Galatasaray ve Acun Ilıcalı'nın sahibi olduğu Hull City, transferde pişti oldu. Her iki ekibin de Everton forması giyen Tim Iroegbunam'la ilgilendiği iddia edildi.
Galatasaray'ın orta saha konusundaki çalışmaları devam ediyor. Gündeme son olarak Everton forması giyen Tim Iroegbunam'ın geldiği öğrenildi. İddialara göre; 23 yaşındaki futbolcuyla Acun Ilıcalı'nın sahibi olduğu Hull City de ilgileniyor. 1.83 boyundaki oyuncu hem merkez orta saha hem de ön liberoda görev yapabiliyor.
İNDİRİM YAPABİLİRLER
İngiliz futbolcunun sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2027'de tamamlanıyor. Yani kontratının son senesine girdi. Everton Kulübü'nün 20 milyon euro civarında bir bonservis beklentisi bulunuyor. Fakat mukavelesinin bitmesine kısa bir süre kalan oyuncuda indirime gidecekleri düşünülüyor.
YEDEK PLAN GİBİ
23 yaşındaki Tim Iroegbunam, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun "genç" yabancı kriterini karşılıyor. Yine de şunu belirtmekte fayda var: Galatasaray'ın listesinde bu bölge için daha "bilindik" isimler var... Tim Iroegbunam'ın yedek plan olarak düşünüldüğü ifade edildi.
Aziz Yıldırım'ın "futbol aklı" yapmak istediği Rıdvan Dilmen'den Fenerbahçe'nin transfer gündemi hakkında çarpıcı itiraflar geldi: Yönetim tıpkı Kante'de olduğu gibi baskı altında, Greenwood transferi an meselesi!
Aziz Yıldırım’ın seçim döneminde "futbol aklı" olarak göreve getirmeyi planladığı ünlü yorumcu Rıdvan Dilmen’den gündemi sarsacak sıradışı bir itiraf geldi.
Dilmen, sarı-lacivertlilerin transfer gündemine dair de çok konuşulacak tespitlerde bulundu.Fenerbahçe’nin uzun süredir peşinde olduğu dünyaca ünlü yıldız Mason Greenwood transferinin çok kısa bir süre içinde resmiyete döküleceğini öngördüğünü belirtti. İsmi taraftarla anılmaya başladıktan sonra yönetimin üzerinde ciddi bir transfer baskısı oluştuğunu ifade eden Dilmen, bu durumu geçmişteki N'Golo Kante sürecine benzetti.
Greenwood’un geçen sezonki istatistiklerinin muazzam olduğunu ve Fenerbahçe için nokta atışı bir takviye olacağını vurgulayan ünlü yorumcu, şu ifadeleri kullandı:
- Geçtiğimiz sezon belki de şampiyonluğun kaybedilmesinin temel sebebi hücum hattındaki aksamalardı. Greenwood transferiyle birlikte bu sorun fazlasıyla çözülmüş olacak.
Fildişi Sahili Milli Takımı'yla piyasasını iyice yükselten Oulai'nin talipleri arttı. Trabzonspor, genç yeteneği yüksek bir bedelle satarsa onun yerine Göztepe'den Anthony Dennis'i düşünüyor. Bunun sağlam bir sebebi var.
Trabzonspor, geride bıraktığımız sezonun başında Bastia'ya 5.5 milyon euro ödeyerek Oulai'yi kadrosuna katmıştı. Genç yetenek, kısa süre içinde kendisini ispat etti. Fildişi Sahili Milli Takımı'nın da vazgeçilmezleri arasına girdi. Oulai'nin piyasası, Dünya Kupası'nın ardından iyice yükseldi.
AÇIK ARA ÖNDE
Bordo-Mavililer, çok yüksek bir teklif gelirse 20 yaşındaki orta saha oyuncusunu gönderecek. Onun yerine Göztepe'den Anthony Dennis düşünülüyor. Bunun arkasında ise şu istatistik var:
Süper Lig'de 2025-2026 sezonunda rakip sahada en fazla top kazanan 23 yaş altı oyuncular (Toplam):
Anthony Dennis- 144
Christ Inao Oulai- 72
Ümit Akdağ- 66
Ruan- 61
Bartuğ Elmaz- 57
Kacper Kozlowski- 57
COVENTRY CİTY TEHLİKESİ
Anthony Dennis, rakip sahada top kazanma konusunda Oulai gibi yetenekli bir isme bile büyük fark attı. Ancak Nijeryalı futbolcunun durumu da karışık. Coventry City, ciddi şekilde 22 yaşındaki orta saha oyuncusuyla ilgileniyor. Oulai kalırsa sorun yok. Fakat satışı gecikirse, Dennis elden kaçabilir.
U17 Erkek Basketbol Milli Takımımız, Dünya Kupası üçüncülük maçında Avustralya'ya 77-69 mağlup olarak turnuvayı dünya dördüncüsü olarak tamamladı.
Geleceğin yıldızlarını bir araya getiren turnuvada ay-yıldızlı ekibimiz, madalya mücadelesinde parkeye çıktı. Güçlü rakibi Avustralya karşısında maç boyunca büyük bir direnç gösteren ve son saniyeye kadar mücadeleyi bırakmayan milliler, parkeden 77-69’luk skorla mağlup ayrıldı.
Madalya Kıl Payı Kaçtı: Başa baş geçen mücadelenin son periyodunda hücum ritmini kaybeden millilerimiz, bronz madalyayı son anlarda kaçırdı.
Kürsü şansını kaybetmesine rağmen turnuva genelinde dev bütçeli rakiplerini dize getiren U17 Milli Takımımız, dünya dördüncüsü unvanıyla turnuvaya damga vurdu.
Turnuva boyunca sergiledikleri karakter ve oyunla basketbolseverlerin takdirini toplayan genç devlerimiz, Türk basketbolunun geleceğinin emin ellerde olduğunu tüm dünyaya kanıtladı.
Formula 1 Dünya Şampiyonası'nın 9. ayağı olan Britanya Grand Prix'sinde zafer Ferrari'nin oldu. Silverstone'da hatasız bir sürüş çıkaran Charles Leclerc, dev yarışı ilk sırada tamamlayarak podyumun zirvesine çıktı.
Formula 1 Dünya Şampiyonası'nda sezonun 9. heyecanı Britanya Grand Prix'sinde yaşandı. Hız ve stratejinin ön plana çıktığı nefes kesen yarışı, Ferrari'nin Monakolu pilotu Charles Leclerc ilk sırada tamamlayarak podyumun zirvesine çıktı.
Sezonun en kritik virajlarından biri olan Britanya Grand Prix'sine İtalyan ekibi Ferrari damga vurdu. Yarış boyunca lastik yönetimini ve pit stratejisini kusursuz yöneten Charles Leclerc, rakiplerinin baskısına kararlılıkla yanıt verdi. Hatasız bir sürüş çıkaran Monakolu pilot, damalı bayrağı ilk sırada görerek podyumun en üst basamağına yerleşti.
Sezonun 9. ayağında elde edilen bu zafer, hem Leclerc'in pilotlar şampiyonluğundaki iddiasını güçlendirdi hem de Ferrari'ye takımlar sıralamasında çok kritik puanlar kazandırdı. Britanya'nın zorlu virajlarında sergilediği performansla otoritelerden tam not alan Leclerc, bu galibiyetle adını "Britanya'nın Kralı" olarak zirveye yazdı.
Edirne Sarayiçi Er Meydanı'nda düzenlenen 665. Tarihi Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri'nde tarihi bir gün yaşandı. Finalde güçlü rakibi Feyzullah Aktürk'ü mağlup eden Erkan Taş, Türkiye'nin yeni Başpehlivanı oldu ve altın kemeri boynuna taktı.
Tarihi Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri, er meydanında nefes kesen mücadelelerin ardından yeni şampiyonunu ilan etti. Dev turnuvanın final müsabakasında Feyzullah Aktürk ile karşı karşıya gelen Erkan Taş, rakibini mağlup ederek başpehlivanlık unvanına ulaştı. Turnuvanın henüz ikinci turunda organizasyonun en büyük favorilerinden "Sarı Fırtına" lakaplı İsmail Balaban’ı eleyerek büyük bir sürprize imza atan Taş, form grafiğini finale kadar taşıyarak altın kemerin sahibi oldu.
GÜREŞÇİ AİLEDEN GELEN SİNOPLU ŞAMPİYON
2000 yılında Sinop’ta dünyaya gelen Erkan Taş, yağlı güreş camiasının yakından tanıdığı bir aileye mensup. Genç şampiyon, er meydanlarının bir diğer ünlü başpehlivanı Mustafa Taş ile amca oğludur. Küçük yaşlardan itibaren minder ve er meydanlarında yetişen Erkan Taş, alt boylardan itibaren sergilediği istikrarlı performansla basamakları hızla tırmandı. 2018 yılında Elmalı Güreşleri'nde Deste Küçük boyda elde ettiği dereceyle dikkatleri üzerine çeken sporcu, kariyer basamaklarını birer birer geçti.
BAŞALTINDAN ZİRVEYE UZANAN TARİHİ BAŞARI
Erkan Taş’ın başpehlivanlık serüveni, iki yıl önce tarihi bir başarıyla taçlanmıştı. 2024 yılında düzenlenen 663. Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri'nde başaltı boyunda birinci olan Taş, başpehlivanlık unvanını resmen kazandı. Baş boyuna çıktıktan kısa bir süre sonra 19. Bahçelievler Kocasinan Yağlı Güreşleri finalinde kuzeni Mustafa Taş’ı yenerek kariyerinin ilk başpehlivanlık birinciliğine ulaşan sporcu, Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi (ASAT) Spor Kulübü bünyesinde kariyerine devam ediyor.
2026 SEZONUNA DAMGA VURDU
Geçtiğimiz sezonlarda Dikmen, Ödemiş Gölcük ve Osmancık Yağlı Güreşleri’nde kürsünün en üst basamağına çıkan Erkan Taş, 2026 sezonuna da çok formda başladı. Kırkpınar öncesinde düzenlenen 18. Edremit Yağlı Güreşleri’nde birinci olarak altın kemer sinyalini veren Sinoplu başpehlivan, Edirne’de adını Kırkpınar tarihine altın harflerle yazdırarak memleketine büyük bir gurur yaşattı.
Süper Lig devleri Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray'ın transfer listesindeki milli sağ bek Zeki Çelik, Türkiye tekliflerini reddetti.
Transfer gündeminin merkezindeki milli sağ bek Zeki Çelik’in geleceği netleşti. Süper Lig devleri Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray'ın radarına giren yıldız oyuncu, Türkiye'ye dönmeye sıcak bakmadı.
Transfer bombacısı Fabrizio Romano'nun paylaştığı bilgilere göre; hem Fenerbahçe’ye hem de Galatasaray’a "hayır" diyen Zeki Çelik, kulübü Roma ile masaya oturdu. Taraflar arasında yapılan görüşmeler olumlu sonuçlandı ve sözleşme yenileme konusunda tam anlaşma sağlandı.
İki ezeli rakibin transfer savaşı sonuçsuz kaldı; milli futbolcu İtalya'da kalarak Roma ile yola devam etme kararı aldı.
Beşiktaş'ın yeni teknik direktörü Vincenzo Italiano, Emirhan Topçu'nun kesinlikle kadroda tutulmasını istedi. Çünkü 25 yaşındaki stoperin çok önemli bir özelliği bulunuyor.
Süper Lig'de 2025-2026 sezonunda rakip sahada en fazla top kazanan stoperler şöyle sıralandı (Ortalama):
Bir ara sakatlık problemi de yaşayan Emirhan, Süper Lig'de 21 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 1.742 dakika kaldı. 1 gol üretti. 1.88 boyundaki savunmacı, 2024 yazında Çaykur Rizespor'dan transfer edilmişti. O dönemde 3.4 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödendi. Sözleşmesi ise 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar sürüyor.
KESİNLİKLE KALMALI
Beşiktaş'ın yeni teknik direktörü Vincenzo Italiano'nun, Emirhan'ın oyun anlayışını çok beğendiği öğrenildi. İtalyan hoca, 25 yaşındaki futbolcunun istatistiklerinden de etkilendi. Emirhan'ın adı bazı takımlarla anılıyor. Fakat Beşiktaş Yönetimi onu kadroda tutacak. Bu arada TFF'nin 10+4'lük yabancı kontenjanı da bu kararda etkili oldu.
İtalyan basını bomba gelişmeyi duyurdu: Beşiktaş'ın yıllık 8-9 milyon euro'luk astronomik teklifini beklemeye alan Dusan Vlahovic, Avrupa'nın büyük liglerinde kalmak istediği için siyah-beyazlıları çıkmaza soktu.
Beşiktaş’ın Dusan Vlahovic transferinde sıcak gelişmeler yaşanıyor. Siyah-beyazlıların dünyaca ünlü Sırp golcü için yaptığı dev hamle, oyuncunun kararsızlığı nedeniyle çıkmaza girdi.
İtalyan basınından Calciomercato'nun paylaştığı bilgilere göre; Beşiktaş yönetimi, 26 yaşındaki yıldız forveti kadrosuna katabilmek için yıllık 8-9 milyon euro bandında astronomik bir maaş teklif etti. Türkiye standartlarının çok üzerindeki bu rakama rağmen transfer olumlu sonuçlanmadı.
Kariyerine Avrupa'nın 5 büyük liginde (İngiltere, İspanya, İtalya, Almanya, Fransa) devam etmek isteyen Vlahovic, Beşiktaş'tan gelen bu çılgın teklifi beklemeye aldı. Sırp golcünün parayı ikinci plana atarak Avrupa’nın zirvesinde kalma ısrarı, siyah-beyazlı yönetimi adeta usandırdı.
Beşiktaş, oyuncudan gelecek kesin karara göre transfer rotasını çizecek.
Bayern Münih'le sözleşmesi biten Leon Goretzka bir dönem Galatasaray'ın ciddi şekilde gündemindeydi. Sonrasında ilgi azaldı. Ancak bugün itibarıyla Sarı-Kırmızılılar tekrar Alman yıldıza göz kırptı. Tecrübeli futbolcunun talip sayısı ise can sıkıyor.
Bayern Münih, sözleşmesi 30 Haziran'da biten Leon Goretzka'yla yola devam edilmeyeceğini daha önce resmen açıklamıştı. 31 yaşındaki merkez orta saha boşta bulunuyor. 1.89 boyundaki futbolcu bir ara Galatasaray'ın ciddi şekilde gündemindeydi. Sonrasında alternatif isimler üzerine yoğunlaşıldı.
YEŞİL IŞIK YAKTI AMA...
Ancak şu anda Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın tekrar Leon Goretzka'nın menajeriyle iletişime geçtiği öğrenildi. Alman yıldızın temsilcisi, Galatasaray'a yeşil ışık yaktı fakat diğer taliplerle de görüşmelerin devam ettiğini söyledi. Leon'la şu kulüpler ilgileniyor:
Atletico Madrid
Chicago Fire FC
Milan
Napoli
AY SONUNA DOĞRU
Leon Goretzka, Almanya ile Dünya Kupası'ndan elendikten sonra tatilini sürdürüyor. Bu sırada menajeriyle sık sık telefon görüşmeleri yapıyor. 31 yaşındaki futbolcu, yüksek bir maaş talep ediyor. Ayrıca imza parası beklentisi de var... Tecrübeli oyuncunun yeni takımının bu ayın sonuna kadar netleşmesi bekleniyor.
Sarı-kırmızılılar, stoper özellikli ön libero ve santrfor arayışını arka plana iterek kanat hattı için büyük bir hamleye hazırlanıyor.
TRT Spor'un iddiasına göre West Ham'ın yıldızı Crysencio Summerville gündeme gelirken, Sané, Barış Alper ve Yunus'lu rotasyonda kimin gideceği merak konusu oldu.
Galatasaray, transfer politikasında ani bir eksen kayması yaşıyor. Sarı-kırmızılı yönetimin, İngiltere Premier Lig ekiplerinden West Ham United forması giyen Hollandalı sol kanat oyuncusu Crysencio Summerville’yi listesine aldığı iddia edildi.
Süper Lig'de yürürlükte olan 10+4 yabancı kuralı nedeniyle kontenjanı idareli kullanmak zorunda olan Aslan, normal şartlarda stoperde de görev yapabilen savunmacı bir ön libero ve santrfor takviyelerine odaklanmıştı. Ancak yönetimin yabancı hakkını kanat transferi için zorlama kararı alması, sarı-kırmızılı ekibin transfer stratejisinde önceliklerin tamamen değiştiğini gözler önüne serdi.
Summerville iddiası, Galatasaray'ın mevcut kadrosundaki kanat zenginliğini ve bu oyuncuların geleceğini de tartışmaya açtı. Takımda Leroy Sané, Barış Alper Yılmaz ve Yunus Akgün gibi üst düzey isimlerin bulunmasına rağmen yeni bir kanat oyuncusunun gündeme gelmesi, akıllara tek bir soruyu getirdi: "Kim gidiyor?"
Avrupa kulüplerinin radarında olan Barış Alper Yılmaz’a ciddi bir teklif gelme olasılığı ya da yabancı kontenjanında yer açmak adına radikal bir ayrılığın planlanması, bu sürpriz operasyonun arkasındaki en güçlü neden olarak gösteriliyor.
There have been a few hints in the past about the successors to the Vivo X300 series, which are expected to be unveiled in September and are also anticipated to be released in Europe. Until the Vivo X500 Ultra is released in 2027, the spotlight is likely to be on the Vivo X500 Pro Max and the new entry-level flagship, the Vivo X500, in particular.
17 Yaş Altı Yıldız Erkek Milli Takımımız, FIBA U17 Basketbol Dünya Kupası üçüncülük maçında Avustralya'ya 77 - 69 mağlup oldu. Ay-yıldızlılar, organizasyonu dördüncü sırada tamamladı.
Kişilərdən ibarət basketbol üzrə Azərbaycan milli komandası Avropa çempionatının (AÇ-2029) seçmə mərhələsində sonuncu oyununa çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Tahir Baxşıyevin baş məşqçisi olduğu kollektiv bu gün İrlandiya yığmasını qəbul edib.
Bakı İdman Sarayındakı təşkil edilmiş matç yığmamız üçün uğursuz alınıb. Belə ki, Azərbaycan millisi bu görüşdə rəqibinə 70:76 hesabı ilə məğlub olub.
Xatırladaq ki, Azərbaycan milli komandası İrlandiya yığmasına qarşı səfərdə keçirdiyi oyundan 76:75 hesablı qələbə ilə qayıtmışdı. Amma bu rəqiblə ev oyununda oxşar uğuru təkrarlamaq mümkün olmayıb.
Basketbol millimiz daha əvvəl Şimali Makedoniyaya səfərdə 49:87, evdə 70:78, Lüksemburqa isə evdə 90:95 hesabı ilə uduzmuşdu. Lüksemburqla səfər oyununda isə Azərbaycan millisi 76:74 hesabı ilə qalib gəlmişdi.
Beləliklə, A qrupunda bütün oyunlarından qalib ayrılmış Şimali Makedoniya yığması birinci yerlə növbəti mərhələyə adlayıb. Lüksemburq yığması 8 xalla ikinci olubsa, eyni xala malik İrlandiya üçüncü, Azərnbaycan yığması sonuncu yeri tutub.
“Barselona”nın və İspaniya millisinin futbolçusu Pau Kubarsi DÇ-2026-da Portuqaliyaya qarşı keçirəcəkləri 1/8 final oyunundan əvvəl fikirlərini bölüşüb.
Futbolpress.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, müdafiəçi rəqib komandanın hücumçusu Kriştiano Ronaldoya heyranlığından danışıb:
“Ronaldoya qarşı oynamaq inanılmaz olacaq. O, əla futbolçudur. Matçdan sonra formasını istəyəcəyəm, amam bilirəm ki, növbə yaranacaq”.
Roma have reached an agreement with Zeki Celik over a new contract, ending speculation about the Turkish defender’s future after his deal expired on 30 June.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via CalcioMercato, the two parties have found terms to continue together, with Celik reported to have already signed, leaving only the official announcement outstanding.
It marks a notable win for Roma in a summer when several of their key men reached the end of their contracts.
As a potential free agent, Celik had attracted interest from Serie A rivals, Juventus and Inter chief among them, with the latter viewing him as a potential answer to their search for a right-sided defender, but the Giallorossi have moved to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Gasperini pushed hard to keep Celik at Roma
The renewal is understood to be a three-year deal worth around €3 million per season. The Giallorossi hierarchy worked to retain a defender who was a near-ever-present last season, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini played a decisive role in getting it over the line.
Celik started 43 of the 45 matches he featured in from the off, making an important contribution to Roma’s qualification for the Champions League.
Gasperini, who leaned heavily on the Turkey international throughout the campaign, was determined to keep him ahead of a season back in Europe’s premier competition.
With the paperwork done, only the confirmation now remains to rubber-stamp Celik’s stay in the capital.
Bologna’s continued interest in Connor Barron could yet become a factor in Rangers’ pursuit of Lewis Ferguson.
According to the Daily Record, the Rossoblù have long admired the Rangers midfielder, having tried to sign him back when he left Aberdeen for Ibrox in 2024.
The Serie A side asked Barron to wait at the time, but the Scotland international opted for the offer on the table from Rangers instead.
They have kept tabs on him since, reportedly making an approach last season that was rebuffed by then-sporting director Kevin Thelwell, with Rangers making clear he was not for sale at that point.
Bologna’s Ferguson the prize as Rangers, Atalanta and Roma weigh a move
Barron reportedly remains on Bologna’s list, and his camp is aware of the ongoing Serie A interest. Whether Rangers would sanction a sale this summer is unclear, though new manager Derek McInnes is a known admirer, having worked with Barron as he came through the ranks at Aberdeen.
The other half of the equation is Ferguson himself.
Rangers are keen to bring the Bologna captain to Ibrox and have already made an enquiry, though they know it would be a difficult deal, with Bologna valuing their skipper in the eight-figure bracket and fielding strong competition from Roma and Atalanta.
Whether Rangers can fund it may hinge on outgoings, with Belgium’s Nicolas Raskin, linked with Atalanta and Bologna themselves, another potential curveball.
SpaceX has confirmed in a semi-annual report submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this month that it disposed of 260 Starlink satellites between December 2025 and May 2026, intentionally vaporizing them via re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. According to the report, 176 of these satellites belonged to the first-generation Starlink constellation, with the rest belonging to the second generation. An additional 349 satellites were decommissioned within that 6-month period and will be disposed of in the coming months.
SpaceX’s Starlink operates a huge constellation of over 10,000 satellites as of the time of this report, even as the company plans for Starlink Mobile, which will provide satellite internet directly to mobile phones. However, each of these satellites has a lifespan of about 5 years, a somewhat intentional setup to allow swapping for newer versions, after which their fuel depletes. When this happens, the satellite is programmed to use its remaining fuel to perform a controlled de-orbit. It lowers its altitude and plunges into Earth's atmosphere, where extreme friction completely incinerates 100% of the spacecraft.
The constellation is so large and varied that Starlink reportedly disposes of multiple satellites daily. It removed more than 472 satellite links from orbit between December 2024 and May 2025. Retrieving the deorbited satellites — which weigh roughly 573 to 650 pounds (260 to 295 kg) for first-generation units and 1,764 to 2,756 pounds (800 to 1,250 kg) for second-generation units — is technically impractical and financially unviable, according to the company. Hence, the incineration technique.
While Starlink’s disposal approach disintegrates 100% of the spacecraft, leaving behind no falling debris, it has raised concerns about its effect on the atmosphere. Researchers have urged further studies and regulations on the environmental impact of satellites. The FCC has long excluded satellites from environmental reviews, reportedly out of concern that regulations might slow the space race. Any regulation would likely be under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). However, the FCC is officially proposing “that space-based operations be excluded from NEPA because they are ‘extraterritorial activities’ with effects located entirely outside of the jurisdiction of the United States.” The proposal is yet to be approved.
While PC enthusiasts and DIYers gnash their teeth over the RAMpocalypse, the world’s makers and DIYers are busying themselves with alternative, DIY, and left-field solutions to the terrible component crunch. The latest to throw their hat in the DIY memory ring is polymatt with a video walkthrough showing how they made a USB drive with 64 bits of storage. Yes, bits, not even bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, and certainly not terabytes. Still, the video provides another look at the charms of ancient (in computing terms) Magnetic Core Memory.
Polymatt sums up their finished USB memory device as a gizmo with “64 iron rings, hand threaded and immersed in silicon oil.” Each ring can store a single bit, providing 64 bits (8 bytes) of total storage capacity. Though this way of providing memory to computer systems seems incredibly archaic, it was good enough for the Apollo spacecraft guidance computers.
Polymatt got a key ingredient for this retro-modern memory stick project by salvaging an old Russian computer for its tiny magnetic rings. Then we see the TechTuber skillfully make each component of the finished magnetic core memory device by hand, by soldering iron, by CNC machine, and using a Bambu Lab A2L 3D printer.
While Polymatt humbly describes the device they made as the “world’s worst USB drive,” that’s only probably true if judged by its capacity-to-weight ratio. In aesthetic terms, it looks great on the desk. Moreover, what it might lack in memory density it makes up for (a bit) by offering persistent (unpowered) storage, and it can even shrug off radiation bursts that would fry most modern memory devices.
Check out the 20-minute video if you want to see every step in the maker process. In comparison to the far larger 128-byte magnetic core memory USB drive made by a Japanese tech enthusiast earlier in the year, Polymatt’s model is rather better finished. As the TechTuber admits, the silicone oil probably wasn’t necessary, but they basically liked the aesthetic. Fair enough. They were also pondering over installing an LED for each bit, but shelved that idea.
polymatt on YouTubepolymatt on YouTubepolymatt on YouTubepolymatt on YouTube
The last section of Polymatt’s video is devoted to testing the DIY memory device. Unlike the USB storage you may be familiar with, this drive doesn’t store your discrete computer data files. Rather, it lets you edit a single persistent file dubbed core.txt, stored on the magnetic core memory array. Polymatt also verified the non-powered persistence of this DIY memory device. Unplugging and plugging the power to this USB-connected device proved that it is indeed a non-volatile memory device.
In related homebrew memory news, we are still waiting for Dr. Semiconductor to follow up on his making RAM in a garden shed cleanroom video with the promised ‘PC scale’ sequel.
The Internationale Computerspielesammlung (ICS), a German effort to assemble the world's largest publicly accessible video game archive, is being wound down after roughly €1.5 million in public funding expired at the end of April and the federal government declined to renew it. GamesWirtschaft reported on July 3rd that the project's shareholders voted unanimously to shut it down, leaving the future of its database of more than 60,000 cataloged titles unresolved. This decision comes the same week that Sony confirmed it’s ending physical PlayStation disc production.
The ICS held more than 60,000 games spread across cartridge, floppy disk, CD, DVD, and Blu-ray, alongside manuals, packaging, and hardware, assembled since 2012 from the USK (Germany's game-ratings authority), the Computerspielemuseum Berlin, the industry association Game, and the University of Potsdam. Its public online catalog launched in April 2019 with tens of thousands of entries. The physical holdings remain with the institutions that own them, and whether the shared database and its infrastructure survive is under legal and technical review, according to GamesWirtschaft.
Funding for the ICS came from the Berlin Senate and the federal government's culture commissioner and ran only through late April. Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), which took responsibility for games policy in 2025, examined a model for permanent institutional funding and concluded it wasn’t economically viable given the scale of the work involved. Berlin economics senator Franziska Giffey had cautioned earlier in the year that support beyond April wasn't guaranteed.
A 2023 study by the Video Game History Foundation and Software Preservation Network found that 87% of classic games released in the U.S. are out of print and commercially unavailable, a survival rate the researchers put below that of American silent films. In October 2024, the U.S. Copyright Office refused for the fourth time since 2015 to grant a DMCA exemption that would let libraries share preserved games with remote researchers, siding with the Entertainment Software Association.
Meanwhile, fan-run archives face a different set of challenges. Myrient, a repository holding more than 385 TB of preserved games, was set to go offline in early 2026 as AI-driven demand drove up RAM, SSD, and hard-drive prices, before volunteers backed up the collection in full. The ICS shutdown coincides with Sony's confirmation that it will end physical PlayStation disc production in 2028, which will make any future archival attempts all the more difficult.
A Chinese reviewer on Bilibili by the name of 杰某 (Jie Mou) got his hands on a special RTX 4080 graphics card that uses a mobile core instead of a desktop one. These GPUs emerged after the Trump admin banned the sale of RTX 4090s in the region, which forced local sellers to resort to strange alternatives, one of which is the supposed "RTX 4080M." It's a custom, modded GPU that doesn't come with a warranty or official drivers, and the benchmarks show it doesn't offer world-beating value either.
The reviewer paid 2,000 RMB (~$300) for the tested card but remarks that it now costs close to 2,700-2,800 RMB (~$400) due to the ongoing component crisis caused by the AI rush. At that price, it's almost as expensive as AMD's RX 9070 GRE or Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti in China, both of which will be brand new, warrantied cards. However, a similarly-modded RTX 4090M in China would cost an absurd 10,000 RMB (~$1,470).
Before we go over the benchmarks, the test bench used here was comprised of an Intel Core Ultra 270K Plus mounted on a Maxsun Z890-A motherboard alongside 32GB of DDR5-8200 RAM. In 3DMark TimeSpy, the 4080M scored 18,600 points, which is a respectable result in and of itself, but underwhelming when you take its price into account. Someone in the comments showed the same card netting 19,500 points as well.
During the benchmark, the card only pulled around 100W, which is significantly lower than even the mobile RTX 4080's TGP. The mobile core can be pushed up to 175W as per Nvidia's own spec and you'd expect that in a discrete GPU form factor, but it's likely that the custom BIOS or the drivers are holding it back. Speaking of which, the drivers can be easily configured with one-click installers developed by the community.
Moving toward gaming, the reviewer compared the 4080M against the aforementioned RX 9070 GRE because of their similar price brackets in China, and both come packing 12GB of VRAM. PUBG was the only game where the 4080M was clearly superior, achieving a 100 FPS lead over the AMD option at 1440p resolution with Ultra settings. In Delta Force at 1440p Ultra, both cards performed the same, but the 4080M did manage to net 10 more FPS at 4K.
The reviewer then tested AAA titles where the RX 9070 GRE basically smoked the 4080M as the resolution scaled upward. We'll add a table below so you can see the exact numbers, but the closest the 4080M came to dethroning the Red Team was in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Running at 1440p with Low settings, the 4080M pushed 286 FPS on average, while the RX 9070 GRE still won with 274 FPS.
Game
RTX 4080M
RX 9070 GRE
Difference
PUBG (2K, Ultra)
~340+ FPS
~240+ FPS
+100 FPS (~41.7%)
Delta Force (4K, Ultra)
~100+ FPS
~90+ FPS
+10 FPS (~11.1%)
Forza Horizon 5 (2K, Low)
214 FPS
297 FPS
-83 FPS (-27.9%)
Forza Horizon 5 (4K, High)
84 FPS
107 FPS
-23 FPS (-21.5%)
Cyberpunk 2077 (2K, Low)
171 FPS
184 FPS
-13 FPS (-7.1%)
Cyberpunk 2077 (4K, High)
49 FPS
76 FPS
-27 FPS (-35.5%)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2K, Low)
268 FPS
274 FPS
-6 FPS (-2.2%)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (4K, High)
96 FPS
107 FPS
-11 FPS (-10.3%)
At the end, the verdict ultimately turns out to be boring: the RTX 4080M is not a sensible purchase at the current Chinese market prices because similarly-priced new GPUs outpace it with ease. However, since it only drew 100W in games, there's an argument to be made for SFF builds. There's limited thermal headroom in an ITX system and that's where the RTX 4080M could thrive.
Nvidia's rich driver suite and superior upscaling tech also add value to the proposition. At roughly $400 converted, perhaps the 4080M can power a DIY Steam Machine that truly undercuts Valve's pricing while delivering much better performance. After all, it's made from salvaged laptop GPUs and qualification samples that are cheaper to acquire, so a MacGyver-ed, console-busting rig is where it can meet its natural match.
Farpy is a distributed GPU rendering platform for Blender and Octane. Upload .blend or .orbx projects, choose your render settings, and download completed frames or ZIP archives when jobs finish. Every completed render includes a downloadable SHA-256 delivery receipt for transparency.
Start with small previews, stills, tests, or short animations. Pay only for completed frames, monitor progress in real time, and scale to larger jobs as your workflow grows.
CreditRefresh is an AI-powered credit repair platform that reads your reports and finds items that may be inaccurate, incomplete, unverifiable, or too old to report. It writes a tailored dispute letter for each issue. Once you approve them, CreditRefresh can mail the disputes to credit bureaus for you, or you can send them yourself. Every dispute is tracked automatically so you can see the bureaus' responses. The platform makes a confusing process fast, transparent, and easy to control.
Products that fuse technology to create something interesting aren’t a new concept, and with the advent of the Smart TV, most of us have one or more in our homes.
But the Apolosign 32" Smart Portable TV takes the technology crossover idea to a whole different level, as it combines a 4K display, an Android 16 tablet and a battery backup into a single roll-anywhere solution.
This is perfect for promotional signage, but I could also see this as being the perfect way to explain mobile apps in an educational setting.
If there is a caveat to lumping this much technology together, it's the weight, and this product is 22kg in the box, and not much less out of it. Therefore, getting it assembled is probably a two-man job, and should it fall over and hit anything, there will be breakage.
Also, at nearly $1000 / £1000, it isn’t cheap for what on the surface looks like a 32-inch TV, but that doesn’t account for all the technology underneath.
If you need a huge 4K Android tablet that can run all the standard apps and be operated by touch or voice while on battery power, then the options are limited.
And, while there are a few places where it might have been a little better, overall Apolosign has done a decent job making this fusion product design work.
Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV: Price and availability
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
How much does it cost? $820/£1000/€1100
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Direct from the maker or via an online retailer
The Apolosign 32" Smart Portable TV is $819 from its maker, although it can be found on Amazon.com for almost exactly the same price plus 99 cents. UK customers pay £999.99 at Amazon.co.uk, and in Europe, €1,099.99.
Therefore, Americans get a much better deal here than anyone else, for no obvious good reason, since the hardware is made in China.
If you want to save some money but still like the concept, Apolosign also makes a version with a 1080p screen for $719. And, for $619, you can have a 1080p model with a 24-inch panel. While these are cheaper, saving a few hundred dollars might not provide the best experience, and that’s what this device is all about.
I did notice a few other brand names selling what looked like similar hardware, but their prices were typically higher. Although I did find one on Amazon.co.uk selling what seemed to be similar equipment for only £699.99. But, I did note that the product only had 128GB of storage, a 10500 mAh battery and no HDMI input.
So, you get what you pay for.
When you factor that with the Apolosign 32" Smart Portable TV, you get an Android tablet, a 32-inch 4K display, a 4K webcam, a remote control, a battery system that can power everything and a high stand, the asking price even outside America isn’t excessive.
And, for those in the US, it might even be a bargain.
Value: 4 / 5
Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV: Specs
Item
Spec
Processor
Rockchip RK3576, 8nm, octa-core (4x Cortex-A72 @ up to 2.2–2.4 GHz + 4x Cortex-A53)
In the box, this hardware weighs an impressive 22kg, and the box isn’t a huge part of that weight.
That mass is mostly because of the construction of the base, which has some intentional extra weight, and also a battery, to increase the stability once fully assembled. Assembly starts with the base, connecting it to a two-part pillar, and then, once that’s together, attaching the monitor using a VESA 100 mounting.
I’d strongly suggest that, unlike me, anyone doing this have a second support person handy, because some of the parts and the assembly are heavy.
The added complication of this design is that the PSU plugs into the base, and power is passed via a series of connectors up the support arm to the display.
My install was made extra fun because on the inside of the box lid was a set of instructions that I decided to follow. To connect the base to the bottom half of the pillar, I was told to use the screws labelled B3x16, and this was the only screw bag that had a label.
Except someone in the packing department had taken B3 to be the number of screws, and put three screws in there that were for the VESA connection stage, and they weren’t anywhere near 16mm long. I found those in an unmarked bag, give of them, four to attach and one spare. But anyone following the box instructions to the letter would be stuck because the VESA screws aren’t long enough for that attachment.
Once I realised the mistake, it was all plain sailing, and soon the support arm and screen were treated as one item.
For those wondering, there is a panel you can remove on the screen that provides access to the USB ports and an HDMI port for those wanting to use a PC or smart stick with it. And, also in that location is a place to directly power the system with the PSU. However, if you use that power input, the battery in the base won’t be charged, and it will need to be plugged in to use. It’s a choice, but it does allow the display to be used on a different VESA support, like one on a table.
The support column can tilt, rotate, and swivel, and there is 18cm of vertical movement. And, as the base is on casters, it can spin completely around.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Included in the box is a webcam, and there are two points to connect it to the display, depending on whether you are using it in landscape or portrait mode.
My only concern is that, given the size and mass of the monitor and how it's supported, it wouldn’t be impossible for this whole thing to go over, especially if someone pushed it onto a slope, like the one designed for wheelchair access. And, if that happens, the chance of the panel surviving seems remote.
If the screen doesn’t need to be moved around, a set of rubber feet is included to go over the casters, making it less mobile.
On the back of the display are a power button and a volume rocker, and pressing the power button will launch the Android installation routine, which anyone with a phone or tablet will be familiar with.
There are two accessories included with the display: a remote control and a webcam, but you can’t use either of those until Android is fully operational. When I first did that, the tablet part of this device was using Android 15, not the Android 16 that the maker's page promises. However, a system upgrade was ready, which converted it to Android 16 and also fixed a few limitations, such as adding Widevine L1 encryption.
I wouldn’t call the The Apolosign 32" Smart Portable TV a unique design, but there aren’t many hardware makers offering anything like this. It combines a monitor, tablet, mobile signage, information kiosk and presentation tool into a single device. And, for those who want all those things, it might be ideal.
Design: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV: Hardware
Rockchip RK3576
VA display
15000 mAh battery
When I saw that this Android device used a Rockwell chip, I was initially discouraged, but that might have been a mistake on my part.
The Rockchip RK3576 first appeared on Rockchip roadmaps in late 2023, alongside the smaller RK3506. At the time, it looked like a cheaper sibling to the mighty RK3588, and that reading turned out to be correct. Rockchip officially launched the RK3576 in the second quarter of 2024, built on an advanced 8nm process, with low CPU junction temperature that allows fanless designs in many applications.
The RK3576 uses the familiar octo-core layout, and in this design, the cores are split 50/50 between performance and efficiency. Four ARM Cortex A72 cores handle heavy lifting, and four Cortex A53 cores manage lighter tasks, with an additional M0 co-processor for background duties. Together, they deliver around 58,000 DMIPS of computing power, which isn’t a huge number, but it's enough to build an Android tablet around.
Graphics and media are where this chip earns its keep. Video decoding stretches up to 8K at 30fps or 4K at 120fps, and it supports H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1 and AVS2. Encoding covers H.264 and H.265 up to 4K at 60fps, with JPEG encoding and decoding also reaching 4K at 60fps. The embedded GPU supports OpenGL ES up to 3.2, OpenCL up to 2.0 and Vulkan 1.1, so it copes comfortably with modern display demands, although it’s not got the sort of GPU power that games like.
A new sixteen megapixel image signal processor adds real muscle for camera work, with accelerators for HDR, noise reduction, sharpening and lens distortion correction. Rockchip also built in a 6 TOPS NPU for on-device AI, enabling things like facial recognition and voice interaction without needing the cloud. Rockchips
The chip supports dual-channel LPDDR4, LPDDR4X, and LPDDR5; later revisions added LPDDR5X support, giving manufacturers plenty of flexibility depending on cost targets.
In this implementation, it's got 8GB of memory, but try as I might, I couldn’t discover what it is, and, in the same vein, it has 256GB of storage, but the type is unclear.
As this device is mostly bought for the 4K screen, that’s the one part of this that was clearly under the most price-saving pressure.
I’m reasonably confident that this is IPS, not VA or AMOLED, it has only a brightness level of 300 nits, and a refresh of 60Hz. The quoted response time is 8ms, and it supposedly has a contrast ratio of 1:3000.
When I get into the performance weeds, I’ll return to the screen, but my initial view was that while it's workable, it’s the one part that Apolosign needed to probably make better to justify the cost of the ensemble.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Hardware: 4 / 5
The final hardware part I want to discuss is the battery, something I wasn’t actually expecting, that turned out to be genuinely useful.
Deep in the base, but replaceable is a 15000 mAh dual-cell Lithium-ion battery rated at 14.8 Volts. This is charged when the base is connected to power, although it charges much faster when the unit isn’t in use. Apolosign states that if the unit is in use and the battery is flat, it could take 6 hours to fully recharge. If you turn the screen and tablet off, it charges faster, probably in less than two hours.
The moral of this tale is to provide a PSU with enough umph to both charge and power, not do only one of those things effectively.
Makers quoted discharge is also six hours, but that longevity is dependent on the brightness set on the monitor and what the tablet is doing. But, during that time, you can wheel it around without any connected wires, and it remains fully functional.
Overall, the hardware in the tablet part of this design is decent if a bit underwhelming. I do wonder if a more modern SoC at 4nm might be more power efficient and an even better performer, allowing for more time on battery. But then, given that most of the power in the battery will be used on the 4K display, there might not be much of an advantage to gain.
Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV: Performance
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Modest SoC
Display is of good quality
95% AdobeRGB
Phone
Apolosign 32" Smart Portable TV
SoC
Rockchip RK3576
GPU
ARM Mali-G52 MC3
NPU
Integrated 6 TOPS
Memory
8GB/256GB
Weight
20kg
Battery
mAh
15,000
Geekbench
Single
344
Multi
1228
OpenCL
1438
Vulkan
1436
PCMark
3.0 Score
6164
Battery
8h 23m
Charge 30
%
15%
Passmark
Score
7180
CPU
3704
3DMark
Slingshot OGL
1941
Slingshot Ex. OGL
1473
Slingshot Ex. Vulkan
1694
Wildlife
864
Wldlife Extreme
241
Nomad Lite
100
Since this is a unique product to me, I’ve not put it in comparison to any other.
However, this, under the skin, is a tablet, so I’ve used the same benchmarks I’d do if it were one I could carry around.
Compared to the typical rugged tablet I cover, this is probably one of the slowest I’ve ever tested. Looking back at my data, the only tablet I’ve tested that was remotely similar in performance was the Ulefone Armour Pad Pro, which uses the MediaTek Helio G88, and the Ulefone Armour Pad 3 Pro, which uses the MediaTek Helio P60.
This arrangement is slightly quicker than those tablets, but the difference isn’t huge.
If the numbers don’t speak for themselves, the graphics performance here is fine for block puzzles and Candy Crush, but it’s not amazing when asked to do 3D.
The makers had predicted six hours of running, but it exceeded that amount by some way, running the PCMark battery test for 8 hours and 23 minutes. That’s not enough for the full day at a trade show, but it's acceptable. It’s worth remembering that the battery here is not only running the tablet but also the 4K display set to 120 nits of brightness.
For anyone wondering why I didn’t hook this display up to a PC and run a full Datacolor analysis on it, initially, there was a snag. Due to its integration with the tablet components, this monitor doesn’t have OSD, so selecting the various brightness settings I needed for analysis proved challenging.
What I was ultimately forced to do was swap back to Android, alter the brightness when required, and then go back to the PC HDMI input. Not impossible, but the process took much longer than it normally would.
Here are my results:
Datacolor Spyder X2 Analysis
Colour Gamut
Percentage
sRGB
95%
AdobeRGB
79%
P3
80%
NTSC
74%
Rec2020
57%
Gamma
2.1
Brightness/Contrast
Maximum Brightness
287.8
Maximum Contrast
1860:1
For an IPS panel, the one used here is decent, especially in Gamut and Tone Response.
It’s also strong on colour uniformity and contrast, even if it doesn’t hit the maker's quoted 3000:1 levels.
Its weaknesses are colour accuracy and luminance uniformity, with the latter being quite poor. This is an edge-lit design, and most of the light seems to come from the upper left, making the bottom centre and right much darker than the rest of the display. At its worst, we are talking 22% darker at 50% brightness.
The viewing angles on this screen are 178 degrees, so that’s not an issue for people viewing content at an angle.
Overall, the tablet part of this package isn’t anything special, but the display is better than anticipated.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV: Final verdict
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
As a solution, I enjoyed the Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV, since it delivered in a small but important niche.
Signage, presentation and educational rolls are all satisfied by this product, and for marketing companies needing show stand equipment, the price isn’t crazy.
In retrospect, a bigger battery to deliver a whole working day might have been worthwhile, and a high-end model with an AMOLED screen would be an eye-catching option.
The only question any prospective buyer needs to answer is whether they need 4K or if one of the 1080p models would do the job just as effectively.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV: Report card
Value
Limited choices make for good value
4 / 5
Design
Awkward to assemble but nice when together
4 / 5
Hardware
Modest SoC, but decent spec otherwise
4 / 5
Performance
Mediorcre tablet and decent screen
3.5 / 5
Total
Not cheap, but useful for so many jobs
4 / 5
Should you buy a Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV?
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Buy it if...
You need mobile presentation hardware If you don’t have stairs to contend with, this mobile display and tablet could be the perfect companion. It’s an Android tablet, a media player, a live streamer and an information kiosk all in one.
You want a 4K touch screen Microsoft damned touch screens by messing up Windows to support them and insisting we’d all be using them in the future, which caused the technology to die. However, this hardware is one of the few cases where touch works, especially when you put Android 16 on it.View Deal
Don’t buy if...
You intend to travel with it Even if you are prepared to go through the exercise of breaking this down into its box and then reassembling it at the other end, at over 20kg, this isn’t a practical travel companion. Take a projector instead.
I’ve been writing about fitness tech for years, and we’re finally at a point where more affordable fitness trackers are now every bit as capable as models that would have cost hundreds of dollars or pounds, little more just a few years ago. That’s not to say premium options don’t have their place too, but many of the standouts this year have certainly been on the cheaper end.
Whether it’s screenless devices showing less can be more, the latest iteration of the popular Oura Ring, or a pair of Amazfit options that can cut it with much more expensive models, here are the best fitness trackers in 2026 so far, in no particular order.
1. Google Fitbit Air
(Image credit: Peter Hoffmann)
Release date: May 26
Rating: 4/5
Whoop bands are growing in popularity for their distraction-free, sensor-packed, highly comfortable nature, and Google didn’t want to be outdone.
The tech giant’s answer to Whoop’s popularity, the Google Fitbit Air’s companion app boasts an effective but controversial AI-powered premium tier for additional insights, courtesy of Google’s new AI Health Coach. However, even on the free tier, this comfortable tracker weighing just 12 grams and reasonably priced at $99.99 / £84.99 / AU$199 is well worth a look.
Its real strength is heart rate metrics, which are consistently impressive for a cheap device, and it includes FDA-certified background AFib detection for additional peace of mind.
Our main gripe (outside of the two-tier app offering) is that it lacks GPS, and therefore run data feels less accurate than we’d have liked – even at this price.
Watch our YouTube review of the Google Fitbit Air here:
2. Oura Ring 5
(Image credit: Future)
Release date: June 4
Rating: 4/5
From the low-priced end of the spectrum to the expensive, the Oura Ring 5 is the latest offering from the company that, if they’re not the only game in town, more or less popularised the smart ring form factor.
Starting at $399 / £399 / AU$649, it’s hardly cheap, but it does a great job of offering a less intrusive way of tracking your wellness and fitness. In fact, despite its size, the fact that it could easily be mistaken for a piece of jewellery, and how comfortable it is, it’s remarkably accurate, too.
With a week of tracking between charges (including sleep), it offers more color options and better connectivity (Bluetooth 6.0 vs 5.4) at the same price as the Samsung Galaxy Ring. It’s also somehow 40% smaller than the last generation of Oura Ring, while still matching up with a dedicated chest strap for heart tracking.
Watch our YouTube review of the Oura Ring 5 here:
3. Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro:
(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Release date: April 16
Rating: 4/5
When a company like Amazfit (one of the best budget tracker manufacturers) takes aim at the premium market, it’s wise to take notice. The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro offers a Garmin-like experience with a bunch of runner-focused tools like training plans and detailed metrics, all with marathon-tackling 31 hours of dual-band GPS tracking.
Using it day-to-day can get you 20 days of battery life, and while it is a fairly bulky watch on the wrist, it’s a much cheaper rival to Garmin offerings.
GPS tracking is solid, but offline maps could use some work. Still, if you’re a runner, this is one of the models to beat this year.
4. Amazfit Active 3 Premium
(Image credit: Future)
Release date: February 26
Rating: 5/5
Another Amazfit, sure, but if the Cheetah 2 Pro is too much for you, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium is well worth a look. Despite the name, it’s priced very reasonably at $169 / £169 / around AU$325), while still offering an AMOLED display, built-in GPS, and a fairly weighty (but comfortable) 54.6g chassis.
Battery life can run you for up to 12 days according to Amazfit (but I hit around 11 in testing), and the Zepp app has improved massively in recent years so it’s a very solid running companion with some bona fide coaching options.
You’ll likely want something a little more durable if you’re going off-trail, but what it lacks in ruggedness, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium makes up for by being a great-looking budget option.
5. Garmin Forerunner 70
(Image credit: Future / Mike Sawh)
Release date: May 15
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer Mike Sawh wasn’t kidding — the Garmin Forerunner 70 really might be better value than its more premium cousin, the Garmin Forerunner 170.
High praise indeed, but even without Garmin’s latest, more expensive sensors, it packs accurate metrics alongside an easy-to-read AMOLED display and physical buttons that make it easy to use, excellent sports tracking, and impressive training insights.
It does lose the affordability of the Garmin Forerunner 55, and doesn’t have smartwatch features like NFC payments, but for a runner it’s a great option that’s one of the year’s strongest.
We’re now halfway through the calendar year (yes, really), so what better time to round up our favorite phones of 2026 so far?
I say ‘our favorite phones’, but I really mean ‘my favorite phones’ — I’ve collated five models that may not have perfect TechRadar review scores, but either surprised me in testing or offer something unique in today’s busy smartphone landscape.
The reviews for each model (which I’ve included in each entry) may have been written by someone else, but I’ve personally used all the phones listed below for specific feature deep-dives, video shoots, or general device comparisons. Don’t agree with my list? Let me know your favorite phone(s) of 2026 so far in the comments below.
5. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Release date: March 11
Review rating: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Any phone-related ‘best of’ list has to include Samsung’s latest Ultra-branded Galaxy device. This year’s edition is the feature-packed Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and while it’s not the most surprising phone I’ve tested this year (hence its place at number 5), it is the most powerful and versatile of the bunch. It’s an everything phone — an all-you-can-eat buffet of top-end hardware and software.
Chief among the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new software features are Privacy Display and Super Steady Horizontal Lock. The former stops prying eyes from viewing content on your screen, while the latter stabilizes videos even when you turn the phone a full 360 degrees. I’m a die-hard Apple fan, but the iPhone 17 Pro doesn’t have either of these features, nor classic Samsung tools like DeX and the S Pen, so the Galaxy S26 Ultra feels like a cut above the current best iPhone when it comes to productivity.
Add in some customarily premium hardware specs, and you’ve got a formidable pocket companion — albeit one that will cost you an arm and a leg to own.
Like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Google Pixel 10a is the definition of ‘iterative upgrade’, but it’s still my go-to recommendation for buyers looking for an affordable Android phone with great cameras. Google’s excellent Android software is just as good on this cheaper device as it is on the premium Google Pixel 10 Pro, and I’d go as far as to say that the 10a is actually the better-looking of the two phones (look at that flush camera!).
Sure, Google’s Tensor G4 chipset is underpowered compared to the midrange competition, and you don’t get any PixelSnap compatibility here, but at $499 / £499 / AU$849, it’s hard to argue against the Pixel 10a’s value for money. Its 6.3-inch Actua display is gorgeous, its two cameras are as good as anything you’ll find for the same price, and its AI-powered software features — from Camera Coach to Call Screen — are genuinely useful. Bravo, Google.
I know what you’re thinking: the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion? Surely this little-known device — which isn’t even available in the US — is not my third-favorite phone of 2026 so far? Well, it is, if only because it surprised me (and our reviewer) so much in testing.
The Edge 70 Fusion costs just £379.99 / AU$499, but it looks like a flagship phone. It’s slim and lightweight for its large size, and boasts a nice textured finish on its rear panel. Its 6.78-inch display can reach 144Hz, and the 7,000mAh battery routinely got me through two days on a single charge. And don’t forget the IP68 and IP69 resistance ratings.
There are, of course, compromises. Motorola’s software continues to be… just OK, while the Edge 70 Fusion specifically is only due to receive three years of major software updates. But for such a low price, these shouldn’t be deal-breakers. The Edge 70 Fusion is my surprise package of 2026 so far, and it deserves more attention than it’s been given.
I recently played around with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro for an upcoming ‘best midrange phones’ video, and it blew the competition out of the water in terms of value for money.
As much as I love the Google Pixel 10a (as you’ll have read above), for the same price, Nothing’s latest a-series phone adds a 50MP telephoto camera, faster charging, and a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset into the mix. And best of all, the (4a) Pro is a thoroughly unique-looking device.
Nothing swapped the transparent rear panel of its other phones for an industrial, aluminum backplate on the (4a) Pro, making the huge camera module the star of the show. This module also features the gimmicky-but-fun Glyph Matrix introduced on the Nothing Phone 3, which, for me, has drawn as much attention in public places as the iPhone Air this year.
If the Google Pixel 10a is my safe value-for-money Android pick of 2026, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is my exciting value-for-money Android pick.
And now we come to the Oppo Find X9 Ultra — my favorite phone of 2026 so far. This is the first Ultra-branded Oppo phone to ship outside of China (though it’s unfortunately still not available in the US), and it blows the competition out of the water in terms of camera performance.
Specifically, the Find X9 Ultra boasts a 200MP (f/1.5) main lens, a 50MP ultra-wide (f/2) lens, a 200MP 3x telephoto (f/2.2) lens, and a 50MP 10x telephoto (f/3.5) lens, which is the sort of combination we rarely see on even the best camera phones.
Away from camera performance, the Find X9 Ultra boasts a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 12GB of RAM, a 6.8-inch OLED display, and an enormous 7,050mAh battery, so it doesn’t leave you wanting for power or endurance.
It’s heavy, it’s thick, and it’s eye-wateringly expensive, but the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is still the most exciting phone of 2026 so far.
Italy’s Port of Naples marked a milestone with the completion of its first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation, performed for the Sun Princess. The feat was the result of collaboration between Axpo, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) and Studio di Ingegneria Benvenuto & Associati (Studio Benvenuto), according to a press release. The bunkering was performed using the Green Zeebrugge, a specialized vessel operated by Axpo. Simone Rodolfi, head of origination and structured products...
Sophie Cunningham has become one of the WNBA's most entertaining personalities, both on and off the court, and her latest social media interaction only added to that reputation.
The Indiana Fever guard has embraced one of the league's biggest viral moments of the season after her memorable on-court exchange with Phoenix Mercury veteran DeWanna Bonner turned into a popular internet meme. Now, Cunningham is proving she's just as amused by it as everyone else.
Sophie Cunningham reacts to fan-made calendar featuring viral meme
During Indiana's June 22 matchup against the Mercury, Cunningham and Bonner were involved in one of the game's most memorable moments. Late in the fourth quarter, the two veterans exchanged words after tensions flared, leading officials to assess double technical fouls. What stood out, however, wasn't the technicals—it was Cunningham's response.
Instead of arguing back, Cunningham simply pointed at Bonner for roughly 22 seconds while Bonner continued talking, creating an instantly recognizable image that quickly spread across social media. After the game, Cunningham admitted the gesture was intentional because she realized it was frustrating Bonner.
"I was just kind of pointing and she's like, 'Don't you point at me!' I was like, 'Oh, shouldn't have said that.' And I didn't say a word," Cunningham explained.
Since then, fans have turned the screenshot into countless memes. The latest creation may be the funniest yet.
An Instagram account called Sports Hub compiled several of the viral edits into a mock 2027 calendar featuring Cunningham's pointing pose throughout each month. When Cunningham saw the post, she couldn't help but join the conversation.
Cunningham has never been afraid to laugh at herself, and her response only fueled fans' appreciation for the Fever guard's personality. Rather than distancing herself from the viral moment, she's fully embraced it, turning what started as an intense on-court confrontation into a lighthearted interaction with fans.
That's become part of Cunningham's appeal throughout the 2026 season. Whether it's her candid interviews, tunnel fashion, social media posts or competitive fire during games, she's consistently shown she's comfortable letting fans see her authentic personality. And if the calendar actually arrives, Cunningham may soon own the most unique piece of WNBA fan merchandise inspired by one of the season's most unforgettable moments.
The Ferraris held off Antonelli for a while but the Mercedes was quicker and swept past Hamilton at Copse corner to pile the pressure on Leclerc. Leclerc opened up a decent lead before a pit stop to switch the tyres sent Antonelli into first.
With others gaining behind him, Antonelli made his stop on lap 36 but came back on track with an issue which dropped him down the grid. Antonelli fell out of the points as Max Verstappen crashed out of the race handing an advantage to his rivals.
Leclerc’s win take him up to fourth in the standings while Russell is now just 27 points behind Antonelli and Hamilton is
Leandro Paredes: “I don’t know if Dybala will join Boca, but I wish him the best.”
Paulo Dybala is expected to soon sign a contract that will tie him to Roma for at least another year.
The Argentine, long linked to Boca Juniors, has reached an agreement with the Giallorossi.
Having listened to Gian Piero Gasperini’s requests, the Grugliasco-born coach will once again be able to count on the class of the number 21.
On the other side of the world, however, there are those who hoped Paulo would return to Argentina.
Leandro Paredes, for example, tried everything he could to convince his compatriot and former teammate to join him in Buenos Aires.
The former Giallorossi number 16 appears to have given up hope.
In an interview with DAZN, Paredes spoke again about Dybala: “It would be a pleasure to have him with me at Boca. He’ll make his own decisions and will certainly have a lot on his mind. I’d be happy if he came with me, but otherwise I always wish him the best because he’s a great person.”
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 30: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Pensiero/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Houston Astros offseason checklist had at the very top: Starting Pitcher, Lefthanded OF Power Bat, Righty Leverage Reliever.
As we approach the trade deadline, those have not changed.
Further adding to this, in his latest Sunday Notebook, longtime MLB reporter and insider Bob Nightengale mentioned the following about the Astros:
The Houston Astros, badly needing an outfielder, are showing strong interest in Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy of the Colorado Rockies. They also plan to be in the Tarik Skubal and Sonny Gray sweepstakes.
Nightengale has proven to be very clued in on the Astros throughout their Golden Age, so his reporting on them should be considered very in tune with the club’s thinking and processes.
Moniak, 28, is a former 1st round pick in 2016 drafted out of high school by the Philadelphia Phillies. He was brought up at age 22 the first time, and again at age 23 for a brief time as well, and struggled badly. He was traded to the Los Angeles Angels at the deadline in 2022 for Noah Syndergaard.
2023 finally led to a breakthrough season for Moniak, who hit .280 with 14 HR and 45 RBI after being called up May 12. He posted an .802 OPS, but only a .307 OBP because he walked just 9 times in 323 PA.
In 2024 he would regress, batting just .214 with a .266 OBP and .686 OPS. The Angels released him March 25, 2025.
The next day, he signed a 1 year, $1.25M deal with the Colorado Rockies. His first year in Denver, Moniak hit .270 with a career-best 24 HR and 68 RBI. He again posted a strong OPS (.824) despite a weak OBP (.306).
So far this season, Moniak is batting .282 with a .333 OBP and .945 OPS with 15 HR and 37 RBI in 55 games.
Moniak is not known as a strong defender, with limited range and a weaker arm. He would likely be a left fielder on the Astros.
Moniak is signed to a 1 year, $4M contract and still has one more season of arbitration eligibility.
McCarthy, 28, is another former 1st round pick, chosen 39th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018 out of University of Virginia. McCarthy is a name that has previously been connected with the Astros, a lefthanded hitter with terrific speed.
McCarthy is in his first season in Colorado, having been acquired from the DBacks in trade on January 10 this year. He’s responded with arguably his best season, batting .307 with a .344 OBP and .862 OPS with 9 HR and 47 RBI. He also has 16 doubles, 5 triples, and 14 stolen bases.
McCarthy first broke through in 2022 in Arizona when he finished 4th in NL ROY voting after batting .283 with a .342 OBP and .769 OPS. In 99 games (354 PA), McCarthy finished with 8 HR, 43 RBI, and 23 SB. His 30.1 ft/sec sprint speed was clocked as the fastest in the majors among right fielders for that season.
His career has been up and down, as the following year his batting regressed to .243 AVG, .318 OBP, .644 OPS, but then he rebounded in 2024 to .285 AVG, .349 OBP, .749 OPS.
He began 2025 in a terrible slump, starting 3×41 before being optioned to Triple-A Reno on April 19. He hit .314 in 49 games for Reno, and was recalled by the big league team again on June 24. He would appear in just 67 games last season, hitting a career-worst .204, leading to his offseason trade to the Rockies.
McCarthy is signed to a 1 year, $1.525M contract, and has 2 more years of arbitration eligibility.
Most Astros fans probably believe that Tarik Skubal will be out of the Astros price range, and that may be true, but the team is still keeping tabs on him. It should be noted that once upon a time, Justin Verlander was considered to be out of the Astros price range, but team owner Jim Crane led the charge for the deal (in fact, he’s led the charge for a Verlander trade twice). So while it would seem unlikely, it shouldn’t be considered impossible.
Skubal, 29, is the 2x reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. He has led the AL in WAR (among pitchers), ERA, ERA+ and FIP each of the past 2 years. He was a Triple Crown winner in 2024.
Skubal underwent surgery May 4 to remove loose bodies from his elbow with a new procedure called the NanoNeedle Scope 2.0. Whereas the nromal return to play time for arthroscopic surgery is 2-3 months, Skubal was able to return in under 6 weeks. He made his final start before surgery on April 29, and returned to the rotation on June 13. In his most recent start against the New York Yankees, he went 6 innings, allowing only 1 ER on 1 hit, struck out 9 and did not walk a batter.
For the season, Skubal is 4-4 with a 3.15 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He has maintained his usual elite command, with a 75/8 K/BB ratio in 65.2 IP.
Skubal is signed to a 1 year, $32M contract, and is a free agent at the end of the season.
Gray, 36, was an offseason target of the Astros that they were unable to acquire when the Boston Red Sox offered top starting pitching prospects Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke to secure the deal from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Gray is having a tremendous season for the underachieving Red Sox, leading the AL with 10 wins against only 1 loss. His .909 win percentage is also tops in the AL. Sporting a 2.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 89.2 IP, Gray’s command continues to be excellent with an 82/23 K/BB rate.
Gray’s contract situation is a little more complicated than the others, but not necessarily in a bad way. As part of the trade to Boston, the Cardinals agreed to pick up $20M of the $31M Gray was owed for this season, making Gray’s effective cost for this season only $11M. He also has a mutual option for next season for $30M. As part of that mutual option, the team can opt out with a $10M buyout. If the player opts out, he gets no buyout.
In: Andy Winter, forward (Livingston); Michael McKenna, midfielder (East Fife); Scott McGill, midfielder (Stenhousemuir); Brody Paterson, defender (Kelty Hearts); Stuart Morrison, defender (Forfar Athletic, undisclosed).
Out: Harry Cochrane, midfielder (Greenock Morton); Jack Wilkie, defender (Livingston); Dapo Mebude, forward (Airdrieonians); Victor Enem, defender (Cove Rangers); Ally Spalding, midfielder (East Kilbride); Aaron Muirhead, defender (Annan Athletic); Ross Callachan, midfielder.
Loan ended: Findlay Marshall, midfielder (Aberdeen); Aidan Nesbitt, midfielder (Falkirk); Jacob MacIntyre, defender (Hibernian); Tom Lang, defender (Falkirk); Luke Kenny, defender (St Mirren); Lewis Gillie, defender (Hibernian).
Ayr United
In: Gary Naysmith, manager (Stenhousemuir); Ben Summers, midfielder (Celtic, loan to permanent); Luke McBeth, defender (Partick Thistle, undisclosed); Ross Taylor, forward (Stenhousemuir, undisclosed); Kieran Shanks, forward (Peterhead, undisclosed); Reece Lyon, midfielder (Queen of the South).
Loan in: Harry Stone, goalkeeper (Heart of Midlothian).
Out: John Rankin, interim manager (Airdrieonians); Lucas McRoberts, forward (Bangor); George Oakley, forward (Raith Rovers); Ben Dempsey, midfielder (Partick Thistle); David Mitchell, goalkeeper (Queen's Park); Scott Tomlinson, midfielder (Dumbarton); Curtis Main, forward; Anton Dowds, forward; Stuart Bannigan, midfielder; David Craig, midfielder.
In: Kian Corbally, midfielder (Ballymena United, undisclosed); Oli Shaw, forward (Hamilton Academical).
Loan in: Sam Cleall-Harding, defender (Dundee United).
Out: Matty Todd, midfielder (St Johnstone); Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, defender (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed); Sam Young, defender (Stenhousemuir); Chris Hamilton, midfielder (Ross County); Sam Fisher, defender (Airdrieonians); Keiran Ngwenya, defender; Deniz Mehmet, goalkeeper; Tashan Oakley-Boothe, midfielder; Ewan Otoo, defender; Kane Ritchie-Hosler, forward; Liam Hoggan, defender.
Loan ended: Graham Carey, midfielder (Livingston); Aston Oxborough, goalkeeper (Motherwell); Olly Thomas, forward (Bristol City); Freddie Turley, defender (Derby County).
Greenock Morton
In: Bobby McLuckie, forward (Heart of Midlothian); Harry Cochrane, midfielder (Arbroath); Grant Savoury, midfielder (Queen's Park); Brian Kinnear, goalkeeper (Clyde); Laiith Fairnie, defender (Eastbourne Borough).
Loan in: Callum Sandilands, midfielder (Heart of Midlothian).
In: Glenn Whelan, head coach; Liam Polworth, midfielder (Kilmarnock); Sam Nicholson, midfielder (Motherwell); Cammy Palmer, midfielder (Glentoran); Tyrese Sinclair, forward (York City); Jack Wilkie, defender (Arbroath); Jordan Doherty, defender (Raith Rovers).
Out: Marvin Bartley, head coach (Stenhousemuir); Jannik Wanner, forward (St Polten); Dan Finlayson, defender (St Johnstone); Andy Winter, forward (Arbroath); Liam Sole, midfielder (Inverness Caledonian Thistle, loan to permanent); Jamie Smith, goalkeeper (Kelty Hearts); Scott Arfield, midfielder; Danny Wilson, defender; Mo Sylla, midfielder; Joel Nouble, forward; Barrie McKay, forward; Jeremy Bokila, forward; Andrew Shinnie, forward; Samson Lawal, midfielder; Graham Carey, midfielder; Lewis Latona, midfielder; Codi Stark, defender.
Loan ended: Alex Tamm, forward (Olimpija Ljubljana); Macaulay Tait, midfielder (Heart of Midlothian).
Partick Thistle
In: Oisin Smyth, midfielder (St Mirren, loan to permanent); Josh Clarke, goalkeeper (Celtic, loan to permanent); Ben McPherson, defender (Celtic, loan to permanent); Ben Dempsey, midfielder (Ayr United); Seb Drodz, forward (Queen's Park); Euan Henderson, forward (Airdrieonians).
Out: Logan Chalmers, forward (St Johnstone); Luke McBeth, defender (Ayr United, undisclosed); Scott Martin, midfielder (Queen's Park, loan to permanent); Kyle Turner, midfielder (Raith Rovers); Zander MacKenzie, defender (Queen of the South, loan to permanent); Dan MacKay, forward; Che Campbell, midfielder; Luis Cameron, goalkeeper.
Thousands turned out to welcome the players home [Reuters]
Cape Verde's football team have been welcomed home by tens of thousands of elated supporters following a historic run at the World Cup.
The Blue Sharks flew into the capital city, Praia, on Sunday, having been knocked out of the tournament after a thrilling match against reigning champions Argentina.
Jubilant fans transformed the airport's grounds into a carnival of sorts, banging drums, dancing, chanting and waving the national flag.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, who drew global attention with his performances, told the BBC: "It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people.
The airport grounds turned into a sea of blue on Sunday [Michel Mvondo/BBC]
"We wanted something bigger but we didn't go to the next stage. Now we just enjoy the moment and celebrate with our people," said Vozinha, real name Josimar José Évora Dias, while wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned with his country's name.
One supporter told the BBC she attended the homecoming in order to show her gratitude to the Blue Sharks, who represented the World Cup's second-smallest nation and had never played in the tournament before, yet held their own against giants like Spain and Uruguay.
Pico Lopes, 33, played a starring role in Cape Verde's World Cup matches [Michel Mvondo/BBC]
Fans at the airport screamed Vozinha's name, as well as those of other stars, such as centre-back Pico Lopes.
Amid the celebrations, the players took turns to sign fans' football tops.
Fans danced and chanted as the Blue Sharks flew into Praia [Reuters]
The homecoming coincides with Cape Verde's independence day, on which the island is celebrating 51 years since the end of Portuguese colonial rule.
Cape Verde came into the World Cup ranked 67th in the world, but three group-stage draws - including holding European champions Spain 0-0 in their opening game - set up the monumental task of trying to cause one of the biggest upsets the World Cup has ever seen.
Captain Ryan Mendes signed shirts for fans [Michel Mvondo/BBC]
Against Argentina, they went behind to a Messi goal, but came back to level at 1-1 and take the game to extra time. Then they went behind again - before a stunning strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral levelled once more. It was not to be though, with a cruel deflection off Diney Borges from Cristian Romero's header seeing Argentina through.
Despite defeat, Cape Verde manager Pedro Leitão Brito, also known as Bubista, was proud of a team which came within 10 minutes of forcing Argentina into a penalty shootout.
"We showed that we may be a small country but we can play against the best teams in the world," he said. "That's a reason for pride.
"We made history for our country. They can be proud for representing our country."
There was always a valid excuse for George Russell during Kimi Antonelli’s five-race winning streak earlier in this 2026 F1 campaign: bad luck. The pre-season favourite had a mechanical issue in Shanghai Q3, Antonelli profited from a timely safety car in Suzuka to win, whereas Russell also retired from the lead in Montreal.
It all combined to give Antonelli a 68-point lead over his team-mate heading into Barcelona, but since then the books have been balanced – as they were always going to be. The Italian retired from second in Catalunya, was on provisional pole in Austria but then lost out after misinterpreting the late yellow-flag situation following Max Verstappen’s crash, before also suffering a car issue from second at Silverstone.
Things then got even better for Russell late in the British GP when another Verstappen crash handed him a podium, before jumping up to second as he didn’t pit under the safety car. This leaves a 25-point gap between the Mercedes drivers.
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
Now the onus must be on Russell to catch Antonelli through pure performance because the bad luck excuse no longer works. Doubt still remains over if he will though, because Antonelli had the better of him in Barcelona until the retirement, likewise at Silverstone - so the Italian very much holds the pace advantage.
- Ed Hardy
Leclerc responds in the best possible way after Hamilton's Ferrari resurgence
The past few weeks have not been the easiest of Charles Leclerc's Formula 1 career. Following Lewis Hamilton's victory in Barcelona and Leclerc dropping back to eighth after his front-row start in Austria, more and more questions were being asked about his form compared to the seven-time world champion.
Ironically, it was at Silverstone – where Hamilton was dreaming of a 10th home victory – that Leclerc delivered the perfect response. More than anything, it was the way he did it behind the scenes that stood out.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
After Saturday's sprint race, Leclerc revealed: "I found a few things that we will change for this afternoon, which I’m hopeful that it will go into the right direction. How much I don’t know, but if it’s much better this afternoon, then I’m kind of optimistic that we can keep that for the rest of the season."
The changes worked wonders in qualifying, and the same could be said of Sunday's race. Naturally, Kimi Antonelli dropping out of contention played a significant role, but this was still by far the strongest version of Leclerc we have seen all season.
After qualifying, the Monegasque explained that during previous difficult weekends he essentially had two extremes, two options to choose from: follow Hamilton's direction or trust the approach that had worked for him in the past. At Silverstone, he chose the latter – and it paid off massively with his ninth F1 victory.
Leclerc was the first to admit that one swallow does not make a summer, but this was exactly the boost he needed after a string of difficult weekends.
- Ronald Vording
Verstappen’s frustrations grow after crashing, Silverstone exposes a Red Bull weakness
Following Red Bull's major upgrade package in Austria, Saturday at Silverstone served as a reality check, something team principal Laurent Mekies also acknowledged. Max Verstappen even concluded after qualifying that "there is no point racing like this", although Sunday's race pace turned out significantly better than expected.
Red Bull ultimately decided against changing the power unit or breaking parc ferme, and it seemed to be the right call. Verstappen was on course for his third podium finish of the year before his race ended with a crash at Stowe.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Up until what looked like an unusual mistake, the overall picture may not have been as bleak as Verstappen initially feared, but Silverstone nevertheless exposed a weakness in Red Bull's package. The team continues to struggle with its power unit at energy-starved circuits such as Silverstone, where energy management plays an even bigger role than usual.
It underlines that, although Red Bull's internal combustion engine is competitive, the team is still lacking on the electrical side of its power unit. Without ADUO, however, there is little Red Bull can do to address that weakness. It made the British Grand Prix weekend a bigger challenge than Austria, and Verstappen expects more of the same at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza.
As expected after qualifying, when the wick is turned up, Ferrari and especially Mercedes are a cut above the rest of the competition. That includes McLaren, which showed encouraging signs earlier this year of being able to claw back its deficit to the front of the field.
But when the going gets tough on the most difficult and demanding circuits, like Silverstone, it's much harder for the reigning world champions to keep up appearances. At the British Grand Prix, McLaren's weaknesses were really exposed as the MCL40's relative lack of downforce and efficiency saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri unable to keep up as the pair was easily last of the four top teams on pace.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Given Spa-Francorchamps's similar profile, McLaren's ails likely won't be fixed in the next race, so it is survival mode right now until the next batch of upgrades arrives at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the summer break.
- Fil Cleeren
Racing Bulls has become the clear best of the rest
The debate is effectively over: Racing Bulls has established itself as Formula 1's standout midfield team, comfortably leading the pack behind the sport's traditional frontrunners.
The Faenza - and Milton Keynes - outfit introduced a major upgrade package in Montreal. Alpine still headed the midfield there and again in Monaco and Barcelona, but since then the momentum has shifted decisively.
That became clear in Austria, where Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad spent virtually the entire weekend inside the top 10, and Silverstone only reinforced that picture. The only thing preventing Racing Bulls from leaving Silverstone with an even bigger points haul was the fact that the frontrunning teams enjoyed a relatively trouble-free race - unlike earlier in the season, when Alpine capitalised on the misfortune of others to build its advantage in the constructors' standings.
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
For now, that keeps the Enstone squad fifth in the championship. But if Racing Bulls maintains this level of performance while Alpine continues to slip back - recently even falling behind Audi on outright pace - a climb to fifth in the constructors' standings feels like a matter of when, not if.
The lead sports page of the Deseret News following 1975 victories of Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King at Wimbledon.
Editor’s note: This story was originally published on July 5, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On July 5, 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win a Wimbledon singles title, defeating Jimmy Connors.
And it was quite a final in England.
Ashe had enjoyed success before on the pro tennis tour, and had won the doubles title at Wimbledon in 1973. In the first all-American Wimbledon since 1947, Ashe took on the loud and brash Connors, who he had never beaten.
The front page of the Deseret News sport section the next day detailed that Ashe easily won the first two sets 6-1, 6-1, then settled into a tactical stretch, losing 5-7 in the third set before finishing Connors 6-4.
The men’s tennis scene was full of compelling characters at the time — think Guillermo Vilas, Illie Nastase, Bjorn Born, Rod Laver — and Connors was suing the ATP Tour at the time, and Ashe was the league player president. Trying to get under Connors’ skin, Ashe won red, white and blue wristbands throughout the match.
In this July 5, 1975, file photo, Arthur Ashe holds his Wimbledon trophy cup after defeating fellow American Jimmy Connors in the final match of the men's singles championship at the All England Lawn Tennis Championship at Wimbledon in London.
|
Associated Press
The winning purse was $23,000. He is still the only Black man to win the Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian Open singles title.
Ashe retired in 1980. His career record was 818 wins, 260 losses, and 51 titles.
According to history, Ashe is believed to have acquired HIV from a blood transfusion he received during heart bypass surgery in 1983. He publicly announced his illness in April 1992, and began working to educate others about HIV and AIDS. He died in 1993.
Ashe was a good tennis player, and a better ambassador for many causes. Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main court for the U.S. Open and the largest tennis arena in the world, is named in his honor. ESPN gives an award each year at its ESPYS, the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.
Here are some archived stories from the Deseret News on Ashe and his impact on the world:
Of note, on July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win a Wimbledon singles title as she defeated fellow American Darlene Hard 6-3, 6-2.
How to watch England v Mexico, team news, predicted line-ups and more
England face Mexico in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca early on Monday morning, and will face a very tough challenge in order to reach the quarter-finals.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match…
Kick-off time in the UK
England face Mexico on Monday 6 July, with kick-off scheduled for 01:00 BST.
How to watch in the UK
TV channel: BBC One
Streaming: BBC iPlayer
Team news
For England, Jarell Quansah is now fit, while Reece James is still a doubt.
England have not been convincing so far. They started the tournament with a brilliant 4-2 win over Croatia but the following three games have left a lot to be desired. Thomas Tuchel says his side will get better as the tournament progresses and they must be better against the co-hosts.
By contrast, Mexico have been brilliant. They have won every game and have looked one of the stand-out teams at the tournament. They have not conceded a single goal, and given the altitude advantage and home fans, they could be slight favourites.
What’s been said?
England boss Thomas Tuchel: “We feel it [the altitude], even if we don’t train. I felt a slight headache in the hotel room throughout the day and didn’t sleep as well as the days before but nothing that you cannot handle and cannot adapt to.
“I think the players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went on, they could cope with it better. It is just what it is. We cannot physically adapt, it’s just impossible.”
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre: “The altitude? I don’t focus on that, it’s 11 vs. 11, the referee is there, so I don’t think about things like that. We’re both going to try and score in each other’s nets.”
Gian Piero Gasperini has made it a priority for Roma to renew their expiring contracts and retain the core team that secured Champions League qualification.
No sooner said than done.
The Giallorossi have not sold anyone despite the settlement agreement with UEFA and are preparing to announce their renewals.
The first will be Zeki Celik. The Turk will sign a new deal that will tie him back to the Roman club.
As reported by Filippo Biafora, the club reached an agreement with the 1997-born player weeks ago, and an announcement confirming the full-back’s permanence is expected in the next few hours.
Gasperini pushed for Celik’s permanence primarily because of his versatility. Roma will likely look for a new right-back in the transfer market, or a left-back should Wesley return to his original position, and will demote the Turk along with him.
However, the 1997-born player would remain a viable option on the flanks.
Details on the deal’s price or duration have not yet been revealed. At the start of negotiations, the player’s entourage had requested around €4 million, and the final agreement likely came with a slightly lower offer.
The Turkish international still benefits from the Growth Decree, and this detail helped the club reach a final agreement. Paulo Dybala will be next.
As most Americans who are interested in the World Cup await Monday night's game between the U.S. team and Belgium in Seattle, an equally intriguing match happens tonight in Mexico City.
It's England vs. Mexico, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.
FIFA had considered moving the Round of 16 contest up by six hours, due to the threat of thunderstorms. Tuesday night's win over Ecuador in the Round of 32 was delayed by a full hour before kickoff due to lightning in the area.
Regardless of when it starts, the game has plenty of drama: before, during, and after.
England arrived Friday to acclimate to the extreme altitude. They had hoped to keep quiet the location of their hotel. And while they had no issues on Friday night, social media has plenty of videos of Saturday night's efforts by Mexican fans to disrupt the sleep of the English with music and fireworks — like they did the night before the Ecuador game.
If Mexico wins to clinch a spot in the quarterfinal round, steps have already been taken to avoid a repeat of Tuesday night's serious issues following the victory over Ecuador. Four people died in the intense and overcrowded celebration at the Angel of Independence monument.
Only 25,000 will be allowed in the area on Sunday night, with an increased security presence and other efforts aimed at controlling the chaos.
The appetizer arrives at 4:00 p.m. ET, with Brazil and Norway meeting at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. You should watch both, but you definitely shouldn't miss England at Mexico at 8:00 p.m. ET tonight.
Chelsea paid Vasco da Gama £18m for Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos in 2023 [Getty Images]
Chelsea's Andrey Santos is the latest player Manchester United have taken an interest in as they look to address their problem midfield position.
With Casemiro leaving after his contract expired on 30 June and Manuel Ugarte expected to be sold, United went into the summer with England's Kobbie Mainoo as their only recognised central midfielder and with the stated aim of addressing the situation as a matter of priority.
Since then, events have taken a turn.
Ugarte sustained what the 25-year-old described as "the most serious injury a footballer can face" on World Cup duty for Uruguay against Spain.
United are yet to confirm the extent of Ugarte's knee ligament damage. However, it is thought Ugarte suffered cruciate damage that would sideline him for the rest of 2026 at least and rule out any chance of him being sold.
In the transfer market, United have encountered more issues.
However, once Spurs made their interest in Fernandes known, West Ham, under new direction through co-chair Daniel Kretinsky, were able to stick to a valuation in excess of £80m.
United would have been willing to pay £85m - albeit including add-ons - but ultimately felt if they had offered that sum, Spurs would have immediately gone to £90m. It is this kind of situation they are keen to avoid.
United have agreed a £35m deal with Serie A outfit Atalanta for Ederson but his late call-up to the Brazil squad means his medical will not happen until Carlo Ancelotti's side are out of the competition. As with all United's World Cup players, he will then get a minimum of three weeks off.
It means, unless the position changes, the only midfielder among boss Michael Carrick's senior group when they return for testing and the pre-season training on 9 July will be Mason Mount, who is viewed as more of an offensive player.
On 18 July, the day before the World Cup final, United play their first friendly fixture, against Wrexham in Helsinki.
Of the eight first-team midfielders listed on United's website, in addition to Mount, Carrick's options will be Toby Collyer - who is wanted by Hull - Dan Gore, who spent last season on loan at Rotherham, who were relegated from League One, and twins Jack and Tyler Fletcher. The rest are all still on World Cup duty. Tyler Fletcher was a surprise call-up to Scotland's squad after impressing in the build-up, but did not play.
United's Premier League 2 skipper Jacob Devaney impressed in a central midfield role for Scottish Premiership outfit St Mirren in the second half of last season. Jack Moorhouse, who made 14 appearances on loan for Leyton Orient in the first half of the campaign, Jayce Fitzgerald, Sekou Kone and Jim Thwaites are other central midfielders in United's academy.
With a match against Norwegian side Rosenborg to follow on 24 July, United's younger players have a chance to impress Carrick.
But it is fair to assume once United hit a run of high-profile pre-season matches, starting with Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on 1 August, Carrick will expect to have had the midfield situation addressed.
What are the options?
Alex Scott was one of four players called up by England boss Thomas Tuchel to train with the senior squad ahead of the World Cup [Getty Images]
Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
The 22-year-old appears to be the current main target. However, Arsenal are also keen on an industrious young player who overcame a difficult first 18 months at the Vitality Stadium injury wise to play a leading role in England's 2025 European Under-21 Championship triumph. He made 37 league appearances last term as the Cherries finished sixth, their highest ever league position, to claim a Europa League place. The issue is twofold. Premier League champions Arsenal will be formidable competition. And, more importantly, Bournemouth have made it clear Scott, who has two years left on his current contract, is not for sale and they want to tie him down to a long-term contract.
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
Adams is one of those players who rarely grabs attention but is a key member of whichever team he plays for. Adams did miss games last season with knee and hamstring problems and, prior to the 2024-25 campaign he needed back surgery. However, he was an integral part of Andoni Iraola's side last term and has featured for every minute of USA's World Cup campaign, other than the defeat to Turkey, which was a dead rubber. Like Scott, his Bournemouth contract runs to 2028. Unlike Scott, Bournemouth might be willing to sell Adams for £40-50m.
Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
Had Liam Rosenior remained as Chelsea manager, Santos might not have been for sale. The 22-year-old featured for Rosenior at Strasbourg and made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season. He fits the same kind of profile as Casemiro, albeit with vastly less experience. BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella reported on 3 July "a number of sides are understood to be interested in Santos" and that "those close to Santos seem open to the possibility of a move". He too could be available for around £50m.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba interrupted Manchester United player Patrick Dorgu's mixed-zone interview after the two sides played each other in May [Getty Images]
Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund)
Nmecha's is another name being floated around. A former academy player at Manchester City, who was part of the Germany team stunned by Paraguay at the World Cup, Nmecha is well known to United's director of football Jason Wilcox, who was formerly head of City's academy. Nmecha did sign a new contract at Borussia Dortmund in March and United sources say there is nothing proactive happening in terms of trying to sign him at this moment.
Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
A key part of the France side many predict will win the World Cup this summer. In some senses, Tchouameni would be the most attractive potential signing. He would almost certainly be the most expensive wage-wise at a time when minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to stop paying huge salaries. New boss Jose Mourinho will clearly have a major say in whether Tchouameni stays at the Bernabeu. The current feeling at United is that he will.
