IRVINE, Calif. — First things first: Folarin Balogun did not end up watching Netflix after his two-goal World Cup debut, after all."I couldn't find anything good to watch," he said in a Yahoo Sports interview Monday.So no Netflix, as he had suggested he would do upon returning to the USMNT's oceanside resort following the 4-1 romp over Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium.And no collective reveling, either."We're still in camp and we're still focusing on the next game," he said. "We're in an intense tournament, so when we're finished, that's when the celebrations will come out."The 24-year-old striker did, however, allow himself to appreciate the historic accomplishment of becoming the first U.S. multi-goal scorer at a World Cup since Bert Patenaude's hat trick against those Paraguayans in 1930."Definitely, I'm giving myself time to step away and just process what a special night it was for the team and myself also," he said. "It's what you dream of as a little kid."World Cup hub | Viewer's guide | Power rankings | Predictions | Players to watchSince joining the national team three years ago, Balogun has injected a world-class striker's menace into the U.S. attack — something that was lacking at the 2022 World Cup."The kid's insane," teammate Christian Pulisic said. "He's lethal right now in front of goal. We're really lucky to have him. We're just hoping it keeps coming like this."Balogun increased his international goal total to 11 in 28 appearances. He also continued a searing run of form that took hold in Monaco's Ligue 1 and Champions League campaigns. For club and country, he has posted 14 goals in 19 appearances since mid-February.U.S. forward Haji Wright called Balogun a "very disciplined pro. He takes his work very seriously. … It's obvious to see why what happened the other day happened."Balogun and the U.S. will aim to sustain their attacking rhythm this Friday in Seattle against Australia, which also won its opener by surprising Turkey, 2-0."You can't fluke your way to these sorts of performances," Balogun said. "It comes from intense work over a long period of time, and then when you get to a stage like this, it's just about playing free, [applying] everything you've been learning."Balogun credited Coach Mauricio Pochettino for instilling proper ideas and tactics over the past year."The coach has given us the foundation to be able to be so intense and have such a dominating structure — the combinations he tells us to play with and the freedom he gives us," Balogun said.Balogun deserves much of the credit though his movement off the ball, strength under pressure and, of course, his finishing touch.Friday's first goal was a one-touch strike in the box set up by Pulisic. On the second, he received Malik Tillman's gorgeous through ball and used his speed, strength and picture-perfect shooting accuracy to extend the lead to 3-0 just before halftime.Throughout the half, he was instrumental in putting Paraguay under pressure in its own end."I think we saw a different side of 'Flo' — the guy who can do the dirty work, the guy who can get stuck in and put his body on the line for the team and be a clinical finisher," midfielder Weston McKennie said. Balogun's story — well, at least, the very short prologue — began in Brooklyn. Visiting from England, Florence Balogun progressed too far along in her pregnancy to fly back to London. So she gave birth to Folarin in New York and, through the 14th Amendment, he received birthright citizenship. They stayed with family for about two months before returning home.So that's how Balogun — bred in London to Nigerian immigrants — is qualified to represent the U.S. on the field.As for the qualities that earned him a place on the pitch, those developed at the Arsenal youth academy alongside current English star Bukayo Saka, another son of Nigerian immigrants. Balogun and Saka would go on to play together twice for Arsenal's first team in the 2021-22 League Cup.With Balogun's career blossoming — he flourished on loan at Reims in France before making a permanent move to Monaco almost three years ago — the English national program took notice. In 2018, he was named to the squad for the Under-17 Euros. His U.S. ties, though, had become known to the U.S. Soccer Federation."In the football world, people just speak," he said, "and I must have just come to light through conversations about my U.S. citizenship."So later in 2018, Balogun accepted an invitation to a U.S. U-18 camp for an unofficial tournament in the Czech Republic. "I had heard a little bit about him," said Marcelo Palomino, a midfielder currently with second-division Orange County SC, whose Irvine stadium is the centerpiece of the U.S. base camp this month."I was intrigued and curious, and then seeing he was in Arsenal's academy at the time made it even more intriguing. We all wanted to see what his level was like. Let's just say he didn't disappoint."Though he didn't have strong U.S. ties, Balogun said he "wanted to experience [the youth camp]. I'm somebody who's always open-minded. I want to give myself the opportunity to experience things and then I can make a decision from there. That situation was no different. It planted a seed in my head."The seed did not germinate right away, though. He remained with England for the U-20 and U-21 cycles, the final steps to the famed Three Lions squad.His mother, however, was high on the U.S."For me to have gone to America and for me to have had him there, it is just something that has really stuck with me," she told ESPN in 2023. "Even when he wasn't even thinking of making an international decision, I'd already made up my mind that he is going to play for America."The turning point came in 2023. In Orlando while the U.S. senior squad was in camp there, he met with U.S. officials and players."They made me feel welcome," he said.The fans also played a part, through messages to his social media accounts."The fans gave me so much motivation," he said. "They showed me so much support."Because Balogun had appeared in official youth competition for England, he needed to apply to FIFA for a one-time switch. Almost five years after his lone appearance at a U.S. camp, he was on course to change the national team's attacking fortunes.In ensuing camps, Balogun has built strong bonds with the established players, including McKennie."I'm still reserved and Weston's still bothering me," he said with a grin. "We sat next to each other on the plane [last month]. I'm trying to have a nap and he's flicking my ear."Balogun brushes off criticism of representing a country he has never lived in."It doesn't cross my radar," he said. "There's going to be critics."Of Colombian heritage, Palomino said "that's what's so cool about the U.S., in that you have people from all different kinds of backgrounds representing the country."It doesn't get much more American than becoming a New York Yankees fan, as Balogun has done. (His favorite player was Babe Ruth.) He also got caught up in the Knicks' NBA championship run, thanks in part to midfielder Tyler Adams, a super fan."I'm getting into all these things as I'm getting older," he said.Balogun also embraces the opportunity of growing the sport in the U.S.What's more American than that?"The best thing we can do is inspire the nation," he said. "Make a stand, make a statement. I want young kids to grow up and to be inspired by what we're doing here now. I want our journey to inspire millions of kids around America. My primary focus is on what we're doing here and to make sure we have a successful tournament."He's off to a great start.

