı almak için Ernest Muçi'yi takasta önerdiğini iddia etti; Muçi'nin bonservisini Trabzonspor'un aldığını ise tamamen unuttu.

İtalyan transfer piyasası sitesi TMW, Beşiktaş’ın Napoli forması giyen kaleci Alex Meret ve orta saha Frank Anguissa’yı kadrosuna katmak için devreye girdiğini ileri sürdü.

Haberin asıl "abuk" kısmı ise bu iki oyuncuya karşılık önerilen isimle başladı: İtalyanlar, Beşiktaş'ın Napoli'ye takas olarak Ernest Muçi'yi teklif ettiğini yazdı.

İtalyan basınının gözden kaçırdığı (veya tamamen bihaber olduğu) devasa bir detay var: Ernest Muçi artık Beşiktaş forması giymiyor.

Trabzonspor, Ernest Muçi’nin bonservisini geçtiğimiz dönemde resmen satın aldı. Beşiktaş'ın, haklarına sahip olmadığı bir oyuncuyu Napoli'ye takas olarak önermesi teknik ve hukuki olarak imkansız.

İtalyan medyasının Türkiye ligindeki güncel kadrolardan ve transferlerden bu denli uzak olması, bu iddiayı "günün en asılsız ve ciddiyetsiz transfer bombası" kategorisine sokmaya yetti.

Di Marzio, Hırvat golcü Franjo Ivanovic'in transfer tercihini duyurdu: Genç santrfor, başta Galatasaray olmak üzere diğer tüm seçenekleri bir kenara iterek Serie A ekibi Como'ya yeşil ışık yaktı.

Transfer çalışmalarını sürdüren Galatasaray'a, Hırvat santrfor Franjo Ivanovic'ten kötü haber geldi. Dünyaca ünlü İtalyan gazeteci Gianluca Di Marzio’nun paylaştığı bilgilere göre; genç golcünün transfer listesindeki favori kulübü belli oldu.

Haberde, Ivanovic'in kariyerine Serie A'da devam etmeye oldukça sıcak baktığı ve bu doğrultuda Como seçeneğini ilk sıraya koyduğu belirtildi. 22 yaşındaki golcü oyuncunun, transfer masasında yer alan başta Galatasaray olmak üzere diğer tüm resmi tekliflere kıyasla İtalyan ekibine öncelik verdiği kaydedildi.

Como'nun Serie A'daki yeni yapılanması ve oyuncuya sunduğu projenin, Ivanovic’in bu kararında başrolü oynadığı ifade ediliyor. Transferin ilerleyen günlerde resmiyet kazanması bekleniyor.

Formula 1 Dünya Şampiyonası'nda sezonun 8. yarışı Avusturya Grand Prix'sini Mercedes'in Büyük Britanyalı pilotu George Russell kazandı.

Spielberg kentindeki 4,3 kilometrelik Red Bull Pisti'nde 71 tur üzerinden yapılan yarışta Russell, 1 saat 26 dakika 37.979 saniyelik süreyle rakiplerini geride bırakarak sezonun ilk yarışı Avustralya Grand Prix'sinin ardından 2. galibiyetini elde etti.

Red Bull takımından Hollandalı Max Verstappen, liderden 1.611 saniye farkla ikinci, Mercedes'in İtalyan pilotu Kimi Antonelli ise liderin 1.986 saniye arkasında üçüncü sırayı aldı.

Formula 1'de sezon, 5 Temmuz Pazar günü koşulacak Büyük Britanya Grand Prix'siyle devam edecek.

Pilotlar ve takımlar klasmanının ilk 5 sırası şöyle:

- Pilotlar

1. Kimi Antonelli (İtalya): 171

2. George Russell (Büyük Britanya): 131

3. Lewis Hamilton (Büyük Britanya): 125

4. Oscar Piastri (Avustralya): 80

5. Lando Norris (Büyük Britanya): 79

- Takımlar

1. Mercedes: 302

2. Ferrari: 204

3. McLaren: 159

4. Red Bull: 115

5. Alpine: 57

Yeni sezon öncesi transfer çalışmalarına başlayan Beşiktaş'ta Futbol Direktörü Önder Özen'den açıklamalar geldi.

Beşiktaş Futbol Direktörü Önder Özen, yeni sezon öncesi transfer çalışmaları hakkında açıklamalarda bulundu.

Önder Özen'in açıklamaları şöyle:

-Finale çok yaklaştığımız 3 oyuncu var. Bu 3 oyuncudan ikisiyle anlaşma sağladık. Birinin ise kulübüyle anlaştık, kendisiyle de anlaşmayı bekliyoruz.

-10 gündür telefon kapalı. Bunun da mutlaka bir nedeni var. Bunu söylemek zorundayım. Ben biraz işinizi yapmanızı kolaylaştıramadım ama bazen kıta dışındaki bir oyuncuyla, bazen o oyuncunun başka bir kıtadaki temsilcisiyle, bazen o oyuncunun daha başka bir kıtadaki kulübüyle görüşmeler yaptık. Görüntülü konuşmalar olmak zorundaydı bunlar. O şekilde yapmaya çalıştık. Onlarca görüşmeler yapıyoruz. Aynı gün içerisinde aynı insanlarla görüşüyoruz. O yüzden telefonu bir süre kullanamaz hale geldim. Haber veremedik size. Kendi adıma özür dilerim. Bundan sonra telefon açılıyor. Artık haber akışı biraz daha sağlıklı olur.

-Dünya Kupası biraz işleri zorlaştırıyor. Birçok kulübün yetkilisi veya imza yetkisi olanlar ABD'deler. Oyuncuların bir kısmı orada. Başka kıtada olan kulüpler de var. Bütün dünyada kulüpler 3'e, 4'e bölünmüş durumda Dünya Kupası nedeniyle. O nedeniyle işler yavaş gidiyor.

Kulüpler alma ve satma konusunda adım atmıyor. Biz aslında oyuncularla çok önceden anlaştık ama birinin kulübünde devir var. Devir işleri beklendi. Yeni gelen yönetim, masaya yeni oturdu. Hesaplarını kitaplarını kontrol ediyorlar. Sonra bize dönecekler. Orada güçlü olduğumuzu düşünüyoruz. Oyuncu bizim kontrolümüzde. Onu çabuk finallendirebiliriz.

-Birinci aşama bittikten sonra ikinci aşama, takımı güçlendirmek olacak. Daha geniş bir rotasyon için transferler yapacağız. Son aşamada da maliyet, fayda örtüşmesinin yaşanabileceğinin bölüme geçeceğiz. Son bölümde o denklemi lehimizde görürsek, 1-2 hamlemiz olabilir. Şimdilik bu durumdayız. Ayrılacak oyuncular da var. Onlarla ilgili teklifler de geliyor. Onları da değerlendirmeye alıyoruz.

"Slovakya kampına bu 3 isimden kaç tanesi yetişir?"

-İki oyuncunun yurt dışı kampına yetişme ihtimali yok çünkü Dünya Kupası'ndalar. Sözleşmeleri yetişir ama gelemezler. Diğer oyuncu ise mutlaka kampta olacak. Hatta kampa gitmeden önce bile transferi tamamlanabilir. Onu da bekleyip göreceğiz.

-Kulübün en büyük gücü, taraftarıdır. Kulüp, 100 yılı aşkındır eğer hayatına devam ediyorsa, büyüklüğüne, gösterişine, güzelliğine devam ediyorsa, mevcudiyetine devam ediyorsa bunun en büyük gücü taraftar.

-Buraya geldiğimizde, sayın başkana da söylemeye çalıştım. Son birkaç yıldır çok güçlü figürler bir araya geldi ama çok büyük bir birlik olduğunu söyleyemem. Kimseyi suçlayamayız. Ama öyle bir sezona giriyoruz ki... Yekpare bir takıma ihtiyacımız var. Bunu sağlamak için taraftarın da tek parça halinde olmasına ihtiyacımız var. Herkesin aynı yerde durması gerekiyor. Herkesin aynı noktada olması, aynı yere bakması gerekiyor. Bu olmadan başarılı olamayız.

-Kendi içimizde rekabet etmeyeceğiz, rakiplerimizle rekabet edeceğiz. Bunun tek bir koşulu var; aynı yere basacak ayaklarımız, aynı yere bakacak gözlerimiz, aynı yerde duracağız ve birlikte yürüyeceğiz. Sonrasında da yürüdüğümüz yollar nereye çıkacak göreceğiz. Ama bu olmazsa olmaz!

At yarışlarında 100. Gazi Koşusu'nu Emrah Nalçakan'ın sahibi olduğu, jokeyliğini Halis Karataş'ın yaptığı "Bay Nalçakan" isimli safkan kazandı.

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk adına 1927 yılından bu yana düzenlenen Gazi Koşusu'nun 100'üncüsünü Emrah Nalçakan'ın sahibi olduğu, jokeyliğini Halis Karataş'ın yaptığı "Bay Nalçakan" isimli safkan kazandı.

Üç yaşlı safkan İngiliz taylarının yarış hayatlarında sadece bir kez koşabildikleri, çim pistte 2 bin 400 metre mesafeli koşuda 22 safkan mücadele etti.

Veliefendi Hipodromu'ndaki yarışı, Emrah Nalçakan'ın sahibi olduğu, jokeyliğini Halis Karataş'ın yaptığı "Bay Nalçakan" isimli safkan, 2.29.49'luk derecesiyle birinci tamamladı. 2.29.96'lık derecesiyle Fedai Kahraman'ın sahip olduğu, jokeyliğini Ahmet Çelik'in yaptığı "Rabovo" isimli safkan ikinci sırada yer aldı. Murat Aktaş'ın sahibi olduğu, Ercan Çankaya'nın jokeyliğini yaptığı "Ersele Beyi" de 2.30.02'lik derecesiyle üçüncü oldu.

