Salah-Eddine once again close to PSVRoma is also aiming to capitalize on players who aren’t part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s coaching plan. Among them is Anass Salah-Eddine, who was not bought by PSV after the club failed to reach an agreement with the Moroccan player, who is currently playing at the World Cup. The 2002-born player finished last season with 25 appearances (1,630 minutes), including one assist, three yellow cards, and one red card.Salah-Eddine could leave for the Netherlands again without returning to Trigoria. As Corriere dello Sport reports, the 2002-born player appears to have made a move to PSV, after some hesitation that held the club back from signing him for €8 million. In any case, Tony D’Amico will also evaluate other offers for the Moroccan left-back, especially if they are higher than the Eindhoven club’s. Roma hopes to increase their capital gains in the next few days.

Dustin Poirier won 22 of his 32 UFC bouts [Getty Images]Dustin Poirier has said he is "at the point where I need some help" after being arrested for alleged public drunkenness.The 37-year-old, who retired from MMA last year following a distinguished 16-year career, was apprehended by police in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this week before being released on bail.In body camera footage of the arrest released by police, an agitated Poirier can be seen threatening an officer at an airport after alleging he was thrown off a flight.As the officer tries to calm Poirier down, the American says "I'll fight you right now" along with a number of expletives, before asking "are you going to tase me?" as the officer removes his taser.Poirier later calms down as another officer arrives to arrest him, before fist bumping the official who filmed the exchange, adding: "You did a great job, you did what you could."In a statement on Instagram, Poirier said he is seeking help after finding life difficult following his retirement from UFC. "I'm at the point where I need some help, walking away from fighting hasn't been easy on me and alcohol isn't the answer," Poirier wrote on Instagram."It has ruined my father's life and I will not allow it to ruin mine, my family deserve me at 100%. I'm trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps."In Georgia, public drunkenness is a misdemeanor that carries punishments of up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 (£757) in fines, or both.A former UFC interim lightweight champion, he left the sport last year as one of the most respected athletes to step inside the octagon.After making his UFC debut in 2011, Poirier won 22 of 32 fights in the organisation and retired as arguably the best fighter to never win an undisputed title.His glittering resume included wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje, while away from the sport his charity work helped the lives of children in his home state Louisiana.Since retiring, Poirier has made regular appearances as an analyst on UFC broadcasts.MMA schedule and results 2026Watch every Born to Brawl episode More MMA from the BBC Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Atletico Madrid insist for Manu KoneManu Koné could leave Roma and be sacrificed on the altar of capital gains. The Giallorossi midfielder also made his World Cup debut for France, attracting the attention of several clubs with a high-level performance. In Spain, AS even dedicated the opening of their website to him. Diego Simeone is among those who admire the 2001-born player. Atlético Madrid is monitoring the situation and is also hoping for a discount before June 30th: Roma values ​​Koné at €50 million, and the Colchoneros hope a little less will be enough.Gasperini would prefer to keep Manu Koné, but the transfer market is unpredictable, and financial pressures influence clubs’ decisions. As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the French midfielder is aware of Atlético Madrid’s interest, but would prefer to join the Premier League or PSG. The 2001-born player, however, isn’t keen on leaving Roma at all costs, and the Champions League he won on the pitch is a strong draw. If the club were to decide to sell him, however, Koné would be willing to listen to offers, prioritizing Luis Enrique’s team and the English league. These options are currently cold, unlike those for the Spanish club.Atlético Madrid, in fact, is preparing to make a move with an offer ranging between €40 and €45 million. The next few hours will be crucial.

US President Donald Trump signs an executive order declaring an exclusive television broadcast window for the annual Army-Navy football game during a ceremony to present the Commander-in-Chief Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football team of the United States Naval Academy in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Monumental change in college sports is underway yet again. OnTuesday, the NCAA voted to approved a new five-year eligibility rule for student-athletes. The rule change would eliminate college athletes’ redshirt season.College sports’ governing body’s move to implement a move as historically significant as the new five-year eligibility clock originates from a confluence of conflicts emerging across contemporary landscapes, from college locker rooms to pandemics to the rarified air of Washington’s Beltway. It could be argued that universities’ athletics programs were destined to land at this decision. The redshirt rule, which historically provided college athletes a full season of practice-only competition, dates back to its earliest implementation at the University of Nebraska in 1937. In the ensuing decades, the redshirt rule became a mainstay across universities’ athletics program. But in 2018, an NCAA tweak to the rule allowed players to compete in up to four games while a redshirt. With the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset in March 2020 forced the cancellation of the remainder of the academic year’s sports calendars; later, the pandemic resulted in a shortened football season that following fall semester, all student-athletes were awarded an extra year of eligibility. The COVID-19 eligibility rule seemingly primed the system’s decision to make the change announced this week. The straw that broke the camel’s back came through an April 7 executive order issued by President Donald Trump, who cited the eligibility proposal alongside the order’s slew of proposed changes. WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS Austin American-Statesman: Inside the pro-softball giving young Texas players new dreams247Sports: ITYT Q&A: Texas RB depth, surprise players, latest decommitInside Texas: ITYT: What Kyron Brown brings to the Texas LonghornsICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION Texas OF Maddox Monsour enters the NCAA transfer portalTexas INF Callum Early enters the NCAA transfer portalWhat does the Protect College Sports Act mean for the future of Texas football?Four-star DT Tyler Alexander commits to TexasThree-star WR Kyron Brown commits to Texas over Mississippi State, Kansas StateWhy three-star LB Cade Haug decommitted from TexasThree-star DT Jason Johnson sets commitment dateRECRUITING ROUNDUP Inside Texas: A Tuesday that had it all in the Texas Recruit-o-sphereInside Texas: What Texas is getting in 2027 wide receiver Commit Kyron BrownInside Texas: What Texas Is Getting in DL Tyler AlexanderInside Texas: New prediction for Texas, other buzz out of a huge recruiting weekendSEC SHOWDOWN Rock M Nation: 2027 Four-star offensive lineman Kyler Kuhn commits to MizzouAnd The Valley Shook: LSU leaves lasting impression on Five-Star EDGE Anthony Sweeney during official visitRocky Top Talk: Nate Ament taken by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 13th pick of the 2026 NBA DraftRoll ‘Bama Roll: NBA Draft 2026: Labaron Philon goes 22nd to the Philadelphia 76ersWHAT WE’RE READING A Sea Of Blue: What the Spurs are getting from new NBA Draft pick Jayden QuaintanceSB Nation: World Cup 2026: Team conduct score explained, standingsSB Nation: NBA Draft instant grades for every 2026 first-round pickNEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND It’s baaack. Inspired by Bevo. Built for Texas. The 2026 game ball has arrived 🤘@UTexasEquipment x @BigGameUSApic.twitter.com/cYwVuVFpbS— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) June 23, 2026

Tamworth have signed Antigua and Barbuda international TJ Bramble and fellow midfielder Morgan Roberts.Bramble, 25, joins the Lambs after turning down the offer of a new deal with National League South side Maidstone, where he spent one season.Former Northampton Town and Swindon Town attacking midfielder Roberts, 25, made the move to Staffordshire after leaving Brackley Town following their relegation from the National League.

Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty ImagesThe NBA has become richer since LeBron James was drafted the No. 1 overall pick in 2003.In 2003, the NBA witnessed the arrival of LeBron James as the Cleveland Cavaliers picked him with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.Fast forward to 2026, and James is still one of the top players in the league, as the likes of AJ Dybantsa are getting ready to make their debuts.Speaking of James and Dybantsa, the salaries of the two top picks from more than two decades apart shows the immense growth that the league has gone through during this time.Photo by David Handschuh/NY Daily News Archive via Getty ImagesAJ Dybantsa set to make $50 million more than LeBron James from his rookie contractThanks to the astounding TV deals that the NBA has signed over the years, the revenue has skyrocketed since James first entered the league.For instance, James was arguably the most touted rookie in NBA history, and he made just $18.7 million over the course of his rookie contract which was spread over four years.In simple terms, James made about $4.6 million per year before signing an extension with the Cavs.For context, Dybantsa, who was just selected as the top pick in this year’s NBA Draft, will make $50.3 million more than James in the same time period.AJ Dybantsa’s contract breakdown with the Washington WizardsAfter being picked as the No. 1 pick, Dybantsa will reportedly sign a four-year, $69 million rookie contract with the Washington Wizards.This means he will earn an average annual salary of $17.25 million even before proving himself worthy of leading the Wizards to the playoffs or an NBA Championship.Moreover, no offense to Dybantsa, he’s a phenomenal prospect, but James was undoubtedly better at his age despite entering the league straight from high school.At the end of the day, as the league continues to grow, player contracts continue to rise, and it won’t be long before fans start seeing $1 billion contracts for the top stars in the league too.Read more:LeBron James reunion in Miami isn’t completely off the table after Giannis Antetokounmpo tradeBill Simmons names free agent signings that were ‘bigger’ than Jalen Brunson to the KnicksKevin Love turns heads after quickly snuffing out a fan secretly recording LeBron James at the club

Canada and Switzerland are vying to put themselves in the best possible position heading into the World Cup 2026 knockout stages as they clash in a decisive final Group B matchup.Hosts Canada sit atop the group after their 6-0 thrashing of Qatar last time out, romping to their first ever World Cup win after salvaging a point against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener.Switzerland, meanwhile, have found their feet after being stunned by Qatar late on in their first game, bouncing back from that disappointing 1-1 draw with a 4-1 win over Bosnia.With both tied on four points heading into their clash, we know Group B’s winner will be decided in Vancouver - but is there any way one of the team’s won’t qualify for the knockouts?Here’s everything you need to know about Group B’s knockout round permutations:What does Canada need to qualify?If Canada avoid defeat against Switzerland, they will top Group B and face one of the third-place teams from Group E/F/G/I/J. Losing to the Swiss, however, could open the Swiss up to World Cup heartbreak.Canada have the head-to-head advantage over Qatar after their emphatic win last time out, which means if Qatar beat Bosnia to go level on points with them, Canada will remain above the Gulf nation in the qualification places.But if Bosnia win in the other Group B match, it will go down to goal difference due to the sides drawing their match in Toronto.This should not be a worry for the Canadians, whose side boast a goal-difference advantage of nine over Bosnia heading into the final group game. But if Switzerland run riot on the hosts and Bosnia produce a Canada-esque thrashing against Qatar, then things could change dramatically.What does Switzerland need to qualify?Due to their inferior goal difference to Canada’s heading into the final match, Switzerland must beat the hosts if they want to top Group B. A draw, meanwhile, will be enough for second place and qualification into the round of 32, where the runner-up of Group A - which could be any of South Korea, South Africa or Czech Republic - awaits.Defeat, however, and Switzerland are in an identical situation to Canada, but just swapping Bosnia for Qatar. If Bosnia beat Qatar, Switzerland go through as group runners-up thanks to the head-to-head rule. But if Qatar win, Switzerland need to hope it’s not enough to make up their goal difference deficit - also sitting at nine - which would see them leapfrog the Swiss into second.Head-to-head prominence over goal differenceIf teams finish on the same number of points their standing in the group will be determined by the head-to-head record against the nation they are level with. If one team tied on points with another has beaten them in the group stage, the winners will finish higher up the table. Where multiple teams are level on points, a mini-league is created, removing the results against the remaining teams. Those tied teams are ranked by points won in the games involving each other, then by goal difference, followed by goals scored. If that does not split them, the next criteria is goal difference followed by goals scored for the group overall.Any other tiebreakers?If teams are still level on points following head-to-head results, goal difference and goals scored then the Team Conduct Score (TCS) comes into play. It is basically a fair play score and is rated based on the amount of cards a team has collected. Each team, including managers and backroom staff, started on zero and were deducted points throughout the group stage as follows:Yellow card -1 Red card for two yellows -3 Straight red card -4 Yellow then straight red -5 The closer to zero, the better the score. If the teams are still level, whoever had the higher Fifa ranking in June's published update will go through. How are the top eight third place finishers determined? The top eight third place finishers will be decided on which teams have accumulated the most points. Should eight or more nations finish third with the same number of points, the nations who progress will then be determined by goal difference.In all likelihood, teams that finish third with four points or higher will go through, the teams on three points will need the best possible goal difference to progress.

🗞️ Today's front pages: historic CR7 amid the Julián Álvarez caseThe front pages of the international sports press this June 24, 2026 crown an insatiable Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal, analyze Thomas Tuchel’s England’s frustrating stumble against Ghana, and reveal the multimillion-euro tug-of-war between Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid over Julián Álvarez’s future.Historic CR7: Roaring with goals in six straight World CupsThe football world bows to the eternity of Cristiano Ronaldo. Portuguese newspapers Récord and A Bola passionately celebrate Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. With his brace, "CR7" adds to his legend by becoming the first footballer in history to score in six different World Cups.Even Argentine newspaper Olé highlights the impact of the Portuguese feat on a special day that coincides with Leo Messi’s 39th birthday.In Spain, Marca and As lead with the story, emphasizing that the veteran striker “joins the World Cup party” in unique fashion.Roadblock in Boston: Tuchel’s England run into GhanaMeanwhile, the British press reflects enormous frustration after England’s bitter 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston.Daily Express harshly headlines “Blank of England,” describing the match as a reality check for Thomas Tuchel’s system, while Daily Mirror and Daily Star lament that the “Three Lions” now have to seal qualification the hard way. The Julián Álvarez case: Barça tempt the “Spider” and Gil Marín explodes at FIFAThe biggest transfer-market bombshell stars Julián Álvarez. Sport.jpg reveals on its front page a “new offer for Julián” of around €130 million from a Barça side stepping up the operation.The Argentine’s wish is to wear the blaugrana shirt, according to Mundo Deportivo, after turning down interest from giants such as PSG and Arsenal. However, the case has entered hostile territory: Atlético de Madrid CEO Gil Marín erupted with a blunt “Do you think we’re stupid?”, confirming a formal complaint to FIFA over the Catalan club’s conduct.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

The Chinese tech giant said it had no ties to China’s military and that the U.S. government had violated the law by making that claim.

NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant had a simple message for Lucknow Super Giants after his return to Delhi Capitals was confirmed on Tuesday. The wicketkeeper-batter took to Instagram Stories and reshared LSG's farewell post, writing just three words: "Thank you team."The message came shortly after Pant's high-profile trade move back to Delhi Capitals in exchange for spinner Kuldeep Yadav.Pant's departure from LSG ends a disappointing two-year stint with the franchise. The left-hander had joined Lucknow for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore ahead of IPL 2025, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at the time.However, things did not go according to plan. As captain, Pant struggled to turn LSG into contenders, and his performances with the bat also fell short of expectations.LSG finished seventh in IPL 2025 with six wins and eight defeats. The following season was even tougher as the Pant-led side ended at the bottom of the 10-team table with only four wins from 14 matches.Pant scored 269 runs in 14 matches during IPL 2025. In IPL 2026, he managed 312 runs and registered just one half-century.The move sees Pant take a pay cut of Rs 12 crore as he returns to Delhi Capitals for Rs 15 crore. He will reunite with the franchise where he spent eight seasons between 2016 and 2024.Pant played 111 matches for Delhi before entering the IPL 2025 mega auction and also captained the side from 2021 to 2024, leading them in 43 games.Interestingly, when LSG signed Pant, owner Sanjiv Goenka had described the deal as a long-term investment. But after two difficult seasons, the franchise decided to part ways with the star wicketkeeper-batter.As part of the trade, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved from Delhi Capitals to Lucknow Super Giants at his existing salary of Rs 13.50 crore. 131957823Kuldeep had been a key performer for Delhi since joining the franchise in 2022. He claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches. However, he didn't have had a good IPL 2026 season, picking up only 10 wickets in 14 matches while conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.30.

NBA sources I’ve spoken with have connected the Raptors to Bucks centre Myles Turner, with the possibility that Raptors centre Jakob Poeltl, third-year wing Gradey Dick and potentially draft compensation being the core of a deal that would net Toronto the veteran big with credentials as a rim protector and three-point threat.SportsNetThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Myles Turner an option for Raptors?

Jonah Dylan: Asked Zach Kleiman about Ja Morant. He said he's focused on the draft and "we're not going to speculate on hypothetical transactions tonight."x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Asked Zach Kleiman about Ja Morant. He said he's …

Lakers draft pick Cameron Carr on whom he’d rather guard, SGA or Anthony Edwards: "Yeah, I ain't dealing with the flopping, Anthony Edwards"redditThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cameron Carr on whom he’d rather guard, SGA or Anthony …

[KUTV2news] Darryn Peterson: “I think me and Keyonte are going to be one of the best backcourts in the NBA…and what fans should know about me? I’m a cool guy, approachable. Want a pic or autograph or anything just come say what’s up!”redditThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Darryn Peterson: “I think me and Keyonte are going to …

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel gave a heartwarming and humorous welcome to Rishabh Pant after the star wicketkeeper-batter completed a sensational return to the franchise in a blockbuster IPL trade deal.The deal saw Rishabh Pant leave Lucknow Super Giants and rejoin his original IPL home, Delhi Capitals, for Rs 15 crore, while India spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved in the opposite direction to LSG for Rs 13.5 crore.Following the high-profile trade, Delhi Capitals shared a video on social media in which Axar Patel revealed his first conversation with Pant after the deal was finalized. According to Axar, Pant repeatedly tried calling him to break the news, but the DC skipper initially missed the calls as he was spending time with his child.When Axar eventually called back, an excited Pant immediately confirmed the move, saying, “Confirm ho gaya bhai, main wapas aa raha hoon” (It's confirmed, brother, I'm coming back). Axar then revealed that there was one thought he wanted to share with Pant but couldn't say during the phone call. In the video, he jokingly welcomed Pant back with a famous Hindi proverb:“Subah ka bhula agar shaam ko ghar wapas aa jaye toh use bhula nahi kehte.”(If someone who loses his way in the morning returns home by evening, he is not considered lost.)— DelhiCapitals (@DelhiCapitals) Pant was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore at the previous mega auction. However, after a mixed campaign and changing team strategies, both franchises agreed to a direct player swap ahead of the IPL 2027 season. During his first stint with Delhi Capitals from 2016 to 2024, Pant amassed 3,284 runs across nine seasons, making him the franchise's all-time leading run-scorer and one of its most beloved players. While in two years with Lucknow Super Giants, Pant scored scored 581 runs across his two-season stint (2025–2026). Rishabh Pant led the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 10 wins and 18 losses in 28 matches as captain, finishing with a 35.71% win percentage. 131957883

Lincoln City won League One last season to secure second-tier football for the first time since 1961 [Getty Images]The fixtures for the 2026-27 English Football League season will be released at 12:00 BST on Thursday, 25 June.West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley, who were all relegated from the Premier League, will be joined in the Championship by Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City and Lincoln City, with the Imps returning to the second tier for the first time in 65 years.Leicester City will play in the third tier for just the second time in their 142-year history after back-to-back relegations, and will be in League One alongside Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday.The Foxes will face games against Bromley, who are in the third tier for the first time in their history, MK Dons, Cambridge United and Notts County.Exeter City, Port Vale, Rotherham United and Northampton Town have dropped down to League Two.York City and Rochdale, who both amassed more than 100 points in the National League last season, will return to the EFL.Here is everything you need to know about the EFL fixture release day and some key things to look out for.When does the season start?The 2026-27 EFL season starts on the weekend of 14-16 August across the Championship, League One and League Two.But the competitive campaign will officially begin one week earlier, with the first round of the Carabao Cup taking place on 7-9 August.The Vertu Trophy will get under way the week commencing 21 September, with the draw taking place at 14:30 BST on the same day the EFL fixtures are released.Meanwhile, the Carabao Cup first-round draw will take place at 16:30, also on Thursday.It is the third year of the Sky Sports TV deal, meaning more than 1,000 games will be broadcast live, while BBC Sport will also have live text coverage of the majority of EFL fixtures.The long wait is over...West Ham United have only been outside the top flight in three of the past 33 seasons [Getty Images]The new EFL season will provide a change of scenery for several clubs, for better or worse.Lincoln will be in the second tier for the first time since 1961, following a journey in which the Imps went down to the National League and back up again.West Ham have not been in the Championship for 14 years and will hope to repeat what they did in 2012 when they immediately bounced back to the top flight.Leicester's only previous campaign in the third tier was in the 2008-09 season and they went on to become champions to return to the Championship at the first time of asking. Before that, you have to go back to 1894 when the Foxes were last outside the top two divisions, when they played in the former Midland Football League before entering the old Division Two.Bromley will hope they can continue to create club history after winning promotion to the EFL only two years ago, before going one step further to reach League One this year.In League Two, York City will get a taste of fourth-tier action for the first time in 10 years, while Rotherham United are back on the bottom rung of the EFL ladder for the first time since the 2012-13 season.New faces in the dugoutMichael Skubala has taken over at Bristol City after winning promotion to the Championship with Lincoln City [Getty Images]Since the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, there have been plenty of changes in the dugouts at EFL clubs.Wolves will start their first Championship season in nine years with Cesar Peixoto taking over as head coach from Rob Edwards, who was sacked just seven months after arriving at Molineux.Burnley are still managerless after Scott Parker's departure following relegation from the Premier League, but they have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Wales boss Craig Bellamy.Lincoln will tackle their first second-tier campaign in six decades without the manager who brought them up after Michael Skubala left for Bristol City.The Imps will instead have a rare management duo in Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw.Tony Mowbray will have a second spell in charge of Blackburn Rovers after Michael O'Neill returned to Northern Ireland national team duty.Alessio Dionisi has become Watford's 12th head coach, not including interim bosses, since the end of the 2020-21 season, and the 24th since the Pozzo family took over the club in 2012.In League One, Russell Martin has been appointed by Leicester, Oxford appointed former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsay as their new manager this week after Matt Bloomfield was sacked on Saturday, and Daniel Stendel has returned to Barnsley to replace Conor Hourihane.Dave Challinor left after almost five years in charge at Stockport County following their play-off final defeat to Bolton and the Hatters have since hired Jim McNulty from Rochdale. That means Rochdale's return to League Two will be under new boss Ian Watson, while Northampton have appointed Chris Hogg, Darrell Clarke has joined Tranmere Rovers, Lee Grant is Walsall's new manager, and Adam Murray has swapped Kidderminster Harriers for Barrow.And at Salford City, the club co-owned by David Beckham and Gary Neville, Peter Cklamovski was picked to replace the sacked Karl Robinson.

FC Barcelona target Julian Alvarez can exploit a legal loophole and cancel his Atletico Madrid contract in order to join the Catalans. Getty ImagesFC Barcelona target Julian Alvarez can exploit a legal loophole and cancel his Atletico Madrid contract in order to join the Catalans. As explained by Mundo Deportivo, FIFA will be pretty much powerless to intervene in a dispute between the two clubs over the Argentine.Instead, Spanish legal frameworks will apply. The Royal Decree 1006/1985 pertains to professional athletes in Spain, and would first point to Alvarez’s $568 million (€500 million) release clause.Players have to pay the clauses personally in Spain, or at least deliver the money attached to them to La Liga’s offices. Yet Article 16 throws up another potential scenario. It states that “the termination of the contract by the will of the professional athlete, without cause attributable to the club, will give the club, where appropriate, the right to compensation that, in the absence of an agreement in this regard, will be set by the labor jurisdiction based on the circumstances of a sporting nature, damage caused to the entity, reasons for the breakup and other elements that the player considers estimable.”In layman’s terms, this means that Alvarez can unilaterally break his contract with Atletico Madrid, which expires in mid-2030, and later sign for FC Barcelona without having paid the clause or any transfer fee.The courts would then decide the corresponding compensation that the Catalans must hand over to the Rojiblancos. Previous $116 million (€100 million) bids from Barça, and a $175 million (€150 million) offer from Real Madrid, are potential reference points.Alvarez has publicly declared his wish to join FC BarcelonaInterviewed after his appearance in a 2-0 World Cup group stage win for champions Argentina over Austria, Alvarez publicly stated his wishes to ESPN.“The truth is that I don’t know,” Alvarez first said regarding his future."I don’t think it’s the time to talk, but I can’t hide either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke to the people at the club, who I had to talk to. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfill my dream," Alvarez added.That dream is believed to be a move to the Spotify Camp Nou, with photos of Alvarez wearing Blaugrana kits as a child not hard to find across the internet.As Robert Lewandowski is set to leave Hansi Flick’s squad when his contract expires in under a week, Julian Alvarez is FC Barcelona’s top target to inherit the Pole’s number 9 shirt while having reportedly agreed a five-year deal.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Journalist confirms Chelsea set to complete defender hijackChelsea Move Ahead in Marco Palestra Pursuit as Fabrizio Romano Reveals Deal DetailsChelsea appear to be closing in on one of Italian football’s brightest young talents, with Fabrizio Romano providing a detailed update on Marco Palestra’s future during the latest episode on his YouTube channel.The transfer expert outlined how Chelsea have dramatically accelerated their pursuit of the Atalanta owned wing back, potentially overtaking Inter in one of the most significant emerging stories of the summer transfer window.Chelsea Push Forward for PalestraRomano opened his update by describing Chelsea’s latest transfer activity as “the Italian job”, highlighting the club’s growing focus on the Italian market.According to Romano, Chelsea have moved decisively for Palestra, a player he described as “one of the best Italian talents available in Serie A and on the market.”He explained that Inter had been leading the race for several days.“For the last seven, 10 days had an agreement done with the player on the contract terms,” Romano said, before revealing how Chelsea changed the dynamic of negotiations.“During these negotiations, Chelsea have entered very strong the race for Marco Palestra.”Financial Advantage Gives Chelsea EdgeThe key factor appears to be Chelsea’s willingness to outbid their rivals.Romano stated: “Chelsea have a deal in place with Atalanta.”He then provided further detail on the financial package being discussed.“Chelsea have sent tonight an official bid to Atalanta worth more than Inter proposal.”While Inter were reportedly working on a package worth €45 million plus €5 million in add ons, Chelsea have gone significantly higher.“They are offering Atalanta more than Inter, a fee in excess of €50 million.”Romano added that Chelsea’s proposal could eventually reach €60 million through bonuses.“Chelsea Atalanta deal agreed. Atalanta accepted the bid from Chelsea.”That development places the Premier League club in a commanding position as negotiations enter their final stages.Player Decision Remains CrucialDespite Chelsea’s agreement with Atalanta, Romano stressed that the transfer has not yet been fully completed.“Now Chelsea are waiting for the final green light from Palestra.”The player’s decision will determine whether the deal moves forward immediately.“Then they hope to have the here we go already this week for Marco Palestra.”Romano even suggested that events could move rapidly.“Maybe while you’re watching this video, it’s already here we go. I don’t know.”Should Palestra approve the move, Chelsea are prepared to proceed quickly.“Chelsea are ready to proceed with medical test and contract signing.”Chelsea’s Summer Recruitment StrategyRomano also highlighted what he sees as a shift in Chelsea’s transfer approach.“I think this is Chelsea new style this summer to try to be even more behind the scenes.”He referenced previous business involving Real Madrid before explaining how Chelsea quietly positioned themselves for Palestra while Inter were attempting to finalise their own agreement.Chelsea also explored alternative options in Italy. Romano revealed that the club asked Roma about Wesley, but were informed that the Brazilian was not for sale.As a result, he concluded: “Chelsea decided to go all in for Marco Palestra.”With Atalanta accepting Chelsea’s offer and Inter refusing to increase their proposal, the situation now rests largely in the hands of the player. If Palestra gives the green light, Chelsea’s latest Italian recruitment drive could soon deliver another major addition to their squad.