PHOENIX (AP) — A’ja Wilson had 33 points and 11 rebounds Wednesday night, and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 86-76 in a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals to clinch a spot in the Commissioner's Cup championship. The Aces (11-4), who lost 96-66 at Dallas on Monday to snap their six-game winning streak, play June 30 at New York for the Commissioner's Cup title. NaLyssa Smith scored 21 points and Jackie Young added 20 points and nine assists for Las Vegas, the defending WNBA champion. Young had a career-high five steals and Wilson added four as the Aces finished with 18 — tied with Toronto for the most in a WNBA game this season. Kahleah Copper scored 26 points and Alyssa Thomas had 11 assists to go with 10 points for the Mercury (4-11). Phoenix has lost four in a row. The Mercury shot 60% (18 of 30) from the field, including 7 of 10 from 3-point range, in the first half and led 49-45 at the break. Las Vegas’ Chennedy Carter (illness) was not with the team for the second consecutive game. Phoenix beat the Aces 99-66 in the season opener. Up next Aces: Host Golden State on Sunday. Mercury: Host Seattle on Sunday. ___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/WNBA-basketball

SEATTLE (AP) — Kyle Bradish struck out a career-high 12 while pitching one-run ball into the eighth inning as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Seattle Mariners 5-3 on Wednesday night.Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday homered to help the Orioles stop a three-game skid. Bradish (4-7) allowed five hits and two walks in 7 2/3 innings, throwing 65 of his 100 pitches for strikes. Yennier Cano got the final out in the eighth and Ryan Helsley gave up home runs to Dominic Canzone and Cole Young on his first two pitches in the ninth before closing it out in his first appearance since April 28.Blaze Alexander had a one-out single off George Kirby (5-7) in the third and Henderson hit his 15th homer one out later for a 2-0 lead.Julio Rodríguez doubled in the fourth to become the third-fastest player in major league history to reach 125 homers, doubles and stolen bases. The 25-year-old center fielder needed 665 games to accomplish the feat. The only players to do it faster were Ronald Acuña Jr. (591 games) and Alfonso Soriano (643 games).Canzone followed with an RBI single that cut it to 2-1.Rodríguez was removed after speaking with an athletic trainer in the dugout following a strikeout to end the sixth. After the game, Mariners manager Dan Wilson told reporters Rodríguez felt a spasm in his hamstring.Pete Alonso had an infield hit and Leodys Taveras followed with a two-out triple to give Baltimore a 3-1 lead in the sixth. Orioles right fielder Tyler O'Neill took away a solo home run from Cal Raleigh in the bottom half.Holliday drew a leadoff walk from Alex Hoppe in the seventh, advanced to third on a single by Alexander and scored on double-play grounder by Taylor Ward to make it 4-1.Holliday homered for the fourth time this season in the ninth, a solo shot off Michael Rucker.Alexander went 3 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base.Canzone hit his 11th home run to start the ninth against Helsley, and Young followed with his sixth. It was the first two homers allowed this season by the right-hander, who came off the injured list Tuesday after being sidelined by right elbow inflammation.Up nextOrioles RHP Shane Baz (4-6, 4.06 ERA) starts the rubber game of the series Thursday opposite Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (5-5, 4.28).___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

As Jude Bellingham walked off the pitch, a familiar tune rang out from the public address system inside the giant Dallas Stadium. Jubilant England fans sang along to “Hey Jude” as Bellingham walked towards the tunnel, waving to the crowd, embracing his teammates, taking the adulation in his stride.This was ostensibly Harry Kane’s night, scoring two goals which took him level with Gary Lineker’s tally of 10 at World Cups. But perhaps the evening meant more to Bellingham, a player who has been publicly questioned and privately doubted by his own manager, who has been subjected to scrutiny unlike his teammates. “Don’t bring Jude,” ran a headline in the Daily Mail earlier this season, suggesting England would be better off without him at the World Cup.“It’s good to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my teammates how committed I am to helping us win football matches,” said Bellingham, after scoring England’s third goal in a 4-2 win.Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham embrace at full-time (Getty)One of the decisions Thomas Tuchel stewed over before this opening game – and throughout his 18-month reign – was whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers should be his No 10. Bellingham missed last September’s qualifiers after undergoing shoulder surgery and it was unfortunately timed. That was the camp when England played their best game under Tuchel, winning 5-0 in Serbia, in which Rogers was excellent. Tuchel omitted Bellingham from the following camp despite his return to fitness at Real Madrid. There was also the infamous line about Bellingham’s “repulsive” on-field behaviour, which Tuchel attributed to his mother and a slip of the tongue in his second language, and for which he later apologised. Tuchel felt England created a “brotherhood” during their September and October camps, after a moment in Serbia when a group of England players conducted their own meticulous warm-down despite not playing in the game. Could a powerful personality like Bellingham slip seamlessly into the fold? Even when he made the World Cup squad, there was no guarantee Bellingham would start against Croatia. Tuchel was asked before kick-off, why Bellingham over Rogers? “It was really close,” the manager said. “In the end we stuck with the team that played and started so well against Costa Rica.” It was hardly a ringing endorsement of Bellingham’s qualities.Was he picked because of his big-game appetite, that knack for scoring when it matters? Of Bellingham’s six previous England goals, two opened the scoring and three were late equalisers, including the overhead kick against Slovakia at Euro 2024. No, said Tuchel. “A 50-50 call,” he called it, as if Bellingham had just beaten Rogers in a game of rock-paper-scissors in the dressing room.Bellingham applauds England fans after full-time (PA)There are a raft of other No 10s Tuchel could have chosen. Eberechi Eze didn’t get a kick here. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer watched the game on TV. But really, what is the point of Bellingham’s unique talents if you don’t use them? England have a player who Real Madrid bought for €103m aged 19, who won the Champions League at 20, who is at his fourth major tournament at 22. Steven Gerrard played his fourth aged 30. Frank Lampard was 36.Bellingham showed why he is an essential piece of England’s World Cup puzzle. There are the intangibles, like his sheer presence in an England team and what that brings. He already carries an aura that transmits confidence to his teammates, that makes opponents feel a little smaller as they line up in the tunnel.And any doubts sown when he lost the ball in the lead-up to Croatia’s first goal were forgotten in an outstanding second half. English football’s great malady has been an inability to keep the ball against capable opponents in tournament conditions, in summer heat when the pressure ratchets up. It is something Gareth Southgate began to remedy in the latter phase of his tenure, but this 45 minutes was better still.Bellingham was central to that control, receiving passes in deep positions and popping the ball off to a teammate, or shielding it from opponents, spinning into space and driving forwards with the ball at his feet. In that 20-minute blitz by England after half-time, Bellingham was physically and technically superior to everyone else in midfield. Then there were his tackles, three of them, more than any other player on the pitch. These were not just toes on the ball but full slides through his opponent, comprehensive clean-outs, taking the man with him as he went. They brought low-octave hums of “Juuuuuude” from the crowd and enthusiastic applause from his manager.Bellingham fires home England’s third goal of the game (Reuters)Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring England's third goal (Reuters)And then came Bellingham’s goal, the culmination of a 23-pass move. Bellingham fixed his eyes on the goalkeeper and drove into the box, ignoring his teammates, holding off his marker and sliding a finish against the far post and into Dominik Livakovic’s net.It was a performance that encapsulated the best of Bellingham, a player whose greatest gift is to keep the ball from opponents using his body, his brain and his quick feet, whether that’s receiving a pass from one of England’s centre-backs under pressure, or powering into the opposite box with defenders bouncing off his frame.Perhaps a career path outside the Premier League’s gaze has stymied his appreciation in England. Above all, it is Bellingham’s abilities off the ball that go unnoticed, his positional sense, the way he hunts down opponents. No England player has won more duels since his international debut. No England player has won back possession more often in the final third.And perhaps it doesn’t help Bellingham that he is so hard to define, a No 10 who isn’t really a typical No 10 at all. He is a player who tackles, passes, dribbles and scores, who is strong and quick with his feet. His youth coach at Birmingham City famously marvelled at how he could play three midfield roles at once – numbers 4, 8, and 10 – so added them together and assigned him No 22.Bellingham is greeted by Thomas Tuchel after being replaced late in the game (PA)Tuchel said leaving out Rogers was a tough decision after his contributions in qualifying. But, he explained, “you can rely on Jude in these moments. He loves these pressure games, that brings out the best in him. So that’s an easy decision to let him play and to trust him. Also because of the last 16-17 days, how he bought into the idea of team spirit, into the idea of brotherhood.”It was telling that, when Declan Rice left the field with a minor injury in the second half, Bellingham dropped deeper beside Anderson. The relationship has at times been uneasy, but Tuchel showed his trust in Bellingham at a time when England were leading 3-2 and needed midfield stability.Did Bellingham feel he had something to prove? “A little bit, yeah,” he smiled. “I think I’ve got a bit of a chip on my shoulder, haven’t I? And you play best when you’re like that. I think that helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game and to find that intensity. “I know it’s part of being a footballer. I don’t hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it. Today, I think it was nice to try and show people and remind them what I’m about.”

