Pochettino tells USA to ‘keep believing’ after progressing to World Cup knockoutsMauricio Pochettino says his USA side and their supporters must “keep believing” after making it two wins from two games at the World Cup.The hosts beat Australia 2-0 in their second game of the tournament and have now confirmed their place in the knockout stages.“I think we need to keep believing and approach every single day like we did from day one,” USA boss Pochettino said after the game. “Believing that we can win. Knowing that we need to work really hard, building our journey every day to the next game.“It’s not changed much, my view or my dreams or what I am seeing. It’s much better when you show good performances and win the games. I think it makes everything easier. “But at the same time it’s to keep believing. Before we were talking after one game and three points. Now it’s two games, six points. Now we need to go for the next one and be sure that we are going to arrive in a good condition like we arrive in the last two games. “We need to work hard, be responsible, be disciplined, keep being very tough with ourselves to push to be better and better every day, not to be relaxed.“The IQ that I have in my players in the squad is so high above the average. That is why I know, with our help, because we as a coaching staff are very demanding, we are going to keep the same way.”

World Cup star becomes first player sent off under new ‘Vinicius Law’Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior was in action for Brazil on Sunday, and he scored in a 3-0 victory over Haiti. It’s been a strong World Cup so far for the 25-year-old, who’s scored twice in two matches for the Selecao.However, it was not only because of his goal against Haiti that Vinicius’ name was in the headlines on Sunday morning. As per Diario AS, he was also mentioned after the first case of a player being sent off for covering their mouth whilst speaking to an opponent – a rule that was implemented by FIFA in the lead-up to the World Cup, known as the “Vinicius Law”.The player in question was Miguel Almiron, who was shown a straight red card following a VAR check after it was found that he covered his mouth to speak to one of the Türkiye players in stoppage time at the end of the first half.History of ‘Vinicius Law’Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesAlmiron is the first player to be shown a red card under these circumstances since the law was introduced. Earlier this year, FIFA confirmed that measures would be taken to avoid a repeat of the situation that occurred between Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his word when speaking to the Real Madrid man during the Champions League tie against Benfica.Vinicius accused Prestianni of hurling a racial insult in his direction, but given that the Argentine had covered his mouth, it was impossible to prove this. However, in the end he admitted to making an anti-gay insult, which landed him a six-match suspension.In the end, Almiron’s red card did not cost Paraguay, as they held on to seal an impressive 1-0 victory over Türkiye – a result that has confirmed that Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler will be heading home after the group stages are over, with his nation failing to qualify from Group D after back-to-back defeats.

Report – Al-Hilal Set Sights on Roma Star DuoRoma could face a summer exodus despite returning to the Champions League after almost a decade of absence. According to Calciomercato, Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini have found themselves on Al-Hilal’s list of targets.Paulo Dybala may not be the only big-name departure. Wanted by Juventus and Napoli, La Joya has yet to extend his contract at the Stadio Olimpico. Moreover, Roma have been reluctant to meet his salary demands, throwing his future in Italy’s capital into further doubt.In addition to Dybala, whose contract is due to expire in less than two weeks, Roma could part ways with long-serving midfielder Pellegrini. Indeed, the 30-year-old’s deal runs out at the end of June. Though contract renewal talks are ongoing, there’s no breakthrough on the horizon.As for Mancini, he has just over a year left to run on his contract. Formerly linked with a move to Inter, the Italian center-back could continue his career in the desert palace, with Simone Inzaghi keen to bring him to Riyadh.Our take on Roma stars & Saudi Pro League movePellegrini has lost his first-team status at Roma. Despite amassing 24 Serie A appearances last term, his influence has dwindled. Approaching the twilight of his career, the former Sassuolo man could favor a move to Saudi Arabia, as it could be his last chance to land a lucrative contract.Al-Hilal can offer him around €10 million net per season, a salary he cannot expect to get from Roma. The same applies to Mancini, though the Saudis would likely have to splash out around €25 million to convince the Giallorossi to sanction the transfer.

The Tennessee Titans made headlines on Friday after signing Jeffery Simmons to a record-setting three-year $105.8 million extension.After the signing, Simmons talked about his belief in the new coaching staff and the organization, and how he hopes to help build the Titans into contenders. Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated looked at their chances of that happening sooner rather than later and gave the team a chance to go from worst to first in 2026.No. 4 - Tennessee Titans2025 record: 3–14Last division title: 2021It’s easy to imagine the Titans improving off two consecutive three-win seasons, but it’s difficult to see them snatching the division at this point. Cam Ward still has a long way to go in his development, and while that doesn’t necessarily stop teams from contending, there are still a lot of unproven elements on this Titans team.The Titans rank in the top four on this list because they are part of an AFC South division that has historically been weaker. With the Jaguars, Texans, and even Colts contending for a playoff berth last season, however, it might be harder than ever for the Titans to make the jump.Geitheim does hit on Cam Ward’s development as a significant factor, and that absolutely is, but also fails to mention the improvements on the defensive side of the ball. The Titans invested heavily on that side of the ball during the offseason and have the look of a unit with the potential to dominate, a factor that would help Ward and the offense tremendously as the season develops.When you couple the new-look defense with a schedule that sets up perfectly for a young team, there is a chance that Tennessee could surprise in 2026 and should not be overlooked.This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Could they go from worst to first in 2026?

Former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been at the center of attention across both the college football and NFL landscapes over the past week.Sorsby spent four seasons at the collegiate level, playing at Indiana and Cincinnati. He was projected to be one of the top players at his position in the 2026 NFL draft, but instead entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and signed with Texas Tech despite having the opportunity to turn pro.Sorsby officially joined the Red Raiders in January. The NCAA subsequently launched an investigation into potential sports bets he may have placed, including wagers on his own team during his time at Indiana.The quarterback allegedly wagered more than $90,000 across his four collegiate seasons. A court ultimately ruled him eligible to play for Texas Tech in 2026 after serving a two-game suspension, but Sorsby decided to part ways with the program and focus entirely on the NFL.Sorsby has entered the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft following his departure from Texas Tech. The New York Giants could emerge as a dark-horse candidate for the talented quarterback, as many observers note that Sorsby’s playing style resembles that of current Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in several ways.Ted Nguyen of The Athletic recently highlighted the similarities and differences he sees between the two.Sorsby’s skill set reminds me a lot of Jaxson Dart’s, except Dart’s deep accuracy is much better. Both are tough, athletic option quarterbacks who prefer throwing outside. Dart came from a system that needed him to get through multiple progressions and stretched the field with downfield shots. Stylistically, they are similar, but Dart was the better prospect, didn’t have off-field issues and was a late first-round draft pick. Sorsby is a second-round, developmental pick, but his off-field issues will affect his stock.Sorsby could quickly make an impact in the NFL given his talent and athleticism. He was widely regarded as one of the top signal-callers in college football during his two seasons at Cincinnati, where he amassed 5,613 passing yards and 45 touchdowns.Despite the recent off-field drama, the former Cincinnati star is expected to receive a significant opportunity in the NFL. He is projected to be among the first players (if not the only player) selected in the NFL Supplemental Draft in July, and his playing style could continue to mirror Dart’s at the professional level.This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL analyst compares Brendan Sorsby's skill set to Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Lazio Considering Sensational Swoop for Former Roma AttackerLazio are reportedly plotting a move for unsettled Udinese forward Nicolo Zaniolo, who burst to the scene as a Roma player.Nicolo Zaniolo: Career Path & Season StatsThe 26-year-old is a versatile attacker who developped his game at several Italian academies, including Genoa, Fiorentina, and Inter Milan, before joining Roma in 2018. The Massa native immediately established himself in a key role at the club, but his momentum was interrupted by back-to-back ACL injuries.Moreover, Zaniolo’s off-pitch antics made him a controversial figure in the Italian capital. The Giallorossi eventually sold him to Galatasaray in January 2023. After forgettable loan spells at Aston Villa, Atalanta, and Fiorentina, the second striker put his career back on track at Udinese this season, contributing with six goals and seven assists.Lazio Interested in ZanioloThe Zebrette thus opted to buy the player from Galatasaray for €5 million, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Fabiana Della Valle, his future in Udine remains uncertain. The Italian international was promised a salary raise from his current €1.2 million, but Udinese’s management have yet to fulfil it.Therefore, Zaniolo may try to push his way out of the Friulian club this summer, with Lazio emerging as his top suitor. As the source explains, Napoli had also enquired about the 26-year-old, but the Biancocelesti are considered the most interested admirers, as Gennaro Gattuso is a fan of the player.Why Zaniolo to Lazio Remains ComplicatedThe left-footed star is requesting a yearly salary of at least €2 million. However, Della Valle admits that the deal remains difficult, chiefly because Udinese would have to share the transfer fee with Galatasaray due to a 50% sell-on clause.The Zebrette’s asking price is believed to be €18-20 million, while Lazio are operating on a net-zero balance this summer, which should further complicat matters for the capital club. It should also be added that Zaniolo had personal issues in the past with Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni.