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.[Getty Images]Crystal Palace will come into the season fresh from winning the Conference League, and they have another European campaign as a result.The main thing that was highlighted last season was that the squad that Palace started the season with lacked depth, which is why the club brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen, Brennan Johnson and Evann Guessand in the winter transfer window.The Europa League will present a higher level of competition for Palace and as a result they will need to invest again.Tyrick Mitchell is the only real first-team quality option at left-back, and right-back Daniel Munoz, 30, had knee surgery last season and did not look the same afterwards.Munoz is now at the World Cup with Colombia. Even though Mitchell has had the summer off after missing out on the England squad, the full-back areas are where Palace will need to bring in back-up or players who can rival the current choices for a place in the starting XI.New boss Pierre Sage will surely be keeping an eye on the World Cup, but he is fresh to the role and therefore Palace's signing plans are unclear for now.

France had its hottest June day ever, with forecasters in Britain predicting that the record for the highest temperature for this time of year was also likely to be broken.

Aston Villa submit €9 million offer to Flamengo for Emerson RoyalAston Villa have submitted a €9 million bid to Flamengo for the services of right-back Emerson Royal, according to ESPN Brazil. Unai Emery wants the Europa League champions to add a dependable backup and competitor for Matty Cash ahead of a hectic European campaign as Champions League football returns to Villa Park. The Villans’ offer for Royal would see Flamengo recoup the exact fee they paid when they originally brought the 27-year-old Brazilian international back to his homeland from AC Milan. Since making his high-profile switch to Rio de Janeiro, the ‘great pro’ has reinvigorated his career, playing a key role for Flamengo en route to three trophies, including the 2025 Copa Libertadores. His current contract runs through December 2028, giving the Rubro-Negro a strong negotiating position.Flamengo are currently weighing tactical and financial considerations before responding to Villa. They hold Emerson Royal in extremely high regard, and finding an immediate domestic replacement of a similar calibre is viewed as a challenge. While reluctant to damage their defensive depth, the Brazilian giants need to meet specific financial balance benchmarks. However, the club recently finalised a €10 million deal to sell Ryan Roberto to Shakhtar Donetsk, meaning they are under slightly less pressure to secure immediate income.For Aston Villa, bringing Royal back to England is an opportunistic move in the market to secure a player with vast experience across Europe. Emerson Royal possesses robust top-flight experience, having clocked up almost 200 appearances during his distinct stints with Real Betis, Barcelona, and Tottenham. While the player is settled and content fighting for major silverware in Brazil, the appeal of returning to the elite levels of European football could significantly influence his long-term ambitions.

📲 Brazil v Scotland on Wednesday at the World Cup, see scheduleToday's Highlights 🔥World Cup19:00 – Scotland vs Brazil – SporTV, Rede Globo, SBT, NSports, Globoplay, CazéTV, Disney+ Premium, Ge TV16:00 – Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar – CazéTV, Disney+ Premium16:00 – Switzerland vs Canada – CazéTV19:00 – Morocco vs Haiti – CazéTV, Disney+ Premium22:00 – Czech Republic vs Mexico – SporTV, CazéTV, Disney+ Premium22:00 – South Africa vs South Korea – CazéTV, Disney+ PremiumMLS Next Pro (United States)23:00 – Los Angeles FC II vs Minnesota United 2 – OneFootballThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

'One thing I have learnt from him': CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals what MS Dhoni taught him as a leader in IPL originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Ruturaj Gaikwad says the biggest lesson from MS Dhoni is to keep things simple and avoid overcomplicating decisions.The CSK captain spoke about balancing Dhoni's approach with his own thought process.Gaikwad took over the CSK captaincy from Dhoni ahead of IPL 2024.CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals what MS Dhoni taught him as a leader in the IPLRuturaj Gaikwad has lifted the lid on the leadership lessons he absorbed from MS Dhoni during his years alongside the legendary captain at Chennai Super Kings.Speaking to Sportstar, the current CSK skipper identified simplicity as the single most valuable trait he picked up from one of the game's most successful leaders.Gaikwad inherited one of the most demanding captaincy roles in franchise cricket when he took over from Dhoni ahead of IPL 2024. Stepping into the shoes of a man synonymous with CSK's success was never going to be straightforward, but the young opener has leaned on the wisdom of his predecessor.The 29-year-old explained that his time observing Dhoni at close quarters taught him the value of clarity in decision-making, a quality that defined the former India captain's approach across more than a decade at the helm of the franchise.MORE: Is IPL behind the decline of West Indies? Botham decodes the declineRuturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni's simplicityAsked about the biggest leadership lessons he had learned from Dhoni, Gaikwad pointed to the former captain's refusal to overcomplicate situations as the standout takeaway from their years together."One thing I have learned from him is trying to keep things very simple and not complicate things a lot. Sometimes, as a responsible player on the team, you tend to overthink decisions. You think about all the ifs and buts," Gaikwad told Sportstar.He elaborated on how Dhoni's calm, uncluttered method allowed him to reach clear conclusions, a process backed up by years of consistent results at the highest level of the IPL."With him, I feel he keeps things really simple. He lets things flow as it is and then arrives at a conclusion. That simplicity is something he has carried throughout the years. There are also a lot of results that have backed that process," Gaikwad said.MORE:Dig at IPL? Ian Botham says England should prioritise Tests over any other format of cricketBalancing MS Dhoni's lessons with his own styleGaikwad was clear, however, that captaincy is not simply about imitating his predecessor. He spoke about the need to blend Dhoni's influence with his own instincts and thought process as he searches for the best way to lead CSK to victory."For me, it is about balancing that with my own thought process and trying to understand how I can help the team win. Results are something which is definitely needed in any team, so you try and get into that thought process in terms of how you can help the team. It's about implementing the plans," Gaikwad added.The approach mirrors advice Dhoni himself offered before the season, when the CSK icon encouraged Gaikwad to lead the side in his own style rather than simply copy his methods. Dhoni had stressed that in cricket, unlike football, the captain must ultimately make the decisions on the field.MORE: Biggest pay cuts in IPL history: Where Pant's ₹12 crore salary drop ranksA challenging captaincy tenureGaikwad's leadership journey has not been without its difficulties, with CSK missing the playoffs in his first two seasons at the helm.The franchise endured a particularly tough IPL 2025 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the standings in one of their worst seasons in history.The lessons drawn from Dhoni, however, remain central to how Gaikwad approaches the role. As CSK looks to rebuild and return to the summit of the IPL, the blend of Dhoni's trademark simplicity and Gaikwad's own evolving philosophy will be key to the franchise's hopes of reclaiming former glories.For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.

France: Thuram makes his World Cup debutFrance secured their second win of the tournament, as they advance into the Round of 32 thanks to a 3-0 result against Iraq, in which Marcus Thuram made his World Cup debut. The Nerazzurri forward came on the 90+1' replacing Kylian Mbappé who scored the decisive brace. No problems for Deschamps' side, who took the lead at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia after just 14 minutes thanks to a superb left-footed strike from outside the box. They doubled their lead in the second half, capitalising on an error made by goalkeeper Basil who gifted the ball to Dembelé. The PSG forward provided the assist for Mbappé to tap it into an open goal. Dembélé himself wrapped up the scoring in the 68th minute, scoring his first goal of this World Cup. France are back in action against Norwary on Friday 26 June at 21:00 CEST in the match that will decide top spot of Group I.

There may be no greater case of summer optimism and delusion than in college football video game ratings. EA Sports released its team ratings for College Football 27, with the next edition of the franchise coming out July 2. As the upcoming season draws closer, it’s the first real big indicator of where teams stack up across the country.Of course the obvious favorites headline the list, expected to be College Football Playoff and national title contenders. More: College football recruiting trail is changing. Some head coaches aren’t on it anymoreBut don’t you think for a second this is some sort of predictor of what will unfold. It means absolutely nothing — and there’s history to prove it.College Football 27 top-rated teamsBehold, the top 10 teams in EA Sports College Football 27OregonOhio StateIndianaNotre DameTexasMiamiLSUMississippiGeorgiaOklahomaIf the game developers have any say, we have found the 10 teams that will be in the playoff, and you can throw in Texas Tech at No. 11 and whoever emerges from the Group of Five. Crown Oregon the national champions.However, if recent history has shown, we have roughly five teams unable to live up to the expectations.Need an example? Let’s take a look at the top teams in the game last year:AlabamaTexasOhio StatePenn StateNotre DameGeorgiaClemsonTexas A&MOregonLSUTurns out, just half of these teams made the playoff. What’s worse? National champion Indiana (No. 18) and runner-up Miami (No. 11) didn’t crack the list. It doesn't help when USA TODAY Sports ran 100 simulations of the 2025-26 season, the team that won the most titles was... Penn State, with 20 and 88 playoff appearances.The Hoosiers didn't win the championship in any of those simulations, making the playoffs just 24 times.The 2024 game was better, with eventual national champion Ohio State at No. 2 and seven playoff participants.What remains for all rankings though, is that all of this is fool's gold.You can’t fault EA Sports for how it lands on its top teams. Plenty of analyzing goes into how it believes every FBS squad stacks up, from returning star players to loaded transfer and recruiting classes, alongside with the brands and coaches that are consistent winners. Developers marking great teams before a single snap is played are as good of guesses as any expert or fan. If anything, it's just some rage-bait for people to fume over the same way the preseason polls come out. There have been plenty of arguments since the College Football 27 team rankings came out about which teams are overrated, like "there's no way X team is better than mine!" or "how is X squad this high?"Want proof? Well then your team better live up to claims come kickoff, or that team ought to fall apart.Besides, all of these conversations forget the most important rating of all: chaos. The beauty of the sport is the randomness of it, that teams on paper sometimes live up to the expectations and others crumble. The ones not really being talked about or making it on EA Sports' social media pages end up as the surprise contender.Will some of the top-rated teams in a video game bring it to real life? You can bet on it, but trying to say any specific team will affirm its spot is just summer delusion.Keep it for the joysticks, while we wait for what will really happen on the real field.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College Football 27 video game ratings are nothing but summer delusion