☕️🥐 FC breakfast: Giroud 👏 shock in Norway 🥵 Da Fonseca 🇦🇷Olivier Giroud’s class 👏After being stripped of the title of the all-time top scorer for Les Bleus, Olivier Giroud sent a little message to Kylian Mbappé via LOSC’s Twitter account. Nice!Da Fonseca loses it over Messi’s hat-trick 😅You may have missed it in the middle of the night, but during Messi’s hat-trick with Argentina against Algeria, Omar Da Fonseca treated us once again to one of the rants he has the secret for. Earthquake in Norway for Haaland’s return! 🇳🇴For their big return to the World Cup after 28 years away, Norway outclassed Iraq (4-1) thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland (29th, 43rd). Despite kickoff being at midnight in Oslo, the passion of the supporters back home was so intense that the Norwegian seismology institute (Norsar) recorded tremors when the Manchester City cyborg scored. Crazy!TV schedule 📺01:00: Ghana - Panama (beIn Sports 1)04:00: Uzbekistan - Colombia (beIn Sports 1)18:00: Czech Republic - South Africa (beIn Sports 1)21:00: Switzerland - Bosnia (beIn Sports 1 & M6)This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

😱 CR7: horror numbers, is he still an asset for Portugal? 🇵🇹Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t obliged to answer Messi, or at least he didn’t have to do it with a hat-trick: pulling it off would have been even more epochal than what we saw in Argentina-Algeria. But from his pride, hidden yet never completely so, we were all expecting something more. And surely CR7 himself had imagined this Portugal-DR Congo match differently: like those skiers who mime the entire giant slalom course with headphones on, only to crash at the first gate. Cristiano Ronaldo fell, and he made noise doing it.One of Portugal’s worst performancesThe numbers from his match show just how little he contributed to the game:25 touches in 100 minutes5 touches in the opposition box3 shots off target2 big chances missed0 one-on-ones attempted0 fouls wonCR7 did not play alone, and Portugal did not either: the Democratic Republic of the Congo defended in an organised way, made the most of their attackers’ qualities, and punished a light, very light defence without Rúben Dias and Inácio (both on the bench).Martínez’s team managed only 7 shots, with just 1 on target: it is Portugal’s worst result in that regard at a World Cup from 1966 to today.Should we still expect something from CR7?Waiting for Cristiano Ronaldo’s next exploit to decide a match at the highest level feels like a mirage, almost a utopia. Because the moments he has etched into our memory belong to a realm of absolute dominance, but recent history tells a different story.In fact, CR7 has now gone 10 matches without scoring in a major international tournament (European Championship or World Cup): 33 shots, 11 on target, and 0 goals.At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he scored just once against Ghana, from the penalty spot, while Portugal’s real standout in that tournament was someone else: Gonçalo Ramos, now confined to the bench.Portugal’s great performances in the Nations League and in the first part of the World Cup qualifiers should not be forgotten, but the question is now becoming a fair one: at the highest level, is CR7 a burden or an advantage? The answers, and their impact, will not take long to arrive: we will find out in the coming matches, Cristiano Ronaldo’s last at international level. And that may not necessarily be a bad thing.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

The world doesn’t need a nuclear deal with Tehran.

Its opponents urgently need to demonstrate that they can do more than throw up their hands in horror.

TORONTO (AP) — They’re the un-Messis, the not-Mbappés. They’re not even Haalands or Kanes.While the biggest names in soccer are getting the most attention at the World Cup, the expanded tournament also has provided some unheralded players with moments to shine. Here’s a look at some of their exploits through the opening matches that concluded Wednesday.Spoiler alert: Vozinha would have been on this list, but at 13 million Instagram followers and counting, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper has become too famous for it.Livano Comenencia, CuraçaoComenencia became the first-ever World Cup goal scorer for the smallest-ever country to qualify for the tournament. Curaçao fans may not remember their team’s 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany. They’re more likely to recall Comenencia’s strike from just inside the box.“The goal was absolutely fantastic for all of us, for the nation as well,” winger Kenji Gorré said. “It’s more history being made. The first goal ever scored on the world stage, it’s just phenomenal, and we’re all grateful that we were here to experience it (with) all the people in the stadium.”Comenencia, a 22-year-old midfielder who plays for Zurich in the Swiss Super League, has only recently reached the senior level. He played for the reserve teams of PSV Eindhoven and Juventus before securing a move to Zurich before the 2025-26 season.Now he has a World Cup goal to his name.Boualem Khoukhi, QatarWhile the 35-year-old center back won’t get credit for the goal, Khoukhi leaped with Swiss midfielder Miro Muheim for a cross and forced Muheim into scoring an own goal that equalized the match in stoppage time.Khoukhi celebrated the goal like it was his own, wheeling away to the corner of the pitch as his teammates mobbed him on the ground. His efforts helped Qatar secure its first-ever World Cup point.Despite playing professionally for more than 15 years, Khoukhi has hardly ever left Qatar. The defender spent the first seven years of his senior career at Al-Arabi and the last nine years at Al-Sadd.Jovo Lukic, Bosnia-HerzegovinaLukic had never scored for Bosnia before its opening draw against tournament co-host Canada. Playing for Universitatea Cluj in Romania, Lukic had made just one appearance for his country before May 29.However, with Edin Dzeko and Haris Tabakovic injured, Lukic was called upon to make his first competitive appearance for Bosnia in Toronto.The striker smashed in a header from close range off a corner kick in the first half and will forever be the answer to the trivia question, “Who scored the first World Cup goal on Canadian soil?”Elijah Just, New ZealandJust was perfectly composed in New Zealand’s opening match. He needed just two shots to score twice against Iran in a 2-2 draw.The winger plays for Scottish club Motherwell and has also played in Denmark and Austria.He became the first New Zealand player to score two goals in a World Cup game.Emam Ashour, EgyptNot a bad way to score your first international goal.Ashour’s outside-the-box blast opened Egypt’s World Cup scoring in a 1-1 draw against European power Belgium. Teammate Mostafa Zico was so excited for Ashour that he knocked the goal scorer over during the celebration.Despite the stars on the pitch in Seattle — including Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah — it was the Al Ahly winger who was named man of the match.Ashour has played just one season in Europe, spending most of his professional career in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.But then, the World Cup has a habit of featuring unlikely stars.___Owen Cameros is a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