Gazi Koşusu'nu izlemek için gelen yarışseverler uzun kuyruklar oluştururken, hipodromda rekor bir sayıyla 67 bin 200 seyircinin yer aldığı açıklandı.

- Kazanan atın sahibine büyük ödül

Türk at yarışçılığının bu önemli koşusunu kazanan "Bay Nalçakan" isimli safkan, sahibine 50 milyon lira kazandırdı.

Koşuda ikinciye 20 milyon, üçüncüye 10 milyon, dördüncüye 5 milyon, beşinciye de 2 milyon 500 bin lira ikramiye ödenecek.

Koşuyu kazanan tayın sahibi birincilik ikramiyesine ek olarak 100. Yıl Gazi Koşusu Özel Ödülü, kayıt tutarları, taksit ücretleri ve at sahibi primiyle birlikte toplam 126 milyon 870 bin liralık ikramiye kazanmış olacak.

- Halis Karataş'ın 7. zaferi

Gazi Koşusu'nu "Bay Nalçakan" isimli safkan ile kazanan Halis Karataş, bu koşudaki 7. zaferine ulaştı.

Halis Karataş, son olarak "Blaze To Win" isimli safkan ile 2014 yılında Gazi Koşusu'nu kazanmıştı. Karataş, 12 senenin ardından Gazi Koşusu'nda 7. kez şampiyonluğa uzandı.

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Under Jesse Marsch, Canada have made an impact at the 2026 World Cup, securing their place in the knockout stage. Although they are coming off a defeat to Switzerland, they secured qualification as the runners-up, surprising everyone with their attacking style of play. Before facing South Africa in the Round of 32, they have dropped a few positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Canada are ranked 32nd place with 1,551.07 points. They have dropped two positions in the ranking after their loss to Switzerland. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 122nd position in August-October 2014. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 26th in September of 2025.

Even though they are not at the best moment of their career, Canada remain better positioned than South Africa. Hugo Broos’ team are ranked 56th in the FIFA Rankings, gaining positions but still far behind their opponents. This reflects a clear reality in favor of Jesse Marsch’s team: they have a more complete and attacking squad than their rivals, arriving as the clear favorites to advance to the Round of 16.

Canada could look to maintain their style of play against South Africa: possession dominance and vertical possession. With this, they would create chances consistently, looking for spaces in the opposition’s resolute defense. However, Jesse Marsch’s team need to be solid defensively, as Hugo Broos’ team could be dangerous on the counterattack or take advantage of their aerial game.

Canada aim to make history at the 2026 World Cup

Throughout their history, Canada have played in three World Cup editions: 1986, 2022, and the current 2026 tournament. However, this is the first time they have secured their place in the knockout stage, reaching the Round of 32. After their improvement in recent years, Jesse Marsch could lead the national team to make history in the tournament, as they have a golden opportunity to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

As a well-balanced team, Canada enter as the favorites to defeat South Africa. To do so, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin need to deliver their best goalscoring form, creating spaces in the defense. Likewise, Luc De Fougerolles and Derek Cornelius need to counter South Africa’s aerial threat, as that is where they can cause the most damage.

Match Overview

South Africa and Canada meet with a Round of 16 berth and a new World Cup milestone on the line, as both nations look to build on breakthrough runs already marked by history. Canada advanced after a win over Qatar and a draw with Bosnia despite a loss to Switzerland.

Meanwhile, South Africa finished second in its group thanks in part to a standout victory over South Korea. Having already surpassed their previous best tournament performances, both teams now have a chance to raise the bar again in a high-stakes showdown.

South Africa managed to surprise everyone at the 2026 World Cup. After their latest victory over South Korea, they secured the runners-up spot in Group A, advancing to the Round of 32. Basing their game on defensive solidity, they have made a major impact in the tournament, excelling in aerial duels and second balls. Before facing Canada today, they have climbed positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, which recognizes their strong performances.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, South Africa are ranked 56th with 1451.24 points. After their heroic victory over South Korea, they have climbed six spots in the ranking, surprising everyone. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 124th position in December 1992. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 16th in August 1996.

Even though South Africa have improved their position, they still rank below Canada in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Under Jesse Marsch, Canada have reached 32nd place with 1,551.07 points, dropping two positions after their defeat to Switzerland. This reflects a harsh reality: Hugo Broos’ team still have a lot to improve structurally to become one of the best-ranked teams again.

South Africa do not have an easy match against Canada. Just as when they faced Mexico, they could face problems overcoming the high press and creating scoring chances. Therefore, head coach Hugo Broos could once again rely on a solid defense to hit on the counterattack and try to cause damage. However, their main opportunity could come from aerial play, where they could take advantage against Jesse Marsch’s team.

South Africa’s Hugo Broos has already made 2026 World Cup history

Throughout history, South Africa have played in four World Cup tournaments, returning for the 2026 edition after a 16-year absence since 2010. In the previous three editions, they were usually eliminated in the group stage, becoming one of the tournament’s disappointing teams edition after edition. However, head coach Hugo Broos changed the history of the national team, leading them to the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

After defeating South Korea in the final group-stage match, they advanced as the runners-up of Group A. While everyone thought they could qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, they exceeded expectations, writing their name into World Cup history. In addition, they have the chance to reach the Round of 16 by defeating Canada today. Therefore, they still have more history to write, but their legacy has already left a new chapter.

‘s team have provided a big update on the Filipino’s plans after it was announced that the rematch with Floyd Mayweather will no longer be taking place later this year. The two pound-for-pound legends were scheduled to square off in September, only for it to be reported this week that Mayweather to be ruled out […]

The post Manny Pacquiao’s team react to Floyd Mayweather fight postponement appeared first on Boxing News.

has reportedly joined forces with esteemed trainer Jose Benavidez Sr, who sees no need for ‘Tank’ to rematch one of his former foes. The former world champion is set to return to action later this year, only a specific date and opponent remains unclear after he pulled out of negotiations with Floyd Schofield. This fight […]

The post Gervonta Davis ‘new trainer’ rules out facing one man next: “He’s a monster” appeared first on Boxing News.

Bob Arum has weighed in on Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s comeback fight against new WBC super-middleweight world champion Christian Mbilli. Formerly undisputed at 168lbs, Canelo lost all four of his belts to Terence Crawford last year. It was his first loss in the division and just the third of his 68-fight career, having previously been beaten […]

The post Bob Arum sees only one winner in Canelo’s comeback fight against Mbilli: “End of the road” appeared first on Boxing News.

Futbol üzrə Niderland milli komandasının mərkəz hücumçusu Vaut Veqhorst bundan sonrakı karyerasını “Tvente” klubunda davam etdirəcək.

Arena.az bu barədə Niderland klubunun rəsmi saytına istinadən məlumat verir.

33 yaşlı futbolçu yeni komandasına azad agent statusunda qoşulub və 2028-ci ilin yayına qədər nəzərdə tutulmuş uzunmüddətli müqaviləyə imza atıb.

Təcrübəli hücumçu ötən mövsüm Amsterdam “Ayaks”ının formasını geyinib. Vauq Veqhorst bütün turnirlərdə keçirdiyi 34 rəsmi matçda 9 qol vurub və 4 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.

Qeyd edək ki, niderlandlı forvard karyerası ərzində Almaniyanın “Volfsburq” və “Hoffenhaym”, İngiltərənin “Börnli” və “Mançester Yunayted”, həmçinin Türkiyənin “Beşiktaş” klublarında da çıxış edib.

Xatırladaq ki, “Tvente” ötən mövsüm Niderland çempionatını dördüncü pillədə başa vuraraq qarşıdakı mövsüm üçün avrokuboklara vəsiqə qazanıb.

Türkiyə Futbol Federasiyasının (TFF) rəhbərliyi milli komandanın baş məşqçisi Vinçenso Montella ilə əməkdaşlığı davam etdirmək qərarına gəlib.

Arena.az bu barədə Türkiyə məbuatına istinadən xəbər verir.

Bildirilir ki, TFF rəhbərliyi DÇ-2026-da uğursuz çıxışa baxmayaraq, 52 yaşlı italiyalı mütəxəssisi istefaya göndərməyəcək. TFF və Montella artıq müqavilənin uzadılması ilə bağlı prinsipial razılığa gəliblər. Bununla belə, dünya çempionatındakı uğursuz nəticələr müəyyən kadr dəyişikliklərinə səbəb olacaq. Belə ki, italiyalı məşqçi postunda qalacaq, lakin onun məşqçilər korpusunda yaxın vaxtlarda ciddi dəyişikliklərin ediləcəyi gözlənilir.

Xatırladaq ki, Türkiyə millisi hazırda ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikada keçirilən dünya çempionatında qrup mərhələsini keçə bilməyib. Komanda Avstraliyaya (0:2) və Paraqvaya (0:1) məğlub olub, son turda ABŞ üzərində qazanılan 3:2 hesablı qələbə isə pley-off mərhələsinə yüksəlmək üçün kifayət etməyib.

Futbol üzrə İspaniya çempionu “Barselona” Ekvadorun “LDU Kito” klubunun yarımmüdafiəçisi Xosue Kaysedonun transferini rəsmiləşdirib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 20 yaşlı futbolçu növbəti mövsümü Kataloniya təmsilçisinin sistemində keçirəcək və əsasən B komandasının heyətində çıxış edəcək.

Klublar arasında şifahi razılıq ötən həftə əldə olunsa da, tərəflər artıq transferlə bağlı bütün hüquqi prosedurları tamamlayıblar.

Kaysedo “Barselona”ya bir illik icarə əsasında qoşulub. Müqavilədə futbolçunun transfer hüquqlarının 2,5 milyon avroya satın alınması opsiyası nəzərdə tutulub. Kataloniya klubu icarə müddəti başa çatdıqdan sonra bu hüquqdan yararlana biləcək.