What channel is the World Cup on in USA? Complete TV schedule to watch 2026 matches on Fox originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The biggest World Cup to ever take place sees 48 nations battling to be crowned the best international team in world soccer.They'll be 104 matches taking place across the USA, Canada and Mexico as the co-hosts aim to put on a true spectacle that'll culminate with the winner being crowned on July 19.Soccer fans won't have to look too hard to find the matches on TV or their live streaming services, but with so many games across four time zones there's still plenty of room for error.The Sporting News is on hand to bring you all the details about the tournament, including how to tune in, and an overview of the match schedule.MORE:Complete FIFA World Cup 2026 scheduleHow to watch World Cup 2026: TV channels, live streamsENGLISH:TV channel: FOXStreaming:fubo, Fox ONE, Fox Sports appSPANISH:TV channel: TelemundoStreaming:fubo, PeacockFOX is the main English-language FIFA broadcast partner in the United States, and will have the rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.The broadcaster has announced that all 104 matches of the tournament will be televised throughout the competition. 69 matches from the competition will air on the main FOX network channel, while 35 others will be televised on FS1.For Spanish-language coverage, all 104 matches will stream live on Peacock, with 92 matches airing on Telemundo and 12 on Universo.All those channels, both English and Spanish, are available to stream in the United States on fubo, who are offering a FREE trial for new users.Every match will also stream live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.World Cup 2026 TV channel guide in USAGroup A schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamThu, Jun. 113 p.m.Mexico 2-0 South AfricaFOX, fuboThu, Jun. 1110 p.m.South Korea 2-1 CzechiaFS1, fuboThu, Jun. 1812 p.m.Czechia 1-1 South AfricaFOX, fuboThu, Jun. 189 p.m.Mexico 1-0 South KoreaFOX, fuboWed, Jun. 249 p.m.Czechia vs. MexicoFOX, fuboWed, Jun. 249 p.m.South Africa vs. South KoreaFS1, fuboSTADIUM GUIDES:Estadio Azteca | Estadio Akron | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Estadio BBVAGroup B schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamFri, Jun. 123 p.m.Canada 1-1 Bosnia and HerzegovinaFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 133 p.m.Qatar 1-1 SwitzerlandFOX, fuboThu, Jun. 183 p.m.Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-4 SwitzerlandFOX, fuboThu, Jun. 186 p.m.Canada 6-0 QatarFS1, fuboWed, Jun. 243 p.m.Switzerland vs. CanadaFOX, fuboWed, Jun. 243 p.m.Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. QatarFS1, fuboSTADIUM GUIDES:BMO Field | Levi's Stadium | SoFi Stadium | BC Place | Lumen FieldGroup C schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamSat, Jun. 136 p.m.Brazil 1-1 MoroccoFS1, fuboSat, Jun. 139 p.m.Haiti 0-1 ScotlandFS1, fuboFri, Jun. 196 p.m.Scotland 0-1 MoroccoFOX, fuboFri, Jun. 199 p.m.Brazil 3-0 HaitiFOX, fuboWed, Jun. 246 p.m.Scotland vs. BrazilFOX, fuboWed, Jun. 246 p.m.Morocco vs. HaitiFS1, fuboGroup D schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamFri, Jun. 129 p.m.United States 4-1 ParaguayFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 1312 a.m.Australia 2-0 TurkeyFS1, fuboFri, Jun. 193 p.m.United States 2-0 AustraliaFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 2012 a.m.Turkey 0-1 ParaguayFS1, fuboThu, Jun. 2510 p.m.Turkey vs. United StatesFOX, fuboThu, Jun. 2510 p.m.Paraguay vs. AustraliaFS1, fuboSTADIUM GUIDES:SoFi Stadium | BC Place | Levi's Stadium | Lumen FieldGroup E schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamSun, Jun. 141 p.m.Germany 7-1 CuracaoFOX, fuboSun, Jun. 147 p.m.Ivory Coast 1-0 EcuadorFS1, fuboSat, Jun. 204 p.m.Germany 2-1 Ivory CoastFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 208 p.m.Ecuador 0-0 CuracaoFS1, fuboThu, Jun. 254 p.m.Ecuador vs. GermanyFOX, fuboThu, Jun. 254 p.m.Curacao vs. Ivory CoastFS1, fuboGroup F schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamSun, Jun. 144 p.m.Netherlands 2-2 JapanFOX, fuboSun, Jun. 1410 p.m.Sweden 5-1 TunisiaFS1, fuboSat, Jun. 201 p.m.Netherlands 5-1 SwedenFOX, fuboSun, Jun. 2112 a.m.Tunisia 0-4 JapanFS1, fuboThu, Jun. 257 p.m.Tunisia vs. NetherlandsFS1, fuboThu, Jun. 257 p.m.Japan vs. SwedenFOX, fuboGroup G schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamMon, June 153 p.m.Belgium 1-1 EgyptFOX, fuboMon, June 159 p.m.Iran 2-2 New ZealandFS1, fuboSun, June 213 p.m.Belgium 0-0 IranFS1, fuboSun, June 219 p.m.New Zealand 1-3 EgyptFS1, fuboFri, June 2611 p.m.New Zealand vs. BelgiumFOX, fuboFri, June 2611 p.m.Egypt vs. IranFS1, fuboGroup H schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamMon, Jun. 1512 p.m.Spain 0-0 Cape VerdeFOX, fuboMon, Jun. 156 p.m.Saudi Arabia 1-1 UruguayFS1, fuboSun, Jun. 2112 p.m.Spain 4-0 Saudi ArabiaFOX, fuboSun, Jun. 216 p.m.Uruguay 2-2 Cape VerdeFS1, fuboFri, Jun. 268 p.m.Uruguay vs. SpainFOX, fuboFri, Jun. 268 p.m.Cape Verde vs. Saudi ArabiaFS1, fuboGroup I schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamTue, Jun. 163 p.m.France 3-1 SenegalFOX, fuboTue, Jun. 166 p.m.Iraq 1-4 NorwayFOX, fuboMon, Jun. 225 p.m.France 3-0 IraqFOX, fuboMon, Jun. 228 p.m.Norway 3-2 SenegalFOX, fuboFri, Jun. 263 p.m.Norway vs. FranceFOX, fuboFri, Jun. 263 p.m.Senegal vs. IraqFS1, fuboGroup J schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamTue, Jun. 169 p.m.Argentina 3-0 AlgeriaFOX, fuboTue, Jun. 1712 a.m.Austria 3-1 JordanFS1, fuboMon, Jun. 221 p.m.Argentina 2-0 AustriaFOX, fuboMon, Jun. 2211 p.m.Jordan 1-2 AlgeriaFS1, fuboSat, Jun. 2710 p.m.Jordan vs. ArgentinaFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 2710 p.m.Algeria vs. AustriaFS1, fuboGroup K schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamWed, Jun. 171 p.m.Portugal 1-1 DR CongoFOX, fuboWed, Jun. 1710 p.m.Uzbekistan 1-3 ColombiaFS1, fuboTue, Jun. 231 p.m.Portugal 5-0 UzbekistanFOX, fuboTue, Jun. 2310 p.m.Colombia 1-0 DR CongoFS1, fuboSat, Jun. 277:30 p.m.Colombia vs. PortugalFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 277:30 p.m.DR Congovs. UzbekistanFS1, fuboGroup L schedule, resultsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamWed, Jun. 174 p.m.England 4-2 CroatiaFOX, fuboWed, Jun. 177 p.m.Ghana 1-0 PanamaFS1, fuboTue, Jun. 234 p.m.England 0-0 GhanaFOX, fuboTue, Jun. 237 p.m.Panama 0-1 CroatiaFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 275 p.m.Panama vs. EnglandFOX, fuboSat, Jun. 275 p.m.Croatia vs. GhanaFS1, fuboWorld Cup 2026 knockout stageRound of 32DateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamSun, Jun. 283 p.m.M1: 2nd, Group A vs. 2nd, Group BFOX, fuboMon, Jun. 294:30 p.m.M2: 1st, Group E vs. 3rd place finisherFOX, fuboMon, Jun. 299 p.m.M3: 1st, Group F vs. 2nd, Group CFOX, fuboMon, Jun. 291 p.m.M4: 1st, Group C vs. 2nd, Group FFOX, fuboTue, Jun. 305 p.m.M5: 1st, Group I vs. 3rd place finisherFOX, fuboTue, Jun. 301 p.m.M6: 2nd, Group E vs. 2nd, Group IFOX, fuboTue, Jun. 309 p.m.M7: 1st, Group A vs. 3rd place finisherFOX, fuboWed, Jul. 112 p.m.M8: 1st, Group L vs. 3rd place finisherFOX, fuboWed, Jul. 18 p.m.M9: 1st, Group D vs. 3rd place finisherFOX, fuboWed, Jul. 14 p.m.M10: 1st, Group G vs. 3rd place finisherFS1, fuboThu, Jul. 27 p.m.M11: 2nd, Group K vs. 2nd, Group LFOX, fuboThu, Jul. 23 p.m.M12: 1st, Group H vs. 2nd, Group JFOX, fuboThu, Jul. 211 p.m.M13: 1st, Group B vs. 3rd place finisherFS1, fuboFri, Jul. 36 p.m.M14: 1st, Group J vs. 2nd, Group HFOX, fuboFri, Jul. 39:30 p.m.M15: 1st, Group K vs. 3rd place finisherFOX, fuboFr, Jul. 32 p.m.M16: 2nd, Group D vs. 2nd, Group GFOX, fuboRound of 16DateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamSat, Jul. 41 p.m.M2: Winner, R32 M1 vs. Winner, R32 M3FOX, fuboSat, Jul. 45 p.m.M1: Winner, R32 M2 vs. Winner, R32 M5FOX, fuboSun, Jul. 54 p.m.M3: Winner, R32 M4 vs. Winner, R32 M6FOX, fuboSun, Jul. 58 p.m.M4: Winner, R32 M7 vs. Winner, R32 M8FOX, fuboMon, Jul. 63 p.m.M5: Winner, R32 M11 vs. Winner, R32 M12FOX, fuboMon, Jul. 68 p.m.M6: Winner, R32 M9 vs. Winner, R32 M10FOX, fuboTue, Jul. 712 p.m.M7: Winner, R32 M14 vs. Winner, R32 M16FOX, fuboTue, Jul. 74 p.m.M8: Winner, R32 M13 vs. Winner, R32 M15FOX, fuboQuarterfinalsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamThu, Jul. 94 p.m.QF1: Winner, R16 M1 vs. Winner, R16 M2FOX, fuboFri, Jul. 103 p.m.QF2: Winner, R16 M5 vs. Winner, R16 M6FOX, fuboSat, Jul. 115 p.m.QF3: Winner, R16 M3 vs. Winner, R16 M4FOX, fuboSat, Jul. 119 p.m.QF4: Winner, R16 M7 vs. Winner, R16 M8FOX, fuboSemifinalsDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamTue, Jul. 143 p.m.SF1: Winner, QF1 vs. Winner, QF2FOX, fuboWed, Jul. 153 p.m.SF2: Winner, QF3 vs. Winner, QF4FOX, fuboThird-place matchDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamSat, Jul. 185 p.m.Loser, SF1 vs. Loser, SF2FOX, fuboFinalDateTime (ET)MatchTV channel, live streamSun, Jul. 193 p.m.Winner, SF1 vs. Winner, SF2FOX, fuboMORE WORLD CUP NEWS:Last time the World Cup was in United StatesRevisiting the first World Cup in 1930Most World Cup wins by countryFuture World Cup locations for 2030 and beyondGuide to host countries, cities for 2026 World Cup

A new operator will run a team in Dumfries in the 2026/27 season [David Yule]A new organisation has been approved to run an ice hockey team out of a south of Scotland rink after the council banned the previous operators.It means Dumfries Ice Bowl will continue to host a team in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) national division.Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) banned DJR Sport Ltd - which ran the Solway Sharks - from the facility in a dispute over payments.New board director Gary McCracken said it was "delighted to finally confirm" that NIHL hockey would continue in Dumfries for the 2026/27 campaign.The agreement means the Ice Bowl will continue to host NIHL games [BBC]The news brings to an end a period of uncertainty for ice hockey fans in the town.DGC confirmed at the end of April that it had decided to seek recovery of a debt of more than £65,000 from DJR Sport through the courts and would no longer allow it access to the rink.The operators said they had been without "key revenue streams" throughout last season and lodged a complaint with the council about its handling of the situation.They said they had paid more than £89,000 to the council and had "consistently sought a constructive and realistic discussion to resolve the position".The dispute only concerned the senior men's team - run by DJR Sport - not the youth and Scottish National League sides.After a meeting of the other club owners in the league, the NIHL has now voted in favour of admitting a new operating company to run a team - under the name Solway Ice Hockey Club - out of Dumfries.The name of the team will change for the season ahead [BBC]Director McCracken said the group "couldn't be happier to share this news". "We fully understand the frustrations of fans regarding the lack of updates in recent months," he said."But it was important that we followed the correct processes and ensured the club's future was secure before making any announcements."We look forward to welcoming teams and fans back to our home, Dumfries Ice Bowl, for the upcoming season."Fixtures will be released in due course but the new club was said to be "fully engaged" in building a competitive roster ready to compete in September.The NIHL said it was pleased that a team from Scotland - the only one in the division - would continue to operate out of the Ice Bowl."This represents continuity of 11 teams and is a positive step for the continued growth and development of ice hockey across the UK," it added.In a statement on their new social media page, Solway IHC said it would move forward "with a clear vision" under new owners McCracken, Jamie Crosbie, Santiago Buesa and Charlie Shaw.It said it wanted to "build a stable, ambitious and community-driven future for ice hockey in Dumfries and Galloway"."While the name above the door may evolve as the club continues its journey, our commitment to our supporters, sponsors, volunteers and community remains unchanged," it said."The history, passion and pride that have defined hockey in this region will continue to drive us forward."Council bans ice hockey team from rink in financial disputeWhy are fans being bitten by the Solway Sharks?

Fresno State is preparing to officially join the reconfigured Pac-12 Conference next week, marking a significant transition for the athletics program.Before the Bulldogs make the move, this week's Bulldog Breakdown takes a look at the top 5 moments from Fresno State's 14 years in the Mountain West.For sports updates, follow Sydney Berger on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Newcastle fear another Liverpool gazump for midfielderLiverpool remain in picture as Newcastle cool Kees Smit interestLiverpool’s long-standing interest in Kees Smit has received fresh backing after reports from a respected national journalist aligned with claims first made earlier this year regarding the highly-rated Dutch midfielder.The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in European football following a breakthrough campaign with AZ Alkmaar. His performances in both domestic and continental competition have attracted significant attention, with Liverpool and Newcastle among the clubs linked with a move.According to reporting that has resurfaced this week, Liverpool explored a potential move for Smit during the January transfer window and held initial discussions with the player’s representatives.Kees Smit attracting attention across EuropeSmit’s development over the past 12 months has been impossible to ignore. The midfielder featured prominently for AZ Alkmaar throughout the 2025/26 season, demonstrating maturity beyond his years in one of Europe’s most productive talent factories.In the Eredivisie, Smit made 26 league appearances, contributing three goals and three assists from midfield. His influence extended into European competition, where he registered four assists in 10 UEFA Conference League appearances.Those numbers only tell part of the story. Smit’s technical quality, intelligence in possession and ability to dictate tempo have earned him widespread praise within Dutch football. His rise was recognised at international level when he was included in the Netherlands’ preliminary World Cup squad.Although he ultimately missed out on Ronald Koeman’s final selection, his inclusion in the wider group highlighted the regard in which he is held.Newcastle step back from transfer pursuitThe latest development centres on Newcastle’s position in the race.Speaking on X, Edwards stated that Newcastle have admired Smit for an extended period but have reservations over whether the player genuinely wants to move to St James’ Park.The journalist reported that Newcastle have liked Smit “for a while” but have not been convinced he wanted to join the club and therefore have not actively pursued a deal during the current transfer window.Edwards also suggested that several clubs remain interested in the midfielder, adding that Newcastle are “not currently active in that conversation”.Perhaps most significantly for Liverpool supporters, he advised followers to “keep an eye on Liverpool” while stressing that other clubs are also monitoring the situation closely.Those comments appear to strengthen Liverpool’s position should they decide to accelerate their interest.Liverpool strategy could favour patient approachLiverpool’s recruitment model has consistently focused on identifying elite young talent before values reach prohibitive levels. Smit fits that profile perfectly.The Dutch midfielder combines technical excellence with tactical flexibility and still has considerable room for development. Sources earlier this year indicated that Liverpool’s recruitment team viewed him as one of the most promising young midfielders available.AZ Alkmaar are understood to be open to a sale if their valuation is met, with reports suggesting a fee in the region of £30 million could be required.For a player of Smit’s age and potential, that figure may become increasingly attractive if competition intensifies over the coming months.Contract situation adds intrigue to Liverpool chaseOne factor likely to influence negotiations is Smit’s contract situation.The midfielder remains under contract with AZ until the summer of 2028, meaning the Dutch club currently hold a strong negotiating position. However, there is growing recognition that elite European clubs will continue monitoring his progress and that a significant offer could eventually prove difficult to resist.Liverpool are unlikely to rush into any decision, but the latest information suggests they remain firmly aware of developments surrounding the player.With Newcastle seemingly stepping away from the conversation for now and multiple clubs circling, the coming months could prove decisive in determining Smit’s next move.For Liverpool, the attraction is obvious. A technically gifted midfielder with proven Eredivisie pedigree, European experience and substantial long-term upside represents exactly the type of opportunity that has often appealed to decision-makers at Anfield.

