Serena Williams v Maya Joint

Wimbledon was also going to be one to watch, whoever the 44-year-old was drawn next to ahead of her first singles match in four years. Williams could have played anyone in the women’s draw, so in Australia’s Maya Joint, the American has perhaps landed a forgiving opening opponent.

We should remember, of course, that Williams lost her last match at Wimbledon to the virtually unknown Harmony Tan, then ranked 115th in the world. Even with two matches in doubles under her belt, there is going to be a lot of rust - and unknowns - when Williams steps back onto Centre Court. Given the unprecedented nature of her comeback, Williams will still be a huge underdog against Joint, the world No 53.

That’s not to say it’s not a winnable match for Williams, or a daunting prospect for the 20-year-old Joint. After all, tennis history will tower over the Australian when the players step onto court. Williams is the greatest women’s player of all time, with 23 grand slam titles and seven Wimbledon crowns. Joint may have won a WTA title on grass at Eastbourne, but she has only progressed past the first-round of a grand slam twice. It’s going to be the biggest match of Joint’s career by some distance.

That can play into Williams’ hands. Everything about this match will be compelling, from the show of Williams’ return, to the fact that there will be a 24-year age gap between the players.

Jack Draper v Taylor Fritz

Everything about this screams blockbuster. It looks like it could be a grand slam semi-final, between two players who have been ranked inside the world’s top five as recently as last year, but it’s taking place in the first round.

Jack Draper, of course, is on the comeback trail. Last year, the Briton entered Wimbledon as the fourth seed. This time, he’s not just unseeded but ranked 160th in the world, after a nightmare year of injury set-backs. Whether the 24-year-old’s body can stand up to a best-of-five match so soon into his latest comeback, given persistent injury issues, remains a huge unknown.

But Draper’s belief is growing, and he will relish the opportunity of stepping onto Centre Court and the big stage in front of his home fans after so spending so long on the sidelines. Draper’s confidence has been picked up by the arrival of a legend in his corner - none other than two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. With the backing of his idol, Draper can be dangerous.

Fritz, though, has found form on the grass after skipping most of the clay-court season due to a persistent knee injury. The American reached the Wimbledon semi-finals only last year, and it required an inspired Carlos Alcaraz to subdue him. He has since reached back-to-back finals at Stuttgart and Halle -which included an impressive win over top seed Alexander Zverev.

Fritz and Draper could have met at this week’s Eastbourne, but the 28-year-old American pulled out on the eve of the warm-up event citing a back injury. It made sense: Fritz has a chance of winning Wimbledon if he can replicate his grass-court form. One thing is for sure, though, this is as tough as an opening draw as either player could have asked for.

Iga Swiatek v Taylor Townsend

Defending champion Iga Swiatek has been handed a tricky start to her title defence: a first career meeting with American Taylor Townsend.

A lot has changed in the Pole’s camp since she won a maiden Wimbledon title last year, with Francisco Roig – former coach of Rafael Nadal, Matteo Berrettini, and, for a split second, Emma Raducanu – now in her corner.

Her on-court issues – particularly on serve – over the last couple of seasons haven’t gone away, and a loss in Bad Homburg to Emma Navarro means she arrives at SW19 having played just one grass-court match before beginning her title defence. But she bounced back from a poor (by her own standards) French Open last year to win a major title on what had hitherto been her worst surface, so anything is possible.

First she’ll have to get past Townsend, an unfancied opponent on paper who could certainly cause her problems. The world No 81 has had a mixed season so far, failing to get past the opening round in singles at either the Australian or French Open.

But she is fresh from winning the women’s doubles title at Roland-Garros and could be overdue a breakthrough at Wimbledon, where she has never gone beyond the second round.

Hannah Klugman v Barbora Krejcikova

Several of the British wildcards have been handed tough draws, but perhaps the pick of them all is Hannah Klugman, who will face 2024 champion Barbora Krejcikova in just her second appearance at Wimbledon.

The 17-year-old Klugman is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most promising young hopefuls, and the Wimbledon native has been given a wildcard to her home tournament for the second time. Her rise began when she won the prestigious Orange Bowl trophy, a major tournament for under-18s, in 2023.

One of her opponents on the way to victory was American teenager Iva Jovic, who is now ranked 17th in the world. Klugman’s progress since then has been slower – she is currently the world No 412 – but she claimed a brilliant first WTA Tour win only 10 days ago in Nottingham, which she entered as a lucky loser, beating compatriot Harriet Dart in straight sets in the first round.

That win will boost her confidence on the surface heading to her home slam, while she can swing freely as the total underdog against Czech Krejcikova. The two-time major winner had an indifferent start to 2026 but appears to be coming into form at just the right time, reaching the final in s’Hertogenbosch – albeit then withdrawing with illness.

Stan Wawrinka v Matteo Berretinni

One of the most eye-catching of these first-round draws. Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka has been given a wildcard entry into his final Championships as he continues his farewell tour before retiring at the end of the year.

The three-time major champion has been drawn against one of the most dangerous unseeded players: former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 showpiece. It’s a clash between two fan favourites, and two titans of the sport who have both in latter years been ravaged by injury and bad luck (in Berrettini’s case) and simply the passage of time (in Wawrinka’s).

After years of misfortune Berrettini appeared back to his best at the French Open, reaching the quarter-finals on his first appearance at the tournament in five years, but retired with a hip problem as he trailed a set and 5-2 down.

The 30-year-old has not played since then but if he has managed to shake off that injury he will be a difficult opponent for anyone on a surface which suits his huge serve perfectly, and on which he has unfinished business after that lone Wimbledon final appearance. Against the 41-year-old Wawrinka it may simply be a case of whose body holds up better in what is sure to be an entertaining clash.

British players in the draw - women’s singles

• (WC) Mika Stojsavljevic v Belinda Bencic (11)
• Fran Jones v Diane Parry
• Emma Raducanu (30) v Antonia Ruzic
• (WC) Harriet Dart v Jelena Ostapenko
• Alicia Parks v Alicia Dudeney (WC)
• Barbora Krejcikova v Hannah Klugman (WC)
• Irina-Camelia Begu v Katie Swan (WC)
• Katie Boulter v Tyra Grant (Q)
• Mimi Xu vs Daria Kasatkina

British players in the draw - men’s singles

• Cameron Norrie (26) v Michael Zheng (Q)
• Shintaro Mochizuki (Q) v Max Basing (Q)
• Brandon Nakashima (28) v Jack Pinnington Jones (WC)
• Felix Gill (WC) v Rafael Jodar (23)
• Arthur Rinderknech (25) v Oliver Tarvet (Q)
• Karen Khachanov (19) v Billy Harris (Q)
• Jakub Mensik (15) v Toby Samuel (WC)
• Damir Dzumhur v Arthur Fery (WC)
• Taylor Fritz (6) v Jack Draper
• Alex Michelsen v Jacob Fearnley (WC)
• Vit Kropiva v Jan Choinski
• Valentin Royer v Harry Wendelken (WC)

Pro Football Focus gives the unit their flowers. PFF ranked Buffalo's the sixth-best in the NFL at the end of last season.

In 2026, the Bills four of five starters return so expectations are high. The likes of Alec Anderson and free-agent signee Austin Corbett will battle it out in training camp to replace David Edwards at left guard.

Eventually, the Bills' offensive line will have the best group that the team thinks can block some of the pass rushers the NFL has to offer in 2026. There are plenty of noteworthy opponents en route next year.

Bills Wire's ranking of the five-best pass rushers on the 2026 schedule:

Broncos' Nik Bonitto (Week 16)

Raiders' Maxx Crosby (Week 6)

Lions' Aiden Hutchinson (Week 2)

Packers' Micah Parsons (Week 14)

Rams' Myles Garrett (Week 5)

5 best pass rushers the Bills face during the 2026 NFL season

The New York Knicks are feeling the strain of team owner James Dolan’s proclamation that the team won’t go into the second apron.

The Knicks currently have nine players on the roster for the 2026-27 season with a payroll of $205 million guaranteed. This leaves them with just $17 million to fill out their roster under the $222 million second-apron threshold.

This won’t be enough to keep their title-winning team together, and the front office is not happy about it.

Knicks’ front office wants James Dolan to ignore the second apron

The Athletic’s Fred Katz revealed that the Knicks front office is actively desiring to go over the second apron to build their squad for title retention, but Dolan is unwilling to change his mind after publicly saying he won’t let the team enter the second apron two weeks ago.

“The Knicks’ front office knows this. And yet, it also understands that dipping below the second apron would lead to much of its depth flocking elsewhere, which is why, despite Dolan’s desires, it wants to go over the second apron, according to league sources, who were granted anonymity to speak freely. But so far, Dolan has not changed his mind.”

The only team in the NBA to go into the second apron last season was the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team New York swept on their way to the title.

It isn’t compulsory to be in the second apron to win a title, and that’s what Dolan wants his front office to execute once again.

Knicks can’t avoid the second apron to retain their roster

Ignoring the nearly $2.5 million they’ll need to spread out over their two 2026 second-round picks (Jack Kayil, Tyler Nickel), the Knicks have $17 million to bring back Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Ariel Hukporti.

That budget for all these players is impossible, and Dolan has made his peace with it, unlike the front office. Robinson alone might get a contract worth $10 to $15 million in free agency, so the Knicks stand no chance at bringing him back and staying apron compliant.

They could retain all the other pieces if Clarkson and Hukporti return on minimums while Shamet and Alvarado get contracts between $4-5 million. Still, it’d be cutting it close without Robinson in play.

Expect the Knicks to try and use their status as the reigning champions in a big market to entice free agents on minimum deals, as it doesn’t look like they’ll be breaking the bank for another title run.

Read more:

England scrum-half and World Cup winner Lucy Packer has signed a new deal with Harlequins Women.

The 26-year-old made her Quins debut in 2018 and passed 100 appearances for the club in February.

2025 World Cup and, most recently, the 2026 Six Nations.

told the club's website: "Reaching 100 caps with my family and friends at The Stoop earlier this year was incredibly special and I'm excited to be running out in front of the home crowd again next season."

Head coach Ross Chisholm said: "Lucy is one of the best scrum-halves in the game. We've seen her take her game to another level this season for club and country.

"She is a key part of our squad and someone who brings calmness and precision to our game plan on pitch."

"To have already reached 100 appearances for Harlequins at such a young age is testament to her dedication and commitment to the club".

The length of the deal is undisclosed.

wildest experience” in his over 20 years of calling combat sports.

UFC President and CEO Dana White recently peeled back the curtain on his experience with Rogan in those 20 years leading up to the event, and how much Rogan’s loyalty means to him.

“I’ve had people call and say: ‘You gotta do this to Rogan,'” White revealed in a podcast appearance.

Dana White reveals people with money tried to get Joe Rogan fired

“In Rogan’s rise, he’s gone through some stuff personally too. I’ve had people call and say you gotta do this to Rogan”

pic.twitter.com/M5yprQrUZL

June 26, 2026

“I’m like: ‘Don’t ever call me. Who the hell are you to call me and tell me who I’m going to fire?’”

“Joe Rogan did the first 12 fights for us for free,” White added. “When we bought this company, the only two who were any good on radio were Joe Rogan and me, but nobody knew who I was. We’d get up at 3:00 in the morning, get dropped into East Coast markets, and do the same interviews over and over. Rogan and I did this for years.”

“He’s been a key, instrumental part of this company.”

White made it clear that as long as he’s in charge, Rogan will have a place within the UFC.

“He’s been a key, instrumental part of this company. And for anybody, I don’t give a damn how much money you have, or sponsor, or whatever… Nothing’s happening to Joe Rogan. Loyalty. It’s the most important thing in the world to me.”

However, it sounds like another UFC Freedom 250 event isn’t in the cards for Rogan.

“I can’t afford it,” White said of the event. “There’s no [freaking] way we can do this again. I’ll never do the Sphere again, and we’ll never do this again.”

Still, if the UFC does any new sort of one-off event, you can expect Rogan to be a part of it.

‘Don’t ever call me’: Dana White addresses pressure to fire Joe Rogan:The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Mati Soulé is being targeted by several Arab clubs.

The Argentine talent could leave Roma by June 30th, and the most concrete interest currently appears to be coming from Saudi Arabia.

As reported in today’s edition of Repubblica, negotiations with Al-Ahli are advanced.

Roma is asking for €30 million plus bonuses to release the 2003-born player.

The Arab club is ready to offer a salary of €10 million per year to the player, who is currently deliberating with his entourage about his future.

The World Cup has a way of introducing us to some of the most exciting talents in world football.

Johan Manzambi is about.

Manzambi has dazzled at the World Cup

The SC Freiburg midfielder already has three goals and one assist in just his first three World Cup games, and it gets even more impressive when you realise he has only started once across those three matches.

While many midfielders can operate in all three midfield positions, few do so at the level Manzambi does. Whether deployed as a six, eight or ten, the Swiss midfielder consistently performs to the highest standard, and it is not just his country benefiting from it. He has been doing exactly that for his club, too.

He is the true definition of plug-and-play, and he is precisely the kind of player this United side, which is attempting a midfield rebuild, ought to gamble on.

Should have climbed Man United’s wishlist

battle with Liverpool even mooted. But now, United should be all over this deal.

after signing EdersonAurélien TchouameniCarlos Baleba, or Alex Scott, Manzambi should come in as the third midfielder. The Swiss could offer everything the overpriced Mateus Fernandes would, if not more.

Great in all phases of the game

Michael Carrick against low blocks. His creativity, excellent ball-carrying, strong dribbling, progressive passing and constant desire to make things happen between the lines make him a nightmare to contain.

He draws fouls for fun because defenders simply have no other answer. There is no clean way to stop him; you just foul him and hope the referee bails you out.

Yet he is not just good in possession; he is superb out of it, too. He is a fantastic dueller, both aerially and on the ground, and presses with an intensity that most players at this level simply do not possess.

All things considered, given how Manzambi is absolutely lighting up the World Cup and announcing himself to the world, he will be looking for a move this summer, for sure.