Bununla yanaşı, müqavilədə məcburi satınalma bəndi də yer alıb. Belə ki, yarımmüdafiəçi baş məşqçi Hansi Flikin rəhbərliyi altında əsas komandada ən azı dörd rəsmi matça çıxacağı təqdirdə, “Barsa” futbolçunun transferi üçün müəyyənləşdirilmiş məbləği ödəməyə borclu olacaq.

Tamhüquqlu transfer baş tutacağı halda, “LDU Kito” futbolçunun gələcəkdə başqa kluba satışından əldə olunacaq məbləğin 20 faizinə sahib olacaq.

Qeyd edək ki, Xosue Kaysedo ötən mövsüm “LDU Kito”nun heyətində sabit oyun praktikası qazanmayıb. O, bütün turnirlərdə cəmi 10 oyunda meydana çıxıb və aktivinə 1 məhsuldar ötürmə yazdırıb.

Murad Fətiyev Sindao Qran-Prisində bürünc medal qazanıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, o, üçüncü yer uğrunda görüşdə Qırğızıstan təmsilçisi Erjan Kanatbekovu məğlub edərək turniri mükafatla başa vurub.

Argentinalı futbolçu Lukas Trexo ağır itki ilə üzləşib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Maritimo” klubunda çıxış edən oyunçunun ailəsi Venesuelada baş verən zəlzələ nəticəsində ölüb. Onun həyat yoldaşı və iki övladının cəsədi 74 saat davam edən axtarışlardan sonra tapılıb.

İyunun 24-də baş verən zəlzələ 7.5 bal gücündə olub.

Matthijs de Ligt has looked back on his time at Juventus as a defining chapter in his career, crediting Giorgio Chiellini with helping him settle into one of European football’s most demanding dressing rooms.

The Netherlands defender, now at Manchester United, joined the Bianconeri from Ajax in 2019 as one of the most coveted young centre-backs in the game, spending three seasons in Turin.

Speaking to Manchester United’s media, he reflected on the culture shock of arriving among a squad of serial winners, and the veteran captain who eased his path.

“Chiellini was really very helpful to me at the start,” De Ligt said. “When I arrived at Juventus he tried in every way to help me settle in and become the best player possible.”

The adjustment, he admitted, was anything but straightforward.

“It was difficult at the start because you walk into a dressing room where these players have won everything,” he explained.

“But it’s important to stay yourself and show yourself for who you are. At a certain point I understood that they were normal people and that we were there for the same goal. What did I learn in Italy? A lot, in every league I learned something.”

De Ligt on sharing a dressing room with a childhood idol at Juventus

His spell in Turin also brought a full-circle moment, reuniting De Ligt with the player he had idolised as a boy: Cristiano Ronaldo, his team-mate at Juventus.

“I think I was about 7 or 8 when Manchester United won the Champions League,” he recalled.

“At that time he was, obviously, one of the most important players in the world. He had this style that everyone wanted to copy. So yes, he was probably one of my first idols.”

He has since shared a pitch with another early reference point, former Ajax man Christian Eriksen.

“In the youth teams I also played in midfield and he played exactly in my position,” De Ligt said. “So at that time he was really the example of one of the players I admired most.”

He added: “It’s curious that in the end I really did play with him, just as with Cristiano. He was one of my biggest idols when I was younger.”

Inter are moving to secure the long-term future of Pio Esposito, with transfer journalist Alfredo Pedulla reporting the Nerazzurri are ready to commit firmly to the striker who turns 21 today.

It caps a breakout campaign for the forward, who returned from a prolific loan at Spezia to score seven Serie A goals and play his part in Inter’s domestic double.

He also broke into the senior Italy setup, scoring against Greece in a recent friendly, a rare bright spot for an Azzurri side that missed this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pedulla first moved to clarify the timeline of past interest from abroad.

“There’s a lot of talk about Pio Esposito’s renewal. People are also talking about English clubs who courted him, but that’s old news, it dates back to January 2025,” he said.

“When I told you about a situation involving both Manchester United and Leicester, that was back in those days, even before he stayed at Inter.”

Pedulla: Foreign interest in Pio Esposito traced to Spezia spell

Pedulla explained that Esposito’s form in Serie B had drawn close attention from one Premier League heavyweight in particular.

“Pio was watched in every game at Spezia by United,” he added.

“Napoli also thought about him last summer. They were ready to put down incredible figures for the fee and the wages.”

On the deal itself, Pedulla offered specifics: “I think he’ll sign a five-year contract worth 3.5 to 4 million per season, plus four million as a fixed component, with bonuses.”

Per Mertesacker has delivered a blunt verdict on Italy’s modern decline, telling German broadcaster ZDF that the four-time world champions no longer warrant discussion at a tournament they have again failed to reach.

The former Arsenal and Germany defender appeared alongside ex-Germany international Christoph Kramer on Friday evening, where the presenter raised the question of the Azzurri’s absence from the 2026 World Cup; the third successive edition Italy have missed.

“We’ve never talked, during these weeks, about what a shame it is that Italy aren’t taking part,” she put to the pair, with quotes via CalcioMercato.com.

Kramer replied: “No!” Mertesacker went further: “Absolutely not! They don’t deserve to be talked about.”

World Cup winners reflect on an Italy side transformed in two decades

The conversation then turned to how far the national team has fallen since its last sustained period of success.

“How that team has changed!” Mertesacker said. “Twenty years ago, when we lost to them in the 2006 World Cup semi-final, they were a world-class side.”

Kramer added: “There’s no need to even talk about it.”

Mertesacker continued: “Twenty years on, you have to search long and hard to find an exceptional player.”

For all the criticism, Kramer was keen to stress his affection for the country, pointing to Italy’s triumph at Euro 2020 as evidence the talent has not vanished entirely.

“I’m a big fan of Italy. I also have many Italian friends and I’m always happy when they’re here,” he said.

“They had a golden period, they won the Euros, which people tend to forget. But there are many children who don’t know that they can play at a World Cup.”

Luka Modric is into the final few days of his contract with Milan, and despite reports linking him with a return to his beloved Real Madrid this summer, the Croatian has denied having any contact with Jose Mourinho over a reunion at the Bernabeu. 

Ageless Modric shuts down Mourinho rumours

Modric continues to defy his age, becoming the oldest player ever to provide an assist at the World Cup, setting up the winner for Torino’s Nikola Vlasic at 40 years old during Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana in Group L on Saturday night. 

The result means that Modric and Croatia progress to the round of 32 as the second-placed team in Group L. They will go on to face a Portugal squad featuring Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao on Friday evening.

Things are less certain for Modric at club level. The former Ballon d’Or winner joined Milan on a one-year contract last summer with an option to extend for a further 12 months, but he has since dropped several hints that his time in San Siro is coming to an end. 

While several sides across the world are interested in a potential deal for Modric should he become available, there is also a growing possibility that he decides to hang up his boots after the 2026 World Cup amidst reports that he could potentially return to Madrid in either a coaching or directorship role. 

Despite these rumours, Modric insists that he has not spoken to Mourinho about a return to Madrid. 

“I know I’m at an age where the end of my career is getting closer and closer,” Modric admitted in an interview after full-time against Ghana (via TMW).

And when asked about his relationship with Mourinho and his appointment as Real Madrid head coach, Modric said: “He hasn’t called me. I wish him the best, he’s a special coach, one of the best. I have a lot of affection for him.”

The 2026 World Cup group stage is finally complete, the line-up for the first ever round of 32 has been set, 19 Serie A and Serie B clubs are still represented at the tournament, but no other Italian side boasts more stars than Milan, who have 10. 

The World Cup group stage came to a close in the early hours of Sunday morning, ending with a 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria and a 3-1 victory for an Argentina side featuring Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz against Jordan. 

48 teams have been cut down to 32 and those sides will now head into the knock-out bracket, which kicks off with South Africa vs. co-hosts Canada at 20.00 on Sunday evening.

• Read more: 64 Serie A players left standing at the 2026 World Cup – Who are you supporting?

Milan have more representatives left standing in the World Cup knock-outs than any other Serie A side with a cohort of 10 players: Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan of France are among the favourites to win the entire tournament. 

Atalanta are also very well represented at the 2026 World Cup with eight players making it through to the round of 32. Their hopes lie with the likes of Ederson and Brazil, Charles De Ketelaere of Belgium and Marten De Roon of the Netherlands. 

Inter sit in third place in the list of best-represented Serie A sides in the World Cup knock-out stage. The Nerazzurri have representatives from both France and Argentina, the bookies’ favourites to make the 2026 final. 

Juventus have five remaining players at the World Cup, while Roma, Como, Bologna, and Sassuolo all have four. 

Which Serie A club has the most players left at the World Cup?

(list also includes some Serie B clubs)

Milan – 10: Adrien Rabiot, Mike Maignan (France), Rafael Leao (Portugal), Luka Modric (Croatia), Christian Pulisic (USA), Koni De Winter, Alexis Saelemaekers (Belgium), Santiago Gimenez (Mexico), Pervis Estupinan (Ecaudor), Ardon Jashari (Switzerland).

Atalanta – 8: Isak Hien (Sweden), Marten De Roon (Netherlands), Mario Pasalic (Croatia), Sead Kolasinac (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium), Ederson (Brazil), Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Ghana).

Inter – 6: Marcus Thuram (France), Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands), Petar Sucic (Croatia), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Ivory Coast), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina), Manuel Akanji (Switzerland).

Juventus – 5: Jonathan David (Canada), Teun Koopmeiners (Netherlands), Weston McKennie (USA), Gleison Bremer (Brazil), Francisco Conceicao (Portugal).

