To New York Knicks fans, OG Anunoby will forever be known as the hero of Game 4 of the NBA Finals.Not only did the forward block an ill-advised De'Aaron Fox layup attempt in the final minute, but he also tipped in a bonkers game-winning shot to eventually give the Knicks a commanding 3-1 series lead. If the Knicks go on to win the title, in turn breaking their 53-year championship drought, Anunoby is about to become a bona fide New York sports legend.Knicks coach Mike Brown agrees. He even took praise for Anunoby a step further than some might. In his postgame press conference, Brown said he thinks Anunoby's game-winner could be the biggest in the history of Knicks basketball. Oh, hmm. That's actually a very interesting conversation to think about. Honestly, I know the Knicks have won two championships before, but in the moment, with a heavy amount of recency bias involved, it's kind of hard to disagree! Especially if the Knicks do finish the job and win it all.That's the rub here. Anunoby's game-winner will forever be a treasured memory to Knicks fans, no matter what happens next. And rightfully so. Nonetheless, it will likely be ultimately forgotten by almost everyone else unless the Knicks close the Spurs out and win their first championship in over half a century. But if that happens, Brown might be right. It would be really challenging to argue against Anunoby's tip-in as being the most important the Knicks have ever had. What a sequence and what a play. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mike Brown thinks OG Anunoby's winner in Game 4 might be biggest in Knicks history

Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka rematched in the UFC 303 main event in June 2024 and Pereira scored a highlight reel knockout. The two first fought at UFC 298 for the vacant light heavyweight championship. Periera stopped the Czech late in the second round. He go the job done quicker in the rematch. Take a look back at the stunning KO. Pereira moves up to the heavyweight division in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event in an effort to become the first fighter to ever win UFC titles in three different weight classes. He faces former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. Alex Pereira vs Jiří Procházka 2 Full Fight Video

The New York Knicksmade history in Game 4 of the NBA Finals when they overcame a 29-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday, June 10 at Madison Square Garden in New York.Victor Wembanyama and the Western Conference champions put a smacking on the home team in the first half and built their 29-point lead. Then, they cooled down − starting the second half shooting 6-of-34 (17.6%) − the Defensive Player of the Year had a flagrant foul, and the Knicks kept chipping away. OG Anunoby hit the game-winning shot with 1.2 seconds left.Anunoby finished with 33 points and Jalen Brunson added 36 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists.This was the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and puts the Knicks up 3-1. It was the first home win of the series for either team. In a playoff series where the first three games were won by the road teams, the winner of Game 4 is 13-3 in the series.Here are some other Knicks stats from the epic win:29 points - largest comeback in NBA Finals historyNBA teams were 4-750 in the playoffs when down by 20-plus points in the fourth quarter in the playoffs in the last 30 years (per NBA stats expert Keerthika Uthayakumar)The Knicks are 5-3 when down 20-plus points in the postseason the past two years. The rest of the NBA is 4-71 (per AP reporter Josh Dubow)The Spurs had these shocking stats in the first half before giving up a 29-point lead:14 - Most 3-pointers in a half in Finals historyDevin Vassell - 4De'Aaron Fox- 3Dylan Harper - 3Stephon Castle - 1Julian Champagnie - 1Victor Wembanyama - 1Carter Bryant - 176points - Third-highest scoring first half in Finals history (per ESPN)76 points - Most points in the first half by a road team in Finals history41-22 (19-point difference) - Largest first quarter lead by a road team in Finals historyPer the NBA, the previous record for most 3-point shots in a half was 13, which the Cleveland Cavaliers notched in 2017.Wembanyama has had a historic playoffs, including swatting a record 12 blocks in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals and becoming the youngest player to notch 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.There is so much hype around Wemby that even Wendy's considered changing their name and menu to honor the rising star.But maybe it's time for TGI Fridays to change its name to OG Anunoby's?Game 5 of the NBA Finals will be at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 13 in San Antonio.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Key stats from Knicks' comeback over Spurs in NBA Finals Game 4

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and guard Josh Hart (3) celebrate after Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)2026-06-10T14:40:19Z NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks made a record comeback from 29 points down and moved to the brink of their first championship since 1973 by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night.OG Anunoby tipped in the miss of Jalen Brunson’s long 3-point attempt with 1.2 seconds remaining to complete the rally, giving the Knicks a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals and three chances to win the title.It looked impossible early, when the Spurs rolled to a 27-point halftime lead. But Brunson helped bring the Knicks back with 36 points and Anunoby finished with 33, swooping in as Brunson’s shot bounced softly off the front of the rim and stretching high with his right hand to tap it in.“I told OG as big, as strong, as athletic as he is, he’s got to be a monster on the offensive glass tonight,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I don’t know if there was a play bigger than any other play in the history of Knicks basketball.” Game 5 is Saturday night in San Antonio.No team had come from more than 24 points down in a finals game, when Boston did it against the Lakers in 2008, since the NBA began keeping detailed play-by-play for all four quarters in 1997. The Spurs led 81-52 in the third quarter. The only bigger comeback on record in any playoff game was 31 points by the Los Angeles Clippers against Golden State in Game 2 of a first-round series in 2019.The Knicks had their 13-game winning streak snapped in Game 3 and seemed headed for a second straight defeat throughout the first half, when Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs opened the biggest halftime lead by a visiting team in the finals. Read More But the young Spurs, who made 11 of their first 16 3-pointers, went cold in the second half, going 3 for 17 behind the arc as the Knicks outscored them 58-30.“We got on our heels — we missed some shots,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s disappointing, to say the least.” Delirious fans inside Madison Square Garden sang along to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” a few minutes after watching something that seemed almost impossible.Wembanyama had 24 points and 13 rebounds but shot just 9 for 25 from the field. Road teams had won the first three games, only the second time that had happened in the finals. San Antonio was well on its way to making it 4 for 4.President Donald Trump wasn’t at this game — Taylor Swift was — but the same restrictions remained around Madison Square Garden as when he attended Game 3. That angered the Knicks, who decided not to go forward with plans to hold an outdoor watch party outside the arena.Inside the building in the first half, there wasn’t much for the hosts to be happy about, either.But the Knicks gave themselves a chance by limiting the Spurs to 14 points on 4-for-20 shooting in the third quarter, using a 13-0 run to get back in it and cutting it to 90-75 heading to the fourth. These Knicks, who erased a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter against Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, just don’t quit. Even when the comeback seemed for naught when Stephon Castle was fouled after the Knicks had taken the lead and made two free throws to put San Antonio back ahead with 30 seconds left, the Knicks had one more rally in them. Dylan Harper scored 21 points and De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell each had 18 for the Spurs, who will try to regroup and send the series back to New York for Game 6 on Tuesday.“I think it began before (the fourth quarter),” Wembanyama said of the Spurs’ collapse. “I can’t really explain it right now. I don’t know. ... We clearly weren’t the most hungry in the second half.”Fans booed Wembanyama when he came on to the floor to warm up about an hour before the game and the Knicks tried to get rough with him, with Mitchell Robinson called for a flagrant foul for hitting him above the shoulders and Jose Alvarado reviewed for one after going below the belt. Wembanyama — who was also called for a flagrant — stood up OK against the Knicks but will regret the two free throws he missed with 1:47 left and San Antonio leading 104-103.The Spurs broke to a 12-2 lead, giving them a double-digit advantage in the first quarter of all four games. They kept pouring it on and led 41-22 after one, then extended it to 57-32 when Julian Champagnie’s 3-pointer made them 11 for 16 behind the arc.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA BRIAN MAHONEY Mahoney is an editor on the AP Sports desk. He also is a pro basketball writer, primarily covering the two NBA teams in New York. twitter mailto 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Is there nothing voters won’t forgive?

NEW YORK — “There is an unraveling, a great unraveling that I believe is occurring. Not without its pain, not without its frustration.” — Terry Tempest Williams With seconds remaining Wednesday night, as an island of silver and black engulfed in the sea of blue and orange sheepishly gathered around each other, attempting to make sense of a roof that was rapidly caving in, Madison Square Garden roared in utter disbelief. A first half that had seen the Spurs build a 29-point lead, 24 minutes of flawless, effortless basketball, turning the ball over just twice and connecting on a Finals-record 14 3s was long gone. In its place stood an inexperienced, mistake-laden group that suddenly forgot how to play with one another, forgot how to execute against a worthy opponent. OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 2.1 seconds left in regulation was technically the game-winner, but San Antonio accepted defeat long before that. New York’s faithful, the prideful and passionate, the arrogant and emotional, stayed long after the final buzzer, with the arena speakers blaring city anthems, an entire population wrapped in arms, rejoicing as a family. A deserved win. In the bowels of that same building, San Antonio’s youthful core, forced to come to terms with another painful playoff lesson, bemoaned a lost opportunity. “To put as much good work into that first half as we did, get the lead that we had and not finish the job, is disappointing to say the least,” head coach Mitch Johnson said following the 107-106 loss that gave the Knicks a 3-1 NBA Finals lead. “... Painful, again, yeah, because we played so well. That's a game where you sit there and you say you had the type of personnel that you had, you shot the ball decent, played a pretty clean game. Then kind of didn't finish the job, stopped putting energy in the right spots that got you that lead, what we're playing for.”The longer these Finals have dragged on, the more apparent it’s become that this high-level matchup, for as many schematic tweaks and adjustments as two elite coaching staffs can make, has boiled down to the intangibles. And that, in itself, is a chess move. The 30,000-foot view shows that for a good portion of Game 4, the Spurs had the Knicks figured out. Forty-three attempted 3s were the result of timely downhill drives, absorbing the defense and spraying back out to the perimeter for clean looks. Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox, protectors of pace, caused havoc in the half-court, scurrying around while getting to their spots at will. Victor Wembanyama playing — and winning — the mental game, getting Karl-Anthony Towns into foul trouble and causing Mitchell Robinson to lose his cool after a series of tough baskets on his head. But at some point, everything changed. Suddenly, San Antonio stopped seeking rim attacks, settling for ill-advised jumpers. Suddenly, a defense that had done well to limit Towns’ impact had no idea how to account for Anunoby’s physicality, versatility and smarts, or Jalen Brunson’s three-level shotmaking. Suddenly, Stephon Castle’s inability to recreate his Game 3 magic — and Wembanyama’s crowded airspace — became bigger and bigger issues. Suddenly, the Spurs’ pillars struggled, again, to close a game, turning the ball over and missing free throws in the clutch. Suddenly, a team that had spent so much energy downloading information about their opponent in hopes of bettering themselves lost sight of their key principles. And suddenly, the game — and likely the series — was gone. Four-for-20 shooting in the third quarter, 4-for-19 shooting in the fourth. In the biggest half of their season. “I can't really explain it right now,” Wembanyama said. “I don't know. I think it's just execution, greediness of some sort. We clearly weren't the most hungry in the second half … I don't know about the emotions, but it was painful, of course. It feels like we worked too hard and give up our leads. It's as simple as that. It just hurts.”Over the next 48 hours, which will feel like 96 depending with whom you speak, an organization that has built so much equity over months will attempt to dissect exactly what went wrong in hopes of prolonging its season. But something shifted Wednesday night. And it had nothing to do with free-throw rates, rim-protection stats or shot quality. New York, a city that breeds hustlers and heroes born out of desperation and determination, simply wants it more. Advanced analytics can’t track heart. Trends can’t determine will. The box score doesn’t keep track of destiny. A Spurs team that held a near-30-point lead — and one that has built advantages at various junctures over the past week — still has positive areas to draw upon heading into a do-or-die moment. The return to San Antonio, to the embrace of its rabid fanbase, should give it yet another emotional edge on a night when it simply can’t afford any more mistakes. But as the Spurs stare at the 3-1 wall, with only one team in NBA history ever emerging victorious after that deficit, there’s only one thing this young group can do. “Holding each other accountable,” Wembanyama said. “Communicating. Not pointing fingers. And after that, we either got it or we don't. But we've proven that we can surpass these difficulties. Even though we haven't been there before, I'm convinced we're built that way, and we're going to use the better of this. It's going to tighten us up.”

MIRPUR, Bangladesh (AP) — Australia recalled fast bowler Riley Meredith in this format for the first time in five years and captain Josh Inglis won the toss and elected to bat in the second one-day cricket international against Bangladesh on Thursday.Bangladesh, which won the first game by 86 runs on the DLS Method, is targeting a maiden ODI series win over Australia. The Australian squad is under pressure and under strength, missing frontline pace bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood and Mitchell Starc.Meredith, who played his only previous ODI against the West Indies in 2021, replaced Liam Scott in the only change to Australia's XI from the first game.Opening batter Saif Hassan made way for Soumya Sarkar as Bangladesh also made only one change.___Lineups:Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Sourmya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir IslamAustralia: Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (captain), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Xavier Bartlett, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa___AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

On the third episode of UFC Freedom 250 Embedded, Alex Pereira shows of his impressive soccer skills; Ciryl Gane gets some golf swings in; Sean O’Malley starts his hair transformation for fight week; Diego Lopes gets in one last training before leaving Oklahoma; We take an inside look at how the locker rooms are being setup for this historic event; Interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje looks to shut Ilia up come fight night; Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria gets in an outdoor workout to prepare for the elements. UFC Freedom 250 takes place on Sunday, June 14, on the South Lawn of the White House. The event is headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. UFC Freedom 250 Embedded - Episode 3

Real Madrid join race for Mateus Fernandes as Mourinho plots first summer signingReal Madrid have joined the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, AS reports.The Portuguese ace has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world, and new Madrid manager Jose Mourinho wants him at Santiago Bernabeu.Midfield reinforcement has become a priority for Madrid, and Fernandes is seen as an ideal transfer target, with the club eager to add quality in the middle of the pitch.The 21-year-old was a standout performer in a miserable campaign that ended with West Ham getting relegated from the Premier League.He was a mainstay in the West Ham midfield after joining from Southampton, featuring 45 times across all competitions and chipping in with 10 goal contributions.West Ham’s relegation has opened the door for a number of players to jump ship, and Fernandes is among those looking for a fresh challenge elsewhere.He’s not willing to stick around to play Championship football, but West Ham’s outrageous asking price has made his exit plan more difficult.Despite investing an initial £38 million to bring Fernandes to the London Stadium, West Ham are not willing to part ways unless they recoup a staggering £80m for the midfielder.While Fernandes has a lot of admirers both in the Premier League and abroad, interested clubs have baulked at West Ham’s demands.The Portuguese maestro has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Manchester United, but none of them are willing to entertain West Ham’s asking price.However, with Mourinho reportedly pushing for Madrid to bring in Fernandes, it remains to be seen if they’re willing to sit at the negotiating table with the Hammers.West Ham aren’t desperate to sell, considering Fernandes still has a long-term contract keeping him at the London Stadium. But it’s better to sell than keep an unhappy player in the squad.However, they’re still unwilling to do business unless their asking price is met. Meanwhile, Madrid have been linked with a handful of other midfielders, including wantaway Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez. But the World Cup winner could cost them north of £120m.