Second Test, day four, The OvalArcher removes Nicholls for a superb 121 and has Phillips caught at gullyMitchell - who survived tough chance dropped by Brook on 32 - reaches fiftyRew snaffles rebound catch off Root to help Tongue dismiss BlundellEngland hold 1-0 lead in three-match seriesListen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sport commentary at top of page or overseas listeners click hereHave your say using 'Get Involved' button Archer strikes again after New Zealand take lead past 400

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 4: Myles Murphy #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Cincinnati, United States. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cincinnati Bengals made a number of moves this spring to bolster their defense, with the defensive line being the primary focus. Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, and Boye Mafe were all added up front to deal with the rough-and-tumble AFC North.However, the club is also looking for big leaps from some other former high picks from recent Draft classes. Shemar Stewart needs to show more in year two, but the team is also holding high hopes for Myles Murphy. In speaking with the Bengals Booth podcast, hosted by Dan Hoard, defensive coordinator Al Golden is seeing the fourth-year pro making more steps this spring. “I think this year, we’re seeing another level of him this spring, and obviously, just continue that path,” Golden told Hoard. “And those plays (ones he left out there last year), he’s too talented. He’s too long; he’s too strong for those plays not to come if he continues this positive trend that he’s on right now.”After being drafted in the first round back in 2023, Murphy has waited his turn for a larger role. He has seen increased snaps towards the end of both 2024 and 2025, responding with four sacks in the final eight games last year.As for Murphy’s late-season surge in 2025, Golden weighed in on that, too, noting: “He knew exactly where his technique was, where he needed to be. He executed at a really high level in the plays that came.”The Bengals have a few players they would like to ink extensions with before the 2026 season begins. While DJ Turner, Dax Hill, Chase Brown, and others are on the list, so is Murphy. Because of some early-career inconsistencies, the team decided not to give him the fifth-year option, but it has been made known that they would like to keep him around long-term.While some believe the team should have exercised that option, there are reasons Cincinnati chose not to go that route. And, with a more active offseason than usual, Murphy is using 2026 as a “prove-it year” to the Bengals and the rest of the NFL ahead of 2027 free agency.Cincinnati’s defensive line was a beleaguered group last year, but it has suddenly become a crowded position group. Aside from the veterans that were added, Cincinnati also added Cashius Howell in the second round of the draft this year, and has some other young talents trying to make the roster.It’s a big year for Murphy—both in terms of aiding the Bengals’ defensive rebuild and in his career trajectory. If he proves Golden correct and continues to improve this year, it will be a big boost to the Cincinnati defensive unit.

INDIANAPOLIS — After years of feeling isolated on pool decks, Grant House said competing has become enjoyable again.The Bright, Indiana, native spent the past five years at the center of one of college sports' most consequential legal battles, but now says the conversations surrounding him have changed."It's definitely a lot more fun," House said after competing on Friday during the TYR Pro Swim Series at the Indiana University Natatorium. "It's a lot more enjoyable to go through and have two-way conversations and not just feel like outcasted or side eyes walking on the deck for like the last five years," he said.House served as the lead plaintiff in the House v. NCAA class action lawsuit, which resulted in a $2.8 billion settlement allowing Division I schools to directly share revenue with athletes. As schools adjusted to the changes, including new roster limits that reduced opportunities in sports like swimming, House became the target of criticism.Now, just more than a year after the settlement was approved, the former Arizona State swimmer said those conversations have shifted."It definitely feels like a more community sense," House said. "I think a lot of people have kind of understood after some time it wasn't my personal attack on things, but just something I was a part of and wanted to give more opportunities to athletes."Instead of reacting to headlines, House said more people have taken the time to understand why he became involved in the lawsuit."They're starting to have better conversations and more educated conversations as well," he said. "Not just reading headlines and understanding House as an actual person."That change has made traveling to meets and interacting with fellow swimmers, coaches and reporters feel different than it did during the lawsuit.House said one conversation this week especially stood out. A national team teammate spoke with him about the lawsuit, praising House for what he accomplished despite the adversity."'Cause now he can benefit from it," House said. "It's really neat to see that come full circle."While the shift didn’t happen overnight, conversations like the one with his teammate have shown him attitudes are beginning to change."It took longer than I expected," House said. "But I guess doing something for the first time ever in the history of the world takes a little bit of time, maybe longer than you think."Jessica Garcete is an IndyStar sports reporter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: House vs NCAA: Grant House enjoying competing again after NIL lawsuit

INDIANAPOLIS — After years of feeling isolated on pool decks, Grant House said competing has become enjoyable again.The Bright, Indiana, native spent the past five years at the center of one of college sports' most consequential legal battles, but now says the conversations surrounding him have changed."It's definitely a lot more fun," House said after competing on Friday during the TYR Pro Swim Series at the Indiana University Natatorium. "It's a lot more enjoyable to go through and have two-way conversations and not just feel like outcasted or side eyes walking on the deck for like the last five years," he said.House served as the lead plaintiff in the House v. NCAA class action lawsuit, which resulted in a $2.8 billion settlement allowing Division I schools to directly share revenue with athletes. As schools adjusted to the changes, including new roster limits that reduced opportunities in sports like swimming, House became the target of criticism.Now, just more than a year after the settlement was approved, the former Arizona State swimmer said those conversations have shifted."It definitely feels like a more community sense," House said. "I think a lot of people have kind of understood after some time it wasn't my personal attack on things, but just something I was a part of and wanted to give more opportunities to athletes."Instead of reacting to headlines, House said more people have taken the time to understand why he became involved in the lawsuit."They're starting to have better conversations and more educated conversations as well," he said. "Not just reading headlines and understanding House as an actual person."That change has made traveling to meets and interacting with fellow swimmers, coaches and reporters feel different than it did during the lawsuit.House said one conversation this week especially stood out. A national team teammate spoke with him about the lawsuit, praising House for what he accomplished despite the adversity."'Cause now he can benefit from it," House said. "It's really neat to see that come full circle."While the shift didn’t happen overnight, conversations like the one with his teammate have shown him attitudes are beginning to change."It took longer than I expected," House said. "But I guess doing something for the first time ever in the history of the world takes a little bit of time, maybe longer than you think."Jessica Garcete is an IndyStar sports reporter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: House vs NCAA: Grant House enjoying competing again after NIL lawsuit

The NFL Supplemental Draft is less than a month away, and one insider believes the Pittsburgh Steelers won't be big spenders on quarterback Brendan Sorsby.According to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive, the Steelers won't be giving up a Day 1 or 2 pick via the upcoming NFL Supplemental Draft, but would likely give up a fifth-round selection at the earliest."Up-and-coming Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh says the Steelers would NOT consider drafting Brendan Sorsby until the 5th round of the supplemental draft. At the earliest," 93.7 The Fan's Andrew Fillipponi reported via X.BREAKING: Up and coming Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh says the Steelers would NOT consider drafting Brendan Sorsby until the 5th round of the supplemental draft. At the earliest.Would you do that? pic.twitter.com/wmVeukfbHD— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) June 19, 2026Sorsby, considered at one point one of the top quarterback prospects of the 2027 NFL Draft class, lost his NCAA eligibility following a gambling controversy in which he admitted to making thousands of bets worth at least $90,000.Previous reports suggested the Steelers were "doing their homework" on Sorsby and that the prior gambling controversy wouldn't be a "disqualifier" for Pittsburgh. But if another team outbids the Steelers' projected price, Pittsburgh could miss out on the young quarterback.For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers won't use prime draft capital on Brendan Sorsby, per report

After four rounds, we have a champion in the Blue Federal Credit Union boys bracket.Two-sport star Preston Mozer is the Blue FCU Fort Collins-area Boys Athlete of the Year for the 2025-26 school year, winning the championship matchup to wrap up two weeks of voting from thousands of fans.The sophomore beat out fellow Fort Collins track standout Cadel Ruthven at the polls, with Mozer ultimately earning the win at 86.3% of the vote.Mozer is a more-than-worthy winner of the yearlong award as a football and track-and-field powerhouse for Fort Collins.First, the wideout helped the Lambkins to their best season on the gridiron in over a decade.Mozer was Fort Collins' second-leading receiver with 31 catches for 553 yards and five touchdowns as a big-play threat for a squad that went 9-3, won a Class 5A playoff game and pushed some of the state's best teams.The sophomore's impact was even greater on the track, as Mozer was part of a legendary spring sprinting crew for the Lambkins.He ran on numerous record-smashing relay squads, including Fort Collins' 4x200-meter relay unit that won the 5A state title and set a new Colorado state record time of 1:24.57.A 5A first team all-state selection, Mozer also finished second at state in the 400 meters, seventh in the 200 dash and ran on Fort Collins' runner-up 4x100 team.It all helped Fort Collins romp to a dominant 5A team state title with 99 total points to upend 5A power Cherokee Trail.Mozer, younger brother of record-setting former Fossil Ridge football/track star Marcus, will have a great shot to join his older brother in the local history books with two more prep seasons to play.Here was Mozer's path to the Boys Athlete of the Year crown across the four rounds of voting:FINALS: Preston Mozer, Fort Collins football/track (86.3%) vs. Cadel Ruthven, Fort Collins track/XC (13.7%)SEMIFINALS: Preston Mozer, Fort Collins football/track (58.9%) vs. Tanner Gray, Wellington football/baseball (41.1%)QUARTERFINALS: Preston Mozer, Fort Collins football/track (57%) vs. Dylan Rubenstein, Fort Collins baseball (43%)FIRST ROUND: Preston Mozer, Fort Collins football/track (85.2%) vs. Leo Tornatzky, PSD nordic skiing (14.8%)View the final results:The Coloradoan has been proud to partner with Blue Federal Credit Union to honor the top Fort Collins-area athletes, including nearly 50 Athlete of the Week winners in the 2025-26 school year.Chris Abshire covers high school and community sports for the Coloradoan.This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins football, track star is Blue FCU Boys Athlete of the Year

The College World Series is exceeding all expectations, with endless upsets and two red-hot teams playing for the Championship.Those two remaining teams are UNC and Oklahoma, both spotless through three games in Omaha. The Diamond Heels (53-12-1) and Sooners (41-22) continue their championship quests on Saturday night at 8 p.m., with Game 1 of the CWS Finals set under the bright lights of Charles Schwab Field.North Carolina started its CWS run with a 6-2 comeback win over Ole Miss. UNC downed West Virginia, 5-2, then eliminated the Mountaineers with a 12-7 victory on June 17.Oklahoma is peaking at the right time, winning its last eight games. The Sooners beat a pair of SEC rivals in their first three CWS clashes: Alabama (9-0) on June 13, then Georgia (4-3, 11-4) on Monday and Wednesday.The Diamond Heels combine a perfect blend of shutdown pitching and clutch hitting. Jason DeCaro and Caden Glauber anchor North Carolina on the mound, but they're only two studs on a deep staff. Owen Hull and Jake Schaffner lead a deep batting order, but UNC can scare opponents 1-9 and from its bench.Oklahoma has 24 runs through three games in Omaha, while limiting opponents to seven runs. Center fielder Jason Walk blasted a pair of home runs in the Sooners' Finals berth-clinching win vs. Georgia, while Nick Weslowski and LJ Mercurius kept the Dawgs' bats in check.If you're in or anywhere near Omaha, seriously consider attending this can't-miss matchup. If you're planning to watch on TV, your favorite streaming device, listening on the radio or somewhere else, keep reading below for more broadcast information.What channel is Game 1 of the UNC-Oklahoma CWS Finals on? Time, TV schedule, radioTV Channel: ESPNTime: Saturday, June 20 at 8 p.m. ETRadio: SiriusXM (Channel 84)Website: WatchESPNWhere to watch Game 1 of UNC-Oklahoma CWS Finals on live streamStream UNC-Oklahoma baseballUNC-Oklahoma Game 1 prediction, picks, oddsThe Diamond Heels are hot right now. After needing a Game 3 comeback against USC in the Chapel Hill Super Regional, North Carolina is off to a 3-0 start in Omaha.The Sooners are hotter. After losing its first SEC Tournament game, then later to Georgia Tech in the Atlanta Regional, Oklahoma has eight consecutive wins.The Diamond Heels can hit any pitcher, while their pitching and defense will frustrate any hitter. The Sooners don't care who they play, facing a gauntlet en route to the Championship Series.Playing in its first CWS Finals since 2007, UNC takes Game 1 in a thriller.Score prediction: UNC 4, Oklahoma 3Full UNC baseball scheduleFebruary 13: vs. Indiana (W, 9-4)Feb. 14: Doubleheader vs. Indiana (W, 12-2 and 4-3)Feb. 17: vs. Richmond (W, 10-0)Feb. 18: vs. Longwood (W, 5-3)Feb. 20: @ East Carolina (W, 10-0)Feb. 21: vs. ECU in Durham Bulls Athletic Park (L, 10-3)Feb. 22: vs. ECU (T, 3-3)Feb. 24: vs. North Carolina A&T (W, 9-1)Feb. 25: vs. VCU (W, 13-3)Feb. 27: vs. Le Moyne (W, 16-3)Feb. 28: vs. Le Moyne (W, 12-2)March 1: vs. Le Moyne (W, 21-1)March 3: vs. Elon (W, 5-1)March 6: vs. Virginia (L, 13-3)March 7: vs. UVA (L, 9-2)March 8: vs. UVA (W, 8-7)March 10: vs. Bucknell (W, 13-3)March 13: at Cal (W, 8-1)March 14: at Cal (W, 6-2)March 15: at Cal (W, 10-2)March 20: vs. Louisville (W, 11-1)March 21: vs. Louisville (L, 2-0)March 22: vs. Louisville (W, 7-6)March 24: vs. South Carolina in Charlotte, N.C. (W, 9-1)March 28: Doubleheader at #23 Notre Dame (W, 6-5 and 13-7)March 29: at #23 Notre Dame (W, 15-10)March 31: vs. Campbell (W, 5-4)April 2: vs. #22 Boston College (L, 6-1)April 3: vs. #22 Boston College (W, 5-2)April 4: vs. #22 Boston College (W, 8-7)April 7: vs. Charlotte (W, 8-4)April 10: at Clemson (L, 9-5)April 11: at Clemson (W, 6-4)April 12: at Clemson (W, 12-5)April 14: vs. UNC-Wilmington (W, 14-5)April 17: vs. #2 Georgia Tech (W, 5-2)April 18: vs. #2 Georgia Tech (W, 14-4)April 19: vs. #2 Georgia Tech (L, 5-2)April 21: vs. High Point (W, 9-2)April 23: at Duke (W, 3-1)April 24: at Duke (L, 3-1)April 25: at Duke (W, 22-5)April 28: vs. Coastal Carolina (7 p.m.)May 3: vs. Duke (W, 13-0)May 8: vs. Pitt (W, 4-1)May 9: vs. Pitt (W, 12-2)May 10: vs. Pitt (W, 7-3)May 12: at UNC-Wilmington (W, 13-7)May 14: at NC State (W, 9-4)May 15: at NC State (W, 17-7)May 16: at NC State (L, 7-2)May 22: vs. Virginia Tech in ACC Tournament Quarterfinals at Truist Field (Charlotte, N.C.) (W, 10-4)May 23: vs. Pitt in ACC Tournament Semifinals at Truist Field (Charlotte, N .C.) (W, 13-5)May 24: vs. Georgia Tech in ACC Championship at Truist Field (Charlotte, N.C.) (L, 13-6)May 29: vs. VCU in Chapel Hill Regional (W, 8-0)May 30: vs. East Carolina in Chapel Hill Regional (W, 7-5)May 31: vs. VCU in Chapel Hill Regional (W, 9-3)June 5: vs. USC in Chapel Hill Super Regional (L, 9-5)June 6: vs. USC in Chapel Hill Super Regional (W, 4-0)June 7: vs. USC in Chapel Hill Super Regional (W, 4-3)June 12: vs. Ole Miss in College World Series (W, 6-2)June 14: vs. West Virginia in College World Series (W, 5-2)June 17: vs. West Virginia in College World Series (W, 12-7)June 20: vs. Oklahoma in College World Series Finals (8 p.m.)June 21: vs. Oklahoma in College World Series Finals (2:30 p.m.)This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: College World Series: Time, streaming, picks, odds for UNC-OU Game 1

Pro Football Focus graded their top edge defenders from the 2025 NFL season, and Houston Texans star Will Anderson leads the pack with a grade of 93.1. Meanwhile, Denver Broncos edge Nik Bonitto ranks 15th with a 79.2 ranking, shared with Khalil Mack. PFF writer Ryan Smith detailed Bonitto’s growth and where he can improve: run defense.“Bonitto has improved his PFF overall grade in each year, from 52.4 as a rookie in 2022 to 79.2 this season," Smith wrote for PFF. "While there is still room to improve as a run defender, he’s established himself as one of the game’s best pass-rushers, generating 81 pressures and an 86.5 PFF pass-rush grade this season.”Will Bonitto leap out of the 70s and grade out in the 80s in 2026? If he takes Smith’s advice, there's a strong chance he can. The Broncos are looking to contend again in 2026 and behind, and they will need Bonitto if they want to get it done.Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: PFF ranked 14 pass rushers higher than Nik Bonitto in 2025

The Americans are headed to the knockout stages.Friday’s 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle means the U.S. is advancing in the World Cup no matter what happens in Thursday’s game against Türkíye.Whether they advance as the top team from Group D or the No. 2 won’t be determined until very early Saturday morning or next week. But either way, they’ll still be standing when the tournament field shrinks to 32.The U.S. continued to turn pressure into own goals. Folarin Balogun, who scored twice in the Americans win over Paraguay was attacking from the left side and sent the ball toward the middle, where Aussie defender Cameron Burgess knocked it behind his own goalie.VAR was good for the USA late in the half. Alex Freeman’s header goal on the rebound off a set piece in the 43rd minute was originally ruled offside. But replay revealed he was onside and the Americans took a 2-0 lead into halftime.No PulisicWhen Christian Pulisic left the Americans’ 4-1 win over Paraguay at halftime, both he and American coach Mauricio Pochettino downplayed the severity. But after not training with the team, Pulisic was not in the lineup against the Socceroos.Ricardo Pepi replaced him the lineup.How this affects Group DGPWDLGFGAPtsUnited States2200216Australia2101223Turkey1001020Paraguay1001140Türkíye and Paraguay play at 11 p.m. If Paraguay wins or the game is a draw, the U.S. will win the group.Cards:American Antonee Robinson received a yellow card in the 56th minute, while Balogun and Chris Richards were both ticketed late.Jordan Bos and Alessandro Circati each picked one up for the Aussies in the first half, while Jacob Italiano and Harry Soutar were tagged late.Next up:The Americans will face Türkíye and Australia will face Paraguay. Both games at at 10 p.m. on Thursday.Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

📸 This week's kit news 👕As every week, here’s a look back at the kits that were unveiled. Today, it’s the special hipster edition.Celtic Glasgow - Third 2026/27 (official)We’re kicking off this special hipster edition with Celtic Glasgow’s new third kit, a gem just the way we like them.Celtic Glasgow and Puma OfficialPSV Eindhoven - Away 2026/27 (official)We continue this tour of Europe’s leagues outside the Big 5 with PSV, who unveiled a very successful new away kit.PSV and Puma OfficialExcelsior - Away 2026/27 (official)We stay in the Netherlands for another away kit. Excelsior Rotterdam, for its part, unveiled a champagne-colored shirt.Excelsior RotterdamValencia - Home 2026/27 (official)This year, Valencia CF isn’t reinventing its classics, despite the presence of a collar and a red sleeve trim.Valencia and Puma OfficialFC Seoul - Summer Edition 2026/27 (official)It’s vacation season, and FC Seoul has thought of its fans by unveiling a shirt in shades specially designed for relaxing at the beach.FC SeoulGetafe - Home & Away 2026/27 (official)Two birds with one stone: Getafe unveiled both its home and away kits for next season at the same time.Getafe and Joma OfficialTottenham - Home & Away 2026/27 (official)For this final set of kits, we move away from the special hipster edition to discover Tottenham’s two new shirts. While the home kit remains classic, the away one is more ambitious and may even divide opinion.Tottenham and Nike OfficialTell us which kit you prefer in the comments.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

Albert Riera has named his short stint as Eintracht Frankfurt coach a big misunderstanding and issued criticism on the club and the players.“We just weren’t meant for each other. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Spaniard Riera told Slovenian TV channel Sportklub.Riera was appointed as successor of Dino Toppmöller in early February but they parted ways after the season in which Frankfurt missed a European berth for the first time in six years by finishing eighth in the Bundesliga."I don't know if someone else would have done better, we will never find out," Riera said.He said he got on well with sporting director Marküs Krösche but that he wouldn't chose any Frankfurt player for his next project and that his previous Slovenian club Celje had more talent in this respect.Riera irritated with his brash personality and coaching decisions such as not nominating Mario Götze into match squads shortly before the 2014 World Cup winner had his contract renewed.He claimed in the interview that names were more important than results for the club and that he would have never managed to get the kind of players he would have wanted for the new season."Club policy stipulates that the coach has no say in scouting or team selection. That’s not the right environment for me, and I knew we couldn’t work together in the long term,” he said.Austrian Adi Hütter is the new coach in a return to Frankfurt, having already been in charge 2018-2021.

Leeds make move for Gladbach defenderBorussia Mönchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi is being linked with a move to the Premier League.According to Bild, Leeds United have made a concrete move for the 29-year-old Swiss international.The report claims that the Premier League side are willing to pay €8.5 million for Elvedi, who has just one year remaining on his contract.However, this is not enough for Gladbach, with negotiations now underway in an attempt to find common ground.Reports have previously suggested that Elvedi has a release clause in the region of €10 million in his contract.Should he complete the move, Elvedi would reunite with former Gladbach coach Daniel Farke, who is now in charge at Leeds.

Matt Bloomfield was appointed Oxford United head coach in January [Getty Images]Oxford United have sacked head coach Matt Bloomfield following their relegation to League One.The 42-year-old replaced Gary Rowett in January and despite some encouraging results and performances in the second half of the season, he was unable to keep them in the Championship.Oxford said Bloomfield had "represented Oxford United with professionalism and integrity"."We would like to thank Matt for his efforts and wish him every success in the future," a club statement added. "The process of appointing a new men's first team head coach will begin immediately, and the club will provide updates in due course."Oxford relegated after two years in ChampionshipBloomfield 'confident' of keeping Oxford jobOxford United appoint Bloomfield as new head coachBloomfield had been out of work since he was sacked as Luton boss in October 2025. He was appointed by Oxford at a time when they were 23rd in the Championship, three points adrift of safety, coming in after Rowett had overseen a dismal spell of one win in 10 matches.Bloomfield began his managerial career at Colchester United before taking over from Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers in 2023.After leading the Chairboys to the League One automatic promotion places amid the challenge of big-spending Birmingham City and Wrexham last season, he left to take over at Luton.But Bloomfield was unable to prevent the Hatters from suffering back-to-back relegations to the third tier and was dismissed after an underwhelming start to the season, with the club 11th in the table.Speaking after Oxford's relegation was confirmed in April, Bloomfield said he was confident of keeping his job."I've enjoyed my time at the club. It's obviously not been the outcome that we wanted for the season," he said."We've been pleasantly content with some of the improvements we have made but ultimately we wanted to stay in the league."I've not given much thought to my job and the bigger situation and ultimately, as a manager or head coach, all you can do is focus on being the best you can be."Oxford were relegated to League One in April after two seasons in the Championship [Getty Images]Oxford looked capable of pulling off a "great escape" in late February and early March when they won three games in a row to move up to 21st.However, just two wins in the following eight matches saw them lose ground on the sides above them.Relegation brought an end to a two-year spell in the second tier after they won promotion via the League One play-offs in 2023-24.Why now?Analysis - Jerome Sale, BBC Radio Oxford sports editorThis decision would not have been a surprise six weeks ago - just after Oxford's relegation to League One had been confirmed.Matt Bloomfield's arrival in January as successor to Gary Rowett didn't come with much fanfare and his impact was gradual not immediate. He experimented with different systems, and certain players didn't fit when he ultimately settled on one.Results did improve, but ultimately not by enough to beat the drop. The team just ran out of steam in the final days.But that still leaves the question: Why now, not then?Since the end of the season there's been a shift at the top of the club. Dusan Bogdanovic came in as chairman, an ex-pro player and agent, and whilst his experience in the English game is limited, there is every reason to expect him to want to be more hands on with the football side of the club than his predecessor. So far there hasn't been a single signing for next season, a situation which needs to change imminently. This was probably as late as they could leave a managerial change without the potential of recruiting for the wrong head coach.And finally on the timing, I can only assume they have a replacement in mind, perhaps their availability plays into this.They may have been relegated, but Oxford United remains a club with ambitions and one in a hurry. In the past month they have triggered mechanisms to expedite the judicial review process into their plans for a new stadium.They took a risk on Bloomfield being able to keep Oxford in the Championship, but as with Luton the previous year he narrowly failed. They have decided not to take a chance on him in League One.Sacking a head coach is the easy bit. As always when you change a manager, the real gamble and the real test comes with the appointment of the next guy.Latest Oxford United news, analysis and fan viewsListen to Oxford United content on BBC Sounds

Jose Mourinho giftwraps ideal €100m midfielder for LiverpoolBig changes are coming to Liverpool’s midfield this summer.We could see Alexis Mac Allister move on for example - with the Argentina World Cup winner only under contract until 2028. No talks currently exist over a new deal and without an agreement the 27-year-old’s transfer value is going to head south.In a similar boat - and with an even shorter contract duration - is Curtis Jones. Out of contract in 2027 - and with no new deal on the horizon - the England international is set to be sold to Inter Milan.That would open the door for Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola to enter the market for a high-quality midfield replacement.Tchouameni has got no guarantees at Real MadridAnd according to a new report in TEAMtalk developments at Real Madrid could giftwrap a long-term target for Liverpool.Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, has been with Los Blancos since 2022 - when he turned down a move to Anfield in favour of the Bernabeu.Having won two Champions League titles the time has come for the France international to leave.Liverpool and Manchester United on alertMadrid have informed the midfielder that his long-term prospects at the Spanish capital club are in doubt - with Liverpool and Manchester United now reported to be on alert.It’s claimed that the Reds and their North West rivals have been in contact with Tchouameni’s camp ahead of the window opening.Tchouameni is seen inside Anfield as an immediate upgrade - with complications arising in the chases for domestic targets likes Alex Scott and Adam Wharton.No space at the Bernabeu for TchouameniMadrid have completed the signing of Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and look set to land Enzo Fernandez on a big-money deal from Chelsea. Chases are also live for Mateus Fernandes and Rodri.That would squeeze Tchouameni ever further down the pecking order under the incoming head coach. With so many new players coming to the club sales will be necessary and in that context Tchouameni fits the bill.Tchouameni has two years left on his deal with Madrid valuing their player at around €100m. That is a lot to ask but for that money Liverpool know they would be signing one of the very best midfielders around with a proven pedigree.

The governing Labour Party may oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer in favor of the more popular Andy Burnham — who will still face all the same challenges.

ICC chairman Jay Shah met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday to discuss the future of cricket in the country, with talks centred on grassroots development, youth programmes and creating more opportunities for young players.Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Shah said the discussions focused on strengthening cricket's foundation in Sri Lanka and exploring how the sport can contribute to wider social and economic development."It was a privilege to meet His Excellency President @anuradisanayake today and discuss the current status of cricket in Sri Lanka. Our discussions focused on increasing opportunities for emerging players, supporting grassroots and youth development programmes, and leveraging cricket as a vehicle for social impact and economic growth," Shah wrote on X.— jayshah (@jayshah) The ICC chairman said the two also discussed Sri Lanka's role in hosting major international tournaments and its contribution to the growth of cricket around the world."Sri Lanka holds a special place in the history of cricket, and I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further strengthen the game and create new opportunities for future generations. My sincere thanks to His Excellency for his time and unwavering support for cricket," he added.Shah assumed office as chairman of the International Cricket Council in December 2024 after stepping down as secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

USC football's most consequential game of 2026 is the Oregon game. ESPN looked at the tight end who will challenge USC's defense: Kendre' Harrison."Oregon lost a key player at tight end in Kenyon Sadiq, who was selected No. 16 in the NFL draft. Though returning tight end Jamari Johnson provides stability after tallying 510 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2025, Oregon also added the five-star Harrison, the No. 15 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. Harrison, a two-sport star, gives the Ducks another high-upside and highly athletic option at a position of need entering the season."A dual-sport athlete and ranked basketball prospect, Harrison brings a rare blend of size and athleticism. Even as an early enrollee, he stood out physically at Oregon's spring game. On tape, he is a long strider who is deceptively fast for his size. He can high point the football effectively and create production after the catch. Though still developing and needing to adjust to the physicality of the college level, he projects as a major red zone option who can box out defenders on jump balls as if he is back on the hardwood."USC's defense has been outflanked when it has played Oregon in recent years. The Trojans have not been able to hold the Ducks under 30 points. If USC can hit that benchmark, the Trojans would have a significantly better chance of winning a game they frankly cannot afford to lose. If USC wants to take a significant step forward as a program, it must beat Oregon. Beating Oregon includes containing Kendre' Harrison when these teams clash.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Oregon football's Kendre Harrison will force USC to be airtight on D

🤨 Changes on the cards? Scaloni could shake up the XI v Austria 🇦🇷Lionel Scaloni is already mapping out Argentina’s strategy to face Austria in Dallas. After the win over Algeria in the opener, the coach from Pujato is preparing several changes to the starting eleven that will take on the Central European side. According to information from Olé, the first change will be at right-back. Nahuel Molina will return to the starting lineup in place of Gonzalo Montiel, who had been dealing with a slight muscular issue. The rest of the back line will remain unchanged, with Facundo Medina firmly established on the left flank.Changes in midfield?The real puzzle for the coaching staff is in midfield. Although the world champion trio seems untouchable, Thiago Almada could lose his place in the starting eleven after rotating heavily in the last training session.To replace him, Scaloni is weighing two tactical options. The first is to add a possession-oriented midfielder such as Exequiel Palacios or Leandro Paredes. The second, and more likely, is to include Nicolás González to help contain Austria’s powerful right-sided duo.Waiting on Julián ÁlvarezFinally, the attack still carries its usual question mark. Lautaro Martínez has the edge as the starting center-forward, while Julián Álvarez continues working toward full fitness so he can contribute important minutes off the bench.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Ancelotti confirms big Neymar update for Scotland clash and more Brazil changesCarlo Ancelotti says Neymar ‘will be available’ against Scotland and confirms more Brazil changes for their final World Cup group stage game.Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 on Friday night and are now preparing for their final group stage game against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24, with kick-off at 11 pm BST.Ancelotti confirms Neymar’s return vs. ScotlandItalian tactician Ancelotti discussed his potential moves for the next Brazil match during a press conference last night: “I don’t want to give a definitive identity; I might change something in the next match,” he said via Gazzetta.“We want to beat Scotland to finish top of the group; that would be important. We will prepare for it, but it won’t be easy. Scotland have very defined characteristics; they caused Morocco problems and can do the same to us. But we must remain calm, composed, and focused on our game. The psychologist is working with us and is helping us.”Neymar has missed the opening two games due to injury, but will make his return in the next game: “He’s fine; he’ll train alone for a day and then return to the squad. He’ll be available for Scotland,” confirmed Ancelotti.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 19: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Barcelona winger Raphinha, on the other hand, was forced to come off with an injury: “We are waiting for the tests to understand what he has,” Ancelotti said.Lastly, the Italian tactician gave his verdict on the controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup, already criticised by many, including Inter defender Manuel Akanji: “I like them; with the intense heat, players can recover, and we coaches can adjust things,” Ancelotti concluded.

Arsenal announce new destination partnershipThe agreement will give Saint Lucia visibility at Emirates Stadium and across Arsenal’s global digital platforms, covering men’s, women’s and cup matches.Arsenal have announced a new multi-year global partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, making the Caribbean nation the club’s Official Destination Partner.The agreement will give Saint Lucia brand visibility at Emirates Stadium across Premier League, Women’s Super League and cup fixtures, as well as exposure through Arsenal’s digital platforms and channels.Saint Lucia is a small volcanic island nation in the Caribbean, known for its dramatic scenery, and tourism industry. The partnership is intended to promote the country’s culture, events and natural attractions to Arsenal’s global support.Dr Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, said: “We are entering an exciting term as Arsenal’s Official Destination Partner, aligning with a club that has a loyal, global supporter base. As Premier League and Champions Cup champions, Arsenal begins the new season with momentum, while Saint Lucia continues to record strong visitor arrivals.“This partnership is grounded in shared values of social responsibility, resilience and sustainability, reflected in both Arsenal’s work with its supporters and community, and our commitment to our people. We look forward to showcasing Saint Lucia’s vibrant culture, dynamic events calendar and natural beauty to Arsenal supporters worldwide.”The arrangement extends Arsenal’s commercial reach while giving Saint Lucia access to the club’s international audience across both the men’s and women’s game.Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Saint Lucia, a world-renowned destination with a rich history and culture, that share our values of community and an always forward mindset. We want every Gooner, whether they’re in Islington or Saint Lucia, whether they’ve been supporting us for fifty years or five, to feel and see themselves in our club.“This is an exciting partnership that gives us this opportunity and will help fuel our ambitions of growth and success.”

The details behind Ronaldinho’s move to Italy’s third divisionBrazilian legend Ronaldinho has signed with Italy’s third-division side Ravenna, and, according to Italian sources, he’ll make a brief appearance in a competitive match and become a minority shareholder in the club.Former Milan and Barcelona star Ronaldinho has signed a contract with Serie C side Ravenna in Italy.Will Ronaldinho play in Italy’s third division?The move was confirmed by the Brazilian footballer, Ravenna’s President Ignazio Cipriani and vice president Ariedo Braida. The latter had already signed Ronaldinho from Barcelona to Milan in 2008.Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano explain the details of the deal, saying that Ronaldinho, 46, won’t technically be part of the squad or travel with the team for away matches in the 2026-27 campaign.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 19: Ronaldinho attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Ronaldinho of AC MilanHowever, the Brazilian will still be closely involved with the club and the team.He’ll make a brief appearance in a Serie C game during the season and become a minority shareholder in the club.In addition, Ravenna’s 2026-27 kit will feature Ronaldinho’s iconic R10 logo.Ronaldinho will be officially unveiled at a special event in Miami on June 23 and travel to Ravenna around Augst 20 to attend the team’s unveiling.

🎥 After Tuchel snub: England star sells stickers in New YorkAlongside superstars like Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire was one of the England stars who had to swallow Thomas Tuchel’s painful World Cup snub. But apparently, not being at the tournament was never really an option for Maguire. The United defender was spotted in New York enjoying the World Cup buzz in his very own way. As a Panini sticker seller, that is. Keeping it low-key and in true top lad fashion, the Premier League veteran is making sure the stickers find their way to the fans. In a way, it actually makes sense. Someone who would normally be expected to defend the Three Lions’ goal is practically destined to manage the rush for those popular collectible stickers. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

The 2026 World Cup will have 13 different kickoff times. You can use the Al Jazeera Sport widget to find out exactly when your team is playing in your local time.Who: Spain vs Saudi ArabiaWhat: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H matchWhere: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaWhen: Sunday, 12pm local time (16:00 GMT)How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 13:00 GMT in advance of our live text commentary stream.Spain return to Atlanta on Sunday, hoping to move on from the shock goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde and respond with a much-improved display against Saudi Arabia.The pre-tournament favourites are no longer the bookmakers’ top choice to lift the title in North America, with questions raised about their worrying lack of attacking edge.The reigning European champions – who have one of the world’s most exciting players in Lamine Yamal – will be up against a solid Saudi Arabia side, which held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their opener.Will Yamal play against Saudi Arabia?After a poor attacking performance against Cape Verde, where Spain failed to score despite taking 27 shots, the 2010 champions are in dire need of better finishing.Their star winger, Yamal, is often among the goals or assists, but his minutes at the 2026 World Cup have been limited as he recovers from a hamstring injury.The 18-year-old was named on the bench and came on only in the 71st minute. With Spain needing a World Cup reset, many thought Yamal would be back in the starting lineup, but he said that will not be the case just yet.“I’m fine, I’m feeling good, but it’s too soon, it’s unnecessary; I’m still settling in – it’s not the right time to play a full match yet – but I can play for as many minutes as the manager wants,” Yamal told Spanish public television TVE on Friday.“I want to be on the pitch; at the end of the day, even if you know ⁠you can’t play for 90 minutes, you always want to get ⁠out there and help the team.”This new golden generation of Yamal, Pedri, Ferran Torres and others is hoping to inspire Spain to their second World Cup title, following back-to-back round-of-16 exits in recent editions.Spain’s Lamine Yamal looks dejected after their goalless draw with Cape Verde [Claudia Greco/Reuters]Saudi Arabia high on confidenceWhile Spain’s confidence might be low after the first game, the mood in the Saudi camp is great.Their 1-1 draw with former world champions Uruguay was a “booster for our psychology”, said coach Georgios ‌Donis, who only took over the team two months before the World Cup.Despite having limited time with the squad, Donis’s Saudi Arabia did well to walk away with a point, keeping themselves alive in the hunt for the knockouts.After the unexpected result against Cape Verde, Spain will not be taking Saudi Arabia lightly. After all, the Saudis caused a major surprise in the 2022 World Cup’s opening round, defeating eventual champions Argentina.The Asian giants, making their seventh appearance in North America, registered their best result in 1994 with a run to the round of 16.Spain vs Saudi Arabia predictionStats provider Opta’s supercomputer has handed Spain a whopping 86.7 percent probability of winning against Saudi Arabia, who have a mere 4.3 percent chance of winning. There is a 9 percent probability of a draw.Initially, Spain were the frontrunners for the World Cup triumph, but after their opening match goalless draw, they have slipped to fourth in Opta’s prediction list, with France now the most favourite (15.43 percent).Now, Spain have a 12.04 percent probability of winning the tournament.Spain vs Saudi Arabia: Livestream, kickoff timeSpain: LA1, PLAY, DAZN Mundial (6pm, Central European Summer Time)Saudi Arabia: beIN SPORTS MAX 5, beIN SPORTS 4K HDR, beIN SPORTS MAX 1, TOD, beIN SPORTS MAX 3, beIN CONNECT (7 pm, Arabia Standard Time)United Kingdom: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, ITVX (5pm, British Summer Time)United States: Universo, FOX, FOX One, Telemundo App, Telemundo Network, Peacock (noon, Eastern Daylight Time)Fans of Saudi Arabia celebrate after their team took the lead against Uruguay at Miami Stadium on June 15 [Alex Slitz/Getty Images/AFP]How does the group stage work?Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Cape Verde are in Group H.They all have a point each, with Uruguay on top due to the highest team conduct score. Saudi Arabia are second, Spain are third, and Cape Verde are bottom.All of them have an equal chance of advancing to the knockouts, leaving the group wide open.The top two teams from each of the 12 groups – along with the eight best third-placed teams – proceed to the next phase, the round of 32, which has been introduced at the World Cup for the first time.Form guide(Last five games, latest first)Spain: D-W-D-D-WSaudi Arabia: D-D-W-L-LSpain have a better record than Saudi Arabia in the last five matches.Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their first World Cup game, beat Peru 3-1 and drew 1-1 with Iraq in June friendlies. They also drew 0-0 with Egypt and beat Serbia 3-0 in March.Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their tournament opener, played a goalless draw with Senegal and beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in June friendlies. They lost to Ecuador 2-1 in a May friendly and were defeated 2-1 by Serbia in a March friendly.Spain vs Saudi Arabia: Head-to-headThey have met three times, with Spain winning each time. Their last meeting dates back to September 2012 when Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0.Sunday’s match will be only the second time Spain and Saudi Arabia meet at the World Cup – their first face-off, at the 2006 edition, ended in a 1-0 group-stage victory for Spain.Spain predicted lineup(4-3-3): Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Ferran, Olmo, GaviSaudi Arabia predicted lineup(4-4-2): Al Owais; Abdulhamid, Al Amri, Al Tambakti, Al-Harbi; Al Shamat, Kanno, Akhaibari, Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan, Al-Juwayr

Long after Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti had eased to the pace of a training game, and Carlo Ancelotti was actually playing some of the positives down, there was suddenly a rush of energy near the press conference room. People were hurrying over, in a way they weren’t quite doing for Matheus Cunha or even Vinicius Junior.In the corridors leading up from the Philadelphia Eagles’ dressing room, where the post-game media duties were taking place, were a proper constellation of stars.All of Romario, Bebeto, Rivaldo and Kaka were just... milling around, waiting to go somewhere. They were so idle, in fact, that they were happily posing for the multiple requests for selfies. People were of course doing the cradle celebration to Bebeto, who was only too delighted to smile along.Now with silver hair, the former striker was resplendent in a blue suit and pink tie, making him look like a Republican senator.On his lapel, though, was one reason for all the fuss. He and Rivaldo had little pins of the World Cup itself, given they’ve actually won it.Romario wasn’t quite dressed like that, since he is working for Brazilian television. The star of USA 94, in fact, conducted the flash interview with Vinicius.Vinicius Junior isn’t fazed by much, but perhaps an interview with Romario did it (AP)While the Real Madrid forward is hardly fazed by much, you can imagine how intimidating it could be to be interviewed by a legend who has done what you never have but an entire nation is desperate for.And that, as well as all the buzz around legends, raises something else about this Brazil team. It was already written in these pages last week that the famous yellow shirt has lost its allure. That goes hand in hand with how this team – at least as a concept – have lost their fear factor.Sure, you are still wary of them. You wouldn’t want to face them in the knockouts. But are you really scared of them? Are you intimidated by what they can do to you in an instant, in the way Romario or Bebeto could?You can see all of that old awe in the very wonder at their presence. They inspire delight because of how devastating they used to be.Even in victory, this Brazil team aren’t as intimidating as previous iterations (Getty)The likes of Cafu, Rivaldo and Bebeto still have an aura about them (Reuters)One of many tricks such stars pulled is that they actually played in dour sides – in both 1994 and 2002 – but what lasts in the memory are the moments of magic; those flashes when they’d suddenly illuminate and decide a match in seconds.That’s what this shirt used to represent. It was spectacle, sparkle and... stardust. It was awesome, as they say here, but in the truest sense of the word.You were afforded a rare glimpse of a higher level of player. You feared what they could do to you. This was Brazil.Now, they’re just another good team, with some stars. If England were to face them in a potential quarter-final in Miami, could they really be considered favourites?And there is more to this than just how the globalisation of football has made us so much more familiar with the best in the world.The 1994 Brazil team were actually pretty dour, but the moments of magic live long in the memory (Getty)Brazil haven’t even had a properly good World Cup since they last won it.Little wonder they’ve lost their fear factor. In the 24 years since Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho all won it – and the other two “Rs” were also here tonight in even more elevated circumstances – Brazil have got past the quarter-finals just once. And that ended up being the worst experience of the lot, as a home World Cup clouded by so much nervous energy collapsed into that 7-1 humiliation against Germany.They’ve otherwise been beaten by France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Croatia in relatively staid eliminations.The former winners present in Philadelphia aren’t just heroes, then. They’re ghosts, whose success haunts every team. You can see some of this – the sense of some kind of mythical quest – in one of the main obsessions around the team.They are still looking for the messiah, the singular figure arising out of their history to carry the team again.Neymar’s time as the golden boy of Brazilian football has passed (Reuters)So it is that Neymar is in the squad almost as a totem, with Endrick now the chosen one. The majority Brazilian crowd were desperate for his eventual introduction from the bench, especially when Raphinha went off injured. Endrick offered real spark and then scored, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.One of Ancelotti’s most important responsibilities with this team might be to temper all of that, to bring the kind of balance that his famous composure lends itself to. Here, he had to explain why Rayan initially came on.The win over Haiti otherwise duly showed how this Brazil aren’t quite one level or the other. They don’t look elite as a side, but there is quality in moments. They are exceptional in certain positions, but so mediocre in others.They put on a bit of a show, but that in a game where it was still occasionally difficult not to turn to your phone for distraction. Maybe the most important development, however, is how they are picking up momentum as Ancelotti gradually figures things out.Carlo Ancelotti is slowly figuring things out as Brazil boss (AP)Vinicius made it two goals in two, while scoring another that was classically Vinicius. How many times have we seen him outstrip a defence to finish like that?He may not yet have the aura of his predecessors present here tonight, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that he’s one of the best in the world.The same could be said of Alisson for his position, and the goalkeeper even added to the show with one fine turn.Gabriel and Marquinhos are both so secure at centre-back. Bruno Guimaraes is sought-after in the engine room, and – for all the focus on the midfield – were the workmen of 1994 and 2002, like Mauro Silva and Kleberson, really better?Cunha, meanwhile, may have offered Ancelotti that solution up front, with two very different types of goal.Matheus Cunha may have offered Ancelotti an answer to one of his problems (AP)The first showed a poacher’s instinct. The second was the type of thrashed high finish he has already made a trademark for Manchester United.Just when you thought the chance had gone, Cunha produced something. Maybe it will be like that for the team as a whole.Typically, though, just as one solution presented itself, another problem arose. Raphinha went down injured, when he’d been so impressive in stretching the game.Ancelotti addressed this in the same tempered way. Maybe it will be the story of their campaign.No, Brazil do not have that fear factor. But they do have something, and it can grow.

Nick Woltemade optimistic of World Cup breakthrough despite limited Germany roleDespite having slipped down the pecking order in the German national team, Nick Woltemade remains optimistic about getting his special World Cup moment during the tournament.“That’s what the national team coach tells me. The tournament is hopefully still long for us. I’m working hard for my chance,” Woltemade told RND.Woltemade has been on the bench for Germany’s last two games – a 2-1 friendly win over the USA and a 7-1 World Cup opening victory over Curacao – but remains positive.“This doesn’t unsettle me, I can deal with it. Overall, the past year has been crazy for me; it has changed my life,” said the Newcastle United forward.“When I stood on the pitch with the whole team before the match against Curacao and we sang the anthem, I was smiling from ear to ear because it is so big and beautiful to be part of the biggest stage in football.”With four goals in six matches during Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign, Woltemade has already shown what he is capable of in the national team shirt.“The goals gave me a lot of confidence. I know my contribution to our successful qualification, and I’ve shown my ability at that level. But I’ve always been aware that other phases can come as well,” he said.Both Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav are currently ahead of the former Stuttgart forward in the pecking order for the striker position.Germany face Ivory Coast in their second World Cup match on Saturday evening.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., speaks with reporters before a Republican lunch at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)2026-06-20T12:04:50Z WASHINGTON (AP) — The question hangs in the halls at the Capitol: Was it worth it?Congress, which never authorized the war against Iran yet never fully objected to it, now must grapple with the consequences of President Donald Trump’s nearly four-month conflict: the lives lost, the billions spent and the national security fallout that has reordered the political dynamics in the Middle East.Ask senators what they think about the deal Trump struck to end the war, and they do not search too far for words.“Pathetic. Failure. Inevitable conclusion of a combination of never making the case to the American people, flawed strategic vision, lack of grasp of the regional dynamics,” said Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.“How many ways, can I say, bad, bad, bad?”Yet Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, a past chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said that because of the president’s actions, “We are safer today.” “You can criticize — Oh, he didn’t totally win,” Johnson said. “Well, that was always going to be very difficult.” As Trump moves on to the next phase, it is left to the Congress to pick up the pieces: explaining the war to voters back home, restocking the military arsenal that has run low from bombing runs and trying to ensure the fragile ceasefire holds as the United States seeks to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions and work toward an uneasy peace. Read More More money for the PentagonDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the rounds on Capitol Hill this past week as lawmakers consider Defense Department funding as part of the Republican majority’s next big budget package.The White House has asked for a remarkable $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon this year, on top of the extra money that Republicans delivered as part of the Trump’s tax cuts package last year.Republicans are mulling a sizable $350 billion plus-up for Hegseth on par with the White House’s budget request that the GOP could pass on its own, through the reconciliation process that allows majority rule over potential objections from Democrats. Senators, meanwhile, are seeking to set some guardrails on Hegseth with a provision to block a portion of his travel fund until the Pentagon delivers various reports. One such report is on an investigation into the strike on an elementary school in Iran that killed more than 165 people, a flashpoint at the start of the war. Officials have said they believe the U.S. was responsible for the strike and that it was based on faulty intelligence.Questions swirl over what’s next in IranLawmakers are still processing what just happened after Trump swiftly signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran and opened a window of 60-day talks toward ending Tehran’s nuclear program.“I understand the president’s trying to find a peaceful solution to this,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who serves on the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees. “I commend him for that. But we’ve got a lot of questions.”Senators are particularly concerned about the tentative deal’s provision for a potential $300 billion fund for the “reconstruction and economic development” of Iran. To many skeptical Republicans, that money sounds similar to the planeloads-of-cash narrative they used against the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, which offered a slim fraction of that amount, some $1.7 billion overall. To this day, Trump tells an exaggerated story of how that payment to Iran, for U.S. military equipment it never received, was made.“The only concerns I have are the money and the conditions,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. “If we send a trainload, a shipload, it’s gonna age as well as that,” he said. Circumspect over what was gained and lostOver and again Congress tried and failed to exert its authority under the war powers act to halt the U.S. military action in Iran.The House ultimately passed a war powers resolution that sought to force an end to the war after a small number of Republicans joined the Democratic measure last month. The Senate has voted nine times, including this past week, but failed to reach the majority needed.At the same time, Congress did not affirmatively authorize the war with a use of force resolution, as has been done in certain other conflicts, including the Iraq War.“I’m glad that the conflict has finally ended and hope the ceasefire holds,” said a statement from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.But Shaheen said the country must be clear-eyed about what has come about. Not one of the president’s objectives has been achieved, she said, and Iran won significant concessions.“The American people are paying the price with higher costs in every aspect of life and tens of billions in tax dollars spent,” she said.Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said it’s hard to see what leverage the U.S. gained to force Iran to a better negotiation. “You want to be able to give the benefit of the doubt,” she said. But Murkowski said, “I think we’re in a place where there is a deal that has been signed, but it doesn’t appear to me that it puts us in that much of a different position than prior to the beginning of the war.” ___Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to the report.