Hopefully, Ineos presents Old Trafford as the obvious destination, the perfect stage to take his game to the next level.Featured image Mattia Ozbot via Getty Images

online polls

@peoplesperson.bsky.social

Michigan football has been seemingly collecting safeties in the 2027 class, though it's tended to gain some and then lose some.

Wolverines have two safeties pledged in four-star Tavares Harrington and three-star Charles Woodson Jr., but they may be on the verge of landing a third. Previously, the maize and blue had two other safeties in the fold, in Darrell Mattison and Maxwell Miles, but both ended up decommitting before ending up at other schools.

However, there's a strong chance that another top-flight defensive back is on his way in short order.

The Wolverines hosted Malvern (Pa.) Haverford School four-star safety Marcus Jones for an official visit over the weekend and appears to be in good standing with the 6-foot-3, 190-pound defensive back. They're battling Tennessee for his services, but it won't be long before he reveals his school of choice. According to his Instagram, he plans to make his decision on Friday.

@MarcusJones088) will announce his decision tomorrow. 👀

pic.twitter.com/y9kKw6o9Tk

June 26, 2026

Jones is rated highest by Rivals, which has him as the No. 191 player in the country, regardless of position. He did receive a prediction from Steve Wiltfong indicating that the Vols would be the choice, however that came before he visited Ann Arbor this past weekend.

Ohio StateKentuckyWisconsinNorth CarolinaWisconsin, and others.

Michigan football nears decision for safety Marcus Jones

Bino WattersLandon Hood. The Tigers also return a strong core of promising players from the 2026 squad, including the entire starting rotation and a handful of freshmen.

LSU needs the transfers to perform, but Johnson's staff will count on in-house players taking a step, too. LSU didn't lose many hitters in the transfer portal, meaning a lot of talented players will be back in the spring.

Here are three LSU baseball players primed for a breakout season in 2027.

William Patrick, Outfield

Patrick was a freshman in 2026. Perfect Game ranked Patrick as a top-100 freshman entering the season, and he was one of the top recruits in Louisiana last cycle. Jay Johnson has raved about Patrick's athleticism. He's 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, and has a rare blend of size and speed.

Patrick made 12 starts in 2026, most of which came near the end of the season when LSU's outfield depth was tested. In 41 ABs, Patrick hit .220 with a .577 OPS. He struck out 15 times and only tallied one extra-base hit. Those numbers aren't impressive.

But Patrick was a young player in a tough situation. He was thrust into an inconsistent lineup and had to face top-tier SEC pitching without much runway or experience. But Patrick has the talent to play in the SEC. Johnson's willingness to play Patrick, paired with Patrick's decision to stick around, is a strong signal for 2027. Patrick won't have to be at the top of the order, alleviating some of the pressure. Look for the LSU outfielder to take a major step next spring.

Marcos Paz, Pitcher

Another freshman, Paz was quick to earn playing time. He pitched in LSU's opening series vs. Milwaukee and started a midweek game in February. Paz was shaky as a freshman, posting a 9.20 ERA and walking 27 batters. But the stuff is there.

Paz was ranked as a top-35 freshman in the sport entering the year and features a versatile pitch mix with strong breaking balls. Command was a problem for the young right-hander, but if Paz can figure out how to locate in 2027, he's not far off from being a really good pitcher in the SEC.

With LSU returning its entire opening day rotation from 2026, the path to a starting role for Paz in 2027 isn't clear, but he'll compete to be one of Jay Johnson's high-leverage arms.

Mason Braun, First Base

I debated whether to even put Braun on this list. I view his 2026 campaign as a breakout, but I included him because I think his 2027 will be that much better. Braun's plate discipline was elite -- not just for a true freshman, but for anyone in the SEC. He walked 35 times, hit over .300, and posted a .904 OPS. Late in the year, Braun settled into the leadoff role.

Braun isn't your typical leadoff hitter, but with the rate he reached base, it made sense to put him top of the order.

Braun can play first base or outfield, but projects to be LSU's starting first baseman in 2027. He was in an everyday role by the end of 2026 and shouldn't have any issue continuing that job in 2027. Braun projects to be one of the best hitters in the SEC.

Three LSU baseball players primed for a big 2027

The Gunners want to add a new central midfielder to their squad this summer and are assessing numerous options, with Guimaraes and Tonali among the players the club have actively explored.

As things stand, it is understood Arsenal only want one leading central midfielder, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi are other options being considered.

Discussions with Guimaraes' camp have taken place to discover the conditions of a potential deal for the 28-year-old, while there have been similar talks with Tonali's representatives.

It is understood Newcastle have not yet had an approach from Arsenal.

The club has already turned down a bid of around £80m from Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali and do not want to lose Guimaraes, the team's captain and talisman.

Guimaraes, who has two years left on his contract, has been focused on his efforts with Brazil at the World Cup, where his side will face Japan in the last 32.

As BBC Sport previously reported, Newcastle are in a strong position to command a greater fee closer to £100m for Tonali as Manchester City also monitor developments.

The Italian international is effectively contracted until 2030 after he signed a new contract during his 10-month betting ban to repay the faith the club showed in him.

The current transfer market might also work in Newcastle's favour, if a bidding war ensues, given the valuations of midfielders elsewhere.

Manchester City have agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign England's Elliot Anderson for a club record £116m, while West Ham want up to £80m for Mateus Fernandes, 21.

With Guimaraes turning 29 in November and Tonali having turned 26 in May, the age of both players is likely to emerge as a key factor in how much Arsenal would be willing to pay.

But sources have indicated the Gunners have also expressed a firm interest in 22-year-old Scott, who currently has interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

The merits of swoops for Morocco international Bouaddi and West Ham's Fernandes, who is also a key target for Tottenham, have also been assessed internally.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is renowned for working on numerous deals simultaneously before making a final decision on which one to execute.

The arrival of another central midfielder will lead to the sale of a current player in the same position, with Denmark's Christian Norgaard, 32, someone the club will listen to offers for.

It could also bring into question Martin Zubimendi's role as a regular starter in Mikel Arteta's starting XI next season.

Newcastle analysis - Club need to signal ambition again

The window has not long been open, but some of the Premier League's highest-earning clubs have their eyes on Newcastle's best players.

Tottenham Hotspur have already made an unsuccessful opening offer for Tonali, while Arsenal hold an interest in the Italian as well as fellow midfielder Guimaraes.

Tonali is a key player at Newcastle, but it is hard to overstate Guimaraes' importance - the Brazilian really is this team's heartbeat.

Last season was a bruising domestic campaign, one in which Newcastle finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League, but Guimaraes tellingly still emerged with some credit as the club's player of the year.

The midfielder repeatedly popped up with openers, equalisers and winners in his best ever goalscoring season (9).

Newcastle, understandably, don't want to lose him.

They had to become better sellers, but simply cannot afford for Guimaraes, Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak to depart in the space of just a year.

What sort of message would that send?

After missing out on Spain international forward Victor Munoz, who opted to join Liverpool, Newcastle need a breakthrough of their own in the transfer market.

They have to signal some form of ambition again - not least to the players they currently have.

• Latest Newcastle news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Newcastle - what do you want to know?

BaylorTennessee basbeball, he announced on Instagram on June 26.

The 6-foot-2, 193-pound junior started his career at Texas Tech before transferring to Baylor. He was an All-Big 12 second team selection in 2026 with a .369 batting average, 82 total hits and nine home runs.

BaylorTennessee basbeball, he announced on Instagram on June 26.

The 6-foot-2, 193-pound junior started his career at Texas Tech before transferring to Baylor. He was an All-Big 12 second team selection in 2026 with a .369 batting average, 82 total hits and nine home runs.

The MLB season is at its midpoint. Teams have played 80-85 games, and while it seems the season has been going on forever, it still has a long way to go. Three months remain until October baseball, and a lot will shake up across the scenery of Major League Baseball. Certain players are set to rise to their peaks, while others are out of the gates hot. These are regression candidates in fantasy baseball, better called "sell-high's."

OF, Mickey Moniak

Moniak recently returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for one month. In those 3 games since his return, Moniak is 2-for-6 but with 3 strikeouts. Nothing worth concern there, but the statistics do point towards regression being more likely than progression.

In 156 at-bats, Moniak is batting a career-best .292 for average and .931 for OPS. While it is possible to maintain, the Rockies are not very good at 32-49. As the season winds down, so will the locker room vibes. I would rather own players in the playoff push, so Moniak is sellable.

3B, Ernie Clement

All-Star bid Statcast sheet for Clement points towards very poor bat-on-ball ability.

Clement ranks in the 44th percentile of Batting Run Value. He is in the 5th percentile of xwOBA, 16th in xSLG, 5th in Avg Exit Velo, 4th in Hard Hit %, 4th in Bat Speed, and 1st (Bad) in Chase %. While batting .294 for average, his xAVG is only in the 50th percentile.

SP, Eduardo Rodriguez

Venezuela win the World Baseball Classic. We can say "maybe" anyone can maintain good baseball, but statistics prove all lies, and Rodriguez is bound to regress.

Rodriguez has a 2.27 ERA, but a moderate 1.21 WHIP. His xERA is 4.77, with a 22nd-percentile xBA. In both 2024 and 2025, Rodriguez has an ERA >5.00 and a WHIP >1.50. Fantasy baseball managers ought to be nervous about his stat line regulating. Sell Rodriguez.

SP, Justin Wrobelski

At name value, Wrobelski looks attractive as a Dodgers starting pitcher. However, that should be your selling point, not your holding point. What looks good? Wrobelski has a plus-15 Pitching Run Value and plus-15 Fastball Run Value. His walk rate is also 5.2%, accompanying his 2.71 ERA and 1.01 WHIP.

What looks bad? Wrobelski had a 4.32 ERA in 2025 and a 5.70 ERA in 2024. This season will be his first season pitching 25+ games as a starter. That is always a huge concern for players stretching out for their first time. In xERA, Wrobelski only sits at a 4.32. His xBA is .271, with other various Statcast metrics in the bottom 10% of the MLB. Sell the Dodger while his value seems to be at its peak.

More Fantasy Sports On SI News:

• Ranking the Top Rookie Fantasy Football Players From the 2026 NFL Draft
• David Peterson Trade From Mets To Cubs Could Kickstart Fantasy Baseball Turnaround
• Fantasy Basketball Impact: Austin Reaves Signs 4-Year Extension With Lakers
• Justin Jefferson And 2 Other Fantasy Football Bounce Back Candidates

Fantasy Baseball Sell-High Candidates: 2 Hitters, 2 Pitchers Set to Fall Off a Cliff.

New York Metsannounced they had fired manager Carlos Mendoza after two and a half seasons with the club.

New York Yankees bench coach was lucky to hold on to his job after how his team finished last year. However, despite a sizable roster and coaching staff overhaul by President David Stearns this offseason, it was just a matter of time before Mendoza was ousted after the Mets’ very expensive roster had looked terrible so far this year.

Replacing Mendoza as interim skipper will be Senior Vice President for Player Development Andy Green. Assuming Green doesn’t lead a stunning turnaround over the final few months of the season, we look at seven potential long-term replacement options in the fall.

Carlos Beltran, Mets special assistant

Carlos BeltranHouston Astros‘ sign-stealing scandal cost him the job. Yet, he remains a part of the organization as a special assistant and has been linked to other managerial jobs over the last few years.

Beltran is a well-respected mind around the game, and his knowledge of the Mets organization in the front office and on the field is a major plus. Furthermore, he may be able to connect with the team’s Latin stars better than Mendoza has since he was an elite player in MLB.

Joe Girardi, Former Phillies & Yankees manager

YankeesPhiladelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi could be an option.

Although he had a disappointing run in Philly, he still has a World Series title on his resume (2009 with the Yanks) and is well-versed in handling the New York media. Girardi is one of the few managers available who has won under the NYC spotlight and knows how to handle big stars.

Albert Pujols, Angels special assistant & Team DR manager

St. Louis CardinalsAlbert PujolsLos Angeles Angels and was a candidate for their manager job after last season.

World Baseball ClassicJuan Soto. That, along with his impressive resume as a player, would make him an intriguing option for the Mets job.

Rays bench coach

Tampa Bay RaysJose Altuve.

However, he’s become a favorite of players for his style of coaching. The 48-year-old would bring a fresh approach to the Mets clubhouse, and has momentum behind him as a coach for the team with the second-best record in the American League.

Alex Cora, Former Red Sox Manager

Boston Red SoxAlex Cora after eight seasons. While the team had a few losing years under his watch (including an 11-17 start to 2026), the 50-year-old had some very good years in Beantown, including a World Series win in 2018.

Mookie BettsAlex Bregman walk. Or passed on spending big to improve the roster despite being in a major market.

Cora knows how to manage rosters with big stars from his time in Boston and Houston, and has one of the best resumes of the veteran managers available.

George Lombard, Tigers bench coach

Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard. His status around the game has risen over the last few years due to his strong reputation in player development during stints in Boston, Los Angeles, and now in Detroit. Unless he is overruled by Cohen, Stearns will probably prefer a less experienced coach to be his next manager. The former MLB player will likely be on the candidates’ list.

David Ross, Former Cubs manager

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross. While he wasn’t amazing in Chi-Town, he was still rock solid, and the team posted an 83-79 record before he was replaced by Craig Counsell.

Sometimes managers need to fail in their first job before they really understand the intricacies of the job. Ross could be far better in his second stint as a manager, especially with the Mets’ resources.

Related Headlines

• Top MLB Insider Warns NY Mets Fans About BIG Risk in Firing David Stearns
• Watch: Terrifying 7.5 Magnitude Quake Rocks Venezuela Baseball Stadium as Players and Fans Flee in Panic
• Mets’ Fire Sale Begins, Peterson Headed to Chicago In One-For-One Swap

Wrexham's remarkable ascent, is set to depart the club following the mutual termination of his contract.