ToplineBillionaire popstar Taylor Swift was among dozens of prominent celebrities in attendance at Wednesday night’s NBA Finals Game 4 at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks took a 3-1 lead in the series after pulling off a historic comeback against the San Antonio Spurs after being 29 points down.Taylor Swift and Mariska Hargitay attend Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.Getty ImagesKey FactsSwift, who resides in New York, was joined courtside by singers Alana and Este Haim as the three of them wore the Knicks blue and orange t-shirts with puns like “Stevie Knicks, Knickole Kidman and Knickleback.”“Law and Order: SVU” star and longtime Knicks fan Mariska Hargitay was seated next to Swift and was later seen wearing a “Stevie Knicks” shirt identical to one worn by the pop superstar.Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet continued his streak of attending every Finals game so far this year as he cheered for the Knicks alongside his girlfriend and cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner.Several top comedians were also seen attending the game, including Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon and Tracy Morgan.Director Spike Lee, who is one of the team’s most prominent longtime fans and a regular game attendee, also sat courtside wearing a Knicks jersey with Pope Leo XIV's name and signature on the back.Actor Michael J. Fox, Larry David, Tennis legend John McEnroe and rapper Fat Joe were also seen in the crowd while the Wu-Tang Clan performed during halftime. What Happened In The Game?The Spurs were dominant in the first half and led by 27 points at halftime, 76-49. The lead would grow to 29 points, but the Knicks mounted a strong comeback to score 26 points in the 3rd quarter and slash the Spurs’ lead to 15 points. The comeback continued in the final quarter as the Knicks scored 32 points to take the game 107-106. The 29-point reversal is the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history—overtaking the 24-point comeback pulled off by the Boston Celtics in the 2008 Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.what to watch forThe Knicks now lead the series 3-1 and are just one win away from securing their first NBA title since 1973. The next game is on Saturday in San Antonio. This article was originally published on Forbes.com

There are times when Canada can seem the forgotten World Cup hosts. They have not staged the most celebrated World Cup of all or another of the most remarkable. They have not sought to repel fans of other countries, turned a referee away, held an opposition striker for questioning at immigration, bombed a fellow competing nation. Canada’s conventional approach – helpful and welcoming – may be out of kilter with these times; with this United States.Everyone else can be obscured by the publicity-hungry Trump administration. For the 51st state, as the expansionist, avaricious American president has called the northern neighbour, a first game may be a reminder to the rest of the world that this is Canada’s tournament too.Albeit, perhaps, less of a reminder than might have been the case. It might have been Canada against Italy; except Italy did not qualify, so Bosnia and Herzegovina provide the opposition in Toronto. Which might supply an opportunity but also contributes to the sense that Canada have been rather short-changed by Fifa.The fixtures show five group games apiece in Vancouver and Toronto, with two knockout matches by the Pacific Ocean, one near Lake Ontario. There is the possibility England will be in Toronto for the last 32, or Argentina in Vancouver for the last 16. Canada have the carrot of knowing that, if they win Group B, they could advance to the quarter-finals before crossing the border.But in the pool stage, the highest-profile match is Germany against Cote d’Ivoire. Croatia and Belgium visit once each. Some of the fixtures could rather blend into the background. Canada may have been shortchanged in the prioritisation of all things American. Fifa president Gianni Infantino, after all, wore a USA cap, with 45-47, the number of Trump’s presidencies, on the side when he attended the inaugural meeting of the inaptly-named Board of Peace. Canada's head coach Jesse Marsch leads his players in Toronto (AP)Infantino has not yet been spotted in any Mark Carney merchandise. But then the Canadian Prime Minister, like fellow social democrats or liberals, appears less to Infantino’s liking than despots and would-be dictators. Carney has talked of the importance of the middle powers in international relations, a counterweight to the superpowers, more of an axis of reason and fairness.Arguably, Canada are yet to reach the rank of a middle power in football, though the next month or so could change that. A pool containing Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland offers the possibility of progress; perhaps even, if Canadian ambitions are realised, in top spot.Canada's Alphonso Davies, right, runs laps during a World Cup soccer training session in Toronto (AP)So far, though, they have the unenviable record of playing the joint most matches in the World Cup without picking up at least a point, along with El Salvador. There have been six, split equally between 1986 and 2026. Canada were minnows four decades ago, owing their place in part to the fact Mexico qualified automatically as hosts.They were a better side in 2022, but had the misfortune to be pitted against two of the eventual semi-finalists, Croatia and Morocco, plus a Belgium team who came third in the previous tournament. They lost all three games but while only Croatia routed them, that 4-1 triumph came after Canada led through Alphonso Davies. It followed an uncharacteristic display of Canadian tactlessness that rebounded on them: manager John Herdman, after the defeat to Belgium, said his side were going to “eff” Croatia. It only served to galvanise Zlatko Dalic’s side.Four years on, Canada have another outspoken manager, but this time in the defence of his adopted nation. Jesse Marsch was Bob Bradley’s assistant as the USA reached the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup; he might have been in charge of his homeland this time around, after being interviewed in 2023. He instead got the Canada job and has sprung to their defence. “If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state,” he said last year. Canada warm up before a training session in Toronto (AP)He has impressed off the pitch. On it, he has issues. Davies is unlikely to be fit. Jonathan David had a difficult first year at Juventus. Canada did not have to qualify but exited last summer’s Gold Cup at the quarter-final stage. They have been able to beat the United States under Marsch, a happy habit but one that may be irrelevant for this tournament. But their form offers little encouragement.Canada enter the World Cup with only two wins in their last eight matches, though they have been draw specialists under Marsch. Their win percentage was nevertheless rather higher under Herdman. But this World Cup, unlike the last, presents an opportunity for Canada to plot a route some way into the tournament. And, in the process, for the co-hosts who seem consigned to the margins by their noisy neighbours and Fifa alike, to illustrate what they can bring in their own right.

Jalen Brunson post Game 4: "Before we start… My thoughts & prayers are with a friend of mine I got to meet last week. Jonathan from North Carolina. From Make a Wish Foundation They asked me to make a video. But something told me to Facetime… I got the pleasure to do so…Quick call but well worth it. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family… May God rest his soul" (Reporter asks question) Jalen (can't answer): "Sorry…"x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: My thoughts & prayers are with a friend of mine I got …

Fred Katz‬: I swear to all of you, someone just asked Jalen Brunson what was most important to him: Winning MVP, winning a championship or world peace?bsky.appThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Someone just asked Jalen Brunson what was most …

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the third quarter against the Spurs' loss to the New York Knicks in game four of the NBA Finals (AL BELLO)Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs were searching for answers after a historic collapse against the New York Knicks in game four of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.San Antonio led by as many as 29 points, the largest blown lead ever in a Finals game, but crumbled to fall 107-106 to a Knicks team that now leads the best-of-seven championship series 3-1 and has three chances to clinch the crown.Wembanyama, the 22-year-old French star who has made the Spurs title contenders in his third NBA season, scored just eight of his 24 points in the second half, missing a pair of free throws with two minutes left and the Knicks closing in."I can't really explain it right now," he said. "I don't know what to say about the emotions (in the locker room), but it was painful, of course."It feels like we worked too hard and then let our lead slip away. It's that simple. It just hurts."Wembanyama said the only thing to do is focus on fending off elimination when the Spurs host game five on Saturday."I think it's going to go one of two ways, a bad one and a good one," he said. "The bad one would be giving up. The good one would be getting stronger through this, getting more together. I know this is what we're going to do."Teammate Dylan Harper added, "we all definitely hurt. Kind of gave the game up.""Hurt -- I mean angry," Harper said, adding, "I feel like this is all fuel to the fire for us. (We've) just got to realize that the most important thing is the next game."Spurs coach Mitch Johnson also called on his team to look forward."Painful, yeah, because we played so well," Johnson said."We have two days to put everything we have into (Saturday's) game," he added."That's the only game that matters. By no means am I not acknowledging the Knicks and what they've done. But we feel like we've decided the outcome of all four games. We need to be better in the next game."bb/ane

NEW YORK (AP) — For the New York Knicks, a 53-year wait for another championship might have been decided by what happened in 4 1/2 seconds.And make no mistake: Those 4 1/2 seconds will never be forgotten by the Knicks. Or by the San Antonio Spurs.The situation: Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Knicks down by one in a game where they trailed by as many as 29 points. They call timeout with 5.7 seconds left, just as Jose Alvarado nearly committed a backcourt violation that would have cost the Knicks the basketball.Here's how it happened.5.7 seconds left ... the play beginsThe timeout comes and New York's Josh Hart is distraught. He blamed himself for missing an assignment at the other end, which allowed San Antonio’s Stephon Castle to hit two free throws that put his team up 106-105.“I’m sitting there just hoping my guys make a play,” Hart said.OG Anunoby inbounds the ball for the Knicks. The Spurs elect to not have a defender impede his vision, using all five of their players to guard the four who were moving about for New York. Jalen Brunson shakes free of a couple of defenders, including the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, the league's Defensive Player of the Year, and catches the inbounds pass near midcourt.4.3 seconds left ... Brunson shootsBrunson takes one dribble and lets a shot fly from about 31 feet, over Wembanyama's outstretched left arm. The shot, in the air for about 1.2 seconds, misses and hits the rim. It's short, and the ball bounces off the iron into the air.Anunoby — with nobody in his path — sprints from the out-of-bounds spot into the lane, just in case.“I just went and crashed,” Anunoby said. “Tried to get a tip-dunk or something. The ball went over my head, so I couldn’t really dunk it. So, I tried to tip it in softly.”With 2.5 seconds left, Anunoby leaps. The Spurs have a few Knicks boxed out, including Karl-Anthony Towns. But Anunoby is unnoticed and gets in front of the Spurs' Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell.“I was contesting the first shot,” Wembanyama said. “Turned around and saw him up there. That’s all I saw.”2.0 seconds left ... Anunoby tips the ballAnunoby throws his right arm into the air as he leaps, just out of the reach of the airborne Vassell. He gets his thumb and a couple of fingers on the ball, hoping to knock it back toward the rim — which he does.“Right hand from God,” Towns called it.Anunoby falls to the floor. The ball gets over the front of the rim. Brunson's fist goes into the air. The Garden waits.1.2 seconds left ... ‘Bedlam here at The Garden!’Announcer Mike Breen thought Brunson's 3-point shot would be good. In the end, Breen yelled “Bedlam here at the Garden! They can't believe it!” as Anunoby's shot went through the net.Hart — who also missed a go-ahead layup in the final moments — will never be able to thank him enough.“I’ve got a special shoutout for OG, man,” Hart said. “He saved me, at least for this game, a lifetime of regret.”Had the rebound of Brunson's miss bounced in a different direction, Anunoby wouldn't have gotten there.“Bounced off the rim the right way,” Harper said. “He tipped it in the right way. It went in. I could play, ‘Wish I could have did this, wish I could have did that.’ But at the end of the day, he tipped the ball, and it went in.”The one-point lead matched the Knicks' biggest all night.It was all they needed.“That has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I’m not you guys. You guys know better than me. But it was just unbelievable.”___Reynolds reported from Miami.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

A cleric checks his cell phone on stage in front of a screen displaying portraits of the late Iranian revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, left, late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, during a pro-government gathering in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)2026-06-11T05:05:11Z DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States launched a second round of airstrikes on Iran into Thursday morning after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations, and Iran responded with strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.The new U.S. assault across multiple Iranian cities came as efforts to negotiate an end the war again appeared stuck, with Iran insisting it would maintain its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global energy supplies and sent oil prices higher. The American attack appeared more intense and wider than the day before, but Iran released no information about what was hit.Kuwait closed its airspace because of the Thursday morning attack, without elaborating on any damage. Jordan didn’t acknowledge the attack, though the U.S. Embassy in Amman warned about it. And Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens without mentioning possible damage there. The third back-and-forth strikes this week have tested a two-month shaky ceasefire. The first were attacks between Iran and Israel on Sunday into Monday, followed by the two rounds of fire between America and Tehran. Trump has urged Iran to sign a deal to end the war and suggested earlier this week that an agreement could be reached in days.But Iran has proved resilient despite weeks of heavy bombing. It is betting that its ability to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial passageway for oil and natural gas — gives it a strong bargaining chip. Read More Still, both countries seem to be looking for a way to end the conflict — if they can manage to sell it as a win at home. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears intent on pursuing goals that make compromise harder: the collapse of Iran’s theocratic government, the elimination of its nuclear program, and the destruction of the Iranian-allied Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. US strikes Iran and Iran fires back at Gulf StatesThe U.S. Central Command said its latest round of airstrikes ended just before sunrise Thursday in Iran. The military command said the strikes came “in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression” and targeted “Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air defense sites.” It did not elaborate on the damage done by the strikes, which it said were carried out by the U.S. Air Force, Marines and Navy.Explosions from the strikes echoed around Iran’s capital, Tehran, as well as the port city of Bandar Abbas and other southern areas along the Strait of Hormuz.Iran responded by launching strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan for a second day.Israel early Thursday also warned residents in the north to seek shelter after the detection of suspected incoming fire from Lebanon. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Trump says US is sneaking oil past the Strait of HormuzSince the U.S. and Israel started the war with Feb. 28 attacks on Iran, the conflict has shaken the global economy, driven up energy prices and made food and other basics more expensive. The international benchmark for crude oil traded above $93 a barrel on Wednesday, up more than 25% since the start of the war.Trump said the U.S. military has since last month undertaken a “secret mission” to sneak oil shipments past Iran’s forces in the Strait of Hormuz. He said ships were slipping through at night, aided by the destruction of Iranian radar equipment. Trump said as a result more than 100 million barrels of oil have evaded Iran’s chokehold on the strait. There was no immediate confirmation of that figure, which roughly equals five days of oil shipments through the waterway before the war began.The military’s role was not immediately clear. The U.S. Central Command on Wednesday disputed Iran’s claims that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, saying commercial ships are continuing to transit in and out. Big disagreements stand in the way of a quick peace dealWary of high gas prices in the run-up to midterm elections in November, Trump seems to be looking for a quick win. But he is also making demands that will be tough for Iran to swallow.The U.S. wants to see Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, that uranium is a short technical step from weapons-grade levels. Iran is refusing to give up the uranium and demanding relief from sanctions. It also wants the release of frozen assets even before a final agreement is in place, something Trump rejected.Iran has insisted that any deal to end the war must also end fighting between its ally Hezbollah and Israel. ___Price and Toropin reported from Washington. JON GAMBRELL Gambrell is the news director for the Gulf and Iran for The Associated Press. He has reported from each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran and other locations across the world since joining the AP in 2006. twitter instagram mailto MICHELLE L. PRICE Price covers the White House. She previously covered the 2024 presidential campaign and politics, government and other news in New York, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. She is based in Washington. twitter mailto

Liverpool look at completing blockbuster best young trio in world footballLiverpool could soon have the best young trio in world football. A true blockbuster investment.Liverpool have worked hard in the last two transfer windows to sign genuinely elite talents at centre-back. The idea has been to get ahead of everyone else, snapping up players who could skyrocket in value very quickly.Not that they've signed them cheap. Giovanni Leoni cost just shy of £30m, while Jeremy Jacquet was around twice that. The pair of them are extraordinarily good, though, and it's difficult to imagine things going south.But it seems the Reds aren't done there. Liverpool will need to invest further at centre-back after Ibrahima Konate's exit - even if they ultimately put the signing off until 2027.Both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will be out of contract then, forcing some sort of action. Liverpool, though, appear to be stuck on the idea of signing young defenders.CaughtOffside claims Liverpool are monitoring the situation with Luka Vuskovic. There's an outside chance that Tottenham Hotspur sell after his outstanding season with Hamburg - their short-term outlook doesn't necessarily lend itself to developing a teenage defender and they need money to reshape their squad adequately.It's difficult to overstate just how talented a trio of Vuskovic, Leoni and Jacquet would be. There wouldn't be a group like it in world football - three centre-backs who tick absolutely every single box and have all performed in elite European leagues as teenagers.Three different leagues, no less. No club can boast that kind of potential, and few could boast that kind of talent right now.We'll have to wait and see just how viable a deal for Vuskovic is. Liverpool, though, have their eyes on the prize.Luka Vuskovic: Situation SummaryHamburger SV Campaign and StatsAs of 9 June 2026, Luka Vušković has concluded a highly successful 2025/26 season on loan at Hamburger SV from his parent club, Tottenham Hotspur. The 19-year-old Croatian centre-back established himself as a dominant presence in the Bundesliga, making 28 league appearances and scoring six goals—the highest tally for any defender in the German top flight this season. His commanding defensive displays, which included a league-leading 69.1% challenge success rate, were instrumental for Hamburg throughout the campaign.World Cup Call-UpFollowing his breakout year in Germany, Vušković’s rapid development has been rewarded at the international level. He has been named in Croatia's 26-man provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on 11 June in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Having made his senior international debut in June 2025, the teenager is now set to compete on the world stage, with Croatia drawn into Group L alongside England, Panama, and Ghana. His immediate future following the tournament will involve reporting to Tottenham Hotspur for pre-season training.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis accepts inevitable Elliot Anderson sale to Manchester CityMarinakis has regarded Man City’s latest offer of £106M plus add-ons as unacceptableForest owner has reluctantly accepted Anderson’s sale but is pushing for a record transfer feeCity’s second bid was worth £106M plus £15M in bonuses; Forest want £110M up frontEvangelos Marinakis has regarded Manchester City’s latest offer of £105 million plus add-ons for Elliot Anderson as unacceptable, though the Nottingham Forest owner has reluctantly accepted that a sale will happen and is pushing for a record fee.City’s second bid for Anderson worth £106 million plus a further £15 million in bonuses was submitted earlier this week, with Forest using the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice as a benchmark.It has been reported that Marinakis wants the fixed fee to exceed the current British record of £125 million Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.Manchester City exceed £120 million with second bid for Elliot AndersonTalks between the two clubs remain ongoing, with City having been confident throughout of completing the signing of their primary midfield target despite the significant financial gap that has existed between the two clubs’ respective valuations since the pursuit began.Report: Marinakis regards City offer as unacceptable but sale acceptedAs per John Percy of The Telegraph, Evangelos Marinakis has regarded Manchester City‘s latest offer of £105 million plus add-ons for Elliot Anderson as unacceptable, with talks between the clubs ongoing. Marinakis has reluctantly accepted the sale of Anderson but has pushed for a record fee. The detail that Marinakis has accepted Anderson’s departure is a significant development, suggesting the question is no longer whether the midfielder leaves but at what price.City’s willingness to already exceed £120 million in total bid value demonstrates the level of their commitment to landing a player described as central to incoming manager Enzo Maresca‘s plans for next season.What is the wider context for City’s pursuit?Anderson has been City’s primary midfield target for the best part of a year, with director of football Hugo Viana identifying the 23-year-old as the ideal profile to fill the void left by Bernardo Silva‘s departure.The England international has already undergone a Manchester City medical during the FIFA World Cup with Thomas Tuchel‘s permission, underlining how advanced his own thinking on the move is.Manchester City face Manchester United transfer hijack threat in pursuit of Elliot AndersonManchester United remain a potential hijack threat in the background, though Anderson is understood to prefer the Etihad Stadium as his destination. The gap between City’s offer and Marinakis’ demands remains the only obstacle to a deal that both the player and City are eager to complete.