Carlos Baleba (Brighton)
The present indication is that there has been a cooling of Manchester United interest in Cameroon international Baleba. However, given he was the subject of concrete interest, which was rebuffed, last summer, presumably all the background work has been done, meaning he could emerge as a genuine target again at relatively short notice. The drawback is Brighton are not weak when it comes to negotiation and there has been no suggestion that despite a dip in form, the transfer fee needed has dropped below £100m.
Former University of Kentucky men's basketball player Kerr Kriisa faces federal charges in connection with a "multimillion dollar fraud scheme," according to reports.
Kriisa was arrested July 3 in Lexington by FBI officials and booked into the Fayette County Detention Center, local station WKYT-TV reported. He is set to be extradited to West Virginia for a court hearing next week, as the allegations against him stem from his time with the West Virginia University men's basketball team, according to a report from Kentucky Sports Radio. Kriisa played with the Mountaineers from 2022 to 2023.
Further details on the charges Kriisa faces remain unclear. The Courier Journal has reached out to spokespeople with the FBI's Louisville office and the Fayette County Detention Center for comment.
Kriisa had been set to play for La Familia in The Basketball Tournament beginning July 18, when the UK alumni team will start a best-of-three series with The Ville at Lexington's Memorial Coliseum. Kriisa will not play for La Familia during the tournament, the team confirmed July 5 on social media.
We’re aware of the allegations regarding Kerr Kriisa. Kerr will not be competing with La Familia during the TBT Tournament. We will have no further comment.
— LaFamilia - Kentucky’s TBT Team (@LaFamiliaTBT) July 5, 2026
The Georgia Bulldogs made the College World Series and won the SEC championship during the 2026 college baseball season thanks to having a stacked roster. The Bulldogs had the Golden Spikes winner in catcher Daniel Jackson, who is Georgia's top 2026 MLB draft prospect.
In fact, Georgia has five players ranked among the top-250 prospects in the MLB draft. Jackson is projected to be a first-round pick and is ranked as the No. 28 prospect. Jackson is the third-ranked catcher in the draft behind Georgia Tech's Vahn Lackey and Arkansas' Ryder Helfrick.
Right-handed pitcher Joey Volchko, who delivered an elite performance against Texas in the College World Series, is Georgia's second-best draft prospect at No. 68. Georgia third baseman Tre Phelps is the Dawgs' third-best draft prospect and is the No. 121 player in the draft.
Georgia outfielder Rylan Lujo attended the MLB draft combine and is the Bulldogs' fourth top-200 prospect at No. 190. Just outside the top-200 is Georgia right-handed pitcher Dylan Vigue, who is the No. 202 prospect.
Liverpool could take hardline stance on Curtis Jones as career crossroads draws ever closer
Liverpool are expected to take a hardline stance on the future of Curtis Jones as the midfielder approaches a major career crossroads.
The 25-year-old is now into the final 12 months of his current contract at Anfield and have already rejected two offers from Inter Milan, the second of which amounted to a paltry £21m (The Times).
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Fabrizio Romano claimed in June that the England international would be keen on a potential move to the Serie A champions and was even alleged to have sounded out Federico Chiesa about life in Italy.
Liverpool keen to hold onto Jones this summer
In an article for the Liverpool Echo, Paul Gorst assessed the situations of all 11 LFC players with a year remaining on their contracts, starting with the Reds’ number 17.
The journalist wrote: ‘Curtis Jones faces an uncertain future as he continues into the final year of his deal. The midfielder had been wanted by Italian giants Inter but their offer fell shy of £22m last month when the Reds had been looking for closer to £35m.
‘Liverpool would prefer to keep Jones and re-open talks with his representatives but no discussions are currently lined up and it remains to be seen if new coach Andoni Iraola can offer the sort of game-time that might force a rethink inside the player’s camp.
‘Nottingham Forest have been linked with Jones after their £116m windfall for selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. Liverpool won’t be willing to conclude a deal with Forest on the cheap, however, given the injection of capital that came from the enormous fee for Anderson.’
Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust
Liverpool faced with big dilemma regarding Jones
Although Jones’ contract situation weakens Liverpool’s hand if they’re unable to agree a new contract for him, they’d surely be justified in seeking a fee which amounts to more than 33% of what Man City have paid for Anderson.
With Forest handsomely reimbursed from that transfer, Anfield chiefs know that the City Ground outfit are sitting on a new-found fortune, and therefore it’d be naive in the extreme to sell the 25-year-old for less than what they deem him to be worth.
The worry is that, if LFC hold out to try and broker a new deal for him but are unable to strike an agreement, they could see another valuable asset in his mid-20s leave on a free next year, just like they did with Ibrahima Konate recently.
The first few weeks of the season should give us a fair idea of how highly Iraola rates Jones, something which’d become apparent by how much game-time is handed to the midfielder.
The player is well within his rights to make whatever decision would be best for his career, but from a Liverpool perspective, hopefully he and the club can reach an agreement on a new contract to keep him with his boyhood team for another few years at least.
Rafael Leao: Spurs’ plot to hijack deal for Man United target explained
Manchester United face losing another target to Tottenham Hotspur as the North London club plans a move to sign Rafael Leao, according to a new report.
San Siro Sayonara
Despite Leao’s contract at the San Siro containing a release clause worth €175 million, AC Milan are open to the 27-year-old forward leaving this summer for a fee in the region of €50-60m (£43-50m).
There were reports of issues with behaviour and professionalism last season, with the Portugal international, currently on duty at the World Cup, understood to have clashed with the former manager, Massimiliano Allegri. And while the Italian tactician has departed to join rivals Napoli, his replacement – Ruben Amorim – remains supportive of Milan’s decision to sell Leao.
Rafael Leao Stats: 2025/26 Season
TEAMtalk reveals Amorim, who was sacked by United in January, has “sanctioned the player’s departure as he begins reshaping the Rossoneri squad ahead of the new campaign.”
In many ways, Leao and Marcus Rashford are comparable players, with similar strengths and weaknesses, who operate best in the same position. On their day, either is capable of destroying the opposition defence, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailing Leao as “magical”.
However, in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, a left winger who likes to cut inside on his stronger foot is a poor fit, particularly if they do not work hard out of possession. As he proved with Rashford, the former Sporting CP manager has no time for passengers, regardless of their talents.
United have been strongly linked with a move for a new left-sided attacker this summer, as INEOS look, ironically, to replace Rashford. The England international failed to seal a permanent move to Barcelona after the Catalan club opted to sign Anthony Gordon over him.
Leao considers a move to the Premier League a “dream”, citing United specifically as a club he follows. However, the Red Devils are yet to match this interest, as are Arsenal and Manchester City, despite the player’s representatives having made contact with each club last month.
Spurs enter the race
This reluctance to advance a deal has allowed Tottenham Hotspur to storm into the race, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to add a left winger to his forward line. Despite around £185 million already being spent on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes – beating out Manchester United in the process – the Lilywhites are showing no signs of slowing down.
“Spurs remain in the market for a left-sided attacker and, while talks have continued over Manchester City’s Savinho, TEAMtalk understands Leao has emerged as another high-profile option under serious consideration,” the report states.
“The Portuguese international’s profile, experience and ability to change games have made him an attractive candidate as De Zerbi looks to add proven quality to his frontline. TEAMtalk understands Tottenham’s hierarchy are showing a real commitment to De Zerbi and the project he is building.”
Alongside Arsenal and FC Barcelona, United are understood to be “continuing to monitor developments” in Milan, suggesting a pursuit may yet be launched. If Leao is available at an even cheaper price late in the window, or perhaps a loan with an option to buy, INEOS may see him as a market opportunity worth taking the risk for.
However, Spurs may strike first, removing another target from United’s wish list. Leao is said to be “attracted by the prospect of a move to the Premier League and would seriously consider joining Spurs should a deal become possible.”
Christian Horner will return to Formula One, the ruler of the sport has said as the former Red Bull team principal made his comeback at the British Grand Prix.
Horner, 52, was mobbed as he arrived through the paddock gates at Silverstone three hours ahead of Sunday’s race.
Horner, sacked as Red Bull CEO and team principal 48 hours after last year’s event, headed for the F1 hospitality suite – with Netflix cameras in tow – before he greeted FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in his office on the second floor of the federation’s motorhome.
Asked if he would like to see Horner return to F1, Ben Sulayem replied: “Yes.”
And when pressed as to whether it was likely, Ben Sulayem added: “He will get back. Where is not for me to say – even if I know. It is for him to say.”
Horner oversaw eight world drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles. The last 18 months of Horner’s trophy-laden tenure came amid accusations of controlling behaviour by a female colleague. Horner was twice exonerated of the claims.
Ben Sulayem continued: “I am a believer that when you have a team you have to forget about what this person is doing, his personality, do you want the result or not?
“You look at his background. Please. Everybody makes mistakes, but did he deliver? What do you want? Do you want to win or not? Do you want to give it a try or not?
“There is behaviours, and bad behaviours, and if you do bad behaviour it will catch on you and nobody will want you.
“But it is about results, you bring someone, you pay him millions to get results. Of course, he shouldn’t go and kill someone, or drink and driving, that is bad behaviour but I said certain behaviours.”
Horner’s Red Bull garden leave ended in the spring and he is free to make his return.
He has been linked with Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and also Chinese car manufacturer BYD to lead a possible 12th team on the grid.
“I’d only look at doing the right thing, and something that had an opportunity to win at the end of the day,” Horner told Sky Sports.
“F1 is such a great place, the racing has been super this year. The interest in F1 is sky high, and there’s so much interest from people who want to get involved in F1. We’ll see, I’m in no rush.
“BYD are a huge company. So much speculation – I’ve been going to every team on the grid so far!
“Ultimately, I’m a fan, the British Grand Prix is in town, and I’ve not missed one since 1993 so it’s good to be here.
“I’ve enjoyed my time out, I did 20 years straight with the Red Bull guys – the first time I’ve ever had time to get off the hamster wheel.”
“Honestly, they prefer to dump Vando (Jarred Vanderbilt) and Dalton which would get you even more,” Buha said Friday.
“It would keep you under, fully clear that cap space to use all your cap space for all the moves that they’re making and then also have enough to sign Rui (Hachimura) or Jonathan (Kuminga).”
“To relatively market-competitive contracts somewhere potentially in that $12-13 million AAV. I would assume it ends up being a 1-plus1, where Rui or Kuminga gets a player option.”
With the Stein Line’s Jake Fischer recently reporting that the Lakers aren’t prioritizing a Hachimura reunion in free agency, it’s safe to say Kuminga is target No. 1.
Kuminga, whose $24.3 team option was declined by the Atlanta Hawks, is far from the perfect floor spacing wing to pair with Luka Doncic.
The 24-year-old has only shot about 35% from three once in five seasons, which is a bit concerning given that he’s had plenty of time to show improvement in that area of his game.
That said, Kuminga would be a useful downhill attacker, transition attacker, and perimeter defender for a Lakers squad that could use more pop/athleticism.
If cutting ties with a struggling second-year contributor in Knecht is the best way to add Kuminga to the fold, it wouldn't be shocking to witness Rob Pelinka put the plan into motion.
Stretch… yawn… crick of the neck. Oh, hello there dear reader. How’s the summer going so far? Almost nothing happened in May, so this writer took what Gary Neville would call a “mini retirement”.
That’s odd in itself – I can’t remember the last time in recent years we had such a quiet May. The benefits of stable ownership, I suppose. Who knew?
June rumbled on in a similarly sleepy fashion, but the back end of it blossomed into life when Reading started doing stuff and things, so I’ve come out of my summer hibernation to review those stuff and things and provide my ill-informed nonsense opinions to the interweb space.
Some (this writer) have begun to call those nonsense opinions knee-jerk reactions: initial, immediate thoughts and conclusions on things far too ready to be thunked upon too long or concluded upon but yet, unerringly, still get thunked and concluded upon. Let’s start with May, before getting into more recent events.
The retained lists
This happens every year, and yet, each year, we seem to get better and more efficient and dealing with it. That tells me one of two things: we either used to be really terrible at managing this or we are going somewhere with this project.
Not long after the dust had settled on that season curtain-closer, which we shall not mention – because… shudder… let’s consign it to the past – the lists were released for the first team, followed by the under-21s and under-18s in swift fashion.
For the first team, there were absolutely no shocks or contentious decisions. Mamadi Camara failed to really make an impact in the side, while both Michael Stickland and Tivonge Rushesha never looked like they would get game time. As much of a shame as that may have been, they deserved fresh starts.
Ben Elliott has had serious injury concerns and, as much as it’s a shame to see him released, it made sense. However, there is a sense of optimism that this may not be the end of the road for him, given that the club have committed to supporting him during his recovery. It would be fantastic to see him return.
Last, but certainly not least, the departure of Andy Yiadom. With Ashqar Ahmed and Kelvin Abrefa, plus a new arrival we’ll get onto, it felt as though it was the right time for him to depart for pastures new. He has been an excellent servant to Reading in his time with the club, often during the most difficult of times, and he will always be fondly remembered.
The contract extensions
Similarly, no major surprises here for the first team. Option activated for Jeriel Dorsett? Sounds about right, given the amount of game time he had last season. Offers made for Andy Rinomhota and Abrefa? Sounds right to me, particularly given how bright Rinomhota looked at the end of the season.
Abrefa will be a surprise to many, but for me, there is a player there – with the right coaching and exposure to an extended run in the first team, alongside a settled defence. His versatility is useful too, being able to play on the left.
In the under-21s, there were absolutely no surprises in seeing the likes of Philip Duah, Luke Howard, Abraham Kanu and Shay Spencer have options activated. Later on in June, Tom Norcott, Emmanuel Osho, Matt Rowley and Tyler Sackey (among others) also signing extensions was not a surprise but was super encouraging, given the talent they all have.
However, the one I wasn’t sure would happen but did is also the one that makes me, personally, the happiest: John Ryan having a one-year option activated.
He has had such bad luck with injuries that it wasn’t clear if the club would keep him around, but he is a fantastic left-back, able to use both feet well, and his set-piece and crossing deliveries could be a real asset in the first team. I really, really hope he’s able to make the breakthrough.
The fixture list
Yep, we play every team twice. However, I always get excited because it’s fun to look at when we will play the big teams, who we will start the season with and how we will end the season.
So when the fixtures were released on June 25, I found it exciting to know when we get to play Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester City this coming season – big teams who we will be expected to compete against.
My only disappointment was that we don’t get to finish the season at home. This is something we’ve been somewhat fortunate to have been able to do for the last… three? four? seasons, but quite on trend, we once again are away for Boxing Day.
The arrivals
I won’t mention Jacob Brown because that happened in July and that’s the future, in the context of this article. However, while we left it for what seemed like forever, we did confirm two signings in late June.
Most unusually as well, we paid money for both players. This is unusual because, well, we hadn’t been able to do so for a long time, so it still seems like a novelty, but also because we hadn’t done our usual trick of picking up free-agents prior to this.
Kyreece Lisbie won’t be a surprise to anyone – he was heavily linked in January, so it’s great to see that not only did we get our man, but we were also able to beat reported competition for his signature for the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United.
He’s young (22), experienced in League Two and had a great first half of last season for goal contributions. Not just this, he’s quick.
Udoka Godwin-Malife joined shortly after. At 26, he sits in that optimum age bracket for us of being old enough to have experience but young enough that we can still help him develop and sell him on for a profit. He’s a coup in the sense that he has lots of experience at this level, has leadership skills and gives us versatility in where he can play.
He could equally be a first-choice right-back or right-sided centre-half in a back four. He gives us pace and the ability to carry the ball out of defence: two things we have desperately lacked since Amadou Mbengue left. A back four of Abrefa/Ahmed, Godwin-Malife, Benn Ward and Haydon Roberts is quite an exciting prospect: mobile, quick, dynamic and technically proficient.
The remit so far for the signings has been clear: experienced, but room to grow. Approaching their peak, but not past it. Pace. Speed. Directness. Durable.
Neither Godwin-Malife (“Dokes”) or Lisbie have missed much game time through injury. And both seem to be really highly thought of in terms of their personal characters too.
It might have felt like a long wait to confirm players, but I’m OK with waiting when we strive to bring in the right players to fill positions where we need cover and competition – attributes we lacked last season – and the type of characters that will complement the existing players.
Rob Kelly
It was a shame to see him go in such circumstances, apparently owing to family reasons. I hope he’s OK and everything will work out for him. He didn’t have much time with us, but hopefully his work has helped pave the way for his successor to succeed.
What’s this? A renewed sense of optimism?
Maybe it’s because I’ve had a bit of a break from Reading Football Club, but I feel more optimistic than I did at the end of April/start of May.
It was so toxic around that time, but maybe, maybe there is a plan here? The “maybes” are doing a lot of heavy lifting here, sure, but perhaps it was just about Leam Richardson getting us to the end of the season in a safe place and the playoff push was a brief flirtation.
The summer is here now and he has spoken often about his desire to have a full preseason with this group. The players coming in aren’t players he has worked with before – again, underlining the “get the job done for the end of the season” point from the previous season – and they are young, attack-minded, pacey players.
Indeed, the recruitment seems to be much more strategic than last summer. For all the criticism of Richardson, he has always known what he wants from the side and from the players he works with, and we have made some excellent signings in his time with us.
Sim’s article about the recruitment is prudent here, because it ties in with the strategic thinking: it’s clear what we need, and the club have a clear directive in the type of players they are looking for to fill those gaps.
Of course, this could all rapidly unravel after a bad start. However, right now, I’m at peace with what we have and the direction we are moving in. It will be a tougher league this year, sure, but since being in this division, it feels like we will be better equipped than ever for those challenges.
A wild theory made its way across the internet Sunday morning.
Via a social media post from the X account TigersData, the idea of an eight-man rotation was floated. It seemed like a sarcastic post at first glance, with no real legs behind it.
The post read:
"Watching Keider Montero in the bullpen has given me an idea. What if instead of a bullpen, you run an 8-man rotation every 4 days?"
TigersData then laid out the preferred four-day rotation, featuring two starters in each game:
Game 1: Tarik Skubal / Keider Montero
Game 2: Casey Mize / Reese Olson
Game 3: Troy Melton / Jackson Jobe
Game 4: Framber Valdez / Jack Flaherty
The timing wasn't random, either.
The idea came on the heels of Montero recording a three-inning, nine-out save on Saturday night, fittingly on the Fourth of July. Jack Flaherty started the game and tossed 5.2 scoreless innings. After Tyler Holton retired the lone batter he faced to finish the sixth, Montero entered and slammed the door. He walked just one batter while retiring the other nine hitters he faced.
Now, the idea of completely axing the bullpen and simply rolling out two starters every game sounds absolutely far-fetched. But so did the idea of pitchers no longer throwing 150 pitches every outing. So did the decision to keep baseballs clean instead of allowing pitchers to cover them in dirt, sweat, and chewing tobacco spit. Sports are constantly evolving, and the only way to stay ahead is to keep creating new ideas.
This might be one of the crazier ones.
But as the country nurses its 250th anniversary hangover from countless champagne bottles, clinking beers, and an ungodly amount of meat wrapped in a casing, let's have some fun and take a dive into what a two-pitcher-per-game rotation could actually look like.
For the sake of this theory, let's assume the Tigers somehow retain Tarik Skubal despite the vultures circling Detroit, waiting for an opportunity to swoop in. While we're playing pretend, let's also assume injuries suddenly don't exist—a pretty bold assumption considering this pitching staff.
Still, it's a rainy July 5, so let's have a little fun.
Instead of leaning on a shaky—and at times downright putrid—bullpen that has cost Detroit countless games throughout the 2026 season, the Tigers could simply rely on what has become one of the deepest starting rotations in baseball. Right now, this staff is beginning to resemble the legendary Atlanta Braves rotations of the 1990s, with even more reinforcements on the way.
Tigers starters' ERA over their last five starts, per TigersData:
Jack Flaherty — 1.90
Keider Montero — 2.01
Troy Melton — 2.30
Casey Mize — 2.89
Tarik Skubal — 3.68
Framber Valdez — 4.50
Yes, Valdez has looked shakier lately, especially following reports that he believes inconsistent umpire strike zones have affected his approach on the mound. Whether that's true or not, he's still one of the highest-paid pitchers on the Tigers—and one of the highest-paid in the American League. Detroit has to believe he'll eventually rediscover the form that made him such a coveted free-agent addition.
As crazy as it sounds, Tarik Skubal owning the fifth-best ERA among these six pitchers over their last five starts is almost unbelievable.
Imagine pairing Skubal with Montero on Opening Day of this rotation. Skubal gives you six dominant innings before Montero comes in to finish the game—not really as a reliever, but as the second starter. Montero has looked phenomenal coming out of the bullpen and continues to prove he's one of the most valuable arms on the roster, whether he's starting games or finishing them.
Next comes the duo of Casey Mize and Reese Olson. Both have shown they possess ace-level talent whenever they're healthy. We'll call this the "Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em" game because nobody knows how long both will stay healthy, but when they are, it could easily become the best pitching matchup of the series.
Then comes what has quietly become Detroit's hottest pitcher.
Not Tarik Skubal.
Troy Melton.
Melton has been lights out since returning, and pairing him with Jackson Jobe could give opposing lineups nightmares. Jobe remains one of the organization's biggest long-term pieces, already touching 100 mph during his bullpen sessions as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.
Finally, you'd wrap things up with Framber Valdez and Jack Flaherty. Valdez was Detroit's marquee free-agent signing, while Flaherty has completely flipped the script after beginning the season 0-8 and appears to have rediscovered his confidence.
Would this actually work?
Probably not.
Not every starter is built like Montero, who has shown an unusual ability to jump into games out of the bullpen and dominate for multiple innings. Pitchers have routines, recovery schedules, and preparation habits that would make something like this incredibly difficult over a full season.
But baseball has always evolved because someone was willing to challenge conventional thinking.
So while this eight-man rotation probably belongs more in a baseball video game than an MLB clubhouse, it's still a fascinating thought experiment. Considering the amount of starting pitching Detroit could have at its disposal—assuming they keep this group together and the injury bug stays away—it may not be the worst idea to think outside the box when trying to maximize one of the deepest rotations in baseball.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 14: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams drinks from a Gatorade water bottle during pregame warmups prior to an NFC Wild Card Playoff football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aaron Donald could be the final piece the Los Angeles Rams need to make good on their 2026 Super Bowl expectations. A return feels more and more likely as the start of the regular season approaches.
You simply cannot have a better offseason than adding Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Myles Garrett, and Donald to an already potent defense. Veteran leadership and championship history would mean a lot to a roster that has come up short in the postseason two years in a row.
But after two seasons watching from his couch, what could Donald realistically bring to the Rams? This isn’t a move to win in the regular season—Donald would come back mainly to be a spark plug in the playoffs and help his team win the pinnacle. Winning a second Super Bowl would cement Donald’s legacy as potentially the greatest Ram of all time and one of the best defenders in NFL history.
There were signs of decline in last two years
If Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades were done in a classroom setting, Donald would be the annoying student that set the curve on every exam. He’s famous for breaking PFF’s grading scale as they converted to a more relatable 0-100 system and toppled JJ Watt as the outlet’s top-graded defender in the modern statistics era.
It’s true that their were signs of decline in Donald’s final two players years over 2022 and 2023. He was still an elite defender over those seasons by any realistic standard, although he previously had set the bar at an unattainable level.
From his second year in 2015 through the Rams’ championship season in 2021, the star’s PFF defensive grade ranged from 92.6 at its lowest to a peak of 94.8. His final two seasons were still high but evidently lower at 90.5 and 90.8, respectively. Donald also missed time to injury in 2022 (which Rams didn’t that year?) and played only 615 total snaps—the lowest mark of his career.
The good news is that Donald was still one of the league’s best pass rushers. While his grade came down in this facet, it was still a level of performance most players dream about reaching at the professional level. Two points are not worth complaining about.
On the other hand, Donald’s run defense grade dropped materially in 2022 and declined further in 2023. Using the same 2015 to 2021 window, his rushing grade ranged from 86.0 to 92.4 before declining to 75.6 then 71.7.
Donald played relatively the same number of run snaps in 2023 as he did in 2016 and 2027. In those earlier seasons he posted 39 and 37 run stops with six forced fumbles. His output dropped to 34 run stops and zero forced fumbles in his final season.
What would Donald brings after two years off?
Do the Rams need Donald to be excellent in run defense upon a return? Simply put, this answer is probably no.
Kobie Turner and Poona Ford can handle these duties most of the time. Third-year defensive tackle Braden Fiske has historically struggled in this facet and LA has found ways to work around his weakness. Donald in theory would take on a very similar role to Fiske.
Say Donald plays 400-600 snaps mostly as a designated interior pass rusher. He’s demonstrated the last time he was on the field that he is still elite at chasing after opposing quarterbacks. Even if he’s taken a step back after two years away, he should still be able to produce at a level that elevates the Rams’ defense and a value-add beyond what Turner and Fiske bring to the table.
Los Angeles doesn’t need Donald to make the playoffs, and putting mileage on his tires during the regular season could diminish his ability to contribute in the postseason. The team could use him towards the end of games to seal the outcome, but we shouldn’t expect to see him often in the first quarter.
There is real value to add should Aaron Donald return. Even if he doesn’t play at the level we are accustomed to from him, you can never have too many plus pass rushers. A defined, niche role would benefit both parties and potentially put the Rams over the Super Bowl hump.
England's men's football team has sent a good-luck message to the women's cricketers.
Jordan Henderson delivered the message from Mexico ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup final against Australia.
England's men will later face Mexico in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
England's football team sends message to England cricket team for Women's T20 World Cup final
It is set to be a truly monumental day and night for English sport, with two national teams chasing glory on the grandest stages within hours of each other. As anticipation builds to fever pitch, a heartwarming show of cross-sport solidarity has captured the mood perfectly.
The England men's football team, currently in Mexico preparing for their own World Cup showdown, have taken time out to rally behind their compatriots. The Three Lions sent a rousing good-luck message to the England women's cricket team ahead of their Women's T20 World Cup final.
The timing could scarcely be more fitting. England's cricketers face six-time champions Australia at Lord's on Sunday afternoon, while the footballers take on hosts Mexico in a huge World Cup last-16 tie later that same night, making it a landmark occasion.
The message was delivered on behalf of the entire squad by former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson. "On behalf of all the lads here in Mexico, we just want to wish the England team all the very best for the T20 final on Sunday. Good luck," Henderson said. It was a classy touch from a group of players with plenty on their own plate.
Fresh off Harry Kane's dramatic late heroics to see off DR Congo in the previous round, the footballers still found time to champion Nat Sciver-Brunt's history-chasing side.
Thomas Tuchel's men certainly have their hands full next. They face a formidable Mexico side at the intimidating, high-altitude Estadio Azteca in the last 16, with the mammoth clash kicking off at 1am BST on Monday morning back in the United Kingdom.
The scale of the football occasion is enormous back home too. Such is its significance that the UK government extended pub licensing hours until 5am, allowing supporters to stay up and roar on the Three Lions in the early hours after the cricket.
Gestures like this one carry more weight than they might seem at first. For the England women, already carrying the hopes of a nation, knowing the country's most high-profile athletes are firmly behind them provides a real and welcome psychological boost before the biggest game of their lives.
It also underlines a wonderful moment for English sport as a whole. With the cricketers and footballers both chasing world glory on the same remarkable day, fans across the country have every reason to dream, hoping this proves a truly unforgettable weekend of celebration.
For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.
Former ESPN and Fox Sports host Marcellus Wiley has reportedly been arrested on domestic battery charges in Orange County, Florida, according to TMZ Sports. The 51-year-old former NFL Pro Bowler is being held in jail without bond, the website reports, after being booked on July 4.
The news comes shortly after Wiley faced new sexual assault allegations from four accusers, including one former ESPN production assistant. Those allegations, obtained by Awful Announcing, were filed in April, and joined an ongoing lawsuit against Wiley in which three other women came forward against the former defensive end, alleging he had raped them while attending Columbia University for football in 1994.
Following Awful Announcing’s report, Wiley responded to the latest allegations on his independent YouTube show, claiming he has email, text, and phone records that “directly contradicts the narrative” of his accusers, though he has not shared that evidence publicly.
Per TMZ Sports, details about Wiley’s latest alleged incident are not immediately available. The arrest is the latest in an increasingly long list of violent allegations against Wiley.
Wiley began his career in media a few years following retirement from the NFL. He served as a substitute co-host for Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio, co-hosted SportsNation, and eventually hosted his own radio show on ESPN LA from 2013 to 2018. In 2018, Wiley left ESPN for FS1, where he would co-host Speak for Yourself alongside Jason Whitlock. Wiley eventually left FS1 in December 2022, launching his independent YouTube venture in 2023. He has not held a mainstream sports media job since exiting FS1.
Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges share the lead entering the final round of the 2026 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.
The second-round leader, Glover finished a frustrating Saturday by enduring a one-hour rain delay to finish the final two holes of a 2-under-par 69. Glover, 46, is looking for his seventh PGA Tour win.
After shooting even-par 35 on the front nine, Hodges made four birdies in his final seven holes en route to a 68 that put him in Sunday's final pairing.
There are several players still within striking distance who will look to make a charge Sunday, July 5, including Iowa native and crowd-favorite Zach Johnson, as well as Max Homa, Rickie Fowler and world No. 1 amateur Preston Stout.
The John Deere Classic has a total purse of $8.8 million, with just under $1.6 million going to the winner. Here is how each of the finishing position pays out:
Jestin Porter only played two minutes in his Summer League debut, yet he still found a way to make those two minutes count.
The former Clemson guard scored five points on 2-for-2 shooting and added an assist as the Memphis Grizzlies rolled past the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-74 in Salt Lake City Summer League action. For a player fighting for more professional looks, that short-burst efficiency is something a coach praises.
Porter checked in and did exactly what the coach ordered. zero turnovers, a 100% shot rate, a quick five points, a made free throw, and a plus-four in his tiny two-minute window of action. In Summer League, where half the floor is trying to prove it belongs somewhere, sometimes the best thing you can do is look composed when your number finally gets called.
The Grizzlies blasted Oklahoma City who has a solid roster with college stars like Iowa's Bennett Stirtz and Michigan's Aday Mara from the jump, winning every quarter and turning the game into a 37-point runaway. Third overall pick in the NBA draft, Cameron Boozer, formerly of Duke, was one of the headliners for Memphis finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes. Taylor Hendricks, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Javon Small also helped push the Grizzlies’ offense into cruise control.
Jestin Porter @iamjestinporter made the most of his opportunity in his NBA Summer League today with 5 points on 2/2 shooting and an assist as his Memphis Grizzlies rolled past the Oklahoma City Thunder! Excited to see JP as Summer League progresses leading into his Rookie year! pic.twitter.com/rAjddZBll9
— One Motive Sports (@OneMotiveSports) July 5, 2026
Porter joined the Grizzlies for Summer League after one season at Clemson, where he led the Tigers in made threes and steals. Before that, he built a strong résumé at Middle Tennessee with back-to-back All-CUSA seasons.
Porter now gets a chance to showcase his game in Bluff City and prove he belongs in the organization’s plans, whether that leads to a training camp invite, a G League opportunity, or another professional path once the regular season arrives.
Fourth Clemson star joins the NBA Summer League, heads to Sacramento
With this performance on the shelf now, it should hopefully open up more opportunities to see more minutes down the line than just two in the next fixture against the Chicago Bulls.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Puka Nacua: Football Debate Club Decides Who Is the Better Five-Year Bet at Receiver
The two best wide receivers in football play in the NFC West, and choosing between them for the next five seasons splits even the sharpest evaluators. On PFSN’s Football Debate Club, Ian Cummings took Jaxon Smith-Njigba over Puka Nacua, and the margin was razor thin.
Why the JSN vs. Puka Nacua Debate Is Nearly a Coin Flip
“Puka and JSN were far and away the top two receivers in the NFL last year,” Cummings said. He is not exaggerating. Smith-Njigba led the league with 1,793 receiving yards, Nacua finished second at 1,715, and no other receiver came within 300 yards of the top spot.
The deeper you dig, the closer it gets. “Puka [came] away with a league-leading PFN wide receiver impact score of 96.3 to JSN’s 93.7,” Cummings said. “But every other advanced metric points to a near tie between them.” PFSN’s WR Impact metric gave Nacua the slim edge, yet it was Smith-Njigba who walked off with the 2025 AP Offensive Player of the Year award and a Super Bowl LX ring.
Their production diverged mostly by alignment. “JSN was dominant out wide where he took almost 80% of his targets, but Puka [Nacua] was dominant in the slot,” Cummings said. Smith-Njigba led the NFL in perimeter receiving yards with 1,366, a remarkable turn for a player drafted as a slot specialist out of Ohio State. Nacua did his damage inside, pacing the league with 129 catches while operating as the hybrid power slot in Sean McVay’s motion-heavy offense.
That split is the crux of the choice. “If you want that hybrid power slot who can operate off motions and generate high-level [YAC], Puka Nacua is your guy,” Cummings said. “If you want the more dynamic outside receiver who still has that slot versatility, I lean JSN.”
What Tips the Scales Toward Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Two factors break the tie, and both favor Seattle’s receiver. “Factoring [in] the fact that JSN is one year younger, and [Nacua] has also had off-field issues, I lean JSN personally,” Cummings said.
The age gap is real. Smith-Njigba turned 24 in February, while Nacua is 25. Over a five-year horizon, that extra year of prime matters, and JSN is coming off the better team result: an Offensive Player of the Year season that ended with a championship and a four-year, $168 million extension that made him the highest-paid receiver in football.
The off-field piece is harder to wave away. Nacua’s offseason was dominated by controversy, including an active civil lawsuit tied to a New Year’s Eve incident and a self-imposed stay at a Malibu treatment facility this spring. McVay has been public about wanting Nacua to grow off the field before the Rams commit to a long-term deal. None of it has dulled his production, but for a five-year investment, certainty carries weight.
Nacua remains a monster, and there is no wrong answer here. If the question is who you build around through 2030, though, the younger receiver with the ring, the clean profile, and the record contract is the safer bet. Cummings landed on Smith-Njigba, and it is hard to argue he got it wrong.
New York Yankees pitcher Rich Gossage warms up his mit before the game.
Across the last century of baseball, few players fit their era quite as well as Rich “Goose” Gossage. With a high-octane fastball and an intimidating, occasionally hirsute look on the mound, he rose to prominence in the game as the concept of a capable bullpen was undergoing a revolution, and in those days of firemen and multi-inning relief aces, Goose stood out as one of the best. Among the first big-ticket names in free agency as well, Gossage signed with the Yankees as they were coming off a championship in 1977 and then helped them win another in ’78.
Richard Michael “Goose” Gossage Born: July 5, 1951 (Colorado Springs, CO) Yankees Tenure: 1978-83, 1989
Before he was Goose, he was simply Rick to his family. Growing up as the fifth of six children, Gossage formed a close relationship with his father, Jack, who worked as a landscaper by trade and spent much of his free time prospecting for gold after catching a case of gold fever.
Gossage attended Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, where he starred in both baseball and basketball. During his junior year, tragedy struck when his father passed away. A firm believer in his son’s powerful right arm, Jack Gossage allegedly insisted from an early age that Rick would someday pitch in the major leagues. If true, it was a prediction that proved prophetic or, at the very least, one spoken into existence.
Gossage’s path to the majors began right out of high school when the White Sox selected him in the ninth round of the 1970 MLB Draft. He impressed enough that summer to finish the season in Class A. Gossage soaked up advice and formed close bonds with his coaches as he adjusted to professional baseball and dedicated himself to the game.
In 1971, at just 19 years old, Gossage found himself in the starting rotation at the Class A level. It was the season that put Gossage on the map as he was named the Topps Midwest League Player of the Year. He earned the honor by winning 18 games while posting a 1.83 ERA with 149 strikeouts across 187 innings.
Chicago was impressed enough to invite Gossage to spring training before the 1972 season. It was there that the legendary nickname was born when teammate Tom Bradley told Gossage he looked like a goose while peering in for the catcher’s signs. The nickname stuck. Before ever throwing a major league pitch, the legend of Goose Gossage was born, and it would become the name baseball fans knew him by for the rest of his life.
Gossage was so impressive with an upper-90s fastball that could touch triple digits that he broke camp with the big league club. In his rookie season, Gossage went 7-1 with a 4.28 ERA, but he was still learning to harness his electric arm. That lack of command resulted in him averaging nearly five walks per nine innings. In many ways, he looked like the real-life version of Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn. Those command issues led to Gossage bouncing between the major and minor leagues over his first few professional seasons.
Then, in 1975, everything clicked. Coincidentally, it was also the same season Major League Baseball adopted the modern save rule, forever linking one of the game’s most intimidating relievers with the birth of the statistic that would help define his Hall of Fame career and later become one of his most frequent subjects of criticism.
At 23 years old, Gossage made his first All-Star team. He finished the season with a 1.84 ERA, 26 saves, and 141.2 innings pitched while striking out 151 batters. Following that breakout campaign, the White Sox hoped to maximize Gossage’s value by converting him into a starting pitcher for the 1976 season. In the rotation, Gossage made his second straight All-Star team despite pitching for a club that lost 97 games. Across 29 starts, he went 9-17 with a 3.94 ERA over 224.0 innings.
Prior to the start of the 1977 season, Gossage was traded alongside Terry Forster to the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfielder Richie Zisk and pitcher Silvio Martínez. Gossage never enjoyed the rhythm of being a starting pitcher and gladly welcomed a return to the bullpen.
The move paid immediate dividends. The 1977 season proved to be one of Gossage’s best, and it came during his walk year. He recorded 26 saves with a 1.62 ERA while striking out 151 batters in 133 innings. After the season, the Pirates were unable to reach an agreement with Gossage, making him the crown jewel of the free-agent market.
The Yankees were fresh off a World Series championship and already had the reigning Cy Young Award winner, Sparky Lyle, anchoring the bullpen. However, never one to sit on his wallet, George Steinbrenner wanted another splash, and he decided Gossage was the ticket. As teammate Graig Nettles said, Sparky “went from Cy Young to Sayonara.” The two sides agreed to a six-year contract on November 22, 1977.
After a rocky start in pinstripes, much like the rest of the club, Gossage and the Yankees turned the summer of 1978 into one for the ages. At their lowest point, the Yankees trailed the Red Sox by 14.5 games. New York completed one of baseball’s greatest comebacks, and it was Gossage who induced Carl Yastrzemski to pop up to Graig Nettles for the final out of the legendary one-game playoff, completing one of the greatest collapses and comebacks in baseball history.
The Yankees went on to claim the World Series title, the only World Series championship Gossage would win as a player. The following season was one Yankees fans would rather forget. Still reeling from the untimely death of Thurman Munson, the club also lost Gossage for nearly three months after he tore ligaments in his thumb during a clubhouse fight with teammate Cliff Johnson. The Yankees missed the postseason in what became the definition of a lost season.
The Yankees and a healthy Gossage rebounded in 1980. Gossage recorded a career-high 33 saves and was selected to his fifth All-Star team. Everything appeared to be going according to plan until George Brett sent the Yankees home with a home run off Gossage in the American League Championship Series.
That defeat proved to be a turning point in Gossage’s relationship with the organization. As a way to needle Steinbrenner, Gossage grew his now infamous Fu Manchu mustache in protest of the Yankees’ facial hair policy.
Gossage continued to be a force while sporting the new look. Over the final three years of his contract, he recorded 72 more saves and earned All-Star selections in both 1981 and 1982. Despite the success, the relationship with Steinbrenner continued to deteriorate. Gossage famously referred to the owner as “the fat man upstairs,” and he also maintained a strained relationship with manager Billy Martin.
New York tried to re-sign Gossage after his contract expired following the 1983 season, but the veteran decided his time in Yankees management had run its course and instead signed with the Padres. During his age-32 and age-33 seasons, Gossage made the All-Star team both years and helped San Diego reach the 1984 World Series, where the Padres fell to the Tigers.
Gossage spent four seasons on the West Coast before the Padres traded him, along with Ray Hayward, to the Chicago Cubs for Mike Brumley and Keith Moreland. He spent the 1988 season on the North Side, completing a tour of both sides of Chicago. Prior to the 1989 season, the 37-year-old Gossage signed with the San Francisco Giants. That August, he was placed on waivers, and the Yankees successfully claimed him.
His return gave Gossage seven seasons in pinstripes. During his final stint in New York, he appeared in 11 games and posted a 3.77 ERA.
It seemed to most that this would be it for Gossage, but he opted to pitch professionally in Japan in 1990 before returning to the majors for four more seasons. Those final years included one with the Rangers, two with the Athletics, and the final campaign of his career with the Mariners in 1994.
In 2008, Gossage received baseball’s highest honor when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The voters made him wait eight ballots before finally enshrining him in Cooperstown.
Whether you hate his old-school, unfiltered vocabulary or love his tough-guy mentality, I’d bet he probably feels the same way about you. Like him or not, there is no denying Gossage remains one of the greatest relief pitchers ever to wear Yankee pinstripes and one of the original great closers in baseball history.
Happy birthday, Goose.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
Fabrizio Romano reveals latest twist in Leandro Trossard’s Arsenal future
Just days after reports emerged that Besiktas had reached an agreement with Arsenal over a deal for Leandro Trossard, respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now provided another significant update.
As reported earlier this week, the Turkish giants agreed a package worth €18 million plus a further €2m in add-ons with Arsenal for the Belgian international. However, the transfer remained dependent on personal terms being agreed with the player.
According to Romano, Besiktas are now preparing to send a delegation to the United States to negotiate directly with Trossard while he remains on World Cup duty with Belgium. The Italian journalist adds that the winger will make a final decision on his future once his international commitments have concluded.
Latest development takes negotiations to the next stage
This appears to be the clearest indication yet that Besiktas are serious about completing the deal. While Arsenal and the Turkish club have already settled on a transfer fee, convincing Trossard to make the move is now the final major hurdle.
The 31-year-old has just one year remaining on his Arsenal contract, making this summer a logical opportunity for the Gunners to recoup a respectable transfer fee rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2027.
Should Trossard agree personal terms, Arsenal would move another step closer to reshaping their attacking options this summer. Mikel Arteta already appears determined to refresh his forward line, with several attacking reinforcements continuing to be linked alongside potential departures.
Of course, until Trossard gives the green light, nothing is guaranteed. Belgium’s World Cup campaign understandably remains his immediate priority, and there is every chance he will wait until after the tournament before making such an important career decision.
Nevertheless, this latest update suggests this transfer is gathering momentum, with Besiktas now taking the next practical step towards securing the Arsenal forward’s signature.
Do you think Arsenal should accept losing Trossard for around €20 million, Gooners, or would you rather see him stay for another season?
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.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 17: Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets reacts in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 17, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS Juan Soto – DH Bo Bichette – 3B Mark Vientos – 1B Carson Benge – RF Tyrone Taylor – LF A.J. Ewing – CF Luis Torrens – C Brett Baty – 2B
SP: Nolan McLean – RHP
Braves lineup
Drake Baldwin – C Ozzie Albies – 2B Matt Olson – 1B Michael Harris – CF Mauricio Dubon – LF Dominic Smith – DH Austin Riley – 3B Mike Yastrzemski – RF Jim Jarvis – SS
SP: Martin Perez – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 12:30 PM ET TV: NBC, Peacock Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
HOOVER, AL - MAY 22: Outfielder Caden Sorrell #13 of the Texas A&M Aggies rounds first and holds up after hitting a single during the SEC Baseball Tournament Quarterfinals game between Texas A&M Aggies and Auburn Tigers on May 22, 2026, at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The MLB draft is creeping ever closer, taking place exactly one week from today. This is our latest version of what the prognosticators believe will be happening. You can find each of the earlier roundups by clicking on the different links before you see how much things have changed.
As a reminder, the Phillies will not be choosing their first player until #36 because of passing the second luxury tax threshold too many years in a row, which is a good thing.
Radel’s riding fastball now sits at 93-95 mph and touches 98 while holding velocity deep into games. He’s doing a better job of locating a mid-80s slider with depth that has become a solid offering, while his new upper-80s cutter elicits plenty of chases. He lands his 78-82 mph curveball for strikes and mixes in an upper-80s changeup with fade and sink against left-handers.
Though Radel doesn’t have a true plus offering and his pitch shapes are fairly ordinary, he succeeds because of his pitchability and competitiveness. Combining a high release point with good extension gives batters a different look and he pounds the strike zone. He’s a high-floor starter who could fit into the middle of a rotation.
Sorrell has better physical tools and athleticism than a handful of the hitters who are likely to go in front of him. His 23.9% career strikeout rate means he is probably going in the back of the first round or shortly after it, and the Phillies sound like one of the teams who could take a shot on his power/speed combo and center field profile.
The Phillies love prep athletic-testing standouts at premium positions and Brick fits that profile while being young for the class after reclassifying from 2027. He’s a catcher/shortstop tweener with 25-plus homer upside and feel to get to it in games.
WTF - England set to use Viagra to combat altitude?
It’s the WTF rumor of the day.
On the night from Sunday to Monday, England is getting ready to play the most perilous match of its World Cup.
The Three Lions are heading into the fortress of the Azteca Stadium to take on Mexico in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
A match with the special feature of being played at 2,200 meters above sea level. Playing conditions that could therefore affect the players’ physical condition during the match.
That is how a rather surprising rumor was born. England is reportedly ready to use Viagra to fight the symptoms of altitude.
This rumor went so far that a journalist even decided to ask Thomas Tuchel about it at the pre-match press conference.
Amused by the question, Thomas Tuchel gave a straightforward answer in the video you can find below.
The 2026 Formula 1 campaign got underway in Australia on March 8 as George Russell took victory for Mercedes.
This season includes a raft of new regulations relating to engines, chassis, tyres and fuel, which could make for some unpredictable races over the next nine months.
Lando Norris became world champion for the first time in 2025 after finishing third at a dramatic concluding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out race winner Max Verstappen in the title battle by just two points. McLaren and Red Bull were expected to lead the charge again, although Mercedes' pace early in the season meant they were the team to beat.
The 2026 F1 season was again due to feature 24 races, but the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix were cancelled because of the war in the Middle East.
There is also a slight change to the lineup for this year.
The Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held in September, has been relocated to a new Madrid street circuit. That means the race in Barcelona will now be called the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, which will take place in June.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku has been moved to a Saturday to avoid a clash with the national day of remembrance.
The season began at Albert Park in Australia, with the Chinese Grand Prix then kicking off a run of four races in Asia, as was the case in 2025.
Miami followed before the action headed to Europe in June, beginning with the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7. All races will then be held in that continent until October.
Azerbaijan and Singapore are next on the schedule before F1 heads to the Americas, with Grands Prix to be held in the United States (Las Vegas and Austin), Mexico and Brazil.
The last two races of the season will take place in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi to host the finale, as usual.
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia Grands Prix cancelled
F1 organisers chose to cancel the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia because of the conflict in the Middle East that began with the United States and Israel's attack on Iran.
The event in Bahrain was due to take place over the weekend of April 10-12, with the season heading to Jeddah a week later.
The races were cancelled rather than postponed, so rather than have them rescheduled or replaced, the season has been shortened to 22 races.
F1 2026 sprint race schedule
Three of the six sprint venues for 2026 will host these shortened races for the first time.
The first sprint once more took place in the second race weekend of the season in Shanghai. The next was in Miami in early May.
Montreal then hosted its first sprint at the end of that month, with the Dutch and Singapore Grands Prix also staging the race for the first time, after Silverstone in July.
Full F1 2026 race calendar
Date
Grand Prix
Track
Winner
Mar. 6-8
Australia
Albert Park Circuit
George Russell (Mercedes)
Mar. 13-15
China*
Shanghai International Circuit
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Mar. 27-29
Japan
Suzuka International Racing Course
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Apr. 10-12
Bahrain Cancelled due to Middle East war
Bahrain International Circuit
Apr. 17-19
Saudi Arabia Cancelled due to Middle East war
Jeddah Corniche Circuit
May 1-3
Miami*
Miami International Autodrome
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
May 22-24
Canada*
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
June 5-7
Monaco
Circuit de Monaco
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
June 12-14
Barcelona-Catalunya
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
June 26-28
Austria
Red Bull Ring
George Russell (Mercedes)
July 3-5
United Kingdom*
Silverstone Circuit
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
July 17-19
Belgium
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
July 24-26
Hungary
Hungaroring
Aug. 21-23
Netherlands*
Circuit Zandvoort
Sep. 4-6
Italy
Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Sep. 11-13
Spain
Madring
Sep. 24-26
Azerbaijan**
Baku City Circuit
Oct. 9-11
Singapore*
Marina Bay Street Circuit
Oct. 23-25
USA
Circuit of the Americas
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez
Nov. 6-8
Brazil
Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace
Nov. 19-21
Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Nov. 27-29
Qatar*
Lusail International Circuit
Dec. 4-6
Abu Dhabi
Yas Marina Circuit
*Sprint format
**Race moved to Saturday to accommodate national remembrance day
F1 2026 driver lineup, grid
New on the grid this year are Audi and Cadillac, the former having taken the place and drivers of Sauber.
Cadillac line up with veteran drivers Sergio Perez, formerly of Red Bull, and Valtteri Bottas, twice a world championship runner-up with Mercedes.
The big change near the top of the field sees Isack Hadjar take over as Red Bull's teammate for Max Verstappen. British driver Arvid Lindblad replaces Hadjar at Racing Bulls for his debut year.
The World Cup round of 16 continues with a huge clash between Brazil and Norway on Sunday, July 5.
Two of the tournament's biggest stars, Brazil's Vinicius and Norway's Erling Haaland, will be at the center of the action at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Elfath will take charge of the match and will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins.
Elfath has already officiated two games in this World Cup, taking charge of group-stage matches between the Netherlands and Japan, and Uruguay and Spain.
The 44-year-old is well known to American fans, having officiated MLS matches since 2012. In 2016, he became a FIFA referee and worked at his first World Cup in 2022.
Who are Brazil vs. Norway referees?
The full list of referees for Brazil-Norway is as follows:
Most of the free agents are signed, and at this point, most teams have done most of their offseason work. Arthur Kaliyev is still available and arguably the best free agent on the board, certainly the most talented. He scored 40 goals and was in the top five in the American Hockey League in points, a bright spot on the Belleville Senators.
The Senators aren’t re-signing Kaliyev, and he wants to test the market. Many teams will question whether he can be a leader as a 25-year-old left winger who has had plenty of off-ice drama in recent years. He’s someone who can turn around an offense and make a team competitive, so it’s made him an interesting free agent for AHL and NHL teams to pursue.
Calgary Wranglers
If there’s one destination where Kaliyev can see action at the NHL level, it’s Calgary. The Calgary Flames have one of the worst offenses in the league and lack forward talent, even in the long run. They need young NHL-ready forwards, and Kaliyev can provide that.
Even if he isn’t making an impact at the NHL level, he’ll be a valuable part of the AHL team. The Calgary Wranglers averaged 2.81 goals per game while finishing at the bottom of the Pacific Division. Like the NHL team, they have forwards they are looking to unlock, including Brennan Othmann and Matvei Gridin.
Kaliyev will make the players around him better. His scoring will allow the other forwards to become playmakers and develop into NHL-caliber players. More importantly, he’ll allow the Wranglers to win games and be a competitive team next season.
Chicago Wolves
The Chicago Wolves are the type of team that would take a chance on Kaliyev, knowing his upside and what he can bring to their top line. They are one of the handful of AHL teams that prioritize winning over development, and it’s why they bring in veterans who often take up ice time of the Carolina Hurricanes prospects.
Kaliyev would play on the top line and play a key role in helping prospects Justin Robidas, Felix Unger Sorum, and Ivan Ryabkin take steps forward. There’s a good chance Bradly Nadeau is on the NHL team next season, so the Wolves can bring in Kaliyev and ask him to be the veteran presence and driver of the offense.
Hershey Bears
The Hershey Bears are a fascinating team to watch in the late summer window. They’ve had an underwhelming offseason so far and typically are a team that spends big. It’s why they can bring in Kaliyev and bet on his talent to turn them into a Calder Cup contender.
Kaliyev would also turn around an offense that struggled last season. The Bears averaged only 2.91 goals per game, and the lack of veteran scoring was one of the reasons why. The question is whether the Washington Capitals want to bring him in and potentially take away ice time from Andrew Cristall, who plays the same position and the same roles as Kaliyev. That said, this signing can be a sneaky one that pays off for the Bears.
Iowa Wild
The Iowa Wild are a team where Kaliyev can sign and just pick up where he left off from the previous season. Des Moines is a small market by AHL standards, yet it’s one where he’ll have few distractions and where Kaliyev can come in and take on a leadership role.
The Minnesota Wild can also use a player like him in their farm system. The prospect pool is spread thin because of the moves the NHL team made in recent years, and can use a player who turns around the bottom feeder and emerges as a mentor to the handful of prospects still in the system.
Rockford IceHogs
The Chicago Blackhawks have been stuck in the same spot with their rebuild in part because of their inability to develop prospects. That problem starts with the Rockford IceHogs, and if the Blackhawks want to build a winning culture, they must address their AHL team as well.
Kaliyev will do that and help change how the IceHogs operate. They’ve been one of the worst teams in the AHL in recent years, and he’s the type of scorer who will change that. Moreover, Kaliyev will allow the Blackhawks to keep some players in their system instead of rushing them to the NHL, knowing they have someone who will help them out at that level.
Other Options For Kaliyev
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms haven’t done much this summer. They are opening up spots for their prospects but lost a lot of talent this summer and have a scoring void. So, maybe they bring in Kaliyev to change that.
The Edmonton Oilers are also a fascinating organization. At 25, he fits in with Quinn Hutson and Isaac Howard as a tweener for the Bakersfield Condors, whom the Oilers can potentially call up to add depth.
There’s also a good chance that Kaliyev ends up going overseas. He’s the type of player who would do so and make hockey fans wonder what could have been from the 2019 second-round pick. Plus, he would be the most talented player in this free agency class to make that move.
Barcelona could benefit financially as Lazio, Tottenham eye former La Masia talent
Barcelona are closely monitoring the future of former academy defender Sergi Domínguez, with Lazio emerging as one of the clubs pushing to sign the 21-year-old centre-back from Dinamo Zagreb, reports SPORT.
Although the Catalan club have no plans to bring the defender back, they stand to benefit financially, thanks to a sell-on clause included in his transfer last summer.
Barcelona could profit from sale
When Dominguez left Barcelona for Dinamo Zagreb in a deal worth €1.2 million, the Blaugrana retained 20% of the profit from any future transfer.
If the Croatian side eventually sells him for around €9–10 million, Barcelona would stand to receive close to €2 million for the former La Masia defender, providing a welcome financial boost as the club continues to manage its wage bill.
Gennaro Gattuso eyeing Dominguez
New Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso has identified central defence as one of his top priorities during the summer transfer window.
Sergi Dominguez left Barcelona in 2025. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
With Alessio Romagnoli expected to leave and Mario Gila also attracting interest, the Italian club are looking to rebuild their back line with younger players capable of developing into long-term starters.
Dominguez, therefore, is considered an ideal fit for that project thanks to his age, physical profile and progress since moving to Croatia.
Lazio have already submitted an initial offer believed to be worth around €5 million plus bonuses.
However, Dinamo Zagreb rejected the proposal and are holding out for at least €10 million before agreeing to sell the defender.
Gennaro Gattuso wants Dominguez at Lazio. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
While the asking price is considered high by the Italian club, it is not viewed as impossible if Lazio complete player sales during the remainder of the transfer window.
Competition between the two clubs could increase the final transfer fee, which would also benefit Barcelona because of the percentage they retained from a future sale.
For Barcelona, the situation represents an opportunity to generate unexpected income from a player who left the club with little fanfare.
Any transfer would not bring a transformative fee, but even a relatively modest windfall could prove valuable as the club continues to maximise every available source of revenue while planning future transfer business.
Schalke started pre-season training for their first Bundesliga season since 2022-23 in front of 3,700 fans on Sunday and amid ongoing uncertainty on the future of star striker Edin Džeko.
"We are happy that it is starting again. We are happy about the fans. It feels like home and work," coach Miron Muslic said.
Schalke returned to the top flight after three seasons in the second tier and Muslic spoke of an "XXL challenge" to avoid an instant drop back into the second division which they suffered three years ago.
"Of course we know that the Bundesliga is a different kind of challenge, that we have to shift two gears higher, but that is something we want to do," Muslic said.
Schalke have never won the title in the Bundesliga era which started in 1963 but were runners-up seven times, the last time as recently as 2018.
They have signed Junior Adamu from Freiburg and Satoshi Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf but it is not clear whether Džeko will also still be around when they start the league season at the end of August in Augsburg.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina star was a surprise signing in January but his contract expired on June 30 and the 40-year-old Džeko is yet to say whether he will stay. Džeko played at the World Cup where Bosnia were eliminated in the group stage.
"We already agreed before the World Cup that we’d discuss this after the World Cup. We are having a very good dialogue,” said Muslic who was born in what is now Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Marcellus Wiley was arrested Saturday on a charge of domestic battery, the latest in a series of legal issues against the former football player-turned-podcaster.
An inmate search confirms that Wiley was booked into Orange County Corrections in Orlando, Florida on the Fourth of July on one count of domestic battery, where he remained at press time pending his court hearing. TMZ first reported news of Wiley’s arrest, the details of which have not been revealed.
The arrest comes over two months after Wiley was accused of sexual assault by four accusers, including a former ESPN production assistant; following his retirement from football in 2006, Wiley became at sportscaster at ESPN, where he worked until 2018.
The four women’s allegations surfaced in April in court filings after three other women previously sued Wiley with allegations he raped them in New York when he was a student and star football player at Columbia University in 1994.
The former ESPN assistant alleges Wiley lured her to a hotel room in 2009 under the guise of a work meeting, then emerged naked from a bathroom and attacked her. “He pushed me up against the windows of the room so hard I thought they would shatter,” she wrote. “I was petrified and believed I was going to be killed.”
Two other new accusers allege Wiley raped them in the late 1990s after Columbia placed him on probation over earlier sexual assault complaints. One says he attacked her at her mother’s Culver City apartment while her family was nearby.
Wiley denied the allegations in a May episode of his podcast, saying, “They are attempting to leverage lies for personal gain, as they say, assassination by accusation, that’s their goal. They trying by lying.”
A rep for Wiley did not respond to Rolling Stone about Wiley’s July 4th arrest at press time. A former Pro Bowl defensive end for San Diego Chargers, Wiley is married to Annemarie Wiley, who appeared on a recent season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Former ESPN media personality and NFL star Marcellus Wiley was arrested Saturday, July 4 on alleged domestic battery charges after an incident in Florida. Wiley was booked into the Orange County jail.
Records indicate that Wiley is currently being held without bond.
This isn't the first time Wiley has found himself in legal trouble. Earlier this year, the podcast host faced several sexual assault allegations, which he vehemently denied. In his response to the accusations, which he posted to his YouTube channel, Wiley said that he worried what his son would think when he searched Wiley's name.
"To me, it’s about my son’s name that he will one day Google and think that this is about him, but he’s gonna know it’s about his dad. And how dare you stain the brain of my child," said Wiley.
Wiley later posted to his X account that three prior cases had already been dismissed.
Three cases already dismissed.
The falsely accused don’t fold—we fight. Especially when accusations are made louder than apologies ever will be.
A judge reviewed these claims—and threw them out. No deposition. No trial. No cross-examination.
Details of the incident that led to Wiley's current circumstance are unknown.
When did Marcellus Wiley leave Fox Sports?
After ten years in the NFL, Wiley worked for ESPN through 2018 as a host on the show "SportsNation." Afterwards, he moved to Fox Sports. Wiley was with FS1 through 2022 as host of the show "Speak for Yourself" alongside Jason Whitlock and eventually Emmanuel Acho.
The Milwaukee Brewers fell short on Independence Day with a 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix.
A couple of things went wrong for the Brewers in their loss, let’s review them:
Woodruff Hurt Again
Just when it seemed like things were looking up for Brewers veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff, another setback occurred.
Woodruff was out of Milwaukee’s rotation for nearly two months after suffering dead arm symptoms in an April 30 start against Arizona that saw his velocity fall drastically and compelled him to leave the game after just 1.1 innings. On Saturday, he lasted longer, but ultimately met the same fate.
Beyond a rough first inning that culminated in a three-run home run for the Diamondbacks, Woodruff was holding his own. But in the bottom of the fourth after striking out the first two hitters he faced, Woodruff exited after his velocity fell dramatically below his average.
The 33-year-old made his return to the Brewers’ lineup on June 22 against the Cincinnati Reds with a 10-strikeout, one-hit shutout performance over six innings. It was vintage Woodruff; an illustration of how good he can be when healthy. Unfortunately, health has been fleeting.
Woodruff made another start on June 28 against the Chicago Cubs and delivered another effective performance to the tune of six strikeouts and only one hit allowed over 5.2 innings. On Saturday, Woodruff struck out six batters while allowing two hits, three earned runs and a walk in 3.2 innings.
Now, it is hard to say what the rest of the season looks like for him.
Right-hander Craig Yoho took over for Woodruff in the bottom of the fourth and provided 2.2 innings where he did not allow a hit. Then, Jared Koenig, who also recently returned from a lengthy stint on the Injured List, took over in the bottom of the seventh inning before giving up a costly RBI-double in the bottom of the eighth.
Unable to Convert
When it came to hitting the baseball and getting on base, the Brewers were highly productive.
However, it did not lead to runs.
Milwaukee's Brice Turang led the game off with a double to left field, and he and his teammates combined for 11 more hits on Saturday night, yet it only translated to three runs.
The Brewers had runners in scoring position multiple times and finished the evening with 12 hits in 38 at-bats, only to fall short of getting them across home plate. Striking out 10 times did not help matters, either.
In the top of the fifth, following Woodruff’s exit, the Brewers finally broke through thanks to another double by Turang that preceded a two-run home run by Christian Yelich that made it a one-run game. The momentum continued when William Contreras hit a single and Garrett Mitchell followed up with a double to help Milwaukee threaten again, but Andrew Vaughn struck out before Sal Frelick grounded out, and it ended the frame.
After Koenig gave up the RBI-double in the eighth, Jackson Chourio responded with a two-out, solo home run in the top of the ninth, but the Brewers’ rally fell short.
Milwaukee will look to win the series on Sunday at 3 p.m. CT.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
The 2026 college football season will kick off Aug. 29 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The season's first FBS game will feature North Carolina versus TCU.
Kickoff between the Tar Heels and Horned Frogs is scheduled for noon EDT (ESPN).
The first game of the season featuring a Southeastern Conference school will be Missouri hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 3. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. EDT at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri (SEC Network).
Tennessee will kick off its 2026 football season Sept. 5 versus Furman at Neyland Stadium. The Vols' season opener is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT (SEC Network+).
Ahead of the season kicking off, EA Sports College Football 27 will launch worldwide Thursday for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Early access started July 2 for MVP+ Members and Monday for Deluxe Edition/MVP Bundle preorders.
The top 25 toughest places to play are ranked for EA Sports College Football 27. Neyland Stadium is ranked No. 8 for toughest places to play, while LSU's Tiger Stadium is ranked No. 1 overall.
EA SPORTS College Football 27 top 25 toughest places to play
From drunkard to folk hero: he's already the World Cup's big winner
Just a few years ago, Julian Quinones was making headlines mainly off the pitch. Today, however, he is the man making an entire nation dream. At Mexico’s home World Cup, the 29-year-old has emerged as the face of the team and can rightfully be described as the biggest winner of the tournament so far.
The numbers alone speak for themselves: In the 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match, Quinones scored the first goal of this World Cup. In the final group-stage match against the Czech Republic, he struck again.
But the Quinones show reached its provisional peak in the round of 32 against Ecuador. The left winger contributed a goal and an assist in the thoroughly deserved 2-0 win and was by far the best player on the pitch. With four goal contributions in four matches, no other player embodies Mexico’s rise quite like him.
One party even ended in the hospital
Yet the career of the Colombia-born forward has been anything but straightforward. For a long time, Quinones was seen as a major talent who mainly got in his own way. The low point came in 2017 during his loan spell at Mexican club Lobos BUAP. After a night of heavy partying, he got into an altercation with teammate William Palacios. The confrontation escalated so violently that Quinones ended up in hospital with stab and slash wounds. The exact circumstances were reported differently at the time. What is certain, however, is that the incident caused lasting damage to his reputation.
And in the years that followed, the attacker kept making negative headlines. During his time at Tigres UANL, he was regularly noticed for excessive nights out and was repeatedly dropped from the squad by his coach because of it. Opposing fans even publicly mocked him as “the drunk.”
Can Quinones also crack England?
Only in recent years did things turn around. His wedding and the birth of a daughter apparently brought the necessary stability to his life. Quinones also received Mexican citizenship in 2023. Since then, he has developed into the country’s most important attacking player. In addition, he has been under contract with Saudi club Al Qadsiah since 2024.
📸 ALFREDO ESTRELLA - AFP or licensors
Quinones is now continuing to write his own personal fairytale on football’s biggest possible stage. Mexico is dreaming, not least because of him, of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years.
To do that, though, they will need another brilliant performance in the upcoming round-of-16 clash against title favourites England. But if anyone can produce an upset right now, it is Julian Quinones. There is a reason why the former bad boy has become Mexico’s national hero.
Kimi Antonelli lost the race lead due to an as-yet unidentified technical issue and was forced to pit. He rejoined the track but was lapping significantly slower.
Shortly afterwards, the Italian was forced to concede several positions after reporting a broken suspension over radio. Mercedes later confirmed that the issue was caused by a front-left wheel shield failure.
Ferrari inherited a one-two, with Leclerc leading Hamilton, while Max Verstappen moved up to third and Russell inherited fourth place.
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Meta and UFC | Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images
Dana White has weighed in on Floyd Mayweather’s growing legal and financial troubles—and rather than piling on, the UFC CEO says he’s rooting for the undefeated boxing legend.
“Yeah, that's a tough one and I've talked to him about it, but I don't know enough about it,” White said. “You hear all these different stories. I think you have to wait to see how this thing's going to play out in court for him.”
Rather than criticize Mayweather, White expressed sympathy for someone who built one of the biggest fortunes in combat sports.
“When somebody works as hard as he did and amasses the type of wealth that he had and then they lose it or it gets stolen or whatever the deal is, it's horrible,” White said. “It happens a lot in professional sports.”
White even hinted that he could be willing to work with Mayweather again if the opportunity presented itself.
“Who knows? Anything is possible,” he said. “Maybe we could do something and figure it out for him.”
Review Norway's updated live 23rd-place FIFA World Ranking, point totals, and bracket metrics ahead of their 2026 World Cup Round of 16 showdown vs Brazil.
The safety net of the initial pool layout has completely evaporated at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving a fearless Norwaysquad standing on the precipice of a high-profile Round of 16 clash against tournament heavyweights Brazilin Philadelphia.
Having advanced through their group and systematically dismantled Ivory Coast in the initial knockout layer, Stale Solbakken’s men enter this secondary phase with absolute competitive momentum. Reflecting this historic modern run on the international index, Norway has climbed to a live position of 21st in the FIFA Men’s World Rankingwith a coefficient baseline of 1,617.67 points.
The tactical hurdle standing between the Lions and an unprecedented quarterfinal spot features an elite South American powerhouse running at the absolute top flight of the global game. Brazil commands the 5th spot globally on the official Inside FIFA leaderboard, carrying a world-class foundation of 1,804.92 points under Carlo Ancelotti.
Comparing Seeds and Form Guides
Norway validated their tactical evolution under Solbakken by comfortably moving through a volatile bracket path, combining a compact midfield setup with clinical offensive transition numbers.
Brazil, meanwhile, bypassed their own initial elimination barrier with relative ease, seeking to build out their signature possession structure.
The table below breaks down the current baseline metrics and tournament records for the two surviving challengers:
Country
FIFA Rank
Total Points Baseline
Previous Round Outcome
Brazil
5th
1,804.92
Advanced (Defeated Japan)
Norway
21st
1617.67
Advanced (Defeated Ivory Coast)
Historical Baselines
To contextualize Norway’s current ascension to the 21st spot, the program’s structural growth represents their finest stretch of form in nearly three decades. The national team bottomed out at a lowly modern structural floor in July 2017, when a severe development drought saw them plummet to 88th in the world.
While they are still chasing their legendary all-time competitive peak, having briefly captured 2nd globally back in the summer of 1995, their modern integration of elite world talents has firmly restored their status on the big stage.
Operating as the lower-seeded challenger means the system heavily insulates Solbakken’s squad; an exit against the five-time world champions carries negligible point penalties, whereas staging a shock victory would trigger an astronomical points windfall.
Errol Spence Jr returns to the ring this month, facing Tim Tszyu in Australia following three years of inactivity after his 2023 loss to Terence Crawford. Brian McIntyre, the trainer behind Crawford’s game plan, has weighed in on the upcoming fight. Spence was beaten thoroughly by Crawford and, as his inactivity went on, was thought […]
Sony's announcement that it will cease physical disc production by January 2028 has had a seismic impact on the gaming industry,. As players look forward to a disc-less future with the arrival of the PlayStation 6 (and the likelihood that Xbox Helix will follow suit), everyone has been weighing in on the debate at a volume I've not seen before.
Celebrities like comedian Trevor Noah have weighed in, and even fast food outlets like KFC and Dominos have jumped on the bandwagon, but now one of the industries most legendary creator, Hideo Kojima has weighed in.
Speaking at the Il Cinema in Piazza Film Festival in Italy, Metal Gear and Death Stranding creator Kojima expressed deep anxiety over the erasure of physical media. His translated remarks have been widely ciculated by Genki_JPN on X and we can be pretty certain the translation is correct given it's been reposted by Kojima himself.
"You don't actually possess the data"
Kojima, a notoriously devout cinephile and physical media collector, didn't hold back when asked his thoughts on the industry-wide push toward digital distribution.
"Since production is ending in 2028, this is about video games, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad.
Currently, I’ve been buying up a lot of Blu-rays, such as various movies, and CDs too. The situation is different for games, as they are downloaded to the hard drive, that means the game data remains on your own hardware.
However, if things shift to streaming in the future, that won’t be the case anymore. With streaming subscription services, like Netflix or Amazon, there is a server somewhere, and you essentially just have the right to turn the tap, and when you do, the data flows out. That’s how movies work on these platforms, right? You don't download the data, you access it directly through a subscription.
And the consequence of that is that you don't actually possess the data yourself. There are companies that own these servers and let you 'turn the tap' for a monthly fee. However, with nations, politics and various ways of thinking, one naturally has to consider the possibility that if there is a change, the data inside will stop being distributed.
And if that happens you won’t be able to watch or play the movies and games you like. That is what is frightening. So, what is happening to video games in 2028, might also happen to movies. I’d like everyone to keep that in mind."
Hideo Kojima on the end of physical disc production for video games:"Since production is ending in 2028, this is about video games, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad. Currently, I’ve been buying up a lot of Blu-rays, such as various movies, and CDs too.… pic.twitter.com/ivL989gOFdJuly 5, 2026
"We will not be able to freely access the movies, books, and music that we have loved."
This isn't the first time Kojima has spoken out about the move to online-only access for entertainment. His posts from 2001 have been circulating again, when he had a very similar warning to us all:
"Eventually, even digital data will no longer be owned by individuals on their own initiative. Whenever there is a major change or accident in the world, in a country, in a government, in an idea, in a trend, access to it may suddenly be cut off.
We will not be able to freely access the movies, books, and music that we have loved. I would be a have-not. That's what I'm afraid of. This is not greed."
Kojima's words directly mirror the concerns of today's gamers. When Sony first revealed the timeline within which it plans to kill off physical game discs, the immediate outcry centered around consumer choice and market control. Without a secondhand disc market, publishers gain total authority over pricing, forcing players to rely entirely on the PlayStation storefront sales. Whether you have already made the move to digital or not, this will impact the price of games for everyone.
We have already seen the consequences of the "turned off tap" that Kojima warns us of. Sony recently sparked fury by revoking consumer access to over 500 paid digital movies, proving that digital ownership is merely a temporary license.
While the PC ecosystem has safely transitioned to digital due to its open nature, community modding, and DRM-free options like GOG, consoles remain strictly gated communities.
How long will corporations acquiesce to gamers' wants and needs?
Microsoft's upcoming next-gen "roject Helix console is also highly likely to drop the disc drive, but they are building a bridge. New details regarding Xbox's "Positron" disc-to-digital program suggest a seamless system where physical discs can be permanently converted into digital licenses tied to your Microsoft Account.
But as Kojima heavily implies, these anomalies will soon become a relic of the past. When the servers go dark, and the corporate giants decide to twist the valve shut, players will finally realize the true cost of convenience.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The Milan-based firm raised $1.68 billion in its Nasdaq debut this week, with shares climbing 40% above the IPO price. The stock closed at $40.50, up from $29, giving the company a market value of about $25.7 billion. That's a significant jump from roughly $14.5 billion in 2025, following a...
Apple is expected to mirror the iPhone X's launch cadence back in 2017 for its upcoming foldable iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone Ultra or the iPhone Fold, as per the latest musings of the legendary Apple-centric analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, who expects subdued sales volume for the foldable in Q3 2026, stretched lead times in the first few months, and a free-for-all bonanza for scalpers. Ming-Chi Kuo expects the foldable iPhone to record sales of just 0.5-1 million units in Q3, lead times of 4-6 weeks, and resale prices 50–100% above the official $2,300-$2,500 price According to Kuo, the upcoming foldable […]
Apple’s laser-focused efforts are currently to bring CXMT as a supply chain partner for DRAM in an attempt to reduce shortage risk rather than seeking competitive prices, as AI datacenters are estimated to hoard more than 60 percent of memory shipments by next year. While the Cupertino firm attempts to appease the steadfast Trump Administration, a new report discusses a development in which CXMT has begun R&D on a new kind of DRAM that can maximize both performance and capacity, all while using older DUV machinery. Work on “bonding DRAM” with existing DUV equipment could propel CXMT to new heights, as high-density […]
Apple is working its way toward the launch of the first foldable iPhone, and it has secured the foldable display panel from Samsung as its sole supplier for the next three years, but why Samsung? We have an answer to this question.
The recent report from TheLec suggests that Apple has contracted Samsung to make foldable display panels for its upcoming iPhone Ultra-wide-folding iPhone. The early shipment for the foldable iPhone is set around 3 million units, which is expected to remain in check for the next three years, under an exclusive supplier agreement between the two companies.
Why Samsung?
Samsung has established itself as the leader in the foldable smartphone market since the very beginning. Its subsidiary, Samsung Display, continues to innovate new display technologies.
At CES 2026, Samsung showcased its advanced crease-free folding screen, which solves the biggest aesthetic and user experience problem in foldable smartphones. It feels like there is no crease at all in this new smartphone.
There is no other company that has pulled this tech off their manufacturing line, as they struggle to make the crease go away. Therefore, Apple has set a quality standard for its upcoming foldable to make it a success.
And after testing the display panels from Samsung for a year, Apple has approved Samsung’s quality standards and ordered the company to produce 3 million panels. That’s an initial supply order; a new report reveals that Apple has plans to produce at least 10 million units of its first-gen foldable.
Another reason for Apple to go to Samsung is its stability. The two companies have been working together for a long time, and they have developed a secure supply chain that has become an important part of Apple’s component demand. Samsung offers assurance, which the company could not get through its substitutes.
The one and final reason is that, in price negotiations, Apple could negotiate prices with the display provider, and Samsung is perfect to press on.
These are pretty convincing reasons, which show why Apple has chosen Samsung as its iPhone Ultra foldable display provider.
Borussia Dortmund'la mukavelesi sona eren Salih Özcan boşa çıkmıştı. Beşiktaş milli futbolcuyla görüşmelerini ilerletti. Bu hafta içinde her şeyin netlik kazanması bekleniyor.
Alman ekibi Borussia Dortmund, sözleşmesi 30 Haziran'da biten Salih Özcan'la yola devam edilmeyeceğini açıklamıştı. 28 yaşındaki futbolcu boşta bulunuyor. Dünya Kupası'nın ardından da tatilini sürdürüyor. Salih bu süre içinde birçok takımla transfer görüşmeleri yaptı. Bunlardan biri de Beşiktaş'tı...
ORKUN'LA YAKALADIKLARI UYUM
Siyah-Beyazlılar ve 1.82 boyundaki ön libero arasında anlaşma sağlandı. Sadece küçük ayrıntılar kaldı. Bu hafta içinde resmi açıklamanın gelmesi bekleniyor. Salih ve Orkun Kökçü'nün milli takımdaki uyumları, Beşiktaş Yönetimi'ni mutlu etmişti. Salih boşta olduğu için bonservis bedeli ödenmeyecek.
GALATASARAY DA İLGİLENMİŞTİ
Ayrıca Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun 10+4'lük yabancı kontenjanı da geçerliliğini koruyor. Bu sebeple yerli takviyelerin önemi arttı. Salih bu bakımdan da teknik heyetin elini rahatlatacak. Oyuncuyla bir ara Galatasaray da ilgilenmişti. Ancak Sarı-Kırmızılılar sonrasında farklı isimlere ağırlık verdi.
Fenerbahçe'nin resmi yalanlamasına rağmen bir sosyal medya fenomeninin Yönetici Feridun Geçgel'in ismini vererek transfer iddiasını sürdürmesi, kulüp içinde dev bir sızıntı krizine yol açtı.
Fenerbahçe yönetiminde sular durulmuyor. Bir sosyal medya fenomeninin transfer iddiası ve kulübün jet hızıyla geçtiği yalanlama, yönetim içerisindeki büyük bir güç savaşını ve sızıntı krizini gün yüzüne çıkardı. Camiada, okların hedefindeki isim Asbaşkan Barış Göktürk.
Fenerbahçe'nin resmi olarak yalanladığı transfer iddiası sonrasında, dedikoduyu ortaya atan sosyal medya fenomeninden de rest geldi.
Fenomen, "Fenerbahçe’nin açıklamasına saygım sonsuz ama haberimin arkasındayım. Yönetici Feridun Geçgel şu an Fransa’da" diyerek yönetime doğrudan meydan okudu. Kulübün sert yalanlamasına rağmen isim verilerek yapılan bu açıklama, yönetim içindeki krizi geri dönülemez bir noktaya taşıdı.
Yaşanan bu son gelişme, akıllara Samsunspor Başkanı Yüksel Yıldırım’ın geçmişteki zehir zemberek açıklamalarını getirdi. Yıldırım, söz konusu fenomen için bizzat Fenerbahçe Asbaşkanı Barış Göktürk’ün adamı olduğunu savunmuştu. Yaşanan son sızıntı, bu iddiaları yeniden gündeme taşıdı.
Aziz Yıldırım’ın yönetim listesinde yer alan Barış Göktürk, sadece sızıntı iddialarıyla değil, sergilediği yönetim tarzıyla da uzun süredir krizin merkezi konumunda.
- Söz verdiği 30 milyon euro'luk kasa kolaylığını hala kulübe sağlamadığı iddia ediliyor.
- Aykut Kocaman ismine karşı çıkıp, İsmail Kartal’la ilk pozu vererek çatlak ses yarattığı konuşuluyor.
- Kulüpler Birliği’nde Yüksel Yıldırım’la kavga etmesi ve kulübün gizli kalması gereken mahrem süreçlerini sosyal medyaya sızdırdığı dillendirildi.
Fenerbahçe kulislerinde, yaşanan bu son sızıntı olayına dair iki farklı senaryo konuşuluyor:
1. Senaryo (Gerçek Sızıntı): Yönetici Feridun Geçgel, Mason Greenwood transferini bitirmek için gerçekten Fransa’ya gitti. Barış Göktürk bu gizli bilgiyi kendi fenomenine uçurdu. Durumu öğrenen Başkan Yıldırım küplere bindi ve operasyonu korumak için resmi yalanlama yayımlattı.
2. Senaryo (Tuzak Kuruldu): Feridun Geçgel aslında Fransa’ya hiç gitmedi. Yönetim, içerideki sızıntıyı deşifre etmek için Barış Göktürk’e bu sahte bilgiyi yem olarak verdi. Göktürk bilgiyi fenomenine sızdırınca tuzağa düşmüş oldu.
Resmi yalanlamanın ardından fenomenin geri adım atmayıp doğrudan isim zikretmesi, Fenerbahçe yönetiminde taşların yerinden oynayacağını ve faturanın tamamen Barış Göktürk’e kesileceğini net bir şekilde gösteriyor.
665. Tarihi Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri'nin finalinde Erkan Taş ile Feyzullah Aktürk karşı karşıya gelecek.
Organizasyonun son gününde başpehlivanlık yarı final müsabakaları için güreşçiler, kura çekmek üzere er meydanına çağrıldı. Kurada, Erkan Taş'la Seçkin Duman, Mustafa Taş'la da Feyzullah Aktürk eşleşti. Peşrev çekerek tribünleri selamlayan pehlivanlar, güreşe başladı.
Erkan Taş ile Seçkin Duman arasındaki güreş hareketli başlamasına rağmen ilerleyen dakikalarda tempo düştü. Erkan Taş'ın sık sık kasnaktan oyun kurma girişimlerini Seçkin Duman savuşturmaya çalıştı. Normal sürede pehlivanların birbirine üstünlük sağlayamaması üzerine puanlama bölümüne geçildi. Puanlamanın ilk dakikasında Erkan Taş, kasnak paça hamlesiyle rakibini yenerek finale yükseldi.
Mustafa Taş ile Feyzullah Aktürk arasındaki güreş de tempolu başladı. Mustafa Taş'ın sert el enselerine karşılık Feyzullah Aktürk kasnaktan oyun kurmaya çalıştı. Sert el enseler, güreşte temponun yüksek olduğunu gösterdi. Normal sürede pehlivanların birbirine üstünlük sağlayamamasının ardından puanlama bölümüne geçildi. Feyzullah Aktürk, rakibinin künde girişiminden kurtularak güreşi kazanmayı başardı.
Erkan Taş ile Feyzullah Aktürk finalde karşı karşıya gelecek.
Union Berlin ile mukavelesi sona eren Danilho Doekhi, kısa süre önce menajerler aracılığıyla Fenerbahçe'ye önerilmişti. Beşiktaş'ın, 28 yaşındaki stoperin temsilcisiyle görüşeceği öğrenildi.
Alman ekibi Union Berlin'le sözleşmesi biten Danilho Doekhi, şu anda boşta bulunuyor. Hollandalı stoper, kısa süre önce menajerler vasıtasıyla Fenerbahçe'ye önerilmişti. Sarı-Lacivertliler, Nathan Ake hamlesini yaptı. Dolasıyıyla bu transferde devreye girecekleri düşünülmüyor.
ÖNEMLİ EKİPLER PEŞİNDE
Beşiktaş'ın, bonservisi elinde bulunan 1.90 boyundaki savunmacının menajeriyle kısa süre içinde görüşeceği öğrenildi. 28 yaşındaki stoperin adı ayrıca şu takımlarla da anılıyor:
Borussia Dortmund
PSV Eindhoven
Crystal Palace
Aston Villa
Leeds United
Oyuncunun temsilcisi bütün taliplerle temas kuruyor.
ÇOK ZOR OLACAK
Beşiktaş tarafı, yapılacak görüşmede Danilho Doekhi'nin şartlarını öğrenecek. Ayrıca diğer taliplerin ne kadarlık tekliflerde bulunduğu da ortaya çıkacak. Bu transferin kısa süre içinde netleşmesi beklenmiyor. Çünkü şu anda oyuncuya yoğun bir ilgi var. Doğal olarak Doekhi cephesi herkesin son teklifini görmek istiyor.
Beşiktaş'ta sağ kanat konusundaki çalışmalar yoğunlaştı. Leicester City'den Abdul Fatawu konusunda tekrar nabız yoklandı. Ancak İngiliz ekibinin yanıtı Kartal'ı pek memnun etmedi.
Kartal'da şu anda sol kanat bölgesine ağırlık verilse de sağ taraftaki çalışmalar da sürüyor. Beşiktaş daha önce de gündeme gelen Abdul Fatawu konusunda Leicester City ile tekrar temasa geçti. İngiliz ekibi, 22 yaşındaki futbolcu için 20 milyon sterlinin (Yaklaşık 23.3 milyon euro) altındaki tekliflerin kabul edilmeyeceğini belirtti.
WEST HAM HAZIR!
Ganalı futbolcunun Leicester City ile 30 Haziran 2029'a kadar sözleşmesi var. Bu arada İngiliz basınındaki haberlere göre; West Ham United da bu transfere girdi. Ayrıca 20 milyon sterlini ödemeyi göze aldılar. İki kulüp arasındaki resmi temasların kısa süre içinde başlaması bekleniyor.
OYUNCU SICAK BAKIYOR
Abdul Fatawu'nun, West Ham ve Leicester City'nin anlaşması halinde West Ham'a katılmaya sıcak baktığı öğrenildi. Leicester onu 2024 yazında Sporting'den almıştı. O dönemde 16.2 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler. 22 yaşındaki Fatawu, TFF'nin genç kriterine uyuyor. Fakat Beşiktaş, talep edilen bonservis bedelini ödemeye yanaşmıyor.
Fenerbahçe'de genç kanat oyuncusu Nene'nin bu yaz satılabileceği konuşuluyordu. Fakat sakatlıktan çıkan futbolcu için hiçbir kulüp resmi teklif yapmadı. Kış döneminde ise durumlar değişebilir.
Fenerbahçe Kulübü, sakatlık sonrasında sahalara dönmeye çalışan Dorgeles Nene'yle ilgili, "Fransa'da tedavi sürecini sürdüren futbolcumuz Dorgeles Nene'nin, tedavi sürecinin planlandığı şekilde ilerlemesi üzerine sağlık ekibimizin değerlendirmesi doğrultusunda Avusturya kamp kadrosuna dahil edilmesine karar verilmiştir. Futbolcumuz, teknik heyetimizin belirlediği program doğrultusunda yeni sezon hazırlıklarına Avusturya kampında devam edecektir" açıklamasını yaptı.