Roma – 4: Manu Kone (France), Donyell Malen (Netherlands), Neil El Aynaoui (Morocco), Evan Ndicka (Ivory Coast).

Como – 4: Martin Baturina (Croatia), Stefan Posch (Austria), Assane Diao (Senegal), Nico Paz (Argentina).

Bologna – 4: Nikola Moro (Croatia), Torbjorn Heggem (Norway), Remo Freuler (Switzerland), Jhon Lucumi (Colombia).

Sassuolo – 4: Ismael Kone (Sassuolo), Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia), Kristian Thorstvedt (Norway), Cristian Volpato (Australia).

Napoli – 2: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku (Belgium).

Genoa – 2: Leo Ostigard (Norway), Johan Vasquez (Genoa).

Parma – 2: Zion Suzuki (Japan), Alessandro Circati (Australia).

Torino – 2: Nikola Vlasic (Croatia), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Norway).

Venezia – 2: Michael Svoboda (Austria), John Yeboah (Ecuador).

Cremonese – 2: Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese), Morten Thorsby (Norway).

Fiorentina – 1: Marin Pongracic (Croatia).

Udinese – 1: Jesper Karlstrom (Sweden).

Cagliari – 1: Yerry Mina (Colombia).

Pisa – 1: Michel Aebischer (Switzerland).

Hellas Verona – 1: Rafik Belghali (Algeria).

Sampdoria – 1: Dennis Hadzikadunic (Bosnia).

Frosinone – 1: Fares Ghedjemis (Algeria).

Last night, the Nationals desperately needed to stop the bleeding. After four straight losses, with the first three coming in brutal fashion, we needed a hero to rise from the ashes. That is exactly what we got out of Foster Griffin tonight. The Nats ace dug deep to throw 112 pitches in 7 brilliant innings.

The $5.5 million signing from Japan has turned into one of the Nats best investments in a very long time. Right now, Griffin is on pace to throw 189.2 innings of sub-3 ERA ball. In April, there were times where it felt like Griffin was getting lucky. However, in this stretch, Griffin has just been completely dominant.

It is clear just how much manager Blake Butera trusts his lefty right now. Having a pitcher throw 112 pitches in 2026 is out of the ordinary. It takes a combination of trust in the starter and a lack of trust in the bullpen. That perfect storm was certainly taking place here. We saw in the 8th why Blake Butera did not trust his bullpen.

Usually when a pitcher is at 98 pitches through 6 innings, they are done. However, we should not assume that anymore with Griffin. Butera brought him out for one batter in the 8th in his last outing, and had him go up to 112 this time. We need to readjust our pitch count expectations in a way we have not had to since the days of Max Scherzer.

Like Grant said, I love it. This is a good example of Blake Butera using feel, though I think the numbers probably prefer Griffin over this bullpen right now as well. Butera has plans, but he is willing to change them if a player shows him reason to. We have seen Griffin go much deeper into games and Curtis Mead get more AB’s against right handed pitching.

For a while, Griffin’s ERA was way better than his underlying numbers, which were very mediocre. The ERA is still better, but the advanced metrics are starting to like what they are seeing from Griffin. Right now, Griffin has an ERA of 2.93, which is obviously phenomenal. However, his xERA and xFIP have both gotten below 4, which shows his process is becoming more sustainable. 

After last night, Griffin has an xFIP of 3.58 and an xERA of 3.89. As much as I love Griffin, those numbers are probably a better representation of who he is as a pitcher compared to his sub-3 ERA. However, I do think Griffin’s 4.21 FIP is a bit misleading. Sure, he allows the occasional home run ball, but he gets strikeouts, groundouts and does not walk people.

Right now, Griffin is pitching at an All-Star level. The National League is stacked with starting pitchers, so I do not know if he gets in. However, it would be really cool and deserved if he did. Whenever the Nats need a win, Griffin is there for them with a masterful outing. There is a reason that the Nats are 13-4 in games that Griffin starts. 

This month, Griffin has been outrageously good. He has an ERA of 1.15 in 31.1 innings across 5 starts. That innings total itself is also very impressive. Griffin is averaging about 6.1 innings per start, which is something only frontline starters do. 

Despite not having huge velocity, Griffin has 33 strikeouts in June, which is 9.48 K/9. He also only has 4 walks all month. A 27.5% strikeout rate and a 3.3% walk rate is absolutely elite stuff. It is the kind of rates you see from Tarik Skubal or Paul Skenes, but Foster Griffin is doing it while throwing 91.

Unfortunately, Griffin is unlikely to win NL pitcher of the month due to the existence of Jacob Misiorowski. However, he and Logan Webb are battling it out for the best non-alien pitcher of the month. It is truly remarkable to see Foster Griffin do his thing out there.

After watching Griffin this year, it just makes me curious about whether there are more Foster Griffin types out in Japan. It also makes me wonder if more struggling pitchers at a crossroads will or should go to Japan. Clearly, those three years in Japan made Griffin a master at his craft. He added three new pitches and became a command wizard. Here is the ERA leaderboard in Japan for this year in case you are curious.

Finding guys on one-year deals from Asia could be a good way to extract value. Not only do these pitchers learn a lot over there, they also do not have the same level of scouting on them as guys from the big leagues. It takes a while for hitters to pick up on some pitchers’ changes. Even Erick Fedde had success after revamping his arsenal in Korea and then coming back to the MLB.

Foster Griffin has surpassed even the most optimistic expectations. Now the question is what do the Nats do with him? He is only on a one-year deal and will have value on the trade market. However, I also think the Nats should at least talk to him about an extension. This is the best Nats pitching season since Scherzer.

 If Foster Griffin is only a National for half a season, boy will he be remembered fondly. I do not want the trade deadline to be the end of the Foster Griffin experience though. However, for Griffin to be a National past August 3rd, the Nats need to get back into the Wild Card mix or extend him. It has been a while since the Nationals have had a true stopper in the rotation, but Foster Griffin is that guy.

Inter are moving to secure the long-term future of Pio Esposito, with transfer journalist Alfredo Pedulla reporting the Nerazzurri are ready to commit firmly to the striker who turns 21 today.

It caps a breakout campaign for the forward, who returned from a prolific loan at Spezia to score seven Serie A goals and play his part in Inter’s domestic double.

He also broke into the senior Italy setup, scoring against Greece in a recent friendly, a rare bright spot for an Azzurri side that missed this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pedulla first moved to clarify the timeline of past interest from abroad.

“There’s a lot of talk about Pio Esposito’s renewal. People are also talking about English clubs who courted him, but that’s old news, it dates back to January 2025,” he said.

“When I told you about a situation involving both Manchester United and Leicester, that was back in those days, even before he stayed at Inter.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Ze Pedro of Cagliari is challenged by Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Pedulla: Foreign interest in Pio Esposito traced to Spezia spell

Pedulla explained that Esposito’s form in Serie B had drawn close attention from one Premier League heavyweight in particular.

“Pio was watched in every game at Spezia by United,” he added.

“Napoli also thought about him last summer. They were ready to put down incredible figures for the fee and the wages.”

On the deal itself, Pedulla offered specifics: “I think he’ll sign a five-year contract worth 3.5 to 4 million per season, plus four million as a fixed component, with bonuses.”

Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below. Check out the previous day’s recap here.

AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (36-43) won 5-2 (BOX SCORE)

The offense got on the board in the first inning thanks to a Spence 3 run home run, his first in Triple-A. Javier got the start and pitched really well tossing 6 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts. The offense added 2 more runs in the 6th on a Spence RBI single and Ferreras groundout. The pen allowed a couple of runs but held on for the 5-2 win.

Note: Spence is hitting .375 in June.

• Shay Whitcomb, LF: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
• Zach Dezenzo, 1B: 1-for-4, R
• Lucas Spence, CF: 3-for-4, R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
• Zach Cole, RF: 1-for-4
• Cesar Salazar, C: 1-for-2, BB

• Cristian Javier, RHP: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (WIN)
• Logan VanWey, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• Roddery Munoz, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• Alimber Santa, RHP: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (33-40) lost 8-2 (BOX SCORE)

Dombroski got the start for the Hooks and was pitched well but ran into trouble in the 5th and ended up allowing 5 runs over 4.2 innings. Leach allowed another 3 runs as the Hooks found themselves down 8-0. The offense got on the board in the 8th inning on a Sisneros solo home run. They got one more run in the 9th on a Holy bases loaded walk but that was it as the Hooks fell 8-2.

Note: Sisneros has 2 home runs in 5 games for the Hooks.

• Cameron Sisneros, 1B: 1-for-2, R, HR, RBI, 2 BB
• Jason Schiavone, DH: 1-for-4, 2B
• Trevor Austin, 2B: 0-for-3, R, BB
• Joseph Sullivan, RF: 1-for-3, BB
• Max Holy, SS: 0-for-3, RBI, BB

• Trey Dombroski, LHP: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
• Alex Santos, RHP: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• Hudson Leach, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• Alejandro Torres, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

A+: Asheville Tourists (21-52) won 11-9 (BOX SCORE)

Asheville got on the board in the first inning on an Ochoa 2 run home run. They got 2 more runs in the third on an Ochoa RBI single and Brown RBI double. Asheville scored another in the 4th on a Thomas RBI single. DeVos got the start and went 5 innings allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, while striking out 7. Langford struggled in relief allowing 4 runs as the Drive took the lead. Asheville rallied to tie it in the 9th on a Hernandez 2 run home run. In the 10th, the offense scored 4 runs on on a Batista 2 run home run, Walker solo home run and Brown sac fly. Cuevas allowed a couple of runs in the bottom of the inning but the pen held on for the win.

Note: Walker has 25 stolen bases this season.