Marcus Rashford: Man United loanee reminds international boss of talentManchester United have had numerous players in international action this week as clubs prepare for the FIFA World Cup.Lisandro MartinezThe Argentine centre-back has had his problems staying fit this season but has started every warm-up game for Argentina.Martinez played 45 minutes of his nation’s 3-0 win over Iceland. He made one key pass and completed an impressive 96% of his passes against the Northern European team.His need for defensive work was limited, as he did not have to win an aerial or a ground duel, since the Icelanders caused the world champions very little issue at all.Argentina and Martinez will kick off their campaign against Algeria on 17th June at 02:00 BST.Kobbie MainooMainoo has had an excellent second half of the season and has regained his place in the Manchester United first eleven and the England squad.The Carrington product came off the bench for England in their 3-0 win over Costa Rica.Replacing Elliot Anderson, he made one key pass and completed 100% of his passes.He also almost grabbed his first England goal, but his effort was stopped by the Costa Rican keeper.Mainoo also completed 100% of his dribbles and an impressive five out of seven ground duels.Marcus RashfordRashford received the news yesterday that FC Barcelona will not sign off on the €30 million purchase clause in his contract.This means that he will enter the World Cup with his club future very much up in the air.He replaced Anthony Gordon in the 71st minute and had one shot on goal.Rashford also made one key pass and completed his only dribble attempt of the match.He also won 100% of his duels and 100% of his tackles in an impressive cameo.Marcus Rashford stats vs Costa RicaFeatured image Michael Regan via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Cam Smith #11 of the Houston Astros rounds the bases on a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 10, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images) | Getty Images For the second time in three nights, it would require extra innings. This time however, the Astros wouldn’t be as fortunate as they were 48 hours earlier in the series opener, dropping the finale to the Angels by a score of 3-2. Former Astro Jose Siri would deliver the final blow with an RBI single which brought home Nick Madrigal, who served as the automatic runner with the winning score. Bryan Abreu would take the loss in relief, allowing a pair of hits on only seven pitches. The only good news of the night was that the Astros hit two home runs. The bad news, those HRs represented their only two hits before Alvarez and Walker reached base in the 9th. With each passing inning, there was a sense that the season is slowly slipping away. 70 games now completed with a mark of 31-39. The Astros are again 8 games under the .500 mark, and questions continue to linger. Is this the Astros new reality? Are they destined to hover towards the bottom of their division? They sit in fourth place in the A.L West, having dropped three of their last four. Peter Lambert delivered yet another quality start, striking out 6, but would exit in the 7th with an apparent finger injury that began to swell up on a comebacker. Mike Trout, playing DH on this night, started the scoring with a solo shot to straight away center field in the first inning. It was one of only two mistakes that Peter Lambert would make, also allowing Logan O’Hoppe in the 5th to go yard with a blast to left. The Angels this season have now hit a combined 12 home runs off of Astros pitching in their 7 meetings. With the victory, LA has now won 4 of those 7 contests. The Astros wouldn’t register a hit until Shay Whitcomb led off the 6th inning with a solo shot. The offense has been in hibernation in recent games, and on this night was dominated by Reid Detmers who struck out five of his first seven. Detmers would finish the night with 9 K’s. Whitcomb would be the lone baserunner that Detmers would allow. Upon exiting, Cam Smith would take Chase Silseth deep for his 7th home run of the season to tie things up at 2. In the 9th, Yordan Alvarez appeared to break a tie at home plate after an errant throw occurred off a Christian Walker double, but the call was quickly overturned. As the contest unfolded, encouraging news came from Sugar Land where ace Hunter Brown went 5 innings, tossing 78 pitches with 7 strikeouts in what is expected to be his final rehab start. Brown’s fastball would register 98 MPH. All signs now point toward Brown returning next week to face the Tigers on the next Astros homestand. Before that happens, Houston will next play three in Kansas City after an off-day Thursday.

Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals was a cathartic, potentially franchise-defying win for a long-suffering New York Knicks fanbase. It seems not all of them reacted well.A video circulating on social media appears to show a mob of Knicks fans greeting the San Antonio Spurs as they returned to their team hotel following their dramatic loss earlier Wednesday. While most fans limited their engagement to heckling, the video shows stuff clearly being thrown at the team.At least two projectiles are targeted at Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who remains composed on his way in.Another angle of the incident, which also appears to show laser pointers in use:That was the end of a painful night for the Spurs, who led by 29 points at one point in the third quarter before completely collapsing against a Knicks team that has made a habit of incredible comebacks. The Knicks now lead the series 3-1 and are one win away from their first title since 1973.This is the second straight game in New York that has seen bad postgame behavior. After the Spurs’ win in Game 3, multiple videos showed Spurs fans getting attacked on the streets, with 21 people also arrested after a Bryant Park watch party devolved into chaos.Wembanyama was asked about the attacks on Tuesday and had this to say:"My thoughts, of course, is that we can't forget it's a game. We're just playing a game out there. And I am all for passion, but, to the respect of each other, it's unacceptable."Game 5 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN). If the Spurs want to win this series, they will have to make one more visit to New York for Game 6 on Tuesday.

On this action packed edition of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down a historic night at MSG as the Knicks come back from 29 points down to take a commanding 3-1 lead against the Spurs.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com(0:25) Knicks' historic comeback vs. Spurs (7:46) Key takeaways from Game 4OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks shoots the game winning shot during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.Joe Murphy🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!🖥️ Watch this full episodeon theYahoo Sports NBA YouTube channelCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

PSG have their mind made up over goalkeeper transfer decisionPSG have made their mind up over their first choice goalkeeper for next season, according to Parisian sources reporting on the matter.If you enjoy PSG Talk coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.PSG won the Champions League in 2025 after destroying Inter Milan in the final and playing some incredibly football along the way to that game.There was no need to change too much, and really the only significant switch in the first team was the sale of Gigi Donnarumma to Man City. He was replaced by up and coming young star Lucas Chevalier from Lille.PSG show faith in Champions League winning goalkeeperWe all know how it worked out – or didn’t. Chevalier struggled in the early part of the season, and things eventually got so bad that he was replaced by second choice Matvey Safonov.Safonov was not always entirely convincing – but he was far more solid than Chevalier, and helped his team win the Champions League again last month.So what next? According to sources in France, Safonov will be shown faith, and PSG will stick with him as first choice for next season. Chevalier will be sold if a buyer can be found.Some fans would certainly like to see the team try to upgrade once again – but Safonov has earned his place.In other news…The fixture list for Ligue 1 next season has been released, and PSG get a relatively tough opening week fixture to look forward to.PSG have been able to sell their academy defender Noham Kamara to Lyon after the Rhone based team picked up the option to make his move permanent.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL PSG TALK APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE

AUBURN, ALABAMA - JUNE 09: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images The FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 game is finally here, giving managers around the world the opportunity to build their dream squad and compete for bragging rights throughout the tournament.Whether you’re completely new to fantasy football or an experienced manager looking to understand the latest rules, this guide covers everything you need to know about FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026, including team selection, transfers, captaincy, substitutions, boosters, scoring rules and league formats.What is FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026?FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 is the official fantasy game for the FIFA World Cup. Managers are given a budget to assemble a squad of 15 players who earn points based on their real-life performances during the tournament.The goal is simple: score more points than your rivals by making smart transfers, selecting the right captain and taking advantage of the game’s unique features throughout the competition.The game is completely free to play and requires a FIFA account to save and submit your team.How to Create Your TeamEvery manager starts with a budget of $100 million to build a squad of 15 players.Your squad must include:2 Goalkeepers5 Defenders5 Midfielders3 ForwardsEach player is assigned a fixed price based on their fantasy potential.Unlike some fantasy games, player prices will not change during the tournament, meaning there are no price rises or falls to worry about.You can make unlimited changes to your squad before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off.Squad Restrictions by Tournament StageThere are limits on how many players you can own from a single country.As the tournament progresses and fewer teams remain, the country limit gradually increases.Formations ExplainedYour team begins in a 4-4-2 formation by default, but you can switch between several different formations.Available formations include:4-4-24-3-34-5-13-4-33-5-25-4-15-3-2You can freely adjust your starting XI before a round locks, provided your team remains in a valid formation.Budget ManagementManagers receive a starting budget of $100 million for the group stage.Once the knockout phase begins, every manager receives an additional $5 million budget increase.This increase is automatically applied after Round 3 and helps managers afford premium players from the countries that remain in the competition.Captain and Vice-Captain RulesSelecting the right captain is one of the most important decisions each round.CaptainYour captain scores double points.Vice-CaptainIf your captain does not play a single minute during the round, your vice-captain will receive the double-points bonus instead.However, this vice-captain safety net only applies if you have not made any manual changes during a live round.Changing Captains During a RoundOne of the most exciting features of FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 is the ability to switch captains during a matchday.Managers can:Change captains an unlimited number of times during a roundMove the armband to a player whose match has not yet startedWait until a captain’s match has finished before deciding whether to stick or twistIf you move the captaincy away from a player, you lose their doubled score and your new captain receives the double-points multiplier instead.Team Management and SubstitutionsFIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 features both automatic and manual substitutions.Automatic SubstitutionsAutomatic substitutions occur only if you make no manual changes during the live round.A substitute can replace a player who did not play, provided the move results in a valid formation.Auto substitutions are processed after the round concludes.Manual SubstitutionsManagers can manually substitute players throughout a live round.You can replace:A player whose match has finishedWith a bench player whose match has not startedOnce a player is removed after completing their match, they cannot return to your starting XI for that round.Important RuleAny manual change during a live round will cancel automatic substitutions.This includes:Making a substitutionChanging captainChanging vice-captainOnce a manual change is made, auto subs will no longer apply for that round.Understanding Locked and Unlocked PlayersThe game uses a rolling lockout system.Locked PlayerA player becomes locked when their country’s match is currently being played.Unlocked PlayerA player remains unlocked until their match begins.Managers can freely move unlocked players between the starting XI and bench before their matches start.FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 Boosters ExplainedManagers receive five unique boosters during the tournament.Only one booster can be active at a time and each can only be used once.WildcardAllows unlimited transfers for a specific round.The Wildcard cannot be used:Before Matchday 1Before the Round of 32Once confirmed, the Wildcard cannot be reversed.12th ManAdds one extra player to score points for your team.Key rules:The player cannot already be in your squadBudget restrictions do not applyCountry limits do not applyThe player cannot be captained, transferred or substitutedMaximum CaptainAutomatically doubles the score of the highest-scoring player in your starting XI.This removes the risk of selecting the wrong captain.Qualification BoosterAvailable from the Round of 32 onwards.Eligible players receive:+2 points if their country advances to the next knockout round or wins the final.Players must appear in the match to qualify for the bonus.Mystery BoosterA fifth booster will be revealed once Round 3 concludes and the Round of 32 opens.It can be used during any knockout-stage round, including the final.How Transfers WorkTransfers are limited throughout the tournament.Transfer Allocation by Round .wc-fantasy-table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin: 20px 0; } .wc-fantasy-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 600px; } .wc-fantasy-table th, .wc-fantasy-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px 12px; } .wc-fantasy-table th { background: #f5f5f5; font-weight: 600; text-align: left; } .wc-fantasy-table .section { background: #e9ecef; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; } .wc-fantasy-table td:last-child, .wc-fantasy-table th:last-child { text-align: center; } Tournament StageFree TransfersFIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 Transfer AllocationPre-TournamentUnlimitedBefore Matchday 22Before Matchday 32Before Round of 32UnlimitedBefore Round of 164Before Quarter-finals4Before Semi-finals5Before Final6Transfer CarryoversDuring the group stage, one unused transfer can be carried into the next group-stage round.However, transfers cannot be carried into the Round of 32 due to the unlimited transfer window between Round 3 and the knockout stage.Extra TransfersManagers may exceed their transfer allocation.Each additional transfer costs:-3 pointsThese deductions apply once the round locks.Can Transfers Be Reversed?No.Once a transfer is confirmed, it is final.FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 Scoring SystemUnderstanding the scoring system is crucial for building a successful fantasy team. .wc-fantasy-table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin: 20px 0; } .wc-fantasy-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 600px; } .wc-fantasy-table th, .wc-fantasy-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px 12px; } .wc-fantasy-table th { background: #f5f5f5; font-weight: 600; text-align: left; } .wc-fantasy-table .section { background: #e9ecef; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; } .wc-fantasy-table td:last-child, .wc-fantasy-table th:last-child { text-align: center; } ActionPointsPoints for All PlayersAppearance (up to 60 mins)+1Appearance (60+ mins)+1Assist+3Winning a penalty+2Yellow card-1Conceding a penalty-1Red card-2Own goal-2Goalkeeper ScoringClean sheet (60+ mins)+5Goal scored+9Penalty save+3Every 3 saves+1First goal conceded0Each additional goal conceded-1Defender ScoringClean sheet (60+ mins)+5Goal scored+7First goal conceded0Each additional goal conceded-1Midfielder ScoringGoal scored+6Clean sheet (60+ mins)+1Every 3 tackles+1Every 2 chances created+1Forward ScoringGoal scored+5Every 2 shots on target+1Bonus PointsManagers can earn additional points through bonus categories.Direct Free-Kick GoalAny player who scores directly from a free-kick receives:+1 bonus pointScouting BonusA player earns:+2 bonus pointsif they:Score more than 4 points in a matchAre selected by fewer than 5% of managersThis rewards successful differential picks.LeaderboardsEvery saved team is automatically entered into the overall leaderboard.Managers can also compete in:Overall RankingsCompete against all fantasy managers worldwide.Round RankingsCompare scores for a specific matchday or knockout round.Country Supported LeaderboardsCompete against managers who support the same country.Country Championship LeaderboardYour fantasy points contribute to your selected country’s total score.Confederation Challenge LeaderboardManagers are grouped according to the confederation of their chosen supported nation.Mini LeaguesMini leagues remain one of the best ways to compete with friends and fellow fantasy managers.Managers can create:Public LeaguesOpen for all users to join.Private LeaguesAccessible only through:League codesShared invite linksSocial media invitationsThere is no limit to the number of leagues you can join or create.Key FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2026 Rules to RememberBefore the tournament begins, keep these important rules in mind:Unlimited transfers are available before Matchday 1.Player prices remain fixed throughout the tournament.Captains can be changed during a live round.Manual changes cancel automatic substitutions.One unused transfer can be carried during the group stage.Extra transfers cost 3 points each.Only one booster can be active at any time.The knockout stage brings an additional $5 million budget increase.READ MORE: Best FIFA World Cup Fantasy Players to Own for Matchday 1