EVET TALİPLERİ VARDI
23 yaşındaki kanat oyuncusuyla şu kulüpler ilgileniyordu:
Zenit
Spartak Moskova
Stuttgart
Borussia Dortmund
Bayer Leverkusen
Ancak taliplerin tamamı, sakatlık sebebiyle Fenerbahçe'ye herhangi bir resmi teklifte bulunmadı. Yönetimin planları ise suya düştü.
BELKİ ARA TRANSFERDE
Dorgeles Nene'nin olası satışından gelecek para yine transferlere harcanacaktı. Ancak bu plan en iyi ihtimalle kış dönemine kalmış gibi gözüküyor. Malili futbolcu, ara transfere kadar kendisini gösterirse teklifler alabilir. Ancak o günün koşullarında bu durumun nasıl değerlendirileceği de şu anda belli değil...
Fenerbahçe Vedat Muriqi sonrasında bir forvet daha alacak. Sidiki Cherif'in ise kiralık gönderilmesi planlanıyor. Bu arada genç oyuncunun Kanarya'yla mukavele süresi şöyle: 30 Haziran 2030!
Fenerbahçe kış döneminde Angers Kulübü'nden 4 milyon euro bedelle Sidiki Cherif'i kiraladı. Genç santrforun 18 milyon euroluk satın alma maddesi ise sezon sonunda devreye girdi. 19 yaşındaki futbolcu, Sarı-Lacivertliler'le 30 Haziran 2030'a kadar mukavele imzaladı.
MALİYETİ ÇOK YÜKSEK
Bu arada Fenerbahçe ve Angers arasındaki anlaşmada +3 milyon euroluk bonus maddeleri de mevcut! Özetle Sidiki Cherif hamlesinin maliyeti son derece yüksekti (maaş hariç). Kanarya'nın yaz döneminde ilk santrfor hamlesi Vedat Muriqi oldu. Tecrübeli futbolcu sakatlandı ve ağustos ayının ilk haftasında tamamen düzelmesi bekleniyor.
SENELERCE SÜREBİLİR!
Yönetim bir forvet takviyesi daha yapacak. Takımda 3. golcü konumuna düşecek Sidiki Cherif ise büyük ihtimalle Hamburg'a kiralanacak. Genç futbolcunun 30 Haziran 2030'a kadar süren kontratı ciddi sıkıntı çıkarabilir. Açık konuşmak gerekirse Cherif'in ilerleyen yıllarda da ilk 11 oyuncusu olması beklenmiyor. Bu da; senelerce sürecek kiralama süreçlerini yanında getirebilir.
Dün akşam Greenwood, bugün ise Lauriente! Fenerbahçe transferde vites artırdı, kulüp tarihinin en çılgın tekliflerinden biri yapıldı.
Fenerbahçe, yeni sezon öncesi transfer piyasasında kafa karıştırmaya devam ediyor. Sarı-lacivertli kurmayların hücum hattını güçlendirmek adına yürüttüğü gizli operasyonlar Fransız basını tarafından deşifre (!) edildi.
Dün gece Mason Greenwood için Fransa'da masaya oturan ve işi bitiren (!) yönetim, bugün ise rotayı İtalya’ya kırarak Armand Lauriente için kulüp tarihinin en yüksek tekliflerinden birini sundu.
Foot Mercato'ya göre dün gece Greenwood'u bitiren sarı-lacivertliler bugün Sassuolo'dan Armand Lauriente için resmi girişimlere başladı. Fenerbahçe'nin 25 yaşındaki yıldız için 20 milyon Euro’luk göz kamaştırıcı bir teklif sunduğu iddia edildi.
Kocaelispor, transfer çalışmalarına hız kesmeden devam ediyor. Körfez temsilcisi, Çaykur Rizespor forması giyen savunma oyuncusu Emir Ortakaya'yı kadrosuna kattığını resmen açıkladı.
Yeni sezon öncesi defans hattını güçlendirmeyi hedefleyen Kocaelispor, başarılı stoper ile her konuda anlaşma sağladı. Kendisini yeşil-siyahlı renklere bağlayan resmi imzayı atan Emir Ortakaya ile 2 yıllık sözleşme imzalandığı bildirildi.
Çaykur Rizespor'dan Kocaelispor'a transfer olan genç savunmacının, kısa süre içinde takımla birlikte çalışmalara başlaması bekleniyor.
Fenerbahçe'de Amara Diouf'un Avusturya kampı kadrosuna alınmaması 'Kriz mi var?' sorusunu gündeme getirdi. Sarı-lacivertli yönetimin dünya devlerinin elinden kaptığı genç yıldız adayı hakkında aldığı flaş kararın perde arkası ve Samandıra planı netleşti.
Fenerbahçe’nin Avusturya kampı kadrosuna dahil edilmeyen genç yetenek Amara Diouf, sarı-lacivertli camiada merak konusu oldu. Genç futbolcunun Samandıra’da bırakılması "Transferde kriz mi var?" sorusunu gündeme getirirken, kulübün oyuncu üzerindeki planlamasının detayları ortaya çıktı.
Amara Diouf, Sadettin Saran yönetimi ve kulübün scouting heyetinin uzun vadeli planlaması doğrultusunda Fenerbahçe kazandırıldı. Senegal U17 Milli Takımı ile kırdığı rekorlarla dünya futbolunun dikkatini çeken genç oyuncu, Avrupa devlerinin radarındayken sarı-lacivertli kulübün geleceğe yönelik büyük bir vizyon yatırımı olarak transfer edildi.
İddia edilenlerin aksine, oyuncunun as takım kapasitesinin yetersiz olması değil, tam aksine dünya çapındaki yüksek potansiyeli bu transferin ana nedeni oldu.
Kulüpten yapılan resmi açıklamada, oyuncunun gelişiminin en sağlıklı şekilde sürmesi için bireysel çalışma programına tabi tutulacağı belirtildi. Bu kararın arkasında yatan temel faktörler ise şunlar:
Afrika altyapısından gelen genç oyuncunun fiziksel yapısını Avrupa standartlarına getirmek hedefleniyor. Ağır kamp yüklemelerinin oyuncuda sakatlık yaratmaması adına bu karar alındı.
Teknik direktör ve performans ekipleri, Diouf'un dil, kültür ve taktiksel adaptasyonunu hızlandırmak için Samandıra Can Bartu Tesisleri'nde "terzi usulü" bir program uygulayacak.
Yönetim ve teknik heyet, genç oyuncuyu medyanın ve taraftarın erken baskısından uzak tutarak, gözlerden uzak bir şekilde parlatmayı amaçlıyor.
Fenerbahçe cephesinden edinilen bilgilere göre; ortada iddia edildiği gibi bir yönetimsel kriz veya "mecburi sözleşme" durumu bulunmuyor. Sarı-lacivertli kurmaylar, elindeki yüksek potansiyelli oyuncuyu doğrudan ağır rekabetin içine atıp yıpratmak yerine, özel olarak işleyip doğru zamanda vitrine çıkarmayı planlıyor. Kampa götürülmeme kararı, bir tasfiye değil, tamamen oyuncuyu koruma amaçlı stratejik bir adım olarak değerlendiriliyor.
Fatih Terim, kendi YouTube kanalında gündemi sarsacak açıklamalarda bulundu. 2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası'nı mercek altına alan deneyimli çalıştırıcı, uzatma dakikaları ve penaltı stratejilerinden Thomas Tuchel'e yönelik eleştirilerine, Galatasaray ile kazandığı UEFA Kupası finalindeki gizli plandan Fernando Muslera'ya kadar birçok konuda ilk kez konuşulan detayları paylaştı.
Türk futboluna damga vuran tecrübeli teknik adam Fatih Terim, dijital dünyada da adından söz ettirmeye devam ediyor. YouTube kanalında yayınladığı videoda futbol dünyasının sıcak başlıklarını değerlendiren Terim, hem taktiksel vizyonunu ortaya koydu hem de hafızalardan silinmeyen tarihi anlara dair çarpıcı itiraflarda bulundu.
2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası’ndaki genel tablonun beklentileri karşıladığını belirten Fatih Terim, turnuvadaki şok sonuçları yorumladı. Brezilya-Japonya ve Almanya-Paraguay eşleşmelerini "sürpriz" olarak nitelendiren deneyimli hoca, Hollanda'nın turnuvaya Fas karşısında veda etmesini ise normal karşıladığını söyledi.
Son 16 turundaki İngiltere - Meksika eşleşmesine de parantez açan Terim, "Agresif, iyi pas yapan ve oyunun iki yönünü de başarılı oynayan bir Meksika izledik. İngiltere karşısında çok ciddi bir sınav verecekler" diyerek Latin Amerika temsilcisini övdü.
Eleme turlarının ardından futbol kamuoyunda tartışılmaya başlanan penaltı ve uzatma sistemlerine dair kendi çözüm formülünü açıklayan efsane teknik adam, mevcut kuralların korunmasından yana olduğunu belirtti. Değişiklik yapılacaksa radikal bir adım atılması gerektiğini savunan Terim, "Altın gole tamamen karşı değilim ancak şu an için iki devre yerine, tek blok halinde 20 dakikalık bir uzatma süresinin uygulanması çok daha doğru ve adil olur" ifadelerini kullandı.
İngiltere Teknik Direktörü Thomas Tuchel’in kritik eşleşmeler öncesi yaptığı "Penaltılara hazırız" açıklamasını sert bir dille eleştiren Terim, kendi yönetim felsefesini şu sözlerle aktardı:
- Ben maçlardan önce oyuncularıma asla penaltı çalıştırmam. Bu durum, futbolcularda 'Demek ki biz beraberliği düşünüyoruz, maç penaltılara kalacak' algısı ve psikolojik baskı yaratır. EURO 2008'de genç yıldızımız Arda Turan ilk penaltıyı atmak için gönüllü olmuştu. Penaltı, rahat insanların işidir. 'Atamazsan yandık' psikolojisine girerseniz başarılı olamazsınız.
Galatasaray'ın 2000 yılında Arsenal’ı devirerek kazandığı UEFA Kupası finaline dair bugüne kadar bilinmeyen bir gerçeği ilk kez açıklayan Fatih Terim, o geceki penaltı stratejisini anlattı.
Final için önceden 7-8 kişilik bir liste hazırladıklarını belirten tecrübeli hoca, "Hagi kırmızı kart görmeseydi penaltı atacak isimlerin başındaydı. O esnada kulübede oyuncu değişikliği üzerine konuştuğumuz için Hagi'nin kırmızı kart gördüğü anı ilk etapta fark etmedim. Beşinci penaltıyı ise Capone kullanacaktı ancak ona sıra gelmeden, Popescu'nun tarihi golüyle kupayı kazandık" dedi.
Açıklamalarının son bölümünde, Dünya Kupası'nın ardından eleştirilerin odak noktası haline gelen eski öğrencisi Fernando Muslera'ya sahip çıkan Fatih Terim, vefa yüklü bir destek mesajı verdi.
Muslera’nın 40 yaşında olmasına rağmen hâlâ ülkesi Uruguay için en üst seviyede mücadele ettiğini hatırlatan Terim, "Futbol bir takım oyunudur, faturayı tek bir kişiye kesmek haksızlıktır. Zirvede rüzgarlar sert eser ama bu durum, onun ülkesi ve forması için verdiği büyük mücadeleyi ve değerini asla değiştirmez" diyerek eleştirilere son noktayı koydu.
Tarihi Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri'ni ilk kez yerinde takip eden Fenerbahçe Başkanı Ali Koç'un gözleri önünde yapılan tarihi ihalede, mevcut ağa Ufuk Özünlü 46 milyon 666 bin 666 liralık rekor teklifle unvanını korudu.
Tarihi Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri’nde nefes kesen ağalık ihalesini, Fenerbahçe Başkanı Ali Koç’un da izlediği protokol tribününün önünde rekor bedelle mevcut ağa Ufuk Özünlü kazandı.
Sarayiçi Er Meydanı'nda düzenlenen Tarihi Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri'nde, gelecek yılın güreş ağalığı için kıyasıya bir yarış yaşandı. Mevcut Kırkpınar Ağası Ufuk Özünlü, tam 46 milyon 666 bin 666 TL teklif vererek ağalık altın kemerini ve unvanını kimseye kaptırmadı.
Fenerbahçe Kulübü eski Başkanı Ali Koç, organizasyonu yerinde takip etmek üzere ilk kez Er Meydanı'na geldi. Daha önce verdiği sözü tuttuğunu belirten Koç, tarihi geleneği büyük bir hayranlıkla izlediğini ifade etti.
Güreşlerin ülke markası için çok büyük bir fırsat olduğunu vurgulayan Ali Koç, organizasyonla ilgili şu dikkat çekici açıklamalarda bulundu:
- Dünyadaki en eski sporlardan biri, hatta en eskisi. Ülke tanıtımı için de çok önemli bir fırsat. Milyonların seyrettiği bu sporun, belki de futbol maçları kadar reyting alabileceğini düşünüyorum. Hep birlikte omuz omuza vererek geleneğimizi daha yükseklere taşımalıyız.
The HMD Skyline 2 is still expected to arrive this year, although there has been no official confirmation yet. However, a new leak has surfaced revealing the smartphone will launch with better specs than earlier reports stated.
A new single-board computer is certainly an alternative to a Raspberry Pi, but it features a rather unique architecture. This should make the Debix T62P-01 particularly well-suited for critical real-time applications.
Computer prices continue to increase and new gaming handhelds are also affected. MSI's new gaming handheld Claw 8 EX AI+ with Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme chip offers very good performance figures, but we are not sure there are sufficient potential buyers considering the high price of $1799.
Video | With the A16 Pro, Gigabyte put together a relatively affordable gaming laptop that combines a "budget" chassis with an RTX 5070 Ti.
Is this relatively unique combination worth it for your favorite games or your creator endeavors? Well, we will tell you in our video!
Although the Prime Day sale ended last week, Amazon continues to offer discounts on select smartphones from Google, Xiaomi, and several other brands.
The entire Google Pixel 10 lineup, bar the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, is currently available at discounted prices. The biggest saving is on the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which is now £300 off.
Google Pixel 10
£150 off
Read our review
256GB - £649 at Amazon UK
Google...
Beşiktaş, milli futbolcu Salih Özcan ile anlaşma sağladı. Oyuncu kısa süre içersinde Slovakya kampına katılacak. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Galatasaray savunmasının bel kemiği Davinson Sanchez için Como'nun girişimleri sürerken İtalya'dan sürpriz bir takım daha transfer yarışına dahil oldu. Sarı-kırmızılı yönetim, yetenekli stoperin bonservisini...Devamı için tıklayınız
Yeni sezon öncesi transfer çalışmalarına hız veren Fenerbahçe, dikkat çeken bir girişimde bulundu. Sarı-lacivertliler, Beşiktaş ve Trabzonspor'un da transfer listesinde yer alan Armand Lauriente için Sassuolo'ya...Devamı için tıklayınız
Yeni sezon öncesi kadrosunu güçlendirmeyi sürdüren Trabzonspor'da transfer hareketliliği devam ediyor. Bordo-mavililerin yeni transferleri Ruslan Malinovsky ile Noah Saviolo'nun şehre iniş yapacağı tarih...Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş, Slovakya kampındaki 2. hazırlık maçında MTE 1904 ile karşı karşıya geliyor. Mücadelenin canlı skor takibine haberimizden ulaşabilirsiniz...Devamı için tıklayınız
2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünün transfer çalışmalarını davam etdirən “Qarabağ” heyətini yeni futbolçu – Cebrail Makreçkis ilə gücləndirib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Ağdam klubu rəsmi saytı vasitəsilə məlumat yayıb.
Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, Macarıstanın “Ferentsvaroş” klubu ilə danışıqlar uğurla yekunlaşıb və Cebrail Makreçkis “Qarabağ”a transfer olunub.
Latviyalı yarımmüdafiəçi ilə 3 illik müqavilə imzalanıb. 26 yaşlı futbolçu 2029-cu ilin yayına qədər Ağdam komandasında çıxış edəcək. O, yeni klubunda 25 nömrəli formanı geyinəcək.
Almaniyada doğulmuş və Leverkuzen “Bayer”inin yetirməsi olan futbolçu peşəkar karyerası ərzində “Bonner”, “Borussiya” (Dortmund), “Viktoriya” (Berlin), Bolqarıstanda “Pirin” (Blaqoevqrad) klublarında da çıxış edib. O, 2018-ci ildə Latviyanın U-19 milli komandasının formasını geyinib.
Qeyd edək ki, Makreçkis yay transfer pəncərəsində Ağdam klubunun 8-ci transferidir. Daha əvvəl Jali Muaddib, Zəkəriyyə Savo, Samuel Lobato, Bruno Lanqa, Martin Zlomisliç, Renaldo Sefas və Bense Varkonyi də “Qarabağ”a qoşulmuşdular. Pedro Bikalyo və Bədavi Hüseynovla isə yeni müqavilə imzalanıb. Toral Bayramov, Emmanuel Addai, Ramil Şeydayev, Sami Mmae, Kevin Medina, Fabian Buntiç, Amin Ramazanov və Leandro Andrade də komandanı tərk ediblər.
Türkiyə millisinin hücumameyilli yarımmüdafiəçisi, “Fənərbağça”nın kapitanı Mert Hakan Yandaş İstanbul klubu ilə yeni müqavilə bağlayıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Türkiyə klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, 31 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçinin yeni sözləşməsi 2026/2027-ci illər mövsümünün sonunadək nəzərdə tutulub. Əvvəlki müqavilənin müddəti bu yay bitmişdi.
Açıqlamada vurğulanır ki, futbolçu “Fənərbağça” sevgisini bir daha nümayiş etdirərək minimum əmək haqqı əsasında 1 illik yeni müqavilə imzalayıb.
Xatırladaq ki, Mert Hakan Yandaş 2020-ci ilin avqust ayından “Fənərbağça”nın uğurları üçün çalışır. Yarımmüdafiəçi bu komandanın heyətində 149 oyuna çıxıb, 11 qol və 25 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
Mert karyerası ərzində “Sivasspo”, “Bucaspor”, “Menemen”, “Yeşil Bursa”, “Altınordu” kimi klubların da formasını geyinib. O, 2020-ci ildə Türkiyə millisində də 1 oyun keçirib, lakin sonralar forma şansı qazanmayıb.
2026/27 mövsümünün transfer çalışmalarını davam etdirən “Qarabağ” növbəti futbolçu keçidini gerçəkləşdirib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Macarıstanın “Ferentsvaroş” klubu ilə danışıqlar uğurla yekunlaşıb və Cebrail Makreçkis “Qarabağ”a transfer olunub.
Latviyalı yarımmüdafiəçi ilə 3 illik müqavilə imzalanıb. 26 yaşlı futbolçu 2029-cu ilin yayına qədər komandada çıxış edəcək. O, 25 nömrəli formanı geyinəcək.
Almaniyada doğulan və Leverkuzen “Bayer”inin yetirməsi olan futbolçu peşəkar karyerası ərzində “Bonner”, “Borussiya” (Dortmund), “Viktoriya” (Berlin), Bolqarıstanda “Pirin” (Blaqoevqrad) klublarında da çıxış edib. O, 2018-ci ildə Latviyanın U-19 milli komandasının formasını geyinib.
Qeyd edək ki, Cebrail Makreçkis yay transfer pəncərəsində “atlılar”ın 8-ci transferidir. Daha əvvəl Jali Muaddib, Zakaria Savo, Samuel Lobato, Bruno Lanqa, Martin Zlomisliç, Renaldo Sefas və Bense Varkonyi “Qarabağ”a qoşulub.
Riyad Mahrez is on the market as a free agent, and the veteran winger is reportedly offering himself to Serie A clubs.
The former Manchester City and Leicester man had his Al-Ahli contract terminated this month, cutting short his Saudi Pro League spell a year early.
Calciomercato report that he is once again a name to watch in Italy, even if it remains to be seen whether anyone has room for him.
Now 35 and a right winger who drifts inside onto his left foot, Mahrez remains a proven, decorated operator. The question is one of fit rather than pedigree.
Official: Tony D’Amico joins Roma as the club’s new sporting director following four seasons with Atalanta (@ASRoma via X)
Which Serie A clubs could realistically sign Mahrez?
By the report’s assessment, the options thin out quickly. Roma are chasing an attacker, the piece cites their push for Mason Greenwood, but their right-sided areas are congested, with Paulo Dybala’s renewal being finalised and Matias Soulé occupying a similar role.
Juventus, meanwhile, have entered a UEFA settlement agreement, so spending is under close scrutiny; only a departure up front, such as Lois Openda’s, would open a path to handing Luciano Spalletti an alternative to Francisco Conceição.
Inter sit outside any settlement restrictions and, in Beppe Marotta, have an executive always alert to a free-agent opportunity, but their priorities lie elsewhere, namely a replacement for Denzel Dumfries (Anan Khalaili) and a defender, with only vague noises so far around any forward leaving.
At Como, the report suggests an experienced head could tempt them for their European campaign, particularly if Álvaro Morata departs, though Cesc Fàbregas and the club favour a younger profile, leaving Mahrez little more than an idea.
The picture is similar at Milan, where Ruben Amorim is said to want to build around Christopher Nkunku and Christian Pulisic behind Gonçalo Ramos, pending Rafael Leão’s future, while Napoli must actually trim a bloated 47-man squad packed with wide forwards.
In short, Mahrez is available and willing, but in Italy at least, a concrete opening is hard to find.
Juventus’ search for a new number one could be nearing a turning point, with Guglielmo Vicario emerging as the leading candidate.
The Tottenham goalkeeper has made clear his desire to leave the club, and according to Tuttosport, via CalcioMercato, Spurs have opened the door to a loan with an option to buy.
That formula could prove decisive. The keeper has seen an earlier possibility of joining Inter fade, and has effectively said his goodbyes at Tottenham, a departure aided by new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who does not regard Vicario as central to his plans.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at City Ground on December 14, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Vicario overtakes Martínez in Juventus goalkeeper race
Tottenham value the Italy international at €20 million, a steep figure, but the loan-with-option structure works in Juventus’s favour by sparing them an immediate outlay.
Terms with the player would still need resolving: Vicario is under contract at Spurs until 30 June 2028 on €2.6 million net per season, and is said to be seeking around €4 million a year at Juventus, a point that will require negotiation.
His rise up the shortlist has come at the expense of Emiliano Martínez, whose pursuit has cooled amid the gap with Aston Villa, who continue to ask for around €10 million.
The Argentine remains on Juventus’s list, but his wage demands of €5 million over three years, coupled with him being four years Vicario’s senior, tilt the balance towards the Tottenham man.
The lower transfer fee for Martínez is offset by the higher salary and the age difference, leaving Vicario as the current frontrunner to guard the Juventus goal next season.
John Stones’ wage demands could put him out of reach for Italy’s biggest clubs.
According to transfer journalist Alfredo Pedullà, via MilanNews24, the England centre-back has decided to leave Manchester City after a decade under Pep Guardiola, and has been linked in Italy with both Inter and Juventus.
Milan, too, are in the market for a central defender to bolster Ruben Amorim’s backline, though Stones has not specifically been tied to the Rossoneri. Regardless of the suitor, Pedullà suggests the defender’s salary expectations may simply be too steep for Serie A.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 25: John Stones of Manchester City brings out the 2018/2019 Premier League trophy during the After Party Celebration to mark the achievements of Manchester City men’s, women’s and academy teams during the 25/26 season at The Co-op Live Arena on May 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Pedullà: Stones’ demands only for clubs willing to ‘go mad’
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pedullà laid out the numbers and offered a characteristically colourful assessment of the defender’s quality.
“To stay in Europe he’s asking for 8/9 million base plus 2/3 in bonuses. I’d give it to him because he’s a strong, important defender, he’s built up extraordinary experience,” Pedullà said.
“In Italy he’d play with two cigars in hand and a blindfold on. But he costs that money, and in Italy they only give you that if they’ve decided to go mad.”
It amounts to a clear verdict: while Stones’ pedigree is beyond question, a serial title winner schooled in one of the most demanding systems in world football, the financial outlay required to land him would represent a significant gamble for any Italian club.
For now, his suitors on the peninsula may be admiring from a distance rather than preparing concrete offers.
Juventus are sending encouraging signals on the transfer market, and it was Adriano Galliani who offered a revealing glimpse into new chief executive Giovanni Carnevali’s summer as he heaped praise on his friend and former colleague.
The occasion was the seventh edition of the “United for Meyer” charity gala, held at Villa Alpebella, the Tuscan estate owned by Andrea Bocelli, in aid of the Meyer Paediatric Hospital in Florence.
The evening doubled as an informal summit of Italian football’s power brokers, with figures from across Serie A, including Inter’s Piero Ausilio, among those present. Carnevali, though, was a late absentee, and Galliani was on hand to explain why.
“I called him a little while ago and he told me that in the end he couldn’t come because he was out and about here in Forte dei Marmi doing transfer business,” Galliani said, via Tuttosport. “But I can’t tell you which player…”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Randal Kolo Muani #20 of Juventus FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Juventus push for Kolo Muani return before pre-season
There is some suggestion that one of Carnevali’s most active pursuits right now is for Randal Kolo Muani.
After an opening €33 million offer was reportedly rebuffed by PSG sporting director Luis Campos, the Bianconeri are said to be ready to move towards the French club’s €40 million valuation, with the deal likely structured as a paid loan carrying a conditional obligation to buy.
Both sides want to move quickly. PSG are keen to continue trimming their squad after selling Gonçalo Ramos, while Juventus are eager to hand Luciano Spalletti his first-choice centre-forward before the squad reports for pre-season on 13 July.
Galliani’s words were the latest public backing for a CEO who has already reshaped Juventus’s approach, putting relationships and direct diplomacy with fellow clubs back at the heart of the Bianconeri’s dealings, a marked departure from the Damien Comolli era.
Say whaaaat? Hannah Montana Linux is back. The distro made as a tribute to the noughties Disney Channel sitcom for tweens and teens, featuring the eponymous secret pop star, was basically abandoned in 2009. Now it's back, with a modern kernel and about 18 years of patches, with the release of the Hannah Montana Linux v26.0 remaster by developer Noah Cagle.
Little is known about why the original Hannah Montana Linux was developed, released, and almost immediately abandoned. The version available via Archive.org is the only known release, identified as Hannah Montana Linux x86 basic edition 202201. It is still available if you’d like to test out a frozen-in-time HM-themed version of Kubuntu. You can grab it as a 691.7MB download via the link provided. Be warned that it is now “basically unusable,” though, according to Cagle, due to being insecure and for its poor software support.
Fast forward to the present day, and Cagle’s HML26 release solves all the issues with the old distro. Browsing the modern web is possible and safe, finding and installing software is easy, and the dev has even made the terminal look pretty.
In the video feature about the release of Hannah Montana Linux v26.0, Cagle provides some insight into how this version of the OS was customized, built, and released. After initially considering the Cubic GUI wizard for creating customized live ISO images of Ubuntu and Debian-based platforms, the developer decided to go with Live Build, an official tool for Debian-based distros.
We then get a walkthrough of using this tool to make a Pretty in Pink version of Debian Linux. Briefly, a lot of the work required to make a distro like HML26 is adding various files and references into a set folder structure, and then building the Linux ISO. Most of the custom imagery and iconography sit in an includes.chroot directory.
Key customized elements would include an icon pack, color scheme, and wallpapers, and they were largely built by cloning and then editing existing theme resources. The main wallpaper looks a lot like the original, and that’s because it uses the original PNG as a source, updated by Cagle to 16:9. The cherry on the cake, though, might be the stylized ‘H’ start button.
When Cagle was happy with his customizations, he sought out a way to transform the ISO from being a live-CD only so it could offer an install option. This final step in creating HML26 was done with a tool called Calamares. This app is strong in applying branding, so it was a great choice for a professional revival of Hannah Montana Linux.
You can download and try out Hannah Montana Linux v26.0 now, with the ISO available at the above-linked GitLab page under GPL 3.0. You’ll want a system with at least 8GB of RAM to enjoy this OS. Those with older machines might want to look at HML26 Lite, which switches KDE Plasma 6 for the lightweight LXQt.
F/A-18 Super Hornets and other jets that require advanced composite parts can sometimes remain grounded for a protracted period due to the lack of available parts. The U.S. Navy now wants to solve this issue by giving maintenance sites around the world the ability to 3D print these parts on site, instead of waiting for deliveries coming from thousands of miles away through an extended logistics chain. According to the Department of Defense’s information distribution service, this 3D-printing repair method will allow the U.S. Navy to repair and replace advanced composite parts at forward operating bases, cutting repair time by around 50%.
"Our goal is to put capability directly into the hands of the Fleet," Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans said. "By simplifying a complex repair so it can be done forward, our engineers would get aircraft back in the fight faster — it's a smart solution that makes our squadrons more self-sufficient and directly improves operational readiness."
Composite parts are more difficult to repair than traditional aluminum parts and require specialized experience. This new technique allows troops to 3D-print composite patches and apply them directly on the aircraft, instead of having to order and wait for complete replacements of damaged panels. Laboratory and ground tests have already proved the viability of these 3D printed repairs, so the next step is to see how these repairs will perform in the field under the stresses of real-world operations.
Other military branches and divisions are also experimenting with 3D printing to streamline operations and logistics. One Hawaiian startup submitted a 3D-printed rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) for the Pentagon, which used radar-absorbent material (RAM) to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS) and make it harder to detect. The U.S. Army also introduced a three-week course called the Unmanned Advanced Lethality Course (UALC), which trained soldiers how to operate and 3D print drones in the field, as well as 3D printer maintenance and other necessary skills related to 3D printing. The U.S. Marine Corps also developed its own modular 3D-printed drone that had no China-sourced parts capable of achieving various missions, from reconnaissance to one-way attack duties.
3D printing is quickly becoming a crucial manufacturing technique for these military branches, especially as the U.S. faces a threat across the Pacific. If ever a conflict arises in this area, it would face a near-peer adversary at the tail end of a logistics chain thousands of miles long. By giving forward bases the ability to 3D print their own parts and supplies, it will reduce their dependence on a vulnerable supply chain while also allowing them to speed up maintenance and repairs.
F1 25 launched in May 2025, and in the year since release, the developers have delivered numerous patches addressing gameplay, visual quality, and performance and stability issues. EA has now rolled out the game’s largest update yet: the 2026 Season Pack DLC. This paid expansion brings the sweeping 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes into the game, fundamentally reshaping both the cars and the racing experience. With a year of updates behind it and a major overhaul now in place, this is the perfect opportunity to revisit F1 25 and see where performance stands in 2026 with a selection of both Nvidia and AMD GPUs.
The 2026 Season Pack DLC
The 2026 Season Pack DLC
So what exactly is included in the 2026 Season Pack DLC?
The DLC features two new teams – Audi, which took over for Sauber, and Cadillac, which is the first major American car manufacturer in F1. The DLC also brings the latest driver line-ups. Racing Bulls will now have Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson. Isack Hadjar will race alongside Max Verstappen at Oracle Red Bull Racing. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez team up for Cadillac.
The paid expansion also includes a new circuit: MADRING. This 5.4 km hybrid street and purpose-built track has a mix of high-speed sections and more technical corners. It was specifically designed for the new season, so it can only be driven using 2026 cars.
The cars are lighter and more agile, reflecting their real-life counterparts in 2026. The idea is for the cars to be more nimble and harder to drive at the limit, which will put greater emphasis on driver skill. The cars also have less downforce and less drag, which should make it easier to follow more closely.
Active Aero is also available in the game with the paid DLC. The front and rear wings move in real-time, between straight line and corner mode, to give drivers more speed down the straights and to allow the car to be more responsive in the corners.
The new Overtake Mode provides a boost of nearly 500 horsepower when deployed. This mode replaces the old Drag Reduction System (DRS) Overtake Mode can be deployed when a driver is within one second of the car ahead. It can be used either all at once or spread across a lap.
Boost Mode is an energy deployment tool available through the use of the Energy Recovery System (ERS). This remains in place as it has for many years. The new regulations place a very high dependency on efficient battery management. Just as in real life, some people will enjoy this added strategic depth, while others will hate it.
So, how well are all of these new features implemented?
The cars genuinely feel different to drive – in a good way. The new handling characteristics require a different approach to attacking corners. The battery management might lead to more overtakes, but this is the most controversial aspect of the new regulations. The developers have done a good job of simulating how the battery management works in real-life.
There are two ways to jump into the 2026 F1 season. Existing F1 25 owners can purchase the F1 2026 Season Pack DLC, while new players can pick up F1 25: 2026 Season Edition, which includes the full F1 25 base game alongside all 2026 season content.
With that being said, our main focus today will be on visuals and performance.
Path Tracing vs Ray Tracing vs Rasterization Visuals
Path Tracing vs Ray Tracing vs Rasterization Visuals
F1 25 supported path tracing at launch in May 2025. Over the course of the past year, the game has received some patches to fix some minor issues with the path tracing implementation.
You can see from the images above just how significant the impact of path tracing is, even compared to standard ray tracing. It delivers noticeably more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections, pushing the presentation closer to photorealism in certain scenes. Night races benefit the most from the upgrade, though under specific weather conditions, daytime races also see meaningful improvements.
We benchmarked the game on 7 different graphics cards. We tested rasterization performance, ray tracing performance, and path tracing performance. We did not use any upscaling. We used TAA. We performed the benchmarks at Monaco, which is one of the more demanding tracks in the game.
Performance with ray tracing and path tracing disabled is excellent across nearly the entire GPU stack, with the RX 6500 XT being the lone major exception. It's limited 4GB frame buffer, which struggles heavily at max settings, while the RTX 5060 also begins to run into VRAM limitations at 4K with its 8GB allocation. Outside of those cases, however, the game delivers very high frame rates with fully maxed-out rasterized settings on most GPUs tested here.
We did want to see if the game would be playable on the 6500 XT at 1080p with lower settings. We tested the GPU using the Medium and Low presets.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The game is very playable with both presets. Image quality takes a hit, but the game still looks solid at these settings. Keep in mind that this is one of the more demanding circuits. The fact that the GPU can average over 70 FPS with low settings and nearly 60 FPS with medium settings means that it should achieve considerably better performance at other tracks.
Ray Tracing Performance
Ray Tracing Performance
Tom's HardwareTom's HardwareTom's Hardware
Even with ray tracing enabled, most of the GPUs tested are capable of delivering around 60 FPS or better at 1080p. However, as resolution increases – particularly at native 4K – the RTX 5090 becomes the only GPU where enabling RT consistently makes practical sense without major compromises. Alternatively, players can still target a 4K output by using DLSS or FSR in Performance mode, allowing six of the tested GPUs to deliver playable frame rates with ray tracing enabled.
Path Tracing Performance
Path Tracing Performance
Tom's HardwareTom's HardwareTom's Hardware
As expected, path tracing is reserved for the very high end of the GPU market. While the feature is genuinely transformative in this game, we would only recommend enabling it on GPUs in the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, or RTX 4090 class. Even with that level of hardware, DLSS Performance mode is still required to maintain consistently playable framerates across all circuits, though some tracks are light enough to allow the use of DLSS Quality mode.
The game runs smooth without any stuttering across all settings and resolutions we tested. Even when the average framerate is low on certain configurations, the frametime graph remains flat.
The Verdict
The Verdict
Codemasters has consistently delivered highly scalable F1 titles over the years, and F1 25: 2026 Season Edition continues that trend. With the right settings for your hardware, most players should have little trouble achieving 60 FPS or higher. Whether you are running an RTX 5090 and looking to push max settings with path tracing enabled, or using a lower-end GPU with limited VRAM, the game remains accessible across a wide range of GPUs.
Atomic Semi, the semiconductor tooling startup founded by chip architect Jim Keller and DIY fabrication pioneer Sam Zeloof, has rebranded as Fab2 and moved its operations to Texas, according to the company's new site at fab2.com. The rebrand recasts the company around the idea they're calling a "fab fab," a factory that mass-produces small semiconductor fabs and the tools inside them.
Fab2 designs and builds every tool in its fabs in-house, from pumps, valves, and gas lines to lithography and the vacuum chambers that house it. The company assembles those components into machines, the machines into complete fabs, and then aims to mass-produce the fabs themselves. It pairs the hardware with Studio, an in-browser, collaborative EDA tool for layout, schematic, and simulation work, previously branded as Atomic Studio.
Rather than moving 300mm wafers through ginormous production lines, Fab2 targets small, software-defined fabs that pattern chips far smaller than a wafer and turn prototypes around in hours. Zeloof built the concept's proof point as a teenager, fabricating lithographic chips in his parents' garage down to roughly 300nm features before co-founding this company with Keller in 2022.
The method's main constraint, however, is throughput. Electron-beam lithography writes patterns directly rather than projecting them through a mask, which makes it slow: a single patterning step on a small chip can take far longer than an EUV scanner needs to expose an entire 300mm wafer. That's a big tradeoff that only really suits prototyping and low-volume runs rather than high-volume production at commercial foundries.
Fab2 now operates three sites: a 120,000 square foot facility in Austin serves as the new headquarters for research and production, a 30,000 square foot site in Lockhart houses the "fab fab" itself, and the original 25,000 square foot "garage fab" remains in San Francisco.
Fab2 said it shifted its hiring focus to Texas after four years in California, and Tracxn lists the company at around 84 employees as of May 2026. The startup raised a reported $15 million seed round in 2023, led by the OpenAI Startup Fund, at a valuation of about $100 million, with angel backing from Naval Ravikant, Nat Friedman, and Fred Ehrsam.
In moving to Texas, Fab2's model of many small, printable fabs now sits beside the likes of Tesla and SpaceX, which announced Terafab back in March, a single Austin megafab targeting a terawatt of annual compute at a cost of up to $119 billion. The contrasting businesses are clearly not competitors; Fab2 sells small fabs and prototyping speed, while Terafab is built for high-volume AI. But they represent competing answers to the same question of how the U.S. should expand its chipmaking capacity — consolidate everything in massive manufacturing campuses, or distribute production across many small, replicable fabs?
AdWorker GIF Background Remover is a free online tool that removes backgrounds from animated GIFs using AI. Unlike most background removers that only support static images, it processes each frame individually to deliver clean, flicker-free transparent GIFs. It works well for removing white backgrounds, solid colors, and simple scenes.
It's perfect for creating stickers, memes, streaming overlays, product demos, and website animations. No signup or software installation is required—just upload your GIF and download the transparent result in seconds.
Going anywhere nice this summer? If you have a trip planned, a tablet might be what's missing from your kit list. These packable computers can be loaded up with TV shows, games or movies, to provide hours of entertainment while you're on the move. As many parents may have already discovered, they can also be ideal for keeping young children occupied at times when running about / getting stuck into bigger games isn't possible or desirable.
At TechRadar, we've tested hundreds of tablets over the years, and below I've rounded up our computing team's top recommendations for travel. What makes the perfect travel tablet? I've focused on options that aren't too big (it needs to be able to slip easily into a bag when not in use), offer good battery life, and aren't too pricey (just in case it gets dropped / sat on / spilled on). Because these tablets are predominantly for streaming, none of them are especially powerful or advanced — if you're looking for that type of slate, head to our general best tablet ranking for a wider range of options.
All clear? Let's get started. Click on the More details button to see more about why each pick is especially well-suited to travel, as well as a link to the full review for each one.
Top travel tablets
Apple
iPad (A16) 11-inch
Why's it good for travel? This is the newest version of Apple's entry-level iPad, and it's light, responsive, and comes in a bunch of fun and easy-to-spot colors. We rate it as the best tablet for most people, so it's a good pick to see you though your travels and beyond.
Why's it good for travel? It's one of the more expensive options in this roundup, but delivers "unbelievable value" for that price. This five-star tablet boasts an "absolutely gorgeous" OLED screen, paired with a "great" speaker setup, making it a winner for entertainment. It easily lasts longer than a day per charge, too.
Slight battery downgrade compared to the MagicPad 3
OnePlus
Pad Go 2
Why's it good for travel? This tablet offers — as we said in our review — "the perfect feature set for entertainment and productivity". It sits in the mid-range of the market, but feels closer to a premium slate than a budget one.
The perfect feature set for entertainment and productivity
Open Canvas is a huge win for a tablet in the mid-range sector
Big leaps in performance and battery life
Cons
The design isn’t much fun
Charging remains unchanged from the original Pad Go
Apple
iPad mini (2024)
Why's it good for travel? With its 8.3-inch screen, it's pleasingly lightweight and compact — in fact, it's almost pocket-sized — and easy to tuck into a bag when not in use. The screen is still beautiful and colorful, though.
FaceTime camera still on the short side of the screen
Amazon
Fire HD 10 (2023)
Why's it good for travel? It's not as good an all-rounder as the other options in my list, but if keeping costs down is your priority, this cheap-and-cheerful option might fit the bill perfectly. On test, we found it "incredibly hardy" — if you have space for the larger build (the screen is a generous 10.1-inches) it's a solid chuck-it-in-your-bag entertainment option.
Why's it good for travel? I can't put it any better than our reviewer, who concluded: "By lowering the price and focusing solely on entertainment, OnePlus has created a great value tablet that’ll make for a solid companion on any long trip." It's too big for reading on and doesn't really suit productivity tasks, but if you're just after an entertainment companion, this is a winner.
Before I tested and reviewed the Ninja AutoBarista Pro, I had tried every kind of coffee brewing method over the years. I ground my own beans with a high-end 20-setting electric burr grinder. I researched how to get the ideal grind for each type of bean and brewing method. Grind size is important, because it determines the speed that water flows through your coffee grounds and therefore the amount of extraction.
As a general rule, you'll want a coarser grind for a French press or for cold brew made in the refrigerator. Medium-coarse works well for pour-over. A typical automatic drip machine works best with a medium grind. A moka pot works well with medium-fine. The finest settings are best for espresso machines or Turkish coffee.
How your beans are roasted also plays a part in how coarsely you'll want to grind your beans. Darker roast beans work best with a slightly coarser grind, while lighter roasts work better when ground slightly finer.
When grinding your own beans, you'll have to account for both your roast and your brewing method. If your coffee comes out more bitter than you'd like, you'll want to grind your beans more coarsely. On the other hand, if your coffee comes out sour or weak and watery, you'll want your beans ground a bit more finely.
Figuring all this out and adjusting the grinder (known as 'dialing in') doesn't require a chemistry degree, but it does require some some trial and error on your part. Then along comes the Ninja AutoBarista Pro with Grind iQ, which removes the need for guesswork. Just pour in your whole beans, and Grind iQ takes it from there.
The first time you put new beans into the Ninja AutoBarista Pro's hopper, Grind iQ will determine the ideal grind size based on your particular beans. This process takes about five minutes or so, and it does expel a bit of coffee, but then it's good to go.
Whether you're making a regular cup of Drip Coffee, Espresso, Iced Coffee, or Cold Brew, the built-in stainless steel burr grinder grinds your beans just right for every cup. The machine automatically determines which of its 50 grind settings to use. No guessing or trial and error. It's just one less thing you need to think about before you've had that first cup of coffee in the morning.
Nokia parent company HMD has four new phones for your consideration — but they seem to be striking an awkward balance between eschewing and embracing the trappings that come along with the best modern day handsets.
The smartphones (via Notebookcheck) are labeled as feature phones, so you wouldn't expect the traditional slew of apps here. They are, specifically, the Nokia 210 4G, the Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, the Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, and the Nokia 200 4G.
These seem to be a step up from the similar Nokia-branded phones launched across the last couple of years, but they still offer legacy features from smartphone eras past: a 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD card support, and (on all but the Nokia 200 4G) an FM radio.
So far so Nokia of yesteryear, but there's an interesting feature you'll notice right in the middle of the front of the device: an AI button. Apparently this is powered by an app called Sikey AI, and lets you do basic tasks on the phone — like placing calls or turning on the flashlight — rather than tapping into advanced generative AI models.
Free to try
From left: the Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, and Nokia 200 4G (Image credit: HMD)
Details of how the on-board AI actually works are pretty thin on the ground, but as per Nokia, you can use it to set alarms, open up the camera, and add reminders. It can also answer basic questions: the examples Nokia gives are producing simple recipes or providing sample phrases in a foreign language.
That suggests access to a limited AI model at least perhaps through the cloud connectivity that Nokia is also adding with these phones. However, it seems the AI assistant is only free for 180 days — it's not clear how much it'll cost you after that.
Video calls and voice messages are possible through the Xpress Chat platform, so as feature phones go, it's pretty advanced. What we don't yet know is how much these handsets will cost, or where they're going to be available.
The combination of phone basics plus a little AI hasn't exactly gone down well on Reddit: posters are describing the addition of an AI button as "dumb", "out of touch", and "useless" for users who are going to be interested in feature phones.
I’m a child of the DSLR era. Back in 2009, when I truly decided to make photography my career, if you wanted to be taken seriously as a digital pro, you had to have your eyes set on a high-end DSLR camera. My first love (creatively speaking) was a Nikon D80, then a Canon EOS 40D, at the time considered to be amongst the best DSLRs available, at least for enthusiasts.
However, it was the likes of the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and the Nikon D3 – the photographic equivalents of Concorde – that most aspiring professionals sought to own. These monster cameras were often as useful for weight training as for photography, and they looked as powerful as they did expensive.
Today, things are very different, and rather than bigger often being seen as better, the mirrorless age has reversed the formula. Compact is now king, and even professional-level cameras are a fraction of the weight of the mid-range models of yesteryear. Cameras have never been more powerful: armed with the latest in processor and autofocus technology, models like the Canon EOS R1 are able to capture images that would once have been considered impossible.
I recently had the opportunity to shoot the EOS R1 alongside the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III, bringing together the very best of each generation of Canon cameras. DSLR versus mirrorless.
The 1DX Mark III was the last pro Canon DSLR to roll off the production line, and it is still available to buy new today, despite being launched back in early 2020. But in digital terms, seven years is a long time, so can it hope to keep up with the new pinnacle of mirrorless tech?
Well, I couldn’t wait to find out, and I had a sneaking suspicion that specification alone wouldn’t be enough to change my mind about DSLRs being as relevant today as at the turn of the decade. To make the test as tricky as possible, I headed out for a spot of bird photography – arguably one of the biggest challenges for a camera’s speed and accuracy.
A pro camera for the modern age
There’s no denying it; the EOS R1 is a lot more manageable than the EOS 1DX Mark III. At 3.17lb / 1,440g, the DSLR is approximately 325g heavier than the mirrorless alternative, which might not sound much on paper, but it makes a significant real-world difference.
The body of the EOS R1 is also a lot narrower, which helps to give the impression of a less intimidating product. Using either of the cameras individually, they both seem large compared to other mirrorless models like the Canon EOS R6 Mark III, Sony A7 V, or Nikon Z6 III. However, the weight of the EOS 1DX Mark III wasn’t quite as much of a challenge as I remember.
Having used mid-range DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for several years now, I had expected the mammoth 1DX Mark III pro-spec body to put my core strength to the test, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I acclimatized. Paired with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, the setup was certainly noticeable around my neck, but it felt perfectly balanced. The EOS R1, meanwhile, seemed a bit more front-heavy when a larger lens was mounted, the center of gravity having shifted forward.
I quickly came to realise that balance was the biggest influence on comfort rather than overall weight. When a larger, heavier optic is required, I found the 1DX Mark III to be the better choice for me. This balance also made the setup more stable when shooting fast-moving subjects.
For example, when photographing birds in motion, it seemed easier to track the subject thanks to the camera and lens’ inertia. It’s a bit like having the tension on a tripod control turned up; smoother movements were possible, allowing me to keep my feathered subject in the viewfinder.
(Image credit: Peter Fenech)
Of course, overall manageability is helped when pairing the mirrorless body with a mirrorless-first lens. Once I attached a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM zoom to the EOS R1, rather than an adapted EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, the center of gravity was shifted back towards the lens mount, restoring balance at an overall lower weight.
From a convenience perspective, the EOS R1 is a professional camera for the modern photographer. The weight of one camera might not fully demonstrate the mirrorless advantages, but since many pros will find themselves carrying two or possibly even three bodies, the EOS R1 will surely take a lower toll on the spine than the EOS 1DX Mark III over a full working day.
Handling like a dream
Let’s talk about something that can never be fully described in a camera’s press material or spec sheet: what the body actually feels like to operate. One aspect of a pro DSLR I’ve missed in recent years is an integrated vertical grip for portrait-format shooting.
Yes, it’s possible to add a battery grip to either a DSLR or mirrorless body – I always kept a Canon BG-E7 grip attached to my EOS 7D, while the BG-R20 can add power to an EOS R5 Mark II through holding multiple Canon LP-E6P batteries, alongside dedicated vertical controls – but the handling isn’t quite the same.
And while the EOS R1 and EOS R3 before it bring an integrated vertical grip, the balance still feels a little off to me. The deeper grips of the 1D Series were inherited from the later film SLRs, such as the EOS 1v and the beautiful EOS 3, and as such, they were designed to support the huge fast telephoto lenses of that era.
Therefore, the body of the 1DX Mark III is more contoured and properly gives the impression that the camera is an extension of the photographer’s arm – a big deal for fast-paced wildlife and sport photography.
(Image credit: Peter Fenech)
Then there’s the build quality itself. Although the EOS R1 and other pro-spec mirrorless cameras like it are as robust as their DSLR predecessors on paper, the greater use of high-impact plastics does cheapen the overall feel. Now, I realise that perception might play a role in that aspect of the handling experience, but when you have invested tens of thousands of dollars in your kit, and when shooting important assignments, confidence is critical.
The 1DX Mark III, with its predominantly metal construction, just oozes quality and solidity. I was far more confident when caught out in a spring rain shower with the DSLR than the lighterweight but less metal-reliant EOS R1.
A race that DSLRs can’t win
Technology advances a long way in a short time, and seven years is more than enough time for a revolution to occur in autofocus, processing power, and operational reactivity. The EOS R1 is fast. Very fast. The EOS 1DX Mark III is obviously no slouch, but it simply can’t keep up with the latest Canon tech.
In practise, this means fewer missed shots, greater sharpness, and above all, better reliability on tough jobs. I’m not a professional wildlife photographer, so I haven’t developed the muscle memory needed for completely instinctive reactions when a possible image presents itself, as is the case for the top pros in this genre.
With the EOS R1, I felt as if the camera was taking on a much bigger role in my success rate than its older DSLR counterpart. When I did predict a super-fast reaction from my subjects, it was the EOS R1 I reached for more regularly. I just knew it would be able to track my subject in almost any conditions.
Canon EOS R1, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMPeter FenechCanon EOS R1, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMPeter FenechCanon EOS R1, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMPeter Fenech
There is then the matter of noise footprint. When used in electronic shutter mode, the EOS R1 is silent, and I mean completely silent. By comparison, the audible ‘snap’ of the 1DX Mark III’s reflex mirror seemed like a percussion player had joined me in the hide. Did it spook more subjects than the R1 in this case?
Probably not, but if I were perched on a mountainside, and my Director from the BBC was asking if Sir David Attenborough could have an update on my Snow Leopard shots for his new documentary, I might reckon I’d take this matter quite seriously.
Then again, it’s worth remembering that the 1DX Mark III does essentially have a mirrorless workaround to this problem. In Live View mode, the mirror is locked in the up position, and unlike older models in the range, the on-sensor AF is virtually as good as the current R-system technology. This means no mirror noise, a super-fast 20fps burst rate, and no focusing compromises.
This brings me neatly onto why I think the last generation of pro DSLRs have a unique and currently unmatched advantage over every other mirrorless camera on the market.
Canon EOS 1DX Mark III, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Peter FenechCanon EOS R1, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMPeter FenechCanon EOS R1, RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Peter FenechCanon EOS 1DX Mark III, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Peter FenechCanon EOS 1DX Mark III, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Peter FenechCanon EOS 1DX Mark III, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Peter Fenech
EOS R1 vs EOS 1D X Mark III: conclusion
Many of the shortcomings we see in DSLRs these days, at least when comparing them to the latest mirrorless offerings, are not a flaw in the design. It’s an age thing. Yes, the Nikon D850 isn’t as fast to focus as the newer mirrorless Nikon Z 8, nor is the Nikon D6 able to rattle off shots as rapidly as the Nikon Z 9. But this is to be expected considering how much older those cameras are.
The manufacturers have had far more time for R&D in the intervening years, building on the very finest features of the last pro DSLRs and making them even better. The same is true of the EOS 1DX Mark III; of course the EOS R1 is faster and quieter, but this is as much due to years of extra development than it is because of the differences between the DSLR and mirrorless formats.
Most of the systems we see in Canon’s pro R-Series cameras were trialled on the last 1D EF-mount models. And that’s why I’d sooner choose a 1DX Mark III (or a D6) than the latest models available.
(Image credit: Peter Fenech)
Functionally, there are relatively few differences in tech between the two camera types, meaning you get almost all of the same features with the advantages of an optical viewfinder, almost double the battery life, and deeper handgrips, if they are your preference.
I often think of the last DSLR camera generation as the golden age of digital photography; the technology was prepared for the mirrorless revolution, but the cameras retained the tactile experience of classic types. The EOS R1 might have more firepower, but the EOS 1DX Mark III has more stamina and an unbeatable user experience.
He has the skillset that's supposed to work in the modern NBA. On paper, Knecht is an incredible 3-point shooter. He's also a sneaky-impressive athlete who can rise up to the rim.
The Lakers, though, haven't found a way to use him.
Could he get more action in 2026-27 with Rui Hachimura hitting free agency? Maybe.
Is it hard to break through on the perimeter for a team that already has Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? Definitely.
Barcelona remain very interested in Australian teenager who has impressed at the World Cup
Ever since Deco became Barcelona’s sporting director, he has shown that youth development does not need to happen only through La Masia and can also be done by making smart signings ahead of the curve.
The Catalan club have signed the likes of Hamza Abdelkarim, Patricio Pacifico and Ajay Tavares in recent times with a view to developing them into first-team players in the future.
Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona remain very interested in Lucas Herrington, the 18-year-old Australian centre-back who has just strengthened his reputation at the World Cup.
Barça have been monitoring Herrington closely for months and still want to try to sign him this summer, despite Colorado Rapids rejecting an earlier offer.
Barcelona still keen on Lucas Herrington. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The Catalan club even sent representatives to the United States in April to watch him in person and speak with his entourage about a possible move.
That visit now looks even more justified. Herrington has used the World Cup to show that his talent is not only potential on paper. He can already compete under serious pressure.
World Cup raised his profile
Herrington started Australia’s decisive group match against Paraguay, helping his side secure a 0-0 draw and reach the knockout rounds.
That performance convinced coach Tony Popovic to start him again in the round of 32 against Egypt.
The teenager played the full match, including extra time, and even had the courage to take a penalty in the shootout.
His effort hit the crossbar, leaving him with the pain of elimination, but that should not overshadow the bigger picture.
Herrington impressed at the World Cup despite the penalty heartbreak. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
At 18, in a World Cup knockout match, Herrington showed personality. For Barcelona, that matters a lot. Young defenders need more than height and passing. They need temperament.
Profile fits Deco’s search
Herrington fits the type of centre-back Barça have been looking for: physically strong, tall and still comfortable enough with the ball to fit the club’s style.
At 1.94 metres, he brings aerial power and size, areas where Barcelona have wanted to add more physical presence.
However, that should not mask his ability to progress the ball, both through passing and ball-carrying, making him a perfect fit for Flick’s team.
Herrington would not arrive as an immediate first-team starter. He would be a development signing with long-term upside.
The important thing is that Barça’s interest is still alive. Colorado Rapids said no once, yet the Catalans have not walked away.
After his World Cup, the operation may become harder. However, it is refreshing to see that the Catalan club were after the right profile, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations play out.
Wales have reverted to the side that beat hosts Georgia for their winner-takes-all Junior World Championship fixture against South Africa on Tuesday.
Richard Whiffin's side will qualify for the semi-finals if they cause an upset against the champions at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi (15:00 BST).
The head coach rotated his starting line-up for the round two victory against Uruguay when captain and blind-side flanker Deian Gwynne and full-back Tom Bowen were retained.
They feature for a third game on the bounce, with Cardiff's Bowen returning to his usual position of wing.
They opt for six forwards on the bench, including Bath number eight Alex Ridgway after he scored two tries in an impressive performance against Uruguay.
Wales are braced for a tough encounter with a South Africa side who have run in 21 tries when beating Uruguay and Georgia with bonus points.
"They are big and physical, and they want it to be a collision dominant based game – we know we have to front up," said Whiffin.
The Junior Boks have the edge in Pool A courtesy of their extra bonus point and Wales will go into the fifth to eighth play-offs if they fail to upset the odds.
Wales Under-20s: Lewis Edwards (Ospreys); Rhys Cummings (Cardiff), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff), Tom Bowen (Cardiff); Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets), Sion Davies (Cardiff); George Tuckley (Dragons), Tom Howe (Cardiff), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Will Evans (Scarlets), Tom Cottle (Cardiff), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester, capt), Caio James (Gloucester), Evan Minto (Dragons).
Replacements: Oscar Thomas (Bath), Dylan James (Ospreys), Yestyn Cook (Scarlets), Luke Evans (Exeter), Osian Williams (Bristol), Alex Ridgway (Bath), Cai Gealy (Bristol), Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff).
Ahead of the 2026 NBA Finals, the New York Knicks were waiting for their opponents as the Western Conference Finals went to seven games. The Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, so they earned their time to prepare.
During that period, backup center it was reported that Mitchell Robinson sustained a hand injury away from the basketball court. It drew plenty of speculation around the NBA world, but neither Robinson nor the Knicks addressed it, only saying that it was an off-court injury.
Mitchell Robinson reveals the reason behind his mysterious hand injury
A lot of Knicks fans were worried when Robinson got injured because they were set to play against the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals. They have a player called Victor Wembanyama, a center who stands at 7'5", and Robinson is crucial to matching up with him.
Karl-Anthony Towns did a wonderful job of staying in front of Wembanyama during their previous matchups, but so did Robinson. Thankfully for the Knicks, Robinson powered through and contributed to New York's first NBA championship in 52 years.
Now that Robinson is off to Boston, he has the freedom to address what happened before the NBA Finals started. Apparently, it was a serious situation that involved his brother, who got into a car accident, while living miles away from Mitchell.
"I am extremely protective of my siblings, whom I care for deeply. Upon returning to New York, I received an unexpected phone call, and my family members contacted me, informing me that my youngest brother had been involved in a car accident," Robinson said in a Facebook post about the injury.
"I felt helpless. In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck. As many of you know, I have a deep affection for my trucks, but my siblings and daughter are my top priority."
Now that he has revealed what happened, the conspiracy theories about what happened can finally be put to rest. It was a serious situation that is perfectly understandable for anyone. Thankfully, everything is okay, and Robinson can enjoy knowing he was part of an NBA championship run.
Former Blue Devil Cameron Boozer made his debut for the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday, scoring 15 points in a blowout win against the Oklahoma City Thunder and recent No. 12 overall pick Aday Mara.
Following the game, Boozer was asked about becoming a centerpiece in Memphis following the 2026 NBA Draft and the Ja Morant trade. As usual, Boozer had a determined response, saying, “I think that’s a responsibility that I’ve had my whole career. But the first thing you have to do is show up and show you deserve that. That takes work. That takes showing up every day and doing the right things."
Hearing this shouldn't come as a surprise to Duke fans and should satisfy Grizzlies supporters, as Boozer has proven himself a winner at every level he's played, and his determination to win in the NBA is clearly evident. If Boozer's performances match his attitude, he'll certainly prove that he deserves to be a centerpiece for a rebuilding franchise like Memphis.
Women's T20 Blast League Two champions Glamorgan thumped Worcestershire to secure their seventh victory in eight matches in the competition.
After winning the toss and choosing to field, Glamorgan restricted the Rapids to 103-7, largely limiting them to singles, before overcoming an early wobble to seal an eight-wicket win thanks to a superb 72 off 40 balls from captain Lauren Parfitt.
Dutch international Sanya Khurana survived an early scare when Katie Cobb spilled a chance off Gemma Porter as Worcestershire batted first, but Glamorgan quickly tightened their grip.
Khurana and Amy Griffiths managed the only boundaries of the opening five overs as the Rapids struggled to accelerate.
Porter made the breakthrough in the sixth over, claiming her 15th wicket of the campaign as Khurana departed for 14 from 18 deliveries.
Madison Windeatt fell victim to Bethan Gammon's efficient run out in the seventh over and the wickets continued to fall as Gwennan Davies, fresh from an eight-boundary 41 against Sussex, was caught by Cobb for a duck, before spinner Sara Phillips removed Ebony Jade-Tweats for a solitary run.
Griffiths offered the only significant resistance, making 36 from 41 balls before being stumped by Megan Sturge off Walker.
Lucy Harris was also run out by Gammon after scoring only two from 13 deliveries, before a late partnership of 32 from 32 balls between captain Clare Boycott and Meg Bishop helped Worcestershire set Glamorgan a target of 104.
Daisy Jeanes, fresh from her 86 against Middlesex, was stumped by Neath-born Davies and when Sturge followed immediately lbw as Griffiths claimed two wickets in her first over, the hosts were 20-2 after three overs.
But Parfitt quickly settled any nerves, striking three boundaries, including two in succession, in the fifth over, before launching the first six of the match in the seventh to take Glamorgan past fifty.
With Gammon providing steady support, Parfitt continued to dominate, reaching her half-century with her eighth boundary before opening the 12th over with three consecutive fours.
She added an 11th boundary with an inventive lofted shot behind the wicket and victory arrived in the 13th over when Gammon's single sealed victory for Glamorgan as they gear up for the final of the T20 Women's Blast on Sunday, 12 July.
Brazil have had a mixed tournament thus far, with impressive wins over Haiti and Scotland, but they have struggled against Morocco and Japan. They beat Japan with a last-minute winner, and this will be another stern test.
Norway have been brilliant to this point. They have impressively won against Iran and Senegal, and are close to making history. They have never reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in their history.
What’s been said?
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti: “Neymar can play 90 minutes… and he can play with Vinicius Jr. I think they will play together.”
“I don’t think that there is such a thing as an ‘anti-Haaland’ plan. I don’t need to tell my players how to defend, they have faced each other a few times.”
Norway manager Stale Solbakken: “We need to play the match, not the circumstances. We need to make sure that we don’t play according to the occasion, but that we simply play the match.
“Obviously, Brazil is the favourite, but I also said that I don’t think they are big favourites, which they maybe had been some years ago, or two, three, four years ago.
“Now we have had a very good run for a very long time, and we have great confidence.”
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 15: Justin Gaethje celebrates with a backflip off the octagon after defeating Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title bout during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump is hosting a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on his 80th birthday, which the White House is calling "a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit.” (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to MMAmania’s 2026 Mid-Year Awards!
Can you believe 2026 is already half done?
With six months of jaw-dropping action behind us, it’s time to celebrate the fighters, fights, and moments that have lit up the MMA world. From stunning upsets and bone-crunching knockouts to rising stars and masterful submissions, 2026 has delivered some good highlights.
Let’s dive into the biggest upset of the year so far.
Upset of the year: Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje
UFC Freedom 250 — June 14, 2026
This was not the biggest upset of the year strictly in terms of betting odds.
But in terms of optics, stakes, shock value and historical importance, Justin Gaethje defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 is the clear pick.
Gaethje entered the fight as a +480 underdog, and plenty of people — myself included — thought he was going to get knocked out on the White House lawn in the biggest fight of his life.
Instead, “The Highlight” proved everyone wrong.
Topuria entered the fight as the undefeated Lightweight champion, a two-division titleholder and, in the eyes of many, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He had just knocked out Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira in consecutive fights. He looked untouchable.
Then Gaethje did what Gaethje does.
He weathered the early storm, survived a brutal second round and then slowly broke Topuria down until the champion’s corner stopped the fight before the fifth round (watch highlights).
It was violent. It was dramatic. It was historic.
And best of all, Gaethje finally became an undisputed UFC Lightweight champion after years of being one of the most beloved action fighters in the sport.
So, no, it was not the biggest betting upset money-wise, but it was absolutely the biggest upset moment of 2026 so far.
Here are a few honorable mentions:
Strickland vs. Chimaev
Sean Strickland defied the odds and became a two-time UFC Middleweight champion by defeating Khamzat Chimaev and taking his undefeated record at UFC 328.
Strickland entered as a +330 underdog and was expected by many to get mauled like basically everyone else Chimaev had fought.
That did not happen.
Chimaev controlled Strickland in the first round, but after that, the fight turned into a four-round striking battle. And once it got there, Strickland did what he does best: pressure, jab, defend and make things ugly (watch highlights).
It was not the wildest fight, but it was a massive result.
Strickland shocked the world again as a big underdog.
Borjas vs. Lima
The biggest betting upset of 2026 so far belongs to Kevin Borjas vs. Andre Lima.
Lima closed as a massive -770 favorite, while Borjas came back as a +600 underdog. That is absurd.
But Borjas did not fight like an underdog.
He ended up winning a clear unanimous decision over Lima, who was viewed as one of the best unranked Flyweights in the world and had looked dominant during his UFC run.
It was a pretty wild upset, to be honest.
The biggest underdog comes through tonight! 🇵🇪
Kevin Borjas gets a much needed UD victory tonight!
Another massive upset took place at UFC Vegas 115 when Tresean Gore strangled Azamat Bekoev unconscious as a +550 underdog (watch highlights). On some sportsbooks, Bekoev was as high as a -800 favorite.
And on top of it being a massive upset, it was an awesome fight that got robbed of “Fight of the Night.”
Gore entered on a two-fight losing streak and desperately needed a win. Instead of just surviving, he looked better than he ever has inside the Octagon and delivered one of the best performances of his UFC career.
Because of the win, Gore is now booked to fight Vicente Luque at UFC 330.
"I'll fight any f***ing body, and I will beat them."
Joe Gibbs Racing will lead the NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup for the race at Chicagoland Speedway in July. Denny Hamlin won the pole for the 2026 eero 400 at Chicagoland this weekend. Kyle Larson will join Hamlin on the front row for Sunday evening's event. It is Hamlin's fourth pole position of the 2026 season.
Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski will follow the two drivers on the second row. Most notably, Ryan Preece, Erik Jones, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, Corey Heim, Shane van Gisbergen, and Joey Logano all start 20th or worse for Sunday afternoon's event. It was a relatively smooth qualifying session.
The full NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup at Chicagoland in July 2026 is below!
NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup at Chicagoland (July 2026)
Our first competitive match of the season is fast approaching. We face SV Klöcher Bau Oberwart at the Informstadion in Burgenland on Saturday 25 July at 18:00. If you would like to support us at the stadium, you can find all the key information here.
Away vs. SV Klöcher Bau Oberwart | UNIQA ÖFB Cup first round
Ticket prices for away sector
EUR 20– | Full price
EUR 17– | Discounted (youths aged 14–18, people with disabilities with valid ID)
Free admission for children up to the age of 13 and wheelchair companions (no ticket required)
Sale of tickets
Tickets are already available online via SV Oberwart:
Tickets will also be available at the ticket office on matchday. A dedicated area is reserved for fans of our Red Bulls.
Further information
Bus journey: Bus journeys to the away match are being organised by our fans.
Further information, including on contact persons can be found on www.fanfahrt.info.
FC Red Bull Salzburg takes no responsibility for the content on the linked 'from fans for fans' web page or the trip itself!
Payment at the stadium: Only cash can be used.
Fans travelling independently: Paid parking is available at the Messeparkplatz by the stadium.
Fan items: The host club have been notified of our usual fan material. Checks will take place at the entrance, as usual.
SILVERSTONE, England, July 5 (Reuters) - Formula One drivers took to the track in cars built of Lego bricks for a British Grand Prix parade lap on Sunday that amused the crowd with predictable scenes of chaos.
Several cars were beached in the gravel at the first corner, with Williams driver Carlos Sainz one of them and hitching a ride with McLaren's world champion Lando Norris.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, also joined the 22 drivers in the good-natured fun with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso -- who qualified for the later grand prix in last place -- first across the line.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who had suggested on Thursday he would miss the parade, took part as did Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who had criticised the stunt earlier by saying it risked making drivers look like kids and clowns.
The cars were each made of more than 28,000 bricks and capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 kph (16 mph) on standard go-kart wheels. They carried the teams' 2026 liveries and driver numbers.
A team of 20 designers, engineers and Lego builders at a factory in Kladno in the Czech Republic took more than 6,400 hours to create the cars.
Last July, the top three finishers at the British Grand Prix were rewarded for their efforts with trophies made of Lego. Also last year, the drivers lapped Miami's Hard Rock Stadium before the race in 10 life-size two-seater electric cars made of Lego.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Although Chicagoland hosted Cup Series races for nearly two decades before falling off the schedule after 2019, Sunday’s event marks the first time NASCAR’s Next Gen car will compete on the 1.5-mile oval. Seven years of aging pavement have transformed the racing surface, leaving crew chiefs with limited data and plenty of uncertainty heading into the 267-lap race.
That uncertainty has elevated one strategic question above all others: When should teams use their eight sets of Goodyear tires?
With an abrasive surface, unpredictable cautions and unknown tire wear over a long green-flag run, the answer could ultimately determine who leaves Chicagoland with the trophy.
Nobody knows exactly how the Next Gen car will race here
Unlike Kansas Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway or Charlotte Motor Speedway, Chicagoland has essentially become an unknown.
Drivers and crew chiefs completed just one 50-minute practice session Friday before qualifying, leaving little time to understand how the aging pavement will affect handling over an entire fuel run.
A handful of organizations had a slight advantage after participating in a Goodyear tire test earlier this year, including Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 team led by crew chief Chris Gayle. But even Gayle acknowledged that testing can only reveal so much once 38 cars begin laying rubber on the track.
“It’s not huge, but it is an advantage, right?” Gayle told NASCAR.com. “You get a leg up on where the place is.”
He explained that the information gathered during the test provides a useful baseline, but the racing surface evolves dramatically once an actual race weekend begins.
That means every team will continue adjusting long after the green flag waves.
Chicagoland’s aging surface creates another challenge
The track itself may be the biggest variable.
Years of Illinois weather have left Chicagoland with multiple types of bumps and seams that today’s Next Gen car has never encountered in competition.
Gayle described aggressive bumps in different sections of the speedway, while Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Rudy Fugle told NASCAR.com one section entering Turn 1 has become so pronounced that it almost launches the car.
“The bump into Turn 1, which has been there forever, it’s a patch. But now it’s a launch point,” Fugle said. “You almost take off.”
Those changing track characteristics force teams into a difficult compromise. They need enough compliance to absorb the bumps without upsetting the car, but they also need enough speed to remain competitive over a full fuel run.
Finding that balance may prove just as important as outright pace.
Tire strategy could decide the winner
Ultimately, however, the biggest unknown may not be setup at all.
It may be knowing when to pit.
Each Cup Series team has eight fresh sets of Goodyear tires available for Sunday’s race, and both Gayle and Fugle believe managing that inventory will become increasingly complicated if cautions begin stacking up.
“I think you’re going to want tires and you’re probably going to want four at that point,” Gayle told NASCAR.com while discussing late-race caution scenarios.
The difficulty comes when yellows arrive at unpredictable intervals. Crew chiefs must decide whether to sacrifice track position for fresh rubber or stay on older tires and hope another caution arrives before their competitors gain too much of an advantage.
Fugle admitted those situations can quickly become stressful.
“Whenever the cautions come out every 10 laps, you’re scared to death,” he told NASCAR.com. “The five-lap cautions are kind of fun because you have the opportunity to trade and get ahead of something… But when you get to 10, 12, 15 laps on tires and you stack those, you get really scared.”
By the time Sunday’s race reaches its closing laps, the fastest car may not necessarily be leading.
Instead, the winner could be the team that simply makes the right tire call at exactly the right moment.
Thomas Tuchel's England side have struggled to break down teams who emply a low block [Getty Images]
When England take to the field to face Mexico at the famous Azteca Stadium in their World Cup last-16 tie, they know they will be playing the conditions as well as their opponents.
It means that England players may experience muscle fatigue earlier in the game than usual, with less oxygen in the air making it more difficult to breathe.
And it is in those conditions that Thomas Tuchel's side will have to solve the puzzle that is Javier Aguirre's impressive Mexico team, who have won every game they have played at the tournament so far without conceding a goal.
With so much at stake, England will be looking for any advantage to progress into the World Cup quarter final and while the low block has posed problems for the Three Lions during the tournament, could Tuchel now turn to it and use it to his team's benefit?
The Mexico City Stadium - the Azteca - sits 7,220ft above sea level [Getty Images]
Facing Mexico is a tactical conundrum for even the best of coaches given the number of approaches they have used in the tournament so far – switching between four and five defenders, as well as alternating between dominating the ball higher up the pitch and defending deep to counter attack.
There are, however, a few things a coach can control prior to a game irrespective of the opponent and Tuchel might, in the words of Bayern Munich's assistant coach Rene Maric, choose to 'set the board' in order to outmaneuver the Mexicans.
"You can choose your defending strategy without regards to your opposition and be somewhat successful; barring huge differences in quality you will not be able to do the same offensively," said Maric.
"Basically, the defending team sets the board and the attacking team plays the game. For me, 'proactive' means acting with an intention of creating specific situations. This is harder to do when attacking"
And knowing that Mexico have a variety of styles they can play, 'setting the board' by taking a certain defensive approach could force their hand into playing a style that England can counter.
That is where the low block comes in.
Ghana dictated England's approach with their compact 4-5-1 block [BBC]
England have struggled when faced with the low block during the tournament - most notably against a stubborn Ghana side who ground out a 0-0 draw with the Three Lions during the group stage.
So when looking to 'set the board' to give England the advantage in the last 16, it helps to identify Mexico's strengths with an idea on how to blunt them.
Mexico have throughout the tournament shown impressive quality in several key areas.
Their build-up play against Ecuador from goal-kick situations was effective, mirroring much of what worked for DR Congo against the Three Lions.
DR Congo built with a wide back four, the goalkeeper then becoming a fifth defensive player deep on the pitch. They also had one defensive midfielder sitting deep as another passing option.
Ahead of these players they ran hard, rotating into unusual positions, pulling England's man markers out of zones they were familiar with, before finding their dangerous direct attackers quickly – and high up the pitch.
This was almost the exact same blueprint Mexico used against Ecuador's high press to great success.
England struggled to press DR Congo's 5-1 base in a deep build up [BBC]
Both England and Ecuador used a 4-4-2 shape looking to apply pressure but with five players (including the goalkeeper) in the opposition's first line – the numerical disadvantage the pressing side had made it easy for the opposition to play around them.
Mexico actually used two holding midfielders in this 4-2-4 build-up shape which gives them another player deep compared to DR Congo.
England asked Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford in turns to step up to press alongside the front two to varying levels of success but the big distances they had to cover - now in high altitude conditions paired with Rice's reported hamstring pain - makes this a difficult solution to implement well, and especially at the start of the game.
Mexico's 5-2 base in deep build-up outnumbered Ecuador's front two [BBC]
Mexico's fast starts are another key strength England will be looking to nullify. In the first 15 minutes of both halves, they appear most dangerous in terms of possession, intensity and goal threat.
And Tuchel knows it.
Both the England head coach and midfielder Jordan Henderson acknowledged that they'll be up against a fast start, as well as the elements, when they take to the field.
Reflecting on the altitude of Mexico City, the German boss said: "We feel it. I felt a slight headache, didn't sleep as well, but nothing I can't handle.
"The players felt it in the first minute of the training, the longer it went on they adapted. It is not coincidence that Mexico starts matches here on the front foot, the first 15 minutes will be the toughest for us."
Henderson echoed this sentiment, admitting the first "10 minutes" of training proved to be a challenge.
And so 'setting the board' through a more measured defensive approach in this opening period might make sense for Tuchel's side.
The England press that DR Congo bypassed so easily cannot be exposed if Tuchel decides to employ a more passive shape out of possession.
This does not have to be with a back five either. In fact, a 4-5-1 makes a lot of sense in reducing the distances England's players have to run, while providing a good coverage of the width of the pitch and making the centre more crowded against Mexico's tricky midfielders.
We know a key facet of England's philosophy under Tuchel has been to entice an opposition's press before playing up the pitch quickly, hoping to find forwards against fewer defenders.
In Mexico City's demanding conditions it may be harder to make these deep runs as often so England will have to pick their moments. Playing too quickly, too early will result in turning the ball over more often, giving Mexico the chance to launch their own counter attack against a disorganised defence.
England's measured build-up play led to the third goal against Croatia in the opening game [BBC]
But England do not have to remove direct play from their game entirely.
By managing the space and speed of the game, they can pick their moments to release the likes of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham.
If England do opt to play more slowly, they will also be hoping these 'boring' spells of play work to silence the Mexican home crowd.
The decision to pick a squad of similar profiles might be one of the more astute decisions Tuchel has made as England boss when it comes to this game too.
With a tactical plan in mind, making five substitutions that do not alter the dynamic of the game greatly, but instead reinforce the plan with freshness and energy as Mexico begin to tire could be the difference.
This could indeed be a match full of mini-games and picking moments in which to change things will be key.
Tuchel, as we've seen throughout his club career, and most recently against DR Congo, has a knack for getting mid-game tweaks right but the many variables of the game against Mexico make this one of his toughest challenges yet.
Nicki Thiim enjoyed a perfect weekend at the Norisring in Nuremberg: After the Dane claimed Aston Martin's first-ever DTM victory on Saturday, he followed it up on Sunday. Starting from pole position, the Comtoyou driver controlled the second race as well and secured another triumph.
"I'm incredibly proud," Thiim says happily on ProSieben, as he also leads the overall standings. "That was always the dream, to have the name back at the top. I think the last time was in 1992 or something. That was the dream as a child." Father Kurt Thiim was runner-up in the DTM back then, after even winning the title in the 1986 season.
"Incredible that I never thought I would someday be the overall DTM leader," adds the Aston Martin driver. "So I'm just speechless right now. I'm still living in this dream of the whole weekend. It's simply unbelievable."
Although winner Thiim had to defend himself several times during the race against HRT Ford youngster Finn Wiebelhaus, the 20-year-old found no way past despite several attacks and attempts. Lucas Auer (Landgraf-Mercedes) completes the podium in third.
Arjun Maini (HRT-Ford) finishes fourth, followed by Jules Gounon (Winward-Mercedes) and Thierry Vermeulen in the Emil-Frey-Ferrari. Previous overall DTM leader Maro Engel (Winward-Mercedes) has a difficult race, but still finishes seventh after starting twelfth and has to hand the championship lead to Thiim.
"That was a tough race, I gave it everything," Engel sums up on ProSieben. "The opening phase didn't go quite so well. On the rain tires I was then able to make up places and slowly work my way forward. Then unfortunately there was the mishap at the pit stop." There, the AMG driver had to wait briefly and let brand colleague Tom Kalender through.
"It had actually been agreed that it wouldn't happen," the Winward driver complains, referring to the Landgraf squad. "We will certainly take another look at it afterwards. I don't know how much difference it made, maybe two places." Seventh place was ultimately "the maximum," says Engel, who has dropped to third overall. "So from that point of view, we'll take the points."
Bastian Buus (Land-Porsche), Thomas Preining (Manthey-Porsche) and Marco Wittmann (Schubert-BMW) apparently benefit from the subsequent BoP adjustment and complete the top 10 on Sunday. Mirko Bortolotti (Grasser-Lamborghini) finishes eleventh.
Rain shower causes another race stoppage
As on the previous day, Nicki Thiim converted his pole position into the race lead immediately at the start, followed by the two HRT Ford drivers Finn Wiebelhaus and Arjun Maini. However, after several rear-end collisions in the midfield left debris scattered across the track, the safety car was deployed.
Among the biggest sufferers of the chaos were Maro Engel, who damaged the front section of his Winward-Mercedes, and Matteo Cairoli. The Emil-Frey-Ferrari driver also had to serve a penalty lap shortly afterwards because he had jumped the start, dropping him to the back of the field.
Shortly after the start of the race, which had already been delayed by 15 minutes due to an accident in the support program, light rain began to fall over the Norisring. The safety car restart therefore turned into the first slide, although all drivers initially remained unharmed.
In the following laps, the rain became increasingly heavy. Nevertheless, no driver took the risk of switching to rain tires before the pit stop window opened and thus unnecessarily losing time. A collision between Cairoli and Marco Mapelli in the Abt-Lamborghini required another safety car period.
Once again, the first corner became the scene of an accident: Mapelli apparently lost control of his Abt-Lamborghini under braking and subsequently took out the Ferrari driver. Race control reacted immediately and decided to suspend the race.
During the roughly ten-minute break, all teams were able to switch to rain tires without losing time. In addition, the Winward team used the opportunity to at least provisionally repair the damage to Maro Engel's Mercedes. The restart then took place after two flying laps behind the safety car.
Wiebelhaus and Thiim fight for the lead
After the interruption, everything initially remained unchanged at the front: Thiim defended his lead ahead of Wiebelhaus, while Maini and Auer, just as on the previous day, battled for third place. This time, however, the Austrian prevailed.
Shortly after the restart, the first pit stop window opened. Initially, however, no driver headed for the pits because the rain tires were still the better choice despite the rain now easing. At the same time, the racing line was increasingly drying out.
At the front, Wiebelhaus sensed his chance for a time and put Thiim under pressure, but his attack was unsuccessful. Further back, Timo Glock once again had to park his Dörr-McLaren after touching the "Wall of Champions" and damaging the rear suspension in the process.
Wiebelhaus was subsequently among the first drivers to switch to slicks when they once again became the better choice. Nicki Thiim followed three laps later and returned to the track directly in front of the HRT-Ford driver.
The 20-year-old, who had celebrated his first DTM podium finish at the Lausitzring, managed to bring his tyres up to temperature more quickly and closed the gap. As a result, Wiebelhaus stayed closely tucked in behind his rival and repeatedly pulled alongside Thiim’s Aston Martin on the straight towards the Grundigkehre, although Thiim defended cleverly.
Nicki Thiim celebrates his third DTM career victory
By the time the second pit stop window opened, Wiebelhaus had to drop back again. Both the Ford driver and race leader Thiim waited significantly longer than the competition for their second stop, with the pursuer again making the first move.
Wiebelhaus' possible undercut also did not pay off because the HRT team's pit stops were not perfect this weekend. The Belgian Comtoyou squad was faster, meaning the Dane remained in the lead even after the second pit stop.
Thiim therefore only had to defend his lead in the closing stages. Although Wiebelhaus fought his way back to within less than two seconds of the leader in the final laps, the Comtoyou driver safely brought his third career victory in the DTM across the finish line.
Thiim now also leads the overall standings: The Dane took the maximum haul of 56 points at the Norisring and leads the standings with a total of 117 points. Lucas Auer (108 points) is second, while Maro Engel (105 points) has dropped to third place.
After the heavy crash in the first race on Saturday, only 19 drivers took the start on Sunday: Maximilian Paul (Grasser Lamborghini) and Kelvin van der Linde (Schubert BMW) were unable to contest the Sunday race due to their injuries and the severe damage to their cars, respectively.
The DTM is taking a three-week break: The next two races will take place at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (July 24 to 26). While a start for Paul is virtually ruled out due to the leg injuries, van der Linde could return to the cockpit of his BMW M4 GT3 Evo at Schubert's home race.
When we last mentioned Marcellus Wiley, he was angrily denying allegations of sexual assault, given the potential impact it will have when his son Googles his name.
He was still in custody when the TMZ item was posted at 8:58 a.m. ET on Sunday. Records show, per the report, that Wiley is being held for now without bond.
Details regarding the incident that led to the arrest are not yet available.
Obviously, Wiley is innocent until proven guilty. He's entitled to all of the various Constitutional protections. Regardless, something happened to result in his arrest. He'll surely have a response to the charge — unless his lawyer tells him to say nothing about it.
Wiley spent 10 years in the NFL, playing for the Bills, Chargers, Cowboys, and Jaguars. He worked for ESPN through 2018, and he then worked at Fox Sports until 2022.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the Round of 16, and the race for the Golden Boot is as exciting as the battle for the team trophy.
The Golden Boot goes to the player who scored the most goals during the World Cup tournament.
So far, Lionel Messi of defending champion Argentina and Kylian Mbappe of France lead the scoring charts, while Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane remain within touching distance.
Mbappe scored the lone goal on Saturday, July 4, as France defeated Paraguay, 1-0, to join Morocco, a 3-0 winner over Canada, in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Because Mbappe has two assists to Messi’s zero, Mbappe technically leads the race for the Golden Boot. But the French star, who won the 2022 Golden Boot by scoring eight goals, has played one more game than the 2022 Golden Ball winner. Messi and Argentina play their Round of 16 game against Egypt on Tuesday.
Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde has been one of the tournament’s standout matches. Messi opened the scoring and reached 20 career World Cup goals, while extending several World Cup records. Cape Verde refused to back down, equalizing twice before Diney Borges’ unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute sealed Argentina’s place in the Round of 16 against Egypt.
France also looks like a genuine title contender. Spain continues to impress with Mikel Oyarzabal in fine scoring form, while Haaland has carried Norway to its first knockout victory. England captain Harry Kane has again delivered on the biggest stage, keeping pace in the Golden Boot race. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, also remains among the tournament’s biggest attractions, with the veteran continuing to add to his remarkable World Cup legacy.