Serie A reacts to historic Ronaldo brace with social media messageThe legendary Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record with his historic brace in an eventual 5-0 victory over Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday and Serie A has sent a message of congratulations to the former Juventus star.Serie A congratulates Ronaldo after historic World Cup braceThe 41-year-old netted a brace against Uzbekistan in Houstoun in the second round of group stage fixtures on Tuesday, and in doing so, became the first player in history to score at six different World Cups and also overtook Eusebio to become Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer at the World Cup with 10 goals.“We had with us for 98 matches THE FIRST PLAYER EVER TO SCORE AT 6 WORLD CUPS: Cristiano Ronaldo,” read a social media post from the Lega Serie A.HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 23: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)The five-time Ballon d’Or winner spent three seasons with Juventus, during which time he scored 101 goals from 134 appearances across all competitions and 81 Serie A goals from 98 outings in the league.Ronaldo will have an opportunity to improve on his World Cup record when Portugal take on Colombia at 00.30 BST in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has argued that out-of-state special interests are influencing constitutional amendments, while doing just that with his own push to eliminate the state income tax. Kansas City Star/Getty Images Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has spent months telling voters that the state constitution is under threat from “out-of-state special interests” using ballot initiatives to bypass the Republican-controlled legislature and enact major policy changes. The measures have included legalizing recreational marijuana, expanding Medicaid and restoring abortion rights. That argument is at the center of Kehoe’s support for Amendment 4, a measure in the Aug. 4 primary that would make it harder for Missourians to amend their constitution through citizen-led ballot initiatives. “Our constitution shouldn’t be the victim of out-of-state special interests who spend millions to deceive voters and pass out-of-touch policies,” Kehoe said in a video posted to the social media site X. But when it comes to a different constitutional amendment central to his own agenda, Kehoe is benefiting from financial support provided by a Delaware nonprofit that does not disclose the identities of its donors. Kehoe has slated Amendment 5, which would put Missouri on a path toward eliminating the state income tax, on the ballot for the August election, along with Amendment 4. While the governor and other proponents argue that phasing out the income tax would make Missouri more economically competitive and lower the overall cost of living, opponents say it would shift the tax burden onto working-class families by imposing new sales, use taxes on products and services not currently taxed, and increase Missouri’s existing sales tax rate. Critics also warn that the higher taxes could put Missouri retailers at a disadvantage, particularly in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, where consumers can easily cross state lines to make major purchases. The cities are within a few miles of Kansas and Illinois, respectively. A political action committee supporting Amendment 5, Missouri Promise PAC, has received $1.9 million from a nonprofit with almost the same name — Missouri Promise Inc. — that was incorporated late last year in Delaware. Neither the nonprofit nor the PAC discloses the identities or locations of the donors financing the campaign. Ads like these on Facebook in support of Amendment 5 were paid for by Missouri Promise PAC. Facebook Missouri Promise PAC has placed ads online and on TV. A 30-second ad follows the governor through a city neighborhood and a manufacturing plant before ending with him on horseback in cowboy attire. “He made a promise,” the narrator says. “Now he’s going to deliver.” Kehoe’s office did not respond to requests for comment. Missouri Promise Inc. is led by Garrett Lott, a longtime Missouri Republican operative and political fundraiser, and Alex Melendez, a political consultant affiliated with Ohio-based Clark Fork Group, a firm that has provided consulting for conservative campaigns. Neither Lott nor Melendez responded to requests for interviews or to questions about the group’s operations. Marc Ellinger, a lawyer who serves as the treasurer of Missouri Promise PAC, said that the campaign had publicly disclosed all information required under Missouri law. Ellinger’s law office is also listed as the address for Secure Missouri, a Missouri nonprofit formed last year that recently contributed $1.5 million to the PAC. Asked about the identities of donors to Missouri Promise Inc. and Secure Missouri, Ellinger said he could not address what disclosures the nonprofits themselves may eventually make about donors in their tax filings to the Internal Revenue Service. And he questioned whether any story would also examine financing behind opponents of Amendment 5. One campaign opposing Amendment 5 has been almost entirely funded by a $1,900,001 contribution from the Missouri Realtors PAC — a dollar more than Missouri Promise Inc.’s donation to the pro-Amendment 5 campaign. Ellinger suggested that the contribution was not necessarily more transparent than the funding behind Amendment 5, questioning whether the public knew the ultimate source of the Realtors’ money. But unlike Missouri Promise Inc. and Secure Missouri, which do not disclose their contributors, the Realtors’ political committee reports its donors in public filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Those filings allow the public to see who gave money to the committee and in what amounts. Ellinger has been involved in Missouri tax-policy campaigns for years. In 2010, he served as spokesperson for a ballot initiative backed by St. Louis financier Rex Sinquefield that sought to require periodic votes on the 1% tax on wages paid by residents and workers in St. Louis and Kansas City. Missouri voters approved the measure, forcing both cities to submit the tax to voters every five years. Sinquefield has spent millions of dollars over the past two decades supporting efforts to reshape Missouri’s tax system, including campaigns to eliminate the state income tax and curb local earnings taxes. Sinquefield did not respond to a request for comment. Critics of both amendments said that Kehoe’s position is difficult to reconcile. “The fact that the governor is benefiting directly from his face and image being plastered across Missouri TV screens by a dark money group from Delaware — or somewhere, not here — shouldn’t be lost on anyone,” said Mark Jones, a political strategist and spokesperson for the Missouri National Education Association, which opposes both amendments. Ken Warren, a professor emeritus of political science at Saint Louis University and co-director for the SLU/YouGov Poll, said Kehoe’s complaints about out-of-state money shaping Missouri politics were somewhat surprising. Money from outside a state’s borders routinely flows into ballot measure campaigns and other political fights across the country. “It’s not good for democracy for dark money to be used,” Warren said. “Voters should be privy to where the money is coming from, whether it’s in state or out of state, because voters, when they make a choice, should know. So I agree in principle but note that he’s being hypocritical. Many Republican measures have been funded by out-of-state money and candidates. I don’t hold it against them because that’s the way campaigns are run.” Taken together, the two amendments raise the stakes of what is typically a low-turnout August election. By placing them on the primary ballot rather than the November general election ballot, Kehoe ensured they would be decided by an electorate likely to be smaller and more Republican-leaning. The decision also separates the measures from a November ballot that will feature a high-profile fight over abortion rights, an issue that has proved capable of mobilizing large numbers of Missouri voters. The claim that outside interests have been driving constitutional change has become a familiar refrain among conservatives in Missouri and other Republican-led states, where voters have used ballot initiatives to enact policies that diverge from the priorities of GOP lawmakers. Republican lawmakers in Missouri and in other Republican-led states have responded by reversing voter-passed measures and making it more difficult for voters to amend state constitutions. Under Missouri’s current system, supporters of a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment must first collect signatures from voters across the state to qualify for the ballot. Once there, the proposal passes if it wins a simple majority of votes statewide. Under Amendment 4, citizen-led constitutional amendments would have to carry each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts in addition to winning statewide. As a result, a proposal that won statewide but fell short in a single district would fail, no matter how big the statewide margin. Critics say that requiring a measure to win in every district would require a level of political consensus that is increasingly rare in a state marked by sharp geographic and ideological divides. Supporters counter that such a requirement would ensure constitutional amendments reflect broad statewide agreement rather than support concentrated in a handful of population centers. “There would have to be an even greater consensus to change the state’s primary document,” said state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson who supports Amendment 4. “It would give a consensus.” The new requirement would apply only to constitutional amendments proposed by citizens through the initiative process. Amendments placed on the ballot by the Missouri General Assembly — like Amendments 4 and 5 — would still pass with a simple statewide majority. That distinction lies at the center of the debate over Amendment 4. Critics argue the proposal would create two different sets of rules for amending the same constitution. If a statewide majority is no longer sufficient for citizens to amend the constitution, they ask, why should it remain sufficient when lawmakers propose an amendment? Supporters argue that citizen-led initiatives are especially susceptible to influence from wealthy donors and national interest groups, and therefore should be required to demonstrate support across Missouri’s diverse regions. Seitz said he is comfortable with the possibility that the higher standard could someday make it harder for Republicans to pass constitutional amendments if Democrats gain control of state government because, in his view, the goal is to make constitutional changes more difficult regardless of which party is in power. Seitz said the legislature itself serves as a safeguard against one region of the state dominating another. Because lawmakers are elected from districts across Missouri, he argues that any proposal referred to voters has already been vetted by representatives from urban and rural areas alike. “We’re not a democracy,” he said. “We are a representative republic.” The post Missouri’s Governor Is Opposed to Out-Of-State Funding, but Not for His Own Ballot Measure appeared first on ProPublica.

Fed chair Kevin Warsh shouldn’t point to Alan Greenspan’s experience to bolster his argument that A.I. will allow the central bank to keep interest rates low.

How the world views of Jared Kushner and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran can help explain the issue at the heart of the negotiations.

A bold prediction made by Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka about Rishabh Pant has resurfaced online and is rapidly going viral following the wicketkeeper-batter's blockbuster return to Delhi Capitals.The high-profile trade saw Pant leave Lucknow Super Giants and rejoin his original IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, for Rs 15 crore, while India spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved to LSG for Rs 13.5 crore.Soon after the trade was confirmed, fans began sharing an old video of Goenka from the 2025 IPL mega auction, where LSG had secured Pant's services for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore. Speaking after the signing, Goenka had outlined an ambitious long-term vision built around Pant as the face of the franchise."Ye 12-15 saal khelege. This is a journey ki 15 saal me 5 IPL title, 6 title kaise jeet rahe hai. Log abhi bolte hai Mumbai, Chennai - most successful, Mahi, Rohit - brilliant, undeniably brilliant. But mark my words, 10 saal baad bolege - Mahi, Rohit, Rishabh," Goenka had said.— scrollandsay (@scrollandsay) Translated into English, Goenka's statement read:"In my opinion, he will play for another 12 to 15 years. This is a journey of how to win five or six IPL titles over the next 15 years. Today, people talk about Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as the most successful franchises. MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are brilliant, undeniably brilliant. But mark my words, 10 years from now, people will speak about Mahi, Rohit, and Rishabh."At the time, the statement reflected LSG's belief that Pant would become the cornerstone of the franchise for more than a decade. However, just two seasons later, the partnership has come to an unexpected end. Pant's stint with Lucknow Super Giants lasted from 2025 to 2026. During that period, he scored 581 runs and captained the side in 28 matches, registering 10 wins and 18 defeats, resulting in a win percentage of 35.71 percent.Following a mixed two-year spell and shifting team strategies, both franchises agreed to a direct player swap ahead of the IPL 2027 season, paving the way for Pant's emotional return to Delhi Capitals. 131959628Pant remains one of the most iconic players in Delhi Capitals' history. During his first stint with the franchise from 2016 to 2024, he amassed 3,284 runs across nine seasons, making him the franchise's all-time leading run-scorer and a fan favourite.

Santa Gertrudis Academy senior catcher K'Lee Bazan led seven Corpus Christi-area softball players honored on the Texas High School Coaches Association Super Elite softball team released this week.The Class 3A Division II state championship game MVP was named the Catcher of the Year in Class 3A and joined teammates Lexi Ruiz and Hailey Ortega on the 3A team after the Lions toppled Coahoma to win the school's second state championship.Veterans Memorial junior Parker Malone was honored as part of the Class 5A team.In Class 4A state semifinalist Calallen had three players recognized.More: Santa Gertrudis Academy limits potent Coahoma offense in state title winSeniors Jordyn Thibodeaux, Audryna Almaraz and Braelyn Bailey all were named to the team for the Wildcats.This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: K'Lee Bazan leads seven recognized on THSCA Super Elite Softball teams

Real Madrid and Barcelona interested in El AynaouiNeil El Aynaoui continues to attract the attention of Europe’s top clubs. According to Spanish portal El Nacional, the Moroccan midfielder has been targeted by both Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​with the Blaugrana keen to monitor his development closely. It’s also no secret that El Aynaoui himself has previously admitted that one day wearing the Barcelona jersey would be a dream. This statement, after all, is shared by many young players who grew up watching the Catalans dominate in Europe and shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign of an imminent transfer window. Roma, however, can be happy. The Giallorossi have a midfielder in their squad who has already attracted the interest of two of the world’s most prestigious clubs, further confirming the value and potential of the 2001-born player.