While New York is still celebrating its title — the parade on Thursday in Manhattan is expected to draw more than 1 million people — the NBA offseason is coming fast. And it's coming for the Knicks roster (more on that below).Here is all the latestAntetokounmpo saga drags on past draft?Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam set an artificial deadline of wanting to have the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga wrapped up by the NBA Draft. It makes sense. If the Bucks want picks in this deep draft class as part of any trade, they need it done by next Tuesday.Except, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on SiriusXM NBA Radio that the Antetokounmpo trade saga — which has dragged on for seemingly years — could continue past the draft and into free agency."From what I'm hearing this could drag on into free agency. This could drag on until July…. Boston seems a little bit from what I'm hearing and gauging, Boston doesn't seem a promising destination…. I do still believe he will be moved this offseason but I'm not as certain as I was before that it'd be done before the draft."As NBC Sports recently reported, there is a growing belief around the league that Boston isn't all in on an Antetokounmpo trade, that it was exploring options but not serious. If the Celtics are out of the mix, that just leaves the Heat, with an offer the Bucks' front office clearly doesn't love (or they would have jumped at it long ago).For a couple of weeks now, all the rumors out of Milwaukee have sounded like a team desperately trying to drum up a bidding war, trying to find other interested teams, to spark a market that is tepid now after being hot at the trade deadline. This sounds like more of the same, and maybe the Bucks just strike a deal with Miami at the deadline and move on.Or maybe this drama will drag on longer — but it's not like the offers are not suddenly going to get better.Kevin Love to the Lakers?As we reported this week, league sources have told NBC Sports there is an increasing sense that LeBron James will re-sign with the Lakers. Money and comfort level on both sides are driving that.If he stays in LA, LeBron may reunite with Kevin Love, reports ESPN's Marc Spears."I'm hearing that [LeBron's] likely coming back [to the Lakers]. ... Kevin Love could likely be joining the Lakers too."@MarcJSpears gives some insight on what could be next for LeBron pic.twitter.com/EV1Qwqiixf— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 17, 2026Trae Young declining optionAs expected, Washington's Trae Young will decline his $48.9 million player option for next season, reports Marc Spears of ESPN.This is the first step to him re-signing with the Wizards on a multi-year deal at a lower number (maybe three years, $120 million, or a little less). Young is not part of the long-term future in Washington — that will be focused around whoever they draft No. 1 next week — but he will be part of the transition.Ballmer doesn’t want to trade Kawhi LeonardWhat an owner wants, an owner gets. And Clippers owner Steve Ballmer doesn't want to trade Kawhi Leonard, reports Anthony Slater of ESPN.League sources said Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against a Leonard trade, preferring to continue building around his star forward.Will the league's eventual punishment of the Clippers for the Aspiration scandal change that? Maybe. Depends on what that punishment is. Just don't expect one of the punishments to be the Clippers being forced to void the remaining year on Leonard's contract (that's not really a punishment for either side, the Clippers would get their books cleared up and Leonard would just sign a massive contract somewhere else).Other trade rumors• Knicks owner James Dolan admitted that, as much as he would like to run it back with his championship roster, that may not be possible because he's not taking the team into the second tax apron. From an interview on WFAN’s The Carton Show (hat tip Hoop Rumors)."If we could bring back the whole team, exactly as it is, why wouldn't you? But I don't know if we're going to be able to. We're willing to stretch, but there's certain things in the NBA that you'd have to be suicidal to do and we're not going to do those. One of them is the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron. … I'll write as big of a check as possible, but I can't write a check that goes into the second apron."The core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Miles Bridges are locked down. However, Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson are all unrestricted free agents, while Jose Alvarado has a $4.5 million player option. It may be tough to bring all of them back (don't be surprised if Shamet is holding the short straw when it's all done).• The Atlanta Hawks have gauged Jonathan Kuminga's value on the trade market, reports Michael Scotto at Hoopshype. Atlanta has until June 29 to decide whether to pick up Kuminga's $24.3 million team option for next season.• If Boston does decide to get serious about an Antetokounmpo trade — again, all the buzz in league circles is they are not serious — then there needs to be a third team to get Brown to a new home. It had previously been reported that the Bucks didn't want Brown — a player at his peak is not a fit for a rebuilding team — but now ESPN's Spears says the feeling is mutual: "I know Jaylen wouldn't want to play for Milwaukee.• Draymond Green has a $27.7 million player option for next season, and if he picks it up, the Warriors are open to trading him, reports Anthony Slater at ESPN. That said, the expectation is he opts out and re-signs for two years at a slightly lower number (two years, $40 million?).