1. Kylian Mbappe (France): 7 goals
France forward Kylian Mbappe (10) in action against Sweden during a Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Kylian Mbappe tied Messi after scoring on a penalty in the 70th minute on Saturday. He put on a clinical masterclass on Wednesday, scoring two goals to guide France to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32. Mbappe has scored 10 all-time goals in World Cup knockout stages.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina): 7 goals
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after a June 22 World Cup victory. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Messi scored his seventh goal against Cape Verde in the Round of 32. He opened the tournament with a stunning hat trick against Algeria, added two more against Austria and one against Jordan. With the win against Cape Verde, Messi set an all-time record of most FIFA World Cup appearances with 30.
3. Erling Haaland (Norway): 5 goals
Norway’s Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard celebrate after the match as Norway qualify for the round of 16 stage of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Haaland scored the winning goal against Ivory Coast to send Norway into the Round of 16. Norway’s next test is Brazil on Sunday, and Haaland remains one of the strongest contenders for the Golden Boot. Interestingly, Norway is the only nation in football history to have played Brazil multiple times without losing to them (two wins, two draws).
4. Harry Kane (England): 5 goals
England’s Harry Kane applauds fans after the match. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Kane has delivered in crucial moments, including a brace against DR Congo after earlier goals against Croatia and Panama. In the Round of 32, Kane headed a 75th minute equalizer to rescue his team single-handedly. He has extended his record as England’s highest goal scorer, moving up to 13 career World Cup goals. England’s captain has once again shown why he thrives in major tournaments. England faces Mexico on Sunday night, and Kane is well placed to challenge the tournament leaders.
5. Ousmane Dembele (France): 4 goals
France’s Ousmane Dembele during a June 30 World Cup match. | Caean Couto-Imagn Images
Dembele is having the best run of his football career. He boosted his tally with a hat trick against Norway and contributed two assists during France’s campaign. His partnership with Mbappe has been one of the tournament’s most dangerous. Dembele won the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or and a consecutive Champions League crown with PSG.
6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain): 4 goals
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates after a World Cup match. | Jessie Alcheh-Imagn Images
Oyarzabal scored braces against Saudi Arabia and Austria to reach four goals. After a frustrating performance in a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, Oyarzabal bounced back in the group phase by scoring a clinical brace in a comfortable win against Saudi Arabia. His stellar performance against Austria was his career-defining moment, two goals to guide his nation to a 3-0 win. Spain’s Round of 16 clash against Portugal on Monday gives him another chance to climb the Golden Boot standings.
7. Vinicius Junior (Brazil): 4 goals
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior in action at the World Cup. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Vinicius Jr. has scored four goals and continues to lead Brazil’s attack with his pace and finishing. Operating under coach Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid superstar has racked an assist along with his four goals. Vini scored in Brazil’s Group C games against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Brazil prepares to face Norway on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium, and another productive outing could put him firmly back in the Golden Boot race.
Andrey Santos: Why Man United are targeting Chelsea midfielder
Manchester United have reignited their interest in Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos after missing out on their first-choice targets, according to a new report.
Working Down The List
In the space of three days last week, Manchester United saw two of their rivals – Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur – agree big-money deals to sign three midfielders who had been high on the wish list at Old Trafford.
Heading into the summer window, Elliot Anderson was the leading candidate to replace Casemiro, whose contract expired last month. However, Nottingham Forest’s prohibitive asking price deterred Manchester United, allowing Manchester City to have a free run at the 23-year-old England international.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, 26, was another player with many admirers in M16, only for the Magpies to set a similar demand as Forest to ward off suitors. This led Manchester United to pivot towards West Ham United starlet Mateus Fernandes.
But the Red Devils were pipped to the post for the 21-year-old Portuguese by Tottenham Hotspur, who were far more willing to meet West Ham’s £85 million valuation. Tottenham then followed this up by agreeing a £100 million deal for Tonali, while Manchester City officially confirmed their £116 million capture of Anderson the same day.
Manchester United retain a long-term interest in Aurelien Tchouameni, but there is internal recognition that a pursuit of Real Madrid’s French superstar is unlikely. As such, INEOS are working their way down the list of alternatives, which includes Bournemouth maestro Alex Scott and LOSC Lille wonderkid Ayyoud Bouaddi.
Raid On West London
Santos – Chelsea’s 22-year-old box-to-box midfielder – is another name climbing the ranks as the Brazilian has grown frustrated with his lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge.
Used primarily as a back-up to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, the Brazilian has still impressed in his limited opportunities. Possessing a blend of physical and technical attributes, he is perfectly suited to the cut and thrust of Premier League football.
Amid long-standing interest from Old Trafford, The Guardian reveals Chelsea value Santos “in the region of £50 million.” He is understood to be open to a move this summer, with Newcastle United said to also be in the hunt.
The Blues are looking to “bring in funds in order to aid new head coach Xabi Alonso’s ambitions to strengthen,” with the Spanish tactician keen to reunite with Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, having crossed paths to record-breaking effect at Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester United have an excellent working relationship with their counterparts at Stamford Bridge, having done business for Alejandro Garnacho last summer, and Mason Mount two years prior to that. If an offer was tabled which met the £50 million valuation, it is likely to be accepted – by both the player and his club.
Final Thoughts
Santos remains highly rated by Chelsea, despite their willingness to sanction a departure. Having managed him at Strasbourg before they both moved to west London, Liam Rosenior was effusive in his praise of the Rio de Janeiro native’s maturity and intelligence.
“Andrey plays like he’s 32. I call him Dunga: he’s Brazilian but he doesn’t play like one. He’s so smart and his stats are through the roof, in terms of scoring goals, winning duels. He’s going to have an outstanding career,” the 41-year-old coach stated last year, who was sacked by Chelsea in April after just three months in charge.
If Manchester United can ensure this “outstanding” career plays out at Old Trafford with a £50 million move – a much cheaper price than they have quoted for their other targets – it will prove a bargain in the long run.
🎥 Return home! How Cape Verde's World Cup heroes were welcomed
They wrote one of the fairy-tale stories of this World Cup. Cape Verde remained unbeaten in the group stage, picked up three draws, and advanced to the round of 32.
Even against Lionel Messi and his Argentina side, the island nation managed to score twice, and the match remained open for a long time. Many experts later called it one of the best games of the tournament.
Now the team returned home and was welcomed by a huge number of fans.
The airport staff was also thrilled by the boys’ performance at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Accordingly, there was also great interest from journalists, and after landing the players first had to give a few interviews.
Wakefield Trinity ran in nine tries as they thrashed Castleford Tigers to boost their Super League top-four hopes at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Daryl Powell's side climbed to third on 24 points after recording six wins in their past seven games.
Castleford were a mess and Wakefield took full advantage as Cameron Scott, Tom Johnstone and Caleb Hamlin-Uele each scored twice.
Lachlan Walmsley, Tyson Smoothy and Josh Rourke also went over, before Jason Qareqare replied a minute before time to avoid total humiliation for Castleford.
Scotland international Walmsley marked his spectacular one-handed finish in the corner by pulling out an Uno +4 card from his sock, with £180 being donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association by sponsors for every try celebration during Magic Weekend.
As majestic as Wakefield were, Castleford gave them a massive helping hand and Walmsley caught Jake Trueman's kick and laid the ball off for Scott to go over in the right corner for their first score in the third minute.
It was one-way traffic and Trinity had two tries ruled out before winger Johnstone crossed in the left corner in the 16th minute.
Hamlin-Uele came off the bench to score their third try when he powered through two tackles to go over near the posts.
They were almost scoring at will as Castleford made mistake after mistake while missing 44 tackles.
Wakefield extended their lead to 20-0 when Scott collected Jack Sinfield's pass and broke inside to go over for his second score.
They continued to enjoy themselves after the break as Walmsley showed with his celebration following his acrobatic try in the right corner after 47 minutes to make it 24-0.
The winger was returning to action for the first time since the second round of Super League following a knee operation.
Not to be left out, Trinity's forwards got in on the act and Smoothy smashed through the Castleford defence to score by the posts on 51 minutes.
Hamlin-Uele scored his second try - and he will hardly record an easier one all season - as he walked through two Castleford tackles to go over.
Johnstone bagged his second try on 65 minutes when Wakefield passed the ball along their backline from a scrum, before Rourke caught Sinfield's kick to crash over for their ninth try.
Qareqare, though, continued his hot streak with a 10th try in seven games, but it provided little consolation for ninth-placed Castleford.
Walmsley shows off his Uno card to celebrate his brilliant try [Getty Images]
Castleford Tigers coach Ryan Carr told BBC Radio Leeds:
"Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. You know, errors, penalties, possession, field position, just all against us and a lot of that was our own doing. I can't say much more.
"I was always going to learn a lot this year about this group, about these players in this team, and I'm definitely learning.
"I've said many times before, we're very fortunate rugby league people to do what we love doing for a living, so I'll address it in my own way.
"When the adversity is there, you've got to be able to fight through it. You never really know who your fighters are until you get put into it."
Mid-Ohio is up next for the NTT IndyCar Series, and Arrow McLaren will lead the field to the green flag. Christian Lundgaard won the pole for the 2026 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio this weekend. Pato O'Ward will join Lundgaard on the front row for Sunday afternoon's event. It is Lundgaard's first pole position of the 2026 season.
Will Power and David Malukas will follow the two drivers on the second row. Most notably, Mick Schumacher, Scott McLaughlin, Alexander Rossi, Santino Ferrucci, Scott Dixon, and Marcus Armstrong all qualified 15th or worse for Sunday's event.
The full IndyCar starting lineup for Mid-Ohio is available below.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up with the Round of 16 as the Knockout Rounds roll on. We are days away from the quarterfinals, and teams are just four wins away from winning it all.
The Round of 16 officially kicked off on Saturday, July 4, with Morocco eliminating host nation Canada and France advancing over Paraguay thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s 19th career World Cup goal.
The remaining co-hosts, Mexico and the United States, face challenging tests in the Round of 16, with El Tri facing England in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament to date and the USMNT taking on Belgium.
Unfortunately, the United States will be without star forward and leading scorer Folarin Balogun, thanks to his controversial red card in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Folarin Balogun of the U.S. is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images
Every game for the remainder of the tournament will air live on FOX, with a Spanish broadcast available on Telemundo. You can live stream every match live on Fubo.
Following the Round of 16, the quarterfinals will take place from July 9 through July 11, with the semifinals set for July 15 and July 15. The World Cup Final will be held on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
When and where can you tune in to watch your favorite team?
A full look at the Round of 16 TV schedule for the FIFA World Cup can be seen below (all times Eastern).
June 11, 2026; Mexico City, Mexico; General view of a replica World Cup trophy during the opening ceremony before the match. Mandatory Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-REUTERS via Imagn Images
Saturday, July 4:
Morocco def. Canada, 3-0
France def. Paraguay, 1-0
Sunday, July 5:
Brazil vs Norway (East Rutherford, New Jersey), 4 p.m., FOX
Mexico vs England (Mexico City), 8 p.m., FOX
Monday, July 6:
Portugal vs Spain (Arlington, Texas), 3 p.m., FOX
United States vs Belgium (Seattle), 8 p.m., FOX
Tuesday, July 7:
Argentina vs Egypt (Atlanta), 12 p.m., FOX
Switzerland vs Colombia (Vancouver, Canada), 4 p.m., FOX
Quarterfinals
July 9
4 p.m. ET — Match 89 winner vs. Match 90 winner — Boston (Match 97) [FOX, Telemundo]
July 10
3 p.m. ET — Match 93 winner vs. Match 94 winner — Los Angeles (Match 98) [FOX, Telemundo]
July 11
5 p.m. ET — Match 91 winner vs March 92 winner — Miami (Match 99) [FOX, Telemundo]
9 p.m. ET — Match 95 winner vs. Match 96 winner — Kansas City (Match 100) [FOX, Telemundo]
Semifinals
July 14
3:00 p.m. ET — Winner 97 vs. Winner 98 — Dallas (Match 101) [FOX, Telemundo]
July 15
3 p.m. ET — Winner 99 vs. Winner 100 — Atlanta (Match 102) [FOX, Telemundo]
Third-place match, July 18:
5 p.m. ET — Miami [FOX, Telemundo]
World Cup Final, July 19:
3 p.m. ET — Metlife Stadium in New Jersey [FOX, Telemundo]
Penn State football will have a completely overhauled roster to get to know in 2026 under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following one of the most active offseasons in recent memory for Penn State with a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, fans will have a lot of catching up to do in getting to know this year's Penn State roster. Fortunately, not every face will be brand new to fans. Regardless, we will be here to give you a fresh overview of every player on the roster for the 2026 season with a series of player profiles.
From all of the returning players, a long list of new faces from the transfer portal, and incoming recruits from the Class of 2026, we will have you covered with this year's player profiles for the Penn State roster. Here is a quick look at defensive end Yvan Kemajou for the 2026 season.
Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: Burtonsville, Maryland
Height: 6-3
Weight: 252
Class in 2026: Sophomore
Recruiting Rankings
Class of 2025: Composite 4-star recruit, No. 33 defensive lineman per 247Sports
Penn State picked up a solid commitment in the Class of 2025 with four-star defensive lineman Yvan Kemajou. Kemajou committed to Penn State over offers from Rutgers, Duke, Indiana, and Virginia Tech in the final stages of his recruiting process. Kemajou committed to Penn State in July 2024 days after an unofficial visit to the campus, and he later signed in the early signing period that December.
Career Stats
Yvan Kemajou played in 11 games and started one for the Nittany Lions during the 2025 season. His first career start came in Penn State's appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson as he was one of four Penn State players to make their first career starts. In his 11 appearances for the Nittany Lions last season, Kemajou recorded 13 total tackles with 5 TFL and 1.5 sacks.
Depth Chart Overview
Coming into the 2026 college football season, Yvan Kemajou could be preparing for a major step forward in Penn State's defensive line plans. Kemajou has been highlighted as a player that has impressed new head coach Matt Campbell, and he may have played himself into a potential starting role on the edge of Penn State's defensive line. Penn State could have some young studs on the edges with Kemajou on one side and Max Granville on the other, while the position could be backed by veteran leadership with transfer Ikenna Ezeogu and Colorado transfer Alexander McPherson.
Random Fact
Yvan Kemajou plans to own his own engineering firm one day.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 27: Carlos Carrasco #59 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 27, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves have selected pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the active roster and optioned pitcher JR Ritchie to Triple-A. Ritchie pitched three innings an notched his first career save – of the three inning variety – last night.
Carrasco has pitched in seven games with the Braves this season and has been through the “designated for assignment, outrighted, opts for free agency, minor league contract, selected to active roster” cycle five times so far this season. He’ll give Atlanta another long-man option for today’s game.
As for Ritchie, he was able to save the bullpen by soaking up three innings in Atlanta’s 14-3 blow-out of the Metropolitans last night.
A reminder that the Braves play at 12:30PM today, in an earlier-than-normal Sunday start.
Catching the ball deep in the paint, Aday Mara stayed patient. As he was circled by several Grizzlies players, he utilized a pass-fake to get Carson Cooper to bite. Once he turned his head the opposite way, the 21-year-old jumped off the floor to throw down the animated one-handed jam.
The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their 2026 Summer League with an 111-74 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. That said, the results of these games don't matter. More importantly, their top draft pick rebounded from a slow start to finish strong.
Mara finished with 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting, four assists and three rebounds. He shot 0-of-1 from 3 and 0-of-1 on free throws. He also had two blocks and one steal.
It took a little bit to get going, but Mara finally looked comfortable in the latter part of this exhibition. As expected, his gigantic size helped him make an impact. The Grizzlies had very few answers when he caught the ball inside the paint. He just had to simply jump up to get an easy layup or dunk. Like a kid playing on a Little Tikes indoor hoop. Expect that to be his bread and butter in the NBA.
After Mara caught a couple of alley-oops, he became a little daring. A baseline turnaround jumper and an outside attempt had most folks jump out of their seats at home. That's exactly what you want him to do in this environment. Just try stuff out there and see how it goes.
Elsewhere, Mara's presence had the Grizzlies second-guess on a couple of their drives. His presence alone forces that. He'll need to work on his defensive techniques and be a better rebounder, but nothing he did in Utah should really shock you if you read up on his scouting reports. The novelty around his game will make him a must-watch guy for the rest of the Summer League.
"It was different. I think the physicality, you can feel that. But I think it's going to be a process of just getting used to," Mara said. "For me, it was my first game since the championship game, so it's going to take a little bit to adjust. But it was great."
Facing a fellow lottery pick, Cameron Boozer showed why he's every draft nerd's favorite prospect from this past class. He dominated from the jump. The 18-year-old is the personification of what the modern-day forward should look like. He had no problem bringing the ball up and hunting for his shot in the mid-range. The Grizzlies should be excited about his future as they start from scratch.
"He's a great player. He got me on the first play of the game. We've just talked about it in the locker room," Mara said. "We saw each other in the hallway. He's a good player. Good person. During the draft process, I had the chance to talk to him. He's a great guy. I'm happy for him and think he's going to be great next year."
These next couple of weeks are all about getting comfortable playing at the pseudo-NBA level. Especially for Mara. Just a step-up in competition from the college game. Not just for him, either. Odds are, nobody within OKC has likely played with a guy as tall as him. So there's going to be an adjustment period for everybody as the Thunder slowly learn what a cheat code he is around the rim.
"I feel like these games and practices are to see or feel like things you can do or haven't done in college or before. Just try to see if you can do it here and try to improve every day," Mara said. "I'm just using these games to get better as a player, do different things and just adapt to the game and do all of those things."
The Cincinnati Bengals are once again one of the most interesting teams in the NFL.
Most years, that’s simply because of big names like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The obvious stuff, nothing unusual.
But the Bengals got unusual this offseason when dramatically leaving their comfort zone. They spent big in free agency and, most notably of all, traded away the 10th pick for elite nose tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Now, it’s Lawrence getting tapped as the most exciting new addition in the NFL to watch during training camps, courtesy of Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.
“Lawrence might not terrorize quarterbacks off the edge as Hendrickson has done when healthy,” Knox wrote. “However, he's an impactful interior pass-rusher who can collapse the pocket, command double teams, free up blitzing defenders, and help stonewall opposing ball-carriers.”
Fair point: There’s an outside chance that the battles between the offense and defense during camp sessions are a little closer than some might predict.
Lawrence, after all, doesn’t necessarily stuff the stat sheet, but he’s a scheme-altering presence who makes those around him better. That’s going to boost a struggling and developing linebacker unit, as well as developing first-round products like Shemar Stewart on the edge.
As always, most have suggested even an average defense would help the Burrow-led offense get back to contention. Lawrence, then, is easily a pick for one of the most interesting players of the summer.
The New York Giants haven't had many fantasy stars in recent years, but that appears to be changing. Their past few drafts and offseason additions have produced several offensive players who are viable fantasy options.
One of those players is running back Cam Skattebo, who, as a rookie, captured the imagination of the football world with his smash-mouth running style and unapologetic nature, even though he played just half a season.
Skattebo is in the final stages of rehabbing the complex ankle injury he suffered midway through last season and is expected to be ready for training camp at the end of the month.
The Giants were fifth in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2025 with Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, and quarterback Jaxson Dart. With John Harbaugh now as the head coach and Greg Roman as the new run game coordinator, the Giants will be seeking to establish the run early and often.
Skattebo will be the top back in the rotation, which has piqued the interest of fantasy enthusiasts this summer.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport believes that Skattebo will not only be a solid producer this season, but he'll be one of the league's biggest bargains.
A fractured tibia and dislocated ankle ended Skattebo's rookie season, but all indications are that he will be ready to go for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at Met Life Stadium. Assuming that is the case, Michael Fabiano of Sports Illustrated thinks that Skattebo's 2025 success will carry over to this season.
"Skattebo looked terrific in his rookie season, posting 617 scrimmage yards, seven touchdowns and 127.7 fantasy points despite missing nine games following an ankle injury," he said. "He's expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, and the Giants didn't make any offseason moves that would negatively affect his projected workload. While durability issues are evident, Skattebo has a nice ceiling and could push to be a must-start fantasy runner on a weekly basis in 2026."
The Giants have quietly assembled one of the better offensive lines in the game—a line that should be even better with the addition of rookie guard Francis Mauigoa. The uncertain status of wide receiver Malik Nabers for Week 1 could lead the G-Men to lean more heavily on the run early in the season.
If Skattebo is 100 percent at or close to the start of the season, he could match last year's production. And getting RB1 production for the price of a mid-range RB2 is how fantasy leagues are won.
Harbaugh is excited to have Skattebo on his roster. The former Arizona State star is the epitome of a team-first guy, so much so that it has even stunned Harbaugh a bit.
"Man, just a really good-hearted guy," Harbaugh said at the team's minicamp last month. "The funny thing about it, you ask that question, the special teams situation that we were talking about, he's the guy that brought it up. He knew the guys weren't sure about something, and he's not even on the punt team. But he was in the meeting asking the question to make sure everybody's on the same page. I've never seen that before from a starting running back."
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 30: Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrates after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Cote d'Ivoire and Norway at Dallas Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Julian Finney - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images
The Round of 16 is underway, kicked off today by Morocco’s 3-0 win over Canada and France’s 1-0 defeat of Paraguay. Today’s games feature Erling Haaland and Norway against Brazil in New Jersey, and Harry Kane and England against Mexico in Mexico City.
Brazil started off their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco (where Morocco looked the better side), then 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland in turn. Their Round of 32 match started with Japan taking a 1-0 lead, but Brazil mounted a comeback to finish with a 2-1 win. Erling Haaland and Norway started with a 4-1 thrashing of Iraq, then a 3-2 win over Senegal and a 1-4 loss to France, before overcoming Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32. The Norwegian supporters’ rowing celebrations have been enjoyable. Brazil has lost six straight World Cup knockout games against European teams; their last win was the 2002 World Cup final.
England began their World Cup with a blistering 4-2 win over Croatia, followed up with a 0-0 draw with Ghana and a 2-0 victory over Panama. The Three Lions trailed DR Congo for most of the game before Harry Kane provided an equalizer and a winning goal late on to push them on to the round of 16. Mexico played the tournament’s first game, a 2-0 win over South Africa, and also got wins against South Korea (1-0) and Czechia (3-0), before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32. Winning their group allowed Mexico to continue playing in their capital city this far, including this game against England. They have never lost a World Cup game at Estadio Azteca.
So, what will the games have in store for us today? Stick around, drop your comments, and have a great time.
How to watch
Brazil vs Norway
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
Kick-off time: 4 pm Eastern, 1 pm Pacific
TV and streaming: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock, FOX One, Fubo (free trial)
Mexico vs England
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Kick-off time: 8 pm Eastern, 5 pm Pacific
TV and streaming: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock, UNIVERSO, FOX One, Fubo
This thread will be your match thread. We don’t have many rules here. We just ask that you don’t insult each other personally and treat each other with respect. Debates can get heated, and that’s fine, but name-calling and petty insults will get you banned. If you see a comment that you feel is out of line, please report it and it will be dealt with.
A Georgia man played golf for a world-record 38 consecutive hours while raising $180,000 for children's healthcare.
Mike Woodard completed 144 holes in all, and if you're wondering about the consecutive hours part of this feat, yes, he even played throughout the night at Cartersville Country Club in Cartersville, Georgia.
His original fundraising goal was $150,000 for LIVE2540, which provides life-saving healthcare initiatives in Liberia, where children battle illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, dysentery, and malnutrition. LIVE2540 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The Oklahoma Sooners' offense has to evolve in 2026 if the program wants to be a legit national championship contender. Oklahoma can no longer be this dependent on quarterback John Mateer to drive the entire offense.
Mateer had an up-and-down season in 2025, largely due to a throwing-hand injury that limited his effectiveness down the stretch. He threw for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 431 yards and eight scores. While he remains one of the more dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, his workload was excessive.
Mateer's 149 carries led the team last season, underscoring Oklahoma's lack of balance in the run game. His eight rushing scores were equal to those of running backs Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson's combined.
Mateer is going to obviously play a major role in the offense, but it needs to be tweaked so that there isn't as much pressure on him to make everything happen for Oklahoma. That's something that Michael "SEC Mike" Bratton talked about on "That SEC Podcast."
"He literally led the team in rushing attempts," Bratton said. "You just can't have a quarterback who missed games; that's not built to be a dual threat. Lead you in rushing, or at least rushing attempts yet."
Oklahoma's offense will need to shift toward a more balanced structure in 2026, where the run game is primarily driven by the running backs and Mateer is used more selectively as a weapon rather than a volume carrier.
If the Sooners can achieve that balance and take pressure off their quarterback, the offense has the potential to reach another level and position Oklahoma as a legitimate national championship contender.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
Broncos Wire's 91-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie wide receiver Joseph Manjack (No. 86).
Before the Broncos: Manjack (6-3, 210 pounds) bounced around the college ranks, starting his career at USC in 2021. In 11 games (seven starts), Manjack caught seven passes for 67 yards before transferring to Houston, where he played from 2022-24. Manjack appeared in five games in 2022, but his time was limited due to a hand injury. Manjack rarely wore gloves, and became a campus sensation when he caught a one-handed pass for a touchdown against UTSA. In 2023-24, Manjack was rewarded for his toughness by being voted by his teammates to wear No. 0, a sign of his mental toughness.
In 2023, Manjack started 10 games, catching 46 passes for 577 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. In 2024, Manjack followed his performance by starting 11 games, hauling in 22 passes for 351 yards and three scores. In 2025, Manjack transferred a final time to TCU, where he finished his college football career. Manjack started all 11 contests, catching 44 passes for a career-high 579 yards and three touchdowns last fall.
Broncos tenure: Manjack was one of 13 undrafted free agents signed by the Denver Broncos in the immediate aftermath of the 2026 NFL draft. Manjack will make his Denver debut during preseason this summer.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Slim. Manjack enters a crowded wide receiver room which features the likes of Jaylen Waddle, Marvin Mims and Courtland Sutton. Manjack may not be with the Broncos by the time roster cuts happen in August, but he could be a candidate to find a spot on the practice squad.
Heading into his junior season with the Washington Huskies, quarterback Demond Williams Jr. knows he needs to step into a more vocal role as a leader.
For the former four-star recruit out of Basha High School, who took a big step forward with his play on the field as a sophomore after taking over as Jedd Fisch's full-time starter, throwing for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns with 8 interceptions, while adding 611 yards and 6 scores on the ground, he understands he needs to take command of his team off the field.
Washington is heading into the 2026 season with a need for veteran leadership on the offensive side of the ball after running back Jonah Coleman, wide receiver Denzel Boston, and left tackle Carver Willis all departed for the NFL draft. While offensive linemen Geirean and Landen Hatchett, and Drew Azzopardi are all expected to help fill that void, the importance of Williams finding his voice can't be understated.
"I think it all starts by leading by example," Williams told the Big Ten Network's Yogi Roth. "Where I'm at now, I think that just being way more vocal and talking to all the guys, it's just a much higher level. I think I just know everybody a lot better than I did before, even a year (ago)."
"That was my first season starting, so there were still a lot of questions out there, and after having a full season under my belt, I just feel super confident to be able to speak to the team in any fashion to get the point across of what we need to do to succeed."
While some might question what that looks like following Williams' brief flirtation with the transfer portal in January, all indications from around the program are that things have been smoothed over. Now, as the Huskies prepare for their third season in the Big Ten under Fisch, the quarterback will need to elevate not just his voice, but his performance in big games as Washington looks to take another step towards the top of the conference.
Mexico’s Julian Quinones (left) and England’s Harry Kane lead their teams in a blockbuster last-16 matchup on Saturday in Mexico City.Photograph: Alfredo Estrella,adnan Beci/AFP/Getty Images
The Estadio Azteca is the quintessential World Cup venue and one of the most formidable away days in soccer. Mexico’s record there could hardly be any stronger, losing just two competitive matches at the mythical stadium in 57 years. El Tri’s home advantage is a real thing.
England have the talent to leave Mexico City with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. However, Thomas Tuchel’s team must reach a level that has evaded them at the tournament so far. Harry Kane can’t dig them out of every hole, as he did in the comeback win over DR Congo.
Another heavyweight clash will take place in New Jersey where Brazil and Norway will face each other. The five-times winners have grown into the World Cup with every match they have played while Erling Haaland and co. are living up to their billing as dark horses.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks, and online streaming options.
Brazil are far from a perfect team, but Carlo Ancelotti is finding solutions to their problems. The comeback win over Japan in the round of 32 highlighted the quality of a team that was written off by some early in the tournament. This might not be a vintage Brazil outfit, but with Ancelotti in charge they have momentum.
Norway also have momentum after seeing off Ivory Coast in the last round. Most encouraging for Stale Solbakken was that Haaland and Martin Odegaard didn’t even play all that way. Instead, the likes of Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb stepped up to get Norway through. They’re more than just a one (or two) man team.
Player to watch: Vinicius Junior, Brazil - There will be no shortage of star power in New Jersey for this match, but Vinicius could be the most electrifying, and influential, player for either team. If the winger turns up, Brazil could have the edge.
Four games, four wins. Eight goals scored, zero conceded. Mexico’s progress to this point has been serene and Javier Aguirre’s side have genuine hope that their World Cup will continue for at least one more round. El Tri are still targeting ‘quinto partido’ even if it’s now a ‘sexto partido’ in the expanded format.
England’s World Cup campaign has been a rough one so far. Indeed, Tuchel’s team have yet to find top form, struggling through games against Ghana, Panama and DR Congo. And yet the Three Lions still have the talent to be a factor towards the end of the tournament. This will be their biggest test so far.
Player to watch: Harry Kane, England - Were it not for Kane, DR Congo might have set up a last 16 meeting with Mexico instead of England. The Bayern Munich striker might be the best player in the world in his position right now.
We have reached the #1 story of the Lions 2025 season, which is the mysterious injury to Kerby Joseph's knee that captured fans' attention and intrigue throughout the season.
What started as a seemingly innocuous knee issue in training camp burgeoned over the course of the season into the clear #1 Lions injury news story of the 2025 season.
The injury to Kerby Joseph was a massive story because of his All-Pro skills, Hall-of-Fame trajectory, mysteriousness of diagnosis, and the uncertainty moving forward.
Recap of Kerby Joseph’s left knee timeline
July 2025: Left knee limits him during training camp.September 14, 2025 (Week 2): Knee shows up on injury reports leading up to the Week 2 game.September 28, 2025 (Week 4): Aggravates knee during game…
Kerby Joseph knee injury video -Concern for L knee PCL. Same knee that was bothering him in preseason. -If PCL, tough to return today. But shouldn't be long term. -Best case: simple contusion pic.twitter.com/zrtl2sVKZc
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 28, 2025
October 12, 2025 (Week 6): Aggravates knee again. This is his final appearance of the season…
Kerby Joseph L knee -Watch him drag left leg significantly on 1st play of 2nd drive. Left game after next play. -Slight limp on 1st drive. -He might be need to be out til after bye pic.twitter.com/6ikljQAkjg
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) October 13, 2025
December 1, 2025 (Week 14): Starts limited practice but unable to practice more than once per week.
December 20, 2025: Lions finally place Joseph on IR, officially ending his season.
2025 Season Summary
Joseph played the first six games of the season. He then missed eight games before being placed on IR. The prolonged absence while still on the active roster kept hope simmering for weeks that a return could happen at any time.
As the weeks turned into months, the specifics and severity of the knee issue became increasingly a concern. No diagnosis was ever revealed.
Despite playing only six games, Joseph still snagged three interceptions, which led the team. That’s an interception in 50% of games played. That remarkable coin-flip ratio was not a fluke for Joseph as he had nine interceptions in 18 games during the 2024 season.
Joseph’s ability to create turnovers is what makes him a truly special, gamechanger on the field. His singular presence likely alters the outcome of multiple games per season, which is why his knee injury status carries such importance.
The Philadelphia 76ers' biggest concern entering next season should not come as a surprise to anyone.
It remains the health of Joel Embiid. Despite trading for All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown, Embiid's availability, especially in the playoffs, will still be crucial to the 76ers' success.
Embiid's lack of reliability could also deter free agent LeBron James from signing with Philadelphia, at least that's what analyst Shannon Sharpe believes. Sharpe ranked the top four destinations for James as follows:
1. Miami Heat
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
"There's too much uncertainty with Embiid based on his history. If we get 55 games, that is the absolute best we could hope for," Sharpe said on 'Nightcap.' "Here's the thing: what do we see in the postseason? He plays one series, and then what?"
It's a fair argument from Sharpe, as Embiid has not appeared in more than 65 games since the 2022-2023 season. But his availability concerns preventing James from potentially signing with the 76ers is a different point to make.
Let's say Embiid plays zero games next regular season, a core of Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and James is still easily a top seed in the Eastern Conference. Not to mention, James' ties to the 76ers are mostly centered around Maxey and President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey.
He was teammates with Embiid during the 2024 Paris Olympics, so the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar does know what 'The Process' is capable of at full strength.
The Paul George-Brown swap turned Embiid into more of a luxury than a necessity, so James should still consider the 76ers a serious contender even without the 2023 MVP in the mix at all times.
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.
In the lead up to the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals appearance against the San Antonio Spurs, there was a mystery surrounding center Mitchell Robinson and his broken hand.
Reports revealed Robinson had fractured the fifth metacarpal in his right hand before the series, but the specifics of how that happened were a mystery, with neither the team nor Robinson choosing to address it.
But Robinson has now confirmed what led to his broken hand. He revealed he struck his truck in a moment of panic after his youngest brother was involved in a car accident.
“Without going into details about my upbringing, I am extremely protective of my siblings, whom I care for deeply. Upon returning to New York, I received an unexpected phone call, and my family members contacted me, informing me that my youngest brother had been involved in a car accident. I did not see the messages until I arrived home late that night,” Robinson said.
“As the eldest sibling, I felt a deep sense of concern, and I immediately went into panic mode,” he added. “I began returning calls and texts, and when I FaceTimed my brother, I thought he was deceased. He was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking. I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings. Being 910 miles away, I felt helpless. In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck.”
Robinson also addressed those who were quick to pass judgement on the situation before knowing the details.
“Before judging someone, it is essential to understand their circumstances, which may not be publicly known,” Robinson stated.
Of course, Robinson ended up playing in every NBA Finals game and didn’t appear to be slowed down much or at all by his injury.
The exact reason behind why the Knicks and Robinson stayed quiet on the cause of his broken hand isn’t known exactly, but it’s fair to assume both sides just didn’t want it to become more of a distraction ahead of the biggest series in franchise history.
The most important thing is that Robinson’s brother appears to be OK.
Knicks sign Mitchell Robinson’s replacement
Nov 11, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Robinson, who was the longest-tenured Knicks player, will be playing for a different team for the first time in his career next season.
While the former Knicks center going to one of the team’s rivals was surprising, Robinson’s departure was not, as it was assumed he wouldn’t be back after owner James Dolan said he wouldn’t go into the second apron.
New York has since signed Robinson’s replacement after inking Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million deal.
Major League Baseball chose Saturday evening to announce this year’s All-Star teams — an odd time, in my view, the evening of a holiday — and Pete Crow-Armstrong made the NL All-Star team for the second straight season. Last year he was an elected starter; this year he’ll be a reserve outfielder.
“Nice to get the nod from the baseball world,” Crow-Armstrong said after the Cubs’ 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at foggy Wrigley Field. “Having the fan vote get me in last year is obviously special, just felt like I was able to reach the baseball world as a whole.
“But when it’s internal like this, knowing how hard this game is and how hard a lot of guys are working on a daily basis, that means a lot to me just ’cause first and foremost I want their respect as much as I want to go and compete and beat everybody. The best compliment you can get as a baseball player is someone in the other uniform’s respect. … I don’t want to compare this year to last year, but it really means a lot coming from this stage of the voting.”
And some praise from his manager, also quoted in that article:
“In Pete’s case, what’s fun to watch is that there’s something in every part of the game that he’s able to do,” manager Craig Counsell said Saturday. “And he also does it — he’s not some huge person that does it. He’s a pretty normal-sized person that can do it. I think that also creates a connection with fans. And he’s an entertainer. … He loves that part of it. He’s good at it. He’s naturally wired to do it. So you get a lot of it.”
In 26 games in June, PCA batted .381/.468/.781 (40-for-105) with five doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 20 RBI, 21 runs scored, 17 walks and eight stolen bases (no caught stealing).
He was also named NL Player of the Week twice during the month.
The 2026 All-Star Game will be played Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia and will be televised on Fox-TV.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 04: Ben Peoples #70 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the seventh inning of his Major League debut in the game against the Detroit Tigers at Globe Life Field on July 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, folks…
The Texas Rangers fell to the Detroit Tigers last night by a score of 3-0.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 24: Johan Manzambi #9 of Switzerland celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Switzerland and Canada at BC Place Vancouver on June 24, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Lampson Yip - Clicks Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United’s midfield search is becoming more urgent each passing as Eddie Howe is likely to lose both Sandro Tonali, already gone to Tottenham, and Bruno Guimaraes, on his way to Arsenal, during the past and next few days or weeks, forcing him into a full-blown rebuild at the position.
According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, however, Newcastle are already working in fixing that by showing interest in SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi after his breakout World Cup performances for Switzerland.
“Newcastle are interested in Switzerland international midfielder Johan Manzambi,” Downie reported. “The SC Freiburg midfielder is valued at £42m. The 20-year-old has been a stand-out at the World Cup, scoring three goals for his country in the US, and is tipped for big things. Newcastle are looking at midfielders with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes’ futures uncertain.”
According to Downie, the 20-year-old is valued at around £42million by Freiburg and has emerged as one of Switzerland’s standout players at the international tournament.
Manzambi scored three goals in the World Cup group stage, including twice against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the winner against Canada, helping Switzerland finish top of their group.
Tonali landed at Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million on July 1, while Arsenal have been linked with Guimaraes and an £80 million offer for the Brazil international.
Manzambi, meanwhile, has played on the wing for Switzerland in what could be a worrying case of misjudging his best skills and position if Newcastle want a true midfielder, but he was used mostly in the middle of the pitch by Freiburg last season, easing those concerns.
He produced seven goals and six assists across the Bundesliga and Europa League as Freiburg reached the Europa League final and finished seventh in Germany’s Bundesliga.
The Switzerland international already has 16 senior caps and six goals for his country after committing to Switzerland despite also being eligible through family background for Angola and DR Congo.
For now, Manzambi looks like another young, high-upside European target on Newcastle’s list, but no formal offer has been reported.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Reinier de Ridder of The Netherlands enters the Octagon in a middleweight fight during the UFC 326 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Reinier de Ridder and Roman Dolidze are moving on up.
On Sunday, MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin confirmed with sources with knowledge of the bout that de Ridder and Dolidze are set to square off in a light heavyweight fight at UFC Sacramento on Aug. 22 at Golden 1 Center. Léo Guimaraes was first to report the matchup.
A former two-division champion in ONE Championship, de Ridder (21-4) joined the UFC in 2024, making an immediate impact with four straight wins in the middleweight division, including handing Bo Nickal his first career loss, and taking a split decision over former champion Robert Whittaker. That put “The Dutch Knight” on the cusp of a title shot; however, de Ridder dropped his next two bouts, a TKO loss to Brendan Allen, and then a decision to Caio Borralho. After the Borralho loss, de Ridder announced his decision to return to the light heavyweight division.
Dolidze (15-5) has been a fixture of the UFC middleweight rankings since joining the promotion in 2020. However, after dropping his past two fights, Dolidze now finds himself in a tough spot at 185 pounds, so he moves up to 205 pounds to try and make a run in a weight class where he has gone 3-0 inside the octagon. In his most recent light heavyweight appearance in 2024, Dolidze won a decision over one-time title challenger Anthony Smith.
HENDERSON, NEVADA - MAY 28: Dont'e Thornton Jr. #10 and Jack Bech #18 of the Las Vegas Raiders practice during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 28, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Las Vegas drafted two wide receivers last season who got a chance to see the field in 2025. Fourth-round pick Donte Thornton Jr. got to see the field the most, but his lack of production led to him falling down the depth chart by the end of the season.
Thornton Jr. was always a project from Tennessee. While he had an impressive athletic profile, Thornton Jr.’s route-running skills were raw. However, this offseason, John Spytek added two more receivers to the mix, both of whom have the speed to win over the top. Jalen Nailor and Malik Benson could be players who gain snaps over Thornton if he doesn’t improve.
On the Locked on Raiders podcast, former Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy said he sees the writing on the wall for Thornton Jr.
“With that in mind and the fact that the Raiders went out and got Nailor and went out and targeted Nailor, that tells me there might be the writing on the wall for Dont’e Thornton. You’ve got to pick it up. You’ve got to show your value. You’ve got to show your worth. And I don’t suppose after this year, they’re going to keep Nailor, Thornton and Tre Tucker. They’re kind of three of the same receivers in many ways.”
It is an important year for Thornton Jr. to display his value and what he can do on the football field. Hopefully, he can make a leap and prepare to become another day three steal for the franchise.
In other Raiders links:
This week’s Silver and Black mailbag: Matt Holder is answering fans’ questions in this week’s Silver and Black mailbag.
Maxx Crosby’s Brock Purdy comments: Maxx Crosby gave his thoughts on Brock Purdy and has sparked more rumors about a trade to San Francisco.
Jalen Nailor settled at home before the first Raiders camp begins:The Raiders wide receiver is settling in with his new team before camp begins.
Editor's Note: The 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker was originally published at 6:30 p.m. ET on May 12. It has been and will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Bolded players are either added or their destination added as of the most recent update, which is the timestamp of this post.
Andrew Painter of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs pitches during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
There were some fireworks on the farm, so let’s check how they did.
Rochester 2, Lehigh Valley 1
Andrew Painter had the start on the night and did quite well for the IronPigs. In his six innings, he allowed on a lone run and struck out six. The velocity on his fastball was good, averaging 97 mph, while the shape of it was still just so-so. He got only four swings and misses on the fastball on the night, so he’s still having some trouble missing bats. It’s probably going to be a while before he makes it back to the majors.
Don’t worry, there’s not much else to talk about regarding this game.
Reading 5, New Hampshire 3
Bryan Rincon went two for three and Pedro Leon added a three run home run to lead the offense over the Fisher Cats. Rincon has had a surprisingly successful season considering where his season was last year and how far his prospect star had fallen. By this point, he’s probably a good bet to be a successful bench bat should he ascend to the majors. Those are valuable players. On the pitching side, Alex McFarlane had two innings of work on the night and gave up almost nothing, striking out three. Are the Phillies testing him with different situations in hopes that he can contribute this season?
Jersey Shore was cancelled
Clearwater 7, Ft. Myers 3
Continuing to board the Ferre-Bus, the team’s catching prospect homered again for the Threshers, joining with Griffin Burkholder, who scored three runs at the top of the lineup, to give Clearwater the victory. Sean Youngerman gave them five innings of a solid start, only surrendering three runs on the night and striking out three.
La Masia graduate makes his case to Barcelona with impressive Spain U19 displays
Barcelona have been focusing on some first-team sales this summer, and one of those on the chopping block is Marc Casado.
The former Barça Atletic captain has fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick, and a sale seems the most logical solution for all parties involved.
His exit would leave a vacancy in the midfield in the first-team squad, and one of the candidates who can make it his own is Xavi Espart.
According toMundo Deportivo, the 19-year-old has been one of Spain’s standout performers in the tournament, helping Paco Gallardo’s side reach the semi-finals after a dominant group stage.
Espart started the first two matches against Wales and Denmark, scoring once in the 7-0 win over Wales, before coming off the bench at half-time in Spain’s 4-0 victory over Germany.
In total, he has played 199 minutes so far, and his performances as a pivot have attracted plenty of attention.
Barça talent shows midfield roots
This is the most interesting part from a Barcelona perspective. Espart has often been used as a right-back at club level, first by Juliano Belletti and later by Hansi Flick.
However, with Spain U19, he has returned to the base of midfield, the position where he grew during much of his La Masia development.
He has looked comfortable there. His ability to start attacks, choose the right pass and bring personality to the build-up has made him one of the most positive stories of Spain’s campaign.
That versatility is valuable. Flick has already seen him as a full-back with midfielder instincts. Now, Spain are showing that those instincts can still function naturally in the centre of the pitch.
A useful message for Hansi Flick
Espart’s tournament should not be treated as a guaranteed first-team breakthrough, but it is a strong signal.
Sending a message. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Barcelona need players who understand different roles, especially in a system where full-backs and midfielders often share spaces. Espart’s ability to play both profiles gives him a real advantage.
Spain’s numbers also help his case. Fourteen goals scored and none conceded in the group stage show a team functioning with control, and Espart has been part of that balance.
Pre-season will give Espart a glorious chance to impress Flick and nail down his first-team berth for the upcoming season and beyond.
The semi-finals will now offer Espart a bigger test. If he continues performing as a pivot, it could strengthen his case even further.
The real litmus test will come once the teenager links up with Flick’s first-team squad, and it remains to be seen whether he can impress the German tactician during pre-season and beyond.
The Seattle Seahawks were very busy in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft after previous trades including the one with the Green Bay Packers that netted them No. 236 (Andre Fuller) and No. 255 for No. 216. John Schneider made it 50% secondary picks in the draft, choosing his fourth new member of the DB group in cornerback Michael Dansby from Arizona. Dansby doesn’t have much in terms of testing numbers, but he’s apparently very, very fast…according to himself.
Athletic Profile/Comps
Relative Athletic Score (RAS)
Mockdraftable
N/A – No Data
As I mentioned above, we really don’t have much to go on here with just height, weight, length, and bench. Of those, Dansby is light, not very strong, and has short arms. Not very inspiring. There’s no Mockdraftable to speak of either without testing data.
So, scratch official testing data. Apparently, Dansby ran a very fast 40-yard dash time while training.
Cornerback Michael Dansby says he ran a 4.25 40-yard dash during training, wasn't able to run at pro day workout.
If true, that would be great! However, “If if’s and but’s were candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas.” We’ll just have to go with the RAS comps and use our imagination a bit. Chase Lucas and Kevon Seymour present positive scenarios in terms of output from a seventh-round pick.
Both Lucas and Seymour are essentially dead-ringers in terms of size and strength. Both of them also played a lot of special teams snaps, with Seymour getting some regular time on defense early in his career. Lucas had excellent explosion and agility scores while Seymour was better in terms of speed. Dansby would’ve blown them both out of the water if he was anywhere near his self-reported 4.25 40-yard dash time while training.
Since we don’t have testing for Dansby, I’m going to skip right on to the Seahawks comps, purely based on size. The first one was actually in the RAS list.
Those are certainly some names! Having Kelly Jennings as a comp will never be popular, but offsetting that with Jeremy Lane, DJ Reed, and Justin Coleman is kind of neat. I’m a little proud of the Marcus Burley pull too if I’m being honest. Maybe the most interesting thing is that besides Burley and Coleman, the rest of the list also had poor bench numbers like Dansby.
Without full testing, we can’t go much further than this. Dansby does have similar size and strength to some former Seahawks, which is notable.
Gut reaction to the pick
Boy, Seattle was really hitting the CBs hard in the draft, huh? They need depth after the departure of Riq Woolen, and Nehemiah Pritchett hasn’t necessarily lit the world on fire. Throw as many darts at the board and see how many stick. Maybe the fact that Dansby wasn’t able to test helped him slide to the Seahawks? Let’s stay positive on this one.
Rookie season prediction
I came into this thinking that Dansby had a very low probability to make the Seahawks initial 53-man roster. Maybe it’s just a gut feeling, but now I’m not so sure. We’ve got Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe 100% locks with fellow rookie third-rounder Julian Neal as a 99.99% lock. After that, it will be a battle between other fellow rookie Andre Fuller, Dansby, Noah Igbinoghene, Nehemiah Pritchett, and a few others. Dansby’s got ball skills, too.
He also has club control and a cheap contract, which could put him at an advantage over guys like Igbinoghene. Seattle used a draft pick on him likely because they didn’t think they could bring him in as a UDFA. Could there be three rookie CBs that make the roster in 2026?
Nope.
Dansby will lose out on the final roster spot, but his lack of testing and late draft status will allow him to pass through waivers to the Ready Squad. He’ll earn his practice squad elevations and bide his time while he waits for another crack at the roster in 2027.
Tonight’s Arsenal World Cup watch: Seven Gunners in action as teammates go head-to-head
Arsenal supporters have plenty to look forward to as the World Cup Round of 16 continues tonight, with no fewer than seven Gunners potentially in action across two much-anticipated knockout ties.
After the opening two last-16 matches were completed yesterday – with Saliba’s France booking their place in the quarter-finals, tonight sees Brazil take on Norway before England face Mexico, with another four Round of 16 fixtures still to come over the following two days.
From an Arsenal perspective, the standout storyline is an intriguing battle between teammates, as club captain Martin Ødegaard looks to inspire Norway against Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli’s Brazil.
Arsenal teammates become international rivals
While Mikel Arteta would no doubt prefer all of his players to return from the tournament fit and healthy, there is something special about watching teammates battle for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Ødegaard has once again been Norway’s creative heartbeat throughout the tournament and now faces the difficult task of trying to unlock a Brazil defence marshalled by Gabriel Magalhaes. At the other end, Martinelli will be hoping to use his pace and direct running to help the Selecao progress.
Only one side can advance, meaning at least one Arsenal player will see their World Cup journey come to an end tonight.
England quartet aim to continue their World Cup journey
Attention then switches to England’s meeting with Mexico, where Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze could all feature for the Three Lions.
Saka has once again shown why he remains one of England’s most dependable attacking threats, while Rice’s leadership and composure in midfield could prove crucial in what is expected to be another fiercely contested knockout tie.
Madueke and Eze also provide Thomas Tuchel with exciting attacking options, whether from the start or off the bench, giving England plenty of quality capable of changing a game in an instant.
From an Arsenal point of view, there will inevitably be some nerves. Seeing seven players involved at this stage of the World Cup is a testament to the strength of Arteta’s squad, but every knockout match also brings the risk of fatigue or injury ahead of the new campaign.
By the end of tonight, several Gunners could have secured their places in the quarter-finals, while others will see their tournament come to an end. Either way, Arsenal fans will have plenty of reasons to keep both matches firmly on their watchlist.
Which Arsenal player are you backing to shine tonight, Gooners? And who do you think will come out on top when Ødegaard’s Norway take on Gabriel and Martinelli’s Brazil? Let us know in the comments below.
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.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
Jul 4, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) hits a grand slam home run during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Good morning and happy hangover Sunday to everyone! I hope everyone still has all their fingers and ate and drank responsibly. Who ate the most hot dogs? I had none, because I was at my day job all day so that’s a nice low bar for everyone to clear.
The Mariners celebrated 4th of July be beating the brakes off of the Toronto Blue Jays 11-0 thanks to a dominant start by Logan Gilbert, and massive homeruns from Randy, Dom, and Cal. Emerson Hancock will take the ball in the series finale at 2:00 PST on Peacock.
In Mariners news…
Randy Arozarena was named as the Mariners lone All-Star representative in Philadelphia. Hopefully one or two more Mariners can find their way onto the All-Star roster by way of players electing to not participate, Bryan Woo and Dominic Canzone being the most obvious candidates.
The full All-Star rosters are available here. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has already announced that he will not participate in the festivities, meaning Nick Kurtz will slot in as the starting first baseman for the American League.
An emotional Willson Contreras spoke to the media before yesterday’s Red Sox-Angels game, apologizing for his actions that led to a benches clearing brawl in Boston on Tuesday, and opening up about his mental and emotional struggles over the last couple weeks following the horrible earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th.
The Atlanta Braves made a handful of roster moves yesterday, including recalling Bainbridge Island product JR Ritchie from Gwinnett and placing infielder Ha-Seong Kim on the IL with finger inflammation.
The Houston Astros also made some roster adjustments yesterday.
has been comparing the defensive attributes of fellow boxing legends and Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker. Mayweather had the elite honour of retiring with a perfect 50-0 record, with his defensive abilities leading to world title wins in five divisions, rarely ever getting hurt in the process. Before Mayweather ruled the sport throughout the 2000s and […]
Microsoft has already confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 is the next annual feature update, and it's expected to roll out during the second half of 2026. Unlike those feature drop upgrades we used to get, requiring a full installation, this release will follow the same servicing model as version 25H2, arriving as a small enablement package that simply switches the version number from 25H2 to 26H2.
Whenever the company takes this approach, I see the same reaction: "It's not a real update because it doesn't include anything new," and I don't think that's accurate.
The enablement package is just the way the software giant delivers the update. It doesn't determine what's actually included in the release.
Today, Windows 11 evolves through monthly cumulative updates rather than one massive annual upgrade. Throughout the lifecycle of version 25H2, Microsoft continues to roll out new features, interface improvements, and security enhancements. When version 26H2 arrives, all of those additions officially become part of the next supported release.
If you're already running Windows 11 version 25H2, you'll likely receive most of these features before upgrading to 26H2. The actual installation will simply enable the new version while extending support for another two years. If you're upgrading from an older release, however, all of these improvements will arrive together, making the update feel much more substantial.
That alone is reason enough not to dismiss Windows 11 version 26H2.
In this guide, I'll highlight seven features and improvements I'm personally looking forward to the most.
Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) top features
This list is not organized in any specific order. Also, at the time of this writing, the improvements are part of the Windows Insider Program, more specifically in the Experimental channel.
As a result, Microsoft can choose to discard any of them at any time, and remember that the company uses a gradual rollout approach, meaning it could take time for the new improvements to reach every compatible device, even after version 26H2 has been released.
1. Ask Copilot finally feels useful
Microsoft has been adding AI features across Windows 11 over the past couple of years, but not all of them have improved everyday tasks.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Ask Copilot aims to be something different. It introduces a new search box that brings Copilot directly into the search experience, allowing you to interact with AI while also using it as a traditional search tool.
It's not just for chat-style answers. You can use it to quickly find files, open apps, or locate system settings, similar to Windows Search but with AI-assisted results layered in.
What makes this feature more interesting is that it's optional. You're not forced to replace Windows Search. You can choose when to use Copilot instead.
While I'm not fully convinced of Microsoft's AI integration, I like this feature because it's surprisingly fast for surfacing settings and files, and it's optional.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
This feature can be managed from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
This feature is expected to be available on Copilot+ PCs as well as on regular PCs.
2. A more customizable Taskbar
The Taskbar is probably the part of the desktop I interact with more than anything else, so even small improvements can make a noticeable difference.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
This new version is expected to bring long-requested customization options, including the ability to position the Taskbar anywhere on the desktop, and you'll also be able to make the Taskbar smaller.
These Taskbar improvements have specific settings that can be managed from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, and then by accessing the "Taskbar behaviors" settings to change the position and size.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Giving users more control has always been one of the platform's strengths, and I'd like to see Microsoft continue moving in that direction.
3. The redesigned Start menu
The redesigned Start menu is probably the feature I'm most excited about.
Microsoft is finally making better use of the available space while giving users more flexibility over how the menu looks and behaves.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
First, the company is adding a menu setting to choose between smaller and larger sizes, rather than relying on the system to automatically determine size based on screen scaling and resolution.
Then there's an updated layout that makes it easier to organize pinned apps, browse installed applications, and reduce some of the clutter that has frustrated many Windows 11 users since launch.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
For example, you can now independently show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All.
Also, note that "Recommended" has now been renamed to "Recent," and it's much clearer to hide it. Also, you can customize what type of content appears in this section.
Furthermore, disabling recent and suggested files will no longer turn off File Explorer's recent history.
Finally, to improve privacy while doing a presentation, you'll find a new option to hide your name and profile picture from the Start menu.
These settings will appear under Settings > Personalization > Start.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Instead of insisting there's only one correct way to use the Start menu, the company is giving users more choices. That's exactly what I expect from the operating system.
4. Windows Search without web results
This may be one of the smallest additions in version 26H2, but it's also one I've wanted for a long time.
Microsoft is finally adding an option to turn off web results in the Windows Search feature.
When I open the Start menu and type something, I'm usually looking for a file, a setting, or an app on my computer, not Bing search results. So, having a built-in setting to turn off web results should make Windows Search feel faster, cleaner, and far less distracting.
This implementation is expected to appear on Settings > Privacy & security > Search, under the "Show suggested search results" setting, where you'll also find an option to prevent search from showing Microsoft Store apps.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Sometimes the best new features are the ones that remove unnecessary clutter.
Currently, this feature is still a work in progress, but it can already be surfaced in the latest preview build of the operating system in the Experimental channel from version 26H2.
5. Better control over Windows Update
Windows Update has improved significantly over the past few years, but I still think users deserve more control over when updates happen.
As part of the new improvements, the company is expanding the Windows Update controls, making it easier to schedule updates and pause installations when needed without (significantly) compromising security.
For example, you can now use a calendar-based setting to pause updates for up to 35 days, and you can pause as many times as you want.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
The new setting is available through Settings > Windows Update.
In addition, the company is reducing monthly reboots to only one by aligning the install schedule for drivers, products, and firmware updates with the quality update.
Also, the settings page for updates now groups downloads under a single "Available updates" section, and drivers include clearer labels.
Furthermore, the power options in the Start menu now show independent commands to restart and shut down without installing updates.
While the calendar-based setting to pause updates is gradually rolling out through the July 2026 Security Update, this improvement will also be considered part of version 26H2.
6. Administrator Protection security feature
Security features rarely generate much excitement, but Administrator Protection is an exception.
The feature changes how the operating system handles administrator privileges by adding another layer of protection around elevated processes, making it more difficult for malicious software to gain unrestricted access to the system.
Administrator Protection works by creating a temporary account to execute the task and then deleting the account when the task is complete. This approach ensures that the administrator privileges are not persistent, making the system more secure.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
This feature is expected to become available through the "Account protection" page in the Windows Security app.
One thing to note is that this feature will replace User Account Control and will use Windows Hello for authentication.
7. Run dialog with modern design
Microsoft is finally giving the Run dialog box a visual refresh.
The new interface adopts the design language of Windows 11, bringing rounded corners, improved spacing, and a cleaner overall layout that better matches the rest of the operating system.
It's also noticeably larger than the classic version. The expanded layout provides a wider input field for commands and introduces a "recent commands" section positioned above the text box, making it easier to reuse previously entered entries.
Another practical improvement is the ability to surface matching apps as you type, complete with their icons. It's a small but useful upgrade that helps bridge the gap between a simple command launcher and a more modern search-style experience.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
What makes this change particularly interesting is that the company isn't forcing it on everyone, at least initially. The redesigned Run dialog will be optional, with a toggle available in Settings > System > Advanced under the "Run dialog" option, allowing users to switch between the classic and modern versions.
Windows 11 doesn't need another major redesign
I understand why some people look at Windows 11 version 26H2 and think it isn't a major release, especially since it installs as a small enablement package.
However, that view places too much emphasis on how the update is delivered rather than on what it actually includes.
Microsoft no longer waits for one big annual release to add new features. Instead, Windows 11 is updated continuously throughout the year. The annual update simply packages all of those changes into a new, supported version of the operating system.
That's why I'm looking forward to the Windows 11 2026 Update.
It will take only a few minutes to install. However, by the time it arrives, it will already include months of improvements across the system, from a redesigned Start menu and a more customizable Taskbar to better search, stronger security, improved Windows Update controls, and a more practical approach to AI.
Windows Central's Take
I think Windows 11 version 26H2 shows that Microsoft has finally settled into a better update strategy. (At least for the foreseeable future.) Instead of holding features back for one big annual release, the company is delivering improvements when they're ready and using the feature update to reset the support lifecycle. That may not be as exciting as the old days of massive releases, but it's a much better experience for people who actually use the operating system every day.
More importantly, I like the direction that the company is taking with many of these changes. The common theme isn't flashy AI features or another visual overhaul. It's giving users more control over how Windows 11 works, whether that's customizing the Start menu, moving the Taskbar, cleaning up Windows Search, or making Windows Update less intrusive.
Of course, not every feature will matter to everyone, and some may still change before the final release. However, if Microsoft follows through on what it's testing today, I think 26H2 could end up being one of the most practical Windows 11 updates yet, even if it arrives as nothing more than a small enablement package.
What are your thoughts on some of the expected features coming as part of the 2026 Update for Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
Better yet, you can pick up the Zenbook A14 for just $1,349.99 at Best Buy with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, or for $1,799.99 at Best Buy with the same 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD as the ASUS store configuration. Naturally, if you're looking for the best deal, Best Buy currently offers the best value for money and, at the time of writing, better availability. Also consider the $1,699.99 Zenbook A16.
Zenbook A14 sample specifications
Component
Spec
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-88-100
RAM
32GB LPDDR5X-9523MT/s
GPU
Qualcomm Adreno (Integrated)
Display
14" 16:10 WUXGA (1920 x 1200) non-touch 60Hz OLED
Storage
1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
Battery / Charger
70WHrs / 100W USB-C
Weight
2.18 lbs (0.99 kg)
Not only does Best Buy offer a 16/512GB model at a lower price than ASUS' official digital storefront, but you also have a chance to pick up a Zenbook A14 at your local store.View Deal
Is the Zenbook A14 a good laptop?
It's a subtle sandy color, and the beige finish looks more interesting than any stock silver.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralDown-firing speakers hide beneath this lightweight chassis.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
Above all, the most astonishing reaction I had when first unboxing the Zenbook A14 was its weight. ASUS lists the laptop at 2.18 lbs (0.99 kg), and my own scales showed it flicker between that and a perfect kilogram, so its "light as air" marketing tagline is legit, even if it is marginally heavier than last year's Zenbook A14 (2.16 lbs). For comparison, a 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) is 2.7 lbs.
ASUS still uses a "Ceraluminum" (ceramic-aluminum) coating on its Zenbook chassis, and to great effect. There can be some mild flex in the ultra-skinny screen, but the laptop's body is firm and sturdy, keeping the subtle 'Zabriskie Beige' color with a reflective logo on its lid. Its 1200p display maxes out at 60Hz, but the Lumina OLED panel looks as great as ever.
USB4 provides high-speed Type-C support, while a physical headphone jack is a welcome addition.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralUSB-A on the right side means my traditional wireless mouse dongle still works.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralThe keyboard is a fairly standard affair, including the squashed laptop arrow keys.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
Testing the display with a colorimeter showed a maximum full-screen brightness of 407 nits, while ASUS maintains it'll reach a "peak" brightness of 600 nits in portions of the screen. Color accuracy is superb, covering 100% of the sRGB and P3 gamuts, while Adobe RGB hits 94%, making the Zenbook A14 a great choice for creators concerned with accurate color representation.
Port selection hasn't changed this year, so I still have access to dual Type-C USB4 ports alongside HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5 combo audio jack on the left side, plus a full-size USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port on the right. The keyboard feels serviceable with a 1.3 mm travel distance, just as it did on the Zenbook A16 I tested recently, and it pairs with a satisfyingly smooth glass mechanical touchpad.
Does the Zenbook A14 have any issues?
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite chip features a powerful NPU, if you ever need it. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
ASUS still preloads some apps into its Windows 11 image on Zenbook laptops, including advertisements for Adobe and Dropbox that are automatically pinned to your Start menu. Both are easy to remove via the right-click context menu and are largely overshadowed by the useful MyASUScompanion app. So, while it isn't totally clean, I can give the Zenbook A14 a passing grade here.
Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X2 Elite processor offers its Hexagon NPU rated at up to 80 TOPS. However, aside from Microsoft's excellent Click To Do and a handful of other Copilot+ PC features, the Zenbook A14 doesn't offer much for stock local AI beyond media management with ASUS StoryCube. If you already use NPU-supported apps, then you'll benefit here. If you don't, then you won't.
[The speakers are] still better than many other laptops I've tried, as ASUS keeps winning my general praise for its audio efforts.
However, the webcam is decent, even if it understandably drains the battery faster during video meetings. Windows Studio Effects is one of the few features that uses the NPU, and HPD (Human Presence Detection) can dim the screen when I'm not looking. An IR sensor also lets the camera use Windows Hello for fast, secure face-based logins, and it works quickly when I open the lid.
The speakers in the new Zenbook A14 are decent, but they don't seem to produce as much bass as its larger Zenbook A16 sibling, for obvious reasons. They're still better than many other laptops I've tried, as ASUS keeps winning my general praise for its audio efforts. I wouldn't rely on them for everything, but it's a passable experience for streaming videos.
How fast is the Zenbook A14?
Geekbench 6 benchmarks measure burst CPU performance.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralCinebench 2024 benchmarks measure sustained CPU performance.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralCrystalDiskMark benchmarks measure SSD read and write speed.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
PCMark 10's video benchmark loops a local file until the battery depletes. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
ASUS claims the Zenbook A14 can deliver "over 33 hours of uninterrupted use" (in a 1080p video playback scenario under controlled conditions), but the highest I could reach was 23 hours and 38 minutes in PCMark 10's equivalent test. It still has the same-sized 70Whr battery as last year's model, and after using the 2026 model for a week or so, generating a Windows Battery Report estimates 17 hours of use after a full charge.
Should you buy the Zenbook A14?
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
You should buy this if ...
✅ You need a lightweight, compact Windows laptop
✅ You rely on CPU-heavy apps and workflows
You should not buy this if ...
❌ You can go bigger — try the Zenbook A16
This 2026 revision builds on everything the Zenbook A14 achieved last year, making the CPU even better and adding Wi-Fi 7 for good measure. Sure, I'd have liked a brighter high-end on its OLED panel, but the cost-saving measures here are meant to keep this 14-inch laptop appealing in a category full of strong competitors — though the sharp generational cost increase still stings.
It's a Windows on ARM laptop with an ARM64 processor, and there is still a (mostly undeserved) stigma around software compatibility. If you're reliant on an old printer or scanner, double-check your drivers before buying; but otherwise, you have nothing to worry about. If you can hold out for a sale, as we recommended for its previous model, the new A14 is a stellar option.
ASUS
Zenbook A14 (2026)
An ultra-compact variation of its stellar 16-inch sibling, the new Zenbook A14 is a premium but portable Windows laptop.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
When life closes a door, it tends to find a way to open a window. This week the tech industry may have tried a bit too hard to make that literally the case. Sony slammed the door shut on physical media while Microsoft extended the window of support for Windows 10.
Over the last seven days, we saw the Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go retired, PlayStation announced the end of discs, Sony revoked movies people paid for, and Xbox studios pushed toward a dissatisfying end. We also received new details on a potential disc-to-digital program for Xbox and gained another year of security updates for Windows 10.
A leaked video even gave us a glimpse of Copilot OS, though the door was never open for that AI-centered operating system to ship to consumers.
Biggest News of the Week
Screenshot: MicrosoftROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty ImagesXbox Game Studios
In a week full of things ending and rumors of shutdowns, it was refreshing to see that a disc-to-digital program could finally make its way to Xbox. Microsoft laid the foundation for that program with the Xbox One over a decade ago, but the company never rolled it out.
Microsoft has not made a final decision about the disc-to-digital program. With digital ownership under threat and Sony making such an unpopular decision, it would be a major miss if Xbox fails to take advantage.
Shopping with Sean
I'm happy to share that laptop deals remain strong and plentiful this week. Right now, you can get the Dell XPS 13 at a major discount. Both the Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Core Ultra 7 versions of that PC are on sale.
The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is $650 off despite the laptop launching recently. It's one of the first PCs with the Snapdragon X2 Elite chip and is the prettiest laptop of the year, according to our review from Zac Bowden.
As portable as it gets, this iconic 13-inch XPS laptop features Qualcomm's high-end, first-generation Snapdragon X processor for all-day battery life and a gorgeous (non-touch) OLED screen.
"The latest Dell XPS 13 brings Intel's Lunar Lake chips to the iconic laptop line, delivering truly all-day battery life and strong performance across the board in a sleek and stylish MacBook-esque design." ~ Christian Guyton, Editor (Computing) at TechRadar
HP's new OmniBook Ultra is the best Snapdragon X2 laptop we've tested yet, complete with a gorgeous design, incredible keyboard and trackpad, best-in-class touchscreen OLED display, and incredible battery life and performance.
Google is working on a new kind of challenge to improve its reCAPTCHA system, using biometric identification to confirm that the user is indeed human. The new method is officially named "hand gesture verification" (HGV), and, according to early testing, is mostly useless. Even worse, HGV might pose a significant...
Microsoft said nearly 40% of its pretax income was booked in Ireland, even though only about 3% of its global workforce is based in the country. In Germany, by contrast, the company reported less than half of 1% of its global profits. Across Europe as a whole, excluding Ireland, Microsoft...
Not every AI model belonging to Anthropic will churn out the results the way you hoped, but the company’s Claude Fable 5 will certainly attain a legendary status for those who wish to port all-time classic titles like Command & Conquer: Generals Zero Hour to iOS, macOS, or iPadOS without running into any headaches. One person reveals how effortless the job is, not to mention that the native version of the game is working on an iPad with touchscreen support. EA made the source code for the game, making porting less of a hassle; Claude Fable 5 achieved what Anthropic’s […]
Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra could come with a new camera sensor upgrade that may finally end the long-standing reign of the 12MP selfie resolution.
The 12MP camera has been in action since the S23 series, and Samsung hasn’t paid much of the attention to this camera for the past three years. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features the same 12MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture as the S23 Ultra.
These reiterations have been called in the past by consumers, but it had no effect until a recent phenomenon. This may have triggered Samsung to change its approach for the selfie camera.
Last year, Apple released the iPhone 17 series with a 24MP square selfie camera. It is an upgrade from the 12MP used in the previous generations. This is a rather interesting technology that Samsung may have been exploring after the iPhone 17 release.
It’s called the Center Stage camera and has the following advantages over the 12MP lens:
Offers higher megapixels, bringing better resolution and color details
This new sensor supports better image stabilization in photos and videos.
The sensor is square, but standard photos are rectangular, enabling users to take full 18MP landscape photos while keeping the photo vertical. The phone does so automatically, as soon as it detects multiple people in the frame.
Since Samsung follows Apple, the next move might take us to a better selfie camera.
According to a new report, the Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra are getting a 16MP camera, while the base model might continue with a 12MP sensor. The Korean phone maker likes to keep the difference pretty obvious and give the top two devices this special treatment. Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S27 series in early 2027.
Fenerbahçe'nin yeni sezon öncesi Avusturya'nın Windischgarsten bölgesinde yapacağı hazırlık kampının kadrosu belli oldu. Sarı lacivertlilerde 2026 Dünya Kupası'nda yer alan isimlerin dışında, iki yeni transfer de 36 kişilik kafileye dahil edilmedi.
Fenerbahçe yeni sezon hazırlıklarının ikinci etap kampı için bugün Avusturya’ya gidecek. Sarı lacivertliler, Windischgarsten bölgesinde yapılacak olan hazırlık kampına götürülecek futbolcuları açıkladı.
Fenerbahçe'de yeni transferlerden Vedat Muriqi sakatlığı nedeniyle kadroya alınmadı. Muriqi, Topuk Yaylası'ndaki kampta sakatlanmış ve sağ alt adalesinde kısmi yırtık tespit edilmişti.
Fenerbahçe'nin bir başka yeni transferi Amara Diouf da kafilede yer almadı. Sarı lacivertli kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, Topuk Yaylası kampında planlanan program doğrultusunda çalışmalarını gerçekleştiren Senegalli futbolcunun gelişim sürecinin, teknik heyet ile sağlık ve performans ekibinin ortak değerlendirmesi doğrultusunda titizlikle planlanladığı aktarıldı ve şu sözlere yer verildi:
"Kulübümüzün geleceğe yönelik önemli yatırımlarından biri olan futbolcumuz Amara Diouf’un gelişiminin en sağlıklı şekilde devam etmesi amacıyla bireysel çalışma programının sürdürülmesine karar verilmiştir.
Bu doğrultuda futbolcumuz, Avusturya kamp kadrosunda yer almayacak olup, çalışmalarına Samandıra Can Bartu Tesislerimizde sağlık ve performans ekibimizin belirlediği program doğrultusunda devam edecektir."
Fenerbahçe'de Ederson, Livakovic, Ake, Semedo, Amrabat ve Kante de 2026 Dünya Kupası'nda yer almaları sebebiyle kadroda yer almıyor.
Fenerbahçe'nin milli futbolcusu İsmail Yüksek'le birçok Avrupa ekibi ilgileniyor. Ancak bu ayrılığın gerçekleşebilmesi için birçok şartın gerçekleşmesi gerek...
İsmail Yüksek'in Fenerbahçe'deki forma sürelerinden rahatsız olduğu uzun süredir konuşuluyor. İçinde bulunduğumuz transfer döneminde yine onunla ilgili haberler var... Birçok Avrupa ekibi, milli futbolcunun durumunu takip ediyor. İsmail'le ilgili son kararı adaşı İsmail Kartal verecek. Ancak Kartal da bazı belirsizliklerin sona ermesini bekliyor.
AYRILANLAR OLABİLİR
Öncelikle Fenerbahçe'nin mevcut orta saha havuzundan bazı isimlerin ayrılabileceği konuşuluyor. İsmail Kartal, planlarını bu ayrılıklara göre yapacak. Yeni sezon hazırlıkları bitmeden İsmail Yüksek'le ilgili karar çıkması beklenmiyor. Aynı zamanda Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun belirlediği 10+4'lük yabancı kontenjanı geçerliliğini koruyor.
YERLİ İSİMLERİN ÖNEMİ
10+4'le birlikte yerli isimlerin önemi iyice artmış durumda... İsmail Yüksek de onlardan biri... Eğer önümüzdeki sezon da orta alanda ağırlıklı olarak yabancı futbolcuların oynamasına karar verilirse İsmail'e izin çıkabilir. Aksi durumda takımda kalacak. 27 yaşındaki futbolcunun Fenerbahçe'yle 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar sözleşmesi var.
Galatasaray Victor Nelsson'u kesinlikle gönderecek. İtalyan ekibi Monza'dan bir teklif geldi ama rakam kesinlikle çok düşüktü. Sarı-Kırmızılılar, Samsunspor'un hamlesini görmek istiyor.
Galatasaray ve Victor Nelsson arasındaki ipler çok önce kopmuştu. Danimarkalı stoper, geçen sezon başında Verona'ya kiralandı. İtalyan ekibi, Serie A'dan düştü ve satın alma opsiyonu kullanılmadı. Cim-Bom, mukavelesi 30 Haziran 2027'de bitecek oyuncudan para kazanmak istiyor.
BU HAFTA İÇİNDE
Resmen devreye giren ilk ekip Monza oldu... Ancak İtalyanların teklifinin son derece düşük olduğu öğrenildi. Galatasaray bunu geri çevirdi... Cim-Bom şu anda Samsunspor'un hamlesini görmek istiyor. Karadeniz ekibinin bu hafta içinde konuyla ilgili masaya oturması bekleniyor.
MAAŞ VE KONTENJAN
Galatasaray'ın kafasındaki rakam 6-7 milyon euro civarında... Eğer Samsunspor buralara çıkabilirse iş bitecek. Öte yandan Acun Ilıcalı'nın sahibi olduğu Hull City'den de girişim gelebilir. Burada kesin olan tek bir şey var... Victor Nelsson kesinlikle önümüzdeki sezon Galatasaray'da oynamayacak...
Beşiktaş'ın eski teknik direktörü Sergen Yalçın, Gökhan Sazdağı transferini kendisi istemişti. Murillo geldikten sonra oyuncuya şans vermedi. 31 yaşındaki sağ bek, Çorum FK'nın yolunu tuttu.
Beşiktaş'ın eski hocası Sergen Yalçın, 2-1 kazanılan Başakşehir karşılaşmasının ardından, "Transfer döneminin bitmesine 10 gün kala geldim. Benim kontrolümde olan bir süreç değildi. Eski teknik adam ve scout ekibinin takip ettiği oyuncular alındı. Türk oyuncu kalitemizi yükseltmek için Gökhan ve Cengiz transferlerinde rol oynadım" açıklamasını yapmıştı.
YİNE YEDEK KALACAKTI
Ara transferde yine Sergen Yalçın'ın onayıyla Amir Murillo alındı. Sonrasında Gökhan Sazdağı kelimenin tam anlamıyla formayı unuttu. 31 yaşındaki tecrübeli sağ bek, yeni sezonda Çorum FK forması giyecek. Çünkü kalması halinde yine Murillo'nun yedeği olacaktı...
CENGİZ ÜNDER'İN DURUMU DA MALUM
Sergen Yalçın'in bizzat istediği isimlerden biri de Cengiz Ünder'di... 28 yaşındaki kanat oyuncusu, tribünlerin hedefi haline geldi. Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe'den kiralanan futbolcunun satın alma opsiyonunu kullanmadı. Cengiz, Kanarya'ya döndü. Oradaki mukavelesi ise 30 Haziran 2027'de bitecek.
Beşiktaş'ın yeni hocası Vincenzo Italiano'nun, Taylan Bulut'un kalması yönünde rapor verdiği konuşuluyordu. Fakat Gökhan Sazdağı'nın ayrılığıyla birlikte bazı gerçekler su yüzüne çıktı.
Beşiktaş sezon başında Schalke 04'e 6 milyon euro ödeyerek Taylan Bulut'u kadrosuna katmıştı. Genç sağ bekle 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar mukavele yapıldı. Beklentiler yüksekti fakat 20 yaşındaki futbolcu doğru düzgün oynayamadı. 1.88 boyundaki savunmacı, Süper Lig'de sadece 7 maça çıktı. Sahada 445 dakika kalabildi.
TEK YEDEK TAYLAN
Kartal'da yeni hoca Vincenzo Italiano'nun, Taylan'ı beğendiği ve kalması yönünde rapor verdiği konuşuluyordu. Ancak Gökhan Sazdağı'nın Çorum FK'ya gitmesinin ardından bazı gerçekler ortaya çıktı. Şu anda Murillo'nun yedeği olarak sadece Taylan kaldı.
AÇIKLAMA YAPILMIŞTI
Beşiktaş Yönetimi, 10+4'lük kontenjanın ardından sağ beke yeni bir yabancı hamlesi yapmayı kesinlikle düşünmüyor. Bu durumda 2 kontenjan sadece savunmanın sağına gidecek. Siyah-Beyazlılar eylül ayında, "Futbolcumuz Taylan Bulut'un T.C. vatandaşlık işlemleri tamamlanmış olup resmen tescil edilmiştir. Böylece oyuncumuz, yerli statüsünde forma giyebilecektir" açıklamasını yapmıştı.
Fenerbahçe, Diego Carlos'un sağlık kontrollerinin tamamlanmasının ardından Avusturya kampına katılacağını açıkladı. Carlos, sarı-lacivertlierin daha önce belirlediği tarihlerde sağlık kontrollerine katılmamıştı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de yeni sezon öncesinde çalışmalarına başlayan Fenerbahçe, yurt dışı kampı için Avusturya'ya gidecek. Sarı-lacivertliler, Avusturya kampı öncesinde daha önce sağlık kontrollerine katılmayan Diego Carlos için yeni bir açıklama paylaştı.
Fenerbahçe'den yapılan açıklamada deneyimli stoperin sağlık kontrollerinin tamamlanmasının ardından Avusturya'daki kampa katılacağı belirtildi. Tecrübeli stoper, Fenerbahçe'nin Topuk Yaylası'nda gerçekleştirdiği ilk etap kamp çalışmalarında yer almamıştı.
Sarı-lacivertli kulübün açıklamasında, “Profesyonel Futbol A Takımımız, yeni sezon hazırlıklarının ikinci etap kamp çalışmalarını sürdürmek üzere bugün Avusturya'ya hareket edecektir. Futbolcumuz Diego Carlos, planlanan sağlık kontrollerinin tamamlanmasının ardından Avusturya kampına katılarak çalışmalarına başlayacaktır.” denildi.
NE OLMUŞTU
Fenerbahçe, 24 Haziran'da yaptığı açıklamada Diego Carlos'un sağlık kontrollerine katılmadığını duyurmuştu. Kulüpten yapılan paylaşımda Carlos'la ilgili, "23 Haziran 2026 tarihinde planlanan rutin sağlık kontrolleri kapsamında, futbolcumuz Diego Carlos kendisine bildirilen programa uygun olarak sağlık kontrolüne katılamamıştır. Oyuncumuzla temas kurma ve durumunu netleştirme yönündeki girişimlerimiz devam etmekte olup, Futbol Direktörümüz Oğuz Çetin’in koordinasyonunda süreç kulübümüzün menfaatleri doğrultusunda yakından takip edilmektedir." ifadeleri kullanılmıştı.
GEÇTİĞİMİZ SEZONKİ PERFORMANSI
Diego Carlos, geçtiğimiz sezonu İtalya Serie A takımlarından Como'da kiralık olarak geçirdi. 33 yaşındaki stoper, Como'da 31 maçta sahaya çıkarken 1 gol ve 1 asist kaydetti. Carlos, sezonun tamamlanmasıyla İtalyan ekibinden ayrılmıştı.
Capcom has confirmed the pricing and release date for the Street Fighter 6 Year 4 pass. Here is what you will pay for Tifa Lockhart, Yasmine, and the rest of the new roster.
MagicX has announced the discontinuation of the Mini Zero28 Android handheld, citing memory prices as the reason. However, it has also announced a potential successor that will have a larger display but ship with Linux out of the box.
The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro stands out as a highly capable smartwatch in our latest review, delivering three essential features that elevate the user experience and quickly become indispensable—at least for me as a heavy smartwatch user.
The Honor 600 continues to develop its predecessor consistently. A brighter OLED display, larger battery, faster SoC and the new IP69K certification make the smartphone a successful upgrade. Small weaknesses such as the lack of 6 GHz Wi-Fi, wireless charging and the exclusively digital zoom do not tarnish the overall very good impression a little.
The Steam Machine is, in a sense, getting a semi-official front display based on E‑Ink technology. Developed by a Valve-affiliated contributor, the project offers a low-power, always-on screen for system information and customization.
Bayern Münih ve Fransa Milli Takımı'nın savunma oyuncusu Dayot Upamecano, Real Madrid ile adı geçen takım arkadaşı Michael Olise için, "Kalıyor." dedi.
Fenerbahçe'nin, Avusturya'nın Windischgarsten bölgesinde yapacağı hazırlık kampının kadrosu belli oldu. Sarı-lacivertli ekipte Vedat Muriqi ve Amara Diouf kafilede yer almadı. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Fenerbahçe, yaz transfer dönemi gündeminin üst sıralarında yer alan Mason Greenwood için temaslarını sıklaştırdı. Sarı-lacivertlilerin Marsilya'ya yıldız isim için 2. resmi teklifini ilettiği kaydedildi....Devamı için tıklayınız
Trabzonspor, Aral Şimşir ile 4 yıllık sözleşme konusunda prensipte anlaşma sağladı. Bordo-Mavililer, Midtjylland’a bonuslarla birlikte yaklaşık 15 milyon euro'luk bir teklif iletti.Devamı için tıklayınız
Almanya Milli Takımı'nda teknik direktörlük görevine Jürgen Klopp getirildi. 59 yaşındaki deneyimli çalıştırıcı, görevinden ayrılan Julian Nagelsmann'ın yerine takımın başına geçti. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
2026/2027-ci illər mövsümündə Azərbaycanı Avropa Konfrans Liqasında təmsil edəcək “Zirə” heyətini yeni futbolçu ilə gücləndirib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə paytaxt klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, “qartallar” bir müddətdir ki, komndanın düşərgəsində baxışda olan Kris Diqbeunu heyətinə qatıb. Kot-d’İvuardan olan yarımmüdafiəçi ilə 4 illik müqavilə imzalanıb.
Xatırladaq ki, “Zirə” daha öncə Amin Seydiyev, Maykon Kleyton, Ayxan Hüseynov, Vieyrinya və Hüseynəli Quliyevi də heyətinə qatmışdı. Ceyhun Nuriyev, Stefan Akka, Eldar Quliyev, Leroy Mikels, Rüfət Abdullazadə, Tyaqo Silva, Anatoli Nuriyev, Ayron Qomis və Rövlan Muradov komandanı tərk ediblər. Eren Aydın, Davit Volkov, Aydın Bayramov Elçin Əlicanov, Enrike Kustodio və Qismət Alıyevlə isə yeni müqavilə imzalanıb.
Futbol üzrə Braziliya yığmasının keçmiş cinah hücumçusu Duqlas Kosta bundan sonra Birləşmiş Ərəb Əmirliklərində (BƏƏ) forma geyinəcək.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, o, bu ölkənin “Əl-İttifaq” klubu ilə anlaşıb.
Bu barədə sözügedən klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 35 yaşlı futbolçu ilə bağlanmış müqavilənin müddəti və digər detalları açıqlanmayıb.
Kostanın son klubu İtaliyanın D Seriyasında çıxış edən “Kyevo” olub. O, burada yarım mövsüm keçirib və 13 oyuna 1 qol, 1 assist müəllifi olub.
Duqlas Kosta Braziliyanın “Qremio” klubunun yetirməsidir. O, sonralar Donetsk “Şaxtyor”unun, Almaniya nəhəngi “Bayern”in, MLS (ABŞ) təmsilçisi “Los Anceles Qalaksi”nin, İtaliyanın “Yuventus”, Avstraliyanın “Sidney” klublarının, “Fluminense”nin də şərəfini qoruyub.
Kosta 2014-cü ilin noyabr ayında debüt etdiyi Braziliya yığma komandasında 31 oyun keçirib. O, bu oyunlarda 3 qola imza atıb, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
“İnter”in futbolçusu Denzel Dumfris karyerasını İspaniyada davam etdirəcək.
Futbolpress.azxəbər verir ki, “Real” cinah müdafiəçisinin transferi üçün “neradzurra” ilə anlaşıb. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Madridlilər niderlandlı futbolçu ilə 4 illik müqavilə imzalayıb.
“Kral klubu” Dumfris üçün 20 milyon avro ödəyəcək.
Denzel 2021-ci ildən “İnter”in formasını geyinirdi. O, başa çatan mövsümdə A Seriyasında 20 oyuna çıxıb.
“Araz-Naxçıvan”dan ayrılan Felipe Santos karyerasını Taylandda davam etdirəcək.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, braziliyalı hücumçu “Banqkok”a keçib. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Santosla anlaşmanın detalları açıqlanmayıb.
Beninli futbolçu Azərbaycanda “Araz-Naxçıvan”dan başqa “Keşlə” (indiki “Şamaxı”) və “Qəbələ”də çıxış edib.
Orlando Gill has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, and the Paraguay goalkeeper has now been drawn on speculation linking him with a move to Torino.
The San Lorenzo shot-stopper announced himself on the biggest stage with a heroic display against Germany in the Round of 32, saving two spot-kicks in the shootout to secure a stunning 4-3 win, the first time Paraguay have ever beaten the Germans, and widely billed as the upset of the tournament.
Named Player of the Match, Gill saw his side’s run ended only by a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in the last 16 last night.
Asked by Sky about the interest from Italy, the keeper was flattered but non-committal.
“Why not? They’re one of the biggest clubs in this country,” he said of Torino, with quotes via Ansa.
“But they’ll decide, they’ll analyse the offer and everything.”
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 29: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote netcam) Orlando Gill #12 of Paraguay saves the Germany’s fourth penalty taken by Nick Woltemade #11 of Germany in the penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Gill stays coy on Torino and a Serie A switch
For now, Gill is in no hurry to plot his next step, with a well-earned break beckoning after an exhausting few weeks in North America.
“Now I’ll take a period of rest, then we’ll see: whatever God wills, let it happen,” he added.
Those displays across the tournament have transformed the profile of a goalkeeper who was little known in Europe before the summer, and his composure under the most intense pressure imaginable will only have sharpened the interest of clubs like Torino.
Whether that admiration turns into a concrete offer for the San Lorenzo man remains to be seen, but Gill has done little to discourage the idea of testing himself in Serie A.
Milan are closing in on the signing of Lazio defender Mario Gila, with the Spanish centre-back identified as the priority target to reinforce Ruben Amorim’s defence.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri hope to wrap up an agreement with Lazio as early as Monday, with the two clubs separated by only a small gap.
Milan have offered €22 million as a fixed fee, while Lazio are holding out for €25 million, a figure that would climb towards €30 million with bonuses.
The distance is considered minimal, and Milan’s recruitment team are confident of finding common ground, buoyed by an agreement already in place with the player on a salary of around €5 million net per season, and with his agent, Alejandro Camaño, over commissions of roughly €5 million.
Camaño is said to be working personally to bring the parties together. Gila’s capture would represent a blow to several rivals, including Massimiliano Allegri’s Napoli.
Ruben Amorim appointed head coach (Source: acmilan.com)
Amorim lands in Milan and drives the Gila deal
The pursuit is being pushed by Amorim himself, with the Portuguese coach, who signed his contract in mid-June, having already spoken directly with Gila about a shared future at San Siro, and arriving in the city on Monday to begin work in person.
He is due to visit Casa Milan after landing before heading to the Milanello training base on Tuesday, ahead of a press unveiling later in the week and the squad’s return on 13 July.
Working remotely since his appointment, Amorim has shaped his backroom staff, five trusted aides will follow him to Italy, and identified Gonçalo Ramos as his ideal centre-forward, a request RedBird’s Gerry Cardinale met with a club-record signing. A defender was the next priority, and Gila is not expected to be the Rossoneri’s last piece of summer business.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah prefers Inter to Como, yet the defending Serie A champions have not yet tabled an official offer for the Blues.
Multiple sources in Italy claim it’s a two-horse race to sign England international Chalobah, with Inter and Como already in talks.
Inter or Como: latest on Chalobah’s potential Serie A move
Chalobah’s agents landed in Italy earlier this week to meet both Serie A sides, and according to the latest report in Gazzetta, Chalobah prefers a move to Inter.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 22: Trevoh Chalobah #12 of England trains during and England Training Session on June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge on February 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Inter, on the other hand, have held talks with the player’s entourage and received the green light for a summer transfer.
Personal terms are not believed to be an issue for the defending Serie A champions, but Inter have yet to make an opening offer for Chalobah, leaving Como fully in the race.
Cesc Fabregas’ side, in fact, is expected to send a third offer to Chelsea next week.
Read on for our guide on how to buy Argentina vs Egypt World Cup tickets, as well as a preview of this match as we prepare for Lionel Messi vs Mohamed Salah on the biggest stage.
Fans won’t want to miss this one, so read on for ticket info and what to expect from this exciting World Cup clash…
How to buy Argentina vs Egypt World Cup tickets
FIFA’s official website has ticket information via the link here, but going through the official channels can often be expensive as well as a lengthy wait.
Make sure you take a look at our alternative here, with our providers offering good prices and guaranteed seats together, plus a 150% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
How Argentina could line up vs Egypt
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has mostly stuck with one lineup in this World Cup so far, but he might be tempted to change things around a little after an unconvincing performance against Cape Verde.
Argentina only won 3-2 in extra time after a worryingly close game, so perhaps there’s a case for bringing in Julian Alvarez over Lautaro Martinez, and maybe Gonzalo Montiel over Nahuel Molina at right-back.
Still, don’t expect too many changes, so perhaps a starting XI something like this…
Argentina predicted line up: Martinez; Montiel, Medina, Martinez, Romero; Fernandez, Mac Allister, De Paul, Almada; Alvarez, Messi.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: Mohamed Salah of Egypt controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Messi vs Salah set for legendary clash
Argentina will surely be the big favourites for this one, with the reigning world champions having a much better squad in general, though it’s going to be intriguing seeing Lionel Messi against Mohamed Salah in a big game like this.
Messi is in a league of his own, but Salah has also been one of the very finest forwards of his generation, and this could be the last time we see them in a World Cup.
Messi has been on fire in this tournament so far, with seven goals to his name already, while it’s been a little slower going for Salah, though he’ll surely be well up for this big game.
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 (starts at $2,032; $2,217.30 as tested) enters the laptop market with the poise of a veteran. This series has spent years at the top of the ultralight business stack and shows no sign of slowing down. Light and refined as ever with Intel’s “Panther Lake” silicon and equipped with a class-leading keyboard, OLED display, and enterprise-ready tech, it’s every bit the flagship it’s intended to be. That said, consumer models like Dell’s XPS 14 have also raised the bar, so whether the ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s refinements keep it ahead of the pack remains to be seen.
Design of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 may have received a refresh, but its design principles remain unmistakable. Squared edges, matte black surfaces, and functional lines keep it faithful to the lineage that IBM established long ago. The webcam notch is the quickest visual cue that this is a current-generation model. Lenovo’s only real design flourish is the colorful X1 badge on the lid for this flagship; lesser ThinkPads simply have the brand name.
Tom's HardwareTom's Hardware
At just 2.15 pounds, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon feels unrealistically light, to the point that I wondered if the unit I received was hollow. Rest assured, there’s a real computer inside, and the build quality is excellent. The outsides are made mostly of lightweight magnesium, with precise fitment and a premium feel. True to the product name, carbon fiber is used, mainly in the lid cover and its internal frame. Rigidity is just average, though; the palm rest and surrounding deck feel solid, but the chassis flexes more than I expected. The lid, however, is impressively stiff, and the hinges are precisely tuned for one-handed opening.
Measuring 12.3 x 8.49 x 0.6 inches, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon has a similar footprint but is much lighter than the 3.4-pound Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch and the three-pound Dell XPS 14.
Port selection is decent for an ultraportable, with HDMI 2.1, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), and a headphone jack on the left and another Thunderbolt 4 and a USB-A port on the right. Intel wireless networking provides Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Cellular WAN is available.
Productivity Performance on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
We tested the ThinkPad X1 with a Core Ultra 7 355 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. This “Panther Lake” processor features four Performance and four Low Power Efficiency (LPE).
For performance comparison, we included the Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, 10-core M5; $2,349 as tested), Asus Zenbook Duo (Core Ultra X9 388H; $2,299.99), and the Dell XPS 14 (Core Ultra 7 355; $1,699.99). These are all premium systems that you might consider if you’re cross-shopping consumer models. The Apple and Asus use significantly stronger processors, though the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and the XPS 14 can be equipped with the Core Ultra X-series to compete in that tier if you're willing to spend even more.
On the cross-platform Geekbench 6 benchmark, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s single-core score of 2,635 points matched the XPS 14, an expected result considering they both use the Core Ultra 7 355, but the ThinkPad trounced it in multi-core, with 11,107 points to Dell’s 7,964. Neither machine proved a match for Apple’s M5, particularly in single-core. With both Apple and Asus scoring over 17,000 points in the multi-core portion, their processors are clearly in a different league.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon finished our 4K-to-1080p video transcoding test in 6 minutes and 12 seconds, more than 30 seconds quicker than the XPS 14 but not competitive with the Asus (4:22) and MacBook Pro (3:31).
Last, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon completed our 25GB file transfer test with an average transfer rate of 1,256.31 MBps, well behind the Asus’ 1,531.3 MBps and not anywhere close to the MacBook Pro’s leading 1,917.35 MBps.
To stress test productivity laptops, we run 10 loops of Cinebench 2026. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon scored 2,581 points in the first loop and stayed within the 2,500-to-2,600-point range for the remaining loops, demonstrating stable performance. The P-cores ran at an average clock of 3.73 GHz while the LPE-cores ran at 3.46 GHz.
Graphics on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
We run 3DMark Steel Nomad to gauge raw graphics horsepower. Scoring 596 points, the Intel Graphics inside the ThinkPad X1 Carbon are adequate for basic use but little else. The Arc B390 integrated chip in the Asus’ Core Ultra X9 proved far more robust, leading the group with 1,483 points, followed by the MacBook Pro with 1,122 points.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Display on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
Our ThinkPad X1 Carbon uses the 2880 x 1800 OLED panel, an upgrade over the base 1920 x 1200 IPS screen. It produces memorable visuals no matter what you’re viewing. In Dune: Part One, I noted the brilliant white sands of the desert and the inky depths of space. Disney’s Zootopia showed its deep, vibrant color that kept me watching longer than I intended. The anti-glare surface does a commendable job of reducing glare. This panel doesn’t support touch, but you can option touch versions of both the 1920 x 1200 IPS and OLED panels.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s numbers leave little doubt that it has an excellent display. Its color coverage – 82% of DCI-P3 and 115% of sRGB – were within a percentage point of the MacBook’s, just shy of Asus’ 87% and 123%, and ahead of the Dell’s 71% and 101%. Its 473-nit peak brightness is impressive considering it uses an OLED panel, which are often close to or just shy of 400 nits.
Keyboard and Touchpad on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon maintains Lenovo's standard for excellent input devices. The keyboard feels more cushioned than my older ThinkPad X13 yet still provides plenty of key travel for engaging feedback – my fingers intuitively knew when I reached the top and bottom of the keystroke. Keystrokes sound slightly rubbery, with less clack than my older ThinkPad, but still pleasant. The keyboard deck is rock solid and doesn't flex. Highly visible white backlighting makes typing in the dark a breeze.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The layout is highly intuitive, with an inverted-T arrow cluster, dedicated Home/Page Up/Page Down/End/Delete keys, and a programmable F12 shortcut key. The power button at top right is also a fingerprint reader. Classic ThinkPad users will notice Lenovo switched to the mainstream left Ctrl and Fn key arrangement, but they can be swapped in the Vantage app.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon touchpad that we tested is mechanical, but a haptic version is available as a no-cost option on customized models. The pad's top-hinged design works reliably and delivers a firm, satisfying click. The three buttons above the pad couple with the classic TrackPoint pointing solution in the middle of the keyboard. ThinkPads are the only laptops that have them anymore.
Audio on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
I listened to my test audio tracks multiple times on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon since the speakers sounded that good – who would have thought a business laptop could so easily double for entertainment?
In William Black & Luka's "Bleed 4 U", I heard crisp vocals, well-separated instruments, and detailed, impactful bass -- this setup didn't skip a beat or distort in any way when the drops hit.
The Atmos Detailed preset in the Dolby Access app (its default setting) evened out the soundstage for a clearer tone. I switched to the Detailed preset to sharpen the drum hits and vocals in a vinyl rip of "Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz, which also didn't show any distortion even at maximum volume. The realistic volume limit is around 80%, after which the setup doesn't get audibly louder. This setup is easily loud enough for personal listening.
Upgradeability of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
User-upgradeable components in the ThinkPad X1 Carbon are limited to its M.2 2280 SSD and battery pack; models with WAN can also have that module upgraded. Access through the bottom panel is straightforward – four captive Philips-head screws loosen it, then the clips need to be popped along the back edge, which were snugger than I thought. Lenovo maintains an excellent hardware maintenance manual and even provides a video walkthrough on YouTube.
Tom's HardwareTom's Hardware
Lenovo advertised a 9/10 iFixIt score, citing that the keyboard, daughter I/O board, and USB-C ports are also customer replaceable.
Battery Life on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon lasted 13 minutes and 10 seconds in our battery test, which consists of web browsing, running OpenGL tests, and streaming videos with the screen at 150 nits while connected to Wi-Fi.
Though not a leading time – the Zenbook Duo lasted 14:23 with one screen active while the MacBook Pro went for 18:14 – it’s still an impressive showing considering it uses an OLED panel. Dell’s XPS 14 lasted an astounding 20:41, but that’s with the IPS screen; equipped with an OLED screen and more powerful processor, it lasted only 12:23 (not shown in the charts), and that’s with a 70 Wh battery whereas the ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s is rated for just 58 Wh.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Heat on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
During our 10-loop Cinebench 2026 stress test, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon's surface temperatures peaked at 72 degrees Fahrenheit on the touchpad, 94 degrees between the G and H keys, and 106 degrees on the underside. Internally, the Core Ultra 7 355 averaged 91 degrees Celsius across all cores.
Webcam on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
This ThinkPad's 1440p webcam produces an impressively sharp and well-lit picture. I could make out the wood grain on a door about 10 feet away and even the individual hairs on my cat who was looking over my shoulder. Bright lights, like windows and lamps, were properly exposed, and didn't cause my person to be underexposed. The webcam includes an IR sensor for facial recognition and the security of a sliding privacy shutter.
Software and Warranty on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14
Lenovo’s main app is Commercial Vantage, a hub for support access, system updates, and user settings. Those settings include battery smart charging, OLED power settings (taskbar, background, and display dimming), Fn/Ctrl key swap, F12 user shortcut key configuration, and keyboard backlighting brightness. Some settings have moved out of this app into Windows Settings, such as presence detection and display color temperature.
Vantage also provides access to the Aura Edition’s special Smart Modes: Working, Gaming, Creating, Entertainment, Meeting, and Learning. The system automatically switches between the modes depending on the user’s activity. These modes are a combination of settings, some of which are or aren’t enabled for a given mode: auto-prompt VPN (launches a configured VPN client), attention timer (a time limit where notifications are silenced, with a default of 30 minutes), distracting domains (automatically blocks popular social media sites), Wi-Fi fencing (only connects to wireless networks that you designate “safe”), Dolby Audio (sets the mode to Voice, Movie, Music, and so on), and microphone noise canceling mode and listening range. If you move between different environments, like an office to a crowded café, you could tweak the settings and get some usefulness out of this, though I wouldn’t consider it an essential selling point.
As for other apps, Lenovo Smart Share lets you share content from your phone, such as photos, and assists connecting Bluetooth devices.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with a one-year minimum warranty with mail-in service, though preconfigured models often include three years with onsite coverage. Coverage and service plans are available up to five years with accidental damage protection.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Configurations
We tested a midrange ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition with a Core Ultra 7 355 processor, Intel Graphics, 32GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and a non-touch OLED display, retailing for $2,217.30.
The starting model is $2,032 at this writing, though Lenovo’s frequent sales can change the price. CPU options begin with the Core Ultra 5 335 and top out with the vPro-enabled Core Ultra 7 365. Models with the Core Ultra X7 are also supposed to be available but I didn’t see them on Lenovo’s site at the time of writing. Memory is available in 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB configurations depending on the processor. The base 1920 x 1200 IPS display can be upgraded to a 2880 x 1800 OLED panel, with either panel available with touch, though only OLED offers a 120 Hz refresh rate. A privacy screen option only comes in 1920 x 1200 display.
Bottom Line
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 delivers everything that a flagship ultraportable should. Its featherweight chassis, best-in-class keyboard, vibrant OLED display, and competent everyday performance make it an ideal fit for professionals or prosumers who take their work with them. It even doubles as a surprisingly capable entertainment machine thanks to its impressive speakers.
While consumer rivals like Dell’s XPS 14 offer similar performance, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains the productivity go-to because of its superior keyboard, broader port selection, and enterprise-ready options like vPro and WAN availability. For those willing to accept a thicker and heavier machine and use macOS, Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro remains the performance benchmark in this category.
Overall, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 remains an impeccable blend of portability, polish, and practicality, a mix that earns it a place among our recommendations.
The Department of Justice, with the help of the FBI and Finland's National Bureau of Investigation, has arrested a teenager it says is part of Scattered Spider. 19-year-old Peter Stokes is a dual U.S.-Estonian citizen who was trying to board a flight to Japan from Helsinki, when law enforcement caught up with him. Microsoft's GDID also played a part in the Stokes being apprehended. The accused is now awaiting trial, having been charged with conspiracy, cyber intrusion, and fraud.
Scattered Spider is one of the biggest cybercrime syndicates on the planet, having extorted over $100 million in ransom payments, according to the DOJ. The group also operates under the names Octo Tempest, UNC3944, and Oktapus, and is renowned for its social engineering tactics. As such, the main criminal complaint against Stokes stems from a May 2025 attack on a luxury jewelry dealer based in the United States.
The attackers apparently called the company's IT helpdesk using Google Voice, posing as employees. They were able to convince the help desk into resetting their credentials, which allowed them to infiltrate three accounts, two of which had admin privileges. From there, the group, allegedly including Stokes, stole important data and held the jeweler at ransom, demanding an $8 million payment in crypto.
The company ultimately regained access to their infrastructure and avoided paying the ransom, but the operational disruption still caused a purported $2 million in losses. This served as the spark that led to Stokes' eventual arrest in Helsinki, as the prosecutors slowly followed the paper and digital trail laid by the attackers. Microsoft played a key role in the process by providing GDID data to the FBI to help them apprehend the alleged criminal.
GDID stands for Global Device Identifier; it's a unique identifier assigned to every Windows install that tracks device-specific telemetry. It's the reason why sometimes changing a major component in your PC can revoke your Windows license. Anyhow, the court documents from the case reveal that Stokes used Windows, from which investigators were able to link his physical hardware to specific internet activity and locations.
> Peter Stokes> Scattered Spider guy> Arrested> Microsoft helps FBI> Read court documents> Page 12> Microsoft tracks Stokes from GDID> Microsoft Global Device Identifier (GDID)> Stokes used Windows> Page 34> GDID assigned to each OS install> GDID unique to each device… pic.twitter.com/f0fuz0uoMaJuly 4, 2026
From what we can tell, GDID pretty much had a comprehensive report on Stokes ready before the prosecution even built its case and it was only a matter of connecting the dots. Stokes' web activity, videogame history, IP addresses, tool usage (including Ngrok), Azure status, and more were logged with timestamps, and were provided to the investigators by Microsoft.
Of course, this raises questions over just how granular and potentially invasive Microsoft's telemetry can be. In this case, it was used to arrest an alleged hacker, but what if someone else, someone with malign intentions, were to get access to all this data instead? Tech-savvy consumers have complained about Windows' excessive telemetry for a long time; the whole debloating culture is a byproduct of this precedent, but GDID is not something you can remove or disable with the click of a button.
Nevertheless, Stokes was carrying two hard drives full of incriminating evidence with him when boarding his flight to Japan, so that helped, too. His real identity has actually been known since 2024, but since he was a minor living across Estonia and the UAE at the time, he could only be monitored until the time was right. Following the arrest, Stokes was extradited to the U.S., where he appeared in front of a federal court in Chicago for the first time on June 30, 2026, and he remains in custody.
The memory crisis has significantly impacted the PC building community resulting in relatively high prices compared to just a few years ago. This has extended beyond PC hardware components and has impacted laptops as well, making it increasingly difficult for buyers to find a system that offers strong value for money. That said, we’ve spotted a pretty good deal on a gaming laptop today — the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is on sale and selling for $1,899.99 at Best Buy, a $300 discount from its list price of $2,199.99.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is a premium gaming laptop featuring a 16-inch OLED panel with a QHD+ resolution and a 16:10 ratio offering more vertical real estate. It also comes with a 240 Hz refresh rate, support for G-Sync, and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. Not only will your games look great, but you can even use this for photo and video editing purposes.
Acer's Helios Neo 16S AI is a relatively slim gaming laptop with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, a 240 Hz OLED display, and 32GB of RAM. You also get a fast and efficient Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, along with plenty of ports. View Deal
The laptop also comes with Intel’s high-end Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, which has 24 cores and boost clock speeds of up to 5.4 GHz. For memory there is 32GB of DDR5-6400, which is upgradeable, meaning that you have the option of upgrading it down the line. Handling the graphics is Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU with 12GB GDDR7 memory and all the benefits of the Blackwell architecture including DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation and improved ray tracing performance.
As for I/O you get three USB 3.2 Type-A, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a headphone jack, Ethernet, HDMI, and a microSD card slot. For wireless connectivity, you get Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 6E. Other notable features include a 76Wh battery, a quad-zone RGB backlit keyboard, and a sleek profile offering a thickness of 19.9mm.
Chinese tech giant Alibaba has banned its employees from using Anthropic's Claude Code for all work purposes, effective July 10, after security researchers alleged the AI coding agent contained hidden code designed to detect whether users were based in China or affiliated with Chinese AI labs. According to a July 3 South China Morning Post report, the Chinese tech giant said Claude Code had been "added to a list of high-risk software with security vulnerabilities" following a comprehensive evaluation, citing what it described as back-door risks.
Employees have reportedly been instructed to adopt Qoder, Alibaba's in-house AI coding platform, as the replacement. According to reports from Chinese outlets citing company insiders, the directive reportedly goes further than Claude Code itself, as staff have allegedly been told to uninstall all Anthropic products, including the Sonnet, Opus, and Fable model families. The move is the latest escalation in a feud that ignited last month, when Anthropic accused operators linked to Alibaba's Qwen AI lab of running the largest known model distillation attack against Claude.
The trigger for the ban was a June 30 post on the r/ClaudeAI subreddit by a user who claimed to have reverse-engineered Claude Code while restoring a disabled remote-control feature. According to the write-up, obfuscated detection logic had shipped silently since version 2.1.91, released on April 2, with no mention in the release notes. Whenever a proxy was detected, the code reportedly checked whether the system timezone matched Asia/Shanghai or Asia/Urumqi and inspected the proxy URL against a hardcoded list of Chinese domains and AI lab identifiers, reportedly including Alibaba, Baidu, Ant Group, and ByteDance.
What elevated the discovery from routine telemetry to scandal was the exfiltration method. Rather than sending an overt signal, the tool allegedly encoded its findings steganographically, tweaking the date format and swapping a punctuation character in the system prompt sent back to Anthropic's servers — invisible to the user, but machine-parseable on Anthropic's end. The Reddit author called the covert transmission of system and proxy data "a fundamental violation of user trust," saying they simply wanted transparency from Anthropic.
Anthropic has not issued a formal statement, but Thariq Shihipar, an engineer on the Claude Code team, addressed the findings on X, describing the mechanism as "an experiment we launched in March" intended to prevent account abuse by unauthorized resellers and to protect against distillation. Shihipar said the team had been meaning to remove the code for a while, and that the pull request stripping it out was merged on July 1, the day after the Reddit post.
The timing of Alibaba’s Claude ban fits right into the wider rift between the Chinese tech giant and the U.S. artificial intelligence frontrunner. On June 10, Anthropic sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee accusing operators affiliated with Alibaba's Qwen lab of using nearly 25,000 fraudulent accounts to generate 28.8 million exchanges with Claude between April 22 and June 5, in what it characterized as an industrial-scale attempt to distill the model's software engineering and reasoning capabilities. Distillation, training a smaller model on the outputs of a more capable one, sits in a legal and ethical gray zone that the industry has yet to resolve. Alibaba has denied wrongdoing and has not addressed the allegations in detail.
Anthropic followed the Senate letter with sweeping account restrictions, reportedly cutting off numerous Chinese users without notice. The company already maintains the industry's hardest line on access to China, stating it is the only frontier AI firm that restricts service to Chinese-owned entities, even through subsidiaries incorporated abroad. This stance is precisely why Chinese developers reach Claude Code through proxies in the first place, and why a proxy-triggered detection routine reads, to Chinese eyes, as a tool built to hunt them specifically.
The episode slots into a U.S.-China AI relationship that has spent 2026 swinging in both directions at once. Washington had earlier placed export restrictions on AI chips to China. It loosened hardware controls this year, clearing roughly 10 Chinese firms, including Alibaba, to buy H200S in quantities of up to 75,000 units per customer. However, Beijing simultaneously discouraged Chinese firms from buying approved American silicon, citing its own security concerns, as part of a deliberate push toward an indigenous AI stack.
Software access now appears to be following a similar trajectory of restrictions. Anthropic is blocking China at the account level; now, China's largest tech company has banned Anthropic at the workplace level. Earlier, OpenAI banned numerous China-linked accounts accused of artificially amplifying backlash against U.S. data center electricity prices.
I don't think I need a keyboard with a built-in touchscreen, but I also didn't think I needed a keyboard with a built-in Stream Deck (and I was, apparently, wrong). Turtle Beach's take on the customizable-macro-pad-on-your-keyboard is its recently-launched Command Series, which includes a handful of ultra-customizable peripherals with fancy touchscreen inputs — two keyboards, a modular numberpad, and three mice.
The flagship product is the Turtle Beach Command Series KB7 TKL: a low-profile, wired keyboard with magnetic Hall Effect switches and a built-in "Command Center" touchscreen. It features a modified TKL layout (the touchscreen is where the navigation cluster would normally be), dedicated media and macro keys, a light-diffusing silicon wrist rest, and connection points on either side for the KP7 — a modular, standalone 10-key numberpad with a bunch of extra keys, buttons, and a programmable knob (it's actually so fancy we're going to give it its own review). The KB7 is basically the Corsair Galleon 100 SD, but modular and touch...ier. And it's about as pricey — it's available now, in black, for $199.99 (not including the KP7 — that's a separate $99.99 purchase).
Design and Construction of the KB7
The KB7 has a TKL layout — sort of. It has a full function row and arrow keys, but it has a 4.3-inch touchscreen where the navigation cluster would normally be. It's a slim, well-built keyboard with a brushed aluminum top plate and a plastic chassis. Size-wise, it's pretty standard for a TKL, measuring 15.71 inches (399mm) wide by 6.85 inches (174mm) deep, and it's 1.22 inches (31mm) thick at its thickest point (including keycaps/knobs). It's not particularly heavy — it weighs 1.89 pounds (858g) without the wrist rest, which weighs an additional 9.24 ounces (262g). That's nowhere near as hefty as my current favorite TKL — the 5.25-pound (2,380g) Wobkey Crush 80 Reboot Pro — and it's even a little lighter than Logitech's budget-friendly low-profile wireless G515 TKL, which weighs 1.94 pounds (880g). So, yeah, if you're looking for a keyboard with weight... this isn't it.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The KB7 has a nice spacious setup for a TKL — there's plenty of room above the function row for extra controls, including a dedicated volume knob, two media keys, and four triangular shortcut keys. The keys come with presets programmed in — from left to right, there's a game mode button, a profile switch button, a mic mute button, and a lighting toggle button — but all of these keys, including the clickable volume wheel and the two dedicated media keys, can be remapped in Turtle Beach's Swarm II software. The volume knob is notched and features metal textured edges for a premium feel, but the rest of these extra media/shortcut keys are mediocre at best. Pressing them gives cheap, plasticky feedback — but at least they're easy enough to press thanks to all the extra space around them.
The KB7's standout feature is its 4.3-inch full-color "Command Center" touchscreen, which is located on the left side of the board where you'd normally find the navigation cluster. The touchscreen comes with the navigation cluster programmed in, of course — a full 3 x 3 grid, as well as a link at the top that directs you to download the Swarm II software for full functionality. Once you download Swarm II, you can replace this link with three additional touch-buttons, for a full 12-button grid — similar to the physical LCD key setup of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Of course, the KB7's touchscreen doesn't have the extra knobs that the Galleon 100 SD has, but it is a touchscreen, so you can swipe left and right to switch "pages" of button layouts (most of my dial usage on the Galleon 100 SD is, admittedly, moving between layouts). The touchscreen also features a few non-remappable "buttons," including a home button at the bottom, a profile switch button in the top left, and a settings menu at the top, which drops down to let you change settings such as keyboard and touchscreen brightness, set the actuation point, toggle ReacTap and Rapid Trigger, record macros, and remap keys. (There's also yet another button for lighting adjustment, as well as one for profile switching — functions that are extra-redundant, given that the shortcut keys are also pre-mapped with them.)
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The KB7 comes with an accompanying silicon wrist rest that's virtually identical to that of the Roccat Vulcan II Max, which is still one of the prettiest keyboards we've tested to date. The wrist rest is made of soft, smooth translucent silicon with a grooved design that showcases the keyboard's bright, customizable RGB lighting when it's hooked into the bottom of the board. It isn't powered, like the wrist rest that comes with Razer's BlackWidow V4 Pro, it just diffuses the lighting from the board onto the silicon. It's a cool feature that still makes for one of the prettiest keyboard lightshows around. The wrist rest itself isn't particularly plush, but it gives you a nice, gradual slope to the keyboard (which is low-profile, anyway, so you probably don't strictly need it), and it's durable and easy to clean.
Tom's HardwareTom's Hardware
Along the top of the keyboard, in the upper left corner, you'll find a USB-C port and a USB-A passthrough port. The passthrough port is nice — and it's also practically necessary, because this keyboard needs a lot of juice. It can connect to your PC through one USB-C port, or it can connect to your PC through two USB-A ports — again, similar to the Roccat Vulcan II Max, which also required two USB-A ports' worth of power to run. I guess that's the price of pretty lighting (and 4.3-inch touchscreens). But at least you get one USB-A port back as a passthrough port, I guess.
Tom's HardwareTom's HardwareTom's Hardware
The back of the keyboard has two sets of flip-out feet, which raise the typing angle from basically flat to 5 and 7 degrees, respectively. It also features rails on both sides for connecting the KP7 modular keypad — just slide the keypad onto the rails, and you basically have a full-size keyboard (now with a touchscreen in the middle). It's nice that the rails are on both sides, even though I suspect that left-handed numberpad users make up a minuscule percentage of the population.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
In the box, the KB7 comes with a few accessories: the silicon wristrest, a 6-foot (1.8m) braided USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to dual-USB-A adapter, a keycap puller, and four shiny, textured keycaps (designed for the W/A/S/D keys, but they can be used on any standard-sized key).
Specs
Size
TKL (sort of)
Number of keys
78
Switches
Titan Low-Profile HE switches
Backlighting
Yes
Onboard Storage
Yes (5 profiles / 32MB)
Dedicated Media Keys
Yes (volume knob, fast-forward, rewind)
Game Mode
Yes
Additional Ports
0
Connectivity
Wired (USB-C)
Cable
6ft. / 1.8m USB-C to USB-C (comes with USB-C to USB-A x 2 adapter)
Keycaps
Double-shot PBT
Construction
Plastic chassis Anodized aluminum top plate
Software
Swarm II
Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.71 x 6.85 x 1.22 inches / 399 x 174 x 31 mm
Weight
1.89lbs / 858g
MSRP / Price at Time of Review
$199.99
Release Date
May 2026
Typing and Gaming Experience on the KB7
The KB7 is a TKL (-ish) keyboard with Turtle Beach's in-house Titan low-profile linear magnetic Hall Effect switches. They have an adjustable actuation point (0.1 - 3.2mm) and a lifecycle rating of 100 million keystrokes. They're not hot-swappable. Like other magnetic Hall Effect switches, they support all the trendy gaming features that will probably get you banned, including Rapid Trigger, multi-input,controller mode, and ReacTap (SOCD).
I'll admit that I didn't love the way typing felt on the KB7 initially — the linear magnetic low-profile switches combined with the relatively flat, lightweight double-shot PBT keycaps makes for a much flightier typing experience than I'm used to. It took less than an hour for me to get used to it, however, and all in all it's a pretty solid typing experience considering I don't love linear, low-profile, or magnetic switches. The flat, shine-through keycaps make it easy to move your fingers across the board quickly, and the relatively spacious layout means you won't make too many mistakes once you've gotten used to the feel. The board sounds decent — it's not incredible, or anything, but it gives pretty solid thunky feedback for a mainstream gaming keyboard.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
I did have some issues that definitely weren't related to my "just getting used to the feel of the board," however — issues that could probably be remedied with a firmware update and software that worked, but, well... I'm not going to hold my breath. I had several issues while I was typing this review, including ghost inputs, missed inputs, and repeat glitches. All of these issues were quickly resolved, but having to stop the review six times because the keyboard was acting up does not give me great confidence in the board's ability to perform under pressure. I didn't have any serious issues while I was gaming, but I also don't generally play a lot of fast-paced first-person shooters where latency and input accuracy is wildly important (I play a handful for testing, but that's it). The KB7 does boast a speedy 8,000 Hz polling rate, but that means nothing if you can't get the right keys to actuate.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
The touchscreen performance was decent, though I don't know if I'd trust it in a high-pressure situation. While it registered my inputs quickly and accurately, it's still a touchscreen — hardly the kind of input you want to rely on when you're in the middle of a high-stakes battle for your (digital) life. So, while it's useful for general macro-pad type things, it's not something I'd recommend as part of your ultra-competitive gamer arsenal.
Features and Software of the KB7
The KB7 is customizable via Turtle Beach's Swarm II software, which you can download by pressing the link on the touchscreen. You can use Swarm II to program the keyboard (remapping keys, adjusting actuation, recording macros, etc), the touchscreen, and the keyboard's bright, per-key RGB backlighting.
The keyboard settings are pretty standard for a magnetic switch gaming keyboard — you can turn on and adjust Rapid Trigger, multi-input, and ReacTap, and you can fine-tune the actuation point of every single key individually (a thing that nobody does). You can also remap every single key, except the Windows key and the Fn key, to do what you want — on the primary layer you can only swap around the existing alphanumeric punctuation keys (e.g. if you want to set up an unusual keyboard layout), but on the secondary (Fn) and tertiary (Easy Shift) layers you can set keys to do everything from outputting macros to changing system settings and, of course... launching AI? (Apparently this is such a core functionality that it comes standard in the Swarm II software, now — and it's not just CoPilot. There are options for ChatGPT, Gemini, Deep Seek, and Grok, too.)
But the real customization is, or should be, in the touchscreen. It is, however, unfortunately — but not unexpectedly — limited. There are several native widgets you can swap in, but they're not particularly life-changing: PC performance monitoring (CPU / GPU / RAM), multimedia controls (which there already exist dedicated keys for), opening apps / websites / files / folders, controlling your Turtle Beach devices (by which I mean mouse DPI), executing macros, and a count down timer. There's also a tab for third-party apps, which currently consist of Discord (though you'll need to set it up via the Discord developer portal as an integration), Counter Strike, Steam (which just opens Steam), OBS, and Streamlabs. You can also assign the standard keyboard functions, Windows functions, and shortcuts such as copy / paste, forward / back, launch calculator, etc.
Because of course it does.(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
It's a start, but it's definitely nowhere near as robust as the functionality you'll find on Elgato's Stream Decks. Still, this limited functionality is probably workable for most people (after all, you can set up a lot of the functionality you get through third-party apps and plugins by just spending some time creating macros) — if it worked. But the software is, well, let's just say finicky... at best. Setting up the touchscreen seemed to be pretty straightforward, but getting it to stay set up was more of a chore. The software frequently failed in my testing — it would reset, restart, shut down, prompt another six-cycle firmware update (this, at least, I was prepared for — it's pretty standard for Turtle Beach devices to require 14 firmware updates out of the box), etc. When the software was working, the touchscreen worked as expected and could probably replace my Stream Deck. But this was only about 85% of the time, which would probably be decent if my Stream Deck didn't work 100% of the time. And so the touchscreen has ultimately been relegated to a fun gimmick, at least for now.
The Bottom Line
After my surprising love affair with the Corsair Galleon 100 SD, I really wanted to love the KB7 — after all, it's basically the Corsair Galleon 100 SD, but with the option of an actual 10-key numberpad, which was my only real gripe with the latter. But Corsair owns Elgato, which has been making Stream Decks for almost a decade — and has the software and the third-party plugins to back them up. And at the end of the day, a highly customizable macro pad is actually only as customizable as its software allows for. While Turtle Beach currently lacks the integrations to fully compete with Elgato, I do think it has a fighting chance... if it can get the Swarm II software to work, like, at all. I can certainly work without built-in Creative Suite integration, but only if there's something to work with.
I still love the idea of the KB7 and I'm fully ready to hop on the Command Center bandwagon, as soon as Swarm II lets me. But given that this is hardly the first time Swarm II has shot itself in the foot, I'll probably keep this Galleon 100 SD around for a little while longer.
Sony's one-per-order purchase limit on the PS5 Disc Drive, widely cited this week as a response to panic buying after the company said it will end physical disc production for new PlayStation games in January 2028, has been on PlayStation Direct since at least March 2025. Archived captures of the product page cited by HotHardware carry the same wording, "Due to high demand, there is a limit of 1 per order," more than a year before Sony's announcement. Meanwhile, the largest petition against the disc cutoff sat beyond 74,000 signatures on the morning of July 4th, closing in on its 75,000 goal.
Sony did add something to the product page this week: a bolded notice stating that from January 2028, newly released PlayStation games will be sold on the PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital format only, and that discs for games released before that date will continue to play on supported consoles. We checked the live U.S. listing today and found both the new notice and the long-standing order limit, along with a line warning that household limits may apply.
The detachable drive, $79.99 at retail, is the only way to play physical games or Blu-ray movies on the PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Pro, neither of which comes with one. eBay listings for the accessory reached $100 to $130 this week, according to HotHardware, which also noted that Best Buy stocks the drive at retail price with no order limit. Sony hasn't said whether it intends to keep manufacturing the drive after the disc cutoff, or how long the PlayStation Direct restriction will remain in place.
A Change.org petition organized by Jade Pearce, CEO of Canadian game retailer PNP Games, gathered more than 74,000 signatures in three days, and Push Square counted at least 15 separate petitions urging Sony to reverse course. The backlash has already spread beyond petitions, with various companies poking fun at Sony's decision, including GitHub, which announced that it'll begin offering CD-ROM copies of public repositories as a jab at the decision.
Regardless, Sony's disc manufacturing plans appear to be set in stone. PlayStation output accounts for roughly half of the volume at Sony DADC's plant in Thalgau, Austria, with new game disc orders making up around 20% of that share, CEO Dietmar Tanzer told Austrian broadcaster ORF in comments reported by Wccftech. The site's roughly 300 workers are being retrained to produce optical microlenses, with mass production of the new line set to begin in early 2027, a year before the disc cutoff takes effect.
Over the years, our internet-surfing machines have evolved to the point that it's now possible to run entire full-length PC games right inside a browser. The latest milestone in this impressive trajectory is a new, unofficial port of Half-Life 2developed by Slqnt and 98006. It's the complete main campaign of the game, including the two episodic DLCs, accompanied by a host of features that you find on the official release.
A fully playable browser version of Half-Life 2 has just been released to the public. You don't need to download anything, just open the site and play! The webport was created by Slqnt and 98006 in just three months! pic.twitter.com/x88rMgWhxdJune 25, 2026
The game is, in fact, running natively on your computer; there's no cloud streaming involved. Under the hood, the port is powered by WebGL 2, a JavaScript API that bypasses the browser's typical layout engine and talks directly to your GPU to execute graphics-intensive tasks. Then, WebAssembly helps translate C++ code from the Source Engine into JavaScript that the browser can natively understand.
For storage, the port relies on a virtual file system that calls compressed assets via high-speed web requests. You just need to let the cache build up upon first boot for a few minutes, then you're off to the races. The same method creates .sav files directly in the browser's cache or IndexedDB, which allows you to pick up where you left off, just as if you had actually installed the game on your computer natively.
This port also features the Source console integration, enabling you to pull up a fully functioning developer terminal that can accept classic commands. You can type in cheats to give yourself a gameplay boost or tweak the engine variables as per your liking. While you don't get Steam achievements here (understandably), the game's built-in achievements are still present and accessible through the menus.
We tried the game on three different devices: a Windows PC with a Ryzen 7 7700X and RX 6700 XT, a OnePlus 12 smartphone, and a modded Nintendo Switch running Android. As you'd expect, the computer ran it the best and without any hiccups. Since this is a very old, non-demanding game, we were able to max out all the settings and play in full screen while achieving over 100 FPS. Frankly, it looked beautiful.
(Image credit: Future)
The mobile experience didn't work for us, but other users have reported it performing well, so your mileage may vary. Some bugs, however, remain persistent on the ideal desktop experience as well, with many users pointing out a rather hilarious "zombie" glitch where characters' heads render improperly, leaving their eye sockets vacant like a zombie. Certain complex animations also fail to trigger during intense cutscenes.
Overall, this is one impressive project, but it remains unofficial, and that means it's subject to a DMCA takedown from Valve. The port is basically at the company's mercy at this point, but Valve is generally community-friendly when it comes to stuff like this. It took Slqnt and 98006 just three months to develop, and the fact that it has survived roughly two weeks on the internet means it might have precedent to stay.
It's also not the only port of its stature, you can play thousands of old games for free on DOS Zone, including GTA Vice City, andQuake III is also available as a standalone browser project. Copyrighted IP is the only hurdle for retro revivals like these since the talent from the developers, and the grunt from the hardware, is otherwise abundant. If Valve doesn't make Half-Life 3, the fans might as well milk the original games as much as possible
Humanize AI Text converts ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini outputs into natural human writing that passes popular AI detectors. It preserves your meaning while varying sentence structure, tone, and style, with controls for creativity, context, formality, and emotion. Use it to humanize or detect AI text instantly, with private processing and no sign-up or limits.
Human cells processed multiple biological signals using fewer genetic instructions simultaneously
RNA trans-splicing allowed cells to execute complex computational operations efficiently
Researchers built living versions of computer adders and multiplexers successfully
Researchers at Hebrew University claim to have engineered human cells capable of processing multiple biological signals simultaneously, much like small computer chips.
PhD student Keren Roas and Dr. Lior Nissim built an artificial genetic system that allows cells to follow layered instructions without the usual loss of reliability.
Their findings, published in Nature Communications, describe a method that could eventually allow cells to diagnose disease and respond automatically inside the body.
A new approach to genetic computation
Traditional genetic circuits function somewhat like a tall building, where each additional instruction requires another layer of internal computation to operate correctly.
As these systems grow more complex, their performance and reliability tend to decline rather quickly under real conditions.
The Hebrew University team addressed this limitation using a natural process called RNA trans-splicing, which joins separate genetic messages together inside a living cell.
They combined this process with both natural and artificially engineered regulatory elements to build molecular tools resembling biological processors.
Dr. Nissim explained that the new method allows cells to run complex programs using far fewer calculations and genetic building blocks than before.
This reduction, he said, makes it possible to construct more advanced biological programs without sacrificing functional accuracy or consistency.
"Our new approach allows cells to carry out complex programs using far fewer calculations and genetic building blocks," said Dr. Nissim.
"This makes it possible to build much more advanced biological programs without losing functionality."
To demonstrate the system, researchers built a biological "full adder," a three-bit device capable of simple binary math similar to a computer processor.
They also created a biological multiplexer, a component that selects one signal from multiple options and forwards it onward.
Fluorescent proteins glowing in different colours allowed the team to track how these signals moved through each engineered cell in real time.
Toward programmable cell therapies
The system also includes a built-in safety mechanism that activates when a cell detects an invalid or overloaded genetic configuration internally.
This produces a distinct warning signal, which researchers say could eventually help prevent errors during real medical treatments.
As a practical demonstration, the team programmed cells to produce Interleukin—15, an immune protein known to activate cancer-fighting immune cells more effectively.
In theory, similarly programmed cells could monitor for several disease markers at once before releasing treatment only when needed.
Such precision could allow future therapies to target diseased tissue directly while limiting harm to surrounding healthy cells nearby.
By lowering the genetic material and energy required for cellular decision-making, the researchers have created a notably flexible toolkit for future work.
Whether this approach can scale reliably from laboratory demonstrations to actual clinical treatments remains an open and unresolved question.
Still, the underlying logic suggests medicine may increasingly resemble software design, with biological code directing cells on precisely when and how to act.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final: Sunday, July 5 at 3:30pm BST / 10:30am ET
The oldest rivalry in cricket adds another chapter as England take on Australia in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, July 5 at Lord's Cricket Ground. Both sides are unbeaten so make check our guide below for how to watch England vs Australia free online.
England topped their group with convincing victories over the West Indies, Sri Lanka and defending champions New Zealand before producing another commanding display in the semifinals against South Africa. Although tournament-leading run-scorer Danielle Wyatt-Hodge departed early, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt led from the front with a superb 75, while Heather Knight chipped in with a crucial 58 to seal England's place in the final.
A run to the final on home soil will still feel like only half the job done for England, who are through to their first Women's T20 World Cup final since 2018. But between their only title in 2009 and now, they've reached three finals – and lost every one of them to Australia.
Six-time champions Australia have looked every bit as dominant. After comfortably defeating fellow heavyweights India and South Africa, captain Sophie Molineux's side will be aiming to add yet another trophy to their glittering legacy by defeating their Ashes rivals. They'll once again rely on the experience and quality of Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Molineux to deliver when it matters most.
Read on to find out how to watch the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final from wherever you are, including free options.
Can I stream ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final for free?
Alternatively, you can stream the match for free on Prime Video in Australia. All you will need is a basic Amazon account.
Outside any of these countries right now? No worries, you can still stream the action by using a VPN. More details below...
Use a VPN to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final from anywhere
If you're keen to watch cricket but you're away from home and your preferred coverage is geo-blocked, you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.
The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 75% discount, and three months for free.
Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city – anyone can walk right in and take a peek.
TechRadar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice.
✅ Up to 75% off today ✅ 3 extra months free ✅ Unlocks ICC.tv and Prime Video
Get NordVPN and stream the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final from anywhere, even for free.View Deal
Quick start: Using a VPN to watch the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final from anywhere
Using a VPN is incredibly simple, just follow these steps.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view an Australian streaming service, you'd select a location from Down Under (like Perth) from the server list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to Prime Video and watch the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup final just like you would at home.
How to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final live stream in the US
(Image credit: Other)
Cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch England vs Australia in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final in the US.
If you don't have it as part of your cable package, you can watch Willow coverage through your choice of Sling TV's Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starting from $10 per month.
Outside the US right now? You can make use of NordVPN to catch the action.
How to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final live stream in the UK
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final between England and Australia is exclusive to Sky Sports in the UK, who will be showing the match completely FREE.
You can stream the match live without a subscription via the Sky Sports app or watch it on Sky Mix on TV.
Alternaitvely, Sky TV subscribers can tune in on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.
Sky Sports packages start from £22 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now (formerly Now TV). Now Sports memberships start at £14.99 for a day pass, or £34.99 monthly.
If you're on holiday outside the UK, you can use NordVPN to access Sky Sports' coverage.
How to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final live stream in India
(Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)
In India, the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup final between England and Australia is being shown on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available via JioHotstar.
JioHotstar prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) per month, rising to Rs. 899 ($10.50 USD) per year.
If you're currently out of India but want to watch the final live, you'll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.
How to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final live stream in Australia
(Image credit: free)
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final is available for FREE via Amazon Prime Video. All you need is an Amazon account and you can watch all of the action.
Are you an Aussie abroad or from a country where ICC TV is available? Use a VPN to watch your free cricket stream when abroad.
How to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final live stream in New Zealand
Kiwis can watch the England vs Australia T20 World Cup final on Sky Sport and live stream it online via the Sky Sport Now service.
Prices start from $59.99/month or $549.99/year, and there's also a $29.99/day option.
Outside New Zealand right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred Women's T20 World Cup 2026 coverage.
How to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final live stream in South Africa
SuperSport has the rights to show the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final in most parts of the African continent.
You'll need a DStv access package to watch the action live on SuperSport. Prices start from R299/month.
Traveling outside South Africa right now? Access your England vs Australia live coverage by using NordVPN.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final Q+A
Road to the final: England and Australia
England Match 1: vs Sri Lanka – Won by 87 runs Match 2: vs Ireland – Won by 4 wickets Match 3: vs Scotland – Won by 38 runs Match 4: vs West Indies – Won by 38 runs Match 5: vs New Zealand – Won by 9 wickets Semi-final: vs South Africa – Won by 40 runs
Australia Match 1: vs South Africa – Won by 65 runs Match 2: vs Bangladesh – Won by 9 wickets Match 3: vs Netherlands – Won by 98 runs Match 4: vs Pakistan – Won by 113 runs Match 5: vs India – Won by 6 wickets Semi-final: vs West Indies – Won by 8 wickets
What time does the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final start?
The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup final between England and Australia will be played on Sunday, July 5 at 3:30pm BST / 10:30am ET. That's 12:30am AEST on Monday, July 6 in Australia.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Watch the 2026 British Grand Prix live streams to find out whether Kimi Antonelli can further extend his lead in the drivers' standings. The Italian bounced back from his DNF in Barcelona with P3 in Austria before claiming victory in yesterday's sprint race at Silverstone, stretching his championship advantage over teammate George Russell to 43 points.
After claiming his second win of the 2026 season in Austria, Russell couldn't quite continue the momentum in his home race. He'll be starting P4, and after the dominance with which we saw Antonelli overtake Hamilton in the sprint, there's arguably very little to stop the Italian from becoming the youngest winner in the 100-year history of the British Grand Prix.
Home hopes largely rest with Lewis Hamilton, who starts third just behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton claimed sprint pole before finishing second behind Antonelli, and he'll need a strong launch not only to challenge for victory but also to hold onto a podium place with Russell's faster Mercedes lurking behind.
Elsewhere, both McLaren and Red Bull have shown encouraging pace in recent races, but neither has consistently matched the speed of Mercedes and Ferrari. All four Red Bull-backed cars, including the two Racing Bulls, qualified inside the top 10, suggesting the power unit is performing well. It's much the same story for McLaren, who'll be starting sixth and eighth.
One of the biggest talking points heading into Silverstone this year is how the new 2026 cars and regulations will work on such a fast, almost flat-out circuit. It features many high-speed corners, meaning drivers will have less time to recharge their batteries. As a result, we could see more super clipping at the end of the straights, which wouldn't make for the best viewing.
Here’s how to watch the British Grand Prix 2026 online from anywhere and potentially for FREE.
British Grand Prix Starting Grid
1) Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
2) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
3) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
4) George Russell - Mercedes
5) Isack Hadjar - Red Bull
6) Lando Norris - McLaren
7) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
8) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
9) Arvid Lindblad - Racing Bulls
10) Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
11) Gabriel Bortoleto - Audi
12) Nico Hulkenberg - Audi
13) Oliver Bearman - Haas
14) Carlos Sainz - Williams
15) Pierre Gasly - Alpine
16) Alexander Albon - Williams
17) Esteban Ocon - Haas
18) Valtteri Bottas - Cadillac
19) Franco Colapinto - Alpine
20) Sergio Perez - Cadillac
21) Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
22) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
British Grand Prix 2026 Schedule
Practice 1: Friday, July 3 | 12:30pm BST / 7:30am ET - Hamilton fastest Sprint Qualifying: Friday, July 3 | 4:30pm BST / 11:30am ET - Hamilton pole Sprint: Saturday, July 4 | 12pm BST / 7am ET - Antonelli P1 Qualifying: Saturday, July 4 | 4pm BST / 11am ET - Antonelli pole British Grand Prix: Sunday, June 14 | 3pm BST / 10am ET
How to watch the British Grand Prix 2026 for FREE
The 2026 British Grand Prix isn't available for free in every country. However, in these select destinations lucky F1 fans can catch the practice sessions, qualifying, and the entire race/highlights for FREE.
Traveling abroad during the 2026 British Grand Prix? You can use a VPN to watch all the action free of charge as if you were right at home.
How to watch the British Grand Prix 2026 from anywhere
🌎 ABROAD? The British Grand Prix 2026 is broadcast in many countries around the world but if you're traveling outside your country you should consider using one of the best VPNs to unlock your domestic streaming service provided it does not infringe any terms and conditions.
Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city – anyone can walk right in and take a peek.
TechRadar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice.
✅ 3 Extra Months FREE ✅ Unlocks F1 live streams ✅ 30-day month back guarantee
Get NordVPN and stream the British Grand Prix 2026 from wherever you are.View Deal
How to watch the British Grand Prix 2026 in the US
Apple TV is the new home of F1 in the United States, including the British Grand Prix.
F1 TV will be bundled with your Apple TV subscription at no additional cost. Subscriptions start at $12.99 per month or $99 per year. Even better, new Apple TV subscribers get a handy 7-day FREE trial.
If you want to catch the F1 British Grand Prix but are traveling outside North America, make sure to use NordVPN to access your usual services securely.View Deal
How to watch the British GP 2026 in the UK
The most straightforward option for F1 fans in the UK is Channel 4, which will be showing the entire home race weekend live at no cost.
Another option to watch the British GP in the UK is subscription service Sky Sports F1, which is carrying live coverage of the entire F1 season.
Sky Sports packages start from £20 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now, (formerly Now TV). Now sports passes start at £14.99 with monthly options from £27.99.View Deal
How to watch the British Grand Prix 2026 in Australia
Aussie F1 fans can useFox Sports via Kayo (free trial) for full HD coverage and multi-screen viewing options to stream the 2026 F1 British Grand Prix.
Kayo offers two plans: Standard and Premium. The Standard plan starts at AU$29.99 per month (just AU$9.99 for your first month).
Moreover, Australia's 10Play streaming platform will be showing the full highlights of all the weekend events completely free.
Traveling outside Oz? Australian F1 fans can still watch the F1 2026 season on their usual stream by using NordVPN.View Deal
How to watch the British Grand Prix 2026 in Canada
(Image credit: Other)
Canadian F1 fans can watch the F1 2026 season, including the British Grand Prix, on TSN.
If you’ve ditched the cord, you’ll want to check out TSN Plus, which costs $8/month or $80/year. The TSN app will allow you to live stream F1 practice sessions, qualifying and the race from your phone, streaming box or supported device.
Use NordVPN if you're outside the country for the race.View Deal
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
South Africa’s tax authority proposed draft guidance clarifying how crypto assets are taxed under existing income and capital gains tax rules, seeking public input until Aug. 31.
Gurnoor Brar took a career-best 10-wicket match haul for India A against Sri Lanka A.
The towering 6ft 5in pacer returned match figures of 10 for 145 in Galle.
His spell propelled India A to a ten-wicket win and a 1-0 series victory.
Gurnoor Brar storms onto red-ball radar with 10-wicket haul vs Sri Lanka A
Indian cricket has long searched for tall, hit-the-deck fast bowlers capable of extracting steep bounce on flat home surfaces, a rare commodity in the subcontinent. Now, a towering prospect appears to have emphatically announced his arrival on the red-ball scene.
Gurnoor Brar produced a spell to remember for India A against Sri Lanka A, seizing a stunning ten-wicket match haul. The 6ft 5in quick was simply unplayable across the contest, single-handedly dismantling the hosts and thrusting himself into the Test conversation.
Gurnoor Brar starred with a six-wicket haul as India A clinched a commanding 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka A in the second Unofficial Test 👏🔥
The performance was no flash in the pan for the 26-year-old Punjab pacer. Already handed his India ODI debut this year, Brar has built a reputation as one of the country's most physically gifted fast-bowling prospects, blessed with disconcerting bounce and pace.
Brar's heroics came in the second unofficial Test in Galle, where he registered career-best match figures of 10 for 145. He backed up a four-wicket haul in the first innings with a devastating spell of six for 68 in the second.
His second-innings burst effectively won India A the match. Alongside his fellow pacers, Brar reduced Sri Lanka A to a precarious 49 for four inside the first 11 overs, tearing through the top order and leaving the hosts no way back.
Only one Sri Lankan batter offered meaningful resistance to the onslaught. Ashen Bandara counter-attacked bravely with a brisk 87 from 86 balls, but he found no support at the other end as Brar and India A ran riot in Galle.
The spell propelled India A to a comprehensive ten-wicket victory, sealing the two-match series 1-0. Built on a mammoth 177-run first-innings lead after Sai Sudharsan's 168, the win was ultimately headlined by Brar's relentless, hostile bowling from start to finish.
Why it matters: A genuine Test prospect emerging for India
Brar's profile makes him an especially intriguing red-ball option for India. His rare height lets him hit the hard length and extract awkward bounce from even the most docile pitches, a quality that has historically eluded most Indian seamers at home.
This was far from an isolated burst of brilliance for him, either. Brar had previously starred against Australia A and boasts a healthy first-class record, suggesting his big-game temperament and consistency are steadily catching up with his obvious physical gifts.
A word of caution is warranted, however, as one dominant showing against an A side does not guarantee international success. Yet with India constantly hunting for tall, bounce-generating quicks, Brar has timed his statement perfectly and looks a serious red-ball contender.
For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram,andX (Twitter)pages.
Milan offer €22m for Gila as Lazio defender nears exit
Milan are closing in on the signing of Lazio defender Mario Gila, with the Spanish centre-back identified as the priority target to reinforce Ruben Amorim’s defence.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri hope to wrap up an agreement with Lazio as early as Monday, with the two clubs separated by only a small gap.
Milan have offered €22 million as a fixed fee, while Lazio are holding out for €25 million, a figure that would climb towards €30 million with bonuses.
The distance is considered minimal, and Milan’s recruitment team are confident of finding common ground, buoyed by an agreement already in place with the player on a salary of around €5 million net per season, and with his agent, Alejandro Camaño, over commissions of roughly €5 million.
Camaño is said to be working personally to bring the parties together. Gila’s capture would represent a blow to several rivals, including Massimiliano Allegri’s Napoli.
Ruben Amorim appointed head coach (Source: acmilan.com)
Amorim lands in Milan and drives the Gila deal
The pursuit is being pushed by Amorim himself, with the Portuguese coach, who signed his contract in mid-June, having already spoken directly with Gila about a shared future at San Siro, and arriving in the city on Monday to begin work in person.
He is due to visit Casa Milan after landing before heading to the Milanello training base on Tuesday, ahead of a press unveiling later in the week and the squad’s return on 13 July.
Working remotely since his appointment, Amorim has shaped his backroom staff, five trusted aides will follow him to Italy, and identified Gonçalo Ramos as his ideal centre-forward, a request RedBird’s Gerry Cardinale met with a club-record signing. A defender was the next priority, and Gila is not expected to be the Rossoneri’s last piece of summer business.
French triathlete Sam Laidlow set a world best time over the long distance to win Germany's Challenge Roth for the second straight year on Sunday.
The 27-year-old needed 7 hours 21:04 minutes for 3.86 kilometres of swimming, 180 kilometres of cycling and 42.195 kilometres of running.
He improved on the previous best long distance mark set by Kristian Blummenfelt at Ironman Texas in April of 7:21:24 hours. The Norwegian favourite finished second on his Roth debut after a comeback, crossing the line 5:20 minutes behind after Laidlow had trouble in the running section.
Rico Bogen from Leipzig impressed in his first long-distance triathlon with third place in 7:27:53 in Bavaria. No triathlete had previously been faster on his debut.
Different courses in triathlon mean the term world record is not used. There is also a distinction between long distance and full distance.
Jul 4, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Aaron Civale (45) throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
The losing just keeps on going even on a holiday. The A’s dropped another on Saturday night, dropping another to the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Fourth of July.
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 06: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on November 6, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This week’s SBNation Reacts poll didn’t have quite unanimity as recent polls, but there was still a clear majority when it came to deciding which running back would have the most impact on the offense.
By experience and salary alone, J’Kaylin Dobbins should be the likely choice of most fans.
But injury history could easily scare even the most casual fan away from that choice given the fact that after a stellar rookie debut in 2020, Dobbins’ has yet to finish a full season. Yet the promise is always there because Dobbins is dominant when he’s on the field.
In just 10 games last season in his first with the Broncos, Dobbins rushed for 772 yards and scored four touchdowns, well on his way to a 1,000-yard season, and more importantly to reviving the Broncos’ running game — an ongoing battle.
What might be more interesting from the poll is the fact that more fans chose rookie Jonah Coleman over second-year back RJ Harvey for impact this season.
Luca Evans of the Denver Post believes OTAs and minicamp revealed a potential star in Coleman:
“One reality became abundantly clear from watching Broncos practices through OTAs and minicamp: Coleman is going to play right away. …And Sean Payton should love Coleman, who doesn’t fumble, doesn’t drop passes and should instantly prove an upgrade from Tyler Badie’s lack of third-down juice last season. …Coleman could just take some difficult touches off Harvey’s plate if (and likely when) Dobbins misses time.”
In looking at the poll, I imagine the 62% voting for Dobbins are hoping he has the most impact because he currently has the most proven potential when healthy. But I bet the 25% choosing Coleman believe he has the most potential down the stretch.
If the two of them can just combine for more than 100 rushing yards each game that would already be a huge improvement to the running game.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 04: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros hits a two run walk off home run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Daikin Park on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Fourth of July was an ugly one at Yankee Stadium. Given a spot start due to Carlos Rodón’s injury, Brendan Beck got absolutely walloped by Minnesota, giving up three homers to put the Yankees in a quick 5-0 hole by the middle of the second. The offense didn’t do much in response, the bullpen was dreadful, and the Yankees quickly went back to their losing ways after Friday’s win snapped a seven-game skid. Now they must beat the capable Joe Ryan today, or they’ll suffer the ignominy of a home series loss to the Twins.
Here’s what else was going on in some of the notable American League action yesterday.
Tampa Bay Rays (52-34) 8, Houston Astros (44-47) 10
If a true Most Valuable Player is someone who can thoroughly take over ballgames and nearly win them on their owns, then Saturday night might have been Yordan Alvarez’s showcase. It’s hard for a primary DH to take home the award, but Alvarez’s first half has clearly made the case that he should end up in the conversation. Voted the starting DH for the American League in the All-Star Game, the man is now hitting .324/.433/.645 with 29 homers, a 192 wRC+, and over 4.0 fWAR in 89 games. Yowza.
Alvarez made his impact on this one felt early. Junior Caminero continued his hellacious run with his 11th homer in 11 games in the top of the first, but Houston was quick to counter. Jose Altuve led off the game against Drew Rasmussen by tripling to left-center, and Alvarez then launched a 403-foot homer to make it 2-1, Houston.
Ace Hunter Brown couldn’t come up with the goods for his team, and the Rays punched back. Richie Palacios belted a two-run homer to regain the lead at 3-2, and Tampa Bay piled on in a long third inning that doubled their run output to six, including a double steal that saw Cedric Mullins swipe home. It was 7-2 by the fourth, though Yainer Diaz launched a two-run dinger for the home team, and through four and a half, Houston trailed by three (Alvarez of course was involved, notching an RBI single as part of the multi-inning rally).
The Rays’ three-run lead vanished after the seventh-inning stretch. Reliever Cole Sulser allowed the first three runners on base, and all came around to score. Taylor Trammell singled, Nick Allen delivered a rare double, and Altuve drew a free pass to load ’em up. Alvarez brought home another runner with a sacrifice fly before Isaac Paredes singled against Garrett Cleavinger to cut the lead to one. Zach Dezenzo did the honors of knotting it up at 8-8, plating Craig Kimbrel’s inherited runner on an RBI knock.
Once Bryan King and Josh Hader kept the Rays at bay eighth and ninth, the stage was set. In the bottom of the ninth, Casey Legumina issued a leadoff walk to Altuve, bringing up Alvarez. Legumina actually got ahead 1-2 with a pair of swinging strikes. Yordan fouled the next two off and then obliterated a fastball down the middle 424 feet over the wall in dead center for a walk-off homer. His final tally on the night: two homers, six ribbies. Pretty good!
The Rays’ AL East lead over the Yankees remained at four.
Other Games
Toronto Blue Jays (42-47) 0, Seattle Mariners (46-44) 11: Do I even need to say that this was all Mariners? Shane Bieber was awful, Logan Gilbert was spectacular, and Seattle won going away, taking a half-game lead in the AL West (Texas lost to Detroit, 3-0). Randy Arozarena cracked a game-breaking grand slam and Cal Raleigh hit just his second homer since the end of April. Gilbert fanned seven and walked none in 7.1 shutout innings, allowing one hit (a Yohendrick Piñango single in the fifth).
Cleveland Guardians (47-43) 1, Chicago White Sox (46-42) 3: Sean Burke struck out 11 in six innings of one-run ball, but a solo shot by Austin Hedges of all people meant that this was a 1-1 game heading into the late innings. However, Colson Montgomery greeted Tim Herrin to the ballgame with a homer to begin the eighth. Tristan Peters came around to score following ninth-inning double, adding insurance as Grant Taylor avenged his Thursday night blown loss by getting the save this time around.
Transfers you might have missed: Lewandowski’s Chicago switch, Muriqi's Fenerbahce return, Ake exits City
The World Cup has been one almighty distraction to the usual transfer-focused summer, and those of us glued to the action might have missed some fairly notable deals.
Here are the some high-profile deals that might have been missed.
Robert Lewandowski - Barcelona to Chicago Fire
The biggest name in the free agent pool has put pen to paper on a Stateside switch. While the USA is gripped by World Cup fever, American 'soccer' fans have the arrival of Lewandowski to look forward to.
AC Milan have broken their transfer record to sign Goncalo Ramo from Paris Saint-Germain. The striker struggled for regular minutes in Paris, but the European champions still managed to rake in a €74m (£63.4m) for Ramos.
It's a massive investment for Milan and new head coach Ruben Amorim, who will hope his compatriot can be the talisman a falling giant needs.
Vedat Muriqi - Mallorca to Fenerbahce
Only Kylian Mbappe outscored Vedat Muriqi inLa Liga last season, with the Kosovan centre-forward narrowly missing out on the Pichichi Trophy in a relegated side.
The 32-year-old's 23-goal league campaign was the best of his career to date and has earned him a return to former club Fenerbahce. The Turkish side have spent €15m to re-sign Muriqi, who scored 15 league goals during a single-season spell with Fener in 2019/20.
Aleksandar Stankovic - Club Brugge to Inter Milan
Another player returning to a former club is Aleksandar Stankovic, who has rejoinedInter Milan from Club Brugge.
The 20-year-old never made a senior appearance for Inter before leaving for Belgium last summer, but returns 12 months later after the Italian champions triggered their €23 million buy-back clause.
The midfielder is the son of former Inter icon, Dejan.
Mathys Detourbet - Troyes to Manchester City
A City Football Group inter-club switch, Mathys Detourbet has signed forManchester City from Troyes.
A €25m has taken the 19-year-old from Ligue 2 to the Etihad, though he'll spend the upcoming campaign on loan at AS Monaco.
Nathan Ake - Manchester City to Fenerbahce
As Detourbet arrives at Manchester City, Nathan Ake heads for the exit door. The Dutch defender has completed an £8.5m move to Fenerbahce, after six seasons and 12 trophies with the Cityzens.
Alejandro Grimaldo - Bayer Leverkusen to Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have brought Alejandro Grimaldo back to Spanish football after signing the left-back from Leverkusen in a £20m deal.
Grimaldo departs Leverkusen as a club great, following his key role in the club's 2023/24 unbeaten Bundesliga title success. The 30-year-old recorded 75 goals and assists in 175 games for Leverkusen from wing-back. Truly remarkable numbers.
The ninth round of the Formula 1 world championship takes place at the series' ancestral and spiritual home of Silverstone, just outside of London, on Sunday.
Points leader Kimi Antonelli starts on pole ahead of the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, respectively. Antonelli's Mercedes teammate and closest championship challenger George Russell starts his home grand prix from P4.
Denzel Dumfries has played 76 times for the Netherlands [Getty Images]
Real Madrid have signed Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan on a four-year deal.
While the transfer fee has not been confirmed, the Spanish side have reportedly activated the 30-year-old's release clause, which was 20m euros (£17.1m).
The right-sided player is Real's fourth summer signing after Marc Cucurella,Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate, and is set to provide competition to England international Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Dumfries helped Inter win the Serie A title twice and the Coppa Italia three times after joining the Italian club from PSV in 2021.
He made 207 appearances for the Nerazzurri, claiming 27 goals and 28 assists, and helped the Netherlands reach the last 32 at this summer's World Cup.
Real failed to win a trophy last season and president Florentino Perez promised to strengthen the club's defensive options during his successful re-election campaign, having also brought in Jose Mourinho as manager for a second spell.
Juventus players into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Four Juventus Men’s First Team players have secured a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup: Jonathan David with Canada, Gleison Bremer with Brazil, Weston McKennie with the United States and Francisco Conceicao with Portugal.
THE ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES FEATURING BIANCONERI PLAYERS
Novak Djokovic continues his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a fourth-round match against Roman Safiullin at the Wimbledon Championships. The Russian has already surpassed all expectations with his run at the All England Club, defeating Andrey Rublev and João Fonseca en route to the fourth round.
Here’s a lowdown on Safiullin and his career so far as he prepares to upset Djokovic at Wimbledon.
Who is Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon Opponent Roman Safiullin?
Born in Podolsk, Russia, Safiullin was introduced to tennis at the age of four. He practiced with his father growing up, who played a foundational role in his junior success. His father, Rishat, used to work as a tennis coach at a local youth academy.
Safiullin began playing competitively at age 12, and success quickly followed. He won the junior title at the 2015 Australian Open and continued to rise through the ranks before taking the next step. Growing up, he also trained alongside Rublev as the Russian tennis prodigies prepared for the ATP Tour.
A Grand Slam main draw debut followed in 2021, and it has been a career full of highs and lows for Safiullin. A quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon in 2023 marked his best Major result, and he will be looking to match that by defeating Djokovic on Sunday.
Previously coached by his father, Safiullin has tried several coaches over the years. Currently, he is being coached by Karl Adrian Ringdal Nørstenæs. The Norwegian has been part of the player’s team since 2023 and helped him secure a career-high ranking of 36.
A 19-time singles champion in ITF events and an eight-time champion at the Challenger level, Safiullin is still searching for his first title on the ATP Tour. He has made one career final in Chengdu in 2023 but fell to a narrow defeat against Alexander Zverev.
Safiullin has three wins against top-10-ranked players in his career, having beaten Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Meanwhile, the Russian tennis star is married to Liudmyla Smolanova. She has often been seen in his player’s box and was also spotted agonizingly watching him compete against Fonseca in a tense match earlier this week.
The Wimbledon run has indeed been a special one for Safiullin, who was visibly emotional after defeating Fonseca and reaching the fourth round.
Prior to SW19, Safiullin was still searching for his first ATP Tour win of 2026. He was sidelined since his 2025 US Open exit due to a lengthy injury layoff and said after his win over Fonseca that he wasn’t sure if he would return to tennis.
“After the US Open, I had to stop to treat my injury. That time was super tough. Even half a year ago, I didn’t know whether I would be able to [come] back. I’m super happy to be back here,” Safiullin said in an emotional moment during his post-match on-court interview.
Safiullin now has the chance to make more history by defeating Djokovic, who has by no means looked unbeatable at Wimbledon. He will no doubt be the underdog, but if he stays true to his aggressive all-round game and sharp movement, he will have every chance of coming out on top and continuing his incredible run at Wimbledon.
Formula One is keeping an alternative open in case the season finale in the Middle East has to be cancelled due to further conflict, with Portimão in Portugal a candidate, according to the specialist website the-race.com.
Portimão on the Algarve is being considered should the final two grands prix of the year on November 29 in Qatar and on December 6 in Abu Dhabi are unable to take place.
A ceasefire is in place for the US/Israeli war on Iran but the future remains unclear. The Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix were axed in April due to the war in the region.
The Algarve event most recently served as a replacement host in 2020 and 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic. The race will return to the calendar permanently in 2027 and 2028.
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali would like to stage at least one of the Saudi and Bahrain races later this year after all - if the geopolitical situation allows it.
"If there’s a chance, why not?" Domenicali told Sky Sports F1 at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.
According to the UK broadcaster, the Bahrain Grand Prix is said to be favoured. Any rescheduling announcement is set to take place before F1’s mid-season break, which begins after the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July.
The Bahrain race could take place on the first weekend in October between the events in Azerbaijan and Singapore.
We are diving into some fantasy football content this offseason as we look to bring in all sorts of football fans to Bucs Wire. While offensive players often dominate fantasy football discussions, IDP leagues continue to grow in popularity and offer another way for fans to enjoy the game.
What we will start with is some rookie profiles and where they fit into the landscape of the teams that drafted them. Next up is Buffalo Bills linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
Elarms-Orr enters the NFL after a strong final college season at TCU, where he showed major growth as a downhill defender. His range, physicality and blitz timing give Buffalo a developmental linebacker with special teams value and early-down upside.
Reason to Believe in Kaleb Elarms-Orr in 2026: Traits worth developing
Elarms-Orr has the range and downhill trigger to eventually carve out a role in Buffalo’s defense. He plays fast when his reads are clean, closes ground quickly, and has shown enough blitz ability to be used in specific packages.
The issue is opportunity. Buffalo currently lists him behind Dorian Williams at weakside linebacker, with Terrel Bernard locked into the middle. That puts Elarms-Orr in more of a reserve and special teams role entering his rookie season.
Still, there are traits worth monitoring. His speed, toughness, and growth as a run defender give him a path to earn coaches’ trust if he continues developing his processing and coverage awareness.
2026 Outlook
Elarms-Orr is not a redraft target in standard IDP leagues right now. His projected role is too limited, and he will need injuries or a major depth chart shift to become fantasy relevant as a rookie.
The long-term appeal is more interesting. He has the tools to become a useful rotational linebacker and special teams contributor, but his coverage limitations and inconsistent processing could keep him from becoming a full-time player early.
For 2026, fantasy managers should view Elarms-Orr as a deep watch-list player rather than someone to draft.
Jul. 5—MOSCOW — Countrymen far and near may have been celebrating the 250th anniversary of monarchy's end in America, but a new king was crowned on Saturday at the 77th Ken Jordan Sole Survivor golf tournament at the Moscow Elks Lodge Golf Club.
In the 10-player event that saw a contestant eliminated with each of its nine holes until only one remained, tournament newcomer Michael Wagner battled through a field stacked with former winners, then produced a spectacular final shot to come from out of position and upend defending two-time champion Kyle Nelson for the trophy.
"It was a great Sole Survivor today," tournament organizer Tracy Dorigo said. "Super competitive field coming into it. Down to the wire."
A fabulous shot
In the climactic showdown that saw him pitted against back-to-back defending champion Nelson in a bid to complete the final hole in the fewest strokes, Wagner faced an early disadvantage after his long drive missed the fairway, disappearing wide behind a tree. His next stroke overshot the green in the other direction, landing on the far side from the hole, while Nelson looked poised to clinch a threepeat title with his ball positioned just off the green on the nearer side.
That was when Wagner produced the shot of the tournament: a long, perfectly aligned downhill chip that landed within feet of the hole, rolled slowly but purposefully forward, struck the pin and dropped in for a three-stroke birdie.
Advertisement
"None that important," came his response when asked whether he had ever sunk a chip of that difficulty before. "It felt great off the club face, and it was just tracking right into (the hole). I saw about 5 feet in that it was going to be going right into the heart."
Amid general cheering and murmurs of amazement from the dozens of spectators in attendance, a cry of "Go Vandals!" could be heard in Wagner's support. Wagner is the head golf professional at the University of Idaho Golf Course.
Needing to sink an improbable shot of his own to match Wagner's three-stroke showing, Nelson missed just short, then walked across the green to shake hands with Sole Survivor's newest champion.
"That was a great shot," Nelson said of Wagner's winning chip. "Fabulous shot."
A star-studded field
Four of Saturday's 10 players had won previous Moscow Elks Sole Survivor titles — four-time champion Jerry Curtis, who finished fifth; three-time winner Sean Dorigo, who took ninth; and two-time winners Nelson and Kevin Peterson, the latter of whom placed 10th.
Lone female qualifier and former runner-up Taylor Riedner earned seventh place in an effort she was proud of in light of the "great field of players this year" and the fact that it was only her "second time out (golfing) for the year," with the first having been last weekend's qualifying round.
"The fact that I got as far as I did, I can't be upset with that," she said.
Other than Wagner, newcomers to the field included sixth-place finisher Jared Kuhn and fourth-place honoree Andrew Grizzell, who was eliminated by the barest of margins on a sudden-death tiebreaking chip-off against Nelson.
A third generation?
Kyle Nelson's son Riley Nelson came away with third place in the event for a second consecutive year after miscuing a shot when he, his father and Wagner contested a three-way chip-off on the penultimate hole.
"I struggled on the short game," Riley Nelson said. "It was a lot of fun. Lots of good golfers out here; some of them got eliminated early, and it took a little bit of pressure off."
Prominent among the tournament's spectators was young Connor Nelson — son of Riley and grandson of Kyle — who amused himself with golf balls while riding along in his mother's cart and stepped forward to practice his own swing on a nearby hole after competition had concluded.
Could this foreshadow the Nelsons' third generation in contention on the Elks Club greens?
"This kid loves golf," Riley Nelson said. "I think he'll probably join the juniors at some point, and as long as he plays good, he might be out here."
Final results
1. Michael Wagner; 2. Kyle Nelson; 3. Riley Nelson; 4. Andrew Grizzell; 5. Jerry Curtis; 6. Jared Kuhn; 7. Taylor Riedner; 8. Ben Mack; 9. Sean Dorigo; 10. Kevin Peterson.
It is perhaps of little surprise that World Cup favorites France struggled to find a way past Paraguay for a multitude of reasons.
While the 2018 world champions and 2022 beaten finalists have largely been destroying everyone in their path during this year’s World Cup, only a Kylian Mbappe penalty scored in the 70-minute separated the teams.
Much has been made about the way in which the Paraguayan players approached the match. Though there’s clearly no right way to play soccer, they have been criticized for some of their tackles on the French players.
Still, having to break down a defensive team wasn’t the only issue in play for France in Philadelphia on Saturday. The searing heat was also a problem.
High temperatures in Philadelphia for France vs Paraguay
Indeed, a journalist called Saber Desfarges from French media outlet Telefoot posted a photo on social media platform X highlighting just how hot it was inside the Philadelphia Stadium, otherwise known as the Lincoln Financial Field.
An image posted by Desfarges showed temperatures measured on the seats hitting a huge 69.7 degrees Celsius, which is 157.46 degrees Fahrenheit.
So much has been made about the advent of hydration breaks during this year’s World Cup but the two the players were given during this particular game were clearly needed.
Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images
It will be fascinating to see what impact the weather has on games going forward. We are now approaching what is known as the ‘business end’ of the World Cup, where every game really does matter.
The heat and the looming threat of storms could have a major impact on how the tournament develops from here.
France’s last game in Philadelphia was also impacted by weather conditions, with their group stage meeting against Iraq delayed by two hours because of storms.
Philadelphia has played host to six games during the World Cup but their job is now complete and no further games will be played there.
São Paulo line up four more tests in the mid-season break; details
After the draw with RB Bragantino, São Paulo is planning FOUR more tests in this mid-season break.
According to GE, the idea is to play two training matches next Saturday (11) and two more on the following Friday (17).
Two opponents have already been confirmed: Santo André and then Ferroviária.
Now, the club’s board is also looking at other clubs to complete the schedule.
São Paulo’s next official match will be against Athletico in the 19th round of the Brasileirão. The game will take place on the 22nd, a Wednesday, at 9:30 p.m.
A legend of the tournament, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic returns to the grass courts at Wimbledon for the 21st time.
Though the 39-year-old veteran has won this grand slam many times, he hasn't hoisted the trophy since 2022. This year, No. 7-seeded Djokovic has been drawn into the same half as world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner, which means the two could meet again in the semifinals.
With retirement looming, the Joker has few opportunities left to win another major, which means this Wimbledon holds weight. Though Djokovic's path to victory is not impossible, he will meet some tough challenges along the way.
Can Djokovic return to glory at the All England Club?
Here's everything you need to know about Novak Djokovic's next appearance at Wimbledon, including TV channel and streaming options for the match.
When is Novak Djokovic's next match at Wimbledon 2026?
Novak Djokovic kicked off his Wimbledon campaign with victory over Wu Yibing, following that up with a straight sets win against Stefanos Tsitsipas. He beat Arthur Rinderknech in four to reach the fourth round.
He is now set to face Roman Safiullin.
The match will take place on Sunday, July 5 with a start time of 8:30 a.m. ET.
Novak Djokovic match schedule, results from Wimbledon 2026
Opponent
Round
Date, time (ET), result
Wu Yibing
1
6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
Stefanos Tsitsipas
2
6-3, 6-4, 6-2
Arthur Rinderknech
3
7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4)
Roman Safiullin
4
Sun, July 5 (8:30 a.m. ET)
TBD
QF
TBD
How to watch Wimbledon 2026 in US: TV channel, live stream
ESPN is the home of Wimbledon broadcasting with daily coverage from all 18 courts on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) and streaming on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
The Tennis Channel will also be showing delayed coverage of select matches throughout the tournament. Along with ESPN channels, they can be found on streaming service fubo.
Fubo offers a FREE TRIAL for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Wimbledon 2026 schedule
Play gets underway 11 a.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) most days on all courts, except for Centre Court, as the action starts two hours later on the showpiece court.
The women’s singles final will take place on July 11 and the men’s finals will be staged 24 hours later.
So did the long-running animated show predict the possible 2026 World Cup final? Let's go all the way back to Season 9 in The Cartridge Family, the sixth episode of that year in which the Simpsons attend a Continental Soccer Association game between Mexico and Portugal.
Mexico and Portugal can definitely face each other in the final -- we're writing this before Mexico faces England on Sunday in the Round of 16 -- but it's not quite a World Cup prediction in my opinion. It's a game from the fictional Continental Soccer Association, so... should we count it? Guess we'll see if Mexico and Portugal make it to the final.
according to Simpsons Season 9 episode Portugal and Mexico will be in the finals of the World Cup 2026.
The 2026 PGA Tour wraps up a busy Fourth of July weekend with the final round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Sunday’s winner will earn $1.6 million and 500 FedEx Cup points.
Entering the final round, there is a tie at the top of the leaderboard.
Lee Hodges and Lucas Glover are tied at 16-under par, while a trio of golfers (Zac Blair, Ben Kohles, and Jackson Suber) is chasing down the leaders and tied at 15-under.
Jul 3, 2026; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Lucas Glover tees off on the 6th hole during the second round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Sunday’s final round will air live from 1:00 p.m. ET to 3:00 p.m. ET on the Golf Channel before shifting to CBS for the remainder of the tournament. There will also be live streaming available from PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:45 a.m. ET. PGA Tour Live will include featured group and featured hole coverage.
When will your favorite golfer be hitting the course?
A full look at the tee times and groupings for Round 4 on Sunday, July 5, can be seen below (all times Eastern).
John Deere Classic Round 4 tee times & pairings
Jul 4, 2026; Silvis, Illinois, USA; A John Deere Classic flag blows in the wind on the 9th green during the third round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
7:35 a.m. — Ryan Brehm, Fabian Gomez
7:44 a.m. — Nicholas Lindheim, Michael Feagles
7:53 a.m. — Camilo Villegas, Jonathan Byrd, Zach Bauchou
8:04 a.m. — Ryan Voois, Will Gordon, Adrien Dumont de Chassart
8:15 a.m. — Mackenzie Hughes, A.J. Ewart, Gordon Sargent
8:26 a.m. — Rafael Campos, Steven Fisk, Eric Cole
8:37 a.m. — Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth, Max McGreevy
8:48 a.m. — Matt Wallace, Lanto Griffin, Keith Mitchell
9:05 a.m. — J.T. Poston, Davis Riley, Joel Dahmen
9:16 a.m. — Trace Crowe, Keita Nakajima, Mark Hubbard
9:27 a.m. — Patrick Fishburn, Austin Eckroat, Luke Gutschewski
9:38 a.m. — Chan Kim, Michael Brennan, Nick Dunlap
9:49 a.m. — Hayden Springer, Peter Malnati, Tony Finau
10:00 a.m. — Austin Smotherman, Davis Chatfield, David Skinns
10:11 a.m. — Sungjae Im, Karl Vilips, Jacob Bridgeman
10:28 a.m. — Harry Higgs, Tom Kim, Ben Griffin
10:39 a.m. — Kevin Yu, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Davis Thompson
10:50 a.m. — Stephan Jaeger, Tom Hoge, Zecheng Dou
11:01 a.m. — David Lipsky, Tyler Duncan, Pierceson Coody
11:12 a.m. — Matt Kuchar, Pontus Nyholm, Erik van Rooyen
11:23 a.m. — Mac Meissner, Beau Hossler, Emiliano Grillo
11:34 a.m. — William Mouw, Chris Gotterup, Troy Merritt
11:51 a.m. — Andrew Putnam, Aaron Wise, Rickie Fowler
12:02 p.m. — Max Homa, Ryo Hisatsune, Blades Brown
American tennis star Coco Gauff gets her seventh Wimbledon campaign underway, and any outcome is better than last year.
While Gauff has won grand slam tournaments in the past, Wimbledon has always eluded her. Her best result at the All England Club has been a fourth-round finish, which she's reached in three different years. Gauff's worst result came in 2025, when the 22-year-old fell in the first round to Dayana Yastremska.
Though grass is historically one of Gauff's worst playing surfaces, she's gained a significant advantage with her place in the draw. Gauff's path to a quarterfinal berth is pretty clear, especially considering she's drawn into the same half as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Could Coco Gauff overcome her past struggles in London?
Here's everything you need to know about Coco Gauff's next appearance at Wimbledon, including TV channel and streaming options for the match.
When is Coco Gauff's next match at Wimbledon 2026?
Coco Gauff breezed past Tamara Korpatsch in the opening round before needing a final set tiebreak to edge past Uruguayan Solana Sierra in the next. She defeated American Claire Liu in the third round in three sets.
Gauff next comes up against Belinda Bencic. Their match is scheduled for Sunday, July 5 with an estimated start time of 1 p.m. ET.
They are the third match on No.1 Court.
Coco Gauff match schedule, results from Wimbledon 2026
Opponent
Round
Date, time (ET), result
Tamara Korpatsch
1
6-2, 6-1
Solana Sierra
2
6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (10-7)
Claire Liu
3
6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2
Belinda Bencic
4
Sun, July 5 (1 p.m. ET)
TBD
QF
TBD
How to watch Coco Gauff at Wimbledon 2026: TV channel, live stream
ESPN is the home of Wimbledon broadcasting with daily coverage from all 18 courts on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) and streaming on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
The Tennis Channel will also be showing delayed coverage of select matches throughout the tournament. Along with ESPN channels, they can be found on streaming service fubo.
Fubo offers a FREE TRIAL for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Wimbledon 2026 schedule
Play gets underway 11 a.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) most days on all courts, except for Centre Court, as the action starts two hours later on the showpiece court.
The women’s singles final will take place on July 11 and the men’s finals will be staged 24 hours later.
Professsional women's hockey has one of the longest offseasons of any sport. It does however, open the door for offseason events, particularly on the international stage. This year, the 2026 World Championship will be moved to November to serve as a preseason tournament ahead of the PWHL season.
The 2026 tournament will also, for the first time since the earliest tournaments, see two equal groups, not two tiered groups of the top ten teams in the world.
With the event already shuffling between the top 13 nations in the world making appearances in recent seasons, and Russia set to return to international play the pool for women's hockey has never been deeper.
Could it be time for women's hockey to open the door a little wider and host a Women's World Cup of Hockey every four years? Placing it midway between Olympic years would be the obvious fit, and give global fans another reason to cheer. It could also be an opportunity to bring in more nations, expanding the reach to three pools of five, or four pools of four to make a 15-16 team tournament.
The event would of course feature the world's top teams in USA, Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Russia. Those eight nations would be the cornerstone to any new event.
Olympic MVP Caroline Harvey discusses being selected first overall in the PWHL Draft
The next tier of nations including Japan, Denmark, Hungary, France, Norway, Austria, Italy, and Slovakia would likely round out a 16 team tournament.
There would undoubtedly be lopsided results in pool play, but it would also undoubtedly force participating nations to become more involved in women's hockey development.
Other nations including China, South Korea, Great Britain, and the Netherlands would be among those fighting for inclusion, and there are already Asian and soon-to-be European championships to help decide participants.
Women's hockey wouldn't need to follow the same rules as every other tournament. While the top two teams move on to the playoff round, the bottom eight could play a consolation side.
The IIHF has been slow to bring in more women's competition, but moves are beginning to unfold.
Women's hockey was built on international events, and now it's being maintained by the PWHL.
With the PWHL adopting an offseason that spans six months however, it's also left fans with an insatiable appetite for more, and feeling frustrated with the long and drawn out offseason.
A quadrennial World Cup of Hockey for the women's game wouldn't solve everything, but it would be a start. Even in the PWHL era, international play draws immense interest, and to continue to grow the game globally, and to put pressure on federations to develop girls and women's programming, getting the chance to see the best in the world every four years, even if they involve lopsided results, could be another step forward for the sport.
To be a top-tier franchise quarterback, it takes more than just being talented. Former Trojan Caleb Williams has always been talented, but there were specific traits that were just as unconventional as what he can do on a football field for the Chicago Bears.
In a recent article, Alyssa Barbieri highlights Caleb Williams' thoughts on what aspect of his game critics are most concerned about. Here is what he had to say:
"Obviously I want to get that up, get the completion percentage up, but some of the things that I do on the field, it negatively impacts that," he said. "But we'll get it up this year just to shut everybody up and help everybody to understand."
Caleb Williams knows what makes him great as a player, but he is also aware of what can happen if he improves his efficiency. It isn't just his play on the field that sets him apart; it is his mindset. Caleb Williams has that franchise quarterback maturity mixed with that superstar arrogance. The Chicago Bears franchise is in good hands for more reasons than one with Williams.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts at bat during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers are riding high during their final homestand of the first half, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead over the San Diego Padres after shutting them out 3-0 on Saturday.
The latter game’s success was done without Shohei Ohtani in the lineup, as the two-way superstar was absent after striking out nine hitters in a no-decision on Friday. Ohtani is expected to return to the starting lineup on Sunday, although his injury concerns might forfeit his final scheduled start of the regular season on the mound, notes Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“We don’t need to make that decision today, tomorrow, the next day, so we have time,” Roberts said. “And I think for us it’s just more of reading and reacting on how he feels.”
Freddie Freeman has been one of the hottest hitters for the Dodgers ever since the middle of May, as he drove in two runs on Saturday including his 15th home run of the season, a feat he didn’t achieve last year until August. Freeman spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA about earning yet another All-Star selection, as the Dodgers’ first baseman was selected as the NL’s starting first baseman and garnering his 10th career selection prior to the start of Saturday’s contest.
“I just want to say thank you to the fans for voting me in. It’s a special one to go to. I get to have my family picture and do all that kinds of stuff. I know my boys are happy, and I’d say my girl too but I don’t think she knows what’s going on yet. It’s going to be awesome. 10 All-Star games— I couldn’t ask for a more special experience.”
Yoshinobu Yamamoto responded tremendously to the news of him being selected to his second consecutive All-Star game, as the right-hander shut down the Padres over seven scoreless innings while tying a career-high in strikeouts with 10 on Saturday night.
Yamamoto spoke with Watson following Saturday’s win, noting the amount of honor he has to represent his team in Philadelphia on July 14.
“It’s been such an honor to be selected on that All-Star team, and I was there last year. This year, I feel more meaningful and happiness.”
No. 6-seeded Taylor Fritz returns to Wimbledon where he'll look to make another strong campaign.
After several deep runs at the All England Club in recent years, Fritz will again face an uphill battle to victory. With the official draw ceremony on Friday, the 28-year-old's first round matchup was decided — British lefty Jack Draper — but his withdrawal through injury means he'll now face Serbian Dusan Lajovic.
Fritz made his furthest Wimbledon campaign just last year, when he reached the semifinals and ultimately fell to Carlos Alcaraz. He also made quarterfinal runs in 2022 and 2024, though he will have little time to ease into the tournament this year with such a strong opponent in the first round.
Could Fritz continue his successes on the grass?
Here's everything you need to know about Taylor Fritz's next appearance at Wimbledon, including TV channel and streaming options for the match.
When is Taylor Fritz's next match at Wimbledon 2026?
Taylor Fritz kicked off his 2026 Wimbledon campaign with a straight sets win over Serbian Dusan Lajovic. He then defeated fellow American Patrick Kypson to reach the third round.
Lorenzo Sonego was brushed aside in four sets to now face a fourth round tie against Alexander Bublik.
Their match will take place on Monday, July 6 with a start time yet to be confirmed.
Taylor Fritz match schedule, results from Wimbledon 2026
Opponent
Round
Date, time (ET), result
Dusan Lajovic
1
6-3, 6-4, 6-3
Patrick Kypson
2
6-2, 6-2, 7-5
Lorenzo Sonego
3
4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
Alexander Bublik
4
Mon, July 6 (TBC)
TBD
QF
TBD
Wimbledon 2026 schedule
Play gets underway 11 a.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) most days on all courts, except for Centre Court, as the action starts two hours later on the showpiece court.
The women’s singles final will take place on July 11 and the men’s finals will be staged 24 hours later.
Gavin McKenna asks former Maple Leaf for permission to wear his number.
He may not have played a single game yet for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but first overall pick in the 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft Gavin McKenna is already showing he knows how to win over that team's fan base.
On Saturday, former Toronto Maple Leafs forward and now beloved Toronto sports broadcaster Jeff O'Neill took to social media to reveal that he had a rather amusing interaction with the new Maple Leafs star forward just the night before. According to O'Neill, who is now affectionately referred to as O-dog by most of his fans, he received a FaceTime call from McKenna on Friday night with McKenna reaching out to O'Neill in order to ask permission to wear the same number that O'Neill himself once wore for the Maple Leafs.
O'Neill of course wore #92 during his playing days with the Maple Leafs but isn't viewed by most as the kind of player you would have to ask permission from on a matter like this one. O'Neill played just two seasons for his hometown Maple Leafs after spending most of his career with the Hartford Whalers and subsequently the Carolina Hurricanes when the Whalers were relocated, and didn't exactly light the world on fire in what were his final two seasons in the NHL.
Despite that it is clear that McKenna is aware of how much respect O'Neill's name carries in the Maple Leafs community and it was a great show of respect on his part to reach out to O'Neill in such a fashion. As you might expect, O'Neill was thrilled at the prospect of the young star wearing the same number he once did.
"It's the only way to go son. LFG," said O'Neill in response to the request.
Christian Horner has returned to the Formula One paddock for the first time since he was sacked by Red Bull and said he wants to come back to the sport with a team that can win.
The 52-year-old arrived in the Silverstone paddock around three hours before Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
Horner was relieved of his duties as Red Bull team principal 48 hours after last year’s event at Silverstone.
“First time back, great to be back at Silverstone,” he told Sky Sports.
“Ultimately I’m a fan, British Grand Prix in town, I’ve not missed one since 1993 so it’s good to be here.
“I’ve enjoyed my time out. I did 20 years straight with the Red Bull guys, was doing other stuff before that, (so it’s the) first time I’ve ever had time to get off (the) hamster wheel.”
Horner has been linked with Alpine, Aston Martin and also Chinese car manufacturer BYD to lead a possible 12th team on the grid.
“I’d only look at doing the right thing, something that had an opportunity to win at the end of the day,” Horner said.
“F1 is such a great place, racing has been super this year. Interest in F1 is sky high, so much interest of people from that want to get involved in F1. We’ll see, I’m in no rush.
“There’s so much interest, BYD are a huge company. So much speculation. I’ve been going to every team on the grid so far. Here as a fan today.
“Aston Martin is a great British brand, sad to see them struggling as they are. So much speculation.”
The NFC East was an arms race this offseason. All four teams entered free agency in March in different places, but all understood the need to improve. The Washington Commanders were coming off a 5-12 season, one year after shocking everyone and reaching the NFC Championship Game.
Washington's opponent in the NFC Championship? The Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles would defeat the Commanders and go on to win Super Bowl LIX. Last season, the Eagles won the NFC East again, but looked like a different team.
The Dallas Cowboys could score points last season, but couldn't stop anyone. Meanwhile, the New York Giants finished last again, resulting in a new head coach. That new coach, John Harbaugh, is a former Super Bowl champion.
So, who won the NFL offseason? Well, that depends on who you talk to. You could make the case that each of the four NFC East teams had a banner offseason. The Commanders shook up their roster, particularly on defense. The Cowboys had a similar defensive makeover, and both teams have new defensive coordinators, each getting their first chance to call plays in the NFL.
Matt Okada of NFL.com recently gave all 32 teams an offseason grade. He liked what each NFC East team did, but gave the Giants an A+ and the Cowboys an A-. Philadelphia and Washington both came away with a B+. Here's what Okada said about the Commanders' offseason.
Like Dallas, the Commanders absolutely had to focus their efforts on the defense. Washington spent big money to bring in Oweh, Chaisson and LB Leo Chenal before snagging Styles with the seventh overall pick.
And don’t overlook some of their less-heralded offensive additions: TE Chig Okonkwo and RB Rachaad White provide weapons outside of Terry McLaurin for Jayden Daniels. There are still a few spots that could use more attention, particularly cornerback, WR2 and the interior offensive line. But the Commanders did enough -- spending more than $250 million (third-most, per Over the Cap) -- to earn a solid grade.
Washington should be much better on defense in 2026. So, when people ask if GM Adam Peters did enough to help Daniels this offseason, the answer is yes. The Commanders were atrocious defensively last season, and an improved unit is the best way to help your franchise quarterback.
And let's not forget about the offensive additions. Not only does Washington also have a new offensive coordinator (David Blough) it's excited about, but players like Okonkwo, White and rookie receiver Antonio Williams all figure to be in prominent roles.
The NFC East did see two impact players depart this offseason, when the Eagles traded away disgruntled wide receiver A.J. Brown and the Giants traded All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence. So, how will those losses impact the Eagles and Giants?
Deonte Banks enters 2026 at a crossroads. The New York Giants’ 2023 first-round pick has shown fleeting flashes of dominance but endured an up-and-down career marked by inconsistency in coverage and, at times, a lacking effort.
With the fifth-year option declined, Banks is in the final year of his rookie deal and must prove his worth in a crowded, revamped secondary featuring Greg Newsome II and rookie Colton Hood.
New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, a fellow Maryland Terrapin, has emphasized a clean slate for everyone.
"He's a talented player. He's big. He can run. He brings an element of physicality, but he's had an up-and-down career thus far," Wilson told reporters in April. "For us, it's coming in with a clean slate... We're trying to evaluate the players, see what they do well, and we're trying to teach them our way of football."
Wilson highlighted strong DB coaches who will focus on technique, footwork, and simplicity to unlock Banks' potential.
Head coach John Harbaugh offered a blunt but hopeful assessment.
"He hasn't played that great. He'd tell you that. But is he capable of playing a lot better? I think he is," the coach said.
Harbaugh wants "pitbulls" in the secondary who play hard and make plays on the ball.
Spring practices showed Banks flashing renewed confidence in Wilson's scheme, which aligns better with his press-man strengths and physical style. A strong training camp could secure a starting role and set up a big payday—or mark the end of his Giants tenure.
At 25, Banks has the tools; now it's about consistency and seizing the opportunity under new leadership.
Penn State football will have a completely overhauled roster to get to know in 2026 under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following one of the most active offseasons in recent memory for Penn State with a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, fans will have a lot of catching up to do in getting to know this year's Penn State roster. Fortunately, not every face will be brand new to fans. Regardless, we will be here to give you a fresh overview of every player on the roster for the 2026 season with a series of player profiles.
From all of the returning players, a long list of new faces from the transfer portal, and incoming recruits from the Class of 2026, we will have you covered with this year's player profiles for the Penn State roster. Here is a quick look at offensive lineman Hunter Albright for the 2026 season.
Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
Height: 6-5
Weight: 326
Class in 2026: Redshirt Freshman
Recruiting Rankings
Class of 2025: No recruiting ranking out of high school per 247Sports
Hunter Albright was not highly recruited out of high school and held a number of FCS offers when he committed to Saint Francis (PA). Other schools with offers included Duquesne, Mercyhurst, Bryant, and New Hampshire. While he was not rated out of high school, he was rated as a three-star transfer player during the transfer window season. Days after officially entering the transfer portal, Albright committed to Penn State as his next stop.
Career Stats
Hunter Albright did not see any game action as a true freshman with Saint Francis (PA) during the 2025 college football season.
Depth Chart Overview
It will be unlikely that Hunter Albright sees much playing time in Happy Valley in his redshirt freshman season, as the interior offensive line depth is pretty set for the upcoming season. Trevor Buhr and Cooper Cousins are expected to have the starting jobs at the guard positions locked down, and Penn State also returns Chimdy Onoh and Will Tompkins for depth at the positions.
Random Fact
Hunter Albright played both ways in high school and was a 2023 PFN 5A All-State second-team player.
Speaking with reporters during media availability, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke highly of Gainwell, praising his work with the Philadelphia Eagles and Steelers.
“[Gainwell] has been doing great,” Mayfield said. “He's somebody that I've respected from afar when he was with Philly and the Steelers. You can tell he's a sharp kid who's always been able to do pass protection stuff. He was doing that in Philly from very early on in his career, and then in Pittsburgh, he actually balled out. Now to have him here, we're lucky because he's extremely sharp, a great leader, and can do everything you ask for.”
One of Gainwell's most impressive traits during his career has been his versatility, exceeding expectations as both a rusher and a receiver, while also standing out as a solid special teamer.
Gainwell would be voted Steelers' 2025 team MVP for his selfless play and stellar performance, in which he recorded a career-high 1,023 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns. While he'll be dearly missed, the Steelers hit a home run in replacing him with a multiple 1,000-yard rusher in Rico Dowdle.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Although former Washington Huskies star Kelsey Plum is expected to miss the majority of July with a leg injury, the Los Angeles Sparks guard has had another stellar season in the WNBA and should be in the mix for her fifth consecutive All-Star appearance.
However, the former No. 1 overall pick wasn't listed among the 2026 All-Star selections despite averaging a career-high 23.9 points (which is good for No. 2 in the league) and 6.4 assists per game across 12 appearances, while shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range.
In an interview with John W. Davis, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts shared some strong feelings about her star guard's exclusion from the All-Star Game.
"It's ridiculous," Roberts said. "It's ridiculous. It's become a social media popularity contest, not about who the most impactful players are. She's the best one-on-one player in the league, having an MVP season."
When it comes to the WNBA selection process, 50 percent of the vote is left to the fans, while the other half is split evenly between the media and players. Plum finished No. 5 in the media vote and No. 6 among fans, but No. 12 in the player vote, which may have been partially due to her injury, which will keep her out for at least ten games after a sprained ankle sidelined her earlier in the year.
Whenever the 2022 WNBA MVP and two-time champion does return to the floor, which will most likely be after the All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25, she'll have a tall task to lead the Sparks back to the playoffs, as the team is currently 8-10 on the year.
Broncos Wire's 91-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year tight end Caleb Lohner, No. 84.
Before the Broncos: Lohner (6-7, 250 pounds) followed the path of tight ends like Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzales, who were basketball stars before they were ever football players. In college, Lohner played basketball for BYU, Baylor and the University of Utah. While he was with the Utes, Lohner tried out the gridiron. As a tight end, Lohner only had four catches for 54 yards... and four touchdowns.
Broncos tenure: Despite his limited football experience, Lohner's size and profile was intriguing enough for the Denver Broncos to use a seventh-round selection (241st overall) on him in the 2025 NFL draft. Lohner did not make the 53-man roster as a rookie, but he was retained on the Broncos' practice squad for the entirety of the season.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. Lohner recently impressed coaches during the Broncos' 2026 rookie minicamp, where coach Sean Payton said he looks "entirely different" from last offseason. Lohner could see some extended action in the preseason, but he might be competing for a practice squad spot once again this summer. Although he faces long odds, Lohner will have an opportunity to compete for an active roster spot this summer, and he'll be an intriguing tight end to track.
The Oklahoma Sooners are flying under the radar after making the College Football Playoff last season. The Sooners aren't being talked about a lot as a legit contender this season.
Oklahoma has the 13th-best odds to win the national championship and has an over/under win total of just 7.5. That feels low for a team coming off a playoff appearance and returning a top-tier core of contributors, ranking tied for No. 12 in returning production, meaning they bring back a significant portion of last season's playoff rotation.
Despite the roster continuity, the schedule is likely what is suppressing expectations. Oklahoma again has one of the toughest schedules in the country. While the whole season has its challenges, it's the beginning part that has On3's Kaiden Smith concerned.
"Do we both love Oklahoma, what they are bringing back, and everything they are bringing to the table this year, absolutely," Smith said on the 'Hard Count.' "What I don't love is them playing Michigan, Georgia and Texas within their first five games of the season."
It will be key for Oklahoma to manage that three-game slate. The Sooners likely need to come out of that 2-1 to be in a great spot moving forward. Going 1-2 makes the rest of the season have little margin for error. If Oklahoma goes 0-3, the playoff hopes are likely over.
But anything less will leave them with little margin for error in a loaded SEC schedule, meaning their postseason fate could already be largely determined by mid-October.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
As England and Australia prepare to meet in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's, there is no better time to look back at the winners of every edition of the tournament.
The very first Women's T20 World Cup was held in England alongside the men's tournament, bringing together eight sides in what quickly became a landmark moment for the women's game.
England, Australia and New Zealand dominated the group stage, with India also making the semi-finals.
The final at Lord's saw England chase down 87 against New Zealand inside 17 overs to claim the title. New Zealand's Aimee Watkins was the tournament's leading run-scorer while England's Holly Colvin finished top of the wicket-taking charts.
Who has won the most women's T20 World Cup titles?
While England won the inaugural World Cup, Australia is the most decorated team in the competition with six titles.
Held in the West Indies, the 2010 edition introduced the world to some future legends of the game, including Stafanie Taylor, Ellyse Perry and Deandra Dottin. Australia beat New Zealand in the final to claim their first title, with Sara McGlashan and Diana David finishing as the standout performers.
Two years later in Sri Lanka, Australia made it back-to-back titles, again defeating England in the final. Charlotte Edwards topped the run charts while Julie Hunter was the leading wicket-taker.
In 2014, the tournament expanded to ten teams in Bangladesh, and Australia again met England in the final. Meg Lanning, captaining the side for the first time in this role permanently, guided a dominant chase of 106 in just 15 overs. Lanning finished as the tournament's top run-scorer while Anya Shrubsole led the wicket charts.
India hosted one of the most memorable editions of the tournament in 2016. West Indies produced a stunning upset, beating Australia, with teenager Hayley Matthews and captain Stafanie Taylor putting on a record 120-run opening stand to chase down 148 with three balls to spare. Remarkably, on the same day, the West Indies men also won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
In South Africa in 2023, the hosts reached their first-ever final but could not stop Australia from clinching a sixth title. Laura Wolvaardt was the leading run-scorer, while Sophie Ecclestone topped the wicket-takers list.
The 2024 edition, held in the UAE, produced the biggest shock in the competition's history as New Zealand finally broke through, defeating South Africa by 32 runs to win their first ICC title in 24 years under Sophie Devine, with Melie Kerr named Player of the Tournament.
The Phoenix Mercury will finish their three-game homestand with two games this week, including the anticipated conclusion of their series against the Indiana Fever.
Phoenix will welcome the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, July 7, and the Fever on Thursday, July 9, before traveling to Las Vegas to take on the Aces on July 11.
Chicago’s Kamilla Cardoso broke a WNBA record for the most field goals without a miss in a 124-94 win over the Portland Fire on June 26, going 13-for-13 from the floor with 30 points.
The Mercury defeated the Sky, 91-83, on May 15.
Two weeks after the contentious two-game set in Indianapolis, the Mercury will host the Fever in Phoenix for the first and final time this season.
The teams garnered a lot of attention in each game, with six technical fouls, one ejection and a viral moment between Mercury's DeWanna Bonner and Fever's Sophie Cunningham in the first meeting. But the second game ended the series on a bitter note when Alyssa Thomas was retroactively suspended for landing on Caitlin Clark, pushing her fist into Clark’s throat and then stepping over her.
Cunningham has stoked the fire between the teams on her podcast, alleging that she still knows people in the Mercury organization who don't like the current roster.
"Like nobody likes their team this year and they say that they’re the unfriendliest group," Cunningham said. "So we’re not the only ones who feel that way. Internal people feel that way, too."
Following the homestand, the Mercury will travel to Las Vegas for the third meeting with the Aces.
Las Vegas made the Commissioner's Cup championship game after finishing with the best record in the Western Conference from June 1-17, but fell to the New York Liberty June 30, 93-85.
Entering their Thursday, July 2, home matchup with the Seattle Storm, Phoenix star Kahleah Copper was averaging 20.1 points per game, with Thomas contributing 14.7 points, 8.4 assists and 6.6 rebounds.
Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing.
The Kansas City Chiefs have weeks until training camp begins, and there are potential concerns about their wide receiver room.
During a recent episode of the Speakeasy podcast, former Chiefs running back LeSean McCoy issued a warning to quarterback Patrick Mahomes about the problems in his wide receiver room that could hold the team back again in 2026.
"Patrick (Mahomes), you should be worried, just because, man, I don't know, man, it's like a trust thing, it's hard to trust Rashee Rice. I keep trying to give him a pass in the past, in the past, and he keeps messing up, messing up, and messing up, and after a while, it's like, Yo, I gotta believe you for who you are," said McCoy, "If you show me once, I kind of don't believe it. You show me twice, I kind of believe it. You show me three times, and I definitely believe it. It seems like he keeps getting into something. Andy Reid is the best at getting players help, and also helping them to be even better persons is just not just a better athlete, so I'm worried about that."
Rice underwent surgery before he was sentenced to time in jail? cleaning up debris in his right knee. He missed voluntary offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp, but is expected to be fully available for the start of training camp next month.
McCoy wasn't done ranting, and he also focused on receiver Xavier Worthy.
"I told y'all from Jump Street that (Xavier) Worthy is not that good, he's a guy that times fast, but he don't play fast. I don't see it, so I'm worried about the Chiefs' offense." said McCoy, "I think he'll (Mahomes) be good, but just that the weapons around him the last couple years, the weapons haven't been right, and the guys that have been there, like Rashee, he's been outside of football due to stuff, so I'm worried."
Worthy finished the 2025 season with 42 receptions for 532 yards and a touchdown. He also had 11 rushes for 87 yards in 14 games played. He has seemingly recovered from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered in Week 1 last season.
The Diamondbacks continue a lengthy stretch of games against postseason-contending teams in the National League.
Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez gets another chance to build on his All-Star-caliber resume with a start against the Brewers, wrapping up a homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, July 5.
Then the Diamondbacks are off to San Diego and Los Angeles to play four games against the Padres and three at Dodger Stadium. The Padres are in wild-card contention while the Dodgers are running away with the National League West.
San Diego has underachieved this season, record-wise, though the Padres are likely where most thought they would be, in second place in the NL West entering play July 1. They were 31-20 on May 23 but lost 10 of their next 11 games and have fallen far behind the Dodgers.
The Padres have not hit too well as a team despite 16 home runs for Manny Machado as of July 1 and a solid batting average for Fernando Tatis Jr.
Right-hander Michael King has been the Padres' most consistent starting pitcher this season.
The Dodgers have not been derailed despite several injures. They led the major leagues runs, hits, team batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS as of games of July 1.
Shohei Ohtani continues to be a catalyst as a hitter and pitcher, the favorite for National League MVP and poised for another All-Star appearance.
Catcher Will Smith remains on the injured list but could be back in time to play Arizona. The timetable is similar for relief pitcher Evan Phillips.
Closer Edwin Diaz is out until late July at the earliest, but his return could coincide with that of starting pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, which will only make Los Angeles more formidable.
Key World Series title pieces Kiké Hernandez and Blake Treinen are also expected off the injured list sometime in July.
Game times in San Diego are 6:40 p.m. July 6-7, 7:10 p.m. on July 8 and 6:40 p.m. on July 9. In L.A., game times are 7:10 p.m. July 10, 6:10 p.m. on July 11 and 1:10 p.m. on July 12.
Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Expected to Lose Another Key Free Agent
LeBron James is still the biggest name on the free-agent market after parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers, with multiple teams waiting for clarity on where the 41-year-old will play next.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are doing their own roster rebuilding around Luka Dončić, but recent reports indicate they could lose free agent Rui Hachimura.
Insiders Hint Rui Hachimura Could Follow LeBron James Out of Los Angeles
As Hachimura remains unsigned, league insiders speculated on the pathways for the Lakers franchise to free up enough salary space for a better offer.
However, in Marc Stein and Jake Fischer’s newsletter on Saturday, the chances of Hachimura being on the Lakers roster next season are looking slim.
“There is a corresponding (and growing) expectation that free agent forward Rui Hachimura will join James in exiting Tinseltown,” the report mentioned.
Hachimura established himself as an efficient floor spacer last season, averaging 11.5 points while shooting 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from three-point range.
He took on a larger offensive role in the absence of Dončić and Austin Reaves, averaging 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 56.9% from beyond the arc during the playoffs, stepping up big time.
The Japanese forward began his NBA career with the Washington Wizards before joining the Lakers. Unfortunately, the Lakers currently have little financial flexibility for Hachimura, who made $18.3 million last year.
As he explores free agency, Hachimura’s representativeshave reportedly been in contact with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors.
Minnesota could be an ideal spot, especially after Julius Randle and Naz Reid’s exits, and Hachimura’s arrival would boost the Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball lineup.
Golden State has also become an interesting destination, where he’d be sharing the locker room with a core led by Stephen Curry.
Stein and Fischer also reported that the Lakers could shift their focus to Jonathan Kuminga, but completing such a move would not be easy.
“The Lakers, league sources say, are focused on adding a wing and another big man after Friday’s agreement with Washington to trade Deandre Ayton…” the report asserted. “And a good bit of that focus, sources say, has involved Kuminga.”
“Yet it remained unclear as of Saturday morning just how quickly Kuminga’s future can be resolved, given the ongoing LeBron Sweepstakes.”
“The Cavaliers, for example, are known to be interested in the 23-year-old – with Kenny Atkinson, in particular, said to be a fan after coaching Kuminga in Golden State as an assistant to Steve Kerr – but they are naturally hoping for more time to allow James’ process to play out.”
If Los Angeles ultimately lands Kuminga, it would continue the franchise’s shift toward younger personnel, as he is nearly five years younger than Hachimura.
However, Stein and Fischer noted that the Atlanta Hawks remain open to either re-signing Kuminga or completing a sign-and-trade, while the Milwaukee Bucks have also expressed interest in acquiring the Congolese.
The Atlanta Falcons are headed into the regular season with training camp on the horizon and fans hopeful things can turn around in terms of getting back to the playoffs and competing in the NFC.
It may or may not happen right away, but in today's day and age of the NFL, pass catchers have been absolutely critical in trying to elevate an offense to the next level, and Atlanta will not be any exception.
It remains to be seen who the starting quarterback will be, but whoever it is has a nice compliment of wide receivers to throw to with a mix of new and old talent. Needless to say, the charge will be led by Drake London, however here is the full list of players fans need to be watching when training camp gets started.
Drake London
London is without a doubt the alpha dog of this wide receiver room and now he is paid like it too following his extension that makes him the third highest-paid in all of football at his position. He was going to have a great shot at his best career numbers in 2025 before he missed time due to injury, but most importantly, London has produced no matter who is at quarterback for this team.
Whether it's Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr., the starting quarterback is going to have an elite security blanket in London.
Olamide Zaccheaus
Zaccheaus returns to Atlanta after three seasons with three different teams, and he had a solid year for the Chicago Bears in 2025. Now, he arrives to the Falcons in potentially a bigger role than he has had in years past and brings some very solid veteran experience to the room.
Jahan Dotson
Another free agent signing, Dotson comes to Atlanta on a two-year deal and will try to tap into some of the potential he has shown throughout his first four seasons in the league. Statistically, his first two years were much more productive than his last two, so Dotson will be looking to put up some numbers this year.
Zachariah Branch
The third round selection is the great X-factor within this offense after turning a lot of heads throughout the offseason program. An electric playmaker with the ball in his hands, Branch is expected to become highly involved in the offense right out of the gate.
If he can do that, the ceiling of this unit as a whole would be raised drastically.
The Mavericks are building around Cooper Flagg for the long term, which means adding young players who fit the timeline. Bennedict Mathurin, a 24-year-old restricted free agent, fits that profile.
Mathurin averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a starter for Indiana during the first half of the 2025-26 season, shooting a career-best 37% from 3-point range before the Pacers traded him to the Clippers for Ivica Zubac on Feb. 5.
His 3-point shooting dropped to 20.7% in 26 appearances with Los Angeles, but he still averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists off the bench and scored 38 points in his Clippers home debut against Denver. The shooting slump deserves attention, but the scoring ability does not.
The Clippers selected Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick in June and they now have Wagler, Darius Garland and Kris Dunn in the backcourt. That leaves Mathurin without a guaranteed role in Los Angeles. The Clippers tendered him a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent and giving them the right to match any contract he signs elsewhere.
Mathurin is 24 years old, 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. He attacks the rim, draws fouls and scores without needing an offense built entirely around him. He does not need a set play to produce, but he does need space, a primary creator who draws defensive attention and an offense that rewards his aggressiveness. Flagg is that type of creator and Kyrie Irving is another.
An offer sheet would force the Clippers to make a decision. They reshaped their roster after the draft and matching a significant contract for Mathurin on top of those financial commitments would be a serious question.
Dallas needs young scoring wings who fit alongside Flagg. Mathurin scores and he fits the timeline. The process starts with a phone call when free agency opens.
Could we have done more? That's the question every general manager will ask at season's end if their team fails to live up to expectations.
Expectations for the Los Angeles Chargers are perhaps as high now as they have been since LaDainian Tomlinson led the franchise at running back. With that comes offseason scrutiny.
Some are tempering expectations based on what the Chargers did or did not do in offseason moves. One NFL analyst gave them team an A- offseason grade but broke down some lesser aspects of the team's summer haul.
Here's some of what ESPN NFL analyst Seth Walder had to say about the Chargers' last few months.
"Odafe Oweh, who delivered sacks for the Chargers after a midseason trade from Baltimore, departed in free agency (which should net them a fourth-round compensatory pick, per OverTheCap.com), but Los Angeles re-signed Khalil Mack and drafted Akheem Mesidor in the first round. Mack is still good when he's on the field -- though understandably diminished from his previous heights -- but the Chargers would benefit from an instant impact from Mesidor, with Tuli Tuipulotu an average pass rusher opposite Mack.
Along the offensive line, the Chargers signed Tyler Biadasz to play center (and drafted Jake Slaughter in the second round, too). Biadasz should be an immediate upgrade over Bradley Bozeman, who had just a third percentile pass block win rate last season while Biadasz was in the 53rd percentile. The team did lose guard Zion Johnson in free agency to the Browns, though.
Overall, this was a good offseason. But I wonder if the Chargers should have spent a little more. As of this writing, they have the fourth-most cap space in 2026 and rank in the top 10 in 2027 cap space. Could they have used that money to get a better guard than Cole Strange? I'd have shelled out for Elgton Jenkins or Isaac Seumalo if I were them."
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) during minicamp at The Bolt. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Walder's characterization of Tuipulotu as an "average pass rusher," seems a bit harsh given the player added 13.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in the 2025 season. Perhaps that aided significantly by Khalil Mack on the other side, but 13.0 sacks is far from NFL average.
That the Chargers could have spent more, however, seems a more than fair assessment.
Los Angeles seems to be playing the long game, which may end up paying dividends financially when they are certain quarterback Justin Herbert is primed to run the NFL playoffs in the postseason. But if the Bolts come up just short of their goals in 2026, the lack of offseason moves will be revisited.
The Chargers are set up to contend in 2026. The season will reveal whether or not they did enough to realize all their goals.
Free agency in the NHL is off to a flying start. After the first four days, teams around the league have over 200 contracts and committed over one billion dollars. With this in mind, here is a look at where players who were part of the Vancouver Canucks organization in 2025-26 have signed during Free Agency 2026.
Mar 24, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Curtis Douglas (42) shoots against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The St. Louis Blues are looking to add young but established players this off-season, highlighted by the additions of Connor McMichael and Mason MacTavish.
Nikishin is a 24-year-old left-handed defenseman who just completed his rookie season with the Hurricanes, winning the Stanley Cup. In the regular season, Nikishin posted 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games while averaging 18:11 of ice time.
In the playoffs, Nikishin’s role diminished, and he played in 17 of 19 games. However, he was on the receiving end of a heavy hit in the first round against the Ottawa Senators, recording just one assist and averaging just 14:50.
Despite his role diminishing, Nikishin remains a very solid two-way defenseman who can play in any situation. In his time in the KHL and briefly on the Hurricanes’ second power play unit, Nikishin demonstrated the ability to quarterback a power play. He has a heavy shot, but also possesses the vision to distribute the puck from the blueline.
On the defensive side, Nikishin boasts a 6-foot-3, 218-pound frame and uses his long reach to knock pucks off his opponents’ sticks. Physically, Nikishin doesn’t fear getting involved, as he threw 132 hits and blocked 94 shots.
In the regular season, Nikishin posted a Corsi For percentage of 58.39 percent, an expected goals percentage of 55.56 percent, and a high-danger for percentage of 53.8 percent at 5-on-5 according to naturalstattrick.com.
Adding Nikishin to the lineup would give the Blues four left-handed defensemen, as he would join Philip Broberg, Cam Fowler, and Theo Lindstein.
The Hurricanes have placed a high price tag on Nikishin, and recently, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that teams interested in Nikishin will have to take Jesperi Kotkaniemi as well.
Nikishin is currently a restricted free agent but is ineligible to receive an offer sheet. If the Blues are serious about a trade, the only path is through a trade.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.
See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source.Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
In the wake of Jaylen Brown's shocking trade from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers, information was revealed regarding the Portland Trail Blazers' pursuit of the 2024 Finals MVP.
Portland was linked to Brown as soon as it became apparent Boston was willing to deal the five-time All-Star.
It was believed the Blazers would've been able to land Brown as compensation for facilitating Giannis Antetokounmpo's presumed move to the Celtics — but any hopes of that materializing died when the "Greek Freak" was sent to the Miami Heat.
That's what we thought at the time. Things have changed since then.
We now know — thanks to Jay King and Sam Amick of The Athletic — Portland never seriously pursued a trade for Brown due to Boston's asking price and a negative analytical view of the 2016 first-rounder.
With this in mind, Portland fans should have some clarity on the franchise's decision not to add Brown. It's safe to assume that when weighing the possibility of making a blockbuster trade, the Blazers' front office uses analytics to assist in the process.
But that's not the only significant aspect of King and Amick's report.
This development sheds major light on the superstar acquisition Portland actually made when it swung a trade for Ja Morant, dealing Jerami Grant and Khris Murray to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Not only was Morant far cheaper than what the Celtics were asking for, but the fact that the Blazers' brass felt comfortable trading for him means that — at worst — there were no analytical concerns.
Which is strange, because Morant certainly isn't a darling when it comes to the metrics. But perhaps Portland knows something the rest of us don't.
The Blazers have sneakily been one of the best front offices in the league as of late, capitalizing on low-risk moves to assemble one of the Western Conference's brightest up-and-coming squads.
So there really isn't a reason not to trust GM Joe Cronin and company regarding the Morant move ... even if the choice not to trade for Brown appears head-scratching at first glance.
That also suggests Portland wasn't simply looking for the biggest name available. The organization appears to have been searching for a star it believed fit both its long-term vision and internal evaluation model.
Once Brown no longer checked enough of those boxes at Boston's asking price, the front office turned its attention elsewhere — a process that ultimately led to Morant.
It would've been difficult for any NFL team other than the Washington Commanders to justify signing Brandon Aiyuk should the San Francisco 49ers release him.
Aiyuk has attempted to force his way to Washington in every way possible to reunite with his close friend ... Jayden Daniels ... whom the disgruntled wide receiver caught passes from at Arizona State in 2019.
But now, in a strange turn of events, Aiyuk is back blabbering on social media — this time targeting Daniels with verbal attacks.
First, Aiyuk unfollowed the star quarterback. Then, he issued the following message to his former teammate:
“You on my team now. You follow my rules. Boy, I’m a grown ass man, boy," Aiyuk said. "You gonna have to stop running your mama and I might believe what you’re talking about. But until then, [no].”
Aiyuk followed up with another Instagram story, this time silently holding up a pair of cleats alongside a graphic challenging Daniels to "run it" and stay healthy for the entire season.
Following one of the greatest individual rookie seasons in NFL history, Daniels' second year as a pro was full of injuries, including a sprained knee in Week 2, a hamstring strain in Week 7 and a dislocated left elbow in Week 9.
We've come a long way in the Aiyuk saga since the social media antics began. From accusing the Niners organization of being "scared" to flinging insults at GM John Lynch, there had been only one topic the 28-year-old had yet to take aim at.
And it was Daniels.
Unfortunately for Aiyuk, this decision could be what ultimately costs him his NFL career.
His chances of actually landing with the Commanders appeared to be shrinking as is, especially following his comments directed at Lynch — who is a close friend of Washington's GM and Lynch's former assistant, Adam Peters.
Now, there's a possibility that Aiyuk has burnt bridges with both Daniels and Peters, who may be the two figures most responsible for transforming Washington from a joke of a franchise into a potential perennial contender.
He seemed to be fairly genuine when going after those involved in the Niners organization, but regardless of whether Aiyuk intended the Daniels posts as playful trash talk or something more serious, perception matters.
Publicly calling out a franchise's cornerstone player is obviously unlikely to strengthen his case with an organization that appears committed to building around Daniels for years to come.
And if the Commanders pass on Aiyuk, there's no guarantee anyone would take a flier on him, which is something he should keep in mind if he continues this tirade.
The NBA Salt Lake City Summer League tipped off July 4 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Former Vol Jahmai Mashack is playing for Memphis.
The Grizzlies defeated Oklahoma City, 111-74. Mashack did not start and scored 12 points in 22 minutes. The former Vol converted 4-of-6 field goal attempts, 1-of-2 three-point attempts and 2-of-3 free throw attempts.
Mashack also recorded two rebounds, four assists, one steal and two blocks. He also had two turnovers and one personal foul.
Mashack was selected in the second round by Memphis with the final pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
The former Vol signed a two-way contract with Memphis on Nov. 16, 2025 and split time between the Grizzlies and the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League. He began the 2025-26 season with the Hustle and averaged 7.6 points, 5.4 assists and 3.4 steals in five contests before being promoted to Memphis.
“Belatedly reflecting on more than 40 years of sports writing, including 36 at the Star Tribune, I’ve had an epiphany,” Souhan wrote. “Man, I made a lot of people mad.
“I’m leaving the newspaper industry to spend more time with family. Unlike most athletes, I actually mean it. I’ll miss a lot of people who may not miss me.”
Souhan, a member of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America since 1993, started his journalism career writing and editing for the Missourian at the University of Missouri. He started working for the Dallas Morning News and eventually became their Dallas Cowboys beat writer. He left in 1989 to join the Star Tribune as its Minnesota Vikings beat writer, and eventually did the same for the Minnesota Twins. In 2004, he became a full-time columnist, replacing Dan Barreiro.
He also owns TalkNorth.com, a Minnesota sports and business podcast network, and hosts several podcasts there.
As news of Souhan’s impending retirement spread, tributes poured in across social media from those he’d worked with and those he’d covered.
A sad day for us. Jim is the best at what he does and one of the best people in the biz. Honored to have sat by him numerous times in the Wolves press room the last 8+ years. https://t.co/iZ85tq5Bhw
Jim might be known as the columnist who made people mad (as he writes here), but to me he is the person who passed along my name in a 1999 job search, and for that I am eternally grateful. https://t.co/sOu8ZejM3L
Honestly stunned by this one, 36 years and still throwing a wicked fastball.
The whole never meet your hero’s thing couldn’t be further from the truth with Jim, absolute class act, always willing to share a story and always in a good mood.
Congratulations to my friend Jim, who opposed me on the #Cowboys beat when we first arrived in DFW in 1989. Always a good person and a journalist who did it the right way. https://t.co/iomkyhpqc3
Good sportswriters are a precious commodity. I just read the farewell column of one of the very best, @SouhanStrib. As an ardent fan of Minnesota sports teams, and someone who cares about social justice, I am really going to miss reading Jim Souhan.
An incredible career, a journalistic traditionalist AND a trailblazer (geez, pretty rare combo) and also someone I’ve known for something like 300 years. Can play some guitar, too.
This comes at the tail end of buyouts and layoffs at @StarTribune, and in this economic climate I doubt @StribSports will replace him. Sorry to see Jim go, but it’s always better to walk away on your own terms. Best of luck to him. https://t.co/5spJvkv9zu
The knockout stage is only getting more heated as rounds progress. Mexico is set to host England on home soil for a Round of 16 matchup that's sure to excite.
As a co-host nation, Mexico has been making this tournament look like their own. El Tri completely swept group A, not even letting up a goal against South Africa, Czechia or South Korea before continuing on to dismantle Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. Mexico will get to play in their capital city yet again this weekend.
Meanwhile, England returns to Mexico City looking to rewrite the history books. The Three Lions finished top of Group L in the tournament's early stages, despite a scoreless draw with Ghana. The English then pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind win against DR Congo in the Round of 32, with Harry Kane scoring twice in the final 15 minutes.
Who will prevail in this highly-anticipated matchup?
Here's everything you need to know to watch the Mexico vs. England World Cup match, including where to watch on TV or live stream, what time the game starts and more.
Mexico vs. England live stream, TV channel
TV channel: FOX
Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website
Mexico vs. England 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 Mexico vs. Englandstart?
Mexico vs. England kicks off Sunday, July 5, at 8 p.m. ET at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico.
Here's how that time translates across the United States time zones:
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. They are into the Round of 16.
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 18: Clemson Tigers quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) throws a touchdown pass during a college football game between the SMU Mustangs and the Clemson Tigers on October 18, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Clemson Tigers have their new starting quarterback and it’s a familiar name for Clemson fans. Christopher Vizzina, Cade Klubnik’s long-time backup will more than likely get the nod to start the 2026 season behind center. DaboSwinney is a loyalty guy, until he’s not, and three-star true freshman TaitReynolds could make a push midseason.
A former four-star from Alabama, Vizzina has patiently waited his turn and would look good in the ChadMorris offense. The Tigers have always benefitted when having an elite QB and go only as far as their passer takes them. Vizzina did start one game over the past three seasons, the 2025 35-24 loss to SMU.
In the loss, Vizzina finished 29-of-42 on 7.5 yards per attempt with three touchdowns and no interceptions. It was an efficient performance that fell just short of a big win for the Tigers. Vizzina flashed athleticism, but didn’t run QB draw quite as well as the Tigers would have wanted vs. the Mustangs.
Check out a comlpete review of Vizzina against SMU from 2025:
Bob Arum has highlighted one of s greatest attributes, questioning whether would have the wizardry to overcome it. Despite hanging up his gloves in December, ‘Bud’ has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential opponent for Ennis, who comes off a career-best victory over Xander Zayas. The 29-year-old was considered a clear favourite heading into their […]
Last month, Samsung officially introduced the industry’s first UFS 5.0 storage solution, taking a major step toward the next generation of AI-powered mobile devices. The new standard is designed specifically for the next generation of AI-powered smartphones, tablets, XR devices, and other products that rely on fast on-device AI processing.
Samsung UFS 5.0 storage promises up to 10.8GB/s sequential read speeds, 9.5GB/s write speeds, 40% better power efficiency, and a 16.7% smaller package.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new storage:
What is Samsung’s new UFS 5.0 storage standard?
UFS 5.0 is Samsung’s latest embedded flash storage standard for mobile devices. It succeeds UFS 4.0 and delivers substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and physical size.
According to Samsung, the new storage achieves:
Sequential read speeds of up to 10.8GB/s
Sequential write speeds of up to 9.5GB/s
Up to 5x faster random read performance
Around 40% better power efficiency
16.7% smaller than the previous generation
Samsung’s new UFS 5.0 measures just 7.5mm × 13mm × 0.9mm, making it smaller than a typical fingernail while leaving more room inside future smartphones and other compact devices.
How much faster is UFS 5.0 compared to UFS 4.0?
Compared to the current mainstream UFS generation, Samsung’s new storage delivers a substantial jump in performance.
UFS 5.0
Sequential read speeds reach 10.8 GB/s
Sequential write speeds reach 9.5 GB/s
UFS 4.0
4.2 GB/s sequential read
2.8 GB/s sequential write
Samsung has more than doubled both read and write throughput.
Why does UFS 5.0 matter for Galaxy phones and on-device AI?
Modern AI features increasingly rely on fast storage. As generative AI models continue growing in size, storage speed has become a critical factor for loading models, retrieving data, and processing AI tasks locally.
Samsung believes UFS 5.0 will help power the next generation of:
AI-powered Galaxy smartphones
Tablets
Wearables (smartwatches)
XR devices
When will Samsung UFS 5.0 arrive in consumer devices?
Samsung has announced the technology but hasn’t confirmed which products will be the first to use UFS 5.0. Given the history, the company’s flagship Galaxy phones are among the most likely candidates to adopt the new storage standard.
The company says it has successfully completed development of the industry’s first UFS 5.0 solution and intends to help define the next generation of mobile AI platforms.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is launching this month, and increasing DRAM prices will cause damage to this foldable smartphone lineup.
Winfuture has leaked the prices for three Galaxy foldable phones. This year, Samsung will release three models: a Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Z Fold 8, which is likely to be the new wide-fold, and the Ultra will be the traditional foldable.
Those who are looking forward to upgrading to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will have to pay 100 euros extra for the 256GB variant. Meanwhile, the 1TB variant will go up by 280 euros. Moreover, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could start at 2,199 euros (around $2,500).
The Z Flip 8 will also see 100 and 180 euros increases for 256GB and 512GB versions, respectively. Meanwhile, the Z Fold 8 wide will release with the following prices:
256 GB = 1,999.00 euros
512 GB = 2,199.00 euros
1 TB = 2,599.00 euros
Basically, Samsung is giving the Galaxy Z Fold 7 price slots to the wide model and picking new prices for the Z Fold 8. Read more about the prices here.
DRAM crisis:
This new change comes as DRAM prices continue to skyrocket. This is due to the heavy demand from AI companies, offering better prices than smartphone makers to get their orders done in priority. Eventually, DRAM production for smartphones continues to shrink, but their prices keep increasing.
Therefore, smartphone makers are either reducing their production target or adding significant price tags to their new launches. The situation is expected to get even worse in the upcoming quarter as RAM prices are expected to climb further at least through 2026.
So, we can say that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 will be the first major Samsung releases to fall victim to this DRAM price tragedy.
The smartphone market is in for a rough time – zooming in on Oppo’s new Reno16 series gives us a preview of what is to come. The two phones are capable mid-rangers, but their flagship-level pricing could spell doom for them when it comes to sales.
The Oppo Reno16 is in a worse spot than its Pro sibling. While it has mostly the same hardware, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and the basic 50MP 1/1.95” main camera are a no-go for €900 (or even for €800, which is the discounted price that is available throughout July).
The Oppo Reno16 Pro fares a bit better, but only a bit. Some people prefer it...
Sakatlığı nedeniyle Fransa'da tedavi gören Dorgeles Nene'den Fenerbahçe'ye müjdeli haber geldi. Sağlık ekibinin onayının ardından genç oyuncu Avusturya kampı kadrosuna dahil edildi.
Fenerbahçe’de bir süredir sakatlığı nedeniyle Fransa'da tedavi gören Dorgeles Nene'den taraftarı sevindiren haber geldi. Sarı-lacivertli kulüp, genç futbolcunun sağlık durumuna ilişkin resmi bir açıklama yaparak oyuncunun takıma döneceğini müjdeledi.
Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, Nene’nin Fransa’daki tedavi sürecinin planlandığı şekilde başarıyla ilerlediği belirtildi. Sağlık ekibinin yaptığı son değerlendirmelerin ardından, oyuncunun yeni sezon hazırlıkları kapsamında Avusturya kampı kadrosuna dahil edilmesine karar verildi.
Fransa'daki sürecini tamamlayarak kampa katılacak olan Dorgeles Nene, teknik heyetin kendisi için hazırladığı özel program doğrultusunda takımla birlikte yeni sezon çalışmalarına devam edecek.
Trabzonspor'un 20 yaşındaki Fildişi Sahilli "elması" Christ Inao Oulai, Avrupa'yı peşine taktı! Brentford'un 25 milyon sterlinlik teklifini reddeden bordo-mavililerin genç yıldızı için Fiorentina, Leipzig ve Brighton'ın ardından şimdi de İtalyan devi Juventus resmen devreye girdi.
Trabzonspor’un genç orta saha oyuncusu Christ Inao Oulai, sergilediği performansla Avrupa transfer piyasasını birbirine kattı. İtalyan La Gazzetta Dello Sport'un haberine göre, Fildişi Sahilli yetenek için şimdi de İtalyan devi Juventus devreye girdi.
Nisan ayında 20 yaşına giren genç yıldız için Avrupa'nın dev kulüpleri adeta sıraya girmiş durumda. Oulai için İngiltere Premier Lig'den Brentford'un Trabzonspor’a resmi olarak 25 milyon sterlinlik dev bir teklif yaptığı ancak bordo-mavili ekibin bu teklifi geri çevirdiği öğrenildi.
Öte yandan, Trabzonspor’un bu transferden elde edeceği gelirin %20'sini, oyuncunun eski kulübü Bastia'ya ödeme yükümlülüğü bulunuyor.
Teknik kapasitesi yüksek, 173 cm boyundaki genç orta saha; baskıdan kurtulma becerisi, dikine driplingleri ve tahmin edilemez ara paslarıyla modern bir "altı numara" ve merkez oyuncusu olarak tanımlanıyor.
Bu İtalyan ve Avrupa basınına göre "işlenmemiş elmas" olan oyuncuyla sadece Juventus değil; Fiorentina, Leipzig ve Brighton da yakından ilgileniyor.
Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray altyapısında forma giyen 18 yaşındaki sol kanat oyuncusu Yiğit Çolak ile sözleşme imzaladığını açıkladı.
Transfer çalışmalarını sürdüren Fenerbahçe'de, U19 takımı için önemli bir takviye yapıldı. Sarı lacivertliler, ezeli rakibi Galatasaray'ın futbol akademisinde forma giyen 18 yaşındaki sol kanat oyuncusu Yiğit Çolak ile sözleşme imzaladığını duyurdu.
Fenerbahçe'nin resmi internet sitesinden yapılan açıklama şöyle:
"Fenerbahçe Futbol Akademi projesiyle öz kaynak yatırımlarını kararlılıkla sürdüren Kulübümüz, yarının Fenerbahçe’sini bugünden inşa etmeye devam ediyor.
Bu kapsamda, Galatasaray Futbol Akademisi'nin 2008 doğumlu oyuncusu Yiğit Çolak ile sözleşme imzalanmıştır. Genç futbolcumuz, 2026-2027 sezonundan itibaren U19 Takımımızın formasını giyecektir.
Yiğit Çolak imza töreninin ardından Fenerbahçe formasıyla poz verdi ve “Bu ailenin bir parçası olduğum için çok mutluyum. Sahada elimden gelenin en iyisini vereceğim. Yakın zamanda görüşmek üzere” ifadelerini kullandı.
Sarı lacivertliler geçtiğimiz aylarda da yine ezeli rakibinin altyapısından Hakan Çağrı Balta'yı renklerine bağlamıştı.
YİĞİT ÇOLAK KİMDİR?
5 Ocak 2008'de İstanbul'da doğan Yiğit Çolak, futbola 2018 yılında Galatasaray altyapısında başladı.
Sarı kırmızılı takımın U17 ve U19 takımlarında forma giyen Yiğit, geçen sezon 23'ü U19 Ligi, 5'i ise UEFA Gençlik Ligi olmak üzere toplam 28 resmi maça çıktı. Genç futbolcu 1232 dakika sahada kalırken 1 kez fileleri havalandırdı.
Alt yaş gruplarında Milli Takım formalarını da terleten Yiğit Çolak U14, U15, U16 ve U17 milli takımlarında 17 kez oynadı ve 2 gol attı.
Fenerbahçe, Mert Hakan Yandaş ile 1 yıllık yeni sözleşme imzalandığını duyurdu.
Fenerbahçe, sözleşmesi biten ve geleceği büyük merak konusu olan Mert Hakan Yandaş'la 1 yıllık yeni sözleşme imzaladığını duyurdu. İsmail Kartal'ın takımın başına geçmesiyle kalmasına kesin gözüyle bakılan Kaptan'la yapılan yeni sözleşmenin şartları açıklandı.
"Kamuoyuna Duyuru
Kulübümüz, Futbol A Takımımızın kaptanlarından Mert Hakan Yandaş ile 1 yıllık yeni sözleşme imzalamıştır. Mücadeleci kimliği ve Çubuklu formamıza duyduğu aidiyet, bu kararın en önemli unsurları olmuştur.
Futbolcumuz da Fenerbahçe sevgisini bir kez daha ortaya koyarak, asgari ücret esasları doğrultusunda 1 yıllık yeni sözleşmeye imza atmıştır. Mert Hakan Yandaş’a Çubuklu formamızla başarılarla dolu bir sezon diliyoruz."
Kamuoyuna Duyuru
Kulübümüz, Futbol A Takımımızın kaptanlarından Mert Hakan Yandaş ile 1 yıllık yeni sözleşme imzalamıştır. Mücadeleci kimliği ve Çubuklu formamıza duyduğu aidiyet, bu kararın en önemli unsurları olmuştur.
Trabzonspor'un yıldızı Ernest Muçi, Max Allegri yönetimindeki Napoli'nin radarına girdi. İtalyan basınından somut ilgi doğrulanırken, kulüpler arasındaki son resmi durum da netleşti.
Trabzonspor'un bonservisini aldığı Ernest Muçi için İtalya’dan ilginç haberler gelmeye devam ediyor. İtalyan basınına göre Napoli’nin Muçi’ye olan ilgisi resmiyet kazanırken, transferin detayları netleşti.
Napoli Sportif Direktörü Giovanni Manna, Trabzonspor forması giyen 2001 doğumlu Arnavut on numaranın gelişimini yakından takip ediyor. Teknik direktör Max Allegri yönetiminde iddialı bir kadro kurmak isteyen Napoli yönetimi, Muçi'yi takımın hedeflerini canlandırabilecek mükemmel bir teknik yetenek olarak görüyor.
Radio Marte gazetecisi Dario Sarnataro, Napoli kulübü ile Muçi'nin menajerleri arasındaki teması doğruladı.
Sarnataro, "Forza Napoli Sempre" programında yaptığı açıklamada, "Napoli'nin kesinlikle Muçi'nin peşinde olduğunu anlıyoruz, ilgi somut ve doğrulanmış durumda" ifadelerini kullandı.
Transfer piyasasında kulaktan kulağa yayılan söylentilere rağmen, Napoli cephesinden resmi bir teklif henüz bulunmuyor. İtalyan ekibinin ilgisi resmi bir transfere dönüşmeden önce oyuncunun durumunu izlemeye devam edeceği belirtildi.
Beşiktaş, yeni projesinin lideri olarak gördüğü Belçikalı yıldız Leandro Trossard transferinde bitiş çizgisine geldi. Noa Lang hamlesinden vazgeçen Kartal, tüm enerjisini bu dev imzaya verdi.
Beşiktaş, transfer dönemine damga vuracak dev bir hamle için geri sayıma geçti. Siyah-beyazlılar, hücum hattını dünya çapında bir yıldızla güçlendirmek adına Belçikalı hücum oyuncusu Leandro Trossard’ı renklerine bağlamaya çok yakın.
İngiliz gazeteci Ben Jacobs'ın aktardığı bilgilere göre; Beşiktaş yönetimi, deneyimli futbolcu ile ön anlaşmayı sağladı. Görüşmelerde artık son ve belirleyici aşamaya geçilirken, taraflar arasındaki tek engelin kişisel şartlara dair birkaç küçük detayın netleştirilmesi olduğu öğrenildi. Beşiktaş, yeni teknik direktörlük yapılanmasının merkezine koymak istediği Trossard transferini kısa süre içinde "beyaz dumanı tüttürerek" resmiyete kavuşturacağından oldukça emin.
Şu anda Belçika milli takımıyla Dünya Kupası’nda boy gösteren Trossard’ın transferinde nihai kararın turnuva sonrasında açıklanması bekleniyor. Beşiktaş, turnuvanın bitimiyle birlikte yaz transfer döneminin bu en büyük bombasını patlatarak hücum hiyerarşisini tamamen yeniden şekillendirmeyi hedefliyor.
Trossard transferinde vites artıran Beşiktaş’ta, listedeki bir diğer isim olan Noa Lang defteri ise tamamen kapandı. Son haftalarda basında sıkça yer alan söylentilerin aksine, siyah-beyazlı kulübün Belçikalı oyuncu için hiçbir zaman somut bir teklif yapmadığı ortaya çıktı. Lang ile ilgilenen Al-Diriyah kulübünün de hamle yapmaması üzerine transfer süreci tamamen soğudu.
Hücum hattındaki ana hedefini Leandro Trossard olarak belirleyen Beşiktaş, Lang transferinin rafa kalkmasıyla birlikte tüm enerjisini Belçikalı yıldıza aktarmış durumda.
18 Yaş Altı Balkan Atletizm Şampiyonası'nda mücadele eden milli sporcular, organizasyonu 10 altın, 12 gümüş ve 6 bronz olmak üzere toplam 28 madalyayla tamamladı.
Futbol üzrə Niderland millisinin və “İnter”in sağ cinah müdafiəçisi Denzel Dumfris bundan sonra “Real”ın uğurları üçün çalışacaq.
Arena.az bu barədə İspaniya nəhənginin rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.
Madrid təmsilçisinin rəsmi açıqlamasına əsasən, 30 yaşlı sağ cinah müdafiəçisi ilə 2030-cu il iyunun 30-dək nəzərdə tutulmuş müqavilə imzalanıb. Transferin maliyyə şərtləri açıqlanmayıb. Amma İspaniya və İtaliya mətbuatında bu keçidin 20 milyon avroya razılaşdırıldığı vurğulanır.
Denzel Dumfris “İnter”ə 2021-ci ilin avqust ayında 14,25 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində PSV-dən keçmişdi. Yarımmüdafiəçinin “neradzurri” ilə 2028-ci ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədə olan müqaviləsi var idi.
Dumfris “İnter”in heyətində 207 oyuna çıxıb, 27 qol vurub, 28 məhsuldar ötürmə verib. O, Milan təmsilçisinin heyətində iki dəfə İtaliya çempionu, üç dəfə İtaliya Kubokunun, üç dəfə isə İtaliya Super Kubokunun qalibi adını qazanıb. Bundan əlavə, müdafiəçi “İnter”lə iki dəfə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının finalında iştirak edib.
Niderlandlı futbolçu “İnter”dən öncə PSV, “Herenven” və “Sparta” (Rotterdam) klublarının da şərəfini qoruyub. O, “Sparta” ilə 2016-cı ildə Niderland İkinci Liqasının qalibi olub.
Denzel Dumfris 2018-ci ilin oktyabrında debüt etdiyi Niderland yığmasının heyətində 76 oyuna 11 qol, 25 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib.
“Transfermakrt” internet-portalı 30 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçinin transfer dəyərini 25 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında yeni mövsümə hazırlaşan “Kəpəz”in yay fasiləsində yoxlama oyunu keçirəcəyi daha bir rəqibi bəlli olub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Gəncə təmilçisi 3-cü – sonuncu yoxlama matçında “Sumqayıt”la qarşılaşacaq. Görüş iylun 26-da Qəbələ şəhər stadionunda keçiriləcək.
Xatırladaq ki, “Kəpəz”in iyulun 14-də “Qəbələ”, ayın 20-də isə “Şamaxı” ilə yoxlama oyunlarında qüvvəsini sınayacağı bəlli idi.
Bu yay yenidən sabiq baş məşqçisi Azər Məmmədova tapşırılmış Gəncə təmsilçisi geridə qalmış 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə Premyer Liqadakı yerini çətinliklə qoruyub. Bu komandanın növbəti mövsümdə də iddialı olmayacağı indidən məlumdur. Belə ki, Rauf Hüseynli, Məmməd Hüseynov və Fərid Nəbiyevlə yollarını ayırmıış klub yalnız Əli Səmədov, Rəhman Hacıyev və Dioqo Verdaska ilə yeni müqavilə bağlayıb, heyətinə yeni futbolçu cəlb etməyib.
“Real” “İnter”dən Denzel Dumfrisin transferini açıqlayıb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, 30 yaşlı futbolçu ilə 2030-cu ilin iyununa qədər müqavilə bağlanıb. […]
Paulo Dybala is reportedly not fully convinced by Roma’s contract offer, but is still expected to sign a new deal next week.
Talks over the Argentine’s new contract at the Stadio Olimpico have continued in recent days, and according to Corriere dello Sport, the Giallorossi hope to put pen to paper on a new agreement at the beginning of next week.
Dybala set to sign new Roma contract
The Rome-based paper reports that Dybala is not entirely happy with Roma’s contract proposal, which includes a substantial pay cut and a one-year extension until June 2027.
The club, however, has agreed to include an option to extend Dybala’s contract for an additional season, potentially keeping him until 2028.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the warm up before the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on October 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma acknowledges the fans after the teams defeat in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Dybala has attracted interest from other clubs as well, especially Boca Juniors, but the Argentine is eager to continue at Roma, for family reasons as well, despite not being entirely happy with the Giallorossi’s proposal.
Matteo Moretto reported earlier this week that Dybala has already informed Boca that he’ll continue with Roma for at least one more season.
According to CorSport, Dybala’s agent, lawyers and Roma directors are expected to finalise talks in the coming days.
The two parties have yet to fix the final details, including bonuses, while Dybala will return to Rome in five days.
Roma and Gian Piero Gasperini hope that, by then, Dybala has already signed a new deal.
Il Corriere dello Sport reports that newly-promoted Premier League side Hull City have set their sights on Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Newly promoted Premier League side Hull City are interested in Napoli goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic.
Milinkovic-Savic targeted by Hull City
The Serbian international has spent only one season at the Stadio Maradona, and according to the report, Napoli are open to offers of at least €15m in the summer transfer window.
The Partenopei confirmed the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri this week, and their priority is to reduce the number of first-team players, which has reached 47 after returns from loan.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli in action during the warm up before the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on January 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Allegri reportedly prefers Meret over Milinkovic-Savic, so Napoli will listen to offers for the ex-Torino goalkeeper this summer.
Napoli already have a list of potential replacements for Milinkovic-Savic, which includes the likes of Matej Kovar (PSV), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham) and Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), yet Giovanni Manna’s main goal remains to complete some sales before bringing in new faces.
Former Juventus star Carlos Tevez insists the Italy project should resume with Antonio Conte and Paolo Maldini, but admits he doesn’t like Luciano Spalletti, while Max Allegri is as defensive as Lionel Scaloni.
Former Juventus and Argentina star Tevez spoke to Italian media, including Repubblica, after Argentina’s struggle-filled win over Cape Verde.
Tevez was critical of his national team’s performance, but praised Lionel Messi, yet the rest of the interview focused on Juventus and the Italy national team.
Tevez: Italy shold hire Conte and Maldini
“It’s incredible that Italy is not here. Have you chosen a new coach yet?” the former striker asked.
New FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is still working to hire both a new head coach and a technical director.
Milan legend Maldini is said to be the leading candidate for the director role, while Conte and Mancini are the main contenders for the coaching job.
“I saw that Italy could take Maldini as technical director,” Tevez said.
“In that role, he’s the best, just look at what he did at Milan. I met him in person, and he is really sharp. If you managed the Conte-Maldini pairing, you’d be set.”
As for the next Azzurri boss, Tevez showed no doubts: “What a question: Antonio Conte for life. Only he can get you out of this situation. He would already do well in his first year; he has always done that. Then you have to see how the second and third go, but you must back him without doubts. He was the best coach I’ve ever had.”
Tevez spent two seasons at Juventus playing under Conte in 2013-14 and Allegri in 2014-15.
“He [Allegri] is also very good,” continued the ex-striker.
“I got along well with him, but it’s true, I sometimes accused him of being too defensive. Like Scaloni, right?
“Put Conte in charge of the national team, and he will know how to get something out of them,” he continued.
Independiente coach Carlos Tevez gestures during the Argentine Professional Football League match between River Plate and Independiente at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on October 25, 2023. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
“Then you have to build good players yourself.”
Lastly, the former Argentine star spoke about his ex-club Juventus, revealing that he is not an admirer of Spalletti.
“They didn’t qualify for the Champions League, what a disaster! They’ll have to rebuild again,” he said.
“Spalletti doesn’t have blood. Conte has blood, and I like people who have blood.”
Denzel Dumfries has officially joined Real Madrid from Inter, as both clubs confirmed today.
Dutch right-back Dumfries has officially joined Real Madrid from Inter.
Both clubs confirmed the 30-year-old’s switch to the Bernabeu today.
Dumfries joins Real Madrid from Inter: official statements
The defending Serie A champions said goodbye to their former defender with a long statement on their official website.
“FC Internazionale Milano announces the transfer of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid,” the Nerazzurri said.
“The Dutch player joins the Spanish club on a permanent deal following the activation of his release clause.
“Perhaps we all fell in love with Denzel Dumfries on that day at the Olimpico, when after throwing himself into a goal-saving block he launched forward, with his unstoppable pace, going on to finish the move with a diving header for his first goal in an Inter shirt.
“Or perhaps it was that evening in Lecce, deep into stoppage time, another poacher’s finish in the box, a run of pure happiness, the kind you see children make. Yet, unlike children, Denzel always had that serious look in his eyes, which we fell in love with just the same. Or perhaps we were drawn to the way he played in the derbies, those authentic battles on the flank, old-fashioned matchups, holding nothing back. After all, the only red card of these five years came in the Derby della Madonnina itself, on the night of the Second Stella. Another night of love? That one in Saudi Arabia, a brace for the ages in the Italian Supercoppa Italiana against Atalanta.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 20: Denzel Dumfries #22 of Netherlands arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Sweden at Houston Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
“Then again, on certain nights, Denzel Justus Morris Dumfries seemed to come from another planet. Just ask anyone who was at Montjuïc, Barcelona vs. Inter, Champions League semi-final first-leg. A bicycle-kick, then a header. Before that, the assist for Thuram. Adding up the contributions across both legs of that legendary San Siro tie: two goals and three assists. Then again: in Munich, on the darkest of nights, Denzel with his medal around his neck goes to the supporters, waves the Nerazzurri faithful. And then again: his energy in Como vs. Inter, two goals for the title-winning push, sliding to his knees with arms crossed, finally that smile. The same smile from the Scudetto celebrations, kissing the badge on the pitch and taking charge on the bus.”
Real Madrid, on the other hand, confirmed the transfer with a shorter announcement, saying that Dumfries had signed a contract until June 2030: “Real Madrid C.F. and Inter Milan have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Denzel Dumfries, who will be linked to our club for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030.”
The defender’s transfer is far from a surprise, as it had long been reported that Real Madrid had agreed to pay Dumfries’ €20m release clause to sign him from the Nerazzurri.
Dumfries, 30, joined Inter in a €14.2m deal from PSV in the summer of 2021. During his time at the Stadio Meazza, he netted 27 goals and provided 28 assists in 207 appearances across all competitions, winning two Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia titles, and three Italian Super Cups.
Inter tried to sign Marco Palestra as a replacement, but the Italian picked Chelsea instead, so the Nerazzurri are now focusing on Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos during the summer transfer window.
However, Chelsea value the player at £50 million, which could complicate any potential move. Manchester United will not want to overpay for the player. They need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 22-year-old could be an excellent long-term investment.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
The 22-year-old is a talented player with a bright future, and he could develop into a top-class player with regular opportunities. Joining Manchester United or Newcastle could bring out the best in the player.
Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.
Meanwhile, he’s not the only central midfielder Manchester United are looking at. They are keeping tabs on Alex Scott from Bournemouth as well. He is likely to cost a premium as well. It remains to be seen what the Red Devils decide.
They have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they need to keep improving the team in order to compete with elite clubs next season.
Santos will be looking to sort out his long-term future and focus on his football as well. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can organise a deal that benefits them both.
Newcastle could lose Bruno Guimaraes this summer, and his compatriot could be the ideal alternative. Sandro Tonali is already closing in on a move to Tottenham.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Arsenal could use Morten Hjulmand
They need more physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park, and the Denmark International could be an upgrade on Christian Norgaard. The former Brentford player has not had too many opportunities at Arsenal, and he is not a key part of the plans. It would make sense for Arsenal to bring in an upgrade.
The Sporting CP captain would be an excellent addition. He has shown his quality in Portugal and in the UEFA Champions League. He has the quality to succeed in the Premier League as well.
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP last summer, and it remains to be seen whether they can sign their captain this time around.
Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.
Hjulmand is a boyhood Arsenal fan, and the opportunity to play for them will be exciting for the player. It would be a huge step up in his career.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese club has already set its valuation, and they will not let the player leave cheaply. He has an €80 million release clause in his contract, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can sign him for a reasonable fee.
They need to keep improving the team to match up against elite clubs, and the Denmark International could be a handy option with his ability to protect the back four and control the tempo of the game.
Liverpool completed a deal to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna earlier this summer.
The 22-year-old did quite well in La Liga last term, and he could prove to be an exciting long-term acquisition for the Premier League club.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Reds could use Victor Munoz
Liverpool need more quality and depth on the flanks, and the Spanish international could be ideal for them. He will add explosive pace and unpredictability in the final third. He can help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.
Munoz has now revealed that he has not been distracted by transfer rumours because he removed himself from the chaos and focused on competing in the World Cup with Spain. Even though he has been unable to participate due to an injury, he remains focused on the task at hand.
He said to Estadio Deportivo: “Everything happened in a single day because I wanted it all to be very quick, without complications, and without having to overthink things because I needed to be focused on this. And well, that’s how it’s been. I’ve been pretty much removed from all of this and haven’t even heard or discussed anything with my agent about something that wasn’t already a done deal.”
Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.
The player has further confirmed that he has already spoken to Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola about the move and believes he could be a good fit for Iraola’s style of football. The Premier League’s directness should suit him well.
He said: “I spoke with Iraola, he conveyed that confidence to me, and I also saw that for me it’s a good step to be able to be with him because of the way his teams play, the style of the Premier League, and the truth is that I think it’s a good place where I can continue to grow.”
The 22-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has a private future. He will look to establish himself as a key player for Liverpool next season. They need his pace in the final third, and he could add a new dimension to the attacking unit.
Buying and collecting games on your Steam account can be quite fun, and some people have taken this to the extreme, with the most expensive Steam library worth nearly $750,000 at current prices. Unfortunately, most of us do not have that kind of money to burn on digital games, which is why programmer and web developer Mike Wang built the Steam Summer Sale simulator. This website looks just like the Steam website, and you even have to “log in” with whatever Steam account name you want to make up. Once inside the page, you’ll find $100 in your wallet, and you can just add any game to the cart and check it out.
If you run out of cash, the wallet will automatically refill to $500, meaning you essentially have an unlimited amount of money to splurge on games. You can also click the + Add Funds button as many times as you want to see your wallet grow to millions of dollars. The website makes cute sounds every time you click the Add to Cart button, making it more inviting to keep adding games. And once you’re satisfied (or tired) from all the clicking, head on to the cart and click Continue to payment to see all the games get magically added to your library one by one with matching sound effects that make it feel like you won the jackpot.
im addicted to buying digital games on steamand the summer sale is not helpingso i made a website that gives me the same dopamine of buying games without spending actual money pic.twitter.com/PHxT75VpusJuly 3, 2026
Aside from getting the dopamine hit of adding games to your library, there’s also a list of 30 achievements you can hit. You may think these are easy, especially since you’re just essentially adding games to the cart and checking them out, but a couple of them require some dedication. One is the Exact Change achievement, which requires you to zero out your wallet. Since it automatically refills if a game’s “cost” is more than your balance, you have to crunch some numbers to make sure that your cart has the same amount as your wallet. The other one requires you to buy every game on the simulator website, which means a lot of clicking.
While the website might look convincing and have a ton of listed titles, it unfortunately does not have every game available on the Steam store. For example, it’s missing the $999 Steam Game that lasts for just 10 minutes.
The Steam Summer Sale simulator may feel like a nonsensical project, similar to the fake food delivery apps that are growing in popularity in South Korea. However, its creator said that they built it to get the dopamine hit of “buying” games on Steam without actually spending money. It’s also quite entertaining, especially with its sound effects and achievements, and I found myself spending several minutes on the website just trying to hit that Exact Change achievement, which is actually quite hard!
Batteries that can last decades between recharges or renewals are the stuff of tech enthusiast dreams. However, DARPA’s ‘Rads to Watts’ program could bring forth unrivaled portable power, lasting decades, via the development of a new class of radiovoltaic devices. Morgan State University recently won a $3.37M DARPA contract to advance this tech, and a report by Defense One suggests upcoming nuclear waste-powered batteries could last as long as 30 years and power next-gen drones.
Morgan State now has a considerable sum to keep its researchers employed on a project dubbed SYMPHONEE (Strontium-Yttrium Multi-junction PIN-based High-Density Output Nano-system for Extreme Environments). Radioisotope power sources have been used for quite some time in low-power draw applications such as smoke detectors and space systems for decades. However, the new initiative, led by Morgan State and with team members such as Northrop Grumman, PNNL, Project Omega, ARA, and Widetronix, aims to take the tech into the next generation. More specifically, under the auspices of (and with funds from) the 'Rads to Watts' program, they are aiming to build next‑generation radiovoltaic micro‑power systems for extreme environments.
The proposed next-gen power cells make use of radioisotopes extracted from nuclear waste, especially Strontium‑90. Research partner Project Omega has already made some devices and will build the DARPA prototype. We noticed that it has published a promotional video that highlights sea drones with a 10-year battery life, for example. Coordinated by Morgan State researchers, PNNL labs will handle nuclear materials/testing, Northrop Grumman and ARA will provide AI-driven modeling, with Widetronix designing nuclear micro‑generator radiovoltaic converter architectures.
“Our team is pushing the boundaries of radiovoltaic technology, developing high-power, long-life systems that were not previously achievable,” said Professor Michael Spencer, the technical lead for the project. “By integrating advanced materials, device engineering, and nuclear science, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of persistent power systems for extreme environments.”
Project OmegaProject Omega
With this research, development, and fabrication powerhouse assembled, it is hoped a step change will be achieved to boost radiovoltaic micro‑power system power density. The goal is to be able to power persistent autonomous operations in remote or difficult-to-access environments like space, underwater, and contested regions – for decades. A Northrop Grumman rep emphasized the potential of a ‘persistent power source’ becoming available for “next-generation defense systems.” Project Omega is also interested in developing “persistent underwater security systems” – sea drones.
It is also somewhat positive to imagine that substances long considered to be highly undesirable waste products could end up being strategic assets.
Oi gives your organization a shared AI brain that spans every tool and agent you use. Connect once via MCP to ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and more, then share reusable contexts, guardrails, and workflows everywhere your teams work. Start with 1,000+ proven contexts or create your own, enforce permissions and policies, and track adoption, usage, and spend with built-in analytics. Switch models without lock-in while keeping your private context portable and secure.
The fast, almost flat-out Silverstone Circuit is ready for another thrilling British Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli arrives leading the drivers' standings by 40 points over Mercedes teammate George Russell, who returned to winning ways in Austria and will now be hoping to claim his first home Grand Prix victory. But Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren will all fancy their chances too, having shown encouraging improvements over the last few races.
The best part? We've found a sneaky way to watch every second of the British Grand Prix completely FREE, from wherever you are! Here's the trick:Channel 4 in the UK is live streaming the entire race weekend with English-language commentary. There are other free regional options, too! More on that below...
Abroad? What if you're traveling outside these countries? Can you still watch the 2026 British Grand Prix for free – from the US, Canada, or Europe? Yes, you can! Read on to find out to watch the action at Silverstone free from anywhere.
How to watch British Grand Prix 2026 for free
F1 fans in the UK are in luck. Channel 4 has been broadcasting the entire British Grand Prix weekend – including the practice session, sprint race, and now today's Grand Prix on Sunday – for free.
All you need to do is create a free account to watch every session live on the Channel 4 website or through its mobile app.
There are plenty of other free, local-language live streams of the British Grand Prix available around the world, too:
Outside these countries? You can use a VPN to watch British Grand Prix 2026 for free as if you were right at home.
Use a VPN to watch British Grand Prix 2026 free from anywhere
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 75% discount, and three months for free.
Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city – anyone can walk right in and take a peek.
TechRadar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice.
✅ Up to 75% off today ✅ 3 extra months free ✅ Unlocks Channel 4
Get NordVPN and stream the 2026 British Grand Prix from anywhere, for free.View Deal
Quick start: Using a VPN to watch British Grand Prix 2026 for free
Using a VPN is incredibly simple, just follow these steps.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're visiting the U.S. and want to view a British streaming service, you'd select a location from 'United Kingdom' (like London) from the server list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to Channel 4 and watch British Grand Prix 2026 just like you would at home.
Which devices can I watch British Grand Prix 2026 for free with?
You can use Channel 4 to watch the 2026 British Grand Prix on a range of devices:
Amazon Fire Android (OS 7.0 and above; Fire OS 6 if using an Amazon tablet device) Apple TV Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) Freeview Play Freely Google TV iOS (iPhone & iPad) - iOS 14 and above Samsung Tizen (mid-2015 models and above) Sky YouView Roku Virgin Media Now TV PlayStation (PS4 and PS5) Xbox One
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
The Attack Vector is a basic set of covers and grips for your Switch 2 and Joy-Cons, designed to protect your console and improve ergonomics in handheld mode.
The plastic covers for the console and both Joy-Cons are quite plain, with a totally black finish and no extra flourishes. They’re reasonably thick and durable, but also light.
(Image credit: Future)
The back cover for the console is easy enough to snap on. It should offer sufficient protection from scratches and the like, and I appreciated the fact that the inside has a small patch of rubber, which makes the fit more snug.
Like the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, the Attack Vector doesn’t interfere with the console’s stand, ports or buttons, thanks to the various cutaways. They’re still quite easy to use, although the deep recess that’s created around the power and volume buttons means you may have to press these more with your fingernail than your fingertip. What’s more, the Switch 2 still fits in the dock with the cover attached; in fact, the fit is actually better, since it prevents it from wobbling at all.
(Image credit: Future)
Snapping on the Joy-Con covers is a little trickier, but it’s easier if you hold the detach button on each Joy-Con as you slide them on. These also have a small rubber backing on the inside for a more secure fit.
The Attack Vector comes with three sets of grips to attach to the back of these covers, of varying shapes and sizes. These have a solid build quality and a nice finish, with a rubber texture that feels comfortable, grippy, and hardwearing.
(Image credit: Future)
Attaching these grips is a little difficult at first. You have to line up the grooves and slide them on blindly, which can result in numerous failed attempts. However, I soon got the technique down and managed to attach them without issue thereafter. Once attached, they’re very stable; at no point did they come loose while I used them.
The two larger grip sets are called the Anchor and Balance. I found the latter set very comfortable, as the sides of the grips fitted the center of my palms naturally as I played.
(Image credit: Future)
The Anchor grips are shorter and feature ergonomic indentations at the bottom. I didn’t find these as comfortable or as secure, since only my last two fingers fit in these indentations. I suspect they’re designed for smaller hands than mine. Ultimately, though, both grips make handheld mode more comfortable and secure, especially when holding the Switch 2 upright, as you have something more substantial to hold on to.
There is a problem with these grips, though. Their weight and leverage mean that the Joy-Cons can rock back and forth slightly in the console, which is a little disconcerting. This rocking is minimal under normal use, and it never resulted in the Joy-Cons disconnecting from my Switch 2 during testing, but I do worry that eventually their hold in the console might loosen.
(Image credit: Future)
No such issue is created by the Feather grips, though. These are the smallest set and only cover the middle section of each Joy-Con. Unlike the other grips, they barely protrude outwards, offering a much more subtle feel. But given the stock Joy-Cons’ absence of a grippy surface or an ergonomic shape, I was still pleased with the limited support they provided. What’s more, I found them ideal when the Joy-Cons were detached from the console, since, unlike the other sets, they offer enough bulk to get a secure grip without impeding the reach of my thumbs to the controls.
At £40, the Attack Vector isn’t exactly cheap. However, the covers provide a good fit and basic protection for your console and Joy-Cons. Meanwhile, the comfortable grips for all types of hands are great if you play in handheld mode often, especially in a more upright position.
(Image credit: Future)
Genki Attack Vector review: Price & availability
The Genki Attack Vector costs £39.99 and is available now in black only. This isn’t particularly cheap for a case and grip combination. But the quality of the product, as well as the inclusion of three different types of grips, may be worth it to those who take their handheld gaming seriously.
Should I buy the Genki Attack Vector?
Buy it if…
You’ll be using handheld mode a lot The grips offer a secure and satisfying way to use your Switch 2 in handheld mode, and the three different kinds should ensure you’ll get the right fit.
You want to keep the covers and grips on at all times The console cover is designed to fit in Switch 2’s dock, and it actually prevents it from wobbling around in there, too.
Don't buy it if…
You want to improve the Switch 2’s looks The utilitarian nature of the Attack Vector means if offers no flair to help personalize the style of your console.
You want ultimate Joy-Con stability The larger grips tend to cause the Joy-Cons to wobble slightly, which might lead to problems for more animated players.
Genki Attack Vector review: Also consider
Genki Dual Wield Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Station The Dual Wield actually makes a good companion to the Attack Vector, since you can attach the Joy-Cons to the Dual Wield grip while keeping the Attack Vector’s grips in place. What’s more, this improves the ergonomics of the Dual Wield, which was one of the main weaknesses I identified when I reviewed it. And when your session is over, you can simply dock your Joy-Cons in the charging station. There are two sets of grips for two sets of Joy-Cons and two positions on the charging station. Read our full Genki Dual Wield Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Station review.
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Genki Attack Vector
I used the Genki Attack Vector for several days, playing a variety of games in handheld mode, including Super Mario Bros. Wonderand The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I made sure to try out all three grip types. I also tested the grips with the Joy-Cons detached from the console.
I've been gaming for decades, and have used a variety of systems and controllers in that time, including various handheld systems. I've also reviewed other Switch 2 accessories and controllers before.
For years now, vendors have been competing on benchmark scores, inference speed and model capabilities as businesses try to work out where AI can fit in with their daily workflows, but experimentation has evolved into actual deployment and what’s important is changing.
Accuracy and measurable business outcome is now more important than ever, with questions around return on investment, accountability and governance being raised across all sectors.
This is especially important in ecommerce, for example, where AI-generated imagery must be totally accurate. Marketers no longer have any qualms over using AI to produce ad variants and subtle market tweaks, but the quality of the output needs to be consistently high to ensure that the product is being accurately reflected.
Even the smallest changes in color, texture or dimensions can have major reputational risks, like a drop in customer trust or a rise in product returns. We already know that poorly executed AI strategies reduce customer trust, and that a lack of branding consistency also undermines the perception of a brand.
AI usage patterns are changing buying habits
But this challenge is also playing out as pricing models for AI subscriptions evolve. The boom started off with seat-based pricing and token consumption models, but we’re entering a new era where wasted AI is no longer being chargeable.
Zendesk, for example, recently announced that it would only be charging its customers when they realized verified outcomes, and Photoroom CEO Matt Rouif believes this pricing strategy could be a big hit for AI customers as customers shift from capability-led adoption to assurance-led adoption.
To explore how enterprise attitudes toward pricing and generative AI outputs are shifting, how organizations are measuring success, and why assurance and accountability are growing in importance, I spoke with Rouif.
How are enterprise buyers’ expectations of generative AI changing as adoption matures?
As generative AI moves from experimentation into production, enterprise buyers are becoming far more focused on control, accountability and measurable business outcomes.
The first phase of adoption was largely about proving that AI could generate a credible output, whereas the current phase is about whether those outputs can be trusted inside commercial workflows, where accuracy and reliability directly influence customer experience and business performance.
Increasingly, enterprise leaders are asking more about governance than model capacity, assessing how outputs are evaluated and where accountability sits when something goes wrong.
In e-commerce, this is significant because a product visual is a central part of the buying decision. If an AI-generated image changes a colour, or alters or removes a detail, the issue moves beyond creative quality and becomes one of product fidelity, with direct implications for consumer trust, returns and commercial performance.
Our marketplace research reflects that changing expectation, with 55% of consumers saying poorly executed AI-generated or heavily edited product images make them trust an online marketplace less, while 77% expect marketplaces themselves to ensure product listings are accurate and trustworthy.
The same thinking is increasingly shaping enterprise procurement, where organisations are moving beyond asking whether AI can generate an output and toward whether those outputs can meet agreed commercial standards at scale.
That broader shift is turning assurance into a procurement consideration, with enterprise buyers increasingly expecting AI vendors to define quality standards upfront and stand behind outputs once they are operating inside live commercial workflows.
What are organisations using to measure whether AI initiatives are delivering meaningful business value?
The way organisations measure AI is changing significantly, with early adoption often judged by visible output and perceived model capability, while today the discussion sits much closer to traditional business performance.
Leadership teams are now focused on whether AI can make production materially more efficient, less resource-intensive and more commercially useful. The question is no longer how much AI can produce, but how much of that output is genuinely usable inside a live enterprise workflow.
In e-commerce, that distinction becomes particularly important because production does not end when an image is generated. If teams still need extensive manual review, correction and quality assurance before an asset reaches a customer, the bottleneck has simply moved downstream rather than disappeared altogether.
Enterprise buyers are therefore placing much greater emphasis on output readiness than output volume, measuring whether AI-generated assets are accurate enough to be deployed with confidence rather than simply generated at scale.
Similarly, commercial standards are becoming a more meaningful measure of AI maturity than generation quality alone, reinforced by our March 2026 buyer analysis, which reflects 37% of enterprise buyers name inaccurate visuals as their top pain point in AI visual production.
The analysis reflects a clear organisational requirement for a distinct framework determining whether outputs are fit for purpose before they become customer-facing.
What challenges remain when deploying AI-generated content in commercial environments at scale?
The biggest challenge is that commercial deployment exposes the difference between generating content and governing it. A single AI-generated image can appear convincing in isolation, but enterprise commerce depends on thousands, and often millions, of assets being accurate enough to support purchasing decisions.
Scale magnifies small inconsistencies, and those inconsistencies quickly become operational and commercial risks rather than creative ones. As a result, enterprise organisations are increasingly investing in validation as much as generation.
Small changes to a product’s colour, shape or packaging may pass a superficial creative review while still misrepresenting the product itself.
Our marketplace research reflects the commercial importance of that challenge, with 63% of consumers saying variation in product imagery, branding or presentation makes a seller or marketplace appear unreliable, while 51% believe marketplace listings often look acceptable but still fail to give them complete confidence in what they are buying.
At catalogue scale, those numbers represent a significant volume of assets that look passable on review but carry real commercial risk once they reach customers.
The unresolved enterprise challenge is therefore not simply producing better AI outputs but building systems capable of catching and correcting failures before they become customer-facing.
How should businesses balance creative flexibility with consistency, accuracy and reliability in AI-generated outputs?
Businesses should think of product truth as the fixed foundation, with creative flexibility built around it rather than replacing it. AI is exceptionally good at adapting content for different channels, audiences and formats, but those creative decisions should never compromise the factual attributes of the product itself.
The practical way to operationalise that distinction is to define upfront which product attributes are locked - colour, dimensions, materials, key details, and which elements sit within the creative range.
That gives teams a clear framework for evaluating outputs rather than relying on subjective review at the point of approval.
Our research suggests consumers are already making that distinction themselves, with only 33% of UK consumers saying they are comfortable with AI-enhanced product images if clearly labelled, while 41% disagree.
That result matters because it shows transparency alone is not sufficient - the more important question is whether customers believe the image accurately represents what they will receive. For enterprise organisations, that means the governance framework has to be built around factual accuracy as the primary standard, with creative flexibility operating within those boundaries rather than alongside them.
Where do specialist AI tools add value compared with more general-purpose AI models for enterprise workflows?
General-purpose models have dramatically expanded what AI can create, but enterprise deployment depends on much more than generation capability alone.
Organisations increasingly need systems that understand the commercial context in which those outputs will be used and can support quality evaluation, workflow integration and consistency at scale.
The value therefore shifts from the model itself to the operating system built around it. A general-purpose model may produce an attractive product image, but enterprise teams also need confidence that the product remains accurate, consistent at catalogue scale and that failures can be identified before assets become customer-facing.
The long-term value of specialist AI therefore comes less from producing visually impressive outputs and more from solving repeatable commercial problems. In visual production, that means building systems capable of evaluating product fidelity, reducing manual review and creating structured validation processes that organisations can rely upon consistently at scale, rather than depending solely on subjective human approval.
What forms of accountability or assurance are enterprise customers increasingly looking for from AI vendors?
Enterprise buyers are increasingly looking for AI vendors that can operate within clearly defined commercial standards rather than simply offering more capable models. That means agreeing success criteria before deployment, evaluating outputs transparently and creating clear processes for handling exceptions when outputs fall short.
As AI becomes embedded within operational workflows, assurance is becoming every bit as important as capability. A failed AI output during experimentation is largely an inconvenience, whereas a failed output inside a live commercial environment can affect customer trust, listing performance and revenue.
Our marketplace research reinforces why this is becoming a board-level discussion, with 51% of consumers saying they would switch to a different marketplace entirely if another platform offered clearer, more accurate product images, while 62% believe marketplaces should actively help sellers improve listing quality.
That expectation increasingly extends beyond marketplaces to the technology providers supporting them, with buyers beginning to look for accountability mechanisms that resemble those expected from other enterprise software providers.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the next major shift in enterprise AI adoption over the next 12–24 months?
Over the next 12 to 24 months, I expect enterprise AI adoption to move decisively from capability-led adoption to assurance-led adoption.
Businesses will continue to care about model quality, speed and efficiency, but those attributes will become increasingly expected rather than differentiating.
The organisations creating the greatest value will be those capable of embedding AI into revenue-critical workflows with confidence, governance and measurable accountability.
In practical terms, that means much greater emphasis on evaluation, validation and operational trust. Enterprise buyers will increasingly ask how outputs are verified, how failures are handled, how responsibility is shared and how AI systems integrate into existing governance frameworks.
Commerce is likely to be one of the first industries where that transition becomes visible because consumers remain cautious about AI within the buying journey. Our research found that only 24% of consumers already use, or are happy to use, AI tools to help them shop online, while 59% remain uncomfortable doing so.
The next chapter of enterprise AI will therefore be defined less by what models can generate and more by whether organisations can deploy those outputs repeatedly, responsibly and with confidence.
The Snakebyte Ergo Grip 2 is a basic grip for the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons, although it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Its design is very much a case of function over form. There’s no RGB lighting, and the all-black colorway leaves no room for levity. At least it's simple and unfussy, consisting merely of a central bar and two grip handles on either side. These handles are reasonably long but quite thin compared to more traditional controllers.
(Image credit: Future)
The build quality isn’t particularly great, it has to be said. There’s quite a bit of flex to the whole unit, although it's solid enough and the plastic feels smooth in the hand. But it’s certainly not going to challenge the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers on this front.
There’s a small switch underneath the Ergo Grip 2 to release the central bar from the bottom of the pad, allowing it to pivot upwards and out of the way of the grip handles so you can insert the Joy-Cons. This seems a little gimmicky, and what’s more, it’s not strictly necessary: by inserting my Joy-Cons at an angle, I managed to get around the handles while the center was locked down.
I think it would’ve been simpler to engineer a solution where the handles didn’t get in the way at all, rather than have a rotating mechanism. I’m also mildly concerned about the button that locks it down. I noticed a small amount of play while it’s locked down, which could spell failure further down the line.
(Image credit: Future)
Happily, the fit for the Joy-Cons is more secure. They slot into the Ergo Grip 2 just as well as they do into the Switch 2 itself. The hold feels strong, and the handles effectively partially cover their outsides, which prevents them from being prised out easily.
In action, it’s quite comfortable. The Joy-Cons sit fairly close together, but not so close as to cause issues. However, the grip handles took me a little while to get used to. At first, I had to slide my hands upwards to reach the Joy-Cons' bumpers when playing games such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder. However, I discovered that I could slot my last two fingers into the handles’ small indents for better purchase, which helped alleviate this problem somewhat.
But there are a few more ergonomic issues with the Ergo Grip 2. The bottom parts of the grips aren’t particularly long, and what’s more, they’re completely vertical, rather than angling outwards. This meant that they didn’t sit in the palms of my hands as well as more traditional gamepads, leading to a less secure feeling of grip.
(Image credit: Future)
This verticality extends to the orientation of the Joy-Cons. They don’t angle outwards at the bottom, which is part of the reason why reaching the bumpers can be a struggle. Other grips, such as the Genki Dual Wield, create such an angle, which feels like a more natural way to use the Joy-Cons.
The Ergo Grip 2 features a USB-C port for charging while you play. There are LEDs on top to indicate charging status, although these are basic, merely lighting up red while charging and green once complete.
At 200cm, the included USB-C cable is quite long, but it's made from rubber. This contrasts with the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, including other controllers and grips, that come with braided cables for better flexibility. Thankfully, the cable is quite light, so I didn’t feel much resistance while playing, and I wasn’t worried about the cable disconnecting. However, it’s quite hard to unbunch, meaning it fails to maximize its entire length.
At less than £20, though, such shortcomings are easier to swallow. If all you’re after is a cheap way to securely hold your Joy-Con 2 controllers and want to play and charge at the same time, you could do worse than the Ergo Grip 2.
Snakebyte Ergo Grip S2 review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
The Ergo Grip 2 can be ordered from Snakebyte’s website for €19.99, which is about £17. However, we have seen it for less than this at other retailers. This is a fair price for a Joy-Con 2 grip, especially one that features charge-and-play.
However, there are Switch 2 accessories that are arguably better value for money, including others from Snakebyte. Its Starter Kit S2, for instance, includes Joy-Con 2 grips, a case, wired earbuds, joystick caps, and a screen protector — all for about the same price as the Ergo Grip 2.
Should I buy the Snakebyte Ergo Grip S2?
Buy it if…
You want your Joy-Cons secured The design of the Ergo Grip 2 means that your Joy-Cons are locked in place with nowhere to go.
You want to play and charge at the same time Thanks to the USB-C port and cable, you can charge the Ergo Grip 2 as you play.
Don't buy it if…
You want formidable build quality The release button for the pivot mechanism doesn’t feel particularly solid, which is a slight concern.
You want the best ergonomics The upright nature of the Ergo Grip 2 means you don’t get the same ergonomics of typical gamepads.
Snakebyte Ergo Grip S2 review: Also consider
Genki Dual Wield Nintendo Switch 2 charging station This accessory features two grips for two sets of Joy-Con 2s, as well as a charging station for them. The triangular shape of the grips creates a more natural playing angle for your Joy-Cons, although the completely flat surface of the grip and its small central hole hamper ergonomics somewhat. Still, for the price, the Dual Wield is a decent value.
I tested the Ergo Grip 2 for several days. I played various games with it attached to my Joy-Cons, including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Super Mario 3D All-Stars. I attached and detached my Joy-Cons several times to test the fit and pivot mechanism of the grip.
I’ve been gaming for decades and have used many systems and controllers in that time. I’ve also reviewed other Switch 2 grips, as well as numerous controllers for the Switch, PC, Xbox, and mobile.
Azamara Cruises and OneSpaWorld Holdings Limited have announced a series of enhancements to the onboard spa experience as part of their nearly 20-year partnership. The upgrades will roll out fleetwide across Azamara Cruises vessels as each ship enters a scheduled drydock as part of Azamara Cruises’ fleetwide enhancement program, Azamara Forward. “OneSpaWorld has been a...
Oceania Cruises has announced its 2027 Specialty Cruises, bringing together destination-rich itineraries and hosted experiences where cuisine, culture and personal connection take center stage. The line’s 2027 Specialty Cruises offer guests opportunities to engage with guest hosts and celebrated experts while exploring some of the world’s most evocative regions, the company said. “Our 2027 Specialty...
The MSC Preziosa recently arrived in Svalbard for the first of its two scheduled visits to the Norwegian archipelago in 2026. Sailing from its summer homeport in Hamburg, the MSC Cruises vessel arrived at Longyearbyen as part of a 14-night cruise to Norway and the North Cape. One of the few large cruise ships sailing...
The Carnival Legend departed from the Port of Dover in England recently for a 12-night cruise to Iceland and the British Isles. As part of the ship’s summer season in Northern Europe, the cruise will sail to seven destinations in the region. In addition to port calls in Iceland, such as Reykjavik and Akureyri, the...
Carnival Cruise Line cancelled a cruise scheduled to take place onboard the Carnival Splendor in 2027 due to a change in the ship’s drydock schedule. According to a statement sent to affected passengers, the September 1, 2027, itinerary will no longer go ahead. Sailing from Singapore to Sydney, the repositioning voyage included visits to destinations...
Brazil face Norway this Sunday for a Copa quarter-final spot
Danilo Santos, Bremer, Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro and Danilo during a Brazil training session at the Columbia Park Training CenterCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Brazil and Norway will battle this Sunday (5) for a place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, at 5 p.m. Brasília time, at New York/New Jersey Stadium. The match brings together two teams that booked their spots in the round of 16 in eventful games decided late on.
Brazil secured its place with a 2-1 win over Japan. Gabriel Martinelli found the net in second-half stoppage time, while Casemiro scored Brazil’s other goal. By the same scoreline, the Norwegians eliminated Ivory Coast, with the winner coming in the 40th minute of the second half.
If the score is level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes of extra time. If the tie remains, the match will be decided on penalties.
Brazil players celebrate Gabriel Martinelli’s goal against Japan in the World Cup round of 32Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Meeting again after 20 years
Having faced each other only four times, Brazil and Norway have not met in about 20 years. Their last clash took place on August 16, 2006, and ended in a 1-1 draw in Oslo. Daniel Carvalho scored in that match.
The head-to-head record favors the Norwegians, who have two wins and have never been beaten. The teams have also drawn twice. Among the roughly 90 national teams Brazil has faced in its history, Norway is the only one against whom the Seleção is still seeking its first win.
Back at the World Cup after the 1998 edition
In its fourth appearance (1938, 1994, 1998 and 2026), Norway had not played in a World Cup since the 1998 edition in France. On that occasion, it beat Brazil 2-1 in the final round of the group stage. Bebeto scored Brazil’s goal in that match.
Bebeto in action in the 2-1 loss to Norway in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup; he scored Brazil’s only goal in the matchCredits: FIFA
Its World Cup record stands at 12 matches, with five wins, three draws, four losses, 16 goals scored and 16 conceded.
At this World Cup, in addition to the win over Ivory Coast, Norway beat Iraq 4-1, defeated Senegal 3-2 and lost 4-1 to France.
New York/New Jersey Stadium
Brazil vs. Norway will be Brazil’s seventh match at New York/New Jersey Stadium and its second at this World Cup. On June 13, the venue hosted Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in the opening round of the group stage. Look back at the matches:
1) 08/10/2010 - Brazil 2 x 0 United States - Neymar and Alexandre Pato - Friendly;
2) 06/09/2012 - Brazil 3 x 4 Argentina - Rômulo, Oscar and Hulk - Friendly;
3) 11/14/2012 - Brazil 1 x 1 Colombia - Neymar - Friendly;
4) 09/09/2014 - Brazil 1 x 0 Ecuador - Willian - Friendly;
5) 09/07/2018 - Brazil 2 x 0 United States - Roberto Firmino and Neymar - Friendly;
6) 06/13/2026 - Brazil 1 x 1 Morocco - Vinicius Jr. - World Cup Group Stage.
New York/New Jersey Stadium hosted the 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco and will be the stage for Brazil vs. NorwayCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
BROADCAST
The match between Brazil and Norway will be broadcast by: Globo and SBT (free-to-air TV), sportv and N Sports (pay TV), Ge TV (via Globoplay) and CazéTV (YouTube).
On-field officiating for Brazil vs. Norway:
Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Assistant referee 1: Corey Parker (United States)
Assistant referee 2: Kyle Atkins (United States)
Fourth official: Said Martínez (Honduras)
Reserve assistant referee: Walter Lopez (Honduras)
Ronaldo in action in the 2-1 loss to Norway in the group stage of the 1998 World CupCredits: FIFA
France manager strongly denies Kylian Mbappe “dictator” claims – “His public image does not reflect reality”
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is having a fantastic 2026 World Cup, and his form continued on Saturday as he scored the only goal of the game as France edged past Paraguay to reach the quarter-finals. He’s also the top scorer with seven goals (joint with Lionel Messi but with more assists), and if he manages to hold that position, he would become the first player in history to win the Golden Boot on two consecutive occasions.
But away from his on-field efforts, there has been significant speculation on how things have played out behind the scenes. His antics have reportedly angered several members of the France dressing room, which follows similar reports from Real Madrid – although these have now been publicly denied by Les Bleus’ head coach Didier Deschamps.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Deschamps clairified the situation with Mbappe when he spoke to the media after France’s victory over Paraguay. He made it clear that the public image of the Real Madrid man does not reflect reality.
“You guys make Kylian Mbappe seem like a dictator, but the reality is the opposite. His public image does not reflect reality at all. Kylian has always been mature and the whole team follows him. I am so happy to have Kylian as captain. Whenever he speaks on and off the pitch, he represents the whole group.”
Is the Ballon d’Or incoming for Mbappe?
Real Madrid may have had a very poor 2025-26 season, but Mbappe starred with 42 goals in 44 appearances. And if he manages to top the World Cup scoring charts alongside winning the tournament for a second time in his career, he would surely be the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or for the first him in his career, although that possibility will be far from his mind at this stage.
Arsenal exit talk cools as injury complicates interest
Ben White’s injury continues to cloud his future, despite interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
In a piece mostly focusing on Morgan Rogers, Gary Jacob reported for The Times recently that Ben White’s future is “clouded by injury”, despite the player drawing interest from fellow Premier League sides Everton and Crystal Palace.
In a similar update last month, Jacob had reported that the defender was “unlikely to take a drop in level” this summer.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Over the final few months of the 2025/26, it began to look increasingly likely that White would be on the way out in the summer. But we’re now almost in July, and if anything, reports are now much less certain about the defender’s fate.
As Jacob mentions, White’s injury is obviously having a significant impact. A Premier League club that might have been willing to pay a good fee for a fully-fit White might now think twice or lower their offer in light of his knee injury.
Arsenal confirmed in May that White had suffered a significant medial knee ligament injury, and that they were aiming to have him back for their pre-season preparations later this year.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Perhaps that will lead to interested clubs firming up their interest as and when they see White back out on the pitch. If Arsenal do get any offers before then, they may not be the kind of offers the club are looking for.
If White is also against making a significant drop in level, that’s also going to be a limiting factor. All in all, it seems a lot more reasonable to believe that White might not be going anywhere after all.
General manager Adam Peters made few changes to the Washington Commanders' offense during the offseason. There were a few additions, but Peters spent much of the offseason rebuilding Washington's defense, which was one of the NFL's worst last season.
To that end, Peters seems to have done well. On paper, the additions to the roster and the hiring of Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator look like all the right moves. But the lack of change on offense is a concern. Specifically, ESPN's John Keim says the biggest concern is around having new systems and first-time coordinators on both sides of the ball.
Washington could use more help at receiver opposite Terry McLaurin -- and that might be in the form of the 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk. Even if he is added, there will be questions about him. However, the offensive system -- with a wider variety of routes and using more two tight end sets -- will help regardless. And there will be questions about the secondary. But perhaps the biggest concern is that with a new system on both sides of the ball -- and first-time coordinators -- how quickly can they play at a level needed coming off a 5-12 season? Both sides could end up much improved, but when does that happen? And what does it look like before they do?
Those are legitimate concerns, and Keim is right to note that the number of changes this team has made could slow down its progress.
However, most of these players have played in various schemes and systems throughout their collegiate and professional careers. It won't be the first time (for most of them) that they've had to adapt and learn something new, and no player gets to this level without the ability to adjust on the fly. So, implementing new systems and new faces will take a little time to get used to, and we don't know how long it will take.
Adding another receiver opposite Terry McLaurin is a really good idea in this instance. If they can bring in a veteran who can draw some attention, the offensive options will open up dramatically. Brandon Aiyuk could be that guy, but his recent antics have put a bit of a hold on things, and it's unclear if the Commanders will sign him if/when the San Francisco 49ers release him.
Easy come, easy go, as one 2025 addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has been tabbed as a potential trade candidate by insider Mark Kaboly.
According to Kaboly, the Steelers may look to trade cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. for a late-round draft pick if third-round rookie Daylen Everette takes the right steps forward during training camp.
“You look at Samuel, depends on what Everette does in training camp,” Kaboly said via 93.7 The Fan. “He could be a guy that you can flip for a pick late in August, last cutdown day.”
Kaboly's comments were also echoed by Sports Illustrated's Jack Markowski, who believes Samuel is the top trade candidate on Pittsburgh's roster.
Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2025 and was cleared to play football a few months later in November. He joined the Steelers' practice squad and was signed to the active roster on December 2.
While some view him as Pittsburgh's top backup cornerback, a strong performance from Everette at training camp or this preseason could force the Steelers to rethink their long-term plans with Samuel in exchange for draft capital.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Last weekend, Texas A&M landed its 25th commit in the Aggies' unanimous No. 1-ranked 2026 recruiting class, as five-star wide receiver Eric McFarland chose A&M over Florida and Georgia before his final season at the prestigious IMG Academy.
Bringing elite speed, versatility, and physicality to a future Aggie roster that will need to find a replacement for current star junior WR Mario Craver, who is expected to depart for the 2027 NFL Draft, McFarland will likely compete for a starting or key rotational role during his freshman season in College Station.
McFarland's commitment becomes even more important given the new 5-5 NCAA rule that eliminates every player's redshirt eligibility after they turn 19, speeding up every high school prospect's development time frame. However, while this will negatively affect some, McFarland, along with the other five five-star Texas A&M commits in the 2027 cycle, are expected to see the field in Year 1.
From a scouting perspective, ESPN writers Craig Haubert, Eli Lederman and Tom Luginbill added McFarland to their ongoing program "fit" article, with Luginbill providing his scouting take on how the five-star receiver could become a record-setting playmaker in an era where the wide receiver position will make or break a program's championship hopes.
"McFarland is eerily similar to Miami's Malachi Toney, only McFarland is faster. The Aggies have a similar player in Terry Bussey, so they are adding another explosive offensive utility weapon who is an ideal player in the slot. He possesses elite-level speed, posting a 4.37 laser time in the 40-yard dash and is a home run threat with the ball in his hands in the open field at all times. One of McFarland's best attributes is his ability to separate and create space versus one-on-one man coverage. His short-area quickness and ability to rapidly accelerate compensate for his lack of ideal size. He is short, but not small. We could see him making an immediate contribution in the return game as well as sub-package offensive reps as he continues to grow and acclimate to the college level. Despite not having great size, his speed makes him a vertical threat as he can take the top off the defense."
"Short, but not small" perfectly describes McFarland's NFL potential, already being compared to the late Rondale Moore, who became one of college football's top playmakers during his freshman season at Purdue. Luginbill is also correct in stating that McFarland will likely be used as a punt/kick returner, and could become a first or second down option to take the top off the defense on deep routes against slower safeties.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Traeshon Holden was one of the most difficult cuts for the Dallas Cowboys last training camp. The then-rookie UDFA starred in the team's preseason work, as head coach Brian Schottenheimer held back his intended starters in the exhibition, opening the door for down-roster players to prove their worth in live competition.
Holden returned to the team, though, joining the practice squad in Dallas instead of looking for work elsewhere, and spent the season learning on Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams' system. He'll enter 2026 trying to ward off a new group of competitors to try and earn a down-roster spot.
It was an opportunity he wasn't always assured to have, after needing bodycam footage to clear his name after being pepper sprayed in a Eugene incident while playing for the University of Oregon. Originally charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon, coercion and misdemeanor menacing, Holden was dismissed from the program, only to be reinstated when the footage proved he was actually de-escalating the situation and never made the threat the initial police report claimed he did.
Rundown
Position: Wide Receiver
Age: 24
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 208 pounds
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
High School: St Frances (Baltimore), Narbonne High (Los Angeles)
Holden wasn't able to overcome the three Jalens: Tolbert, Brooks, and Cropper, last offseason. The Cowboys were on their way to a glorious offensive season featuring CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Kavontae Turpin and last season's breakout player Ryan Flournoy. That cast is returning, and now Holden will have to beat out a new set of characters in his quest to make the 53-man roster.
Jonathan Mingo, who earned a spot based on contract last year, has no such leverage this training camp. Denzel Mims, Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Tyler Johnson are veterans who join the fray. Seventh rounder Anthony Smith leads a cabal of rookies lookig to make their marks, also including UDFAs Camden Brown and Jordan Hudson.
Name, Image and Likeness has opened the door for multiple college athletes to be brand ambassadors and for Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, he has recently been featured in a pretty interesting one.
The second-year starter, who many have as an early season Heisman favorite, has signed a deal with ESQ Clothing in Chicago, Illinois according to their website. The proceeds will go to his charity foundation CHADTOUGH Defeat DIPG, an homage to his younger brother Chad who pass away due to brain cancer.
You can now get a custom suit and other items to help Carr’s cause, modeled by him of course, along with looking oof while doing so. It’s another unique opportunity that has presented itself to a Notre Dame athlete, showing the brands reach extends well beyond South Bend.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
🚨 Reports: Klopp agrees! DFB chief opens talks with Red Bull
The tug-of-war over Jürgen Klopp has apparently begun. As 'Sky' reports, there was said to have been a phone call yesterday between Bernd Neuendorf and the Red Bull bosses. Further talks are expected to follow today.
So far, however, no agreement has been reached. Red Bull’s shareholders are reportedly insisting on a transfer fee. In addition, some people were said not to have liked that the DFB had already mentioned Jürgen Klopp in its press release about Julian Nagelsmann. "That will also be part of the talks," the Sky report says.
Klopp himself is said to have already told the DFB that he wants to take over the position. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also reports this and has already given his "Here we go."
The long-term contract details between Klopp and the DFB apparently still need to be discussed, but in principle an agreement has been reached. Klopp himself recently stressed on 'Magenta TV' that he now feels recharged again.
How Klopp will be replaced within the RB group is still unclear. The bosses are said to have had Oliver Glasner in mind, but he is reportedly leaning toward Nottingham Forest.
Real Madrid have signed Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan for an estimated 20 million euros (Alfredo ESTRELLA)
Real Madrid signed Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan on Sunday for a reported 20 million euros ($23 million).
"(We) have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Denzel Dumfries, who will be with our club for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030," said Madrid in a statement.
Attacking right-back Dumfries, 30, played with the Netherlands at the World Cup until they were eliminated in the round of 32 on penalties by Morocco.
Dumfries adds further competition at right-back alongside England international Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Dutchman joined Inter Milan from PSV Eindhoven in 2021 and won two Serie A titles and has twice finished as a Champions League runner-up with the Italian side.
The defender is the fourth signing Madrid have made this summer, following Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate.
Madrid, who hired Portuguese veteran Jose Mourinho as coach to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, are overhauling their squad after going two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.
Los Blancos also renewed the contract of centre-back Antonio Rudiger until 2027, after Dani Carvajal and David Alaba left the club at the end of last season.
Professional golf is back in Northern Colorado, and a star from Fort Collins will be competing.
The Blue Championship is July 9-12 at TPC Colorado in Berthoud.
Here's what to know about the pro golf tournament, which has a $1 million purse:
Blue Championship schedule
The tournament runs July 9-12 with one round scheduled each day. Each round is set to begin at 6:30 a.m.
Fossil Ridge graduate Dillon Stewart to compete
Fossil Ridge graduate Dillon Stewart has been granted an exemption to compete in the tournament.
The 25-year-old Stewart was a standout at Oklahoma State after graduating from Fossil Ridge.
Stewart collected his first PGA TOUR-sanctioned win at the 2025 Bromont Open and finished the season No. 12 in the PGA TOUR Americas Points List. This will be Stewart’s first start at The Blue Championship and 14th start on the Korn Ferry Tour.
With the 2026 NBA draft done and over with, now is the time to look at some past drafts and see what the Philadelphia 76ers have done in their history. The Sixers have selected some big-time players in the past who have become an important part of the fabric of the franchise's history.
This edition continues to focus on the 2021 draft. In an effort to continue building their roster, the Sixers selected big man Charles Bassey with the No. 53 pick out of Western Kentucky. An athletic big man, Bassey worked hard to eventually earn some spot minutes here and there and showed off a lot of potential for a potential role in the near future.
He played 23 games as a rookie for the Sixers in 2021-22 averaging 3.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. He looked like he had the opportunity to become the regular backup to Joel Embiid for quite some time. He had a game when he had three blocks off the bench in a loss to the Denver Nuggets on the road.
The Sixers waived the big man shortly before the 2022-23 season and he then signed with the San Antonio Spurs. After three seasons in San Antonio, Bassey played for the Memphis Grizzlies, had a brief return to the Sixers, the Boston Celtics, and the Golden State Warriors all in the 2025-26 season. He had two points and a block in his lone game for Philadelphia on Feb. 11, 2026 in the middle of his two 10-day deals.
Looking to play some of the best public-access courses in the United States, day after day? Turn your attention to these eight states, each of which has at least five of Golfweek’s Best top 100 courses you can play.
It’s not a surprise to most that states such as California or Florida have their fair share of the top 100 public courses in the country. But for golfers who haven’t followed development trends closely in recent decades, a few of these might be a surprise – the data shows that if you haven’t been to Wisconsin or Michigan for golf, you really need to get moving. That’s especially true for Oregon.
In all, there are just 31 states represented on the 2026 Golfweek’s Best list of top 100 public-access layouts. As mentioned, eight states have at least five on the list, and those eight states have a combined 58 ranked courses.
None of this is to say other states aren’t rich in golf. New York, for example, has many of the best private courses in the world. But New York also has just two courses among the top 100 public-access courses. Golf is great in New York, but you have to get through the gates first. It’s a similar story in Illinois, as another prime example of private heavily outweighing public golf in a state.
California, which is rich in both public and private courses, leads our list of states with 10 ranked public-access layouts. Oregon is second with nine ranked courses, five of them at one resort that everybody needs to see at least once in their lifetime. North Carolina and Wisconsin each have eight ranked courses, Florida has seven and Hawaii checks in with six. Michigan and South Carolina make this list of great public-access states with five each.
Several of these courses below are mostly private clubs, but they do allow limited outside play. The Lido, Broomsedge and Pasatiempo fit this kind of welcoming model, and because they do allow public-access golf to some degree, they appear among the ranking of the top 100 public-access courses.
Note: The number in front of each course below reflects where that course is ranked for 2026 among the top 100 public-access courses in the U.S.
California’s 10 ranked courses
1. Pebble Beach Resorts (Pebble Beach Golf Links)
11. Pasatiempo
12. Pebble Beach Resorts (Spyglass Hill)
17. Poppy Ridge
T52: Torrey Pines (South)
55. Yocha Dehe at Cache Creek Casino
T60. Rustic Canyon
T65. Pebble Beach Resorts (Links at Spanish Bay)
75. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (Champions)
T82. Rams Hill
Oregon’s nine ranked courses
2. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Pacific Dunes)
5. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Trails)
6. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Old Macdonald)
7. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon Dunes)
T15. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Sheep Ranch)
T67. Silvies Valley Ranch (Hankins)
T87. Sunriver Resort (Crosswater)
T97. Pumpkin Ridge (Ghost Creek)
T100. Silvies Valley Ranch (Craddock)
North Carolina’s eight ranked courses
3. Pinehurst Resort (No. 2)
19. Pinehurst Resort (No. 10)
40. Pinehurst Resort (No. 4)
T57. Mid Pines
T60. Pine Needles
62. High Hampton
69. Tot Hill Farm
T70. Tobacco Road
Wisconsin’s eight ranked courses
4. Kohler Whistling Straits (Straits)
13. Sand Valley (Lido)
21. Sand Valley (Sand Valley)
23. Sand Valley (Mammoth Dunes)
T25. Erin Hills
T28. Lawsonia (Links)
32. Sand Valley (Sedge Valley)
56. Kohler Blackwolf Run (River)
Florida’s seven ranked courses
14. TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium)
22. Streamsong (Red)
24. Streamsong (Blue)
T33. Streamsong (Black)
47. The Park West Palm
T63. Cabot Citrus Farms (Karoo)
T87. Bay Hill Club and Lodge
Hawaii’s six ranked courses
T15. Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Manele)
27. Kapalua (Plantation)
T57. Princeville (Makai)
T70. Mauna Kea Resort
T77. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
93. Wailea (Gold)
Michigan’s five ranked courses
T33. Arcadia Bluffs (Bluffs)
T50. Marquette Golf Club (Greywalls)
T52. Forest Dunes (The Loop Red & Black)
T82. Arcadia Bluffs (South)
T82. Forest Dunes (Weiskopf)
South Carolina’s five ranked courses
10. Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean)
T28. Sea Pines Resort (Harbour Town Golf Links)
T33. Broomsedge
81. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
T82. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Jason Lusk is Golfweek's travel and golf course architecture editor, as well as the magazine's creative director. He has written for and designed Golfweek for more than two decades.
Kansas City Chiefs players recently packed food bags and welcome kits for Newhouse, a local domestic violence shelter.
Newhouse has an ongoing tradition of giving back to the local area through various philanthropic pillars. Players featured in the recent drive include All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, veteran linebacker Drue Tranquill, and more.
Kansas City's oldest domestic violence shelter, Newhouse, supports survivors through community outreach, volunteering, and charity events. The Chiefs' front office staff and players regularly participate in donation drives and organize welcome kits for families at the shelter.
Last week we packed food bags and welcome kits for New House, a local domestic violence shelter. It's always a privilege to help out the KC community ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5uQek3whGJ
The franchise actively supports the local Kansas City community through year-round outreach programs, charitable grants, and fan-focused charity drives. The Chiefs Community Caring Team and the Hunt Family Foundation focus their philanthropic efforts also on Health and Wellness, Hunger Relief, Education, and Youth.
Newhouse shatters the barriers that feed the cycle of abuse and partners with survivors to achieve safety, self-sufficiency, and whole-person healing through our ecosystem of transformative services.
The Round of 16 is here, and the matchups are all must-watches. Brazil and Norway will continue the knockout stage with a head-to-head on Sunday.
When you think of the World Cup, you think of Brazil. The South American nation is a giant when it comes to the beautiful game, and this year they're chasing a record sixth title, which would be their first since 2002. The Brazilians are on a strong path right now, after just defeating Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32.
Norway has much less history at the World Cup, but this year could be a historic run for the national team. The Norwegians can expect a great push from global superstar Erling Haaland, who is making his debut campaign at the iconic tournament.
Who will punch their ticket to the quarterfinals?
Here's everything you need to know to watch the Brazil vs. Norway World Cup match, including where to watch on TV or live stream, what time the game starts and more.
Brazil vs. Norway free live stream
This game is available to stream for FREE on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Brazil vs. Norway channel, live stream
TV channel: FOX
Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website
Paraguay vs. France 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 Brazil vs. Norwaystart?
Brazil vs. Norway kicks off Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Here's how that time translates across the United States time zones:
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. They are into the Round of 16.
Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) celebrates after getting a stop on fourth down in the second half of a NCAA football game against Southern California at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
I recently finished my Top 20 list of Notre Dame football players for 2026 with a full explanation of why I had who, where (sort of). So it’s fun to see how these guys shake out on other lists from around the media and the country. PFF College just published its Top 50 Players in college football, and they were close to being on the same page as me… but not quite.
#2 Leonard Moore CB
Moore’s first two college seasons have been better than those of any cornerback in the PFF College era. According to PFF WAA, he was the third-most valuable cornerback in the nation as a true freshman in 2024, trailing only 2025 first-round picks Travis Hunter and Jahdae Barron. Moore led all cornerbacks in PFF overall grade (91.8) as a sophomore and was PFF’s pick for the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. He has seven career interceptions and projects as one of the best cornerback prospects in recent memory.
#14 CJ Carr QB
Carr is currently tied with Arch Manning as the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy (+750) at DraftKings Sportsbook. That follows a strong redshirt freshman campaign in which he ranked 14th nationally in PFF passing grade. His 6.5% big-time throw rate also ranked sixth in the Power Four.
With star running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price off to the NFL, Carr will be expected to shoulder much more of the offensive load as a redshirt sophomore.
#16 Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa LB
Viliamu-Asa became a superstar as a sophomore for the Fighting Irish and enters 2026 as the top returning linebacker in college football. His 89.7 PFF overall grade ranked second in the Power Four behind only Jacob Rodriguez, while his 94.0 PFF run-defense grade ranked second in the FBS, also behind Rodriguez. He also ranked eighth in the Power Four with an 83.3 coverage grade and even lined up off the edge at times, highlighting his versatility.
It is worth noting that Viliamu-Asa is coming off a torn ACL suffered in November, and his availability for the start of the season remains in question.
#44 Tae Johnson S
Johnson is the latest in a long line of supremely talented Notre Dame defensive backs. His first season as a starter was a rousing success, as he tallied four interceptions and three pass breakups. He also missed just two tackles all season, and his 82.8 PFF grade was a top-25 mark among qualified safeties.
And that’s okay, I guess. We’re all nerds here in some way to the football gods, but there’s something about these numbers and formulas which drives me insane because I have two eyeballs, and have been obsessed with the game of football since the 1987 Cotton Bowl.
You can’t tell me THIS roster which will deliver over a dozen Round 1 and Round 2 NFL Draft picks over the next two years only has 4 players listed. You can’t — but they just did. We’ll see how the season goes, but something tells me that their final grades will be more in line with what I’m thinking now than what they’re thinking now.
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 16: Cornerback Richard Marshall #31 of the Carolina Panthers reacts to the fans after recovering a fumble in the final minutes of the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on December 16, 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carolina defeated Seattle 13-10. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here at Cat Scratch Reader we have counted down the final 100 days leading up to the Carolina Panthers season opener by for at least the past ten years. We’ve always done this by highlighting the current player on the roster whose jersey number matches the day on the countdown. This year, we decided to change that up a bit by counting down our own list of the Top 100 Panthers of all time. This does not correspond to jersey number, does not need to be somebody who wore a jersey, and will in no way be controversial.
#70. Richard Marshall
Richard Marshall played one of the most difficult jobs in professional football, and maybe in professional sports in general. He was the number two or three corner on the field opposite a shutdown corner.
Marshall was selected by the Panthers in the second round of the 2006 draft to serve as the number three corner behind Chris Gamble and the previous year’s big free agent signing, Ken Lucas. Lucas ended up battling approximately 35 different injuries during that 2006 season, meaning Marshall got a lot more looks as a starter than the Panthers probably intended. He did well enough to earn himself a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America all rookie team.
He served in a rotational role for the first three years of his career before the Panthers released Lucas after the 2008 season. In those three years, Marhsall racked up seven interceptions, including two for touchdowns, and six fumble recoveries. After Lucas’s release, Marshall was elevated to full time starter alongside Gamble. In two seasons as a full time starter, he tallied another seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
My personal memory may be skewed because I was a teenager in the Richard Marshall era. It felt like he gave up most of the successful passes on the outside against the Panthers, which gave the perception that he wasn’t that good, but that was often a product of playing opposite a very good cornerback in Chris Gamble. He was always a steady complement to Gamble and Lucas and was a key component of some pretty good Panthers defenses in the late 2000s. When you’re a solid player on good units for five years, that’s good enough to earn you a spot on that list. Marshall was that, so he lands as number 70 on the list of greatest Panthers of all time.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, right, shakes hands with Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson after 52-21 win over the Bears at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If we’re talking about Vegas odds, the Detroit Lions remain the betting favorite to win the NFC North. In fact, the lines aren’t all that close, as it currently stands. As of this week—even after the news of Terrion Arnold’s release—FanDuel Sports still has the Lions as a pretty significant favorite for the division. Here are the odds as of Wednesday:
Lions: +145
Packers: +270
Bears: +310
Vikings: +500
But it sure doesn’t feel like Lions fans are feeling all that good these days. It’s been a rough offseason full of drama, personnel loss, and underwhelming news. The Lions are in an era of roster development where they can’t keep everyone and it becomes difficult to add game-changing, high-end talent. And after finishing 9-8 last year, it’s hard to definitively say this team has better personnel than they did last year.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Are the Lions still favorites to win the NFC North?
My answer: I’m not entirely sure, but I know there’s at least one factor heavily working in their favor: the schedule.
While, yes, it’s probably too early to definitively declare Detroit’s schedule will be among the easiest in the league, but it’s hard to imagine it landing among the most difficult. The Saints, Jets, Panthers, Cardinals, Dolphins, Falcons, Titans, and Giants are all currently projected to finish among the worst teams in the NFL this season—and those teams make up half of Detroit’s 2026 schedule. If they take care of their business there alone, we’re almost certainly talking about a season at least as good as 2025, likely much better.
Plus, let us not forget that Detroit’s offense projects to be another top-10 unit. Even with all of last year’s problems with the offensive line and John Morton as offensive coordinator, that unit was still top-10 in almost every efficiency metric. Now both the roster and coaching staff look better on paper, and a top-five offense is certainly not out of the question.
There are certainly a ton of questions on defense, and it’s getting harder and harder to believe they can overcome some serious holes on that side of the ball. As it stands, it’s the biggest reason Detroit may not make a Super Bowl run in 2026.
But is it good enough to win the division? I certainly think it could be.
What do y’all think? Make your pick for NFC North winner in the poll below, and share why in the comment section.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 02: Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at Los Angeles Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mikel Oyarzabal has been quizzed on his future once again at World Cup 2026 and spoke again about his happiness at Real Sociedad.
There have been whispers that Oyarzabal is a potential Plan B for Barcelona if the Catalans fail to land Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer window.
The Spain star admits that “you never know” what might happen in football but once again spoke about how he feels completely at home with La Real.
“In football you never know what can happen, just like in life. But I’ve always said that San Sebastián is my home, I feel as if I’ve lived there all my life and I couldn’t ask for more,” he told Carrusel Deportivo.
“I’ve always felt very loved and valued by my club during my time there, which is most of the year. Every time I come to the national team, the same thing happens, both from the coach and my teammates. Also from everyone at Real Sociedad. I feel very loved, valued, and respected. And that’s what I take away from it.”
Oyarzabal is currently with Spain preparing to face Portugal in the last 16 of World Cup 2026. The striker has four goals so far in the tournament and will be aiming to add to that tally on Monday in Dallas.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders: Postponed vs. Norfolk Tides
Double-A Somerset Patriots:L, 6-1 vs. Hartford Yard Goats
RF Jackson Castillo 0-4 DH Jace Avina 1-3, BB CF DJ Gladney 1-4, K 3B Coby Morales 0-4, 2 K 1B Nick Torres 1-4 LF Josh Moylan 0-4, 2 K C Manuel Palencia 1-3, BB, throwing error SS Kevin Verde 0-3, RBI, SF 2B Connor McGinnis 3-3
Ben Hess 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR — things remain a little stop and start for the first-rounder Kelly Austin 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K Miguel Arias 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR Hayden Merda 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K — hell of a relief outing
1, if by land, and 2, if by sea; 3 strikes you're out.@Yankees No. 5 prospect Ben Hess records his first strikeout of the night for the Semiquincentennials. pic.twitter.com/eEI0XWUUvu
High-A Hudson Valley Renegades:W, 5-4 vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks
2B Kaeden Kent 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB, CS SS Core Jackson 1-4, 2 RBI, K, SB — his sac fly put HV up in the seventh LF Wilson Rodriguez 1-4, K, SB DH Eric Genther 1-3, RBI, K 1B Kyle West 0-4, K 3B Roderick Arias 0-4, 4 K RF Enmanuel Tejeda 0-3, K C Josue Gonzalez 0-2, BB, K CF Camden Troyer 1-2, BB, K, SB
Game one — completion of game suspended on June 25th:
SS Mani Cedeno 1-5, 2B, 3 K, SB DH Carlos Bello 1-4, 2 RBI, K, CS, SF C Alessandro Rodriguez 2-4, BB RF David Carrera 1-4 3B Germayhoni Beltre 0-2, BB CF Alfiery Matos 0-1, RBI, 2 BB, K, SF 1B Stalen Ramirez 1-1, SB 1B John Rosillo 0-3, RBI, 2 K LF Sebastian Pinto 0-3, BB, 2 K 2B Adrian Feliz 0-1, RBI, 2 BB, 2 SB, SF
Cesar Acosta 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K Brandy Luis 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K (win) Ronald Tejada 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Game two: A DSL classic, Bombers went up 11-2 with a nine-run sixth, Mets came back with a nine-run seventh to walk it off
2B Dariel Santana 0-2, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K SS Germayhoni Beltre 1-4, RBI, BB, K, three throwing errors, one fielding error — yikes 3B Carlos Bello 0-4, RBI, K DH David Carrera 2-4, 2B, RBI, K, CS 1B Poly Ojeda 0-2, BB, CS CF Alfiery Matos 1-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB, SB C Stalen Ramirez 1-2, BB, SB, CS, throwing error, two passed balls RF Sebastian Pinto 0-2, BB, 2 K LF Eddison Charlies 0-2, RBI, K
Sebastian Castillo 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 6 K Andre Avila 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 4 K Lenin Caceres 0 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 0 K Chaury Gomez 0 IP, 0 H, 5 R (4 ER), 4 BB, 0 K Oscar Vasquez 0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K (loss, blown save) — the last three scorelines are, combined, one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen
TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 01: Detail view of a Blue Jays logo on a batting circle prior to a regular season game between the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays on August 01, 2023 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Major league opportunities can disappear almost as quickly as they arrive, particularly for veteran relievers trying to hold onto roster spots.
For pitchers bouncing between organizations, one rough outing can change the trajectory of an entire season, and that seems to have been the case with former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Austin Voth.
After joining the Blue Jays to eat some important innings as the team struggled to field a healthy pitching staff, Voth was designated for assignment by the team twice before leaving for the Minnesota Twins. Now he has been cut again and is hoping for a longer stay with a new American League club.
Texas Rangers Add Former Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher After 3-Day Stint
Voth's latest move comes after he elected free agency following his departure from the Minnesota Twins organization, quickly finding a new home in the American League West.
“Voth elected free agency from the Twins last week rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A St. Paul,” David Shovein noted for NBC Sports. “The 34-year-old right-hander has made three appearances in the big leagues this season, posting a 9.90 ERA, 2.50 WHIP and a 3/6 K/BB ratio over 10 innings between the Twins and Blue Jays.”
The move gives the Rangers another experienced depth option as they continue navigating the long regular season. While Voth struggled in limited major league action this year, he has logged parts of multiple MLB seasons and remains a viable organizational arm.
Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Finds New Home After Short-Lived Reunion
The Blue Jays' decision to move on from Voth came almost immediately after his latest opportunity with the club.
“Voth was brought up to the (Blue Jays’) big-league roster … and gave up five runs on five hits and four walks over 3.1 innings in bulk relief,” CBS Sports reported in May. “He's subsequently lost his place on the 40-man roster in favor of Hayden Juenger, who had his contract selected from Triple-A Buffalo (the next day) in a corresponding transaction.”
That move ended up being the final one between the Blue Jays and the reliever, and it represented just a three-day stint to end his tenure.
“Toronto has now DFA’ed Voth twice this season, and the first designation in early April saw Voth elect free agency rather than an accept outright assignment to Triple-A, though he soon re-signed with the Jays on a new minor league deal,” Mark Polishuk noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “In both cases, Voth was designated after eating some innings in a bullpen game — he allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings in a 3-0 loss to the White Sox on April 5, and was hit hard for five runs over 3 1/3 innings in (a) 6-5 victory over the Orioles.”
Ultimately, in two games for the Blue Jays this season, Voth appeared in six innings and gave up six earned runs. Now, Voth will try to rebuild his value with the Rangers organization and work his way back to the major leagues once again.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 16: Alice Ardelean of Romania reacts after a victory against Polyana Viana of Brazil in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on May 16, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
Welcome to MMAmania’s 2025 Mid-Year Awards! Can you believe 2026 is already half done?
With six months of jaw-dropping action behind us, it is time to celebrate the fighters, fights and moments that have lit up the mixed martial arts (MMA) world so far this year. From stunning upsets and bone-crunching knockouts to rising stars and masterful submissions, 2026 has already delivered plenty of unforgettable highlights.
Let’s dive into the best submission of the year so far. (Note: For knockouts and submissions, I’m all about style over substance.
Submission of the year: Alice Ardelean vs. Polyana Viana
UFC Vegas 117 – May 16, 2026
I’m not even sure a psychic could have predicted Alice Ardelean would be the owner of the best “Submission of the Year” halfway through 2026, but here we are.
The 34-year-old TikTok star-turned UFC Strawweight scored the first-ever capsule lock in UFC history against Polyana Viana, which essentially functions as a modified calf slicer or knee separator.
Ardelean trapped Viana’s crossed legs and crushed Viana’s calf into the back of her own knee, forcing the tap in one of the strangest and most unique finishes you will ever see inside the Octagon.
It was weird. It was nasty. And most importantly, it was something UFC fans had never seen before.
Sure, there were cleaner submissions, higher-stakes submissions and other rare finishes that deserve love on this list. But when you pull off the first submission of its kind in UFC history, that gets the nod.
Polyana Viana taps and Alice Ardelean gets the win!
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 16, 2026
Here are a few honorable mentions:
Magomedov vs. Baghdasaryan
In his UFC debut, Murtazali Magomedov made an immediate statement by submitting Melsik Baghdasaryanwith the fourth twister in UFC history at UFC Vegas 119.
Granted, it was more of a Scottish Twister than the usual version fans have seen before, but that almost made it cooler.
Either way, it was an incredible debut for Magomedov and one of the slickest submission finishes of the year.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED 😳
Murtazali Magomedov gets the QUICK tap in R1 in his UFC debut!
Asu Almabayev had already been a solid Flyweight during his UFC run, but his performance against Charles Johnson at UFC Baku made the entire division — and the fanbase — pay attention.
Before UFC Baku, Nursulton Ruziboev had only knocked opponents out inside the Octagon, despite owning far more submission wins across his career.
That finally changed in Azerbaijan.
Ruziboev strangled Andrey Pulyaev unconscious, and while the choke itself was nasty, the aftermath made it even more memorable. Pulyaev was put completely to sleep, creating one of the more brutal submission visuals of the year.
Ruziboev reminded everyone that he is not just a knockout artist.
Jurgen Klopp has agreed to become Germany’s new head coach following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation in the aftermath of the country’s disappointing World Cup exit.
Germany began the tournament with renewed optimism but saw their campaign end in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.
Nagelsmann stepped down from his role just days later, accepting responsibility for another disappointing tournament as Germany’s long wait for World Cup success continued.
The German Football Association quickly identified Klopp as its leading candidate to oversee a major rebuild.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Klopp has accepted the offer and will become Germany’s next manager.
While the finer details of his contract and his departure from Red Bull are still being finalised, the agreement is understood to be in place.
Klopp has also confirmed he is in negotiations with the German Football Association.
The 59-year-old revealed he had been approached following Nagelsmann’s resignation and admitted he is ready to return to coaching after stepping away from club management two years ago.
“Since then I’m more than recharged,” Klopp said. “I’m ready.”
Klopp left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season after transforming the club into Premier League and Champions League winners during a hugely successful nine-year spell at Anfield.
He later accepted a senior leadership role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer, overseeing the company’s football operations across several clubs.
That position now appears set to come to an end as he prepares for a return to the dugout.
Klopp stressed that discussions are still required before everything is completed because of his existing contractual commitments.
He also made it clear that Germany’s issues extend beyond one individual.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss described Nagelsmann as an “excellent coach” and insisted deeper structural changes are needed.
“German football is at a turning point,” Klopp said. “We need to change things fundamentally.”
Germany have now failed to win a World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014.
Their latest elimination followed previous disappointments at the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, increasing pressure for significant reform throughout the national team setup.
Klopp is expected to oversee that rebuild with the aim of restoring Germany among international football’s elite.
His arrival would represent one of the biggest managerial appointments in world football.
The German Football Association is expected to formally announce Klopp’s appointment once contractual matters surrounding his exit from Red Bull have been resolved.
After two years away from coaching, one of football’s most decorated managers now appears set to begin a new chapter with his national team.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before kickoff against the Houston Texans during an AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Many thought 2025 would be the final year in the storied career of Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP said he expected it to be his last season when he signed a one-year deal last June before leading the Steelers to their first AFC North title since 2020, throwing 24 touchdowns to just seven interceptions as Pittsburgh finished the year 10-7.
The Steelers fell to the Houston Texans 30-6 in the wild card round, and Rodgers had arguably his worse game of the year, going 17-of-33 for 146 yards, an interception, and a QBR of just 14.9. For this performance, as well as a more conservative play style, PFF ranked Rodgers as the No. 22 quarterback in the NFL ahead of the 2026 season. He is ranked one spot ahead of Daniel Jones and one spot behind Kyler Murray.
“Father Time has caught up with the 42-year-old — he earned just a 68.0 PFF overall grade last year, the worst mark of his career,” Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman write. “His 38.1 PFF passing grade under pressure ranked sixth-worst among qualifying quarterbacks. He has become far more conservative than at any point in his career, as his 6.6-yard average depth of target was a career low and ranked fourth-lowest in the league. Rodgers will try to recapture the magic one final time in 2026, but his best days are clearly behind him.”
The Steelers added Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard this offseason via trade and the NFL Draft, respectively. Those additions should open the passing game more for Rodgers and lead to a higher success rate through the air, which, in turn, will see him rise of rankings like this.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl game between the AFC and the NFC at the Moscone Center South on February 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. The NFC won 66-52. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As we turn for training camp, the Dallas Cowboys‘ hope train is full steam ahead to Oxnard after an offseason that you could make the case has been one of the better ones in recent memory. There’s no contract drama, the franchise nailed the draft (at least in the early stages), and made a handful of outside free agent signings, coupled with the hiring of Christian Parker, which, for most, is a home run. Now, there are some unknowns, like Parker’s ability to call a game as he hasn’t before in the NFL, plus how long it will take for his scheme to take shape and how well his players adjust.
But for the most part, there is every reason to think the Cowboys “should” be a better prospect than they were a year ago under Brian Schottenheimer. Some even think the playoffs are well within reach, which could mean a division title is also forthcoming, with the Cowboys not having won the NFC East since 2023. For Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Cowboys have the tools to claim the division, with one big if attached.
“One of the biggest position battles in any camp is Tyler Guyton vs. Nate Thomas to be the Cowboys’ left tackle,” Breer wrote. “If Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams can make that spot a strength, then the line can be the team’s foundation, and Dak Prescott will have everything he needs around him to have a career year. “And with Christian Parker a potential difference-maker as defensive coordinator, Dallas would be positioned to take advantage of a wide-open NFC East.”
There’s no denying that the left tackle position, and even right tackle as well, are big storylines to watch in Oxnard, but the offensive line was serviceable last season, so if it can get a little uptick in improvement, Dak Prescott should be able to do what he does best. But for me, the pressure is all on Parker and his defense.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL season with a roster full of unknowns, and several players on the bubble could either emerge as key contributors or find themselves off the 53-man roster entirely. That’s right, we’re looking at boom or bust players ahead of training camp. Let’s dive in.
LB Marist Liufau
The tea leaves are not great for Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau. He’s being asked to start at a different position than the one he played during his first three years in the league, moving from inside linebacker to edge rusher in a contract year. That combination makes him a significant cut candidate. When you’re asked to switch positions three years into your career, it’s usually not a good sign. The immediate questions about his size are obvious. Does he have the kind of body to take on offensive tackles at the NFL level and hold up against the run? We know he has explosiveness and strength, but surviving in the trenches is a different challenge.
However, there is upside. His background at inside linebacker means he can drop back into coverage and serve as a versatile chess piece in Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme. Parker’s defense is built around multiplicity and disguised coverages, where outside linebackers sometimes rush the passer and sometimes drop into zones. Early in the offseason, Parker revealed that the position switch came from conversations with coaches who were with Liufau during his time at Notre Dame. Some who covered the Fighting Irish believed his skill set translated better as a pass rusher.
Cowboys national scout Ross Wuensche also said on a podcast recently that they believe Liufau can be “a really cool matchup piece” for Dallas. That sounds like a team excited about a concept. If it works, he makes the roster and plays a unique role. Add in his special teams value, and there’s a path to the 53-man roster — but the margin for error is razor thin.
The Dallas Cowboys don’t exactly have an easy draw during the 2026 NFL season. Not only is the NFC East much-improved, but facing off against the NFC West and AFC South, which boasted a combined five playoff teams and a Super Bowl champion last year, will be no small task. Dallas has to face perennial powers like the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles (twice), as well as rising teams like the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Yes, the Cowboys have some “easier” games, if such a thing exists in the NFL, with matchups against the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants on the docket. Some of Dallas’ opponents, however, are quite difficult to figure out, namely the Indianapolis Colts. Luckily, for readers of The Landry Hat, we went across the conference and behind the curtain to speak to Lee Vowell, the site expert atHorseshoe Heroes, which is FanSided’s hub of Colts info. Vowell is an authority on the Colts and provided some premier access to the Cowboys’ Week 9 foe.
Dallas Cowboys can’t know what version of Indianapolis Colts they’ll face in Week 9
Q: The Colts started out hot in 2025, but their season got derailed by injuries, among other things. Is there faith in the building and fanbase that the 2026 Colts will be more like the fall version of last year, as opposed to the winter version?
A: The simple answer is yes. In fact, ownership is betting on the team resembling the fall edition, which is why there was such a great need to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, as the team didn’t do much else in bringing in high-impact free agents from other teams.
Injuries did take a brutal toll on the team midway through last season and the rest of the way (Jones was lost in Week 14, Charvarius Ward suffered three different concussions and missed a chunk of time, DeForest Buckner only played in one game after Week 9, and Sauce Gardner missed four of the eight games he could have been involved in after the team traded for him). The team is counting on better health, meaning better success.
How much you wanna bet the Cowboys make the postseason?
The dog days of summer are here. While the Dallas Cowboys do not report for training camp for another month, it’s never too early to take a look at some prop bets for the upcoming season. With that thought in mind, today we take a look at three 2026 Cowboys bets worth taking a flyer on before the start of the regular season. All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
1) CeeDee Lamb to win AP Offensive Player Of The Year (+2200)
CeeDee Lamb was once again dominant last season when healthy. While the veteran wideout got off to a bit of a shaky start, dropping four passes in Dallas’ first two games, he still put together another outstanding season. After those four drops in two games, Lamb went on to drop just four passes in the remaining 12 games he would play throughout the course of the regular season. Despite playing in just 14 games, one of which he only played two offensive series in, Lamb surpassed 1,000 receiving yards (1,077) for the fifth consecutive season. The wideout surpassed 100 receiving yards in a single game six times while catching six or more passes in a single game eight times.
Lamb is on track to have another dominant 2026 campaign, and taking a chance on him to win Offensive Player Of The Year at this number is a worthwhile bet. If Dak Prescott is healthy, Lamb is almost a lock to be one of the most productive receivers in the entire NFL. There is a real chance Lamb could replicate his 2023 production this upcoming season. If he does so, he will certainly have a chance to take home this award.
2) Dak Prescott OVER 4050.5 Passing Yards (-114)
Since 2019, in every season that Dak Prescott has played in 13 or more regular-season games, he has easily surpassed 4,000 passing yards. It may be a bit shocking to see Dak’s O/U at 4,050, but this seems like the oddsmakers are betting that the veteran quarterback will not stay healthy all season. If he plays in even 14-15 regular-season games, it’s a virtual lock that Prescott will surpass this number. Taking this bet is not as much about the number as it’s about believing that Dallas’ signal-caller will stay healthy throughout the course of the regular season. At nearly even odds, taking a 50/50 shot that Prescott will remain healthy is a worthwhile bet.
Daily discussion question: What part of training camp are you looking forward to the most?
Blades Brown has played alongside talented amateur Preston Stout for the first three rounds of the John Deere Classic this week.
Brown turned pro at the age of 17, while Stout, 21, is still playing as an amateur and will soon enter his senior year at Oklahoma State.
Now 19, Brown has been playing competitively for 18 months on the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour, while Stout has obviously chosen a completely different path.
Blades Brown is more seasoned than Stout when it comes to playing in PGA Tour events, but the 21-year-old amateur clearly has an exceptional golf game.
Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
The two young players have shone this week at the John Deere Classic, and it’s fair to say that they both still have a chance to win on Sunday.
The same can be said for Stout and it will be fascinating to see how they both perform on Sunday in Silvis, Illinois.
What Blades Brown said about Preston Stout after playing with him at the John Deere
Brown spoke to the media after firing a third-round 67 at TPC Deere Run.
The teenager responded when asked to share his thoughts on Stout, having played with him for three consecutive rounds.
“Yeah, I think Preston is, what, 20, 21 maybe. I think he’s the No. 1 ranked amateur in the world now, and he is unbelievable,“ Brown said.
“I mean, he hits it so far off the tee, putts the lights out of it. His short game is awesome as well. I was walking down 18 with Brett, and I was, like, man, this guy is the real deal.
Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“It was really fun to play with Preston three days in a row, so that was pretty cool. Missed the putt on 18 to, unfortunately, not get paired with him tomorrow.
“Yeah, I’m really excited to play with him in the future.“
Stout clearly has an unbelievable game, and the fact that he’s playing college golf for one more season proves that he has total faith in his own ability.
It would be so easy for him to have turned pro already, considering the amount of invites he would receive to play on the PGA Tour.
Preston Stout says whether he will play more aggressively to try and win
Stout is sitting in a tie for 8th heading into the final round, four shots adrift of the leaders.
He responded when asked if he plans to take more of an aggressive approach on Sunday in order to try and win the John Deere.
“I don’t know, I think I’ve been playing pretty aggressive all week. I think it’s worked. The greens are just super soft. There’s not really any pins you can’t get,“ Stout said.
“So I think, yeah, just staying aggressive, keeping the ball in the fairway. You know, we hit a couple of different clubs off tees today. I think that kind of fit the fairway better, so that was good. Then just firing at pins.
“I don’t think I need to change my mindset. I think I’m in a good spot of how I’m thinking and just go play golf again tomorrow.“
Once is by chance, twice a coincidence? Whether or not the trend of head coaches leaving directly after winning the national championship turns into an actual pattern remains to be seen (Brandon Naurato??), but the Michigan Wolverines cannot afford to bury their head in the sand following the departure of Dusty May.
While Jim Harbaugh’s exit was a long-time coming, May’s stint in Ann Arbor seemed far from over, even if the NBA was an eventual inevitability. Instead, the Wolverines are now again stuck holding the program together with duct tape during an awkward period on the calendar, hoping to preserve some sort of floor through this unplanned coaching transition.
None of this is ideal, but what is done is done. Here are three lessons I hope Warde Manuel and Michigan keep close following the second unideal coaching exit in the past three years.
Lesson 1: Stay flexible
Harbaugh and May both left Ann Arbor only after winning national championships and bringing their respective programs to heights unseen this century. Their ability to do so came from innovation, whether that be pushing the envelope with satellite camps and recruiting edges, or playing the NIL game and transfer portal in ways unfamiliar to this university.
The very traits that allowed these coaches to find success and what ultimately brought the professional leagues calling. The lesson for Michigan, then, is to recognize that this period in college athletics is only going to bring more and more change. The rules keep updating, the conferences realigning, and the skills needed to succeed keep switching as well. Acknowledging this reality is how programs will stay successful.
For Michigan, I think this means being ok with not seeking out a coach for the next decade-plus. Sure, everyone wanted May to establish a dynasty, but the game is so different than even when he was hired – imagine how drastically changed it will be in 10 years. I think the Wolverines did take on this mindset when hiring Kyle Whittingham, and it makes sense to bring this mentality to the hardwood as well.
Lesson 2: Build the bench
Winning the national championship means your season lasts as long a season can go…meaning any subsequent coaching change is going to happen when a lot of things are already decided. Often that leaves schools with no choice but to promote from within, whether that is temporary or Plan A going forward. This was the case with Sherrone Moore and Mike Boynton, even if the circumstances were not exactly the same.
Assistant coaches are always important, but from a continuity angle they become even more invaluable. Moore was able to preserve an impressive amount of the roster and Boynton looks to be doing the same, which always must be a consideration throughout the recruiting process, both from high school and the transfer portal.
No one wants to think about the head coach leaving, but at this point Michigan must consider that a real possibility at any given time. That means stocking up the coaching staff with capable replacements who have solid relationships with the players, able to hold down the fort through potential storms and capable of stepping right in on short notice.
Lesson 3: The Team, The Team, The Team
Above all, Michigan must continue to keep its brand as the most important factor. Coaches come and go even without championships or better job opportunities, but the one thing that stays – throughout any NCAA change – is the prestige of these programs. No man, no coach is more important than the team, and thankfully this is built into Michigan’s DNA.
Fans bemoan the transient nature of the transfer portal, with players more than willing to hop from school to school each offseason, but we cannot be naive to the fact that coaches often do not show any additional loyalty. This is absolutely their prerogative, and not necessarily anything new, but the Wolverines must accept the fact that their head coaches may not be willing to commit to a lifeline in Ann Arbor.
All this means is that the centerpiece must always be the brand. The program is what must drive players to Michigan, and the coaches must be willing to understand their role. Yes, Harbaugh and May are legends who elevated their teams to the pinnacle, but their true value is their contribution to the strength of their programs. It always has been about the Team; not that we needed a reminder, but this past month has certainly reinforced that truth.
The Detroit Tigers evened up their weekend series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday afternoon with a 3-0 victory at Globe Life Field. Riley Greene provided the fireworks with a two-run homer while Jack Flaherty and the bullpen blanked the opposition’s bats for a full nine innings.
On Sunday, right-hander Casey Mize will climb the hill for the Olde English D in search of its second-straight series win over a division-leading team. The 29-year-0ld threw his best game so far this season last time out against the New York Yankees, whom he shut out over seven frames of one-hit ball while striking out 10 against zero walks for his third win of the 2026 campaign.
Taking the mound for the Rangers is fellow righty Kumar Rocker, who appears to be settling into his third year of big league action. The 26-year-old hurler put up mixed results last month, but finished it off with his fifth quality start of the season, throwing six innings of shutout ball on four hits and a walk while striking out five on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays, taking a no-decision in a 3-2 team win.
Here is a look at how the two match up on paper in Sunday afternoon’s matinee matchup. Note that the game will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock / NBCSN Extra.
Detroit Tigers (39-50) vs. Texas Rangers (45-44)
Time (ET): 3:30 p.m. Place: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas SB Nation Site:Lone Star Ball Media: Peacock / NBCSN Extra, Tigers Radio Network
Game 90: RHP Casey Mize (3-5, 2.63 ERA) vs. RHP Kumar Rocker (2-6, 3.83 ERA)
Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: How the Blues fared in the Round of 32
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage concluded on June 28, with 32 of the 48 qualifying nations advancing to the first knockout stage.
The tournament began with Manchester City having the largest representation after Bayern Munich with respect to club football and 18 stars from the Premier League side represented 12 different nations.
The conclusion of the group stage saw 16 Manchester City stars across 11 nations qualify for the Round of 32, who fought for a spot to move on to the Round of 16, which kicked off on July 4.
The curtains dropped for City defender Abdukodir Khusanov and Uzbekistan as they failed to move further up in the competition.
Here’s how Manchester City players have performed in the World Cup Round of 32:
18 Manchester City stars confirmed for FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Netherlands vs Morocco
Netherlands suffered a 2-3 loss on penalties against Morocco in the Round of 32 at Monterrey Stadium on June 30.
Cody Gakpo netted the first goal of the match for the Oranje in the 72nd minute, while Issa Diop found the equaliser for Morocco at the beginning of the second half’s injury time.
Manchester City’s Nathan Ake was included in Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman’s starting XI and was on the pitch for 71 minutes before being replaced by Teun Koopmeiners.
Tijjani Reijnders, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium from AC Milan last summer, was named on the bench and remained an unused substitute in the match.
Norway vs Ivory Coast
Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 at Dallas Stadium on June 30.
Antonio Nusa opened the scoring for Norway in the 39th minute, while Amad Diallo netted the equaliser for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland scored the winning goal for Norway after being set up by Patrick Berg in the 86th minute.
The 2025/26 Premier League Golden Boot winner has registered five goals in three matches in the ongoing World Cup campaign.
France vs Sweden
France bagged a 3-0 win against Sweden in the Round of 32 at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30.
Les Bleus captain Kylian Mbappe found the back of the net in the 45th minute following an assist from Ousmane Dembele.
Bradley Barcola scored next for France in the 53rd minute after being set up by Michael Olise, who also provided the assist for Mbappe’s second goal in the 74th minute.
Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki came off the bench to replace Olise in the 85th minute.
Rayan Cherki enduring ‘sleepless nights’ over France difficulties at FIFA World Cup
England vs DR Congo
England earned a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32 at Atlanta Stadium on July 1.
After conceding a goal just seven minutes into the clash, the Three Lions’ captain, Harry Kane, netted a brace in a span of 11 minutes, with Anthony Gordon providing assists for both goals.
Manchester City duo Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi were named in ThomasTuchel’s starting XI and were on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Club record signing Elliot Anderson has also been a regular for the Three Lions at the tournament.
Guehi provided five defensive contributions and five clearances in the match, while City academy graduate O’Reilly made three defensive contributions and two clearances.
England’s third-choice goalkeeper James Trafford, who returned to his boyhood club Manchester City last summer, was named on the bench against DR Congo.
Belgium vs Senegal
Belgium secured a 3-2 win against Senegal in the Round of 32 at Seattle Stadium on July 1.
Senegal were able to maintain their two-goal lead, courtesy of Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr, until the 85th minute, following which Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring for the Red Devils from an assist by Thomas Meunier.
Youri Tielemans found the equalizer for Belgium in the 89th minute and also netted the winning goal by successfully converting a penalty in the concluding added minutes of the second half of extra time.
Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku came off the pitch in the 56th minute and was replaced by Dodi Lukebakio.
Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: Jeremy Doku withdrawn early as Belgium beat Senegal in all-time classic
Spain vs Austria
Spain march on in the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Austria in the Round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on July 2.
Mikel Oyarzabal netted a brace (36’, 89′) for La Roja, with Marc Cucurella assisting both of his goals, while Pedro Porro scored their second goal in the match after being set up by Alex Baena in the 66th minute.
Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri was on the pitch for the entirety of the match, maintaining a pass accuracy of 92% and being involved in two key passes.
Croatia vs Portugal
Croatia were on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat against Portugal in the Round of 32 at Toronto Stadium on July 3. The match included a total of four Manchester City players.
Following an eventful yet goalless first half, Croatia took the lead with Ivan Perisic’s goal in the 53rd minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the equaliser for Portugal by successfully converting a penalty in the 68th minute, followed by Goncalo Ramos netting the winning goal from an assist by Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of the second half’s injury time.
After being named in the Vatreni’s starting XI, Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic was subbed off with Andrej Kramaric replacing him on the pitch in 90+6 minutes.
City defender Josko Gvardiol, meanwhile, came off the bench two minutes into the second half’s injury time and impressively found the back of the net in the concluding moments of the match. However, the 24-year-old’s goal was ruled out after VAR determined that Mario Pasalic, who provided the assist, was offside in the build-up.
As for Portugal, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was on the pitch full time, making 10 defensive contributions and five clearances, while his clubmate Matheus Nunes was an unused substitute in the match.
Real Madrid to be considered by Ruben Dias as summer transfer destination
Algeria vs Switzerland
Algeria suffered a 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in the Round of 32 at BC Place Vancouver on July 3.
Breel Embolo opened the scoring for Switzerland just 10 minutes into the clash from an assist by Johan Manzambi, followed by Dan Ndoye doubling their score in the 46th minute.
During his full 90 minutes on the pitch, Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri made 12 defensive contributions and three clearances while winning 6 (5) tackles and being involved in three interceptions and four recoveries.
Egypt vs Australia
Egypt secured a 4-2 win on penalties against Australia in the Round of 32 at Dallas Stadium on July 3.
Emam Ashour found the back of the net for the Pharaohs in the 13th minute from an assist by Karim Hafez, while Australia’s equaliser came from an own goal scored by Mohamed Hany in the 55th minute.
After making it to head coach Hossam Hassan’s starting XI, Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush was involved in one key pass while maintaining a pass accuracy of 80% before being subbed off at the beginning of the second half of extra time.
Omar Marmoush receives Manchester City faith amid transfer uncertainty
Ghana vs Colombia
Ghana faced a 1-0 defeat against Colombia in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on July 4.
Colombia’s sole and winning goal of the match was netted by Jhon Arias in the 14th minute, while Ghana failed to open the scoring.
Antoine Semenyo was on the pitch for the entirety of the match and was involved in a key pass.
Which Man City players are in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16?
The conclusion of the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 marks the end of the road for six Manchester City players – including Ake and Reijnders (Netherlands), Kovacic and Gvardiol (Croatia), Ait-Nouri (Algeria) and Semenyo (Ghana).
Cherki, along with the rest of the French squad, entered the quarter-final with a narrow 1-0 Round of 16 win over Paraguay at Philadelphia Stadium on July 4.
Haaland and Norway have also advanced to the next stage and are pitted against Brazil on July 5 – an eye-watering clash.
England have made the cut for the Round of 16 and the Three Lions’ squad – including Trafford, Nico O’Reilly, Guehi and Anderson – will now face Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on July 6.
Spain are paired against Portugal in the next knockout stage, where clubmates Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes and Rodri will fight for their respective nations to keep the World Cup dream alive at Dallas Stadium on July 6.
Belgium and Doku are set to face USA in their next match, slated for July 6 at Seattle Stadium, while Marmoush and Egypt will face Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium on July 7.
Overall, 11 Manchester City stars across seven nations have made it to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Now, it remains to be seen which among them will advance further in the competition.
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 5: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates his two-RBI double against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning of an MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 5, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
It’s not something that happens often, but last night was a good night to be an Orioles fan. The O’s took care of business on the field with their second straight win in Cincinnati, roughing up Hunter Greene en route to an 8-5 victory. Check out my recap of the action, and let us know your pick for Most Birdland Player in the comments.
In the midst of the Birds’ win, MLB unveiled the 2026 All-Star rosters, and congratulations are in order to Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ lone representative. The Birds’ backstop is an All-Star for the third time in his career, becoming just the third catcher in O’s history to three-peat (along with Gus Triandos and Matt Wieters).
It’s a well-deserved honor for Rutschman, who, other than a couple of stints on the IL, is having a very nice bounceback season for the Birds. After a two-double performance last night, he’s got a .782 OPS, with eight home runs and 45 RBIs in 59 games. He’s also been stellar defensively, throwing out 37.5% of attempted basestealers, well over the league average of 23.5. By every measure, he looks a lot like the Adley of his previous All-Star seasons of 2023 and 2024, rather than the guy who struggled miserably in the second half of ‘24 and 2025 and was seemingly at a crossroads in his Orioles career.
Rutschman, the former #1 overall pick and top prospect in baseball, has meant so much to this Orioles franchise since he first arrived in the majors in 2022. When he was at his best, so were the Orioles; when he slumped, so did they. We’ve spent the last couple of years wondering if the best version of Rutschman would ever show up again.
Well, he’s answered that question. What we’re seeing in 2026 is vintage Adley Rutschman. And his All-Star selection is just more proof that Adley is so back.
When Craig Albernaz announced the news, Rutschman’s teammates lined up single file to give him hugs, which is adorable. It’s the ultimate Adley Hugs moment.
I had expected Alonso to be the Orioles’ token All-Star representative, so I’m a little surprised he was excluded. But as Andy Kostka notes, there’s still a potential path for him to make the team.
There’s no chance you can guess who leads all O’s minor leaguers in strikeout percentage. … I mean, unless you read the title of the link. But if you didn’t, no chance.
I’m glad, as a person, that Bassitt is pain-free and feeling good. That doesn’t mean I’m particularly excited to watch him pitch again.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! Six former Orioles were born on this date, including one who’s still active in the majors, outfielder Austin Hays (31). He’s currently on the 60-day IL with the White Sox. Other ex-O’s with July 5 birthdays are right-handers Jay Spurgeon (50) and Tim Worrell (59), lefty Alberto Castillo (51), and the late outfielder Curt Blefary (b. 1943, d. 2001) and righty Arnie Portocarrero (b. 1931, d. 1986).
On this date in 1969, Orioles southpaw Dave McNally improved to a perfect 12-0 — his 14th straight winning decision, dating back to the previous year — with a complete game victory in Detroit. The O’s staked McNally to a 4-0 lead before he took the mound thanks to a first-inning outburst against future Oriole Pat Dobson, and a five-run eighth inning turned it into a 9-3 laugher. McNally would start the season 15-0 before finishing with a 20-7 record.
Random Orioles game of the day
On July 5, 2002, the Orioles lost a walkoff to the Rangers, 7-6, at The Ballpark in Arlington. The O’s had a 6-3 lead in the eighth before Alex Rodriguez smacked a two-run homer to shave the deficit to one. In the ninth, first baseman Jay Gibbons committed an error to spark a rally. The Rangers later tied the game on a groundout — which would have been the final out of the game if not for the error — and Frank Catalanotto followed with a walkoff single against O’s closer Jorge Julio. Tony Batista homered and Jason Johnson threw a quality start in the losing effort, while former (and future) Oriole Rafael Palmeiro went deep for Texas.
Jack Wenninger of the Syracuse Mets exits the field during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Syracuse had a six run lead, built in part by a home run from MJ Melendez (who is probably just a Quad-A player). They almost blew it late though, but clung on by their fingertips. Jack Wenninger tossed seven shutout innings in the win.
Walking eleven batters and giving up four home runs is a pretty surefire way to lose a game, even when you manage to score eight runs yourself. Colin Houck went deep but still has only a .629 OPS.
Don’t make five errors and give up six unearned runs. Also don’t walk seven guys. Generally useful points if you want to win a game. Elian Peña and Antonio Jimenez continue to struggle as well.
Tony Purssell previously won The Grand Challenge Cup in 1946 [HRR]
A 100-year-old former rower who previously won the main event at the Henley Royal Regatta has returned 80 years on.
Tony Purssell won The Grand Challenge Cup when he and his crew defeated a Swiss team from Zurich in 1946.
But when he and his fellow athletes - mainly made up of students - won the crown and title by three quarters of a length, they were still fresh from the war.
He said: "Henley's changed so much since my time, because you've got to remember, we had food rationing and clothes rationing and all sorts of things."
"One of our crew had been a prisoner of war since Dunkirk, which was remarkable," he added.
"Four of us were from Oxford University - there were four others of us who were heavier."
The annual event in Henley-on-Thames began on Tuesday and ends on Sunday [Henley Royal Regatta / Row360]
Afterwards he received the cup from the then Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II.
"We had to queue up for that, so I remembered it," he said. "But I was very naive. I suppose I was 20, wasn't I?"
Purssell went on to represent Great Britain at the 1948 Olympics in the coxed four.
But he described Henley Royal Regatta, which was founded in 1839, as "always something special".
"People come here, you see your friends, and now, I'm not rowing. But the rowing makes all of this possible."
Purssell described the regatta as "always something special" [HRR]
The annual event in Henley-on-Thames, which is featuring more than 400 races, began on Tuesday and ends on Sunday.
Wimbledon returns with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic remaining on a collision course for the semi-finals and Aryna Sabalenka still standing as the world No 1 bids to win her first title at the All Engalnd Club.
Reigning women’s champions Swiatek was knocked out by Alexandra Eala on Saturday, while former champion Elena Rybakina also fell before the fourth round. Sabalenka, who faces a tough test in Naomi Osaka on Sunday, has never won a grass-court title, with Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff also emerging as contenders.
The last British player left standing in the singles, Arthur Fery, faces a fellow wildcard in the fourth round and will play the returning Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the quarter-finals. Dimitrov is back after painfully retiring from last year’s last-16 while leading eventual champion Sinner by two sets on Centre Court.
How to watch Wimbledon
In the UK, every match from Wimbledon will be available to watch live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with viewers able to access a stream from all 18 courts. There will also be live coverage across BBC One and BBC Two, starting before the day’s play each morning and lasting until the conclusion of the day’s action in the evening. Highlights show ‘Today at Wimbledon’ will then follow. The BBC confirmed before the start of the tournament that they had secured the rights to Wimbledon until at least 2033, keeping the tournament on free-to-air. TNT Sports will also show both the men’s and singles finals in the UK.
In the US, ESPN and Tennis Channel hold the rights.
Wimbledon TV schedule
Sunday 5 July
11:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
12:35-17:35 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
23:40-00:40 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
Monday 6 July
11:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
19:00-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
23:00-00:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
We've reached Day 70 in our countdown to the New Orleans Saints' season-opening road game with the Detroit Lions, which means this 70-yard touchdown pass from Jim Everett to Quinn Early is our pick for the Saints Play of the Day. It was a huge moment in a classic rivalry game with the Atlanta Falcons back in 1995, featuring its share of bad blood; former Saints fan favorites Morten Andersen and "Iron Head" Craig Heyward had gone turncloak and teamed up with the dirty birds. And they both played a critical role in what became a landmark matchup between these two teams.
But for now, it was Early's time to shine. The speedy wideout caught a pass from Everett and went streaking down the sideline, giving the Saints an early 7-3 lead after Atlanta settled for a 19-yard field goal. You can see it for yourself right here. Early's long touchdown was the first of five lead changes in the game. Unfortunately for New Orleans, it wasn't their day. Heyward scored a game-tying touchdown run to force it to overtime, and Andersen punched Atlanta's ticket with his fourth field goal of the afternoon.
Pierre Sage’s Crystal Palace look to recruit Lens defender
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage could look to recruit from his former club, RC Lens, as per a report from L’Équipe.
Sage joined Crystal Palace after leading Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and a triumph in the Coupe de France. A report from Sky Sports has suggested that the Premier League side are interested in Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré, who is also a target for Manchester United.
However, Crystal Palace could also look to recruit a Lens defender. L’Équipe understands that the London-based club are in for Toulouse FC defender Charlie Cresswell, who has been the subject of a concrete approach from Stade Rennais.
Whilst the Premier League side are in the race to sign the former England youth international, L’Équipe understands that they are also looking at Lens’ defenders, without specifying which ones are targeted. Ismaelo Ganiou and Samson Baidoo notably had strong seasons under Sage, now at Selhurst Park.
Tevez supports Conte–Maldini Italy project, takes aim at Allegri, Spalletti and Scaloni
Former Juventus star Carlos Tevez insists the Italy project should resume with Antonio Conte and Paolo Maldini, but admits he doesn’t like Luciano Spalletti, while Max Allegri is as defensive as Lionel Scaloni.
Former Juventus and Argentina star Tevez spoke to Italian media, including Repubblica, after Argentina’s struggle-filled win over Cape Verde.
Tevez was critical of his national team’s performance, but praised Lionel Messi, yet the rest of the interview focused on Juventus and the Italy national team.
Tevez: Italy shold hire Conte and Maldini
“It’s incredible that Italy is not here. Have you chosen a new coach yet?” the former striker asked.
New FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is still working to hire both a new head coach and a technical director.
Milan legend Maldini is said to be the leading candidate for the director role, while Conte and Mancini are the main contenders for the coaching job.
“I saw that Italy could take Maldini as technical director,” Tevez said.
“In that role, he’s the best, just look at what he did at Milan. I met him in person, and he is really sharp. If you managed the Conte-Maldini pairing, you’d be set.”
As for the next Azzurri boss, Tevez showed no doubts: “What a question: Antonio Conte for life. Only he can get you out of this situation. He would already do well in his first year; he has always done that. Then you have to see how the second and third go, but you must back him without doubts. He was the best coach I’ve ever had.”
Tevez spent two seasons at Juventus playing under Conte in 2013-14 and Allegri in 2014-15.
“He [Allegri] is also very good,” continued the ex-striker.
“I got along well with him, but it’s true, I sometimes accused him of being too defensive. Like Scaloni, right?
“Put Conte in charge of the national team, and he will know how to get something out of them,” he continued.
Independiente coach Carlos Tevez gestures during the Argentine Professional Football League match between River Plate and Independiente at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on October 25, 2023. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
“Then you have to build good players yourself.”
Lastly, the former Argentine star spoke about his ex-club Juventus, revealing that he is not an admirer of Spalletti.
“They didn’t qualify for the Champions League, what a disaster! They’ll have to rebuild again,” he said.
“Spalletti doesn’t have blood. Conte has blood, and I like people who have blood.”
Transfer rumour roundup: Chelsea plot Tchouaméni and Güler swoop; Stiller targeted as Toon's Tonali successor
The summer transfer window is in full swing. We're back with another round-up of the latest gossip.
Xabi Alonso is considering a raid on former club Real Madrid this summer. The Spaniard wants Chelsea to launch a double deal move for Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler, should Enzo Fernandez head for the Stamford Bridge exit door. Spanish outlet Sport are reporting that the pair will become priorities if Chelsea receive a big windfall for Fernandez.
Chelsea are also one of the clubs understood to have approachedManchester City for Ruben Dias.TEAMtalk are reporting that the Blues made an ambitious enquiry for Dias, who is considering his future at the Etihad. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keen, but the trio have been told that the centre-back is 'completely untouchable'.
Newcastle need to get active this summer withAnthony Gordon gone and Sandro Tonali set to follow. The Magpies will rake in around £165m from those sales, and are eyeing Angelo Stiller as a replacement for the latter. Kicker claim that Newcastle are in the running for the German midfielder, who has a £31.5m release clause in his Stuttgart contract.
Manchester United are assessing alternatives after being beaten to Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson. Among them, according to The Guardian, is Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. United rate the Brazilian ball-winner highly, despite his failure to secure a regular role at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea want £50m to consider his sale.
West Ham are building for a promotion push after Premier League relegation and want Dwight McNeil to join the fight. Sky Sports say the 26-year-old is free to leave Everton this summer after entering the final 12 months of his deal. McNeil saw a £20m transfer to Crystal Palace collapse in January.
Finally,Brentford have agreed deal to sign Jaidon Anthony from Burnley for an initial £17m fee. Anthony impressed despite the Clarets' relegation and looks set for a switch to West London, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Top Five Lazio Goals of the 2025/26 Campaign: Cancellieri With a Brace
When looking back on the 2025/26 season, Lazio fans will remember it as one of the worst in the club’s history. This campaign was marred by never-ending issues off the pitch, including conflicts between the fan base and club president Claudio Lotito, who also had run-ins with the head coach, Maurizio Sarri.
The supporters and the manager blamed the patron for the lack of quality in the squad, and the goal deficiency was perhaps the most telling metric. Lazio only scored 41 goals in their 38 league fixtures, in addition to five strikes in as many Coppa Italia games.
Partially due to the modest figures, we didn’t have too many pearlers to choose from this season. Nevertheless, it’s time to pick and review the top five Lazio goals of the 2025/26 campaign.
Honorable Mentions
Before we get into the entries, we begin with two honorable mentions. Perhaps these two goals weren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but they were arguably the most significant.
The first is Tijjani Noslin’s late winner in Parma, when the Aquile were reduced to nine men but refused to lie low, while the second is Pedro’s strike against Pisa on the final game of his illustrious career, which also proved to be Lazio’s last goal of the season.
5. Pedro (Lazio 3-3 Udinese, Matchday 34)
After an underwhelming start to the season, Pedro capped off an unforgettable Lazio stint with a solid late run. In the 3-3 thriller against Udinese, the legendary Spaniard gave Lazio a temporary lead with an elegant first-time shot that encapsulated his elusive talent.
The veteran didn’t need to put too much power behind the ball, as the perfect bending was enough to beat the outstretched goalkeeper.
4. Gustav Isaksen (Juventus 2-2 Lazio, Matchday 24)
If there is one goal that summarizes Sarri’s vision for Lazio in 2025/26, it has to be the perfect counter-attack against Juventus, culminating with Gustav Isaksen’s vicious strike.
Mario Gila instigated the play from the back, picking up Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the middle of the park. The Nigerian set it up for Danilo Cataldi, who released Isaksen with an ideal long ball. The Dane won the sprint against Andrea Cambiaso, who tried to derange him, but the Lazio winger was still able to produce a screamer with his weaker right foot that almost tore the roof of the net.
Interestingly, Matteo Cancellieri has occupied the second and third spots with his memorable brace against Torino. The Italian winger enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, but this performance marked the height of his Lazio career thus far.
While both goals stemmed from similar counterattacks, the first culminated with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, whereas the second saw him set up the shot with a cheeky backheel before beating the goalkeeper from close range.
These two strikes can be interchangeable on the list, but the setup of the second goal gives it a slight edge.
Curiously, the list began and ended with the same fixture. Prior to Pedro’s glorious curler, Luca Pellegrini had delivered an absolute scorcher, one that no one saw coming. While the ball was bouncing inside the box, the left-back latched onto it with a vicious strike that evaded the crowd and landed in the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with absolutely no chance of pulling off a save.
Whether this will go down as Pellegrini’s last strike for his beloved Lazio remains to be seen, but it will almost certainly be his most glorious piece of work at the Stadio Olimpico.
‘From day one…’ – New Liverpool arrival sheds light on ‘almost unique’ Andoni Iraola quality
In Andoni Iraola, Liverpool have hired a head coach with an ‘almost unique’ reading of the game and ability to process information to communicate to his players.
That’s according to Pablo de la Torre, the fitness coach who’s since followed the 44-year-old from Bournemouth to Anfield along with coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper and analyst Tom Webber, with the quartet’s appointments confirmed in a singular announcement in recent days.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, De la Torre said of Iraola: “He’s incredibly intelligent, leads by example, and has a rare emotional stability in such a visceral sport.
“From day one, you sense he’s different – his ability to read the game and its needs is almost unique. He filters information so players can digest it easily and apply it every week.”
The 44-year-old led Bournemouth to an 18-match unbeaten run in the Premier League last season, last tasting a top-flight defeat to Arsenal on 3 January, and De la Torre said of his boss: “He builds brave teams, capable of believing they can beat anyone – even going a full round [sic: near half-season] unbeaten, something only Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea had ever done.”
Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust
Iraola seems like a very astute appointment by Liverpool
The real judgement of Iraola will only be formed once the 2026/27 season is in progress, with Liverpool’s results ultimately determinining whether his reign is a success or failure, but this testimony from the Reds’ new fitness coach is quite encouraging.
There’s arguably no-one better placed than De la Torre to speak of the head coach’s qualities, having also worked with him at AEK Larnaca and Rayo Vallecano along with Bournemouth, so his insight is well worth noting.
The 44-year-old has typically come across as a genial, level-headed figure in the dugout and in media dealings, and his players tend to buy into his methodology, as highlighted by Antoine Semenyo from his time working under him at the Vitality Stadium.
De la Torre’s comment about Iraola’s ‘almost unique’ ability to read the game is striking, hinting that the Spaniard is able to think on his feet and make effective changes in tactics and personnel during a match in order to swing the result his team’s way.
Success at Bournemouth won’t automatically translate over to Liverpool, but there’s a sufficient body of work to indicate that Anfield bosses have made a very astute appointment in the former Cherries head coach.
Report: Liverpool target another Real Madrid youth prospect as contract clause revealed
Liverpool Eye Sergio Arribas Transfer as Andoni Iraola Reshapes Midfield Plans
Liverpool’s summer has already carried the look of a club trying to redraw its future quickly. New head coach Andoni Iraola has walked into Anfield with change in the air, and the latest name linked with that rebuild is Sergio Arribas. According to Ideal, Liverpool have joined the race for the Almeria attacking midfielder, a player whose numbers suggest he could offer something sharp, direct and badly needed between the lines.
There is a reason this one catches the eye. Arribas is 24, productive, technically clean and coming off a season in which he scored 26 goals and supplied seven assists in 47 appearances. Those are not the figures of a tidy squad player making up the numbers. They are the return of someone driving games, deciding matches and dragging defenders into areas they would rather avoid.
Ideal’s verdict on the player is glowing, describing him as “in just two seasons, he has established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous, game-changing players and a highly valuable asset for the Almería club”. That is strong praise, and while the Segunda Division is no guarantee of Premier League success, Liverpool would not be looking at Arribas without believing his game can travel.
Sergio Arribas fits Liverpool rebuild
The obvious question is where Arribas would fit in this Liverpool side. He is not a straight-line winger and he is not a conventional central midfielder in the old sense either. He looks more like the sort of attacking operator who can knit moves together, arrive late, score, create and keep defenders guessing. For a side that has too often looked one-paced in attacking areas, that profile has appeal.
Liverpool have already brought in Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz this summer, while reports continue to point towards further work in the forward line. Arribas would add a different layer to that recruitment. He feels like a player who could increase competition behind the front line while also giving Iraola more tactical flexibility. If Liverpool are trying to build a side with more dynamism and less predictability, this would make sense.
Real Madrid stand to benefit again
There is another angle here, and it matters. Real Madrid are watching developments with obvious interest because they still hold 50 per cent of Arribas’s economic rights. That means any serious Liverpool move would not only test Almeria’s resolve, it would also send money back to the Bernabeu.
Ideal explained it clearly: “Real Madrid will also play a key role in any negotiations.
“The club retained 50% of Arribas’s economic rights when finalising his transfer to Almeria in the summer of 2023, convinced of the academy graduate’s potential and the prospect of securing a significant financial return from a future sale.
“This clause places Real Madrid in a prime position to monitor any deal that might materialise during the current transfer window.
“Having developed at La Fabrica since childhood, Arribas was a standout figure for Castilla before making the definitive leap to professional football.”
Madrid have done well out of these clauses before and could do so again. Liverpool’s move for Munoz already handed the Spanish giants a healthy return after the Reds triggered the winger’s €40m release clause. If Arribas follows a similar route, Madrid will smile once more.
Liverpool transfer logic looks clear
The wider picture is what matters most for Liverpool supporters. This is a club trying to recover momentum and build a squad that can cope with the pace and demands of a new cycle. Arribas may not be the loudest name on the market, but good recruitment is not about noise. It is about suitability, timing and whether a player can raise the level of the squad.
On that front, the Sergio Arribas transfer link feels credible. He is at an age where development should meet readiness, his output is impossible to ignore, and Liverpool need more players capable of changing the rhythm of matches. If Iraola wants sharper movement, more invention and extra goals from midfield zones, Arribas looks a sensible target.
Our View
There is something intriguing about this one because Arribas sounds like the sort of signing Liverpool used to make before the market went mad and every deal became a public auction. He is not arriving with a giant reputation, but he is arriving with a body of work. Twenty-six goals from midfield is serious business wherever you play, and those numbers demand attention.
Supporters will naturally ask whether he can do it at Premier League level. That is fair. The step up is huge, and plenty have stumbled making it. But there is also a danger in dismissing players because they are not fashionable enough. Liverpool need footballers, not hype. They need players who see spaces early, who can combine in tight areas, and who can add goals without waiting for others to create everything for them.
The Real Madrid angle is irritating in one sense because somebody always seems to profit when Liverpool spend, but that is football now. If the recruitment team believe Arribas can become a proper option under Iraola, then the sell-on clause should not scare anyone away.
For supporters, this feels like the kind of report worth watching closely. Arribas may not be the headline act of the summer, but he could easily become one of its smartest moves.
Bayern Munich teammate sends clear message to Real Madrid amid Michael Olise links
In recent weeks, Real Madrid have been strongly linked with a summer move for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise. The 25-year-old is widely considered to be one of the best attacking players in the world right now, which is one of the reasons why president Florentino Perez has identified him as a leading target.
Nevertheless, Bayern and France teammate Dayot Upamecano, who himself was linked to Real Madrid before signing a new contract earlier this year, has come out and tried to put an end to the speculation surrounding Olise, as he told reporters (via Diario AS) on Saturday that his compatriot “is staying, is staying” in Bavaria this summer.
Real Madrid unlikely to go big on Olise right now
Real Madrid would certainly have the money to spend big on Olise this summer, and they would not be put off by Bayern’s reported demands of a world-record fee. However, it would also be unlikely that any move was made in 2026, given that other areas of Jose Mourinho’s squad are to be addressed before another forward player is thought about.
Mourinho has asked Real Madrid to sign a centre-back and midfielder, and these deals would take a significant portion out of their transfer budget. There may well still be enough to go for Olise after that, although there would be a threat of damaging their institutional relations with Bayern if they were to make a move this summer, which is something Perez is not prepared to do.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: Jurgen Klopp reacts during the penatly shoot out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) | Getty Images
Update, 6:45 AM EST — DFB President Bernd Neuendorf called Red Bull to discuss prying him away from the organization. Klopp said he wants the job, so financial details are now being discussed with further meetings to follow:
🚨🆕 A first phone call between DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and Red Bull regarding Jürgen Klopp took place yesterday. Further talks today.
First direct meeting between a DFB delegation, Klopp and agent Marc Kosicke is planned in New York next week. Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim… pic.twitter.com/Xki0jXA0HU
🚨🆕 A first phone call between DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and Red Bull regarding Jürgen Klopp took place yesterday. Further talks today. First direct meeting between a DFB delegation, Klopp and agent Marc Kosicke is planned in New York next week. Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke are expected to attend, with senior Red Bull representatives also a possibility. No agreement between the DFB and Red Bull over Klopp’s exit yet. Talks are ongoing and expected to continue for several more days. Red Bull shareholders are pushing for a compensation fee. As confirmed by Klopp himself: he wants to become Germany head coach. And he will. @SkySportDE 🇩🇪
In what seemed like no time at all, former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool FC boss Jürgen Klopp has seemingly accepted the role of head coach of the German national football team:
🚨🇩🇪 BREAKING: Jürgen Klopp as new Germany head coach, here we go! 💥
Klopp has accepted to take over; long term contract details, project and RB Group exit still under discussion, but he will be the new head coach.
🚨🇩🇪 BREAKING: Jürgen Klopp as new Germany head coach, here we go! 💥 Klopp has accepted to take over; long term contract details, project and RB Group exit still under discussion, but he will be the new head coach. RB considered Glasner as replacement but he signs at #NFFC. Klopp is back.
The DFB has said goodbye to Julian Nagelsmann after a disappointing exit at the World Cup and they’ve got their sights set on the Red Bull Head of Global Soccer. With sweeping changes on the cards for the DFB, the 59-year-old is one of the main priorities in the direction of the new look DFB and German national football team.
If all goes well, we’ll likely see Germany do so much better by Euro 2028.
Report: Newcastle United considering move for former Chelsea midfielder
Newcastle United Transfer News: Lesley Ugochukwu Cost Points to Smarter Midfield Rebuild
Newcastle United know the number, and that matters. According to Chronicle Live, Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu could be available for £24 million. In a market that routinely inflates potential into fantasy, that is a figure worth serious consideration.
The context is obvious. Sandro Tonali is heading towards Tottenham Hotspur in a £100m move, and once that kind of departure is in play, the temptation is always to lurch for the obvious replacement, spend heavily, chase reputation, and call it ambition. That would be lazy squad building. Newcastle need to be more precise than that.
Ugochukwu fits part of the brief. He is 22, has Premier League experience, has already handled a difficult environment at Burnley, and comes without the sort of fee that damages the rest of the summer. Burnley paid £25m for him last August, and despite relegation he still managed 38 appearances, three goals and two assists. Those are not numbers to build a campaign around, but they do suggest durability and relevance in a bad side, which often tells you more than flashy returns in a comfortable one.
There is also the basic career logic. A player with his profile will not want Championship football if there is a top-flight route available. Newcastle can offer that, plus a manager in Eddie Howe who has generally improved players rather than stalled them. For someone who arrived in English football with serious expectations and never truly found a lane at Chelsea, this is the type of move that can reset a career properly.
Photo: IMAGO
Lesley Ugochukwu fee makes strategic sense
At £24m, Newcastle would not be buying a finished article. They would be buying a midfielder with a decent physical base, room to grow, and enough top-level exposure to avoid the usual panic associated with raw prospects. He has been described as “fantastic”, and while labels are cheap, the broader point stands, he showed enough at Burnley to remain interesting even in a relegated team.
What Newcastle cannot do is pretend Ugochukwu alone covers the Tonali-sized gap. He does not. He should be part of a midfield refresh, not the entire answer. That is where Johan Manzambi and AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara become relevant. If Newcastle are genuinely assessing multiple profiles, that is a sign of competence, not hesitation.
Newcastle midfield rebuild needs more than one answer
Manzambi offers upside, Camara brings another layer of athleticism and potential, and Ugochukwu looks like the sensible value play. Put simply, replacing one major midfielder with two younger options may be the smarter route. It spreads risk, gives Howe different tools, and avoids tying the whole rebuild to one name.
There is no glamour in saying Newcastle should buy well rather than buy loudly, but that is where they are. Ugochukwu at £24m feels like a practical move in a summer that could easily drift into overreaction. If the club are serious about building a younger, deeper midfield, this is the sort of deal they should be able to make.
Our View
From a Newcastle supporter perspective, this is exactly the kind of report that gets the excitement going, because it sounds like the club are acting with a plan. Losing Tonali would be a massive moment, there is no point pretending otherwise, but if that money is reinvested properly then the midfield could actually come out stronger in terms of depth and balance.
Ugochukwu feels like a Newcastle signing in the best sense. He is young, he has already lived through a tough Premier League season, and he still comes out of it with people talking about what he can become. That matters. Supporters have seen enough expensive signings across football who arrive polished on the outside and empty in the middle. This looks different.
The really encouraging bit is that Newcastle are not being linked with just one player. Manzambi, Camara, Ugochukwu, that sounds like a proper shortlist. It suggests the recruitment team know they need options and different profiles. If Tonali goes for £100m, then bringing in two hungry midfielders rather than one headline name could be a brilliant bit of business.
Fans will always want a statement signing, that is normal, but smart clubs make statements with decisions, not price tags. If Ugochukwu is available for £24m, and Howe believes he can push his game on, then get it done. Add another midfielder with him, freshen up the engine room, and suddenly this starts to feel like a very smart Newcastle summer.
Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Inter Milan for full-back Denzel Dumfries.
The Spanish club triggered the Netherlands international’s $23 million release clause.
“Real Madrid and Inter Milan have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Denzel Dumfries, who will be linked to our club for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030,” said a Madrid statement.
The 30-year-old, who moved to the San Siro from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, played 207 matches for Inter, scoring 27 goals and winning eight trophies.
In a glowing tribute to the defender the Serie A club said: “Five years of simply beautiful things: the love and affection from the fans was always repaid with determination and grit on the pitch.
“The moment of farewell arrives after a triumphant season, that of the double (Inter won Serie A and the Coppa Italia).
“Best of luck, Denzel: it has been wonderful winning together.”
With training camp on the horizon, which Indianapolis Colts player will "turn heads"?
This is the question that ESPN's Stephen Holder was asked recently. His pick? Wide receiver Josh Downs, who put together a strong performance during offseason programs.
With Alec Pierce sidelined for the time being, a lot of targets came Downs' way.
"That leaves the door open for slot receiver Josh Downs to continue with the playmaking he displayed during offseason workouts, when he looked to be the go-to target for quarterbacks working with the first-team offense," wrote Holder.
Downs was still a big part of the Colts' offense in 2025, totaling 84 targets, but his opportunities and production dipped with the emergence of tight end Tyler Warren.
He totaled a career-low 58 receptions for 566 yards with four touchdowns. He also averaged just 9.8 yards per catch, according to PFF.
That said, more opportunities will be coming Downs' way this season following Michael Pittman's departure. With Pittman now in Pittsburgh, there are 110 targets from last season now up for grabs. Replicating Pittman's production will be a group effort, but Downs figures to be a big part of that equation.
The Colts have remained extremely bullish on Downs and the impact that he can have.
"I think getting lost in this a little bit is ... Josh Downs," GM Chris Ballard said earlier this offseason, via ESPN's Stephen Holder. "I think Josh Downs is freaking good. I do. I've always thought he's good. I think allowing him some more opportunities, we're going to see some of the special stuff you've seen in the past, but more."
After an eight-day hiatus, Indiana (11-8) revealed its day-before injury report as the Fever finally take to the court again tonight against the Las Vegas Aces (15-5) from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Exiting the break, the two Fever players of concern regarding availability for tonight's clash were Sophie Cunningham (illness) and Caitlin Clark (back).
According to the team's day-before-injury report, the former Hawkeye is the only name listed, with Clark listed as "out" due to the aforementioned back ailment. Meanwhile, Cunningham's status should be viewed as available.
Fortunately for the Fever, the Aces will also be shorthanded as they will be without WNBA Western Conference Player of the Month, A'Ja Wilson (right lower leg injury), along with guard Dana Evans (left leg) and forward Janiah Barker (right leg), listed as "out" for tonight's game.
Caitlin Clark (back) is out for Sunday’s game against Las Vegas, as expected.
A’ja Wilson is also out for Las Vegas with a right lower leg injury, along with Dana Evans and Janiah Barker.
While this will now be Clark's third absence of the season and second consecutive game missed, Indiana proved in their 111-87 win over Los Angeles on June 27 that they can still be highly competitive without the recently named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month on the court.
If all goes well with Clark's continued recovery, her next opportunity to return to the court would be against the Sparks from Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. July 8.
The Fever and Aces will tip off tonight at 6:00 p.m. CT, with the game nationally broadcast on ESPN.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
It's less than a week until EA Sports' newest installment, "College Football 27", hits shelves. With the game's release just around the corner, excitement is growing among college football fans.
Iowa football helped fuel that excitement on Friday by releasing some more of its player ratings. The Hawkeyes had previously announced the ratings for Kade Pieper, Trevor Lauck, and DJ Vonnahme since they were all in the top ten of their respective positions. In a recent social media post, the Hawkeyes revelaed the ratings of their 14 highest-rated players in the game.
Here's a look at the list along with the rating for each player.
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) July 3, 2026
Iowa's offensive line and secondary are well represented, accounting for nine of the top 14 ratings on the team. The game identifies the Hawkeyes' strengths next season along the offensive line and in the back end of the defense. The other five players are offensive skill-position guys, including a nice rating for transfer receiver Tony Diaz.
The position groups not represented on this list include quarterback, linebacker, and defensive line. Those are groups that are facing some big questions entering the 2026 season. They're replacing a lot of talent, and the game seems to be aware of that. Some of the guys in those rooms could see their ratings rise fast with a strong start to the season.
"College Football 27" releases worldwide on Thursday, July 9. Those who bought the Deluxe Edition or MVP bundle can play the game on Monday, July 6.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
Is it me, or does it feel like the Rays almost never play well on holidays?
Your gut feeling would be right, as Tampa Bay is now *checks notes* 10-18 on Independence Day.
The Rays used some of their big pyrotechnics early, as the hottest bat in the sport, Junior Caminero, homered AGAIN in the first inning to make it his 11th home run in 11 games.
11+ home runs in an 11-game span in a single season:
2026 Junior Caminero 2021 Kyle Schwarber 2019 Nelson Cruz 2010 Troy Tulowitzki 2001 Barry Bonds 1998 Sammy Sosa 1998 Mark McGwire 1995 Albert Belle 1982 Doug DeCinces 1976 Mike Schmidt 1968 Frank Howard 1962 Harmon… https://t.co/aLpsXkq23c
Fellow AL all-star starter Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run blast in the bottom half of the frame, but we’ll circle back to him momentarily.
Richie Palacios would put up a crooked number of his own, a two-run go-ahead homer in the second, making it 4-0.
Tampa bay would go on to plate three more in the third, with a Victor Mesa Jr. sacrifice fly, a Jonny DeLuca RBI single, and a Cedric Mullins steal of home to wrap up the frame.
A Caminero fielders choice and a Nick Allen throwing error would plate Taylor Walls, and Tampa Bay’s finest would have a five run lead in the fourth inning.
Houston would continue to chip away, as Yainer Diaz stroked a two-run homer and an Alvarez single brought it to 7-5.
A DeLuca homer in the seventh put the Rays up 8-5, and one would think that the B bullpen could rummage up nine outs to close this one out going into the bullpen day on Sunday, right?
An Alvarez sacrifice fly, and a couple RBI steaks served up to Isaac Paredes and Zach Dezenzo, by way of Garrett Cleavinger and Craig Kimbrel, and we are tied at eight from Daikin Park.
The Rays would go quietly in the ninth against Josh Hader, and as soon as the scorebug flashed to which Astros batter was looming, I think you can foreshadow the next series of events.
Tampa Bay loses a tough one, a game that they had a five-run lead in with their newly-elected two-time all-star ace on the mound in Drew Rasmussen. They also lose an opportunity to go up five games in the division, as the Twins won in the Bronx against the Yankees.
Upamecano delivers clear verdict on Olise‘s future
Dayot Upamecano has dismissed speculation over Michael Olise’s future, insisting the Bayern Munich winger is not going anywhere despite persistent rumours linking him with Real Madrid.
Speaking after being asked whether he had encouraged his France teammate to remain in Munich, Upamecano responded with a brief but emphatic message: “He’s staying, he’s staying.”
The comments come amid growing reports suggesting Real Madrid are monitoring Olise after an impressive season at Bayern and World Cup for France. Since arriving from Crystal Palace last summer, the Ballon d’Or candidate has quickly established himself as one of Vincent Kompany’s standout attacking players, with his creativity, dribbling and end product making him a key figure in Bayern’s frontline.
Although Upamecano’s remarks do not constitute any official confirmation regarding Olise’s future, they offer a glimpse into the confidence within the Bayern dressing room that the French international will remain at the Allianz Arena.
Prince Naseem Hamed sees as the all-time greatest boxer, on par with another legend who matched his penchant for chasing career-defining challenges. While known largely for his immeasurable impact outside the ring, Ali showcased a remarkable degree of fighting spirit and intelligence whenever he stepped through the ropes. Not only that, but the American never […]
After a couple of slower weeks, we're now back to a more normal week of new game releases and this week's big release comes courtesy of Bandai Namco for all of the JRPG fans here. As for the rest of this week's releases, we start with a sports management game of sorts, followed by a peculiar mix of vampires and farming, a "Choose your own adventure" game, a remake of a 2013 pirate game and we round the week off with a new take on old school action RTS games.
Echoes of Aincrad / This week's major release / Friday 10 July
Step into the floating castle of Aincrad, a world of breathtaking beauty and danger where every battle could be your last. Enter a mysterious, vibrant world and shape your fate. Create your hero, choose your gear, and master combat through your special skills and reflexes. Build synergy with the partner of your choice, level up, and unlock powerful abilities as your horizon expands with every victory. Will you rise and claim your destiny or fall to foes stronger than you imagined? Steam link
Notebookcheck says this is the first YMTC laptop SSD it has tested and reports that the ThinkBook uses a 512GB M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 drive, according to its teardown and performance testing. The ThinkBook 14 G9 IPL is a 14-inch office notebook built around Intel Core Ultra 200-series processors. It...
Apple’s “go to” chipset packaging for its A-series of chipsets was InFO-PoP (Integrated Fan-Out Package-on-Package), which had its uses, but in the age of artificial intelligence, the technology was quickly becoming dated and introducing a ton of limitations, including thermal problems for running on-device AI operations. Thankfully, if there was one positive outcome for the AI boom, it’s that companies like Apple have been encouraged to research and develop newer packaging, as it has done with the A20 Pro and its Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module Packaging (WMCM). Of course, that’s what a tipster claims and may not be the complete reality. The […]
Thunderobot has teased the Zero Air 16 on Weibo, a 16-inch gaming laptop weighing 1.64 kg that pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 356H with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070. The company plans to show the Zero Air 16 publicly at Bilibili World 2026, with a full launch expected in August.
There have been a few hints in the past about the successors to the Vivo X300 series, which are expected to be unveiled in September and are also anticipated to be released in Europe. Until the Vivo X500 Ultra is released in 2027, the spotlight is likely to be on the Vivo X500 Pro Max and the new entry-level flagship, the Vivo X500, in particular.
Capcom confirms Resident Evil Veronica hits PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Switch 2 in 2027. The RE Engine remake now features an over-the-shoulder view.
Casio has teamed up with South Korean design label GRAGG to give its humble LW-204 digital watch an artistic makeover. The limited-edition release includes a custom molten-metal-inspired stand that turns the watch into a display piece when it's off your wrist.
Süper Lig'de şampiyonluk hedefleyen Beşiktaş, Serie A'da yılın transfer bombasını patlatıyor. Napoli'den ayrılmak isteyen Kamerunlu yıldız Frank Zambo Anguissa ile temas kuran siyah-beyazlılar, İtalyan deviyle bonservis pazarlıklarında orta yolu buldu.
Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, Trabzonspor ve Fenerbahçe ile olan şampiyonluk yarışında elini güçlendirmek için gözünü Serie A’ya dikti. Siyah-beyazlılar, Napoli'nin Kamerunlu yıldızı Frank Zambo Anguissa'yı kadrosuna katmak için kolları sıvadı.
Napoli, yeni hücum transferlerine bütçe oluşturabilmek adına yüksek maliyetli oyuncularıyla yollarını ayırmayı planlıyor. Teknik direktör Massimiliano Allegri, kadronun her bölgesine takviye beklerken, Conte döneminde kilit rol oynayan bazı isimlerin satışına da onay verdi.
Napoli'den ayrılma niyetini yönetime açıkça bildiren 28 yaşındaki Kamerunlu orta saha Frank Zambo Anguissa, takımdan ayrılması kesin gözüyle bakılan isimlerin başında geliyor.
Vincenzo Italiano yönetimindeki Beşiktaş, Serie A pazarından iddialı bir kadro kurma hedefi doğrultusunda Anguissa'nın menajerleriyle ilk teması kurdu. Kulüpler arasında uzun süredir devam eden pazarlıklarda nihayet orta yol bulundu ve transfer için talep edilen bonservis bedeli netleşti. Siyah-beyazlıların, Napoli ile sağlanan bu anlaşmanın ardından oyuncu tarafıyla resmi sözleşme detaylarını görüşmesi bekleniyor.
İtalyan basını Beşiktaş'ın çılgın teklifini manşete taşıdı! Vincenzo Italiano'nun raporuyla harekete geçen yönetim, Lorenzo Pellegrini için kesenin ağzını açtı. Roma ile pazarlıkları süren oyuncuya Türkiye'den gelen 3.5 milyon Euro'luk resmi teklifin detayları haberimizde...
Vincenzo Italiano yönetimindeki Beşiktaş, bonservisi elinde olan İtalyan yıldız Lorenzo Pellegrini’ye yıllık 3,5 milyon Euro’dan 3 yıllık sözleşme teklif etti. Ancak İtalyan orta sahanın önceliği Roma kalmaya devam ediyor.
Corriere della Sera’nın özel haberine göre; yeni sezon transfer çalışmalarını sürdüren Beşiktaş, İtalyan futbolunun önemli isimlerinden Lorenzo Pellegrini için devreye girdi. Siyah-beyazlılar, serbest oyuncu statüsünde bulunan Giallorossi’nin 7 numarasına, İtalya’da kazanacağından çok daha yüksek bir rakam olan yıllık 3,5 milyon Euro değerinde 3 yıllık bir kontrat sundu.
Roma Teknik Direktörü Gianpiero Gasperini, Donyell Malen'in arkasına iki yeni hücum takviyesi planlamasına rağmen, Pellegrini'nin kadroda tutulmasını şart koştu. Yeni sezonda takımdaki rolü ve pozisyonu değişse bile İtalyan hoca, tecrübeli oyuncuyu planlarının merkezinde görüyor.
Çocukluğundan beri taraftarı olduğu kulüpte kalmak isteyen Pellegrini, Beşiktaş’ın cazip teklifine ve Türk kulüplerinin yoğun ilgisine rağmen önceliğini Roma'ya vermiş durumda.
Yıldız oyuncunun menajeri D'Amico ile Roma yönetimi arasındaki ilk görüşme gerçekleşti. İtalyan ekibi, yıllık 3 milyon Euro civarında bir maaşla 2+1 yıllık sözleşme teklif ediyor. Taraflar arasındaki ekonomik uçurum henüz kapanmamış olsa da nihai bir anlaşma için orta yol aranıyor.
Geleceği henüz resmiyet kazanmayan Pellegrini'nin, 13 Temmuz'da başlayacak Roma kampında yer alması bekleniyor. Bu nedenle tarafların önümüzdeki birkaç gün içinde el sıkışması ve resmi imzaların atılması öngörülüyor.
İtalyan basını, Fenerbahçe'nin santrafor transferi için düğmeye bastığını yazdı. Sarı-lacivertlilerin, Juventus ile yollarını ayıran boştaki dünya yıldızı Dusan Vlahovic'in yanı sıra Richarlison ve Serhou Guirassy'yi de listesine almasıyla transfer piyasası hareketlendi.
İtalyan SportMediaset'in haberine göre, Fenerbahçe transfer piyasasını sallamaya hazırlanıyor. Sarı-lacivertlilerin santrafor pozisyonu için belirlediği üç kişilik listede dünya yıldızları yer alıyor: Dusan Vlahovic, Richarlison ve Serhou Guirassy.
Juventus formasıyla geçirdiği 4,5 yıllık süreçte 168 gol ve 16 asiste imza atan, 2024 yılında İtalya Kupası sevinci yaşayan Sırp golcü Dusan Vlahovic'in İtalyan deviyle yolları ayrıldı. Şu an serbest statüde olan yıldız oyuncu için Milan, Napoli ve Beşiktaş da pusuda beklerken, Fenerbahçe'nin de transfer için resmi olarak devrede olduğu bildirildi.
Fenerbahçe'nin golcü listesi sadece Vlahovic ile sınırlı değil. İtalyan basını, sarı-lacivertlilerin hücum hattı için iki dev ismi daha gündemine aldığını yazdı:
-Richarlison: Tottenham'ın Brezilyalı santraforu listesinin üst sıralarında yer alıyor.
-Serhou Guirassy: Borussia Dortmund forması giyen ve daha önce Juventus'un da yakından takip ettiği Guirassy, Fenerbahçe'nin üçüncü büyük adayı.
Transfer piyasasında yılın çalımını atan Fenerbahçe, Manchester City'nin Hollandalı savunma oyuncusu Nathan Aké'yi kadrosuna kattı. Adı uzun süre İtalyan devi AC Milan ile anılan yıldız stoper, tercihini sarı-lacivertli ekipten yana kullandı.
Fenerbahçe, savunma hattını dünya çapında bir isimle güçlendirdi. Sarı-lacivertliler, Manchester City forması giyen 1995 doğumlu Hollandalı defans oyuncusu Nathan Aké ile kesin olarak anlaşmaya vardı.
Fenerbahçe, İngiliz kulübü Manchester City ile 8 milyon Euro net bonservis ve 2 milyon Euro bonus karşılığında el sıkıştı. Manchester City'de geçirdiği 6 yıl boyunca Pep Guardiola’nın en güvendiği isimlerden biri olan Aké; İngiliz devinde çıktığı 176 maçta 10 gol ve 3 asistlik performans sergiledi.
Hem stoper hem de sol bek olarak görev yapabilen çok yönlü oyuncu, İngiltere kariyerine 4 Premier Lig ve 1 Şampiyonlar Ligi dahil olmak üzere tam 11 kupa sığdırdı.
İtalyan basınından Matteo Chini'nin Milano kaynaklı haberine göre; menajerleri Aké'yi son transfer dönemlerinde AC Milan'a da teklif etmişti. İtalyan ekibi, Newcastle'a transfer olan Malick Thiaw'ın yerini doldurmak için Aké ismini masaya yatırdı ancak tercihini Genoa'dan 25 milyon Euro'ya alınan genç yetenek Koni De Winter'dan yana kullandı.
İtalyan devinin kararsız kaldığı noktada hızlıca devreye giren Fenerbahçe yönetimi, transferi bitirerek Hollandalı yıldıza Türkiye'de yeni bir sayfa açtı.
Jürgen Klopp, Almanya Milli Takımı'nın yeni teknik direktörü oluyor. Almanya Futbol Federasyonu ile 59 yaşındaki teknik adam arasında anlaşma sağlandı.
Göztepe'nin yabancı genç futbolcuları transferin gözdesi oldu. Özellikle 1'inci Lig ekiplerinin İbrahim Sabra, Salem Bouaijila, Mosah Muhammed gibi futbolcuları radarına aldığı ve Göztepe yönetimine teklifler götürdüğü öğrenildi.
Kocaelispor'da Karol Linetty krizi büyüyor. Sözleşmesindeki uzatma opsiyonunu tek taraflı kullanan Polonyalı futbolcu, yönetimin kararıyla A takım kadrosu dışında bırakıldı. Deneyimli oyuncu, transfer süreci tamamlanana kadar U19 takımıyla çalışmalarını sürdürecek.
Barcelona, Rafael Leao transferi için geçtiğimiz yaz Marcus Rashford operasyonunda uyguladığı kiralama modelini devreye sokmaya hazırlanıyor. Katalan ekibi, satın alma opsiyonlu teklif ile Milan'ı ikna etmeyi hedefliyor.
Inter, Galatasaray'dan savunma oyuncusu Davinson Sanchez ile ilgileniyor. Kolombiyalı futbolcu, Serie A'dan Como'nun da transfer listesinde yer alıyor.
Tarihi Kırkpınar Yağlı Güreşleri'nde er meydanının görünmeyen kahramanları da geleneği yaşatmaya devam ediyor. Zurnacıdan cazgıra, başyağcıdan bezciye kadar organizasyonun vazgeçilmez isimleri, asırlık mirası gelecek nesillere aktarmanın gururunu yaşıyor.
Gelecek sezonun kadro planlaması kapsamında çalışmalarını sürdüren Galatasaray'da dikkat çeken bir gelişme yaşandı. Sarı-kırmızılılar, yıldız isim ile 2 yıl daha yola devam etme kararı aldı. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Yeni sezon kadro planlamasını sürdüren Fenerbahçe, transfer listesine dikkat çeken bir ismi ekledi. Sarı-lacivertli yönetim, İngiltere Premier Lig'de forma giyen yıldız futbolcuyu kadrosuna katmak için...Devamı için tıklayınız
Yeni sezon hazırlıkları kapsamında bugün Avusturya'ya gidecek olan Fenerbahçe'de, defans futbolcusu Diego Carlos'un sağlık kontrollerinin tamamlanmasının ardından kampa katılacağı açıklandı. Öte yandan...Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş, bonservisi elinde bulunan Franck Kessie'nin transferi için girişimlerini sürdürüyor. Siyah-beyazlılar, 29 yaşındaki orta saha oyuncusunu kadrosuna katmak adına Suudi Arabistan ekibi Al Ittihad...Devamı için tıklayınız
Geçtiğimiz sezon Trabzonspor forması ile çizdiği başarılı grafik ve Dünya Kupası'ndaki performansı ile dikkat çeken Christ Inao Oulai için İtalya'dan sürpriz bir takım devreye girdi. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Avustralya'yı eleyerek tarihinde ilk kez Dünya Kupası'nda son 16 turuna yükselme başarısı gösteren Mısır Milli Takımı, karşılaşmanın ardından soyunma odasında anlamlı bir kutlama gerçekleştirdi. Mısırlı...Devamı için tıklayınız
FIFA 2026 Dünya Kupası'nda Arjantin'e attığı enfes golün ardından Marcelo'dan tebrik mesajı alan Sidny Lopes Cabral, "Küçüklüğüm buna asla inanmazdı." dedi.Devamı için tıklayınız
FIFA 2026 Dünya Kupası'nda İngiltere'nin oynadığı 4 maçın da sonucunu doğru bilen bir keçi, İngiltere'nin Meksika ile oynayacağı son 16 turu karşılaşması öncesi yaptığı tahmin ile gündem oldu. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Fransa millisinin hücumçusu Kilian Mbappe DÇ-2026-nın ən yaxşı bombardirləri siyahısında Lionel Messi ilə eyni göstəriciyə çatıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 27 yaşlı futbolçu bunu dünya çempionatının 1/8 final mərhələsində Paraqvay üzərində 1:0 hesablı qələbə ilə başa çatan oyunda vurduğu qolla bacarıb.
Beləliklə, Mbappenin turnirdəki qol sayı 7-yə yüksəlib.
Hazırda Argentina millisinin kapitanı Lionel Messinin də aktivində 7 qol var. Lakin Argentina yığması 1/8 final mərhələsində Misirlə oyununu hələ keçirmədiyi üçün Messi yenidən fərqlənərək bombardirlər yarışında önə çıxa bilər.
Məhsuldar hərəkətlərin sayına görə isə Mbappe liderliyini möhkəmləndirib. O, 7 qol və 2 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə turnirdə ümumilikdə 9 məhsuldar hərəkətə imza atıb və bu göstəricidə hamını qabaqlayır.
Qeyd edək ki, ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikanın birgə ev sahibliyi etdiyi DÇ-2026 iyulun 19-da başa çatacaq.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yığmanın “sükanı” Yurgen Kloppa tapşırılacaq. Bu barədə insayder Fabrizio Romano məlumat yayıb. Tərəflər arasında anlaşma əldə olunub və yaxın zamanda təyinat açıqlanacaq.
Klopp millidə bir neçə gün əvvəl istefaya göndərilən Yulian Naqelsmannı əvəzləyəcək.
Alman mütəxəssis son olaraq “Liverpul”a rəhbərlik edib. O, 2024-cü ildə məşqçi karyerasına fasilə verdiyini elan etmişdi.
Yurgen Klopp Almaniya millisinin baş məşqçisi təyin olunub. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə insayder Fabritsio Romano məlumat yayıb. “Liverpul”un […]
La Nazione reports that Fiorentina and Burnley directors will have a ‘decisive’ meeting tomorrow to finalise Luca Koleosho’s move to the Stadio Franchi.
The Tuscans made a formal €11m bid earlier this week, and according to local newspaper La Nazione, they are close to securing an agreement with both the Italian winger and the English club.
Koleosho close to 11m Fiorentina move
Koleosho played the second part of the 2025-26 season on loan at Paris FC but is now back at Burnley, where his contract expires in June 2029.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Luca Koleosho of Italy in action during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
According to La Nazione (via TMW), the directors of Fiorentina and Burnley have scheduled a meeting for tomorrow, Monday, July 6, which will likely lead to the final green light.
The Italian newspaper claims that Koleosho is convinced by the Fiorentina project and eager to complete the switch from Burnley.
Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, Koleosho holds an Italian passport and made his Azzurri senior debut this past June, making two appearances against Luxembourg and Greece under caretaker coach Silvio Baldini.
Koleosho has played in the English Premier League and Championship, Spanish La Liga and France’s Ligue 1, but has no Serie A or Serie B appearances.
In the second part of the 2025-26 season, he scored three goals and provided one assist in 16 Ligue 1 games with Paris FC.
Serie A and Formula 1 fans were left surprised when Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye presented Kimi Antonelli with the Pole Position Award on Saturday, but the Nigeria international’s appearance at Silverstone was far from a coincidence.
Udinese goalkeeper Okoye made an unusual appearance at the F1 British Grand Prix in Silverstone on Saturday, awarding Kimi Antonelli after the Italian star secured yet another Pole Position.
Okoye awards Antonelli at Silverstone
As reported by Gazzetta, Okoye is a big F1 fan and is a guest of Pirelli at Silverstone this weekend.
Therefore, the Udinese star was picked by the Italian multinational tyre manufacturer to present Antonelli with the Pirelli Pole Position Award title on Saturday.
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 17: Maduka Okoye of Udinese looks on during the warm up ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Friuli on May 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)SUZUKA, JAPAN – MARCH 28: Pole position qualifier Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Drivers Press Conference during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 28, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Just like tennis star Jannik Sinner, Antonelli is dominating the headlines in Italy, quickly becoming one of the country’s most popular sportsmen.
Gazzetta notes that Okoye’s popularity on social media has also increased considerably in recent weeks, with the Nigerian going from 250,000 to over 1.5 million Instagram followers and surpassing one million TikTok followers.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli are prepared to make Scott McTominay one of the team’s highest earners despite a disappointing World Cup with the Scotland national team.
Napoli are ready to offer their star midfielder McTominay a new deal until 2030 and make him one of the team’s highest earners, reports Gazzetta.
Napoli to offer McTominay new contract with pay rise
It is no secret that the Partenopei want to extend the Scottish midfielder’s stay at the Stadio Maradona beyond 2028, and the club’s plans have not changed after the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as their new coach.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 19: Scott McTominay #4 of Scotland reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Morocco at Boston Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper reports today that Allegri wants to make the former Manchester United midfielder one of the cornerstones of his project, so Napoli are ready to enter formal talks with the midfielder’s entourage.
McTominay has arguably been Napoli’s best player during Antonio Conte’s two-year reign, and the club’s faith in the Scottish midfielder has not changed despite a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has already tasked director Giovanni Manna with starting formal negotiations for McTominay’s contract extension, and the Scotland international is reportedly happy to continue at Napoli, extending his stay beyond 2028.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus have set their sights on Trabzonspor and Ivory Coast talent Christ Inao Oulaï as the Bianconeri continue to chase reinforcements in central midfield.
Juventus are interested in 20-year-old midfielder Inao Oulaï, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport.
Juventus interest in Inao Oulaï
The Italian newspaper claims that Juventus are not alone in the race for the promising midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, Brighton and Brentford.
The Bees have already had a €25m bid rejected, according to Gazzetta. Inao Oulaï’s former club Bastia hold a 20% sell-on clause, so Trabzonspor aim to sell their midfielder for more than €25m.
Juventus are also interested in Franck Kessié and Leon Goretzka, who are officially without a club after their contracts terminated on June 30.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 30: Christ Inao Oulaï #26 of Cote D’Ivoire controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Cote D’Ivoire and Norway at Dallas Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessié #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri, however, have prioritised bringing in young talents rather than players in their 30s with high salaries; therefore, they’ll make moves for Kessié or Goretzka only if some of their central midfielders leave.
According to Gazzetta, Luciano Spalletti is also eager to assess Douglas Luiz in the pre-season after the Brazilian returned from loan spells to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in 2025-26.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Atalanta star Raoul Bellanova.
According to a report from TMW, Everton are also interested in signing the 26-year-old. The Premier League clubs have already made approaches to explore a potential move, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Spurs keen on Raoul Bellanova
Tottenham already have Pedro Porro at their disposal, and he’s one of the finest right backs in the world right now. If Bellanova joins the London club, he would have to accept the role of a squad player. It remains to be seen whether he is prepared to take on such a role at this stage of his career. He’s 26, and he’s at the peak of his career. He needs to play regularly in order to continue his development and fulfil his potential.
Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.
Bellanova has a contract with the Italian club until 2029, and they are under no pressure to sell him this summer. Tottenham will have to pay a premium in order to get the deal done. He joined Atalanta for a €25 million fee in 2024, and they will look to make a substantial profit if they are forced to sell him this summer.
Meanwhile, the move to Everton could be ideal for Bellanova. They need a quality right back after the departure of Seamus Coleman. The 26-year-old could be a key player for Everton, and regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in the player. It remains to be seen whether the Toffees are prepared to follow up on their interest in him with an official proposal.
Arsenal are interested in signing the Boca Juniors midfielder Tomas Aranda.
The 20-year-old is highly rated in South America, and Arsenal have been scouting extensively. They are keeping tabs on his development, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to make an approach for him.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Arsenal eyeing Tomas Aranda
According to a report from El Transigiente, Arsenal have been assessing his development and have yet to decide whether to make an official approach to sign him. The 20-year-old midfielder has the potential to develop into a quality player with the right guidance, and he could be a solid long-term investment for Arsenal.
The opportunity to join the Premier League champions will be exciting for the 20-year-old midfielder as well. It would be a step up in his career. However, he needs regular opportunities to develop further. Sitting on the bench at Arsenal will not benefit him. If he joins the English club, he must seek assurance regarding his development and gametime.
Arsenal are looking to build a team capable of dominating English football. They need to build for the future, and investing in talented Young players would be ideal.
Meanwhile, the player has a £15 million release clause in his contract. Arsenal will certainly have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official offer. Multiple other clubs from Europe are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old, and Arsenal should look to move quickly if they want to win the race for his signature.
The asking price seems reasonable for a player of his potential. Aranda could justify the investment if he manages to adapt to English football in future.
CoverEdge helps covered call and cash-secured put investors run an options income strategy with confidence. It offers a full-market screener, AI-enhanced summaries, and guides rolls with assignment-aware scenario analysis and safe-strike checks. Track every dollar with ledger-first accounting, visualize income and win rate, and auto-import trades via read-only SnapTrade sync. Learn inside the built-in Learning Center, and keep data protected with AES-256, row-level security, and SOC 2 infrastructure.
The best Bluetooth speakers get better every year: we get improved batteries to supply even more sonic stamina, wider connectivity, and a dizzying range of designs. The market is so competitive that 'good enough' just isn't good enough to stand out any more, and that means the speakers launched and launching in 2026 are often exceptional.
The first six months of 2026 have been great for audio fans, with a range of very good portable speakers to cover pretty much every niche. There are ridiculously loud party speakers that'll annoy your neighbors, tiny portables that are perfect for podcasts, small speakers that are ideal for when you're showering and go-anywhere, play-anything portables for the great outdoors. And we've tested a ton of them with in-depth reviews.
So I've picked out the five top Bluetooth speakers we've review so far in 2026, now that we're half-way through the year. The products I've picked here aren't the only Bluetooth speakers launched in 2026 by any means — for example, there was IKEA's 10-dollar Kallsup speaker, which is so cheap you can buy stacks of them to make a musical pyramid, which we also tried. I also haven't featured stationary wireless speakers that may include Bluetooth, but tend to be more focused on Wi-Fi — we're all about the portable options here.
I've picked my top five based on our in-depth testing, their price tags and how well I think they'll fit into most people's lives.
5. Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
List price of $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130)
Released in April 2026
Rating: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
The budget Bluetooth sector is absolutely jam-packed with affordable options, but it's hard to beat the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3: it's super-cheap even at full price, and it's frequently discounted from the launch price of $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130).
With 24 hours of battery life, a solid build and IP68 dust and water resistance it's a great go-anywhere speaker, and while its single 48mm driver is small, it's surprisingly punchy, with impressive bass for such a compact design. We really like the sound the Micro 3 delivers: it's a good all-rounder for music, podcasts and audiobooks.
The Marshall Bromley 450 is the marginally more sensible member of the Bromley party speaker range: it's considerably cheaper than its very expensive sibling, but still puts out a whopping 400W of Class D amplification — and it can keep playing for over 40 hours, albeit not at full volume. With a list price of $799.99 / £549.00 / AU$1,079 it's still quite expensive, but you're getting a lot of bang for your buck.
In our Marshall Bromley 450 review, we praised its 360-degree audio and noted that you can pair it with a second Bromley over Auracast if 400W isn't shaking the building enough. And as someone who's carried many a Marshall amp up and down venue stairs, I love that it echoes the design of classic Marshall amps and cabinets. Like most of my favorite rock bands it's a little bit ridiculous and enormously entertaining.
JBL is one of the best-known brands in the Bluetooth speaker space, and it consistently delivers very impressive products with equally impressive prices. Last year's JBL Flip 7 and JBL Charge 6 are firm favorites of ours, and this year JBL has updated its cute JBL Go ultraportable.
We gave this new model the full five stars in our JBL Go 5 review, calling it "the best tiny Bluetooth speaker" — while 4.8W output means it's hardly a party speaker, it delivers impressive sound from its tiny case along with attractive edge lighting and a durable, waterproof design. It's one of the best-sounding small speakers we've ever tested.
So far we've been focused on Bluetooth-only speakers, but now let's turn to a portable option that can also be used in multi-room setups over Wi-Fi. Sonos is the big brand in that space, and the Sonos Play is a superb new addition to the Sonos range whether you want it to fly solo, take it on your travels, or use it as part of a wider Sonos setup.
It's a little more expensive than rivals, but the Sonos Play delivers powerful and well-rounded audio, has superb streaming support and connectivity including Hi-Res Audio over Wi-Fi, and its USB-C port can be used as an audio input: you can get an adapter that enables you to connect a turntable or other wired audio source.
It delivers up to 24 hours of battery life and sits on a good-looking charging cradle when you don't need to take it places, which means you can grab and go in an instant without unplugging.
This beast makes the JBL Go 5 look like it was made for a Lego character. The rugged, chunky and very loud JBL Xtreme 5 is a bit of a beast, delivering mesmerizing bass from its rather hefty frame. It's marginally bigger than its predecessor, but the sound is bigger too.
As we said in our review, "this is how you do an upgrade. This model has more power, more striking sound, lighting for added beauty points, and an even more durable build than last time out." It's also solidly built, reminiscent of the old Nokia phones where if you dropped them, you were more likely to break the ground than your phone.
Dustproof, waterproof and with a long-lasting battery keeping the party going for up to 28 hours, the JBL Xtreme 5 is exceptional — but if it's just a little too heavyweight for you, the 2025 JBL Charge 6 is very good too.
Babar Azam has scored 4,481 runs in 62 Tests at an average of 42.67 [Getty Images]
Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan's Test captain before the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.
The top-order batter, 31, was previously Test captain from November 2020 to November 2023 and has returned in place of Shan Masood.
The 36-year-old has overseen 13 defeats in 16 Tests since taking over from Azam in December 2023.
Pakistan finished ninth and bottom of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle and lie ninth in the current cycle after a 2-0 series defeat in Bangladesh in May.
Speaking as the new Pakistan Test squad was announced, selector Aaqib Javed said on Sunday: "Azam will be our new Test captain as we feel that Masood could not lead as desired.
"The selection committee discussed who could be the best player to lead Pakistan and Azam is the best option."
He returned as skipper for the men's T20 World Cup in 2024 before stepping down as limited-overs captain for a second time in October 2024 to focus on his playing role.
Pakistan's two Tests against the West Indies are from 25 July and 2 August, before they play three Tests in England - at Headingley (19 August), Lord's (27 August) and Edgbaston (9 September).
Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali have been left out after being part of the squad in Bangladesh.
In comes uncapped 20-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of Naseem, who missed out. Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali are the three other fast bowlers selected.
Uncapped middle-order batsman Awais Zafar and left-arm spinner Ali Usman have been called up for the first time.
Pakistan Test squad
Babar Azam (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Agha, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness for England)
Texas A&M's history of developing future MLB starting pitchers has dropped off in recent years, but during former head coach Rob Childress's long-term tenure with the Aggies (2006-2021), pitching was a consistent strength, given his background, currently serving as Nebraska's pitching coach since the 2023 season.
During his 15-year career in College Station, plenty of former star pitchers come to mind, including Michael Wacha, who entered his 13th MLB season, and third with the Kansas City Royals after joining the Franchise in 2024. At the age of 35, Wacha continues to serve as one of the ball club's most reliable arms and is headed to his second career All-Star game since 2015.
This season, Wacha is currently 5-5 as a starter with a 3.31 ERA, ranked 20th nationally, 84 strikeouts, and a 1.14 WHIP. Over his last three starts, Wacha's 15 strikeouts resulted in just one victory, but given the Royals' offensive struggles, the veteran pitcher can't be blamed.
Wacha is projected to finish the season with 115 strikeouts, and, like many starting pitchers in their mid to late 30's, things have slowed down on the mound, making every start routine, directly leading to the former Aggie star's All-Star selection.
During his A&M career, the potential was there from the jump, finishing his freshman year with a 2.90 average and 9-2 record, leading to his defining sophomore season, building a 9–4 record in 16 starts with 123 strikeouts, 20 walks, and a 2.29 earned run average, and helped lead the Aggies to the College World Series.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
To Brian: News that CBJ players Werenski and Marchenko are not wanting to stay in Columbus after their current contracts end is very disappointing to say the least. Also, remembering the terrific Columbus Crew players, Cucho, Zelarayan, and Aidan Morris that we have lost to other clubs/cities makes you wonder what’s wrong with Columbus. Are we chopped liver, or what? Or maybe something worse? Columbus seems to be a great place for professional athletes to develop but not to stay long term. Why can’t Columbus keep the star players that can help us win the big games? It can make a loyal CBJ and Crew supporter sleepless. We can only hope. But, hope is a good thing.
Sleepless in Columbus.
Chet Ridenour Sr. Worthington
To Sleepless, er, Chet: I think the Blue Jackets part is pretty easy: Players want to win, and the Blue Jackets never win. Rebuilds get old for players who see their friends in the playoffs and winning titles. As for the Crew, that's how the MLS works. It is a minor league for the better leagues in the world. When players are deemed good enough to move up, it is in the Crew's best interests to set them free rather than hold them hostage.
Dear Brian: It is exhausting being a fan of the Blue Jackets. Just when you think things are turning around and there is hope that we have the pieces to field a competitive playoff-caliber team, the wheels fall off. Between the late-season collapse this past season and the news that Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko don't want to be with the team past their current contracts, it's taxing on the fans.
I thought being a Browns fan was tough. The Blue Jackets are giving me just as much heartburn. I can't see Werenski and Marchenko playing with the Jackets this season since their wishes were made public. Personally, I say trade them, get the best deal you can and be done with it. Move on. Thanks for the memories, but don't let the door hit you in the you-know-what on the way out. What an awkward season it would be for the team (and the fans) having two guys who don't want to be here playing out a season. Here we go again! So tired of this happening here.
What is the root cause? Bad management? Bad culture? The city? I know it's not the city. We have a great city and a great fan base. A loyal fan base that continues to support this mess and these unloyal players.
Steve Roth, Westerville
To Steve: I know your letter was written before Werenski and the team's unconvincing, mad scramble to put out fires regarding his desire to leave. But your point stands because, as our Brian Hedger smartly points out, while Werenski said all the right things after the news broke, there are still no guarantees beyond this upcoming season. There is no long-term contract with a no-trade clause. The Blue Jackets blamed the media for blowing it all out of proportion, yet they accepted trade offers from around the league. And as for your question about the root cause, no, it is not the city or too-kind fans. As stated above, it's all about winning, which doesn't happen here in the NHL.
On the World Cup, Tiger Woods
Dear Mr. White: I have two issues to highlight for your input, both involving journalistic integrity. The first involves the FOX Sports World Cup broadcasts. I have always appreciated that, with their OSU coverage, The Dispatch's beat reporters and columnist have always held themselves to a high journalistic standard and not become print/online cheerleaders for the Buckeyes. Apparently, that standard doesn’t apply to FOX’s soccer coverage, as every FOX analyst is openly rooting for their home country and even making casual bets on the outcome of matches. In my opinion, that makes their studio panel discussions involving these experts not worth watching.
My second issue involves Tiger Woods, who has been in the news regarding whether he would be playing at the U.S. Senior Open at the Scioto Country Club. Given his history of multiple DUIs and rollover accidents, two better questions would be: 1. Why is he still permitted to drive? And 2. Why is he not in jail? The media, especially the golf media, seem to be treating him with kid gloves and not asking these pertinent questions. I doubt whether the average person would still have a driver's license and be able to avoid jail time under similar circumstances.
Michael A. O'Connell, Columbus
To Mike: I would advise that you avoid considering most TV analysts as journalists, especially on national sports networks. They are entertainment media only. And thank you for recognizing how The Dispatch approaches coverage of Ohio State. There is no cheerleading in my part of our newsroom, and we believe our standards set us apart from most covering the school's teams. As for Tiger, my assumption is that he has better lawyers than the average person.
On MLB All-Star Game
To Mr. White: Is it time to modify the voting for the All-Star teams? Perhaps weigh the fan vote as one third, the media as a third and the players as a third? Toronto, as a team, is several games below .500 but could have seven players voted in because virtually all of Canada's baseball fans are not being fair in their selection process. This has robbed at least one player (Dillon Dingler) of a chance to be selected as a starter because Blue Jay fans pushed Alejandro Kirk (a catcher who played all of 12 games at the time of the vote) in for "Phase 2" of the votes. Only the top two at each position (non-outfielders) advance. You may recall that the fan vote was suspended in 1958 because Cincinnati fans "stuffed" the ballot box. I wonder if Mr. Manfred has anything to say about this?
Jim Ramlow, Columbus
To Jim: I'm all for the players having a bigger say in the process. They know who can really play.
On Maurice Clarett
To the editor: Life doesn't always go according to plan. What matters is what you do next. Maurice Clarett reminds us that you can give back, and you can come back. He accepted responsibility for his actions, served his prison sentence and has worked to rebuild his life by his charitable acts and deeds. He speaks about his accountability and his second chances. That's an impressive example of Buckeye spirit – not just because of what he accomplished on the football field, but because of the strength it takes to rise after falling. I wish Art Schlichter had been inspired by Maurice.
We all make mistakes. Character is often measured by how we respond to them. Whether we own them, learn from them, and choose to become better. In the end, redemption is not about erasing the past. It's about proving, day by day, that it does not define your future.
New Richard Hughes to Al-Hilal timeline emerges as sporting director expected to leave
Richard Hughes has been a major player in Liverpool’s post-Jurgen Klopp operations.
The former Bournemouth technical director was headhunted by FSG CEO of Football Michael Edwards to become Liverpool sporting director in 2024.
Hughes, 46, set about hiring Arne Slot as new head coach - a remarkable appointment given the Dutchman won the Premier League title in his first season in charge.
The Scottish exec then oversaw £450m worth of transfer spending last summer - breaking the British transfer record for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Richard Hughes near certain to leave for Al-Hilal
He also orchestrated new deals for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in 2025 - as well as Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in the 2025/26 season.
Despite Hughes’ centrality to the project he now looks set to leave. The former midfielder is under contract at Anfield until 2027 and according to a report on BBC Sport he will not be signing a new deal.
Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia are thought to be keen on adding Hughes as their new sporting director - although right now he remains fully committed to transfer business at Anfield.
Hughes deal expires in 2027
Nonetheless there is now a pathway for Hughes to exit the outgoing Premier League champions and link up with former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis is Riyadh.
“Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is not expected to sign a new deal to remain at the club beyond 2027,” the report reads.
“He is likely to link up with former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis at Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal.
“Al Hilal and Francis are operating on the basis that Hughes will join the club.”
Hughes won't be here beyond 2027
An exact exit date is hard to predict. Either Hughes will see out his contract and effectively work a one-year notice period or else he will cave in and ask for an early release.
That of course would leave a leadership vacuum at Anfield - with Michael Edward also set to exit the enterprise in 2027 when his deal ends.
It’s a bit of a mess for Andoni Iraola - who was appointed by Hughes as new head coach following the dismissal of Arne Slot.
He will be unsure who will be calling the shots beyond this summer with more big changes coming down the track in 2027 - by which time Iraola will only have one year left on his deal.
Napoli ready to reward McTominay with pay rise despite World Cup disappointment
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli are prepared to make Scott McTominay one of the team’s highest earners despite a disappointing World Cup with the Scotland national team.
Napoli are ready to offer their star midfielder McTominay a new deal until 2030 and make him one of the team’s highest earners, reports Gazzetta.
Napoli to offer McTominay new contract with pay rise
It is no secret that the Partenopei want to extend the Scottish midfielder’s stay at the Stadio Maradona beyond 2028, and the club’s plans have not changed after the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as their new coach.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 19: Scott McTominay #4 of Scotland reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Morocco at Boston Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper reports today that Allegri wants to make the former Manchester United midfielder one of the cornerstones of his project, so Napoli are ready to enter formal talks with the midfielder’s entourage.
McTominay has arguably been Napoli’s best player during Antonio Conte’s two-year reign, and the club’s faith in the Scottish midfielder has not changed despite a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has already tasked director Giovanni Manna with starting formal negotiations for McTominay’s contract extension, and the Scotland international is reportedly happy to continue at Napoli, extending his stay beyond 2028.
Among world football's great theatres, the Estadio Azteca might be the most majestic stage of all.
Sat squat in the south of Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis bubbling atop a high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains, the Azteca is where the colour, noise and energy of football truly come to life, and where the game's most glorious kings have been crowned.
Pele and his third World Cup win. Maradona and his goal of the century. The ultimate moments in the careers of two men lauded in every corner of the globe, both bound by the same setting - the Azteca.
Now, for the first time since being eliminated from the 1986 World Cup by Maradona's Argentina, England are entering the enormous stadium again.
What awaits them is utterly unique.
The Azteca has played host to some of the most memorable matches, moments, and players in football history [Getty Images]
Built to harness the power of people
"There is just something very special about Azteca," recalled Pele later in his life. "You need to be inside it, to feel it, to understand."
The stadium's design plays a big part.
Though the Azteca has undergone multiple refurbishments since Pele's time, and its capacity has been reduced to 87,500, the core principles of the architecture which have always made it so colossal and uproarious - its steep sides, the proximity of the stands to the pitch, the underground dressing rooms and tunnels - remain.
Mexico had considered bidding to host the 1958 World Cup, but in the end didn't press ahead and allowed Sweden to win the rights. Instead, after a few years of deliberation, they set their sights on 1970 and won.
The architect Pedro Ramirez Vazquez was tasked with building a venue that could welcome over 100,000 people and rival the enormous spectacle of Rio de Janeiro's Maracana, which itself had been built specially for the World Cup in Brazil in 1950.
It was an immense feat of engineering, featuring a pioneering cantilevered roof with no columns, allowing for unobstructed views, and could only be constructed after 180 million kilos of rock were removed from the land below.
The Azteca first hosted an international football tournament when it held matches at the 1968 Olympics [Getty Images]
"While I had a great passion for architecture, I had an even bigger passion for football," Ramirez Vasquez later said.
"Maracana is circular, and if people are arranged in a circle while the pitch is rectangular, the long sides of the pitch - the most interesting part - are the furthest away.
"The foundation of the design... was that each spectator should have, from any seat, the same quality view as everybody else.
"The architecture of Azteca stills feels modern - its appearance is contemporary in every respect.
"You feel enveloped. From every seat you are immersed in the game, from the front row to the very top."
The Azteca's roof was only added a year after it first opened, having been built using money partly earned from ticket sales from its first events [Getty Images]
The power of the people is what makes the Azteca truly special.
Whether cheering on Mexico, home club sides Club America or Cruz Azul, or hosting neutral sides in the World Cup, the Azteca crowd is renowned for generating a ferocious soundtrack like nowhere else.
"It is next to impossible to communicate on the pitch because the Azteca is full of sound swirling all around you", says Jason de Vos, one of the few men to have both played and coached against Mexico at the stadium, doing so with the Canadian national team.
"The Mexicans know they have an advantage because of the crowd and they try to swarm you on the pitch too.
"When you arrive the team bus drives under the stadium, down a ramp and then you walk to the dressing room.
"When you walk to the pitch you have to go through a very tight tunnel and you can hear a buzzing sound, like a swarm of bees.
"To get outside, you approach the pitch from below, going up a staircase, and when you crest the top and see the light, you realise that the buzzing is the people.
"It's the vibration of the horns, the screaming, the jumping. It's crazy
"But that's exactly why you want to play football."
For generations, Mexican football fans have made the Azteca a special place to play [Getty Images]
The home of huge football history
The Azteca is the only stadium to have hosted matches in three different editions of the World Cup - 1970, 1986 and 2026.
The first two featured some of the most iconic matches and goals in World Cup history.
The 1970 semi-final between Italy and West Germany is regarded by many as the greatest match ever played. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes, before five goals were scored in extra time, with the Italians winning 4-3.
But in the final they were defeated by Pele - winning the World Cup for the third time - and his Brazil team-mates in a side still cited as one of the greatest teams of all time.
Brazil won 4-1, and their final goal - rocketed into the top corner by full-back Carlos Alberto - was a beautiful passing move in which all but three players touched the ball, and is considered one of the best team goals ever scored.
"The atmosphere, the noise at that final was unbelievable," Alberto later said. "Wonderful, indescribable."
Pele scored four goals and made six assists in the 1970 tournament, and remains the only player to have won the World Cup three times [Getty Images]
Sixteen years later Mexico was selected to host the tournament again, and this time it was Argentina and Maradona who shone in the Azteca spotlight.
Aged 25 and having moved to Napoli from Barcelona the year prior, Maradona delivered possibly the most dominant tournament performance in football history, scoring five goals and making five assists, to win his country's second trophy.
Against England in the quarter-final he scored two goals which are among the most famous moments in sporting history, for different reasons.
Firstly, Maradona opened the scoring in the second half with his notorious 'hand of God' goal by punching a miscued back pass with his hand past Peter Shilton and into the net.
Four minutes later, he picked the ball up inside the centre circle in Argentina's half with his back to goal. Within 11 seconds, he had danced past five England players, rounded the goalkeeper, and slipped the ball into the back of the net entirely on his own.
All four sides of the Azteca roared in adulation and astonishment as El Diego ran towards the corner flag in celebration.
In 2016, four years before his death, Maradona called it the most important match of his career.
There has arguably never been a more famous goal scored than Maradona's opener at the Azteca, which Maradona himself described as scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God" [Getty Images]
Mexico dominance and altitude make Azteca even tougher
Since they began playing there in 1966, Mexico have built an immensely impressive home record at the Azteca.
In competitive matches, they have won 70 out of 89 times, drawing 17 and losing only twice, though that record can partly be credited to their historical superiority over rival nations in North and Central America.
The first defeat - 2-0 against Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier in 2001 - was such a huge surprise that it earned its own nickname, 'Aztecazo' [the name of the stadium with a suffix that means shocking blow], and was labelled "a funeral" by Mexican newspaper Reforma.
Sitting at over 2,200m (7,220ft) above sea level, the Azteca's altitude alone makes it a gruelling challenge for footballers.
The Earth's atmospheric pressure is lower, making the air thinner and meaning less oxygen is taken into the bloodstream with each breath.
Players who are acclimatised and know how to cope with it can gain an advantage over those unaccustomed, helping Mexico maintain such a strong record over opponents.
Legendary Mexico players including Cuauhtemoc Blanco have enjoyed great success in front of huge home crowds at Azteca [Getty Images]
"Midfielders will usually suffer the most, because they have to move up and down the pitch and cover the most distance", says Dr Olivier Girard, professor of high performance at the University of Western Australia.
"Sometimes players start matches at altitude with the same intensity they would at sea level, and then in the middle of the first half fatigue can really set in and they can start giving scoring opportunities away more easily.
"It is absolutely both a physiological and psychological advantage for a team which is used to playing at this altitude."
Club America have played home matches at Azteca since 1966, while Cruz Azul have moved in and out, and will return for a third spell later this year [Getty Images]
For the Azteca to have played host to so many of the most illustrious moments in football history, and for Pele and Maradona to have achieved their crowning glories there, is even more impressive given the challenge posed by the altitude.
"It accentuates what they've done," says Dr Barney Wainwright, senior research fellow at Leeds Beckett University.
"It's very impressive when we see major athletic feats at this altitude in a single, long piece of play, because it's sustained.
"Playing a full match at that level is a great physical challenge in itself. To have the mental capacity to produce such skilful moments makes it extra special."
A stage fit for the Caesar of Boxing, The King of Pop, and the Pope
The Azteca is a purpose-built football stadium, but some of its most special moments have had nothing to do with the game.
In 1993 it was home to the largest crowd in championship boxing history, when 132,274 people watched national hero Julio Cesar Chavez knock out Greg Hauger to retain the WBC super lightweight title.
"It was the most incredible night of my entire career and my life," Cesar Chavez said. "Being there in the middle of the ring is something unbelievable."
The same year, Michael Jackson headlined five nights of his Dangerous World Tour at the Azteca, performing to a total of 550,000 people.
And in 1999 a mass held by Pope John Paul II in the heart of devoutly Catholic Mexico brought a crowd of over 110,000 to the stadium.
After the fireworks ended at Pope John Paul II's Azteca mass, he was given a rapturous ovation by the congregation which lasted for over 15 minutes as he was driven around the stadium in the Popemobile [Getty Images]
"People who know me will attest I'm a little fond of football," the Pope said at the mass. "It is a privilege to be here, where I watched such beautiful football."
Whether it be sport, music, or religion, the Azteca is built for moments when masses of people come together to feel alive.
Switzerland's Breel Embolo celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Switzerland and Algeria at BC Place Vancouver. Ethan Cairns/Canadian Press via ZUMA Press/dpa
Switzerland players are increasingly facing hateful comments on social media during the World Cup.
"Unfortunately, we can now estimate when the risk of a build-up of such despicable comments increases," a team spokesman told news agency Keystone-SDA.
"In this case, the comment sections on our channels are often proactively blocked."
After the 1-1 opening draw with Qatar in particular, there had been so many discriminatory messages that the comment function on the association’s social media channels had been deactivated.
"Also because some of the comments were about the players’ skin colour or origin," the spokesman added.
As soon as comments meet a criminal threshold, the Swiss Football Association forwards them to law enforcement authorities.
Switzerland are still in the tournament and will face Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday in Vancouver.
Last week, FIFA said that racist comments during the World Cup have increased. Around 11% of all online posts classified as abusive were racist in some way, it said.
That is an increase of 3% compared with the same point at the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Around 1,000 social media accounts have been reported to police.
Netherlands players Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville were racially abused online after missing penalties in the lost round-of-32 match against Morocco. The trio disabled the comment functions on their respective social media accounts.
The Dutch football association (KNVB) condemned the abuse and filed a complaint with the public prosecutor in the Netherlands.
Osaka, the trailblazing, 28-year-old, four-time Grand Slam champion will play in the second week of Wimbledon for the first time Sunday. She has blitzed through her first three matches without losing a set, losing more than three games in a set just once and looking far from the player she was, who seemed almost allergic to the grass swing and and had seemingly given up hope of having any success on it.
“It’s kind of a hard thing to fathom given the way she played,” said Australia’s Daria Kasatkina in a news conference, after Osaka won their third-round match 6-1, 6-3 in 65 minutes.
“I was maybe not expecting what she produced today. But I was expecting it to be a tough, tough match for me, because with her way of playing, honestly, grass must suit her well.
“I think she’s starting to find her way on grass and you can see this with the results as well.”
Those results have come alongside a series of Grand Slam fashion statements from Osaka, who has used the walk-on at this year’s three majors to showcase the form of self-expression that she treasures most alongside her tennis. At Wimbledon, she has worn a white ensemble inspired by Japanese ceremonial dress, including a kimono-style dress embroidered with cherry blossoms and cranes, produced in concert with designer Hana Yagi.
At the Australian Open, she opted for a floaty, flowy jellyfish-inspired ensemble designed by couturier Robert Wun; at the French Open, her array of cascading skirts and golden sparkling dress were inspired by the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. Osaka has a creative team and works with the designers herself; Nike produces the on-court dresses. They have become the topic of conversation around the sport and in Osaka’s news conferences.
This is the sort of stuff that would drive a lot of athletes and tennis players mad. They come to the arena to practice a craft they have been training at for almost all of their lives. They’re athletes. They want to talk about their sport.
Not Osaka, at least not entirely. A decade into a big career that has rollicked up, down and sideways, one of the world’s most famous and exposed introverts may have finally found a comfort zone in tennis through what might be her greatest passion.
“I would actually prefer to talk about my clothes,” Osaka said in a news conference Friday after the win over Kasatkina. “It’s kind of weird. In some ways I feel like I’m a lot more equipped to talk about my clothes than to talk about my tennis. It’s strange, because I’ve been playing tennis for 20-something years. Some days I don’t feel like an expert on it.”
In some ways, Osaka said, tennis has become a vehicle for the self-expression she finds far easier with her clothes than her racket. The longer she is in the tournament, the more matches she gets to play. The more matches she gets to play, the more outfits she gets to wear, and the more stories she gets to tell.
She’s loving the way she’s hitting the ball. Winning, playing with some much confidence, that’s all great. But there’s only so much she feels she can say about tennis. And it’s never been easy for her to talk about.
Into her teens, Osaka struggled to make eye contact with her coaches. As recently as last year, she said she sometimes feared telling her former coach Patrick Mouratoglou about the stress and discomfort she experienced during matches.
The outfits she said, have helped her feel more like her authentic self when she steps onto the court.
“Just being able to communicate my style, being able to communicate my brand of tennis as well, because I feel like for me, my tennis is a little bit louder than I am also.”
On grass, that may not be the case for long.
Somewhere along the way in the first part of her career, Osaka convinced herself that grass wasn’t for her. She’d barely played on it growing up. She didn’t play the Wimbledon junior events.
She was at her best when she could stabilize her feet around the baseline and swing hard, the way she did on hard courts back home in Florida. Grass doesn’t allow for much of that. Neither does Europe’s red clay. Osaka didn’t like playing on that very much either.
Her seasons seemed to hit a wall in early April, when tennis moved to Europe for three months. For a multitude of reasons, post-Covid, she struggled to restart them.
The struggles on clay made some sense. Big, flat hitters like her often struggle to get the ball through the court on clay. Grass made less sense. Osaka possessed a big serve, and hit a ball that stayed low and skidded through the court. That ought to work, if she could just get the hang of the footwork.
In the fall of 2022, Osaka went on hiatus to have her first child, a daughter she would name Shai. By the time she returned in January of 2024, the sport had changed. The best players in the world were hitting even harder than Osaka, and doing it with more shape and curve. More importantly, they were doing it in and out of the corners of the court, turning defense into offense and opening up angles and geometries that aren’t accessible if players stay in the middle.
Osaka and her coaches knew this. By December of 2023 there was a former ballerina named Simone Elliott attending her practices. As her dance career wound down, Elliott developed a specialty in teaching athletes how to maintain balance as they move at high speed into extreme positions. At the time, Osaka could barely hit an open-stance backhand, an essential shot for top players these days in which the body faces the net, rather than turning perpendicular to it.
So began the reincarnation of Osaka, but it took some time. She said Friday that she didn’t feel back to her old self until last summer, a full two years after giving birth.
“The exact moment was when I lost in D.C. last year,” she said, referring to Washington D.C.’s D.C. Open, where she lost handily to Britain’s Emma Raducanu and subsequently split with Mouratoglou.
“I remember thinking, ‘I lost this match, but I feel like I could move.’
“I felt, like, a significant click. It took way longer than I thought it was going to take. Ever since then, I’ve felt like I’ve been moving OK.”
From there, Osaka has been on a mostly steady rise back near the top of the sport. After that loss to Raducanu, she made the Canadian Open final, and then the semifinals of the U.S. Open, dispatching Coco Gauff, one of the best hard-court athletes out there, on the way.
This season, she keeps running into the best players of the last three years, the ones who changed the sport, seemingly whenever she gets on a roll in a tournament. At the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, the Madrid Open and the French Open, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka outhit Osaka from the places on the court she is still finding her feet. At the Italian Open, Iga Świątek dispatched her with a clay-court masterclass.
Osaka faces Sabalenka again in her first Wimbledon fourth round. Perhaps this time will be different.
Ahead of the grass season, her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, who worked with Świątek, encouraged her to shift her thinking about grass. She began to focus more closely on where the ball was bouncing and how she could find ways to come forward.
She said she remembers being young and stubborn about how she wanted to play on grass courts. She basically tried to pretend it was a hard court. Now, she said, she’s beginning to understand grass court tennis.
France manager defends Real Madrid ace Mbappe over ‘dictator’ claims: ‘The reality is opposite’
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is already one of the best World Cup players ever and always finds a way to turn up at the marquee tournament.
The 2026 World Cup has been no different, with the Madrid attacker going toe-to-toe with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Mbappe scored France’s only goal against Paraguay last night from the spot, helping his side secure a narrow win in a tense affair and set up a date with Morocco in the quarter-finals.
After the game, Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps strongly defended Kylian Mbappe after fresh debate around the Real Madrid forward’s image and leadership.
Speaking to the media, Deschamps rejected the idea that Mbappe behaves like an overpowering figure inside the squad.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said: “You guys make Kylian Mbappe seem like a dictator… the reality is the opposite.”
Deschamps hails Mbappe’s leadership. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
France follow their captain
Deschamps went further, insisting that the public image around Mbappe does not match what France experience internally.
He said: “His public image does not reflect reality at all. Kylian has always been mature and the whole team follows him.”
Deschamps clearly sees him as a captain who carries responsibility, not someone who divides the group. He added:
“I am so happy to have Kylian as captain. Whenever he speaks on and off the pitch, he represents the whole group.”
Real Madrid will value this version
This matters for Real Madrid because Mbappe is not just expected to score goals. He is expected to be one of the faces of Mourinho’s new project.
Setting the standard. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
The debate after the Paraguay match focused on tension, provocation and his refusal to shake hands with Orlando Gill. However, Deschamps’ words shift the picture back towards leadership.
Real Madrid need an Mbappe who can handle pressure, represent the group and still deliver on the pitch. France believe they already have that player.
Of course, Mbappe’s personality will always attract noise. That comes with his status. However, the people closest to the dressing room seem to trust him completely.
Los Blancos will be hoping that they get this France version of Mbappe in their dressing room next season, if they have not already.
For now, it is a matter of prestige for the Spanish giants that one of their superstars is making his name as a global icon, and it remains to be seen whether he can lead France to the World Cup.
🎥 Bench players as bodyguards: Deschamps explains Mbappé move
France also got past Germany’s nemesis Paraguay in the round of 16 and is through to the World Cup quarter-finals. It was an awkward battle and not always a fair one. The South Americans’ hard-nosed approach had already been felt by the German team.
France’s head coach did not mince his words after the win over Paraguay and, with regard to Kylian Mbappé, also recalled a match at the 2018 World Cup.
"It wasn’t easy. If we had scored from either of those two chances at the end, it would have been much more relaxed. Maybe that’s not the kind of football that brings people into the stadium, but we played aggressively, and that’s part of it too. We stayed true to our game, but it’s difficult when you want to play with a lot of intensity and defend well. Of course, the heat works against that intensity, and the opponent also defended very well. It’s a nice step forward — against South American teams, it’s always complicated," the 57-year-old told 'MagentaTV'.
Beyond the qualification itself, the end of the match was marked by great tension and provocations from the Paraguay players.
According to Deschamps, he had to take special measures against this dangerous style of play, specifically to protect Mbappé: "They know how to play like that — and in the end, we’re the ones who get punished. We got two yellow cards, while they committed endless fouls that weren’t even penalized. Especially with Kylian: I still remember 2018 against Uruguay, when I had to take him off because otherwise they would have practically kicked him to pieces. I immediately instructed the two strongest players on the bench to protect him after the final whistle, because you never know. A match is never really over, and I don’t want to lose any player."
In closing, he highlighted the unity of his team: "I have a united team with an excellent attitude. Today we had difficult spells, but we did exactly what was necessary."
📺 It's today! Where to watch Brazil v Norway and Mexico v England
It’s Brazil National Team match day! The only five-time FIFA World Cup champion will face Norway in search of a spot in the quarterfinals.
Later, there’s also Mexico vs England. So, check out the kickoff times and where to watch, plan ahead, and share your prediction for these two huge matches.
FIFA World Cup 🏆
5pm - Brazil vs Norway: Globo, SporTV, SBT, NSports, GETV and CazéTV
9pm - Mexico vs England: CazéTV
Brazilian Serie B 🇧🇷
8:30pm - Náutico vs Juventude: SporTV and Premiere
Brazilian Serie C 🇧🇷
11am - Ypiranga vs Paysandu: SportyNet and YouTube (SportyNet)
9pm - Anápolis vs Botafogo-PB: SportyNet and YouTube (SportyNet)
Ivan Provedel to Join Inter on €3m Deal, Medical Imminent
Inter are on the verge of signing goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio, with a fee of approximately €3 million agreed and a three-year contract worth €1.5 million net per season ready for the player to sign.
According to Tuttosport via Tuttomercatoweb, Provedel is expected in Milan imminently to undergo medical examinations before putting pen to paper on a deal running through to 2029. The agreement between the clubs has been finalised after a negotiation in which Lazio initially sought closer to €4–5 million before converging on Inter’s valuation.
The move has been in motion for several weeks. As SempreInter reported in June, the Nerazzurri had identified Provedel as their primary goalkeeping target, with personal terms reached before the club-to-club fee was resolved. The process accelerated once Inter cleared their UEFA Settlement Agreement obligations, giving the club cleaner room to operate in the market.
Tzolakis Was Inter’s Fallback Option
Tuttosport also reveals that Inter had a contingency ready. Had the Lazio talks broken down, sporting director Beppe Marotta’s staff had identified Konstantinos Tzolakis – the 2002-born Olympiacos goalkeeper with Greek international experience – as the primary alternative. Inter ultimately did not need to pursue that route.
Provedel slots in as the experienced backup to Josep Martínez, completing the goalkeeping hierarchy under Cristian Chivu. Yann Sommer’s departure had left the position vacant, and at €3 million for a goalkeeper with top-flight Lazio experience, the Nerazzurri have addressed it at minimal cost. A formal announcement is expected within days once the remaining paperwork is exchanged.
Reece James is set to miss England’s 2026 World Cup last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico this evening.
The Chelsea captain has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury sustained against Ghana in the group stage.
James is yet to return to full training with Thomas Tuchel’s squad and sat out the final training session ahead of the meeting with Mexico. He is currently undergoing an individual training programme in the hope he can feature later in the tournament, should England progress.
England take on the co-hosts at the Azteca, in what promises to be a difficult task. Mexico have won all four games at this summer’s tournament and possess a formidable record at their iconic home stadium. The fixture will kick-off at 1am BST on Monday 6th July.
There was better news for Tuchel, with Declan Rice set to be passed fit. Jarell Quansah has also returned to full training and could replace Djed Spence at right-back. Quansah missed the win over DR Congo with a hamstring issue.
Login