• Kyle Walker, SS: 2-for-5, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, SB
• Justin Thomas, CF: 2-for-6, R, 2B, RBI
• Caden Powell, CF: 1-for-5, R, BB
• Nehomar Ochoa, DH: 2-for-5, 3 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB, SB
• Marcus Brown, 3B: 3-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI
• Cesar Hernandez, RF: 2-for-5, R, HR, 2 RBI
• Jack Moss, 1B: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB
• John Garcia, C: 3-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB

• Nolan DeVos, RHP: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
• Colby Langford, LHP: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• Michael Cuevas, RHP: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (WIN)
• Bryce Collins, RHP: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (SAVE)

A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (37-36) lost 8-3 (BOX SCORE)

The Woodpeckers got on the board in the first inning on a Neyens solo home run. They got another run in the third inning on a Ramirez RBI single. Gonzalez got the start and allowed 4 runs over 3.1 innings. Carrera struggled in relief allowing 4 runs as the Shorebirds extended their lead. The offense got one run back in the 8th on a Luciano RBI double but that was it as the Woodpeckers fell 8-3.

Note: Neyens has a .885 OPS this season.

• Xavier Neyens, 3B: 1-for-2, 2 R, HR, RBI, 3 BB
• Kevin Alvarez, LF: 2-for-5, 2B
• Hector Salas, RF: 0-for-1, R, 3 BB
• German Ramirez, SS: 2-for-4, RBI
• Carlos Cauro, 1B: 1-for-3, BB
• Waner Luciano, 2B: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI

• Rafael Gonzalez, RHP: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
• Jose Varela, RHP: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
• Jesus Carrera, RHP: 3.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
• Leomar Rosario, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Today’s minor league starters:

SL: Ryan Weiss – 6:35 CT

CC: Brett Gillis – 6:30 CT

AV: Dylan Howard – 2:05 CT

FV: TBD – 4:05 CT

Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has been in jail since Wednesday after he was arrested on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery. On Monday, he’ll find out if he must remain in custody.

The 23-year-old Arnold is due for a hearing Monday morning, which will determine whether the cornerback will continue to be held in jail, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Arnold, the Lions’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was arrested Wednesday on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. Arnold was charged with three counts of kidnapping, three counts of armed robbery, one court of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The kidnapping charges on their own carry a maximum of life in prison.

That same day, a judge ruled Arnold would remain in custody due to the “dangerous” nature of the crimes in which he was accused.

Arnold is accused of plotting a kidnapping and interrogation of three men who were accused of stealing more than $250,000 in personal property from the six defendants — including Arnold — involved in the case. One of the men allegedly kidnapped was Arnold’s personal driver. The other two were the driver’s associates.

Investigators claim they found a group chat in which Arnold and another one of the defenders were issuing instructions to the kidnappers during the alleged assault. Two of the defendants reportedly reached a plea deal with prosecutors, which may have led to Arnold’s arrest.

Shortly after Arnold’s arrest, the Lions said they were aware of the situation and gathering information.

Arnold hasn’t lived up to his lofty expectations after just 24 games in the NFL. The cornerback has started 22 of those contests, but has just one interception so far. He ranked 97th out of 114 cornerbacks last season, per PFF’s grades, though did miss over half the season due to a shoulder injury.

As Serena Williams prepares for her first singles match in nearly four years, tennis fans everywhere are counting down the days until she meets 20-year-old Maya Joint in a first-round match at Wimbledon.

Williams, 44, was contemplative when she met with the media on Sunday, June 28, to preview her return to Grand Slam competition. In addition to playing singles for the first time since the 2022 U.S. Open, she'll also be competing in doubles with her older sister Venus.

"We do have memories sometimes," Williams said, "Olympic memories in particular."

Venus and Serena have teamed up for three Olympic gold medals in women's doubles − in Sydney (2000), Beijing (2008) and in London (2012). In addition, Serena also won gold in women's singles at at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in 2012.

A return to the storied grass courts will be both familiar and different for her this time around.

"In general, my expectations are definitely different for the first time in my career," the seven-time Wimbledon singles champion said. "Not that I never enjoyed it before because I wouldn't be here today, but I'm gonna enjoy being out there."

Williams made her return to competitive tennis at the Queen's Club, where she and partner Victoria Mboko won their first-round match, but had to withdraw when Mboko injured her knee in a singles match.

Williams partnered with Karolina Muchova in doubles at the Berlin Open before getting back together with her sister for Wimbledon.

Williams will get an early test in the first round of the singles draw against an opponent in Joint, who's 24 years younger. That match will take place on Tuesday, June 30.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Serena Williams set to return to site of Olympic golds, 7 singles titles

Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 2026 FIFA World Cup run is rewriting the history books.

Messi is the reigning Golden Ball holder from 2022 and is leading the 2026 tournament in the Golden Boot race at 39 years old.

Messi’s run through the World Cup group stage has already shattered some of the most impressive all-time records.

Lionel Messi’s record-breaking World Cup run

Squawka pointed out that Messi has already shattered five all-time World Cup records with just three group stage appearances in 2026.

“It’s been a RECORD-BREAKING group stage for Lionel Messi. The Argentine has set the records for: ◉ Most goals in World Cup history ◉ Most goals from outside the box in World Cup history ◉ Most chances created in World Cup history ◉ First player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games ◉ Oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.”

In addition to the five mentioned by Squawka, Messi also became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, and the oldest to score a hat-trick at age 39, with his performance against Algeria in their opener.

A lot more records might be within reach for Messi if Argentina has another deep run in the tournament, with the 39-year-old establishing himself as arguably the greatest player in the tournament’s history.

Job’s not finished for Lionel Messi at the World Cup

Even with all the records he’s accumulated through three games, he and Argentina are hoping to play at least five more games to return to the Final and become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the World Cup.

Executing this feat will further immortalize Messi as an icon of the sport, likely squashing any debate about who the greatest player of all time is.

Argentina will be heavily favored against Cabo Verde in the Round of 32, with a date against either Egypt or Australia in the Round of 16 if they advance.

Any mistake at this point in the tournament will likely kill their dream of repeating as WC Champions, so there’s a lot of pressure on Messi and the squad to stay locked in and finish the job.

Read more:

Marc Casado is one of the players at FC Barcelona staring at an uncertain future heading into the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old, after all, has endured a difficult past year with regular minutes becoming hard to come by under manager Hansi Flick.

Casado finds himself behind Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, and Gavi in the pecking order, while the manager also preferred Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo ahead of him in midfield at times last season.

So, everything indicates that the La Masia graduate will be on his way out, with the Catalans hoping to boost revenue from his sale.

AC Milan, in that regard, have emerged as a suitor for Casado, with Jorge Mendes offering the Spaniard to the Rossoneri.

Casado uninterested

Casado does not want to leave for Milan. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

However, now, according to reports in Italy, as relayed by AS, Casado has rejected the possibility of joining the Serie A giants this summer.

Indeed, despite having an approach from Milan, the Barcelona midfielder has turned it down, with the report suggesting that he still hopes of fighting for a place in Flick’s plans.

That, however, seems unlikely given the number of players ahead of him in the order of preference for the German tactician.

Nevertheless, a move to Milan might no longer be on the cards, despite reports previously suggesting that the Rossoneri were leading the race for him.

What are Casado’s other options?

With Casado rejecting AC Milan and no place for him Flick’s plans at Barcelona, he has plenty of other options to choose from.

Where will Casado play next season? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Clubs from Saudi Arabia, in particular Al Hilal, have been monitoring his situation closely, with the possibility of using him in the Joao Cancelo operation being discussed.

Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Manchester United have shown an interest following the departure of Casemiro and the serious injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte, who was also destined to leave this summer.

Atletico Madrid are also admirers of Casado, although the tension between the two clubs could make a transfer tricky.

Nonetheless, as things stand, it is unlikely that the La Masia graduate will continue at Barcelona despite his desire to fight for a place.

Who is he and where did he come from?

He’s Tsung-Che Cheng. If you’re asking where Cheng geographically calls home, that would be Pingtung County, Taiwan. Cheng, who turns just 25 next month, hit .333, walked 5 times and stole 4 bases without getting caught in the World Baseball Classic while playing for the Taipei team. He then reported back to Worcester where he got the club’s first cycle since the relocation to Worcester in short order and then proceeded to slash .254/.351/.424 with seven home runs, becoming one of the team’s most consistent hitters.

It’s no secret that the Red Sox’ infield depth is in shambles right now, and so Cheng was given the call with just hours to spare to replace Marcelo Mayer as the infielder headed to the IL for some Red Sox-Yankees baseball at Fenway Park this weekend. Cheng wasted little time, getting his first RBI in his first at-bat, a fielder’s choice, and his first hit in the fourth inning.

Is he any good?

He can be. What’s good about Cheng is he can be so many different things. He’s versatile in the field, playing all those middle infield positions but specializing at shortstop, certainly a position of interest since the Red Sox’s injury list is ever-growing. Cheng wasn’t fortunate in his quest to get an MLB hit in stints with the Pirates and Rays, but that speaks more to the amount of time he spent on the roster. He finds balls with the barrel, ranking in the upper echelons of Triple-A in barrel percentage. If you have seen that meme of the couple holding hands and the boyfriend with his back turned towards another woman, the former is Kristian Campbell, who remains in Triple-A, so he’s at least been better than Campbell, and, in my humble opinion, has more upside. He’s also a threat on the basepaths.

Tl;dr, just give me the stats.

(64 games) .254/.351/.424, 7 HR, 3 3B, 10 SB

Show me a cool highlight.

Here’s a home run in the WBC.

What’s he doing in his picture up there?

That ball looked like it was about to leave the park for his first Major League hit in 9 plate appearances dating back to last season. It was such a great moment. Makes me amped how facing the Yankees can give us these moments.

What’s his role on the 2026 Red Sox?