As Jayna Bowen adds at least 35 pounds of armour, it’s hard to believe her dreams began with a casual question and an $80 fee. Her dad, Aaron, grew up in Bradenton, playing and earning extra money refereeing roller rink hockey before officiating on ice. He didn’t know much about ice hockey when the Ellenton Ice Rink & Sports Complex opened in 1999, and he didn’t know what his daughter would say almost 20 years later when he asked her if she wanted to participate in the rink’s “pay to play” program, including gear and all, with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bowen knew her dad had grown up around the sport, and she had watched her older brother play, but she had never been on the ice outside of free skating in Michigan with her cousins. But at 10 years old — a late start for a sport where most people begin when they can walk — Bowen fell in love with the singularity of it. She loved the violence, but also what hockey required of her. “It’s so much different than everything else,” Bowen said. “And, also, you have to be athletic, but also you have to be on skates. So, take any other sports and put them on skates, you probably can’t do it. It’s completely different.”Since that first program, Bowen has continued to pursue hockey more seriously. For the last year, the 17-year-old has focused on finding a way to continue playing goalkeeper beyond high school. Despite being outside of the “hockey belt” — areas in the Northeast and Midwest where most hockey recruits live — Bowen and her parents have served as their own recruitment team. After stitching together game tape to email and dipping into savings for showcase trips, Bowen plans to leave Parrish Community, reclassifying as a 2028 graduate to play hockey at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. With a nine percent acceptance rate, Exeter Academy has helped dozens of players earn Division I opportunities over the last two decades, a goal Bowen hopes to achieve when she graduates from the prep school. In September, Bowen will travel to Exeter, New Hampshire, with a new wardrobe fit for relentless winters rather than unbearable summers. She’ll focus on hockey, giving up basketball and flag football, which she also excelled at, being named The Herald-Tribune's Flag Football Player of the Year the past two seasons. “I don’t want to be ordinary,” Bowen said. “So everyone, all my friends are planning on where they want to go to college and what they’re going to do, different scholarships and everything. And I just want to go somewhere else and do my own thing. And I think no one really around here has done that.”Bowen beyond the “hockey belt”While Aaron and Bowen’s mom, Sara, understood their daughter loved hockey when she started playing, they didn’t realize she had a gift for it. “She wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I want to play in the Olympics,’ or, ‘I want to play in college at a young age,’” Sara said. “It was more coaches and people that are from up north and Canada and Russia that are very involved in hockey that said, ‘Hey, you know she’s very good at this, right?’”Bowen is 5-foot-6, 120 pounds before adding her gear. She’s around two inches shorter than the average height for Division I goalies, but Bowen couldn’t resist what draws most goalkeepers: the custom-made helmet and large pads. While most people think a goalie's size is what matters most, Bowen is quick to argue. “It looks kind of easy, like you just got to stop the puck,” Bowen said. “But there’s so much more mechanics of your skating and hand-eye coordination. People say, ‘Oh, goalies, they don’t need to be athletic, they just need to be big,’ but it’s the complete opposite.” While she can’t cover the upper half of the net with her body, Bowen limits low shots because of her athleticism. She knows how to move quickly from side to side, preventing forwards from finding open shots. “As far as her positioning and her quickness and her athleticism, I say she was way ahead of the boys in that area,” Gulf Coast Flames’ coach Andrew Mathieu said. “It was great, and it was refreshing to see.”The people who recognized Bowen’s talent urged the family to move her north, where she could get more exposure. But Aaron and Sara were hesitant to commit to a prep school, wanting to find something that fit Bowen and was worth the potential cost. So, by age 12, Bowen started playing on travel teams in the area. She started on the Gulf Coast Flames, playing with boys, before joining the Florida Alliance girls program, which traveled throughout the United States and into Canada. Last year, Bowen returned to the all-boys Flames, as her interest in playing in college began to peak. She wanted to grow as a goalie, and Bowen thought playing against boys was the best way. Bowens work to get Jayna noticedAs her ambitions grew, so did Bowen and her parents’ tactics for earning an eventual scholarship. To afford traveling to showcases and buying better gear — which often costs up to $2,000 — Aaron worked overtime at the Sheriff’s Office or the family dipped into savings. They've worked to pay for private ice time and individual training. “We would cut in other areas to make it work,” Sara said. “It’s kind of unfortunate that it is so expensive, and I always tell Jayna this: ‘If you didn’t have the talent that you have, we would definitely be playing a different sport because of the expense.’ But I feel like it’s been worth it because she loves it. So, we make it happen.”Before each game, Bowen sets up a GoPro behind the net. Aaron switches the camera from one side to the other between periods. As the game continues, Aaron highlights clips whenever a shot happens. Then, the duo clips them, picking out the most impressive ones to create a highlight reel in between schoolwork, basketball practice, flag football and recovery. Despite breaking her ribs this season, Bowen only missed three games.Bowen posts clips on her hockey-dedicated Instagram and emails coaches and scouts around the country, hoping for any type of engagement. The trio will also make sure Bowen's elite prospects profile is up to date. “You definitely have to keep reaching out to people, sending emails constantly,” Bowen said. “You almost have to be annoying with it. And you definitely have to travel to go to showcases. So, that’s where it’s tough because it is a lot of money and investment of your time…they don’t have very much down in Florida.”To reach out to Exeter Academy, Bowen had to go to even greater lengths. One of her friends, Grace Riley, went to Exeter to play hockey after growing up in Florida. Now, she's committed to UConn, where she'll play next year. Bowen asked Riley to talk to the head coach. Turns out, the team had a goalie opening. Bowen continued to send videos before speaking to the coach over Zoom in September. Then, she submitted an application last fall, took a visit in December and received a scholarship offer in January. “When we send the clips, I get very worried that maybe it’s not what they’re looking for,” Bowen said. “Maybe it’s not what they’re looking for. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad goalie or athlete, just that’s not what they’re looking for. But they kept on sending back positive feedback, and I was very happy. It let a lot of stress off, knowing that they actually want me there, and I’m not just forcing going there.”Jayna Bowen chasing the dreamIn her last few months at home, Bowen hopes to “tire herself out” of the things she won’t have in New Hampshire. So, that means spending a lot of time at the pool and the beach. Really, anything that’s warm. Bowen’s nervous. Although they’ve been texting, she’s never met any current players. And she’ll be miles from what she knows. But more than anything, she’s excited. After years of managing her own recruitment and putting herself out there every game, practice and showcase, Bowen’s opportunity is here. Another emotion has crept in these days, too — appreciation. Not many people in Florida are 10 minutes away from a rink. Not many people have parents who would contribute the money and time hers did. “I think that life is very short, and I’m just starting to realize that I’m going to do what I want and not let anyone stop me,” Bowen said. “If I have the ability, why not take it?” So, she'll continue to chase what’s different, only this time 1,400 miles away. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Jayna Bowen's unorthodox hockey dream leads to Exeter Academy from Parrish

Offseason training is paramount for a quarterback.Especially for one who’s joined a new team.Just ask Florida A&M football transfer, Isaiah Knowles.“Really just making sure my leadership’s good ― that’s first and foremost,” he told the Tallahassee Democrat. “Just to make sure that I’m getting everyone on with the standard of being all in with Coach Gray.”The quarterback followed new head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. to FAMU after spending three seasons together on the NCAA Division II level at Albany State. The graduate student participated in the Rattlers’ spring football camp from late February through the Orange and Green game in April.Knowles started for Gray’s Albany State Golden Rams teams in 2024 and 2025, earning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year in both years. The Tampa native threw for 4,726 passing yards, 50 touchdowns against just 14 interceptions, while at the South Georgia-based Historically Black College and University.In 2025, Knowles quarterbacked Albany State to the 36th-best scoring offense in Division II, en route to the Golden Rams winning the SIAC title and being named Black College Football National Champions.Surely, the same systems that helped the Knowles-Gray connection succeed at Albany State will carry over to The Highest of Seven Hills. But the jump to the Division I Football Championship Subdivision will cause them to enhance the offensive schemes that made them a force in Division II.“I know the playbook like the back of my hand,” Knowles said.“So it’s pretty good that I’m able to also put in my input on some of the things I do or don’t like. We’re able to expand stuff because the IQ is a lot higher here, and we have a lot more guys who can process a lot quicker. A lot of guys are coming along, and I know it’ll be great come fall camp.”The Rattlers began organized team activities in May.It has allowed Knowles to get on the field with his new Rattler teammates and simulate plays before the projected start of fall training camp on Aug. 2.“Being able to come out here and do the run-through of our plays, and really sharpening our base plays, getting into fall camp will set us forward for success,” Knowles said.FAMU football QB Isaiah Knowles: Summer to help training camp, 2026 seasonPlaying his final college football season, Knowles is equipped with wide receiver weaponry such as Florida transfer Mike Peterson, Quan Lee, who spent 2025 at Arkansas State and has now returned to FAMU, and fellow former Albany State Golden Ram Corey ‘Deuce’ Petty, and more.Knowles and his pass catchers are using the summer to build cohesion. Learning how the ball spins off the quarterback’s hand and shoring up on timing.“We talk throughout the days and communicate on and off the field,” Knowles said of the budding connection. “And then when we have time, we work on the top end of the routes and where the balls are going to go. That way, we continue to build that chemistry.”Field work, FaceTime, and text conversations when not on campus may be the difference in the Rattler offense’s success under Knowles.Knowles and the Rattlers will put their summertime progression to the test at the start of training camp and once the regular season begins.“It’s really just keying in on the little things, the details of making sure I’m setting the protection right, making sure the guys understand why I’m setting the protection this way, and making sure the receivers are hitting certain routes,” he said. “It’s really just making sure we’re overcommunicating, so the next time we run a play, we know what to expect.”The FAMU Rattlers open the 2026 season hosting Knowles’ former team, Albany State, on Aug. 29 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.Although he wore No. 3 during spring football, Knowles will sport his normal No. 6 when the season starts.Florida A&M football 2026 scheduleAll times are EasternSaturday, Aug. 29: vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TVSunday, Sept. 6: vs. South Carolina State, Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium, 3 p.m., ESPNUThursday, Sept. 10: at Miami, 8 p.m., ACC NetworkSaturday, Sept. 19: vs. Tennessee State, 7 p.m., HBCU GOSaturday, Sept. 26: vs. Alabama A&M (SWAC), 7 p.m., SWAC TVSaturday, Oct. 3: BYESaturday, Oct. 10: at Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GOSaturday, Oct. 17: at Jackson State (SWAC), 3 p.m., ESPN NetworkSaturday, Oct. 24: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC/Homecoming), 3 p.m., HBCU GOSaturday, Oct. 31: vs. Southern (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GOSaturday, Nov. 7: at Alcorn State (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TVSaturday, Nov. 14: vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TVSaturday, Nov. 21: vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic), 3:30 p.m., ESPN+Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M football QB Isaiah Knowles shaping Rattlers offense

Nature, Published online: 24 June 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01958-yFrom AI to biotechnology, today’s scientific breakthroughs raise ethical and social challenges that technical expertise alone cannot solve.

Pirates' Paul Skenes may need to wait two years to win another Cy Young originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The reigning Cy Young Award winner in the National League, Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes, has pitched well enough to win the award again. Still, he has not been as great as his division rival, Jacob Misiorowski. The Pirates are not helping their ace win the award, as the Pirates have lost seven straight of Skenes starts. To add to his woes, Skenes is not even the second-best pitcher in the National League, as Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez holds that spot. Paul Skenes will likely have to look to 2027 or 2028 to reclaim his Cy Young AwardAccording to MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan's latest poll of who will win the Cy Young Award in both leagues, Misiorowski received 29 first-place votes and 153 total vote points, far surpassing Skenes, who finished in third. Skenes tallied 55 total vote points and has an ERA of 2.86, while Sanchez (1.80) and Misiorowski (1.45, leading Major League Baseball) have ERAs in the 1.00s. More MLB News:Brewers' Brandon Woodruff pitched like an ace when facing the Reds"If Skenes’ performance this season feels like a step back, it’s only because he set such an insanely high bar over his first two years in the Majors," wrote Harrigan. "The right-hander may not be the current favorite to repeat as the NL Cy Young winner, but he’s kept himself in contention with a 2.86 ERA, 107 strikeouts and 18 walks over 88 innings." Given how well Misiorowski and Sanchez have pitched, Skenes needs to be perfect every time out to win, and he didn't help himself in two starts in May. In back-to-back starts to the Phillies (May 17) and the Toronto Blue Jays (May 23), the two-time All-Star allowed nine earned runs in 10.0 innings. With another half of the season still to go, Skenes does have a chance and what it takes to win, but he may need a miracle. If Skenes doesn't win this season, he may have to wait until 2028 to do so, as the looming work stoppage due to the CBA (Collective Bargaining) negotiations may cause games to be missed in 2027. More MLB News: The Red Sox and Sonny Gray could benefit from a change of sceneryTwo East Coast teams named as landing spots to acquire the Giants' Matt ChapmanTigers' Dillon Dingler may wind up being an All-Star snubPhillies' J.T. Realmuto voices displeasure with Marlins coaching methodsTwo East Coast teams named as landing spots to acquire the Giants' Matt Chapman

Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez is a long shot to win the NL Cy Young Award originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez was once the favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award, but is slowly watching his chance slip away to Jacob Misiorowskiof the Milwaukee Brewers. Sanchez had one of the best months of the season by a pitcher -- Sanchez made history by recording 50 2/3 scoreless innings (fifth all-time), which included not allowing an earned run and striking out 45 in 39.0 innings in May. However, the former All-Star's dominance hasn't been enough to overtake Misiorowski. Cristopher Sanchez trails Jacob Misiorowski in the latest polling to win the Cy Young AwardAccording to Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com's latest poll of MLB experts on who will win the Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues, Sanchez finished far behind the Brewers' All-Star to win. The 29-year-old Sanchez finished with two first-place votes to Misiorowski's 29 and 122 total vote points (Misiorowski had 153 total vote points). More MLB News:Brewers' Brandon Woodruff pitched like an ace when facing the Reds"In almost any other season, Sánchez would be running away with the NL Cy Young," wrote Harrigan. "He recorded one of the longest scoreless streaks ever (50 2/3 innings) and boasts a 1.80 ERA with 121 strikeouts and only 20 walks over 105 innings on the year. Yet he has slipped to second in our latest poll after leading the previous one, now trailing a surging Misiorowski. It’s a familiar spot for the left-hander, who finished as the NL runner-up behind Paul Skenes in 2025."Harrigan is right that "Sanchy" would be running away with the award any other season, but Misiorowski has held firm, being one of the best pitchers in baseball. Misiorowski leads Sanchez in ERA, strikeouts and home runs allowed (Misiorowski: four and Sanchez: seven). Still, Sanchez has more innings pitched (Misiorowski: 93.0 innings and Sanchez: 105.0 innings) and one more start (Misiorowski: 15 and Sanchez: 16). With over half of the season still left to play, Sanchez does have time to establish his case to overtake "The Miz." But Sanchez could wind up like his rotation mate, Zack Wheeler, and lose the award to another Brewers pitcher. Wheeler lost the 2021 Cy Young Award to Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes.More MLB News: The Red Sox and Sonny Gray could benefit from a change of sceneryTwo East Coast teams named as landing spots to acquire the Giants' Matt ChapmanTigers' Dillon Dingler may wind up being an All-Star snubPhillies' J.T. Realmuto voices displeasure with Marlins coaching methodsTwo East Coast teams named as landing spots to acquire the Giants' Matt Chapman

Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski is the clear favorite to win the NL Cy Young originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Milwaukee Brewers Jacob Misiorowski is solidifying himself as the odds-on favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award, as the right-hander continues to dominate. Named an All-Star with very few starts last season, Misiorowski made the team over Philadelphia Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez, and he is now leading the Phillies' left-hander in the race to win the National League Cy Young Award. Jacob Misiorowski is the clear favorite to win the National League Cy Young AwardMisiorowski isn't just the best pitcher in the National League; he is showing that he's taking the throne from Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal as the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. Misiorowski is the major league leader in strikeouts (138), ERA (1.45) and has the fewest home runs hit against him among qualified pitchers (four in 93.0 innings). More MLB News:Brewers' Brandon Woodruff pitched like an ace when facing the RedsAccording to MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan's latest poll of who will win the Cy Young Award in both leagues, Misiorowski received 29 first-place votes and 153 total vote points. In comparison, Sanchez received two first-place votes and 122 total vote points, while finishing in second place. "While Misiorowski has been wowing all year long with record-setting heat, he’s really taken his Cy Young case to the next level of late," wrote Harrigan. "The right-hander posted a 0.17 ERA from May 1 through June 12, culminating with a 15-strikeout, one-hit masterpiece against the Phillies. That’s the lowest ERA in an eight-start span (excluding openers) since earned runs became official in 1913. Overall, he leads MLB in ERA (1.45), strikeouts (138) and WHIP (0.75) and opponents’ batting average (.146)." (all stats through Monday).Nearing the halfway point of the season, it wouldn't be fair to crown Misiorowski the winner now. However, if the 24-year-old stays healthy, there's no reason why he can't win the Cy Young in his second season as a major leaguer. More MLB News: The Red Sox and Sonny Gray could benefit from a change of sceneryTwo East Coast teams named as landing spots to acquire the Giants' Matt ChapmanTigers' Dillon Dingler may wind up being an All-Star snubPhillies' J.T. Realmuto voices displeasure with Marlins coaching methodsTwo East Coast teams named as landing spots to acquire the Giants' Matt Chapman

Four-star defensive line recruit Tyler Alexander has committed to the Texas Longhorns, per Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett. Alexander chose Texas over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Colorado Buffaloes and the Georgia Bulldogs.Standing at 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, Alexander is a talented defensive lineman who was a top target for head coach Kirby Smart and his staff prior to his announcement. The massive lineman has flashed major potential during his time at Palm Beach Central High School in Florida. Georgia will be on the road at Texas in 2027 and could face Alexander and the Longhorns in Austin, where the big man will look to shine against one of his top schools throughout his recruiting process.Alexander has the potential to emerge as a star at Texas. The big man is the No. 49 DL and the No. 428 player from the class of 2027, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is the No. 37 player out of Florida, but Alexander has ultimately decided to play for the Longhorns despite a push from Georgia.The Bulldogs will now be forced to turn elsewhere following Alexander’s commitment to Texas. Georgia is currently attempting to flip speedy West Virginia wide receiver commit Jacobi Pasley to UGA, while elite DL Antwan McKoy recently committed to Georgia.Following Alexander's commitment, Texas has the No. 6 recruiting class in the country. The Longhorns have 18 total commitments while Georgia has 17 commitments and the nation's No. 13 recruiting class. Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X, or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: 4-star DL, Georgia football target Tyler Alexander makes commitment

Portugal next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo's side face Colombia originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Portugal continue their latest bid to win the World Cup when they face Colombia in their final Group K match.The FIFA tournament is perhaps the biggest blot on Cristiano Ronaldo's professional copybook, with the veteran forward having been unable to inspire the Selecao to glory in his previous five attempts despite success in the European Championship and UEFA Nations League.Portugal are expected to get out of their group at the very least, but they will face a stern challenge from Colombia for top spot, so their pathway through the knockout phase could be a tricky one if they are unable to lay down a marker early on.Here is everything you need to know about Portugal's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.When is Portugal's next match at World Cup 2026?Ronaldo finally got his campaign underway as he bagged twice in a convincing 5-0 win over Uzbekistan last time out.They now face group leaders Colombia in their final match, scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET.Portugal match schedule, results from World Cup 2026DateTime (ET)Match / ResultLocationWed, Jun. 171 p.m.Group stage: Portugal 1-1 DR CongoNRG Stadium, HoustonTue, Jun. 231 p.m.Group stage: Portugal 5-0 UzbekistanNRG Stadium, HoustonSat, Jun. 277:30 p.m.Group stage: Colombia vs. PortugalHard Rock Stadium, Miami GardensBUY NOW:Portugal tickets for FIFA World CupWorld Cup Group K tableTeamPTSGPWLDGFGAGD1. Colombia6220041+32. Portugal4210161+53. DR Congo1201112-14. Uzbekistan0202018-7How to watch Portugal matches at World Cup 2026TV channel: FOX, FS1Live stream: fubo,FOX One,FOX Sports app/websiteFOX is the main English-language FIFA broadcast partner in the United States, and will have the rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.The broadcaster has announced that all 104 matches of the tournament will be televised throughout the competition. 69 matches from the competition will air on the main FOX network channel, while 35 others will be televised on FS1.For Spanish-language coverage, all 104 matches will stream live on Peacock, with 92 matches airing on Telemundo and 12 on Universo.All those channels, both English and Spanish, are available to stream in the United States on fubo, who are offering a FREE trial for new users.Every match will also stream live on FOX One and the FOX Sports app.Portugal World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group KThe Group K winner will progress to the Round of 32, where they will be paired with a third-placed team from either Group D, E, I, J or L.The Group K runner-up will be scheduled to meet the runner-up in Group L in the Round of 32.Should the Group K third-place finisher qualify as one of the eight best third-place teams (out of 12 groups), they would face the winner of Group L.Round of 32DateTime (ET)MatchLocationSun, Jun. 283 p.m.M1: 2nd, Group A vs. 2nd, Group BSoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Mon, Jun. 294:30 p.m.M2: 1st, Group E vs. 3rd place finisherGillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)Mon, Jun. 299 p.m.M3: 1st, Group F vs. 2nd, Group CEstadio BBVA (Guadalupe, MEX)Mon, Jun. 291 p.m.M4: 1st, Group C vs. 2nd, Group FNRG Stadium (Houston, TX)Tue, Jun. 305 p.m.M5: 1st, Group I vs. 3rd place finisherMetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)Tue, Jun. 301 p.m.M6: 2nd, Group E vs. 2nd, Group IAT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Tue, Jun. 309 p.m.M7: 1st, Group A vs. 3rd place finisherEstadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX)Wed, Jul. 112 p.m.M8: 1st, Group L vs. 3rd place finisherMercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Wed, Jul. 18 p.m.M9: 1st, Group D vs. 3rd place finisherLevi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)Wed, Jul. 14 p.m.M10: 1st, Group G vs. 3rd place finisherLumen Field (Seattle, WA)Thu, Jul. 27 p.m.M11: 2nd, Group K vs. 2nd, Group LBMO Field (Toronto, CAN)Thu, Jul. 23 p.m.M12: 1st, Group H vs. 2nd, Group JSoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Thu, Jul. 211 p.m.M13: 1st, Group B vs. 3rd place finisherBC Place (Vancouver, CAN)Fri, Jul. 36 p.m.M14: 1st, Group J vs. 2nd, Group HHard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)Fri, Jul. 39:30 p.m.M15: 1st, Group K vs. 3rd place finisherArrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)Fr, Jul. 32 p.m.M16: 2nd, Group D vs. 2nd, Group GAT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Round of 16DateTime (ET)MatchLocationSat, Jul. 41 p.m.M2: Winner, R32 M1 vs. Winner, R32 M3NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)Sat, Jul. 45 p.m.M1: Winner, R32 M2 vs. Winner, R32 M5Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)Sun, Jul. 54 p.m.M3: Winner, R32 M4 vs. Winner, R32 M6MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)Sun, Jul. 58 p.m.M4: Winner, R32 M7 vs. Winner, R32 M8Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX)Mon, Jul. 63 p.m.M5: Winner, R32 M11 vs. Winner, R32 M12AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Mon, Jul. 68 p.m.M6: Winner, R32 M9 vs. Winner, R32 M10Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)Tue, Jul. 712 p.m.M7: Winner, R32 M14 vs. Winner, R32 M16Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Tue, Jul. 74 p.m.M8: Winner, R32 M13 vs. Winner, R32 M15BC Place (Vancouver, CAN)QuarterfinalsDateTime (ET)MatchLocationThu, Jul. 94 p.m.QF1: Winner, R16 M1 vs. Winner, R16 M2Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)Fri, Jul. 103 p.m.QF2: Winner, R16 M5 vs. Winner, R16 M6SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)Sat, Jul. 115 p.m.QF3: Winner, R16 M3 vs. Winner, R16 M4Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)Sat, Jul. 119 p.m.QF4: Winner, R16 M7 vs. Winner, R16 M8Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)SemifinalsDateTime (ET)MatchLocationTue, Jul. 143 p.m.SF1: Winner, QF1 vs. Winner, QF2AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)Wed, Jul. 153 p.m.SF2: Winner, QF3 vs. Winner, QF4Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)Third-place matchDateTime (ET)MatchLocationSat, Jul. 185 p.m.Loser, SF1 vs. Loser, SF2Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)FinalDateTime (ET)MatchLocationSun, Jul. 193 p.m.Winner, SF1 vs. Winner, SF2MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)

FIFA to break protocol by allowing Donald Trump to present World Cup trophy to winning captainUnited States President Donald Trump is expected to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 and will take part in the trophy presentation ceremony following the match.According to talkSPORT, Trump has been given permission to hand the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain, which will break traditional FIFA protocols.FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that he and Trump will present the trophy together after the final.The decision is likely to raise a lot of eyebrows, especially after Trump’s involvement in last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final. During that ceremony, he stayed back on stage alongside Chelsea captain Reece James as the trophy was lifted. That didn’t go down well with football fans around the world.Even Chelsea star Cole Palmer looked visibly surprised while celebrations were going on around him.FIFA’s trophy presentation usually follows a well-established format. The trophy is displayed on a pedestal before being carried by a member of the winning team onto the podium, where the captain completes the ceremonial lift. Trump’s direct involvement will be a massive shift to that protocol. The US president has not attended every match during the tournament. Scheduling commitments prevented him from being present at the United States men’s national team’s opening victory against Paraguay and their later win over Australia. However, sources close to the White House have indicated that he could still make an appearance at a World Cup game before the final. The closing ceremony is also expected to include representatives from both Mexico and Canada. Fans around the world have had a swell time at the World Cup so far, but that doesn’t take away the fact that the build-up to the tournament has been shrouded in controversy.Supporters have voiced concerns about the cost of tickets and stadium refreshments, while debate has continued over FIFA’s expanded tournament format. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is among the prominent figures who have questioned whether the increased number of participating teams has affected the competition.FIFA have also been criticised for not interfering after Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the US to officiate in the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel has dismissed suggestions that England received a "wake-up call" following their goalless draw against Ghana, which came after a thrilling opening victory in the World Cup. The stalemate on Tuesday at Boston Stadium saw the Euro 2024 runners-up fail to convert their dominance into a second win, contrasting sharply with their 4-2 triumph over Croatia last Wednesday in Dallas.Despite the subdued performance, England’s four-point tally from two matches means they are all but assured of progression to the knockout phase of the expanded tournament. However, the mood surrounding the squad has been tempered ahead of their final Group L fixture against an already eliminated Panama in New Jersey this Saturday.When questioned if the Ghana draw served as a necessary jolt, the German coach was unequivocal. England failed to break down a stubborn Ghana defence (PA Wire)"No, we don’t need a wake-up call," Tuchel stated. "Everyone is alert and everyone is fully committed. There can be no doubt, I can assure that to everyone."He further elaborated on his team's mindset, rejecting any notion of complacency. "There was no overconfidence in our game, not at all. If – if – there was anything, there was maybe in some moments a bit of overcautious (play), but we were never overconfident." Tuchel emphasised the importance of maintaining perspective: "It’s very important that the highs don’t get too high and the lows get not too low, and today anyway is not a low. It’s just a difficult match of football, which can happen any time."Tuchel has consistently highlighted the challenging nature of England’s group, a point underscored by the fact that Panama, currently at the bottom, holds a higher Fifa ranking than Ghana. While acknowledging that some, including former striker Alan Shearer, might view the result as a "reality check”, the England boss maintained a balanced perspective."Six days ago (against Croatia) was also a reality, and today is a reality," Tuchel said. "So don’t get too high, don’t get too low. Everything is a reality check." He praised Ghana as a formidable opponent: "This is a difficult team to play against, with a lot of quality and very, very physical (players), fast on every position, ready to put bodies in, ready to defend one against one."England remain well-placed to qualify for the knockout stages (PA Wire)Despite the lack of goals, Tuchel found positives in England's display. "I think we did a lot of stuff right that can help us (go) a long way because we were very disciplined and very cautious while we were having the ball," he explained, noting that "a lot of stuff (was) much better than against Croatia." He concluded by highlighting England's significant possession, asking, "How much ball possession did we have? 80 per cent? OK this is difficult because it is a very good football team on the other side."