In this week's Closer Report, Josh Hader is looking excellent in his first week back from injury. Andrés Muñoz continues to struggle with run prevention despite strong underlying skills. And David Bednar appears to be coming around amid his best stretch of the season. All that and more as we break down the last week in saves around baseball.⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.Check out this week’s Stolen Base Report!2026 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings▶ Tier 1Mason Miller - San Diego PadresCade Smith - Cleveland GuardiansJhoan Duran - Philadelphia PhilliesAroldis Chapman - Boston Red SoxRaisel Iglesias- Atlanta BravesMiller made four appearances this week, but only one came in a save situation. After giving up one run to the Mets on Friday, he bounced back with a scoreless inning on Saturday for his 18th save, then made two more clean outings in back-to-back games against the Reds.It was a rare quiet week on the mound for Smith, who made one appearance against the Yankees, recording five outs in a non-save situation. Still, he continues to lead baseball with 21 saves to go with a 2.67 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts over 30 1/3 innings.Duran worked two saves against the White Sox and Blue Jays, then had a rare bad day on the mound, giving up two runs against Toronto on Tuesday to blow a save chance. Duran recovered on Wednesday, keeping the Blue Jays scoreless to convert his 17th save.Chapman has apparently been dealing with a minor hamstring issue over the last week, but was able to tough it out for a save against the Yankees on Friday. The 38-year-old left-hander is up to 13 saves with a 0.46 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts over 19 2/3 innings. The expectation is that the veteran closer will be pitching for a new team by the trade deadline.Iglesias converted back-to-back saves against the Pirates on Friday and Saturday, bringing his total to 13. He then surrendered a run against the White Sox on Tuesday to take a loss. It was just his third run allowed all season, giving him a 1.21 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts over 22 1/3 innings.▶ Tier 2Bryan Baker - Tampa Bay RaysLouis Varland - Toronto Blue JaysJosh Hader - Houston AstrosAndrés Muñoz - Seattle MarinersDaniel Palencia - Chicago CubsTanner Scott - Los Angeles DodgersGregory Soto - Pittsburgh PiratesPaul Sewald - Arizona DiamondbacksDavid Bednar - New York YankeesBaker started this week's series against the Red Sox with back-to-back saves on Monday and Tuesday. He continues to dominate the ninth inning for the Rays, converting 18 of 21 save chances with a 1.98 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts over 27 1/3 innings. The same can be said for Varland, who's actually having one of the best seasons among all relievers, posting a 0.50 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts over 35 2/3 innings. He added three saves and a win this week. Both Baker and Varland probably belong among the top tier at this point. Track record and more role security separate the relievers above.Hader has now made four appearances since coming off the injured list. He's allowed just one baserunner on a walk while striking out seven of the 13 batters he's faced. The 32-year-old looks to be back to form. It's early for him, but if he has a few more impressive outings, he'll continue to rise up the ranks.Muñoz is making it increasingly difficult to keep him this high in the rankings. Despite the strong underlying skills that really do align with his career norms, he just hasn't been able to prevent runs. He surrendered two runs against the Tigers on Sunday to blow a save and take a loss. Muñoz did recover on Monday with a save against the Orioles. The 27-year-old right-hander has posted a 5.18 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts over 24 1/3 innings. Given his strikeout-to-walk ratio is among the best he's posted in his career, I'll keep holding out hope he corrects what is making him suddenly so hittable.This is where things get tough. What does Palencia have to do to get a save chance? His last save came on May 14. He's been stuck at three saves since. He made three appearances this week and holds a 2.87 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts over 15 2/3 innings.Scott has been in the middle of a rough stretch, giving up five runs over his last five outings. He took a loss against the Diamondbacks last Thursday, then pitched in two non-save situations. Meanwhile, Soto gave up two runs before holding on for his ninth save on Wednesday against the Dodgers.And in Arizona, Sewald fell in line for a win with a scoreless inning against the Dodgers last Thursday. A.J. Puk is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno and could be back with the Diamondbacks in the next week or so. Still, I'd expect Sewald to continue working as the team's closer.Bednar had one of his better weeks on the mound, making three scoreless appearances that included five outs against the Guardians on Monday to fall in line for a win. That makes six straight scoreless outings for his best stretch of the season. The 31-year-old right-hander holds a 3.90 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts over 27 2/3 innings.▶ Tier 3Riley O'Brien - St. Louis CardinalsJacob Latz - Texas RangersDevin Williams - New York MetsTrevor Megill - Milwaukee BrewersGrant Taylor/Seranthony Domínguez - Chicago White SoxPete Fairbanks - Miami MarlinsO'Brien got back on track this week with a pair of scoreless outings, picking up two saves against the Reds. He's up to 17 with a 3.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts over 29 1/3 innings.In Texas, Latz made two appearances this week, completing a two-inning save against the Guardians on Friday before locking down a save in extra innings against the Royals on Wednesday. The save was his tenth of the season with an excellent 1.80 ERA over 30 innings.Williams appeared in one game, giving up one run in a non-save situation against the Padres on Sunday. So far, it's been essentially a repeat of last season's struggles, as he's recorded a 5.57 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts over 21 innings.After giving up two runs to blow a save chance against the Rockies on Friday, Megill was unavailable to pitch on Monday against the A's due to oblique tightness. It was encouraging then to see him make an appearance on Wednesday, striking out two in a scoreless frame in a non-save situation against the A's.Things look to have shifted again with the White Sox. All three of Domíguez's outings this week came before the ninth inning. Meanwhile, Taylor pitched the ninth in both of his appearances, picking up a save and a win. The last time Taylor earned a save, Domíguez stepped back in for the next few save chances. Should Taylor settle into the ninth this time around, he can quickly rise up the rankings for the rest of the season.Fairbanks gave up two runs against the Rays on Saturday, but was still credited with a hold before Tyler Zuber stepped in to record the save. He then bounced back with a scoreless outing against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday to fall in line for a win.▶ Tier 4Alex Lange - Kansas City RoyalsRico Garcia - Baltimore OriolesKaleb Killian/Keaton Winn - San Francisco GiantsClayton Beeter/Gus Varland - Washington NationalsKyle Finnegan/Will Vest - Detroit TigersThings get incredibly messy from here on. Lange has taken over closing duties in Kansas City following Lucas Erceg's struggles. He rattled off four consecutive saves, then took the loss on Wednesday in extra innings against the Rangers. Lange's walk problems persist, making him a volatile and risky option for those looking for saves.Garcia surrendered runs in back-to-back outings this week, taking a loss on Tuesday against the Mariners. Ryan Helsley progressed to facing live hitters this week as he works his way back from right elbow inflammation. The next step will be a rehab assignment before he's activated from the injured list.The Giants continue to have trouble finding consistency in the late innings. Winn has given up six runs over his last five outings. Kilian picked up a save on Thursday, his fourth of the season, then made two more scoreless appearances in non-save situations. Don't expect any reliable save sources here. The same can be said about the Nationals. Varland recorded his fifth save, then surrendered three runs without recording an out against the Giants on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Beeter earned a win against the Giants on Monday.No saves for the Tigers this week, but Vest did pick up a win with a scoreless inning against the Mariners on Sunday. Kenley Jansen is on his way back from a groin injury after starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday. He may just need an outing or two before he's activated and should step back into the closer role.▶ Tier 5Antonio Senzatela - Colorado RockiesTony Santillan/Brock Burke- Cincinnati RedsKirby Yates - Los Angeles AngelsYoendrys Gómez/Eric Orze - Minnesota TwinsElvis Alvarado/Hogan Harris - Athletics

England’s camaraderie, quality and adaptability in the weather-affected warm-up friendly against Costa Rica has only increased Thomas Tuchel’s excitement for his first World Cup.After a thunderstorm delayed kick-off by an hour in Orlando, the Euro 2024 runners-up heeded their manager’s request to take things up a notch ahead of next Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia.Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and substitute Ollie Watkins scored in an impressive final performance before their World Cup adventure begins, with Costa Rica fortunate to escape with a 3-0 defeat.Boss Tuchel loved what he saw from the group, who kicked on from Saturday’s 1-0 workout against New Zealand in Tampa as their Florida warm-weather training camp comes to a close.“Until now, it was more a feeling of a pre-season, like an overseas pre-season, and it was good like this,” the England head coach said on the eve of his first international tournament.“I think it’s enough if the pressure and tournament pressure comes a bit later, because it will come. The tension will come naturally.“I think we set the tone today in the meeting and the players were ready to follow, to have the next step in intensity and the way we play, to push ourselves and get a good feeling out of it, which we absolutely did.“I felt today the energy in the stadium was amazing and I thought ‘OK, if we can really play like this and grow into the tournament and have this kind of cohesion and brotherhood and team spirit that we showed today, then we will have an amazing connection with the fans’.“This will hopefully be an amazing experience because it’s the first time for me and it’s a World Cup, and it’s coming.Declan Rice opens the scoring for England (Bradley Collyer/PA)“I think once the ball is rolling and games are already there, then I will feel it, and the latest in Kansas when we prepare then the official match.“The tension will grow but normally the stuff that I personally enjoy the most, then you feel that you’re alive.”England round off preparations with an in-house friendly back at their West Palm Beach pre-tournament home, before enjoying a day off and travelling to their World Cup base in Kansas City on Saturday.Thursday’s behind-closed-doors encounter against Miami FC offers the chance for those that need it to build game time after a match that some feared may not go ahead given a storm swept across Orlando.Ollie Watkins scored England’s third (Bradley Collyer/PA)But the Inter&Co Stadium surface withstood that deluge, and an hour delay provided an important reminder that players will need to be flexible this summer.“In hindsight, it was good for us to have a bit of a delay, so we could even adapt to that and see if it affects us,” Tuchel said. “The group was amazing.“We were not distracted, we didn’t lose our focus, and we had an excellent and determined performance from start to finish.”

Residents walk past debris from a damaged building in General Santos, southern Philippines, Thursday, June 11, 2026, following Monday's powerful earthquake. (AP Photo/Basilio Sepe)2026-06-11T04:44:53Z GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines (AP) — The mayor of a southern Philippine town that was devastated by a powerful earthquake pleaded Thursday for helicopters to transport food to stave off hunger in several landslide-isolated villages.The 7.8 magnitude offshore quake, one of the strongest to hit the Philippine archipelago in a half century, struck Monday off the southern province of Sarangani and has left at least 47 people dead and injured 688 with 31 still missing.More than 45,000 people remained displaced, about half in emergency shelters, after the quake damaged more than 12,600 houses in farming towns and cities. Many were still too traumatized to return home due to aftershocks, provincial officials said.Sarangani reported 20 dead from the quake, the highest toll from the affected provinces, mostly due to a landslide that buried houses in the coastal town of Glan, according to the government’s Office of Civil Defense, which deals with major disasters. Glan Mayor Victor James Yap said power has not been restored to his province and 10 of 31 villages in his town of more than 100,000 people remained inaccessible mostly due to landslides. He asked the government to immediately deploy air force helicopters to deliver food and other aid to the stricken areas. “We need food and water but it’s difficult to transport them to some of our villages which remain isolated,” Yap told DZMM radio network. “Choppers are needed to transport food because people there are already very hungry.” Read More A key access road to the town has been reopened and will allow the delivery of fuel as early as Thursday, but the town remained without power and cellphone services were still spotty, according to Yap.Most of the deaths from the quake were caused by falling debris from collapsed buildings and landslides in Sarangani, the coastal city of General Santos, and the outlying provinces of South Cotabato and Davao Occidental. Two swimmers drowned and one remained missing off General Santos after being swept out to sea shortly after the quake hit. Waves of up to 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) above tide level were measured in the country’s south and smaller waves washed ashore in Indonesia and Palau and as far away as southern Japan. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. The earthquake was one of the strongest to hit the country since an 8.1 magnitude quake and tsunami on Aug. 17, 1976, that killed about 8,000 people.The Philippines is often hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of seismic faults around the ocean.___Associated Press journalist Jim Gomez contributed to this report from Manila, Philippines. 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Next candidate? Bayern could turn to £30m ‘fantastic’ Man Utd-target if they fail to sign SaibariBayern Munich are optimistic of securing the signature of Ismael Saibari, but as of now, no deal has been struck. The Bavarian giants are keen to add depth to the attacking wide areas, and they have Mika Godts on their list as well.Manchester United are also reportedly interested in signing the Ajax attacker, who enjoyed a brilliant 2025-26 campaign.Could Bayern move for Mika Godts?At the moment, Bayern are focussed on getting Saibari from PSV Eindhoven, and the two clubs are in contact to reach an agreement.Christian Falk told CFBayern Insider that Godts is one of the players who is on Bayern’s shortlist, but he is not their primary target.The 20-year-old has been simply outstanding in 2025-26 campaign, scoring 17 goals and registering 14 assists in 40 games across all competitions.However, Bayern are only likely to move for him if they fail to sign Saibari.Falk said: “It is TRUE: Mika Godts is on Bayern Munich’s shortlist. He’s not as highly rated as Saibari; he’s considered more of an alternative candidate. I’m not sure why, as he looks fantastic, and he’s enjoyed a really strong season in the Dutch top-flight. “He’s also not as expensive, with a price tag set at €35m [£30.2m] (despite a contract running until 2029). But Bayern Munich have decided to first go for Saibari. If this doesn’t work out, Godts can be the next candidate.”Hope for Manchester United in signing Mika Godts?The Red Devils are looking to bolster their midfield this summer, and they have already secured an agreement for Atalanta BC midfielder Ederson.However, Michael Carrick is looking for more additions in midfield, and Man Utd are expected to spend big on another top-quality midfielder this summer.They are also looking to add depth in their attacking areas, and have earmarked Godts as one of their top options in the summer.The young attacker is available at a decent prize, and the door could be open for Man Utd if Bayern end up signing Saibari, which looks more likely.