This really depends on how serious a number of these infield injuries are. Trevor Story won’t be back any time soon. IKF may not be in any rush either. Romy Gonzalez is due back any day, but Marcelo Mayer may need a bit of time with that bone stress reaction, and the timeline isn’t entirely clear with Nick Sogard’s injury, either. Who knows.

In the meantime, Cheng has made contact in Worcester, and the 2026 Red Sox, for all their shortcomings, have a good track record with bringing guys up who appeared to be locked into Triple-A for the year who went hitless in their first Major League stint (the other being Mickey Gasper). It would appear Cheng is up for long enough to either win an every day role as the team hurls towards a trade deadline where they’ll be selling some roster parts off, and one would think a 25-year-old infielder who’s quick on the basepaths and has a contact tool will be left among the rubble come August.

Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka could be set for a controversial move across London, with reports claiming Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the Swiss international as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.

Xhaka only returned to the Premier League last summer after leaving Bayer Leverkusen for newly-promoted Sunderland in a surprise £17 million deal. The former Gunners skipper enjoyed an outstanding campaign at the Stadium of Light, helping the Black Cats secure a remarkable seventh-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.

Now, as per Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea are reportedly hoping to lure the 33-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea pushing to reunite Xhaka with Alonso

Understanding is that Chelsea have already reached a full agreement on personal terms with Xhaka and have now opened discussions with Sunderland over a potential transfer.

The move is said to be driven by incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, who worked closely with Xhaka during Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign in 2023/24.

It is easy to understand Alonso’s admiration. Xhaka was the heartbeat of that Leverkusen side, providing leadership, experience and tactical intelligence as they completed one of the greatest seasons in German football history.

Sunderland unlikely to let him leave easily

Despite Chelsea’s interest, Sunderland are expected to make negotiations difficult.

Having only signed a three-year contract last summer, Xhaka quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential players, finishing the season as the Black Cats’ Player of the Season after contributing a goal and six assists during their impressive return to the Premier League.

With European football also on offer at the Stadium of Light next season, Sunderland are under little pressure to cash in on one of their key performers.

A move that would split Arsenal supporters?

Few former Arsenal players have transformed opinion quite like Xhaka.

After a turbulent spell that saw him stripped of the captaincy in 2019, the Swiss midfielder rebuilt his relationship with the Emirates faithful and played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta before departing for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. Many supporters now look back on his time in North London with enormous affection, and he remains one of the club’s most respected former captains.

That is why the prospect of him joining Chelsea may leave many Gooners with mixed emotions.

While Xhaka has every right to choose the next chapter of his career, seeing a player so closely associated with Arsenal line up for one of the club’s fiercest London rivals would undoubtedly take some getting used to.

Xhaka is currently away on World Cup duty with Switzerland, having started all three group-stage matches as Switzerland progressed to the Round of 32 after topping their group.

Would you be disappointed to see Granit Xhaka join Chelsea, Gooners, or would you simply wish one of Arsenal’s most popular former captains well wherever he plays? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Ben Stokes has announced his retirement as England Test captain and from international cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement issued Sunday.

Stokes will end his England career following the conclusion of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand in Nottingham

As news spread of the 35-year-old all-rounder's decision, he received a standing ovation from the crowd at Trent Bridge and there were more cheers shortly afterwards when he dismissed New Zealand's Zak Foulkes on the fourth day of the third and deciding Test of a three-match series.

Sunday's announcement came after Stokes returned to England duty at Trent Bridge after being omitted from a 253-run defeat in the second Test at the Oval for breaking a midnight curfew, alongside teammate Gus Atkinson, while celebrating at a London nightclub following the first-Test win over New Zealand.

"Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England's greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation," said ECB chairman Richard Thompson.

"His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever. 

"Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments -- not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley -- or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket."

jdg/ea

England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the ongoing Test match with New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Stokes told his England teammates in the dressing room on the morning of day four in Nottingham, and it was announced by the ECB while Stokes was on the field in the midst of an 11-over bowling spell as he attempted to haul England back into contention in the final Test of the series, which is tied 1-1.

It led to extraordinary scenes, as the crowd – on learning the breaking news – stood to give a standing ovation at the start of Stokes’ next over. Incredibly, Stokes responded by taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes with the very next ball.

Ben Stokes gets a wicket just moments after the news broke that he is retiring from international cricket 😲🚨 pic.twitter.com/rCZknWSeuG

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 28, 2026

The news comes days after Stokes was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Cricket Regulator following an altercation at a nightclub earlier this month. The 35-year-old was suspended for one Test match by the ECB and told senior figures he was considering his long-term future, before returning to the team for the third Test.

Stokes was cagey in his pre-match press conference, giving no assurances and telling the media: “I understand there are probably some questions, but right now I’m here as captain of this team, and all I want to do is get the team focused on winning here.”

It brings to an end one of the great England careers. Stokes was a key figure in the one-day international team’s 2019 World Cup glory and has been an inspirational leader for the Test side with bat and ball, having taken on the captaincy from Joe Root in 2022.

Perhaps his greatest innings was scoring 135 not out against Australia in the 2019 Ashes at Headingley. England needed an improbable 359 to win, but Stokes produced a remarkable knock under pressure, combining with No 11 Jack Leach in an unbeaten 76-run stand – to which Leach contributed one run – to snatch a famous one-wicket victory.

Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said: “Ben Stokes leaves the international game as one of England's greatest ever cricketers and one of the defining figures of his generation. His performances under pressure, his relentless competitiveness and his ability to produce the extraordinary when it matters most have given me and millions of other fans memories that will endure forever.

“Whether inspiring victory in the biggest moments - not least driving England to World Cup wins in 2019 and 2022 and his heroic Ashes innings at Headingley - or leading the Test team with courage and conviction, Ben has been a talismanic figure in English cricket.

“Beyond his remarkable achievements on the field, his performances have inspired many youngsters to embrace cricket with positivity and belief. We are losing a batsman, a bowler, a captain and a talisman. On behalf of the ECB, I want to thank Ben for everything he has given to our sport and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future.”

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, added: “Ben Stokes has made an immeasurable contribution to English cricket, not only through his exceptional skill as one of the world's finest all-rounders, but through the commitment, resilience and passion he has demonstrated throughout his international career. His influence has extended far beyond statistics - inspiring teammates, supporters and young cricketers around the world through his leadership and unwavering desire to win.

“We are enormously grateful for his service to England and congratulate him on an extraordinary international career. His contribution to the game will be celebrated for many years to come.”

more to follow...

Before the FIFA World Cup 2026 started, there were worries regarding everything from people being priced out of attending matches to the suitability of stadiums for playing football.

Mexico kicked off the event with a 2-0 group match win over South Africa on June 11 , the third time Mexico City has hosted the opening game. Fast forward 17 days and 72 fixtures later and it was Austria and Algeria that concluded the group stage on June 28 in Dallas, with a wild 3-3 draw that ended just after midnight on Sunday.

By late last week, FIFA announced the 2026 edition had surpassed the all-time World Cup attendance record of 3.6 million, surpassing Qatar 2022 at just over 3.4 million spectators, with three weeks remaining.

Here are the top 5 biggest takeaways from World Cup group play:

The World Cup still revolves around the Euro-South American axis

UEFA teams mostly lived up to their reputations, with France leading the way having a perfect record in group match play.

Even Norway, never better than a Round of 16 participant, is gearing up for a deep run. In a tactical move, coach Stale Solbakken conceded Group I to Les Bleus in their final group match on Friday to rest up for the next round.

CONMEBOL’s Argentina, Brazil and Colombia won groups, the Cafeteros holding off Portugal in the finale; and Ecuador upset Germany to advance as a third-place team.

But Europe and South America aren’t alone in their ambition at World Cup 2026.

Nine of 10 African teams advanced and Morocco is talking about getting to the final. It seems a reasonable goal after the Atlas Lions’ semifinal appearance in 2022.

The Moroccans made their way in Qatar through defending and Yassine Bounou’s goalkeeping. Now, the plan is to go for goal, one reason for Mohamed Ouahbi replacing Walid Regragui. It was slow-going to start, a 1-1 draw with Brazil and a 1-0 win over Scotland. Then, Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari and reserve Soufiane Rahimi got going in the 4-2 victory over Haiti.

Then there is the United States, which has been talking about winning it all ever since coach Mauricio Pochettino was hired in 2024. Now, the US players and their new-found supporters are echoing Pochettino. Don’t forget co-hosts Mexico, which won all three group games – one of only three sides to do so alongside heavyweights Argentina and France.

Which team is the real USA?

Team USA started with big bang wins – 4-1 over Paraguay, 2-0 over Australia. Then, a 3-2 loss to Turkiye. So, is the team as good as it looked in the first two matches or as vulnerable as the already-eliminated Turks made them appear? The answer is probably somewhere in between.

Firing on all cylinders and with the partisan crowd behind them, the USA players look nearly as good as anyone. But questionable American squad depth and injuries to key starters caused Pochettino to make nine changes against Turkiye and exposed some of the co-hosts’ shortcomings heading into the knockouts.

Lionel Messi stakes Golden Boot claim

Going into the World Cup, the Golden Boot race favourites included Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.

Then along came Messi, who broke Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament goal record – and the diminutive Argentinian superstar looks capable of adding a few more goals to his current Golden Boot-leading tally of six from three matches, and not only in this World Cup.

Messi turned 39 last week and there is near-universal agreement that this would be his final appearance at the sport’s premier global showpiece. But Messi appears to be – if not getting better with age – somehow finding an extra gear, or two.

Unlike 41-year-old fellow playing legend Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Messi has demonstrated subtle ways of prolonging his effectiveness: he can take on a playmaking role; his physique, low centre of gravity, helps avoid injuries; and his generally efficient style conserves energy. Messi the GOAT? If he hasn’t proven it yet, just wait until 2030.

Everyone loves an underdog

The bloated, 48-team field certainly diluted the competition. But Cape Verde showed it belonged, the Tubaroes Azuis finishing second in a group that included former World Cup champions Spain and Uruguay, plus Saudi Arabia. They were consistent on the field, unified off it.

None of the controversies or disputes that can spoil the campaign of inexperienced teams – or experienced ones, such as Uruguay. Curacao might deserve pity, but the Blue Wave had to be happy to actually score against Germany and earn a draw with Ecuador.

Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo – who were back in the tournament 52 years after being the first Caribbean and first Sub-Saharan African nations respectively to qualify for the tournament – also gained respect for the quality of their play, in contrast to their self-destructive 1974 debut in West Germany.

Iraq’s Aymen Hussein converted the country’s first goal, but the Lions of Mesopotamia – playing in their first World Cup since 1986 – were outmatched in one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

It was hard not to feel sorry for Iran at World Cup 2026. It was bad enough that they got the persona non grata treatment from the US authorities but luck also eluded them on the field after they were eliminated on the final day, despite forging an unbeaten record in group match play (three draws).

The spirit of the World Cup lives on

Confirmed: win, lose or draw – the group stage of the World Cup is the planet’s biggest party. Maybe everyone was not invited, but those who got in the door were living it up.

Fans from around the globe transformed host cities and stadia with chanting and cheering: Scots drank towns dry, without causing trouble; the Dutch transformed drab main streets into a sea of orange.

There were certainly obstacles to having a good time – exorbitant ticket prices and travelling challenges.

Hydration breaks upset the flow of games and upset fans – who greeted them with boos. But spectators conveyed a feel-good vibe and brought the event to life.

Group play finished with 72 of the 104 games played over two-and-a-half weeks, with the primary purpose to send 12 teams home. There could be questions about whether some of them belonged in the tournament, but there is no doubt their supporters did.

Among a lot of the most celebrated World Cup 2026 squads, coaches have already sought to ensure the intensity of training has gone up. There’s a new edge that only knockout football, and especially World Cup knockout football, can bring.

The Dutch squad perhaps put it best ahead of the most fascinating last-32 tie of all, against Morocco.

“It’s game on,” said Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke. “Now, the big games come.”

And there have never been more of them.

This isn’t just the expanded knockout round to the biggest World Cup ever, but almost a super World Cup – the real World Cup with the tournament brought down to its essence.

It has finally reached the size of the most recent editions, at 32 teams, a number seen in many football circles as forming as close to perfect a competition as you could have. Except now there’s no give, no safety nets, no allowances.

It is sudden death, but with so many fixtures that make you feel alive. Pure knockout football.

In keeping with how the level of the tournament has actually raised with its expansion, there are so many excellent ties. Just looking at the draw is exhilarating.

Brazil-Japan is a match of quarter-final quality and Netherlands-Morocco perhaps a semi-final-level clash. On the other end, there are very few mismatches, and instead a lot of games that are very hard to call.

If that makes it a pity that some real challengers could fall so early – the equivalent of the old first round – it only speaks to the genuine sense of peril, that we should want this to have.

And despite the rightful sentiments that this is now “the real World Cup”, it has been very much shaped by an enjoyably rich group stage.

If the ill-advised new tiebreaker format ensured the first round didn’t quite have the crescendo it could have had outside the events involving Ecuador, Austria, DR Congo and – most lamentably – Iran, it does mean all that energy courses straight through into the next stage.

It is an energy that has primarily been driven by individual stars.

There arguably hasn’t been a World Cup like this since the 1950s, in how so many of the best players have immediately been at their best. This has duly been the first in history where five players have scored at least four goals in the group stage. And, with all due respect, there’s no Oleg Salenko here. All of the five are megastars, with Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior and Ousmane Dembele hitting four each, while Lionel Messi has scored six – the equivalent of the gold-standard golden boot feat for so long.

That’s the figure that has won the award the most, with eight of its 28 winners hitting that number.

Meanwhile, Messi could even potentially eye Just Fontaine’s individual tournament record of 13 from 1958. There’s still enough football to play.

The amount of it so far has already drowned out a lot of this World Cup’s external noise, even if it has also been too much to register at times; a wall of football. The goal of the tournament competition is already so wondrous, from Wilson Isidor’s against Morocco to Gio Reyna’s against Paraguay.

Regarding the burgeoning hosts, Gianni Infantino might have been left a little embarrassed that Donald Trump hasn’t yet turned up to a game, but there’s a belief in football circles that Fifa’s biggest stroke of luck was the US president getting booed at the New York Knicks during the NBA Finals.

Trump’s absence has ensured even more of a focus on the football. That shouldn’t mean the tournament’s persistent issues are downplayed or disregarded however.

There has been a general disregard for the fans who have made it so vibrant, like the otherwise forlorn Scots.

Good crowds do not mean the ticket prices weren’t a disgrace. Logistics have been unnecessarily challenging. US cities and their stadiums might have been built for a country of automobiles, but more thought should have been given to the hundreds of thousands of fans who have travelled without them.

The disregard for Iran has been even worse, with striker Mehdi Taremi justifiably laying into both Infantino and Fifa for a “disaster” of a tournament. It is a stain on the body. The “unfair” treatment has raised outright questions of sporting integrity, making it all the more shameful how Infantino essentially used them for a PR opportunity. Taremi pointedly mentioned how the Fifa president “came to our changing room after the first game”, never further showing for them again.

And yet the manner that Iran ultimately went out, through that raucous late 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria, only emphasised how the football itself endures.

The strikes from the stars have duly contributed to a goals-per-game ratio of 2.99, the highest since 1958. It perhaps speaks to the effect of the conditions that the next highest between now and 1982 was USA 94’s 2.71.

A certain spirit has invigorated the football, made all the more enticing by a range of different approaches. This World Cup might further the return of distinctive national styles, as the Pep Guardiola positional game continues to fracture at this level. Perhaps it’s then all the more symbolic that the Catalan’s arch influence, Marcelo Bielsa, ultimately failed to impose his own ideology on a shambolic Uruguay.

There has otherwise been no macro tactical trend as yet, outside specific individual moves like lofted balls into the channels and the use of false nines – or even nines as playmakers.

That has fostered a tournament of moments and bursts, rather than concerted constructed play, which has only further served the individual stars.

Underneath their level, there’s been a brilliant spread of talent, creating a wide field. Few teams are genuinely outstanding, but so many have been very strong. That is a product of the World Cup’s primary theme so far, which has been how diasporas and truly multinational teams have benefitted from the talent industrialisation of the wealthy western European nations.

Africa has enjoyed the effects of this the most, with a historic World Cup, where nine of its 10 qualifiers have reached the last 32.

Asia has meanwhile endured a dismal World Cup, with only Japan and Australia getting through from their nine. It is similarly telling that Concacaf’s qualifiers have been the three hosts, with Curacao enduring the worst defeat.

There have been nowhere near as many of those as feared, though, as Cape Verde have so far enjoyed this World Cup’s greatest achievement. And there still might be more, fittingly enough.

The 48-team expansion is still undesirable in terms of numbers, and many problems persist, but it has been far more successful than anticipated.

There has been no phoney war to this point. And yet, this is still the moment the World Cup gets real.

England captain Ben Stokes has made a stunning announcement to end his international career at the conclusion of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.

All-rounder Stokes, one of the finest cricketers to ever play for England, was in the middle of a bowling spell at Trent Bridge when a statement was released confirming his intention to end a 15-year international career.

Incredibly, with the first delivery after news of his retirement was made public, Stokes took a wicket, having Zak Foulkes caught at second slip.

The 35-year-old missed England's second Test after being involved in an incident in a London nightclub.

Before his return to leading the team in Nottingham, he referred only to leading the team "this week".

And Stokes told his England team-mates of his decision before the fourth day of the deciding Test against the Black Caps.

Clearly emotional as he spoke in the England dressing room, Stokes said: "The reasons can wait, why, but I've had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand and I've got one more trip to do.

"The only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone do the same.

"We've got a lot of hard work to do and the only thing I want is to be able to walk off that field, regardless of the result, knowing that I've had this group give everything for the last two days.

"That's the only thing I want, for everyone to give it not only for me, selfishly, but also for this team.

"I've got the emotional side out of it. Now it's time to go to work. Please, everyone else come with me."

• Stokes announces shock retirement as New Zealand extend lead over 300

For Stokes, it is an astonishing conclusion to stellar career that produced some of the most iconic moments in English sporting history.

In the summer of 2019, his incredible 84 helped England win the World Cup for the first time, defeating New Zealand in what many regard to be the greatest game of cricket ever played.

Six weeks later, Stokes was at it again, this time defeating Australia in the third Ashes Test at Headingley almost single-handedly with 135 not out.

His exploits that summer led to Stokes being named as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Overall, the Durham man will have played 122 Tests for England, 44 of which were as captain. He played 114 one-day internationals and 43 T20s, including a starring role in the T20 2022 World Cup final.

In characteristic fashion, Stokes was in the middle of a tireless spell on Sunday, attempting to haul his team back into the third Test, when the news broke.

Stokes had just completed his 10th successive over in the period after lunch and was fielding at mid-off when the news filtered around Trent Bridge.

In an electric atmosphere, with supporters on their feet, Stokes was roared to the crease. Foulkes' edge was held at second slip by vice-captain Harry Brook, Stokes' likely successor.

Stokes' status as one of the best all-rounders to play Test cricket are underlined by a career haul of 7,243 runs and 251 wickets. Legendary figures Sir Garfield Sobers of West Indies and South Africa's Jacques Kallis are the only two men to have achieved such a double. Stokes' 136 sixes in Test cricket is also a record.

