Jun 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) in the dugout during the game against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially f beloellw .500 for the first time since March 1, and althought they won last night to get back to even, they are in the middle of a bad slump of games. A lot of chatter has been about how pitcher Paul Skenes isn’t playing as well and may already be slipping as a pro. While the season has been far from perfect for Skenes, there are way bigger problems for the Pirates and their fans to worry about.First let’s get the obvious out of the way first; Skenes is having a rougher start to this season than in year’s past. At one point in Skenes’ career, it would be weird to even associate the number “2” with the pitcher and his ERA, as he posted below 2.00 in each of his first two seasons. The 24-year-old righty currently has a 2.85 ERA with a 6-6 record. He’s also already given up eight home runs this season, and at times has racked up his pitch count, spending long times on the mound fighting in an at-bat. The sheer dominance that Skenes has had over opponents previously has seemed to waver this year, and for the first time in the majors he has looked human more often than not.Even given his “shortcomings” Skenes is far from being “washed” or a liability in the Pirates’ rotation. The fact of the matter is that most big league pitchers would be thrilled to be having the season that Skenes is having. Despite the shaky start to 2026, Skenes still has the fifth lowest WHIP in baseball while also holding claim to the sixth lowest H/AB in baseball and the fourth most strikeouts with 99. Paul Skenes has given up two home runs today which ties his season high pic.twitter.com/ABxxu79Zvt— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 14, 2026The Pirates as a whole are flawed, with a lot of the microscope being focused on Skenes because of his All-Star status. Pittsburgh has lost six straight Skenes’ starts. In this span, Skenes has a 2.50 ERA per game, which is certainly high for the reigning National League Cy Young Award recipient. However, the Pirates lineup also has a minus-27 run differential in that time frame, with run support being hard to come by when Skenes is on the mound.In his most recent start against the Miami Marlins, Skenes struck out 10 batters, retiring nine a row and set a career high in whiffs with 23. In that contest, he gave up two runs, both of which were homers, and the Pirates’ bats couldn’t generate more than two runs in support.Manager Don Kelly spoke postgame on the struggles the team has had during this stretch of Skenes’ starts.“I think when you’re looking at it, we just haven’t been able to put a complete game together,” Kelly said. “Last year was maybe the run support. We’ve had starts throughout those six where we’ve scored runs, we’ve had starts that offense has been there and other things have happened. I don’t think we can point to one thing, and that’s consistent throughout all the starts.”The ever stoic Skenes was not bothered by the lack of success or run support postgame.“It’s baseball,” Skenes said. “I’ve dealt with it before. It’s a team sport. It’s just the nature of the game.”The fact of the matter is everyone has gotten used to one version of Skenes, which at any given time is the best pitcher in baseball. It’s hard to remember in the moment, but ever since he came into the league, Skenes has been rewriting record books and setting new incredibly high standards for an ace in the Major Leagues. Just because he’s not performing like Superman every week does not mean he’s fallen off. The image and the standard that Skenes created for himself in his first two seasons is INCREDIBLY HARD to live up to all the time. Even at his absolute worst, you’d still want him to be your number one pitcher in the rotation. Has he fallen short of expectations? Sure, but it’s undeniable that he’s still performing in the top echelon of the best big league starters.Paul Skenes strikes out the side in the 6th.10 strikeouts today.87.7 MPH slider88.2 MPH slider98.3 MPH 4-seam pic.twitter.com/ZJec40yh8K— Platinum Key (@PlatinumKey13) June 14, 2026Skenes and the Pirates are in a rough patch, there’s no doubt about that. However, Skenes is still a generational type of player for Pittsburgh, and there are way bigger problems on the team than his still very respectable 2.85 ERA. Skenes will bounce back much faster than the Pirates as a team will because that’s what the best pitchers in baseball do. The blinders are on, he’s the man in the arena and we all need to pump the brakes on talks of slipping and falling short.

England gave debuts to three players in the second Test against New Zealand which began on Wednesday, making it 30 to have been given their cap under head coach Brendon McCullum.Can you name all 30? Try our quiz and share it with your friends.The 92mph England fast bowler ready to move on from difficult debutI'll take England captaincy game-by-game - RootGet cricket news sent straight to your phone

Lionel Messi gestures after nearly scoring a goal at La Bombonera stadium on March 31, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Pablo Elias/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to begin.Starting on Thursday, the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The World Cup begins with the group stage, as the 48 teams in the field battle it out to secure one of the 32 spots in the knockout stage.Here is the full schedule, along with television information, for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern. World Cup group stage schedule and scoresThursday, June 11Group A: Mexico 2, South Africa 0Group A: South Korea 2, Czechia 1Friday, June 12Group B: Canada 1, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1Group D: United States 4, Paraguay 1Saturday, June 13Group B: Switzerland 1, Qatar 1Group C: Brazil 1, Morocco 1Group C: Scotland 1, Haiti 0Sunday, June 14Group D: Australia 2, Türkiye 0Group E: Germany 7, Curaçao 1Group F: Netherlands 2, Japan 2Group E: Ivory Coast 1, Ecuador 0Group F: Sweden 5 Tunisia 1Monday, June 15Group H: Spain 0, Cabo Verde 0Group G: Belgium 1, Egypt 1Group H: Saudi Arabia 1, Uruguay 1Group G: Iran 2, New Zealand 2Tuesday, June 16Group I: France 3, Senegal 1Group I: Norway 4, Iraq 1Group J: Argentina 3, Algeria 0Wednesday, June 17Group J: Austria 3, Jordan 1Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: England vs. Croatia, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Ghana vs. Panama, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Thursday, June 18Group A: Czechia vs. South Africa, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m, FOXGroup B: Canada vs. Qatar, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FOXFriday, June 19Group D: United States vs. Australia, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Scotland vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Brazil vs. Haiti, 8:30 p.m., FOXGroup D: Türkiye vs. Paraguay, 11:00 p.m., FS1Saturday, June 20Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m. FOXGroup E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao, 8:00 p.m., FS1Sunday, June 21Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m., FS1Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Belgium vs. Iran, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt, 9:00 p.m., FS1Monday, June 22Group J: Argentina vs. Austria, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: France vs. Iraq, 5:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 p.m, FOXGroup J: Jordan vs. Algeria, 11:00 p.m., FS1Tuesday, June 23Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: England vs. Ghana, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Panama vs. Croatia, 7:oo p.m., FOXGroup K: Colombia vs. DR Congo, 10:00 p.m., FS1Wednesday, June 24Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup A: South Africa vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Czechia vs. Mexico, 9:00 p.m., FOXThursday, June 25Group E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m., FS1Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group D: Türkiye vs. United States, 10:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: Paraguay vs. Australia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Friday, June 26Group I: Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, 8:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain, 8:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: New Zealand vs. Belgium, 11:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Egypt vs. Iran, 11:00 p.m., FS1Saturday, June 27Group L: Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal, 7:30 p.m., FOXGroup K: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan, 7:30 p.m., FS1Group J: Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m., FOX

France next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket as Les Blues face Iraq originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.France head to this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, but their Group I campaign looks anything but straightforward. Up first are Senegal, who won the most recent Africa Cup of Nations only to see their title stripped. France then face qualifying playoff winners Iraq before facing Erling Haaland and Norway.Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.When is France's next match at World Cup 2026?Mbappe scored twice in France's opening win over Senegal and will hope to carry on his fine form into their next match against Iraq.The clash is set for a 5 p.m. ET kickoff on Monday, June 22 from Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.France match schedule, results from World Cup 2026DateTime (ET)Match / ResultLocationTue, Jun. 163 p.m.Group stage: France 3-1 SenegalMetLife Stadium, East RutherfordMon, Jun. 225 p.m.Group stage: France vs. IraqLincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaFri, Jun. 263 p.m.Group stage: Norway vs. FranceGillette Stadium, FoxboroughBUY NOW:France tickets for FIFA World CupWorld Cup Group I tableTeamPTSGPWLDGFGAGD1. Norway3110041+32. France3110031+23. Senegal0101013-24. Iraq0101014-3How to watch France matches at World Cup 2026TV channel: FOX, FS1Live stream: fubo,FOX One,FOX Sports app/websiteFOX is the main English-language FIFA broadcast partner in the United States, and will have the rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.The broadcaster has announced that all 104 matches of the tournament will be televised throughout the competition. 69 matches from the competition will air on the main FOX network channel, while 35 others will be televised on FS1.For Spanish-language coverage, all 104 matches will stream live on Peacock, with 92 matches airing on Telemundo and 12 on Universo.All those channels, both English and Spanish, are available to stream in the United States on fubo, who are offering a FREE trial for new users.Every match will also stream live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.France World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group IThe winner of Group I will enter the knockout stage bracket on the top half, scheduled to take on a third-place qualifier from either Group C, D, F, G or H.The Group I runner-up enters the bottom half of the bracket and will meet the Group E runner-up.The third-place finisher in Group I has six potential landing spots in the bracket, but only eight groups will have a third-place qualifier for the knockout stage.Until all third-place qualifiers are known, it is impossible to predict where or when they could potentially play because there are 495 mathematical combinations of third place qualifiers.Round of 32DateTime (ET)MatchLocationSun, Jun. 283 p.m.M1: 2nd, Group A vs. 2nd, Group BSoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Mon, Jun. 294:30 p.m.M2: 1st, Group E vs. 3rd place finisherGillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)Mon, Jun. 299 p.m.M3: 1st, Group F vs. 2nd, Group CEstadio BBVA (Guadalupe, MEX)Mon, Jun. 291 p.m.M4: 1st, Group C vs. 2nd, Group FNRG Stadium (Houston, TX)Tue, Jun. 305 p.m.M5: 1st, Group I vs. 3rd place finisherMetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)Tue, Jun. 301 p.m.M6: 2nd, Group E vs. 2nd, Group IAT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Tue, Jun. 309 p.m.M7: 1st, Group A vs. 3rd place finisherEstadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX)Wed, Jul. 112 p.m.M8: 1st, Group L vs. 3rd place finisherMercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Wed, Jul. 18 p.m.M9: 1st, Group D vs. 3rd place finisherLevi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)Wed, Jul. 14 p.m.M10: 1st, Group G vs. 3rd place finisherLumen Field (Seattle, WA)Thu, Jul. 27 p.m.M11: 2nd, Group K vs. 2nd, Group LBMO Field (Toronto, CAN)Thu, Jul. 23 p.m.M12: 1st, Group H vs. 2nd, Group JSoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Thu, Jul. 211 p.m.M13: 1st, Group B vs. 3rd place finisherBC Place (Vancouver, CAN)Fri, Jul. 36 p.m.M14: 1st, Group J vs. 2nd, Group HHard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)Fri, Jul. 39:30 p.m.M15: 1st, Group K vs. 3rd place finisherArrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)Fr, Jul. 32 p.m.M16: 2nd, Group D vs. 2nd, Group GAT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Round of 16DateTime (ET)MatchLocationSat, Jul. 41 p.m.M2: Winner, R32 M1 vs. Winner, R32 M3NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)Sat, Jul. 45 p.m.M1: Winner, R32 M2 vs. Winner, R32 M5Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)Sun, Jul. 54 p.m.M3: Winner, R32 M4 vs. Winner, R32 M6MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)Sun, Jul. 58 p.m.M4: Winner, R32 M7 vs. Winner, R32 M8Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX)Mon, Jul. 63 p.m.M5: Winner, R32 M11 vs. Winner, R32 M12AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Mon, Jul. 68 p.m.M6: Winner, R32 M9 vs. Winner, R32 M10Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)Tue, Jul. 712 p.m.M7: Winner, R32 M14 vs. Winner, R32 M16Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Tue, Jul. 74 p.m.M8: Winner, R32 M13 vs. Winner, R32 M15BC Place (Vancouver, CAN)QuarterfinalsDateTime (ET)MatchLocationThu, Jul. 94 p.m.QF1: Winner, R16 M1 vs. Winner, R16 M2Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)Fri, Jul. 103 p.m.QF2: Winner, R16 M5 vs. Winner, R16 M6SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Sat, Jul. 115 p.m.QF3: Winner, R16 M3 vs. Winner, R16 M4Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)Sat, Jul. 119 p.m.QF4: Winner, R16 M7 vs. Winner, R16 M8Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)SemifinalsDateTime (ET)MatchLocationTue, Jul. 143 p.m.SF1: Winner, QF1 vs. Winner, QF2AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Wed, Jul. 153 p.m.SF2: Winner, QF3 vs. Winner, QF4Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Third-place matchDateTime (ET)MatchLocationSat, Jul. 185 p.m.Loser, SF1 vs. Loser, SF2Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)FinalDateTime (ET)MatchLocationSun, Jul. 193 p.m.Winner, SF1 vs. Winner, SF2MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)

Former New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey played a critical role on New York’s offense in the early 1990s despite spending just the first three seasons of his career with the team.McCaffrey was originally the Giants’ third-round selection in the 1991 NFL draft. The route runner went on to have an excellent career in the NFL after his time in New York, winning three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos across his 13-year career.The former Giant was asked for his thoughts on newly hired head coach John Harbaugh. McCaffrey believes New York hired the perfect candidate for the job.“I know the candle kind of burned out in Baltimore, but coach Harbaugh has been a winner his entire coaching career,” he told Kyle Odegard in a recent interview. “He’s going to be able to navigate those waters and figure out how to turn that team around. I do believe that. And I think he has a lot of talent on that roster."I do believe they have the right coach, and I do believe he will find a way to put his players in a position to have success. It’ll be Year 1, and there are always challenges in your first year with a team, but I do think they have talent on the roster and I do think he’s the right man for the job.”McCaffrey recorded 1,091 yards and seven touchdowns throughout his three seasons with the Giants. The former wide receiver appears fully confident in Harbaugh’s abilities this season, and many would agree with his assessment of the legendary head coach.Harbaugh will enter his first season as the Giants’ head coach with major expectations. The long-time Baltimore Ravens head coach has been widely regarded as one of the top coaches in football over the past decade, and he now finds himself with a plethora of young talent on both sides of the ball.McCaffrey’s thoughts on Harbaugh could prove prescient as the 2026 campaign kicks off in September.This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 3-time Super Bowl champion: John Harbaugh is perfect hire for Giants

LUCKNOW: For Shubman Gill led Team India, who play Afghanistan in the second ODI at the Ekana Stadium here on Wednesday, this series is also an early marker on the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The immediate target is a series win but the larger canvas is already clear. In that context, every role and every combination will be examined closely. Beyond Gill and a few established names — fitness and form permitting — not many can take their World Cup places for granted.While the focus will remain on Rohit Sharma, who continues to make his case against age and scrutiny, one player who appears to be strengthening his World Cup credentials is KL Rahul. For a large part of his career, Rahul was viewed primarily as a toporder batter. Over the last few years, he has transformed himself into one of India’s most dependable middle-order options in ODIs. His overall numbers in the format are impressive but his record at No. 5 has been significant. He has provided stability, acceleration and most importantly, versatility.The Karnataka batter can absorb pressure when early wickets fall, rebuild an innings without panic and still find the gears required for a late surge. In a format where tempo management can decide matches, Rahul’s ability to move seamlessly between consolidation and counterattack gives India a rare cushion.His recent form has only strengthened that case. After scoring a composed century in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, Rahul produced a sharp cameo in the first ODI in Dharamshala, finishing unbeaten on 39 off 19 balls to hasten India’s chase in a rain-shortened, 25-overs-a-side contest. 131795652“Rahul adapts to conditions and formats quickly, as he has proven in these two games,” India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said, adding, “If you send him at any number, he is somebody who will perform for you. He understands the situation. He will be an important member of the team.”Rahul handed over the wicketkeeping gloves to Ishan Kishan in the opening ODI but he remains multi-dimensional. Whether he keeps wickets or plays as a specialist batter, his presence gives India flexibility. When Virat Kohli returns to the mix, that flexibility could become even more important as India work out how to fit experience, youth and role-specific options into a balanced XI.India’s seven-wicket win in Dharamshala had several positives. Yet Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz showed, with a blistering 48-ball hundred, that the visitors have enough quality to punish any loose spells. That is why Wednesday’s game will not be treated merely as a formality.

Erling Haaland next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket as Norway face Senegal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Norway return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years this summer, meaning a debut on international football's biggest stage for Erling HaalandHaaland's father, Alf-Inge, played for the Scandinavian nation when they featured at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, but he was absent four years later when they claimed a famous group-stage win over eventual winners Brazil.The current generation, under Stale Solbakken and captained by Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard, will be backed with optimism by fans starved of World Cup participation for almost three decades.Manchester City star Haaland is central to those hopes due to his gargantuan goalscoring feats.The 25-year-old was the top scorer in the UEFA qualification section, plundering an astonishing 16 goals as he netted in every Group I match. This haul included five in one game against minnows Moldova, a hat-trick versus Israel and a brace in the 4-1 win over Italy at San Siro that rubberstamped a place at the finals.Here is everything you need to know about Haaland's World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.When is Erling Haaland's next match at World Cup 2026?Haaland bagged twice in Norway's opening win over Iraq and will hope to continue that form into their next game against Senegal.Norway will face the African side on Monday, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium.Norway match schedule, results from World Cup 2026DateTime (ET)Match / ResultLocationTue, Jun. 166 p.m.Group stage: Iraq 1-4 NorwayGillette Stadium, FoxboroughMon, Jun. 228 p.m.Group stage: Norway vs. SenegalMetLife Stadium, East RutherfordFri, Jun. 263 p.m.Group stage: Norway vs. FranceGillette Stadium, FoxboroughBUY NOW:Norway tickets for FIFA World CupWorld Cup Group I tableTeamPTSGPWLDGFGAGD1. Norway3110041+32. France3110031+23. Senegal0101013-24. Iraq0101014-3How to watch Erling Haaland at World Cup 2026TV channel: FOX, FS1Live stream: fubo,FOX One,FOX Sports app/websiteFOX is the main English-language FIFA broadcast partner in the United States, and will have the rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.The broadcaster has announced that all 104 matches of the tournament will be televised throughout the competition. 69 matches from the competition will air on the main FOX network channel, while 35 others will be televised on FS1.For Spanish-language coverage, all 104 matches will stream live on Peacock, with 92 matches airing on Telemundo and 12 on Universo.All those channels, both English and Spanish, are available to stream in the United States on fubo, who are offering a FREE trial for new users.Every match will also stream live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.Norway World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group IThe winner of Group I will enter the knockout stage bracket on the top half, scheduled to take on a third-place qualifier from either Group C, D, F, G or H.The Group I runner-up enters the bottom half of the bracket and will meet the Group E runner-up.The third-place finisher in Group I has six potential landing spots in the bracket, but only eight groups will have a third-place qualifier for the knockout stage.Until all third-place qualifiers are known, it is impossible to predict where or when they could potentially play because there are 495 mathematical combinations of third place qualifiers.Round of 32DateTime (ET)MatchLocationSun, Jun. 283 p.m.M1: 2nd, Group A vs. 2nd, Group BSoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Mon, Jun. 294:30 p.m.M2: 1st, Group E vs. 3rd place finisherGillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)Mon, Jun. 299 p.m.M3: 1st, Group F vs. 2nd, Group CEstadio BBVA (Guadalupe, MEX)Mon, Jun. 291 p.m.M4: 1st, Group C vs. 2nd, Group FNRG Stadium (Houston, TX)Tue, Jun. 305 p.m.M5: 1st, Group I vs. 3rd place finisherMetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)Tue, Jun. 301 p.m.M6: 2nd, Group E vs. 2nd, Group IAT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Tue, Jun. 309 p.m.M7: 1st, Group A vs. 3rd place finisherEstadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX)Wed, Jul. 112 p.m.M8: 1st, Group L vs. 3rd place finisherMercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Wed, Jul. 18 p.m.M9: 1st, Group D vs. 3rd place finisherLevi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)Wed, Jul. 14 p.m.M10: 1st, Group G vs. 3rd place finisherLumen Field (Seattle, WA)Thu, Jul. 27 p.m.M11: 2nd, Group K vs. 2nd, Group LBMO Field (Toronto, CAN)Thu, Jul. 23 p.m.M12: 1st, Group H vs. 2nd, Group JSoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Thu, Jul. 211 p.m.M13: 1st, Group B vs. 3rd place finisherBC Place (Vancouver, CAN)Fri, Jul. 36 p.m.M14: 1st, Group J vs. 2nd, Group HHard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)Fri, Jul. 39:30 p.m.M15: 1st, Group K vs. 3rd place finisherArrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)Fr, Jul. 32 p.m.M16: 2nd, Group D vs. 2nd, Group GAT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Round of 16DateTime (ET)MatchLocationSat, Jul. 41 p.m.M2: Winner, R32 M1 vs. Winner, R32 M3NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)Sat, Jul. 45 p.m.M1: Winner, R32 M2 vs. Winner, R32 M5Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)Sun, Jul. 54 p.m.M3: Winner, R32 M4 vs. Winner, R32 M6MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)Sun, Jul. 58 p.m.M4: Winner, R32 M7 vs. Winner, R32 M8Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX)Mon, Jul. 63 p.m.M5: Winner, R32 M11 vs. Winner, R32 M12AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Mon, Jul. 68 p.m.M6: Winner, R32 M9 vs. Winner, R32 M10Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)Tue, Jul. 712 p.m.M7: Winner, R32 M14 vs. Winner, R32 M16Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Tue, Jul. 74 p.m.M8: Winner, R32 M13 vs. Winner, R32 M15BC Place (Vancouver, CAN)QuarterfinalsDateTime (ET)MatchLocationThu, Jul. 94 p.m.QF1: Winner, R16 M1 vs. Winner, R16 M2Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)Fri, Jul. 103 p.m.QF2: Winner, R16 M5 vs. Winner, R16 M6SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Sat, Jul. 115 p.m.QF3: Winner, R16 M3 vs. Winner, R16 M4Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)Sat, Jul. 119 p.m.QF4: Winner, R16 M7 vs. Winner, R16 M8Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)SemifinalsDateTime (ET)MatchLocationTue, Jul. 143 p.m.SF1: Winner, QF1 vs. Winner, QF2AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Wed, Jul. 153 p.m.SF2: Winner, QF3 vs. Winner, QF4Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Third-place matchDateTime (ET)MatchLocationSat, Jul. 185 p.m.Loser, SF1 vs. Loser, SF2Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)FinalDateTime (ET)MatchLocationSun, Jul. 193 p.m.Winner, SF1 vs. Winner, SF2MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)

Last week, Texas A&M coach Michael Earley made the first significant staff change of his career at the helm, firing second-year pitching coach Jason Kelley, leading to the pursuit and hiring of MLB pitching coach/coordinator Barry Enright, who has spent the last six seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, and, most recently, the Athletics.While Enright's lack of college coaching experience, especially recruiting, looked like a major red flag, the Aggies quickly added two of the top arms in the transfer portal, as former UNLV right‑hander Jase Evangelista and Wichita State transfer RHP Johnny Nuanez are headed to College Station, while the Aggies are predicted to land Texas State transfer Wade Cooper this week.Enright's background as a developer was the primary reason Earley hired him over several current college coaches, feeling that his pro-level perspective and ability to connect with up-and-coming pitchers who need to tweak small parts of their game to reach their potential. If A&M lands Cooper, it's clear that Enright won't have issues landing transfer players.This week, former MLB manager Bo Porter, who served as the Angels' first base coach during Bo Enright's time with the organization, praised Earley's decision to bring his former coaching partner on board, feeling that the Aggies may have just hired one of the "best pitching coaches in the country" during his interview with TexAgs."I commend Texas A&M for the hire," Porter stated to TexAgs. "When you look at Barry Enright's career, from the player to coach transitioning from the professional ranks to Texas A&M. I believe Texas A&M just hired one of the best pitching coaches in the country."Texas A&M will look to finish out the summer on a strong note, and after landing the No. 1-ranked portal player in former Clemson catcher Nate Savoie, the Aggies are on a roll.Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Former MLB manager Bo Porter praises Texas A&M hiring Barry Enright

McDowell has been absent from majors for six years [Getty Images]There was a time when Graeme McDowell did not need to fret much about qualifying for major championships. Between 2008 and 2016, he made 34 consecutive appearances on golf's biggest stages, a run highlighted by a memorable 2010 US Open triumph at Pebble Beach.As a former world number four and four-time Ryder Cup player, McDowell became accustomed to contending at the highest level, but this week's US Open at Shinnecock Hills marks the 46-year-old's first major appearance in six years. While understandably thrilled to be back at the championship that gave him his greatest day, he feels this week is as much about his nine-year-old son Wills. "I wasn't sure I was ever going to get to show him me out here playing in it with the sands of time continuing to deplete," admitted Northern Ireland's McDowell."There's a large appreciation for me being here this week at a major. At a point of my career, these were automatic and when they get taken away from you, you realise how much you miss them and appreciate the opportunity to be on golf's biggest stages."McIlroy calls for US Open set-up 'caution'Will fearsome Shinnecock bring MacIntyre major redemption?Why Shinnecock may not offer the US Open test it has in the pastMcDowell's newfound appreciation for the major arena will likely be tested this week at Shinnecock. Arguably the toughest course on a US Open rota stocked with unforgiving tracks, McDowell joined fellow countryman Rory McIlroy in missing the cut at the iconic Long Island venue in 2018. With strong gusts forecast this week, McDowell predicts another severe examination as he bids to make the cut at a major for the first time since the 2019 Open Championship in his hometown at Royal Portrush."You must drive it well. The fairways are generous but if you miss them, you're in trouble," explained LIV Golf's McDowell, who progressed from a 36-hole qualifier in Dallas last month to secure his Shinnecock spot. "The greens, you have to be very disciplined with some and some will give you chances, so you have to know where to miss and when you do miss, you have to be creative."The bunkers are interesting with a lot of stones and shells in them, but there is a little bit of everything in this gold course that will test the patience and every department of the skill-set."'They are keeping the course a bit slower'McDowell's father Ken (right) was at Pebble Beach in 2010 to watch his son become a major champion on Father's Day [Getty Images]McDowell's last win came at the 2020 Saudi International and his best finish on LIV was tied second in Virginia last year. While he admits "pretty much everything" would need to go right for him to contend at Shinnecock, he believes the course "suits me". "I'm going to have to weather some storms at some point and whomever wins is going to have to go through a period where they have to hang in, take their medicine and get out of there with a bogey and just run," he added."Right now it's quite fair, not as fast as it was in 2018, but I think by design they are keeping it a little bit slower. "Thursday's weather forecast is very windy and they are worried about that, but right now it's slower and we'll see how that progresses over the weekend."McDowell begins his US Open challenge at 12:19 BST on Thursday. McIlroy among early starters in US Open round one

Duhan van der Merwe and Elliot Dee played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup [Getty Images]Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe and Wales hooker Elliot Dee will start for the Barbarians in Saturday's fixture against South Africa (14:00 BST).Van der Merwe features in the game against the Springboks before linking up with Gregor Townsend's squad for the Nations Championship.Dragons hooker Dee, who has won 56 caps, missed out on selection in Steve Tandy's squad for the summer.The pair are in a Baa-Baas side that is captained by New Zealand scrum-half TJ Perenara and includes Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz.Edinburgh's D'Arcy Rae and Liam McConnell, who are also in Scotland's summer squad, feature along with Munster centre Alex Nakivell.Wales prop Assiratti ruled out of summer seriesCallender back as Wales call up new facesAir miles, altitude & Springboks - Scotland's arduous summerBarbarians men face the Springboks and then take on Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, 27 June (14:00 BST) in a double-header with a women's fixture (17:00 BST).South Africa are tuning up for the Nations Championship and are without their Bulls contingent because of Friday's United Rugby Championship (URC) Grand Final at Leinster (19:30 BST).Rassie Erasmus will take the opportunity to look at several prospects in a double-header at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, with South Africa A hosting Zimbabwe in the first fixture.The games are being played in Gqeberha which became the new name for the city previously known as Port Elizabeth.How they line upSouth Africa: Fassi; Kolbe, Kriel, Esterhuizen, van der Merwe; Horn, Williams; Nche, Venter, Sadie, Norton, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), du Toit, Wiese.Replacements: Kotze, Mchunu, Porthen, Dixon, de Villiers, Roos, de Klerk, MoyoBarbarians: Gellant; Kellaway, Vakatawa, Nankivell, D van der Merwe; Albornoz, Perenara (capt); Vivas, Dee, Rae, Molina, Moon, Petti, Bosher, Fai'ilagi.Replacements: Oviedo, Kebble, Delgado, Rodda, McConnell, Arata, Plummer, Samusamuvodre.

The 2025-26 NHL season is over with the Carolina Hurricanes defeating the Vegas Golden Knights for the Stanley Cup championship.Now, general managers are focusing on getting their teams in shape for next season.First up is the NHL draft on June 26-27 in Buffalo, where the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery.Then comes free agency, which opens on July 1.This year's once-spectacular crop of free agents has been whittled down with Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe, Kyle Connor, Evgeni Malkin and others signing extensions.But there are intriguing names left on the board. Here's what to know about NHL free agency:When does NHL free agency open?The free agent market opens at noon ET on July 1.Who are the top NHL unrestricted free agents?10. Anders Lee, New York IslandersHe has been the Islanders' captain since 2018 and is good for 20-plus goals, though he had 19 in 2025-26. Current cap hit: $7 million.9. Mason Marchment, Columbus Blue JacketsHe struggled with the Seattle Kraken after his offseason trade, but his trade to Columbus revived his season with 32 points in 39 games. He's also an agitator. Current cap hit: $4.5 million.8. Anthony Mantha, Pittsburgh PenguinsHe's the third-highest-scoring player on the free agent list with 64 points after he signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. Will a general manager be tempted to think he can do that again or look at his subpar production before that? Current cap hit: $2.5 million.7. Viktor Arvidsson, Boston BruinsThe forward bounced back from a couple subpar seasons and had 25 goals and 54 points after being traded to Boston. Current cap hit: $4 million.6. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida PanthersThe goalie won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and two Vezina Trophies. He'll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.5. Alex Ovechkin, Washington CapitalsThe NHL's all-time leading goal scorer is expected to either re-sign with the Capitals or retire. Otherwise, he'd be higher on the list. He scored 32 goals at age 40. Current cap hit: $9.5 million.4. John Carlson, Anaheim DucksCarlson, the Capitals' all-time leader in scoring among defensemen, was traded to the Ducks in a shocker. He totaled 60 points in 71 games. Current cap hit: $8 million.3. Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden KnightsThe defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this season by the Flames. He can provide offense with one 50-point season and others topping 40 points, including 47 points in 2025-26. He had an average playoffs. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.2. Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay LightningThe defenseman had a breakout season with 22 goals and 70 points and filled in well while Victor Hedman was out with injuries and personal leave. His top season before that was 37 points. Current cap hit: $975,000.1. Alex Tuch, Buffalo SabresThe forward can score (two 36-goal seasons) and also kills penalties. He had 33 goals this season as the Sabres ended a 14-season playoff drought. After scoring four goals in the first round, he was held without a point in the second round as the Sabres lost in seven games. Current cap hit: $4.75 million.Others to watch: Patrick Kane, Frederik Andersen, Mats Zuccarello, Brent Burns, Bobby McMann.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL free agency opening date and top free agents

The New York Knicks' championship run captured the attention of sports fans throughout the city. Count New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn among those who were watching closely. Speaking with reporters during mandatory minicamp, Glenn opened his remarks with a simple message."Go Knicks." From there, the Jets' head coach explained what impressed him most about the franchise's march to its first NBA championship in more than five decades. It wasn't necessarily the star power. It wasn't really the highlights. Sure, he enjoyed the finals result as most New York sports fans did, but he focused on something more specific, something he calls "competitive stamina."Glenn spoke about how the Knicks repeatedly found themselves trailing during their playoff run. Yet time and again, they worked their way back into games before eventually securing four victories in a five-game championship series.For Glenn, that resilience stood out. The Knicks' championship celebration may have taken place on a basketball court, but Glenn believes the underlying lesson applies to football as well.Because of NFL offseason rules, teams are restricted in the amount of contact they can incorporate during organized team activities and minicamp practices. That makes it difficult to fully simulate the physical and mental challenges players will face once the regular season arrives.Glenn suggested that will change soon. When training camp opens, the Jets are expected to increase the intensity as coaches look to establish the standards and expectations that will define the season ahead. Creating competitive stamina will become a major point of emphasis.The Knicks provided a recent example of what that looks like at the highest level. For Glenn, their championship run was about more than basketball. It was a reminder that the teams capable of overcoming adversity are often the ones still standing at the end. As the Jets continue laying the foundation for a new era, that is a lesson worth remembering.Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason. This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets' Aaron Glenn compliments Knicks following their NBA title win

[PA Media]After scoring the goal against Haiti which gave Scotland their first World Cup win since 1990, John McGinn says the squad are not getting ahead of themselves as they meet Morocco on Friday.The Aston Villa midfielder says the hurt of underperforming at Euro 2024 still hurts the squad, and their focus is on not repeating those performances in Garmany.Scotland are aiming to reach the knockout stages at a major finals for the first time."There is a business feel in the camp," McGinn said."We were gutted after Germany [Euro 2024]. I know the fans had a great experience, just being back at a major tournament with fans."But we left with an emptiness and feeling of could we have done x, y or z differently."What we did now by winning the [qualifying] group was we had time to prepare properly and in the best possible way."We've left no stone unturned and the staff have been first class. The players are focussed on doing the job in hand."If we do achieve something special we will celebrate it, but until that is achieved we will purely be on business here."

Mariners' Dominic Canzone trade worked out better than expected originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The trade doesn't go down as a loss for the Arizona Diamondbacks by any means.But one of the reasons the Seattle Mariners have one of the deepest lineups in baseball is that they got Dominic Canzone in a deal with the Diamondbacks a few years ago.Canzone wasn't a well-known commodity at the time, but Seattle sure is reaping the benefits now.At the 2023 trade deadline, Seattle traded reliever Paul Sewald to Arizona for Josh Rojas, Ryan Bliss and Canzone."Almost every contender is on the hunt for bullpen help at the Deadline, and the D-backs found their man in the veteran Sewald, who was fabulous in the ninth inning for Arizona on its journey to the National League pennant," MLB.com's Brian Murphy wrote in a new article Wednesday in which he revisits some past trades.MORE: PCA finds his way to a historic cycleRojas and Bliss didn't amount for much for Seattle.Canzone, though, is a true slugger."The lefty hitter has terrorized right-handed pitchers, slashing .301/.351/.552 in 366 plate appearances against them since the start of 2025," Murphy writes.MORE: 1 year later, new Rafael Devers trade rumors have arrivedSeattle spends some time platooning Canzone, but that's no big deal. If he keeps hitting while when he gets his chances, the Mariners will keep reaping the rewards of the Sewald trade."This year, Canzone, whose Baseball Savant page is bathed in red, has 10 homers in 181 PAs for the first-place Mariners," Murphy writes. "His 157 wRC+ ranks 10th among all players with at least 150 PAs."Maybe the pedigree of Canzone didn't quite suggest this level of hitter, but there's no faking the way that he's hitting right now.More MLB news:White Sox are on an astounding stretch at homeA 'gentlemanly' baserunning move confused the umpires, and everyone elsePirates' Paul Skenes is in a bizarre stretchOutfielder retires from baseball to go play college footballDodgers have a very simple reason to trade for Tarik Skubal

The Indianapolis Colts will enter the 2026 season as one of the higher-spending teams on the defensive side of the ball. But how much has GM Chris Ballard invested in the offense?The Colts handed out two big contracts this offseason to quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce; however, their salary cap hits -- which is what these rankings are based on -- don't break the bank in Year 1.So the Colts' total salary cap investment on the offense is right around the middle of the pack.According to Over the Cap, the Colts have $139.047 million in cap space allocated to the offense. Compared to the rest of the NFL, this ranks 21st. Leading the way are the LA Rams, who have $201.588 million in cap space invested on offense.Colts top five highest salary cap hits on offense in 2026LG Quenton Nelson: $24.2MQB Daniel Jones: $19.18MRB Jonathan Taylor: $15.56MQB Anthony Richardson: $10.81MLT Bernhard Raimann: $9.26MOf the Colts' 10 largest salary cap hits on the team in 2026, five belong to players on offense. Nelson's cap hit is the second-largest on the team, behind only DeForest Buckner.Helping to balance out these cap costs is that the Colts have several key contributors who are playing this season on rookie deals. This includes Josh Downs, Tyler Warren, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, and Jalen Travis.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts in bottom half of NFL in salary cap spending on offense in 2026

The Knicks parade is almost here - and you have the chance to attend the City Hall ceremony honoring the team.Last night, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that a lottery would be opened for just a few hours, and New Yorkers could enter to win tickets for the event.Here's how to enter. Knicks ceremony detailsMamdani announced Tuesday night that 600 tickets would be released for the Knicks ceremony, taking place right after the ticker-tape parade.The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. in City Hall Plaza, where the team is expected to receive keys to the city. Musical performances and speeches will take place, too. “From packed watch parties in our parks to joyous celebrations that spilled out onto our streets, this championship belongs to New York City,” Mamdani said in a release. “We’re making these tickets free and accessible – so working-class people have a chance to be part of this historic moment and celebrate the team that brought a championship home."How to win Knicks ceremony ticketsA short deadline was given to those who want to put their name in for tickets. New Yorkers can apply for the lottery atKnicks.com/CeremonySweeps, and submissions will be closed on Wednesday, June 17 at 11 a.m. View this post on InstagramSubmissions will be randomly selected, and if chosen, the winner will receive two tickets to the ceremony.Winners are expected to be notified the same day, June 17, and tickets will be transferred to the Ticketmaster account under the same email used in the submission, the website says. They will not be able to be transferred. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to win tickets to the Knicks ceremony at City Hall

OMAHA, NE — As Oklahoma baseball coach Skip Johnson emerged from the dugout after one of the biggest wins of his career, he was greeted by two familiar faces.Men’s basketball coach Porter Moser and football coach Brent Venables waited in the tunnel, offering handshakes and pats on the back after the Sooners’ 4-3 victory over Georgia on Monday night.They weren’t the only ones who made the trip.Athletic director Roger Denny, football general manager Jim Nagy, women’s basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk and OU legends Bob Stoops and Barry Switzer were all in attendance at Charles Schwab Field as the Sooners moved within one win of the College World Series championship series.For a program that has long preached connection across sports, dating back to former athletic director Joe Castiglione’s tenure with Stoops and former basketball coaches Sherri Coale and Kelvin Sampson, OU baseball’s most important game in years became a showcase of it.REQUIRED READING: For OU baseball's Xander Mercurius and his family, CWS gem vs Georgia was 'surreal'“This is what’s so fun about the atmosphere at OU, the camaraderie amongst the staff and coaches,” Moser told The Oklahoman. “To support one of the coaches going through a stage like this of the College World Series, it’s so easy. It’s so fun. It’s part of what the OU culture is — working with the administration and coaches.”The group watched OU ride a sensational outing from right-hander Xander Mercurius and an offense that continues to surge.Johnson, who has made relationships the foundation of his program since arriving in 2017, almost got emotional discussing the support surrounding his team as its postseason run proceeded.To have the support of his fellow coaches reaffirms everything he knows OU to be about.“I'm thankful for our coaches, what they've done,” Johnson said. “I'm thankful for our administration. I'm thankful for all those coaches being there. “When I got the job, after a year or two I was here, I felt it was a family-owned business. That's what being an Oklahoma Sooner is.”More: OU baseball prediction for College World Series semifinal vs GeorgiaRIGHT NOW 🗣️ @CoachJohnsonOU x @CoachVenablespic.twitter.com/TlQACezhgq— Oklahoma Baseball (@OU_Baseball) June 16, 2026Brent Venables fires up OU baseball team: 'You’re like America’s team'The support carried into the locker room. When Johnson addressed his players after the win, he surprised them with a guest speaker: Venables.Shortstop Jaxon Willits joked afterward that the football coach had him ready to put on shoulder pads and play linebacker.“You’re like America’s team right now,” Venables told the group. “You’re inspiring people by how you do what you do. You know it when you see it and you know it when you don’t. You guys are at the freaking doorway right now.”Johnson has become one of the most respected figures in OU’s athletic department, a coach whose office conversations can drift seamlessly from recruiting to deer hunting to the latest fishing trip.His peers appreciate more than just his success on the field.“Skip gets it,” Moser said. “We co-recruited a kid last year, from the jump he’s just been one of those guys who’s a ball coach. He gets your journey as a coach, but he also incorporates the fun side of coaching. He brings balance to your life as a coach and I think that’s why Skip is so well liked.”More: Why OU baseball is turning to another freshman starting pitcher in College World SeriesFor Moser, the trip carried added significance. He returned to the city where he played at Creighton and spent summers working at the College World Series as a student.Watching OU’s run, he couldn’t help but notice similarities to his own team.The Sooners’ men’s basketball team lost nine straight games during the heart of SEC play before rallying late and narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament. OU baseball limped into the postseason after losing its final four regular-season series, only to catch fire when it mattered most.Now, the Sooners are playing as well as anyone left here.Whether their stay lasts two more games or several more days, OU knows the support system that followed the team north won’t be going anywhere.“It just shows the support that OU has,” Mercurius said. “We're a family. We stick to that as a team, we stick to it as a program and we stick to it as a school. OU is a great school, and all of our sports stick together.”Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU baseball gaining support of Sooners coaches at College World Series

Lakers Predicted to Pull Off 'Bold' Sign-and-Trade Involving LeBron James, Bronny James, Deandre AytonAs LeBron James seeks to end his storied career on a high note, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus outlined a viable, albeit “complicated,” sign-and-trade deal that would allow the Los Angeles Lakers star to orchestrate his third stint with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.The seasoned writer envisions the blockbuster move giving Cleveland a better chance to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference while also saving money. Meanwhile, the Lakers would take a “bold” step toward retooling around superstar guard Luka Dončić.Lakers-Cavaliers LeBron James Sign-and-Trade Proposal Could Be Win-Win for Both SidesLA and Cleveland enjoyed fruitful 2025-26 regular seasons, winning 53 and 52 games, respectively. However, both title hopefuls received stark wake-up calls in the playoffs.Despite James’ sustained Year 23 greatness, the injury-plagued Lakers, playing without Dončić (hamstring), were swept 4-0 by the league-best Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, the Cavaliers got trounced 4-0 by the eventual NBA champions, the New York Knicks, in the East finals after squandering a 22-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1.With both teams searching for answers, Pincus believes they could capitalize on James’ impending free agency to successfully reshuffle their decks for the 2026-27 campaign. In his article titled “The LeBron James Sign-and-Trade That Would Change Everything This NBA Offseason,” the analyst proposed the following scenario.Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, $28 million trade exceptionLakers Receive: Jarrett Allen, Dennis Schröder, Dean Wade, Sam MerrillPincus reasoned that such a shake-up would increase Cleveland’s chances of maximizing its title window with backcourt stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, while allowing it to cut costs.“The team needs to improve, especially with Donovan Mitchell eligible for an extension this summer. At its core, the Cavaliers must believe they’ve hit a wall with Evan Mobley/Jarrett Allen pairing and are highly motivated to bring James home to finish his career,” Pincus wrote.“Mobley slides over to his more natural position at center with James at power forward. Cleveland also reduces its payroll to avoid additional second-apron penalties, while bringing on one of the NBA’s all-time greatest players and postseason performers.”Additionally, the Cavaliers would be able to add valuable depth, including James’ son, Bronny.“Ayton, who opts into the second year of his deal at $8.1 million with the Lakers in this scenario, can push Strus to the bench if and when the Cavs want bigger lineups,” Pincus projected.“Cleveland takes on depth from the Lakers in LaRavia and Knecht, along with James’ son, Bronny James, who played brief but legitimate playoff minutes for Los Angeles in the first round against the Houston Rockets.”MORE:‘It Would Have Been Very Good’ — Lakers Star Luka Dončić Reflects on What Could’ve Been With Jalen Brunson in DallasThat said, Pincus noted that such a franchise-altering move would hinge on James and Wade agreeing to sign-and-trade contracts, and Ayton opting into his player option for next season.On the flip side, the mammoth deal would offer LA a chance to make a forward-thinking pivot to build around Dončić’s elite playmaking with outside shooting and a bona fide lob threat.“From a basketball perspective, it’s inevitable. The Lakers must prioritize Dončić’s prime, as he’s one of the most talented scorers in the NBA. James, at his age, isn’t the franchise’s future. Instead, the team chooses not to go under the salary cap this summer, as many expect,” Pincus predicted.“Instead, James yields four rotation players, including a starting center in Allen, a veteran point guard in his third stint in LA in Schröder, a shooter in Merrill, and a versatile defender in Wade.”While Pincus dubbed it a “bold move for the Lakers” to deliberately move on from arguably the league’s greatest player ever coming off his record-extending 22nd All-Star selection, he concluded that “it’s the right time for the franchise to reset and focus on the Dončić era.”

The Dodgers (47-27) beat the Rays (41-29), 1-0, behind a sixth inning Shohei Ohtani home run. Los Angeles clinched the series as they have took two out of three with today's afternoon matinee being the series finale. Los Angeles is tossing Ohtani on the mound a day after he hit the game-winning homer. Ohtani is coming off his worst pitching performance as he allowed three earned runs over 6.2 innings. Ohtani's streak of 10 straight starts with two or fewer earned runs to start the season is over. The Dodgers are 11-2 at home over their last 13 games and won nine of them by two or more runs.Tampa Bay will have Shane McClanahan start today in a meeting of the aces. With McClanahan on the mound, Tampa Bay has lost two straight, but is 8-5 overall this season. The Rays have dropped four of the last five games as the west coast trip has not been kind to them. Tampa Bay has been outscored 20-14 in the last five games as they scored eight runs in the only win — getting outscored 17-6 in the losses.Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.Game details & how to watch Rays at DodgersDate: Wednesday, June 17, 2026Time: 3:10 PM ESTSite: Dodger Stadium City: Los Angeles, CANetwork/Streaming: MLB TVNever miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.Odds for the Rays at the DodgersThe latest odds as of Wednesday:Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-185), Tampa Bay Rays (+152)Spread: Rays +1.5 (-143), Dodgers -1.5 (+119)Total: 7.0Probable starting pitchers for Rays at DodgersWednesday's pitching matchup (June 17): Shane McClanahan vs. Shohei OhtaniRays: Shane McClanahan2026 stats: 64.0 IP, 6-4, 3.23 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 66 Ks, 22 BBDodgers: Shohei Ohtani 2026 Stats: 67.2 IP, 7-2, 1.06 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 73 Ks, 21 BBWho’s Hot? Who’s NotThe Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is hitting .297 with 76 hits, 15 home runs and 42 RBI over 256 at-batsThe Dodgers’ Alex Freeland is hitting .225 with 32 hits and 46 strikeouts over 142 at-batsThe Rays’ Yandy Diaz is hitting .313 with 81 hits, 12 home runs, and 46 RBI over 259 at-batsThe Rays’ Cedric Mullins is hitting .198 with 41 hits and 44 strikeouts over 207 at-batsRotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rays at DodgersThe Dodgers are 37-37 ATSThe Rays are 41-29 ATS, ranking fourth-bestThe Dodgers are 41-33 to the Under, ranking fourth-bestThe Rays are 34-32-4 to the UnderThe Dodgers are 16-20 ATS at homeThe Rays are 18-19 ATS on the roadExpert picks & predictions for today's game between the Dodgers and the RaysRotoworld Bet Best BetPlease bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Wednesday's game between the Rays and the Dodgers:Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dodgers on the Moneyline.Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dodgers at -1.5.Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Under on the Game Total of 7.0Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The most electric man on the pitch was done playing his fake flute. This time, after he became France’s all-time leading goal scorer, Kylian Mbappé raised his arms wide as he ran toward the French sideline. He lifted his right pointer finger and pointed to himself.Number one.That, he most certainly is.The last time Mbappé took the field in a World Cup match he scored a hat trick but walked away on the wrong side of the 2022 final against Argentina, which won in penalty kicks. He picked up right where he left off, though, with his two goals providing the difference in France’s 3-1 victory – all goals coming in the second half – over Senegal on Tuesday, June 16. Greatness always comes with detractors. Mbappé’s standing is no different.“Yeah, well, people will still criticize him,” France head coach Didier Deschamps said through an interpreter after the game. “He’s an iconic player. I’ve always said that. He can miss a game or two from time to time, but on one action, he’s able to tilt the game.“He’s got a global aura due to his real talent. He’s a very decisive player at all times. There may be debates, people vetting their opinions.”Those discussions mean little when Mbappé is doing what he did in the second half against Senegal.A lot of bad, boring football (the American kind) has taken place at the stadium Mbappé graced Tuesday. For the first half, he and France looked like the international soccer version of the New York Jets and New York Giants – lackadaisical and disinterested.That changed once the 27-year-old simply decided, it seemed, to dominate. And if all France needs to remain the tournament favorite is Mbappé to harness some passion and execute his brilliance on occasion, then a third consecutive trip to the final seems more foretold than not.“If he wants to miss the first half again and score two goals in the second half in another match, that’s OK with me,” Deschamps joked. Mbappé’s first goal of the match came after he started stringing together dangerous runs to start the second half. In the 66th minute, Michael Olise threaded a perfect pass into Mbappé’s darting run across the box. Using his world-class skill, Mbappé timed up the arrival of the ball with the twist of his body and thrust of his right leg to beat Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy for the first goal of the afternoon. Coming through on a promise to late-night host James Corden, Mbappé feigned playing the flute to celebrate. “I play to make history with my country and help my team win the World Cup,” he told reporters in French, according to the Associated Press.France added an insurance goal but Senegal made it a one-score game in extra time. Immediately in the aftermath, Mbappé called his own number for an encore, even if his record-setting strike from more than 30 yards away was both serendipitous – the ball trickled to him while unmarked in the middle of the pitch – and skillful. It was like lightning.“It was crazy,” said defender William Saliba. “ … Because we just conceded the first goal for Senegal, and just one minute after, we score a banger. I was so happy. Crazy goal.”Mbappé told reporters prior to the tournament’s start that he’d need to pick up his defensive intensity. He didn’t need to defend much against Senegal, but his first-half performance and willingness to keep pressure in France’s attacking zone indicated a real effort in that area of his game.Not that Deschamps cares.“He’s not here to defend,” the coach said.The intervening years since his World Cup hat trick in December 2022 have been less than perfect for Mbappé. After constantly facing questions about his transfer status, he departed Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid in 2024. While the scoring hasn’t been an issue, Madrid hasn’t won La Liga or the Champions League since his arrival, while PSG remains at the top of Ligue 1 and has captured back-to-back Champions League trophies without him.“He does a lot for the group,” Deschamps said. “On the outside, you can think he’s selfish, well, that’s your opinion. I’m very happy for him.”Mbappé became France's all-time national team goal-scorer, passing Olivier Giroud, with his 58th international career goal. He now has 14 World Cup goals, more than Pele and temporarily more than Lionel Messi – who responded with a hat trick a few hours later – and is tied for fourth all-time.Even if the first half wasn’t ideal, Deschamps said, Mbappé is not a player who doubts himself.“Over the whole game, he could have scored four or five goals, theoretically, but we’re happy with two,” Deschamps said. “His performance was modeled after the whole team. He wasn’t very accurate, precise in the first half. Many mistakes were made.”Mbappé told Deschamps that he wanted to score his record-setting goals in a match that carried significant weight – the World Cup certainly qualifies – and not a friendly.“Great achievement,” midfielder Adrien Rabiot said. “We are happy for him. And I hope he will continue like this for the tournament.”If he does, a third straight trip to the final feels inevitable for “Les Bleus.”This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: France World Cup bracket journey depends on Kylian Mbappe goals

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - APRIL 17: Brendan Sorsby #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders passes during the Texas Tech Spring Game at Jones AT&T Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images for ONIT) | Getty Images for ONIT The NCAA and college football dodged a bullet earlier this week when Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby chose to move on from the Red Raiders and enter the NFL’s supplemental draft. (A lawsuit filed by the Big 12 early Monday may have had something to do with that.) So we will not, in fact, have to endure the surreal circumstances of a guy who admittedly gambled on both the sport he plays and the team he plays for suiting up despite this. Both the NCAA and college sports show the weakness of their awkward position between professional and amateur sports all the time, but never has it been more apparent than in this particular situation.Once again, and as has become standard, a player went to court to fight a ruling that he didn’t like, and he found a sympathetic judge to, at least temporarily, overrule the NCAA. This sort of thing is tolerable if increasingly tedious when it comes to matters of more standard issues of eligibility, but when the issue is eligibility for an admitted sports gambler, it brings home how comical and untenable the college football’s organizational foundation really is. I don’t know what there is to be done about a sideshow cast of judges creating legal precedent in college sports willy-nilly, and it could be there isn’t anything that can be done from an NCAA governance perspective as the system stands now. Which is the problem. We were spared from an embarrassing decision this time around, but no doubt there is some judge in southeast Nebraska with a degree from Hollywood Upstairs Law School poised to tough off the next crisis. It’d be a good idea to head that guy off.

The 126th U.S. Open will be held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, this year, with action beginning on Thursday, June 18, and running through Sunday, June 21. Last year's winner, J.J. Spaun, will be competing again this year, and you can expect some of the usual familiar faces like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm on the course, too. Here's a look at this year's power rankings for the entire field of competitors.To watch all the action at this week's U.S. Open, you can catch daily live streaming coverage on Peacock. The Golf Channel will broadcast daily highlights, and coverage will also air on NBC, USA, and NBCSN. Here's what you need to know about the complete golf tournament schedule, streaming info, and Round 1 tee times. How to watch the 2026 U.S. Open:Dates: June 18-21TV channel: NBC Sports Network, USA, NBC, Golf ChannelStreaming: Peacock, DirecTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and moreWhen is the 2026 U.S. Open?The 2026 U.S. Open runs from June 18-21, 2026.What channel is the 2026 U.S. Open on?The 2026 U.S. Open will. be broadcast across NBCSN, USA, and NBC. Daily coverage will also be broadcast on the Golf Channel.How to stream the 2026 U.S. Open without cable:To watch the Golf Channel, USA, NBCSN, and NBC, those channels are available with subscriptions to YouTube TV and DirecTV. Daily coverage will also stream on Peacock.2026 U.S. Open broadcast schedule:All times EasternThursday, June 186:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Round 1 (USA)5 - 8 p.m.: Round 1 (Peacock)8 - 10 p.m.: Live from the U.S. Open (Golf Channel)Friday, June 196:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Round 2 (NBCSN/Peacock)1:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Round 2 (NBC/Peacock)7:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Round 2 (Peacock)7:30 -9:30 p.m.: Live from the U.S. Open (Golf Channel)Saturday, June 208 - 10a.m.: Live from the U.S. Open (Golf Channel)10 a.m. - Noon: Round 3 (USA)Noon - 8 p.m.: Round 3 (NBC/Peacock)8 - 10 p.m.: Live from the U.S. Open (Golf Channel)Sunday, June 219 a.m. - Noon: Round 4 (USA)Noon - 7 p.m.: Round 4 (NBC/Peacock)7 - 9 p.m.: Live from the U.S. Open (Golf Channel)2026 U.S. Open Round 1 Tee Times:All times ETTBDMore ways to watch the 2026 U.S. Open:

Could This Be His World Cup? Raul Jiménez Started Statement As Mexico Look To Top GroupCould Raúl Jiménez top the scoring charts at the 2026 World Cup? He certainly started in fantastic fashion.Mexico opened their tournament at the iconic Estadio Azteca with a dominant 2-0 victory over South Africa.Julián Quiñones opened the scoring from the edge of the box, capitalising on South Africa’s willingness to play out from the back. Jiménez then added the icing on the cake in the 66th minute with a vintage header that sent the Mexican crowd wild.The striker now has 46 international goals to his name and sits joint-second on Mexico’s all-time scoring list. His goal at the Azteca was also the first World Cup goal of his career, and many are predicting, using odds checkers like Boostfinder, that he has a chance of finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.Now that he has finally broken his World Cup duck, could the weight be lifted from his shoulders as he looks to fire Mexico deep into the tournament?His manager, Javier Aguirre, who didn’t hold back his admiration for the 35-year-old striker after the final whistle.Aguirre also spoke about Jiménez’s journey back to the World Cup stage after the serious skull fracture he suffered in 2020. He also reflected on the difficult few months the striker has endured following the passing of his father, Raúl Jiménez Vega, in March.“I read an interview where he said this has to be his World Cup. I think he got off to a flying start. He had always been in someone else’s shadow, but today he is a starter for this team — and he has truly earned it. On top of that, he was dealing with a personal situation that may have given him extra motivation. And he even scored a goal. It was a perfect day for him.”On the whole, it was a promising performance from Mexico, a side that entered the tournament with several question marks. How would they play? How would they perform under the pressure of hosting a World Cup opener?Based on this display, Mexican fans will have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The atmosphere at the Azteca was electric, and the players responded with a confident and controlled performance.For South Africa, however, there is work to do. Their willingness to play out from the back was admirable, but they rarely looked capable of troubling the Mexican defence and struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities.Things became even more difficult when Yaya Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute. It proved to be a chaotic evening, with Temba Zwane also shown a red card for an elbowing incident. Mexico were reduced to ten men as well when Cesar Montes received his marching orders, meaning the match finished 10 v 9.South Africa now have two suspended players to replace for their next fixture, while Mexico will be without one.Jiménez and Mexico will take on South Korea in Guadalajara on Friday, while South Africa face the Czech Republic in Atlanta.Speaking of South Korea and the Czech Republic, the two sides produced an entertaining encounter of their own.Despite South Korea enjoying much of the possession and creating the better chances, it was the Czech Republic who struck first. In the second half, a cross from Vladimir Coufal found Ladislav Krejčí, who fired the Czechs into the lead.South Korea responded quickly. Hwang In-beom levelled matters in the 67th minute with a lovely piece of skill before delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Matěj Kovář.The midfielder was at the heart of everything good for the Koreans and played a decisive role again in the 80th minute, this time providing the assist for Oh Hyeon-gyu to complete the turnaround.It was a bright start to the tournament for South Korea, who showed resilience to recover from a goal down and claim all three points. The victory leaves them in a strong position ahead of their meeting with Mexico in what could prove to be a crucial clash in Group A.

Intro TK: minus “good morning”

The girls soccer season recently drew to a close, and now it's time for postseason awards, leading with your chance to vote for the MVP.More Rockford-area polls: Come and vote in the Rockford-area boys track and field MVP for 2026This is your opportunity to choose the Rockford-area's girls soccer MVP in our poll. The poll will stay open for one week, and then we will announce the winner. Please vote only once per day.Choose from the nominees below, or vote for "Other," and email jtaft@rrstar.com to tell us who you think deserves the honor, and why.Here are the nominees:Girls soccer MVP nomineesLaney Carlson, LutheranNora Carson, Belvidere NorthHaylee Gallas, Belvidere NorthAva Galluzzo, BoylanBrynn Green, ByronGaby Guardado, OregonDelilah Hawley, GuilfordBoey Herren, HarlemLeah Hopper, HononegahAvery Malcolm, Rockford ChristianAva Reese, Rockford ChristianZoe Schmidt, BoylanBerkeley Stenstrom, GuilfordSydney Stovall, JeffersonStella Stubbe, Rockford LutheranAva Tirado, BoylanGracie Whitham, FreeportKendall Zanoni, HarlemOther (email jtaft@rrstar.com)Jay Taft is a Rockford Register Star sports reporter. Email him at jtaft@rrstar.com and sign up for the Rockford High School Sports Newsletter here at rrstar.com. Jay has covered a variety of sports, from the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks to local youth sports, since the turn of the century at the Register Star.This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Come and vote on your Rockford-area girls soccer MVP on our poll

Real Madrid report Negreira case to UEFA, demand sanctionsReal Madrid has stepped up its stance in the offices of European football. The club has submitted a formal document to UEFA’s disciplinary bodies regarding the 'Negreira Case'. In this document, the Madrid club provides new evidence which, they claim, conclusively strengthens the indications of corruption.The Madrid board argues that the prolonged payments to José María Enríquez Negreira, former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees, lack justification. For Real Madrid, these events represent a "systemic risk of the utmost seriousness" that directly threatens the integrity, equality and impartiality of competitions."Real Madrid stresses that these facts amount to (...) a structure of improper influence over the refereeing establishment, incompatible with the essential principles of competitive equality", the forceful statement reads.For this reason, the club has urged UEFA to immediately reopen the disciplinary proceedings that were launched at the time. They consider it unacceptable for the situation to drag on, as it seriously damages the credibility of the sport. They therefore demand a firm, exemplary and immediate response as a matter of urgency.Real Madrid clarifies that this request is entirely independent of the criminal judicial proceedings in Spain, where the club remains involved as a private prosecutor. They are asking sporting justice to act autonomously to protect the proper functioning of football, ensuring that "acts of this nature do not go unpunished".This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Fabio Ingolitsch took over at Sturm Graz during the winter break [Getty Images]Hearts were either going to be drawn against seeded sides Sturm Graz or Fenerbahce in the Champions League second qualifying round and it was the Austrians who came out of the pot.On the one hand, it means they drew a side who finished 26th in last season's Europa League instead of one that finished above Celtic in 19th.However, it also means they will be unseeded for the third qualifying round should they win on aggregate after the games in Graz on 21/22 July and the return at Tynecastle the following week.Facing Fabio Ingolitsch's Austrian Bundesliga runners-up could be considered the slightly easier tie, but either was going to be tough considering their greater European experience.However, it should be viewed as winnable considering Sturm only narrowly defeated Rangers 2-1 at home - and lost to Celtic by the same score in Glasgow - in October at a time when both sides of the Old Firm were facing a bit of turmoil.They had dropped into the Europa League after a 6-2 aggregate thrashing by Norwegians Bodo/Glimt in their Champions League play-off.That was before Ingolitch was appointed during the winter break from Bundesliga rivals Rheindorf Altach with Jurgen Saumel having left with his side sitting third in the domestic table.The 34-year-old former midfielder led his side to the top of the table by the end of the first stage of the season, but they let a one-point lead slip after their version of the league split and ended up two adrift of LASK. A scenario that will sound familiar to Hearts fans.The Austrian has already made four summer signings, none of them household names, and 20-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina right-back Arjan Malic is their only player at the current World Cup.However, there are some players than might be familiar to British fans outside of those games against the Old Firm.Slovenia defensive midfielder Jon Gorenc Stankovic was signed in 2020 from Huddersfield Town, while defender Emanuel Aiwu had a loan spell with Birmingham City.Georgia midfielder Otar Kiteishvili has featured against Scotland, while midfielder Ryan Fosso, recently made his Cameroon debut after switching allegiance from Switzerland.However, it is not a tie that should strike fear into whoever becomes head coach should Derek McInnes move to Rangers as expected.Does a tie against Lyon, Bodo/Glimt, Olympiacos, or the winner of Fenerbahce against Gornik Zabrze await?

