Rob Farmer for ProPublica Frank Ssekamwa says the United States presented his country with an impossible choice. If it accepted the terms of a new health agreement, Uganda would have to give the U.S. access to the data of millions of his fellow citizens — a decision he worries would make their personal information more vulnerable to breaches and possible exploitation. But if it refused, the East African nation would likely lose out on more than a billion dollars to address HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and other illnesses, even as its people face ongoing threats from Ebola and other deadly infectious diseases. So, on Dec. 10, it agreed. “If you take the deal, you’re going to be exploited. If you don’t take it, you’re going to die,” said Ssekamwa, an attorney and digital rights expert in Uganda. “It’s the essence of digital colonialism.” Across Africa, countries have faced similar dilemmas as the U.S. has held a series of closed-door negotiations in which lifesaving aid has been conditioned on access to citizens’ health data. The negotiations come in the wake of the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which — in contrast with the new contracts — provided billions of dollars in aid with few strings attached. Officials in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Ghana have been so outraged by the demands that they rejected the initial deals. The demand to access health data is central to the Trump administration’s new America First Global Health Strategy, an openly transactional approach that seeks to leverage the desperate need for medical treatments abroad. Aid will now be given “in a way that directly benefits the American people and directly promotes our national interest,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in September. The State Department declined to publicly release global aid and data-sharing agreements it has signed with more than 30 countries as part of its new approach. But a ProPublica analysis of nine of the deals offers a window into the extensive U.S. demands for access to data — and the potential risks and vulnerabilities for the citizens of countries that have signed them. ProPublica also reviewed a data-sharing agreement struck with Uganda, which has not previously been reported; a data agreement with Kenya; six agreements over the sharing of pathogens that can cause pandemics that were made public by the State Department this week; generic templates of deals for sharing both data and pathogens that can cause pandemics; and an analysis of the documents the advocacy group Public Citizen shared exclusively with ProPublica. ProPublica also consulted more than a dozen experts in data privacy and global health, including several with direct knowledge of U.S. policy who said that the insistent demands for data access and other resources as a condition of aid are unprecedented. Without seeing the full suite of agreements, they could not identify all vulnerabilities. But they spotted some red flags: The terms of the deals are vague and lack language standard in most data-sharing agreements that adequately limits what data is collected and how it can be used. That increases the risk that individuals’ personal data could be exposed, misused or commercialized without their consent. In the Ugandan data deal, the U.S. will get direct, real-time access to nine of the nation’s health data systems for seven years, including the central repository that stores all of its health information, lab data, data collected by community health workers and, critically, its system for managing individuals’ electronic medical records. The agreement calls for the sharing of aggregated data with all personally identifiable information removed. It also says the data should be used for delivering and auditing healthcare services. But lawyers and digital privacy experts argue that the deal raises questions about who will have access to the massive cache of health data and whether it could be inappropriately accessed and exploited. Some expressed concern that, because it is possible to reverse-engineer data that has been anonymized, people with HIV, tuberculosis and other diseases could have their records exposed. Stephanie Psaki, who served as the U.S. coordinator for global health security under President Joe Biden, described the Trump administration’s approach as a “blunt instrument of ‘just give me the login to your data systems.’” “The U.S. would never agree to that,” she said, if the deal were offered in reverse. In Uganda, the U.S. will provide up to $1.7 billion over five years for global health security and the treatment and prevention of deadly conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and polio. In the past, the U.S. gave this aid without asking for direct benefits in return, saving an estimated 170,000 Ugandan lives per year. While a significant investment, it is less than the U.S. previously spent in Uganda and will decrease every year of the agreement. By 2030, the African nation will receive 45% less global health funding than when Trump retook office, according to an analysis by Vincent Lin of Partners in Health, which provides healthcare in poor countries. Several experts said there is broad support for some of the goals of the new plan for aid, including reducing African countries’ dependence on the U.S. for healthcare needs. But they worry the transactional nature of the approach could backfire by undermining trust or, in some cases, driving nations to reject deals altogether. After withdrawing from the World Health Organization and losing access to its global network that tracks and combats disease outbreaks, the U.S. is attempting to obtain the information necessary to address potential pandemics through a patchwork of deals with individual countries. Each of the agreements ProPublica reviewed includes a section on responding to outbreaks. And some countries have signed separate pathogen-sharing agreements, which state that countries must “initiate sharing specimen(s) and related data” within five days of a U.S. request. The Trump administration is also planning unprecedented involvement of private companies to manage and process data. The State Department told ProPublica that it needs access to the data to improve health outcomes in recipient countries and keep Americans safe. The new approach also requires countries to invest more in their own health systems in exchange for the aid, a promise many countries will likely struggle to fulfill. And, in some cases, including the deal with Uganda, it aims to boost local manufacturing through partnerships with American companies. The State Department said it took multiple factors into account to ensure the required investments from other countries were “realistic and achievable.” “The United States is investing billions of dollars in other countries’ health systems to fight infectious disease. In return, we expect governments to increase their own spending on health, so programs are sustainable and under genuine national ownership, not permanently financed by U.S. taxpayers. For the first time, both sides are putting skin in the game to ensure lasting impact,” a State Department spokesperson said in response to questions about the agreements. In response to follow-up questions from ProPublica, spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the agreements “share only the same kinds of aggregated, de-identified data that has been shared and used for years in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases. All data sharing is consistent with each country’s laws and approvals. No personally identifiable information is being received or shared by the United States government.” Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Personal Data Protection Office and embassy in Washington, D.C., did not respond to questions for this article. In the age of artificial intelligence, large health data sets have become so valuable they’ve been referred to as the new gold. The precise value of the health data of an entire nation is unclear, but it could be extremely valuable to AI-driven companies for training models. The industry of buying and selling such information troves is worth billions. And countries around the world have come to regard their citizens’ health records as national assets that deserve special protections and can confer economic and strategic advantages. Yet the agreements, which are part of a strategy the State Department openly states is intended to make America “more prosperous” and “promote American health innovations,” provide no guarantee that Africans subject to them will have a say in what happens with their data or receive a fair share of its benefits. “Once companies get this data, the value is being accrued. But there’s no way for the [African] population to know how companies will use it,” said Jane Munga of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, who has argued that the agreements may violate African privacy laws. Contact Us About the Trump Administration’s Global Aid We’re still reporting. If you know more about the Trump administration’s plans for foreign aid and the U.S. companies that are involved, please contact our reporting team. Sharon Lerner I write about health, science, environmental regulation, government oversight and corruption. I’d like to speak with workers in inspector general offices or in science- and health-related agencies. I take confidentiality seriously. Contact Me Africans have also expressed concern that they will not be able to access and benefit from medicines and vaccines developed from pathogen samples shared with the U.S. Five of the six specimen-sharing agreements reviewed by ProPublica state that, in the event that a medical product is developed primarily from a specimen from the country, the U.S. government “shall prioritize” a request from that government behind the needs of the U.S. Only one of the agreements, with Nigeria, commits the U.S. to facilitating “priority access” to — and the donation of — any medical products developed using the specimens. The phenomenon of extracting information and samples from less-resourced populations and failing to credit and compensate them for their contributions to medical developments is well known enough to have several names, including “parachute science.” Just a few years ago, countries, including some in Africa, hosted COVID-19 vaccine trials, only to later struggle to access the shots they helped to develop. Each agreement includes “benefit-sharing provisions,” the State Department said in response to questions. After the Trump administration dismantled USAID, the world’s largest provider of humanitarian assistance, it also drastically reduced funding for international health work done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and severely scaled back the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which combats HIV globally. In addition to withdrawing from the WHO, the U.S. removed itself from international negotiations over a pandemic agreement intended to affirm countries’ sovereign rights to their biological resources and ensure equitable access to medical interventions. Brad Smith, an entrepreneur who served in the first Trump administration, is now in charge of creating the system that would rise from the ashes. Before joining this administration, Smith founded three companies with business models that rest in part on using data to reduce healthcare costs, including CareBridge, a home care provider that sold for a reported $2.7 billion in 2024. During the presidential transition that year, Smith led the government efficiency panel that would become Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. After Trump took office, he presided over some $67 billion in sweeping cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services before being brought on as an adviser to the State Department. Although the humanitarian aid system had been largely dismantled, Congress required the executive branch to continue providing aid. So Smith and his team had to find new ways to get the funding to countries, ensure that it was being spent wisely and address potential pandemics — all without most of the international partners and staff the government had previously relied on to carry out this complex work. A Rhodes scholar known for his intense work ethic, Smith threw himself into the effort. State Department staff fielded calls from him at all hours of the night to explain budget items on spreadsheets. Through his personal lawyer, Smith referred questions to the State Department. One of the greatest challenges lay in the handling of health data. In the past, PEPFAR, the HIV program, built its own systems to handle anonymized data, separate from government health records — a setup that Trump administration officials and others have criticized as inefficient. The America First plan proposed standardizing data collection and processing within countries. The Ugandan data agreement requires the country to provide the U.S. — and its contractors — with logins “or other secure access mechanisms” to directly enter the country’s data systems. The new approach, U.S. officials say, will enable the U.S. to continue auditing programs and track outbreaks. The agreements ProPublica reviewed include statements about the U.S. government’s intent to ensure data security and say that the data is being accessed for the purposes of addressing diseases and auditing that work, but they leave open the possibility that sensitive information could be revealed, according to the data privacy experts ProPublica consulted. At particular risk are countries that don’t have national data privacy laws, such as Liberia, whose memorandum of understanding requires “interlinked and interoperable” data systems for “surveillance, laboratory, response, health, environment, agriculture.” That country’s main health agreement doesn’t require the U.S. to limit the amount of data it takes to the least needed, a standard clause in U.S. contracts, according to Abdoul Jalil Djiberou Mahamadou, a recent postdoctoral fellow focusing on bioethics at Stanford University. (Neither Liberia nor the State Department has released the supplemental data-sharing agreement.) “Once data is breached, it’s nearly impossible to get it back,” Mahamadou added. The Liberian government did not respond to a request for comment. The Ugandan data-sharing agreement says it will comply with the laws of both nations and permits the sharing of “sensitive personal data” if the consent of individuals whose data is shared is obtained, there is a compelling public health emergency of international concern and it is the only way information can be provided in a “timely and accurate format.” Ssekamwa, the digital rights expert who also founded and runs the African Centre for Digital Justice, said there are important questions that haven’t been answered by the Ugandan government. “Does the U.S. have appropriate data protections? Can the systems provide anonymized data? Are they really up to that standard?” said Ssekamwa. “If I’m someone who has had health issues, can you deny me a visa because of the health issues I’m having?” Psaki, the former global health security coordinator, worried about the haste with which the changes to data access are happening. “Even in the best of circumstances, you can’t go from having parallel data systems that were established over 20-plus years to finding some way to integrate those data systems in six months.” Speed has been a hallmark of the America First global health effort. In September, just a month after Smith joined the State Department, it launched the strategy at an event co-sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and five large pharmaceutical companies. By November, Smith was crisscrossing the African continent with a small team of negotiators, trying to persuade dignitaries to agree to deals. The State Department said the deals were “negotiated in a thoughtful and strategic way over many months.” On Dec. 4, Kenya became the first country to sign, during a triumphant celebration with Rubio and President William Ruto in Washington. Outcry over the agreement had already begun two days earlier, when a Kenyan activist named Nelson Amenya announced on the social platform X that he had seen a sample of the specimen-sharing agreement as well as a legal analysis that showed it would violate Kenyan law. As a condition for receiving $1.6 billion in aid, the Kenyan government agreed to provide access to seven years’ worth of health records — two years longer than the U.S. would provide financial support. Although the Kenyan data-sharing agreement states that the U.S. will take “all reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of information” and abide by American and Kenyan laws, Amenya worried that wouldn’t be enough. “Every HIV test, TB diagnosis, malaria case – accessible to US officials,” he wrote in the post, which now has one million views. “Your medical records, your children’s health data – all exposed.” A few days later, a Kenyan senator named Okiya Omtatah sued members of the Kenyan government over the agreement, arguing that it poses a threat to citizens’ constitutional right to privacy by “allowing broad foreign access to sensitive data.” A Kenyan nonprofit also sued, and more than 50 groups weighed in on their side, describing the document as giving the U.S. “excessive access” to African data and raising the possibility of serious human rights violations. In court filings, the Kenyan government argued that it is obligated to achieve the “highest attainable standard of health” and that it is unable to do that on its own. After blocking the deal for months, in May, the Kenyan court temporarily allowed implementation of the agreement to proceed while it considers the case. Since outrage bubbled up in Kenya, some other countries have negotiated shorter terms for sharing data and pandemic specimens, and have inserted additional protections, according to the Public Citizen analysis. Still, groups across Africa have sounded alarms about dangers inherent in these provisions, including data breaches. Examples of such unauthorized access to personal data abound, including a recent case where the healthcare data of some 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank wound up listed for sale on the Chinese website Alibaba. Revealing whether someone has had an abortion, mental health condition, substance use treatment or sexually transmitted disease can be devastating anywhere. In Africa, research has shown it can lead to discrimination and violence. And even when personal information has been removed, individuals in “anonymized” data can be reidentified using other AI and other tools. The Ugandan data-sharing agreement calls for the U.S. government to “promptly notify the Government of Uganda of any unauthorized access” in such cases and requires the parties to conduct a joint breach assessment and remediation plan afterward. But by that point, it may be too late, Ssekamwa fears. “Once the data gets out of Uganda, we are skeptical that the government of Uganda will actually have any power to control it,” he said. The secrecy around both the negotiations and the agreements has raised further suspicions. The State Department has declined to share the agreements, telling ProPublica the agency will release them when negotiations with all partner governments are complete and describing its actions as “protecting sensitive negotiations—not ‘secrecy.’” In response to a public records request filed by ProPublica, the State Department said it planned to provide the documents in September 2027. The advocacy group Public Citizen recently filed suit against the federal government in an effort to obtain the documents. “Why are they hiding the agreement if they think the terms are OK?” asked Bernard Okpi, a Nigerian lawyer who sued his government in March, alleging that the deal violates the country’s constitutional right to privacy and promotes religious discrimination by prioritizing funding for Christian faith-based health facilities. That suit is pending, and the Nigerian government did not respond to questions from ProPublica. The State Department said that the agreement with Nigeria “was negotiated in connection with reforms the Nigerian government has made to prioritize protecting Christian populations from violence.” The Trump administration says that its new global health strategy is designed to save lives and keep the U.S. — and the world — safe from disease outbreaks. But ultimately its hard-driving and secretive negotiations may work against those goals. While the administration aspired to strike agreements with 50 nations, including the three countries that walked away from negotiations in part over concerns about data sharing, it has fallen far short of that number. (In Zambia, officials also balked at U.S. demands for critical minerals.) The loss of aid in those countries is already proving to be devastating. Despite the Trump administration’s stated goal of putting “America first,” the U.S. may feel the consequences of those failed negotiations, too, as mistrust compounds the loss of long-standing systems that provided care and responded to disease outbreaks. “It’s in everyone’s interest to have a comprehensive approach to respond to an outbreak early,” said Psaki, who pointed to the quickly escalating number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo as evidence. While that country struck a healthcare deal with the U.S., five of the nine countries bordering it have not. “We need to get data and samples from all nine countries to collaborate effectively on that outbreak, and now we don’t have that.” The State Department said the U.S. has responded swiftly to the outbreak and has provided over $270 million to the global fight against Ebola. In Uganda, where people have also fallen sick and died from Ebola, Ssekamwa said that his country needs all the help that the healthcare deal can bring, including improved protection from outbreaks, but there needs to be more robust protection of people’s personal data. “We are happy to benefit from the technological advancement and the fruits of big data,” he said. Instead, he said, “the U.S. has left so many gaps within the agreement, which can be exploited in their favor.” The post “Digital Colonialism”: U.S. Demands to Access Africans’ Data Raise Privacy, Sovereignty Concerns appeared first on ProPublica.

Lautaro involved in Argentina's winning startIt was Lionel Messi's night in Albiceleste. The reigning world champions began their World Cup campaign in North America with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J fixture, inspired by a masterclass from their iconic captain. At Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, Lautaro Martínez was also included in Lionel Scaloni's starting XI and played his part in Argentina's convincing performance.The match burst into life almost immediately. After just five minutes, Lautaro produced a perfectly weighted pass for Messi, who beat Luca Zidane and found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Algeria thought they had responded three minutes later through Chaïbi, but that effort too was disallowed. From that point on, however, the evening belonged entirely to Messi. Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of his first World Cup appearance, the Argentine No.10 delivered yet another unforgettable performance on football's biggest stage. He opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb left-footed strike from distance before doubling Argentina's advantage early in the second half, reacting quickest after Luca Zidane could only parry an effort from Mac Allister. Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, collecting a pass from Nico González on the edge of the area before curling a trademark left-footed finish into the bottom corner. It was a historic night for the Argentine legend. On his 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi's three goals took him to 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the tournament's all-time scoring charts. In the process, he moved ahead of Gerd Müller (14), Kylian Mbappé (14) and Ronaldo (15). Amid the Messi showcase, Lautaro also produced an encouraging display. The Inter captain worked tirelessly for the team, linked play intelligently and came close to scoring himself with a low angled effort that was well saved by Zidane shortly before being replaced by Julián Álvarez in the 55th minute.The victory gave Argentina the perfect start to their World Cup campaign and leaves the Albiceleste top of Group J on three points, level with Austria, who defeated Jordan 3-1 in Santa Clara.ARGENTINA'S GROUP FIXTURESArgentina vs Austria, Monday 22 June, 19:00 CEST | World Cup Group Stage | ArlingtonJordan vs Argentina, Sunday 28 June, 04:00 CEST | World Cup Group Stage | Arlington

Confirmed: Real Madrid sign Bernardo Silva on a two-year contract until 2028Only a couple of days after announcing the signing of Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid have now confirmed their second signing of the summer in the form of Bernardo Silva.The Portuguese international has signed a two-year contract with the club, committing until the summer of 2028.“Real Madrid CF and Bernardo Silva have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next two seasons, until June 30, 2028,” the club statement read.Bernardo left Manchester City at the end of the last season when his contract expired.The 31-year-old versatile playmaker was a much-coveted player in the market with several top clubs like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus vying for his signature.Real Madrid had previously been offered Silva’s services but were not too keen on the signing.However, the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager changed everything, as the Portuguese tactician was intent on working with his compatriot and pushed for his signing.And, now, Silva has successfully signed for Real Madrid on a two-year contract, with reports suggesting that there is an option for an additional year which can be activated based on the number of appearances.Silva joins Cucurella in being announced as Real Madrid’s latest signings, with Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries also expected to be officially confirmed in the coming days.The Portuguese international can prove to be a key short-term signing for Real Madrid, with his versatility, experience, leadership and winning mentality.