Beyond the individual achievements, Stokes will be remembered for his style of captaincy - the 'Bazball' revolution brought about when he assumed control of the Test side with head coach Brendon McCullum in 2022.

Revitalising a team that had won only one of its previous 17 Test, Stokes and McCullum encouraged attacking, fearless cricket and enjoyed immediate success. England won 10 of their first 11 Tests in charge.

Although Stokes won almost 56% of his Tests as captain - the best success rate for an England skipper in 45 years - his methods were found wanting against the biggest opponents.

England had to fight from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Australia in the home Ashes of 2023. The following winter, England were beaten 4-1 in India.

Following the trip to India, Stokes and McCullum built a new England team - including pushing record wicket-taker James Anderson into retirement - with the aim of defeating India at home in 2025, then regaining the Ashes in Australia.

But England could only draw 2-2 with India, then were beaten 4-1 in Australia on a tour dogged by accusations of a drinking culture.

The drinking resulted in a midnight curfew being imposed, a curfew which Stokes then broke in his first match back following the Ashes.

Ultimately, the manner in which Stokes' career has come to a stunning end follows a number of other high-profile off-field incidents.

In 2017, Stokes was involved in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub that resulted in him being charged with affray. He was cleared the following summer, but missed the 2017-18 Ashes tour as a result.

In 2021, Stokes took a break from cricket to prioritise his mental well-being. In a documentary released the following year, Stokes detailed the toll taken by the Bristol incident and the death of his father, Ged.

Stokes' career was also blighted by a number of severe injuries, not least a left-knee problem that hampered his bowling in 2023 and 2024.

This summer, Stokes returned from a broken cheek suffered when struck by a ball while coaching the Durham academy.

He led England in the first Test against New Zealand, a win at Lord's, then missed the second, because of the nightclub incident.

Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson were present when a member of England's security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.

Both cricketers were cleared to return for the third Test. Speaking to the media before the match in Nottingham, Stokes said he had apologised to his team-mates, but refused to say if he had felt supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board during the process.

Stokes also discussed his future as England captain when he told the BBC: "The England captaincy is one of those things where I'm 35 now and, even before this stuff all happened, I thought, 'Could I ever see myself playing for England and not being captain?'

"It's a question I've never really been able to answer, because it's been such a big part of this part of my career.

"You look at others who have stepped away from captaincy and kept playing - I don't really know. I love playing for England. I love being captain of this team and that's where I'm at with everything."

England will name a successor, probably Brook, for their next Test against Pakistan at Headingley in August.

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His eyes dart up and down, tracking the ball flight, while his head swivels from side to side in an attempt to coerce the ball back to his target. DP World Tour star Eugenio Chacarra becomes more watchable with every swashbuckling swing and intense reaction.

There’s a strong chance golf fans will be watching Chacarra’s relentless brand of golf on the PGA Tour next year after the 6-foot-2 Spaniard walloped the field at the Italian Open on Sunday to collect his second DP World Tour title in three weeks.

“Yeah, winning is always great, but that’s what we work for,” Chacarra said after his victory. “I’ve been doing [some] incredible work these last couple of years and I’m very proud of myself.”

Chacarra, whose Arnold Palmer-type swing and aspirational pace of play left commentators in awe, will also be visible at the 154th Open Championship next month given the Italian Open afforded the leading player a spot in the field at Royal Birkdale.

“Yeah, so excited,” Chacarra said. “I’ve never played [the British Open]. I’ve dreamed of playing it, always. I’ve watched Seve [Ballesteros] win British Opens. I’ve watched it on TV since I was little. Excited to be out there. It’s now time to celebrate and then we focus on that.”

A former LIV golfer, Chacarra was cruising on Sunday at the Italian Open, two shots ahead of playing partner, Matt Wallace (67). After five birdies, Chacarra dropped a lengthy eagle putt on the par-5 15th that took his final-round scorecard to seven under par at the Circolo golf course in Turin.

Three closing pars gave Chacarra a bogey-free 64, enough for a five-shot victory over Wallace at 24 under. He didn’t shoot worse than 66 all week at the par-71 course. LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann (68), also in the final trio, finished third at 18 under.

“Obviously, [64] is a great round of golf,” Chacarra said. “Not just this round, but all week. And I think it’s [now] 20 rounds in a row under par. I’ve been playing solid golf. I’ve done an incredible job with my caddie staying patient. I’m enjoying golf.”

Wallace chipped in for eagle at the par-5 first and when the Englishman birdied the fourth, he drew level with Chacarra. But from the fifth, Wallace was unable to avoid errors like Chacarra, mixing three bogeys—including at 17 and 18—with four birdies.

“I think it was a good fight; two world-class players, probably two of the best players in the world,” Chacarra said. “That’s what I was dreaming since I was little, to play against those kinds of players down the stretch. I’ve very proud how I played and how I managed myself today.”

Having won the KLM Open in the Netherlands earlier this month, Chacarra took a step closer to achieving his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour when he catapulted to third on the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai rankings. His current position, though, is essentially second place once PGA Tour member Rory McIlroy’s name is removed from the list. The top 10 points earners at the end of the DP World Tour season earn cards on the PGA Tour for 2027. Chacarra now has 2,107 points. For comparison, the 10th finisher on last season’s Race to Dubai final standings earned 2,203 points.

Chacarra, now 26, was once a standout at Oklahoma State University. He was the No. 2-ranked amateur in the world when he turned professional and joined LIV Golf in 2022. He quickly won a LIV event and an International Series tournament on the Asian Tour in 2023.

But at the end of the 2024 season, Chacarra was not re-signed by Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs team and decided to leave the league and play on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. At the time, Chacarra was outspoken about LIV Golf. In a January 2025 interview with Flushing It Golf, Chacarra said: “I see what it’s like to win on the PGA Tour and how your life changes. How you get major access and ranking points. On LIV, nothing changes, there is only money.”

After serving a one-year suspension from the PGA Tour for most of 2025, Chacarra received a sponsor invitation to the Puerto Rico Open this year and he tied for 21st place.

Chacarra will likely next tee up at the Scottish Open next month, which is co-sanctioned by the PGA and DP World tours. The following week he will play in the British Open.

“I’ve proved myself already,” Chacarra said Sunday in Italy. “When I was an amateur I was one of the best in America and I want to be one of the best players in professional golf.”

He’s already one of the most exciting.

Happy Sunday Husky fans. The Husky coaches have been busy on the recruiting front and it sounds like some good news should be heading their way over the next couple of weeks. Several top offensive line targets have set their commitments after visiting last weekend.

4 star offensive lineman Gecova Doyal from Puyallup HS, WA is set to commit on July 1st with the Huskies looking like they are in a good position to reel him in. Rated as the 16th best composite interior offensive lineman Doyal had seemingly narrowed his recruitment down to Oregon and UW. The Huskies got the last visit and the Huskies would love to add Doyal who looks like a future mauler on the offensive line. Listed at 6’3″ and around 285 pounds, Doyal looks destined to play guard in college. The Huskies would love to continue their dominance of landing the majority of the top in-state players under coach Fisch and landing Doyal would be a big win for the Huskies over the Ducks.

3 star offensive tackle Tye Kennedy from Mountain View HS, AZ is set to commit on July 1st as well and I like where the Huskies sit for him. Kennedy, who has a prototypical frame for an offensive tackle, has immense potential and would be a big pickup for the Huskies. With a similar build to his father, former Husky great Lincoln Kennedy, Tye has accumulated offers from Michigan, Stanford, and Utah. The Huskies don’t have an offensive tackle currently committed to them and Kennedy would fill that role as a potential fixture at tackle in college. Kennedy, is rated as the 49th best offensive tackle in the country by 247sports.

4 star offensive lineman DaJohn Yarborough from Basha HS, AZ is set to commit on July 11th and is another top target that appears to be trending towards UW. Listed at 6’5″ and around 340 pounds Yarborough has the size to play tackle or slide inside and play guard. The Huskies have been battling Cal, FSU, and Mississippi State and would love to reel in Yarborough who is rated as the 26th best interior offensive via composite rating. After missing part of his junior season, Yarborough looks ready to go and would be a big pickup for the Huskies if they can land him.

If you like beef then these next couple of weeks should be fun to follow for Husky fans. That is all for today and as always follow me @asieverkropp.

Where to watch South Africa vs. Canada live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Round of 32 match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Canada and South Africa head into a historic Round of 32 clash having endured identical 1-1-1 group stage records but carrying entirely different waves of momentum.

South Africa is riding high after a massive 1-0 victory over South Korea to punch their ticket to the knockout rounds for the first time in four tournament appearances.

Canada, meanwhile, limps into the matchup following a 2-1 defeat to Group B winner Switzerland, compounding the heartbreak of losing key midfielder Ismaël Koné to a tournament-ending fractured leg in their second match of the tournament.

Despite the setback, the Canadians possess explosive firepower in Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustáquio, and forward Jonathan David, who famously walloped Qatar with a hat-trick in the group stage.

They will square off against a confident, goal-hungry South African side led by Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko, Percy Tau, and Lyle Foster, ensuring that one of these historical underdogs will extend their dream debut in the World Cup knockout phase.

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

LIVE: Follow Canada vs. South Africa updates from 2026 World Cup knockouts

South Africa vs. Canada live stream, TV channel

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

South Africa vs. Canada will be broadcast on FOX in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

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

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

What time does South Africa vs. Canada start?

South Africa vs. Canada kicks off Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

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

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Sunday, June 28

• South Africa vs. Canada (3 p.m.)

Monday, June 29

• Brazil vs. Japan (1 p.m.)
• Germany vs. Paraguay (4:30 p.m.)
• Netherlands vs. Morocco (9 p.m.)

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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

Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?

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

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

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

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

How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?

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

Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?

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

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

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

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

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

What time do World Cup games start?

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

Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?

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