‘We harmonise’ – Jamal Musiala loves playing alongside Florian WirtzWith two wins from two, Germany have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages as Group E winners after overcoming Curaçao (7-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1).Both Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz started both games, registering a combined goal and assist. Flourishing in the No.10 in support of Kai Havertz, Musiala relishes playing alongside Wirtz and his midfield teammates.“I’m really enjoying this,” Musiala told Sport Bild. “I think Flo and I play really well together. The whole team is in great form. No matter which position I play, I can combine with anyone. But it’s true: Flo and I harmonise very well on the field.“It’s simply fun to have this relaxed feel and free atmosphere on the pitch.”Musiala eyes greatnessLooking to elevate his performances, Musiala added: “We want to show what we’re capable of at this tournament. I push myself every day for that.“But what I’ve learned in the meantime is to remain patient. I know that, especially after my injury, I have to be patient. But I also know that I have the quality to achieve the high goals I’ve set for myself one day. I’m not putting any pressure on myself.”GGFN | Daniel Pinder

Panama vs England Prediction: World Cup 2026 Preview & Best BetsPanama vs England | Group L, Matchday 17 | Saturday, 27 June 2026 | 22:00 BSTVenue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USATV/Streaming (UK): ITV1 / ITVXGroup L Standings: England 1st (4 pts) | Ghana 2nd (4 pts) | Croatia 3rd (3 pts) | Panama 4th (0 pts)Highbet 5.0Welcome BonusBet £10 and Get a £20 Free Bet BET NOWWhat’s At StakeEngland sit top of Group L on four points and need only a point against Panama to guarantee progression to the Round of 16. Panama, bottom of the group with zero points after two defeats, are mathematically eliminated from advancing and play out a dead rubber, though they have a rare chance to register their first goal and first point at the 2026 World Cup before their campaign ends at MetLife Stadium.VerdictEngland are expected to win this comfortably, with the 1/6 best available price reflecting the gulf in quality between the two sides at this World Cup. An England win to nil carries genuine appeal given Panama have failed to score in either of their two group games, and the over 3 goals line at 4/6 looks well-supported by the evidence.Panama vs England Match PreviewEngland arrive at this fixture in a strong position, having beaten Croatia 4-2 on Matchday 1 before a goalless draw with Ghana on Matchday 2. Thomas Tuchel’s side know a point seals top spot or at worst second place, but the incentive to win and finish first remains, particularly given the goal difference conversation with Ghana. A fully-motivated England attack, featuring Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, is unlikely to ease off against an already-eliminated opponent.Panama, managed by Thomas Christiansen, have been well-beaten without scoring in either of their World Cup 2026 group games, losing 1-0 to Ghana and 1-0 to Croatia. Only their second World Cup finals appearance, this tournament has been a sobering experience for a team that qualified from CONCACAF with five wins and three draws and no defeats. Christiansen will hope his side can at least avoid a heavy defeat and mark this campaign with their first World Cup 2026 goal.The Panama vs England prediction market reflects the scale of the task facing the Central Americans. England’s qualifying record of eight wins from eight, scoring 22 goals and conceding none, underlines the distance between the two squads in terms of quality and depth. Panama kept a clean sheet in only three of their eight qualifying games and conceded four goals across that campaign, suggesting a determined England attack will find openings.Team FormPanama – Last 5 Croatia (H, World Cup): Lost 0-1 Ghana (A, World Cup): Lost 0-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina (N, Friendly): Drew 1-1 Dominican Republic (H, Friendly): Won 4-2 Brazil (A, Friendly): Lost 2-6 Panama’s form across their last five competitive and friendly matches makes grim reading. Their two World Cup 2026 results, both 1-0 defeats to sides ranked below England, show a team that is organised enough to stay in games but lacks the attacking quality to threaten. The 6-2 loss to Brazil in a pre-tournament friendly, though a non-competitive fixture, highlighted the vulnerability against top-tier opposition.England – Last 5 Ghana (H, World Cup): Drew 0-0 Croatia (H, World Cup): Won 4-2 Costa Rica (N, Friendly): Won 3-0 New Zealand (N, Friendly): Won 1-0 Japan (H, Friendly): Lost 0-1 England’s World Cup 2026 form is encouraging in the main. The 4-2 win over Croatia was a commanding attacking display, with Kane, Bellingham and Rashford all on the scoresheet. The goalless draw with Ghana was less impressive, but Tuchel’s side still sit top of Group L. Their pre-tournament winning run against Costa Rica and New Zealand suggests the squad is sharp heading into what is effectively a dead rubber.Panama vs England Head to HeadThese two sides have met only once in a major tournament context, and it produced one of the most memorable results in recent World Cup history. England beat Panama 6-1 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Kane scoring a hat-trick in what remains the only competitive fixture between the two nations. That result sits as the entire head-to-head record between the sides, and it sets the historical tone squarely in England’s favour. Panama will be hoping to avoid a repeat scoreline; England’s squad is capable of delivering one.Team NewsPanama have no fresh injury concerns flagged ahead of this fixture, though the squad is expected to remain largely unchanged from the side that faced Croatia. Veteran midfielder Anibal Godoy, Panama’s most-capped player at 159 appearances, captains the side and will look to provide some experience in the middle of the park. Forward Ismael Diaz, Panama’s leading scorer in recent qualifying, is the most likely source of a goal should they find one here. Jose Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman offer physical options in attack, but neither has made an impact in the group stage so far.England have no significant injury concerns reported ahead of the Panama fixture. Tuchel is expected to shuffle his squad to some degree with qualification already secured, and this match represents an opportunity to give minutes to fringe players. Harry Kane, with two goals in the tournament already, is likely to be managed carefully, while there may be opportunities for the likes of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins to feature. Reece James, returning to international football after injury setbacks, could also see further minutes here.England’s squad depth is a genuine strength in this context. With four Arsenal players and four Manchester City players in the group, Tuchel can rotate without significant drop-off in quality. Jordan Pickford is expected to start in goal, while Marc Guehi and John Stones have been reliable in the central defensive partnership across the first two games.Predicted LineupsPanama Predicted XI (4-4-2): Mejia; Murillo, Escobar, Blackman, Harvey; Barcenas, Godoy (c), Carrasquilla, Yanis; Fajardo, DiazPredicted XI – squad to be confirmed.England Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Livramento; Rice (c), Mainoo, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, RashfordPredicted XI – squad to be confirmed.Key Tactical MatchupThe central battle that shapes this game is England’s press and transition against Panama’s capacity to defend deep. Panama have conceded only two goals in their two World Cup 2026 group games and shown a willingness to sit in a compact defensive shape, but England’s midfield trio, anchored by Declan Rice, offers the drive and range of passing to break that structure down. Rice has three goals in recent England appearances and provides both defensive cover and forward momentum, while Bellingham’s movement between the lines will be the key threat Panama’s holding midfielder Godoy must track. If England can get Saka running at the left side of Panama’s defence early, the space in behind should open quickly.Best BetsBetfred5.0Welcome BonusBet and Get New Bettor Bonus of £50 in Free Bets BET NOWHighbet 4.9Welcome BonusBet £10 and Get a £20 Free Bet BET NOWParimatch4.8Welcome BonusSports Welcome Offer Bet and Get for a £20 Free Bet BET NOWMain Pick: England to Win @ 1/6 England have not lost a competitive match during this World Cup qualifying campaign, winning all eight games and keeping eight clean sheets. Panama are winless at the 2026 World Cup and have not scored a single goal. The gap in class is substantial, and Tuchel’s side should win this at a canter even with rotation.Goals Market: Over 3 Goals @ 4/6 England scored four in their opening group game against Croatia and Panama have shown defensive vulnerability when pressed by quality sides, as their 6-2 loss to Brazil in preparation demonstrated. The over 3 goals line at 4/6 is the best available price and represents reasonable value given England’s attacking output across this tournament.Scorer Market: Harry Kane Anytime Scorer Kane has scored twice in the 2026 World Cup so far and carries 13 goals from recent England appearances, including three penalties. He scored a hat-trick the last time England met Panama, at the 2018 World Cup. With Panama already eliminated and England’s attack likely to be given licence to express themselves, Kane is the likeliest source of a goal.Fourth Pick: England Win to Nil Panama have failed to score in either of their two World Cup 2026 group games, and their recent qualifying goals came largely against lower-ranked CONCACAF opposition. England kept clean sheets in all eight qualifying matches. The clean sheet possibility here is strong, and an England win to nil offers a more attractive price than the straight match winner.Panama vs England OddsBest available prices across leading operators for the Group L fixture at MetLife Stadium on 27 June 2026.England are prohibitive 1/6 favourites across the nine operators pricing this fixture. Panama are as big as 17/1 to cause what would be a major upset, while the draw is available at 7/1. The goals markets favour the over, with 4/6 available for more than three goals, consistent with England’s scoring form in this tournament.How to Watch and How to BetHow to WatchPanama vs England will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV1, with the match also available to stream free of charge on ITVX. Kickoff is at 22:00 BST on Saturday, 27 June 2026. The game takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the venue designated to host the 2026 World Cup final.How to BetTo place a bet on Panama vs England, follow these steps with any leading operator offering World Cup 2026 markets.Create or log in to your account with a licensed UK operator.Complete identity verification if required before depositing.Navigate to the Football or World Cup 2026 section.Search for Panama vs England in the Group L listings.Select your preferred market, for example match result, over/under goals, or anytime scorer.Enter your stake in the bet slip.Review your selection and confirm the best available price before submitting.Keep a record of your bet and set a deposit limit if needed.Responsible GamblingGambling should be enjoyable and kept within your means. If you are concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, free and confidential support is available. In the UK, contact BeGambleAware on 0808 8020 133 or visit GamCare. You can also use the GAMSTOP self-exclusion service to restrict your activity across licensed UK operators. Please bet responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.

Man City and Nottingham Forest ‘very close’ to full Elliot Anderson agreement, confirms Fabrizio RomanoElliot Anderson to Man City is in the very final stages, with behind-the-scenes talks ongoingBoth parties working to unlock the final details on a deal for the Nottingham Forest midfielderCity have seen two bids rejected by Forest for 23-year-old England international AndersonManchester City’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has reached the very final stages, with the two clubs continuing to negotiate behind the scenes to resolve the remaining details on a deal, as per a new report. Anderson has been identified as City’s primary midfield target this summer as the club plan for life beyond club captain Bernardo Silva, who departed the Etihad Stadium at the end of his contract.City have seen two bids for the 23-year-old turned down by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, with the City Ground club’s Greek owner holding firm on an upfront £110 million payment for a player who has established himself as one of the most dynamic midfielders in the Premier League.Manchester City closing in on club record transfer for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot AndersonManchester United had also registered interest in Anderson, though the player is understood to have communicated a preference to move to the Etihad Stadium should a deal be concluded this summer. United have since exited the race, with City having a clear run.Romano: Very final stages as clubs work through remaining detailsAccording to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Anderson’s move to Manchester City is now in the ‘very final stages’, with both clubs continuing to negotiate behind the scenes to unlock pending details required to complete the transfer.England manager Thomas Tuchel has also confirmed he will allow squad members at the FIFA World Cup to undergo medicals in line with camp regulations – a stance that directly clears the path for Anderson to complete the necessary formalities whilst on international duty in North America.What does Romano’s update mean for City’s summer rebuild?Anderson would represent the centrepiece of director of football Hugo Viana‘s first summer window at the Etihad Stadium, with City embarking on a significant rebuild under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.The 23-year-old offers the kind of box-to-box energy and technical quality in midfield that Maresca’s system demands, with his ability to arrive late into goalscoring positions from a central role a particularly valuable attribute for a club seeking to replace Silva’s creative output from the middle of the park.Whether the final details are concluded before or during England’s World Cup campaign remains to be seen, but Romano’s update suggests the finish line is now firmly in sight for a deal that City have been pursuing since the start of the summer window.

Christian Doidge featured as a substitute as Forest Green were beaten by Boreham Wood in last season's National League play-off eliminator [Getty Images]Newport County have signed experienced Welsh striker Christian Doidge.Doidge, 33, was a free agent after being released by National League side Forest Green Rovers at the end of last season.League Two Newport have not specified the length of Doidge's contract at Rodney Parade.The Newport-born player had been in his second spell at Forest Green having also played for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Hibernian and Dagenham & Redbridge."It's my hometown club. I came here as a kid many times, watched the big games, I even remember being down at Spytty Park (Newport's former home) as a mascot a few times," Doidge said."It's just really special to come home and play for the club I grew up watching."Doidge follows fellow forward Yahya Bamba in moving from Forest Green to Newport.The Exiles signed another frontman, Shaquille Gwengwe, from Southern League Premier Division South side Poole Town last week.Latest Newport County news, analysis and fan viewsItalian giants Roma plan pre-season games in WalesDoidge returns to Wales having played for Cwmbran Celtic, Croesyceiliog, Barry Town and Carmarthen Town in the early part of his senior career.His first English club was Dagenham & Redbridge, while he had a loan spell at Dartford before his helping Forest Green win promotion to the EFL during his first spell with the Gloucestershire side.A brief spell at Bolton preceded Doidge's move to Hibernian, where his form led to suggestions that he could receive a Wales call-up, before he rejoined Forest Green in 2024.