Juventus Tracking Bologna Defender and Napoli LoaneeJuventus are widening their scope after appointing Giovanni Carnevali, and he and Luciano Spalletti intend to bring in a few established players already familiar with Serie A and have added Jhon Lucumi and Elijf Elmas to their wish list, Gianluca Di Marzio reports.The latter won’t stay at Napoli following his return on loan from RB Leipzig. He contributed to the Scudetto under the current Bianconeri boss in 2022/2023. He wasn’t a regular starter in the last campaign, but he still played a lot, scoring once and providing 4 assists in 44 appearances. The Azzurri will pass on their €16.5M option to buy, but he’s unlikely to stay in Germany.While Juventus would have to negotiate with Leipzig for Elmas, they could sign Lucumi by activating his €28M release clause by mid-July, or haggle with Bologna afterward. He’s likely to depart this summer because his contract is up in 2027. He doesn’t plan to prolong it.The 27-year-old arrived in Italy from Genk in 2022 and has piled up 152 appearances since. He has 37 caps with Colombia under his belt. The Old Lady is in the market for a new center-back because, in addition to Gleison Bremer’s uncertain future, Federico Gatti could be sold for financial reasons, Tuttomercatoweb reports. Napoli and Roma tested the waters, but the Bianconeri value him at around €30M.Our Take on Juventus, Elmas, and LucumiThey should do what they can to convince Tarik Muharemovic before pivoting toward other left-footed center-backs and eventually add one that would be a clear upgrade over Lloyd Kelly. It’s debatable whether the Rossoblù star falls into such a category. The North Macedonian talisman would be a fine deputy under the right circumstances.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott talks with offensive coordinator Joe Brady during drills on the opening day of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The days following the Buffalo Bills 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round were a lot for the team’s fans… and their coaches, including Joe Brady. In an exclusive sit-down with Matt Parrino of NewYorkUpstate.com, Buffalo’s new head coach spoke on his emotions when he got word of the McDermott firing in late January.Brady first told Parrino he was “devastated,” later adding:“I was broken. I was broken for a guy that I worked for. I was also broken for the rest of the coaching staff that is sitting there, like, we’re all out of jobs right now. There was a lot of emotion going on.”Parrino went on to document the whirlwind of emotions Brady experienced at that specific time, as he had to immediately prepare for offensive coordinator and head coach interviews with other teams once the Bills landed back in Buffalo. This sit-down, which was also captured on Parrino’s Shout! Podcast, is an all-encompassing look into everything that transpired from Buffalo’s postseason defeat until Brady was hired to succeed McDermott as Buffalo’s head coach. It wonderfully sheds light on the human element of the NFL. Brady worked for McDermott since 2022, and he had been grateful McDermott gave him the Bills offensive coordinator job in the first place after Ken Dorsey was fired in the middle of the 2023 campaign. Brady also went into detail about the uncertainty of where he potentially would’ve had to move his family if he were hired elsewhere. Also, at the outset of his job search, he did not believe he’d be calling the plays in Buffalo anymore. We all know what ultimately happened, as the Bills elevated Brady from offensive coordinator to head coach. Make sure to check out Parrino’s piece (and podcast) in its entirety. It’s a fantastic interview.

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

Who is having a better 2026 MLB season? Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Ben Rice? I promise, this isn’t a trick question. One player has 20 home runs and 49 RBI, while the other has three home runs and 27 RBI. Do you still need help to make your choice? The first player in this situation has a 2.3 WAR, while the other has a 0.7 WAR. Did the answer get any easier? For those that don’t have every player’s statistical line memorized, it’s Rice with a 2.3 WAR and 20 home runs, while Guerrero Jr. has a 0.7 WAR and three home runs.MORE: Dodgers give big update on All-Star closer’s injuryThe All-Star Voting ProblemJun 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) rounds third base en route to scoring during the tenth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesDetermining which player is leading the American League first base voting should be easy. Of course it’s Rice, right? He’s clearly the better player, and it’s not even close. However, I’ve led the witness here, and in talking about something this obvious, it’s Guerrero Jr. who is currently ahead of Rice. And that is why there’s a clear issue with the MLB All-Star voting process, and it needs to be fixed.The All-Star Game is for the fans, but it’s also meant to recognize the best players from that particular season. Beyond the prestige, there are financial incentives and career accolades tied to making an All-Star team, which makes getting the process right even more important.Fans Should Still Have a VoiceMay 4, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesFor fans, the event is a chance to watch baseball’s biggest stars share the field. In today’s world, though, fans have more access to players than ever before through television, streaming, highlights, and social media. Fan involvement should absolutely remain part of the process, but the goal should still be to reward the players who have performed the best.I’m not suggesting fans need to become statistical experts or spend hours analyzing advanced metrics. But when the gap between two players is this obvious, the voting results shouldn’t be heading in the wrong direction. No reasonable observer would look at the seasons Rice and Guerrero Jr. are having and call it a close race.A Simple SolutionSo how can MLB improve the process while still keeping fans involved? My proposal is simple: narrow the ballot before the voting begins. Pick a date, June 1 works well, and use WAR or another comprehensive metric to identify the top five players at each position in both leagues. WAR isn’t perfect, and no statistic can fully capture a player’s value. However, it does a solid job of identifying the most productive players across the game.Once those finalists are selected, hand the vote over to the fans and let them decide. That keeps the fan element intact while ensuring the players being considered have actually earned the opportunity through their performance on the field. The All-Star Game should be about the best players and the fans. With a system like this, MLB can accomplish both.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

On the small, quick greens typical of a Donald Ross layout, the second-round 68 that Bryan Hoops posted in Round 2 of the Golfweek Senior National Championship is no small feat. Hoops, the defending champion from Tempe, Arizona, moved from 3 over to 1 under and built himself a six-shot lead entering the final round at Benvenue Country Club in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.Hoops’ card was colorful in the first round at Benvenue – to the tune of five birdies, four bogeys and two doubles. On Tuesday, however, he had only one bogey in his 68. Hoops, who plays a full slate of mid-amateur and senior events, won the Society of Seniors Senior Masters earlier in the spring. He was top 5 in the Huddleston Invitational Senior division last month.A group of three players are tied for second at 5 over, well behind Hoops though not out of striking distance in the final round. That contingent includes Chad Branton of Cartersville, Georgia; Lenny Nash of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Yancey Johnson of Simpsonville, South Carolina.Kevin VandenBerg, who co-led with Johnson at even par after Monday’s first round, slipped to a 78 on Tuesday and is now in a tie for fifth.In the Super Senior division, a North Carolina legend rose to the top of the leaderboard. Paul Simson of Raleigh, North Carolina, is a two-time U.S. Senior Amateur champion (2010 and 2012) who also won the British Senior Amateur and Canadian Senior Amateur in 2010.On Tuesday, he backed up an opening 76 with a round of 75 and at 7 over, rose to the top of the leaderboard on the strength of consistency. Simson is one shot ahead of Tom Sweigart of Vail, Arizona, and three shots ahead of Stevie Cannady of Pooler, Georgia. First-round leader Bob Beck, the leading playing in the Golfweek National Senior Amateur Rankings for Super Seniors, dropped to a tie for fourth.In the Legend division, Terry Tyson of Perrysburg, Ohio, is 1 over and has an eight-shot lead. Tyson had the low round of the day in the first round, 1-under 71. He posted 74 on Tuesday.Don Donatoni of West Chester, Pennsylvania, maintained his Super Legends lead after rounds of 74-72.This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Golfweek Senior National Championship 2026 second round scores

Caitlin Clark may have just dropped the biggest clue yet about her Nike signature shoe originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Caitlin Clark has become one of the WNBA's biggest trendsetters, and not just because of what she does on the court. The Indiana Fever superstar routinely grabs attention with her pregame fashion choices, something we've covered before when her tunnel outfits sparked conversations across social media. But while fans have spent plenty of time discussing Clark's style, her latest appearance before Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Tempo may have generated even more excitement for an entirely different reason.Clark arrived wearing a striking vintage Alexander McQueen blue suit that immediately stood out. The tailored blazer, matching pants, white crop top and white sneakers made for another memorable pregame look. Yet it wasn't the outfit itself that had Fever fans scrambling for answers online.Instead, all eyes quickly shifted to the bracelets on Clark's wrist. One bracelet featured the words "Caitlin 1," while another appeared to include the date "10-01-26." Within minutes, social media users began connecting the dots and wondering whether Clark had just provided the strongest hint yet regarding the release of her highly anticipated Nike signature shoe.MORE: Caitlin Clark was already making headlines before the Fever even tipped offFans Think The Clues Are Adding UpThe speculation wasn't exactly coming out of nowhere. Over the past several days, Clark has quietly fueled anticipation surrounding her partnership with Nike. Fans noticed that she changed her Instagram username to "caitlin1" and updated her profile photo to what appeared to be a close-up image of a sneaker.Tuesday's bracelet only added more fuel to the fire. Basketball sneaker account BR Kicks quickly highlighted the accessory online, suggesting Clark may have revealed the launch date for her first signature shoe. Fans immediately flooded social media with reactions.Some expressed excitement about finally seeing the long-awaited sneaker after months of anticipation. Others joked that the rollout felt similar to a Taylor Swift-style easter egg campaign, with Clark dropping subtle clues for fans to uncover.Clark's Response Only Increased The SpeculationClark didn't exactly shut down the speculation either. When asked about the bracelet before the game, the Fever star smiled and offered a response that only intensified the conversation."Mark your calendars, I guess."That's hardly a formal announcement, but it was enough to send fans into another frenzy. Clark also spoke positively about the process of creating the shoe with Nike and suggested the final product exceeded even her own expectations."When I saw the final product, it was kind of one of those moments where you have those moments in life, and you're like, 'That's the one,'" Clark said. "You kind of just know in the moment, like that's going to be something special."A Signature Shoe Launch Would Be A Major MomentThose comments carry significant weight considering the anticipation surrounding Clark's first signature sneaker. Since entering the WNBA, she has become one of the most marketable athletes in sports, helping drive record television ratings, attendance figures and merchandise sales.A signature shoe launch would represent another major milestone in her rapidly growing influence. Whether the date on the bracelet truly marks the official release remains to be seen. Neither Nike nor Clark has formally announced a launch date. But after weeks of hints, social media changes and now a bracelet that appears to contain both a shoe name and a date, fans are increasingly convinced that something big is on the horizon.For now, Clark has everyone doing exactly what she suggested.They're marking their calendars.More WNBA news:Caitlin Clark was already making headlines before the Fever even tipped offCameron Brink turns heads with stylish arrival before Sparks-Valkyries matchupCameron Brink had fans buzzing before tipoff with unexpected pregame talentDream basically unbeatable when Angel Reese does one particular thing

What are India's highest totals in an ODI innings? Top 10 highest ODI totals listed as India cross 400-mark against Afghanistan originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Shubman Gill (154 off 110 balls) and Ishan Kishan (125 off 79 balls) starred as India posted a total of 402 runs against Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI at Lucknow.India have now crossed the 400-run mark for the eighth time in ODI history against six different opponents.England holds the all-time record with 498/4 against the Netherlands in Amstelveen in 2022.India reaches 400-run total first time since 2023 ODI World CupTeam India put on an absolute batting masterclass on Wednesday as they put up a mammoth total of 402 runs at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.This was the Indian national team's first 400+ score in over 30 months, with their last 400+ score coming against the Netherlands at the 2023 ICC World Cup at Bengaluru.Twin centuries by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul had powered India to 410/4 in that game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as the national team dominated the associate side.But since then India had failed to reach the same heights. But today, the duo of Shubman Gill and returnee Ishan Kishan decided it was time for another history-making moment.This was also India's eighth time breaking the 400-run mark, with Captain Gill leading from the front with a majestic 154 off 110 balls, his ninth ODI century, before Kishan delivered one of the most destructive innings of the day.Kishan reached his century in just 71 balls and also completed 1000 ODI runs during the knock, becoming the sixth Indian to reach the milestone in 26 innings or fewer.Veteran opener Rohit Sharma contributed a brisk 48 in classic Hitman style before Rashid Khan bowled him. But the base was already laid down, and the Gill-Kishan partnership formed the spine of the innings. Afghanistan's bowling attack, reliant on Rashid and Ghazanfar, found few answers as India accelerated deep into the innings.MORE: India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI live score, toss winner, winning probability, result and highlightsWhat are India's highest ODI totals? Top 10 listedAs one of the best ODI sides of the last 20 years, India has been constantly setting up 350+ totals since Mahendra Singh Dhoni took the helm as captain.Not only that, but every time India breached the 400-run mark in ODIs, they had a mega-centurion on the crease anchoring their innings and helping them reach that landmark total.Virendra Sehwag was the anchor in three such innings, which are also India's top three ODI totals of all time, with the 2011 game against the West Indies in Indore witnessing Sehwag's majestic 219. Sachin Tendulkar also played a key role, with his 200* against South Africa helping India reach a 400+ total and making him the first batsman to score a double century.Recently, names like Kishan, Sharma, Iyer, and Gill have powered India to huge totals on the back of their majestic tons.India's Top 10 Highest ODI TotalsRankScoreOpponentVenueYearTop scorer1418/5West IndiesIndore2011Sehwag 2192414/7Sri LankaRajkot2009Sehwag 1463413/5BermudaPort of Spain2007Sehwag 1144410/4NetherlandsBengaluru2023Iyer 128*5409/8BangladeshChattogram2022Kishan 2106402AfghanistanLucknow2026Gill 1547404/5Sri LankaKolkata2014Rohit 2648401/3South AfricaGwalior2010Tendulkar 200*9392/4New ZealandChristchurch2009Tendulkar 16310383/6EnglandCuttack2017Yuvraj 150MORE: WATCH: Virat meets RCB teammate Jordan Cox in LondonTop 10 highest ODI totals of all timeBut while India are numbered by milestone scores, they are not the highest-scoring side in ODIs in the all-time record. In fact, their highest-ever total of 418/5 is not even among the top five highest ODI totals of all time. India lands in a humble seventh place, with England being the absolute champion of record-setting performances in recent years.Between 2016 and 2022, England single-handedly broke the record for the highest total in an ODI match three times, with their last record, set in 2022 against the Netherlands, still standing. Interestingly, the second and third best ODI totals of all time also belong to England, with Sri Lanka and South Africa rounding out the top five.The bottom five are dominated by India, which has three totals between the sixth and the tenth places, while Australia completes the rankings with two magnificent totals of their own.RankScoreTeamOpponentVenueYear1498/4EnglandNetherlandsAmstelveen20222481/6EnglandAustraliaNottingham20183444/3EnglandPakistanNottingham20164443/9Sri LankaNetherlandsAmstelveen20065439/2South AfricaWest IndiesJohannesburg20156434/4AustraliaSouth AfricaJohannesburg20067418/5IndiaWest IndiesIndore20118417/6AustraliaAfghanistanPerth20159414/7IndiaSri LankaRajkot200910413/5IndiaBermudaPort of Spain2007For all the latest cricket news, opinion and commentary and to share your voice head to our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Tottenham want £20m as bids rejected for forward LankshearTottenham Hotspur have rejected multiple approaches for Will Lankshear with the club demanding a fee in the region of £20m.Lankshear impressed on loan with Oxford in the Championship last season, where he scored 12 goals and added four assists. Several sides are keen on the 21-year-old, both in England and Europe.Middlesbrough failed with a £15m offer for Lankshear in January, a fee that would have been dependent on promotion.Hayters are reporting that Sporting CP are among the clubs interested in Lankshear. The Portuguese side have tracked the player’s progress this season and believe Lankshear has the potential to follow Viktor Gyokeres from the Championship to the Primeira Liga. Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry City in 2023 and scored 97 goals in 102 games before signing for Arsenal last summer.Spurs are not actively looking to sell Lankshear, and are open to allowing the forward to spend another season on loan in the Championship.However, bids of around £20m would be considered for the academy product to fund the club’s transfer business.Spurs are set to invest heavily this summer and are interested in £100m-rated Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The North Londoners have also agreed a £52m fee with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke.Read – England vs Croatia – Combined XI ahead of World Cup clashSee more – England vs Croatia – Match preview and team newsFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Nature, Published online: 17 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01719-xRelics of wonder.

Executives from Anthropic, OpenAI and Mistral will be among those attending a lunch meeting with leaders from many of the world’s richest nations.

This vintage hutch was a diamond in the (gummy, painted-over) rough. READ MORE...

Milan blow as Krösche and Hardung won’t leave Eintracht FrankfurtMilan have appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, but plans to reshape the club’s management structure have stalled, with Markus Krösche and Timmo Hardung set to remain at Eintracht Frankfurt.Milan’s search for a new director of football and sporting director has to start from scratch, as Eintracht Frankfurt pair Krösche and Hardung are not expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer.Krösche and Hardung won’t join MilanAccording to sources in Germany, quoted by Gazzetta, Eintracht are unwilling to release their directors, as doing so would affect their planning for the 2026-27 campaign.Both Krösche and Hardung had reached an agreement with Milan over the last few days, giving the green light to appointing Amorim as their new coach.MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: The AC Milan fans show their support during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 08: Markus Krosche, Sporting Director of Eintracht Frankfurt speaks to the media prior to the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on May 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)Eintracht, however, have refused to release the pair, especially as the Rossoneri are reportedly unwilling to pay a fee to secure their release.Krösche was set to become Milan’s new Football Director, with Hardung joining as a sporting director, but Milan’s search will have to start from scratch now.

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesMilwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby has reached one of the rarest statistical markers of the 2026 MLB season after becoming the first pitcher in the majors to reach 10 wins, with all 10 coming in relief.The achievement was confirmed on 17 June, with Ashby joining a short piece of MLB history that had stood alone for 67 years.The previous case came in 1959, when Roy Face also became the first pitcher in the majors to reach 10 wins with every one of those wins coming out of the bullpen.Aaron Ashby joins Roy Face in rare MLB companyPhoto by Kylie Bridenhagen/MLB Photos via Getty ImagesThe detail that makes Ashby’s start stand out is not only the 10 wins. It is how he got them.Ashby became only the second pitcher in MLB history to be the first pitcher in the majors to reach 10 wins while having all 10 come in relief.That places the Brewers left-hander alongside Roy Face in 1959, a comparison that underlines how specific and unusual the achievement is.The statistic is narrow, but that is what gives it value. It is not a general relief record or a projection about where Ashby’s season will finish.It is a verified historical marker tied to a precise point in the MLB season.Brewers pitcher has built unusual 2026 stat line from the bullpenAshby’s wider 2026 line also shows why the milestone has drawn attention.Current season data lists him at 10-0 with a 2.86 ERA, 32 games, one start, 44.0 innings, 61 strikeouts, and a 1.36 WHIP.That profile points to a pitcher being used far more often as a reliever than as a starter.It also explains why the 10-win total stands out in a category usually associated more closely with starting pitchers.Ashby had already reached 9-0 in late May, which showed the unusual nature of his season before he reached double figures.The Brewers pitcher now has a statistical link to Face that had not been matched for 67 years.For a modern reliever, that is the point of the achievement: the number itself is notable, but the route to it is what makes it historically rare.Read more:USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game breaks major NBA, NFL, and MLB viewership recordsCC Sabathia explains why Derek Jeter is still ‘the king of New York’ ahead of Jalen BrunsonMLB analyst backs Cal Raleigh to return from injury ‘on fire’ thanks to ‘different’ plate approach

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesGiannis Antetokounmpo’s time in Milwaukee increasingly looks like a question of when, not if.The two-time MVP has become the defining name of this upcoming offseason, and the Boston Celtics have emerged as a serious suitor.Pulling off a deal is enormously complicated — near-impossible without Jaylen Brown heading the other way in a three-team trade, which would leave the Celtics with salary headaches galore.Not everyone is convinced the prize justifies the haul. ESPN’s Michael Wilbon used a recent television segment to question whether any franchise should still be reshaping itself around Giannis. And he did not phrase it gently.Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty ImagesGiannis Antetokounmpo’s recent playoff record has worn Wilbon’s patience thinThe frustration is rooted in five increasingly quiet postseasons.Giannis dragged the Bucks to the 2021 title and was named Finals MVP, but Milwaukee has not been back to the Finals since. One playoff series win in four seasons, followed by three straight first-round exits, is the kind of record that invites hard questions.Speaking on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption, Wilbon delivered one of the bluntest assessments of the Greek’s stock yet.He said: “I don’t believe in Giannis anymore. Giannis is a rumor. Giannis hasn’t done jack in the months that matter, which would be May and June since 2021. Five years is forever in professional sports…“Giannis can look obsolete very quickly if he can’t get his butt out there and contribute heavily, massively, in May and June.”Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesThe injuries that complicate the case against the Bucks starThere is truth in the criticism — the playoff drought is real. But the picture is messier than a simple failure of will.Injuries have shaped most of those exits. Giannis was hampered by a back problem when the eighth-seeded Miami Heat stunned the top-seeded Bucks in 2023, then missed the entire 2024 postseason with a calf injury.A year later, Milwaukee’s gamble on Damian Lillard unraveled when the guard tore his Achilles in the playoffs — a partnership that never delivered the second star the roster was built around.Wilbon’s impatience is understandable, but it may not age well. Whatever the playoff scars, the team that lands Giannis Antetokounmpo almost certainly gets better — which is exactly why Boston, Miami and others keep calling.READ MORE: Clippers emerge as potential third-team to help Celtics make Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Photo by Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesLionel Messi netted his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina recorded a 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J.The Inter Miami No.10 showed absolutely no sign of weariness at the age of 38 as he tormented the Algerians, even netting a fourth goal which was unfortunately deemed offside.Messi is now tied with the legendary Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals – and is just a single strike away from becoming the outright top scorer at the World Cup.However, none of this would have happened had the South American stuck to his decision to retire from international football in 2016 – a call he later reversed due to his sheer love for Argentina.Lionel Messi reversed 2016 retirement out of love for ArgentinaThe former Barcelona star announced his retirement from international football back in June 2016 after missing his penalty in the shootout, as Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final that year.Photo by Hector Vivas/LatinContent via Getty ImagesIt was a fourth major final defeat in nine years for Messi with Argentina, and he had simply had enough. As quoted by BBC Sport, the South American said at the time: “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion. It’s been four finals, I tried.“It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over. I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, then for everyone.“I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it. It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.”However, Messi – who could have been sent off against Algeria – did eventually return to the Argentina side in August 2016, citing his love for his country as the primary reason.As quoted by the Guardian, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I see there are many problems in Argentinian football and I don’t intend to create another one. I don’t want to cause any damage, I’ve always tried to do just the opposite, to help all that I can.“We need to fix many things in Argentinian football, but I prefer to do this from inside and not criticise from outside. Many things went through my head the day of the last final and I seriously thought of leaving, but I love this country and this shirt too much. I’m grateful to all the people who wanted me to continue playing with Argentina, hopefully we can give them something to cheer about soon.”Messi – who could win the Super Ballon d’Or in 2029 – ended up doing exactly that.Five years after reversing his decision to retire, the Argentine led his country to the 2021 Copa America, before securing the ultimate prize in 2022 as Argentina won the World Cup.Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesNot only that, but Messi secured another Copa America title in 2024.Individually, the former PSG maestro can also now boast a quite remarkable record of 120 goals in his 200 appearances for Argentina.However, it all could have been so different for Messi had he stuck by his decision to retire from international football in 2016.

Football fans in Texas for the World Cup have been embracing American gun culture, flocking to a Dallas shooting range for an experience “we don’t get in England”.The DFW Gun Range and Academy in Dallas has hosted a “little conga line of multi-cultures”, with various teams’ fans visiting since the World Cup started. Staff member Carlos Castaneda reported that visitor numbers have “kicked up” notably in the past two days, coinciding with the arrival of Three Lions supporters. Matthew Connell, 28, from Preston, said that the shooting range was “packed with fellow England fans”.“It’s been hot, it’s been very hot,” he said.“It’s full of English fans here. You can tell everyone’s just come down here to try it out because it’s something we don’t get in England and it’s really good.”He said that the size of Dallas and the surrounding areas hosting the World Cup meant supporters had spread out across the region rather than gathering in one location.“There’s so much to do and it’s so spread out here and Dallas is such a massive place – everyone’s just all over the place,” he said.England fans Matthew Connell (left) and Thomas Critchley from Preston pose with their targets at the DFW Gun Range and Academy in Dallas (PA)“In other tournaments people might be all together but not here.”Mr Connell said the trip had highlighted cultural differences between the United States and England.He said: “Even though you look at America and think it’s quite similar to England, it is a massive change in culture.“The size of the cars being one thing, the big SUVs they drive.“And the whole gun culture – like here, the way they all talk about it, it’s just so normal for them and it’s like, wow.”Commenting on his experience at the range, Mr Connell said: “You quickly realise that it’s a lot different to the video games, all the little intricacies with it, but yeah, it’s really good – I’d recommend it to anyone over here.”An England fan sits outside the DFW Gun Range and Academy in Dallas (PA)Asked whether he would like similar access to firearms in Britain, he replied: “No, I think we’re good without them.”Mr Castaneda said the World Cup had brought in an influx of overseas visitors.“The last few days have been hectic – the Netherlands, the Japanese and now the British,” he said.“It’s fun – it’s like a little conga line of multi-cultures. It feels like we’re hosting a very, very big get together.”Mr Castaneda said almost all of the foreign visitors had told staff they were in Texas for the World Cup.Speaking about how many England fans he had seen, he continued: “The last two days have kicked up.DFW Gun Range Academy staff member Carlos Castaneda (PA)“Saturday and Sunday there was a lot of Dutch and a lot of Japanese, then into Monday we started seeing a lot more British.“But today it’s been nothing but British.”Mr Castaneda would not be drawn on how well Three Lions fans had fared at the shooting range, saying: “There’s no comparison, everyone starts somewhere, there’s no judgment.”He added: “But in terms of personality, as customers you guys have been nothing but phenomenal.“Very, very personable people, very enjoyable – a lot of questions, a lot of answers, very informative also.”Mr Castaneda explained that people from all over the world viewed the shooting range with “different perspectives”.He said: “They come here and it’s kind of like a hobby almost, a recreation.“It’s no different for us than going to Topgolf, or going to a driving range or doing other kinds of recreational sport.“But yeah, different people, different lives.”

Edwin Feulner, a former congressional aide in Washington who rose to prominence as a co-founder of the influential Christian Nationalist right-wing think-tank, The Heritage Foundation, died on Friday. He was 83. The Heritage Foundation announced his death but provided no details. Related IRS says churches can now endorse political candidates in move that “threatens our democracy” Feulner (pronounced FULL-ner) co-founded the group with another now-prominent right-wing Republican, Paul Weyrich. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The far-right policy group has long advocated against LGBTQ+ rights, including bans on marriage equality, LGBTQ+ military service members, trans service members, adoption by gay and same-sex parents, gender-affirming care for trans youth, and advocating for “conversion therapy” and draconian bans on LGBTQ+ content in libraries. Heritage generally opposes anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination measures, opposed the Supreme Court’s Bostock decision to include “sex” in discrimination rulings, and opposes the Equality Act, federal legislation that would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. With its founding in 1973, Feulner and Weyrich transformed the conservative think tank model from “ivory tower” to “accessible”, based on easily digestible policy briefs they called “backgrounders”, distributed to lawmakers before a vote to influence policy outcomes, rather than waiting to deliberate on the results afterward. “It doesn’t do us any good to have great ideas if we are not out there peddling our products,” Feulner told the Washington Examiner. Rightwing House Speaker Newt Gingrich called the Heritage Foundation “the Parthenon of the conservative metropolis.” Feulner served as founding president of the organization until 2013, and again briefly in 2018. The group gained renewed prominence in 2024 with their policy recommendations for a second Trump administration, called Project 2025, a nearly-thousand-page far-right conservative wish list that has been implemented with an army of appointees — many recommended by Heritage — at every level in every department of the federal government. Partner organizations for Project 2025’s advisory board include anti-LGBTQ groups Alliance Defending Freedom, Eagle Forum, Family Policy Alliance, Moms for Liberty, Turning Point USA, and dozens of other far-right organizations. Trump publicly distanced himself from Project 2025 during the campaign but has embraced its goals as an organizing principle for his second term. Feulner described those early on in the history of the Heritage Foundation as “free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional values and a strong national defense.” Project 2025 was the latest iteration of the “Mandate for Leadership,” another wish list for new presidents that Heritage has issued since Ronald Reagan took office in 1981. That document, also around a thousand pages and “the nuts and bolts of how you make the kind of changes that philosophers and academics have been talking about,” said Feulner, was distributed by Reagan at his first cabinet meeting. Heritage claimed that about 60% of its suggestions had been acted on by the Reagan administration in its first year in power. Heritage identified Trump as a pliable partner for its conservative goals early on. In 2016, as the Republican establishment turned against him, Feulner’s successor as the group’s president, Tea Partier and former Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), pursued a collaborative relationship with the Trump campaign. With Trump’s win, Feulner became head of domestic policy for Trump’s first transition. The group returned again with a database of thousands of loyal conservatives to appoint to political office. The Heritage Foundation was launched in 1973 with a $260,000 donation from beer baron Joseph Coors, a far-right conservative and notorious homophobe. At the early peak of Heritage Foundation influence in 1984, Feulner told The New York Times, “The years in the wilderness gave us the time to work out challenges to the prevailing orthodoxy.” Feulner saw “intellectual ferment” happening on the left — new ideas, new institutional energy. “Now we are in the mainstream,” he cautioned, “and we will suffer for that like the liberals before us.” President Trump meeting with Edwin Feulner (left front) co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, Leonard Leo (fifth back on right) co-chairman of the Federalist Society, and other conservative group leaders in 2017. pic.twitter.com/aXR9MS7Atc— Sheryl Holson (@holson_sheryl) September 28, 2024 Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Real Madrid boss Mourinho making enquiries for Man City and Benfica defendersReal Madrid may have completed four signings already this summer, but their transfer business is far from over.According to Matteo Moretto of MARCA, Los Blancos remain fully committed to bringing in another centre-back before the transfer window closes. It must be noted that the club has already strengthened several areas of Jose Mourinho’s squad with the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva, yet the defensive rebuild is reportedly still ongoing.The report suggests that adding another central defender remains one of the club’s biggest priorities, with Mourinho personally involved in identifying potential targets.A clear transfer priorityWhile analysing Real Madrid’s summer plans, Moretto revealed that the club’s intentions leave little room for doubt.“I’ve been told they are 100% committed to signing another centre-back,” he said.Real Madrid will sign another centre-back this summer. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)Despite signing Konate already and renewing Antonio Rudiger’s contract, the Portuguese manager wants additional depth and competition in a position he considers crucial to the success of his project.As a result, Real Madrid continue to monitor several profiles across Europe as they evaluate the best option available on the market.Ruben Dias and Tomas Araujo emerge as key targetsAccording to Moretto, Mourinho has already become actively involved in the process.In fact, the Real Madrid manager has been making enquiries about multiple defenders, with two names standing out in particular.“Mourinho is calling, sounding out, asking about Rúben Dias from City and Araujo,” said Moretto.Rúben Dias would represent an established and proven option, while Tomos Araujo offers a different profile.Mourinho wants Tomas Araujo at Real Madrid. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)The Benfica defender is considered one of Portugal’s brightest young defensive talents and has attracted attention from several major clubs thanks to his development over recent seasons.Both players fit the type of defender Mourinho is believed to admire, albeit for different reasons.Schlotterbeck on Real Madrid’s radarThe search certainly does not end there, with Moretto also identifying Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as another name being discussed at Real Madrid.Unlike some of the club’s other targets, the German international may present a more straightforward opportunity.“Schlotterbeck has a release clause, so he can leave more easily,” says the journalist.That contractual detail could make the Dortmund defender one of the most accessible options available should Real Madrid decide to accelerate their pursuit.

Giovanni Reyna fighting for future at World Cup as Gladbach consider bargain saleGiovanni Reyna’s Borussia Mönchengladbach future is uncertain after an underwhelming first season at the club, which saw the United States international make 20 appearances with a goal and an assist to his name.Speaking to Sport Bild, Reyna himself admitted that his first season with Die Fohlen didn't live up to his own expectations.“I wasn’t entirely happy with my situation and my playing time. But in the last few games I was on the up. We’ll see what I can show next season; right now my focus is on the World Cup,” he said.As reported by Sport Bild, Reyna is not currently expected to play a key role for the Bundesliga outfit in the 2026/27 season either.The report even suggests that Gladbach would be willing to sell the 23-year-old for a bargain fee below the €4 million they paid to sign him from Borussia Dortmund last summer – unless he makes a strong impression at the World Cup.Reyna was only named on the bench for the United States’ 4-1 opening win over Paraguay, but did come on to score an impressive goal after coming on in the second half.Despite this, he's also expected to start on the bench for the USMNT’s second World Cup match against Australia on Friday.

The NHL, like many other sports, is thriving right now. After turning in its best regular-season ratings in 14 years, the league carried that momentum into the playoffs, where it drew it’s highest-ever postseason ratings, per Sports Business Journal. An average of 1.8 million viewers watched NHL playoff games this season, breaking the previous record of 1.56 million, which was set back in 1996. ESPN saw big numbers, with 2.2 million viewers across 43 playoff games. Viewership was up 127 percent across ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 compared with last season, per SBJ. TNT averaged fewer viewers, but still turned in its best playoff viewership, with 1.4 million average viewers. Fans who tuned into the playoffs early were treated to some tense series. Throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs, at least eight series went six games or more. Of that bunch, two series went the full seven games. The Montreal Canadiens were involved in both. When the dust settled, it was the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights in the Final. That was an enticing enough matchup for many hockey fans, as the Stanley Cup Final drew an average of 5.2 million viewers. That was the best figure by a Final since 2019, when the St. Louis Blues beat the Boston Bruins in seven games. That series averaged 5.5 million viewers, per SBJ. Fans who tuned into the Final were treated to an exciting, six-game series. Despite Golden Knights coach John Tortorella essentially guaranteeing the series would extend to a seventh game, his team couldn’t pull off that feat, losing the series in Game 6. Shortly after the end of the series, it was announced that Tortorella would not return to the team next season. Some of the NHL’s viewership jump is likely due to a new ratings-measurement system by Nielson. Thanks to that new method, sports viewership is up across all sports, with MLB and the NFL seeing ratings spikes in 2026. The NBA also saw some strong viewership numbers during the Finals.

Russ Stoner has been the head football coach at York High School (Pa.) since the 2016 campaign, but it looks like his time as the Bearcats’ lead man has come to a sudden halt. [ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]According to a report by the York Daily Record, Stoner’s name wasn’t listed by the York City school board’s upcoming June 17th agenda approval to be renewed as the head football coach for the 2026-27 season. Instead, Wrightsville (Pa.) Eastern York head coach Daryl “Bud” Kyle‘s name is listed on the agenda for approval by the board to become the Bearcats’ next head coach, per the report. “I’m obviously disappointed,” Stoner said in the report. “We’ve worked extremely hard with these kids since November. It’s terribly frustrating when you put your time and soul into something, and they rip it out from under you a few weeks before football season is supposed to start.”“I’m disappointed, I’m angry and I feel disrespected. There’s rhetoric out there saying that we didn’t win. We’ve played for a (division) championship pretty much every year that I’ve been coaching there. We played for a district championship in 2018. We play one of the toughest schedules in the district.”Stoner compiled a overall record of 62-41 during his time at York, leading the Bearcats to the postseason eight out of his 10 seasons at the helm. What is crystal clear from the fall out is Stoner isn’t done coaching high school football just yet. “I’ve been coaching for 30 years, I’m not done,” Stoner added in the report. “If someone decides that they’re done coaching next year, I’m probably going to put my hat in the ring.”How to Follow Pennsylvania High School FootballFor Pennsylvania high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the state, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Keystone State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the state of Pennsylvania.

The Knicks' championship parade is almost here, and the turnout is expected to be one of the biggest in the city's history.But do attendees need tickets?Here's what to know.Do I need tickets to attend the Knicks championship parade?The parade is expected to begin at 10 a.m. near Battery Park, and go through Lower Manhattan to City Hall.For watching along the route, the parade is completely free to all attendees.It's open to all, with no tickets required. However, the City Hall portion of the event will require tickets.Knicks ceremony detailsMayor Zohran Mamdani announced Tuesday night that 600 tickets would be released for the Knicks ceremony, taking place right after the ticker-tape parade.The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. in City Hall Plaza, where the team is expected to receive keys to the city.Musical performances and speeches will take place, too.“From packed watch parties in our parks to joyous celebrations that spilled out onto our streets, this championship belongs to New York City,” Mamdani said in a release.“We’re making these tickets free and accessible – so working-class people have a chance to be part of this historic moment and celebrate the team that brought a championship home."How to win Knicks ceremony ticketsA short deadline was given to those who want to put their name in for tickets.New Yorkers can apply for the lottery at Knicks.com/CeremonySweeps, and submissions will be closed on Wednesday, June 17 at 11 a.m.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Does NY Knicks championship parade need tickets to attend? See details

Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire after his company SpaceX went public, with his personal net worth now eclipsing the entire GDP of countries like Taiwan, Ireland, and Sweden. What do you think? “I just hope X Æ A-Xii can still have a normal childhood.” Patrick Fan, Sand Comber “Good, one less billionaire.” Rocky Galindo, Bell Tester “Depression manifests differently in everyone.” Shannon Castelli, Patio Designer The post Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire appeared first on The Onion.