The Commissioner’s Cup final is headed back to New York, where the Liberty will face the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, June 30, for a $500,000 purse. It is a rematch of the 2023 Cup championship, when New York upset Las Vegas in a preview of their eventual WNBA Finals matchup later that season.The Liberty are the hosts this time around, after winning their previous Cup in Las Vegas. They hosted the 2024 championship game — a loss to the Minnesota Lynx — but had to relocate to Long Island because of the NBA Draft. This is the first Cup title game to be contested at Barclays Center.New York clinched its berth in the final two games ago, but the Liberty earned the right to host by eking out a 96-95 win over the Chicago Sky on Wednesday. That gave New York a clean sweep (6-0) of its Eastern Conference games and the tiebreaker over Las Vegas.The Aces were in control of their destiny Wednesday due to their head-to-head win over Minnesota, needing only a win over the Phoenix Mercury to secure their berth. Las Vegas pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 86-76 in its first trip to Phoenix since clinching the 2025 league title on the Mercury’s home floor. Aces star center A’ja Wilson led the way with a game-high 33 points, 10 rebounds and five steals.The Liberty and Aces have not played each other yet this season. Their first regular-season matchup is on Saturday, June 23, in Las Vegas, an appetizer for the main event to follow in New York. But the teams are no strangers to one another; in addition to the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, the Liberty and the Aces met in the 2023 and 2024 postseasons, splitting the two series as they split the two WNBA titles.The star power is off the charts, as the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones and the Aces’ Wilson have won six of the last seven MVP awards and five of the last seven Finals MVPs.The Liberty finally have their full roster together, after welcoming back Sabrina Ionescu on Sunday against the Washington Mystics following a three-week absence due to injury. Ionescu had 5 points in her return and doubled that to 10 against the Sky, including the game-winning bucket with 10.3 seconds to play. New York is riding an eight-game winning streak.The Aces have won seven of their last eight games behind the dominance of Wilson, who is the favorite to capture yet another MVP trophy. She leads the league in points and blocks per game.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, WNBA2026 The Athletic Media Company

Where is the U.S. Open in 2026? Location, distance, course details for Shinnecock Hills originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.J.J. Spaun put on a show at Oakmont in 2025, stunningly winning the U.S. Open with the help of a 64-foot putt. Will another unlikely player rise to the top this year?All eyes are on Scottie Scheffler's pursuit of the career grand slam, which would coincide with his 30th birthday on Sunday, but only one golfer in the U.S. Open's 156-player field will be able to walk away a champion.U.S. Open courses tend to be some of the most challenging players will face all year, and that should certainly be the case again in 2026.Here's a look at the course every U.S. Open participant will be taking on this weekend.MORE:Who has won the most U.S. Opens?Where is the U.S. Open in 2026?Course: Shinnecock Hills Golf ClubLocation: Southampton, New YorkThe U.S. Open is back at Shinnecock Hills for the sixth time and the first time since 2018, when Brooks Koepka won the event for the second consecutive year.Shinnecock Hills is a links-style course located near Southampton, New York, a multi-hour drive from New York City near the far end of Long Island. The course previously hosted the U.S. Open in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004 and 2018.Here's what you need to know about the course and what players are facing this weekend.MORE: U.S. Open winners by year: List of past champions, payoutsShinnecock Hills course detailsPar: 70Distance: 7,440 yardsPlayers will play a 70-par, 7,440-yard course at Shinnecock Hills, with Par 3s on holes No.'s 2, 7, 11 and 17 plus Par 5s on holes No.'s 5 and 16.Here's the full breakdown:HoleParDistance (yards)143942325234501444765559264495731878444094482OUT353,819104415113157124469134371144520154409165614173176184490IN353,621TOTAL707,440The field of 156 players will be reduced to the top 60, plus ties, after two days. Future US. Open sitesThe U.S. Open will head out west to Pebble Beach in 2027 before returning to New York at Winged Foot Golf Club just north of New York City in 2028.Sites for the next 15 U.S. Opens are below:YearCourseLocation2027Pebble Beach Golf LinksPebble Beach, Calif.2028Winged Foot Golf ClubMamaroneck, N.Y.2029Pinehurst ResortPinehurst, N.C.2030Merion Golf ClubArdmore, Pa.2031Riviera Country ClubLos Angeles, Calif.2032Pebble Beach Golf LinksPebble Beach, Calif.2033Oakmont Country ClubPlum, Pa.2034Oakland Hills Country ClubBloomfield Hills, Mich.2035Pinehurst ResortPinehurst, N.C.2036Shinnecock Hills Golf ClubSouthampton, N.Y.2037Pebble Beach Golf LinksPebble Beach, Calif.2038The Country ClubBrookline, Mass.2039Los Angeles Country ClubLos Angeles, Calif.2040Merion Golf Club, East CourseArdmore, Pennsylvania2041Pinehurst ResortPinehurst, N.C.

Where to watch Czechia vs. South Africa live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group A match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with a matchup between two teams back in the tournament after long absences.South Africa returns to the national stage for the first time since 2010, when the country played host to the tournament. The team secured a berth for the tournament through CAF qualifiers in the Fall of 2025, as Bafana Bafana will play in just its fourth ever World Cup.Their opponent will be Czechia, who hasn't played in the World Cup since 2006. The Czechs were once a consistent performer in this tournament, as they are a two-time runner up, but they haven't made it out of the group stage since 1990.The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.Czechia vs. South Africa live stream, TV channelTV channel: FoxLive stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/websiteFox will be broadcasting this game nationally in the United States with streaming options available on its separate platforms.Fans can also stream the game using fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)What time does Czechia vs. South Africa start?This World Cup matchup between Czechia and South Africa will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 12 p.m. local time from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:DateKickoff timeEastern TimeThurs, June 1812 p.m.Central TimeThurs, June 1811 a.m.Mountain TimeThurs, June 1810 a.m.Pacific TimeThurs, June 189 a.m.World Cup schedule today and tomorrowAll times Eastern.Thursday, June 18Czechia vs. South Africa (12 p.m.)Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (3 p.m.)Canad vs. Qater (6 p.m.)Mexico v.s Korea (9 p.m.)Friday, June 19USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)Brazil vs. Haiti (9 p.m.)Turkey vs. Paraguay (11 p.m.)MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures2026 FIFA World Cup FAQsWhen is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.When is the 2026 World Cup final?The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.What time do World Cup games start?Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.

A member of Iran’s medical team says the team endured delays, multiple security searches and a rushed exit, frustrating players and officials.