His exit marks the end of an era for the 31-year-old, who played a pivotal role in the Welsh side's journey from the National League to the Championship.

Since arriving from Cambridge in 2021, Mullin netted an impressive 110 goals in 172 appearances, cementing his status as a fan favourite.

His profile soared further through his prominent feature in the award-winning Welcome to Wrexham docuseries, with co-owner Ryan Reynolds previously stating he "could not imagine seeing Mulls on loan and in another kit" following his move to Wigan last season.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson expressed his gratitude, stating: "I would like to wish Paul all the best. This settlement enables him to take his time and find the right club for him, going forward.

“It can’t be underestimated the role Mulls has played in the story of Wrexham Football Club over the last five years, with so many memorable goals and moments."

Parkinson added: "He’ll be a player always remembered and revered by our supporters."

Mullin, who secured three consecutive player of the season awards, was also one of only ten players to achieve back-to-back-to-back promotions with the club.

However, after falling down the pecking order ahead of Wrexham’s season in the Championship last summer, Mullin was sent out on loan to Wigan Athletic in League One.

He made 26 appearances for Wigan across all competitions, scoring five goals.

Mullin then moved to Bradford City on loan for the second half of the season. He was restricted to just nine matches for the club, and failed to score during this period.

Meanwhile, Wrexham came desperately close to reaching the Championship play-offs before missing out to Hull City on the final day of the season. Hull went on to win the play-offs to seal their return to the Premier League.

Wrexham will target another promotion push next season, but will do so without Mullin in their squad.

He leaves as Wrexham's ninth-highest goalscorer of all time.

While Quinint Morris and Hunter Long may have more NFL seasons under their belts, Strange sits atop the tight end depth chart and is frankly one of the more important players on this team. And with that comes the responsibility of leadership.

Helping Strange establish his voice in that regard was the time he spent early in his career with Evan Engram.

"I think for me, I lead vocally sometimes," Strange said. "I speak up every once in a while when things need to be said. But it's just about going out there and doing it. That's how I learned from Evan [Engram]. He went out there every single day and he just put the work in and he showed the guys what it took to, you know, become a player of his caliber. And for me, I think that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to come out there every single day and I'm going to put my best foot forward and I'm going to work hard in practice. And I think that says enough."

Jaguars' tight end room this year, with Jacksonville using a second-round pick on Nate Boerkircher and a fifth-round pick on Tanner Koziol.

well-rounded skill set, not unlike Strange, to the position group. Koziol is more of a pass-catching threat.

the stage is set for the Jaguars to rely much more heavily on two and three-tight-end sets this season, which can provide a schematic advantage.

How Jaguars' Brenton Strange leads tight end room and offense

1.99-mile Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. The forecast also looks favorable throughout the weekend, giving teams uninterrupted track time to prepare for Sunday’s race.

Here’s everything fans need to know before the green flag drops.

Sonoma NASCAR Weekend Weather Forecast

The weather should cooperate from Friday through Sunday, with warm temperatures, mostly sunny skies, and only a minimal chance of rain each day.

Friday is expected to be the coolest day of the weekend with a high near 75 degrees and around a 12% chance of rain. West winds between 15 and 25 mph could create occasional gusts around the raceway, but conditions are expected to remain dry throughout practice, qualifying, and the ARCA race.

Saturday looks even better, with sunshine, a high near 74 degrees, and just an 8% chance of rain. Winds are expected between 10 and 20 mph, allowing teams ideal conditions for Cup practice, qualifying, and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.

the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Temperatures should climb to around 82 degrees under mostly sunny skies with only about a 1% chance of rain. Winds between 10 and 20 mph may create subtle handling changes during the afternoon, but weather is not expected to affect the race.

Full Sonoma Weekend Schedule

Friday, June 26

1:40 p.m. ET
ARCA Menards Series West Practice

3:10 p.m. ET
ARCA Menards Series West Qualifying

4 p.m. ET
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice
TV/Streaming: CW App

5:05 p.m. ET
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying
TV/Streaming: CW App

6:30 p.m. ET
ARCA Menards Series West General Tire 150
Streaming: FloRacing

Saturday, June 27

2 p.m. ET
NASCAR Cup Series Practice
TV: truTV
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

3:10 p.m. ET
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
TV: truTV
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

5:30 p.m. ET
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250
TV: The CW
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Sunday, June 28

3:30 p.m. ET
NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350
TV: TNT Sports
Streaming: HBO Max
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Sonoma Returns as a Midseason Road-Course Test

one of NASCAR’s premier road courses, rewarding precision, patience, and tire management over outright speed. The 1.99-mile circuit features dramatic elevation changes, tight corners, and heavy braking zones that routinely produce strategy-driven finishes.

With the weather expected to remain consistent throughout the weekend, teams should receive uninterrupted practice and qualifying sessions before Sunday’s Cup race. That puts the spotlight squarely on execution, as drivers search for the right balance before one of the most demanding races of the regular season.

summer stretch of the schedule.

NBA Draft has concluded, but teams around the league aren't done adding more talent to their rosters.

Teams have already begun to sign undrafted free agents as the summer league approaches.

Cam BoozerKarim López Richie Saunderstorn ACL injury and will not play, according to coach Tuomas Iisalo.

Blue Jacketsdepth forward Mikael Pyyhtia, who spent most of last season with the AHL's Cleveland Monsters.

More: Columbus Blue Jackets add lesser known Tuch brother in AHL trade

Pyyhtia, 24, agreed to a two-year contract that's a two-way NHL/AHL deal for the upcoming season and a full one-way NHL pact in the second year.

According to PuckPedia, Pyyhtia will be paid $875,000 at the NHL level next season and $200,000 at the AHL level. He'll make $875,000 no matter which level he plays in 2027-28, which is an indication the Blue Jackets think he could earn an NHL spot.

"Mikael is a versatile, two-way forward who brings speed, energy and competitiveness to the lineup,” Blue Jackets president/general manager Don Waddell said in a statement.  “He was very good in Cleveland last season, and we are excited about his future."

Pyyhtia made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets by playing two games at the end of the 2022-23 and played 17 more games for them in 2023-24. He got his most extensive NHL use at the start 2024-25 in former coach Dean Evason's first season, contributing four goals, three assists and seven points while skating in a defensive role on the fourth line.

just 11 points on five goals and six assists with a minus-19 plus/minus rating in 71 career NHL games, but an offensive breakout with the Monsters last season could give him a leg up at training camp.

Pyyhtia, who stands 6 feet and 178 pounds, set AHL career highs in 2025-26 with 21 goals, 28 assists and 49 points, which included seven power play goals, three short-handed goals and 126 shots in 59 games. He led Cleveland in short-handed goals and ranked second in goals, points and power-play goals (tied).

Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness.

Dispatch Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com

Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign depth forward Mikael Pyyhtia

Management’s latest offer, which would radically redefine the sport’s reserve system and limit free-agent contracts, completes an overarching set of starting bids from its side of the bargaining table. Among the key elements of ownership’s opening salvos:

• introduction of a hard salary cap and floorsomething that players are vehemently against, and have been for the union’s entire six-decade existence. 
• dramatically retooled system for amateur players to become professionals, including a prohibition on drafting U.S.-born players younger than 20, the creation of a hard-slot system to assign fixed signing bonuses to draftees, and a reduction of the domestic draft from 20 rounds to 12.
• redesigned reserve system that would limit free-agent contracts for players switching teams to a maximum five-year, $202 million deal, and impose a six-year, $265 million limit for free-agent pacts involving players staying with their current team. All contract deferrals would also be outlawed. 

For top stars, the proposed contract lengths and salary levels would represent a rollback to economics generally not seen in more than a generation. In fact, even Alex Rodriguez’s 10-year, $252 million deal with the Rangers, signed in late 2000, would be impermissible on both fronts in this system. 

“One of the common themes in all their proposals is removing player choice, removing player flexibility, and removing player empowerment,” said MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer in response to a Front Office Sports question. “Whether that’s [U.S.] amateur, international, or major league, that’s been the common theme.”

have been ineffective in curbing that. 

“Every other major U.S. sport has tackled this problem, and every year, more small-market teams in those leagues have a chance to win,” said MLB spokesman Glen Caplin. “The salary cap and floor proposal levels the playing field, allowing us greater flexibility to address longstanding player priorities.”

Meyer, however, says the management’s platform so far is bringing players closer together. 

“I have never seen this degree of unity at this point among agents and players,” Meyer said. “I think, honestly, the league has done us a favor because their proposals are, in fact, so obviously and extremely bad for players at all levels that it’s actually been a benefit for our unity.

“Anybody who’s banking on Major League Baseball players cracking: it’s never happened. It’s not going to happen. And that’s why we’re the only ones [among major U.S. pro leagues] who don’t have a salary cap.”

proposed a marked increase in minimum player salaries and expanded access to free agency. The league has accepted some of those elements, including ending qualifying offers that tie draft-pick compensation to free agents—but only in the context of implementing a salary cap. 

Looking Ahead

plenty of changes are expected, the existing division heightens the likelihood of a management lockout this winter. 

“They’re the ones that did a lockout the last time, and they’re the ones who have threatened to do a lockout this time,” Meyer said of the owners. “It’s highly, highly likely that they’re going to lock us out again. Ultimately, that’s up to them, but there’s no question that we’re very far apart.”

Still, Meyer attempted to offer some optimism, given that there are nearly eight months left before the 2027 spring training games would be impacted. At least one other bargaining session is likely before next month’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia. 

“We’re not really not in much of a different spot [on the calendar] than we were the last time,” Meyer said, referencing a similarly protracted early pace to the 2021–22 round of bargaining. 

“Except for the fact that the league has chosen for the first time in [nearly] 35 years to put this thing on the table that they know we object to,” he said of the salary cap.

MLBPA: Owners’ Aggressive Labor Proposals Unite PlayersFront Office Sports.

India vs Ireland 1st T20I 2026 live score, toss winner, winning probability, result and highlights from BelfastCricket NewsPreferred Source by clicking here.

KEY MATCH DETAILS: (India vs Ireland 1st T20I)

• Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
• Captains:India), Lorcan Tucker (Ireland)
• Toss result: India won the toss and opted to bowl first. (1:00 p.m. local BST, 5:30 p.m. IST)
• Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network (India), Willow TV (USA, Canada), TNT Sports + Discovery+ (UK, Ireland)
• Umpires and Match officials: Gareth Morrison, Roly Black (on-field umpires), Jonathan Kennedy (Third/TV umpire), Aidan Seaver (Fourth/Reserve umpire), Dean Cosker (Match referee)
• Match result: TBD
• Player of the Match: TBD

MORE:How to watch India vs Ireland T20I 2026 live: Start time, TV channels and streaming details for IND vs IRE series

India vs Ireland 1st T20I live match Scorecard

click here for key text commentary updates from the action.

India vs Ireland 1st T20I: Win Probability

India vs Ireland 1st T20I 2026 Live Score Updates

India batting (second innings) summary:

• Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson open the batting as India chase 183. If the visitors chase this successfully, it would be a record score chased at the venue in T20Is.
• Sanju Samson is dismissed on 5 by Indian-born Irish left-arm pacer Jay Moondra, who picks up a wicket off the first ball on his T20I debut. 
• Another Irish debutant, Matt Holard, picks up a wicket in the first over of his debut after dismissing Ishan Kishan. He also dismissed captain Shreyas Iyer in his second over.
• India post 68/3 in the first six overs, courtesy of Abhishek's half-century.

Ireland batting (first innings) summary:

• Arshdeep Singh opens the bowling but Ireland takes 14 off the first over.
• Harshit Rana provides the first breakthrough for India in the second over, removing Ross Adair for 12(7) as Sanju Samson picks up the catch. Harry Tector comes in at No. 3.
• End of powerplay (6 overs); Ireland are 36/3 and in trouble.
• Skipper Lorcan Tucker is in the middle after Rana struck again to remove the other opener, Tim Tector, while Arshdeep dismissed Harry Tector. 
• Tucker brings up his 12th T20I half-century. Interestingly, in three matches he's captained the Irish in the format so far and he's scored fifties in all of them. His partnership with Gareth Delaney also extends over 60 runs. Ireland 111/4 in 14 overs.
• Prasidh concedes 57 runs in his 4 overs. Delany missed out on his fifty as Arshdeep scalps him on 49.
• Ireland finished on 182/9 in 20 overs. India needs 183 runs to win.

Hello everyone, and welcome to the live blog for the India vs Ireland 1st T20I 2026 at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

LIVE:Follow the India vs Ireland 1st T20I match with a Manhattan Chart - Runs scored in each over

Toss result

Shreyas Iyer wins the toss in his first match as T20I skipper. India opts to bowl first. No debut for Sooryavanshi today.

Shreyas Iyer (on Sooryavanshi): "Unfortunately, no [he isn't playing]. He's a gun player but we have some tremendous players who have done well for us, so we are backing them. He will get his chance when the time comes."

Sanjay Manjrekar on India leaving out Sooryavanshi for 1st T20I:

"It's a call based on merit. You can't drop the other guys just because we are excited with the young boy. So India are doing the right thing and that's the right message."

"They have dropped a T20 World Cup-winning captain in SKY, so India is now focused on cricketing merit, which should be the case always."

"I am glad they haven't got carried away with excitement around the young kid," he added. "He can wait his turn and he's got time unless there's place for him in the playing XI."

Pre-match:

All the talk before the game has been about the 15-year-old batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who could become India's youngest-ever international debutant if he is named in the playing XI.

However, to do that, India has to disrupt its top 3 of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, who led the side successfully to the T20 World Cup trophy earlier this year.

Fans who flock to the game are sure to be disappointed if Sooryavanshi doesn't take the field in either game. So we expect the teenager to feature in at least one of these matches -- could either Samson or Kishan sit out and then return for the England T20Is?

Meanwhile, Lorcan Tucker was handed over the captaincy duties for Ireland in the lead-up to the 2028 T20 World Cup and possibly the home World Cup in 2030. The Irish could hand out a debut to Reuben Wilson, a teenager himself, while India-born left-arm quick Jai Moondra is also expected to play his first match.

India vs Ireland 1st T20I 2026: Playing XI

Indiaplaying XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna.

Irelandplaying XI: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c&wk), Ben Calitz, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Matthew Holard, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra.

Key highlights and reactions: India vs Ireland 1st T20I

• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stands on the brink of more history with a potential India debut
• 'Why can't we do a Kenya?': Assistant coach Gary Wilson targets Ireland semi-final run at 2030 T20 World Cup, with India series as launchpad
• Has Ireland ever beaten India in T20Is? IND vs IRE full head-to-head record, series results
• Belfast's Titanic Quarter: The iconic landmark where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Team India will stay during Ireland tour

Belfast weather update: Chances of rain interrupting play

There is a high chance of rain in Belfast during the match. We might have a truncated game. Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and the probability of rainfall in Belfast on Friday.

• 12 p.m. - 22 degrees Celsius (47% chance of rain)
• 1 p.m. - 23 degrees Celsius (49% chance of rain)
• 2 p.m. - 23 degrees Celsius (54% chance of rain, thunderstorms)
• 3 p.m. - 23 degrees Celsius (49% chance of rain)
• 4 p.m. - 23 degrees Celsius (42% chance of rain)
• 5 p.m. - 23 degrees Celsius (34% chance of rain)
• 6 p.m. - 24 degrees Celsius (34% chance of rain)
• 7 p.m. - 24 degrees Celsius (23% chance of rain)

India vs Ireland T20I 2026 series schedule

Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

It’s Friday and that means it’s time to answer all the questions you fine folks put in our mailbag. This is the third week of this experiment, but I’m digging it so I think it might become a thing going forwards.

Just like the last two times, you’ve given us lots of great questions to ponder over. You’ve given us way more than we can answer in one post. But don’t worry, I’ve logged everything and we are going to try and get around to answering them all.

Scroll down to see what we got to this week!

Looking for Lightweight Contenders

Question: The 155 division got even more murky with the crowning of the new champ,(which I didn’t think was really possible)but with the Baku main event not really making much of a difference, where do we go now in your opinion with Gaethje not gonna give Ilia an immediate rematch? (JudgefnMueller13)

Andrew Richardson: Gaethje will give Topuria an immediate rematch if that’s what the UFC wants. That said, I would guess Topuria might not return until like March or April, so it’s reasonable to think Arman vs. Oliveira 2 goes down before then, and the winner faces Gaethje in Q1 2027.

Thomas Myers: Give Arman the winner of BSD vs. Pimblett. That’s a true #1 contender match. Gives UFC time to see how Ilia heals. Worst case just pull the trigger and do Gaethje vs. Arman next, then Ilia vs. Paddy (if Paddy wins), rip off the Band-Aids.

Jesse Holland: Topuria didn’t even register a single title defense and got absolutely smashed by Gaethje, so I’m not in favor of an immediate rematch. Even if Pimblett beats Saint Denis, he shouldn’t be anywhere near a title shot after his drubbing against Gaethje. I think UFC waits to see what happens between Conor and Max before deciding on how to proceed. Right now I can live with Arman vs. Gaethje and Saint Denis vs. Oliveira.

Tim Edwards: I think you either do Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan or Gaethje vs. Oliveira as soon as possible. I’d prefer Tsarukyan in that scenario. You’ve got the whole truck-gate thing to build on and Tsarukyan seems fine to wait for fights (he doesn’t need the money, after all). If you do Gaethje vs. Oliveira right away you get to unify the lightweight and BMF titles (I’m being half serious about that).

Time Travelling

Q: Let’s say we were to send two of today’s UFC fighters through some sort of Time Machine to UFC 1 in 1993. One active fighter that is most likely to dominate that tournament and an active fighter that is most likely to struggle. Which two fighters should we send? (AceSpadez37)

Andrew Richardson: I think the most hilarious option would be to send the smallest guy possible to obliterate the early competition, like Manel Kape or something. As for somebody who would struggle, any of the sloppy bar brawler-types. I doubt either Tafa brother makes serious waves in the early tournament. Or how about Trevor Peek? He might get ankle locked by Ken Shamrock. 

Alex Behunin: I want to see chaos. I would send Carlos Prates back in time to knock everyone out and then send back Leon Shahbazyan to lose to whoever he faces.

Jesse Holland: I’d like to send Jiří Procházka back to UFC 1 just to see how crazy things get. Tai Tuivasa gets my other vote because he fights like he just stepped out of the 1993 time machine. 

Tim Edwards: Can you imagine the legend that would have been born out of Francis Ngannou if he had run through that tournament? His size and power is unlike anything we had in that tournament and I think that might have trumped the surprise that was Gracie jiu-jitsu. I don’t know if he would struggle, but Kevin Holland feels like the kind of character you would have wanted in that kind of set-up.

Is Pereira vs. Magomedov the People’s Main Event?

Q:Shara vs Michel. Is this the silly-fun fight of the year? I have a feeling I’m gonna be laughing my ass off at the chaos (Saku’sMissingEar)

Andrew Richardson: Two years ago, it’d be funny, but Pereira has lost his swagger and probably just gets taken apart here.

Thomas Myers: Michel is compromised and I feel like he knows it – he fights way more conservatively lately. Shara works great at-range. Hard to predict declining UFC fighter IQ, but I see Shara just piling up the points unless Michel wants to impose his size and take this fight to the mat. I don’t see chaos here with this version of Michel.

Alex Behunin: If this were Michel Pereira pre-Fluffy, I’d say this would be a competitive, fun fight, but Fluffy took that man’s soul and his confidence.
Pereira literally might not win another fight, unfortunately. 

Jesse Holland: Pereira at welterweight was fun. At middleweight he’s unremarkable and his fights are forgettable. Expecting a Wac-A-Mole fight from Shara.

TimEdwards: I actually think there is a high letdown potential for this fight. Pereira has not been the same since that beating he took from Anthony Hernandez. And Shara-Bullet can sometimes cruise and not get too hesitant to pull the trigger. I’m hoping there will be cartwheels and spinning shiz, but I don’t know… it might end up being a slow dance.

Tears of a Poatan

Q: Is Poatan whining? I count 3 illegal blows in the slow motion video; is that enough to warrant all this? (Adam Wagner)

Andrew Richardson: Pereira definitely got fouled quite a bit, it’s just that fouls are legal in MMA, so complaining about them doesn’t gain you any favor with the fans (see Aspinall, Tom).

Thomas Myers: Use fucking replay, like every other major sport. Fouling in UFC is rewarded. I’d kick my opponent in the nuts, poke his eyes and use 12-6’s to the back of the head in every fight. No one, especially Herb Dean, is going to do anything about it. Bring back red / yellow cards. Reffing in UFC / MMA is a clown show. Complaining is useless, just a bad look because nothing will change.

Alex Behunin: Yes, he was fouled, but also, so many other fighters have been fouled and haven’t whined as much as he currently is. I do understand it was a gigantic fight but come on bro, he was dropped by a jab.

Jesse Holland: He’s definitely whining – and has every right to whine. I don’t understand this argument that it was “only” three illegal blows. How many have to land before you earn the right to complain? They’re either legal or they’re not and when they’re not, they need to be addressed. You will never hear, “He only got tagged in the nuts three times, he should STFU already.” A foul is a foul.

Tim Edwards: Pereira has reasons to be aggrieved here. It certainly looked like he took some illegal blows. The degree of which he is showing his grievances does feel like a little much, though. I think this feels out of character for him and that’s part of why people are reacting poorly to it. Also, I don’t think the illegal blows were a big reason why he lost the fight. I think he was getting pieced up and hurt with plenty of legal shots and it was pretty clear that he had both the speed and power disadvantage in the fight. There’s no rematch coming here, so I don’t quite understand why he’s trying to make his case for being able to beat Gane if those shots to the back of the head didn’t happen.

Let’s get dirty

Q: What’s your favourite dirty but legal move? For me it’s the foot stomp. (gadgetsCA)

Andrew Richardson: Covering the mouth from back mount.

Thomas Myers: Oil checks, borderline illegal, but no referee ever takes a point.

Alex Behunin: Side oblique kick – it is so fucking brutal, but man, it is effective and could be a career ender

Jesse Holland: The hand over the mouth feels wrong. But it’s a great way to fuck with your opponent.

TimEdwardsshoulder wrench move on Teixeira is one of the more brutal, cheap and effective moves I can remember seeing.

Manel ‘The Sprinkler’ Kape

Q: In the Kape-Gooch fight during walkouts, Kape kept putting water on his feet and then was sprinkling it around the cage until the cage guy made him stop. I”ve seen this a lot when guys sprinkle a little on the ground and then rub their feet in it, but not to this extent. Why do fighters do this? Doesn’t that make their feet more slippery? (LoneCowboy)

Andrew Richardson: I’ve never done that, but the UFC canvas is famously rough and abrasive. A lot of guys walk away with serious road rash, so maybe the water helps find more of a middle ground? 

Jesse Holland: Having damp feet improves your traction and can help with takedowns and body locks.

Tim Edwards: I notice that, too. I defer to Andrew’s take, since he’s likely heard fighters chatting about this in person.

Cutelaba Conundrum

Q: What happened to Ion Cutelaba? That was so weird, just like “I quit” in a fight he was winning.  (LoneCowboy)

Andrew Richardson: He gassed out and opted to take his ball and go home following a knee to the belly.

Thomas Myers: He was having a conversation with the referee, while eating punches to the face … while he was in a seated position. He’s just not that bright? Seemed like a typical Ion performance in hindsight.

Jesse Holland: Looked like a vintage Ion fight to me. Tough dude, but a head full of marbles.

Tim Edwards: Cutelaba is a weird guy and that’s a big reason why he’s fun to watch. He was play acting getting hurt throughout the fight, trying to sucker Stirling into charging at him. It’s ironic that when the end came it looked like he wasn’t actually hurt (though clearly didn’t want to fight any longer). Cutelaba has done the playing possum thing before and it’s never worked for him. Judges and referees are always going to assume you’re hurt if you act like you are.

Quick hits

Q: There are no more PPV events, no more PPV buy numbers. How would you determine a UFC star in the Paramount+ era, based on what metric? (VeeDrawStuff)

Andrew Richardson: At this point, Google Search trends are the most reliable indicator of a fighter’s stardom and drawing potential. It is much, much murkier!

Thomas Myers: I might disagree – Google AI has killed SERPs. Hard to really gauge traffic / popularity these days via analytics when Google is circumventing website traffic and serving users AI-generated answers to their queries (Google is fighting countless lawsuits related to this). So, I’m pretty sure UFC relies on social media stats at this point. Power Slap is king, remember? I’d also imagine they use Paramount+ downloads. Having said all of that, Dana White can no longer build / promote stars the way he did/could just a decade ago. It’s a problem.

Jesse Holland: UFC is the star in the Paramount+ era. This was not accidental.

Q: Why does WMMA at the UFC level still exist???????? We’re off woke devil mouse (ESPN), the woke stuff is over, no one cares and no one watches? Why isn’t this experiment over? (LoneCowboy)

Andrew Richardson: The UFC likes to have title fights atop numbered events. It’s less important now that the days of PPV are over, but pairing a mediocre men’s title fight with a women’s title fight is a way to act like a main card has depth.

Jesse Holland: I’m a big fan of Weili Zhang. Double-digit knockouts, multiple post-fight performance bonuses, etc. – just wish she was more active.

Tim Edwards: Come on, there’s lots of value in the women divisions right now. For every boring womens fight, I reckon there are two or more terrible heavyweight fights. In the last few card we had Bia Mesqutia vs. Melissa Mullins. That was a fun watch and Mesquita is a great prospect. There was also Luana Santos vs. Karol Rosa. That wasn’t terribly exciting, but not noticeably worse than any other wrestler-dominated match in the men’s divisions. Before that we had Ketlen Souza KOing Ariane Carnelossi. Souza always brings it. We had Jeisla Chaves vs. Yuneisy Duben going to split decision. Again, not sensational, but also not noticeably worse than other low card decision fights. And then we had Chelsea Chandler submitting Priscila Cachoeira in another fun fight.

Q: If you could force one fighter to go up a weight class and one to go down, who would they be? (FKA Pudge)

Andrew Richardson: Rafael Fiziev feels too small for 155 pounds right now, while Alex Perez is killing himself to make Flyweight. 

Thomas Myers: Kelvin Gastelum to Heavyweight. Fuck it. I feel like C-Rod could be good at Bantamweight, but he is a 145-pound gatekeeper. He always looks small at Featherweight. Shara to Welterweight might be fun, too.

Alex Behunin: I want to see Jalin Turner go up to Welterweight already and I want to see Merab go down to Flyweight if he loses to Petr Yan again (he teased it when Aljo was still champion)

Q: If you had to remove a weight class (everyone in it would fight up or down), which one are you picking? I’m assuming heavyweight would be the easy choice (cavemanoncomputer)

Andrew Richardson: Overall answer is women’s Bantamweight for obvious reasons. For the men’s divisions, drop 205-pound and let Heavyweight bulk up from their ranks.

Thomas Myers: It’s beyond silly UFC doesn’t have 205, 195, 185, 165, 155, 145, 135 and 125. Anything over 205 is Heavyweight (no limit). I believe they removed 195 because of Frank Shamrock and they wanted him to lose to Tito? Just get rid of 170, it doesn’t fit.

Tim Edwards: Make all the Light Heavyweights go to Heavyweight. Then we’ll have a fun Heavyweight division full of guys who can move.

Q: Which current fighter do you think would be most successful fighting at a ridiculous size disadvantage (Makhachev at MW, Holloway at WW, etc.)? Doesn’t have to be a realistic move for them to make. (YoelsChairGuy)

Andrew Richardson: There’s gotta be a Middleweight who could beat some ranked Heavyweights. DDP and Strickland would be fun to watch up there. 

Alex Behunin: I think Manel Kape would do pretty well at Featherweight, mainly because I’ve watched him spar some high-level UFC Featherweights and do … extremely well.

Tim Edwards:Can you imagine how exhausted Sean Strickland would make these Heavyweights?

Several Las Vegas Raiders rookies are expected to playa lot and several may start a lot of gmes.

We recently asked our community members which rookie do they think will start the most games in 2026. The choices were No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, second-round pick, defensive back Treydan Stukes, third-round pick, offensive lineman Trey Zuhn, fourth-round pick, Jermod McCoy and fifth-round pick Zeke Masses.

Other rookies such as third-round pick, pass rusher Keyron Crawford, fourth-round pick, running back Mike Washington and sixth-round pick, wide receiver Malik Benson all have a chance to play a lot but more be more role and rotational players.

Stukes easily won our poll. I get it. He is NFL-game ready and he can play safety and slot cornerback, so he is going to get a lot of playing time.

Still, I’m thinking Mendoza has a real chance to start as soon as Week 1.

Here are some of your responses:

Both nations are assured of a top-two finish in the group having won each of their first two games in North America, and will now look to avoid a more arduous route by topping the table.

The winner of the group will take on a third-placed finisher in New Jersey, while the team that progresses in second spot faces a trip to Texas to take on Ivory Coast/Ecuador.

• LIVE: Follow all of the latest from the World Cup clash

With Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in free-scoring form, it could be a thrilling battle to settle group – but will either Stale Solbakken or Didier Deschamps dare rest anyone with the knockouts in mind?

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Norway vs France?

Norway vs France is due to kick of at 8pm BST on Friday 26 June at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. It will kick off simultaneously with the encounter between Senegal and Iraq, both yet to win at this tournament.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage from 7pm BST. A live stream will be available via ITVX.

What are the permutations in Group I?

France will top the group if they avoid defeat here given they have a superior goal difference to Norway, with a draw obviously leaving them even on head-to-head record. Norway must win to top the group.

A draw would eliminate both of Senegal and Iraq, with one point not enough to progress as a third-place finisher. A win could be enough for either, although a goal difference boost may be required for Iraq particularly.

Team news

Julian Ryerson was taken off just 13 minutes into Norway’s encounter with Senegal and looks likely to be replaced by Marcus Pedersen from the start. Stale Solbakken has suggested he will rest some of his squad – though it is not clear exactly which players with top spot valuable.

Didier Deschamps has a decision to make between PSG teammates Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue having started the pair in one game each so far. Lucas Digne began at left-back against Iraq and may retain his place, but Aurelien Tchouameni could return to the starting midfield. William Saliba is set to miss out.

Possible line-ups

Norway XI: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Lysaker Heggem, Wolfe; Berge, Aursnes, Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa

France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Konate, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe.

The FIFA-mandated hydration breakNew England's Boston Stadium England vs. Ghana group stage match on June 23.

A controversial change for the international tournament, the association chose to implement a mandatory hydration break around the 22-minute mark of each half of every game in the World Cup.

The hydration break has been criticized by the sports world for a variety of reasons, like how it encourages more commercial breaks during televised World Cup matches or how it negatively impacts the spirit of soccer as a marathon-like sport where the action rarely stops.

During the game this week, fans made their sentiments known, booing the change that has essentially turned the halves into quarters for the tournament.

VIDEO: Controversial World Cup water break booed during Boston match

General manager Don Waddell addressed the situation Thursday but stopped short of offering firm assurances about the Norris Trophy winner’s future. He confirmed discussions are ongoing, while leaving the organization’s direction open to interpretation.

Connor McDavid gets honest about Mike Babcock’s task as Oilers coach

Speaking during a news conference, Waddell declined to say whether Werenski has asked for a trade or indicated he plans to leave when his contract expires after the 2027-28 season.

“I think, for right now, there are some matters we’re dealing with that should probably stay internal,” Waddell said about Werenski. “My plan is still to meet with Zach in the near future and see where he’s at.”

Waddell then added, “We’ve had conversations with his agent, but there’s been no definitive plan for sure.”

Those remarks come as Werenski and Columbus missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season. While no public trade request exists, the uncertainty reflects a franchise going through another pivotal offseason.

Columbus must convince their franchise defenseman Zach Werenski

Werenski has earned the right to demand answers. The 28-year-old captured the 2026 James Norris Memorial Trophy after recording 22 goals and 81 points while carrying Columbus’ blue line. He has spent his entire NHL career with the Blue Jackets, but individual success has not translated into team results.

Stanley Cup Playoffs with 92 points, extending their postseason drought. That puts added pressure on Waddell to show meaningful progress before training camp.

This situation is less about contract timing and more about competitive direction. Werenski remains signed through the 2027-28 season with a $9.58 million cap hit, giving Columbus no immediate urgency to make a decision. However, elite defensemen entering their prime rarely stay patient if a team cannot demonstrate clear progress.

Waddell’s careful wording also suggests the organization wants to keep discussions private while it evaluates offseason moves. That approach makes sense because revealing too much publicly would only increase speculation around its most valuable player.

Gavin McKenna reacts as Maple Leafs prepare to make No. 1 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

For Columbus, keeping Werenski extends beyond retaining an elite defenseman. He drives play at both ends, logs difficult minutes, and serves as one of the franchise’s leaders. Losing him would create a major hole that would take years to replace.

The upcoming meeting between Waddell and Werenski may not produce an immediate resolution, but it could shape the Blue Jackets’ next several seasons. Columbus now faces the challenge of proving it can build a contender before its franchise cornerstone begins looking elsewhere.

Indiana FeverCaitlin ClarkLos Angeles Sparks on Saturday, June 27.

Chloe Peterson.

Fever head coach Stephanie White said during a media availability on Friday, June 26, that there is "no indication" how long the former Iowa women's basketball star will be out, stressing that her long-term health is the top priority.

“Obviously, it’s a good time because we have all week next week," White said, referring to the team's upcoming break in the schedule. “We'll take this opportunity to get her treatment, get her healthy and back on the floor, and see what happens."

Las Vegas Aces.

left the Fever's game Phoenix MercuryClark has missed time previously this season due to a back injury. In 2025, she played only 13 games due to a myriad of injuries, including her left quad, left groin, right groin, and ankle.

Caitlin Clark stats

• 2026 (17 games): 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 8.2 assists
• 2025 (13 games): 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists
• 2024 (40 games): 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 assists

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

Caitlin Clark to miss Indiana Fever's game Saturday with injury

Former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby only needed one thing to make his crazy offseason saga complete: Someone to put his name and the Dallas Cowboys in the same sentence, and yes, here we are. Could Soresby be a Cowboy in 2027?

The Cowboys’ other first-round draft pick is suddenly having a moment, with his name in the news now for good reasons for a second day in a row, all driven by official sources and not internet speculation.

More: Dallas Cowboys have a rookie making news. Not that one, the other one

And for anyone who thinks a trip to Oxnard, Calif., to watch some Dallas practices is a good idea can now plan their days down to the hour. Here we go with a roundup from the Cowboys’ world.

Brendan Sorsby Dallas Cowboys

The saga of Sorsby is lurching into an uncertain future, as he removed himself from Tech only to find the NFL isn’t going to hold a supplemental draft, where teams would bid draft picks for the right to get his rights.

Sorsby, who was suspended by the NCAA for gambling on college football, won an injunction to keep playing, then opted for a supplemental draft that now isn’t happening, won’t be playing for Tech this year and won’t be in the NFL, the CFL is four weeks into its season and the UFL doesn’t start until spring.

He’s now looking at 2027, and, as these things always go, someone had to link him to the Dallas Cowboys.

Mauricio Rodriguez, the Dallas Cowboys writer for AtoZ Sports. He points out there is no way Dallas would have bid any kind of pick on him this year, but next year could be a different story as the Cowboys get more serious about pondering a future beyond the 32-year-old Dak Prescott.

To be clear, Rodriguez don’t pose this as likely, just non-zero as he writes: “Next year, with Prescott nearing 34 years old, (Sam) Howell no longer under contract, and (Joe) Milton potentially entering a contract year, everything could be in play at the position for Dallas. Maybe that includes Sorsby should he drop to Day 3 of the draft (if not undrafted free agency).

”The Cowboys front office has a long history of making low-risk, high reward bets on player acquisitions. Sorsby could be that based on many evaluator’s view of him as a quarterback. Some considered him a potential first-round talent had he declared in 2026.”

More: Which Cowboys rookies got big ESPN predictions? Which HOF QB is retiring?

Malachi Lawrence

DallasCowboys.com put together a feature story on him.

It begins by pointing out how he hasn’t gotten as much attention as Downs, and how that is OK with the first-round pick out of UCF.

"I'm kind of used to being in the shadows," Lawrence said. "It doesn't faze me. Once the time comes, people will see the work that you put in…

"Not being in the spotlight, if you get on Instagram, you probably won't scroll and see my name, but you'll probably see some other guys' names. Once you kind of get to know who I was, it's like I became out of the spotlight."

Being a Dallas Cowboy is not the way to avoid the spotlight, though being picked after Downs is a way to delay it.

Dallas Cowboys training camp

The Dallas Cowboys previously announced their training camp in Oxnard, Calif. would have its first practice on July 29 and it’s last one on Aug. 18 before heading to their second preseason game at Arizona and then returning to their home in Frisco.

Now they’ve come out with a full schedule of practices that are open to fans. Before that, they fly in on July 27 and have a kick-off press conference on the 28th. Practices are at River Ridge Playing Fields and are free.

These times are local (Pacific) for anyone who wants to go.

• Wed., July 29 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Thu., July 30 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Fri., July 31 - Oxnard Fan Night - 4-6 p.m.
• Sat., Aug. 1 - Opening Ceremony - 11:15 a.m.
• Sun., Aug. 2 - DCC Dance Clinic (Rio Mesa High School) - 3 p.m.
• Mon., Aug. 3 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Tue., Aug. 4 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Wed., Aug. 5 - NFL FLAG Training Camp - 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
• Thu., Aug. 6 - Heroes Appreciation Day - 11:45 a.m.
• Sat., Aug. 8 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Sun., Aug. 9 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Tue., Aug. 11 - Joint practice @ Rams
• Thu., Aug. 13 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Fri., Aug. 14 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Sat., Aug. 15 - Preseason game @ Seattle
• Mon., Aug. 17 - Open practice - 11:45 a.m.
• Tue., Aug. 18 - Joint practice vs Saints - 2 p.m.
• Sat., Aug. 22 - Preseason game @ Arizona

Scotland Patriots

drinking it dry” but still behaving themselves.

Patriots are interested in playing a regular-season game in Scotland.

Scotland has never hosted an NFL game. Obviously the soonest this could happen is 2027.

Dallas Cowboys tickets 2026

Seat Geek is the official partnerWeek 3 game in Rio de Janeiro against the Ravens, ranging from $1,200 to $5,750. That doesn't include airfare, and the cheap rate doesn't include a hotel.

StubHubTicketMasterVivid Seats. Those sites also offer tickets for away games.

Bret Bloomquist can be reached, bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.

Brandon Soresby to the Dallas Cowboys? Someone had to moot that point

The latest is 2027 Greenwood (Miss.) four-star linebacker Frederrick Ford, who pledged to the maize and blue on Thursday evening, only weeks after receiving a Michigan offer. Ford visited Ann Arbor twice last week, once on an unofficial visit, and again on an official visit over the weekend. He pulled the trigger shortly after.

We watched the tape (before checking out any external scouting report) and came away with what type of player Ford is and what the Wolverines are getting from him out of high school. Here is our initial scouting report based on his junior highlight reel.

Our take:

• Tall and rangy, perfect MIKE type of linebacker
• Good play diagnosis, sideline to sideline player, with solid speed, above average
• Hits with power and violence. Kind of player who will create gasps. Sure tackler, as well, comes at good angles above and lowers and wraps up
• Decent in coverage, but more after the fact. Don’t expect to see him jumping routes
• Drew Jaishawn Barham comparisons, but reminds a bit of Cam McGrone.

247Sports scouting report:

Here's the scouting report from Andrew Ivins:

-Dangly hit-and-run linebacker that can collect stops around the field.-Pairs a projectable 6-foot-3 frame with exceptional athletic markers: 91 explosion score, 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash.-Charges forward and will beat ball carriers and block to the perimeter.-Runs feet through contact, frequently firing through the hips.-Fluid in zone coverage while reach tends to give him an advantage in man-to-man looks.-Got looks in the box, in the slot and up top as a junior while also hunting heads on special teams units.-Will need to improve the sonar in the coming years while also adding some much-needed weight, but has no shortage of developmental upside with his range and physicality.-Projects as a potential impact defender at the Power Four level in an era where everyone wants to get longer and faster.

It wouldn't be surprising to see the 6-foot-5, 203-pound linebacker see some early time as a freshman, in the same way that we saw Chase Taylor and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng in their freshman years. It shouldn't be expected that he will take a starring role as Junior Colson had, but by year two, he very well could be at the very least in rotation, if not an outright starter.

Scouting report on new Michigan football commit Frederrick Ford

Erling Haaland arrived at the FIFA World Cup as one of the game’s most feared strikers, and he will leave it as one of its most entertaining personalities.

Between an irreverent social media presence, ironic encounters with fans and a seeming indifference to his own celebrity, Haaland has offered a refreshing alternative to the media-trained image we’ve come to expect from sport stars. And in the span of a few weeks, he may have unwittingly created a whole new generation of Norway football fans.

Here are a few reasons why the internet can’t seem to get enough of Erling Haaland.

He runs his own socials

When he’s not scoring goals – and he’s done a lot of that – Haaland has spent the World Cup documenting everything else on social media accounts that, somewhat remarkably, he still seems to control himself.

Rather than scripted sponsored content, Haaland’s tens of millions of followers have seen him eating at New York’s legendary Katz’s Delicatessen, slipping into an attempt at a Southern drawl and otherwise behaving like a 25-year-old travelling in the US.

In one widely shared clip, Haaland tells fans he’s Norway’s “social media guy” before posing for photos.

Instagram.

He collects Birkins

Wouldn’t you know it, Erlin Haaland is an avid collector of Hermès Birkin bags.

The revelation has prompted a fresh wave of double takes as new fans work their way through the ever-growing catalogue of Haaland facts.

Fashion commentators have highlighted several of the rare bags he’s been photographed with, including a black-and-orange HAC Casaque 40, an Evercalf Toile Cargo Haut à Courroies 40 and an Endless Road HAC Birkin 50.

All three are sought-after designs that have commanded tens of thousands of euros on the resale market.

He’s self-aware

Few footballers seem happier to laugh at themselves than Erling Haaland.

He has compared himself to Shrek, deadpanned with social media followers and talked about sleeping with footballs, taping his mouth shut at night and spending time in infrared saunas.

One of the more unlikely stories to resurface during the World Cup involves Haaland ignoring Spider-Man.

On Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast earlier this year, Haaland explained that he once received a direct message from the Spider-Man star – and ignored it because he had no idea who Tom Holland was.

“I didn’t know who it was,” he admitted. “It’s a bit embarrassing.”

He’s having a good time

Unlike some of the sport’s more tightly wound figures, Haaland seems to be genuinely having fun in the pressure cooker that is the World Cup.

After reaching the knockout stages, Haaland and some of his teammates joined Norway supporters in the now-famous Viking row celebrations.

Then, when asked about a decisive group match against France, he said they would “probably win” – before adding that France would “probably win the whole thing”.

At a World Cup full of polished soundbites, Haaland has rarely sounded like he’s reading from the same script twice. Everyone should be able to appreciate that.

Norway face France on Friday night at 9pm CET.

@Sothebys.

pic.twitter.com/wdI45atZ0n

June 25, 2026

Burress' career went awry after scoring the winning touchdown in the Giants' historic upset of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

He would encounter numerous scrapes with the law and other legal issues, including serving 20 months in prison for criminal possession of a weapon stemming from the infamous incident where Burress shot himself in the leg in 2008.

Burress did play in the NFL again after his incarceration, first with the New York Jets in 2011 and then with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012.

Burress currently co-hosts the FOX Sports Radio weekend sports show, Up On Game, with another former Giant, linebacker Lavar Arrington. He has several other side businesses, such as his own hosiery and sock line and a juice bar in New Jersey.

Ex-Giants WR Plaxico Burress auctioning off his Super Bowl XLII TD ball

In the final part of Friday's Q&A, BBC radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould focuses on the manager's future as he enters the final year of his current deal and how the scouting department works at Everton.

Mark asked: Are there any talks of a new contract for David Moyes? It's very unusual for a manager to go into the last year of his contract heading into a big summer window and new season.

Giulia: The manager has made clear it isn't a concern for him. Nothing has been confirmed from Everton's side in terms of an extension, but CEO Angus Kinnear made clear at the end of the season that stability is key to continued progress, and Moyes' experience provides that. It is my understanding the manager is relaxed about the situation.

Kinnear's programme notes were a direct counter to some suggestions the manager may be replaced at the end of the campaign.

Recruitment-wise, it was always seen as a two-window approach. Kinnear added: "Our job in the coming weeks and months is to continue with what we always knew would be a two-summer window plan, and ensure the squad has enough depth to mount an even more compelling challenge next term."

So, the manager's contract would always have worked in that timeframe. I could see an extension for Moyes, especially if 2026-27 starts well.

• Get Everton score updates on your lock screen next season

Andy asked: How does Everton's scouting board work? And how much do you think Moyes really controls in terms of transfers?

Giulia: Once Kevin Thelwell left in the summer of 2025 the role of director of football at Everton was removed and there is now a "football leadership group" instead.

Back in January, the CEO revealed that The Friedkin Group looked at how it all operated when it took over and "the recruitment structures we put in place, marrying world-class analytics with industry-leading talent identification and player trading capability, have borne fruit" - referring to the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Merlin Rohl and, of course, Jack Grealish.

There was also an end to signing short-term fixes, even if it meant the squad would be low on numbers.

But who has the main say in that group? I put this to Moyes in January and he told me: "I have got the final say if we want to buy a player or if we don't want to buy a player. Obviously, I get told by my superiors how much we have got to spend and what we have got available, so I have to work off those thoughts."

Ultimately, then, the buck stops with the manager. After all, if he feels a player isn't good enough, he just won't select him on matchday.

Scroll back down this page for the other two parts of Giulia's Q&A, which look at subjects including transfers, how the club can compete at the top level and how the Burnley financial case might affect the club this summer.

Explore all Everton content on BBC Sounds

What was created as the NWSL’s month-long return to play tournament during the summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Challenge Cup has been a one-off match since 2024 between the league’s championship winners and regular season winners — assuming they are two different teams. (In 2025, Orlando Pride won both titles, so NWSL Championship runners-up Washington Spirit were their opponents.)

For 2026, the 2025 title-holders Gotham FC face off against the 2025 Shield-winning Kansas City Current in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday at 8 p.m. ET, streaming on Prime Video.

The history of the Challenge Cup will linger in ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, even as the NWSL itself barely resembles the league that existed in the summer of 2020. Looking back at our own coverage of the inaugural tournament, held in a bubble in Utah, The Athleticconsidered the tournament a success, despite plenty of concern over player health and safety before the return to play.

Kristie Mewis celebrated appropriately.)

we wrote, “with the league’s problems concerning scheduling, officiating and player safety on display on big CBS.”

The NWSL tried shifting the Challenge Cup to the regular season for a single year in 2023, forcing clubs to balance multiple competitions. The next year, it was down to a single-game “super cup” format. It has bounced around the calendar a few times, landing as a summer event this season.

There’s still no obvious solution to creating weight or importance for clubs to win the Challenge Cup for its prestige, especially if it remains a single-game format. Teams will always want to win every available trophy, but given the option, the Challenge Cup will always be a distant third behind the Shield and the Championship.

It’s also hard to argue that by the time the Challenge Cup rolls around, it’s settling any debate on which team is better. The 2026 edition, for instance, features two teams that are fifth and sixth in the standings as of the summer break. Roster turnover from year to year is also a factor.

$3,500 prize money each earns if they win. (Runners-up get $2,200; the Challenge Cup MVP gets an extra $2,000.)

Despite all the questions about the product itself, the 2026 edition provides a new argument from the NWSL front office that the Challenge Cup can actually have a purpose.

Thanks to the NWSL’s choice to set it in Columbus, this one-off event can finally reach event status.

While it doesn’t have the week-long build-up of the NWSL Championship, by hosting it in an expansion market and offering it as counter-programming to the men’s World Cup, the NWSL has made an honest attempt to capture a moment in this summer of soccer in the U.S.

It has booked its first halftime show, featuring singer Amber Mark. They added a lead-in Pride event that featured storytelling with The Moth. And they’re bringing in three players — Kaleigh Kurtz, Sam Staab and Nichelle Prince — to rep the league at a fan zone before kick-off on Friday.

short-lived Summer Cup final in San Antonio, Texas, last year. Only 3,668 people turned up for that one.

So what is the Challenge Cup’s future?

Could it get left off the yearly programming if another competition — or, perhaps, an all-star game — finally got off the ground? Could the name itself be repurposed for an in-season tournament comparable to the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, which helps add stakes to the first half of the regular season and has a considerably larger prize pool than the NWSL? Could it simply fade away, like the Summer Cup, kept in a cupboard for another year when the league has a better idea of how to supplement the regular season, especially amid increased regional and global club competitions such as the Champions Cup and Club World Cup?

The game stands as a secondary marketing opportunity that lies outside of the playoffs and championship, but one that at least now gives the NWSL the freedom to explore confirmed or potential expansion markets. This summer, the league has edged closer to figuring out what it wants the Challenge Cup to be, but its true purpose still needs to be found.

The Athletic.

Gotham FC, Kansas City Current, NWSL

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Detroit Tigers is on the verge of re-launching a promising career after an injury setback of his own.

Brandt was coming off a 2022 season in which he recorded seven top-10 finishes and wound up No. 26 in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup. Despite playing with a torn labrum in his right hip, Brandt shot 64 in the final round of the 2022 Sanford International and finished T-4. Not long after, he visited the Steadman Clinic in Colorado and met with Dr. Marc Philippon, who, according to Brand, told him, “We'll have you back playing in four months, no problem.”

Philippon is the managing partner at The Steadman Clinic, which he joined in 2005, and is regarded as one of the world's leading orthopaedic surgeons. According to his personal web site, he has treated close to a thousand professional and Olympic athletes successfully. Brandt’s surgery in late 2022 was supposed to last two hours, but 5½ hours later he came out with a catheter in and screaming about his shoulder, which required a separate surgery. [He said he’d thrown a baseball with his son only weeks before the hip surgery went awry.] He also had a subluxed (dislocated) collarbone. 

Jobe spent almost two years following the botched hip surgery where he said he couldn't walk from a golf cart to a green. None of his medical team could figure out why. His right hip hurt so badly that his doctor advised an MRI, which revealed excessive scar tissue. Dr. Robert R. Scheinberg, an orthopaedic surgeon based in Dallas, advised surgery but also conceded that it might at best make him only 50 percent better. Jobe couldn’t sleep, hardly could walk and was spiraling into depression. Half better seemed worth the risk, so, Jobe went under the knife again and woke up 90 minutes later with his doctor at his bedside. 

“I said, ‘What's going on?’ He goes, ‘We just hit a home run.’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He goes, I found a screw in the ball of your hip, and the screw was out about a quarter to half an inch and was just tearing up the back of your hip,’” Jobe recounted.

Attempting to play through his myriad of injuries was an epic fail. In 2023, he made four starts and withdrew from a tournament in March after an opening 68 and his season was over. He played twice in 2024, failing to break 74 and made less than $6,000. After his latest hip surgery, he returned and made 17 starts in 2025, but it took him a while to regain his strength and figure out his swing. He finished 73^rd in the Charles Schwab season-long race.

While enduring four surgeries over the last three years and plenty of rehab, Jobe's joy in his life came from watching his son play in the minors and then make it to the big time in 2024 in his chosen sport, baseball, until he underwent season-ending UCL (Tommy John) surgery on his right elbow last June. Rehabbing from injury happened to be a subject that he'd become an expert on and could offer his son counsel.

“We spent a lot of time talking about rehabbing, how you must get your mindset right,” Brandt said. “A lot of guys try and do too much and they get hurt. I said, ‘Let's make a pact where you do 100 percent, no more, no less,’ and he’s kept that mindset. Well, in eight weeks he had full range of motion faster than anybody with the Tigers that's had Tommy John has done it.”

Jackson, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, threw his first bullpen session in April and advanced to throwing live batting practice this month. He’s scheduled to make his first minor league rehab start on July 7, and if all goes well the Tigers are reportedly targeting an August return to the mound. 

Brandt’s recovery was the complete opposite.

“It's been a long, miserable road,” he said. “But now I'm kind of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Brandt has made six starts this season on the Champions Tour, and his biggest challenge now is getting into tournaments. He’s received two sponsor’s exemptions, one of them for the Cologuard Classic thanks to some help from his good friend Jerry Kelly, the tournament ambassador, and was a Monday qualifier into the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, where he finished a season-best T-15, but he’s playing out of the all-time money list category after using up his medical extension.

“Everybody said you'll get sponsor invites, you spent seven years being in the top 20 out here, won a couple events shouldn't be a problem. Well, I've gotten two. Unfortunately, it’s out of sight, out of mind,” said Brandt, who missed getting into this week’s Dick’s Open by five spots.

Jobe knows he on the back nine of a career that dates to turning pro in 1988 out of UCLA, where he was a three-time All-American and a member of a national championship team. He’d like to extend golf's ultimate mulligan as long as possible and to do so he’ll need to improve his status – finishing top 54 on the season points list, or even better top 36, could secure him 15-20 starts next season. Otherwise, he guesses he'll get no more than seven starts and if he remains in the career money category, his starts will dwindle away before too long.

“We all eventually go away, right?” Jobe said. “I mean, there's an end point to all this and it's just hard when you're starting to see good results now and you're starting to see speed and, frankly, I'm not quite ready to be done. We crave the competition – that's the hardest part because that's all we know.”

The clock is ticking to make a move in the point standings because he’s well aware that another handful of rookies are waiting in the wings that have more career money than he does. “I just keep falling down the line, which means I won't have that much of an opportunity. I feel like this is it,” he said. “I think the rest of this year I've got to do something.”

Brandt Jobe, son Jackson of the Detroit Tiger mounting comebacks from surgery

Ohio State is looking for their June efforts to pay off in a major ways. Ryan Day and his crew are looking for some major booms ahead of July 4th, and that could very well get started as soon as today thanks to a decision date set for priority target Caden Moss.

No. 72 player nationally and seventh best offensive tackle per the 247Sports Composite, Moss is a unique athlete as most would consider his frame a for sure tackle, but he may be best suited along the interior at the next level.

Either way, this is a player that is 100 percent a take if he wants in, and the staff will soon know their fate.

On Thursday, Steve Wiltfong of On3 submitted an RPM in favor of the Buckeyes to land Moss, and this close to his decision timeline, one would have to think that means Ohio State has the best shot at landing his verbal.

Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Oregon as some of the other notable suitors, the Buckeyes would be at six commits along the offensive line if Moss gives them the nod. If so, position coach Tyler Bowen hit this class out of the park and did so with a cherry on top.

Here’s to hoping there’s some good news in Ohio State’s future in the coming hours.

Ohio State sees in-state target choose Colorado Thursday evening

Before an NIL recruiting world, Thursday’s result with in-state target, Kaylon Bailey would be pretty rare. A Cleveland Glenville product, Ohio State is usually the pick for these recruitments, but as it was seen last night during his announcement via social media, Colorado was the pick.

From here, the Buckeyes will be just fine building the rest of their defensive class, even though they certainly would have liked to be the choice.

No. 764 player nationally and 63rd best linebacker in the class per the 247Sports Composite, Ohio State made every intention to have him as a part of their 2027 plans, but they also made it clear that they had a specific number they were comfortable with.

Colorado the bidding war winner, this is a sign that this staff will hold firm on their recruiting stance and that has to be trusted. A player many pegged to be the next commitment in Ohio State’s class, now the defensive efforts pivot elsewhere.

Quick Hits

Five-star defensive target Marcus Fakatou is one of the players that soon could be giving Ohio State the good news, as his commitment was rumored to be coming in the coming days to week.

Sticking with the theme of the Buckeyes having momentum, last night Fakatou was pegged to choose Ohio State once again by Alex Gleitman of Rivals. Joining other top insiders such as Greg Biggins, who deals specifically with the West Coast, signs are looking nothing but positive.

What would be a duo of DJ JacobsNo. 24 player nationally and second best defensive lineman could be giving his pledge at any time.

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is one of its five hypothetical NFL star candidates, who could force a trade in ‘Giannis like fashion’:

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor 

Jonathan TaylorDerrick Henry. Taylor’s 7,598 career rushing yards and 69 career rushing touchdowns in the span of his six-season NFL career are the second-most in the league behind Henry’s totals of 9,185 yards rushing and 84 rushing touchdowns. However, that gap purely comes down to workload: Henry possesses 347 more carries than Taylor (1,858 to 1,551). 

ColtsBuffalo Bills in the wild card round. 

Daniel JonesAlec Pierce (ankle) can’t get healthy in a hurry, the 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowl back may start looking around for a new home. Not many general managers around the league would keep their jobs after five seasons of postseason-less football, but somehow Chris Ballard has been able to do that in Indianapolis. 

Prediction on whether or not Taylor will eventually ask for a trade: Yes, by the 2026 NFL trade deadline

Taylor enters the final year of his three-year, $42 million contract in 2026, so if the Colts start off slow thanks to unreliable starts to the year by Jones and Pierce, it would be in both the franchise’s and Taylor’s best interest to part ways at the trade deadline.

Compensation to get the deal done: Third-round pick 

Carolina PanthersChristian McCaffrey in 2022, but CMC was a year younger than Taylor is today. Plus, McCaffrey had multiple years left on his contract while Taylor is set to become a free agent in 2027.

Likely landing spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron RodgersJaylen WarrenRico DowdleEzekiel Elliott’sTony Pollard’sCowboys. 

Now, there are a few things to clear up here.

One, the 27-year-old Taylor, who’s entering the last year of a 3-year, $42 million contract extension he signed back in October of 2023, is not presently unhappy with the Colts.

the Colts have reportedly shown ‘little initiative’ when it comes to extending their key players up for new contracts after 2026, which also notably includes perennial All-Pro starting left guard Quenton Nelson along with Taylor.

just because contract negotiations with Taylor got contentious between both sides back in the 2023 offseason, which resulted in the Colts star workhorse requesting a trade, it doesn’t mean that the same rocky road will be followed again regarding future extension talks.

There is transitioned ownership in place regarding Colts team owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her two sisters, and there could even be a new general manager in place around year-end if Indianapolis doesn’t meaningfully improve this season and snap their current playoff drought.

As it stands, Taylor projects to have at least 2-3 elite seasons of football still left in him, given how well he keeps his body in shape and his pristine conditioning habits. The Colts would be wise to work out a new multi-year deal, but like anything else, it’ll come down to cost.

sharing duties with sophomore Elijah Arroyo. John Schneider drafted Arroyo with the 50th selection last year. Injuries limited his output, but he still produced 15 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown.

according to Sumer Sports. They ran two tight-end-sets on nearly 30 percent of their offensive plays. There's plenty of room for both Barner and Arroyo to impact the 2026 campaign.

Barner should lead all Seahawks tight ends in snaps again after earning a hefty 827 snaps last season. That accounted for 77.73 percent of all Seahawks offensive snaps. Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Nijgba was the Seahawks' only skill player with more snaps.

Arroyo is poised for a much larger sophomore season, but expect Barner to lead all Seahawks tight ends again in 2026.

Which TE will lead the Seahawks in snaps this season?

Norway vs France prediction for Friday World Cup matchThe Sporting NewsPreferred Source by clicking here.

The stakes are at their absolute peak as two European heavyweights, France and Norway, prepare to clash in their final game of the group stage at the World Cup. Kickoff for this star-studded clash is set for 3:00 pm ET at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. Before the action gets underway, follow along with this detailed Norway vs France prediction to trade on all the best markets for the World Cup.

New users who sign up with the Kalshi promo code TSN15here will unlock a $15 trading bonus for today’s World Cup slate after completing $10 in trades.

Both nations enter this contest in flawless form, having swept their opening two matches. Norway currently sits in second place in the overall tournament standings with six points, powered by a dynamic attack that has already generated seven goals. Meanwhile, France occupies fourth place overall, also spotless with six points, boasting a sturdy defensive unit that has conceded just a single goal through 180 minutes of play.

With both squads firmly in control of their group and aiming to make a major statement before the knockout rounds, this game serves as the ultimate litmus test. For the fans packing the stands in Massachusetts and those tuning in across the globe, this Group I finale provides a blockbuster matchup between two confident teams eager to cement their status as true title contenders.

Norway vs France prediction markets for Friday

The prediction markets for this Group I clash heavily favor France, with prediction platforms pricing France at a commanding 60% implied probability of victory. Despite Norway's flawless start to the tournament, their market price sits at just 21%, while a draw is priced at 22%.

This market consensus reflects an intriguing tactical matchup. Traders are clearly weighting France's elite defensive stability over Norway's raw offensive output. France has conceded just a single goal across their first two games, providing a rock-solid foundation for an attack spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe. The prolific forward already has four goals to his name on seven shots on target. Playmaker Michael Olise has been devastatingly effective on the ball, registering a tournament-leading three assists.

For those considering taking a position on Norway, confidence is required in their high-flying attack's ability to break down the French barricade. Norway has found the back of the net seven times in the tournament, though they have looked slightly more vulnerable themselves, conceding three goals in two matches. Their offensive threat relies heavily on Erling Haaland, who perfectly matches Mbappe with four goals of his own. The tactical battle in the midfield will be critical, as Martin Odegaard (two assists) looks to orchestrate Norway's quick transitions against France's disciplined shape.

Traders should also monitor injury news closely before committing to a market price. Norway's Julian Ryerson is currently listed as doubtful due to an injury sustained earlier in the week. His absence could destabilize Norway's defensive structure against a potent French attack. France enters the match with no reported missing players.

Another vital factor for prediction markets is the head-to-head history between these two nations. During their last six meetings, France have won three times compared to Norway's two victories, with one draw. The goal difference across those encounters is 12-7 in favor of France, and the most recent meeting resulted in a convincing French win by four goals.

In their last five meetings specifically, the record is more balanced at two wins apiece with one draw. Norway averages 1.2 goals per match against France while conceding 1.8, underscoring the defensive challenge they face. Both teams have the tournament motivation to secure the top spot in Group I, but market participants are decisively leaning toward France's balanced combination of airtight defense and clinical finishing as the most likely outcome.

Norway vs France prediction for World Cup

Taking a position on this heavyweight Group I finale requires traders to carefully weigh two vastly different tactical profiles. Prediction markets have established a clear narrative, giving France a commanding 60% implied probability of victory, while Norway sits at a 21% market price and the draw is valued at 22%. For those analyzing prediction platforms, the most logical move is to side with the market consensus and back a French victory.

The core reasoning behind this position lies in France's exceptional two-way balance. Through their first two games, France has dominated possession, averaging 55%, while completely shutting down their opponents to concede just a single goal. Their defensive stability creates the perfect platform for an attack that simply does not stop firing. Historical data shows that France has scored at least one goal in 15 consecutive matches. Led by Kylian Mbappe's four goals and Michael Olise's tournament-best three assists, France has the clinical edge necessary to dismantle any opponent. France also has a strong tendency to start fast, winning the first half in 66% of their games, which allows them to dictate the tempo early.

The primary risk to taking a position on France is, undeniably, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has matched Mbappe with four goals of his own and is serviced by the elite vision of Martin Odegaard, who has two assists. Norway's attack is slightly more prolific on paper, having scored seven tournament goals compared to France's six. They hold an impressive 53% average ball possession, proving they will not simply sit back and absorb pressure.

A closer look at the data reveals the fatal flaw in Norway's profile: their defense. Norway has already conceded three goals in just two matches. When two unstoppable forces meet, traders must rely on the more structurally sound asset. France's ability to lock down the defensive third, yielding a tournament goal difference of +5, provides a safety net that Norway currently lacks. While a tie is a plausible outcome for two teams resting on six points, France’s combination of defensive superiority and early-game dominance makes them the premier choice on the prediction markets.

Pick/Prediction: France Win

Tyler O’Neill, they would have thought you were dreaming.

contract looks like a complete disaster.

What looked like a sneaky move that could pay massive dividends for this team ultimately turned into a swing-and-miss. Injuries decimated his first season with the team, allowing him to only play in 54 games. In his appearances, he hit just .199 with nine home runs, also striking out 51 times.

Now, in 2026, he is finally healthy, yet he is playing even worse than he did last year. On June 19 against the Dodgers, O’Neill committed a critical throwing error to allow Los Angeles to walk it off. It was the final straw for many O’s fans, as he once again cost the team a win with his poor play.

Tyler O’Neill Has Not Lived Up to His Contract

Baltimore brought O’Neill in with the expectation he would lead this young talented roster. Specifically, the team viewed him as a power bat who could hit left-handed pitching. Since the signing, O’Neill has done neither of those things.

2024 seasonThis seasonOrioles, as a team, are 20th with a .229 batting average against lefties.

contract ranks second on the team, only to that of star first baseman Pete Alonso, who is getting paid $31 million this year.

Despite the large contract, O’Neill is close to unplayable. Baltimore is soon going to have to make an uncomfortable decision.

What Are the Orioles’ Options?

His contract being guaranteed leaves the team only two real options. The first — and less desirable — option is to bite the bullet on the contract and have him play for the organization until 2027. Baltimore only has one more year of his contract before they’re off the books.

ColoradorecordVance HoneycuttHeston Kjerstad — to speed up their rebuild.

Aug. 3. The Orioles are currently in the wild card hunt.

With O’Neill on the team, he not only blocks Baltimore from going younger but also hurts the team’s chances of returning to the playoffs. It’s clear the team is in a lose-lose situation, but the Baltimore front office needs to find an answer quickly before it’s too late.

It’s Time for the Orioles to Move On From Tyler O’NeillThe Lead.

The best traditions in sports happen organically. And that’s exactly what happened with the John Denver classic “Country Roads” becoming the unofficial anthem of the USMNT.

Songs are a part of the culture of soccer. There’s no better example of that than the power of hearing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” during a Liverpool game at Anfield. But while soccer has grown by leaps and bounds in America, sometimes our culture is guilty of trying to co-op European songs and traditions in forced efforts to create a great atmosphere.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of great American songs that we call our own that can become meaningful anthems and the USMNT seems to have found its soulmate in the iconic folk song.

“Country Roads” was played after the USMNT beat Australia in their second game in Seattle to clinch the top spot in Group D and the entire stadium sung along in what was a magical scene. The song was even played after Thursday’s loss against Turkiye as fans once again participated.

@USMNT faithful serenade their team with “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in Seattle pic.twitter.com/XI3Q3EkxhK

June 19, 2026

broke into a spoken-word interpretation of the classic hit during the second half of game action.

played after the match in Seattle. With all due respect to the Jersey rock icon, it looks like the right choice was made.

John Strong and Stuart Holden, you’re up to make this happen on the Fox Sports broadcast.

Telemundo announcers break into ‘Country Roads’ during USMNT gameAwful Announcing.

San Francisco 49ersCBS Sports' Pete Prisco reinforces that reputation, though it highlights a distinct challenge for the franchise.

Philadelphia EaglesDenver Broncos and defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

This high concentration of high-end talent is a testament to John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan's ability to consistently acquire elite, blue-chip anchors. However, it should be noted three of the six 49ers players listed are coming off of major injuries, which also influenced their rank heading into 2026.

Here is where all six of the 49ers players landed on Prisco's list:

• No. 16: Fred Warner
• No. 19: Christian McCaffrey
• No. 25: Trent Williams
• No. 49: George Kittle
• No. 75: Brock Purdy
• No. 94: Nick Bosa

The interesting element to this list is that despite the quantity of talent, the 49ers missed out on the top 10 entirely. Other stars like Mike Evans didn't make the list, either, likely because of his age.

The 49ers' biggest stars are all over the place in terms of positional rank.

McCaffrey is the No. 2-ranked running back on the list. He sits just behind Atlanta's Bijan Robinson (No. 17) and ahead of Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 21). Warner is the No. 1-ranked off-ball linebacker in the entire league, taking the top spot at his position ahead of guys like Detroit Lions' Jack Campbell. Williams is the No. 3-ranked offensive tackle on the list. He sits just behind Detroit's Penei Sewell (No. 6) and Tampa Bay's Tristan Wirfs (No. 22), but ahead of Denver's Garett Bolles (No. 26).

Purdy, meanwhile, is the No. 12-ranked quarterback on the list. He sits behind Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels (No. 69) and ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield (No. 80).

49ers tie for second-most players in top-100 list, led by Fred Warner

threadr/worldcupexplain why the actual turnout is exceeding all expectations, and how the host nations are delivering an unforgettable atmosphere.

A uniquely American mix of cultures

If anything, the World Cup is underlining once again that the United States is home to a vast array of cultures and communities. This immense diversity means that practically every international team playing has a built-in local fan base ready to cheer them on.

The price of passion

Attending a major global sporting event requires a hefty financial commitment. While the steep ticket costs raise eyebrows, the fact is that dedicated supporters save up for years to witness the spectacle in person — which means they're definitely going to show up and shell out.

Skewed expectations

Whether it was from consuming media or scrolling online or just being straight-up pessimists, some folks obviously undershot the fundamental love of soccer — and of a tournament this big.

packed stadiums serve as a reminder that real-world sporting enthusiasm often drowns out pessimism.

What do you think about the incredible turnout for the World Cup?threadr/worldcupr/soccerr/sportsr/travel.

upvoted@reddit.com.

The New York Times’ lengthy report on former NFL insider Dianna Russini by Katherine Rosman and Ken Belson prompted two journalists to question whether the newspaper intentionally portrayed the veteran reporter in an unusually harsh light.

Former The Athletic NBA writer Ethan Strauss argued the article implied Russini “was never a real journalist,” while Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy said the report painted her as an “ethically-challenged loose cannon.”

New York Times Report Painted Dianna Russini’s Journalism Harshly

In his Front Office Sports column, McCarthy wrote that while The Times’ investigation revisited Russini’s controversy involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, it also appeared to paint an unusually negative picture of the former NFL insider.

McCarthy wrote. “As well as a healthy dose of snobbery toward Russini, who is portrayed as a brassy, ethically-challenged loose cannon unworthy of the fawning attention of upper management.”

The New York Times’ article, including repeated references to Russini’s reported annual salary of nearly $800,000, her appearances representing The New York Times Company at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and the report’s discussion of her anecdote from a podcast about using NFL connections in an attempt to avoid a traffic ticket.

Likewise, Strauss, a former NBA Athletic writer, reached a similar conclusion that the NYT bombshell piece revealed how the newspaper viewed Russini’s journalism.

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

“The implication is clear: This woman was never a real journalist in the manner we are real journalists,” Strauss wrote, about his interpretation of The Times’ report on Russini.

his Substack column titled “New York Times’ Dianna Russini Story is Somehow About NYT Hatred of The Athletic”.

“Russini is a flashpoint in this feud because she represents a lot of what that Gray Lady culture resents about sports ‘journalists.’ I’m generalizing, but these people look down on us, maybe even more so than sports fans tend to,” he continued.

“Russini, a well-compensated middlebrow act with loose ethics, is an affront not just to their preferred standards, but also to their very identity as journalists. They hate that some people might categorize a person like this as sharing the same profession.”

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

Strauss also described The NYT story as a reflection of what he calls the “simmering one-way beef” between longtime Times journalists and their colleagues at The Athletic following the newspaper’s decision to fold its sports coverage into the digital outlet after acquiring it in 2022 for $550 million.

involving intimate photographs of Russini and Vrabel.

It prompted The Athletic’s executive editor, Steven Ginsberg, to announce the publication’s decision to launch an internal review. Just days into that announcement, Russini resigned from her role.

NYT’s bombshell report also comes at an interesting time, according to McCarthy, suggesting the article might be a way to put pressure on The Athletic, which hasn’t publicly announced the findings of its review two months on.

“As soon as the Times story entitled, ‘Dianna Russini Was an NFL Insider: Was She Also Out of Bounds?’ dropped on Wednesday, several sources told me they thought this was the Times sending a message for The Athletic to stop dragging their feet and wrap up a probe that’s making both media brands look bad.”

weighed in on what’s next for Russini and her future in the industry.

Where to watch Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group H matchThe Sporting NewsPreferred Source by clicking here.

Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia square off in a Group match that looks like one of the more evenly contested matchups on the schedule. Just four spots separate the two sides in the FIFA rankings: Saudi Arabia is at 60th, while Cape Verde is at 64th.

World Cup40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. Leading scorer Ryan Mendes leads a roster that also includes Nuno da Costa and Ricardo Santos.

Saudi Arabia is in its seventh World Cup appearance and third consecutive. They were eliminated in the group stage in 2022 despite opening the tournament with a 2-1 upset win over eventual champion Argentina.

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

Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia live stream, TV channel

• TV channel: FS1
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast on FS1 in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

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 Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia start?

NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

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

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 26

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

Saturday, June 27

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

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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?

fuboPeacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

fuboDIRECTVPeacockschedule for the specific match you want to watch.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.

What time do World Cup games start?

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.

2026 North American Darts Championship live results, scores, schedule & bracketThe Sporting NewsPreferred Source by clicking here.

Darts Masters first round took place last night, but the attention this afternoon is all on the North American qualifiers, who will battle for the 2026 North American Darts Championship title.

Matt Campbell, the 2025 North American Darts Championship title winner, isn't competing this year, so we will see a different player take home the title today.

2026 North American Darts Championship schedule & results

Quarterfinals (first to 6 legs)

All eight players competing Thursday night from the North American side will all have a shot to win this afternoon's championship.

Semifinals (first to 6 legs)

Final (first to 6 legs)

Norway vs. France free live stream: How to watch World Cup game online without cableThe Sporting NewsPreferred Source by clicking here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norway vs. France free live stream

fubo.

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

Norway vs. France channel, live stream

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

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

FREE trial.

What time does Norway vs. France kick off?

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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

Norway vs. France betting odds

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 26

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

Saturday, June 27

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

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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?

fuboPeacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

fuboDIRECTVPeacockschedule for the specific match you want to watch.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.

What time do World Cup games start?

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.

Where to watch Uruguay vs. Spain live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group H matchThe Sporting NewsPreferred Source by clicking here.

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

World Cup every year since 1978 and won the whole thing in 2010.

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

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

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

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

Uruguay vs. Spain live stream, TV channel

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

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

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 Uruguay vs. Spain start?

Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

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

World Cup schedule today and tomorrow

All times Eastern.

Friday, June 26

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

Saturday, June 27

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

MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures

2026 FIFA World Cup FAQs

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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?

fuboPeacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.

What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?

fuboDIRECTVPeacockschedule for the specific match you want to watch.

When is the 2026 World Cup final?

New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.

What time do World Cup games start?

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.

The answer is seven, according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell. The analyst ranked the weapons of every team and Justin Jefferson’s crew is listed 8th.

Without any doubt, Minnesota’s strength on the offensive side of the ball is the arsenal of pass-catchers, featuring one of the very best receivers in football and supported by some talented folks behind him.

Yet the club is on a downward trend, having ranked 5th in 2024 and 6th in 2025.

Barnwell explained, “There’s a tier break between the top eight teams and everyone else on this list. Even coming off his worst season as a pro, Justin Jefferson still has a deserved reputation as one of the most feared receivers in the game. He also has been healthy for five of his first six seasons in the league, which makes it easier to project a full season. And adding Jauan Jennings gave coach Kevin O’Connell an overqualified No. 3 to play behind Jefferson and Jordan Addison.”

Jordan Addison replacing Thielen.

The identity of the third receiver on the depth chart has changed over the years. Recently, K.J. Osborn and Jalen Nailor served in that role. Jauan Jennings was signed this offseason and arguably even stands above those two.

Barnwell continued, “Both Jefferson and Addison saw their catch rates drop to career lows last season, which I feel comfortable chalking up to subpar quarterback play.”

Last year’s passing offense was a disaster for the standard Kevin O’Connell has set during his tenure. J.J. McCarthy wasn’t ready to step into Sam Darnold’s footsteps and neither Carson Wentz nor Max Brosmer could lead an explosive aerial attack.

Therefore, both Jefferson and Addison finished with disappointing stat lines. Only Nailor could replicate his 2024 numbers and earned a sweet deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Part of the offensive playmakers is the tight end group. Barnwell wrote about Minnesota’s TE1: “T.J. Hockenson, though, recorded the best catch rate of his career, in part because he was catching bunches of short checkdowns. The tight end hasn’t been the same player since his 2023 ACL tear, and the Vikings could really use his ability to create after the catch and up the seam to help new QB Kyler Murray this season. This is a make-or-break year for Hockenson, who will be a free agent after the campaign.”

Hockenson suffered a torn ACL late in the 2023 season and he hasn’t looked nearly as explosive ever since. His numbers dropped significantly. A saving grace is that the Vikings relied on him as a blocker last year, as the offensive line struggled to protect the passers.

The Vikings reworked his contract for this season. Instead of in 2028, he’ll head to free agency next March. Next to him, the Vikings deploy blocking specialist Josh Oliver. He’s one of the best in the business as a blocking tight end, but his impact as a pass-catcher is limited.

Barnwell isn’t impressed by the running backs: “Running back just isn’t a strength for this team. Jordan Mason is a one-dimensional ball carrier without much of an impact in the passing game, and fumbles remain a real problem for him (six across 337 touches over the past two seasons). Aaron Jones Sr. has seven fumbles of his own over that same time span, and while he can do more as a receiver, Jones is 31 and has missed significant time with injuries in two of the past three seasons. The names on the Vikings’ roster at running back and tight end might be more prominent than their actual expected level of play in 2026.”

Jones was excellent in 2024, but injuries and age haven’t helped him thrive since. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and has nagging injuries, which required the Vikings to add a strong alternate. Mason was found via trade and signed a two-year deal last offseason.

They work well as a duo, but neither belongs in the conversation with the league’s top backs. Mason is a fantastic runner, but lacks prowess in the passing game, while Jones has the versatility, but no longer has the requisite explosiveness to carry an offense.

A new back could certainly be on the menu in 2027, but for now, the Vikings rely on their familiar faces.

Overall, it’s fair to rank the Vikings 8th, given the subpar 2025 season and the lack of a truly elite tight end and running back. They rank behind the Cowboys, Cardinals, 49ers, Falcons, Bengals, Rams, and Lions.

Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa Weigh Up Mateo Kovačić Transfer Opportunity

Sports Boom reporting that both clubs are assessing a move for Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovačić.

Photo IMAGO

The Croatian international may have reached a crossroads in his career, but his reputation remains built on years of excellence at the highest level. While his opportunities at Manchester City have diminished, there is little doubt that clubs seeking experience and composure will continue to view him as an attractive option.

Fresh Challenge Beckons

Kovačić’s circumstances have shifted considerably over the past year. Injuries and fierce competition limited him to just six Premier League appearances last season, the fewest league outings of his professional career.

With only 12 months remaining on his Manchester City contract, Sports Boom understands that City would be willing to negotiate should an acceptable offer arrive.

The midfielder reportedly believes he still has much to offer and sees regular first team football as the priority. That ambition naturally places him on the radar of ambitious clubs looking to strengthen without sacrificing quality.

Forest and Villa Eye Experience

Both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa have enjoyed impressive progress in recent seasons, but sustained success often requires players who have experienced football’s biggest occasions.

Kovačić certainly fulfils that requirement. His career has included successful spells at Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, while his international achievements with Croatia include reaching the 2018 World Cup final and finishing third at the 2022 tournament.

Photo IMAGO

Forest are reportedly preparing for significant midfield changes, while Villa continue to seek greater depth as they compete across multiple competitions.

Adding a player with Kovačić’s leadership qualities could accelerate either club’s development. Experience cannot guarantee success, but it often provides calm during demanding moments.

Winning Pedigree Still Appeals

Perhaps Kovačić’s greatest selling point is his remarkable collection of honours.

League titles, domestic cups, European trophies and international success have followed him throughout his career. Those achievements cannot be overlooked when assessing what he could still contribute in a younger dressing room.

Questions surrounding age are inevitable, yet modern football increasingly values experienced professionals capable of guiding emerging talent. Kovačić appears to fit that description.

Whether Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa make the decisive move remains uncertain, but the prospect of acquiring one of Europe’s most decorated midfielders is certain to attract attention throughout the window.

Our View , EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest perspective, signing Mateo Kovačić would feel like a statement that the club intends to compete with established Premier League sides rather than simply keep pace with them. His experience at the highest level could prove invaluable, particularly if midfield changes continue during the summer. Players who have won major honours often bring standards that influence an entire squad.

Aston Villa supporters would likely see similar benefits. Competing domestically and in Europe demands quality in every position, and Kovačić has spent his career performing on football’s biggest stages. His ability to control possession and manage difficult moments could be particularly valuable across a long season.

Naturally, supporters of both clubs would have understandable questions about his recent injury record and limited appearances at Manchester City. Those concerns cannot be ignored. However, there is every reason to believe that regular football could help him rediscover the consistency that made him such an influential figure for both club and country.

If either Forest or Villa can complete this deal on sensible financial terms, it could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business completed during the transfer window.

Alabama has not won an SEC championship or an official bowl game under DeBoer. However, prominent college football analyst Paul Finebaum recently explained why the university may have decided to extend him. According to Finebaum, the rumors linking DeBoer to Michigan’s vacant head coaching job may have been legitimate.

Paul Finebaum blasts College Football Playoffs problem, offers solution

Finebaum revealed that former Alabama head coach Nick Saban confirmed there was truth to the speculation. However, Finebaum criticized DeBoer for not being forthcoming about the situation. He made the comments while responding to a caller who raised the topic.

“I mean, Saban’s an employee, as you pointed out,” Finebaum said. “I mean, he he he essentially confirmed [DeBoer and Michigan rumors]. So, which brings me to DeBoer. I’m not around him like you are. He does have an interesting way of approaching things, but why not just admit it? What’s the big deal?”

Finebaum has consistently expressed skepticism about both DeBoer and the Alabama team he leads. Compared to the Saban era, the program has taken a significant step backward. Recently, CBS Sports noted that Alabama ranks last in the SEC in recruiting.

3 college football programs primed to be next dynasty

That marks a major indictment of DeBoer’s tenure and could lend credibility to the rumors. If his attention was divided, it may have affected Alabama’s recruiting efforts. Perhaps most concerning for Crimson Tide fans is that the school has not publicly addressed either the rumors or the program’s recent recruiting struggles.

The DeBoer era at Alabama is approaching a pivotal point. Finebaum believes the Crimson Tide are not legitimate national championship contenders but rather a team capable of earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The 2026 season could prove to be a defining year for DeBoer. If Alabama fails to show meaningful progress, expect frustration among the fan base to grow.