Ecuador vs Curaçao Prediction: World Cup 2026 Preview & Best BetsEcuador’s World Cup 2026 campaign is already on the brink after a Group E opening defeat to Ivory Coast, and now they face debutants Curaçao in Kansas City knowing that anything less than three points could end their tournament before it truly begins…Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026Kickoff: 19:00 local (00:00 BST)Venue: Kansas City, USAStage: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group E, Matchday 2TV/Streaming (UK): BBC / iPlayer POPULARBest World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus 10 EXCEPTIONAL BetfredBetfredBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOWWhat’s At StakeBoth sides sit on zero points after Matchday 1, but the pressure is heavier on Ecuador. A 0-1 defeat to Ivory Coast leaves Sebastián Beccacece’s side needing a win just to stay in contention in Group E, while Curaçao, who conceded seven to Germany in their historic debut, are already in a position where a point would represent a genuine tournament landmark. For Ecuador, defeat here would effectively end any hope of progression; for Curaçao, every minute on that pitch at Kansas City is already history in the making for the smallest nation ever to reach a men’s World Cup.VerdictEcuador to win and over 3 goals combined, with the South Americans expected to dominate possession and create enough clear chances against a side that shipped seven in their opener. At 1/10 for the Ecuador win, the real value lies in the goals markets, with over 3 at 4/6 the standout selection from the best available prices.Ecuador vs Curaçao Match PreviewEcuador arrive at this fixture with their World Cup lives at stake. Beccacece’s side, known for their compact defensive structure and low-scoring profile throughout qualifying, suddenly need to be something different: expressive, clinical, and aggressive from the first whistle. Eight of the Argentine coach’s 19 matches in charge ended 0-0, which tells you everything about Ecuador’s default gear. Against Curaçao, that caution is a luxury they simply cannot afford.The good news for Ecuador is that the opposition have just endured a brutal introduction to World Cup football. Curaçao conceded seven goals to Germany, a result that underlines just how steep the step up in quality is for Dick Advocaat’s side. The 78-year-old coach, who is set to become the oldest head coach in World Cup history at this tournament, built his qualifying campaign on defensive discipline, conceding just four goals in eight matches against CONCACAF opposition. Germany, however, are a different proposition entirely, and those defensive limitations were brutally exposed.Curaçao’s story remains one of the tournament’s great romantic subplots. A population of roughly 156,000, a squad built on Dutch football’s academy pipeline, and a first-ever World Cup appearance make them a side the neutral will be rooting for. But Ecuador need points, and on paper this is as winnable a fixture as Group E offers. The question is whether Beccacece can unlock a team that has sometimes found goalscoring a grind, against an opponent already reeling.Team FormEcuador – Last Five– Ivory Coast (A): Lost 0-1, FIFA World Cup – Guatemala (N): Won 3-0, Friendly – Saudi Arabia (N): Won 2-1, Friendly – Netherlands (A): Drew 1-1, Friendly – Morocco (N): Drew 1-1, FriendlyThe 0-1 opening defeat to Ivory Coast was Ecuador’s first competitive loss under Beccacece and it carries a sting. The pre-tournament friendlies offered encouragement, particularly a 3-0 dismantling of Guatemala and a solid result against the Netherlands, but Ecuador have now gone scoreless in their only World Cup group match. Their qualifying record of two wins and four draws, all low-scoring, tells you this is a team more comfortable not conceding than it is putting the ball in the net.Curaçao – Last Five– Germany (A): Lost 1-7, FIFA World Cup – Aruba (H): Won 4-0, Friendly – Scotland (A): Lost 1-4, Friendly – Australia (A): Lost 1-5, FIFA Series – China PR (N): Lost 0-2, FIFA SeriesThe 7-1 thrashing by Germany was not entirely a shock given the calibre of opposition, but Curaçao’s broader recent competitive record is concerning. Losses to Australia and Scotland before the tournament, and a heavy defeat against a European giant in their debut, suggest their solidity against CONCACAF sides in qualifying does not necessarily transfer to this level. Livano Comenencia’s goal against Germany was a bright moment, the island nation’s first ever World Cup goal, but the gulf in class was stark.Ecuador vs Curaçao Prediction: Head-to-HeadThese two sides have never met before. Ecuador vs Curaçao on 20 June 2026 is the first chapter in what is an entirely blank head-to-head record. There is no historical data to weigh, no past results to lean on; this match writes the history book rather than referencing it. That absence of precedent is itself telling: Ecuador are a four-time World Cup participant stepping into the unknown against a debut nation, and all the tactical and psychological pressure flows in one direction.Team NewsEcuador’s captain and all-time leading scorer, Enner Valencia, remains central to everything Beccacece builds around. The 36-year-old, with 105 caps and 49 international goals to his name, is playing his third World Cup and carries the expectation of a nation on his shoulders. Moisés Caicedo, the Chelsea midfielder, is the heartbeat of the midfield, while Piero Hincapié of Arsenal and Pervis Estupiñán of Milan anchor a defensively experienced backline. Kendry Páez, still just 19 and now at River Plate, offers creative spark and is one of the most exciting young players in this Ecuador squad.There are no confirmed injuries or suspensions of note heading into this fixture. Ecuador’s concern is less about personnel and more about whether the collective can produce a more attacking performance than they managed in the opener. Gonzalo Plata and Kevin Rodríguez offer width and directness, while the squad depth in midfield, with Alan Franco, Alan Minda and Jordy Alcívar available, gives Beccacece options to shift his shape if he wants to be more aggressive.For Curaçao, the squad is built around a core of Dutch-league-experienced players. Leandro Bacuna, 72 caps and 16 international goals, and his cousin Juninho Bacuna, bring real know-how in midfield. Gervane Kastaneer leads the attacking threat, and Kenji Gorré adds pace and directness in the forward line. Experienced goalkeeper Eloy Room, with 71 caps, will be tested heavily. Dick Advocaat will lean on his trademark compact shape and look to frustrate, but the weight of a 7-1 opening defeat makes selection and morale an obvious challenge.Ecuador vs Curaçao Predicted LineupsEcuador Predicted XIEcuador (4-3-3): Hernán Galíndez; Ángelo Preciado, Félix Torres, Piero Hincapié, Pervis Estupiñán; Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo (c), Kendry Páez; Gonzalo Plata, Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodríguez.Predicted XI – squad to be confirmed.Curaçao Predicted XICuraçao (5-4-1): Eloy Room; Joshua Brenet, Juriën Gaari, Armando Obispo, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus; Kenji Gorré, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia; Gervane Kastaneer.Predicted XI – squad to be confirmed.Key Tactical MatchupThe duel that shapes this game is Moisés Caicedo against Curaçao’s midfield double pivot of Leandro and Juninho Bacuna. Caicedo, with 61 caps and operating at the top of European club football with Chelsea, will look to win second balls, drive forward and disrupt Curaçao’s ability to settle into Advocaat’s preferred compact shape. The Bacuna cousins are experienced, with 72 and 49 caps respectively, and will try to screen and protect their backline. If Caicedo wins that battle in the middle third and Ecuador transition quickly, the spaces behind Curaçao’s attacking midfielders could be the avenue through which this Group E fixture is decided.Ecuador vs Curaçao Best Bets POPULARBest World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus 10 EXCEPTIONAL BetfredBetfredBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOW 9.9 EXCEPTIONAL HighbetHighbetBet £10 and Get a £20 Free bet BET NOW 9.8 EXCEPTIONAL ParimatchParimatchSports Welcome Offer Bet and Get for a £20 Free Bet BET NOWMain Pick: Ecuador to WinEcuador are 1/10 to win this match and, while that price offers no real return on its own, it tells you everything about how the market reads this fixture. A nation that reached the Round of 16 in 2006 and qualified automatically from CONMEBOL is facing a debut side that just conceded seven. Ecuador must win to keep their World Cup alive, which removes any tactical conservatism from the equation. The motivation alone makes the Ecuador win the safest foundation for any Ecuador vs Curaçao accumulator or bet builder.Goals Market: Over 3 Goals at 4/6This is the pick with genuine value attached. Ecuador need goals, potentially by a margin that helps their goal difference in a tight Group E, and Curaçao have conceded eight goals in their last two competitive fixtures. The totals line sits at 3, with over 3 goals priced at 4/6. Ecuador’s qualifying run was low-scoring, yes, but that was against CONMEBOL heavyweights including Brazil and Argentina. Against a Curaçao defence that shipped seven to Germany, the gates should open.Scorer Market: Enner Valencia to Score AnytimeValencia remains Ecuador’s focal point and danger man. With 49 international goals in 105 caps, he is the obvious route to goal every time Ecuador attack. He has scored six goals across recent matches for his country, including two penalties, and in a game where Ecuador will dominate possession and create a high volume of chances, the veteran captain is the likeliest finisher. The scorer market for this Ecuador vs Curaçao fixture makes Valencia the standout name to back anytime.Optional Fourth: Ecuador Win and Over 3.5 GoalsFor those looking to build out an Ecuador vs Curaçao bet builder selection, combining Ecuador to win with the over on a higher goals line adds spice and reflects the genuine expectation of a comfortable, multi-goal victory. Curaçao have kept just one clean sheet in their last four competitive matches, while Ecuador’s squad depth in attack, including Plata, Valencia, and Rodríguez operating across the forward line, gives them multiple routes to goal. This feels like the kind of fixture where a second-half flurry is entirely plausible once Ecuador take the lead and the island nation must chase the game.Ecuador vs Curaçao Odds Across OperatorsHere are the best available prices across leading operators for this World Cup 2026 Group E fixture in Kansas City.Odds are sourced from leading operators and were correct at time of publication. Always check for the best available price before placing any bet.How to Watch + How to BetHow to WatchEcuador vs Curaçao kicks off at 19:00 local time in Kansas City on Saturday, 20 June 2026, which is 00:00 BST for UK viewers. The match is being broadcast in the UK on BBC and is available to stream live via BBC iPlayer. Coverage for viewers elsewhere includes NOS in the Netherlands, RTE and Virgin Media in Ireland, and TF1 and beIN Sports in France.How to BetNew to betting on World Cup 2026 fixtures? Here is a straightforward guide to get started with leading operators.Find a licensed, regulated betting operator available in your region.Register your account with your personal details and verify your identity.Deposit funds using your preferred payment method.Navigate to the football or World Cup 2026 section of the sportsbook.Search for Ecuador vs Curaçao in the match listings.Select your desired market, such as match result, goals, or scorer.Enter your stake and review the potential return before confirming.Submit your bet and enjoy the match responsibly.Responsible GamblingBetting should always be enjoyable and within your means. Set a deposit limit before you start, never chase losses, and take breaks if gambling stops feeling fun. Free, confidential support is available around the clock. Visit BeGambleAware or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. If you are concerned about your gambling habits, please reach out for help. [morestories category=8]

Netherlands vs Sweden Prediction: World Cup 2026 Preview & Best BetsSweden arrive in Houston riding a five-goal high, Netherlands are wounded after dropping points to Japan, and Group F’s pecking order is about to be settled the hard way…Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026Kick-off: 17:00 BST (12:00 local)Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, USARound: Group F, Matchday 2TV/Streaming: BBC / iPlayer POPULARBest World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus 10 EXCEPTIONAL ParimatchParimatchSports Welcome Offer Bet and Get for a £20 Free Bet BET NOWWhat’s At StakeThis is one of the most important fixtures in Group F so far. Netherlands sit third with a single point after their 2-2 draw with Japan, while Sweden lead the group on three points after their convincing 5-1 dismantling of Tunisia. A Netherlands win keeps their qualification ambitions firmly on track and potentially puts them in pole position; a Sweden victory would place them in a commanding position with one game to spare. A draw suits nobody particularly well, but it would keep both sides alive heading into Matchday 3.VerdictNetherlands carry too much firepower at this level to be turned over by a Sweden side that, for all their opening-day bravado, laboured through a rocky qualifying campaign. Back Netherlands to win at 4/6, a price that reflects their status as the more battle-hardened, tactically streetwise outfit when the stakes are genuine.Netherlands vs Sweden Match PreviewRonald Koeman’s Netherlands have unfinished business at this World Cup. A 2-2 draw against Japan was not the statement opener they craved, and the manner of the result, conceding twice, will have concerned a coaching staff that shipped only four goals across their entire qualifying campaign. The Dutch have reached at least the quarter-finals at three of the last four World Cups they have attended, and Koeman knows that losing ground to Sweden here could complicate the final group-stage calculations significantly.Sweden, under English head coach Graham Potter, who was appointed in October 2025, look a genuinely transformed side from the one that stumbled through qualification with a record of just two wins from eight matches. That 5-1 scoreline against Tunisia flattered them in some respects, but Viktor Gyokeres was electric, and the team showed an attacking verve that was largely absent during the qualifying grind. Potter has given this squad a clear identity and a willingness to press high and transition quickly.The head-to-head record and the quality depth of the Netherlands squad both point towards a Dutch win, but Sweden’s confidence after that Tunisia result should not be underestimated. This is a fixture where the Netherlands vs Sweden betting odds of 4/6 for a home win represent reasonable value given the group-stage context and the considerable difference in squad pedigree.Team FormNetherlands Recent Form– Japan (N): Drew 2-2 (World Cup) – Uzbekistan (N): Won 2-1 (Friendly) – Algeria (H): Lost 0-1 (Friendly) – Ecuador (H): Drew 1-1 (Friendly) – Norway (H): Won 2-1 (Friendly)The pre-tournament friendlies showed a Netherlands side still searching for consistency, dropping home points to Algeria and drawing with Ecuador. That said, friendly form is a limited barometer, and their World Cup qualifying record of six wins from eight, scoring 27 goals and conceding just four, is evidence of a team capable of serious output when it counts. The draw with Japan was a wake-up call rather than a crisis.Sweden Recent Form– Tunisia (N): Won 5-1 (World Cup) – Greece (H): Drew 2-2 (Friendly) – Norway (A): Lost 1-3 (Friendly) – Poland (H): Won 3-2 (World Cup qualification) – Ukraine (N): Won 3-1 (World Cup qualification)Sweden’s qualifying campaign told a difficult story: four defeats in eight matches, including losses to Kosovo and Switzerland at home. The turnaround under Potter, who oversaw the late play-off wins against Ukraine and Poland before guiding the side to the tournament, has been notable. The 5-1 win over Tunisia is the standout recent result, though the 3-1 defeat to Norway in the last pre-tournament friendly serves as a reminder that defensive solidity remains a work in progress.Netherlands vs Sweden Head to HeadThese two sides have met 25 times in total and while the fixture has not been a regular feature of major tournament draws, they know each other well from European qualification cycles. The most recent competitive meeting ended in a 2-0 win for Netherlands when they hosted Sweden in World Cup qualifying in October 2017. The only other recent qualifier, a September 2016 encounter in Stockholm, finished 1-1. Going further back, Netherlands won 4-1 at home in a Euro qualification tie in 2010, while Sweden claimed a 3-2 victory in the return in 2011.Netherlands hold the upper hand across the recorded meetings, and the pattern of Dutch wins at home is particularly relevant. Sweden’s solitary victory in recent decades and a single draw between the sides in a competitive environment underline why the Netherlands vs Sweden head to head record is one of the stronger arguments for backing Koeman’s side here. The 2004 European Championship group game, which ended 0-0, remains the last time these sides met at a major finals.Team NewsRonald Koeman has a largely fit and settled squad at his disposal. Virgil Van Dijk captains the side from centre-back, bringing his authority and aerial presence to a defence that will need to be well organised against the pace of Gyokeres and Alexander Isak. Frenkie De Jong and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to anchor the midfield, with Tijjani Reijnders providing the box-to-box energy that Koeman has consistently relied upon. Memphis Depay, the national team’s all-time leading scorer with 55 international goals, leads the attack, with Cody Gakpo providing width and movement.For Sweden, Viktor Lindelof captains the side from the back, and his leadership will be tested by the quality of the Dutch forward line. Graham Potter has a largely available squad to choose from after the Tunisia opener. Alexander Isak and Gyokeres have both been on the scoresheet at this World Cup and will cause Netherlands problems if given space in behind. Lucas Bergvall, the 20-year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, adds dynamism and progressive passing from the centre, and will be a key figure in Sweden’s attempts to control the midfield battle.No significant suspensions or injuries are reported from either camp heading into this Matchday 2 fixture, giving both coaches the luxury of selecting their strongest available XI for a match with significant group-stage implications.Predicted LineupsNetherlands Predicted XI:Netherlands (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Micky Van De Ven, Virgil Van Dijk (c), Nathan Ake; Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie De Jong, Tijjani Reijnders; Noa Lang, Memphis Depay, Cody GakpoSweden Predicted XI:Sweden (4-3-3): Viktor Johansson; Gabriel Gudmundsson, Isak Hien, Victor Lindelof (c), Hjalmar Ekdal; Lucas Bergvall, Jesper Karlstrom, Mattias Svanberg; Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander IsakPredicted lineups based on available squad information. Starting XIs to be confirmed closer to kick-off.Key Tactical MatchupThe duel that shapes this game is Frenkie De Jong versus Lucas Bergvall in central midfield. De Jong’s ability to receive under pressure and drive forward is the engine of the Dutch build-up, and if he is given space, Netherlands can transition from back to front with genuine menace. Bergvall, at just 20, has the energy and technical quality to harry De Jong and disrupt the Dutch rhythm, but doing so over 90 minutes against one of Europe’s finest midfielders is a significant ask. If Potter’s Sweden can win that midfield contest, they have the forward quality in Gyokeres and Isak to hurt the Netherlands. If De Jong controls it, the Dutch will dominate territory and possession, and the class of Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo in the final third should tell.Best Bets POPULARBest World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus 10 EXCEPTIONAL BetfredBetfredBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOW 9.9 EXCEPTIONAL HighbetHighbetBet £10 and Get a £20 Free bet BET NOW 9.8 EXCEPTIONAL ParimatchParimatchSports Welcome Offer Bet and Get for a £20 Free Bet BET NOWMain Pick: Netherlands to WinNetherlands win @ 4/6The Dutch qualified with six wins from eight games, scoring 27 goals and conceding just four, in a group that included Poland. Sweden’s qualifying record was two wins from eight. The class difference in squad depth, the head-to-head record, and the pressure on the Netherlands to respond after the Japan draw all point towards a Dutch victory. The 4/6 is a workable price for the strongest side in the group.Goals Market: Over 2.5 GoalsOver 2.5 Goals @ 10/11Netherlands scored 27 qualifying goals and Sweden have already managed six in their two most recent competitive fixtures. The opening group games at this tournament both produced goals freely: Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan, Sweden put five past Tunisia. Both sides carry genuine attacking threat and neither defence has been impenetrable. Over 2.5 looks the most natural market here at evens.Scorer Market: Viktor Gyokeres AnytimeViktor Gyokeres to Score AnytimeGyokeres arrived at the Arsenal striker having scored 20 international goals in 33 caps, and he got off the mark in the opening group game against Tunisia. He is Sweden’s most dangerous attacker and his movement and physicality are a constant problem for any central defensive pairing. Even against a high-quality Dutch back line, Gyokeres is the player most likely to manufacture a moment of quality from little.Bet Builder Option: Netherlands Win and Over 2.5 GoalsNetherlands Win and Over 2.5 GoalsCombining a Netherlands victory with the game going over 2.5 goals suits the profile of both sides. Sweden are unlikely to park the bus, Potter’s side press high and invite space in behind, which plays directly into the hands of the Dutch forward line. The Netherlands vs Sweden bet builder combination of a home win plus a goals-heavy game is the natural read for this fixture.Odds Across OperatorsHere is a snapshot of the best available Netherlands vs Sweden betting odds from leading operators at the time of writing.Odds are correct at time of writing and subject to change. Always check for the best available price with your preferred operator before placing.How to Watch and How to BetHow to WatchNetherlands vs Sweden is live and free-to-air in the United Kingdom on BBC and BBC iPlayer. Kick-off at NRG Stadium in Houston is at 17:00 BST on Saturday, 20 June 2026. No subscription is required to watch via iPlayer; simply create or log in to a free BBC account to stream in full.How to BetNew to betting on the World Cup or looking to get the most from this fixture? Here is a straightforward guide to getting on.Compare the Netherlands vs Sweden odds across leading operators to find the best available price for your preferred market.Open or log in to your betting account.Navigate to the World Cup 2026 section and find the Group F fixture.Select your market, whether that is the match result, goals, a scorer or a bet builder combination.Enter your stake and review your potential return before confirming.Consider combining bets in a Netherlands vs Sweden accumulator or acca with other World Cup group-stage fixtures to boost potential returns.Use the Netherlands vs Sweden each way option where available if you want a degree of insurance on an anytime scorer selection.Set a deposit limit before you start and bet only what you can afford to lose.Responsible GamblingGambling should always be an enjoyable and controlled activity. If you feel your betting is becoming a problem, free confidential support is available. Contact BeGambleAware or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also use the self-exclusion tools provided by your operator to take a break at any time. [morestories category=8]