📝 2026 World Cup, overnight round-upEvery morning, OneFootball will bring you a full recap of the night at the World Cup. Let’s get into the summary of another eventful night!The must-see moment of the nightThat’s it: all the opening matchdays have now been played!All 48 teams in this World Cup have now played one match, with the final two opening fixtures taking place overnight.A particularly lively Matchday 1, as shown by these standout stats:24 matches played75 goals scoredOne hat-trick (Lionel Messi vs Algeria)Seven bracesThree red cardsWhat a feast! Now it’s on to the second round of matches starting this Thursday afternoon!The night’s results01:00: Ghana 1-0 Panama. Click here to read the match recap!04:00: Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia. Click here to read the match recap!The standingsGroup K1) Colombia - 3 pts (+2)2) Portugal - 1 pt (0)3) DR Congo - 1 pt (0)4) Uzbekistan - 0 pts (-2)Group L1) England - 3 pts (+2)2) Ghana - 3 pts (+1)3) Panama - 0 pts (-1)4) Croatia - 0 pts (-2)The three players who stood outThe two stars of Ghana and Colombia lived up to their superstar status overnight.Antoine Semenyo, Ghana’s Manchester City forward, played a decisive role in Caleb Yirenkyi’s winning goal in the 90+1st minute against Panama, while Luis Díaz delivered a brilliant goal-and-assist performance to kick off the tournament in style!Our third MVP of the night is Ghana’s saviour: Caleb Yirenkyi! The 20-year-old midfielder earned Ghana three precious points against Panama.📸 Robert Cianflone - 2026 Getty ImagesToday’s schedule and the upcoming night’s fixtures18:00: Czechia vs South Africa (Group A)21:00: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B)00:00: Canada vs Qatar (Group B)03:00: Mexico vs South Korea (Group A)The player to watchAfter a very average opening match and facing criticism, Jonathan David needs to step up and get on the scoresheet tonight against Qatar.The Canadian superstar and his team take on Qatar in a hugely decisive second matchday in Group B, where all four teams have... one point.It's David time !📸 Francois Nel - 2026 Getty ImagesThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty ImagesDR Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau has admitted there was no special plan to stop Cristiano Ronaldo before Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.Portugal entered the match with Ronaldo once again attracting much of the attention, but DR Congo left with a point after frustrating one of the tournament’s biggest names.It was a blunt assessment, but not a disrespectful one from DR Congo midfielder, who showed his respect to Cristiano Ronaldo – one of the all-time greats.Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty ImagesNgal Ayel Mukau admits DR Congo didn’t use special tactics against Cristiano RonaldoAfter the game, Mukau was asked whether his side had prepared a specific approach to contain the Portugal captain.Rather than claim DR Congo had built their defensive plan around Ronaldo, the midfielder suggested the 41-year-old is no longer the same force he once was.“A special plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? To be honest, not really. We know that he isn’t the same as before. He’s a bit older now. But still, he’s one of the greatest… much respect to him.”Mukau recognised Ronaldo’s legendary status while also making it clear DR Congo did not view him as the same unstoppable threat he was during his peak years.Portugal held as Ronaldo faces familiar World Cup scrutinyThe 1-1 draw was a strong result for DR Congo and a frustrating start for Portugal. For Ronaldo, the spotlight is always sharper at a World Cup, especially at this stage of his career.He remains one of the biggest names in the tournament, but Mukau’s comments captured the reality facing Portugal.Opponents still respect Ronaldo. They still understand what he has achieved. But they may no longer feel they need to build an entire defensive plan around stopping him.That was perhaps the most telling part of Mukau’s answer after DR Congo walked away with a valuable point.Read more:How DR Congo fans mocked Cristiano Ronaldo after 1-1 draw vs. Portugal at World CupEx-Premier League striker slams ’embarrassing’ Roberto Martinez ‘scared’ to take Cristiano Ronaldo offWhen was the last time Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a World Cup amid disastrous start vs DR Congo

Colombia opened their World Cup Group K campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, as Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz ⁠struck to overcome a spirited second-half response from the tournament debutants.Uzbekistan were disciplined for long periods under their Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro, but Colombia’s greater quality stood out in front of a crowd of over 80,000 on a cool, rain-tinged evening in Mexico City.Colombia, the Copa ⁠America runners-up, had early sights of goal through Jhon Arias and James Rodriguez, but Uzbekistan sat deep, scrapped gamely and waited for mistakes. Bekhruz Karimov almost profited when he burst forward, only for Jhon Lucumi to intervene before he could shoot.Diaz had the clearest chance of the opening half when he struck the post, before Abdukodir Khusanov slid in after the winger ‌had knocked the ball past him, taking out both the Colombian player and a pitchside cameraman who required medical treatment.Uzbekistan’s resistance finally cracked in the 40th minute. Diaz gathered the ball after an attack had broken down and clipped a fine pass into the path of Munoz, who guided home a neat finish for his third international goal.The large Colombian contingent erupted, their yellow shirts making the Azteca look and sound almost like home. Chants of “Vamos Colombia”, adapted from a Club America-style chorus, rolled around the ground, while Uzbekistan’s small band ⁠of supporters answered with drums of their own.Colombia’s Luis Diaz celebrates scoring their second goal [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters]Fayzullaev scores Uzbekistan’s maiden World Cup goalUzbekistan improved after the ⁠break and equalised on the hour with the country’s first World Cup goal.Dostonbek Khamdamov fed Eldor Shomurodov, whose shot from the right side of the box was saved low by Camilo Vargas. The goalkeeper could not hold it, however, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev nodded in the rebound from ⁠close range.Abbosbek Fayzullaev celebrates scoring Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters]However, Uzbekistan’s joy lasted only five minutes.Gustavo Puerta released Diaz in the 65th minute, and the forward side-footed across goal to restore Colombia’s lead. The crowd ⁠responded with chants of “Lucho, Lucho”.Uzbekistan kept pushing. Akmal Mozgovoy shot narrowly off ⁠target in stoppage time, Karimov hit the bar with an effort from distance, and Azizbek Amonov had a shot blocked after Otabek Shukurov’s pass.But Colombia had the final word, Campaz scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time to settle a contest in which Nestor Lorenzo’s side had 15 attempts to Uzbekistan’s nine, ‌and extended their strong recent group-stage record to seven wins in eight World Cup matches.Colombia face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara, after Uzbekistan play Portugal on the same day in Houston.Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz celebrates after the match [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters]The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11. You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.