The Dominican Summer League (DSL) season got underway on June 2. The season is 72 games long and ends in August. The Padres have two DSL teams, Padres Gold and Padres Brown, with the Gold team defending its championship from last season.With the addition of the ACL Padres and the two DSL teams, the Padres now have seven minor league teams playing games. The prospect lists have been updated for the end of May/beginning of June. Catcher Ethan Salas has improved his status as a prospect, moving up from No. 27 to No. 11 on the Baseball America prospect list. MLB.com lists Salas as the No. 49 prospect in baseball.LHP Kruz Schoolcraft, who started the year in the MLB top 100 prospects, has slipped off the list. His slow start with Lake Elsinore has undermined his early value. His velocity was down to start the year but his last couple starts have shown improvement and his future value could be improved.Besides those two players, no one else in the Padres system will receive any national attention until they prove they deserve consideration. San Diego president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has stated on multiple occasions that the Padres prospects are valued by other teams more than they are by national evaluators.The coming trade deadline, on Aug. 3, is when Padres fans will find out if Preller believes his team is a playoff team by the way he handles business at the deadline. Multiple players have helped Preller out by distinguishing themselves early in the season. The real test comes when the teams begin to play each other for the second time around and if adjustments come to maintain success.El Paso Chihuahuas (51-79 record, last in the PCL East)With the promotion of Samad Taylor and Jase Bowen, the Chihuahuas lost two of their most productive players. They went 2-4 in their series versus the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Outfielder Nick Solak has stepped into the leading role for El Paso. In the six-game series he had 13 hits with two doubles and two home runs. Solak, 31, has had major league experience and is hitting .344/.421/.536. Oufielder Nick Schnell leads the team with 10 home runs and Solak has 39 RBI.RHP Germán Márquez has begun his rehab assignment and has pitched 6.1 innings over two starts with no runs allowed and only two hits. He has walked one and has five strikeouts. Evan Fitterer remains the most effective starter for El Paso with 11 games started and a 3.80 ERA in 45 innings pitched. JP Sears continues to lead the team in strikeouts despite being hit hard and often. He has a 7.62 ERA in 54.1 innings pitched.Catcher Blake Hunt has been off the IL for a week and back with El Paso. He had five hits, including a double and a home run, in the four games he has played. San Antonio Missions (25-32 record, last in Texas League South)The Missions went 5-1 in their series with the Wichita Wind Surge and resurgent OF Braedon Karpathios was part of the reason. Karpathios, a 2022 undrafted free agent sign, had a difficult start to the season but has surged over the past week. In their six-game series he was 9-for-19 with nine walks. Since May 1, he has a .920 OPS.Catcher Ethan Salas, who has been consistently hot since the season began, had a little cooling off stretch despite celebrating his 20th birthday on June 1. He only had three hits and no extra base hits with three walks. He stole his 12th base, a new high for him in his career.Infielder Carson Tucker leads the team with a .299 average and Karpathios has the best OBP at .373. Salas has a slug of .462 and the most RBI with 31. First baseman Romeo Sanabria also had a good series with two doubles and two home runs to keep him close to Salas in production.The Missions bullpen is their strength in pitching. Both Francis Peña and Andrew Moore shined for the bullpen. Peña has a 1.93 ERA in 23.1 innings and Moore has a 2.29 ERA in 19.2 innings.LHP Jagger Haynes had his best start, pitching 5,2 innings with two runs allowed. RHP Miguel Mendez has been brought back slowly after his early season neck strain and pitched five innings in his last start with no runs allowed. He gave up two hits and struck out four. His fastball was clocked at 96-97 mph and his location is improving (report per Ben Davey of MadFriars.com).Fort Wayne TinCaps (24-33, 5th Medwest League East)The TinCaps faced the Lake County Captains for their six-game series and went 1-5 for the week. The starters struggled with command during the series. LHP Kash Mayfield had his worst outing of the year. His five innings were pitched under poor conditions for the pitchers. A strong wind blowing out aided the three home runs he allowed with the seven hits and two walks. Mayfield has only allowed two previous home runs in his other starts.RHP Carson Montgomery worked five innings while struggling with his command. He allowed three runs on two hits and walked five. He was able to strike out six hitters and has a 2.40 ERA overall. Reliever Clay Edmondson had his first rough outing, allowing three hits, three runs and two walks in 0.2 innings. His ERA is now 1.59.RHP Tucker Musgrove is building off his breakout season of last year. His fastball tops at 99 mph and his sweeper at 98 mph. In his last 10.1 innings pitched he has a 1.69 ERA and 47% strikeout rate. (report per Clark Fahrenthold of MadFriars.com).Outfielder Jake Cunningham continues to lead the TinCaps offense. He is hitting .295/.383/.628 with 10 doubles, 14 home runs and 32 RBI. Four of those homers came in the past week but he also leads the team in strikeouts with 56 and his swing-and-miss will need to improve. Outfielder Alex McCoy is in another slump and is seeing mostly breaking balls in his at-bats. The league has adjusted to his success against the fastball and he isn’t seeing many of those. He will need to adjust back in order to maintain his early success.Lake Elsinore Storm (33-24 record, 1st in Cal League South)The Storm went 3-3 in their six-game series against the Fresno Grizzlies. They maintained their top spot in the Cal League and have the best record as well.LHP Kruz Schoolcraft got his first win as a pro player, pitching five innings with one run and three hits. He got three strikeouts and allowed no walks. RHP Jesus Castro has also been pitching well and threw five innings with three hits, two walks and five strikeouts while shutting out the opponents. The 18-year-old has a 3.05 ERA and has bypassed Winyer Chourio as the most effective Storm starter. Chourio still leads with 60 strikeouts to 22 walks.Reliever Nick Falter has a 2.25 ERA over 40 innings and has one save. He has 39 strikeouts to 13 walks.Catcher Ty Harvey, out for the next month or so after being hit by a swing and breaking his hand, still leads the Storm with a .340 average. Infielder Luke Cantwell, back after his three-week injury stint, has a leading .477 OBP. Infielder Kerrington Cross leads in slug and OPS (.570/.1.037) with eight home runs and 30 RBI. He played first base while Cantwell was injured but is also a third baseman.Outfielder Ryan Wideman had a great week against Fresno, with two doubles and a home run. He added another stolen base to his total of 37 but was caught three times (he has 12 caught stealing for the year). Infielder Jose Verdugo, 18, also had a good week with two doubles and a home run. Not known for his power, Verdugo hit safely in every game of the series and is hitting .287.ACL Padres (13-13 record, 3rd in ACL West)With just 26 games played, there have been some noticeable standouts for the rookie league already. Infielder/DH Santiago Vargas, a switch hitter, was signed in January of 2025 but didn’t play in the DSL last season. He has begun his pro career with a bang and has a .315/.367/.556 batting line with three doubles, two triples, two homers and 15 RBI in 16 games.3B Dawson Willis, an undrafted free agent from Louisiana, is hitting .317/.404/.634 with five doubles, a triple, two homers and six RBI in 11 games. Outfielder Moises Valdez, 20, is hitting .405/.435/.524 with five doubles and five RBI in 12 games.Lefty reliever Zack Qin is off the IL but remains in Arizona. He has a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings. Padres signed reliever Daison Acosta before the season and then designated him for assignment during the spring. He went on the IL almost immediately after camp started and has now begun his rehab with the ACL team. Ty Adcock finished his rehab and is with El Paso.RHP Lang-Hong Su has three starts and 10 innings pitched with a 0.90 ERA. Reliever Bernard Jose has a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings with 25 strikeouts to two walks.DSL Padres The DSL Brown Padres have played six games and have a 1-5 record. RHP Yoel Duarte is a top international prospect that signed with the Padres and is playing for Brown. The 17-year-old from Venezuela has not pitched yet. With six games played, second baseman Osmy Osorio leads the team with a .304 average and 1.012 OPS.RHP Yolansy Perez has a 2.25 ERA in four innings pitched with three strikeouts and no walks.The DSL Padres Gold (3-2, 4th DSL Northwest) have several of the top rated international players signed by the Padres. Shortstop Joniel Harnandez, SS/3B Timothy Mogen, catcher Jhonneiker Leon, LHP Diego Serna, and RHP Jordan Perez all begin with the Gold. Hernandez is hitting .350 with a .931 OPS in five games. Mogen, playing third base, is hitting .167 in five games. Leon has a .067 average in four games. Serna has not pitched yet and Perez has a 27.00 ERA in one inning pitched, allowing three runs.

South Korea vs Czechia – Predicted lineup and team newsSouth Korea and Czechia begin their FIFA World Cup campaigns with a clash in Guadalajara on Friday, both aiming to make a strong and confident start to the tournament.South Korea managed to recover after a difficult opening phase in their 2026 preparations. They endured back-to-back defeats in early friendlies, suffering a heavy loss against Ivory Coast and a narrow defeat to Austria. However, the Tigers of Asia regained momentum at the right moment, producing an emphatic 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago before edging past El Salvador 1-0. They now head into the World Cup on the back of two consecutive wins.South Korea team newsHeading into this crucial opener, South Korea are dealing with major defensive concerns.Key centre-back Kim Tae-hyeon picked up a serious ankle injury during a closed training session and will miss the entire group stage. The team has opted not to call up a replacement.The situation worsened after defender Cho Yu-min had already withdrawn from the squad due to a foot injury, leading to uncapped Jo Wi-je being brought in as his replacement.In midfield, promising youngster Bae Jun-ho is also unavailable for this match as he continues to recover from an ankle problem, though he is expected to return next week.Despite these setbacks, South Korea still possess strong attacking quality. Captain Son Heung-min is fully fit and ready to lead the attack, supported by winger Hwang Hee-chan.At the back, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae will take on added responsibility as he looks to organize and stabilize a weakened defence.South Korea predicted lineupPossible South Korea starting XI: Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Gi-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom; Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok; Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-minWhen will the match kick off?The match will kick off at 3am BST on Friday, 12th June.How to watch South Korea vs Czechia?Viewers in the UK can watch the South Korea vs Czechia World Cup match live on ITV1.Read Also – World Cup 2026: Five young stars set to light up this summerSee More – Real Madrid make transfer enquiry for Arsenal starFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

South Korea vs Czechia – Match preview and team newsSouth Korea and Czechia kicks off their FIFA World Cup journey against each other on Friday at the Guadalajara as they look to start their respective campaigns on a positive note.South Korea vs Czechia – Match preview and team newsDate: Friday, 12th June.Kick-off: 3am BST.Venue: Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico.South Korea team newsSouth Korea faces serious defensive trouble right before their big opening match. Key center-back Kim Tae-hyeon severely hurt his ankle during a closed training session. He will miss the entire group stage, and the team chose not to bring in a late replacement.This blow comes after original defender Cho Yu-min left the squad with a bad foot injury, forcing uncapped Jo Wi-je to take his spot. In the midfield, young playmaker Bae Jun-ho is still recovering from an ankle issue. He will miss this first game but hopes to return next week.Despite these huge setbacks, the Tigers of Asia still have plenty of star power. Captain Son Heung-min is fully fit to lead the frontline alongside winger Hwang Hee-chan.Meanwhile, Bayern Munich star Kim Min-jae will have to carry extra weight to anchor the shaken defense.Czechia team newsCzechia enters their first World Cup tournament since 2006 with a very healthy and settled roster. The team received a massive boost as attacking midfielder Adam Hložek recovered from long-term calf and foot problems just in time to secure his spot.Manager Miroslav Koubek has a nearly full squad to choose from, allowing him to play his favorite physical style. The team will rely heavily on their strong English Premier League and Bundesliga stars to control the game.West Ham midfielder Tomáš Souček is completely healthy to command the center of the pitch and protect the backline.Up front, dangerous Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick is in top form and ready to lead the attack. Czechia looks strong, stable, and ready to use their height and power to fight for a crucial opening win.FormSouth KoreaSouth Korea bounced back after a shaky start to their 2026 campaign. The team suffered consecutive losses in early friendlies, falling heavy to Ivory Coast and narrowly to Austria. However, the Tigers of Asia found their groove just in time for the tournament. They dominated Trinidad and Tobago in a 5-0 blowout and secured a 1-0 win over El Salvador. They carry a two-game winning streak into the World Cup.CzechiaCzechia enters the tournament in excellent form and full of confidence. They showed immense resilience in March, winning consecutive high-pressure penalty shootouts against Ireland and Denmark to qualify for the World Cup. Since booking their spot, they have kept the momentum alive with two straight friendly wins. They defeated Kosovo 2-1 and handled Guatemala 3-1, extending their current unbeaten streak to four matches.Predicted lineupsSouth Korea: Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Gi-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom; Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok; Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-minCzechia: Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Cerv, Soucek, Jurasek; Provod, Sulc; SchickHow to watch South Korea vs Czechia?In the UK, you can watch the South Korea vs. Czechia World Cup match live on ITV1.Read Also – Ranking the best managers at the FIFA World Cup 2026See More – Tottenham Hotspur eye Juventus’ Bremer as Romero replacementFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Czechia predicted lineup and team news vs South KoreaCzechia and South Korea begin their FIFA World Cup campaign with a clash on Friday in Guadalajara, both aiming to get off to a strong and positive start in the tournament.Czechia comes into this competition in very good form and with plenty of confidence. Back in March, they showed great determination by winning two tense penalty shootouts against Ireland and Denmark to secure their place at the World Cup.Since qualifying, they have continued that strong run with two friendly victories, beating Kosovo 2-1 and Guatemala 3-1. This has pushed their current unbeaten run to four matches.Czechia team newsThis marks Czechia’s first appearance at a World Cup since 2006, and they arrive with a well-balanced and settled squad.A major boost for the team is the return of attacking midfielder Adam Hložek, who has recovered from long-term calf and foot injuries in time to be included.Head coach Miroslav Koubek has almost a full squad available, giving him the flexibility to stick to his preferred physical approach to the game. The team will depend heavily on players from the Premier League and Bundesliga to take control in key areas.Midfielder Tomáš Souček of West Ham is fully fit and will play a crucial role in controlling the midfield and supporting the defense.In attack, Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick is in excellent form and will lead the frontline. Overall, Czechia looks strongorganiseded, and ready to use their physical presence to push for an important win in their opening match.Czechia predicted lineupPossible Czechia starting XI: Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Cerv, Soucek, Jurasek; Provod, Sulc; SchickWhen will the match kick off?The match will kick off at 3am BST on Friday, 12th June.How to watch South Korea vs Czechia?Fans in the UK can watch the South Korea vs Czechia World Cup game live on ITV1.Read Also – World Cup 2026: Five young stars set to light up this summerSee More – Man Utd release £73m flop as Premier League retained lists publishedFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

“$12,000? For a coin? Does it come with a used Honda Civic?” Lydic said.

NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya suffered a fresh setback at the BCCI Centre of Excellence this week when a quadricep strain ruled him out of the upcoming ODIs against Afghanistan. After a week of high-intensity training and match simulation drills, the all-rounder was gearing up for a return to the format since 2025, but mild soreness/stiffness has extended that wait. Hours before he was scheduled to fly out of Bengaluru, the all-rounder felt discomfort in his quadricep and immediately alerted the medical team at the CoE. They promptly took him to a nearby facility for scans, which were later shared with Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala. The immediate diagnosis revealed a quadricep sprain requiring a recovery timeline of at least two weeks. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the team management has already been informed of the current status and will decide on a replacement, if necessary, soon. As far as Pandya is concerned, he will continue to stay in Bengaluru and follow the routine put in place by the CoE team. He is likely to resume light jogging/running around the weekend and will hit the nets, at full intensity, in the coming week. The intensity will be sustained for at least a week before the CoE gives him the all-clear. India's next ODI assignment after the Afghanistan series is against England, in England, and it remains to be seen how the selectors address Pandya's situation. The 32-year-old could return to full fitness by the time the ODI specialists depart for England. Will the selectors include him "subject to fitness clearance"? A call is expected in the coming week when the selectors convene to pick the squad for the series starting July 14.Not just Pandya, Virat Kohli's fitness will also be discussed as the star India batter has been ruled out of the Afghanistan series. Selectors will get an update from the medical team on his recovery timelines.The early check-inPandya didn't check into the Bengaluru facility because the BCCI medical team had charted a long rehabilitation programme for him. He wanted to use the state-of-the-art facilities and receive proper training before joining the squad in Dharamsala on June 11. Since the Wankhede Stadium was hosting the T20 Mumbai League, Pandya opted for the CoE to complete his sessions with a battery of net bowlers and side-arm specialists.Spending more time at the CoE is likely to become a regular feature in his regime as proper data and video footage recording is done and he has top experts under one roof. Additionally, the quality of net sessions is much better than what he would get while training at different grounds in Mumbai.

Haiti have been forced to change their kit design just days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match after the governing body banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts.Saeta confirmed the change in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday, following FIFA’s objection to an illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the national flag embedded on the shirts worn by the players in two warm-up matches in the US state of Florida.“The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future and was not intended as a political statement,” Saeta said in the statement.Haitian footballers wore the shirt during their friendlies against Peru on June 5 and New Zealand on June 2.Haitian forward Louicius Deedson dressed in the team’s kit during a warm-up friendly [File: Rebecca Blackwell/AP]According to the FIFA equipment regulations, the use of any “political, religious, or personal messages or slogans” on the kit is prohibited.Colombian manufacturer Saeta said it has modified the kit to meet FIFA’s regulations.“During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design,” Saeta said in the statement.“While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.”View this post on InstagramHaiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland in Boston on Saturday, June 13.They are then due to face South American giants Brazil in Philadelphia on June 19, followed by African heavyweights Morocco five days later, in Atlanta, US.You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.

Photo by Michael Marques/WWE via Getty ImagesPaul Heyman turned the New York Knicks’ Game 4 comeback against the San Antonio Spurs into a wrestling joke after one of the wildest finishes in NBA Finals history.The reaction worked because the game had the feel of an arena spectacle, with San Antonio controlling the night before the home crowd finally got its release.Madison Square Garden supplied the stage, while the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs gave Heyman the kind of dramatic arc he has spent decades turning into theatre.Photo by Al Bello/Getty ImagesPaul Heyman frames New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs Game 4 like WWE theatreIn a post from Paul Heyman on X, Heyman leaned into wrestling language after the New York Knicks erased the San Antonio Spurs’ huge lead at Madison Square Garden.“I think it’s time we all recognize the NBA has a great creative team and writers. Wow. What a story!” Heyman tweeted.He added, “Texas heels rout hometown heroes in the 1st half at the World’s Most Famous Arena (The Garden), only for the babyfaces to perform the greatest comeback EVER! My compliments!”The line worked because Heyman did not need to explain the joke to anyone familiar with wrestling. In that language, the San Antonio Spurs became the “Texas Heels.”The out-of-town villains controlling the building, while the New York Knicks became the “babyfaces,” the hometown heroes fighting back in front of their crowd.The emotional swing of the game gave the joke its force, with San Antonio looking ready to turn Game 4 into a road statement before New York pulled the night into a finish built for Heyman’s kind of storytelling.New York Knicks’ finish against San Antonio Spurs gave Paul Heyman the perfect scriptThe closing sequence gave Heyman’s post its bite because the New York Knicks did not simply make the score respectable after falling behind early.San Antonio led by 29 points and still lost 107-106, with OG Anunoby delivering the decisive late basket after a frantic finish. The win moved New York into a 3-1 NBA Finals lead and put the Knicks one victory from the championship.Jalen Brunson finished with 36 points and 7 assists, while Anunoby added 33 points on 10-for-15 shooting and 7-for-9 from three-point range.Heyman’s “creative team” jab landed because Game 4 had the villain lead, the home comeback, the final twist and the kind of finish that made a real NBA Finals game sound almost too neatly written.Read more:Taylor Swift jumps for joy as Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David react to Knicks’ huge Game 4 winNBA fans point out mistake ‘worse than JR Smith against the Warriors’ Spurs star made late in Game 4Taylor Swift sparks online uproar after commentator’s ‘get out of here girl’ remark during Knicks Finals appearance

Barcelona prepare blockbuster €80 million move for Real Madrid’s top defensive target – reportBarcelona’s search for a top-class left-footed defender has led them towards one of the most highly-rated defenders in European football, but completing the deal could prove far more difficult than identifying the target.According to information revealed by Dominik Schneider, Barcelona have already presented a contract offer to Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol as they continue planning for the future of their backline. The Catalan giants are said to be prepared to invest around €80 million plus bonuses to bring the Croatian international to Spotify Camp Nou.Despite that willingness to spend heavily, Barcelona are currently facing strong resistance from Manchester City, who have no intention of opening negotiations for one of their key defenders.Double threat for BarcelonaBarcelona have made their move for Gvardiol. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)In that regard, Barcelona are facing a double threat in their pursuit of the Croatian.This is because City made a move last week by presenting Gvardiol with a new long-term contract proposal that includes a salary increase. It proves City’s serious desire to keep the defender and makes Barcelona’s task significantly more complicated.At the same time, Barcelona are not the only club monitoring the situation. Real Madrid continue to hold an interest in the Croatian international, viewing him as a player capable of covering both centre-back and left-back positions. While Gvardiol is aware of Madrid’s admiration, any potential move still depends largely on Manchester City’s position.A difficult target for BarcelonaBarcelona face several threats. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)From a sporting perspective, it is easy to understand why Barcelona admire Gvardiol. The club may have moved away from pursuing Alessandro Bastoni, but the need for a naturally left-footed defender remains on their agenda, and few players fit that profile better than the Manchester City star.However, Barcelona’s immediate focus, after already securing Anthony Gordon, is to strengthen the attack, with Julian Alvarez currently viewed as the main objective. Thus, defensive reinforcements are expected to become a more serious discussion once work on the frontline is completed.

The San Antonio Spurs traded for De’Aaron Fox last season for clutch moments like Wednesday night. Entering the night down 2-1 in the series, the youthful Spurs had built a 27-point lead at halftime in New York and seemed to have the series all but tied up. The Knicks, though, rallied back from a second-half deficit that swelled as large as 29 points, and took a late lead with 2:21 left in the game. In that moment, the Spurs needed a steady veteran hand to stem the bleeding and ensure the team didn’t blow it. Enter the 28-year-old Fox, who is the team’s highest-paid player, oldest ball-handler and a former Clutch Player of the Year.But what transpired next was something that will go down as one of the biggest blunders in NBA history.With 15 seconds left, with the Spurs up one, Victor Wembanyama got the stop the Spurs desperately needed on the previously unflappable Jalen Brunson, but on the rebound, the ball squeaked out past halfcourt and Fox chased it down. On paper, Spurs nation would want no one else to have the ball at that critical moment. All Fox had to do was make the savvy move. Dribble the ball out. Wait for the Knicks to foul. Go to the line to ice the game.And then the unthinkable happened: Fox forgot the clock and score. He must have, right? There’s no other explanation for what he did next. With about 12 seconds left, Fox didn’t dribble it out. Instead, he tried to lay it up over the bigger OG Anunoby, and promptly got blocked by the two-time All-Defense wing. The Knicks recovered the loose ball. After the game, Fox was asked about his decision to lay it up.“I just thought I’d be able to outrun him,” Fox told reporters. He could have outrun him and dribbled the clock out. But alas.In a flash, Fox’s mental lapse completely erased Wembanyama’s epic stop and gave the Knicks life again. Rather than Fox, a career 75% free-throw shooter, standing at the line for two free throws to potentially go up three points, the Knicks suddenly had the ball with 5.7 seconds left and a chance to win it.If that’s not bad enough, Fox’s nightmare continued.Out of the timeout, with 5.7 seconds left, the Spurs got the matchup they wanted: the Defensive Player of the Year on the ball, guarding Brunson 30 feet away from the basket. In all likelihood, Brunson would try to take Wembanyama off the dribble and attempt to find some semblance of daylight over the tallest player in the NBA for a buzzer-beater. Instead, Fox committed another catastrophic error: he left Anunoby alone on the perimeter. And that led to a magnificent clutch tip-in that sealed the greatest collapse in NBA Finals history.After the unfathomable mistake to shoot rather than dribble it out, Fox unraveled again. Instead of staying on his man, Fox jumped to double Brunson which likely prompted Brunson to fire off a 3-pointer early, knowing he’d have two advantages on the chessboard. If he shot early, he’d have Wembanyama away from a potential game-winning rebound chance. And not only that, an early Brunson shot would allow Anunoby to crash unimpeded to the rim now that Fox wasn’t there to box him out. And that’s exactly what happened. Brunson missed. Anunoby crashed. He tapped it in. And there was Fox, the last guy back, boxing out thin air as bedlam fell all around him at Madison Square Garden.Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson was asked about Anunoby’s tip in and whether it was simply a great play or a breakdown in boxing him out.“Both,” Johnson said.There was still time left on the clock. Notably, with 1.2 seconds remaining, Johnson went away from Fox with the potential game-clinching inbounds pass. The team entrusted a 20-year-old Dylan Harper to pass the ball in rather than give it to Fox, who had fallen apart.Harper’s pass didn’t get to Wembanyama or to Stephon Castle, who was diving to the rim, and the Knicks ended it. There’s a notion that the Spurs’ inexperience was going to catch them at some point in this playoff run. But the irony of it all is that the veteran Fox was the one who looked completely overwhelmed by the moment, not the 20-year-old Harper or the 21-year-old Castle or the 22-year-old Wembanyama.According to ESPN’s win probability metric, the Spurs had a 79.7% chance of winning when Fox recovered Brunson’s miss with 13.5 seconds left. Four out of five times, that’s the ballgame. But the computer model probably understated the Spurs’ odds there. It couldn’t possibly know what our eyes saw, that Fox had the ball in his own halfcourt, 90 feet away from the Knicks’ basket with the ability to shave more time off the clock by playing keep-away. So how did the Spurs blow a 29-point lead and what ESPN’s model envisioned as a 99.6% chance of winning? A lot of factors led to that historic collapse. Brunson and Anunoby were spectacular. Wembanyama struggled to make an impact inside. It didn’t help that the Spurs shot 3-of-17 from downtown in the second half.But Fox was given a max extension this past summer for this very role — to lead them in the biggest moments. Instead, he failed them, multiple times.Fox finished the game with 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting and committed four turnovers along with seven assists. It wasn’t the worst game of his career, but if there’s one reason why the Spurs are down 3-1 in the series, it’s because their only All-Star besides Wembanyama, the guy who is set to make over $220 million over the next four years, has come up woefully short at the worst time possible. For the series, Fox is scoring just 14.3 points per game, less than half as his Knicks counterpart Brunson, whose 36 points in Game 4 moved his scoring average to a series-high 29.5 points. Fox is shooting worse from the floor, worse from downtown. Fox’s passing may be superior to Brunson in the series, but he also has Wembanyama on his team and the Knicks do not.Fox did hit a big triple to push the Spurs’ lead to seven with 4:10 remaining in the game, reminiscent of his clutch midrange shot in Game 3. But all that momentum came to a crashing halt when Fox turned the ball over at the 2:02 mark, fatefully leaving his feet to pass to Wemby and throwing the ball away to Josh Hart. If it weren’t for Hart’s baffling miss at point-blank range, Fox’s turnover would have been remembered as a crushing mistake. But due to his own later gaffes, it may be still be a footnote. It shouldn’t.Yes, it’d be easy to chalk up Fox’s foibles to the ankle sprain that forced him to miss two games in the Western Conference finals. But tell that to the guy on the other side, Brunson, who is likely just as banged up, if not more. The Knicks point guard left Game 1 after Spurs forward Harrison Barnes fell into his knee and Brunson needed treatment in the locker room. He came back and willed the Knicks to victory with clutch shot after clutch shot. In Game 4, Brunson had nine points to Fox’s three in the fourth quarter.Ahead of the playoffs, I predicted that the Spurs would win the 2026 NBA championship partly due to the fact that the 62-win Spurs had the young legs to prevail in an increasingly young man’s game; veteran experience was overrated, at least statistically in recent years. Until the NBA Finals, the Spurs’ youth had been their superpower, and they took advantage of the championship tax that OKC’s bodies paid this season to get here.Now down 3-1, you’ll probably hear that the Spurs’ youth has bitten them in this series. But youth isn’t the issue. Wembanyama, Castle and Harper have all outplayed Fox in the NBA Finals. That’s the problem, one that’s about to be a $220 million problem.

Andy Burnham smiles during a campaign visit to Ashton-in-Makerfield before the forthcoming by-election, in Manchester, England, Tuesday, June 9, 2026. CORRECTION: corrects family name to Burnham instead of Bunham (AP Photo/Jon Super)2026-06-11T04:15:14Z ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England (AP) — About 75,000 voters in a pocket of northwest England are about to make a momentous decision. They will cast ballots in a contest that may well pick the U.K.’s next prime minister, or plunge Britain’s febrile politics into even more turmoil. Possibly both.Some of them aren’t too enthusiastic.“I think they’re all a waste of time,” said Shirley Prior on the choice of candidates in Makerfield, where a special election on June 18 has drawn interest from journalists around the world. That level of attention is all-but unheard of for a midterm by-election to fill one of the 650 seats in the House of Commons.If Andy Burnham from the center-left Labour Party wins, there’s a strong chance he will replace embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer as leader of both party and country. He’s up against Reform UK, a hard-right party hoping to prove that this longtime Labour stronghold is fertile ground for its anti-immigration message, with potentially seismic consequences for British democracy. This district has elected Labour lawmakers for 120 years, but Burnham is not a shoo-in. Reform, led by the veteran anti-immigration politician Nigel Farage, won 24 of the 25 council seats up for grabs in local elections in this area last month.“I always voted Labour because my dad, my grandad, everybody voted Labour then,” Prior said. “I’ve never done that for a lot, a lot of years.” Immigration is a top issueThe election is taking place amid heightened tensions over immigration. A stabbing in Belfast this week, for which a Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder, triggered violent protests in Northern Ireland in which cars and houses torched.In the constituency’s main town of Ashton-in-Makerfield, 200 miles (320 kilometers) northwest of London, some voters echo Reform claims that recent arrivals are straining housing and public services.“Immigration’s too high, all the services are being put under pressure and Labour just keep inviting more and more people into the country and it’s the taxpayer who has to pay for them,” said retiree Phil Arrowsmith. Read More Annual net migration to the U.K. reached more than 900,000 in 2023, under the previous Conservative government, before falling to 171,000 last year. That decline has done little to boost a Labour government that has floundered since winning election in July 2024. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Starmer has struggled to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living, and been hamstrung by repeated missteps, including his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a scandal-tarnished friend of Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s ambassador to Washington.A dismal performance in local elections last month sparked a clamor from Labour lawmakers for Starmer’s resignation. He has refused, but Cabinet minister Wes Streeting quit so he can run in a leadership contest that could come soon.Burnham, the popular mayor of Greater Manchester, also harbors leadership ambitions, but needs a seat in Parliament if he wants to challenge Starmer. An opening emerged when Josh Simons, the Labour lawmaker for Makerfield, stepped down to trigger a special election.Burnham said he understands that voters are “fed up” and calls the large Reform UK vote “a cry for real change” that Labour must heed. The ‘King of the North’ eyes power in LondonThe Makerfield constituency is a capsule of British history, a collection of former coal-mining communities turned commuter suburbs. The slag heaps and slum housing in the area described by George Orwell in his 1937 book “The Road to Wigan Pier” have been replaced by suburbs of tidy modern houses amid Victorian workers’ cottages, interspersed with farmers’ fields.Though far from the city center, it is part of Greater Manchester, and Burnham gets honks and thumbs’ ups from passing drivers as he walks down the street in his smart-casual uniform of dark jeans with a navy blue shirt and jacket.The 56-year-old has been mayor of the region of 3 million people since 2017, a period that has seen central Manchester boom, with skyscrapers blooming on postindustrial sites. Many residents praise him for championing the city, and for taking a piecemeal public transport system under municipal control as the Bee Network. For a decade and a half before that he was a lawmaker in Parliament, and a minister in Labour governments. He doesn’t emphasize that part of his CV, preferring the outsider status that has seen him nicknamed the King of the North.“What we’ve built in Greater Manchester needs to go national,” Burnham told reporters during a campaign event this week. “I know what it is to turn places around.” Many predict a close contestThe campaign is an odd mix of the local and the international. Some voters cite immigration as a top concern. Others mention struggling main street shops, potholes and petty crime.Burnham’s main rival is Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon, a 41-year-old plumber and local councilor who came second to Labour here in the 2024 national election. He says he’s an unpolished regular bloke, though opponents have criticized him over crude, sexist and anti-vaccine comments on social media.Reform voters are also being targeted by Restore, an even more hardline anti-immigration party.Michael Poultney, a retired teacher and Labour supporter, thinks the unpopularity of Starmer’s government means Burnham faces a stiff challenge.“Without his personal vote, I think we would struggle,” he said. “Keir Starmer has done reasonably well on the international stage, but the government are yet to be in control of the economy.”Burnham insists he is running for the people of Makerfield, not his own ambition, and is not taking victory for granted.“I am making no assumptions beyond the 18th of June,” Burnham said. But he stressed that “this is a change byelection.”“I will take the fight for the changes I want to see in politics as far as I can take it,” he said. JILL LAWLESS Lawless is based in London, covering British politics, diplomacy and culture and top stories from the UK and beyond. She has reported for the AP from two dozen countries on four continents. twitter mailto 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

2026-06-11T03:23:23Z Damaging storms swept through the Midwest on Wednesday, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of customers and causing more than a thousand flight delays or cancellations at Chicago airports.The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings across Illinois, Kansas, northern Missouri and southern Iowa, while severe thunderstorm watches were in place for parts of the Great Lakes.The Chicago area was in store for a one-two punch of weather. Storms that moved in Wednesday afternoon, downing trees and damaging some buildings, were expected to be followed by more wild weather in the evening. The National Weather Service warned of storms moving eastward across northern Illinois and potentially bringing “damaging winds, a brief tornado or two, and localized torrential rainfall increasing the risk for flash flooding.”The two major Chicago airports, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport, temporarily put all flights on hold in the evening due to thunderstorms. A similar ground stop was issued at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York due to thunderstorms. By Wednesday evening, more than 1,000 flights going into and out of Chicago had been delayed or canceled, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking website. Strong winds blew part of the roof off an apartment building in the Chicago area, forcing residents to leave, according to NBC 5 Chicago. Elsewhere, barns collapsed in Wisconsin, buildings were crushed in rural northern Missouri and some large trees and power lines were downed in other areas across the Midwest, photos and video online showed. Read More More than 264,000 customers had no electricity in Illinois, the majority in Cook County, and nearly 140,000 were without power in Michigan, according to poweroutage.com. There were also outages in Kansas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio. Commonwealth Edison Company, which provides electric service across northern Illinois, said the storms had downed poles and wires.“We know this is challenging and will restore service as safely and quickly as conditions allow,” the company said in a post on X. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warned residents Wednesday afternoon that conditions were expected to intensify and could bring tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and flash flooding.“Ensure you have access to a safe place to take shelter, stay tuned to weather updates, and check on your neighbors,” he said on X.

A photo of Mark and Melissa Hortman is displayed during their funeral service inside the sanctuary at the Basilica of St. Mary's in Minneapolis on June 28, 2025. (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP, Pool, File)2026-06-11T04:06:34Z MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The man charged in the political assassinations of the top Democrat in the Minnesota House and her husband, as well as the attempted murders of a state senator and his wife, is due to appear in federal court Thursday to change his not-guilty plea, after federal prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty against him.The U.S. attorney’s office in Minneapolis notified the court Wednesday that the Justice Department would not seek the death penalty against Vance Boelter in accordance with a proposed plea agreement. Boelter’s attorneys did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The court filing did not detail the terms of the plea agreement.Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were shot by a man who came to their doors in the early hours of June 14, 2025, disguised as a police officer and driving a fake squad car. The Hortmans’ golden retriever was so gravely injured that he had to be euthanized. Boelter, 58, was captured near his home in rural Green Isle late the next day after what prosecutors have called the largest search for a suspect in Minnesota history. He faces federal and state murder, attempted murder and other charges. His state case has been on hold pending the resolution of his federal charges. Minnesota abolished capital punishment in 1911 and has never had a federal death penalty case. Daniel Borgertpoepping, a spokesperson for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, said the federal plea deal would not affect Boelter’s state charges. Read More While the Trump administration has pushed for greater use of capital punishment, there were questions about whether Boelter’s case would qualify for the death penalty under federal law.Prosecutors have called the shootings political. When they announced the federal indictment in July, they released a rambling handwritten letter they say Boelter wrote to FBI Director Kash Patel in which he confessed to the attacks. However, the letter didn’t make clear why he targeted the Hortmans or the Hoffmans. In some messages to media, Boelter referenced a vague and cryptic “investigation” he had been carrying out, sometimes suggesting it was about the COVID-19 vaccine. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Friends described Boelter as an evangelical Christian and occasional preacher and missionary, who held politically conservative views and had been struggling to find work.John Hoffman said in a lawsuit filed against Boelter in April that his left arm and hand likely would never fully recover, and that he also had permanent injuries to his digestive and urinary systems. Yvette Hoffman was left with permanent physical weakness, the lawsuit said, while their adult daughter, Hope Hoffman, who was there and called 911 but was not shot, suffered severe psychological trauma. 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Bill Pulte, speaks to reporters at the White House, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)2026-06-11T04:04:04Z WASHINGTON (AP) — A rare lapse in a law that allows the U.S. to gather intelligence abroad is growing more likely after President Donald Trump resisted calls from Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill to immediately name a permanent head of the nation’s intelligence agencies.Trump has doubled down on his temporary pick for director of national intelligence, federal housing finance regulator Bill Pulte, even though he has little experience for the job. Democrats say they won’t support the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, known as FISA, unless the president withdraws Pulte’s appointment and nominates a permanent replacement.The House will try early Thursday to approve a short-term FISA extension, but passage is unlikely. The Senate may follow suit, hoping to prevent what could be an unprecedented lapse in the surveillance tool. The impasse could soon result in limitations on what intelligence the U.S. government can collect abroad just as World Cup games begin in cities around the country and ahead of celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The law expires on Friday at midnight. “We can’t let them extort us,” Trump said of Democrats. Trump has stuck with Pulte as the acting head, rebuffing demands from lawmakers for a more qualified nominee. He asked Congress for a short-term extension of the law to “provide time for the selection and confirmation” of a permanent director. He said he wants Pulte to begin downsizing intelligence agencies. Read More The parties leveled blame for the potential interruption in what has been seen as an essential, if long-debated, surveillance program for keeping the country safe.“We’re going to ask every member here to do the right thing,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “We cannot allow that to go dark.”House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said if Trump wants a shot at a short-term extension, he needs to pull the Pulte appointment. Pulte is a “disgraceful individual” and a “partisan political hack” who is deeply unqualified for the job, Jeffries said. GOP leaders lobby the White House, to no avail Congressional Republicans have lobbied Trump all week to quickly nominate a permanent replacement. But he said he needs more time to do so. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Republican leaders have “made our views known” to the White House.Trump has said that he is interviewing five candidates for his pick to lead the agency permanently, after the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard. And Johnson said the president has made it very clear that Pulte will serve a “very short term — a sort of renovation role” to help the Office of the Director of National Intelligence be “renovated and downsized.”But Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee led by Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut said in a letter to the president that Pulte is a “uniquely poor choice” to serve even in the acting capacity. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers skeptical of Pulte have pointed to his lack of intelligence experience and also his record at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In the position, he has been linked with criminal referrals over allegations of mortgage fraud by public officials Trump sought to punish, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat; Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Lisa Cook, a board member of the Federal Reserve.“He has distinguished himself only as someone who will do or say anything to stay in your good graces,” Himes and the other lawmakers wrote, “qualities that are precisely the opposite of what our nation needs.” FISA will lapse at midnight FridaySection 702 of FISA allows agencies such as the CIA, National Security Agency and FBI to collect communications from foreign targets overseas without a warrant.While members of both parties who cite privacy issues have long wanted to limit the authority, there was broad bipartisan support to renew it, especially after Republicans and Democrats recently worked out a compromise bill. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, has worked with Republicans on the compromise legislation to renew the authority. But he called Pulte’s appointment to replace Gabbard “a live hand grenade” disrupting the process. Warner said the only way he’ll support a short-term extension of the surveillance law is if the principal deputy director of national intelligence, Aaron Lukas, is the acting leader during the duration of that extension.Sen. Tom Cotton, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have warned the administration that the spy tool is likely to lapse. The administration should prepare “for a potential significant gap in foreign intelligence collection,” they wrote in a letter. Trump doesn’t back down on Pulte After bipartisan pushback to Pulte’s temporary appointment, Trump said last week that he would not permanently nominate him to the position. But Democrats, and some Republicans, want his appointment pulled immediately and for Trump to nominate a replacement that can be confirmed by the Senate. On Tuesday, though, Trump announced that Pulte would not only take over as acting director — he’d also start earlier than expected, on June 19. One of several possible replacements could be Pete Hoekstra, Trump’s ambassador to Canada and a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. The White House has reached out to Hoekstra about the job and conversations are ongoing, according to a person familiar with the outreach who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversations.___Associated Press reporters Joey Cappelletti, Kevin Freking and Eric Tucker contributed to this report. SEUNG MIN KIM Kim covers the White House for The Associated Press. She joined the AP in 2022 and is based in Washington. Kim is also a political analyst for CNN. twitter mailto

Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez talks with a voter in Albuquerque, N.M., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File)2026-06-11T04:04:45Z ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge is scheduled Thursday to consider arguments in a challenge to the state’s fledgling universal childcare program, an ambitious and closely watched effort to eliminate daycare costs for all working families. A lawsuit brought by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez and other plaintiffs challenges the process used by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration to eliminate an income cap and co-pays for childcare assistance before the Legislature had a chance to weigh in or approve funding. “This is executive overreach. The program was launched unlawfully,” said Rodriguez, who lost his party’s nomination in New Mexico’s recent primary. The state’s childcare agency disputes that, arguing in court filings that lawmakers have since “expressly authorized” and funded the expansion, rendering the lawsuit moot. Lujan Grisham signed legislation in February enshrining the program into law provided state finances remain healthy. District Judge Elaine Lujan could issue a ruling Thursday on whether the lawsuit can proceed. A potential pause to the program would put thousands of New Mexican families back on the hook for daycare payments and create a headache for businesses. Ilene Harding, who runs seven daycare centers in the Albuquerque area, said the expansion has boosted enrollment and streamlined billing. Read More “We’ve always been financially solvent, but it’s given us stability,” Harding said. The challenge comes as New Mexico looks to cement its place as the first U.S. state to cover all working families’ daycare bills regardless of income. But the stakes extend nationwide as policymakers from New York to California look for models to reduce costs for families and expand public investment in childcare. New Mexico’s program, which is financed in large part on revenue from oil and gas production in the state, was among the nation’s most generous before November’s expansion, waiving costs for families making up to 400% of the federal poverty rate or roughly $132,000 per year for a family of four. Legislative analysts already have raised questions about the sustainability of New Mexico’s expanded program, noting earlier this year that the state Early Childhood Education and Care Department started overspending just weeks into the November launch. The state agency acknowledged at the time that enrollment grew faster than expected, leading to higher costs, but disputed that it was over budget.

You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.After years of planning, preparations, and no shortage of controversy, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is about to kickoff.The event, cohosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, is the biggest in the competition’s history.The 23rd edition, which will be played in an expanded 48-team tournament, begins its 104 matches with Mexico against South Africa on Tuesday.Argentina are the defending champions, having lifted the trophy at Qatar 2022, but who will claim the prized title in global football this time?In the run-up to Thursday’s opening game, Al Jazeera has compiled the complete guide for everything you need to know about its teams, groups, format and schedule.What are the groups and teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026?⚽ Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic (South Korea), Czechia (Czech Republic) ⚽ Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland ⚽ Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland ⚽ Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye ⚽ Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador ⚽ Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia ⚽ Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand ⚽ Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay ⚽ Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway ⚽ Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan ⚽ Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia ⚽ Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, PanamaWhen and where is the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026?The tournament will open on June 11 at 1pm CST (19:00 GMT) at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico.When and where is the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026?MetLife Stadium, which will be called the New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament, will host the final on July 19 at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT).Why has FIFA changed the names of the stadiums hosting World Cup matches?In a move to restrict ambush marketing for brands not associated with FIFA, the governing body has changed stadium names for all venues to match the host city.Therefore, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has been rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has been renamed the Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament, and so on.What’s the format of the FIFA World Cup 2026?The tournament will consist of one group-stage round and four knockout rounds before the final.Unlike previous editions, the knockouts will begin with the round of 32, followed by the round of 16, the four quarterfinals and two semifinals.The stage-wise breakdown of the tournament’s schedule is:Group stage: June 11 – June 27Round of 32: June 28 – July 3Round of 16: July 4 – 7Quarterfinals: July 9 – 11Semifinals: July 14 – 15Bronze medal match: July 18Final: July 19What’s the full match schedule of the World Cup?Group stageThursday, June 11Mexico vs South Africa at 1pm CST (19:00 GMT) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, MexicoSouth Korea vs Czechia at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, MexicoFriday, June 12Canada vs Bosnia at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, CanadaUSA vs Paraguay at 6pm PT (01:00 GMT on Saturday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USSaturday, June 13Qatar vs Switzerland at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, USBrazil vs Morocco at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USHaiti vs Scotland at 9pm ET (01:00 GMT on Sunday) – Boston Stadium, Boston, USAustralia vs Turkiye at 6pm PT (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaSunday, June 14Germany vs Curacao at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, USNetherlands vs Japan at 3pm CDT (20:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USIvory Coast vs Ecuador at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USSweden vs Tunisia at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Monday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, MexicoMonday, June 15Spain vs Cape Verde at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USBelgium vs Egypt at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaSaudi Arabia vs Uruguay at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, USIran vs New Zealand at 6pm PT (01:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USTuesday, June 16France vs Senegal at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USIraq vs Norway at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, USArgentina vs Algeria at 8pm CDT (01:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, USAustria vs Jordan at 9pm PT (04:00 GMT on Wednesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, USWednesday, June 17Portugal vs DRC at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, USEngland vs Croatia at 3pm CDT (20:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USGhana vs Panama at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, CanadaUzbekistan vs Colombia at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, MexicoThursday, June 18Czechia vs South Africa at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USSwitzerland vs Bosnia at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USCanada vs Qatar at 3pm PT (22:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaMexico vs South Korea at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, MexicoFriday, June 19Scotland vs Morocco at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, USUSA vs Australia at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USBrazil vs Haiti at 8:30pm ET (00:30 GMT on Saturday) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USTurkiye vs Paraguay at 9pm PT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, USSaturday, June 20Netherlands vs Sweden at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, USGermany vs Ivory Coast at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, CanadaEcuador vs Curacao at 7pm CDT (03:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, USTunisia vs Japan at 10pm CST (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, MexicoSunday, June 21Spain vs Saudi Arabia at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USBelgium vs Iran at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USUruguay vs Cape Verde at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, USNew Zealand vs Egypt at 6pm PT (01:00 GMT on Monday) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaMonday, June 22Argentina vs Austria at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USFrance vs Iraq at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USNorway vs Senegal at 8pm ET (00:00 GMT on Tuesday) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USJordan vs Algeria at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Tuesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, USTuesday, June 23Portugal vs Uzbekistan at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, USEngland vs Ghana at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, USPanama vs Croatia at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, CanadaColombia vs DRC at 8pm CST (02:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, MexicoWednesday, June 24Switzerland vs Canada at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaBosnia vs Qatar at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USScotland vs Brazil at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, USMorocco vs Haiti at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USCzechia vs Mexico at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, MexicoSouth Africa vs South Korea at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Thursday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, MexicoThursday, June 25Ecuador vs Germany at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USCuracao vs Ivory Coast at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USJapan vs Sweden at 6pm CDT (23:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USTunisia vs Netherlands at 6pm CDT (23:00 GMT) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US,Turkiye vs USA at 7pm PT (02:00 GMT on Friday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USParaguay vs Australia at 7pm PT (02:00 GMT on Friday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, USFriday, June 26Norway vs France at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, USSenegal vs Iraq at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, CanadaCape Verde vs Saudi Arabia at 7pm CDT (00:00 GMT on Saturday) – Houston Stadium, Houston, USUruguay vs Spain at 6pm CST (00:00 GMT on Saturday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, MexicoEgypt vs Iran at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USNew Zealand vs Belgium at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaSaturday, June 27Panama vs England at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USCroatia vs Ghana at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USColombia vs Portugal at 7:30pm ET (23:30 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, USDRC vs Uzbekistan at 7:30pm ET (23:30 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USAlgeria vs Austria at 9pm CDT (02:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, USJordan vs Argentina at 9pm CDT (02:00 GMT on Sunday) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USKnockout stageSunday, June 28Round of 32 match at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USMonday, June 29Round of 32 match at 12pm CDT (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, USRound of 32 match at 4:30pm ET (20:30 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, USRound of 32 match at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, MexicoTuesday, June 30Round of 32 match at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USRound of 32 match at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USRound of 32 match at 7pm CST (01:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, MexicoWednesday, July 1Round of 32 match at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USRound of 32 match at 1pm PT (20:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USRound of 32 match at 5pm PT (20:00 GMT) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, USThursday, July 2Round of 32 match at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USRound of 32 match at 7pm ET (23:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, CanadaRound of 32 match at 8pm PT (03:00 GMT on Friday) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaFriday, July 3Round of 32 match at 1pm CDT (18:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USRound of 32 match at 6pm ET (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, USRound of 32 match at 8:30pm CDT (01:30 GMT on Saturday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, USSaturday, July 4Round of 16 match at 12pm CDT (17:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, USRound of 16 match at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USSunday, July 5Round of 16 match at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USRound of 16 match at 6pm CST (00:00 GMT on Monday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, MexicoMonday, July 6Round of 16 match at 2pm CDT (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USRound of 16 match at 5pm PT (00:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USTuesday, July 7Round of 16 match at 12pm ET (16:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USRound of 16 match at 1pm PT (20:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, CanadaThursday, 9 JulyFirst quarterfinal at 4pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, USFriday, 10 JulySecond quarterfinal at 12pm PT (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USSaturday, July 11Third quarterfinal at 5pm ET (20:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, USFourth quarterfinal at 8pm CDT (01:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, USTuesday, July 14First semifinal at 2pm CDT (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, USWednesday, July 15Second semifinal at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USSaturday, July 18Bronze medal match at 5pm ET (21:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, USSunday, July 19Final at 3pm ET (19:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty ImagesMary L. Trump used the New York Knicks’ unbelievable Game 4 win over the San Antonio Spurs to take a ruthless shot at US President Donald Trump.The comment landed after a night that already had Madison Square Garden buzzing, with the Knicks turning pressure into one of the loudest moments of their Finals run.It also carried a sharper edge because Donald Trump had already been part of the Knicks and Spurs conversation earlier in the series.Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty ImagesMary L. Trump targets Donald Trump after the New York Knicks winIn a post from Mary Trump on X, she tied the New York Knicks’ Game 4 celebration directly to Donald Trump’s absence from Madison Square Garden.“This is what happens when Donald stays the f___ out of New York. Go Knicks!” Trump tweeted.The line was blunt, personal and built for a New York audience already caught up in the emotion of the Knicks’ Finals run.Mary has long been one of his most visible family critics. Her post connected that history with a sports moment that had just given Knicks fans a dramatic release at Madison Square Garden.The timing added to the sting because Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where reports described him receiving heavy boos when shown inside the arena.Donald Trump’s absence adds edge to New York Knicks Game 4 celebrationThe Knicks returned for Game 4 with the focus back on basketball, and the night eventually became about one of the most dramatic swings in NBA Finals history.New York beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 after erasing a 29-point deficit, moving into a 3-1 series lead and putting the Knicks one win from the championship.OG Anunoby delivered the decisive late basket and finished with 33 points, while Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points and 7 assists. Victor Wembanyama had 24 points and 13 rebounds for San Antonio, but the Spurs lost a game they had controlled for long stretches.Mary took the contrast between Trump’s Game 3 appearance and the Knicks’ Game 4 comeback, then turned it into a one-line political jab wrapped around a basketball celebration.The win already had enough weight because of the comeback, the score, and the stakes. Mary L. Trump’s comment added another layer to a New York sports story on a night when the Knicks owned the city’s attention.Read more:Stephen A Smith explains why he’d ‘smoke’ Donald Trump if he ran for president, ‘I ain’t no Kamala’James Dolan says Donald Trump was ‘very much awake’ after viral NBA Finals sleeping accusationsJames Dolan slams NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and says he ‘loves’ Donald Trump

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - JUNE 06: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been digitally altered.) Heung-Min Son #7 of Korea Republic poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 06, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Molly Darlington - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Good morning everyone and welcome to the first day of the 2026 World Cup.If there’s one thing I think about when it comes to the World Cup it’s water bottles. We know it’s going to be hot out there. Players will be taking water breaks at the midpoint of each half (similar to the Club World Cup). The fans too have to stay hydrated. And while they can’t bring water bottles into stadiums – (Actually, Fifa reversed its policy so fans will be permitted to bring “one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada“)– they also always have the option to go for a run instead of attending a World Cup match. Should they choose to run, it’s probably wise to carry a handheld water bottle.But which to choose?This is the predicament your hoddler-in-chief faces.During my most recent marathon I chucked my water bottle at around Mile 24 because it became too heavy and, in a moment of madness, I discarded the extra weight.Well, it’s now mid-June and I want a water bottle so I can stay hydrated during my runs.I’m a big fan of the Nathan SpeedDraw handheld water bottle (the 12ox version). I find it’s pretty easy to squeeze, carries just enough water for me and I’m able to put a couple gels (or, if I’m traveling around, my car keys) in there.But these DC summers are getting worse and worse, and I’m a little afraid this one’s going to be brutal too. So what’s a fella to do? Bump up to an 18oz water bottle? A hydration vest ?? (no thanks to the vest).There are a few things I’m looking for:Ease of squeeze: I don’t want to have to fight for my water. That’s what water fountains are for.A comfortable feel: I want it to feel as if I’m not really holding the bottle at all. The less stress on my hand the better.Storage capacity: Where else am I gonna store my gels? In my shorts with my apartment keys? That sounds like danger.Breathability and weight: I don’t need the extra sweat or heat around my hands. At the same time, I wanna keep the bottle pretty light.I stopped into a running store the other weekend and none of the bottles I checked out there passed the test. There was a soft flask that looked interesting but I didn’t like how it wrapped around my hand, and I imagined how uncomfortable it could be once its contents run dry towards the end of my run.If anyone has a soft flask, let me know how you get on. Otherwise I’m open to all sorts of hydration ideas.And, above all, stay hydrated.Fitzie’s track of the day:We Will Not Be Lovers, by The WaterboysAnd now for your links:ESPN: “Why are there drinks breaks at the 2026 World Cup, and why has FIFA been criticised?”Jay Harris: “Tottenham confirm Marcos Senesi signing on a free transfer”BBC: “Legend of the club – but McKenna leaves promoted Ipswich”I Run Far: “Best Running Water Bottles of 2026”

LA CORUNA, SPAIN - JUNE 04: Lamine Yamal of Spain looks on prior to the international friendly match between Spain and Iraq at Riazor Stadium on June 04, 2026 in La Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) | Getty Images Mastering the armband is the quickest way to separate yourself from the crowd in the official FIFA World Cup Fantasy game. Because a single matchday spans multiple days, locking in a passive “set-and-forget” leader can severely limit your potential. The core scoring system allows you to adapt to real-time events. By using an aggressive “stick-or-twist” approach, you can systematically test multiple premium players until you land a massive double-point return. Designing a chronological layout for your squad is the foundation of the best World Cup Fantasy captain-pick strategy.The Dynamic “Stick or Twist” StrategyThe unique engine of World Cup Fantasy lets you pass the captain’s armband forward an unlimited number of times within a live round. The fundamental rule is simple: you can only switch the captaincy to a player whose team has not stepped onto the pitch yet. This layout gives you a massive advantage, allowing you to cycle through your premium assets chronologically day by day.For example, if you own Lionel Messi (playing on Monday) and Cristiano Ronaldo (playing on Wednesday), you should automatically give the armband to Messi first. If Messi delivers a massive haul, you simply “stick” and leave the armband on him. If he blanks, you “twist” and pass the captaincy to your best Tuesday option, or look ahead to Ronaldo on Wednesday.The Danger of Backwards DeadlocksThe biggest trap for inexperienced managers is choosing a heavily favored captain who plays at the very end of the matchday. If you lock your armband onto a Wednesday asset from day one, you lose the ability to test your Monday and Tuesday players.The system is strictly progressive; once a player’s match begins, their data is locked, and the armband cannot be moved backwards to a player who has already played. To secure the best World Cup captain pick for match day 1, ensure your roster features an evenly spaced calendar of premium attackers.Succeeding in the tournament requires a dynamic management style that rejects standard domestic fantasy habits. By mapping your starting lineup chronologically, you convert the extended matchday calendar into an elite scoring tool. Let your early risk-free options run first, and use your late-week heavy hitters as an insurance policy.World Cup Fantasy Matchday 1 Captaincy ScheduleThe table below shows an ideal Matchday 1 captaincy ladder. Rather than locking the armband onto Messi or Ronaldo from the start, managers can work through premium players chronologically and only move the captaincy if the previous option fails to deliver. .captain-table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin: 25px 0; } .captain-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 700px; font-size: 15px; } .captain-table th, .captain-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 12px; vertical-align: top; } .captain-table th { background: #f5f5f5; font-weight: 600; text-align: left; } .captain-table .title-row td { background: #e9ecef; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; font-size: 16px; } .captain-table .premium { font-weight: 600; } .captain-table .day { white-space: nowrap; font-weight: 600; } FIFA World Cup Fantasy Matchday 1 Captaincy Planner “` DayCaptain PickFixtureStrategyDay 1Mexico Premium AttackerSouth Africa vs MexicoStart here and hold if he returns 10+ points.Day 2RaphinhaBrazil vs MoroccoPrimary fallback if Day 1 disappoints.Day 3Florian Wirtz / Kai HavertzGermany vs CuraçaoOne of the strongest captaincy fixtures of the matchday.Day 4Lamine Yamal / Mikel OyarzabalSpain vs Cabo VerdeStrong backup if Germany fails to deliver.Day 5Kylian Mbappé / Erling HaalandFrance vs Senegal / Norway vs IraqElite upside with genuine double-digit haul potential.Day 6Lionel MessiArgentina vs AlgeriaLate-matchday premium safety net.Day 7Cristiano RonaldoPortugal vs DR CongoFinal opportunity to rescue the armband. “` READ MORE: FIFA World Cup Fantasy Chips Explained: When to Play Each One for Maximum PointsFor your world cup best match day 1 captain pick, will you risk the armband on an early differential to capture a potential Scouting Bonus, or is relying on the chronological safety of a premium forward the superior strategy?

Vladimir Guerrero responds to Blue Jays decision to hit leadoff originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Toronto Blue Jays have dealt with a boatload of injuries. One of those lineup changes was perhaps more interesting than ever on Tuesday night, as slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was hitting leadoff. Guerrero, who has been one of the better hitters in Major League Baseball throughout his career, isn't having the season he's been looking for, blasting just three home runs so far. Moving him up to the leadoff spot could make things different for him, for better or worse. There's a possibility that he'll see better pitches to hit early in games, especially with better hitters around him. There's also a chance he won't have anyone on base, and doing so was a bad idea. There's an argument on both sides, and it's up to everyone else to decide whether it's right or wrong.If one thing's for certain, though, it sounds like there aren't any worries about how others feel, and the organization is doing what they think is best. Guerrero seems to be on board with it.“We’re just trying to shake things up for him a little bit and we’ll see how it goes,” manager John Schneider said, per MLB.com.“It was a pretty short conversation,” Schneider said. “I’ve been talking to him about it for a while. I feel like I’ve been talking about him in the two hole for five years. We were talking about this a couple of weeks ago and he said, ‘I’ll hit wherever.’ It was probably a three-minute conversation last night.”Guerrero has never struck me as a guy who wants to deal with any drama. If Schneider goes up to him and tells him that he needs to do something, he's going to do it. I bet that they have conversations about other things, but the superstar has trust in his skipper, and that's a very good sign.More MLB news:Aaron Judge injury timeline is far from ideal for YankeesBraves trade proposal moves on from Austin RileyRed Sox making shocking decision on future of Craig BreslowCraig Breslow’s Red Sox comments make absolutely no senseRed Sox ‘dream’ trade target revealed

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)2026-06-10T20:49:00Z WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday showed how he had learned to stop worrying about inflation and simply, in his own words, “love” it.Asked about the new report that the consumer price index in May had jumped 4.2% over the last year, the president took a surprisingly optimistic tack with the challenging news. Trump didn’t dismiss the affordability issue as a “hoax” that was started by Democrats, as he has done previously. Nor did he claim that he was bringing down the cost of living.Instead, after the government said that inflation spiked to the highest level since April 2023, Trump praised the numbers.“You know what I really love?” Trump said. “I love the inflation.”It was an unexpected take given that voters ahead of the November midterm elections have ranked the economy as a top concern — and have given Trump low marks on that issue. Within minutes of his on-camera comment, Democrats quickly rushed to promote it on social media. Trump had pledged in his 2024 campaign to quickly vanquish inflation, but his argument now is that higher prices are solely a function of the Iran war raising energy costs. On Wednesday, he claimed that relief is already on its way because of a secret military operation that had ferried what he said was 100 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, the primary shipping channel for 20% of the world’s global oil supply that has been effectively closed by the war since late February. “Trump really said, ‘I love the inflation.’ On camera. For all of America to hear,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer quickly posted on X. “His contempt for you knows no bounds.” Read More House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that with Trump’s stated love of inflation, “We finally found something that Donald Trump loves as much as he loves himself.”Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, quickly pressed Energy Secretary Chris Wright at a hearing about whether he, too, loved inflation. “Do you love inflation?” Sykes asked.“I love ending Iran’s ability to have a nuclear weapon,” Wright answered. He only conceded after being pressed: “No, I would prefer lower inflation.”When asked about Trump’s specific comments, Wright said, “He’s an entertaining, hyperbolic guy who’s done tremendous leadership.”Trump claimed the secretive shipments were why oil prices had fallen below $90 a barrel, after surpassing $110 at the start of April.“I’m just announcing today for the first time, but we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil, millions of barrels every night,” Trump said.On social media, the president said the mission began last month and had “resulted in more than 100 MILLION Barrels of Oil making its way through the Strait, and into the Open Market. More than 200 Commercial Ships have safely traveled through the Strait.” There was no immediate data available to back up that total, and it was not immediately clear what role the U.S. military had played.To put that figure into context, a daily average of 20 million barrels of oil had gone through the strait before the war, which would mean that Trump’s mission had resulted in the equivalent of five days’ worth of normal oil shipments. Responding to the new inflation report, the White House pointed out that some expenses had dropped in May relative to the previous month: the price of new vehicles, prescription drugs and auto insurance, for example. But when the overall inflation number is paired with the change in hourly wages, there is a bleak sign that people’s spending power relative to their earnings has declined.“President Trump has consistently maintained that oil and gas prices — and thus overall inflation — will plummet once the Iran situation is resolved, and the administration will continue pushing our affordability agenda to enable Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in an email.But the financial markets were cautious about Trump’s claims that he was lowering prices by getting oil tankers through the strait — claims that came as the United States also launched airstrikes against Iran, and as Tehran fired back at countries in the region. U.S. crude oil futures climbed roughly 4% on Wednesday, closing at nearly $92 a barrel. JOSH BOAK Boak covers the White House and economic policy for The Associated Press. He joined the AP in 2013. twitter mailto

Vehicles set on fire by protesters burn on Lendrick Street in east Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after the arrest of a Sudanese man accused of stabbing a man in the northern part of the city. (PA via AP)2026-06-10T08:16:20Z BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Police blasted water cannons Wednesday at protesters in Northern Ireland who set small fires and hurled bricks, rocks and bottles at them during a second night of violence over a brutal stabbing on a Belfast street.Demonstrators wearing masks tore bricks from the walls outside homes and smashed sidewalks with sledgehammers to toss at riot police. In one place, the unruly crowd used sections of a dismantled picket fence to take cover on the street. The clashes with police came several hours after a 30-year-old man from Sudan appeared in a Belfast court charged with attempted murder in a stabbing attack that left a man seriously injured and triggered anti-immigrant violence.Hadi Alodid, 30, was ordered held in jail after appearing by video in Belfast Magistrates’ Court, where a detective said he blinded Stephen Ogilvie in the left eye during the knife attack. He was also charged with possessing a knife and threatening to kill a radiographer while being treated for a hand injury after the assault. When police arrived at the crime scene, they found Alodid on the man, armed with a kitchen knife, the detective said. Alodid later told hospital staff: “I’ve killed someone, I don’t know if they are dead,” and said, “I will kill you.” He refused legal representation through an Arabic interpreter and did not enter a plea.Police were prepared for more violence after masked men on Tuesday set fire to several homes they believed to house immigrants, burned trash bins, torched a Belfast bus and pelted police with objects. Read More Firefighters rescued several people from burning houses and more than two dozen people were left homeless.Anselme Shima, a Belfast resident originally from Congo, said he saw smoke from burning vehicles near his home.“I’ve lived on my street for almost 10 years, I have a good relationship with my neighbors, but last night was a horrific one,” he said. “We don’t know what to do. I’m scared. Seeing this, I’m wondering if I’m next.” Families, one with a baby, were rescued and taken to police stations for safety, Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. “These weren’t just families from ethnic minority communities, these were families from across communities that were caught up in this vile behavior last night,” Boutcher told the BBC. “There is absolutely no excuse for it.”Boutcher said 200 more officers would be on the streets Wednesday and the PSNI was calling in support from other forces. Bus and train operators in Belfast said they would stop services early because of expected protests.Ogilvie’s family appealed for an end to the violence and said migrants “make a deeply valuable contribution to our country.”“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility,” the family said in a statement.Politicians from both parts of Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government condemned the violence. First Minister Michelle O’Neill of Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein said it was “thuggery.” “Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice,” she said.Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, of the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party, said that “taking frustration at the evil actions of a person out on those who had no part in it is utterly wrong.”The attack was caught on videoMonday’s attack, caught in video footage that quickly spread on social media, was seized on by anti-immigration activists. Ogilvie, a man in his 40s, was hospitalized with deep cuts to his head, face and back.Police said Alodid entered Northern Ireland from the neighboring Republic of Ireland in 2023, applied for asylum and was given a five-year permit to remain.The Police Service of Northern Ireland said there is no information to suggest the attack was terrorism-related.Protests were encouraged online by far-right activists, and the street violence erupted despite politicians’ calls for calm.Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the stabbing attack as “sickening,” but said violence against people based on their background would not be tolerated. “The scenes in Belfast last night were shocking and completely unacceptable,” Starmer said on X. “There is no justification for the violence and disorder that we saw threatening our communities, nor for those who encouraged it, online or elsewhere.”Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long said social media agitators who “yesterday would have struggled to find Belfast on a map” were “weaponizing” the fears of local people.“If you’re driving people from their homes based on nothing but the color of their skin, you can’t dress that up any other way, it’s racism, and those bad faith actors need to take a step back,” she told the BBC. Some raise questions about the Irish borderSome politicians said the stabbing should spark a review of the open border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K., and the Republic of Ireland.The border is a highly sensitive issue. Allowing the free flow of people is a major pillar of the peace process that largely ended decades of violence known as “The Troubles.” The conflict involving Irish Republican and British Loyalist militants and U.K. security forces left almost 3,600 people dead before a 1998 peace accord.Much of Tuesday’s violence took place in working-class areas where former paramilitary groups still hold considerable sway over the streets.Last week a separate case of a university student who was stabbed to death in Southampton, England, in December was seized on by activists and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who blamed immigration for the violence, an idea rejected by Starmer and other British politicians.Henry Nowak, who was white, was killed by Vickrum Digwa, a Sikh who falsely claimed to police that he was the victim of a racist assault by Nowak. When police officers arrived, they initially treated the wounded Nowak as a suspect before noticing his injury and trying to resuscitate him.Digwa was convicted of murder and sentenced last week to life in prison with a minimum 21-year term. A protest over Nowak’s death turned violent, with some attacking police with chairs and rocks. Several people were charged with violent disorder.___Lawless reported from London. Brian Melley contributed to this story. JILL LAWLESS Lawless is based in London, covering British politics, diplomacy and culture and top stories from the UK and beyond. She has reported for the AP from two dozen countries on four continents. twitter mailto