Real Madrid is turning its attention to another FC Barcelona transfer target according to Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy and SPORT in Catalonia, which both cited anonymous sources.Getty ImagesReal Madrid is turning its attention to another FC Barcelona transfer target in Alessandro Bastoni according to La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy and SPORT in Catalonia, which both cited anonymous sources.The Italian newspaper explains that Los Blancos and Inter have been in advanced talks about the central defender since last weekend, and it is now new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho that should decide whether he wants Bastoni or another alternative.Should the Portuguese give his thumbs up to the potential operation, Bastoni will cost around $80 million. He’d provide immediate competition to the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen for minutes in the heart of the back line.Real Madrid continues to try and sabotage FC Barcelona’s ambitionsAfter winning re-election a fortnight ago, Madrid president Florentino Perez has been busy with his checkbook.Reacting to two trophyless seasons while FC Barcelona mopped up five out of the six Spanish trophies on offer, Perez has decided to torpedo the Catalans’ attempts to strengthen Hansi Flick’s squad.The first move we saw in that respect was making a rejected $175 million bid for Julian Alvarez - Barça’s top target this summer.Reports from Argentina explained that Alvarez - currently at the World Cup - had agreed a five-year deal with the La Liga champions. With Real Madrid upping the ante, however, Barça won’t be able to match that kind of figure after lodging their own $116 million offer.Next was Marc Cucurella. The left back is a La Masia-reared Spain international that made his bones in England at Brighton and Chelsea following short spells on domestic soil with Eibar and Getafe.There had been rumours that Cucurella could come home soon, and he flirted with that possibility when asked about it in recent months. At the weekend, though, Madrid came out of nowhere by purchasing ‘Cucu’ from Chelsea for $58 million. Furthermore, it is also believed to be close to landing another past target for Barça in Bernardo Silva, who becomes a free agent on June 30 when his Manchester City contract expires.As for Bastoni, he was Barça’s top aim alongside Alvarez until interest in him cooled off. The way things are going, though, don’t be surprised to see the highly-rated 27-year-old become a Real Madrid player in the near future.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Nature, Published online: 17 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01883-0Biology has clever ways to mask the effects of potentially harmful gene mutations. Scientists are investigating how this ‘buffering’ works — and how to exploit it.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal football club will begin their bid for the World Cup title on Wednesday when they face the DR Congo club, who are back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Their Group K match will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston and will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on FOX and Telemundo on Wednesday, June 17.Find out more about Group K, which also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan, here. (Those teams will play Wednesday night at 10 p.m. ET on FS1.)Here's everything you need to know about watching the Portugal vs. DR Congo match at the 2026 World Cup live from the U.S. (Plus, find out how you can catch every other game of the tournament).Where to watch the Portugal vs. DR Congo match:Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026Time: 1 p.m. ETLocation: NRG Stadium, HoustonTV channels: FOX, TelemundoStreaming:YouTube TV, DirecTV, Peacock, and morePortugal vs. DR Congo game time:The 2026 World Cup game between Portugal and DR Congo kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.Portugal vs. DR Congo channel:FOX will be broadcasting the Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup game in English. A Spanish-language broadcast of the game will air on Telemundo.Where to watch the 2026 World Cup without cable:2026 FIFA World Cup group stage schedule: All times EasternWednesday, June 17Austria vs Jordan: 12 a.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraPortugal vs DR Congo: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonEngland vs Croatia: 4 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonGhana vs Panama: 7 p.m. (FS1) — BMO Field, TorontoUzbekistan vs Colombia: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio Azteca, Mexico CityThursday, June 18Czechia vs South Africa: 12 p.m. (FOX) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaSwitzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: 3 p.m. (FOX) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodCanada vs Qatar: 6 p.m. (FS1) — BC Place, VancouverMexico vs South Korea: 9 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanFriday, June 19United States vs Australia: 3 p.m. (FOX) — Lumen Field, SeattleScotland vs Morocco: 6 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughBrazil vs Haiti: 8:30 p.m. (FOX) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaTürkiye vs Paraguay: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraSaturday, June 20Netherlands vs Sweden: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonGermany vs Ivory Coast: 4 p.m. (FOX) — BMO Field, TorontoEcuador vs Willemstad Curaçao: 8 p.m. (FS1) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas CitySunday, June 21Tunisia vs Japan: 12 a.m. (FS1) — Estadio BBVA Bancomer, GuadalupeSpain vs Saudi Arabia: 12 p.m. (FOX) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaBelgium vs Iran: 3 p.m. (FS1) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodUruguay vs Cape Verde: 6 p.m. (FS1) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiNew Zealand vs Egypt: 9 p.m. (FS1) — BC Place, VancouverMonday, June 22Argentina vs Austria: 1 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonFrance vs Iraq: 5 p.m. (FOX) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaNorway vs Senegal: 8 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordJordan vs Algeria: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraTuesday, June 23Portugal vs Uzbekistan: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonEngland vs Ghana: 4 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughPanama vs Croatia: 7 p.m. (FOX) — BMO Field, TorontoColombia vs DR Congo: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanWednesday, June 24Switzerland vs Canada: 3 p.m. (FOX) — BC Place, VancouverBosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar: 3 p.m. (FS1) — Lumen Field, SeattleScotland vs Brazil: 6 p.m. (FOX) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiMorocco vs Haiti: 6 p.m. (FS1) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaCzechia vs Mexico: 9 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Azteca, Mexico CitySouth Africa vs South Korea: 9 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio BBVA Bancomer, GuadalupeThursday, June 25Ecuador vs Germany: 4 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordWillemstad Curaçao vs Ivory Coast: 4 p.m. (FS1) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Tunisia vs Netherlands: 7 p.m. (FOX) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas CityJapan vs Sweden: 7 p.m. (FS1) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonTürkiye vs United States: 10 p.m. (FOX) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodParaguay vs Australia: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraFriday, June 26Norway vs France: 3 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughSenegal vs Iraq: 3 p.m. (FS1) — BMO Field, TorontoUruguay vs Spain: 8 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanCape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: 8 p.m. (FS1) — NRG Stadium, HoustonNew Zealand vs Belgium: 11 p.m. (FOX) — BC Place, VancouverEgypt vs Iran: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Lumen Field, SeattleSaturday, June 27Panama vs England: 5 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordCroatia vs Ghana: 5 p.m. (FS1) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaColombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. (FOX) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiDR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. (FS1) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaJordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonAlgeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

The Premier League fixtures for the 2026/27 campaign are set to be revealed as the 20 top-flight clubs find out their full schedule.Arsenal ended a 22-year wait as they held off Manchester City last season, and will be seeking more success as they defend their title.Coventry, Ipswich and Hull return to the top-flight ranks, with Frank Lampard’s side back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.With nine teams involved in European competition, squad management may be key – particularly coming off of a World Cup that has placed further pressures on players. Here’s everything you need to know.When are the Premier League fixtures released?The 2026/27 Premier League fixtures will be revealed at 10am BST on Friday 19 June. What are the season dates?The season will start on 22 August 2026 and end on 30 May 2027. There will be 33 weekends of action and five midweek rounds of fixtures.Which teams are in the top flight next season?ArsenalAston VillaBournemouthBrentfordBrightonChelseaCoventry CityCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamHullIpswichLeedsLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenhamWhen are the EFL fixtures released?The Championship, League One and League Two 2026/27 fixtures will be confirmed on Thursday 25 June at 12pm BST.

Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesThierry Henry did not hold back after Landon Donovan accused France of being “arrogant” during their World Cup opener against Senegal.France eventually ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a second-half brace from Kylian Mbappé, but the first half had been a different story.With the scores level at half-time, Donovan suggested that Didier Deschamps’ side were approaching the game with the wrong attitude.Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesThierry Henry responds to Landon Donovan’s France criticismDonovan, on Fox commentary duty, described France’s first-half display as both “arrogant” and “casual” as the defending champions struggled to impose themselves.Henry, however, was not having any of it.“I just don’t get it. So because you’re not 1-0 or 2-0 or 3-0 up after 15 minutes, those words have to come out?”Henry argued that not enough credit was being given to Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest national teams.“We all knew what was going to happen. If people don’t know how Senegal can play, that’s on them.”France eventually backed up Henry’s pointWhile France struggled to impose themselves in the first half, the match looked very different after the break.Mbappé led the charge as Les Bleus pulled away, sealing a 3-1 win to start their campaign on the front foot.Clearly, Henry, who has represented France at the World Cup and won the tournament himself, did not appreciate the impatience and unnecessary assertions from Donovan.On top of that, France weren’t facing a weak team, as Senegal are one of the best teams in Africa, and were in the AFCON finals just a few months ago.Read more:New York Knicks trio spotted at France v Senegal in party mood days after NBA Finals triumphFrance’s best World Cup XI is stacked from front to back and that should scare everyoneWhy Kylian Mbappe has never watched back the 2022 World Cup final

Bernardo Silva to join Real MadridBernardo Silva is set to join Real Madrid after leaving City this summer.Bernardo made 460 appearances and scored 76 goals during a nine-year stay that heralded 20 major honours while at the Etihad.But having departed the Blues at the end of the 2025/26 season, the 31-year-old now heads to the Bernabeu to ply his trade with Jose Mourinho’s La Liga side.The Portuguese playmaker is no stranger to Madrid, having faced Los Blancos 13 times during his time in Manchester as well as scoring four times against them including a brace in our 2022/23 UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg triumph on the way to the Treble.Bernardo departs having played a major part in our greatest sustained period of success.His trophy haul includes six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, three FA Cup triumphs, five Carabao Cup successes, three Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup winner’s medal.In his final season in sky blue, Bernardo was captain and skippered us to 2026 Carabao Cup glory against Arsenal and FA Cup success over Chelsea.We would like to wish Bernardo the best of luck in his new adventure in Spain.

Ecuador vs Curaçao Prediction: World Cup 2026 Preview & Best BetsEcuador vs Curaçao | Group E, Matchday 10 | Saturday, 20 June 2026 | 19:00 local (00:00 BST) | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USAGroup E Standings: Germany 3pts | Ivory Coast 3pts | Ecuador 0pts | Curaçao 0ptsTV/Streaming (UK): BBC / iPlayerHighbet 5.0Welcome BonusBet £10 and Get a £20 Free Bet BET NOWWhat’s At StakeBoth sides arrive at Arrowhead Stadium having lost their opening Group E fixture, making this a straight shootout for survival. Ecuador fell 1-0 to Ivory Coast while Curaçao were beaten 7-1 by Germany, leaving both teams on zero points. A defeat here would almost certainly end either side’s tournament at the group stage, while a win keeps hope alive ahead of a final matchday against the group’s stronger opponents. For Curaçao, who are making their World Cup debut, simply competing in Kansas City represents history; for Ecuador, a side that has made four previous World Cup appearances, anything less than three points would put them on the brink of another early exit.VerdictEcuador are heavy favourites and, with their World Cup futures on the line, Sebastián Beccacece’s side are expected to deliver a professional, controlled victory against a Curaçao outfit that conceded seven in Matchday 1. The hosts to win and over 3 goals combined looks the standout Ecuador vs Curaçao prediction at the available prices.Ecuador vs Curaçao Match PreviewEcuador’s 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast was a sobering start. The South Americans were held without a goal in a competitive fixture for the first time at this tournament, and the pressure to respond will be acute. Manager Sebastián Beccacece, appointed in August 2024, now faces his first genuine must-win moment on the World Cup stage, and Ecuador’s squad depth, headlined by captain and all-time leading scorer Enner Valencia and Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo, should be more than sufficient to overcome the tournament’s debutants.Curaçao’s qualification story is remarkable. The Caribbean island nation reached a World Cup for the first time in their history, qualifying via the CONCACAF playoff route with a record of five wins and three draws across eight matches. That qualifying run was built against opposition from the same confederation, however, and the step up to facing Germany and now Ecuador has been severe. The 7-1 loss to Germany exposed real defensive vulnerability, and Ecuador will look to press those same weaknesses from the opening whistle.This is not a game that rewards complacency. Ecuador’s qualifying campaign through CONMEBOL, which included draws against Brazil and Argentina, showed resilience but also a tendency to be conservative in attack. Scoring goals against a well-organised Curaçao backline, even one that has shown fragility, requires Ecuador to be decisive and direct, with Valencia as the focal point and Caicedo driving from midfield.Team FormEcuador – Last Five ResultsIvory Coast (A, World Cup): Lost 0-1Guatemala (N, Friendly): Won 3-0Saudi Arabia (N, Friendly): Won 2-1Netherlands (A, Friendly): Drew 1-1Morocco (N, Friendly): Drew 1-1 Ecuador’s warm-up results were encouraging, particularly the 3-0 defeat of Guatemala and a composed 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. The draw with the Netherlands in Beccacece’s last friendly before the tournament showed the side can hold their own against top-tier opposition. The opening-day loss to Ivory Coast was narrow, though, and Ecuador’s inability to score in that match is a concern given the goalscoring pressure they now face.Curaçao – Last Five ResultsGermany (A, World Cup): Lost 1-7Aruba (H, Friendly): Won 4-0Scotland (A, Friendly): Lost 1-4Australia (A, FIFA Series): Lost 1-5China PR (N, FIFA Series): Lost 0-2 Curaçao’s pre-tournament results make difficult reading. Outside of the comfortable 4-0 win over Aruba, a national team from the same archipelago, they lost to Scotland 4-1, Australia 5-1, and China PR 2-0 before the Germany thrashing. The pattern of conceding in volume against organised sides is consistent and points strongly towards an Ecuador win with goals.Team NewsEcuador have no significant injury absences reported ahead of this fixture. Enner Valencia, at 36 and now with 105 caps for his country, continues to lead the attack and remains the side’s most influential figure in the final third. Moisés Caicedo, the Chelsea midfielder with 61 caps, is fit and expected to anchor the midfield alongside the dynamic Kendry Páez, who at 19 years of age brings energy and direct running from his River Plate berth. Piero Hincapié of Arsenal and Willian Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain provide quality and composure in central defence.Curaçao’s squad is drawn largely from Dutch football, which reflects the island’s strong cultural ties to the Netherlands. Goalkeeper Eloy Room, their most-capped player with 71 appearances, is expected to start in goal. The midfield pair of Leandro Bacuna, 34, and Juninho Bacuna provide experience, with Leandro bringing 72 caps to the occasion. Tahith Chong of Sheffield United offers a creative threat from midfield, while Gervane Kastaneer leads the forward line having scored four goals in recent competitive games. No confirmed suspensions or injuries have been reported for the squad.Predicted LineupsPredicted XI (4-3-3): Galíndez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Estupiñán; Franco, Caicedo (c), Páez; Plata, Valencia, AnguloPredicted XI – squads to be confirmed.Predicted XI (4-4-2): Room; Floranus, Gaari (c), Sambo, Brenet; Gorré, L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna, Chong; Kastaneer, AntonissePredicted XI – squads to be confirmed.Key Tactical MatchupThe duel between Moisés Caicedo and Curaçao’s midfield pairing of Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna is the axis on which this match turns. Caicedo, Chelsea’s 24-year-old with 61 caps for Ecuador, is at his most dangerous when he can drive forward from deep and play through the lines into Valencia’s feet. Curaçao’s central midfielders have the experience, but they were overrun in large passages of the Germany game. If Caicedo is given room to operate, Ecuador can establish the tempo early and put Curaçao’s defence under sustained pressure, forcing the kind of individual errors that have plagued the debutants in their recent competitive outings.Best BetsBetfred5.0Welcome BonusBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOWHighbet 4.9Welcome BonusBet £10 and Get a £20 Free Bet BET NOWParimatch4.8Welcome BonusSports Welcome Offer Bet and Get for a £20 Free Bet BET NOWMain PickEcuador to Win @ 1/10 The odds reflect the scale of Ecuador’s advantage. They are a CONMEBOL qualifier with experienced European-based players throughout the squad facing a World Cup debutant who conceded seven goals in Matchday 1. With their tournament survival on the line, Ecuador are expected to deliver a focused, controlled performance. The 1/10 price is short but reflects a near-certainty, and it anchors a strong Ecuador vs Curaçao accumulator or bet builder leg.Goals MarketOver 3 Goals @ 4/6 Curaçao have conceded 14 goals across their last four competitive fixtures. Ecuador scored three times against Guatemala in their final friendly and carry the attacking personnel to punish a leaky defence. The over 3 goals line at 4/6 represents a reasonable Ecuador vs Curaçao best bet given the pattern of Curaçao’s recent results against organised opposition.Scorer MarketEnner Valencia Anytime Scorer Valencia has scored six goals in Ecuador’s recent matches across competitive and friendly fixtures, and his 49 international goals make him by far the most prolific finisher in this squad. With the team needing to win and Valencia’s record in high-pressure games, he is the standout Ecuador vs Curaçao pick in any goalscorer market.Odds Across OperatorsCurrent best available prices for Ecuador vs Curaçao from leading operators are shown below.Ecuador Win – 1/10Draw – 10/1Curaçao Win – 26/1 Ecuador are overwhelming favourites at 1/10 with the best available price. The draw is 10/1 and a Curaçao victory is a remote 26/1. These Ecuador vs Curaçao odds reflect the gap in tournament experience and recent form between the two sides.How to Watch + How to BetHow to WatchEcuador vs Curaçao kicks off at 19:00 local time (00:00 BST) on Saturday, 20 June 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, USA. The match is being broadcast live in the UK on BBC and is available to stream via BBC iPlayer. Coverage is free to air for UK viewers.How to BetIf you want to place a bet on Ecuador vs Curaçao, here is a straightforward step-by-step guide.Choose a licensed and regulated sportsbook available in your jurisdiction.Register for an account if you do not already have one, providing the required identification details.Navigate to the World Cup 2026 section or the football markets.Search for Ecuador vs Curaçao in the Group E fixtures.Select your preferred market, such as match result, goals over/under, or a scorer market.Enter your stake in the bet slip and review your selections carefully.Confirm the bet and retain your bet receipt for reference.Watch the match live on BBC / iPlayer and follow the result.Responsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, never as a source of income. Set a deposit limit before you start and only bet what you can afford to lose. If you are concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, free and confidential support is available from the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700, Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org, and BeGambleAware at www.begambleaware.org. Please gamble responsibly.

Luke Shaw: Rooney stunned by United star’s World Cup omissionIt turned out to be a bittersweet season at Old Trafford, with Manchester United’s impressive third-place finish not without an asterisk given the disastrous early exits in the domestic cup competitions and the lack of European football.However, one player who made the most of the extra breaks in the schedule was full-back Luke Shaw, who joined only a handful of players in starting every league game in a single campaign for United. This achievement is even more impressive given the defender’s injury record.When fit and firing, Shaw is undoubtedly one of the best left-backs in the division, and his impressive season under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick saw him slot in seamlessly at centre-back at times as well.Surprise World Cup omissionWith all that in mind, Shaw looked a strong favourite to earn a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer. However, the German did not quite see it that way and chose to leave the United man at home, favouring others with less experience and quality than Shaw but perhaps more reliability to get through the tournament unscathed.Ironically, one of the players called up instead of Shaw, Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, has had to withdraw from the squad through injury before England have even kicked a ball in the U.S.Tuchel’s prerogative to pick a replacement would surely have led him to Shaw, but instead the former Chelsea head coach has plumped for Blues defender Trevoh Chalobah, a decision that has bemused a certain England and United legend. Wayne Rooney admitted he was baffled by Tuchel’s omission of Shaw, a player he named as “the most improved” in the United squad, after his reliability over the course of the season.“It’s a bit strange. I would have liked to have seen Luke Shaw. And then Djed Spence maybe being cover for Reece James and Luke Shaw come in,” said Rooney on his BBC podcast (via Metro).United’s all-time leading goal scorer did caveat the decision with the fact Chalobah may have been on a standby list that Shaw was not, but given the options available to Tuchel, it does feel like the United man would have added something to the group.“I’m sure Thomas Tuchel has kept contact with players to stay available and I’m sure he [Chalobah] was one of those who was available,” he added.England’s loss is United’s gainWhilst it is disappointing for Shaw to be left out, Carrick will certainly be using the situation to his advantage, with both him and Harry Maguire in line for a pre-season that could prove crucial when the Premier League campaign gets underway.With the bumper edition of the World Cup not concluding until 19 July, players will be coming back to Carrington in stages depending on how far their respective nations go in the competition.The early games in the Premier League may see under-strength or undercooked starting XIs, and having as many key players available during that period could be pivotal in getting off to a good start.Shaw will be expected to be at it right from the off and will hope to enjoy another fruitful campaign, finally put his dreadful injury woes behind him, and finish his career strong at the Theatre of Dreams with or without international football.Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty ImagesThe 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

It's been 35 years since the Washington Commanders won the Super Bowl. It's been that long since they were even part of the Big Game. They came close in 2024 when they reached the NFC Championship Game, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, who would go on to win the Super Bowl that year.The Commanders had high hopes for 2025, but injuries derailed Jayden Daniels's sophomore season, and the Commanders won just five games. They look to get back on track in 2026, but there are still questions around the team's activity this offseason and if it was enough.We won't know the answer to that question until the season starts, but the goal remains the same: Make the postseason and win the Super Bowl. Only one team can do that each year, though, and Bleacher Report has identified each team's current window to win the championship. For the Commanders, the window is 1-8 years.This all depends on the direction of Jayden Daniels in a critical third season. If he can rebound after a tough, injury-marred sophomore season, the Commanders could have a chance to build a New England-like championship window. If he struggles to make an impact again, this could all go bust. This season is definitely critical in Jayden Daniels' career trajectory. If he can't recover from last season's adversity, he will find himself on the outside looking in. An elite quarterback can suffer a down year and recover, so how he responds this season will dictate the direction of the rest of his career.That said, Daniels has not given us any reason not to believe in him. He struggled in year two, but that was more about injuries to himself and Terry McLaurin than anything else. Daniels doesn't have a ton of new faces, but there are a few, and that might be enough to make a difference.Will the Commanders make the postseason in 2026? That's still up in the air. But if Daniels can make use of Chig Okonkwo, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, and Antonio Williams on top of Terry McLaurin, they will have a much better chance.This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What is their Super Bowl window?

Changes could be made by Belgium ahead of World Cup clash with IranBelgium’s opening day draw in the 2026 World Cup is by no means a bad start to the tournament. Past winners have started slowly, and tournament football has always been peaking at the right time. However, there are certainly areas where the Red Devils simply have to improve as the tournament progresses. There are also areas in which Rudi Garcia could, and probably should, make changes. Andre Onana may be the only change made by Garcia, but there are others. Ahead of their second group game against Iran, here are some things that could also change for Belgium.Blood the new full-backsGarcia opted for Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne in the opening game, but neither played particularly well. Despite their experience, they offered little going forward and were caught out at times by the counter attack of Egypt. If they can’t help going forward, and are getting caught out at the back, what are they offering?It has long been time for Belgium to look for new options in these positions. Modern football has shown that the full-back is a crucial player in helping going forward. Garcia can easily make changes here, with Maxim De Cuyper and obvious option. Another would be Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys. The 21-year-old had another fantastic season domestically and would certainly bring some energy to the team. Furthermore, young players are often less burdened by previous tournaments and play with more freedom.What’s more, Egypt were excellent in shutting down Jeremy Doku, albeit it with quite a few fouls that were not given. Belgium looked overly reliant on the brilliance of Doku to create, so having full-backs that can get up and support him by taking away defenders will benefit Belgium going forward.Time to drop Trossard?Garcia said after the game he with happy with Leandro Trossard. The Arsenal man didn’t really pass the eye test though. He struggled to help Belgium break down a disciplined Egyptian defence, and another option outside of Doku would really help balance the Belgian side and give Kevin De Bruyne more options to stretch teams with his passing. Belgium don’t have the options that they used to out wide, but they do have a young Diego Moreira who has shown glimpses of what he can do. Dodi Lukebakio hasn’t had a great season for Benfica, but when it comes to Belgium, the 28-year-old always seems to deliver. In his last five games for Belgium he has four goals.Risk Lukaku or give Fernandez-Pardo a start?Another option for Belgium and Garcia would be to stick Charles De Ketelaere out wide. The 25-year-old struggled as a central striker. In truth, CDK has always looked better playing off another striker or out wide, rather than as a focal forward. Romelu Lukaku made an instant impact off the bench, but he clearly isn’t fit enough to start just yet having missed so much football. He should be given another 30/40 minutes against Iran, but to start, Garcia could bring in Fernandez-Pardo. The 21-year-old looked okay in the brief time he had on the pitch, and with Lukauk’s prime coming to an end in the next few years, giving Fernandez-Pardo more chances at the World Cup could only be beneficial.Belgium will expect to beat Iran. When the group was drawn, many considered Egypt to be their biggest threat. However, the concerns are still there. Egypt showed more desire to win than Belgium during the 90 minutes and caused the Red Devils plenty of problems. Iran have a lot to play for on and off the pitch, so will likely bring the same intensity and desire to the game. Slipping up may not be the end of their World Cup, but the expectations at the start of the tournament were that Belgium would win their group. They still should, but perhaps some changes along the way could turn this from being a decent tournament to a good tournament, with pieces put in place that will help Belgium have success in the future.GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

Real Madrid announce second signing of the summer on free transferReal Madrid have confirmed the open secret that Bernardo Silva will be joining the club on a free transfer from Manchester City this summer. The 32-year-old was out of contract, and Los Blancos moved swiftly to bring him in despite interest from rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.Both were in talks with Silva over a move, but the Portugal international had doubts about his role at Barcelona, and was on the verge of signing a deal with Atletico. Cadena SER have claimed that Silva was scheduled to put pen to paper on a deal on the morning of the 12th of June, when agent Jorge Mendes halted proceedings.Real Madrid hijacked Atletico Madrid moveImage via Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesAfter a meeting between Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid three days earlier, the new manager requested that Los Blancos make an effort to sign Silva. Within 36 hours, Real Madrid had gone from opening talks with Mendes, to securing an agreement with Silva for him to pen a two-year deal.Real Madrid announce Bernardo Silva signingImage via Real Madrid CFEight days later, Real Madrid have announced an agreement with Silva on a deal running until 2028. They put out the following statement on Wednesday, hours before he makes his World Cup debut with Portugal against DR Congo.Real Madrid C. F. and Bernardo Silva have reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next two seasons, until June 30, 2028.On Monday, Marc Cucurella was announced as the first signing from Chelsea, in a deal that could rise to €60m. Although they have not been officially announced, President Florentino Perez has publicly confirmed that Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries will also be joining the club from Liverpool and Inter respectively. Konate also arrives on a free, while Los Blancos will activate a €20m release clause for Dumfries.

Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva is a serial winner (Darren Staples)Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva has signed a two-year deal with Real Madrid, the La Liga giants announced Wednesday.Silva had left Manchester City after nine trophy-laden years when the 31-year-old's contract expired at the end of last season.His contract with Real Madrid runs until June 30, 2028.Silva made 459 appearances for City in total, scoring 76 goals, since joining from Monaco in 2017.He has won 15 major trophies with the club, including four successive Premier League titles from 2021-2024, the treble featuring the Champions League in 2023 and all four domestic trophies in the 2018/19 season.After failing to win major trophies for two consecutive seasons, newly re-elected Madrid president Florentino Perez appointed Jose Mourinho as coach earlier in June.On Monday, Madrid announced the signing of Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for a reported fee of 55 million euros ($63.8 million).Los Blancos are set to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate at the end of his contract at Anfield and have also been linked with Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries.bdu/lp/sbk

The U.S. Capitol and National Mall are seen as the set up for the America 250 celebration, in Washington, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)2026-06-17T09:02:19Z WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe civil liberties like the right to vote are under threat, according to a new AP-NORC poll, while also continuing to agree that the rights expressed in the nation’s founding documents are still core to American identity.The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that most Americans across demographics believe the right to vote, the right to free speech and freedom of religion are integral to the country. But they were more divided on the importance of the right to bear arms, and few — about one-third or less — saw those rights as safe from threats.The survey, which was conducted April 16-20 — before the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that winnowed a section of the Voting Rights Act — highlights an enduring consensus among Americans that personal freedoms are vital to the country’s national identity. But it also reveals deep anxieties about the nation’s trajectory on the cusp of a summer filled with celebrations of the country’s semi-quincentennial birthday.“Our idea of rights has been very consistent in this country until the last few years,” said Louise Rochon, 85, of Connecticut. “Now, they’re all under threat. Every single last one of them.” Americans see rights as vital, but threatened About 9 in 10 Americans say the right to vote is “extremely” or “very” important to the United States’ identity, the poll found. About the same proportion of Americans consider freedom of speech to be highly important to the country’s identity. Meanwhile, about 8 in 10 Americans consider freedom of religion to be core to the national identity, while about 6 in 10 Americans consider the right to keep or bear arms as highly important to the nation’s identity. But many in the country see those same principles as imperiled today. About two-thirds of Americans view the right to vote as under some threat, with about one-third saying voting rights are under “major threat” while about 3 in 10 said they faced a “minor threat.” Only about one-third of Americans said voting rights faced “no threat at all.” Read More Additionally, nearly half of Americans say freedom of speech is under major threat, followed by about 3 in 10 who said the same about gun rights and religious freedom. The country is going “down the drain,” said Tracy Gonzales, an independent from San Antonio, Texas. Americans of all stripes, she said, have “thrown religion to the side at the moment” and allowed for other civil liberties to be eroded amid fierce debates over immigration and the economy.“Given everything going on with our president, you really don’t have time to think of anything else,” said Gonzales, 37, of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdowns. “There are so many other crimes that are being committed and people that actually need help, and you’re focused on the ones that are trying to get it together.” Vast majority of Black Americans see threat to voting rightsThe poll’s results also surfaced complicated opinions about democracy and identity among Black Americans. Those are likely rooted, at least in part, in the country’s history of denying voting rights and full citizenship to people of African descent for centuries. Black Americans are less likely than white Americans to say the right to vote is “extremely” or “very important” to American identity, with about three-quarters agreeing with the sentiment compared to about 9 in 10 white Americans. But about 4 in 10 Black Americans say that the right to vote is facing a “major” threat in the country today, higher than any other racial group.“You cannot feel like you are a total and full part of the American experiment unless you have the right to vote,” said Antonio Williams, a school administrator in Dallas, Texas, who is Black. “And African Americans didn’t fully get to enjoy the right to vote until about 60 years ago, and I feel like it’s under threat right now.”Younger adults see the right to vote as less importantIndependents and younger adults are less likely than Americans overall to say voting and freedom of speech are central to American identity. “My age group has grown up a lot more with social media as part of their existence in life and the microcosms that that creates in politics,” said Julian Goodwin-Ferris, 28, a professional dancer from New Jersey.“I think we feel more like our voice doesn’t matter as much because it feels like we’ve grown up with our rights sort of being more ignored,” said Goodwin-Ferris. Democrats and Republicans are divided on magnitude of threatAmericans at times diverged along partisan lines in their view of the threats to rights, with Democrats seeing a greater threat to freedom of speech, while Republicans were more worried about the right to keep and bear arms. While Democrats and Republicans are similarly likely to say freedom of speech is at least “very important” to the nation’s identity, about 6 in 10 Democrats say freedom of speech is facing a “major threat” compared to about 4 in 10 independents and roughly one-third of Republicans. Similarly, while most Americans believe the right to bear arms is at least “very” important to the nation’s identity, about 8 in 10 Republicans agree with that sentiment, compared to only about 4 in 10 Democrats. About half of independents shared that view. And about 4 in 10 Republicans found that the right to bear firearms was under threat, an increase from October 2025 not reflected among either Democrats or independents. “We have the Bill of Rights for a reason,” said Nuri Simmons, a warehouse worker in New York and a registered Democrat. Simmons, 31, said that threats to different rights “bleed into each other” and that while he was most concerned about threats to voting rights today, he understood that others may feel differently.“Like when people try to bring some gun control into it, I think some people look at that as an attack on their rights. I guess that all depends on your politics,” he said.___The AP-NORC poll of 2,596 adults was conducted April 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.6 percentage points. MATT BROWN Brown covers national politics, federal policy and democracy issues for The Associated Press. twitter instagram mailto LINLEY SANDERS Sanders is a polls and surveys analyst for The Associated Press. She develops and writes about AP-NORC polls, works on the AP Voter Poll and covers shifts in public opinion. twitter mailto

As people in Arizona continue to lose their SNAP benefits, St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix has seen an increase in visits. Rob Schumacher/The Republic/Imagn As a House committee debated President Donald Trump’s signature domestic policy bill last year, Republican backers repeatedly emphasized that its changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, wouldn’t affect vulnerable people. SNAP reforms would “restore integrity” to the program and ensure it works for the “most vulnerable among us, including children,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican and chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Passing the bill would be a “historic accomplishment” that will ensure “those in need can continue to receive the assistance they need,” said Rep. John Rose, a Republican from Tennessee. And Rep. Dusty Johnson, a South Dakota Republican, said the bill would focus resources on the “neediest” Americans. “If you are a pregnant woman, your benefits are unaffected. If you have young children at home, your benefits are unaffected by this bill. If you are disabled, your benefits are unaffected by this bill.” But nearly a year after the measure was signed into law, the number of children receiving food assistance has plummeted by at least 776,000, according to a ProPublica analysis. At least 12 states break down program participation by age, and of the 1,670,011 people who are no longer receiving benefits in those states, 776,134, or 46%, were children. Another analysis reached the same conclusion: Just last month, the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found there were 700,000 fewer children receiving food assistance. Arizona has seen the nation’s largest percentage decline in SNAP participants; 205,223 children are no longer receiving the benefit since July 2025, a 55% drop. Louisiana had the second largest percent decline among children, 22%. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, hasn’t detailed the impact on children aided by the program, but initial figures show that compared to February 2025, 4.3 million fewer people received SNAP nationwide in February 2026, leaving 37.8 million participants. Although children weren’t the intended targets of the legislation’s changes, they’re increasingly “collateral damage,” said Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. If states are trying to comply with the law’s changes to SNAP, they’re likely not focusing on making the program accessible, Bergh said. Other experts said that people may be pushed off the program because of increased paperwork requirements to remain eligible. States are required to impose work requirements for most adult recipients, while preparing for two major cost shifts. In October, states will begin covering 75% of the program’s administrative costs. States have been paying 50% of those costs. In addition, states will have to pay a larger share of SNAP benefits starting in October 2027, based on their error rate. Error rates reflect overpayments or underpayments of SNAP benefits. While sometimes characterized as fraud, such errors are usually the fault of the state agency or the SNAP recipient, according to USDA, which describes them as “largely unintentional.” If a state agency is facing staffing shortages and struggling to comply with new regulations, it will be harder for low-income families to access the benefits, Bergh said. “Families are falling through the cracks.” In Massachusetts, for example, the share of SNAP applicants who called an assistance line and couldn’t reach a worker rose from 61% in November to nearly 81% in March, according to the Department of Transitional Assistance, which administers SNAP in the state. The state agency did not respond to a request for comment. A USDA spokesperson did not address ProPublica’s questions about the number of children who have lost access to SNAP. “There is no shortage of resources for the most vulnerable among us, including children,” the spokesperson said. The three members of the House Agriculture Committee who defended last year’s bill before its passage — Rose, Thompson and Johnson — did not respond to ProPublica’s questions about their statements now that many children no longer receive SNAP benefits. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, asked Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins about her recent comments that it was “good news” that millions of people no longer receive SNAP. If more than 700,000 children have been dropped in the 12 states that report those figures, “that number’s going to be into the millions” when other states are included, he said. Rollins responded, “The 700,000 number of children is not correct,” contending that most people who were kicked off SNAP were “fraudulent.” “That is not a nonpartisan group that gave you that number,” she said. (ProPublica independently verified the figures reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.) McGovern said he has talked to people who have lost food assistance. “These are people who actually need and rely on this food assistance to provide basic nutrition for their families,” he said. Pressure to lower error rates “creates a temptation for the states to bump off working families,” said Parke Wilde, a food economist at Tufts University. Working families may have more volatile incomes, making it harder for state agencies to assess benefits accurately. “When they say we want to preserve SNAP for those with the greatest need, they’re sort of acknowledging that they want the scale of the SNAP program to be smaller,” he said. Mariana Chilton, an expert in child hunger at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said a smaller program won’t save money in the long run. Research shows that children who receive SNAP benefits are healthier, have better academic outcomes, use hospitals less often and have better mental health as teenagers. She called the situation a “public health crisis” in the making. “When children are not healthy, this affects children today and it affects them throughout their lifetimes,” she said, likening hunger during early childhood to a brain injury. As Arizona’s SNAP participation drops, nonprofits are feeling the effects. St. Mary’s Food Bank, the largest in the state, has seen a 15% increase in need this year, which translates into 300,000 more visits from people in search of food, said Milt Liu, the chief executive officer. Read More “The Alarm Bell”: Arizona’s Drop in SNAP Participation Signals Potential Nationwide Impact of Trump Legislation “It’s important for everyone to realize that policies have implications for people on the edge, and we’re seeing that in our line every day,” he said. On a recent morning, Ana Alvarez waited in a line of vehicles at a St. Mary’s food bank in Phoenix. Alvarez, a single mother of five who works at a restaurant, started coming to St. Mary’s after she lost her SNAP benefits in September. She reapplied for SNAP with the Arizona Department of Economic Security in December, but the application is still pending. The department did not respond to questions about its backlog. She clips coupons and has cut out trips to the zoo and restaurants with her children. The slow season at the restaurant where she works is about to hit. And as summer temperatures rise, Alvarez wonders how she will afford her electric bill, her rent and her car payment. At least once a week she contacts the agency about her application. The last time she called, a worker told her what others have in the past: She will have to keep waiting. The post More Than 770,000 Children Are No Longer Receiving SNAP Benefits After Trump Changes Federal Food Program appeared first on ProPublica.

Congo Returns to World Cup in High Style After 52 Years Away

The U.S. central bank is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at Kevin M. Warsh’s first meeting as chairman.

The 39-year-old senator has become an internet sensation for Democrats seeking a 2028 contender. He says he’s focused on winning a second term in November.

Small businesses say relentless pressures from tariffs and higher energy prices have sapped their resilience and finances.

“Backrooms” and “Obsession,” two breakout horror films from first-time directors in their 20s, have arguably redefined what a summer blockbuster can be.

Jude Bellingham provided an iconic England moment, scoring with an overhead kick against Slovakia at Euro 2024. [Getty Images]When Jude Bellingham uttered the words "who else?" in the direction of England's supporters after saving them from a humiliating exit with a spectacular overhead kick against Slovakia at Euro 2024, no-one even thought to argue.Bellingham's acrobatics – with the clock at Gelsenkirchen reading 94 minutes 34 seconds – became an iconic moment as his stunning equaliser set up a 2-1 win after extra-time in the last 16.England suffered familiar disappointment when losing to Spain in the final in Berlin, but Bellingham's status as the team's golden boy seemed assured.Instead, two years on at the World Cup, Bellingham's star has not exactly fallen but it has certainly dimmed.Bellingham will face Croatia in England's World Cup opener in Dallas on Wednesday intent on putting his international career in the ascendant once more after appearing to win the battle with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers for the No 10 role behind captain Harry Kane.And, after tough love from England head coach Thomas Tuchel, Bellingham's World Cup build-up has appeared to be that of a player on a mission for glory, a special talent who can be a key figure in their quest to win the World Cup.Tuchel's strict refusal to operate a star system, as well as the emergence of Aston Villa's outstanding Rogers, has made Bellingham's place the subject of intense debate, a notion unthinkable after Euro 2024.So turn the phrase "who else?" back towards Bellingham - the "who else?" in his England world became boyhood friend Rogers and a single-minded head coach without a care for reputations and status.The relationship between player and coach has occasionally appeared fragile, with Tuchel apologising after revealing his own mother sometimes viewed Bellingham's on-field behaviour as "repulsive" following the friendly loss at home to Senegal last June.Tuchel, whose brutal honesty can sometimes be unfiltered, admitted he used the word "unintentionally" – but then created a further stir by leaving Bellingham out of England's squad for the friendly at home to Wales and the World Cup qualifier away to Latvia last October, even though the Real Madrid star wanted to be included after recovering from shoulder surgery.We need to feel love playing for England - BellinghamCriticism of Bellingham is hard to read - HendersonBellingham, but no Guehi - England's expected teamEngland head coach Thomas Tuchel's relationship with Jude Bellingham has not always run smoothly. [Getty Images]Bellingham's interrupted England career, through shoulder and hamstring injuries as well being left out of the squad by Tuchel, is reflected in the statistic that he has only made nine starts in the 20 games they have played since the Euro 24 final.Since arriving in the United States following a mixed season at Real Madrid, Bellingham has looked fit, fired up and – significantly – integrated in Tuchel's squad as they aim to end a barren sequence for the men's team stretching back to the 1966 World Cup.Bellingham was seen in England's dressing room presenting Liverpool's 17-year-old Rio Ngumoah with his first cap following his debut against New Zealand in Tampa, a sign of seniority even though he is still only 23.So are the cards falling into place for the player mentor Jordan Henderson, who took Bellingham under his wing when he came into the England squad in 2020, believes will give Tuchel's team the vital "X Factor" at the World Cup?Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who will be BBC Radio Five Live's analyst at their games, said: "From what we've seen out here and from what we've heard from the camp and his team-mates, stuff from behind the scenes, England are getting the Jude Bellingham of old back for the World Cup. He looks as fit and focused as he has for a long time."I'd pick him to start. 100%. Morgan Rogers doesn't deserve to lose his place but Bellingham is a big-game player. I'm not saying Rogers isn't, but Bellingham has experience at World Cups and Euros and playing in big tournaments for Real Madrid. He's won the Champions League."Robinson added: "He just has that something others don't have. If his attitude and application is right, you play him. If you get him onside, fit and functioning from day one, that will be a massive factor in this tournament for England."Tuchel has made big calls with him, and the relationship between Jude and the coach has been brought into question, but look at Bellingham's experience. He has got 37 competitive caps. This counts for a lot in a major tournament."Bellingham currently has 48 caps and is poised to play in his third major tournament.Tuchel's approach with Bellingham may just have got this naturally-gifted player with a fierce competitive edge coming to the boil at the perfect time."Thomas Tuchel was brought in to do one job," says Robinson. "I know he's extended his contract, but his mission is to win the World Cup, regardless of how he does it. And he clearly doesn't mind who he upsets along the way."Tuchel is not picking players because they have a certain name or reputation. Bellingham has had to earn his place.Boyhood friends Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers have emerged as rivals for the No 10 role in England's World Cup side. [Getty Images]"Whether this has been to give him a wake-up call or a kick up the backside we don't know, but in the friendlies out here against New Zealand and Costa Rica we have seen the Bellingham of old."And Bellingham will know he must produce because Tuchel has proved more than willing to play Rogers in the role behind captain Harry Kane should form falter.Robinson said: "You've always got something to prove when you're a player of that calibre. Natural talent comes easy. Hard work doesn't. Combining the two makes the best players."England are a far better and stronger team with Bellingham in it, but he will know very clearly he is not irreplaceable. Harry Kane is irreplaceable, but Bellingham isn't because there is Morgan Rogers."It would weaken England if he doesn't play - but he's not irreplaceable."England team-mate Henderson is in no doubt about the impact Bellingham could have, saying: "He gives us something really special. An 'X Factor'. He has had big moments. He is a big-game player."Jude is a huge, huge player for us. Anyone in the group will tell you how good he is as a team-mate."England's cause may even be helped by Bellingham believing Tuchel now has the right formula after telling the Football Association's Lions' Den show: "At the Euros (2024) we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch."I don't feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons. Expectation was part of it - we had done well in 2018 and done well in the Qatar World Cup and when it came to that tournament we were seen as one of two or three teams that should win it."We were not playing particularly well so even when we were winning you didn't get the feeling you were as happy as you should be."Bellingham is now back playing with his usual edge, but also with a smile on his face – and that is what England and Tuchel will want when their World Cup campaign starts in Dallas.World Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCEverything you need to know about the World Cup

Adrien Rabiot has won 60 caps for France [Getty Images]France midfielder Adrien Rabiot has raised concerns about the quality of the pitch at the New York New Jersey Stadium, describing it as "more like an artificial surface".France started their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win against Senegal at the venue in New Jersey on Tuesday, which is home to NFL teams the New York Giants and Jets.Also known as the MetLife Stadium, it is due to host England's final group game against Panama on 27 June, as well as the World Cup final on 19 July.Rabiot, 31, started and played the full match, assisting Bradley Barcola for the second goal, before criticising the pitch after France's victory."The pitch... I don't even know if you can call it that. It felt more like an artificial surface - quite hard and quite rigid," Rabiot said.Rabiot's complaints echo Brazil forward Vinicius Junior, who cited the pitch's dryness after his side's 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening fixture."In the second half, with the heat, the pitch dries out very quickly. The game becomes very sluggish and we can't get into our rhythm," Vinicius said.The 78,576-capacity stadium has had a temporary grass pitch installed for the World Cup in place of its artificial surface.The stadium's artificial turf has a poor reputation, with numerous NFL stars suffering serious injuries on the surface. Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers tore his anterior cruciate ligament there in September, becoming the latest player to fall victim to the so-called 'MetLife curse'.Senegal will take on Norway in the next game to be played at the venue on 22 June.A total of eight temporary grass pitches have been installed at 16 of the World Cup host venues, including Boston Stadium where Scotland opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti last week.Scotland play their second Group C match at the same venue when they face Morocco on Friday (23:00 BST).Follow your club with BBC SportListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Ben Kindel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 30, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images Every time a new champion is crowned in professional sports, the rest of the league looks for ways to copy or model them. It could be an attempt to model more objective things like playing styles and strategies, to more philosophical ideas like an overall approach to the roster construction. I want to focus on the latter point as it relates to what the Pittsburgh Penguins can learn from the Carolina Hurricanes, and what takeaways we could have when it comes to continuing to rebuild the organization. The one thing that tends to get lost in these discussions is there is always more than one way for a successful team to win, and there is more than one way to build (and rebuild) an organization. The Penguins are in a situation right now where they are clearly going through some sort of a rebuild, but are also not tearing it all down to the ground as part of a full-scale rebuild the way it was previously expected. That is putting them into a position where they are not really going to be picking at the top of the draft or dealing with the highest lottery odds. There is a segment of the fan-base (and the hockey world in general) that sees that as a tough proposition. Maybe even a long-term losing proposition.You typically need superstars to win.The best and easiest way to get superstars is by picking at the top of the draft. If you are not picking at the top of the draft, and you are not going deep into the playoffs, you tend to be stuck in a mushy-middle no-man’s land that is tough to get out of. But there is also no guarantee the full-scale rebuilds work, and a lot of the recent ones that we have seen have either 1) completely failed, or 2) taken close to a decade to find success. What is most interesting about the 2025-26 Hurricanes is they won without 1) a true superstar on their roster, and 2) without going through a full-scale, multiple-year tank to get to where they are.Their roster is incredibly talented, but there is no Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid level player on it. It is a roster that is highlighted by a lot of really good players, and incredible depth with no weaknesses. Its depth is its biggest strength. And that was always true even before this season. And they still got there without having to routinely pick at the top of the draft. While they had a nine-year playoff drought prior to reaching the playoffs in 2018-19 and starting this recent run of success, they never really truly bottomed out, and weren’t really at the bottom of the league.Over at my Substack this week I dug into the Hurricanes roster construction a little bit and focused heavily on the Mikko Rantanen sequence, but also looked into the overall roster and how each player was acquired (here is the link, and maybe consider a subscription if you are interested — shameless plug, I know) .I had been following the roster construction of the playoff teams through each round and how they were built, and the two teams in the Stanley Cup Final were largely pieced together through trades, free agent signings and non-lottery picks. While Vegas had a number of players that were picked in the top-five by other teams, they themselves didn’t actually pick them. They traded for them.Carolina was similar. The only top-five pick on the Hurricanes roster that the Hurricanes made was Andrei Svechnikov, the No. 2 overall pick in 2018. But Carolina did not end up with that pick by being the second-worst team in the league. They were the 11th-worst team in the league and won one of the league’s draft lotteries that year.Seth Jarvis was the only other first-round pick Carolina made on the roster.Everybody else was either a second-round pick or later, or an outside addition. I mentioned above how they ended up with the Svechnikov pick, but prior to that the only other top-10 picks they had during that nine-year playoff drought came between 2013 and 2015 when Haydn Fleury, Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin were picked No. 5, No. 7 and No. 5. But here’s the thing: None of them played a major role in the resurgence that followed, either directly or indirectly as part of an ensuing trade tree. Fleury was simply a bust.Lindholm and Hanifin were eventually traded to Calgary for Dougie Hamilton, Adam Fox and Michael Ferland. Hamilton played on three playoff teams in 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 before leaving as a free agent. Ferland played one season there before leaving as a free agent. Fox never signed and was traded for two draft picks that never panned out. Their path to success was forged on great player development beyond the first-round, and by making shrewd moves in other areas.A lot of their best internal players were second-round picks or later (Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin, Jackson Blake). The most impactful series of trades was the Rantanen sequence that saw them trade Marcin Necas and Jack Drury for Rantanen and Hall, and then almost immediately flip Rantanen for Logan Stankoven and two first-round picks. One of those picks was used as part of a trade with Scott Morrow (another second-round pick) to acquire K’Andre Miller. But even the original Rantanen trade didn’t require unattainable assets. Necas was a No. 12 overall pick and a good, but not yet great player. It wasn’t until after he got to Colorado that his offense really eurpted. Drury was another second-round pick-level talent. An overall package of Necas, Drury, Scott Morrow (whose career and value is rapidly plummeting) and an additional second-round pick eventually turned into Stankoven, Hall, Miller and another future first-round pick.The only other player acquired through a trade that involved significant assets was Jordan Staal who was acquired for Brandon Sutter and a top-10 pick —- nearly 15 years ago. Even with all of this being said, this is still an incredibly difficult thing to pull off because it requires not only a lot of great player development, but also at least some of the luck that resulted in the Svechnikov pick.But here’s what I take away from this from a Penguins perspective.They are loaded with the type of second-and third-round assets that Carolina used to piece its team together. In Kyle Dubas’ first three years they have already made seven picks in the top-50 of the NHL Draft, and have two more coming this season (No. 22 and No. 39). That will be nine top-50 picks over a four-year stretch. Between the 2026 and 2029 drafts they already have accumulated 12 picks in the first two rounds of those draft classes. Will all of those picks, both the ones already made and the ones still to come, pan out? Absolutely not. I can not emphasize that enough. If you get three or four really good NHL players out of that group you should be ecstatic. Ben Kindel looks like he is on track to be one. Harrison Brunicke, Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff are intriguing, as is Rutger McGroarty (acquired for Brayden Yager). There are some chances there. One of the best ways to give yourself a chance to find players in those spots is to simply give yourself as many swings as you can get. It’s one of the instances where quantity sometimes means just as much, if not more, than quality. But those picks, both in terms of prospects already in the system and picks still to be made, can also be used as trade chips. The Penguins already capitalized on some of that draft pick capital to acquire players like Egor Chinakhov and Elmer Soderblom. All of that is a big part of Carolina’s success with its player development and ability to make trades. Between the five-year stretch of 2017 and 2021 they made 14 picks in the first two rounds of the draft. They made 29 picks in the first four rounds of the draft. Only one of those picks was higher than 12th. Those picks produced Stanley Cup contributors in Jarvis (No. 13 overall), Alexander Nikishin (No. 69 overall), and Blake (No. 109 overall), and also players like Morrow, Necas, Drury, Ville Koivunen and Vasilly Ponomarov that were used to acquire players like Jake Guentzel and Rantanen (and everybody that followed after him). Dubas has done an outstanding job giving them a LARGE collection of picks in that same range. He’s bought picks by weaponizing salary cap space. He’s moved up and down the draft board to collect more picks. He sold some veterans at the right time (specifically Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor). They have options. If they move a Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell this offseason, they could give themselves even more options.More lessons to take here:Do not be afraid to be aggressive. If you have a chance to acquire big-time talent, no matter the situation, go for it. Even it doesn’t work out, you can still recoup something back from that and put yourself in a position to reset yourself. If you can move Rust or Rakell, you don’t necessarily need to do so with the mindset of hoping the return for them pans out in Pittsburgh. You can get assets that can be pieced together with the assets you already have to go for an even bigger fish. If you are going to dive into free agency, be smart about it. Carolina doesn’t really have any bad contracts on roster that come from bad free agent investments. Nikolaj Ehlers is the one big free agent contract on the roster, but he was one of the rare UFA’s that was still in his mid-20s and in the prime of his career. Depth is important. Carolina doesn’t have a major weakness on its roster with four lines that can score, three defense pairings they can rely on, and multiple goalies they are not afraid to play.I honestly think the Penguins are somewhat close to that sort of depth, for now, at forward. The defense is not close. The goalies are still a mystery and big-time wild-card. Have multiple goalies you can trust. That is important. They do not need to be great. Just give yourself options.Carolina definitely built its roster in a different way than some other recent Stanley Cup winners, and it took a lot of playoff failures before they finally found the right mix. But even before this season they were still a team worth looking at and trying to model in their construction. The championship only validates it even more. The Penguins are still quite a bit away from reaching the level Carolina is at. But I do think they have some of the foundation, some of the assets, and some of the approach that could eventually get there if they continue on this path.It’s not the rebuild everybody anticipated.It’s not the type of rebuild they went through in the early-mid 2000s.But not every rebuild needs to look the same.And based on what we have seen over the past decade, not every rebuild SHOULD look the same. It does require you to thread a very thin needle, and it requires almost as much luck as it does vision and action, but full-scale rebuilds sometimes require even more luck. It can be done without that. Carolina is the proof. Maybe the Penguins can follow in those footsteps.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Knicks fans have waited forever for this.Thursday's ticker-tape parade for the new NBA champions will be a first. When the team won the title before, in 1970 and ‘73, they weren't honored with New York's signature procession.Why not? There's no one definitive explanation. But there is some informative context: The '70s wins came at a time when then-Mayor John Lindsay had reined in the confetti-tossing spectacles. He celebrated the Knicks at the mayoral mansion and then City Hall — august settings, for sure, but not the fabled trip through lower Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes.” If there's pent-up demand for a Knicks parade, current Mayor Zohran Mamdani seems determined to meet it. He has predicted that Thursday’s celebration might be “the largest parade in New York City history.” “There will be performances, there will be New Yorkers, there will be the team and there will be history,” the mayor, a Democrat, said Monday while visiting a city facility that prepared temporary “Champions Way” signs for the parade route. The event is set to start at 10 a.m. Thursday near Battery Park and end at City Hall. New York's ticker-tape tradition began in the late 19th century, when brokerage firm workers watched parades from office windows and — apparently to add decoration — flung out the narrow paper used by telegraph-era “stock ticker” machines, according to the Downtown Alliance, a lower Manhattan advocacy group. It joined with the private Museum of the City of New York to research and list the parades.The organizations say the ticker-tape tradition began with an 1886 event honoring the dedication of the Statue of Liberty and became city-organized in 1919 to welcome returning World War I soldiers. The first ticker-tape celebration of athletes was a tribute to the 1924 U.S. Olympic team. The parades proliferated, celebrating various feats in aviation, war, sports, music, space travel and more, according to the museum and the Downtown Alliance. Processions honored historical anniversaries, firefighters, the Red Cross, ship rescues, an attempted ship rescue and even a ship replica (the Mayflower II, in 1957). There were a handful of parades for U.S. presidents and dozens for visiting foreign leaders, some notorious. For example, French Marshal Henri Petain was showered with ticker tape in 1931 and later convicted of treason for heading the Vichy government that collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.By the time Lindsay took office in 1966, not everyone loved a parade. Lower Manhattan businesses resented the frequent disruptions, and some New Yorkers saw the celebrations as rote and manufactured. Lindsay and his public events commissioner — former Knicks captain and jump-shot ace John “Bud” Palmer — eschewed ticker-tape extravaganzas for visiting dignitaries, instead favoring more personal and inexpensive gatherings, according to news stories by The Associated Press and other outlets at the time. By 1970, the nation was in a recession. The city events budget had been cut, and Palmer — whose salary was a symbolic $1 — was peeved about the rejection of a $372 bill (about $3,300 today) for some materials for a 1969 ticker-tape parade celebrating the New York Mets' World Series win, according to memos unearthed by the city Department of Records & Information Services. There was no ticker-tape bash for the New York Jets' 1970 Super Bowl win, which came days after such a parade honored the Apollo 8 astronauts ' historic orbit around the moon. The Knicks topped the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA championship later that year. Lindsay, a liberal Republican, sent a congratulatory telegram and hosted the Knicks for a reception at the official mayoral residence, according to news coverage at the time.When the Knicks bested the Lakers again to win the 1973 title, Lindsay scheduled a celebration in front of City Hall and urged “every New Yorker who can to come.” Officials apparently were startled when more than 2,000 mostly young fans did just that. Police struggled to keep the speakers' stand clear, according to a New York Times article from the day. But the ceremony went ahead as planned, and Lindsay bestowed the team with a distinctly municipal honor: medals commemorating the 75th anniversary of the unification of New York's five boroughs into one city. Parades for championship sports teams picked up in subsequent decades. The city's most recent ticker-tape festivities honored the WNBA's New York Liberty in 2024.

Borussia Dortmund ready to rival Tottenham with creative El Mala transfer planAccording to Sport Bild, Tottenham are weighing up a move for 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala, while new rumours involving Borussia Dortmund have also emerged.Citing information from Dortmund sources, the Express reports that the Black and Yellows are working on a “creative El Mala package”, which includes a €30 million transfer fee plus €5 million in bonuses, as well as a sell-on clause.A key condition would be the sale of Karim Adeyemi this summer, a year before the end of his contract.However, whether 1. FC Köln would accept such a structure remains highly questionable, especially as the club’s financial director, Philipp Türoff, recently made it clear that they will not move away from their €50 million valuation.Just a few days ago, the Express claimed that TSG Hoffenheim were close to signing El Mala, but the Sinsheim-based club have since dismissed the rumour.

Plus, the gym is the new first date.

The star of this seafaring horror-comedy, which wraps up Season 1 on Wednesday, also spends his downtime on the water.

Lincoln, Ill., where Abraham Lincoln once worked in the local courthouse, has lost two colleges, a bottle factory and now a state prison.

An angry Musk has taken his business elsewhere, and has urged other companies to follow suit.

Amid the war with Iran, Bahrain has stripped 69 people of their citizenship, including children, accusing them of disloyalty and rendering them stateless.

Heart of Midlothian will face Austrian club Sturm Graz in the second round of Champions League qualifying.The Edinburgh club will be playing in the qualifiers of Europe's top club competition for the first time in 20 years after finishing runners-up in the Scottish Premiership following a final-day defeat by reigning champions Celtic.Sturm Graz also finished second in their domestic league behind LASK.The Austrian club will host the first leg on 21/22 July, with the reverse fixture the following midweek.By that time Hearts will likely be under new management, with head coach Derek McInnes seemingly poised to switch to Rangers and the Edinburgh club expected to choose a replacement within days.More to follow.The Scottish set-piece guru plotting Portugal's World Cup gloryWould Hearts' McInnes be 'perfect fit' for Rangers?Just's rise from Austrian second tier to World Cup breakout star

The NTT IndyCar Series is set for the XPEL Grand Prix on June 21, at Road America, the 4.014-mile road course outside Elkhart Lake in rural Sheboygan County.It will be the 10th of 18 races in the 2026 championship, the 12th for IndyCar at the track and the 37th including CART and Champ Car.The race is scheduled to take the green flag about 1:20 p.m. Sunday. The schedule includes practice at 3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday, qualifying at 1 p.m. Saturday and a warmup at 10 a.m. Sunday.More: Key Wisconsin motor sports events for the 2026 racing seasonMore: How a Wisconsin race team owner boosted Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist’s careerWho is the favorite to win the 2026 IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix at Road America?Alex Palou was victorious at Road America in 2021, ’23 and ‘25 and went on to win the series championship each year. While Palou’s victories have come with Chip Ganassi Racing, a powerhouse Honda team, he also scored impressive finishes of third and seventh for Dale Coyne Racing in the 2020 doubleheader before he hit the big time. Palou, a four-time champion at age 29, has won four of the nine races so far in 2026 and again leads the standings.Who are some other drivers to watch at Road America?Christian Lundgaard broke through for a victory on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and finished second to Palou at Barber Motorsports Park, the only natural terrain road courses on which the series has raced so far this season. The 24-year-old Danish driver has yet to crack the top-five at Road America, though.Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvistpicked up his first IndyCar victory at Road America in 2020 and finished second to Palou last year.Josef Newgardenhas won twice at Road America (2018, 2022), had a third victory slip away due to a parts failure and was second in 2017, ’23 and ’24. Team Penske finished 1-2-3 two years ago. Newgarden has been racing hurt since a crash at Indy but won on the World Wide Technology Raceway oval in the most recent event.Will Power has two victories at Road America (2016 and ’24) but is struggling for results in his first year with Andretti Global and the team has been weakest at natural road courses in recent years.Santino Ferrucci finished third in 2026 with the help of fuel strategy and then endeared himself to Wisconsin fans when then chugged a beer tossed to him by a spectator after his car stopped in Turn 1 after the checkered flag.David Malukas has a pole and three podiums, including a heartbreaking second at Indy, since joining Roger Penske’s team. Malukas was seventh at Road America with a lesser team last year.Kyle Kirkwood, who comes in second in points behind Palou, has finished progressively better in each of his four Road America starts. He was fourth last year.Six-time series champion Scott Dixon has two Road America victories to his credit (2017, ’20) but has been on the podium only one other time in 11 starts.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: IndyCar drivers to watch in XPEL Grand Prix at Road America

India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI live score, toss winner, winning probability, result and highlights from Lucknow originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY MATCH DETAILS:Venue: HPCA Stadium, DharamshalaCaptains: Shubman Gill (IND), Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG)Toss result: Afghanistan have won the toss and have opted to fieldLive Telecast: JioHotstar (India), Willow TV app, Sling TV (USA & Canada), Ariana Television Network(Afghanistan), Fox Cricket (Australia), CricLife, StarzPlay (UAE)Umpires & Match officials: Richard Illingworth, Virender Sharma (Umpires), Chris Gaffaney (TV Umpire), Rohan Pandit (Reserve Umpire), Ranjan Madugalle (Match referee)Match result: TBDPlayer of the Match: TBDIndia vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI live match ScorecardFollow along with the latest live scorecard here as the match unfolds, or click here for key text commentary updates from the action.India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Playing XIIndiaplaying XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince YadavAfghanistan(Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Darwish Rasooli, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Bilal SamiIndia vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI UpdatesHello everyone, and welcome to the live blog for the India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.India have lost Jaiswal early for just four runs, but since then it has been smooth sailing for the hosts. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have been in fantastic touch, and they have schythed through the Afghan attack. After the first powerplay, India are 80/1. Rashid Khan does the trick for Afghanistan. A slight turn and the spinner castles Rohit. The 'Hitman' is gone for 48. Midway through the innings, India are sailing comfortably at 178/2. Gill is inching towards another century and has already scored 86 from 64 balls. Gill completes his century in just 77 balls as India reach 250 in the 33rd over. It has been a sublime innings from the skipper, and India might get past the 400-mark. Toss result: Afghanistan have won the toss and have opted to fieldIndia vs Afghanistan: Win ProbabilityTeamWin percentageIND75%AFG25%Key highlights and reactions: India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODIWill Rohit Sharma bowl in IND vs AFG 2nd ODI? India legend spotted rolling his arms over in the nets'Wish he were English': Swann calls India's new Test spin sensation 'gold dust''No longer prince, he is…': Ex-India opener lavishes praise on Gill after AFG heroicsLucknow weather update: Chances of rain interrupting playAccording to forecasts, rain will not interrupt play in Lucknow on Wednesday afternoon.Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and the probability of rainfall in Lucknow on Saturday.1:00 PM: 37°C (49% chance of rain)2:00 PM: 39°C (70% chance of rain)3:00 PM: 39°C (67% chance of rain)4:00 PM: 40°C (40% chance of rain)5:00 PM: 39°C (34% chance of rain)6:00 PM: 39°C (22% chance of rain)7:00 PM: 38°C (0% chance of rain)8:00 PM: 37°C (0% chance of rain)9:00 PM: 36°C (0% chance of rain)10:00 PM: 35°C (0% chance of rain)11:00 PM: 34°C (0% chance of rain)India vs Afghanistan ODI 2026 series scheduleMatchDateVenueTime (IST)1st ODIJune 14 (Sat)HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala1:30 p.m.2nd ODIJune 17 (Tue)Ekana International Cricket Stadium, Lucknow1:30 p.m.3rd ODIJune 20 (Fri)MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai1:30 p.m.For all the latest cricket news, opinion and commentary and to share your voice head to our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Prosecutor’s Office prepared to withdraw complaint against Real Madrid starOver the last year, Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Canary Islands. The 23-year-old, as well as three former teammates from La Fabrica, is accused of having disseminated a sex tape involving two women – one of them a minor – in Gran Canaria in the summer of 2023, but his involvement in the case could be about to end.Previously, the Public Prosecutor’s Office had asked for a prison sentence of 2.5 years for Asencio over his alleged role in the incident, but according to Marca, this request could now be withdrawn. Mercedes Gil Castillo, who is leading the prosecution’s case, is prepared to let the Real Madrid man go, on the condition that he apologises in the trial to the two women who appear in the images.Asencio has denied that he committed the crime of dissemination, which is why the Public Prosecutor’s Office has asked that he attends the trial in order to apologise to the two alleged victims. If he does so, the complaint against him will be withdrawn.Asencio has already acknowledged “mistake”Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesAs per the report, Asencio sent a letter to the two alleged victims last year, in which he acknowledged that he made a mistake in showing the sex tape to one of his friends. Gil Castillo was made aware of this, and while the women have accepted the private apology, the Public Prosecutor’s Office is asking for an apology in open court in order for the Real Madrid defender’s alleged involvement to be disregarded.It remains to be seen whether Asencio, who last week spoke of his excitement at the prospect of being managed by new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho, decides to obey the prosecution’s request, with the trial into the case currently ongoing.

LONDON (AP) — England chose to bowl first against New Zealand in The Oval test on Wednesday.Joe Root won the toss in his first test as captain in four years, and predictably opted to exploit damp conditions after the toss was delayed for 30 minutes by a wet outfield with the bad weather clearing.England can clinch the three-match series after winning the first test at Lord’s by 115 runs.England completed its team on Tuesday with three debutants among five changes, plus Root as interim skipper after Ben Stokes was dropped for disciplinary reasons.Jamie Smith was confirmed as missing the match because of the birth of his second child early Tuesday, thereby introducing Somerset wicketkeeper James Rew. Rew was first named in the test squad last year and has been a consistent scorer in the County Championship.He'll bat at No. 6, followed by fellow debutant, Essex batter Jordan Cox. Cox and uncapped Hampshire quick Sonny Baker replaced Stokes and Gus Atkinson after they were dropped for breaking the midnight curfew while celebrating the Lord's victory.Fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher were brought in after Lord’s player of the match Ollie Robinson was injured and spinner Shoaib Bashir was left out after not being bowled.New Zealand great Kane Williamson surprisingly retired last week in mid-series, ending a prolific 16-year international career. He was replaced at No. 3 in the order by Henry Nicholls, whose 58th and last test was last August in Zimbabwe, where he scored 150 not out.That was the Kiwis' only change as pacer Matt Henry passed a fitness test. He suffered back spasms on day one at Lord's that reduced his effectiveness.___Lineups:England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, James Rew, Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker.New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke.___AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

A woman waves an Iranian flag during a pro-government campaign as a portrait of the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, is displayed at right, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)2026-06-17T10:13:35Z DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran will immediately take steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once a tentative deal with the U.S. to end the war is signed and will be allowed to sell its oil without restrictions, according to leaked copies of an interim agreement that officials say broadly matches the document.The accord, due to be formally signed in a ceremony in Switzerland on Friday, lays out that the U.S. would secure at least $300 billion to rebuild Iran after the war and work to end all American and United Nations sanctions imposed on Tehran if a final agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear program is reached.The U.S. agreement to immediately allow Iran to sell its oil freely and the offer to eventually lift all sanctions represent major concessions that outstrip the terms of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from in his first term, declaring it the “worst deal ever.” This new accord likely will draw intense criticism in Washington — and appears to be a major setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who launched the war with Trump on Feb. 28. The deal calls for an immediate end to all fighting in Lebanon between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah. That is one of the most delicate parts of the agreement because Israel has maintained it will continue to defend itself and to occupy vast swaths of Lebanon. Iran has said it must withdraw under the deal, although the leaked versions make no mention of withdrawal. The two sides are to start 60 days of negotiations over a final deal that the Trump administration insists will prevent Iran from ever developing a nuclear weapon. The U.S. offers appear aimed at enticing Iran to strike an agreement. Read More But in the meantime, Iran appears to be getting benefits up front while making few concessions. Much of the agreement would restore the status quo before the war, including ending hostilities and reopening the strait, which is a crucial passage for the world’s oil and natural gas and whose closure created a historic energy crisis. Other concessions to Iran — some of which are extraordinary, including the money for rebuilding, the full lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets — appear dependent on the progress of further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. 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. A person who was briefed on the memorandum of understanding after it was signed and another who viewed a copy beforehand said it largely matched the text of what was published by the Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, which reported details of the deal Tuesday. The two people spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions.Another two officials in the Mideast, who spoke on condition of anonymity for the same reason, also said the versions published by Al Arabiya and Bloomberg broadly matched the final agreement.The White House and other American officials have not published the terms and did not immediately respond to questions. Iran also has not published an official version of the deal. Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency, close to its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, claimed Wednesday that Bloomberg’s version had missing portions, without offering a full accounting. The deal would provide relief to the global economyThe deal provides a major win for the global economy — the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed before the war began. Since then, Iranian attacks on shipping and the threat to vessels effectively shut the strait. The strait’s closure drove up energy prices around the world and made many basics, including food, more expensive. Iran let out some vessels that paid tolls, something never done before in the strait, which sits in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and long has been considered an international waterway. The U.S. later provided military support to get other tankers out, but traffic through the strait was nowhere near levels before the war. The deal calls for the U.S. to lift a blockade imposed on Iranian ports and for the strait to return to its prewar traffic levels in 30 days, while acknowledging Iranian mines may still be in its waters that need to be destroyed. The deal provides major concessions to IranWhile the deal says that the eventual lifting of sanctions on Iran will depend on future negotiations, the U.S. will immediately issue waivers on Iranian oil sales. Granting oil waivers directly at the start of the 60-day talks strips the U.S. of a major point of leverage over Iran. In the years before the 2015 nuclear deal, Iranian oil faced international sanctions limiting their sales. Only at the conclusion of the overall deal in 2015 were those sanctions lifted.The interim deal also opens the door to ending all sanctions Iran faces from the U.S. and at the U.N. — though it says the schedule for that will be worked out later. Still, that is far beyond the 2015 deal, which only lifted some sanctions in exchange for Iran drastically reducing its enrichment and stockpile of uranium.The accord would also provide Iran with at least $300 billion to rebuild after an intense U.S. and Israeli bombing campaign — an extraordinary figure and another major benefit for Iran. U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said Gulf Arab nations would provide that amount as investments in Iran. The deal leaves much more to be resolved in future negotiationsThe interim deal sets a 60-day window, which can be extended, to negotiate over limiting Iran’s nuclear program, which has been discussed at multiple rounds of talks during Trump’s second administration without success. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, though it has enough highly enriched uranium to build multiple atomic bombs, should it choose to do so, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. In the interim deal, Iran reiterates that it will never produce nuclear weapons — a promise that it also made in the 2015 nuclear accord. Iranian diplomats have long pointed to statements from the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Iran wouldn’t build an atomic bomb. It remains unclear whether Khamenei’s son, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, will follow that or not.Trump has cited shifting goals for the war, including at times vowing it would end Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and its support for Hezbollah and other proxy groups in the region. He also suggested it could lead to toppling the Iranian government.The interim deal falls short of all of these goals. The negotiations also exposed a rift between Netanyahu and Trump, the Israeli leader’s closest and most important ally, just as Netanyahu is seeking reelection. Netanyahu has come under heavy domestic criticism over the emerging deal but will be hard pressed to go against Trump, given Israel’s heavy reliance on the U.S. for diplomatic and military support.___Miller and Price reported from Washington, and Magdy from Cairo. 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 ZEKE MILLER Miller manages coverage of the White House, Congress, national security and politics in the AP’s Washington bureau. twitter 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 SAMY MAGDY Magdy is a Middle East reporter for The Associated Press, based in Cairo. He focuses on conflict, migration and human rights abuses. twitter facebook mailto

Nature, Published online: 17 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01882-1The European Union has declared that it wants to stop using animals in chemical safety testing. Its goal will need a timeline and a serious funding commitment.

Five stories show the hurdles that people with psychological diagnoses face when considering parenthood.

There are millions of possible phone numbers under each area code, but about once a decade, this growing city runs out of digits.

England vs. Croatia will face off for their first Group L match at this year's World Cup on Wednesday, June 17 at 4 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium (currently rebranded as Dallas Stadium for FIFA). The game will air live on FOX and Telemundo. Here's what you need to know to watch the highly anticipated match at the 2026 World Cup live from the U.S.Want even more info about the World Cup? Here's a guide to everything else you need to know about the tournament.Where to watch the England vs. Croatia match:Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026Time: 4 p.m. ETLocation: Dallas StadiumTV channels: FOX, TelemundoStreaming:YouTube TV, DirecTV, Peacock, and moreEngland vs. Croatia game time:The England vs. Croatia 2026 World Cup game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.England vs. Croatia game channel:FOX will be broadcasting the England vs. Croatia World Cup game in English. A Spanish-language broadcast of the game will air on Telemundo.Where to watch the 2026 World Cup without cable:2026 FIFA World Cup group stage schedule: All times EasternWednesday, June 17Austria vs Jordan: 12 a.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraPortugal vs DR Congo: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonEngland vs Croatia: 4 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonGhana vs Panama: 7 p.m. (FS1) — BMO Field, TorontoUzbekistan vs Colombia: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio Azteca, Mexico CityThursday, June 18Czechia vs South Africa: 12 p.m. (FOX) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaSwitzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: 3 p.m. (FOX) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodCanada vs Qatar: 6 p.m. (FS1) — BC Place, VancouverMexico vs South Korea: 9 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanFriday, June 19United States vs Australia: 3 p.m. (FOX) — Lumen Field, SeattleScotland vs Morocco: 6 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughBrazil vs Haiti: 8:30 p.m. (FOX) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaTürkiye vs Paraguay: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraSaturday, June 20Netherlands vs Sweden: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonGermany vs Ivory Coast: 4 p.m. (FOX) — BMO Field, TorontoEcuador vs Willemstad Curaçao: 8 p.m. (FS1) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas CitySunday, June 21Tunisia vs Japan: 12 a.m. (FS1) — Estadio BBVA Bancomer, GuadalupeSpain vs Saudi Arabia: 12 p.m. (FOX) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaBelgium vs Iran: 3 p.m. (FS1) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodUruguay vs Cape Verde: 6 p.m. (FS1) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiNew Zealand vs Egypt: 9 p.m. (FS1) — BC Place, VancouverMonday, June 22Argentina vs Austria: 1 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonFrance vs Iraq: 5 p.m. (FOX) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaNorway vs Senegal: 8 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordJordan vs Algeria: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraTuesday, June 23Portugal vs Uzbekistan: 1 p.m. (FOX) — NRG Stadium, HoustonEngland vs Ghana: 4 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughPanama vs Croatia: 7 p.m. (FOX) — BMO Field, TorontoColombia vs DR Congo: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanWednesday, June 24Switzerland vs Canada: 3 p.m. (FOX) — BC Place, VancouverBosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar: 3 p.m. (FS1) — Lumen Field, SeattleScotland vs Brazil: 6 p.m. (FOX) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiMorocco vs Haiti: 6 p.m. (FS1) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaCzechia vs Mexico: 9 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Azteca, Mexico CitySouth Africa vs South Korea: 9 p.m. (FS1) — Estadio BBVA Bancomer, GuadalupeThursday, June 25Ecuador vs Germany: 4 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordWillemstad Curaçao vs Ivory Coast: 4 p.m. (FS1) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Tunisia vs Netherlands: 7 p.m. (FOX) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas CityJapan vs Sweden: 7 p.m. (FS1) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonTürkiye vs United States: 10 p.m. (FOX) — SoFi Stadium, InglewoodParaguay vs Australia: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Levi's Stadium, Santa ClaraFriday, June 26Norway vs France: 3 p.m. (FOX) — Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughSenegal vs Iraq: 3 p.m. (FS1) — BMO Field, TorontoUruguay vs Spain: 8 p.m. (FOX) — Estadio Akron, ZapopanCape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: 8 p.m. (FS1) — NRG Stadium, HoustonNew Zealand vs Belgium: 11 p.m. (FOX) — BC Place, VancouverEgypt vs Iran: 11 p.m. (FS1) — Lumen Field, SeattleSaturday, June 27Panama vs England: 5 p.m. (FOX) — MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordCroatia vs Ghana: 5 p.m. (FS1) — Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaColombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. (FOX) — Hard Rock Stadium, MiamiDR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. (FS1) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaJordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. (FOX) — AT&T Stadium, ArlingtonAlgeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. (FS1) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

With the 2026 World Cup in full swing, people across the country will be tempted to dust off their boots. This is great news – the more people exercising, the better, in my eyes. But if you plan to do this, there is one common footballing mistake worth avoiding, as I found out when Brooks Running invited me to spend a day training with Cambridge United FC.Most recreational players tend to run a couple of hell-for-leather 5Ks around their local town then declare themselves fit for duty. But that doesn’t do a very good job of preparing you for an actual game, explains Laurence Bloom, Cambridge United’s executive performance lead.“A player covers roughly 10 to 12km per game,” he says. “If you do that distance once per week as a continuous, steady-state run, you’d probably think that was pretty comfortable and you could do it without too much muscle fatigue or soreness.”However, a game of football is not a continuous effort. It is a matrix of sprints, accelerations, decelerations and changes of pace, all of which are far more demanding on the body than simply running 5km in the same direction. To help you avoid this five kilometre-wide pre-season pitfall, Bloom shared some examples of drills he uses to ensure Cambridge players are ready for the season ahead. You can find four of his favourites below. A football match by numbersA football match is unpredictable by nature – that’s why people watch the sport. However, there are consistent trends in player’s movements which can be used to inform their training. “When we look at the density of a game, the metres per minute for a player will generally be very different depending on the different playing positions,” Bloom says. “A centre-half’s is generally much lower, maybe 100m or 110m per minute, whereas your central midfield players might be up at 120m or 130m per minute.“So the way those guys condition for games has to be different, depending on their different positional demands. In training, we push the players on things they specifically are going to be more exposed to.” Players wear GPS tracking vests and do a series of performance tests during pre-season. The resulting data is used to split them into groups, then drills will be prescribed accordingly to suit each group’s needs, speeds and fitness levels.Cambridge United's executive performance lead Laurence Bloom taking journalists through a warm-up (Brooks Running)Read more: Mobility expert says you should swap stretching for this exercise to ease tight hips“In League Two and League One, you’re probably only looking at a maximum of 60 minutes of ball-in-play time per game, and 15-20 per cent of a player’s distance covered will be walking,” adds Bloom. “That’s their recovery time where the demand drops a little bit. “But then they’ll do 800m to 1,200m of high speed running – anything above 19.8km/h. That’s the stuff that’s really going to push the hamstrings. “Then on top of that we have actual sprints, which is anything above 25km/h. You might be looking at anywhere between 40 to 60 sprint efforts per game, depending on a player’s position.”However, the most “metabolically demanding” aspects of a game are the short, intense bursts of effort, Bloom says. This might be to press the opposition, close someone down or chase a through ball, with players completing roughly 150-200 accelerations and 100-150 decelerations per game. “Those decelerations are what cause the most muscle damage,” Bloom explains. “They generally cause more fatigue and carry more risk of injury because of the higher demands on the body.”For this reason, players include strength training exercises such as Romanian deadlifts and Nordic curls to reinforce the joints, muscles, bones and tendons in these higher risk areas. Players use strength and conditioning exercises to increase tissue tolerance in their lower limbs, reducing injury risk (Harry Bullmore)Read more: Swap the gym for this trainer’s six-move kettlebell workout to build full-body strength at homeBloom also monitors the internal and external load players are subjected to throughout a season. “The effect the game has on the body – on things like muscles, joints, tendons etc. – is what we call external load,” he says. “Internal load includes things like how your heart rate responds to the load you’re putting through your body. “This is quite a generic guide, but we tend to see average heart rates of about 160 to 180 beats per minute across 90 minutes – about 80 to 90 per cent of a player’s maximum. In the highest intensity periods of the game, you’ll see heart rates rise to 190 to 200 beats per minute. “If you look at heart rate zones, players are spending most of the game in zone four and zone five, which is a large metabolic demand through the body.“All of a sudden, when you put that into a three-game week, you’re going to see players hitting 30km-plus of total distance, over 2,000m of high-speed running, and then you’re tripling their accelerations and decelerations. That’s why, when we go into these high game periods, you generally see injury rates go up.” To counteract this, the club focusses on preparing players physically through specific drills and exercises, then optimising recovery protocols to ensure players are as ready as they can be for each game. You can find four examples of these below. Brooks Running, Cambridge United's shirt sponsor for the 2025/26 season, put a group of journalist's through their paces at the club's training ground (Brooks Running)Read more: I tried swapping the gym for Pilates – and I was impressed with the resultsDrill one: 4x4Repeat the sequence below for four total rounds: Run for four minutes Recover for two minutes “Nowadays pre-season starts in the off-season – we have a programme to follow,” centre-back Kelland Watts explains. “This summer we had seven weeks off, and the first two or three weeks is all your own time, but then there are four weeks of recorded sessions where we are wearing a GPS vest. That gets your baseline fitness back to where it was.”The 4x4 protocol is one of the prescribed drills. “Total distance would be around 4.5km to 5km, depending on the player,” Bloom says. “In terms of max speed, you’re probably working at 50-60 per cent, so this wouldn’t be classed as high speed running – it’s more of an aerobic drill. But heart rates tend to get quite high.”Players also do a lot of slower, steady-state efforts to lay strong foundations for their fitness – namely, their aerobic capacity and the tissue tolerance in their lower limbs. Later in pre-season, they are introduced to a wide range of runs and drills, including higher-intensity shuttle runs and agility exercises. Each drill is designed with a different stimulus in mind (Brooks Running)Read more: I tried a two-move bodyweight workout from endurance swimmer Ross Edgley, and it was surprisingly funDrill two: The 30/15 yo-yo testSet three cones in a straight line, each 20m apart. Run between the cones until you have covered 60m – you have 30 seconds to do this. Once the 30 seconds is up, rest for 15 seconds Repeat this sequence, starting from the cone you ended your last round at, but add 20m to the distance you need to run each round. Continue until you are unable to complete the prescribed distance in the allotted time. Players were welcomed back to training for the 2025/26 season with this delightful drill. Data from the test, alongside many other data points, was then used to inform the training prescriptions given to individual players going forward. “On the first day back the players are exposed to quite a lot of rigorous fitness testing,” says Bloom. “We’ll take a whole load of measurements on strength, speed, power and endurance. They’ll also do a physio screening, a neuromuscular screening, then we’ll take them on the pitch.“From the results, we can be [individually] prescriptive on their running distances when we’re doing high-intensity running drills. Then what we do is make it more sport specific by combining these with football training drills like intensity possession or game-based drills.”Captain Michael Morrison is no stranger to the demands of pre-season training. The 37-year-old has previously endured forest runs with Gary Megson at Sheffield Wednesday and a brutal sequence of shuttles straight into eight laps of the pitch under Nigel Pearson at Leicester City. “Whatever the test is, you’re always on the start line with butterflies wondering if you’ve done enough over the summer to keep up with everybody else,” he laughs. “I hadn’t done this one before so I was a bit sceptical. Normally you know the point [where it’s acceptable, or respectable, to drop-out]. We had no goalkeepers in and I’m like the oldest player now, so I could tell everyone was looking and thinking, ‘When’s Morro going out? I don’t want to go out before him’. But I held my own – it went alright.”“When it starts getting hard, you’ve already been running for about 10 minutes and your heart rate is already sky high,” fellow player Watts adds. “But some players were going there and back [40m between the cones] six times by the end.”Bloom says that pushing players to their limit is “not the best practice to have from a sports science point of view”. However, this drill serves as a way to demonstrate, rather than develop, fitness. It has a bonus benefit too. “Another part of football is mental resilience,” Bloom says. “Managers tend to like this one – they want to see players run until they’re at capacity, then dig in and work some more. When you’re under pressure in a game in the 90th minute, managers want those players who are going to work hard.”The Independent's senior fitness writer Harry Bullmore speaking with Cambridge United FC captain Michael Morrison during a Brooks Running event (Brooks Running)Read more: I’m a trainer specialising in longevity – these are the five changes that have the biggest impact on my clientsDrill three: Aerobic base-building shuttles Complete the sequence below four times: 60m shuttle x1 Rest for 10 seconds 60m shuttle x2 Rest for 10 seconds 60m shuttle x3 Rest for 60 seconds Bloom uses this drill to build VO2 max, otherwise known as aerobic capacity – a person’s ability to take in and use oxygen during exercise. It will often be incorporated into larger training sessions, with players alternating between these shuttles and game-based drills with the ball. “From what we’ve seen, players with a higher VO2 max generally have higher outputs in games and also recover better between high-intensity actions,” he explains.“This is the sort of drill we’re doing with the players to get their heart rate up, increase their internal load and try to condition the muscles in the posterior chain like the hamstrings to deal with those high speed actions. Yes, we’re trying to build fitness, but we’re also trying to improve muscle capacity and endurance.”Executive performance lead Laurence Bloom explained the purpose of each drill (Brooks Running)Read more: I tried a CrossFit Games champ’s three-move workout – it left me struggling to climb the stairsDrill four: Match running simulation Complete the sequence below five times, then rest for two minutes and repeat. Do this for three total rounds. Bloom also provides a time to aim for when completing each section, which is placed in brackets at the end of each instruction.Start at one of the corner flags then, following the touchline, complete strides to the halfway line (eight seconds).From the halfway line, walk to the corner flag you’re facing (32 seconds). From the corner flag, sprint diagonally to the edge of the 18-yard box (three seconds). Walk along the edge of the penalty area (20 seconds). Sprint to the nearest corner flag (three seconds). From the corner flag, jog along the touchline to the halfway line (15 seconds). Stride from the halfway line to the corner flag you are facing (eight seconds). Walk diagonally to the edge of the six-yard box (20 seconds). Sprint along the edge of the six-yard box (four seconds). Walk diagonally back to the starting position at the corner flag (20 seconds). This drill was concocted during the Covid lockdowns to help players simulate the undulating intensities of a match while training solo. “Ultimately, we’re trying to build robustness and tolerance capacities in the muscle so, from an injury prevention point of view, players can deal with the demands of the game better,” says Bloom. “Can they produce more sprints in a game? Because they are the actions that are going to have the greatest effect. Most goals are scored and conceded after a high-intensity action – either someone making a sprint into the box or sprinting back to make a recovery tackle. That’s how games are often won or lost in the latter stages.”Having these attributes finely tuned also benefits the U’s style of play, Bloom explains. “The way we tend to play is a low to mid-block when we’re out of possession. Then we’re a counter attacking team, so we want to be able to break fast when we win the ball back. “And we want to be able to finish games strongly. Across all leagues, 25 per cent of goals are scored in the last 15 minutes of a game. There could be a lot of factors involved in that, from squad selection and substitutes to formation and tactics, but there is also a big physical element. If teams are fatigued, they get overrun by the opposition.”Read more: Five stretches you should be doing every day according to a flexibility expert

Danny Rohl has left Rangers after just eight months in charge to become RB Salzburg's head coach - with the club saying news of his replacement "will follow in due course".Hearts head coach Derek McInnes is widely expected to be the German's successor as Rangers ready themselves to appoint a third boss in 12 months. Rohl, 37, replaced Russell Martin in October and steered Rangers into a three-way title fight, but a post-split collapse yielded a third-place finish behind Celtic and Hearts as the Ibrox club ended the campaign without silverware.Chairman Andrew Cavenagh publicly backed Rohl at the end of the season, but the German now returns to the Red Bull stable, having begun his coaching career at Leipzig under Ralph Hasenhuttl."I'd like to thank Danny for his service and commitment to Rangers," Cavenagh said."He and his staff put in a significant amount of hard work during his time in charge, which we are greatly appreciative of. "We wish them the best of luck moving forward."Rohl, who had two years left on his deal, departs to take over a Salzburg side that came third in Austria last season - the club's lowest finish in two decades - and will enter the Europa League at the third qualifying round, the same stage as Rangers.Daniel Beichler was sacked as Salzburg boss last month after just 14 games.Rohl joined Hasenhuttl at Southampton in 2018, then moved to Bayern Munich as assistant to Hansi Flick and helped the club win the Bundesliga. He was then appointed Sheffield Wednesday manager in 2023.Analysis: Rohl never looked happy at RangersRohl's exit is slightly embarrassing for Cavenagh as he's gone out on a limb to defend the manager in the face of criticism from fans.I wonder if Rohl was ever really happy at Rangers. He never gave the impression he was totally at ease with the league.I think the club have done everything to try to put him at ease and they gave him money to spend, but I'm not sure he's ever been a natural fit for Scottish football.For Rangers, McInnes is a no-brainer, an obvious call.He's very experienced, a gnarled pro in Scotland, there's nothing he doesn't know about this league. His worth ethic is through the roof.He would be a very good fit for Rangers. [BBC]Abrupt end to Rohl's rollercoaster tenureRohl's Rangers record across all competitions stands at 22 wins, 11 losses and seven draws in 40 fixtures.Having initially withdrawn from the running to replace Russell Martin, he had a change of heart and took the job after the club were unable to secure Steven Gerrard or Kevin Muscat.The German revived Rangers' fortunes following an abject start to the season, turning the team from mid-table stragglers to title contenders.However, Rangers wilted post-split, as a run of four straight defeats in their final five games wrecked their hopes of a first Premiership crown in five years.Being eliminated from both domestic cups by Old Firm rivals Celtic further heightened fans' frustrations and turned up the pressure on Rohl.However, Cavenagh - whose American consortium took control a year ago - moved to quell speculation over the head coach's future last month amid reported interest from Wolfsburg and vowed Rohl would oversee a "summer of substantial change".Rohl was given funds to bring in four players in January and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has already been lured from Hearts as a squad reshape beckoned in his first summer at the helm.However, that will now fall to a new manager, with little time to waste in Rangers' recruitment process as the squad are scheduled to return to training this week.Have your say on Rohl's exitMore to follow.Visit our Rangers page for all the latest news, analysis and fan viewsGet Rangers news notifications in the BBC Sport app

Two years after winning their second top-flight title, Northampton Saints will return to Twickenham for a shot at a third - though for much of their squad, Saturday's Premiership final will be a first.Of the 23 players in Saints' matchday squad for their thrilling semi-final victory over Leicester Tigers, 13 did not feature in the 2024 final against Bath.Former skipper Courtney Lawes is among eight who played in that final to have exited the club since.But while the personnel will have a different appearance for Saturday's final against Exeter (15:00 BST), winger Tommy Freeman still sees the same old Northampton."There's a lot of difference in terms of players and numbers and age but I wouldn't say it was too dissimilar on what we do," Freeman told BBC Radio Northampton."The DNA is the same, what we do is the same - everyone knows the plan so it's just about going and doing it."All you need to know ahead of Saints' Prem finalPrem talking points: Bath's missing drop-goal, Feyi-Waboso's shower & Pollock's revengeNorthampton overcome Leicester in derby classic to reach Prem finalLike in their 2024 title win, Northampton finished the regular season top of the league table, five points clear of second-placed Bath.Freeman was one of Saints' try scorers in the final at Twickenham in 2024.But while those memories undoubtedly linger at the back of the 25-year-old's mind, he's not absorbed by the gravity of the occasion. If anything, it's the opposite."There is nothing different [from an average game]," Freeman said."It's the amount of people, the occasion and the build-up of how big the game is, it's just controlling that side of it. When you're on the pitch, it's still rugby."As soon as you start diving into other things and overthinking the occasion, that's when you can get into trouble."Pollock seeking the right balanceHenry Pollock came up through Northampton Saints' youth ranks to make his senior debut in 2022 [Getty Images]Despite being just 21, Henry Pollock is no stranger to showing up on big occasions.The flanker became England's youngest try scorer in Six Nations history, aged 20, last year and excelled in Saints' semi-final win over East Midlands rivals Leicester.Pollock missed out on the 2024 final due to international duty - but he was still a winner as England took home the trophy from the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in South Africa.They are all moments that have prepared him for his first Prem Rugby final."There is obviously a balance, you don't want to be too excited or under-excited," Pollock told BBC Radio Northampton."I've been lucky enough that I've been involved in big games. We played Bath away this year in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup and we played the final last year against Bordeaux in Cardiff."The lessons we can take from those games, it's only going to benefit us for these other big games. We are using those experiences but at the same time, it's just another game of rugby."Pollock will likely draw plenty of attention during the match and not just due to his international pedigree and talent.Often perceived as a 'wind-up merchant', the former England Under-18 captain knows how to ruffle feathers on the pitch to ensure he becomes a target for the opposition.It's a role he's more than happy to take on again come the weekend."It's just something that kind of comes with me and my personality," the flanker added on the club's media call."I think there's two sides to it. If they're trying to target me, then there's going to be space elsewhere on the pitch."I do like the aggression side of the game, [it] gets the best out of me in terms of being in and around the contacts, in and around the collisions. I think that's where I'm at my best."There will be live text commentary of the Prem final between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs on the BBC Sport website on Saturday, 20 June as well as radio coverage from BBC Radio Northampton starting at 10:00 BST on BBC Sounds.

Maryland men’s lacrosse looks to have a bright future ahead, as one of its highest-rated recruits, Brady Mollot, was named the Baltimore Sun Metro Player of the Year. Incoming Maryland Lacrosse freshman Brady Mollot was named the Player of the Year by the Baltimore Sun 🐢Mollot scored 37 goals and added 58 assists, leading Archbishop Spalding to the MIAA Semifinals. pic.twitter.com/zXfoW5QAHU— Inside Maryland Sports (@Terrapins247) June 16, 2026Mollot, a five-star recruit ranked 19th overall in the nation, has been committed to play for the Terps since September 2024. He is a homegrown prospect, making a name for himself on the attack at Archbishop Spalding in Severn, Maryland. His graduating class was a year behind that of Maryland football star quarterback Malik Washington.In his senior season, Mollot exhibited a keen, yet balanced, eye in the attacking zone. He was credited with an impressive 37 goals in 2026, coupled with a hefty 58 assists. His skill set will likely come into play earlier than anticipated.With huge pieces of Maryland’s attacking core exiting after a disappointing season — including Eric Spanos, Leo Johnson and Braden Erksa — Mollot’s unique skillset may come in handy as the Terps navigate a difficult restructuring period.Looking to return to the mountaintop of college lacrosse next season after entirely missing the playoffs in 2026, Maryland looks to make the most of Mollot and other new talents.In other news Maryland women’s soccer announced its full 2026 schedule.It’s official! The 2026 schedule is here 🐢🤩🗓️Full Release | https://t.co/u09IPQ1Hb5pic.twitter.com/ih7YDChw7x— Maryland W. Soccer (@TerpsWSoccer) June 16, 2026Maryland women’s basketball commit Jayla Jordyn Jackson won gold at the FIBA women’s AmeriCup with Team USA.Congrats to incoming Terp @JaylaJordyn and Team USA for winning gold at the @americupw! 🥇🇺🇸📸 @usabasketball#faMily 🐢 pic.twitter.com/nggt7QyLok— Maryland Women’s Basketball (@TerpsWBB) June 16, 2026Maryland gymnastics’ 2026 recruiting class comes in ranked No. 18 in the nation.It’s official! Our class of 2026 comes in ranked at No. 18 🤩 pic.twitter.com/H5Fcif9fUx— Maryland Gymnastics (@TerpsGymnastics) June 16, 2026Maryland football earned the commitment of three-star class of 2027 defensive back Emerson Lewis.TERP NATION IM HOME @TerpsFootball@Aazaar23 LETS DO IT pic.twitter.com/NRam8xYElM— Emerson “Em” Lewis (@PoodaLewis) June 16, 2026

Hundreds of England supporters in Dallas reportedly defied police requests to disperse from a pub, having consumed over 5,000 beers ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup opener. Thomas Tuchel’s squad is set to commence their campaign against Croatia, carrying the hopes of a nation. Captain Harry Kane has expressed confidence, believing this presents one of their best opportunities to secure a major tournament victory. Global attention will focus on the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium on Wednesday evening, as the team aims to emulate Sir Alf Ramsey’s legendary 1966 heroes.England fans are asked to leave by Dallas Police at the Londoner Pub. (James Manning/PA)Kane said “it’s one of the best opportunities we will have as a team to win it” and recognised the anticipation of fans, adding: “I want the fans to have that excitement, whether they’re here or back home.”Many of those supporters stayed out until late on Tuesday night at the Londoner Pub in the US city, with some in fancy dress and draped in St George’s flags.Despite the pub advertising a later closing time, fans were ordered to move on by bar staff and two police officers just before 10pm.England flags were draped over the balcony of the venue (James Manning/PA)The pub was eventually cleared, but many remained on the balcony outside the building for another couple of hours.Officers confirmed the early closure was due to the venue reaching maximum capacity, with only two security guards on duty.Before closing its doors, the Londoner manged to sell 2,352 bottles of beer, more than 5,000 beers in total, making more than £30,000 from the evening.England fans kick footballs up to the balcony at the pub. (James Manning/PA)After supporters remained on the pub’s balcony, dozens of Dallas Police Department vehicles lined the road outside and officers stood looking up at the English fans, who chanted loudly.Officers stood on the road for around 20 minutes before all police vehicles moved away to a nearby area and out of sight.Supporters then spent around an hour kicking a football up and down the road and the balcony – with the ball occasionally landing on the bonnets of nearby vehicles.A very small group could also be seen dropping plants off the edge of the balcony.At the end of the evening, many England fans stayed to help bar staff clean up mess created during the course of the evening.The event started with supporters creating a sea of St George’s flags, turning out in fancy dress and singing popular chants as they braved the hot Dallas sunshine.England fans wore fancy dress at the event on Tuesday. (James Manning/PA)Organiser John Gallivan, 39, from Bristol, told the Press Association the scale of Texas had made it far harder for fans to find each other than at previous tournaments in Europe.He said: “America’s massive, it’s so big, so vast.“When we go to Europe, it’s really easy – you know where you’re going to be.“You don’t have to ask, you don’t have to look, you just know where we’re going to be.“In America, that’s impossible – so the whole idea of today was to just find somewhere, get them to put a deal on the beer and then advertise it.”England fans packed out the Londoner pub. (James Manning/PA)There was no police presence earlier at the event as supporters wearing England-themed costumes and draped in St George’s flags filled the pub throughout the evening, with chants of “It’s Coming Home” and “Don’t take me home” breaking out as more fans arrived.Bristol Rovers fan Mr Gallivan said the event had grown far beyond his expectations after sharing it on social media.“We’ve been here since 4pm and it’s been grand. I feel sorry for the bar staff,” he said.Mr Gallivan said many regular England supporters had been unable to make the trip because of the cost of attending the tournament.He said: “I think the way Fifa have managed it, it’s been disgraceful. We’ve been dealt a bad hand.“We could have brought so many more out here, but sadly they’ve been outpriced.John Gallivan successfully negotiated a deal on beer for England fans. (James Manning/PA)“People that I spent time with in Albania and Latvia and had a really good night with, who go home and away, they’ve been priced out of it and that’s not right. They shouldn’t have been.”He said he was already looking ahead to England’s next group game in Boston, where he hoped to organise another gathering for travelling supporters.“I’ve reached out to several outlets in Boston and I’m waiting to see who can do the best deal,” he said.“Whoever can do the best deal, I’ll get everyone to go there.”Hundreds gathered at the Londoner pub. (James Manning/PA)Mr Gallivan also said England supporters had received a warm welcome from Texans since arriving in the United States.He said: “Anywhere I go, whether it’s buying a drink in a shop or ordering food, as soon as I order, they go, ‘Oh wait, where are you from? Britain? England?’. They’re excited to have you here.“So that whole narrative that England are disliked is not true at all.”

Boston's pubs are facing an unexpected challenge as thousands of Scottish football fans descend on the city for the World Cup, reportedly causing a significant shortage of beer. Over 20,000 members of the Tartan Army have travelled to Massachusetts for Scotland's opening two group stage matches.Beyond the pitch, these enthusiastic supporters have embraced American culture, including a visit to Fenway Park to watch a Boston Red Sox game. The influx of thirsty fans has led to an unprecedented surge in demand, with numerous establishments across the city reporting dwindling beer supplies. Scotland's Tartan Army march to Boston's Fenway Park baseball stadium. (Reuters)Noelle Somers, chief operating officer at Henessy’s Bar in central Boston, highlighted the scale of the phenomenon, stating that trade following the Scotland v Haiti match had tripled that of St Patrick’s Day.She told the Boston Globe: “We’ve been here for over 30 years and we’ve never seen anything like it.” The bar ran out of beer on Sunday night before being restocked on Monday morning. Another delivery is due on Thursday, ahead of the Scotland v Morocco match on Friday evening.Brewing company Sam Adams has also seen its Boston taproom running dry over the weekend as demand for its Boston lager was four times higher than during a holiday period.Scotland fans wearing kilts and playing the bagpipes during the march to Fenway Park (Reuters)Billy DeCain of the Sam Adams Boston Taproom told NBC Boston: “We’ve never seen anything like it.”Many bars in the city have been flooded with blue, tartan and the Saltire as the Tartan Army make Boston their home.The city’s only dedicated Scottish bar is The Haven, which has become a hub for Scotland fans.Ahead of the World Cup, owner Jason Waddleton ordered in more than 100 kegs of Tennents to ensure fans can enjoy their favourite drink.Elsewhere, hundreds of England supporters in Dallas reportedly defied police requests to disperse from a pub, having consumed over 5,000 beers ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup opener.Many of those supporters stayed out until late on Tuesday night at the Londoner Pub in the US city, with some in fancy dress and draped in St George’s flags.Despite the pub advertising a later closing time, fans were ordered to move on by bar staff and two police officers just before 10pm.The pub was eventually cleared, but many remained on the balcony outside the building for another couple of hours.