All 48 teams have played one game at this World Cup, meaning it’s time to overreact to 90 minutes of soccer!Entering the tournament, six teams formed the top tier of favorites. Three of those teams won as expected in their openers, with the star of each scoring at least two goals in a multiple-goal win against a team considered second- or third-best in the group.France got two goals from Kylian Mbappé in a 3-1 win over Senegal. Lionel Messi’s hat trick powered Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria. Harry Kane scored twice in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia. Business as usual for those teams and their key players.The other three favorites (Brazil, Spain, Portugal) all dropped points in draws, with two of those draws coming against massive underdogs. Before rating each team’s concern level on a scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 meaning it’s time for complete panic), let’s talk through what this panic meter means.World Cup schedule | Group schedule, results | StandingsBecause of the forgiving format with eight of twelve third-place teams advancing, there’s still little chance that any of these favorites get eliminated in the group stage. One win or even two draws in the final two group games will likely get them through, so this exercise is more about trying to extrapolate what we learned from each team’s first 90 minutes into the potential deep tournament run that all these teams expect.BrazilBrazil’s 1-1 opening draw with Morocco was the least surprising of these three opening scores, as Morocco reached the 2022 World Cup semifinals and won Africa Cup of Nations this year, while moving up to seventh in the FIFA rankings, one spot behind Brazil. So the result itself is not concerning at all. Brazil’s remaining group opponents are Haiti and Scotland, who didn’t have a World Cup win between them until Scotland (perhaps undeservedly) beat Haiti on Saturday.However, Brazil rarely looked like Brazil against Morocco. The Atlas Lions dominated the first half hour, outshooting Brazil 12-3 and seizing a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute. Then Vinícius Júnior’s moment of individual brilliance tied the game and turned the tide. That’s what Brazil can do with its collection of attacking talent. All the pre-tournament questions about Brazil’s semi-existent midfield remain though. Thirty-somethings Casemiro and Fabinho don’t look like the answers, as Morocco frequently charged right through the center of the pitch to create chances. Master tinkerer Carlo Ancelotti may solve this puzzle, though I’m not optimistic.Brazil will be fine in the group stage, but a matchup with Japan or Netherlands is a strong possibility in the Round of 32, and either of those teams could similarly run riot on Brazil’s midfield and send the Seleção home early.Brazil concern level: 5SpainCo-favorite Spain’s 0-0 draw against debutant Cape Verde was the biggest surprise in the first set of group games. On the bright side, Spain dominated the game as expected, holding 74 percent possession and outshooting Cape Verde 27-6. Had even one Spain shot found the back of the net, this conversation wouldn’t be happening.On the not-so-bright side, this draw was reminiscent of how Spain has gone out in the Round of 16 at the last two World Cups. In 2018, Spain had 78 percent possession and outshot Russia 24-8, but was eliminated on penalties. In 2022, Spain had 76 percent possession and only outshot Morocco 13-6 before getting ousted on penalties.One might question Mikel Oyarzabal as Spain’s center forward, but he had five shots in the game and could easily have scored one. He had 15 La Liga goals for Real Sociedad this season, and he’d scored in six straight caps before Monday, so I think he’ll be fine.Plus Spain’s two best wingers, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, combined to play 22 minutes against Cape Verde as they continue recovering from injury. When they’re fit, the attack will be even more dominant, and Spain will still be far better than Saudi Arabia or Uruguay in Group H. I still expect Spain to win the group and go on a deep run in the knockout stage.Spain concern level: 2Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, joined Lionel Messi as the only players to appear in six men’s World Cups, but unlike his longtime rival, he was unable to find the scoresheet in Portugal’s opener.Xinhua News Agency via Getty ImagesPortugalJoão Neves scored in the sixth minute against Congo DR, and Portugal seemed en route to an easy opening win. But Portugal mustered only one additional first-half shot, and Yoane Wissa equalized for Congo DR on the stroke of halftime. Portugal controlled possession in the second half (68 percent) but did little with it, outshooting Congo DR only 5-2 while rarely looking in sync. Let’s talk about the Ronaldo in the room. The 41-year-old played all 90 minutes and appears anchored in Portugal’s starting lineup, but at times he’s more dead weight than inspiration. Portugal has a generational midfield behind him, and they seem focused on getting him the ball in the box rather than making optimal plays for themselves or others. Ronaldo is not the sole attacking issue for the Portuguese. Their wingers have not played up to their talent recently. Pedro Neto, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão and Francisco Conceição combined for a single shot and a single chance created in 180 minutes against Congo DR. They need to step up, and they would also benefit from a less Ronaldo-centric system. Colombia is atop Group K with three points, which means Portugal could face Ghana or Croatia in the Round of 32 as the group runner-up, then potentially get Spain in the Round of 16. Portugal’s ceiling is limited until its Ronaldo dilemma is solved, and that’s a big reason for concern.Portugal concern level: 8

The Los Angeles Dodgers, out of nowhere, unveiled a special giveaway for a random game in August featuring the franchise’s cross-sport sister team, the LA Lakers, and superstar Luka Doncic. The giveaway takes place on August 21st, when the Dodgers host the Pittsburgh Pirates in Los Angeles. This will certainly be the biggest non-Dodgers player-related giveaway of the season, and fans should absolutely get tickets as soon as possible if they want a shot at it.The Dodgers are now owned by the same ownership group that bought the Lakers a few months ago — making the two sports franchises’ connection grow even stronger. Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesThe Lakers and Dodgers have long been linked as the main teams in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers have featured plenty of purple-and-gold players in their giveaways. This one, however, will be the first to feature an active Lakers player in the Lakers’ new ownership era, feeling like the cornerstone moment of unity between the teams. Naturally, for such a massive moment, the player chosen is the biggest thing going in LA basketball — Slovenian guard Luka Doncic. Doncic arrived in Los Angeles a little more than a year ago, but he has since been totally embraced as an Angeleno, with murals and his name ringing loudly as the franchise player. He was an MVP candidate for much of the 2025-2026 season before a devastating hamstring injury took him out of commission for the tail end of the regular season and postseason. However, he will come with a renewed hunger for the 2026-2027 season.Luka Doncic Bobblehead BreakdownView this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)The bobblehead is Lakers-centric, with Doncic in his full Lakers uniform, and the details make it clear that it is him. He has his signature armband and knee sleeve, along with a bright Hollywood smile. His name is plastered on the front, with the only Dodgers part of the collectible being the team’s name written on the inside. For any Lakers fan, big or small, this is a must-acquire and the perfect precursor to such a consequential Lakers season that will kick off a month and change from the giveaway.

A proposed wealth tax on billionaires is headed to the ballot unless Gov. Gavin Newsom and other opponents reach a deal with backers to remove it.

Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty ImagesFIFA introduced mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup to protect player welfare, but early evidence suggests they are having a bigger impact than anyone expected.Referees now pause play around the 22nd minute of each half for a three-minute break, regardless of weather, venue or whether a stadium is air conditioned. FIFA says it is about ensuring consistency across a summer tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The welfare argument is clear, especially in venues where temperatures can rise past 90 degrees. But there is growing concern that these breaks are changing the flow of games in ways that are hard to ignore.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesFIFA hydration breaks are creating World Cup momentum swingsIn eight of the first 16 matches, teams scored within 10 minutes of a hydration break, turning what was meant to be a safety measure into one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.Curaçao felt that shift against Germany. Livano Comenencia had just equalized in Houston, giving the tournament’s smallest nation a real chance at an upset. Then came the break.Curaçao lost its edge, Germany regrouped and scored twice before halftime on the way to a 7-1 win.Alan Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast: “I actually felt sorry for them.” He added that the stoppage “killed their momentum” after Curaçao had just scored.Morocco had a similar experience against Brazil in New Jersey. They scored before the first break, but Vinicius Junior equalized less than 10 minutes after play resumed.Players coaches and fans question FIFA hydration break impactRoy Keane compared the stoppages to an American-style timeout, saying on The Overlap that soccer is loved for its pace and that the breaks disrupt the natural flow of the game.Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman admitted coaches can use the pause to tell players what to improve, which is exactly why critics say the rule is now tactical as much as medical.Virgil van Dijk also questioned the TV effect, saying mid-game commercials are not great for neutral viewers. In the United States, Fox has used the breaks for adverts, while Telemundo has not done the same.Fans have noticed too. There were boos for the first hydration break during Iraq vs Norway in Foxborough, a sign that the stadium experience is being interrupted as well.The debate is not about whether players need protection in extreme heat. They do. The question is whether a mandatory break in every match is reshaping the World Cup too much, and the early signs suggest it already is.Read more:DR Congo star says no ‘special plan’ needed to stop Cristiano RonaldoWhat IShowSpeed did for an Argentina fan at Portugal vs. DR Congo is going viralHow DR Congo fans mocked Cristiano Ronaldo after 1-1 draw vs. Portugal at World Cup

Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesLionel Messi has only played twice at Arrowhead Stadium, but his record there is already better than many NFL stars who have spent years trying to win in Kansas City.The Argentina captain helped his side open the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead, continuing a perfect record at one of the most intimidating venues in American sports.While the result was another positive step in Argentina’s title defence, it also produced a statistic that NFL fans may find particularly amusing.Photo by Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesMessi’s success at Arrowhead started before the World CupMessi’s latest victory in Kansas City was not his first taste of success at Arrowhead Stadium. More than two years before leading Argentina to victory over Algeria, he had already won there while representing Inter Miami.Back in April 2024, Sporting Kansas City moved an MLS fixture against Inter Miami to Arrowhead in anticipation of huge demand to see Messi in action.The Argentine delivered, scoring in a 3-2 victory as Miami left Kansas City with all three points. He returned to the same venue for Argentina’s World Cup opener and once again finished on the winning side.That means Messi now owns a perfect 2-0 record at Arrowhead Stadium despite making just two appearances there.One NFL quarterback knows how difficult that achievement really isArrowhead has long been regarded as one of the toughest road venues in professional sports, with the Kansas City Chiefs turning it into a fortress for much of the last decade.Few visiting players understand that reality better than Derek Carr. During his time with the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders, Carr made repeated trips to Kansas City as part of one of the NFL’s fiercest divisional rivalries, but victories were hard to come by.The veteran quarterback owns a 1-9 record at Arrowhead Stadium, highlighting just how difficult it can be for opposing teams to leave with a win.That is what makes Messi’s record so remarkable. After just two visits to Arrowhead, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner already has twice as many victories at the stadium as Carr managed throughout a decade of NFL appearances there.For most athletes, winning in Kansas City becomes a career-long challenge. For Messi, it has happened every time he has stepped onto the field.Read more:Lionel Messi VAR controversy sparks South Africa head coach criticism amid Themba Zwane’s banDavid Beckham sends ‘GOAT’ message to Lionel Messi after World Cup hat-trickEvery World Cup hat trick this century as Lionel Messi joins elite list

Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty ImagesEngland made a statement to the other 47 nations at the 2026 World Cup with their 4-2 victory over Croatia.The Three Lions are among the favourites to win the tournament, but, as always, many have doubts about their credentials.However, England supporters will be delighted with their performance against a solid Croatia team on Wednesday night.Thomas Tuchel’s side were not perfect by any means, but they proved to the world that they must be taken seriously.England also broke a 32-year curse, which suggests they are already a better team than in previous tournaments.Why England’s win over Croatia was historically significantEngland have typically struggled against strong opposition at the World Cup this century.From Portugal in 2006 to France in 2022, they had not beaten a team in the top 15 in the world rankings since Argentina in 2002.England beat Argentina 1-0 in the group stage, thanks to a David Beckham penalty, before losing to eventual winners Brazil.However, things have changed in 2026, as the Three Lions beat the 13th-ranked team in the world (Croatia) at the Dallas Stadium.England’s 4-2 victory ended a nine-game winless run (two draws and seven losses) against top-15 opponents at the World Cup.Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty ImagesSome will argue Croatia are an ageing team on the decline, but few expected England to score four goals against them.It was undoubtedly a statement win, which also makes them huge favourites to advance to the knockout rounds as Group L winners.The Three Lions will be expected to beat both Ghana and Panama before entering the round of 32 with momentum on their side.Tuchel will not let his players get carried away, but perhaps it is time for England supporters to start dreaming big again.Read more:Soccer fan reveals how he managed to secure World Cup final ticket for just $60Stephen A. Smith’s embarrassing World Cup take linked to Wemby NBA finals defeatCristiano Ronaldo breaks silence with defiant message after Portugal vs DR Congo

Rohit Sharma became only the fifth Indian batter to complete 14,000 runs in List A cricket during India's second ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday.The former India captain reached the milestone during a quick 48 off 39 balls. His innings included six fours and two sixes and came at a strike rate of over 123 before he was dismissed by Rashid Khan.With that knock, Rohit took his List A tally to 14,038 runs from 356 matches. He has also scored 37 centuries in the format, which includes one-day matches played at international, domestic and state levels.Among Indian batters, only four players have scored more List A runs than Rohit. Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 21,999 runs in 551 matches and 60 centuries. He is followed by Virat Kohli (16,447 runs), Sourav Ganguly (15,622 runs) and Rahul Dravid (15,271 runs).Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field first in the second ODI.India's innings was led by captain Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, who shared a 224-run partnership for the third wicket and helped the hosts post 402 all out.As part of India's preparations for next year's World Cup, Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, while Gill moved down to No. 3. However, Jaiswal was dismissed for 4 in the second over.Rohit looked comfortable during his stay at the crease and appeared set for a bigger score before Rashid Khan's googly found an inside edge and hit the stumps.Gill then took charge of the innings and went on to score 154. The hundred was his ninth in ODIs and his first since becoming India's full-time ODI captain.Kishan provided strong support and made 125, registering his second ODI century and his first since his double hundred against Bangladesh in December 2022.The pair's 224-run stand laid the foundation for India's total of 402, putting the hosts in a strong position.India won the match by 170 runs in the second ODI in Lucknow on Wednesday and sealed the three-match series 2-0.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 17: Alphonso Davies #19 of Canada during a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at National Soccer Development Centre on June 17, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images) | Getty Images On its home soil, Canada got off to a rough start at the World Cup, as it could only eek out a 1-1 draw vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.Desperate times might be calling for desperate measures as the Canadians could roll out Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies to play against Qatar at 3:00PM EDT in Vancouver, British Columbia. Canadian journalist Ben Steiner captured Canada head coach Jesse Marsch offered up this response when asked about this up on the status of Davies: “Alphonso is looking really good, so it’s just a matter of, ‘okay, what kind of game is it? What kind of moment is it? And how do we feel he can contribute?’”Is this Marsch giving a spoiler on what lies ahead or throwing Qatar a red herring to affect its planning? It is tough to say, but it would be hard to believe that Davies will kept out of this World Cup much longer.Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts